One of the biggest names in biking, Schwinn, will be introducing the world’s first flax fiber bike in July. The Vestige is manufactured out of lightweight flax fiber, which is recyclable and possesses similar performance characteristics to a carbon fiber frame with a much tinier carbon footprint.

The Vestige features high phonic insulation with the advanced ability to absorb and dampen vibration. The bike also has a great night-safety feature — pedal-powdered translucent tubes in the frame that illuminate at night and require no batteries.  More eco-friendly features include: bamboo fenders and grips, puncture protected recyclable rubber tire inserts and a 9-speed Shimano drive train with custom designed Schwinn components. Earlier this year the Vestige won the Eurobike Gold Award.

related: sustainable transportation

The evite responses have come back by now and you know for sure just how much many people will be coming.  Now that you are ready to shop, here are some green ideas for your party…

Napkins – Dare to try reusable cloth napkins instead of paper.  If it is a messy barbeque maybe a white wash cloth and red cloth napkin. Both can be used again, keeping all that paper out of the landfill. (more…)