www.livingchristmas.comUntil now, there hasn’t been such an eco-friendly option for the all-important Christmas tree. Now you can have a beautiful, locally grown, local variety of living Christmas tree delivered right to your home or office. The Living Christmas Tree Company is growing annually, and so are its trees. After Christmas, they pick them up and take them back to the nursery where they are coddled and cared for until the next year. If you fall in love with your tree you can even reserve it for the following year and see how it grows along with your family.
Multiple Locationswww.americanapparel.net
With a great line of organic, undyed and sweatshop-free threads: three dominating characteristics of American Apparel, Inc. products. They’re so unpretentious it's fashionable. Go for the T-shirts and hoodies, which are simple, comfortable and speak volumes about being eco-friendly.
What to shop for: Zip-up unisex hoody, the perfect laid-back look for those who don’t have to brag about being green. For winter in LA, a hoody, is all you need.
102 Washington Blvd.Marina del Rey, CA
310.577.1130
www.arborsports.com
For the hippest of the cool, Arbor isn't just for boarders (though the Arbor name has swept the snowboard/skate culture for its cutting-edge design and eco-friendly boards). Its street wear is stylish for the young and young-at-heart and features soft, bamboo fleece, and light organic and bamboo clothing in a rich fall and winter palette.
What to shop for: Cotton Beanie or Bamboo Fleece Sweatshirt.
47 N. Fair Oaks Ave.Pasadena, CA 90405
626.795.0319
www.patagonia.com
Whether you’re looking for a simple shirt or an integrated powder snow ski suit, Patagonia’s got your back when it comes to Winter wishes. Their love of the great outdoors goes beyond enjoying it recreationsally, they also put their dollars, and lots of them, into environmental preservation. Patagonia backs up all their talk with green action: $35 million to more than 1,000 grassroots groups, helped save over 34 million acres of wildlands, LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) service center in Reno and many more initiatives. Plus, the clothes are just really cool.
What to shop for: The "Lowball Shirt" is made from organic cotton and 30 percent recycled polyester. It's the perfect lounging shirt: comfortable, moisture-wicking and stylishly cozy.
746 N. FairfaxWest Hollywood, CA
323.650.4885
Tykes this young don’t know it yet, but they’ll be happy later to know they’ve been swaddled in fibers that are good for their skin as well as the earth. Specializing in — surprise, surprise — children’s clothing, For Kids Only uses organic cotton to make super-comfortable clothing for youngsters (newborns to toddlers under three). After all, it’s only fitting that babies should have clothing as soft as their bottoms.
What to shop for: 100 percent organic cotton onesies. A little holiday color can brighten a young mind’s day.
1230 Montana Ave., #104Santa Monica, CA
310.230.5688
www.elnaturalista.com
This green-friendly store gives “carbon footprint” a whole new meaning. Designer shoes made from tree sap and vegetable-tanned leather, among other creative eco-friendly solutions to quality footwear, El Natura Lista features kicks that give new life to your feet and the environment as you walk around the world.
What to shop for: Do some winter walking in stylish boots like the Yugen or the Recyclus Ella.
1237 Abbot Kinney Blvd.Venice, CA
310.452.2256
www.tenwomengallery.org
This local artists’ coop has grown into 22 members since 1994, producing everything from paintings, to jewelry to fiber arts — many created from recycled materials. The artistry isn’t lost in the coop’s eco-friendly consciousness, and the works between the gallery’s walls brim with creativity and originality.
What to shop for: Artist Kara Taub's "Bambu Scarves," which are made using renewable bamboo fiber.
3038 Rowena Ave.Los Angeles, CA 90039
323.665.7454
www.allshadesofgreen.net
Living green can be as easy as jumping into a tub of paint. All Shades of Green features a wide range of gifts for adults and children alike. Clothing, beauty products and books all complement a green home design center featuring recycled and sustainable materials, as well as green living workshops.
What to shop for: Crayon Rocks made from soy wax, recycled plastic waste basket, Go Green Starter Kit Gift Basket.
1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd.Venice, CA 90291
310.581.612
www.vertlosangeles.com
The new haven for the eco-conscious provides an emerald green alternative for skin, body, hair, home, baby and puppy. A draw for many smart celebs, including Molly Sims and Jennifer Jason Leigh, Vert carries voluminous expert advice and an amazing line of products from the hottest talents in the industry. Make sure everything that touches your skin is as beautiful as you are. This Venice Beach gem will help you shine.
What to shop for: Josie Maran Cosmetics, CARE by Stella McCartney, or a workshop by founder by Renata Helfman herself.
