Timberland's Green Shoes Walk the Talk

Trekkers and stylers, you can leave a lighter bootprint starting now! Timberland, which has pledged to go carbon-neutral by 2010, raises the bar for environmentally sounder footwear with its environmentally-sounder Earthkeepers Collection, which goes on sale October 15th. The waterproof men's and women's boots are made with organic cotton canvas, and partially recycled linings and outsoles.

Available now, several fall styles have linings made with 70% recycled PET bottle plastic. For Men: Groovy laceless Caliburn ($90), lace-up Mount Keenan ($80) and smooth Martlar T Toe oxfords, swift Scoll sportsters ($90). For Women: Ever-chic Baldaci Ballerinas ($75) in a fall pallette, or suede/leather loafers or oxfords (all, $80).

Timberland is using 15-100% organic cotton in its sweaters, too.

Bonus: Get a recycled tote bag with a purchase of $100 or more (alas, not difficult to spend if you throw in a trendy and practical Smartwool newsboy cap, $33).

Check it all out at Timberland.com

Sustainable Surf Chic

New for the Surf Set

Cruising Honolulu for surf, stopped by Local Motion in the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center. Asked if they had any organic cotton garments, and they pointed us to Quiksilver's certified organic logo shirts in earth brown, beyond-the-reef blue and other shades. "Feel real soft, eh?" the salesperson said admiringly. And they did, no doubt because they're also free of artificial dyes, as the label says.

Best part: Quiksilver's organic Ts, at $20, cost the same as their conventional cotton versions.

Check 'em out at www.quiksilver.com or ask for 'em at your local surf shop or clothing store.

We Want it Nau!

Green like a fox: Time to bare some shoulders and turn some heads. New this season from Nau the organic cotton/ spandex, sleeveless “Motion” dress has a strappy, not gappy bodice with shelf bra built in. The below-the-knee hem is lightened up by a diagonal cut reminiscent of a sail, and it comes in either sea blue or dark carbon. Modernist design and pesticide-free credentials for only $85. https://www.nau.com/homepage/index.jsp#xml/shopnau/products/107W713&4

Organic Performance Polo for Her

Patagonia's hip new Gal-Fer shirt, $45, delivers Burberry looks at half the price, in a versatile, green performance blend of 70% organic cotton and 30% recycled polyester. www.patagonia.com

Not only is the fabric durable and breathable, this shirt’s a multitasker, combining sport and style with an open polo collar and girly puffed sleeves. We couldn’t resist this hot look which will keep you cool while bouldering, biking or lounging.

In blackberry, pink, blue or gold with subtle chest stripes.Check out Patagonia’s garment takeback/recycling program, too.

Eco Chic and Cheap

Every big design house is doing pendants on black silk cords, and then of course there’s the charm thing. But who knows where and how the costly things were made? Enter these perfectly stylish, understated and absurdly underpriced charm necklaces with a patrician green lineage.
Kanthi silver pendants in traditional shapes–spades, for instance, delicately engraved with crescent moons and stars–alternate with beads and wire wrapping on adjustable black cords.

They’re made at home by craftswomen of the Barefoot College, in Tilonia, Rajasthan, India. The college was founded 30 years ago to help poor rural communities support themselves while preserving their culture and environment. In the Barefoot villages, rainwater is collected and all electricity is generated by solar panels. Artisans and builders recycle and reuse agricultural waste, paper, scrap metal and cloth.

A single necklace is $5, and you can get and give three for $12, or 10 for $20. Plus, the non-profit Friends of Tilonia is offering free shipping to Greenerpenny readers. Who can resist? I couldn’t. My necklace is light and bright and makes me feel like a wild swan.
Go to
http://store.tilonia.com/tikasine.html and enter the code Penny07 for free shipping.