“Becoming an EcoDiva is not about giving up the things you love.  Being an EcoDiva is about discovering a balance in this new world.

A world in which we can’t help but hearing the bad news about toxins and chemicals damaging our world and our health.

Lucky for us, there is a new wave emanating.  A green wave that is decidedly luxurious, stylish, sexy and yes, green.”

(above image - courtesy of Brilliant Earth)

The Ethics

When a designer, product formulator or entrepreneur decides to build a company based on a vision they hold dear to their heart, there is a laundry list of decisions to be made along the way.

From choosing the name of the business to selecting materials for their products, each choice is one that will not only impact the success of the business but the planet as a whole.

Some of these very crucial choices include organic versus conventional, recycled versus new, and sustainable versus scarce materials.

(Above image on right courtesy of Fashiontips’ photostream)

More and more, consumers are taking that extra second to check the label and discover the materials used and where their purchase originates.

This new awareness among consumers comes with a power to help define the direction of the quality of new products on the market.

According to Practical Ethics written by the Cambridge University Press, the definition of ethics ‘encompasses proper conduct and good living. A central aspect of ethics is “the good life”…’. Proper conduct and good living are terms that are rarely associated with the fashion or beauty industry as a whole. In recent years, the discovery of less than wholesome ingredients in the beauty industry has cast a shadow on an industry whose main goal is to create beauty.

With the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) largely taking a backseat in the control and testing of ingredients, it is left wholly up to the consumer to research the effects of ingredients and make a healthy choice.

Beauty Fact: Compared to the EU (European Union) who has banned over 1,100 ingredients from cosmetics, the FDA has banned just about one dozen here in the United States. Where are the ethics here?

The Luxury

The thought of something luxurious brings to mind different things based on whom you ask.

For some, luxury is undoubtedly the material goods that do not compromise on quality in any way.

This includes the coveted handbag that may cost more than most people’s weekly paycheck, but will last a lifetime. This type of luxury is much more than a passing seasonal trend.

(Above image at right courtesy of Ani Phyo on Flickr)

For others, luxury includes more meaningful endeavors such as time, friendship, dark chocolate and other beautiful things that one cannot put on a homeowners insurance checklist.

The Blend

Why the blend? Every single dollar that passes from your wallet to the economic atmosphere speaks a loud and clear message to companies and manufacturers around the world. That dollar tells them what is important to you as a consumer.

Every single purchase from diamond rings to shampoo can be one that is made with awareness. From the ingredients to the packaging, each baby step in going green is a step towards sustainability without sacrificing style or luxury.

What do you want your dollar to say?