What do Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney and Brad Pitt have in common? They are all ecosexuals! A new term has been coined on the West Coast that puts metrosexuality to shame, it’s called ecosexuality and describes people who look for mates that share the same environmental concern.

If you think “environmentally friendly” or “socially conscious” men are limited to the dirty hippie stereotypes, think again. Ecosexuality combines GQ sexiness with a heart for something more than just a big bank account and fancy car.

Personally, I’ve done a lot of dating over the past few years and the men who will always occupy a little part of my heart were those who were, in some way, green. Whether it was the guy who told me he once donated to PETA, who loved An Inconvenient Truth, who refused to buy farmed salmon or who made energy efficiency a bigger priority than affordability when buying a car, they all had an unforgettable effect on me.

To me, nothing is sexier that a man who has a heart for saving the environment. This doesn’t mean he has to be David Suzuki, but that he cares for it enough to make green decisions in his life, like asking for the most sustainable hard wood floor at Home Depot. It just screams compassion – and that he’ll probably be a better lover and father because of it.

Now this is not to say that there is no hope for the man you’re currently dating or interested in if he’s not green. I’ve educated many men over the past who have now become full-fledged greenies.

So what if you decide you want to date an ecosexual but don’t know where to turn? No problem! With green lifestyles becoming so chic in mainstream media lately, it’s no wonder that men’s ecosexual traits would now become dating criteria.

Dating websites are popping up at an alarming rate where one can now choose mates based on their carbon-neutral, fair-trade consumption or vegetarian lifestyles.

And if you’re not sure whether or not you qualify as an ecosexual, you can now take the fun ecosexual quiz.

So whether you prefer to love global and date local or are looking for Zero-carbon love, ecosexuality is where it’s at.

Enjoy green dating!

Hear more from the Urban Green Girl at her blog about green living solutions for urban girls.

photo by roger mateo poquet

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The three R’s of environmental education have been etched in the minds of Americans for decades. Across the country, households reduce energy waste by turning off lights and unplugging electronics. They reuse plastic bags and take out containers for trash liners and Tupperware. And plastic, glass, and cans are instinctively deposited into recycle bins.

This environmentally conscious trio has now evolved into a potent quintet of buzz words with the addition of two new R’s. Refuse and repair arm us with new ideas to combat waste and remind us how small gestures can initiate big change.

Here are just some of the ways you can refuse instead of consume:

•        Banish unsolicited junk mail by removing your name from marketing databases and credit card companies. Call any credit card company that keeps contacting you to stop receiving unwanted offers.

•        Buy loose fruits and vegetables — not a package of three peppers or a bag of apples.

•        Don’t ask for double bagging at the grocery store. Better yet — altogether refuse a bag for just two or three items.

•        Let friends and family know you prefer donations in your name or nothing at all as opposed to unwanted gifts.

•        Pick up seasonal and local produce rather than favoring imported goods.

•        Forgo disposable products by using a rag instead of paper towels and a handkerchief instead of tissues.

•        Don’t be afraid to shy away from products made by companies who harm the environment.

•        Adopt a no gimmick policy. Not every monumental event in your life requires a “How To” book or stack of magazines.

Prepare to save some green by opting to repair instead of replacing certain items. Socks, boots, furniture, small electronics, watches and jewelry can be fixed as opposed to tossed in most cases.

Despite the ongoing encouragement to save the planet, we are constantly tempted and inclined to buy inexpensive, expendable goods that break quickly and can be replaced cheaply. Especially in this time of economic difficulty, our tight budgets favor our impulse to find ways to get the most out of the products we invest money in.

The two new R’s expect consumers will take a moment to consider their choices and make thoughtful purchases. Refuse asks us to decline convenience packaging and unnecessary products. Repair depends on consumers saving up for a sturdy kitchen table that will last a lifetime or taking the time to reupholster that comfy couch with vintage fabric instead of placing it out on the curb. Whether there are three or five R’s, taking care of the environment is ultimately our responsibility.

photo by king desmond photography

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