Lauren Bush

When did you start becoming aware of socially conscious and environmental issues?

I started my work with the United Nations World Food Programme about three years ago. I got involved because they were starting a student campaign and at the time I was in school and studying these issues.

Who conceived of the FEED bag and how did you become involved with it?

The bag was my idea. I've always loved design and have been interested in giving back. It's my way of combining both. After traveling with the World Food Programme to about six different countries, I wanted to spread awareness and raise money. Each bag will feed a child in school for a year. It's a cool, sturdy, burlap bag that is also reversible.

What's the bag made out of?

The outside is made of a sustainable natural burlap material, and the inside is made of a non-dyed cotton muslin. The tags are even post-consumer recycled paper. We tried to make it as sustainable as possible. The inspiration for the design came from these huge bags of grain and rice I saw being delivered to people in these giant burlap bags. I thought it was just such a cool aesthetic.

Given the many incredible causes to support, what about the World Food Programme did you find most compelling?

The World Food Programme exposed me to world poverty. After you go and see it, you can't ignore it. It's shocking to think that people—especially kids—don’t have enough to eat. After seeing it, I was compelled to help.

How much does it cost and where can I get one?

The bag will cost $60 and you can buy it on www.amazon.com/feed. If you go to Amazon, we’ve created a website with footage from the kids in Honduras who will actually benefit.

Any seemingly insurmountable challenges that you encountered along the way?

It’s taken a lot more time, even for something that’s a simple bag—just learning production and distribution was complicated.

Any memorable person or child whom you've met during this project that comes to mind?

A child I met a few weeks ago in Honduras—Hector. In a lot of these countries that I visit, you don't want to ask the kids what they want to do when they grow up. He triumphantly told us that he wanted to be a mechanic. He spoke English. We later found out that he was an orphan, living with his aunt and grandmother. He will always stick out in my mind.

Aren't you a vegetarian?

I am a vegetarian and I've been one since I was four years old. Once I realized that what I was eating was an animal, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Nothing with a face.

Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth: Friend or foe?

I think it was educational and he did a good job. I know it's a passion of his, which came across.

These days there's a lot of trendiness involved in going green. What do you make of that?

All the better. It's time that people pay attention. It's a trend that is hopefully here to stay.

Are there ways of being green that aren't getting enough attention?

I live in New York and with Con-Edison as your energy supplier, you can choose wind energy as an option on your energy bill.

What green products do you personally use?

Under the Canopy is a great line of organic T-shirts, sheets and towels that has been around forever. Stewart + Brown makes fashionable Mongolian cashmere sweaters. I use Jurlique's moisturizer and I love organic denim.

When was the last time you had to weigh a choice between organic and non organic?

There's a regular and an organic drycleaner near me. I go to the organic one—better for your skin and better for your clothes.

Do you have any eco-sins?

Definitely magazines. It would be hard to give those up! Hopefully they'll soon be made with recyclable paper.