Eco-friendly, simple and direct – the Planar Chair, designed by Deger Cengiz, is a no-frills, solid Redwood armchair.  The chair’s construction achieved by the simple joining of its 4 plain surfaces – no screws or hardware needed.

The handsome Redwood was salvaged from a dismantled NYC water tower.  Featured at the Brooklyn, NY-based Voos Furniture showroom.

California continues to lead the way in green energy solutions and it’s not just about big box stores anymore.  The latest case in point, a local California market is now powering-up with electricity it captures on its own solar array.  The Stellar Solar system is the first solar installation on an Encinitas grocery store and was funded in part by a facade grant from Cardiff 101 MainStreet.

Seaside Market, a North County San Diego independent market, has installed a 3.8kW system on their front awning to help offset their electricity consumption.  The system will ultimately be joined by a planned rooftop installation that will generate significantly more power. (more…)

If you’ve been jonesin’ for a Hemptress handbag, but waiting to find one on sale – today’s your lucky day.

Nimli’s offering a 20% off sale on Hemptress handbags — starting today, Tuesday 9th Nov and ending November 15 — better shop soon so they don’t run out.  Just use the code HEMPTRESS20 for 20% off all Hemptress styles on nimli.com.  I love my black Mercedes:)

Not familiar with the Hemptress?  Hemptress™ bags are primarily made out of renewable hemp.  Many have “reborn” leather trim (repurposed from recycled leather) and they all have a luxurious silk/hemp blend lining, except for the vegan collection, which has a hemp/RPET lining.  Even the high quality zippers are from recycled sources, and they use factories that adhere to fair trade practices.  All labels are made of hemp, hangtags, business cards, and all collateral are printed on recycled paper with soy ink, and their shipping boxes are made from 100% post consumer waste.  Hemptress also donates a portion of profits to an animal rights group as well as Vote Hemp!

Anyone who is about to visit upscale Palm Beach this winter will be treated to a beautiful new vision as they stroll Worth Avenue:  A cascading, 840 square foot curvilinear living green wall, the centerpiece of the Worth Avenue Beautification Project.

“The seed of the living wall originated with a Garden Club of Palm Beach member. From there it took a life of its own,’’ said team member Jorge Sanchez, a partner in the architectural landscape firm of Sanchez & Maddux. “After we selected the proper spot, it was a joint undertaking of GSky Plant Systems, NorthAmerica’s leading provider of green walls, and the Garden Club. Its creation within a new park should instantly become a town landmark.’’

The first of its kind in Palm Beach County, the living green wall features 10,920 lush tropical plants, including Sawtooth Palmetto, Cashmere Zoysia Grass, Zebrina Pendula, Dusty Miller and Coontie Palm. The plants were grown at Michael’s Nursery in Boynton Beach, FL.

GSky was selected to design and install the wall because of its unique, long-lasting support system, computerized monitoring system and flexible design capabilities. The wall was designed by GSky Design Consultant Deborah Kotalic, (photo, above) a resident of nearby Delray Beach.

“As the plants grow, the wall will evolve and change,’’ said Kotalic. “The wall is a living piece of art that fulfills the Garden Club’s vision and pays tribute to Palm Beach’s garden heritage.’’

The system features:

• A non-soil growth medium that is non-eroding and low maintenance
• Computerized monitoring system that tracks on-site temperature and moisture levels from a remote location 24/7
• High-efficiency vertical drip irrigation system that is 90% more efficient than traditional irrigation systems

The total cost of the wall was approximately $250,000; $50,000 was donated by the Garden Club of Palm Beach for wall maintenance.  It’s located along the west exterior wall of Saks, and I can’t wait to stop by tomorrow to take a peek.

photo credit:  all photos above, courtesy of The Palm Beach Daily News: photographers Meghan McCarthy (photos 1 & 3) and Jeffrey Langlois, (photo 2)

Related:  previously on altCon

Largest Living Green Wall in North America (10.13.10)

Residential Green Roofs from Goode Green (8.31.10)

Wally One Door – vertical + living wall containers (8.14.10)

Symbios- eco-tecture green roofs and design (8.12.10)

Tired of being ignored?  Wear this organic cotton t-shirt and you’ll garner some buzz.  Your backstory:  the ‘Hand mit Ringen’ image comes from one of the original X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen of his wife’s hand mit rings.  His achievements in physics earned him a Nobel Prize in 1901.  That ought to break the ice at your next coffee clutch.

Designed, hand printed and silk screened with water-based ink by James Anthony Apparel.  Pictured in asphalt grey – sold @ supermarket.hq

Can you believe it?  The holiday season is already upon us!  Grab your plastic and do some good with it – green your gift-giving at these websites, where finding the perfect present will be a cinch.

Eco Home & Design
VivaTerra – Naturally stunning, and equally sparkly splurges like these quartz crystal candleholders and vases are among the new seasonal treasures at this online and catalogue retailer. And for the wildcard on your gift list, why not send a pair of hand-felted wool chrysanthemum slippers, knitted by a group of women in Kathmandu.  [site price range: $$-$$$]

Branch – Modern, mellow types will drool over a find from this online retailer. From chic ceramic birdhouse to desktop terrarium, the website features a sleek selection of clever, eco products. Especially useful for the bargain hunter is the gifts under $30 department, chock full of cute collectibles that anyone would appreciate.  [price range: $-$$$]

Elum Designs – What homemaking hostess wouldn’t love a set of delicate notes for keeping in touch? Since 2001, Elum has used 100 percent post-industrial waste cotton rage paper and soy-based ink for their lovely letterpress stationery sets. [range: $$]

Re:Modern – Peruse the unexpected, including a blossom wine bottle stopper and bamboo “pebble” tealights at this site, where “sustainable, modern living” reigns. If you can’t help but fall for the design-savvy selection, create your own home wishlist and share with your closest (fabulous) friends and family.  [range: $-$$]

Fresh Fashion & Beauty
Beklina – A family operation, this eco boutique boasts an appealing array of low-key but lush threads like the Rachel Comey cardigan and prairie underground cloak hoodie. Mix in a lineup of artsy accessories and you’ve got a definite destination for the green trendsetter on your list.  [range: $$-$$$]

Novica – In association with National Geographic, this website offers a wide and varying slew of fair trade goods, including an impressive jewelry department that’s cluttered with handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces like these cool cocktail rings. In addition to the typical product details, you’ll hear the story behind the purchase… who made it, how, and where they’re from. Priceless.  [ range: $-$$]

Edun – (at right) For the serious fashion hoarder, nothing beats this high-end designer boutique. From casual to clubish, it’s full of sweaters, tees, dresses, denim and more, that are sure to elicit a smile (or squeal) from eco-chic women and men alike. If you’re out of the loop on what’s “in,” check out the lookbook before choosing a gift.  [range: $$$]

Futurenatural – Any beauty junkie is sure to have heard of this healthy hub. Carrying much-loved brands like Kai, John Masters, and Malie, you’ll find a stellar selection of skincare, hair care, makeup and more. If you’re stumped on the real benefits of organic beauty products, scroll through their glossary for a peek into industry terminology.  [range: $-$$]

Eco Experiences & Travel
Gap Adventures – What’s better than giving the gift of travel for a holiday treat? Sustainable tourism operator Gap is known as “the great adventure people” and they take it to heart. Why not book the Ancient Incas of Peru tour for you and yours… or plan a 15-day, life-changing voluntourism trip to Zambia with Project Zambia and Safari?  [range: $$$]

REI – This sporting goods retailer offers an eco-conscious gear and clothing guide that’s loaded with hundreds of recycled-material and green gear options. From this exclusive recycled camp mug and organic wool socks, you’ll find stocking stuffers and A-list gifts alike.  [range: $-$$]

eBags – While they offer a whole lotta conventional options, eBags gets bonus points for its useful green bags department, which offers several brands and types of bags. From shiny Patagonia wheeling duffels to sling messengers from Honesty Wool, there’s a fit for every globetrotter.

Sustainably Sent & Hostess
Eco Express – When you can’t be there in person, nothing beats a care package. This online gift shipper offers eco edibles and other seasonal selections. And seriously, how can you go wrong with a heartfelt delivery?  Check out this pretty three-herb organic wreath or fair-trade coffee basket.  [site price range: $$]

HimalaSalt – Spice things up this year by sending a salty surprise.  Organic, wind-powered and eco-friendly, this salt company offers beautifully packaged boxes of the delicious delicacy. Go simple with an organic peppercorn and pink sea salt set of grinders or send something bigger like a deluxe gift kit.  [range: $]

Arbor Teas – Any true tea lover will appreciate the blends that come from Arbor Teas. Fruity, floral, spicy, smokey and minty tea flavors are highlighted on their site to make choosing easy, as well as all the accessories needed to master the art of brewing. If you want to add a little something unexpected, include an assortment of tea-infused chocolate truffles with the shipment.  [range: $]

Endangered Species Chocolate – Sweet and seductive perfectly describes the appeal of endangered species chocolates. Their site offers up a great selection of notable nuggets like the Nut Tree Tower and dark chocolate covered hazelnut toffee.  Yum.  It only gets better when you’re reminded of the brand’s industry-leading social responsibility practices.  [range: $-$$]

Here’s a cool way for families to filter their tap water, grab a bottle and go!  This new water filtration system, by 3M, comes with four reusable plastic bottles that snap under the docking station and can be filled simultaneously.  The bottles are BPA-free and dishwasher safe.  The replaceable carbon filter removes sediment, chlorine taste, and odor. The Filtrete Water System is available now on amazon.com starting at under $37.50.

Save some green – filter that tap water and kiss those disposable plastic water bottles goodbye!

• US companies could be making this kind of cash…Siemens Projects 40 Billion Euros of Green Revenue by 2014 – reuters
• Postcards from the edge? Postal Service Goes Greener: Your Mail Delivered on an Electric Cart – cs monitor
• Maybe we’ll get the straight scoop…Independent Panel to Share Findings on Gulf Spill – yahoo! news
• Nepal…Could Fear be Hindering Search for Missing Hiker? – cnn
• What’s lurking in your re-usable bag? (video) Are Shoppers Carrying Gross-ery Bags? – msnbc
• Michael Goodman: Tracking the Gulf Oil Spill From Space – earthsky.org
• Goodbye blood bank…Modern Miracle: Skin Transformed into Blood – livescience
• Whales Found Dead on Donegal Beach – bbc

It must be fun to possess the ability to look at an old discarded View-Master, a can of baking powder, or some roller skates and see the makings of a little piece of art imbued with its own character.

Florida-based Reclaim2frame makes these funky little sculptures out of recycled and vintage materials and sells them via their Etsy shop. Each piece is given a name and personality traits (that’s the Magistrate pictured above) in a whimsical – not creepy – fashion.