Green Options

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Above left to right~

1. The first look shown is an affordable, Aaron Chang suit, with class and style. “A classy, full-coverage one-piece with gold accent straps. Adjustable tie straps criss-cross the back. It has a nice stretch, and will stay put during water sports.”
2. The Mikaela Swimsuits by Jungle Gurl, are great. These are cool one-of-a kind bikinis, created from vintage fabrics from all over the world.

Shown above from left to right~

1. Kelly B has created by far the most sophisticated eco swimsuit seen yet! Front ring gathers the top, under bust stitching provides shaping and lined in front for full coverage. “Halter ties remove so you can wear it strapless if you prefer. 3 fabric strips on each side give this 1-piece back interest. They tie together for a perfect fit around the bodice.”
   
2. For less coverage try this triangle bikini by Anna Cohen (a Portland based designer on a mission to marry cutting edge fashion with sustainability) which has flattering low rise, side tie bottoms with a neck and back tie triangle top. The beautiful teal color is fade resistant and will dry fast. “Created using surplus fabric leftover from making Olympic speed skater uniforms”
3. Named the Blissful bikini by Nikster.

One of my favorite things about summer, hands down, is the beach. I grew up very close by so my summers were always very beach filled. I’ve also been very lucky that throughout my adult life, I’ve had the same privilege. I might not be as close as when I was in school, but through a little bit of coaxing I can usually get a friend with a car to take the drive to the shore.

The beach is such a wonderful place. The waves, the sand, the sun, the wind and the veritable treasures that the ocean provides is a wonderful sensory smorgasbord! I love tide pools and the small vignettes of life found within. I love picking up and looking over beautiful pebbles, shells and sea glass.

I usually don’t take any of the small treasures that I find, often admiring them then giving them back to the waves. But one time, I found this amazing piece of sea glass. It is small and rounded and it is tinted this great soft green. I’ve kept hold of it for a good long time in my jewelry box thinking that one day I’ll do something with it.

With the Memorial Day holiday weekend fast approaching, Heal the Bay has perfect timing for all of you beach-goers: they have just released their 18th Annual Beach Report Card, which grades the water quality at California’s beaches. And, as expected, there’s good news and bad news.

Do you want the good news first, or the bad news? Good news it is! California achieved its best “dry-weather” beach water quality since recording began. During last year’s summer season, 93% of beaches received an A or B grade, based on daily and weekly bacteria measurements taken from April, 2007 to March, 2008. That figure is up 8% from the prior year.

That is good news, at least until you learn that last year’s drought in SoCal contributed to this improvement. With less rainfall, the amount of urban runoff traveling through our storm drains and out into the ocean was reduced. Urban runoff consists of everything that hits the ground, from cigarette butts to plastic bottles to dog doo. Because of this disgusting stew, “wet-weather” results are not good, with 26% of beaches receiving F grades.