It seems that no matter what we do or buy or wear these days, somehow it's harmful to the environment and to our health. Even when we think we're doing something good, some insidious disturbance is at hand in the soil, in the air or on our bodies. Case in point: Many of us now are aware of the deluge of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals used in the production of our food. As a result, organic aisles are cropping up everywhere, further bolstering the all-natural trend. Likewise, many of us figure we're doing our part by favoring a wholesome cotton T-shirt instead of some synthetically produced blouse that doesn't let skin "breathe." But cotton is not only one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world, it is also chemically bleached, dyed and often finished with formaldehyde. Insidious indeed.

Clearly, it's not only what we eat that counts. It's what we wear, what we put on our skin, and the origin of the products that we use daily. Sure it's all a bit overwhelming. But as the old proverb says, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. By simply starting with a few key products, we can gradually increase responsible consumption and reduce the negative impact to our world.

AVEDA

It's no wonder we love to indulge in Aveda products so guiltlessly. Dedicated to environmental soundness and social consciousness, Aveda bridges the gap between ancient tradition and modern day lifestyle. Expanding its popular Uruku Makeup line, Aveda has employed the help of the Brazilian Yawanawa tribe to organically grow and harvest Uruku-a centuries-old, reddish-brown pigment from the urukum palm. Along with several new color shades, the line features fresh packaging, which was designed by Aveda's in-house team and design guru Harry Allen. The Uruku Lip Pigment debuts in a reusable and refillable case made of aluminum, with up to 65% post consumer recycled content (PCR), and a new composite plastic infused with 30% natural fiber from flax. The lipstick tube itself, which snaps into the case, is made of 90% PCR plastic resin and 65% PCR aluminum. Thanks to the ecological collaboration between Aveda and this indigenous community, beauty is no longer skin deep.

INGEO FIBERS

Its name literally means "ingredients from the earth." And as the world's first man-made fiber made from 100% annually renewable resources such as corn, Ingeo lives up to its name. Part of the ground-breaking work by Cargill Dow LLC, which also created NatureWorks PLA, the world's first and only performance plastic made from renewable resources, Ingeo is an exciting glimpse into the future of textile. Adaptable to everything from clothing to carpeting, Ingeo is a conscientious alternative to the swarm of eco-wounding petroleum-based fibers out there. Unlike many of today's synthetics, the raw material used to create Ingeo can be regrown every year and can fully degrade into soil-nourishing natural ingredients. What's more, the process to create Ingeo (which would give even your finest silk and treasured wool a run for its money in texture and quality) offers verified environmental benefits, including a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and use of fossil fuel. Who says you can't have style and substance?

WELEDA

Well known among the health food industry as well as uber-selective spas and pharmacies, Weleda is the stuff "green" dreams are made of. Based on a philosophy that underscores the connection between the natural environment and the forces of our body, soul and spirit, Weleda has developed body care products that contain wholesome active ingredients. Most plants and herbs are biodynamically or organically grown, either in Weleda gardens or by certified growers, and harvested at their peak. (This holistic criteria is believed to maintain and maximize the original life force of the plants.) Skin care products - like the creamy Iris Cleansing Lotion and nourishing Skin Food -- are formulated naturally without using any artificial fragrances, colors, preservatives or petroleum. Plus, the boxes, glass bottles, and metal tubes that hold the cruelty-free products are made of recyclable materials. Even if you're not Greenpeacer of the Year, you'll certainly have a blast with products like the All-Natural Citrus Spray Deodorant.

WILDLIFE WORKS

With an approach they like to call "Consumer Powered Conservation," Wildlife Works is our link to make a difference with fashion. Donating product sale proceeds to save African wildlife, the company protects wilderness by building sanctuaries as well as creating jobs and schools for indigenous communities that share their land and resources with wild animals. In its first location in Kenya, Wildlife Works constructed the 80,000-acre Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary, where elephants, cheetahs and 46 other large mammal species now roam freely without the threat of poaching and clear-cutting. Inspired by endangered species and their habitats, the wide range of sportswear tees are made from organic cotton, hemp and other environmentally friendly fabrics. (No wonder earth-conscious celebs can't get enough of them!) Other favorites are the colorful handmade vegetable soaps that come in exotic scents such as mandarin wheat germ and dewberry. Packaged in corrugated recycled wrapping, they're the perfect gift for yourself and the environment. Wild thing, we think we love you.

By Mar Yvette