Editor's Letter
Organic Style Magazine
The other day, this guy protested about a pleather bag we featured in our September issue. I couldn't understand his problem - it's a marvelous Stella McCartney tote! Seriously, he argued, as some would (ask PETA and they'll say pleather is better for the planet than leather; Greenpeace disagrees), that the toxic run-off generated while making pleather is worse than the cruel, chemical-laden production of leather goods. Pick your poison. The thing is, Organic Style has never been about being 100 percent saintly, 360 degrees organic, head-to-toe perfect. It's about presenting the best gorgeous and green options out there - in home design, fashion, food, beauty, and travel - so you can choose what works for you, without sacrificing your style.
As it happens, pleather works for many people. Designer Todd Oldham says, "Firstly, it is humane, not cruel! It's easier to clean, less expensive, cooler to the touch, impermeable to liquid - and resist pet hair." For him, it's a smart switch; it works with what he believes. My friend James Serving - you've seen his byline here - substitutes Teany Earl Gray Creme tea (from Moby's line of tea products) for coffee, and now he feels energized but calm. As for me, my smart switch was to take money I spent on cigarettes (big disclosure moment here - even Mom doesn't know I smoked) and use it to buy seasonal flowers at organicbouquet.com. Now I smell roses every day - no more stinky fumes. This has to be the better way!
In the end, we hope to give you ideas for the better way, however you define it. Please write and tell us what smart switches you've made, at OrganicStyle.com.
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