by rd @ 9:30 am 3 comments »

No, No, No…don’t have a hairdo that is taller than 47% of the people in Asia. Amy Winehouse has taken high hair to another level. Rumor has it that it takes a minimum of 4 cans of Extra Hold Hairspray to maintain the structural integrity of this hairdo – enough aerosol propellant to create a gap in the ozone layer as big as Bermuda.


Don’t wear a get-up that sends all the orangutans in the Bronx Zoo into heat. The overabundance of fur and leather, not to mention the over processing of each to reach this “desirable” shade of what shall we call it, blood red or vapid blue simply raises the bar on the already over the top “ICK” factor. Inspired by a certain simian wardrobe from the ‘Wizard of Oz’ perhaps? We will just call it the Monkey Love Waiter’s Jacket. Sharing the blame are designers P Diddy and Jill Stuart.

Don’t buy a shoe that can’t go up a 20 degree incline. Fashion designer Antonio Berardi’s spring 08 RTW heel-less shoe is the picture of pain. Paltrow, Beckham and Uma have reportedly shelled out the big bucks for these heeless monstrocities. For those ladies aspiring to reach an ‘unnatural’ high. Don’t try to ‘kick-back’ in these $3300 pumps.

Don’t start wearing that wolf fur vest just because G.W. took canis lupus off the endangered list. Perhaps a sandwich might be a good idea instead…


Don’t wear anything that has killed more cattle than Hurricane Katrina…no matter how good you look.

Don’t wear feathers and fur hats unless you actually are a pimp. Faux rockstars like my man Dave Navarro should stick to nipple piercings, scrotum rings and leotards and leave the birds and furry creatures alone.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
by rd @ 8:51 am post a comment »
by Jamie @ 12:19 am post a comment »

While cleaning the kids’ playroom for what must be the umpteenth time today I spied the bag of Tree Blocks that our entire family loves to build with. These unusual building blocks are cut from tree branches and make the most beautiful sculptures, keeping little hands busy for at least long enough for me to get a shower. The “elves” at Tree Blocks identify abandoned or end of productive cycle plots of apple, cherry and hazelnut trees and contact the farmers. They then push the old trees over removing the roots. Tree Blocks bridges and blocks are made from the wood purchased and processed by the “elves.” This leaves the farmer clean soil and seed money, so he can get back into production. (more) (more…)
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
by Maureen @ 10:22 am post a comment »



An eco clothing designer for the fashion-forward, Nicole Bridger’s creations exude “a breath of fresh air” — her spring-summer line conveys a simple, carefree attitude that’s positively sexy. Vancouver-based, Nicole aims to bring out the best in everyone.
Get ready to shed winter’s wear when you take a look-see @ NBD collections. Her locally-made eco threads can be found @ beklina or Kaight’s, NYC; or discover more places to shop. For times when a girl just needs to perk up her wardrobe.
by Maureen @ 8:57 am 4 comments »

They say it’s your birthday. Ross and I wanna give a big shout out to everyone, especially Jamie, Jessica, Zach, Kyla, Molly, Lori, Michael, Kim, Susan, Megan, CariLu, Eileen and Jared for helping us launch The Alternative Consumer. What began as a meandering side trip, has turned into a full time adventure.
We’ve learned much, and had the good fortune to meet a lot of great people (and pups — namely, Seamus and Olive) along the way this past year; it’s been incredible. There are more good things on the horizon, so let’s keep doing what we can to sustain the green and blue.
cheers!
by rd @ 8:34 am post a comment »
by Maureen @ 2:22 am post a comment »

Green Globetrotter extraordinaire, Jessica Blair has your dream
Beach Bum Wedding all figured out. On beautiful and nearby Bermuda,
9 Beaches Resort and hangout provides the perfect package for a blissful stay. We celebrated our first anniversary on the island — those hazy, crazy days still make me all warm and smiley.
via: greenglobetrotter.com
by rd @ 12:32 am post a comment »

Metaform Studio creates this series of handcrafted lighting fixtures from recycled crate wood. The one-of-a-kind geometric shapes cast a nice pattern on your walls and interiors.
pictured is the 50″h x 12″w Tower lamp
$1000 @ metaform studio
Monday, February 25, 2008
by rd @ 9:33 am 1 comment »


I have a sneaking suspicion that we don’t really need solar shavers but I’ve featured a couple of them here for you serial manscapers who don’t want to plug-in or do most of your personal grooming in your Miata convertible. I have seen no testimonials from users and I have to presume that these shavers may struggle to cut through real nasty man-brush but will probably give you a nice Miami Vice-Ricardo Tubbs-shadow circa 1984.
(left) sol shaver solar razor £34.99 @ ecotopia.co.uk
(right) no pricing info @ voguegifts.com
by Lori @ 9:15 am 4 comments »
Ireland’s Greenbox is a great ecotourism destination surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Shannon Erne Waterway and Lough Erne. The Greenbox has unspoiled, natural landscapes, unique ecosystems, learning centers, and off shore islands.
Among many other things, the Greenbox promotes environmental sustainability in order to minimize the impact on the environment, as well as conservation and promotion of the local economy. The area is being continually developed to meet ecotourism standards and to improve, in conjunction with many environmental enterprises and ecotourism products.
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