Green is the New Black: How to Change the World with Style [Paperback]

Tamsin Blanchard (Author), Lily Cole (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2008

Does our shopping addiction contribute to climate change? What’s so special about organic cotton? Who are the real fashion victims behind cheap jeans? From the truth about fast fashion to the best biodegradable shoes, from guilt-free spending sprees to the joys of swishing parties, Tamsin Blanchard is your guide to all things fair trade and fabulous. She explains the principles of ethical fashion, from why it matters to how to do it. Tips are offered for the aspiring green goddess—including how to knit your own scarf, seduction in eco-couture, the best places to shop for vintage sunglasses, and ethical bling. Fun facts and essential directories on every aspect of sustainable stylish living are also included. With a foreword from Lily Cole, illustrations throughout by top fashion illustrator Kat Heyes (Gucci, Calvin Klein, Vogue, and Elle) and fashion secrets from celebrity friends, Green is the New Black is the chicest, greenest survival manual around. If you want to change the world—and your wardrobe—don’t go shopping without it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A must-read.' -- Vogue 'Tamsin's book is less about conscience-pricking, and more about saving the world with style.' -- Vanity Fair 'A fashion must-have for those keen to be green.' -- Daily Telegraph 'This is an excellent gift for anyone interested in going green in the chicest possible way.' -- Independent 'A must-read book.' -- Daily Mail 'Indispensable advice.' -- Natural Health and Beauty 'The beauty of this book is that it weaves green principles and fashion tips together in a lively, accessible way.' -- Cat Walk Queen 'An effortless read ... that motivates and inspires.' -- Plenty Magazine 'Stylish eco-warriors should read Green is the New Black.' -- ES Magazine 'A new green hero.' -- Sunday Times Style Magazine --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Tamsin Blanchard is the former fashion editor of The Independent and former style editor at The Observer. She is currently style director at Telegraph Magazine. Her other titles include Dressing Diana, Fashion and Graphics, Love Your Home, and The Shoe. Lily Cole is an actress and a supermodel who has walked the runway for Chanel, Gaultier, and Versace.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton; export e. edition (June 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340954663
• ISBN-13: 978-0340954669
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,487,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Some interesting ideas, September 14, 2009

By 

Vera Matson "veramats" (TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Green Is the New Black: How to Change the World with Style (Hardcover)

When I received this book I was looking for some ideas that I could incorporate into my daily life. A typical day for me involves working with the PTO at school, grocery shopping, and cooking meals for my family. At first glance this book is more chic than that. Some of the ideas in this book are a little far fetched for my taste. I don't plan on making a wedding dress out of a parachute (p. 73) but the resource for an online site to download dress patterns is pretty handy. I also liked the simple apron pattern found on p. 88. Ultimately, as I read on, I found lots of little nuggets of wisdom and insight into the footprint of many products I consume and buy in my daily comings and goings.

I also like the Little Green Book section at the end of the book for lots of green stores and online sites. The additional book list is great to have as well.

As for the leather references mentioned in the previous review, the author explains where most leather comes from, its impact on the environment, and the processes used for tanning and prepping the leather. She offers alternatives for leather products that leave a lighter footprint on the environment. I found that info interesting.

This book will stay on my bookshelf alongside other 'green' living resources I've collected!

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful to and Extent, January 23, 2012

By 

Mel Woods "College Student" (Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Green Is the New Black: How to Change the World with Style (Hardcover)

This book is full of tips for making your shopping footprint smaller. If you are crafty or a shopaholic this book will be useful for you.

I found many of this books suggestions useful, but many require sewing skills or money. Neither of which I have a lot of. However, there are sewing patterns, recipes for environmentally friendly body care, recipes for food and jewelry ideas.

The art is lovely inside the book. And the book has black and green ink throughout it. There are 11 chapters. This book isn't completely relevant to those in the US as many of the references are to things and places in Europe.

I learned some interesting things while reading this book:

The fashion industry employs a billion people and uses 25% of the worlds pesticides. (40)

Even if you hate big corporations they have the power and any changes they make in the direction of green creates changes that really do make a difference. (43)

Buy items that are special and that you won't get bored of. Stick with classics that will come around again. (62)

For big events you can use live plants instead of cut flowers. The plants can go home as gifts to the guests. (71)

60% of the carbon emissions that a t-shirt generates comes from the 25 or so washing and drying it takes. (103)

Fake fur uses about 5 litres of oil to make. However, trapped fur uses 3.5 times as much and ranched fur 15 times as much. (119)

Traveling by plane results in 40 million tons of carbon emission per year. (151)

Celebrities/models often get their bags and accessories for free (200).

66% of all leather comes from cows. (216)

If you like diamonds then buy them from Canada because they have policies in place to protect the miners and the environment (231).

2 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars awful, September 26, 2008

By 

Arienette Cervantes - See all my reviews

This review is from: Green Is the New Black (Paperback)

The author is writing about environmentalism because its trendy.
If you say you are an environmentalist and you wear leather you are a HYPOCRITE.