Rebecca Thoms Hanley of BananaSaurus Rex is a fresh, frugal and feisty crafter who magically remakes vintage fabrics into eco-friendly personal and home accessories.

Okay, not magically. She works her tail off and has a boatload of blazing-hot wit and talent to boot, so what you get is a collection of top-of-the- line redesigned Earth-honoring textiles and treasures. From charming HankyBlankies and hip VintageBibage to a kaleidoscope of Wine Totes and stacks of colorful sachets, sacks and bags, Rebecca preserves a piece of someone’s history and transforms it into a beautiful and useful piece that will gather a chapter of your own new and vibrant history. Grab the Adventure Bag if you’re headed down to Baja, up to the Ranch or out to the Sound for a last-minute runaway weekend…

Fill up an Every Day Bag at the farmers’ market, the neighborhood library or on an afternoon antique run. Christen a Wine Tote with a Two Buck Chuck and a note to “Pass the Bag On” to launch its life as a re-giftable wrap that could form a chain from wine lover to wine lover. Tuck in a bouquet of flowers for Valentine’s Day, or carry your bundle of artist’s brushes to the shore for a quiet day of painting. The gist of it is that each of Rebecca’s pieces, rescued and recycled, will prevent the need for a paper bag or plastic sack, and will provide a lifetime or two as a tried and truly cool sidekick in your home or out on the road.

Find more more eco-friendly bags, totes and sacks @ the BananaSaurus Rex Etsy shop.

This post was provided by Nik, our newest contributor and self-described metalsmith-gemologist-designer and artist.

Related: more eco fashion finds on The Alternative Consumer

The home laundry room goes hi-tech…Samsung has introduced its new WiFi-enabled WF457 washer and dryer at this week’s CES in Las Vegas. The washer’s Smart Control system allows consumers to stay connected to the washer cycle without having to remain in close proximity to the machine. Consumers can monitor and control the machine’s operation via a wireless router and a smart phone application. Busy moms and dads can monitor cycle selections, remaining time and finishing alerts, as well as remotely start or pause the washer without having to access the laundry room.

Though the front-loading washer has the industry’s largest capacity (a whopping 31 bath towels) it’s recognized by ENERGY STAR as a ‘Most Efficient 2011’ clothes washer. (more…)

A catchy name for a unique table – the Periodic Table is a substantial chunk of reclaimed Douglas Fir coated with a layer of exotic silver via a proprietary process by One & Co. The silver coating is thin enough to reveal the grain, character, cracks and imperfections of the old timber.

The ostentatious, eye-catching table is equal parts glam and sustainability.

featured @ councildesign.com

related: more eco home decor discoveries on The Alternative Consumer