As NY Fashion Week kicks off, (yes, Luis Valenzuela’s gown, above, is made of recycled footballs), we turn the spotlight on the ten designers of ecofashion who’ll be strutting their stuff at The GreenShows. Aptly enough, this year’s venue of choice is in Chelsea, at the newly renovated Metropolitan Suite, retrofitted with eco-friendly flooring and LED lighting, located on the second floor of the Metropolitan Pavilion.  We’ll be there and we can’t wait to bring you the highlights.

In order of appearance, beginning Sunday September 12:

• SUSAN CIANCIOLO (New York)
• LUIS VALENZUELA (Miami); with OPENING NIGHT EVENT co-hosted by our pals at ecouterre

Monday September 13:

• AURALIS HERRERO (New York/Puerto Rico)
• JOANN BERMAN (New York)
• ASHTON MICHAEL BLACK LABEL (Los Angeles)

Tuesday September 13:

• MILLINERS GUILD (New York)
• LAVUK by NATASHA GINDIN (Los Angeles)
• DRESS REFORM (New York)
• BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS by ELIZA STARBUCK (New York)
• SAMANTHA PLEET (New York); CLOSING NIGHT EVENT

the photos above were gleaned from the following designer’s Web sites;  from top to bottom: Luis Valenzuela, Ashton Michael, Bright Young Things…and we thank you!

For victims of major environmental disasters, as well as those in developing countries, access to potable water can make the difference between life and death.  Recent catastrophies in Haiti and Pakistan have made this issue all the more apparent.  Technology like this solar powered water purifier may eventually become a valuable tool for aid organizations endeavoring to save the lives of both humans, and livestock.

The Trunz Seawater / Brackish Water Container is a complete, self-contained water purification system – compact, mobile and ready to deploy.  The brackish container can be fully operational within hours.

The system can be powered by renewable solar or wind energy and can produce over 8,000 gallons of virus-free drinking water per day from any salt / brackish water source.  The system is complete with feed pump, automatic back flushing filtration and controls.  Two energy efficient, reverse osmosis membranes remove dissolved solids (salt, inorganic contamination, etc.) as well as virus and bacteria without requiring toxic chemical treatment.  When powered by a photovoltaic solar array, the panels can be folded down and/or stored in a specially designed structure on the container.

The product is a joint venture of Spectra Watermakers, a California company known for its reverse osmosis watermaking equipment, and Trunz Water Systems.

source: ereleases.com

Because even a manly home needs some soothing touches…perfect for today’s new-age man cave, garage, or NASCAR themed home – this Busted Knuckles Wind Chime II is created from recycled stainless steel wrenches, 25lb test fishing line and a large industrial washer.

The smaller brother of the original Busted Knuckles Wind Chime goes for $22 @ windchimesandmore’s etsy shop – sleeveless vest and tattoos are optional.  An obvious DIY opportunity.