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Alicia Silverstone: Secondhand Shopper with a Cause

11/28/2011 at 10:30 AM ET

Alicia Silverstone EcoTools
George Pimentel/WireImage

Rescuing lost dogs with her mom at a young age really made an impression on Alicia Silverstone. In her late teens, the actress started exploring cruelty-free products; by age 21 she was a full-on vegan; and at 23 she was subscribing to an eco-friendly lifestyle.

“It took so much effort to find out what products aren’t tested on animals — that was an ordeal,” Silverstone told reporters recently during a press event for EcoTools in New York. “But then when I became into eco, it took out all of that: if you’re using all-natural products that have no toxic chemicals, it narrows the playing field.”

These days, the actress is a strong advocate for all things green — she even makes the very anti-Hollywood choice of buying used clothes. “My second stop would be organic cotton,” she said. Scouring Craigslist for household items — “Then you get it really locally, and it already exists,” she explained — she stressed that she doesn’t sacrifice taste and style when shopping secondhand, either. “I realize if you’re not happy with what you have, you want to change it out more,” she shared.

Though she admitted that sometimes finding specific products can take time — “Shoes are a little trickier, but they exist,” she said — making these informed choices is necessary in her mind. “I’m trying to save the planet,” she said. “I’m trying to save our lives.”

While Silverstone doesn’t have the time to make her own eco-friendly beauty and home products just yet — “I have so little time to even take a shower,” the new mom and blogger joked — she said it’s not an impossibility. “Maybe there will be a time where I’m making brownies for my kids and making soap,” she mused, “and that’s all I’m doing.” Tell us: Do you keep your home green?

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Amy on

Brooke – I appreciate your comments, and I am a Christian, but I’m not sure God “gave us control over animals.” Why do some Christians believe that humans are the ultimate of God’s creatures? All of God’s creatures are to be respected for what/whom they are. Besides, human beings are responsible for the filth and ravaging of this earth. — Somehow, we must find a balance – a way to respect this earth and ALL God’s creatures, and a way to maintain our modern advances, such as medicine.

hito on

If she likes living that way, that’s fine for her. We DO have too much waste on this planet, but God created animals for food and clothing (which ones are specified in the Bible) and buying secondhand is ok once in a while, but she probably does it also because she’s not rich.

Honor on

I to am a vegan, and find her dedication inspiring! Sassy Mommy and others like her need to consider how their choices are impacting others and what sort of example their setting for their children. Bitterness… let’s start there. I’ll bet you haters are real “cupcakes” to live with!

heather on

Im so sorry but GOD Almighty Himself gave us animals to EAT. If I want to eat meat then its my business, if you dont then good for you but dont push it on me either.

Matt on

I am all for natural items, I do eat meat. You will not save the planet if you don’t keep the numbers of animals down, that is why hunting is so good. God made these animals for us to eat and to give us nutrition. If we didn’t eat animals then they would over populate the earth and then where would you be? She may buy second hand clothes but by doing that she will not save the planet, but she will save some money compared to the over indulgent, look at me types who think they can’t wear the same jeans twice. As far as those of you who want to eat only vegetables, that’s your choice, but lay off of people who want to eat meat or buy products made of leather, that is their choice. Nothing beats a good rare juicy steak, oh and a potato! See, we can get along. Therefore PETA can go away now since we all agree to disagree. God bless and eat more meat!

Lena on

No. mostof the time ecologially friendly is not always economically friendly.

guest on

She’s so eco friendly that she even named her child bear. What a role model!

Jamie on

oh god, why do we have to bring “god” into everything?

shannon on

WOW! good for you sassy mommy… you are officially one the most selfish, hateful, careless people on the planet. thank you alicia, for everything you do to bring awareness to the issues of animal abuse and the sad, sad state of our planet. ugh, thanx sassy mommy… wasted breakfast because you made my stomach turn. PUKE!!

DVH on

Ooooh well said Kristen. I’ve been living Alicia’s lifestyle for 30 years now, getting more deeply involved with each year……no products tested on animals, no meat, organic foods as much as possible, and yes I buy second hand. LOVE Craigslist and recycling centers. Who’s pushing it down your throats? It’s a story about how this actress lives her life. Amazing how the ones having kids aren’t interested in preserving the enviro for them. Incredible. Why don’t you go find something else to do, like count all the animals that have become extinct just since you were born.

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