I don’t usually look to JC Penney for my eco-friendly appliances, but this 2-slice toaster is estimated to use 35% less juice than comparable 2-slicers.  This little toaster from JC Penney’s Cooks by Home line uses infrared heating technology to bronze your toast twice as fast as a typical toaster.  Features extra-wide slots and a 7-level electronic browning control.

(above) Viva La Revolucion!  For the skateboarding crowd, assorted hipsters and guys who want to get a reaction – this organic cotton tee emblazoned with counter-culture imagery and eco-friendly dyes – should get the job done.  From the board fashion company, Obey @ skateboard.com

(above) Summertime sees everyone on the move.  Whether traveling to the beach, the office, or the in-laws, you always need more room to pack and haul all your stuff.  This beautiful, handmade Dream Weekender bag created from vintage upholstery fabric and leather should certainly help you get where you’re going in style.  $224 @ StarBags Etsy shop.

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Relax or just look relaxed in Big Blue Boo Upcycled knits embellished with screenprints, dye and transfers made by a career woman turned stay at home mom.  She also makes Lil Blue Boos, one of a kinds for the alternative tot set. Offering flexibility, wear these as a tunic or layer; ($54).

Straight off Project Runway, winner Leanne Marshall ecofashioned this Cora swing dress in fuschia bamboo jersey exclusively for Bluefly.com (on sale for $234.99).

(above) Eviana Hartman founder of Brooklyn-based, Bodkin, and recipient of the 2009 Ecco Domani Sustainable Design Award in 2009, continues to beat to her own drum.  Eco fashion designer by day, Open Ocean drummer by night – perhaps reflecting her own personal style, many of her pieces easily transition from day to night.  Look for slouchy dresses and asymmetrical dresses this fall, above are a few personal faves from Bodkin‘s summer collection.

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By FIN, this simple yet versatile organic bamboo drape dress can be worn dressed up or down; spring, summer or fall; with or without the belt.  An easy transition to fall with tights and a cute cropped vintage jacket.  Available @ fashion-conscience.com.

Or add a little black drama to your wardrobe in this bamboo Drape Front dress on sale ($73) @ turninglife.com.

(above) Lounge or make a splash in Mocium’s organic cotton and Lycra swimwear.  Take your pick – one piece or two @ shopjumelle.com

Try not to get sucked into some of those 4th of July summer sales – remember to love what you have, and only acquire what you need…Have a nice loong weekend, happy Independence Day!

Designer Hafsteinn Juliusson has created this little living necklace – part of HAF’s Growing Jewelry collection – to satiate the urban dweller’s thirst for a hit of live greenery, amidst what can often be a harsh urban landscape.  The designer calls it ‘a mix of gardening and jewelry, couture and organism.’  How very civilized.

Water the Icelandic moss every 5 days, or so – it should stay green for about a year.  The silver planter should last forever.

a wee bit pricey, but maybe it’ll grow on me – $189 @ generate design