Earth Day is April 22nd. Many of us celebra and try to bring awareness to environmental issues on this day. Some background on Earth Day, which was founded in 1970, can be found on the website www.earthday.org

Here at Charming Chick, we believe that the power to change our world lies in the products we buy every day. We also believe that  just because you're helping the Earth, doesn't mean that you should have to pay more or sacrifice style! Our GreenChick^TM items are the stylish new way to protect our environment. These specially designed eco-friendly products are functional, trendy and affordable.

In honor of Earth Day we have complied a list of 20 things you can this year to help the Earth. It's kind of like giving it a giant hug and saying thanks!

 

 

1. Skip the bottled water and instead and buy a reusable container.

 

2. Turn off your computer at night.

 

3. Recycle glass, plastic, aluminum and anything else you can think of.

 

4. Reuse by shopping consignment stores. They carry gently used clothing, toys, home furnishings and more.

 

5. Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth. This will save a lot of water.

 

 

6. Say "no" to paper and plastic; instead bring your reusable totes on all of your shopping trips.

 

7. Change at least one (but preferably more) of your light bulbs to the compact florescent bulbs.

 

8. Only wash your clothes on the cold or warm cycle to conserve energy.

 

9. Buy energy saver appliances when your old ones bite the dust.

 

10. Adjust your thermostat one degree lower in the winter and one degree higher in the summer to conserve energy.

 

 

11. Purchase items made from renewable resources or recycled materials.

 

12. Group errands together. Before you head out the door get a plan together so you can take the shortest routes and get the most done.

 

13. Maintain your vehicle but don't worry about getting your oil changed every 3000 miles. The cars of today can actually go at least 5000 miles which save you money and it saves oil.

 

14. Telecommute whenever possible. If you can just work from home one day a week it can help save gas.

 

15. Pay bills online to save paper and also request to have your bills emailed to you.

 

 

16. Use rechargeable batteries.

 

17. Bring your own reusable travel mug when you frequent your favorite coffee shop.

 

18. Keep your fireplace damper closed so your precious warm or cold air isn't being lost.

 

19. Recycle your old cell phone. Some companies will even give you a credit toward your new phone if you turn in your old one.

 

20. Spread the word and make sure your friends and family know the right things to do toconserve energy and be kind to Mother Earth.

 

 

Have a very Happy Earth Day!!!!!

 

Most of us are really trying to do our best to live a more eco- friendly lifestyle. It is great for our planet, and will hopefully make sure that our world remains a beautiful place for many generations to come. Many people know that recycling is a fantastic way to keep items out of our landfills -- old items are used to make new items! But what else can you do to give Mother Earth a helping hand? Well, on the Charming Chick blog we have some suggestions on how you can do just that.

 

 

{Tip 1} Don't Drink Bottled Water

 

Water is good for you. Actually, it is great for you! You should have on hand at all times especially what you are working out, or if it is hot outside. The best way to do that, is not by purchasing cases of bottled water.  Instead, buy a nice reusable bottle and take your water with you wherever you go. At Charming Chick we have a nice selectionof aluminum water bottles - available in four striking colors! The best part is, they can be personalized so everyone will know it's yours. This way you can be eco-friendly AND stylish!!!

 

 

{Tip 2} Be Aware of What you Waste

  

Another thing you can to be more eco-friendly, is to cut back on waste. Don't let the water run while you are brushing your teeth or washing your hands. Turn it off while you lather up or brushing your pearly whites. Buy fruits and vegetables weekly and buy only what you will use. This will help cut down on food waste. Always turn the light out when you leave a room. This will help to conserve energy. There are so many aspects of your daily life where you can just be extra aware and if you are -- you won't waste as much.

 

{Tip 3} Purchase Products made of Renewable or Recycled Materials

  

It is always a fantastic idea to purchase items that are either made of recycled materials -- or items made from renewable materials. This helps prevent the depletion of materials that can not be replaced once they are gone. This can have a dramatic impact on our world -- and the world we are leaving for our children.

 

{Tip 5} Group Trips together, Ride Your Bike or Walk to Your Destination

 

To conserve gas it is always to ride your bike or walk when possible. Taking public transportation is also another great option. If you need to drive, make a plan and group your trips together. This will save you gas and money!

Malia Copper Flip Flop

Since the temps are starting to rise (in most places) -- the time has come to think about pedicures and flip-flops right? Well, here at Charming Chick we are proud to offer a shoe like no other. Who says to be fashionable, you have to sacrifice comfort? If you believe that then you have never owned  Oka b.  - the shoes that love you. These flip-flops and sandals not only feel amazing; they look amazing too!

 

 

Madison Black with Zebra Print Ribbon Sandals

 

OKA b. are reflexology inspired and designed to massage your feet with each step you take. The specially designed massage beads, not only make your feet feel fantastic and completely rejuvenated -- they also promote good posture. That should make mom happy!  OKA b. shoes are also antimicrobial and odor resistant, which - I'm sure we can all agree - is a really good thing! These shoes are completely waterproof and washable as well.  Another great benefit to buying these wonderful flip-flops and sandals, is that once they have been well-loved they can also be recycled.

 

Malia Pearl Flip Flops

 

So, now you know that OKA b. shoes will make your feet feel fantastic, that they are great for the environmentally conscious, they will stay clean and ordor free but I did say they are also fashionable didn't I? These sandals and flip-flops are perfect for a day at the beach, a trip to a luxury spa, or even for your wedding day! Yes indeed -- OKA b. has a line of shoes beautiful enough to grace the feet of a bride and her bridesmaids. The dazzling crystal, flower, and bow accents mean that these shoes can fit right in with your wedding attire. The best part is, you can dance the night away and feel no pain -- if you are wearing OKA b.

Samantha Black Crystal Flip-Flops

Vintage Style Silver Crystal Bracelet 

Most of the wedding trends for 2011 have something in common; less is more. Simple elegance is the theme for today's brides. In our recovering economy, people are being a little more reserved in their event planning. Brides are finding all kinds of ways to cut cost and that is reflected in today's bridal trends. 

Vintage Crystal Drop Earrings 

 

What Once Was Old, is New Again!

Vintage is a big trend for 2011.  

• Wedding Dresses with vintage accents; like capped sleeves and embroidered floral accents -- are very much in style. Many brides are even opting to wear their mother's or Grandmother's wedding dress. This not only saves money but adds a sentimental touch as well.
• Vintage style jewelry is also quite fashionable. Hair accessories, brooches, earring, and bracelets which are either a true vintage piece - or just a vintage style piece - make wonderful accents. Wedding rings that resemble an old-world design  or rings with delicate and intricate filigree are also making a comeback.
• Classic photography and photo booths are becoming a popular choice for brides-to-be. In addition, vintage photographs are being used in reception decorations. Old wedding photos from parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc., are being used when brides choose  a vintage themed wedding.

  

Beach Wedding Cake Topper 

   

Take it Outside 

Many brides and grooms have decided to connect more with nature. Outdoor wedding are gaining in popularity. There are many venues available but you'll and to be sure to always have a Plan B; while being outside is definitely beautiful, it can also be quite unpredictable.  

Pink Flower Favor Boxes 

 DIY Wedding 

   

Many brides are also deciding to do more themselves (or even better, asking the wedding party to help out). They are finding crafty and economical ways to throw the wedding of their dreams. Brides are handling the favors, flowers, food, and decor all on their own. It makes the wedding truly unique and adds a personalized touch to each and every detail. 

Willow Tree Promise Cake Topper 

Eco-Friendly 

   

Eco-friendly wedding are also very popular. There are many things brides and groom can to make their wedding more earth-friendly: 

Select previously worn, borrowed, or rented attire for you and your bridal party. 

• Send Invitations printed on recycled paper products.
• Choose local wineries and locally grown food.
• Use LED lighting if possible.
• Choose a responsible venue such as a museum, art gallery, or botanical garden -- which will benefit from the fee to hold your wedding there.
• Ask guests to donate to your favorite charity, in lieu of gifts.

I came across this cool new solar powered purse via an article on Papier Blog. Definitely still needs some style work, but it is a fun new "green" accessory.

Here's the basics: The purse features mini solar panels embedded into the fabric of the handbag. When you are in the sun, items inside the purse, like your iPod, Blackberry and cell phone, will begin to charge. It's not as fast as if you were to use your regular charger, but if you are always forgetting to recharge like me, every little bit helps!

It's being designed by Joe Hyneck, a PhD student at Iowa State University.  It it still being tested at this time, but when it hits the market it should be around $300-$400 according to an article from the Environment News Service.

What a great combination of style of environmentally-friendly features.  I'm keeping my eyes out for when this hits the market!

And speaking of neat iPod accessories, click below to check out ChicBuds, headphones for your iPod featuring genuine Swarovski Crystals:

Something about summer reminds me of nature and makes me want to dress cool and relaxed.  Perhaps it's all the time I spend in the outdoors with family and friends, and the fact that summers here in Texas are so hot.  Luckily for me, and those of you who are feeling the natural spirit as well, natural colors and materials are abundant this summer in clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry.

Browns, tans and greens are the most common natural colors.  Try pairing these colors with materials that natural too: like jute, wood, and organic cotton.  Wood bangles, lightweight organic cotton tees, and jute sandals can all add a natural feel to your wardrobe this summer.

Natural clothing and accessories are also affordable.  Check out this article from The F! for a complete natural outfit for under $100.

Click the pictures below to check out some of my favorite natural summer accessories:

If you're like me, you really don't need an excuse to buy another purse. It doesn't take a lot of convincing for me to purchase a new tote bag or handbag, but when I heard that I can help save the environment too, then I was definitely sold.

Bags made of renewable resources, such as jute or juco, are a great way to "Go Green" without sacrificing style. Even better, they are budget-friendly, too!

So what in the world is jute anyway? According to Wikipedia, it's a natural vegetable fiber that is spun into strong threads. It is used to make all sorts of products that you may even already own, like rugs. And since it is biodegradable, it is much better for the environment than synthetic substitutions. Juco, another excellent "Green" product, is a hybrid of jute that combines the strength and natural properties of jute with the finishing and texture of cotton fabric.

So where do you get one of these stylish, yet eco-friendly, bags? Click the pictures below to check out some of my favorite jute and juco handbags and tote bags.