This futuristic public hydration station was conceptualized by Mostafa Bonakdar, a design student from that bastion of green tech innovation – Tehran, Iran. Rainwater captured on the Hydroleaf’s solar panel/rainwater capture canopy would be funneled into the station’s filtration system.

Purified rainwater could then be dispensed to the thirsty masses. The entire system is powered by the on-board, photovoltaic solar canopy. The green gadget can also multitask as a hydrating bus shelter or public seating installation.

This post is authored by guest contributor Peter Puckett.

Sustainable and organic. These are some of the hottest terms in the fashion world today. Many of the top designers are embracing eco-fashion and green technologies in their new styles. They are heavily integrating that concept into many of their fashion lines. Top designers like Oscar de la Renta, Edun (Bono from U2 and his wife, Ali Hewson pictured above), and Diane von Furstenberg are jumping to the new tune with organic fashion lines.

A major presentation of organic or eco-fashion clothing was featured during New York Fashion Week this year. Green styles include fabrics, recycled metal jewelry (pictured at right) and organic materials for clothes, handbags and shoes. Components include organic raw materials that are grown without pesticides or re-used materials like plastic from old soda bottles. Eco-friendly clothing must have natural or organic ingredients, be pesticide-free, durable and recyclable. Some of these fabrics include: hemp, organic cotton, soybean, bamboo, sasawashi (a Japanese leaf), organic silk, rice, wool, jute, recycled polyester, nettle, corn and organic linen.

Why is High Fashion Going Green?

This answer actually should be obvious. The world is demanding more eco-friendly ways to survive and produce commodities that are used every day. Consumers want to buy goods that don’t hurt the environment. It is no longer fashionable to be disposable. The word is sustainability so today’s fashions must be (more…)

If you’re running a little behind in the gift buying department, the easiest and greenest thing you could probably do is: give cash; a gift card or a gift certificate.

And as far as sending a greeting, if you can’t get it together to send an ecard, pick up the phone and give them a call to let them know you’re thinking of them.

From eco-emporium Gaiam – today only – Upgrade to 2-Day FedEx shipping for only an additional $2. Enter code 222SHIP at checkout. Get free shipping on orders over $100. Find lots of great gifts on sale; start clicking.

(above) Deliver by Christmas: Express Delivery with orders 12/21. Next Day Air, order by 12/22…do it now. Add some nice spice, ala Eberjey, Green Goddess organic intimates and loungewear.

(at right) For the eco activist – donate to Green America and help support worthy environmental causes year-round. Give before December 31, 2010 and your donation will be matched in kind so you’re doing twice as much good.

Let your hound chew on some holiday spirit with one of these white paisley and eco-green K-9 Pine doggie toys. K-9 Pines are made from 85% re-engineered recycled IntelliLoft Fibers. Proven safe, these toys have been rigorously tested for safety and durability. Two sizes available. Handcrafted in the USA. From our friends @ Olive Green Dog.

(above) Because a dog should kneel before no kibble…Sustainably designed, dog-friendly elevated bowls, this eco-friendly two-bowl dog feeding platform is constructed of locally sourced, reclaimed Douglas Fir.

No more pushing that bowl halfway across the kitchen floor to get that last morsel. Available in small (moi), medium and large sizes. find it @ Amenity Home

What could show more holiday love than giving your family’s pooch something to make them feel better? I don’t know of any dog owner who doesn’t enjoy treating their pooch to at least one goody everyday. We give our extended family of lovable canines treats that are packed with nutritious goodness as well as flavor:

(above) Our relative’s rescue dog, Bella is 11 years old. After her morning and evening walks, Bella darts over to the “treat area” and gets ready to “sit” knowing that she’ll receive 2 hits of Happy Hips treats.

There are many different flavors and formulas available; the ones I’ve been giving her are Chicken Breast. What’s great is that there are NO added hormones, antibiotics, fillers or byproducts (no wheat, flour, corn, soy, sugar, salt, artificial flavors, BHA/BHT). Just chicken breast, Vitamin E supplement, glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate for helping to maintain healthy joints.

(above) The gift of canine fashion – freshen your dog’s look for the new year. Why not switch to a naturally organic, anti-bacterial, odor resistant, fast drying, breathable, hypoallergenic and 100% biodegradable bamboo number (try saying that 3 times fast). No pesticides, insecticides or fertilizers are involved in growing the bamboo.

Wagging Green makes a variety of bamboo collars in a bunch of styles. Hand sewn in the USA. This one can also be found over at Olive Green Dog (they offer tons of green pet stuff). Enter the discount code OliveAC at checkout for a nice 10% off.

(above) Doesn’t your favorite pet deserve to sleep in healthy, eco comfort? This earth-friendly Eco Slumber bed features West Paw’s eco fabric exterior made of 85% recycled content and is filled with its 100% recycled content IntelliLoft fiber fill.  $78 @ exclusivelyhome.com

Here in Detroit, the holidays are synonymous with the annual announcement of the North American Car and Truck of the Year. During the icy-cold month of January, car lovers nationwide come to thaw out while scoping the latest sets of wheels in the U.S. And this year, the competition is tough. Up for “Car of the Year” are three finalists, the greenest of the bunch–the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf–and the sleek looking and fuel-efficient Hyundai Sonata. It’s anyone’s guess who will take home the top prize, but that hasn’t stopped any of the automakers from vying for some positive press. (more…)

• A very big deal. The scale of this is impressive. Atlantic Wind Files to Build Offshore Power Line – reuters
• The BIG STORY:  Not many cheers as FCC prepares to regulate Internet – dallasmorningnews
• Ethanol Gets a Boost; Will it Return the Favor? – npr
• Not good…not good at all. Chromium Found in Drinking Water of 31 US Cities – cs monitor
• I’m confused…Banned Herbicide Makes Worms Live Longer – Are Free Radicals Good for You? – sciencedaily
• Wacky headline of the day…Rob Zombie Launches Fair-Trade Organic Coffee Blend – ecorazzi
• This wasn’t a result of watching too many Barbie commercials…Chimp Girls Play with Dolls Too – natgeo
• If you liked last night’s lunar eclipse, you’ll love this. Dazzling Christmas Constellation to be Visible – msnbc

Annual roundup of a few of our favorite Tried and Trues for the conscious consumer:

(above) Orgasmic Coco-Zen Truffles-To-Go and Chocolate Lips-To-Go (organic, vegan and Fair Trade Certified) NOTE: store will be closed 12/23/10-1/7/11) Order by Tuesday, 12/21/10.

(above) For truly sweet dreams, treat yourself to a new USDA certified organic natural latex mattress (and receive 2 free pillows & shipping) from Savvy Rest — the absolute best way to start the new year!

(above) For tiny tots who love to play with their food -Under the Nile’s Egyptian Organic Cotton Toy Fruit Set on sale at Ultimate Green Store; $22.95…free ground shipping on orders over $75 thru December 31, 2010.

(above L & C) Baby booty call – Holiday Collection 20% off right now.  OR suit-up in stripes: red, green, black – take your pick @ sckoon.com

(above R) Organic hemp beanies for hip mini me’s, from Rock Star Organics on sale @ Ultimate Green Store; $19/boy and $29/girl.

(above) Neckties converted to spiffy bowties from The Cordial Churchman; order now for a dandy New Year’s Eve.

(above) NYC-based The Andean Collection offers artisans in South America’s rural Andes the opportunity to create sustainable jewelry and improve their lives. It’s gorgeous, guilt-free and feels great. Take a peek at some their best selling beauties.

Works like magic on dry skin: Weleda’s Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care Kit (travel size) and Olive Essence Spa Experience Organic Body Butter (full size) or Gold Facial Day Moisturizer (on sale now) from homespacollection.com.

Awesome compact stereo system from Geneva Sound:  killer audio speakers, sleek and space-saving – the GenevaS Hi-Fi docking station for the iPod or Phone, connects to all other MP3 players as well; built-in speakers. In red, white or black. find it @ amazon.com Check out the Geneva Sound page with all their models, as well.

For the readers in your life:

• The Vertical Farm by Dr. Dickson Despommier
  
• Arctic Sanctuary by Jeff Jones and Laurie Howell
  
• Spit That Out by Paige Wolf
• 48 Things to Know About Sustainable Living by Victoria Klein
• Off the Grid by Nick Rosen
• Whole Earth Discipline by Stewart Brand
• Food Matters by Mark Bittman
• The Conscious Cook by Tal Ronnen
• In Late Winter We Ate Pears by Heekin and Barber

Stocking Stuffers:

• Brooklyn-based, Soapwalla Kitchen‘s all-natural deodorant cream; (it smells great and really does the trick).
• AMAZING automatic dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent pods and Room & Fabric Freshener (Vetiver) from GrabGreenHome.com. (Also available at Fresh Market shops.)
• MorroccoMethod (Raw and Vegan, Holistic and Organic) Sea Essence Shampoo and Creme Rinse.
• iTySE (made in the USA) reusable bags – love the 3-pacs.
• sponges and scrub brushes – stylish, renewable and biodegradable at fullcirclehome.com
• Whole Foods‘ new all-purpose Organic Castile Soap (peppermint) for body and home works like a charm.
• A gift card to Natural Resource Defense Council

May your holidays be warm and bright!

This site-assembled Aussie prefab is a perfect small-footprint solution for those exploring living an Outback lifestyle or in need of a backyard studio.

Designed and created by architect Craig Chatman, ARKit features exterior cladding made of underutilized, short length timber. The prefab design also features all-in-one panel walls that are factory built, complete with insulation, cladding and internal lining. The modular manufacturing process is low waste and efficient – making on-site construction a breeze.

The various configuration of ARKit range from backyard office or studio to multiple bedroom designs.

All of which require little site work (can be installed with no formal foundation), easy construction (factory prebuilt), and feature natural cedar siding that can be left with its natural finish and allowed to age to a classic grey patina.  Customization is possible with rainwater capture systems, solar panels and various other energy-saving features available.

For the coffee and tea addicts in your group – get them this set of 3 reusable ceramic coffee cups so they’ll never have to buy a cup of joe in a wasteful paper, or non-biodegradable Styrofoam cup again. Set contains 3, 12-ounce cups and insulated cup holders. The BPA-free cups feature double-walled construction to keep your pinkies cool and your java hot. $20.17 from Smart Planet.

Want to get really practical? Get your gift buddy a nice compost like the Envirocycle rotating compost pictured at right.

Growing your own vegetables is the ultimate in going local and your plants will love the rich compost created by this compact design. The unit’s base can hold up to 5 gallons of liquid ‘compost tea’. Added bonus: this baby is made with recycled plastic.  @amazon

Because everybody buys produce…these reusable produce bags from Flip and Tumble will keep your veggies safe and an untold number of plastic bags out of the landfill.

These durable bags feature a nice draw-string closure and could also be used to store shoes and other sundries.

$11 for a handy 5-pack @ amazon.com