Confusion arises between a vegetarian and a vegan. A vegetarian diet means that no meat of any kind is consumed, whereas a vegan doesn’t consume meat, dairy or eggs. Switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet can save more than 100 animals per year.

Besides saving animals, switching to a vegetarian diet is also a more healthful choice. Consuming meat in large amounts can be extremely fattening, thus causing obesity in millions of children and teens. From what one might hear, meat gives the body nutrition and proteins essential to daily life. Although that may be true, there are other ways to receive those same nutrients without hurting animals or the environment.

Eating meat has been said to be a recurring factor that contributes to the theory of global warming. Devouring more meat products would lead to the constant release of methane gas where humans play a large role in. Despite the accusations of cows as a leading cause of air pollution, they contribute a much smaller portion as opposed to the human population.

Bacteria found in meat are harmful to humans, especially children. It can poison and possibly kill them from uncooked meat. Although antibiotics can cure most sicknesses, it is still dangerous. Children that grow up eating vegetables do not obtain diabetes, high blood pressure, or weight problems in their future.

Milk provides for healthy bone structure, but what many people don’t realize is the fat and calories that are involved in each glass, thus causing children to become overweight. It also contributes to disjunctions like asthma, anemia, and constipation.

At factory farms, cows are fed grain instead of grass, which is inorganic to their way of life. The supplies farmers use to feed animals will eventually and unnecessarily kill the vertebrates. These food products can be used to feed impoverished and third-world countries. Global hunger is in the process of domination with every pound of food that we feed animals.

Whether it’s becoming vegan for 30 days or becoming vegetarian for life, any small change can save animals and preserve the environment. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, she said, “You ask people why they have deer heads on the wall. They always say, ‘Because it’s such a beautiful animal.’ There you go. I think my mother’s attractive, but I have photographs of her.”

Photo by btcelements.com

It’s that time of year again. Juniors and seniors are busy, not only with school, but with prom as well. The unforgettable night, that many cherish throughout their lifetime, can harm the ecosystem in ways that you may not have known. However, there are ways to change that.

Prom dress shopping is very stressful if one cannot find that one dress that is simply perfect. Most dresses are made from an artificial cloth called polyester. Although the majority of dresses are made from polyester, there are dresses made from 100% organic cotton also. This fabric will let skin “breathe” and end up keeping one sweat-free as one dancse the night away.

Accessories made from recycable material is very eco-friendly! Bracelets made from recycled plastic bags and bottles may sound unattractive at first, but they can actually become quite stylish. The plastic bags are wrapped around a vintage bangle thousands of times, creating a recycled piece of jewlery. Vintage necklaces and handbags are also available in thrift stores, designing a look that no one else will have.

Natural makeup can be found anywhere – local drugstores, online, boutiques, etc. EcoNveyBeauty uses natural products like chamomile and essential daily vitamins in their makeup. A more known beauty line, Wet N’ Wild also sells natural products such as coverup and eyeshadow, incorporating SPF as well.

Finally, type of transportation is key for prom. Practically everyone rents a limousine for a large group of friends. Instead of renting a regular limo, hybrid limos are eco-friendly and use electric energy. Using hybrid limos saves the drivers from wasting countless gallons of gas – saving the world little by little.

While planning prom, think of these things. Every small thing that one does – whether it’s recycling or renting hybrid limos, can save the world if everyone contributes.

Sources for eco-friendly materials: Econvey Beauty, BTC Elements

Photo by Recycleatee.com

Organic clothing is hitting the runways at Fashion Week in New York City. Celebrities are flaunting their styles through fashionable clothing, but what you may not know is that it is 100% economy friendly.

Regular cotton clothing is made with pesticides and other chemicals that flow into rivers, harming plants and animals. The chemicals are absorbed by our skin, causing irritations and even the possibility of cancer. With organic cotton, natural ways are used to control the pests, thus not putting our health in danger. The organic production also makes the fabric softer.

“Threads for Thought” uses a mix of organic cotton and polyester with recyclable plastic bottles to produce their clothes. The creators of the brand, Leigh Ivan and Eric Fleet, aimed for protecting the planet. With their profit, “Threads for Thought” donates to The International Rescue Committee and The Natural Resources Defense Council, focusing on refugees and the environment.

Recycleatee.com uses eco-friendly yarn and dyes to make their t-shirts. When purchasing a “tee”, you are able to wear it for as long as you like, whether it’s one week or one year. Then you can decide to “recycle” it by donating it to Goodwill and receiving 25% store credit, or sending it back to recycleatee.com and they will donate it to a charity. If it is not wearable, they send it to a recycling plant, reusing the resources.

Bamboo plants produce 35% more oxygen than regular trees and grow rapidly, making it a naturally renewable plant. The strong tree may be one of the top things that humans can do to fight global warming. Not only does bamboo allow an eco-friendly environment, but the fiber is used to create soft fabrics, similar to cashmere and silk.

“Fashion Week” designers have found a way to use renewable energy to make wearable clothing. It helps the planet, and also lasts longer, saving you money and conserving resources. Organic clothing is a trend waiting to happen – go out there and make a statement!