We all know that, as far as holiday gifts are concerned, it truly is the thought that counts, but as more shoppers wake up to fashion’s damaging effects on the environment, people, and animals (the industry is responsible for an estimated 5 percent of the world’s global carbon emissions and 4 percent of the world’s waste), the "thoughtfulness" of gifting has taken on a whole new meaning.
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As a sustainable lifestyle blogger, my job is to make conscious consumerism look good. Over the course of four years Instagramming eco-friendly outfits, testing non-toxic nail polish brands, and writing sustainable city guides, I became a proponent of having it all—fashion, fun, travel, beauty—while still being eco-friendly. So when I was invited to speak on a panel in front of the UN Youth Delegation, the expectation was that I’d dispense wisdom to bright young students about how their personal purchasing choices can help save the world.
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