The four female designers of Hungary-based Plastenka are passionate about keeping plastic out of landfills. Turning plastic trash into fashionable bags — laptop skins, wallets, messenger bags and bike bags — each item is individually made by hand.
Durable and waterproof, the upcycled line of accessories is constantly evolving. Ideal for Williamsburg walkers, Oregon bikers and eco conscious hipsters worldwide. buy here.
UPDATE: IT’S OFFICIAL, OUR LUCKY WINNER IS KIM OF MA. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR PARTICIPATING. BEST WISHES FOR A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY. (original post follows…)
We’re happy to announce our latest great green giveaway … generously sponsored by Boulder, Colorado-based etailer, vickerey.com. One lucky winner will receive a $50 Vickerey Gift Card – perfect for spreading some good green cheer these holidays. (Winner must reside in the USA.)
Vickerey’s made holiday gift buying a cinch – just follow their Gift Guides with hip ideas for the: Fashionista, Weekend Warrior, Gardener, Green Goddess, Globe Trotter, Spa Princess, Yogi, Green Guru or take a peek at their cool collections organized by price range. With beautiful journals, calendars, soaps, candles, spa & bath gift baskets, plus clothing for you or that significant other – you’re sure to find that special something.
to enter this giveaway:
more optional ways you may enter:
(with each bullet below, leave a comment & receive an additional entry)
note – be sure to include (m at alternativeconsumer.com) in your address book so if you’re the winner you’ll be able to receive our notification.
Our lucky winner will be selected at random. Contest ends December 21, 2011 at 11:59p (EST). Winner has 24 hours to claim prize, or the offer is null and void. Winner’s name will be included on this post. As always, we will not share your contact info with anyone, (except Vickerey). Good luck!
Are corporations really people? Here at The Alternative Consumer we’ve always favored the little guy. As big box stores are flooded by pepper spray-wielding consumers wrestling over the latest X-Box, we find ourselves drawn to a simpler, more civilized approach – buying stuff from real people – crafty folks who make great products by hand utilizing their personal skill, craftsmanship and ingenuity.
Here are five of our latest eco finds from that leading bastion of individual craftsmanship – Etsy:
(photos above) Our first tasteful gift idea: do you have a loved one whose abode could use sprucing up with some eco-art? Artist Tracy Melton created this set of five striking, organically-shaped tree ring paintings on reclaimed wood. These unique works of art can be found at Tracy’s focuslineart Etsy shop.
(above) This Rctees custom organic cotton t-shirt comes with a powerful message, and one you can express every time you wear this shirt – World Peace – from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and all the countries in between. The tee is produced as a family affair from an original design created by shop-owner Toni’s son and hand printed by her husband in white ink on a soft, 100% preshrunk, certified organic cotton youth tshirt. You can find it for a very reasonable $18 @ the rctees Etsy shop.
Do you reduce your carbon footprint by riding a bike? Here’s a clock (photo above) handcrafted from a recycled bicycle wheel. The one of a kind clock is made from a real bike tire so it has the commensurate scuffs, dings and character of a used wheel. The clock measures roughly 20 inches in diameter and runs on two included AA batteries. Made in the USA by Allan Young and sold at his pixelthis Etsy shop for $129
There are dozens of great jewelry designers selling their handmade wares on Etsy. Designer Raminta Jautokas is one of the best. Her striking Silver Cuff Bracelet Flower (pictured above) was created from recycled sterling silver and features a Mexican fire opal stone.
Find it at @ the Raminta Etsy shop
We recently posted about these sweet little cork Christmas Trees made from recycled wine corks. The cute ornamental trees would make a perfect addition to any holiday mantle or tabletop. 4 Eyes and Ears makes the trees in various sizes, all handmade and one-of-a-kind @ the 4 Eyes and Ears.
Related: more eco-friendly gift ideas from The Alternative Consumer
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