Earth Friendly

Waterproof jackets can be a costly expense, which is a good reason to ensure that you’re purchasing the right type of jacket to keep you dry. Depending on what type of activity you will be taking part in, you will require a different type of waterproofing. With fall settling in, it’s wise to invest in a jacket like this. So where do you start if you want the right jacket that will also be durable?

Webtogs has created a guide to waterproof jackets to help make your decision easier. If you’ve never been in the market for this type of jacket, you probably don’t even know where to start. Since there are so many different types of materials and prices, it can be a difficult decision.

What activity will you be doing? For example, you don’t want a longer jacket that restricts your movement if you’re going to be working outside or walking your dog. It’s important to consider the activity you will need the jacket for, so you can get the most appropriate one.

There are also several features you should look for in a waterproof jacket. Look for a hood that has a stiffened peak or wider rim, because this will keep rain away from your face. It’s also beneficial if the hood has a volume adjust, which will keep your head and face protected. You might also want a jacket that you can zip a fleece into, because it’s versatile. However, the extra fleece jacket can cause cold spots down the middle of the jacket. There are also three types of zippers: original zip, water-resistant zip and waterproof zips. If you sweat a lot, you should also look for pit zips, because this will help with breathability.

You might also find it important to have pockets on the outside, especially if you hike and need a place for your map and compass. Most jackets have two pockets on the side, but some also have two chest pockets and a mesh inside pocket.

Waterproof jackets have numerous features to keep you warm, dry and comfortable, but it’s important to first assess how functional they will be for your activity. Learn more about waterproof jackets here.

Can you believe that fall is already right around the corner (September 22 to be exact)? Although the changing seasons are beautiful to watch, it’s a challenging time for deciding what to wear. If you’re still in the summer mode, you might instinctually choose to not wear a jacket because you don’t have a comfortable, lightweight one. Those heavy, winter jackets that you still have in the back of your closet don’t really work for fall, so if you don’t have anything for the in between weather, check out the Marmot jacket.

Owning a jean jacket is a good starting point, but it’s not going to protect you from the rain or keep in the warmth once it gets wet. Plus, the material somewhat restricts you, so it’s not very comfortable for wearing if you’re out on the lake or hiking. So what else can you wear? The Marmot has some unique qualities that you don’t find in most lightweight jackets, and it fits both men and women.

The Marmot Mica Jacket for men comes in blue and black. Although the jacket only weighs 7 ounces (198 grams), it’s made from a durable material that’s tough and comfortable. Other features include 100% seam taped zippers, adjustable Velcro cuffs, angel-wing movement design, elastic draw cord hem, water resistant front zipper and zippered hand pockets. The Marmot Crystalline Jacket for women comes in blue and green and weighs 6 ounces (170 grams). According to Webtogs, the Marmot is made from a lightweight, waterproof and breathable technology called MemBrain Strata. In addition, the angel-wing movement design of the coat gives you functionality and doesn’t restrict any motion.

The Marmot jacket is versatile, because you can use it for all of the seasons and not have to worry about buying several jackets. If you camp, hike or climb during the winter, this would be an excellent layer to keep underneath your winter coat since it’s water resistant.

As we transition into fall, the weather will become more unpredictable, but this lightweight jacket can be easily rolled up and kept in a backpack if you decide to go on a long backcountry trip. It’s always better to be prepared with a jacket, and this one won’t be a burden if it stays in your pack.

Spring cleaning can be a pain in the you know what, but it’s necessary if you want to live in a clean and organized environment. One of the best things about spring cleaning is that you can have a garage sale or donate your belongings to others who need them the most.

If you’re closet looks like a tornado went through it, you might have to spend a couple of days focusing on this area of your home. However, you can make it easy on yourself by reading the tips in the following article: Project Closet . Once you’ve set your mind to cleaning, you can put yourself on autopilot, and within a few hours you will have done some reusing, reducing and recycling.

Oh, the blistery cold weather is well on its way. It’s hard to believe we already had to change the clocks back. While it was nice to sleep another hour, I’m not happy that we have been cheated out of daylight. During this seasonal change, layer your old t-shirts under or over top of long sleeves shirts. Instead of throwing away stained or worn tank tops or t-shirts, wear them underneath your clothes. While you might not like the patterns on the shirts, you can at least get some warmth out of them. Layering is fashionable and it helps you get use out of old or unworn clothes.

It can be tempting to buy a new Halloween costume every year, but you really shouldn’t have to do that. You can use the costumes you already own to create new characters or improve the costumes. With the economic challenges, families might not be able to afford new costumes for every kid, so use unique outfits in your child’s closet and be creative. To be a black cat, all you need is black clothing and some extra cloth to sew ears and a tail. Or use makeup to make a statement for your face and wear simple clothing. Halloween is about being creative, and you will be surprised what ideas you can come up with when you make do with what you have.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve come to the realization that material possessions are just things. Plus, everything is temporary, and I’m pretty sure you can’t take your Louis Vuitton with you when you die. Trust me, I understand the immediate satisfaction that comes from owning a Coach handbag and the allure of find fabric, but it all comes down to the question: Do you really need it? I spent my late teen years shopping like there was no tomorrow. Why you ask, because I could. Now that I’m older, I have a closet chock full of shoes and clothes. I haven’t purchased any new clothing because of it. While there are organic cottons and animal free shoes out there, there’s no point in consuming if you’re trying to conserve.

Have you looked in your closet lately? How many leather shoes do you own? Granted some may be man-made leather or made from other man-made materials, but it’s probable that you own some leather shoes.

Instead of buying more leather or suede shoes, invest in organic materials that do not sacrifice animals in the making. For example, I found these cute flip flops (http://www.ethicalwares.com/) made from recycled car tires. I bet they are comfortable since they are rubber, and they probably don’t fall apart as fast as other flip flops that are made from that foam material.

There are even shoes out there that look like they are leather but are not. You don’t even have to sacrifice your fashion sense just to wear them either, which is a plus for those animal-loving fashionistas out there.

So the next time you decide to buy a new pair of shoes, do some research or at the very least take a look at the label.

Well, it has finally bit me…hard. I’m in the midst of clothing piles, trash bags, shoe racks and hangers. Out of nowhere, I have suddenly become determined to reorganize my closet and get rid of all those clothes and shoes I never wear. This is a time where you find lost treasures, and I often ponder to myself, “What was I thinking?” Some things you just need to let go of. However, that doesn’t mean throwing the stuff away so it ends up in a landfill.

Go through all of your belongings in an organized manner—t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, jeans, dress pants, shoes, etc. Sort out items that are damaged or stained from the ones you want to give to a charity. Giving to a charity helps recycle the clothes. You can also get a receipt for them so you have proof for tax season. Try to use the stained clothing as rags or determine if you can use the material for something else like a belt, purse or cut off shirt.

Although plastic garbage bags might be your only options, try to use large bags you already have at home to cart your belongings to a charity or friends and family.

If you have books you want to get rid of, donate them to your local library. Other paper material like notes from school or old meetings can be recycled at some recycling drop off centers.

There are many different ways you can recycle and reuse your unwanted belongings. You could even have a garage sale.

Recycled clothing is not hard to find, you just have to know where to look for it. Some places to check out are Wal-Mart and Target. If they don’t happen to carry recycled clothes at your local store, there are other options available like your local thrift store. While clothing at thrift stores is not made from recyclable material, you can at least do your part to reuse it.

Recently, it was announced that certain Wal-Mart stores will be carrying eco-apparel made by Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola has created a line of t-shirts, fleece and loungewear that has been created from recycled soda bottles.