Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Today is Earth Day, and while I'm tempted to tout all the eco-friendly beauty products I've been reading about this week (it seems all the fashion blogs have gone green this week), my Earth Day fashion message is a simple one: reduce, reuse, recycle. If you grew up in a public school system like mine, then you probably learned about the "three Rs" in second grade, but who knew there was a fashion lesson therein? Indeed, one of the most eco-friendly moves you can make is to enjoy AND share fashion that's already right there.

Truly, there is nothing greener that reducing your carbon footprint by indulging in pre-existing clothing and accessories (think: vintage, consignment shops, Ebay!). Not only is it the "green" thing to do, but the pre-owned route can save you a pretty penny. In fact, in celebration of Earth Day, my favorite consignment chain, Second Time Around, is having a special sale this weekend. Between now and Sunday, you can save 20% on all new arrivals--and if you're not familiar with Second Time Around's process, anything that isn't a "new arrival" is marked down even more, depending on how long it's been in the store. Yay savings!

Yet, even more important than indulging ourselves is the fact that we can reduce waste by recycling our cast-offs. Now, I'm entirely sure that I'm preaching to the choir on this one, but that sweater that looked so great in the catalogue but is still hanging in the back of your closet a year later (ring a bell?) could go a long ways towards helping someone. If you're not yet familiar with Dress For Success, it's an amazing organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. We all know what a tough economy it is out there and just how important it is to make a powerful first impression. Now you can help a woman land that job and start a new career by donating a suit or other business-appropriate clothing.

These are just a few ideas on how to make your Earth Day--and all your days--happier and perhaps more meaningful. But as an added bonus, now they can be more stylish too! Happy Earth Day, dearest fashionista friends.

Psst... To learn more about Dress For Success and how you can help, visit their website by clicking here.

Image: Yes, that's me, sitting in an absolutely enormous Burberry bag. And yes, I'm trying to be metaphorical or something. ;)