Eco Profile: Melissa Joy Manning

Melissa Joy Manning is not only one of my favorite jewelry designers, but someone I can always count on for sustainable and "green" tips. Inspired by precious stones in their natural state and found objects such as fossils, teeth, and claws, Melissa turns these elements into wearable art in elegant settings.She works in 18k gold, 14k gold, and sterling silver--all recycled--using on-shore production processes that are green-certified by Alameda County, California. The certification process focuses on waste reduction and recycling, energy and water conservation, and pollution prevention. Her incredible diamond pieces are all documented as Kimberley Certified Conflict Free Diamonds.

After you are done obsessing over Melissa's pyritized ammonite fossil ring, check out some pointers she shared with me on staying fashionably aware:

• Try a non-abrasive toothpaste as a sterling silver polishing agent. Using toothpaste as a polisher means you won't be introducing harmful chemicals into the environment or down the drain.
• Wash your clothes in cold water using Seventh Generation Detergents. Not only are you saving on electricity costs, you will make your clothes last longer--and the eco-friendly soap won't harm our water supplies.
• Create your own reusable bags sans logo by sewing two vintage scarves together and using a cool belt as a handle. Plastic "eco bags" are still plastic.
• Source any product- or service-based company through BCorporation.net. The first of its kind, B Corp is a "certifier" of sustainable companies operating in the United States. After undergoing rigorous vetting, each company is selected based on their dedication to serving and promoting both environmental and socially sustainable business models. Using the power of your consumerism, you can help solve social and environmental problems by shopping from a BCorp. Some great companies to choose from are Numi Tea, Give Something Back Office Supplies, Method Cleaning Products.