Upcycle something as mundane as an old newspaper into something as elegant as a rose petaled chandelier – now that’s magic.
Natureaccessories gives birth to a variety of items made from recycled materials like this lovely chandelier. Add different lights for different occasions or holidays. (comes without lights…keep those ornamental lights minimal – this is made of newspaper…)
(above, L to R) By Sprig, you’ll find a whole series of worthy, bio-composite games and toys for kids of all ages – Secret Stories Castle ($32.99) and Eco Dino Bank ($14.99) @ amazon.com
Be sustainable and build a Magic Tree of Life, made of recycled cardboard and eco-friendly paint; includes birds, birdhouse and mushrooms; ages 6 & up; $34 US / $25 euro @ matteriashop.com
(above, L to R)
- From US-based, Fair Trade Sports – eco-certified Fair Trade and vegan quality sports balls – soccer, football and basketball – ranging from $27 to $35 @ UltimateGreenStore.com.
- For the tots – teach time centered around daily activities with the Activity Clock ($33), made with ecofriendly wood, glue and color dyes by PlanToys…also at UltimateGreenStore.com. Free ground shipping on qualified orders over $75 to contiguous 48 states, code: HOLIDAY2010 at checkout through 12/31/10.
The Green Game – up to 6 players – learn all about how to save the planet while having fun; entire game made in an eco-friendly manner; now only $12.99 @ discovery.com
This morning as I stopped to gas up at the corner station, I hopped from one foot to the other, trying to keep warm as snow stuck to the ground for the first time this year. Of course, I was late to the office, while my fellow commuting Michiganders meandered through the fresh flakes, which, need I remind, are a very normal, ordinary occurrence this time of year.
In truth, it’s a bit of a magical moment for everyone, and I’m not a scrooge type when it comes to nature. But c’mon… it was freezing outside and the fuel pump is not a place where I want to be hanging out any longer than I absolutely have to. To the automakers building electric cars, this negative connotation (one that many Americans share), is rising to the surface as a critical factor.
Truth is, fueling up a gasoline vehicle only takes a matter of minutes now. Electric car drivers simply won’t have that in-and-out convenience on longer hauls. For that reason, Audi has spent some time dreaming up the ultimate electric charging station – recently unveiled at the Design Miami global forum for design. Named “e-den,” the EV charging station concept offers amenities not unlike you’d find in a swank hotel. Outfitted with wooden furniture and fresh potted herbs, organic nibbles, magazines and coffee-table books, the station is more spa than blah. Audi’s on-the-go oasis uses fair-trade products and sustainable materials and in a nod to the past, features a 1950s gasoline pump encased in glass.
If this is what the future of fueling looks like, sign me up please. What are your thoughts? In your future life, will you scrap the library to spend a few extra minutes flipping pages at the pump?
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