Shopping With... Green Expert Danny Seo

By Lexi Green
May 13, 2010

Danny Seo and one of his six books, Simply Green Parties.

For Danny Seo, being born on Earth Day was a calling. By the ripe age of 18, the environmental lifestyle expert, author, entrepreneur and soon-to-be reality TV star, had not only successfully founded Earth 2000—a 25,000-member, entirely teen-run, environmental non-profit—but he was also traveling around the world as the voice of several hard-hitting environmental campaigns. Oh, and did we mention that at the same time, he was writing his own autobiography? Now, 15 years later Seo has only ramped up his work load. He recently filmed a pilot for a reality show with Authentic Entertainment and has a syndicated column, Do Just One Thing, wherein he teaches readers tips like how to use a tea strainer and charcoal as a healthy, chemical-free alternative to artificial car fresheners. There is also a partnership with JC Penny, a bevy of green product lines and cross-country speaking appearances. Needless to say, his suitcase is constantly packed—"The worst and best part of the job,” he quipped. “Nothing is ever the same on a day-to-day basis. One day I am at the 'TODAY' show talking about easy green crafting ideas, and the next I am sitting behind the register at a JCPenny Denim Drive. It’s fantastic.” A big believer in authenticity, Seo has given up lucrative corporate spokesperson gigs for so-called “natural” brands after finding out the products he was asked to represent were not truly green.

The Inside Source was lucky enough to catch him at his Pennsylvania home, just before he headed out the door for yet another eco-adventure. Seo offered up some authoritative insight on how to live a stylishly green life—just as he does for celebrity clients like Kerry Washington. “I was helping her green her home," Seo says. "She wanted a beautiful, yet expensive $2,000 light fixture made from a bird cage, so I showed her how we could make it ourselves—cheaper, and greener—by using a vintage bird cage and some crafty ideas. She tells me now that every time she looks at the chandelier she thinks not only how much money she saved, but also how she feels proud that she had a hand in making a beautiful piece for her home.”

Seo with "Real Housewives of New York" LuAnn de Lesseps, Kelly Killoren Besimon and Jill Zarin, at the JC Penny Denim Drive.

The most significant change Seo has seen in the green world of late is increased affordability and accessibility. “Now, you can go to almost any store and find really fantastically priced, yet differently designed eco-products,” he said. “Whether your style is modern, or country, or even modern country, it’s so much easier to find and purchase!” He's also thrilled by the trend toward repurposing and reclaiming old goods. “Marketplaces like eBay are the greatest places to shop," he says. "You never get the same mix of merchandise, and I love the great design ideas you can find. If you want a tarnished silver tray for your coffee table, you can find it used and pay much less.”

We asked Seo to scout some of his favorite products on eBay:

Roll over items for details

Lot of 40 Used Wine Corks

“These used wine corks are great to make the cork trivets described inside my book,

(buy it now price, $19.99)

Lot of 8 Martha Stewart Kids Magazines

"It is too bad that Martha Stewart Kids Magazine didn't last. The craft projects for 'kids' are really things that any one, at any age can do. Clever stuff, easy steps and totally fun projects."

(buy it now price, $44.50)

GI Military Aluminum Foldup Cot

"These cots are great since they fold up into a small container. I keep one in the living room filled with extra blankets and pillows. In a jam, it can be used as a guest bed."

(winning bid, $23.50)

Lot of 25 pieces of Israeli Seaglass

"If you can't scavenge for sea glass at the beach, eBay is a great place to find collections. Fill a glass bowl with the sea glass and toss it with your favorite essential oil for instant aromatherapy!"

(buy it now price, $2)

Set of 10 Horse Show Prize Ribbons

"I love these horse ribbons. They can clip right onto a store-bought grapevine wreath to make an equestrian themed wreath. I made one for my home, which you can check out on my blog,

(winning bid, $19.95)