Gominyc.
GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK
If the phrase “eco-friendly fashion” seems like an oxymoron, head Downtown and check out Gominyc and Kaight—two boutiques that’ll change your perspective. Gominyc’s owner, Anne Bernstein, stocks an assortment of highly covetable finds like ultrasoft John Patrick Organic cashmere sweaters, the jeans of the moment (100 percent organic cotton), and funky jewelry made of repurposed materials. “I look for things that I love and would wear myself, made with eco-friendly fibers and using only ethical labor,” explains Bernstein. On the Lower East Side, Kaight owner Kate McGregor specializes in pieces you’ll want to hold on to. “I think there’s been way too much emphasis on disposable fashion, and that’s never been my philosophy,” says McGregor. Bestsellers include one-of-a-kind items like Ashley Watson’s oversize bags made from vintage leather coats and Anna Built’s colorful recycled metal earrings. Gominyc, 443 East Sixth Street, 212-979-0388; gominyc.com; Kaight, 83 Orchard Street, 212-680-5630; kaightnyc.com.
CLEAN & GREEN
Eco-friendly home-cleaning services Zen Home and Ms. Green Clean won’t merely scrub down your pad with chemical-free, nontoxic cleaners— they’ll help you reduce your carbon footprint, too. Want to change your energy-hogging ways? The folks at Zen Home offer energy-saving consultations, even providing an hour of free cleaning if you switch to green power. Want to cut down on waste? Ms. Green Clean owner Cori Morenberg (RIGHT) will set up a composting unit and help you recycle landfill-cloggers like rugs and air conditioners. Morenberg will swap toxic cleaners for nonpolluting biodegradable versions (say goodbye to your Swiffer). Lest you think going eco means roughing it, both companies offer luxurious extras on every visit, including misting linens with scented water and customizing aromatherapy for your home with essential oils like lavender or lemongrass. Zen Home, 1123 Broadway, Suite 700, 212-462-2566; zenhomecleaning.com; Ms. Green Clean, 212-942-8464; msgreenclean.com.
HEALTHY PRESCRIPTION
When parents of Upper East Side pediatrician Natalie Geary’s little patients complained about the dearth of chemical-free skincare items for their tots, Geary’s cult line VedaBaby was born. Free of steroids, parabens, and harsh chemicals, the luxe creams, shampoos, and ointments are the first all-natural products created by a doctor. VedaRx, Geary’s latest line, offers totally pure antibacterial lotions, decongestants, and scar-healing balms, pairing Geary’s conventional medical background with her extensive knowledge of ayurvedic and homeopathic remedies. And VedaMama and VedaDude keep the grown-ups happy, too. Available at VitaHealth Apothecary, 1235 First Avenue, 212-628-1110; vedapure.com.
