Hi everyone, and welcome back to Mochi. For this summer’s issue, we’ve gone with an eco-friendly theme. From makeup to food, there’s no denying that being environmentally conscious has seeped into every aspect of our lives. One Mochi writer talks about how her family’s “Asian” practices have taught her to recycle and reuse. I can relate — for as long as I can remember, my mother has saved unused ketchup packets and plastic utensils from McDonald’s. I used to roll my eyes, but thinking back on it now, I’ve never, ever had to purchase ketchup or plastic utensils. I guess Mom knows best on how to conserve. This issue is also chock-full of advice: our editors and writers are taking aspects of their lives where they’ve learned useful lessons, and are sharing it with you in hopes that you’ll be better prepared for your next adventure, whether it’s finding something new to wear in the morning, figuring out what type of food is best for you, or dealing with a bad breakup.

We’ve also profiled some people we think will be the next big thing — singer/songwriter Tim Be Told, fashion blogger Susanna Lau (aka Susie Bubble), and rap/rock group afterschoolspecial. They’ve inspired us, and we hope their stories do the same for you.

And one last note on inspiration — if any of our stories strike a chord with you, why not take a step further and consider studying all things green? We’ve got a great roundup of scholarships to give you a little more incentive, if need be.

As always, feel free to e-mail me at steph@mochimag.com with any comments, suggestions, or even ideas for next issue’s theme. Enjoy the issue, and don’t forget to check out our daily blog to tide you through until the next one.

- Steph

Related posts:

1. Going Green Has Never Looked This Good You might say Danny Seo was born to be...
2. Introducing Mochi’s First-Ever College Issue I remember the college application process like it was yesterday....
3. Mochi Makeover: Welcome to Our Body Issue Dear Readers, How do you feel about Mochi’s new look?...

100% Shea Butter ($9): Straight from Burkina Faso, shea butter is ideal for dehydrated skin. Use it for dry lips, elbows, heels and much more. The compact container gives you baby-soft skin on the go.

Almond Apple Velvet Eye Gel ($33): This non greasy eye gel refreshes your under-eye area and minimizes puffiness and dark circles. Put it on after a hard night of studying and look instantly radiant.

Organic Lavender Shower Gel ($20): Take your senses on a ride with L’Occitane’s Organic Lavender Shower Gel. Infused with lavender oils from Provence, it is the ultimate stress reliever after a long day.

Indulge in L’Occitane’s eco-friendly products – you deserve it, and the earth will thank you for it. For more information on how you can make a difference with L’Occitane, please visit: www.foundation.loccitane.com.

Disclaimer: Beauty writer Kirby Koo is interning with L’Occitane this summer and has picked her three favorite products to share with Mochi readers.

Related posts:

1. Pint-Sized Beauty Necessities Remember when packing for a trip required purchasing and labeling...
2. Tricks of the Trade Enhance Natural Beauty Face it, you're naturally gorgeous… that means your golden rule...
3. Going Green Has Never Looked This Good You might say Danny Seo was born to be...

College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor, ME). This liberal arts college literally brainwashes you into going green. Okay – not really, but at the College of the Atlantic, the only field of study offered is Human Ecology. With a student body of only 350 students, this eco-committed college shows that caring for the environment begins with a “green” education.

The Evergreen State College (Olympia, WA). The name says it all. Considering the fact that 800 of their 1,000 acre campus consists of woods, forest and saltwater beach, this college knows not to disturb Mother Nature. Their long list of eco-friendly activities includes using 100 percent of their electricity from green sources and building their state’s first public LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certified building.

Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH). Oberlin hosted its first Ecolympics in 2008, where students competed in their dorms for a four-week period to see who was most green. They also have a 100-kilowatt solar parking pavilion, and their distinguished Environmental Studies building recycles 100 percent of their waste water and has the largest solar array in its state.

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA). One look at their “Sustainability at Harvard” Web page and it’s evident why they’re on this list. These brainiacs put their heads to good use through innovative campus-wide green activities, such as replacing over 2,600 standard shower heads with low-flow shower heads and swapping office supplies. As they say, “one department’s trash becomes another’s treasure.”

Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA). This college is moving forward with a new central energy plan that expects to reduce energy consumption in their buildings by one-third. In addition they boast a campus fleet of hybrid cars, a free bike rental service and their very own Dickinson College Organic Farm.

Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT). One of their most original recycling methods is the collaboration between their dining services and the athletics department, where they fuel their ski team vehicles with waste vegetable oil. They also have student-run organic gardens which hire student workers, and promising investments in solar arrays, wind turbines and a biomass facility to use wood chips to generate power.

Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH). Besides purchasing food from 15 local farms, using composted food waste on school grounds and purchasing 2,000 megawatt-hours each of renewable energy, their sustainability initiative includes a coalition of student groups who annually travel cross-country on the “Big Green Bus” to educate others on climate issues.

Berea College (Berea, KY). They are known for their innovative EcoVillage dorm complex, which implements a 75 percent reduction in energy and water usage. Their Sustainability and Environmental Studies Program also includes 1000 acres of college farms and gardens, and 8,000 acres of college forests, which serve as ecology labs and studies for students.

Columbia University (New York, NY). Despite fast-food chains around every corner of the city, Columbia hosts a farmers market twice a week, uses biodegradable to-go containers and sells campus-grown produce in one of its dining halls. Its college dorms are also undergoing green renovations with features such as an energy monitoring system.

University of California (UC system, CA). These “Golden State” universities enjoy their greenery and they want it to stay that way. UC Berkeley has a certified organic kitchen, while UCLA developed a bicycle master plan to encourage green transportation. The UC system has boldly pledged to achieve zero waste by 2020 on all of its 10 campuses.

Sources: The Daily Green, The College Sustainability Report Card

Photos (from top to bottom): an organic farm at Evergreen State College and the Environmental Studies building at Oberlin College; photos from The Daily Green, courtesy of Evergreen State College and Oberlin College.

Related posts:

1. How to Study Green: Top Eco-Friendly Scholarships Committing to an academic and professional career in environmental studies...
2. Going Green Has Never Looked This Good You might say Danny Seo was born to be...
3. Check Out Our Newest Issue: Mochi Goes Green For this summer’s issue, we’ve gone with an eco-friendly theme....

You might say Danny Seo was born to be ‘green’ — as fate would have it, his birthday falls on Earth Day. Coincidence? Maybe, but at the age of 12, Danny started what has become one of the largest teenage environmental nonprofits. By age 18, he wrote an autobiography, which details his unique ideas for green living and won the hearts of the public. Since then, Danny has become one of the most sought after green lifestyle consultants, but he didn’t stop there. He recently expanded into beauty products and gave new meaning to the idea of living a 100% green lifestyle.

We talked to Danny to learn more about his take on green beauty and just what it takes to become a champion for all-around eco-friendly living.

What inspired you to create a beauty and bath line? And why make it green?

All of my products are created out of desperation. When I can’t find something in the marketplace that I love, I figure there are others who are seeking them, too. So, I create product lines thinking about how I can do it right, sustainably, beautifully and at a price point everyone can afford. Wholearth is just that: it’s green from the inside out and keeps the entire planet in mind. We use 100% post-consumer recycled packaging and our formulas feature some of the very first USDA certified organic seals of approval. I’m particularly proud of our fine fragrance collection. They all smell delicious, can be layered and are totally organic. No harmful artificial fragrances, preservatives or carcinogens in this line! You don’t need to poison yourself to smell great.

What does “sustainable beauty products” mean to you?

We don’t think about the fact that many products we use go down the bathroom sink or shower drain and end up in our water supply, taking hundreds of years to biodegrade. Most products are far from natural and they have to go somewhere.

Where do you see the beauty industry headed in terms of being eco-friendly?

I’m all about USDA-certified organic designations. This is a strict program from the USDA that mandates ingredients must be grown without chemical pesticides. And then from the farm to factory to fill station, the ingredients must all be certified as organic as well. When customers see that mark, they know they are getting the real, green deal.

How would a teenager interested in the green movement break into the industry?

You’ve got to lead with your values first and business intentions second. The green lifestyle business is all about authenticity. We’re in it to save the planet and promote sustainability. If you can keep your message and intentions pure, the money will come. The business mentality has to be secondary or you’re going to totally miss the point of the green movement.

You can find the entire Wholearth skin care line, which includes all-natural, organic perfume, decadent body soufflé, bamboo body scrub, and certified organic body wash and lotion, at www.wholearthbeauty.com. Check out Danny’s blog, dailydanny.com, for tips, ideas, and projects, and follow him on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/dannyjseo.

Related posts:

1. SPONSORED POST: Fashionably Natural with L’Occitane en Provence Beauty writer Kirby Koo's picks for her favorite green-friendly L'Occitane...
2. Kudos to America’s Top 10 Green Colleges College is like going through puberty all over again: you...
3. Check Out Our Newest Issue: Mochi Goes Green For this summer’s issue, we’ve gone with an eco-friendly theme....

Susanna Lau of the Style Bubble fashion blog is better known throughout the blogosphere as “Susie Bubble” — an alias that she garnered from her friend, Sarah Hill, back in elementary school. Incidentally, long before blogging existed, an entire class of children began to call her by her famous nickname because she always looked like she was in a world of her own. “I was in a bubble!” she affectionately recalled.

Nowadays, in spite of her nickname and blog name, Lau is one of the most artistically, culturally and sartorially involved individuals in the fashion media industry — a far cry from the “bubble” of her childhood years. She began blogging because she wanted to “channel random thoughts about fashion” into a space of her own, after “geeking out” on fashion forums such as The Fashion Spot. Lau discovered that bloggers have the ability to cover obscure information with speed and variety that most print publications have not yet achieved. For buyers, public relations agents and trendspotters, bloggers are gems of resources — and Lau is a rare blue diamond. “Blogging three times a day for three years is weirdly enough the most consistent thing I’ve ever done,” she said.

Her passion and keen eye for design led her to become the commissioning editor for Dazed Digital, the groundbreaking online counterpart to the British style magazine, Dazed & Confused. Lau admits that “it’s been tricky to juggle the blog and [her] full time job at Dazed, but it has been really amazing overseeing the development of Dazed Digital.” Because she has never worked with print before, she was recruited to be a member of the staff in order to offer a different perspective and to approach the online relaunch “in a completely different way to print.”

One of the differences between working in print and working in digital is the level of work pace. Lau is able to — and must — work at a faster pace than her print counterparts. Additionally, she must respond to reader feedback in the form of comments and website traffic. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately), for print media, instantaneous feedback can be largely ignored. “The pace can wear you down. Also, looking after a website is a 24-hour job. If something breaks, you have to fix it right away,” she admitted.

Lau discovered that some benefits to working in digital include fewer restrictions (for example, no need to make sure all images are in high-resolution) and a bigger scope of topics to cover. However, in spite of digital’s ability to cover vast amounts of information, Lau believes that print media will still remain as a substantial and profitable industry in the future because “the two media are consumed in different ways.” The digitally inclined blogger is not worried about print in this increasingly environmentally conscious world, because “what print excels at is not replicable online, the tactile feeling of flicking through a magazine and reading the lengthy interviews with fantastic people and seeing the fashion editorials.” According to Lau, contrary to popular belief, the core of the fashion industry has not changed much as a result of the digital boom. Instead, the rise of digital has changed the average consumer’s perception of fashion and how the information is dispersed to the general public.

The combination of her love of fashion and her dive into the digital world as an editor and blogger culminated in an unforgettable moment when she was late to the Lanvin Autumn/Winter 2009 show, and tripped on the way in.

“With blood tripping down my knees and tights, I crouched in the front row just as the show started. The models strode out on the wet concrete floor and for about 10 minutes, I forgot I was bleeding and in a bit of pain because it was that beautiful. It’s pretty cheesy to talk about fashion like that, but that’s how it was!” she said. Now, this is why Lau is the it-blogger of the fashion blogosphere.

Related posts:

1. Mochi Weighs in on the “Death of Print” With magazines losing ad sales and folding, talk of...
2. Check Out Our Newest Issue: Mochi Goes Green For this summer’s issue, we’ve gone with an eco-friendly theme....
3. Summer Fashion DIY: Scarf top, Skirt and Headband Stay fashionable and green this summer by creating new clothes...

Mineral makeup is a trend sweeping the beauty industry in natural food stores and drugstores alike. These formulations are marketed as being more “natural” and skin-friendly, but do they live up to the hype?

Inside the package
The mineral makeup trend has its roots in the natural, eco-conscious movement. Brands still capitalize on this association, with claims of “pure,” “gentle,” and “healthy,” but not all mineral products are created equal.

If you read the ingredients label of any mineral makeup package, you’d probably find mica, titanium oxide, or iron oxide – minerals that are non-comedogenic and have anti-inflammatory properties (although the same may not always be true of the final formulation). As long as minerals like these are the primary ingredients, the product can be marketed as “mineral” makeup.

This leaves some grey area, though. Because there is no other regulation about what ingredients constitute a mineral product. “Preservative-free” may not mean “all-natural.”

One main distinction between different brands is the addition of synthetic chemicals and preservatives. Some brands, like beauty-insider favorite Everyday Minerals, stress that they don’t contain these less-than-natural additives.

But even among all-natural brands, there’s yet another distinction. Brands that are “preservative- and fragrance-free,” like L’Oreal’s Bare Naturale drugstore line, may contain fillers and other additives that alter the character of the makeup. While technically considered “natural,” additives like talc and bismouth oxychloride are considered skin irritants and can cause harmful side effects like acne and itching, especially in those with sensitive skin.

Another common skin-friendly claim about mineral makeup is its UV protection. Although some product lines have SPF 15 ratings, dermatologists still suggest using sunscreen for extra protection.

So what do the experts recommend? Even dermatologists aren’t in agreement on the issue. While some recommend mineral makeup for its “anti-inflammatory” properties and gentleness on sensitive skin, others don’t believe the hype.

If you want to try mineral makeup and test these claims for yourself, be sure to read the labels critically. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne or rosacea, look for products without many additives.

Beauty benefits
Even if mineral makeup can’t give you perfect skin, it may make it look that way. Mineral makeup is known for giving a light glow due to the fine, reflective particles. Although it may not provide the same coverage as traditional powder foundation, mineral foundation provides natural-looking coverage instead of the dreaded “cakey” look.

Fan favorites
Mineral makeup has developed quite a following among beauty aficionados for its cosmetic benefits and skin-friendly properties. Here are some of the most popular and highly rated lines among those in the know.

Bare Minerals: One of the most prominent lines in the business, Bare Minerals offers an entire line of mineral makeup products. Try their starter kits for an easy introduction to mineral makeup. Find their products online at bareminerals.com and in beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta.

Everyday Minerals: As a niche brand, this company makes a point to be eco- and customer-friendly. Their foundation comes in a wide range of shades and levels of coverage —especially good for Asian complexions. The brand also offers a wide variety of makeup products and tools, but is available online only at everydayminerals.com.

Jane Iredale: As one of the original mineral makeup brands, it offers a complete line of high-quality mineral products. The quality comes at a cost, though, as these products are priced on the steeper side. Visit janeiredale.com for more info.

Related posts:

1. Mochi Tests Popular Asian Beauty Products When it comes to makeup, the one-size-fits-all model rarely holds...
2. Going Green Has Never Looked This Good You might say Danny Seo was born to be...
3. Makeup Maven Ning Chao Takes on The Social Aspect of Beauty Ever since she was young, Ning Chao has been obsessed...

You can’t make green without yellow.

And I wouldn’t be as “green” as I am today without my stereotypically frugal Asian family.

My dad taught me the importance of reducing and reusing before recycling. For example, when I’m done with a meal, I instinctively wipe off my plate with my lightly used napkin. Without the extra gunk, washing the dish is easier and requires less water to clean.

If you accidentally take more napkins than you need at a restaurant, don’t throw them out — tuck them away in your purse instead. You might need to wipe your nose or clean up a spill later.

We get a lot of extra uses out of plastic bags – wrapping meat thawing in the refrigerator and lining small trash cans. Other people use them to keep bicycle seats dry when it rains or pick up animal waste. For the bags you don’t use again, find a place that recycles them. Many grocery stores offer plastic bag recycling.

Though I encourage people to buy pricier, eco-friendly cleaning products, rechargeable batteries and paper towels made from recycled paper, I find that most eco-friendly efforts are at the expense of time or convenience and not money.

It’s about hanging onto that plastic bottle or can until you see a recycling bin. Most people would recycle if they see a recycling bin next to a trash can. However, it takes an extra effort to put that bottle back into a tote and take it home.

On that note, you don’t need a canvas totebag for every supermarket or store. You only need a few to carry groceries and maybe some cuter ones to carry textbooks. If you’re just getting a drink at a convenience store, say no to the plastic bag. My dad always used to remind me to bring a tote bag to the library or when I go out because they’re handy and more durable than plastic bags.

You have to commit to reuse. For a while, I brought a new water bottle to school every day. It saved me from buying drinks at lunch, which saved me one or two dollars each day. But I got thriftier and smarter. Now, I refill my BPA-free Camelbak a few times a day — it saves money and lessens my reliance on one-time-use products. Drinking water during the day keeps my skin hydrated, too.

While I learned most of these eco-friendly tactics from my parents, I thought of a new, Asian-inspired way to go green last year. My sister bought me these beautiful black chopsticks that came in a satin-like holder. I considered all the bamboo trees that are cut down every day to make disposable chopsticks.

After that, I resolved to put the chopsticks in my purse when I go to eat at a place that uses disposable chopsticks. When I’m done slurping up lo mein, I take them to the bathroom and wash them off with soap and water, so they’re clean for the next use.

Water is a renewable resource, so cleaning something is better than creating more trash.

On that note, try to bring your own food storage containers to restaurants or lunch carts. It reduces the need for Styrofoam, which is actually a petroleum-based material called polystyrene that sits in landfill long after we’re gone. Some coffee shops offer a discount for using your own thermos.

Being green doesn’t take a lot of time or money and is about making small investments such as planning and buying longer-lasting, florescent light bulbs.

I didn’t realize until I came to college that while my dad was teaching me to be economical, he was also helping me be ecologically conscious. Thanks, Dad.

Related posts:

1. Kudos to America’s Top 10 Green Colleges College is like going through puberty all over again: you...
2. Check Out Our Newest Issue: Mochi Goes Green For this summer’s issue, we’ve gone with an eco-friendly theme....
3. Going Green Has Never Looked This Good You might say Danny Seo was born to be...

Sheena Matheiken founded The Uniform Project to fundraise for The Akanksha Foundation, a non-profit organization in Mumbai, India bringing education to children living in the slums. She pledged to wear seven identical dresses, one for each day of the week, for an entire year. The dress is accessorized with pre-owned, vintage, or handmade items that are donated by the public through the project’s website. Matheiken makes wearing a uniform look easy, citing some benefits like “having something you don’t have to think twice about and becomes part of your skin.”

For accessorizing and spicing up the same basic dress over and over again, Matheiken recommends taking advantage of hats, scarves, shoes, belts, and collars. “This project is also an attempt to freshen up the dialogue of sustainability in fashion and to prove that the style and sustainability needn’t be mutually exclusive,” said Matheiken. “It promotes recycling and encourages people to shop their own closet and get creative with what they already own. Admirers from all around the world who visit the project website agree.
If the idea of wearing a uniform is still daunting, another way to engage in thrifty and eco-friendly fashion without breaking the piggy bank is by hosting a clothing swap with some friends. A clothing swap can update one’s wardrobe with new clothes and boost new life into old clothes as they find a new owner.

The number of clothes swappers should be comfortably intimate since everyone will be trying on the clothes in proximity, but large enough to gather a variety of clothing types and sizes so no one gets left out. Having fifteen people is a realistic numberto start. Have at least one full-length mirror available (two or three would be even more ideal) and advise more modest friends to wear a tank top and leggings underneath for changing in front of others. Invest in simple and clothing-safe refreshments for a party atmosphere — clear sparkling mineral water, cold cuts, and gummy candy are some options. Play some upbeat music to create a slumber party meets sample sale vibe that clothes swappers won’t forget.

Additionally, set a minimum number of clothes that each person must bring on the invitation and make sure that everyone washes and presses their clothes. A few garment racks can create a retail store atmosphere and make the clothing easier to see and access if the swap gets crowded. Remind everyone to bring accessories, too In a successful swap, everyone goes home with an entire new outfit.

Next time you find yourself worrying about not having anything to wear, think about these easy solutions for recycling and reworking what you (and your friends) already have.

Related posts:

1. Campus Dress Code: Clothes for Every Occasion In college, you’re not just a student—you’re a businesswoman, a...
2. Summer Fashion DIY: Scarf top, Skirt and Headband Stay fashionable and green this summer by creating new clothes...
3. Fashion Blogger Susie Bubble on the Digital World of Fashion Fashion blogger Susanna "Susie Bubble" Lau is one of the...

With the increasing number of food scares within the past several years, the allure of organic food is irresistible. It claims to be kinder to the environment and animals, as well as being free of pesticides and chemicals. Yet organic food can cost twice as much as its non-organic counterparts, making it difficult for just anyone to afford. And because organic food is preservative-free, they don’t have nearly as long of a shelf life. With all the food labels claiming to be “organic,” it’s difficult to tell which products to trust and which are just using a clever marketing technique.

The term “organic food” refers to products made according to certain standards as set by the European Union. Produce is grown without the use of non-organic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides, and livestock cannot be treated with growth hormones, nor can anything be genetically modified. Without the use of non-organic chemicals, farms won’t release anything synthetic into the environment and can also sustain naturally diverse ecosystems. This causes organic food to be more costly. Luckily, there are a few helpful hints to remember when buying organic without breaking the bank.

1. Shop around. While a supermarket is dependable, health food stores, delis and local farmers’ markets are all great places for organic food. Stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are great and have many options. You can also try Asian food stores in your area as they usually have fresh vegetables at wallet-friendly prices, and you’ll help out the environment and your community.

2. Ask questions. If you’re at a farmer’s market or organic food store, don’t be afraid to ask questions about what you’re purchasing or what’s in season. Becoming educated about produce is the best way to know when and where to buy organic.

3.  Buy in bulk and freeze. As long as you have room in your freezer, don’t be afraid to buy organic produce and meat in bulk if they’re at a good price. Whatever you have leftover can be frozen and will still taste as fresh as they did when you bought them.

4. Grow your own. Planting your own produce is a surefire way to stay under budget and be eco-friendly. Small produce like carrots and tomatoes are simple to grow and don’t require a lot of space. I purchased a basil plant, which I only water once a day — and since I can keep it in the house, I never have to worry about insects.

5. Consider generics. Stores like Meijer have their own brand called “Meijer Organics” which are certified organic with great prices.

Remember, have fun with organic foods and recipes and relish in the fact that you’re keeping yourself and the environment clean and healthy.

Related posts:

1. Top 10 Jobs That Save the Planet White-collar workers, blue-collar workers, and now green-collar workers? The...
2. SPONSORED POST: Fashionably Natural with L’Occitane en Provence Beauty writer Kirby Koo's picks for her favorite green-friendly L'Occitane...
3. Save Your Skin: A Guide to Common Problems It’s common knowledge that your body changes drastically between childhood...