Green Work

Do you know how to accessorize and save the environment at the same time? Everyone wants to be fashionable and look great, and many of us use jewelry and other accessories to create the perfect look. Green accessorizing has been around for a long time but hasn't quite taken hold as quickly as driving green or recycling. This is unfortunate, but green accessorizing is picking up some steam of late.

Some green jewelry choices include jewelry made from hemp, recycled gold, and lab created synthetic gems. If enough people demand these materials in their jewelry then the mining will slow down and it will help to save the Earth's resources. If you must have a real diamond, and we all want at least one, make sure to ask for paperwork on the origin of the diamond. Let the jeweler know that you simply cannot accept a conflict diamond no matter what the quality or price.

The average adult woman owns at least six handbags. How many do you have? How many are made of recycled materials? The best place to find handbags made from recycled materials are local craft shows. It is simply amazing what a creative crafter can do with an old pair of blue jeans or by weaving some natural raffia or from bamboo. Locally crafted handbags will be unique and will draw as much attention as a designer bag. Maybe more attention since there are so many designer knock-offs that everybody seems to be carrying them.

Beware of designer knock-off handbags and other accessories. Know that many of these items are made in sweatshops and the more people who buy them the more it contributes to this horrible practice. Sure, the prices are attractive, but every time you carry it you should wonder who made it and under what conditions.

Instead of trashing your accessories when you're done with them, or leaving them to sit in the back of the closet to collect dust, organize handbag swaps with a group of friends. Once a month get together and swap your best and most unique handbags that would otherwise collect dust. If this doesn't work out, donate your used accessories to organizations that will give them to the poor and underprivileged.