The charm and value of handmade craftsmanship can never be underestimated. This little fashion accessory is created from a variety of upcycled and recycled materials, including: an old deerskin, fabric from a vintage sofa, and brown leather from an old shop display. The book stack has a hole drilled in the center to allow the books to spin and twirl independently. Handmade to order.
$160 @ Peg and Awl
A great deal of our modern way of living literally rests on the simple use of cement. Without this useful substance we could not produce concrete, the fundamental ingredient of our houses, buildings and skyscrapers. 
Unfortunately, one of the costs of making cement is that it is highly damaging to the environment. To obtain the raw materials for cement requires quarrying, which has various impacts on the surrounding ecosystems. During the production process of cement, CO2 emissions come from both the heating of calcium carbonate as well as from the machines needed for production. This production process has also been found to release heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and thallium into the atmosphere. (more…)
(above) Any good girl scouts gone bad out there? This Girl Scout Handbook purse made from an upcycled antique book may inspire some fond memories and more do-gooding; by Bbelldesigns on etsy. $99.99
(above) Winner of Canada’s first ever Eco Designer of the Year Award, Vancouver-based Nicole Bridger is one of my personal faves. How cool is this elegant, easy breezy Surrender Dress? Made of Modal, a jersey spandex made from selectively harvested, rather than clear-cut, birch trees … available in 5 gorgeous colors including black and taupe. ($216) (more…)
Summer is in full kick! Many look to enjoy the weather by inviting friends, family and coworkers to their homes for gatherings and BBQ’s. Whether it’s just a small get together with friends or a large party for the neighborhood, we sometimes lose sight of keeping our parties environmentally sound. Luckily, ONEIDA has compiled a list of 10 tips to enjoy the weather with friends while keeping the party eco friendly.
Here are a few:
- Don’t make extra trips and waste gas. Encourage your guests to carpool or walk if possible.
- Avoid paper cups, plates, napkins, and plastic utensils. Even the biodegradable ones take up unnecessary space in landfills. Real silverware is so much nicer, doesn’t break and can be tossed in the dishwasher.
- Buy local. Where you shop for your food is important. Choose natural or organic foods. Support farmer’s markets! Food grown closer to home has fewer transportation emissions and is fresher.
- Clean up green. Send leftovers home in reusable containers for your guests to enjoy. Recycle properly.
Go here to check out the rest of the tips. Impress your friends and neighbors with a party that is just as green as it is fun!
This portable solar lamp has a nice retro look. The good folks at California-based, Sunnyside Up Solar, advise consumers to place this light “where the sun DO shine during the day and use it conscience free at night”. The lamp is called the “Signature SUS Bulb” because of the subtle ‘SUS’ at the center of the graphic on the lamp’s face. The back of the graphic is silkscreened white so that the bulb is a bit brighter than the rest of the lamp.
A one day charge can provide 5-7 hours of light which you can set to come on automatically when the sun goes down, or whenever you need it. The portable design also allows you to take it on moonlit walks, late night raids on the fridge, or weekend camping trips.
Eco features: 2 energy efficient, long-lasting LED bulbs, 1 switch with 3 settings and 2 rechargeable AA batteries. The lamp is made with “Grade AA” materials that insure it will last a long time. Dimensions: 5.5″ long by 4.25″ high
$38 @ the sunnyside up solar supermarket shop
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