sustainable style foundation*

ssf*

[top 10 tip list] 10 things you can do to look fabulous, live well and do good

1. Buy less stuff | Yes, this is the tough one, but if you're serious about reducing your impact on the earth and living more sustainably, this really is step number one. Michael Kors said it best: "it's not about fashion, it's about having style". So, you see, it's not about buying a whole bunch of new stuff all the time; it's about having your own sense of style, whether it be fashion, furniture, food, travel, etc., and going with it.

2. Buy better stuff | We understand, sometimes you just have to spoil yourself with a fantastic meal, or have those Donald Pliner shoes or that fabulous Eames chair. So go for it, but do you best buy well-made, quality products. For some of us, 'better' also means 'better for people and the planet'. That's when we get into organic cotton and non-sweatshop apparel, recycled plastic furniture, fuel efficient vehicles, etc. This leads us to tip number 3...

3. Get the full story | There's always more to the story...sometimes good, sometimes not so good. Take a little time to find out who you're buying from, where the product is from and what is really in it. By simply asking a few questions, you may be surprised at the great things the company you're doing business with has to share.

4. Buy second-hand | Vintage, retro, recycled, restyled...call it what you will, there's a ton of stuff out there from bygone days that is full-on style. Clothing, furniture, cars, etc.

5. Find your cause connection | This is the "do good" part of the "look fabulous, live well, do good" line. Everyone has some issue or cause they're into these days. So why not connect your style choices to your favorite cause. Passionate about breast cancer education? Connect with Ralph Lauren's Pink Pony Fund. Into the environment? Spend an evening supporting your local organic restaurant. Want to raise awareness about AIDS? Stop buy the MAC Cosmetics counter next time you're out and about. Ever had a 'cocktails with a cause' party? Now is your chance to gather your friends around you favorite cause and come up with a 'featured cocktail'. Breast Cancer awareness you say...how about a very pink cosmo?

6. Dis disposable | Did you know that average plastic utensil is used for three minutes then discarded? Hmm...we think we can do better than that. It's certainly great that companies are coming up with disposable everything under the sun, but there are still a lot of things that going the reusable route makes a lot of sense for. If you gotta have disposable forks...how about those fancy new plastic utensils made from cornstarch? See, there are always options.

7. Go local | Must the things we buy come from half way around the world? Sometimes yes, most times, no. From New York to New Orleans to Newport Beach, there are lots of local fashion designers, architects, hotel owners and farmers and more just waiting for your business.

8. Be the Mitsubishi commercial | Remember that great Mitsubishi Lancer commercial in which a bunch of friends are singing Barenaked Ladies' One Week? That needs to be you...carpooling. Good times, reduce traffic, save money on gas, reduce emissions. Take the bus, bike it, buy a hybrid or electric vehicle. How about one of those stylin' scooters? Lots of great options here.

9. Eat your vegetables | Yeah, we know we're omnivores, but the truth is the way industrial meat process works these days, the lower you can eat on the food chain the better for you, the planet and everyone else. That means veggies are in. Even if you don't go vegetarian or vegan, you can change your meat eating habits for the better...you know the drill: local, organic, hormone free. There's more out there than you might think. Same goes for veggies, local and organic when you can.

10. Inspire a friend |
Believe it or not, your friends DO look up to you. You always make a statement with what you wear, your pad has a major sense of personality and you are a networker extraordinaire. But you're also a person of style AND substance. Into brands AND beliefs. People DO notice and yes, they DO look up to you. So, keep up the good work, stay strong and be a role model for your friends.

Want more? Check out Grist Magazine's do good section. Or the sustainable style O Group on Oprah.com

Bonus Tip |
And probably most important...make the commitment. The Skyfish Project's recognition of responsibility is a great place to start.