Does going green need to be a sacrifice? There is no end of guidebooks telling you how to green every aspect of your life from your nail polish to underwear to your workout clothes. However, one hot new eco-magazine is rising above the heap – the incredibly hip and chic Coco Eco Magazine is spreading the glamorous green gospel in a well-designed online package, catering to those eco- fashionista gals that want their environmentalism served in a stunning eco-package. We caught up with the ultimate green gal, Editor In Chief of Coco Eco Magazine, Anna Griffin to ask her a few questions about her hot new online fashion magazine.
Tell us about Coco Eco Magazine.
Coco Eco Magazine launched October 18, 2008 in Los Angeles. The idea was born in October 2007 after I had spent a full year researching global warming, and answers on how to live. I couldn't find anywhere in print or online to call my own, and felt that there needed to be a space for women like me, who live a full life, but want to do it with a zero or near-zero carbon footprint. Also, I felt that "green" needed to elevate from the perception of unstylish and crunchy to glamorous and fun, in order for mainstream women to shift their perceptions and choices.
Joining me in the Coco Eco family are the very best and brightest in the movement. Our Beauty Director is Emma Pezzack, CEO of Futurenatural.com, Contributing Fashion Editor Barbara Kramer of Designers & Agents, Senior Stylist Robin Garvick who is the eco stylist to the stars, Photo Director Courtney Dailey who is fast becoming a rising star on the LA scene, and Hairstylist Brian Bowman who is one of the best in LA. We also have a very accomplished and talented group of writers, stylists, make-up artists, and graphic artists, and we are all green.
Where did the magazine title come from?
We were originally due to launch under a different name but ran into trade marking issues and needed to jump fast. Coco is not only a plant but also a river in Nicaragua, and it doesn't hurt that we pay accidental homage to one of history's most legendary style icons. Also, it's fun and a bit sassy, just like us!
Why did you decide to go with an interactive online version of a magazine?
When I decided to do this, it was imperative to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. We could have gone the route of printing on recycled paper with soy ink, but the energy required to recycle is staggering, not to mention we would have to transport the magazine for distribution. Also, I couldn't guarantee that readers would be responsible in their disposal efforts and therefore we could be putting more into the landfill. It was just therefore never an option to go to print. Additionally, media is shifting and more people now get their information via the internet. We wanted to get behind that movement.
It's so easy to be mindful in our everyday choices, and there really doesn't have to be any sacrifice, just a few new habits
Would you describe Coco Eco as a green lifestyle magazine?
Coco Eco Magazine is a sophisticated fashion and lifestyle green publication. However, to us, green doesn't just stop at being eco-friendly. It's a complete lifestyle and relates to how you show up in the world, so you will be seeing a lot of socially aware content moving forward.
How often will you 'publish' the magazine?
The magazine is bi-monthly.
Who is your target audience?
Women from the ages of 21-45 but we don't want to stop at girls who are already eco conscious. Coco Eco Magazine is for all women, from all walks of life, so we want to break into the mainstream. If we can inspire women to make a few easy changes, it makes a big difference.
What makes Coco Eco different?
Coco Eco Magazine is fun, firstly. It's not ashamed to be bold, stylish, and gorgeous. But beyond that, we really do stand behind our commitment to the environment and do actually walk our talk. Behind the glamour is a serious message to make very necessary changes and this is reflected in our articles.
I love my role in Coco Eco Magazine and consider myself one lucky girl. It really is good to be green!
What kind of cool green stuff can people expect to see?
We have a super fun and bold issue for the Holidays which launches in November, and look out for an eye-popping fashion story in our Jan/Feb 09 issue. We also have features on beauty, health, travel, transportation, and in our Holiday issue start our new food column. Early next year, we will be adding a yoga column and an interior design feature. We also have some great celebrity covers coming soon!
Who is your 'green dream' interview subject?
There are so many people I would like to interview it's hard to mention one. Al Gore would probably be at the top of the list because of what he's done for this cause, but I wouldn’t say no to Leonardo DiCaprio either!
Are you a green gal?
Yes, it would be impossible to be Editor in Chief of Coco Eco Magazine without being green. This magazine was born out of a call to action, and throughout this process I have found it is very easy to have a fun life whilst being a good environmental steward. It's so easy to be mindful in our everyday choices, and there really doesn't have to be any sacrifice, just a few new habits. I have always had a big reverence for Planet Earth and consider myself very lucky to be here, so it stands to reason I want to conserve it. I am also very passionate about animal welfare and have a menagerie of shelter pets that keep me sane! I love my role in Coco Eco Magazine and consider myself one lucky girl. It really is good to be green!
Visit: http://www.cocoecomag.com/
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