Starre Vartan
Starre Vartan is founder and editor-in-chief of Eco-Chick.com and the author of the Eco-Chick Guide to Life. She's also a freelance science and environment writer who has published in National Geographic, CNN, Scientific American, Mental Floss, Pacific Standard, the NRDC, and many more. She lives on an island in Puget Sound with her partner and black cat. She was a geologist in her first career, and still picks up rocks wherever she goes.
New Work by Ariel Shallit: Paintings Featuring Progressive Icons, Environmental and Women-focused Themes
“Billie Holiday, 1949” 36 inches h x 24 inches w. Oil and acrylic. If you’re a regular reader of Eco-Chick, you might recognize the style of the paintings above and below; that’s because they’re by Ariel Shallit , who created our header image (yes, the main image for this site…
Neon Buddha: Simple, Comfy Style
It’s the depths of winter, I’m feeling less than svelte, and honestly, I haven’t donned anything less stretchy than a pair of leggings in three weeks. I spent the holiday holed up in Vermont writing a book proposal (and romping in the snow). Shortly, I’ll be returning to my part-time…
Stem Cell-derived Skin Care Products: Risky, Disturbing, and Unregulated
Stem cell creams and treatments are being offered over the counter and in personalized formats via high-end cosmetics companies (and a few well-known department store brands). But a recent article in Scientific American has pointed out the potential risks and unregulated nature of these creams and surgeries that utilize the…
Woman Grows New Bones Around Her Eye After 20K Plastic Surgery Goes Awry
Yes, it’s frustrating watching oneself age; the only solace that I can take is that EVERYONE has to go through it. Unless you end up checking out of life early, literally every single person you see, no matter how great they look now, will suffer some kind of age-related decline.…
Eco Closet in Williamsburg, Brooklyn: A New Sustainable Fashion Destination
Eco Closet owner Lisa Joseph minds the till. Eco Closet opened this past summer, rounding out a chic green shopping row in Billyburg; its next to Vaute Couture, the vegan coat store, and down the street from Bird. Run by the knowledgeable and friendly Lisa Joseph, who has an extensive…
Kotoba: Zero-waste Knits with a Sexy, Modern Vibe
Kotoba is a knitwear company whose mission is to promote “Wholegarment” knitting technology (which translates to zero-waste knitting production, and minimal yarn use). All pieces are Made in the USA (NYC!) and are created so that they have plenty of stretch and mobility, which can sometimes be an issue with…
Lurk’s All Natural Perfumes: Luscious, With an Organic Life of Their Own
Lurk perfume founders Anne Sanford and Kristi Head. All-natural perfumes have been an incredibly elusive luxury for scent lovers like myself. I grew up sniffing my grandmother’s scents, kept on a mirror-topped tray in pride of place next to the door that led downstairs; when she was dressed to go…
Are Kids Sicker Today Due to Pesticides in Our Environment?
An October 2012 report by Pesticide Action Network North America examined dozens of recent studies and concluded that the influx of pesticides in our society — omnipresent in the air we breath and the foods we eat — is taking a heavy toll on our children’s health and intelligence. Photo…
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My Curly Hair: How (and Why) I’ve Learned to Embrace (and Even Love) It
As part of my own personal project of loving who I am as I am (and as I age), I have been experimenting with wearing my curly hair out and about. I'm thinking of myself as an ambassador for curls!
