Green Options

Terri Bly, president of The Nature of Beauty, discusses her latest discovery in parent-friendly, fashion-forward bag designers. Fleurville’s extensive collection of non-toxic diaper bags, totes, wallets and more will appeal to pragmatic parents and trend-conscious mothers alike.

Terri Bly, president of The Nature of Beauty, invites readers to help her select her next eco-friendly wallet. She presents a list of 6 finalists and then opens it up to a vote. Brands include ReBagz, amykathryn, ESPE, Silvi Designs, and Fleurville.

Terri Bly, president of The Nature of Beauty, discusses the findings of the Environmental Working Group’s latest report targeting common industrial cleaners used in schools. The EWG found an alarming number of air contaminants and carcinogens, many of which are not listed on the ingredients labels. Bly then discusses ways to help schools make positive, eco-friendly changes.

Terri Bly, president of The Nature of Beauty, reviews Sweet Riot, a mission-focused, women-owned company dedicated to providing the most delicious chocolate in the world through environmentally-responsible and ethical business practices.

Terri Bly, president and founder of The Nature of Beauty, LTD, discusses Kaeline’s Hammam Savon Noir, and its numerous benefits. Not only is the simple, ancient and powerful formula ideal for exfoliating, moisturizing and soothing the skin, it is also an amazing decongestant during cold and flu season.

Terri Bly, president of The Nature of Beauty, LTD, announces celebrity makeup artist Christy Coleman’s revised website, featuring a DIY guide to achieving runway glamour as well as everyday looks using nothing but natural and organic beauty products.

For those of you who have never spent much time in Minneapolis/St. Paul, you may not realize that the Twin Cities are surprisingly progressive - at times, one might even say trend-setting (think Target and Aveda). So it’s no surprise really that it was a full seven years ago that Minneapolis saw its first eco-friendly clothing boutique. Since that time, Birch Clothing owners Ellen Gavin and Marti Markus have solidified their reputation as the go-to shop for green fashion in the area.

Now they’ve taken their business to the Internet, with well-known staples like Patagonia, as well as smaller, lesser-known brands such as Aventura and Indigenous Designs. Best of all, they are offering FeelgoodStyle readers 20% your entire order! To help you get started on your shopping spree, I thought I’d point out a few of my favorite things:

The need to green up industry has never been more urgent. From rapid global warming to a disconcerting rise in a whole bevvy of nasty diseases, progress in technology and industry is trashing our little planet. In other words: it’s time to make some serious lifestyle changes, stat. In case you didn’t know (and I’ll admit - I had no idea until very recently), the textile industry is one of the most dangerous, most destructive, and most toxic industries in the world. The greater the demand for cheap, disposable fashion, the worse the situation becomes.

But don’t get glum, chum! Cleaning up your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean replacing your funky tops or flirty skirts with half a dozen beige t-shirts and drab, shapeless dresses. The proof - if you need it - can be found at Ecouterre, the new online magazine from Inhabitat founder Jill Farhrenbacher.

Terri Bly, president and founder of The Nature of Beauty, dispells common misconceptions about natural and organic hair care, with the help of Wil Baker, co-founder of award-winning Max Green Alchemy.

Terri Bly, green beauty maven and president of The Nature of Beauty, offers some suggestions for prioritizing purchases when switching from commercial to non-toxic beauty products.