More and more designers and craftsman are creating great products from recycled materials. Case in point: designer Joe Manus of Shiner International creates these one-of-a-kind lights from recycled materials. The designer works with recycled sheets of Lexan polycarbonate that a manufacturer that has rejected due to product imperfections. He scans the durable plastic sheets into a machine that amplifies its flaws. He then cuts around the imperfections to create the irregular holes of the Globe Light. The light will shine a funky pattern. You can find it @ stylefactory.com

With spring shopping about to commence we thought it an opportune time to revisit this helpful article on what not to buy at your local big box.

“Big-box stores,” those uber convenient one-stop-shopping meccas like Walmart and Target, are an independent retailer’s nightmare. With one fell swoop, they can easily swipe once-dedicated locavores with the lure of unbeatable prices. And while most eco-minded shoppers wouldn’t dare step inside for a weekly grocery run, there are some instances when even the best of us are enticed by their sizable selections, doorbuster pricing and row upon row of no-wait checkouts. If you’ve fallen prey, take note. Even in the most dire of situations, there are some products you just shouldn’t buy at big-box outlets… or any other store, in that case.

Books and DVDs
The fresh paper smell of a new book is undoubtedly appealing. But why dole out the cash for a new product when you can recycle and keep your pocket change at the same time? Websites like Swap.com and BookMooch.com (above pic) make trading media easy and cut down considerably on the energy required to manufacture new products. For DVDs, check RedBox machines on your way out the door to rent the latest releases, or better yet, order them from home using Netflix or your digital cable service.

Gift Cards
The turn-style displays at the supermarket certainly are convenient, seeing as you’re already there and all, but there’s a better way to do it. We promise. Try giving a “good card” (above), that allows giftees to choose a charity to donate to, or buy a Give Card that allows you to tack on extra cash for charitable giving. (more…)

This eye-catching necklace was created from a piece of Dagenham (UK) Fordite. Fordite is rare, old auto paint slag.  Back-in-the-day automobile factories hand spray-painted cars resulting in a build-up of layered paint enamel of different colors which was then baked together in the painting process. The resulting material is called Fordite and it’s not created anymore. Some enterprising individuals, fascinated by Fordite’s layered coloring, salvaged some of the material which has now become great looking jewelry.

You can buy this little piece of auto manufacturing history @ walkonthemoon’s Etsy shop

Libre Tea sells unique reusable thermal vessels and organic loose leaf tea for taking your tea wherever you go. We received one “glass ‘n poly” vessel and 15 individual serving packs of Organic Ming Mei Green Tea to put to the test. After brewing several cups, here’s our tried and true review:

We were turned on to Libre Tea about a year ago, and we loved the concept. This sleek vessel holds about 9 ounces of water; it’s durable, easy to clean and leak-proof. What’s new this time around: a new filter with screw-on top, and individually wrapped servings of organic loose leaf tea. (more…)

Not your ordinary t or deal of the day company … We’ve been fans of neerg.com (green spelled backwards) since their inception. This particular deal of theirs is valid for the next 4 hours or so: pay $25 and get $50 worth of 100% organic cotton clothing made in Southern Cal…expires at about 1p, EST. If you like what neerg’s all about, you can sign up for their daily emails. (more…)

• I smell a breakthrough…New Technique for Measuring Methane Gas From Cattle Flatulence – sciencedaily
• Don’t worry. Courtney Cox is just fine…Federal Researchers Declare Eastern Cougar Extinct – yahoo! news
• Federal lands belong to taxpayers, not ‘drill and dig’ corporations…‘Wild Lands’ Policy Under Fire by Republicans – msnbc
• New player in the electric car market…Coda Aims to Sell 50,000 Electric Cars by 2015 – reuters
• Matt Damon Interviewed on Water Crisis – youtube
• Yes there is global warming…3 Surprising Ways Global Waring Could Make You Sick – natgeo
• Sharks Navigate Using ‘Mental Maps’ – bbc

Here’s an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional porcelain or stainless steel sink. Arizona-based, Premier Copper Products, has just introduced a new range of ‘Old World’ copper vessel sinks – each one hand forged from one solid block of recycled copper.  Other green attributes: in addition to each sink’s unique handcrafted look and character  – copper sinks will last a long, long time and possess natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties thus eliminating the need to be disinfected.

Premier Copper’s craftsmen use old-school fire and hammering techniques to produce ‘hand forged’ decorative sinks made from blocks of 99.7% recycled copper, each weighing approximately 10 pounds.

The block is beaten flat by five men who, standing in a circle around the copper, take turns hitting it with a hammer until the desired thickness is reached; the piece can then be manipulated into its final form. The thickness of the copper gives these sinks a unique and luxurious look.

The sinks come in several different shapes, ranging in size from 15” to 20” across, making them suitable for use as well in a bathroom or powder room.

In recent years there has been a rise in the number of organizations and businesses that have contributed to the promotion of sustainability through conservation. The Earth Day Network being one of the larger, as well as both the Clinton Global Initiative and Clinton Advisor, Doug Band. It’s not just the large organizations that can help to bring ideas and new ways to support the planet, many small non-profits have been helping and as an individual you can contribute as well to these projects, in particular the local food movement.

In the last 10 years the local food movement has exploded. The local food movement is an effort by various communities around the world to create more sustainable food economies. Locavores and organic food production are vital players in the overall sustainability movement. According to the Organic Trade Association organic produce sales doubled from roughly $3 billion in 2002 to $6 billion in 2006.

Why Buying Local is Good For You?
1) Supports your local economy. Purchasing foods that are grown and harvested in and around your community works to support your local economy. In essence, by purchasing apples from a farm say 30 minutes of so outside of your city or town, you are investing in your local community’s economy by keeping your money in the area and as well as supporting local farmers.

2) Biodiversity. As an eater you will experience freshness and variety beyond your wildest dreams. The tastes, colors, and varieties of food offered by local farmers are endless. You might usually purchase a standard type of mushroom or potato from your chain grocery store. Yet, the variety and regional uniqueness of locally grown food will surprise and stimulate your taste buds.

3) Freshness. The quality of food particularly produce, harvested by local farmers is top notch. This is because the time is takes to transport local food to your local grocery store or farmers market is short. Oftentimes, the integrity of imported or nationally distributed dried food and produce is compromised in transit. Buying locally is a guaranteed way to get good quality and fresh food every time.

Eating seasonally is another important dimension to keep in mind with regard to the local food movement. (more…)

Do the mega-rich really have a hankering to go green? Perhaps everyone, regardless of their economic situation, can appreciate saving money and cutting emissions – or maybe this car will simply become a trendy luxury style statement. Anyhoo…later this morning Rolls-Royce is giving the press at the Geneva Auto Show a first peek at its experimental Phantom Experimental Electric.

The Phantom super-luxury sedan was created to test not only the feasibility of battery power for an outsized luxury car, but to help gauge potential buyer and market acceptance of electric cars in the luxury segment. The test car will go on an international tour during which customers, car enthusiasts, auto writers and others will get a chance to drive it and share their opinions with the company.

Now if they could just make the car a couple of thousand pounds lighter….