These one-of-a-kind bubble bags are created from upcycled street banners by Los Angeles-based, Poketo.

Each one makes its own eco-fashion, summer style statement.  Great for bopping to an audition or your local Whole Foods – each bag features a strong elastic shoulder strap, two interior pockets and of course, its own unique look.

$28 @ poketo’s supermarkethq store

In our continuing Green Your Summer series, we’re taking a look at how to save water, time and cash by washing that car or bike without turning on a tap or lugging around a heavy hose.

It’s estimated that washing a car at home can require up to 150 gallons of water — a wasteful use of valuable water.  And the dirty runoff water created from conventional detergents winds up downstream polluting our rivers, lakes and oceans.

Eliminating almost all toxic nasties in its formulation, here’s a brand that derives its power to clean and shine by utilizing eco-friendly, plant-based ingredients.

Lucky Earth was founded by parents whose 2-year-old daughter suffered from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder.

Water-based, these products are packed with coconut-based surfactants to help whisk away grime. They also include a tiny bit (less than .05%) of the preservative, Benzisothiazolinone.

In addition to the car’s exterior, the Car Wash Spray can be used on the dashboard, leather seats, doors and any other non-fabric surfaces; 32 oz Spray Bottle, ($14.99).

The Waterless Bike Wash is the exact same solution, packaged in a smaller dose for bikes, scooters and motorcycles; (16 oz, $7.99).  Or try the handy Starter Kit (with 4 microfiber towels and the Tire Wash Spray).  As a socially responsible company, you can also feel good knowing that Lucky Earth donates 1% of its net profits to California-based Heal the Bay.

This “What Else” table from Cláudio Cardoso and Telma Veríssimo of Studio Verissimo is constructed from used individual coffee making containers.

Think of the big picture – it’s never a good idea to buy single-serving disposable products – but if you do – upcycle the debris into something beautiful instead of filling up your local landfill.

via: recyclart /  images © studioverissimo

• It should miss the spill…Hurricane Alex Churns Toward Mexican Coast – cnn
• Mother Nature has to continue to cooperate…Gulf Wetlands Surviving – For Now – msnbc
• In tough economic times the government can only do so much. Who Pays for UK Coalition’s ‘Green Economy’? – bbc
• First time…Endangered Vultures Hatch in Captivity in India – myway
• Let’s put our best minds on this…At Gulf Oil Spill Forum, a Call for Energy Solutions – natgeo
• Desert Bats Reveal the Secret of Their Survival – sciencedaily

Straight from the heart of the eco hip universe, Brooklyn, is a vision in green not often seen:  homemade, DIY, upcycled panties.

Take one pre-loved t-shirt with all its comfy fibers awaiting a fresh new life; a pattern that suits your derriere; sharp scissors; thread and sewing machine, and in a day’s time you’ll have eco fashioned yourself some spanking new panties.

Concept, patterns and tips are available @ Haley Pierson Cox’s The Zen of Making.

Okay, so this green gadget from designer Weng Jie is still only a concept, albeit a good one.  Charge your camera while you shoot.  With an adapter you could also probably charge your phone.

Soon many everyday objects will be tapping into the sun’s solar power to extend battery life, or power their operation.  You’ll be freed from turning your domicile upside-down in search of that elusive phone charger.  And driving around with a dozen devices plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter will be a thing of the past.  I’m so old I still remember when a car’s cigarette lighter was actually used for lighting cigarettes….

via: yanko design

Summer days and nights should be all about looking and feeling as relaxed as possible, but that doesn’t mean we have to lose sight of our eco fashion style.

An easy way to make a statement or finish an outfit is with a sweet, well-placed clutch or straw bag.  Karen Lukacs upcycles pre-loved clothing and materials into fresh accessories. Each of her pieces is unique.

Add a dash of sizzle to your summer style –the small clutch is fabricated from a repurposed necktie & vintage button, ($67.50).  And the chocolate brown woven raffia bag is embellished with turquoise-beaded ribbon and a lively polka dot interior, ($120).  Find @ etsy.com

Seekers of eco friendly furniture may find that most of today’s sustainable options are fairly limited and pricey.  Surprisingly, these designer creations seem fairly affordable.

Inmod claims to offer eco friendly options – these items from their Eco Mod Collection caught my eye.  The Tempura Chair is made of oak and canvas; Tokara Table Lamp, materials are unknown via the Web site; and the Masago Lamp, which is made of rattan seems the most eco minded.

If you’re interested in purchasing, I’d suggest asking the company for more details regarding the “eco friendly” aspect — as there as many shades of green — and as far as designer furniture goes, these pieces seem relatively, reasonably priced.
(Chair, $2100.   Tokara Table Lamp, $997.50.  Lamp, $1312.50.)

Take a combination of white and yellow handpicked vintage buttons, connect them via a purple wire, hang the necklace from a 26-inch antique copper chain and you have this lovely Daisy Days Vintage Button Necklace.

Each of Button Soup Jewelry’s pieces is a unique, one-of-a-kind creation.  The buttons used are recycled, vintage buttons and do show some wear from their previous life.

An inspiration for your own DIY necklace, perhaps?

$28 @ buttonsoupjewelry’s online shop