EcoHearth: Come Home to the Earth

Artists have always been inspired by nature, but now they are using it to remind people that nature still exists—in a still beautiful, but increasingly fragile state. The 10 tree stumps shipped from Ghana to London, then on to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (December 7-18, 2009), by Scottish artist Angela Palmer is one of many example of artists using nature in art to raise environmental awareness. Read on…

Haven't you heard? Green is the new black. No, not the color. We're talking environmentally conscious fashion. And it's not just the kind of clothes you wear that determines the greenness of your look. It’s also the way you buy, clean and care for your wardrobe. Here’s how:

Many designers are turning away from the conventional production of garments to "greener" pastures. Several fashion houses recently showed their new Earth-friendly, ethically sound, fair-trade creations at GreenShows Eco-Fashion Week events, held in conjunction with New York’s 2009 Fashion Week. Read on…

At a time when going green is a new fashion trend among celebrities and those who aspire to be like them, there are few who serve as true catalysts for the cause.  Hawaiian native and recording artist, Jack Johnson, is one of them. He has become not only a symbol of laid-back acoustic music, but also an eco-conscious artist/businessman. By transforming the way his music is created and enjoyed by people all across the globe, he has taken his pro-environmental words and made them into reality.

Johnson has developed an innovative, environmental recording studio in which to make his music. He uses recycled material to distribute it. His world tours not only offset carbon emissions, but invest in new environmental technology. And he uses much of the proceeds to help preserve at-risk ecosystems. Read on…

Resting at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range lies the oasis of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s name means “City of Holy Faith”, translated from Spanish, but it could also be called the “City of Art,” as it has a greater concentration of art per-capita than anywhere else in the USA. It has its fair share of artists, too, attracted from all over the world by its stunning landscapes and blend of Spanish and Native American cultures. These artists produce an eclectic mix of traditional art and contemporary art that often recycles traditional themes. So it should come as no surprise that this city is also home to a festival celebrating recycling in art. Read on…

Eco-friendly clothing has become more mainstream lately, with a variety of celebrities and designers embracing this trend—from Sheryl Crow to Ralph Lauren. Consumers now have more planet-friendly fabric choices, as well. including organic cotton, bamboo and even hemp. With the increasing popularity of eco-conscious clothing, its prices are falling and the locations from which it is available are proliferating. Read on...