Since its launch in the US in 1970, Earth Day brings together people and organisations wishing to assert their commitment to environmentalism each April 22nd. Can you believe that each year, over 1 billion people take part, which in fact makes it one of the most followed civic events. Impressive no?

However, could it be that after 40 years of being in existence, Earth Day has had its day? Upon inspection of the agenda for this 41^st edition, we have to admit that were left more than slightly wanting…

My Green Lifestyle decided to go all private eye this year and scout around to literally unearth (excuse the pun) all things green and en vogue for 2011. So here is our fashion, art and culture shortlist from around the globe!

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We connect the dots between fashion and environmental concerns at the textile Arts Centre in New York…

Environmental fiber artist, Abigail Doan, and Brooklyn’s Textile Arts Center have come together to host a trendy art and fashion evening open house to celebrate Earth Day entitled “Fashioning Self and the Environment“.

Recycled fiber form by Abigail Doan (Photo courtesy of the artist)

A panel of artists and local sustainable fashion designers will present their fiber, textile and green design initiatives. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in activities linked to slow fashion styling and organic interactions with the environment whilst chatting with dynamic, eco-minded art and fashion community members, with refreshments and treats from local green businesses!

Here’s our selection of works from the open house exhibitors to whet your appetite:

Eko-Lab models by Melissa Kirgan and Xing-Zhen Chung (Image courtesy of the designer)

Life Jackets filled with milkweed by Zoe Sheehan Zoe Sheehan Saldana & Patterned knitwear by Daria Dorsh (Image courtesy of the artists)

Titania Inglis SS 2011 creations (Photo courtesy of the designer)

So, if you’re in the NY area, don’t miss this opportunity for a great green night out!

Textile Arts Center – 505 Carroll St. Brooklyn, NY 11215 – RSVP to rsvp@textileartscenter.com.

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We shop upcycled dresses made out of swimming costumes in the UK (and on Yoox too!)…

The Speedo brand and the ethical fashion label ‘From Somewhere’, have chosen Earth Day to showcase their collection of rather eclectic feminine prêt-à-porter…

Do you remember those radical LZR racer swimsuits which were banned from swimming competitions ? Well these little dress numbers are made out of the excesses  of LZR stock and the collection is made up of casual day wear and evening wear. We have a thing for their retro edge. Quite a performance given that they are cut in futuristic fabric!

A clever and original way for Speedo to avoid clogging up our rubbish dumps with these Olympic swimsuits!

After a preview which we saw at Estethica during the London Fashion Week last September, the collection will be available on YOOXYGEN tomorrow, the green section of the online prêt-à-porter store yoox.com.

To check out the clip on the philosophy and creative process of the project, come this way and to see the whole collection, it’s right over here … Get clicking!

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We artfully recycle our shower gel bottles at the The Body Shop in Belgium…

In March The Body Shop launched ‘Go Green’, a large recycling enterprise in Belgium to commemorate Earth Day.

The English brand, famous for pioneering cosmetics not tested on animals, gave out a free shower gel from it’s eco friendly range ‘earth lovers’ in shops around the country,  in exchange for all empty plastic bottles brought back to the store.

The 6,500 bottles collected were made into a work of art by the artist Daniel de Jong. A nice example of artistic upcyling in honour of Earth Day !

It will be revealed to the public on the 22^nd April and you will be able to view it here.

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We deepen our green knowledge, thanks to the Melvita Foundation in France…

Was it not Einstein who stated that if bees were to disappear from the face of the earth, man’s extinction would soon follow ?

Well Melvita has taken heed! The honey-based cosmetics brand’s foundation, from the ardeche region of France, is  putting on sale a post-card kit priced at 1,50€ and all proceeds will be donated to the Terre & Humanisme organisation which promotes the protection of bees, via awareness building and beekeeping training.

The foundation is also  putting together a series of conferences on the theme of ‘ Join us and get involved to save the bees ‘ all of which, will be followed by a honey tasting session… organic honey naturally !

These conferences will take place between the 20th April and the 14th Mai throughout France and more specifically in Paris on the 27^th April. For more information click here.

Friends of the bees, this Earth Day is one for you!

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We participate in the « Unite on Earth Day » Symposium in Hong Kong…

This workshop organised by « Awakening the Dreamer – Changing the Dream » is one of many scheduled across the globe on this Earth Day.  This informal and relaxed brainstorming session will discuss ways of living Sustainability today.

Don’t forget to take notes to organise your own workshop in 2012!

If you’re tempted to set-up a workshop near you on Earth Day 2012, the company offers its services to assist you : kits, videos… basically all that you need to put together the think tank of your dreams is available on their website! It’s better carbon footprint-wise than going all the way to Hong Kong, don’t you think?

So, feeling up for it? All the infos are here !

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For more information…

The 2011 edition sets itself the task of converting people’s awarenesss of green issues into ‘A Billion Acts of Green’. To learn more, make your way over here…

Is inspiration for your green deed running dry ? We have the solution! TreeHugger, the American site has interviewed 13 green lifestyle gurus to help start you off… so read on here …

Happy Earth Day !

Marie & Julie