An Eco-Friendly Guide to Washington, DC, Plus My Favorites from Sustainable Retailer Ethica

Image via Washington Post

If you've got family and friends headed into to town to visit you this Christmas and New Year's, or if you are planning a holiday jaunt to DC, this is the green city guide for you!

I put together my favorite local (and sustainable) spots for the folks over at Ethica to empower you and your guests to enjoy local shopping and sample fresh, local food while you're in town. While this is only a tiny fraction of all that DC has to offer, it's a great place to start if you'd like to skip all of the chain restaurants and shop some stores that you won't find in your local mall.

Inside the guide, you'll also learn a little bit more about why I started My Fair Vanity, and what it's like to blog about ethical fashion (hint: awesome!).

Happy Holidays, and don't forget to take 40% off everything at Ethica with code JINGLEBELLS

Here are a few of my favorites:





RINGS:
Every Bing Bang piece is made in the U.S.A., handcrafted either in the company's NYC studio or in Rhode Island.
 
EARRINGS:
All Nicole Romano jewelry is handcrafted in Rhode Island and uses 30% recycled metals, as well a mix of vintage and new stones. The company is an active supporter of the USAMade initiative to revive domestic jewelry manufacturing.

NECKLACE:
Mettle Fair Trade works with small, non-profit co-ops in Cambodia and Indonesia. Owned by the workers, these co-ops generate income and provide training for all members. The entire Mettle Fair Trade line is handmade and fair trade-certified, and the collections are produced in limited editions using recycled bomb-shell metal and lucite, as well as gold and eco-friendly, vegetable-tanned leather. 

HAT:
Kordal knitwear is designed and handcrafted in New York City. Designer Mandy Kordal carefully sources all materials, as well as oversees production. The company favors the use of all-natural fibers whenever possible. Small-batch production and emphasis on making by hand minimizes Kordal's environmental impact. Leftover yarn from previous collections is used to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

PANTS:
Ace & Jig textiles are made from natural hand-dyed fibers Artisanal fabrics are woven on an ancient hand loom in India. Weavers receive free childcare and the textile factory uses reclaimed water to grow organic produce for its employees.

CLUTCH:
By Mettle Fair Trade (see above for more info).

BLOUSE:
Valentine Gauthier uses natural fibers and organic fabrics. Production of the brand's eco-friendly clothing and accessories takes place in small workshops in South America and in collaboration with NGOs, so the production process supports the development of skilled workers. Fabrics are sourced in the same country that items are produced to minimize environmental impact.


 Still want more? Check out my new shop section, where I keep all of my favorite, ethical finds :)