(above) Was this medieval-themed sweater coat inspired by the smash HBO series “Game of Thrones”? Probably not, but this Cottonwood flutterby pixie coat – constructed entirely of recycled sweaters – does make a heck of an “old-school” fashion statement. (more…)
We’re bringing the infamous Reduce, Reuse and Recycle program back. But it seems that many people have forgotten the importance of reducing and reusing. For this method of consumption and disposal to be most effective, we really must use the R’s in the above order, with recycling bringing up the tail end.
Why are the first two R’s so important? Basically, we have become used to the idea that our 
resources and consumables are in plentiful stock due to their low perceived costs. Markets are good at doing a great many things, but one thing they are not good a doing is adding the environmental cost of a product to the sale price. Since we lack an Invisible Hand of Environmental Protection, here are a few things we can do to be more sustainable.
If we’re thinking about reduction, one of the best places to start is with water use. We all know that we need to cut down on time spent in the shower as well as turning the faucet off when we’re brushing our teeth, but what about the other areas of our lives. Concerning the shower, looking into buying a low flow shower nozzle. These are typically low in price, easy to install and a great way to cut down on water use.
Next, if you’re a die-hard green thumb and can’t stand having brown grass during a dry season, remember to water the yard at or after dusk to cut down on evaporation. Also, use a layer of mulch around plants to retain more water. (more…)
Every year, traditional paper catalogs consume over 20 billion trees and create tons of CO2 emissions in production and shipping. Well, help is at hand – a company called Padopolis has created a free iPad app called, Catalog Spree, which can now make your catalog shopping a more earth/user-friendly experience, while also keeping your mailbox catalog-free. (more…)
What first comes to mind when you think of reducing energy use? Turning off the lights? Lowering the heat? Buying a hybrid car? What about using an eco friendly phone? Samsung just introduced Replenish – Sprint’s first eco-friendly 3GS Android smart phone which, if you use the solar panel option, will cut back on energy use. Hey, it’s a step in the right direction…
34% of the Replenish is made out of recycled material and it’s shipped in fully recycled material. An optional back cover with solar panels for battery charging costs an extra $29.99. It comes in a variety of colors: Artic blue, Onyx black and raspberry pink.
Other features include: 2 Mega Pixel camera, 2.8-inch display, WiFi and GPS capable, MP3 music player.
Get the Samsung Replenish for $49.99 after a $100 instant rebate. There is a 2-year contract that comes along with the purchase of the eco friendly android phone. Stay tech savvy and help the environment when you need a new phone.
Photo via: letsgodigital.org
Furniture designer Tod Von Mertens runs his small design-build firm out of his New Hampshire studio. His handcrafted, striking work is primarily created from either salvaged or sustainably harvested, locally sourced wood. (more…)
(above) Upcycled T-shirt Bikini – $95
My favorite thing about this bikini is that it is a prime example of one person’s trash becoming another person’s treasure. Each bikini is one of a kind, lined, tan maximizing, and comes with an adorable matching bag. Upcycled T-shirt Bikini (more…)
Recycled Copper Fire Pit
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