(above) More Roxy Music than A Flock of Seagulls…ElementsbyJulie created these handcrafted, heart-shaped earrings from vintage 80′s sequins. $18

(above) Maybe you just love Brooklyn…This unisex, eco-fleece pullover hoodie is created and sold by Brooklyn-loving Serimony. Features a nice kangaroo pocket for keeping your hands cozy. $48

(above) A perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. Profess the depth of your V-Day affection with these recycled silver stacking rings created by jewelry designer Caroline Eastman-Bridges. $39

(above) Have trust issues? Keep your lovey and their valuables close at hand. Green America-approved, Fairtrade and made in the USA, catch this vegan handcuff clutch at Redhanded Bags. $115

(above L to R)

• Charm him or her with this vintage meets Superhero necklace ($28) from Verde Rocks.
• Know someone so red hot they deserve an award?  Pay tribute with a handmade, Totally Foxy First Place Ribbon for Overall Foxiness from Brooklyn-based, Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store. $12.95

(above) Let’s keep it brief – eco thongs, eco boy shorts, eco bikinis and eco boxers on sale in brand spanking red organic cotton & a touch of Spandex. PACT believes that change starts with your underwear, and we couldn’t agree more. All these perfect-fit, high quality red eco undies ($13.50 – $16.50) cover your tush and an environmental cause, as well.

Not intended as a toy, the Little Hoot Owl is made from recycled cashmere from the inside, out. Perch wisely on his own or you can stuff an iPod or iPhone in his pocket for safekeeping; ($20).

Etsy e-tailer HauteGoat also upcycles reclaimed cashmere into a plethora of other products including: pretty scarves, arm & neck warmers, eye masks, bangles, wine bottle gift wrap and other useful and quirky one-of-a-kinds.

• From positive to a very big negative…Amazon Drought Led to Huge CO2 Emissions – msnbc
• Australia’s Cyclone: Climate Change, or Just Really Bad Weather? – time.com blog
• This will soon be a socialist conspiracy threat on Glenn Beck’s blackboard…Will Asteroid Hit Earth in 2036? – livescience
• Sir, is that gorgonzola in your pocket? Scientists Suggest Using Mice for Airport Security – aol news
• Biggest Bear Ever Found – ‘It Blew My Mind,’ Expert Says – natgeo
• Popeye had it right…Want More Efficient Muscles? Eat Your Spinach – sciencedaily
• Solar Sails Pick up Speed – nature.com
• New Mosquito Type Raises Concerns – bbc

It seems only fitting that February – in its pink-hued Valentine glory – is also designated American Heart Month. With one in every three U.S. adults suffering from cardiovascular disease, heart health tops the charts as a serious nationwide concern. And guess what? Doing good for your heart isn’t all that difficult. You can start by opting for these smart buys on your next trip to the grocery store.

Deeply hued fruits and veggies
Go for richly colored and raw. Fruits like blueberries and papaya, and veggies like spinach and sweet potatoes pack extra vitamins and minerals, according to the American Heart Association.

Whole grains
Three servings a day of whole grains – packed with more fiber and nutrients than processed flours – will help keep your heart in tip-top shape. I like FoodFit’s guide to grains, which makes choosing easy.

Oatmeal
The Mayo Clinic cites this easy morning go-to as a bad-cholesterol lowering breakfast. The perfect way to start the day.

Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids make fish, like salmon, trout and herring, great options for dinner. Just steer clear of the creamy sauces that often accompany a fresh catch, warns the AHA. (tip: choose ‘wild’ over farmed raised.)

Extra Virgin Olive oil
Is olive oil really gonna help keep your ticker ticking? Sure is, according to CNN. Thanks to the oil’s monounsaturated fats, it’s a far healthier choice than butter.

Red wine
The powerful antioxidants found in red wine fight damage from free radicals. This Everyday Health article recommends a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon a day to reap the benefits. We’ll take their word. (more…)

According to yesterday’s ground hog prediction, spring’s closer than we may think. Time to freshen up our homes — at the top of my short list is the shower curtain. Need a new one?

Always look for a curtain that’s made from materials that are kind to Mother Earth – like flaxseed linen, hemp, soy, bamboo or good ol’ organic cotton. This Provence organic cotton shower curtain exudes a fresh soothing vibe, perfect for a relaxing bathroom setting. Add a hit of lavender essential oil in your bath and see where it takes you. Now on sale ($41.99, was $59) @ PotteryBarn.com

And make sure the liner is PVC-free (breathing in all those toxic fumes is so 1980′s). Here’s a nice ECO shower curtain liner ($12) from West Elm.

more options – previously on altCon:

• hemp shower curtain – no liner required

• PEVA shower curtains: nontoxic and PVC-free
  

Sweet and Crunchy … new Love Crunch is a Limited Edition Cereal by Nature’s Path and it’s good on so many different levels:

• it’s really delicious (addictive)
• doubles as a trail mix/granola-type snack
• contains 4 grams of fiber per serving and is made with whole grain & USDA certified organic ingredients: rolled oats & a crunchy mix of flax granola; freeze-dried strawberries & raspberries; dark chocolate chunks, coconut, sea salt, molasses and more.
• It’s free of artificial preservatives, additives, genetically modified organisms and synthetic pesticides. (more…)

It’s a no brainer – we need to guzzle less gas – and this tee shirt delivers the message without words. The current upheaval in Egypt and the inevitable spike in gas prices should serve as a stark reminder of the necessity of weaning our culture off the black gold.

Oh, about the shirt, it would be better if it were made of organic cotton, but what the hey.  It’s only $13.50 from Can’t Afford Em Buttons.

Eco fashion writer and founder of Past Fashion Future, Emma Grady, generously opened her closet and donated some select items to fashion site I-Ella; and she’s channeling one hundred percent of her proceeds to Riverkeeper, a non-profit dedicated to protecting New York’s water supply. How can we support this worthy endeavor?

By simply shopping Emma’s Closet on I-Ella. Take a moment to sign-up and then use referral code RIVERKEEPER to access the entire site. You may just snag this Theory denim jacket or the Betsy Johnson Pink Linen Dress; ($75/each) before someone else.
(photos above: Emma Grady, L & Theory Jacket, R)

The Cadillac of coffee tables – literally. This table was made from the weathered and distressed sheet metal of an old Caddy by The Weld House who specializes in such things.

Motoart creates expensive furniture from the remains of defunct aircraft. The C-119 coffee table (above) is made from the landing gear door of a C-119 and features all the rivet detail of the original construction. (more…)