in the hills

just as designer-obsessed shoppers are becoming green, so are the trend setting stars who get the name out there. much like Carmeron Diaz is a green giver, so is Gwyneth Paltrow - who recently posted on her GOOP blog that there are more ways than you think to become green. it isn't just about the clothes you wear (though the product line from Stella McCartney is juicy) or the books you read (Worldchanging: A Users Guide to the 21st Century), but the way you live your life

As Ms Paltrow says (and what I've been saying this whole time) is this: "'Going green is no longer just the ideology of left-wing hippies. Nor is it a trend. We are living in exciting times. We are confronted with the challenge of sustaining our food, our water and our environment. We are changing things. It's big....the more commercial it goes, the better off we all are, and not only from an ecological and environmental standpoint. Design-wise, inspiring options are becoming available. It's a win-win"

I've taken what i think is the first step and invested in a Toyota Prius - though the exterior might not have been my first choice, sitting in my compact while cruising California's speedways makes me feel just a bit healthier

Among the many options she gives, there are several options that I have already tried or listed on here - including Micheal Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma" - I'll admit it's a bit dry at points, but everyone I've spoken to that has read this raves, shopping locally and organically - aka farmer's markets (my favorite remains the one in OB, though i enjoy strolling through the Solana Beach one and as a University of California, San Diego alum, the market on campus is equally as fun - find yours at www.localharvest.org), and reusable grocery/shopping bags and coffee mugs

Some new choices i found and enjoy, and if Gwyneth (and Cameron) is suggesting it, they must be uber-chic:

Camilla Boutique, an eco-friendly fashion line of clothing, shoes and home goods in Brooklyn

GOOD Magazine, a 100% recycled paper mag that is green on the inside, and out

Alternative Apparel, an online shop that offers up simple tees with a green feel