Recently Brigitte, the leading women’s magazine in Germany decided to stop photographing fashion on skinny models and will be opting for real women with real bodies.  Andreas Lebert, the editor in chief of Brigitte said: “Professional models are 23% thinner than our female readers.  This is completely contrary to reality — and contrary to our readers.”  So, in the future, Brigitte will no longer book models for their shoots, but rather select real women to model the fashion they feature.

Months ago, British Vogue stopped shooting clothes on the thinnest models.  Clearly, the voices of many women are starting to be heard.  Rather than being dictated to by the fashion world, they are saying “Look at the real world!” The message of only skinny is beautiful is being resisted more and more as women become confident about their own bodies.  For us, at hessnatur, we see this as a positive sign.  Our core beliefs of respecting all people, of embracing what is pure and natural is reflected in important changes like this.  So, we say to Brigitte, and all in the fashion world who move from artifice to reality, “Bravo!

Last week a friend of mine and I once again undertook our annual bicycle tour through Germany.  As it does every year, the trip began in our hometown, located in the middle of Germany.  Our goal was to reach Bremen, in the north.

The landscape was beautiful, we rode past farm animals at feed, ships traveling down the river “Weser” and experienced some things we hadn’t known: trekking up hills with rain in our faces, facing worn out tires and a broken spoke.

But at the end, we were successful.  We reached our goal (on time!) and had the pleasure of looking back on a week that was both challenging and fulfilling.  I even enjoyed feeling the rain on my skin, being sweaty and exhausted after pushing myself to my limit.

During our journey we met many people, but mostly I’ll  remember a man we spoke with during a short stop near Minden.  We discussed what a trip like this means to us and he told us that cycling for him was “the return to slowness”.  This struck me, because cycling takes you out of the usual stressful activities that are part of our normal lives.  It isn’t as hectic.  You are part of the world around you.  And it heightens your sensitivity to the environment.  The goal is simple, yet it takes complete commitment.  You reconnect with the values that have always been important.  So the goal was reached.  Something larger than just reaching Bremen.

Since I’m very involved in environmental issues, both from a professional and personal perspective, I’m an avid eco-blogger.  Recently I’ve read some very interesting blog posts that discuss “how to go green”.  They’ve discussed the barriers as well as the small ways we can change our lifestyles to protect our planet.

Something as simple as experiencing nature, rather than watching television.  Hiking rather than sitting, unplugging electric appliances, not just turning them off.  Changing our light bulbs, changing our clothes!  These posts encouraged me to take a look at the changes I’ve made in my life to become greener, and I’d like to share them with you.

I use my bike for more than just recreation.  It’s actually possible to do my errands – even grocery shopping.  It’s a good thing for the planet, but also for me.

I take the train whenever possible, rather than driving. (An added benefit, I get to read.)

I don’t just eat organic food, I try to eat local as well.  Closer means fresher!

Of course I mostly wear hessnatur clothing, but when I don’t, I check to see that what I’m wearing is organic and manufactured under strict social guidelines.

Every choice we make is important, so I’ve also become more politically engaged, supporting NGOs and candidates for office with true environmental commitment – not just words.

Our community can affect the future of our planet and all the people who live on it.  I’m sharing, the links are below, some ideas that can help change tomorrow, by what we do today.

• The psychological barriers to going green (ecosalon.com)
• 10 sustainable lifestyle tips (sustainablog.org)
• Take some time to see the world around you (thegoodhuman.com)