It’s been quite awhile since I have been able to have a night out with the girls. As a mother of a seven month old; it has been tough to tear myself away from mothering duties to get away for awhile. However, as my daughter gets older, I am starting to look for a night out again and sadly lacking in the evening bag department. I have been looking for a stylish (meaning not made out of hemp or other suspiciously hippyish fabric) clutch that wasn’t made out of leather or other animal skin. I am pleasantly surprised by this ultra sophisticated and vegan clutch from Matt & Nat.

MATT & NAT: a collection of design-centric, fashion-forward accessories that is also vegan. Armed with this vision, creative director Inder Bedi created a brand that goes beyond fashion, invoking our own human experiences and the environments that surround us

I am delighted with this cruelty free and Eco-conscious gem. The Sade clutch  is the perfect evening accompaniment to paint the town red… erm green also. Be fashion forwards without compromising style or your conscience. Molly will thank you.

Green Living Doesn’t Always Mean Expensive

Going green doesn’t necessary mean buying into all the latest Eco-friendly gadgets and off-setting your carbon input with credits. Going green can be simple, inexpensive and starts right from home. You can start by evaluating what is most important to you, what you hold value in this world, and spend according to your values. If you do this; then I think you will find wealth regardless of how much or how little you have in monetary value. Going green boils down to this. Conservation. And we can conserve by reducing, reusing, and recycling. It’s really that simple.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reuse what you have. Trade with others what you don’t have. Reduce your consumption by buying only what you need. Of course, splurge from time to time, but try not to live in excess. Recyling is the perfect example of something that’s free to do, just takes a little planning and action on your part. Turn off the energy you don’t use. Better yet, unplug the appliance you don’t use. Teach your children to have compassion and respect for the world they live in. If you leave them that legacy, you are doing your part, and one of the best gifts you can give to Mother Earth.

Support Green Businesses as much as you can

Of course, we do need things… and invest in the future by spending what you have on things that are kinder to the Earth. We can’t buy ALL Organic, but buy some that are. Whatever fits in your budget. If not Organic, then try non-toxic cleaners. Companies like Method Non-toxic cleaners allows you to have a natural home without breaking the bank. Or use baking soda, vinegar, and Castille soap to make your own cleaning supplies. If you have the means, invest with companies that are making a difference. Let your wallet speak for the causes you are passionate but do not think that this is the ONLY way we can make a difference. An act of kindness or protecting those who are fragile and vulnerable can be just as powerful. Perhaps even more so.

Utilize the resources available to you. The Public library is the perfect green example. So is the public transportation.

Jolly Green Girl is about stylish green living and we do take a light hearted approach to Eco-conscious living. But we are serious about Mother Earth and A recession shouldn’t deter anyone from making a difference.

Recession got you down? Jolly Green Girl can relate. Well here’s something to brighten up your day. Get up to 55% off on Hip and Stylish Eco-fashion worthy clothes from Clothes Pin. I am totally admiring their use of bamboo and Organic Cotton which if gentler to the planet without sacrificing their aesthetic sensibilities. The Susie skirt is calling my name, literally and figuratively.

I am quite curious about the use of seaweed. I am a huge seaweed lover but not something I would consider wearing. Perhaps Mia Seaweed Dressmight change my mind. There’s couple of scores for under $100 which is virtually unheard of in the Eco-fashion world. The only caveat with Eco-friendly fibers and textiles is that it does cost much more because the sustainable practices and even fair wage to indigenous countries. Sublet has some affordable options that doesn’t skimp on style. Anais Cardigan made from Organic Cotton and Bamboo  (shown above) is a total steal at $55! So go shop without a guilty conscious because not only are you being kinder to the planet but also good to your wallet.

We love to feature alternatives to plastic bags here at Jolly Green Girl. We believe that each tote, bag, or what have you will help keep plastic bags out of landfills and hopefully in the near future; we can eliminate those unsightly plastics altogether. Before reusable bags were even heard of; Eco Bags have been creating these alternatives to plastic bags for a very long time. I featured Eco Bags before and LOVE LOVE LOVE their classic string bag. Perfect to tote your fruits and veggies in.

Now Eco Bags have joined in the fashionable bid with their new line of graphic totes. With kitschy quotes, their dedication to sustainable materials as well as fair wage; You really can’t go wrong with their Totes with Quotes. Eco bag uses sustainable materials like hemp, organic cotton, and recycled cotton. Eco bags have solidly built their reputation on their sustainable brand, and it’s a company that definitely has the Environment’s back. Even Oprah is a fan. And so is Jolly Green Girl

In Partnership with Eco Bags. Three lucky readers will win these Totes with Quotes. Just Sign up for Jolly Green Girl via RSS or Email; leave a comment if you choose the RSS method, and you can enter to win.

I am a bit of a closet Project Runway addict. I have deep love of fashion even though it can be cruel at times (Fur and Leather, anyone?). However, the winner of this year took on a more environmental approach by using sustainable fabrics that’s also very modern chic. According to Chicage Tribune, “The judges on the Bravo show appreciated the Portland resident’s modern, clean look and her use of sustainable fabrics”

Designer Leanne Marshall, a native of Portland, OR, must have found her inspiration from the ever green city of that’s touted as the most environmentally forward city in America. Not only the design sustainable, it’s very innovative as well.

Image Source: Imaxtree

Crafy Recycling At Ecologue

I admit I do this too.. keep your cell phone charger in the plug. Did you know that this is one way you are using needless energy? Appliances on stand-by can consume up to 20% of your electricity. In a study by Environmental Energy Technologies Division of the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory:

Miscellaneous electricity use now accounts for about one-fifth of all electricity used in U.S. homes, and it’s growing quickly,” says Marla Sanchez, lead author of the study. Miscellaneous uses are becoming relatively more important because some of the conventional uses of energy have become much more efficient (due to EPA and DOE’s voluntary ENERGY STAR Programs, efficiency standards, and other policies) and because people are buying more energy-using appliances that fall into the miscellaneous category.

Ecologue is a site that’s very concerned about these miscellaneous energy uses and wants to do something about it. “Ecologue is dedicated to enabling and inspiring healthy, practical, eco-friendly changes to homes, gardens and everyday life.  With hundreds of videos, articles and practical tips, Ecologue.com helps the new-to-green consumer make easy, everyday changes.  Visitors to the site can learn to save money with home efficiency upgrades, keep a greener lawn, shop for healthier foods, select stylish eco-friendly home designs and more”.

It’s the sister site of HGTV which addresses the concerns its viewers had. I really like the site’s design and seems to have a wealth of information for the concerned consumer. Check them out and tell them that Jolly Green Girl sent you there.

There are those who will not buy any kind of leather because they feel its cruel to buy one. Then there are those who can not give up their leather obsession. Well here’s a compromise. How about recycled leather purses? These are stylish, hip, and yet are gentler to the planet by reusing what’s already here. ReFind Originals are all handmade and crafted by one talented woman.. and I have to say they are in par with top fashion designer purses that goes for much much more.

 You can score one of a kind design that’s also Eco-conscious by reducing waste by reusing what’s already there. I am not a big fan of leather bags and shoes in general, but I do own a couple (with an extremely guilty conscious) so its nice that you are not furthering the exploitation of leather in the name of Fashion. It’s hard to give up leather though, so if you must have one… then try ReFind. The handmade bags are simply to die for. No pun intended.

  At ReFind Originals, we deconstruct, clean and restore discarded leather apparel and upholstery, transforming it into stunning, one-of-a-kind leather handbags. Each purse is totally unique, buttery-soft and super easy on the environment. Through our craftsmanship, we hope to demonstrate that greener choices in our everyday lives can be beautiful. 

I had the pleasure of personally speaking to Anita and not only is she talented; but very gracious as well. Her craftmanship and design abilities are incredible. Purses go for about $250 a pop. These stylish yet classic bags are something you will treasure forever; not only for a season.