Here’s an idea we can get our heads around – SocialBicycles.com – an affordable, easy to use bike sharing program that you access via your mobile phone. A great way to get around NYC, whether you’re a commuter, day-tripper or tourist. Hitch is – SoBi needs your help right now in order to get it rolling. Find our more @ kickstarter.com and socialbicycles.com.

Arm candy doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, or harm the planet. Here’s a tasty roundup of four styles of bangles for the eco fashionista in you.

(above) For trendsetters – This California-based artist, Squishy Sushi, makes a number of different Upcycled Magazine Bracelets. She makes them in 7 different colors. The base is sustainable wood. They are made water safe, not necessarily swimming or showers. Each piece is one of a kind. She also makes attractive bracelets out of black and white Japanese magazines and origami paper. Support your eco-conscious artists. $30 @ etsy.com/ (more…)

Here’s a product that may help you save on your heating bill and add to your home’s decor. We all know that heating a home or business can be very costly, both monetarily and in the amount of fossil fuels we burn. One company, Prestyl USA, markets an efficient, eco-friendly and elegant solution to this problem – Far-Infrared heating.

Far-Infrared heating technology has already been useful in heating everything from houses and offices to ships and trains. Prestyl manufactures products in the form of printed art pieces (photo above) and ceiling modules that incorporate a French thin-film technology that works to heat floors, walls and furniture. The savings in energy usage can range anywhere from 15 to 50%, depending on building dimensions and film placement.

Other advantages: units are made from recycled material, are fully recyclable, easy to install – like hanging a picture – and decorative. They take up very little space, plug into a standard wall outlet and are maintenance free throughout their very long life cycle. Panels come in black or white and can be customized in any color, or with any image – even a brand image or advertisement.

Units range in price from $350 – $700.

Many of us are shifting our transportation habits and hopping on a bike to get around. Exercising, saving money, saving the planet and keeping it local are popular motivations for choosing two wheels over four. Cruising around usually includes stopping in to pick up some so called essentials at the market. But who wants to use a bike trailer to tote those bags? They’re not that easy to maneuver and they “widen your ride”.

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(above) Designer Stephanie Teague handcrafted this handsome wooden ring from scraps of wood and abalone reclaimed from a local guitar shop. The ring features dark Katalox wood and an elliptical piece of colorful paua abalone, which sits atop a strip of golden, yellow heartwood. Stephanie’s Pretty Birdie line of clothing and accessories is created utilizing primarily recycled, vintage, organic and sustainable fabrics and materials. Check out this ring and organic women’s clothing designs at her Etsy Shop.

(above) Now in the limelight: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s shoe line, The Row is featured on do-gooder Toms Shoes. For every pair of shoes sold, Tom donates a free pair to a child in need through his One on One program. The Olsen’s version of the loafer-type shoe is an eco blend of cashmere and Italian wool. Comes in 3 classic colors and retails for $140 – 150/pair. Direct link @ toms.com

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Exercise, stay hydrated and stash those little valuables … Here’s a nifty BPA-free, food grade stainless steel reusable water bottle that’s perfect for the exercise enthusiast: the lightweight Sport + Store 20-ounce water bottle is designed to keep you hydrated + stash your little vitals. The bottom compartment holds keys, credit card, id, cash, lip gloss and other valuables while you pursue your fab fitness routine at the gym, yoga studio, track, beach or park.

The Sport + Store comes in a few different styles – we like this shape, (above), now in array of 7 colors, including:  black, white or chrome … pick-up @ sportandstore.com $19.95. Stay hydrated, my friends:)

• Hot air: Climate expert Rush Limbaugh says there’s no such thing as global warming…Extreme Heat Settles Over Portions of East Coast – cnn
• Don’t feed the animals…Great White Shark Jumps onto Research Boat – npr
• UN Official: Climate Change Could Lead to Conflicts – msnbc
• The new ‘Planet of the Apes’ movie takes this to the extreme…Animal Testing ‘Requires Tighter Regulation’ – bbc
• What’s 10% off a jar of peanut butter worth to you? Groupon Data Collection, Privacy Policy Porbed by Congress – huffpost
• Does Mother Earth feel another gas ball coming on? Earth’s Methane Burp Cleared Way for Dinos – livescience
• Tough economic times may end incentives…Ontario Green Energy Plan Feels the Heat – reuters

Every summer over 200,000 festival-goers flock to Chicago for Lollapalooza:  3 days of fun, sun, and music. August 5 thru 7, this year’s lineup boasts favorites such as Eminem, Cee Lo Green, My Morning Jacket, Pretty Lights and Atmosphere. Many are quick to point out the impact on the environment given the excessively large turnout. However, this year organizers are increasing efforts to make the festival more environmentally friendly.

As part of the effort to become more sustainable, the festival is launching the “Rock and Recycle” program. Vendors will package water in sustainable and recyclable cartons. Water refilling stations will also be stationed throughout the grounds for reusable water bottles. In exchange for recycling, fans will be given free t-shirts and other perks.

August 5 thru 7 … 3-day passes are sold out but Sunday tickets are still available for $90 bucks/each. Join the fun and help make the festival more planet-friendly!

via: therepublic.com/
photo credit: lollapalooza.com

If you’re furnishing a remodeled farmhouse, weekend retreat or country home this vintage Blue Label Ketchup advertising crate side table may just add the perfect finishing accent. Made in Tennessee, the antique crate sits snugly, via gravity, atop the custom leg assembly and can be readily removed without harming the crate. Labeling graphics appear on all four sides of the one-of-a-kind table.

Listed at $265, you can find it at modernarks Etsy shop.