Jewelry

This is a story about a woman who makes fair trade jewelry and how the opportunity to sell through fair trade has changed her life.

Consumers now have a socially-conscious choice when it comes to diamonds and designer jewelry. With lab-created diamonds, you can now have a diamond that is guaranteed eco-friendly and conflict-free.

Contributing to climate change tops our list of fashion dont's. Luckily, we no longer have to sacrifice style for sustainability, thanks to a new wave of trendsetting designers and retailers who are showing the world that "eco-fashion" is no longer a contradiction in terms. These ecoistas are reducing their stylish carbon footprints through alternative energy consumption and carbon-offset purchases. By supporting their businesses, we can actually do our part to fight climate change—one purchase at a time.

Most of us have probably enjoyed drinks made from the antioxidant-rich Açai berry.  But, have you ever worn them as jewelry? 

Blood diamonds and dirty gold are notions gaining traction in the popular consciousness, and thanks to efforts by major retailers, jewelry producers and NGOs, fair and ethically traded jewels are coming to a store near you.

These bracelets are a wonderful conversation piece. Chic and funky but also make a statement about the wearer's commitment to recycling and a cleaner, healthier planet. A percentage of the proceeds of each sale are donated to environmental causes. The tabs are purchased from a non-profit org. that in turn donates all money to various charities. Each aspect of the business is looked at to meet both environmental and social responsibility goals.

Junk Mail Gems.com is now making recycled beads that feature the unique patterns inside of security envelopes. All beads are hand made by the artist from her own pile of junk mail, and are offered in lots of 10 to make your own jewelry, or already made into earrings and necklaces!

A review of the new book  Big Green Purse: Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World by Diane MacEachern

Following the success last year of the movie Blood Diamond, consumers are increasingly aware of the role diamonds have played in funding recent wars in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Chicago artist transforms thrift, vintage and inherited jewelry into glamorous green treasures.  Sniffing out the diamond in the ruff, Broad Street creates one of a kind jewelry out of relics donated to the thrift and gives new life to historic pieces of the past.  No materials are new, everything in Broad Street is recycled from old items.

This shows how simple reuse and repair really can be! The author only had to go a few blocks and ask a family member for a few moments, and she ended up with a nice pair of earrings, a story, and a clean eco conscience!

The difference between fair trade and free trade. Fair trade is the only ethical form of trading for globally minded, socially responsible buyers and consumers.

Looking for a special way to help those in need when buying a gift?

Through the Amias Project, you can make a big impact on nomadic tribal women and their families in Central Tanzania...

This adorable Laura James recycled charm necklace is just the perfect gift for any holiday.

Great list of eco-pretty, i.e. eco-friendly and pretty, holiday gifts for women. Guys, listen up! We all know finding gifts for anyone can be enough of a challenge on its own, but finding gifts that are eco-friendly and pretty enough for a discerning gal?