I’ve always been impressed at how much longer my husband’s shoes last than mine. Some pairs he has had for 20 years and has simply re-heeled and polished them to make them last. He even keeps the boxes.

But now that he is on the public transportation circuit – like so many other good green worker bees – it’s important to wear a comfort shoe that doesn’t pinch when you’re running for that bus or train.

The good news is vegan shoes have become much more stylish, from the old boxy Earth Shoe and hippie Birkenstocks of yore to the oxfords and buckle slips-on on the market that emulate many of the swank Italian shoes.

Sure, the vegan varieties have a softer appearance but that’s part of the allure. The greatest advantage is not just the material but the price. Most brands are reasonable (under $200) and are built to last.

Here are a few to take you through fall:

Princeton Vegan Shoes in Brown or Black, $58 at Alternative Outfitters.

The dapper yet durable Brouque wing-tipped from Moo Shoes, $150.

Handsome yet rugged Dennis Shoe from Novacas,  $140.

The Noharm Slip-On, $275 at Togged.

Noharm Lace-Up Ankle Boot, $299 at Togged.

Men’s Baker Brown Vegan Loafer, $55 at Alternative Outfitters.

New Hidalgo Camel Workboot, $68 at Regazzi Vega.

Main Image: Regazzi Vegan

Dude! You’re clean shaven but are you green shaven?

Yes, the eco marketing of all consumer goods has reached the scratchy male whisker. Despite the notion that the greenest face is the hairiest one, not all men like sporting facial fur and not all females like going into-the-wild to make out.

What steps can you take before going under the knife? Don’t roam far from the healthy foam; don’t be a fool with the wrong disposable tool; never brace your face with a jug that’s mean to your mug.

Here are a few products your barber-in-the-hood probably never chatted you up about:

Razors:

Be kind to your face and to the planet with this innovation in shaving, the Preserve® Triple Razor. Featuring titanium-coated blades and lubrication strip for comfort, this cutting edge razor is made from recycled plastic – including Stonyfield Farm® yogurt cups. It delivers a clean, close shave for both men and women. What’s more, it comes in four fun colors with an ergonomic handle that exhibits contours and gripping regions that enhance performance and control. Unlike other plastic disposables, after the shave it is fully recyclable. The blades are easy to replace by squeezing the arms of the Razor handle, popping off the blade cartridge and pressing in a new blade. The Preserve Triple Razor package doubles as a reusable travel case and can be returned for recycling using the postage-paid label.

Each Triple Razor package comes with two of Preserve’s titanium-coated blades. Replacement blades are available wherever Preserve Triple Razors are sold.

How to master the art of shaving so you don’t cut up your face? For that, check out this E How tutorial.

For those hooked on electric razors, Procter & Gamble’s Braun division has introduced a line of Energy Star-certified shaver chargers – a world’s first. According to a review by Trend Hunter, the Smart Plugs use 64 percent less energy than standard shavers and, according to the company, will save over 12 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year, or the equivalent of removing 1,073 cars from the road, planting 1,526 acres of forest or lighting 5,861 homes for a year.

The Lotion

Only $7.95 for 11 oz., Kiss My Face Moisture Shave is a cool way to go lime green. The lotion is a natural, cooling antiseptic that also acts as an astringent with its moisturizing formula containing highly effective natural essential oils, extracts and vitamins. Features include:

- antiseptic peppermint to cool and stimulate
- emollients olive oil and coconut oil and aloe vera for healing
- antiseptic goldenseal, also for healing
- Arnica aids circulation
- Lady’s mantle is an astringent and has styptic properties
- Sage, horsetail, and orangeflower act as astringents and refreshers
- Soapwort is rich lathering, effective with acne, and like lemongrass, cleansing
- Vitamins A and E are important nutrients for healthy skin
…all in a refreshing key lime.

Another soft touch is the Baby Face Healing shaving Cream from Ken Men.

The company is on a mission to formulate the “best possible shaving cream” and admits the word foam is not on its agenda, as there already exists a myriad of shaving foams on the market. Baby Face combines essential oils to create a shaving cream which can “adhere” to hair no matter how rugged the follicle. Ken says you no longer have to bleed to be smooth! (Ingredients include: De-Ionized water, Vitamins E and F, Ascorbic acid, Tea Tree oil, Rosa Mesquita, Flax seed & Macadamia Essential Oils, Salicylic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Oleth-20, Meadow foam Seed Oil, Lime, Coconut oil extract,oils of Mentha Veridis, Aloe Vera Juice Extract, Bisabolol, Essential oils of Sage, lime, vetiver, coconut pulp, patchouli & frankincense.)

The After Splash

Are you man enough to slap your cheeks with a product called Nancy Boy? The $20 blue bottle contains a refreshing gel that won’t burn or shock your skin. As the company puts it, “our position is that alcohol-based bracing aftershaves should have gone out with Joe McCarthy. They inflame the skin you’ve just abraded by shaving and worse, dry it out mercilessly.”

According to the site, this stuff is composed mostly (75%) of aloe, the healing, moisturizing wonderplant, and the bracing, cooling effect is naturally derived from the oil of peppermint. The natural witch hazel hydrosol in the formulation is another of nature’s best skin healers and soothers, while the alcohol, present at less than 1 part per hundred, is there to help sterilize any nick you might have self-inflicted.

Aubrey Organics Men’s Stock after shave is made with organic oils and extracts with a handsome scent of cedar, sandalwood and bergamot. It leaves a cool, tingly feeling and invigorates the face and tightens the pores. It is said to leave skin smooth and smelling yummy. Think English Leather without the beating. The formula includes witch hazel extract, organic aloe, cedar oil, sandalwood and patchouli.

Main image: dotbenjamin

Feeling blue about not being able to find a green soul mate? Disappointed that everyone you meet doesn’t seem as interested in reducing, reusing, and recycling as you are? It could be you’re just not looking in the right places. Maybe it’s time to do some internet eco-dating.

Green Singles, the granddaddy of green dating sites, has been around since 1985, helping green-minded people connect. But recently there has been an explosion of green dating sites in cyberspace, all aimed at helping environmentalists and vegetarians find like-minded partners. But even within the green dating niche, there are sub niches. Green Passions seems to attract recyclers, DateForTrees embraces treehuggers, DemocraticSingles is for the left leaning politicos, and for those short on time, there is always GreenSpeedDating. Other possibilities include Earth Wise Singles and Ethical Singles. And if you’re not quite ready for internet dating, not to worry. Try attending a local Green Drinks night instead. It’s a great way to broaden your social circle, make new friends, and – who knows? – maybe meet your sustainable soul mate.

Image: CarbonNYC

So you wanna be strong? You don’t need meat to build muscle. As long as you get enough protein (meat-free protein options here) and eat a well-balanced diet, you’ll be fine. If you’re not convinced, check out the website of America’s top vegan bodybuilder. If he can build muscle without dairy, then cutting back on meat won’t hurt you a bit.

Eggs: Eggs are the perfect protein, supporting your body’s protein needs even better than beef. And it’s the group of amino acids found in “complete” proteins that promote muscle growth.

Almonds: Two handfuls a day will give you enough vitamin E to protect your muscles from post-workout free radical damage, letting them recover and grow more quickly.

Yogurt: Yes, yogurt can be macho! Sugar-free yogurt with fruit provides enough protein and carbs together to help avoid post-workout breakdown of protein ““ helping your muscles grow faster.

Olive Oil: The mono fat in olive oil lowers the amounts of muscle-degenerating protein found in your body. Buy organic extra-virgin and eat it uncooked, sprinkled over your food.

Water: Duh! All your body functions work less efficiently when you’re dehydrated. In a thirsty body, protein is used at a slower rate to build muscle. While not technically a “food”, water is vital. So drink up – and no, Gatorade doesn’t count.

Any vegetarian bodybuilders out there? Tell us what works for you. And just a note: we’re not advocating vegetarianism if it doesn’t work for you – there are plenty of ways to “green” your ham. But eating less meat is a great step to help the environment.

Image: faded milky way

We interrupt your normal EcoSalon programming for an urgent public service message, Dire, really.

Is the world’s favourite super-spy greening up his act?

Coming soon to a big screen near you is Quantum of Solace, the second outing for Daniel Craig’s reimagined James Bond. (Sadly, ladies, he won’t be wearing any more skimpy swimming costumes – Craig has vowed to keep his pants on for the immediate future). This time round, Bond has a greenwasher in his sights. Mathieu Amalric plays the owner of an eco-resort that’s a front for – you guessed it – an attempt to take over the world.

As much as I like the idea of greenwashers being hunted by the cream of the Secret Service, I can’t exactly see Bond agonizing over his carbon footprint. (And all those explosions must have raised global temperatures by a few degrees). In real life too, the franchise’s green credentials recently came under attack for promoting the Aston Martin DBS – a car recently ranked by the Environmental Transport Association as amongst the 10 least environmentally friendly cars to drive. (Ecorazzi has the full story).

Is this fair criticism? Well, judging by the speed at which those La Perla Grigioperla trunks have been flying off the shelves, the saturation-level product placement in Casino Royale had a major influence on consumers. James Bond is a little too obsessed with blowing things up to be a true eco-warrior, but if he starts sporting suits, gadgets and vehicles that are eco-friendlier…he might just help save the world. (Again).

Image: Sony Pictures

Sara’s shameless plug: Well, well, normally we don’t cover celebrities, but I suppose we can make an exception for Mr. Craig. De-lurk, dear reader, and leave this fabulous writer a comment. You can also share this post with friends ““ just click your favorite social bookmark listed below. New reader? Be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter. You can also subscribe to any RSS feed your heart desires.

I’m a giver. Finding an item that seems perfectly suited for a friend is like happening upon a buried treasure – I can’t pass it up! I buy and give and it doesn’t have to be any one’s birthday or anniversary. (This in no way makes me immune to the talent of taking, by the way).

As an example, this t-shirt designed and made by Supastarr, my newest Etsy find, has "man" written all over it. Four forks. No hidden meaning, just four pieces of flatware printed on a sweatshop free, 100% organic cotton t-shirt. It is hand silkscreened using water-based textile inks. Fabulously original and just the thing for my friend, John.

Supastarr is a husband and wife team – they run a small fair trade coffee shop during the day, and create the green-stuff of their Etsy store at night. The Forked Mens Organic Tee is available in S, M, L, XL for $22.

Sara’s shameless plug: Hi, it’s your editor. De-lurk, dear reader, and leave this fabulous writer a comment. (We love chatting.) You can also share this post with friends ““ just click your favorite social bookmark listed below. New reader? Be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter to win free eco goodies! You can also subscribe to any RSS feed your heart desires.

I have to admit, there’s something sickeningly fun about flying off the handle. But the raised blood pressure and wake of problems that can result are clearly not doing you – or anyone around you – any good. Chronic anger is like psychic pollution. It ruins everybody’s mood. Here’s how to clean up your act.

When anger strikes, move a mountain. Run up a hill, swim laps, find a punching bag, do anything physically exerting to help get that tension out of your body.

If you can’t escape, breathe. That’s it, just breathe. Now take another breath. Ok, another one. Breathe in slowly through your nose, noticing the breath moving into your body, and slowly and fully breathe out. Feel better? (Another trick to quickly relieve tension: when you’re sitting at your desk, reach your hands up to the ceiling  and gently weave back and forth to loosen your spine.)

Attempting to control anger is futile if you aren’t addressing the root problem. We get feelings for a reason – they need to come out! If you’ve been repressing anger, make a private space and then let yourself feel it. Relive the situation and feel the rage. Scream, cry, punch your pillow (but not the wall!) and do whatever you need to safely release the emotion so you can then constructively analyze the situation. It’s fine to "save up" your anger for a time when you can healthily expel it; you don’t want to rage in the moment, when you might say or do something you’ll later regret. But don’t squash your anger. That’s a recipe for depression.

Be empowered. Once you’ve calmed down (this may take hours, even days!) and can express yourself rationally, talk to the person who ticked you off. You might not get the response you were hoping for; what’s important is that you did your part. Even if you are nervous or doubting yourself, say what you need to say as best you can. This will also help you learn when to walk away before getting angry again.

If you’re angry about something in the world or your lifestyle (like being stuck in traffic for 2 hours a day), use your anger as an impetus to change. This powerful energy can fuel the fire of positive action. I actually believe anger is healthy, if used appropriately. When we feel anger it’s a powerful signal to change something that feels wrong. Whether the "wrong" is the situation or some inaccurate script you’ve trained your ego to believe and live by, anger means it’s time to reconsider.

Acknowledge that sometimes you feed yourself with your anger. Bringing up that old grudge gives you a certain “I’m right, you’re wrong” ego satisfaction. But look a little closer: does holding that grudge really make you happy? This can actually become a toxic habit where you’re always looking for the next thing to fume about. It’s like a dog licking a wound and making it worse. You’re better served by focusing on positive change than listening to runaway mind chatter. If you feel "stuck" on the anger cycle, you may need to consider if low self-esteem is the real problem. Find positive ways to improve your feelings of worth so that you are less inclined to feel the need to feed your ego with angry thoughts.

Forgive, without necessarily forgetting. You don’t have to condone someone’s actions, but when you forgive them (acknowledging that we’re all human beings who have faults and make mistakes), you release something inside yourself too. Holding a grudge takes up your precious energy, while forgiving opens you up to experience bigger and better things. Often we don’t like to forgive because it feels like we’re letting the person get away with what they did wrong. But holding on to the memory emotionally means you’re constantly reliving the nonexistent past in your very real present – and if that isn’t letting the offending person win, I don’t know what is.

Still steamed? Recommended reading:

Urban Monk
Think Simple Now
Mayo Clinic
Pick the Brain
Zen Habits

Image: silver.and.gold

- with additional reporting by Sara Ost

Hammock and eggs. It’s what’s for Father’s Day breakfast! After a great deal of green soul searching for the right gift for my anti-consumption husband, I cannot think of a more suitable gesture than presenting him with yet another reclining opportunity: an eco hammock.

Sure, the red sectional sofa in the TV room is comfy for re-watching John from Cincinnati episodes. He’s mad about the coral twill daybed under the window in the master bedroom.  And you can’t beat those gold Ralph Lauren fabric club chairs with the slipcovered ottoman in his little library off the living room. Does that guy like to kick his feet up, or what? But sometimes, an outdoorsy guy needs to hang his hat – and his torso – on the green, green, eco grass of home.

Tethered to trees or perched on a stand, hammocks bring a resort appeal to our environments, and can be found at sites like (fittingly) Hammocks in  variety of eco friendly materials like living hemp ($180) or natural eucalyptus ($350). The models include their own hanging hardware, which is handy if you happen to have large trees in your yard.

Since my San Francisco yard is more formal than forest, I’m in the market for a hammock with a stand. I also like the idea of a hammock for two, so occasionally we can cuddle when he wakes up from his naps. If there’s the slightest chance your hubby might enjoy sipping beer while doing nothing for hours in his hammock, throw in the Rope Drink Holder ($13), a little mesh sling that attaches to the hammock for cradling daddy’s drink. Yes, we don’t want him to move a muscle…except when it’s time to fix the faucet, kill a spider, fire up the grill or help pay the bills.

Image: wisemandarine

I, Kim Derby, would really like you to get busy. Why? Because sex, my friends, is good for the planet. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your…well, if you’re doing this properly, you probably won’t need to tell them. I know all of you smart, sophisticated eco-vixens have it in you.

Here’s why going green means making love:

Endorphins, endorphins and more endorphins. A better mood means those urgent and compulsive “I need to shop now” moments are less likely to occur. The search for happiness through all things external will fade with each hop in the hay. And what’s better for the planet than less stuff?

Wait, there’s more. More time between the sheets means less time on the road. Make love not pollution! Watch your monthly Chevron bill drop as your sexy-status rises.

But the rewards don’t end there. There’s nothing better for a woman’s sense of beauty, power, and desirability than a carefree session between the sheets. Feeling sexy and confident shows – your skin glows, your shoulders are thrown back, your cat stops clawing the sofa, your boss wants to give you a raise. (This is all very scientific.) In general, your life improves dramatically! At EcoSalon we believe that going green means living better. And since we all know that change starts within ourselves, what better way to help make the world a better place than by treating yourself to a little afternoon delight?

Sex makes us happy. And happy people are more inclined to be generous, participate in selfless causes, and practice altruism (PDF). So spread the love, sweetness!

Now, ladies, if you haven’t grabbed the nearest green Tom, Dick or Yes Please partner-of-choice by now, perhaps you’re in need of a little eco-friendly direction.

Here are a few tips to get you started on a green affair to remember:

Eat, drink and think organic.  What we put into our bodies affects how it works. Fresh foods free of pesticides and preservatives guarantee a clean diet (more room for a dirty mind). Please don’t screw with your sex drive. Are you really in the mood after chowing down on a pint of chocolate Häagan Daaz? Clean it up and have more sex!

Speaking of chocolate – it doesn’t have to be off limits. Melt a bar of Endangered Species Organic Smooth Dark Chocolate and”¦put it wherever you want to explore. Green does not equal boring…in bed!

Not that the bed is your only option, of course. Wherever you two land, make sure you feel as good on the outside as you do on the inside. For his viewing pleasures, wear your best come-hither lingerie (find eco-options here and here) and heels. Sex 101: guys love heels.

Going green protects the earth, and it sure better protect you as well. More sex means more safe sex. French Letter’s fairly traded condoms come in four varieties – Aphrodisiac, Linger Lust, Sheer Caress and Stimulating Massage. They’re available at ethicalsuperstore – a pack of 12 for $18.

You’ll definitely score if you score your guy a pair of Lucky Pants. Feel tingly all over knowing that a portion of the sale goes toward HIV & AIDS work in South Africa. And because you can never have too many condoms, Lucky Pants come with a pocket full o’ French Letter condoms. Also available at ethicalsuperstore

If you’re still reading and not doing, well, the easiest and fastest way to have more sex more often is be spontaneous! Don’t plan, just do it. Anytime, anywhere.

And don’t forget, you heard it here first. Old, young, man, woman, and everything in between: sex is good for every body – and it’s good for the planet.

Images (above; left to right): pedrosimoes7, allspice1, yananine, *Riot*

Poor thing, he’ll be out there all night.

Let’s just say I’ve dated a lot. I have dozens of horrible yet hilarious dating tales, but I continue to pick myself up, dust off the disappointment and carry on – hey, the good outweighs the bad and there’s always the chance for love. However, I have dated enough to know that my green-leaning ways don’t always penetrate the thick-headedness of the men who come calling.

So, out of the kindness of my eco-heart, I’ve compiled a list of things our hairier counterparts might want to avoid if they’re trying to impress an eco-friendly stunner. Guys, listen up:

1. Don’t pick her up on a first date in the Hummer (or Ferrari or other gas-guzzling monstrosity). You’d think this would be “Eco-101″, but I’m surprised at how many of you just…can’t…hold…back. This only reinforces your inadequacies, and I’m not just referring to the ones in the eco-friendly department.

2. Don’t invite her to a BBQ, especially not right after finding out she’s a vegetarian. I know your cousin’s hunting skills are amazing – really, I do – but I’m amazingly not interested in eating whatever he’s shot. If you must prevail, don’t forget to bring some veggies or something for her to eat so she doesn’t get tipsy on half a glass of wine and leave early with your best friend. I’m speaking hypothetically, of course.

3. Don’t forget to separate paper, plastic and beer bottles. The easiest way to an eco-girl’s heart is to know your way around the all-important triangle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).

4. Don’t show up at her place with dinner in plastic or paper instead of the canvas bag she bought for you. Because it took a lot of time to find a sporty, man-friendly style. So long her girlfriends got tired of hearing about it. Again, hypothetically.

5. Don’t get jealous when she’s chatting with the organic produce guy at the Farmers’ Market. So local produce turns her on. Accept it. (It’s only helping you out.)

6. Don’t fuss about the inconvenience of going green. Inconvenient? Seriously? This one just makes you look inept and helpless – not a good thing, Tarzan.

7. Don’t tell her that hemp is for smoking. Just don’t.

8. Don’t ask if she shaves her underarms. Ha, ha. This question guarantees a…sarcastic…retort. Rest assured you won’t be around long enough to find out the answer.

9. Don’t engage her in tiresome debates about the value of hybrids just to play devil’s advocate in a “spirited intellectual joust”. Don’t tell her she’s wasting her time because global warming is happening and there’s no going back. If anyone’s exhausting resources, it’s you.

10. Don’t give her gifts that are bad for the environment and then act hurt and surprised when she is less than thrilled. We women love your romantic efforts and grand gestures – just not grand embarrassments. Diamond, yes. Conventional conflict diamonds, no. Vacation, yes. Private jet ride, no. Linda Loudermilk, yes. A fur coat, no. Sending a hybrid rental when her car breaks down, yes. Sending a Hummer limo to pick her up for the first date, no. (Again, hypothetical.)

Image: Sven Wrage