Shopping Ethically

My mom has been encouraging me to buy new running shoes ever since she bought new ones a few months ago.  I don’t know why she thought I needed new ones, I’ve only had mine since I graduated college–oh wait, that was over 5 years ago…. 

I don’t exercise much, actually not at all unless you count walking my dogs, so new athletic shoes are not something  I get too excited about. 

Until……I found these New Balance running shoes that are Made in the USA!  Athletic shoes are almost ALWAYS made in China, so I was pumped to spot these–and in pink!  They are awesome–so cushiony, I feel like I am running on clouds (at least for the first 10 yards anyway). 

New Balance only has 5 factories left in the USA, so not all of their shoes are made here, just be sure to check the label.

It’s the week before I begin another school year, so back to school shopping is on my mind.  I don’t need much, but I always like to get a few new pieces to replace some older, more boring ones in my closet.  I’d like a bag big enough to hold all of the junk I carry to and from work-my lunch, water bottles, and a million other things-and it’s got to be durable because I’m gonna toss it in the car, under my desk, etc…

I hunted on Etsy for recycled leather bags and hit the jackpot.  Rookie Rags handmakes bags, purses, and wallets in America out of recycled fabrics.  Their dedication to recycling is so strong that usually even the zippers and thread are recycled!  What really sold me on Rookie Rags is that they have a huge selection (over 70 bags) and are very afforably priced ($30-$185-ish).  Most of their bags are leather, but use other fabrics also AND take custom orders.  Rookie Rags sells exclusively on Etsy, so click here to see their selection. 

These are a few of my favorites (I could have selected a lot more). 

I might just become a Harry Potter fan! 

photo credit: Splash News

Internet rumor has it that Emma Watson will be partnering with organic and fair trade fashion company People Tree (whose line is also featured at Topshop).  Allegedly the line would be targeted for teens and the profits would go to UNICEF.  None of this has been confirmed, but I very much hope this rumor is true.  Emma Watson has fantastic style!   People Tree has been featured on Shopping Ethically before, and if you haven’t checked them out, you should here.  They have great clothes for men, women, baby, even a teen section– ethical back to school shopping anyone?

This line would be a million times better than Miley Cyrus + Max Azria for Walmart—for so many reasons.