BUY ORGANIC CLOTHING BASICS

If your clothes are made from organic cotton, that means the cotton was grown without pesticides or herbicides–better for you and better for the earth. Joaquin points out that the GAP just launched organic denim for men and women ($70 to $80). “That’s exciting when organic jeans have typically cost over $200.” You can also look for organic cotton t-shirts at Fab & Fru favorite stores like H & M.

MAKE A STATEMENT

“Target has this Go Green Vintage T-shirt that I love,” says Joaquin (www.target.com, $9.99). You can also buy a canvas bag to take to the grocery store with an earth-friendly message on it.

BUY NON-TOXIC TOYS

“I love Under the Nile’s little vegetable and fruit set of 100% organic Egyptian cotton chew toys,” says Joaquin. “My friend just had a baby and I got her a crate of grapes, the tomato and the green beans.” (www.underthenile.com, $25 for a basket.)  Even more affordable is the sleeping doll for $10. “All of these are really great chew toys for babies and you don’t have to feel sick that they’re chewing on something that has been treated with pesticides and flame retardants.”

PURCHASE A REUSABLE LUNCHBOX

Joaquin bought this one for her daughters – it consists of a reusable lunch sac, a stainless steel water bottle, stainless steel containers for the food, and a sandwich wrap. “I hate throwing away all the non-recyclable plastic baggies that are made out of PVCs,” says Joaquin. “ “And you’re teaching your kids that you care about the environment, and your kids are teaching their friends.” (www.kidskonserve.com, $40) When you think about how much you spend on baggies and sippy cups, it should eventually pay for itself.

BOOK VACATIONS CLOSE TO HOME

“Try not to fly because the fuel burned in plane travel is really significant— much more than car travel–and it’s so much more expensive,” says Joaquin. “Find something that’s three to four hours away – I drive my Prius everywhere!” Also, once you get to a hotel Joaquin says to use your own products – not the little bottles they provide. It’s bad for the environment and expensive when the hotel constantly has to purchase and throw away more plastic. Finally, remember to put that sign out on the bed saying you’re willing to sleep on the same sheets for a few nights in a row. Repeated linen washings means more wasted water.

These 10 Ecofabulous & Frugal tips will turn you into a ‘green’ goddess in no time!  But don’t stop here – get more by signing up for the Ecofabulous newsletter at www.ecofabulous.com

**Ellen Lieberman is an L.A. based writer and mom.  She recently experienced first hand the trials and triumphs of giving her home an Ecofabulous makeover!

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