We’ve been scoping all sorts of sustainable fashion and design for the past several years, and it’s great to see the availability of responsibly-made apparel and accessories branch out from the realm of indie artists and mom & pop shops, to much more mainstream retailers. Here’s to easier access of quality goods to an ever growing number of conscious consumers … today’s take on how to get your green on from head to toe.

(above) With oodles of press and now tv ads, sustainably-minded H&M kicks off their much anticipated Conscious Collection – (96) casually cool looks in organic cotton & recycled polyester for ladies, men and kids making the spring-summer scene — at oh so affordable prices. (more…)

Tip #15 – Earth Day is next Friday, April 22 – we’re providing a green tip of the day from April 1-22.

Because there really are only so many fish in the sea, seafood lovers should choose wisely. According to Monterey Bay Aquarium, nearly 75% of the world’s fisheries are either fished to capacity, or overfished. So what we choose to put on our plate can either help or hurt the situation. (more…)

Solar powered flashlights have been the butt of many jokes in the past, but this technology means that you will never be left in the dark again, especially if you’re far away from any batteries.

This concept, from designer Jai Dai, can be carried as a flashlight or flipped open to hang like a light bulb or lamp. The light’s versatility sets it apart from other solar powered flashlights on the market, making it perfect for illuminating a dark tent or off-grid workspace. It can recharge its batteries in either its light or lamp stage, making it the perfect tool for anyone seeking a versatile, eco-friendly flashlight.

via: yanko design

• Energy source faces water use issue….Is Algae Biofuel too Thirsty? – msnbc
• Sierra Club lawsuit tossed…California Tosses Out Solar Power Plant Lawsuit – reuters
• Settlement amounts to peanuts…Tepco Ordered to Compensate Japan’s Nuclear Plant Victims – bbc
• This is total bs…Congress Votes to Lift Federal Wolf Protections – yahoo! news
• Diet Plus Exercise is More Effective for Weight Loss Than Either Method Alone – sciencedaily
• The new “Rocky”. Primitive Sea Creature Sports Eyes Made of Rock – livescience
• Consumers remain skeptical…Gulf Seafood Deemed Safe But Still Under Scrutiny – npr

This designer cargo container, prefab hybrid house is the creation of Architect Walter Scott Perry and his ecotechdesign and ecotechbuild teams. The group created the residence as the prototype of their hybrid house design.

The home was created for a media client who required a separate living space, photo studio and storage building. The studio is constructed of a Butler pre-engineered steel building. The cargo container residence and steel studio structure bookend the home’s steel frame.

The home, which is the first repurposed container home permitted and built in the Mojave Desert, is inspired by the design and execution of the fuel-efficient Prius automobile. The home utilizes an array of energy conservation features to maximize efficiency and cost savings, while offering architectural design flexibility and a fresh take on hybrid and prefab home design.

The 1-bedroom, 1-1/2 bath, 2-story home is constructed from five, 20′ long, recycled cargo containers that were fabricated and finished in Los Angeles, shipped to the site, erected and stacked 2-high in 15 minutes each.

(more…)

Earth Day is Friday, April 22 – we’re featuring a green tip of the day from April 1-22.

Tip #14 – Just about everything we come in contact with can be either good or bad for our bodies and the planet – and that includes our sex toys. Can we really get down & dirty but be green & clean at the same time? Sure, just take pleasure in the most body- and eco-friendly way possible with toys made of sustainable materials and lubricants that are non-toxic. We thought we’d share a few suggestions. (more…)

The average canine was never intended to eat a bunch of processed grain, so it’s no wonder that many hounds have digestive systems that bark when they eat a traditional dog treat. That being the said, Sojourner Farms has created its deliciously, wholesome, 100% grain free Sojo dog treats for dogs who have just such digestive issues.

These healthy biscuits are oven-baked for crunchy goodness; contain no preservatives and no artificial anything. Just simple, natural, human quality ingredients, and not a single grain. Made in Minnesota, USA. The 10 ounce packs come in lamb, sweet potato, duck (for bird dogs) and cherry. They sell for $7.99 a box. Find these treats and everything else for the alternative dog @ olivegreendog. Remember to enter code OliveAC to receive 10% off.

For the true green enthusiast. This necklace is really a tiny planter, intowhich you can plant a sprout or a small flower. So cool and original. In the words of the artist . . .”Why should your plants stay at home? They help clean the air you breathe, are beautiful, and create a wonderful conversation starter. Carry a sprout, a succulent, or a flower you found on your morning walk.”

Check out colleenjordan.com for purchase information and even more innovative products.

Earth Day is Friday, April 22 – we’re featuring a green tip of the day from April 1-22.

Tip #13 – Enough edible food to feed 49 million people ends up in landfills in the United States each year (source: NatGeo). No wonder more and more people are dumpster diving – there’s good stuff in there!

Before spending your cash on food at the market, be honest and real about your needs. Don’t overbuy. It may require an extra trip to the market to stock up again, but it’s better than throwing away what was once, perfectly good fresh food.

Here’s what typically happens. You’ve bought enough fresh food for the week and then your schedule changes: unexpected invite to an evening out; don’t feel like cooking; late night at the office; business trip. It happens to all of us, but don’t fall victim to the over-buying game time and again.

Solutions:

• Store all your fresh produce in bags that help extend their shelf-life; find a great selection @ reuseit.com (more…)