Thrift/Discount Stores
For many people thrift stores and discount stores are a way to get creative and have fun while you shop.  These types of stores allow for you to buy what you need without breaking the bank.  There is a lot more than just clothes, making the experience worthwhile.

Plan Ahead
By making a detailed list of the food items that you need before leaving for the store, the quicker you will be in and out of the store without impulsive buying.

Also, remember to shop the perimeter of the store.  Most stores are organized with packaged food in the middle aisles.  The outer areas are where most meats, vegetables, and dairy products are found.  Set a limit on how much you’re going to spend and stick to it.

Become a Couponer
Clipping coupons has never been so cool.  Coupons are in stores, in your mail, and online.  Discounts and rebates will never get old, so start clipping!

Buy in Bulk
The benefits to buying bulk foods are endless.  You can make a significant difference in your food budget and the impact you have on the environment by buying bulk.  Bulk goods require less transportation to deliver to consumers, there is no packaging, and you can see the product you are purchasing.

BYOB
The famous acronym just got a face lift.  Next time you’re headed to the store bring your own bag (BYOB).

Many stores sell reusable grocery bags or they can be found online for as low as fifty cents.  Some stores even give you a small discount for bringing your own bags.  You will make your money back after only a couple of trips to the store and protect the world from harmful chemicals used in other grocery bags.

Why Drive?
Public transport provides transportation to many people while reducing the number of cars on the road.  Reducing the number of cars in the street improves air quality, cuts down traffic, and reduces noise problems.

But, if the bus isn’t green enough, you can always walk, run, or ride a bike.  All three are good for the environment and your body.  Why not kill two birds with one stone instead of being lazy and harming the planet?

Grow Your Own Food
Next time you are at the store, walk past the produce section towards the home and garden area.  Food is a basic need, so why not grow your own?

With produce prices doubling, take on the task of doing it yourself to save money.  You can grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, etc.  Growing your own food, even one item, is good for the planet, your pocket, and a fun hobby to take on.

Buy Eco-Friendly Goods
Today there are many “green” product lines out there to supply us with eco-friendly products.

Companies such as “Seventh Generation” provide many non-toxic, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, alternatives.  Many of which are not tested on animals.  More common brand names have also jumped on board, adding their own eco-friendly options.

You can find toxin-free, chemical-free, products like Chap Stick, soaps, toothpaste, and shampoo made with all natural ingredients.  Also, many paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels, plates, and cups come free of inks, dyes, fragrances, and are 100% recyclable.

There are many ways that we can incorporate eco-friendly activities into our everyday chores around the home.

These small changes that we make in our daily lives will make a difference to the future of our planet and we should encourage our friends, family and neighbors to do the same.

Wallpaper
It is making a comeback and instead of chemically filled paint, try an interesting design to brighten up your home.

Curtains
20% of heat escapes through the windows. Get out the sewing machine and turn your favourite fabric into curtains that instantly update your home.

Furniture
Instead of spending cash on new furniture, search Craigslist, Gumtree and other sites to find used goods. Recycled pieces add character to your home.

Pest Control
Place bay leaves in dry food containers or leave some sprigs on the shelf to ward away little creatures.

Air Fresheners
In recycled jam jars place sliced citrus fruits, herbs and spices. Rosemary is sturdy and thyme has a beautifully fresh scent. You can use cloves and cinnamon sticks too. Place some boiling water in the jar and place around your home. They look pretty too, so put them on display.

Air travel is one of the most common choices of travel across the world, especially when it comes to linking continents. Yet the aviation industry is one of the worst carbon polluters in the world.  http://www.atag.org/facts-and-figures.html

So what other ways can you travel the world, whilst also being eco conscious? When it comes to intercontinental travel, the choice is an easy one. Instead of paying for budget airlines to fly you short distances, how about considering traditional land travel to lower your carbon emissions?

There are great options to choose from train and bus travel to car-sharing and it is also a great way to see more of the country and to meet the locals when you stop off in little towns.  Many countries have great rail pass options to travel on one ticket to various destinations. Europe is also very well known for its inter-country rail pass, where you purchase a ticket with unlimited travel within a certain time frame.

There is also another option which is becoming increasingly more common and that is to have a cycling or walking holiday.  The mode of travel is simple, you simply use your own energy to walk or cycle to your next destination. This is such a great way to gain a unique view of a country, and the best part is you are not limited to transport routes or even roads and it also very cost effective.

A more traditional option for those travelling from continent to continent is sailing. For many people booking onto a cruise ship or purchasing a boat may be a little out of their budget or taste.  But there are many other options for travelling the high seas. If you fancy learning how to sail, there are plenty of boats looking for crew, and prepared to take on complete novices. There are many different arrangements with joining a crew, some will provide you with food and passage in return for your services and some will even pay you a wage. If sailing seems like a terrifying option, then another lesser known option is to book a passage on a cargo ship. Most cargo lines have spare rooms that they rent out to paying guests who jump on board and sail from port to port. This is a slow journey option and can take months if you are on a long haul voyage. You will also need to book well in advance as the more popular routes often fill up fast. The cost can sometimes be higher than flying, but you are fed by the on-board chef and have access to the majority of the ship and can hang out with the crew and learn more about life at sea.  Also if you choose a shipping line where the main language spoken is not English, you can also pick up new language skills.

There are so many different options when it comes to lowering your carbon emissions when travelling, you really are just limited to your imagination.

The Vicarious by Nature collection of fashionable, organic & eco-conscious contemporary clothing will be on show on March 8, 2012 at the Attire to Inspire fashion show as part of Los Angeles fashion week.

Founded in 2007 by Robb Hanson & Devon Craychee, Vicarious by Nature (VBN) is an eco-contemporary clothing line that fosters the ideals of quality and style with a “naturally” conscious approach. They aim to be forward thinking environmentally, while still being fashion forward.

Attire to Inspire, Breathe LA‘s second annual charity fashion show, will be held at the Conga Room in downtown Los Angeles. Other eco conscious designers featured in the show are Yotam Solomon and Moods of Norway.

Breathe LA is a non-profit organization committed to improving lung health and air quality for Los Angeles area residents. Breathe LA serves as a clean air and healthy living advocate and is recognized for its educational series and wellness programs including environmental education, asthma control for children and groundbreaking research.