Sweet – putting our dollars to work: With Halloween and Fair Trade month (October) in the USA around the corner – this just flashed across my eyes from across the pond – via The Telegraph:

Maltesers, the third biggest chocolate brand in Britain, is to become Fairtrade…This is the first time that Mars, the Maltesers manufacturer, has shifted production of one of its products to Fairtrade. If follows similar moves by rivals, including Nestle, whose KitKat is now Fairtrade and Kraft, which shifted some of its Cadbury Dairy Milk products into Fairtrade. Starbucks and McDonald’s have also stocked an increasing number ethically-sourced products in their outlets, a trend which has not always been cheered by cynical consumers. (more…)

Revisions Design Studio specializes in creating new products out of upcycled and recycled objects, like the silver cake server that was re-fashioned and transformed into this stylish ‘Tribal Statement’ necklace. (more…)

Looking to make the world a better place and snag a good green deal? Perhaps it’s time to get on board with Pure Citizen.

Founder Amy Ludwigson and her dedicated team feature earth-friendly and body-friendly goods at 30-70% off. Just sign up for their free Daily Love email and gain entry to a slew of flash sales that last 72 hours and giveaways that last all week.

Pick up some favorite organic, Fair Trade, sustainable, recycled and handmade goods and if you’re a do-gooder you can opt to save a little less and donate the difference to a featured non-profit. extra credit - invite a friend and receive a $10 credit from Pure Citizen.

The landscape of our eastern farmlands is often dotted with the rusting remains of old farm machinery that’s outlived its usefulness. One couple is re-using this material with great results. Kate and Ben Gatski design and fabricate their folk art, furniture and sculptures with the reclaimed metal recovered from outdated farm machinery and the salvaged barnwood they gather from their rural Pennsylvania area. (more…)

A Tried and True Green Product Review … one complimentary bag of EnviroKidz Crispy Rice Bars treats was provided us for the purposes of this review. In short – they’re fun, tasty and crunchy.

Don’t be afraid … bag in hand and ready to dole out samples, we made our way to our 12-year-old nephew’s soccer game. Adults and kids alike gave these eco-friendly and healthy treats a try and everyone thought they were “good!” After sampling 4 (it was a 2-hour game), 7-year-old brother Austin stuffed 2 more in his pockets to have later – presumably, the moment he got home.

The texture of these treats is on the order of a classic Rice Krispies marshmallow treat … flavor-wise, they’re milk chocolatey with a hint of vanilla and without a trace of overly sweet marshmallow goo. The fine print on this fine treat: (more…)

• I know caffeine makes me go faster…(video) Coffee-Powered Car Makes Bid for Speed Mark – bbc
  
• Big name stars like Leonardo DiCaprio make global push to save sharks…Call to Ban Shark Fin Soup Gains Support From Big Fish – sacbee.com
• Maybe these exotic pet imports could be classified as illegal immigrants…Exotic Pets Turn Invasive, Threatening Florida – yahoo! news
• Potent biofuel…Hog Waste Produces Electricity and Carbon Offsets – sciencedaily
• Good business? Not rotating crops hurts yield…High Corn Prices Impact Crop Rotations – enn
• Idaho Boy, 10, Escapes Clash With Mountain Lion – myway/ap

MommaFix delivers a little shot of happy … to kick-off October as Fair Trade month, we celebrate the work of Julia Gerson and Denise Jacobsohn, two Maine-based momtrepeneurs (pictured below) who sell their unique line of children’s clothes, toys and nursery decor on mommafix.com.

Clothes are sized from newborns and tots to 9 years. The colorful mobile pictured above, right – is made of fabric. Gerson and Jacobsohn put the fun and funky into children’s items while maintaining responsible ethical practices. Clothing is designed in the USA and Fair Trade made in Thailand. Note to self - keep in mind when gift buying. Cheers!

Designer Betsy Ryland makes these industrial-looking (think “Blade Runner”) table lamps from the recycled components of up to three retired motorcycles. Comprised of a spring, shock absorber, brake rotor and transmission gear –

each handmade lamp is about 18 inches tall with a base measuring between 11 and 12 inches across.

The series of lamps are made using available parts – so no two works are exactly alike. Scratches, dings and other imperfections add to the character of the recycled components. For additional fun you can follow the building of your lamp (more…)

(above L to R) Global Girlfriend can recycle plastic and transform it into pretty handbags; we’re loving this adorable polka dot number. English Retreads recycles tire inner tubes to create a line of sustainably stylish handbags, including this nifty wristlet which doubles as a small clutch or makeup bag. Available @ shopECOgoods.com ($32 and $34 – extra bonus – use code AC20 at checkout and receive 20% off your purchase.)

Flattering and functional … luxurious handmade knits made from 100% organic Turkish long-fiber cotton. (above L to R) Cocoon II Knit Shrug ($161) and Chrysalis Knit Sweater ($171). Available in Wine Red, Charcoal Black, White Snow and Iron Stone (one size fits all). find these plus lots more @ prancingleopard.com

Windy days, reach for a little more protection around arms, neck and chest … (above L to R) scarves and wraps from EarthLover Shopping. Fair Trade and handmade. Cotton Voile Mud Stamped Birds Scarf ($59) and Recycled Sari Scarves in Beautiful Colors ($24/each).

Still dune-bound? Lucky you – cover up in eco chic Surfmonk style. (L to R above) $128 and $148.

Enjoy today – the first of fall – time to transition and follow new paths. Love all that you have, pass along things you no longer need.

want more? eco fashion on The Alternative Consumer