My kids like to feed the ducks, but does this do more harm than good?
—Martin Meisenheimer, Los Angeles, CA

While your neighborhood mallards aren’t going to be swinging by the drive-through anytime soon, ducks, like people, love their junk food. They will happily gobble up white bread, refined sugar, and processed fats, but those foods are not as healthy for them as the leafy greens, acorns, insects, and crustaceans they would be eating naturally.

Still, feeding ducks can be a fun family activity that might help spark a child’s interest in wildlife. If it’s an experience you don’t want to skip, try offering the birds a healthier snack, such as poultry starter with a crude protein content of 27 percent or more, which is available at farm stores.

Scientists who work with wildlife express additional concerns about feeding a flock because it causes ducks to gather in larger-than-normal groups. The stress of being in a crowd can make individual ducks more aggressive, and can even alter the group’s migration timing (or encourage the ducks not to migrate at all). Large bird congregations can also foster the spread of disease. “Infectious disease is opportunistic, and these emerging diseases are continually challenging wildlife,” says Milt Friend, founding director of the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center.

If you skip feeding the ducks, don’t forget that kids can also learn from and enjoy water birds by watching their behaviors or taking pictures. Just leave the “Happy Meals” at home.

Originally printed as Starre’s “Green Guru” column for Audubon Magazine.

I’m excited: Boho Magazine, which I’ve been hearing about for a couple of months now, is an ecofashionista’s dream!

With tons of coverage of style from casual (a visual story on t-shirts) to dressy (see below), and including short features on adorable vegan confectionaires, and practical ‘how to’ advice, Boho is a lovely way to spend some time curled up on the couch, or perusing while riding your favorite form of public transportation.

I’m super-impressed with this first issue- the design is fun, modern and welcoming, and I recognized tons of the designers listed in the credits (faves you’ve seen here like Emily Katz and Bahar Shahpar) , so it’s obvious that the editors at Boho know their stuff!

I honestly can’t wait to see the next issue. Cheers Boho!

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This week, it seems like everyone’s talking about plastic.  I wrote about the impossible task of cutting plastic out of your life over at EarthFirst.com, and it really got me thinking about the areas of my life where I could still improve.  Why cut back on plastic?  To be as brief as possible, it often contains toxic substances (BPA and pthalates), is usually made from petroleum and pollutes the earth and our oceans.  One thing I realized is for many of us, our personal care products and cosmetics are some of the biggest culprits of plastic consumption.  Here are a few ways we can all reduce plastic use in our beauty routines.

Use bar soap and solid shampoo.  Body wash and bottled shampoo nearly always come in plastic bottles.  Companies like Lush, Burt’s Bees, Herbaria and Oyin Handmade offer shampoo bars in various scents and formulations that will leave your hair looking just as gorgeous as any bottled shampoo could.  Plus, they’re usually wrapped in recycled paper.

Buy in bulk when you can, and fill up reusable glass or ceramic containers.  If you’re not crazy about bar soaps, give castile soap a try – many health food stores have large gallon-size bottles meant for refills.  Check out your local natural foods store; they might have more of a selection of refills than you’d expect. You’ll save money and packaging at the same time.

Look for multi-use products, like this Kiss My Face pigment that functions as lip color, blush and eyeshadow all in one.  It comes in a plastic container, but at least it will only be one plastic container instead of three.  Aveda also offers powdered foundation cakes with no plastic to be seen – it’s meant as a compact refill, but works perfectly fine on its own. Or, if you’re the brave and naturally beautiful sort, you could forgo makeup all together!

And of course, eco chicks always refuse senseless plastic junk like the Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser.  And when you do have to buy items that have plastic packaging, at least try to go for brands that use recycled plastic.  Check the label before you buy.

Now I’m wondering, where are our reusable razors with flax handles? Why aren’t cosmetics packaged with biodegradable materials? Get on it, manufacturers – there’s a huge market out there!

Autumn is my absolute favorite time for buying clothes (one word: layers!!). I’m practically craving the cool days, cold nights and swirling leaves as I pant my way through August. One way I deal with my chilly-weather craving is to pour over possible outfits and how new additions will fit in with my slowly growing and carefully curated selection of ecofashions. My closet is due for a very serious overhaul in about a month, and so as I traverse the sustainable style sites, I’ll be sharing my favorite finds with you, dear readers.

Doie has long been one of my fave lines, run by the super-positive Sara Kirsner (who recently moved to LA so she could be closer to where they make her gorg clothes). Below are some previews from her autumn/winter 2008 line.

The ever-beautiful Summer Rayne Oakes models for Doie’s A/W 2008 collection of bamboo and sustainable wool pieces.

Eco Chick readers can use the code: Daily08 to get 50% off anything on the site (even sale items).

Simple, and very, very flattering cardi that would be a great staple; a little bit something more than just a plain black version, the grey stripe adds interest and graphic charm.

A colorful blouse that innocently, but definitely requires that you not be ignored.

The lining on this hoodie means it can go from weekend-with-jeans wear to relaxed-day-at the office were it worn over a sweet dress. The barely revealed pattern would make for an easy entree into the trend of mixing patterns with patterns- I envision a pretty boho flower print with this star-pattern.

Sara picked vintage buttons for this limited-run coat.

What could be prettier than a coat that’s lined with a fun pattern? (same coat as shown above)

OK, I don’t normally post emails or releases directly from stores, but these are really amazing!–SV

Today, 08-08-08, Fashion Ethic celebrates their customers with a Lucky Day!

As the world comes together for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, we wanted our customers to experience a day seen as triple-lucky (8 is a lucky number in several Asian cultures), so Fashion Ethic is offering deals, discounts, and giveaways on this day that will come just once.

Shop our collection of eco-friendly and socially conscious apparel from “Fashionably Responsible” designers and lines like EDUN, naturevsfuture, Ryann, Peligrosa Knits, Emily Katz, and MORE.

ALL orders receive a FREE black BAGGU reusable bag and 8% of all the day’s sales will be donated to World Wildlife Fund…

…Plus, Shoppers can choose from 3 lucky deals:

Use code TANKYOU to receive one FREE SPUN tank with $50 purchase of SPUN’s organic cotton tank, tee, or tops

Use code EDUNTEE to receive one free EDUN tee with purchase of any other EDUN apparel

Use code ETHIC08 to receive $80 off a purchase of $280 or more – including already reduced clearance items!

And there will be a special sneak peek at Fall items from Sublet Clothing, Kelly B, She-Bible, and other Fashionably Responsible lines on the blog.

Event starts at 12:01am PST and ends at 11:59pm PST on Friday, August 8th at www.FashionEthic.com. One code per order, while supplies last.

A couple of months ago I was standing in the check-in line at LAX and someone was frantically decanting lotion into a small container to bring onto our flight. I was standing next to him, and I could smell vanilla, coconut, and warm caramel. Being obsessed with scents, I had to ask what was wafting through the air. The ticket agent quickly flipped his flat screen around and showed me the website for 100% Pure. A few of the agents and the passenger were sniffing and giddy about this ‘dream cream,’ as he called it. He let me get a good whiff and I was hooked.

100% Pure is the brainchild of Susie Wang. One day, while out picking blackberries, it occurred to Susie that she needed to figure out a way to make cosmetics and beauty products from completely natural ingredients. Her inspiration helped to generate a line of products that are all natural, vegan (or vegetarian when honey is used,) synthetic fragrance free, paraben free, toxin free, and without the use of added water, thickeners, or emulsifiers.

Face
The facial care line left my skin feeling clean, not stripped. The Organic Lavender Sea Foam Cleanser got my skin feeling squeaky, without feeling overly dry, but it is for more oily/problem skin. In the winter, when skin gets drier, the Organic Lavender Honey Facial Cleansing Foam would be a good choice. It is milder than the Sea Foam, but leaves the face feeling cleansed.

I followed with the Organic White Tea Rose toner and Nourishing Facial Oil. I also used the Organic Coffee Bean Eye Cream.

The toner feels nice and soothing. The red rose and rich, red fruits used in the toner, along with the chamomile and lavender, smell yummy and mild. It has no alcohol and just leaves the skin feeling supple. The Nourishing Facial Oil also made my skin feel really soothed. The Eye Cream smells like a hazelnut torte or some other delicious, nutty dessert. This cream is purported to have phenomenal effects for some - lifting eye circles and minimizing puffiness. I did find it to have a lifting for me. I have tried a lot of different eye products and most of them do little to nothing, other than moisturize. This cream seemed to really make my eyes feel and look less tired. Everything is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory fruits and herbs, to help the skin process toxins and age gracefully.

Body
The body care line is amazing. I have never smelled rich creams and scrubs like this that are totally natural and so edible. The Organic Virgin Coconut cream smells like a coconut cream pie, warm, milky and nutty. This cream feels fantastic. It is very moisturizing with softening fruit oils and hydrating coconut oil. Yum! Everyone who smelled this on me had something to say or wanted to find some immediately. I also use the Mango Body Butter, which is very concentrated - a little goes a long way. This citrus fragrance is light and leaves you feeling fresh and glowing.

In the shower, if you are looking for a delicious body scrub, the Organic Blood Orange Juicy Body Scrub is fantastic as well. They make an Organic Coconut Body Scrub, and I bet it is amazing. I also used the Organic Pomegranate Body Cream, which literally smells like Twizzlers. I used to eat those horrendous artificial red #lord-knows-what when I’d go to the movies as a kid (impending tummy ache following of course.) This cream totally reminded me of them, only not as ‘fake’ smelling. I also tried the Organic Lavender, which was really nice. It was simple and just smelled like pure lavender, not overly oily or processed.

Cosmetics
The cosmetics line of 100% is completely derived from fruits and Organics. The line has a lip gloss that is not sticky at all - just leaves a nice, moisturizing shine. The lip/cheek tints are enhancing and sheer. My favorite is the mascara, which is made from organic green tea, black tea, and seaweed powder! It sounds like some new-fad diet, but it leaves the lashes long and defined. I never wear much makeup, but when I do, it consists of a bit of bronzer or cheek tint, gloss and mascara. I also tried the Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer which is made from cocoa, of course. It is very light and doesn’t leave one looking orange or unnaturally tinted.

100% Pure has a patent pending process that allows the company to bypass synthetics as well as avoiding concentrated essential oils that are limited in variety. Through cold-pressing, they developed a way to capture the scents of nectarine, blackberry, coconut, or any fruit or vegetable. This method allows retention of the vitality and healing properties of the botanicals, generating a line of products that are bursting with flavor and nourishing vitamins. The company uses only post-consumer plastics and glass to package their items, as well. 100% Pure is fun, fragrant and fresh - purely delicious!

Paris’ reaction (above) to McCain’s attack on her (got that? I feel like I’m back on the playground) is pretty funny- too bad it’s totally off-base (and I TRIED to get an ounce of support up for it, I really did- she even used the word HYBRID, for fuc*s sake).

Watch the video- for entertainment at least- and then move on. Because as much as Paris paid for someone to write a script for her (and I have NO DOUBT that Ms. Hilton can sound, and be, as smart as she comes across in the latter part of this video) they just got it wrong, with a lot of nonpartisan bowing and scraping to both sides. This is why this clip pissed me off:

1. Offshore drilling is not going to solve our energy crisis/gas crisis now OR in the future (it’s impact will only be felt in 15 years when those potential oil reserves would actually start delivering oil). What it will do is negatively affect sensitive marine ecosystems (at best) and at worst destroy them. There is a reason these areas were set aside for protection against drilling in the first place.

2. Subsidies to car companies to produce cleaner cars ARE NOT ENOUGH. Cars are subsidized (along with roads) up the wazoo by taxpayers already, so stop telling me that you can’t tell independent businesses what to do. Car companies need to be forced by our governments to make changes in fuel use immediately. Everyone always tells me how the capitalist system will answer what the market demands (so where’s my super fab, affordable electric car that looks hot and drives like a Saab? Where?). This capitalism thing is a lame argument and I’m tired of hearing it. Things are getting worse and Capitalism doesn’t seem to be helping!

We NEED fuel-free cars powered by alternative energy and we need them NOW! This is not pie-in-the-sky. We sent a man to the moon in 1969 after a federal decree in a few short years. Surely we can harness the multiple abundant power sources (wind, solar, geothermal, wave, gym workout machines) that are naturally available to us if we collectively put our minds and hearts to the task.

3. Metallic pumps with that onekini? NO! That cute suit soooooo calls for a pair of gladiator flats (metallic, if you must, cause we know how you like that flash, Paris).

Note: Just so you don’t think I’m a total hater, Paris DOES get extra points for 1. making fun of herself, 2. encouraging all us bitches to see her at the debates and 3. selecting Rihanna as her running mate.

Crunchy Greenolas is my own personal review of new green stuff I’ve found- I’ve tried everything and these are the goods!

• Kimberly Sayer of London – Kimberly Sayer is the daughter of organic farmer in England. Her family used fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs to create their own skin, body and home care items. Using this knowledge, she went on to study aesthetics, aromatherapy and chemistry and then launched her own organic product line. All Kimberly Sayer products are USDA certified organic. I have been using the Hydrating Antioxidant Facial Mask, Gentle Almond and Lavender Face Scrub, Restore Anti-Aging Cream and Cellular Extract Eye Lift Gel for the past month and my skin has never felt better. In addition, my family and I have been using the Organic Family Sunblock SPF 25 and it appears to work great. My 5-year-old says it stings his skin but he has severe excema. It has been great for my 2 year old. Kimberly Sayer’s products can be purchased at select Whole Foods Markets and via her website.

• suki — suki produces two lines of products, suki pure skin and sukicolor. suki pure skin is a 100% pure and 90% organic skin and body line (lotions, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and hair products) and sukicolor is a pure and organic makeup line. The company sources all of their ingredients from fair trade, organic, biodynamic processing and local suppliers whenever possible. The company takes into consideration fuel emissions, as well as certification, and transport when making its purchasing decisions. The ingredients are 100% natural, food grade (not cosmetic grade) ingredients so that the products are non-toxic and edible (not that you want to eat it!). In addition, suki uses only biodegradable ingredients that do not hurt animals or damage the ecosystem and no toxic ingredients such as petrochemicals, chemical fragrances and preservatives. All suki products are packaged in eco-friendly materials like recycled stock, printed with vegetable ink and b0ttled in glass containers. The company’s website not only explains all the ingredients but also lists ingredients to avoid. Now I have not tried everything in the both product lines but what I did try I really liked. Products can be purchase directly from the suki website or search on the site for a retail location in your area. Products are pretty price but are worth it.

• Artisan Naturals — Started by Stephanie Barron, the mother of a child with allergies to synthetic fragrance and colorants, Artisan Naturals, is free of mineral oils, parabens and synthetic ingredients. The product line includes cleaners, toners, moisturizers, mask and various skin treatments. In addition the company makes massage oils, candles and handcrafted soaps. The products are not certified organic but are made with organic ingredients and are all at least 99% natural. Artisan Naturals line can be purchase at a few speciality stories in the US and Europe in addition to the web via the company’s site. Eco-Chick readers can receive 20% off the entire product line for the month of August by using the promotion code GRN08.

• Rare2b – All vegan, all natural, organic, 100% botanical, vegetal, marine ingredients from non-gmo sources, Rare2b products do not contain parabens, alcohol, peg & tea, synthetic chemicals, petroleum by-products, formaldehyde or formaldehyde donors and no animal by-products. All the ingredients come from sustainable fair trade sources in the Amazon Rain Forest to the South Australian Rain Forest, which the USDA permits in certified organic food. The products are certified organic by Eco-Cert, the Forest Stewardship Council with USDA Organic Certification, and Kosher by the Federation of Synagogues and approved by the Fair Trade Foundation. The line includes day and night cream, facial mask and body lotion and can be purchased on the Rare2b website. Eco-Chick readers can receive 10% off Rare2b products by using the promotion code EcoChick0808.

• The Grapeseed Company — Based in the Santa Barbara, California wine region, The Grapeseed Company produces eco-friendly bath & body products using expeller-pressed grape seed oil, a natural byproduct of the wine making process. According to the company, grape seed oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins and helps fight free radical damage and signs of aging. The grape seed oils are naturally expeller-pressed instead of solvent extracted. All colors come from the natural ingredients; there are no artificial additives or filler ingredients and ingredients are sourced from local sources whenever possible. The entire ingredient list can be found on the website and all ingredients are between 70% to 90%+ organic. My husband has been using the organic shave and skin care line for men line called Mojito Man and loves it! I keep having him try out different organic shaving products and this is the first one that he has liked and plans on only using this product line from now on. The company also makes body scrubs, bath & massage oils, lotions, lip balms and candles. All products can be purchase via The Grapeseed Company’s website. Eco-Chick readers can receive 10% off the total order by using the code 10AGAIN at checkout.

If you know of any Crunchy Greenolas that you would like me to review or just think are great, please let me know.

Check out more of my posts on my blog Green Luvin’.

It took me ages to heed my traditionalist-with-a-twist grandmother’s advice about undergarments.

“Starre,” she told me, “Whatever kind of work you do or whatever ridiculous outfits you wear, make sure that you have pretty underwear on.” Staring at me with her green eyes that had seen The Great Depression, World War 2, the end of two marriages, and the raising of two sons in a time when single mothers were scarce, she added, “Not for anybody else- for yourself.”

This advice was extended in the mid-90’s when I had taken to wearing men’s boxer shorts under some comically voluminous JNCO pants and the plainest bras and camisoles beneath reams of flannel, having decided this was way cooler than lace. But I always remembered what she said and now my drawers are filled with lingerie in pretty prints, with bows, ribbons and lined in silks and super-soft cottons.

Being the Eco Chick, I try to keep in mind how all my purchases (even the dainty ones) affect the environment, and this summer there are enough lingerie looks (and bra straps peeking through diaphanous fabrics) to justify getting some fresh eco-undies. These are my top picks:

Makool’s Pantalette set is just too adorable. You could hang out at home in this, or wear it out, but follow the advice on the Makool site: “This set hits you at your natural waist, so you won’t want to wear it with your low riders. I prefer to wear mine under my wrap dress, but any dress will work fine. You could also pair this with a high waist skirt, and allow the lace to peek out a bit.”

Greenknickers.org has all sorts of undies, from practical organic cotton and bamboo versions in three-packs to these gorgeous, one-of-a-kind Low Carbon Africa Knickers which are made from recycled fabrics with an organic cotton gusset.

The French (surprise, surprise!) company g=9.8 has the first underwire bra that’s made from recycled pine fibers, so you can be sustainably stacked!
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