Here’s a little video I shot…an Alternative Consumer exclusive…Brooklyn-based eco-fashion designer Samantha Pleet unveiled her Spring/Summer 2011 collection at the GreenShows during Fashion Week in NYC.  A Pratt grad, Samantha’s been ecofashioning chic, wearable lines since 2006.

Her presentation was a fun way to close the 3-day green fashion runway event…a  mix of fresh sustainable designs, Fair Organic Vodka, deejay, video projections and cute, disinterested models filled the Metropolitan Suite as we looked forward to next spring.  more @ samanthapleet.com/

While stalking the GreenShows’ catwalks in NYC last week, one of the perks I received was a sample pack of Kitten Coffee.  Moments later, when I stepped outside to grab some sunshine the Kitten mobile (above) was parked right in front of me, so…this kitty was curious.

When I arrived home I ground the fresh beans, drank in the aroma and enjoyed the flavor…it was smooth-tasting, with no bitter after taste.  Blended and roasted locally, the 100% Arabicas beans are Rainforest Alliance certified.  This Brooklyn based espresso and coffee bean roaster offsets their carbon emissions via Landcare Carbon Smart.  They’re one of only two coffee roasters in the US who currently endeavor to be carbon neutral — we hope others follow…at a cost of only two cents per pound of coffee, why not?

Turns out, Kitten Coffee opened New York’s first Barista School in 2007, and they provide espresso and coffee beans to many restaurants and cafes in the City.

They roast weekly and ship beans ordered within a day to ensure freshness.  find @ kittencoffee.com/

Designer Celia Gray of Buncombe Buckles picked the bones of deceased refrigerators decomposing in the scrapyard to acquire the raw materials of this industrial fashion accessory.  Round, recycled refrigerator parts were spot welded together to create the unique “repeated circles” buckle.

This sustainably produced children’s running bike from New Zealand’s Wishbone Bike, transitions from a tricycle to single-wheeled balance bike as a youngster gets older.

The bike will get a youngster through years 1-5, until they progresses to a pedal-powered bicycle.  Made of certified sustainably harvested wood and intended to become a lifelong family heirloom.

Wishbone pays strict attention to their raw materials and processes, they also minimize and carbon-offset their travel, operate recycling systems in the office and use no plastic in any of their packaging.

find it @ matteriashop