If you have been recently feeling the need to consume and support the American economy, I have found a way to do so in a responsible and beneficial fashion.
I asked around, and most people do not buy eco-friendly items. After doing some research, I've found some places to clear your conscience when swiping that card. Being a responsible consumer comes in a variety of categories, and the choices are endless:
Organic. Dewick already makes eating organically a cinch, but what about dressing organically? As it turns out, more and more brands are offering organic apparel, such as American Apparel, LAMade and C&C California. Organic clothing doesn't have to simply come in basic styles. But sometimes color is toned down in favor of earthier tones due to environmentally unfriendly dyes. A personal favorite is Beau Soleil's Criss Cross Dress ($85 at www.shopbeausoleil.com). The daring back and antique brass studs give the mini-dress attitude. Beau Soleil only uses organic, renewable and recycled materials.
Want to encourage a friend to go green? The perfect gift is waiting right around the corner at LUSH (30 John F. Kennedy St. in Cambridge). LUSH sells hand-made cosmetics made from the freshest organic ingredients. Its products are all cruelty-free, and products are either vegetarian or vegan. Most items come unpackaged to reduce packaging. The sales people are super friendly and helpful. I picked up their Honey Trap Lip Balm ($8.75). It tastes and smells delicious!
Renewable. Materials such as bamboo are considered renewable because they grow quickly and are easily produced. LAMade produces bamboo shirts. The texture of the fabric is extremely soft and almost silky. Envi (164 Newbury St in Boston) is an environmentally conscious boutique started by two Tufts grads. It carries a wide selection of lines from Stewart + Brown to Covet. I suggest the bamboo keyhole turtleneck ($78.00). The keyhole on the back is sexy and perfect for evenings out. The slight puff sleeves reflect this season's experiment with volume.
Recyclable. There's no better way to decrease your carbon footprint than buying recyclable or recycled products. For example, Patagonia fleeces can be recycled into new fleeces. Greenward (1776 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge) caters to the surrounding neighborhood of professors and students. The shop's co-owner and manager, Scott Walker, said he hopes Greenward will "introduce others to environmental friendliness." The shop specializes in "eco-modern goods" such as sustainable wool iPod holders, Vinylux coasters and Helen E. Riegle purses.
Socially Responsible. Fair trade, (Product) RED, Edun; they all fall into this category. The proceeds of such purchases go toward a just cause. One store in Porter Square sells baskets and bowls made from misprinted candy wrappers. The proceeds go towards the Spiral Foundation, a non-profit benefiting children in Vietnam and Nepal. Nomad (1741 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge) also carries recycled furniture and picture frames.
While the front of the store is dedicated to household furnishings, the back sells solely clothing and accessories. The little boutique channels a bohemian alternative vibe while staying chic. Think Anthropologie, but eco-friendly and socially responsible. Nomad carries organic apparel from Prairie Underground, Alternative Apparel, LAMade and Royalton (a sub-group of the European brand Majestic). In addition, they also carry lines by Free People and Neesh by D.A.R. The salespeople are personable and knowledgeable about the lines.
One of the Tufts pillars of education is active citizenship, and I believe that educated consumerism is part of being an active citizen. So, go forth, spend and know that you are doing this world some good. Though our future may look bleak, you can still stay chic!
Lumay Wang is a freshman who has not yet declared a major. She can be reached at Lumay.Wang@tufts.edu.
