Green is SO the new black

Did you ever think that being environmentally conscious will not coincide with your fashion addiction? Well, think again. You can be both eco- and fashion-chic!

One of my favorite eco-friendly fashion sites is EcoStiletto. With the ability to research, buy, communicate and win cool giveaways, it is my one-stop-shop for everything sustainably fashionable. Although EcoStilleto provides fabulous shopping tips and the latest high-fashion trends, it is far from a shallow and ditzy site. Learn more about the "things that suck" including everything from artificial food coloring to formaldehyde! You can even enter to win high-end vegan shoes. But make sure you enter soon, and check back frequently – the giveaways change all the time!

Lisa Rome, right, is an environmentally conscious student who does everything she can to lessen her ecological footprint. Lisa said, "I find that the greatest products are all natural. My organic bamboo tees are heavenly soft. And my organic lotions moisturize my skin so much better than the ones with so many chemicals you can't even identify all of them. My Sigg waterbottle never leaves my side; why use plastic bottles just so they can be put in landfills? I try to be environmentally conscious, but I'd like to think that I can wear eco-friendly clothes and still look fashionable. If I can't, I don't want to know – don't burst my bubble!"

In addition to fashion items, organic beauty products are amazing. When you are hoping to have clear and beautiful skin, why slather it with a bunch of chemicals? Going au-naturale is far better for you, and for the environment. One company that has "gone green" for quite some time is Aveda. Not only does Aveda produce organic products that are not tested on animals, but they also utilize responsible packaging. Aveda is also the first beauty company manufacturing with 100% certified wind power. With products from make-up to candles, Aveda has something for every environmentally friendly person out there – men and women alike!

I must give a shout-out to my favorite organic spa in my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa. Bloom Organic Skincare is just about the best thing that has ever happened to my skin, and my stress. Erinn Thompson, owner and esthetician, is a god in the world of beauty and skincare. Her products are all organic – they may not taste great, but they are even edible! My personal opinion is that if something is going on your skin, it should be able to go into your mouth! If you are ever in the Pittsburgh area and looking to be pampered, head to Bloom for a blissful, yet affordable, beauty service.

Now, you may say, "I can't afford environmentally friendly clothing and products." I will be the first to admit that going green may take a bit of green out of your wallet. However, I suggest you look at things in the long term. The positive effects eco-friendly products will have on your body and environment will save you money in the end. You may wonder why going organic is expensive. Learn more about the costs associated with organic farming and clothing production.

As a college student, I understand that not everyone can throw down $25 for a t-shirt. But I hope you will keep in mind that this is our world and our environment that we are speaking about. Think about what you want for your children in years to come. And if you do have children, buy them environmentally conscious clothing! See Ike, above, who was the inspiration for eco ike, a company launched by a worry-wart mom concerned with the environment her son will be growing up in. Please know that your decisions will not affect only you, but all generations to come. Before you determine that going green isn't for you, do your research. Ignorance is NOT bliss!