Going green with accessories

Accessories can make or break an outfit.  But how you dress can also go a long way toward saving the environment.  Going green on your next shopping trip will do more than keep the green in your pocket.

Saving the planet is getting easier for the fashion conscious.  Environmentally friendly options are everywhere,  helping you dress to kill without being destructive

"One reason to utilize ebay trading assistants is because it's environmentally safe. It's re-using items you have in the house that others may benefit from", says Rebecca Gatian an Ebay Trading Assistant.

"You can find a lot of the clothes in style now at thrift stores and you are only paying a fraction of the price," says shopper Jonathon Slick.  
 

Buying used not only helps save money, but it can reduce pollution and carbon emissions.  "In 2006, we had just over 175 thousand donors. That equates to almost 5 million pounds of textiles alone that we are keeping out of our landfills," says Jennifer Davis-Malloy of Goodwill. 

"There is always the vintage aspect. A lot of people like to mix old pieces of clothing with new pieces of clothing to make up their own style," she adds.

Buying vintage can help conserve resources and labor, all without sacrificing on style.  But changing where you shop isn't the only eco-friendly option when it comes to accessories.

You can also change what you're shopping for.

Jewelry and fashion designers are increasingly using recycled and organic materials.

Hemp, bamboo, and even soy silk are adding flair and uniqueness to new designs.

But some of these pieces can be very expensive.

So, for those of us on a budget there are more economical choices.

"bag borrow or steal" is a website that allows subscribers to rent designer accessories for a monthly fee.