Living an eco-friendly lifestyle has become chic. Not so long ago, environmental awareness was left almost exclusively to the experts or the eccentrics. However, now a more environmental friendly approach to life is something people are realizing is necessary. As the harmful effects of consumerism and mass-production become increasingly apparent, many of us are becoming aware of the bonuses of living in tune with nature rather than against it. No longer the domain of the 'brown rice and sandals' brigade, eco-consciousness means knowing that you don't have to sacrifice taste or style to look after your body and the environment.  

SWISHING

http://www.swishing.org/you_swish/ 

Now swapping instead of shopping is so hot that it even has its own name: "swishing". That's the name given to swap parties by one organizer who says that she is reaching out to the many women who are "passionately committed to saving the planet, but don't want to do it in bad clothes".  

The rules of swishing:

• Every guest must bring at least one clean item of clothing or an accessory to the swishing party

• Before the opening of the swish, everyone’s items must be on show

• Everyone has about an hour (depending on how big a swish) to look through all the goodies

• During this time, no items may be claimed

• Everyone is given a five minute warning before the official opening of the swish

• As soon as the swish is declared open, everyone may take what they want

• Remember, you may have brought just one item, but you can leave with as many as you want! 

THE FACTS

Conventionally grown cotton accounts for more than 25% of worldwide insecticide use and 10% of the pesticides.  Pesticides used on cotton are among the most hazardous.