CITYist

If you’re the type who not only avoids eating animals, but wearing them too (yes, that includes leather), then you’ve probably already heard of pioneer vegan accessory brand Matt & Nat. But for the rest of us, recognition might be less forthcoming. Even if you’re a red-blooded, fur-wearing carnivore, however, there’s something to be desired here: style, plain and simple. With handbags and wallets made with no animal by products, Matt & Nat’s trendy, zipper and stud-adorned goods look like the real deal, without the guilt. So you can rock that “leather” chain-strap shoulder bag and spout environmental gospel at the same time. We’re already converted.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, New York is going green. More specifically, Union Square will be turned into a plant kingdom today with an entire wall of native New York species erected on its Southern plaza. This herbaceous oasis is the product of Miguel Nelson, the founder of Woolly Pockets—recycled plastic containers that house plants and turn any concrete jungle into a rainforest.

Earth Day is all the rage in the fashion world. In fact, green/organic clothing has experienced a surge in general—as we’ve talked about before. As Earth Day approaches on April 22nd, we note two companies, Rachel Roy and Louis Vuitton, who are taking varied approaches to lend a helping hand to the environment.