When you hear the terms 'green' and 'eco-friendly' the chances are energy-efficient lightbulbs and compost heaps spring to mind. But now there are more enjoyable – and glamorous – ways that you can do your bit for the planet.
Take a leaf from the likes of Livia, Colin Firth's wife.
This year she convinced a number of top designers including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney and Chanel to sign up for the 'Green Carpet Challenge' – an initiative to promote green fashion on the red carpet.And she has just launched Green Cut, in association with American Express, which works to raise awareness of a sustainable approach to fashion design through film. The new initiative brings together the British Fashion Council and the British Film Institute, and pairs seminal fashion designers with iconic British film.
Here are our top tips to help you go green with a bit of style…Fashion firstFashionistas fear not, there are plenty of conscientious choices out there.For fashion with compassion, check out websites like ecouterre.com, ecofashionworld.com and fashion-conscience.com. Or follow in the (sustainable) footsteps of the stars. Natalie Portman favours designs by eco-friendly couturier Stella McCartney and has been seen wearing pieces by high street favourite H&M's environmental Conscious Collection. Have a clear outIt feels good to declutter, and by donating unwanted goods to your local charity shops you will be doing your bit to help support a worthy cause. Remember if you haven't used it or worn it in 18 months, then you probably don't need it. Savy shoppingSkip the supermarkets and shop locally; you will be helping to support your community and will receive a personalised service you just won't get in the big chain stores.And make sure you step out with your own shopping bags – there's plenty of choice out there, so pick your favorite design and shop in style.Homegrown foodNot all of us are blessed with green fingers, but we can all try our hand at simple gardening. Fill a sunny windowsill with herbs, or have a go at growing some fruit or vegetables. Tomatoes, lettuce and carrots are among the easiest to care for. Before you know it, you will be hooked – Barbara Good, eat your heart out!Leftover lovelinessOn the subject of food, give your leftovers a new lease of life. lovefoodhatewaste.com has great ideas for turning scraps into scrumptious feasts.Get movingDitch the car and get active! In the spirit of the Olympics – and all things green – walk or cycle as much as possible. It doesn't have to be a chore, get moving as a family or with friends, and for an extra incentive you can keep track of how many calories you are burning with walk it.com or apps like footsteps.Treat yourself!Helping to save the world can be hard work, so reward yourself for doing your bit! Enjoy some guilt-free (almost!) chocolate by going organic – Green & Blacks', Divine Fairtrade, Dagoba – and toast your success with your favorite tipple, from Rain Organic Vodka, Organic Nation Gin and Q Tonic, to Tarantas Organic Cava Brut and Pizzolato Prosecco.
