For ages it seemed that if you wanted to go green in the lingerie department you’d have to sacrifice all semblance of sex appeal and settle for organic cotton granny panties. Clean and green, or sexy and slinky? Fortunately, we no longer have to choose. Designers on the eco-boudoir bandwagon are offering up the most delectable bras and panties you can imagine, crafted from completely sustainable fabrics.

Urban Fox’s eco-fabulous naughty bits combine 1940s style with modern sustainable materials like bamboo, tagua nut buttons and natural rubber. We are especially mad for the darling Flint side-tie panties, and just about any of the candy-color stocking sets with their burlesque-style seams and matching boy-shorts bottoms. Although it’s not super clear on the website, all products are made from bamboo and organic cotton, and are designed, dyed and hand-sewn in the U.S.A.

Enamore, a quirky little brand out of Bath, England, is for the playful girl with pinup aspirations. We suggest the flirty Parfait bamboo bra and panty set or leopard-print Bedrock Betty cami and panty set (pictured above) to release your inner bombshell.

Ciel’s, bra and boy-shorts sets have a sporty feel with just a hint of vintage charm. No slipping straps or uncomfortable wedgies here! These feminine pieces are practical enough to wear under everyday clothes, but cute enough that you’ll be happy to show off your knickers. And because they’re made from organic cotton, with natural moisture-wicking properties, you won’t break a sweat looking good.

Pi Organic’s whisper-soft, organic cotton bras, camis and low-cut panties are fresh, simple and sensual. We’ll take a set in each contrasting-trim color, please!

Finally, Skin is simply the most gorgeous collection of sexy and understated (yes, it is possible) eco-friendly lingerie we’ve seen in a long, long while. All nudes and neutrals, Skin goes beyond the basics to cardigans and chemises that can be worn alone or layered, depending on the temperature—or the rise in temp you’ve decided to inspire.

Spreegirl has got you covered (but just in the right places). Be careful when browsing—not everything is green. But the line does pieces in hemp and bamboo, like the 93%-bamboo New Rave cami with super-cute color blocking, perfectly paired with an adorable hip-hugger—or perhaps an adorable tree-hugger? Hmm…

Eco Chic is powered by EcoStiletto, our go-to resource for all things eco-fashion, beauty, lifestyle and celebrity related; plus they give away $300 in awesome eco-swag each and every week to Members! So sign up, then tell a friend–your odds may get worse, but your karma’s better.

Between the play dates, spa treatments and agility training, it’s no wonder your dog needs a therapist. He’s overtaxed, overplayed and, quite often, cross-dressed. But what about his green status? Wait, before you call the pet psychic, here is some stuff to know.

A study that was launched in early 2008 by the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org), called “The Pets for the Environment” project, looked at 43 different chemicals and their impact on pets. The study found that dogs and cats had comparable levels to humans in some chemicals, and even higher levels than humans in others.

The three groups of toxic chemicals with extremely high concentrations were fire retardants, stain and grease resistant chemicals (i.e. teflon), and phthalates (from plastic). These chemicals have been shown to cause high rates of several kinds of cancer in dogs. Woof.

Easy ways to green your pet:

Watering Hole. Break your pet’s Evian water habit. Install a counter-mounted or under the sink carbon water filter. You’ll save money, and both of you will enjoy cleaner drinking water without BPAs.

Cleaning Products. The cleaner your home, the healthier the pet, so use “green” cleaning products, or better yet make your own with natural household ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and olive oil. For recipes on homemade house cleaners, click here.

Accessories. Is your pooch or kitty an eco-fashionista? Your pet can maintain a fashion forward wardrobe with stylish leashes and collars made from sustainably grown hemp and organic cotton. For those of you that would rather sleep alone, there are many natural alternatives for your pooch made out of organic wool, hemp, recycled fabrics, organic cotton and recycled soda bottles.

Pooper. What is the scoop with poop? Buy compostable doggie bags or recycle a plastic bag and keep “waste” out of the water system. 

– Susan Emmer

A two-time winner of Time Inc.’s “President’s Award,” Susan Emmer spent more than a decade at the media giant serving as People Magazine’s Director of Entertainment Marketing and the Director of People First- the magazine’s charity arm. Seeking sunnier pastures, Susan headed off to the West Coast to work with Western Interiors & Design magazine, an upscale publication focusing on luxury design in the West. An environmental studies major, Susan produced the publication’s design + home show to stress that green homes don’t have to be “granola.” Soon after, she decided to return to her tree-hugger roots and enroll at the National Institute of Whole Health, where she is currently completing her certification as a Whole Health Educator and Coach. Susan resides in Santa Monica with her two dogs, and sits on the Chamber of Commerce’s Environmental Affairs Committee

It was so nice when grandma came over. She’d wash fresh strawberries, whip up a batch of cookies and tell stories of the mother country back when. She even loved to help mom with chores. Then one day you came home to your entire undie collection hanging on the clothesline like the American flag during homecoming. You were mortified. But hey, you were green before your time.

Grandma had a point. On laundry day, your largest environmental contribution is washing and rinsing in hot water and using the clothes dryer. And, this isn’t a good contribution. Your carbon footprint just keeps growing and growing and growing … So get that clothesline ready and keep reading.

Use cold water when you can. Debunked myth: Hot water won’t make color or fine fabrics any cleaner.

Hang clothing and linens to dry. Try to skip the dryer whenever possible – set up a clothesline in your house to 1) avoid turning on the landlord with your lacy thongs 2) stay warm in the freakin’ cold.

Toss the non-natural fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Most commercial softeners and dryer sheets use chemicals like dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, which hurt fabrics by penetrating their fibers. Hell, it hurts our ears.

Why Care About Detergent?

Most of your old school suds are not readily biodegradable and are made from petroleum— a nonrenewable resource. Not to mention all the wildlife it affects after swirling down the drain. Many detergents also contain chemical fragrances, phosphates and other chemicals linked to cancer and reproductive problems. And then you put these clothes on your back. Enough said.

Product We Love: Vaska

We’ve heard of herbal tea, but herbal detergent? Vaska, this uber chic company out of Berkeley, has not only created non-toxic, botanical solutions for your wash but has created packaging you’ll want on your mantle.

Vaksa uses advanced botanical solutions derived from real lavender (heavenly) and its high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles are made with up to 50-percent post-consumer material, which can be recycled in most cities.

The Vaska line-up includes: Herbatergent, Herbasoft fabric softener, Spotoff stain remover, and Oxygenbleach. In 2008, Vaska was awarded “champion” status – the highest level of recognition under the EPA’s Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative. Kudos!

Herbatergent, light lavender scent. 48 oz. bottle/32 loads msrp, $9.99

Buy some here at www.vaska.alice.com.

– Julie C.

No matter how you put it, our landfills are growing faster than Taylor Swift’s album sales. And our life-on-the-go culture is certainly adding plenty of disposable forks, plates, cups and containers every minute. EcoStiletto.com, HBD’s go-to green fashion, beauty, lifestyle and celebrity resource, tells us on their Big List of Things That Suck that eating healthy food out of a Styrofoam container using disposable plastic is a little like smoking a cigarette on the treadmill – kinda defeats the purpose. The good news is that it’s now totally avoidable. Totally.

To-Go Ware. To-Go Ware Utensils and Containers are here to help you save the planet from becoming a hot plastic mess when you’re on the go.

Founded by Stephanie Bernstein in 1997, To-Go Ware was inspired by a desire to make personal, reusable utensils as common as reusable coffee mugs and grocery bags.  Armed with the slogan “Reduce Your Forkprint,” the company is run along strict social and environmental standards and supports a triple bottom line business ethic.

Reduce Your Forkprint. Swap that Styrofoam for a Stainless Steel Food Carrier, available with a cloth holder made from recycled cotton.  Pitch that plastic for a totally purse-worthy RePEat Utensil Set. Beautifully designed and easy to use (and reuse!), To-Go Ware’s bamboo flatware includes a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks.  They come in cute, convenient holders made from recycled plastic bags and are available in five festive colors. Featured on Oprah, obviously, they totally rock.

To-Go Ware is available online at www.to-goware.com and in various retail stores across the country.  More info on their website.

- Julie H.

There was a time in this country (ok, still happening) when the smell of ammonia gave your mom major satisfaction.  Those floors are clean, damnit!  Go ahead honey, crawl your little baby ass all over it because it’s disinfected.  Of course it is – no germ could possibly live through that haze of toxic off-gassing created by most conventional products.   

 Many of today’s moms are hip to the harmful effects of conventional cleaning products but honestly, Maude, that’s just the tip of the “what lurks beneath” iceberg.  That’s where Green Nest comes in.  It’s not enough to cleanse our livers after a girl’s trip to Vegas, we need to detox our home. 

The whole shmageggi started in 2003 when interior designer and co-founder Lisa Beres moved back into her newly remodeled home and promptly got sick.  Way sick!  Only after multiple doctor’s visits and exhausting all the usual suspects, did she discover her house was making her sick.

Lisa and her husband Ron got busy learning about the hidden health fallout of basically everything in your home.  According to the EPA, the air in the average home contains levels of pollutants 2-5 times higher than the air outside.  And it’s all from household products, furniture, decorating and building materials.  They started their website greennest.com and haven’t stopped since.  They have been featured on the Today Show, Chelsea Lately, Fox and Friends and a multitude of local Los Angeles stations.  Lisa is also the author of a children’s book on the subject called My Body, My House.

Bitchworthy – Not only can you get the facts ma’am, but greennest.com features an extensive “approved” product selection and a way to buy them on the site. 

For more info on this dynamic duo and the healthiest air, water, cleaning, furniture, building, baby and even pet products, visit http://www.greennest.com.  You can even get Live Support by calling 888-473-6466.  Breathe deep…health is on the way.

– Julie H.

Uhhh, 1985 called and it wants its white Keds back. And, for good reason. Those old kicks can be turned into solar lights! You think we’re kidding?  Check it out, dude.

If The Shoefiti. So, here’s the sitch:  you know how you sometimes see old shoes strung around a light cable or on a tree?  And you wonder how in the h-e-double hockey sticks they’ve gotten up there or why anyone would put sneakers up there? 

This act is called “Shoefiti” (like graffiti, but with shoes …obvi).  Shoefiti stemmed from little practical jokes that drunken hooligans would play on each other, but it then eventually turned into an art form. 

Now, Shoefiti is seen even beyond an art form and puts the FUN in function.

Uses and Benefits to Using Your Old Sneaks as Solar Lights.

Recycling your old shoes never seemed so cool. Keep your outdoors well-lit with LED solar-powered lights rigged to your very own shoes.  

How to get your Solar Street Light Kit:

You can order your own solar light kit from Lost Values by Clicking Here  or visiting www.lostvalues.com . The kits come in a set of three or six lights and you can order either white LED lights or mood-changing colored lights, ya party animal.

Strap a shoe light to your helmet for a late-night bike ride, go spelunking, or just hang them outside your door.  But, just remember, these lights are intended to give a kick to your old kicks … so step away from your Manolos. I repeat step away from your Manolos.

Thomas Edison and Imelda Marcos would be proud…

- Janet, Feature HBD Contributor

Janet Notardonato started her healthy and wellness journey in college when she had a rude awakening and learned the most painful formula in her adult life:  beer plus pizza equals Freshman 15. So, she started running. And running. Shortly thereafter, running those 5Ks turned into running 10Ks, and eventually running marathons.  Since 2001, she has completed five Chicago marathons and is en route to completing her first triathlon in 2010. Physically fit with kale on the brain, Janet has become an expert on fueling the body properly with good nutrition and regular exercise.

There was a time, not too long ago, when a girl could journey on a local bargain shopping safari and come home with armloads of adorable booty that didn’t dent the bank account. Those days will never be quite the same. I still get a little rush from a price tag that reads $19.95, but the joy is quickly smashed by a label that reads, “Made In China.” As more and more unflattering light gets shed on unfair labor practices and gnarly chemicals used in making our clothes, its been harder and harder to just shop willy-nilly for a great deal.

There is still hope. When it comes to fair labor practices in the last six or seven years, many of the mega companies like American Apparel, Gap, Patagonia and Nike run a tight ship. And though eco fashion has been slower to the punch, we’re no longer forced to sport potato sack- colored “Yoda-wear” to show our commitment to the cause.

Just take it from these guys … stylish, beautiful threads that are good to our planet and even better to our social lives.

Sust. Founded in 2007 by BFFs Tristan Gribbin and Marion McKee, this ecologically and socially savvy line of clothing has eccentrically simple-yet-bold pieces that will surely make your heart smile. A hotspot for simple, everyday Ts and low-fuss tops. www.getsust.com

Kate Organic. Super cute tops, bottoms and dresses made from SKAL- certified organic cotton. Use low-impact dyes and produced according to Fair Trade guidelines. www.thegreenloop.com

Linda Loudermilk. Gorgeous, sophisticated yet funky pieces that stop traffic. Coined as the “Vivian Westwood of eco,” her amazing designs are available in stores listed on her website and online through many eco fashion sites. www.lindaloudermilk.com

Undesigned by Carol Young. An eco-line of beautiful, functional, seasonless clothing in bamboo and organic cotton, with cool bags in recycled leather. Available online and in her Los Angeles storefront. www.undesigned.com

Not satisfied? Check out The Green Loop – a wide selection of green designers to help you get an even better idea of what’s out there. Juno and Jove also offers many designers and includes eco clothing and shoes for the man in your life.

- Julie H.

So your lemonade stand wasn’t the prettiest on the block.  It had character and cute Dixie cups.  Even if you did squeeze oranges due to poor planning, your curbside biz helped raise money for Fluffy’s surgery.  Tommy was just jealous when he launched a rock through your banner forcing you to market, “LEONADE”during the heat of August.  Bastard. But hey, the kids at Westlake Mall love Santa Tommy this time of year.

The point is …When life handed you lemons or any miscellaneous fruit, you made money for a good cause.  As are the folks at EFA.

EFA Artists Helping Animals has the coolest “stand”on the block with more than 500 independent artists, independent craftspeople, vintage suppliers and artsy folk selling their homemade wares to raise money for animal charities online at Etsy.com.  Etsy.com is the virtual shopping mall for crafters who sell, and buyers who love handmade, original goods. You can shop for vintage jewelry, handbags, doggie clothes and more from Team EFA on Etsy.  

Each month, EFA members nominate an animal charity to donate their profits to. Some members donate as much as 100 percent of their sales or profits to either the charity of the month or other animal charities close to their hearts.

December 2009 is PAWS Animal Sanctuary in Findon, West Sussex.   Last year, PAWS gave more than 650 animals new homes including dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

To find EFA sellers on Etsy, search Team EFA.  For more information on EFA, visit here http://efaartistshelpinganimals.org.

Santa Tommy, I have been a good girl this year… -Julie C.

Santa, I hope you’re listening. We’ve been very good girls this year. We went paperless on all our bills, raided our friend’s bathrooms in search of sodium laureth sulfates, wrote malicious letters to the president of Kentucky Fried Chicken which resulted in multiple restraining orders and donated our first paycheck to save the whales.

How bout them apples, Old Saint Nick?

So, we put together a list of a few of our favorite things to save you a lot of time and energy. We are happy to inform you that all of our choices are doing something better for the world, our bodies, our minds and in one shameless case, our kitchens.

As Britney would say …Gimme, Gimme.

FOR THE CHEF …

360 Cookware. The cook will be kissing you in no time. Using vapor technology, 360 Cookware is an energy-efficient cookware line that quick releases food’s natural moisture to maintain its own natural juices. The stainless steel pots and pans ensure your recipes stay healthy, nutritious and appetizing without adding fat, calories or boiling away the flavor, color, texture and vitamins. No water required. Starting at $79.95, www.360cookware.com.

FOR THE MAMA …

Waste Free Lunch Systems by Kids Konserve. Why not teach our kids early? I got a few of these for my little boy to show him that being waste-free can still be cool. BPA, Lead and Phthalate-Free, the lunch kits are good for your health and come in butterfly or caterpillar prints. $40-$42, www.kidskonserve.com

FOR THE BEAUTY …

Koru Street Makeup Bag. Made from recycled plastic bags and fashioned with scrap material, these toiletry bags turn what was once an environmental hazard into an innovative fashion accessory. Each purchase helps provide income to the urban poor of India – Fair Trade approved. $8-$17, www.korustreet.com.

FOR THE LAZY ASS …

Reebok EasyTone Walking Shoes. Tone your bum and legs by just walking. The EasyTone uses built-in balance pods to create a natural instability that are designed to tone three areas of the leg –your hamstrings, gluteus maximus and calves. For those skeptical, we felt the burn the day after wearing them. Customize a pair for Grandma. $99-$124, www.reebok.com.

FOR THE MODERNIST …

Recycled Magazine Wall Mirror. For the modernist who loves to stare at herself all day, this round wall mirror is handcrafted from old magazines for a multi-color effect. Encourage a friend to put her self absorption to good use for once. $45.99, www.organize.com.

FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER …

Earthdog Rescue Greeting Cards. We’re gaga over these series of recycled greeting cards featuring rescued canines who have found a happy home. With an Andy Warholesque facade, the cards include the story of each rescue on the back. $15, www.theultimategreenstore.com.

FOR THE STYLISTA …

Linda Loudermilk Denim Jeans. While we eagerly await Linda’s vegan silk tunics debuting in Spring 2010, we’re a sucker for her skinny jeans. Using signature organic materials like sasawashi, bamboo and soya, these low-rise, slim-fit pants better be sitting under our tree. You hear that, big guy? No excuses. $265, www.kaightshop.com.

FOR THE TECH GEEK …

Recycled Keyboard Frame. He’s a gadget geek. And you’re the one who fell for him. (Who else was gonna fix your iPod?) Show him you really know him by sneaking a photo of the two of you playing World of Warcraft in this recycled keyboard frame. $20, www.urbanoutfitters.com.

FOR THE BEGINNER …

The Better World Handbook: Small Changes That Make A Big Difference. A perfect, and dare we say thoughtful gift for a friend who wants to do some good but doesn’t quite know where to start. The new updated version contains more recent info on global challenges, effective actions and new resources. An easy read. $13.57, www.amazon.com.

FOR THE SWEET TOOTH …

Babycakes NYC Cupcakes. Can’t figure out what to get for your client, your babysitter or your ever-so-faithful therapist? You’ll be their first priority after a batch of these vegan cupcakes, cookies, brownies or muffins arrive at their door. No diggity, no doubt. Order online and have them shipped. $16-$45 per dozen plus shipping, www.babycakesnyc.com

FOR THE GARDENER …

Pooh and Oz Birdhouses. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Designer Dave Vissat recycles discarded and vintage books to create these adorable wooden bird houses that bring our childhood favorites to life. I want! I want! I want! $120, www.uncommongoods.com.

Did I ask for too much? Santa, S-A-N-T-A …Where are you going?! Rudolph, COME BACK!

- Your Bitches

You’re not alone.  You like Christmas.  Maybe you even love Christmas.  The music, the food, the gay festivities and, of course, the tree. A beautiful beacon of yuletide joy, a shining pillar of evergreen hope, a sparkling reminder of what once was and what could soon be.  If only the environmental impact of these holiday lovelies wasn’t such a Grinchy bummer…

Fear not, eco-minded Christmas geek. There is hope. Turns out Santa has been listening to you, too.  Here are some practical choices so you can have your tree and love it, too.

RENT A TREE. What? Is that possible? Yes. The Living Christmas Company is a Redondo Beach, California business that allows you to rent a live tree!  Founded by landscape architect, Scott Martin, these trees are fresh, potted (not cut) and delivered directly to your home or office via a bio-diesel truck for your decorating and viewing pleasure.  After X-Mas Day, they pick up your holiday buddy, foster him throughout the year and deliver him to someone else (or maybe you again) next season. $50-$185, www.livingchristmas.com

Friends of The Urban Forest (San Francisco). Sell tax- deductible potted trees.  Plant it yourself or pay a little extra for them to pick up and plant your tree in the city after the holiday.  www.fuf.net

Adopt A Christmas Tree (San Diego). The company replants your rented tree in local parks and burn areas wiped out by recent wildfires.  www.adoptachristmastree.com

Original Living Christmas Tree Company (Portland, Oregon).Established in 1992, the Original team picks up your tree after New Year’s and replants it in one of the watersheds in the Pacific Northwest.  They also have detailed instructions for those who don’t live in California or Oregon on how to buy and care for a potted tree, and how to plant or donate it to someone who will afterwards.  www.livingchristmastrees.org

PLYWOOD TREE. If you’re against the chop, check out the über eco-savvy Plywood X-Mas Tree from Australian design firm, Buro North. For the modernist who forms their own traditions, the plywood tree is 80-percent more environmentally friendly than a traditional fir or spruce, and made with environmentally aware ingredients, a low-energy technique and minimal waste materials. Small, $60; Medium, $200; Large $1,619; www.besportier.com 

CUT TREES. With more than 32 million Christmas trees sold in America each year, there is some concern that dying trees release greenhouse gases when they decompose. Nonetheless, most cut trees come from farms that grow them specifically for the holiday season, much like flowers or food.  Because they are some guy (or gal’s) business, each tree that gets cut down for Christmas gets another one planted in its stead and the cycle of oxygen production continues.  Some very important things to keep in mind if you go the cut tree route:

Buy local. The closer the tree lot is to the actual farm, the less miles it traveled to get there.  Most lots have literature on where their trees came from.

Organic is best. Many tree farms use a ton of pesticides on their trees, so do some research to find an organic grower or distributor in your area.

Have a recycling action plan. Figure out our recycling plan before you buy.  Don’t let holiday fatigue get in the way of composting or chopping your tree up for mulch.  Whatever you do, don’t leave it on the curb for the trash truck!

FAKE TREES. While they sound eco-friendly, they’re actually pretty terrible.  Made from petroleum products, they emit gas chemical fumes and when you do finally get tired of your fake fir, it will end up in the eternal landfill of death (where it will never decompose). Ever. Is that clear?  Next!

Whatever rocks your world, Happy Tree Hunting! Shel Silverstein would be so proud.

- Julie H.