White Apricot

You never really get to hear about what the stars will be wearing to the Academy Awards until they're actually on the red carpet. It's always so hush hush. But, we have learned that Heidi Klum will be wearing a yet to be unveiled John Galliano red dress to the Oscars in support of the Red Dress Campaign, which raises awareness about women and heart disease. And, you can actually win her red dress by entering the Diet Coke sweepstakes at www.mycokerewards.com. For each entry, Coke will donate $1 to support women's heart health. The goal is to raise $250,000. So, at least we've found a socially conscious gown. Stay tuned...

Global Green USA will hold its 5th Annual Pre-Oscars Party tonight, February 20th, at the Avalon Hollywood. Michelle Branch and Damien Rice will be performing and the committee list reads like a who's who of eco Hollywood...Leo, Orlando, Charlize, Penelope and many more. Funds raised will go to Global Green's initiatives to stop global warming.

The stars ceremony, itself, much like the Grammy's has made a number of moves to reduce its environmental footprint as it did last year. On the hybrid front, we learned that GM will be providing a fleet of more than 75 "green" SUV's to bring celebrities to the Oscars. Not sure how fuel efficient big SUV's truly are, even if they are "hybrids," but it's the right mindset.

Now, here’s a t-shirt company that has it all going on.  It’s called Clothing of the American Mind (COTAM, for short) and the collection is environmentally safe andresponsible, politically and sociallyconscious, sweatshop free, American made and Fair Trade. And, a portion of sales is donated directly to progressive causes and candidates fighting for issues of social and political justice, including electoral reform, supporting our troops by bringing them home, preserving the environment, protecting women’s rights and countless other causes.  Plus…they’re really cool. These 100% organic tees for women, men, kids and babies, which come in short and long sleeve styles, as well as tank tops, contain messages like “Peace and Vote” and "Stop War, Yield for Peace" in totally hip designs. It’s no surprise that the company has a huge celebrity following, including Natalie Portman, Deborah Messing, Jamie Lee Curtis, Adam Levine and members of Maroon 5, Josh Brolin, Hillary Swank, Ellen DeGeneres and so many more.  We love the company’s message, which is that anyone can bring political activism into their lives just by getting dressed. Come on! Take a stand! www.cotam.org

Whole Foods Market is ending the use of disposable plastic grocery bags at the checkouts in all of its 270 stores. They plan to be plastic bag-free by Earth Day, April 22, 2008…a bold move. For those of us who haven’t yet made reusable bags a habit and either keep forgetting them at home or haven’t bought any yet, the store will continue to provide 100 percent recycled and recyclable paper bags. But, if you can make reusable bags part of your shopping routine, Whole Foods will reward you for that with a refund of 5-10 cents per bag, depending on the store.

Of course if you prefer something a bit trendier or just want your reusable bag to match your eco-friendly shoes, check out our selections.

Remember that song by Ronnie & the Daytonas?  Are we dating ourselves?  Well, thanks to Kim White, you could possibly commemorate one of your favorite cars from the 1970’s & 80’s in a cool handbag.  As the story goes, Kim lucked into an entire warehouse of vintage automotive fabric intended for, but never used in, American cars, vans and trucks. And, of course, as any highly creative person would do, she decided to transform it into stylish handbags. Wouldn’t you?  The result is a very cool line of highly durable and colorful handbags because back in those days, vibrant color was very “in” for car upholstery.  To make it even better, all of the fabrics were marked with exactly which car they came from.  So, you’ll know the year and make of the car your handbag’s fabric was intended for. How great is that?!  www.kimwhitehandbags.com

You know that great almost tingly fresh sensation you get in your mouth when you treat it to a mint? Well, now your face can get in on that action. Habibi’s organic Oatmeal and Peppermint Face collection literally makes your face tingle.  Created for oily/acne prone skin, there are three products:  a face wash, scrub and moisturizer.  Your face will feel incredibly fresh after you use it and it takes care of business without drying you out too much.  If you tend to have dry skin, Habibi has other natural skin care products for you too.  There is also body care and home care collections in a variety of enticing scents. Check it out at www.habibibody.com.