Alexx Jae for EMA Ultra-Soft Bamboo Message Tees And A Conversation with Debbie Levin
January 28 2009
Since when did a chest become a billboard? There’s something a little offensive about how much stuff is advertised on the bust these days. Green girls we may be, but do we really want someone spending enough time reading our messaging that they can also accurately gauge our cup size? And though we’re obviously big fans of the graphic message (check out the organic cotton EcoStiletto t-shirt, for starters, one can go even more subtle in these gorgeous, super-soft t-shirts by designer Alexx Jae.
The black-on-black, bamboo tees challenge us in teensy-tiny letters to “go change a light bulb” on the front and assert that “compact fluorescents are sexy” on the back. But best of all, they benefit the Environmental Media Association, a non-profit founded in 1989 that challenges the entertainment industry to include messaging designed to raise viewer’s awareness of environmental issues.
At last year’s EMA (pronounced “emma”) awards in November, which is to environmentalists what the Academy Awards are to the movie industry, Maria Bello presented the Philadelphia Eagles with an Ongoing Commitment Award for their comprehensive “Go Green” policy, Julia Louis Dreyfus presented a Corporate Responsibility Award to Tiffany & Company, which has boycotted coral use in jewelry and supports socially responsible mining, and Nicole Ritchie honored a global warming episode of “Handy Mandy” with an award in the category of Children’s Live Action/Animated Television.
Lots of green girls in that bunch, and you betcha they’ve got a few Alexx Jae tees in the closet.
Bonus! We’ve got an exclusive interview with Debbie Levin, who’s bringing consciousness to Hollywood in her role as president of the EMA (and who happens to be Alexx’s mom).
ES: Tell us how you’re going green?
DL: Green is sort of who I am. I’ve been running the Environmental Media Association for nearly nine years and the passion for our mission is such an integral part of who I am, whether it’s driving my hybrid (my fourth!) or choosing organic for my family. Now I’m planning two weddings for my children. Two within six months! So I’m taking all the knowledge I have from throwing our fabulous green EMA Awards and Galas for eight years and making sure we have sustainable showers and parties and weddings!
ES: When did you start getting involved in eco-consciousness?
DL: It began in December of 1999. I attended a luncheon that was the 9th Annual EMA Awards. I sat there and listened to the mission of the organization and was so moved that I barraged my table companion with so many questions that (later, finding out he was the EMA Board Chair) he asked me to come and run the organization. My life has never been the same.
ES: How important do you think these kinds of changes are for you, personally?
DL: These changes are just my path. The changes that I’m talking about are so important for all of us. How hard is it to choose a compact fluorescent when your light bulbs blows out? Or turn off lights when you’re not in a room. Or recycle! It’s easy and so important.
ES: What about for the planet?
DL: We no longer have a choice to be environmentally frivolous. We have energy issues both politically and sourcing. We have food and clothing loaded with chemicals that are making us sick. We have electronic waste that is multiplying by the hour. Everything we do impacts our planet.
ES: What are your favorite green fashion labels?
DL: Well of course that would have to be my daughter’s line, Alexx Jae!
ES: What are the best eco-friendly beauty finds?
DL: Liz Earle from the UK is fabulous. Totally natural, smells yummy and makes your skin glow. I love it.
ES: What’s the biggest green change you’d like to make in your life—even if it’s impossible right now?
DL: I dream of solar on my roof at home!
ES: What’s your favorite eco-friendly tip our readers should know about?
DL: Honestly, I’m a hybrid freak. I swear by my hybrids. But on a more intimate level, I think you need to be careful about your body. That means organic food, skin care and clothing. These are not all new ideas. All of our grandparents and great grandparents were “organic.” There were no hormones and pesticides! Everything was organic because that’s all there was!
ES: Who’s your eco-idol?
DL: Everyone’s eco-idol is Ed Begley, Jr. And deservedly so. But I’m also fortunate to have some wonderful friends who are my “green spiritual comrades.”
ES: What’s the best green advice you ever received—and who gave it to you?
DL: “Turn out the lights when you leave a room.” That was my dad and I was about six. A man before his time.
