Consumption with a conscience

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(CNN) -- Shopping is big business throughout the globe, but how much is actually being consumed responsibly? This month on Art of Life, we meet the people, products and charities that can help you make positive changes.

Two worlds apart

From Brazil's shantytowns to the catwalks of New York, we discover how one designer's social work is connecting these two very different worlds. Carlos Miele's powerful social conscience is just as strong as his fashion sense. Through his luxurious creations, he's giving a lot back to his native country. From Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo, we meet the women and children who are benefiting. (Watch how Carlos Miele's designs help shantytowns in Brazil)

Green with style

Gone are the days of choosing a 4 x 4 for its off-road capabilities alone. Monita Rajpal gets behind the wheel of the Lexus RX to test drive the world's first luxury hybrid vehicle. Its engine uses both petrol and electricity. It's kinder to the environment but how does it perform? We find out.

Seeing beauty in the unwanted

For Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek there is no such thing as waste. Seeing beauty in the unwanted, he uses discarded material from scrapyards to make high-end furniture. We find out how he's transforming recycled materials into unique designs in a slick re-purposing of junk. (Watch Monita test drive the new Lexus RX; and see Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek at work)

Rock in the name of charity

Art of Life is at London's famous concert arena the Royal Albert Hall where three top British musicians, including the Kaiser Chiefs, are rocking this venue in the name of charity. Roger Daltrey, of the rock band The Who, set up these gigs for the Teenage Cancer Trust seven years ago where bands donate their time, and fans donate money to this worthy cause. (Watch the Kaiser Chiefs perform in London)

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