A new spin when we recycle that vinyl … Some 45′s and 33 rpm’s become collectors’ items, others wind up in landfills. Here’s one that was upcycled and transformed into a useful Vinyl Clock. The numbers 3, 6, 9 and 12 were carefully melted onto the vinyl to distinguish the hour. retails for  34.90 €

You can purchase it from saltandethic.com, a European-based online marketplace, founded on the belief that only design and style will be able to introduce responsible consumption (eco-friendly and/or ethical) into pop culture.

Around campus there seems to be a little more eco consciousness about drinking coffee – mostly in the form of more reusable mugs being used. But one gadget that doesn’t seem that green to me are those single-cup coffee makers. Fun and convenient, yes. And they may consume less energy per cup than a bigger machine, but the amount of plastic packaging winding up in landfills seems really wasteful. What’s your take on it?

Given that there are 150 million coffee drinkers in the United States today, I figured it’s worth taking a look at how we can green that cup of joe…whether you prefer an espresso, cappuccino, latte, or iced coffee. Here are a few earth-friendly tips:

• Choose wisely: select Fair Trade, certified organic and shade-grown coffee. Organic coffee has been grown according to organic farming standards without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Shade-grown helps local flora and fauna remain intact and promotes natural indigenous diversity. Fair Trade ensures socially responsible working conditions and pay for laborers.
• Choose a reusable filter instead of disposable paper filters. (more…)

These ‘Flow’ modular 3D wallpaper tiles were designed by Jaime Salm and his sustainable product design and consulting firm, MIO. The textured paper tiles are made from both ‘pre’ and ‘post’ consumer recycled paper. The tile system allows you to create your own pattern variation by rotating the tiles or painting them in your favorite color.

The Flow tiles are part of MIO’s PaperForm line of paper wall and ceiling surface coverings.

The lightweight, recycled paper modules come in packs of 12 one square foot tiles (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm) and can be installed temporarily with double-sided tape or permanently with wallpaper paste.

A 12 tile pack goes for $34 @ mioculture.com

This handsome handmade satchel is made almost entirely of upcycled materials. The shoulder bag’s exterior is crafted from a vintage US Army canvas duffle bag. The satchel’s design incorporates many of the original elements and much of the character of the original duffle bag and also features a lining of sturdy sienna/orange canvas.

The flap has a little snag that is highlighted with a stitched star. Under the flap are two 5 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ slip pockets. On the inside you’ll find three pen slips, one 7″ x 6″ zip pocket, one 7″ x 6″ slip pocket, and one D-ring for your keys. The adjustable strap will extend to 44″ and it is lined with duck canvas in a coordinating shade of army green.

The closure is a re-purposed leather strap with a heavy-duty metal snap. This bag is  built to last a lifetime.

$65 @ bad du jour’s cargoh shop

• Heavy rains in the eastern US take their toll…The Great ‘Pumpkin Shortage’ of 2011 – theweek.com
• Parasite first seen in the UK…Deadly Bird Disease Spreads to Europe – bbc
• Critics of ‘Fracking’ Raise New Concern: Sand – msnbc
• Politics as usual…Lawmakers Probe Solyndra Investors About Loan – rueters
• It’s harder to see an oil spill when you’re breathing it. Study on Emissions From BP/Deepwater Horizon Controlled Burns Completed – sciencedaily
• Researchers Take Advice From a Carnivorous Plant - redOrbit

UPDATE: It’s official – our lucky winner is Amy B of Virginia. Thanks to everyone for participating and leaving good comments. Check out our latest Giveaway which expires October 17 – you can win a $100 Gaiam Gift Card.

Yay – we’ve gotten into the habit of using our reusable bags at the grocery market … but wouldn’t it be nice to have stylish totes as we transition from day to night? Well, thanks to Envirosax, now we can – with their beautiful new After Dark coordinated designer bag collection.

One lucky winner will receive AN ENTIRE After Dark Collection (5 designer bags plus pouch) to use whenever you need a reusable bag! They’re chic, lightweight and each can carry up to 44 pounds. Open to residents in USA and Canada. Prize retail value $39.95 plus free shipping.

To enter this exclusive giveaway, simply (more…)

True comfort meets eco awareness … beginning today, save 10% on Gaiam’s new line of yoga wear – unitard (above), jacket, tops and bottoms – made from a blend of recycled polyester and spandex. This high performance material wicks away sweat to keep you dry, and outerwear is quick drying and wind resistant. Plus receive FREE shipping on every order of $100 or more. Introductory offer expires September 25, so get moving and start saving. find @ gaiam.com.

Brand new to the scene is Qraft – a simple to use site which allows you to rent rather than purchase toys and gear ranging from big ticket items like yachts, helicopters, planes, RV’s, ATV’s and sexy cars to camera lenses and camping gear. After sign-up, you can either post your valuables and let others rent your stuff, or vice versa. Allows for daily, weekly and monthly rentals; and searching via location or item.

The electric mountain bike (above) goes 60 miles on a single charge and rents for about $25/day. Check it out @ qraft.com.

Rescued scooter parts in the spotlight today: Putting a new spin on upcycling is Bel and Bel Studio, with their very unusual Mannequin Floor Lamp featuring a handlebar and headlamp from a defunct Vespa scooter. Pick up at Salt and Ethic for 1500 €.