Mariah's Sassy Fashions: Introducing Eco-Friendly Duct Tape Purses & Comic Book bags--FREE Giveaway--Duct Tape Wallet!

Enter to win this one-of-a-kind Mariah's Sassy Fashions duct tape tri-fold wallet!
A Go Green winner will be randomly selected on October 18, 2008.
How to qualify?

To enter giveaway, simply comment on this blog (no registration required) and e-mail me (greenwithceleste@yahoo.com) to let me know why you should be the winner of this eco-friendly wallet!

Introducing Mariah's Sassy Fashions

One-Of-A-Kind Original Duct Tape Creations

Most pieces available at Funky Findz & Design
Wausau, Wisconsin
715-298-3463

Have you ever seen a duct tape bikini?
This is an exclusive creation by Mariah!
You just may see this piece worn by a live model in the upcoming Funky Findz fashion show on
October 25, 2008, @ the Landmark building in Downtown Wausua, Wisconsin.
The public is invited. Mark your calendar--you don't want to miss it!

This was Mariah's first signature creation. Her eco-friendly comic bag. When asked
about this piece, Mariah shared, "I ask all my family and friends to save the comic section from the Sunday edition of the Wausau Daily Herald for me so I can recycle the pages!"
And recycle she does. Her comic creation is a true conversation piece.

This duct tape Messenger Bag is amazing!
Did you know duct tape came in these vibrant colors?
Exclusive Mariah's Sassy Fashions creation. $45

Mariah's Sassy Fashions signature Peace Sign silk screen t-shirt $21

Have your own style with this handmade silk screen tank by Mariah

Write all your thoughts in this one-of-a-kind silver splashy duct tape journal

Funky Findz & Design
Downtown Wausau, Wisconsin
We can all "go green" by supporting our local artists.

Are you sassy or do you know someone who is?
This is Mariah's sassy plastic purse, a keeper for anyone with an attitude.

Go Green with Mariah's green, white, silver and black
Sassy Fashions Duct Tape Messenger Bag $45

Placemat tote with hoop handles. Too pretty to eat on.

Mariah's Sassy Knit Sweater Purse made from a pre-worn sweater.
So cozy you want to wear it.

T-Shirt tote with sequin bling

pen in your favorite people in a funky duct tape address book

Duct tape purse with retro vibe

Treat yourself or someone special to a one-of-a-kind duct tape cell phone case.
Why buy a product made in China when instead, you can support a local artist.
There are many talented creative artisans among us. We don't have to look far.

The "It" girl, Mariah Lueras, showcasing her
one-of-a kind creations @ Exibitour
on September 20, 2008.

The Comic Book Purse fits nicely on your shoulders.

Mariah's Sassy Fashions t-shirt bag made from, you guessed it,
a favorite t-shirt.

Silver and blue duct tape bag

Q&A: Coral Rose, Founder of Eco-Innovations

Coral Rose

Founder of Eco-Innovations
Corporate Sustainability Strategy
Sustainable Textile and Solutions
Website: www.eco-textiles.com
Blog: www.coralrose.typepad.com

CELESTE: In addition to buying vintage and used clothing, what should consumers look for when buying eco-friendly clothing?

CORAL: Look for apparel:

• THAT IS THIRD-PARTY CERTIFIED ORGANIC:This is certification for the growing of the fiber. There are additional 'voluntary' certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) that cover processing of the item including dyes as well as social standards.

• AN ITEM THAT IS VERSATILE & WILL SERVE IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE: An example might be a Patagonia jacket that converts to a vest--2 jackets in one--or pants that zip-off for different lengths-shorts-capris-long-so you get 3 garments in one.

• THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO CONSERVE ON LAUNDERING: For cotton (conventional or organic) over 76% of the life cycle impacts happen at the consumer level. Not only do we consume a lot, we do a lot of laundry. This (76%) happens in the washing-drying-water, etc, so work on wearing outer-garments that are not soiled more than once!

CELESTE: When people throw out used clothing and shoes rather than donating them, how is this impacting our environment?

CORAL: Great question. The 2006 EPA Facts (resource EPA-United States Environmental Protection Agency:http://www.epa.gov.osw) regarding MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) is as follows: In 1960, we were generating 2.7 pounds of waste per person PER DAY. In 2006, that number is 4.6 pounds of waste per person PER DAY. Note: Rubber-Leather-Textiles are lumped into the same bucket at 7.3% of the total MSW. So the impact of not 'trashing' our clothes and shoes amounts to over 7% of the municipal waste that is generated.

CELESTE: Name a few apparel companies we should keep our eyes on.

CORAL:

• PATAGONIA: They are the original pioneers in organic cotton,usually setting the trends in sustainable fibers.

• TARGET: They are just getting into this arena of sustainable textiles. It will be interesting to see where they go with products and with consumer messaging.
  

CELESTE: Many consumers are choosing to bring their own fabric totes with them while they shop now rather than using the stores' plastic or paper bags. When purchasing totes for this purpose, what would be your 'top pick' as far as material used to make the tote?

CORAL: Choosing one fiber as a 'top pick' is not as easy as it sounds- there are many 'tradeoffs' to consider, that occur during the life cycle of the product with most sustainable fibers.
On a personal note, I prefer Hemp, one of natures finest whole fibers. Here is a bit from my blog of why:

Hemp fiber dates back to 2800 B.C. Prior to 1880 the US economy was based on hemp. Industrial hemp was a primary source of food, fuel and fiber. It is now illegal to grow hemp in the US. Hemp grows well without the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides. Manufactures of hemp fiber claim that the fiber is biodegradable. All hemp fiber in the US is imported. China and Eastern Europe are the primary producers of hemp. Although seed for food consumption is readily available certified organic, certified organic hemp fiber is not widely available. To date,IMO certifies only one organic hemp farm in Inner Mongolia. (www.imo.ch/).