Style File: Bamboo Baubles

Joseph V. Amodio

April 21, 2008

Bamboo baubles

The thought of jewelry turning you green is usually a drag, but in John Hardy's case it's all part of the chic experience. The designer recently created a "sustainable advertising" program: To offset the carbon emissions created by the production of his print ads, he is planting bamboo trees on the small, deforested island of Nusa Penida, off the coast of Indonesia. Since starting the project in 2006, he's planted about 20 acres of bamboo, which serves as habitat for Bali's endangered starling songbird. Hardy's jewelry workshop is based in Bali, so this, he feels, is just one way to give something back. A portion of proceeds from this bamboo silver bangle, $495, and other pieces from his limited-edition sterling silver collection, will benefit the reforestation project. To learn more, or to purchase, visit sustainableadvertising.org.

Green in Theory

When you think of Theory, you think sleek, understated ... and now, green. Theory's Organic Capsule Collection features men's and women's wear, including tops, shorts, jackets and a fine trench, all made of organic cotton fabrics that have been left undyed. The color you see on the rack is the fiber's natural shade. Purchase any item from the organic line now through April 26 and a portion of proceeds will benefit the Waterkeeper Alliance, a nonprofit clean-water advocacy group. The Alliance patrols more than 170 waterways around the world, including the South Shore and Peconic Bays of Long Island, fighting polluters and protecting ecosystems. Available at the Theory shop at The Americana, Manhasset. For info, visit theory.com.

- Joseph V. Amodio

BEAUTY SPOT

For a better planet

A group of beauty companies (including Estée Lauder, Aveda and L'Oréal) recently announced the creation of OASIS, the first "organic and sustainable industry standard" for certifying organic cosmetic products. Critics contend it's not strict enough, ignoring animal-testing and packaging. Look for OASIS seals on goods within the next year. In the meantime, other brands are greening in their own way.

Physician's Formula's new Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Blush, $11.95, and Bronzer, $13.95, come in all-paper compacts - when done, simply toss out with your recycling. Certified by Ecocert; Available at drugstores nationwide.

Starting this month, a portion of sales of Naturopathica's Environmental Defense Mask, $56, benefits StopGlobalWarming.org. The mask's black-cherry puree and beta-carotene enzymes revitalize the complexion and, like SGW, combat environmental aggressors. Available at naturo pathica.com.

Cargo's PlantLove lipstick tubes are made of PLA, a greenhouse gas-neutral polymer derived from corn that reportedly biodegrades in less than 50 days. The outer packaging contains wildflower seeds - plant and watch grow. PlantLove's new Cherry Bliss shade, $20, designed by "Lipstick Jungle's" Kim Raver, is available at Sephora and sephora.com.

Kiehl's Since 1851 this month introduces Superbly Restorative Body Lotion, 6.8 oz, $35, and Dry Oil, 4.2 oz., $30, with fair-traded, certified organic Argan Oil. This is their first fair-trade and - hard to believe - first organic ingredient. Kiehl's works with Berber women, who harvest nuts from Morocco's Argan trees and plant new ones. Bottles are made of post-consumer recycled plastic. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Huntington; Nordstrom, Roosevelt Field; Kiehl's stores, Manhattan; and kiehls.com.

- Joseph V. Amodio