Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization! Tomorrow on February 9, 2012 you can help them raise awareness about the harmful chemicals that are present in our daily beauty products through attending their  Eco-Beauty Market the first ever from the “Just Beautiful” Campaign!  For more information on the “Just Beautiful Campaign”  or this special event visit:

http://environmentaldefence.ca/articles/safe-kisses-valentines-day-environmental-defences-first-eco-beauty-market-thursday-february

WHEN:  Thursday, February 9, 2012

WHERE:  116 Spadina Avenue, Suite 300, Toronto

TIME:  11AM – 7PM

In the Trailblazer issue of the eco-chic magazine, the 20-year-old speaks out about the difficulties of being socially responsible in Hollywood: “I only buy used clothes, so thrift stores, trade-in stores, vintage stores, friend’s closets…97% of my wardrobe is all used…I struggled for a while going on these red carpets, and wearing makeup that didn’t represent my morals…I do wear those fancy dresses and suits, but I am not keeping them…it’s this beautiful re-use and restore process.”

About being eco-friendly, Shailene says, “It’s more than just recycling or picking up a piece of trash, or turning off the water when you’re brushing your teeth. It’s about treating everything with compassion and love, including humanity”.

The up-and-coming actress’ inspired performance as Alexandra King in ‘The Descendants’ opposite George Clooney is garnering a lot of Oscar-buzz. Her undeniable talent and passion for ethical fashion make Shailene a great role model.

Radiohead- “All I Need”  MTV special video on human-trafficking.  When I first saw this video back in 2008, I felt it was pure and simple yet strong. Although since then, there is more awareness about human trafficking, sweat shops, and other oppressive practises, many people are still in the mindset of “the problem is too big” or “we can’t make a difference”.  This video illustrates that we have no choice but to change.  Every movement we make towards more ethical choices outweighs every movement we don’t make.

Designer and founder Annie O. Waterman was inspired by an indigenous fair-trade group she encountered while working as an intern for World of Good (now Good World Solutions) in Central Peru during the summer of 2005. The Colorado-based company has since worked with several fair-trade cooperatives across the globe.

From intricately woven Wayuu Mochilla Bags from Colombia to beautifully hand-embroidered blouses made in Southern Mexico, Annie O. continues to grant shoppers access to original pieces while simultaneously supporting survivors of domestic abuse and promoting the preservation of indigenous artisan traditions.

Fortunately I found this article on BlogTo and posted it, which identifies the 10 best green retailers in Toronto that practice ethical fashion and trade one way or the other.  It’s a great post for many reasons, obviously because it identifies ethical retailers but the main reason this post is great is because all the stores are located in the city I live in, Toronto! So Proud to be living in a city that has many ethical and fair trade choices! Not so proud of our sports team, however that’s another blog for another website for another time.

Check out this great article on BlogTO !http://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_best_green_retailers_in_toronto/

Livia Firth (wife of actor Colin Firth) graced the 69th Golden Globe awards with Giorgio Armani’s contribution to her popular Green Carpet Challenge.  Other heavy-weight participants include Tom Ford, Gucci, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Yves, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, Paul Smith, Valentino, Roger Vivier, Alberta Ferretti, and Ermenegildo Zegna.  You can follow this challenge through Livia Firth’s blog on Vogue.uk.  As for last night she made a clear statement that ethical fashion is the new high fashion, and it is in our hands to eliminate old-fashioned mindsets.  She looked absolutely stunning in this Armani dress made from recycled bottles, and I am sure this will encourage more designers to step up to the green carpet challenge.

It’s been a busy year for Toronto-based label and retailer, Preloved.  The eco-friendly boutique, locally famous for re-purposing vintage fabrics into one-of-a-kind garments and accessories, has not only opened several pop-up shops across the country this past year but has also recently teamed up with the Canadian retail giant, Holt Renfrew. In addition to its exclusive clothing line for Holts, Preloved boosts three in-house lines – Preloved, Beloved, and Handcut.

Hand-picked garments – such as shirts, wool sweaters, and even saris  - are reclaimed, deconstructed and remade into unique, creative, and colourful pieces.  In 2011 alone, Preloved reused over 80,000 wool sweaters, 50,000 wool pants, 10,000 shirts, and 7,000 trench coats. Founder Julia Grieve’s remedy to what has become a throwaway society has been well-received.

We adore Preloved’s on-trend oversized cardigans and knit dresses. Also, check out their great selection of Betty Mitts, made from salvaged pieces from their Fall 2010 sweater collection.

Each eco-creation is designed and manufactured in Canada – yet another reason to love Preloved!

It was announced end of 2011 that in the midst of all this economical turmoil, Stella Mc Cartney is up 34%. A hot item of her collection was this little black dress featuring a sheer cutout dazzled with polka dots.  This dress was seen on Kate Winslet and made famous in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar (January edition).   Stella Mc Cartney is definitely an inspiration to all where ethics and high fashion are never compromised!

Finding animal-friendly substitutes that are trendy and high-quality can be challenging. The seemingly unavoidable leather soles in footwear otherwise free of animal-products, is particularly frustrating for even the savviest shopper. Thanks to Vegan Chic, such goods are now more readily accessible.

All products viewed on the site are 100% animal-friendly. Shoppers will find goods made from hemp, jute, bamboo, natural cork, and recycled car tires. Our favourite right now is this two-tone vegan handbag by Starr for $54.99.

With well-known brands such Mink Shoes, Olsen Haus, and Cri De Coeur, there is no need to compromise style or quality when shopping ethically on Vegan Chic.

What’s more, Vegan Chic only features companies and manufacturers, such as NeuAura, that support fair labour practices. Co-founders Mark and Vessela Mulcahy also donate a portion of the site’s profits to a selection of animal charities.