Trees

I know many think green fashion is for those folks lovingly, or snidely referred to as tree-huggers. It's not. It is truly for all of us. Whether you're in flannel shirts or formal wear, there are green options.    I always wondered why that tree-hugger  term somehow was derogatory.  Even as I was flirting with the idea of opening an eco boutique, my friends who know me well thought I went off the deep end. Why?   I mean really, trees are awesome, they bring so much beauty to this earth. Look around you and think what would it be like without trees, rather bleak if you ask me.  Trees absorb carbon dioxide and give us oxygen in return.  They give us a wonderful spot of shade to get away from the blazing heat of summer. They give us an awe inspiring display of color in the fall. How much art do you have in your home that is nature because an artist was inspired by the beauty of trees.  Surely when you think about all that (perhaps) you've been taking for granted, I know you'll want to go hug one and say thank you from the bottom of your heart, I know I do.

 I love to hike and what I find really special is finding that perfect spot where you just sit and amire the beauty that surrounds you and then it happens, a breeze comes and the trees suddenly come alive. Their leaves flickering in the wind, some are silent, some are quite loud  I truly feel the trees are trying to speak to us.  I don't think I'm alone because this has been translated into talking trees in cartoons and animated films.  So I've pondered, is it the trees, or is it the wind that speaks to you. Clearly, it is a collaboration between the two because independently, they don't really have a voice.

I don't think I'll ever be the activist that sits atop a tree so that loggers wont cut it down, but I do find that I have an appreciation for them.  What can somebody like me do about it?  I can save a tree by reducing the need for cutting them down.   We can all make that choice.  Frankly,  vast numbers of us are making that choice, businesses are making the choice, recycling is a growing trend and that is as necessary as it is a good thing.

So what does the love of trees have to do with green fashion.  I'll get there.  There's so much to say I just had to start somewhere.