Just like it sounds – be present is a yogawear line (which is intended to look stylish both in and out of the studio). With pants, tops and skirts currently on sale – prices reduced almost 50% – catch this online action @ ideeli within the next few hours or you’ll be plum out of luck.

Most be present wear (like the top and pants above) is made of eco friendly materials; take note before you buy. Pacific Tree Tee is comprised of 95% Tencel with wicking abilities and 5% Spandex for stretchability. Chocolate Intention Pant is a blend of 95% bamboo-made rayon and 5% Lycra. Both items are made in the USA. (Ideeli is a member-site, and sign-up takes less than a minute.)

Kayu markets eco-fashion accessories that both look great and make a difference. Through Kayu (meaning wood), designer and founder, Jamie Lim, endeavors to help artisans of developing countries preserve handcrafting techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation while improving the social welfare of these indigenous communities.

With every pair of sunglasses purchased, Kayu donates $20 to fund a sight-restoring surgery in the developing world (Unite for Sight). And for every handbag purchased, Kayu donates $15 to provide a child a backpack and school supplies. (more…)

Where have you gone, “Candlepins for Cash”? Part of the answer…NYC-based furniture designer Jim Malone’s CounterEvolution contemporary furniture line features handcrafted furniture constructed exclusively from the salvaged and reclaimed heart pine of defunct bowling lanes.

As evidenced by the pieces we’ve featured, Malone’s creations place a high value on green manufacturing processes, craftsmanship and design. Available in a variety of stains and designs.

• New motor would reduce dependence on rare earth metals…Toyota Developing Alternative Electric Motor – myway
• Green groups and green energy at odds…Conservation Group Sues to Halt California Solar Plant – yahoo! news
• Search Serpents: The Next Wave in Robots – livescience
• The benefits of organic farming…Commercial Organic Farms Have Better Fruit and Soil, Lower Environmental Impact, Study Finds – sciencedaily
• Chinese government subsidies change solar landscape…Is a Solar Trade War About to Flare? – reuters
• Roman Rise and Fall Recorded in Trees – bbc
• 98% of Haiti’s original forest is gone…Froggy Finds Raise Hopes for Haiti – msnbc

Some background: Jamie Gold and Jason Goldenburg, 2 buddies since high school, started messing around with a tree-born, Chinese Soapberry, as a planet-friendly alternative to typical chemical-laden laundry soaps. The resulting product – their innovative laundry detergent, Berryplus – first made in-roads on college campuses and laundromats keeping clothes, as well as the planet, nice and clean. (The 40, 60 and 100 size pouches shown above will be available in a couple of weeks.)

The challenge: How to make a more people and earth-friendly laundry detergent. Typical laundry detergent contains plenty of synthetic chemicals, unhealthy stuff like petroleum distillates, phosphates, chlorine, EDTA, surfactants and phenols. Some of these nasty chemical residues can land on our skin – which is especially problematic for those with allergies and skin sensitivities. Berryplus, on the other hand, is 95% berry-based. What’s in the other 5%?  Vegetable based glycerin for softening; olive leaf extract to kill bacteria; .1% each of food grade preservatives made from plants: sodium benzoate and sodium potassium.

Put to the test: I was given 2 small vials of liquid soap to test. I washed a load of whites and a separate load of darks, each in cold water cycles and the clothes came out smelling fine and looking good.

Aside from how Berryplus is made, what’s also amazing is how little you need, a microdose…less than half a teaspoon. It takes up less space, which is another eco perk. (more…)

(above) You’re freezing right now but when temps creep up again outside, it’ll be high time to slip into those sheer tops and you’ll need a sleek little number for underneath, like this comfy Black Isabelle cropped cami made of 95% bamboo and 5% Spandex Jersey. Made to order so get moving; ($46) @ Hopeless on Etsy. Remember, only buy what you need and love.

Need just the right decorating touch for your man cave or underground lair? Hankering for another visual expression of your love of the open road in your tiny studio apartment? This clock should do the trick – made from recycled motorcycle parts purloined from a local mechanic and some thrift shop materials. Perhaps this timepiece will inspire you to take a run at creating your own DIY, industrial home decorating creations.

$85 @ recycledclocks’ etsy shop

Nice simple design. Mix together a bunch of upcycled glass jars, some stuff from your local hardware store, add some vibrant colors and an energy-efficient CFL and voilà – out pops a spiffy, minimalist eco lighting fixture. Comes in a variety of colors.

All that simple pragmatism for $35.  From Dubuque, Indiana-based, Design Hell Yes.

Snowed-in? Build a fire, sip the cocoa, and start clicking. Today’s roundup is chock full of savings on designer duds to keep you in sustainable style from the inside, out.

(above) Here’s a real steal – O Lingerie Adorable Curve Organic Cotton Melange Underwire Bra; now $15.52 @ asos.com.

(above) Cash in on designer frocks, coats and shoes of the planet-friendly sort during Kaight’s winter sale … Samantha Pleet pleated skirt ($188); STUDY Pleated Hoodie ($125 ); Covet asymmetrical dress ($68) @ kaightshop.com.

(above) And just when you think it can’t get any better, it does … there’s a 20 to 70% off sale going on @ eco boutique btcelements.com – AND you can receive an additional 25% off now through January 17 – just enter code SALE at checkout.

Have a fabulous weekend!