Water is becoming one of the world’s most precious commodities, particularly in arid, developing nations. Designer Gabrielle Diamanti has created a prototype for a solar still that could help people with access to salt water convert it into up to 5 litres of fresh water per day.

Diamanti calls her device “Eliodomestico”. Salt water is poured into the top chamber of the device and heated into steam by the sun – removing the salt. The resulting steam is then forced down through an expansion nozzle to condense as fresh water in the lower basin.

The simple still is constructed of cheap, readily available raw materials; operates off-grid – with no electricity; and is low maintenance.

Eliodomestico was a finalist at the 2011 Prix Emile Hermes competition. It is an ‘open’ design and intended to be shared.

via: notcot.org

With no formal training in fashion, Finnish designer Minna Hepburn married her love for vintage clothing to her passion for creating unique tops and fashioned a full-fledged, award-winning business label, Minna. Her collections are hand embellished and finely crafted from sustainable, organic, recycled and locally produced textiles. In keeping with an ethical aesthetic, she employs zero waste pattern cutting techniques for every garment and uses local manufacturing in her diligent efforts to minimize environmental impact of her various collections.

Brides-to-be can even have love notes, a wedding date or anything their heart desires hand-embroidered on her dress, and some styles, like Dorothy just above, are suitable for those who already may be sporting a baby bump. Included in her wedding collection are a few gowns, but who says you must wear a full-length dress? You can still look elegant, lovely and perhaps a little flirty in a cocktail-length or even shorter style.

Although dubbed an eco-luxe line, I think her work is reasonably priced and has broad consumer appeal, reaching beyond the eco-minded set. Minna also offers free shipping worldwide, a nice touch. find more @ minna.co.uk

photos from top above:  Selena, £250.00 and Dorothy, £375.00

Philadelphia-based Michael Iannone and his Iannone Design company specialize in designing and building eco-friendly furniture.

Their “Cork Mosaic Forest” sideboard, (photo above) is made with FSC and CARB 2 certified walnut and maple plywood, locally sourced walnut lumber and sustainably-harvested, renewable cork. The front panel features a lovely forest scene done in cork. The piece is finished by hand with a natural oil-based finish.

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• (photos) Doomed Polar Explorer’s Lost Photos Revealed – livescience

…save some money while helping to save the planet…

• Ends Monday, October 24 … reusable shopping bag 6-piece set: includes 4 mesh produce bags and 1 tote regularly $34.99 now $28.49 through Monday @ greenhome.com

• Through Thursday, October 27, 11:59pm EST … Buy 2 crew Tri-Paks for only $30 (regular price $38) – that’s 6 pairs of organic cotton six for only $30. Use Code OCTCREWTRI at checkout @ maggiesorganics.com

Although the Fair Trade movement actually began in the 1940s, many consumers are still unaware of what Fair Trade Certified means. To help spread the message and educate everyone, Fair Trade USA has been busy the entire month of October with heightened activity and special promotions … they’re generously sponsoring this Great Green Giveaway for you, our readers. One caveat – it applies to residents in the USA only.

UPDATE: It’s official, our lucky winner is Cyndi Hall of NC … Thanks to everyone for participating and keep supporting Fair Trade made goods. Our next Great Green Giveaway kicks of tomorrow so stay tuned…

One lucky winner will receive a reusable Gift Bag filled with Fair Trade Certified products – quality products that improve lives and protect the environment. Included will be items such as: Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Honey (16oz), Green Mountain Columbian Coffee (10oz), Hand in Hand sustainable suds soap bar (4oz), Aura Cacia nourishing body polish (8oz), samples of Choice organic tea, Sencha Mints, chocolate (and the reusable tote).

Open to residents in USA only. Prize value approx. $50.00, (includes shipping).

To enter
(with each bullet below, leave a comment & receive an entry):

• visit Fair Trade USA and then comment on this post telling us what product(s) you check while shopping to ensure Fair Trade Certification.
• subscribe to our free monthly e-newsletter with insider news.

(more…)

Designer Anabel Fournier and her company, Fournier Designs, make fabulous clothing and accessories (like the handmade Martha necklace, $42 pictured right) from Bolivian baby alpaca wool, organic cotton and pima cotton.

While living in Bolivia a few years ago, Founier founded her company as a poverty alleviation project. She trained local artisans to crochet, knit and embroider her designs and uses locally harvested natural materials in her eco-friendly fashion line.

Find more of Anabel’s fashions @ her Supermarket shop

(above) These handmade, lightweight shrugs can add a sexy layer to the simplest of casual outfits. Knitted meticulously by hand and designed in Fairtrade ‘eco cotton’ by iLE AiYE.
$61 at the ileaiye Etsy shop

(above) Fair Trade USA is a non-proft which certifies that you’re receiving quality products created by workers (no child labor) receiving a Fair Deal – fair pay under good working conditions; funds are invested in community development and goods are created in an environmentally responsible manner (including no GMOs). Because every purchase matters, don a pair of (more…)

For all you beer aficionados – it’s Oktoberfest – these handsome, handmade greeting cards are made with recycled paper and spent barley from the Upland Beer brewery in Bloomington, Indiana.

Cards feature a “Cheers!” woodcut by Darian Goldin Stahl on front of card. Text on the back of card lets receiver know the special ingredient and beer name. Each set of four cards comes with matching envelopes and includes one card in each of four popular beer colors – wheat, pilsner, amber and porter. (more…)

• Ironically, this study was funded by many global warming deniers…Global Warming ‘Confirmed’ by Independent Study – bbc
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• Some good news…More Humpback Whales in North Pacific Than Previously Thought – msnbc
• Celebs join fight to stop Keystone XL Pipeline…Alec Baldwin Wants You to ‘Occupy Pipeline’ – ecorazzi
• Cap and trade takes a step forward…California Approves Carbon Market Rules – enn
• I hope he has a good dentist…Bear Feasts at Candy Store in Tenn. Mountains – yahoo! news