Over the years I’ve had many a bird feeder pillaged by voracious hordes of rampaging squirrels. I now believe a new approach may be in order – give our furry friends their own feeder to mitigate their raids on the bird feeders.

Andrew and Melissa of Andrew’s Reclaimed build their self-service squirrel feeders and other wood products out of reclaimed wood recovered from docks, fences, barns and other old structures – all very eco-friendly. $37 @ andrewsreclaimed Etsy shop.

Bike makers for the urban dweller, Brooklyn, New York City-based, Brooklyness, designs and builds two-wheeled solutions for the city commuter. Their CMYK 2.0 (photos above + below) folding electric commuter bike is a perfect vehicle for space-challenged apartment dwellers. The little bike can easily take you from home or apartment to rain, bus station or ultimate destination.

The handlebars and seat fold-down for carrying it on the train or bus – or ride it to the office, and fold it up and store under your desk or cube. (more…)

Whether pedaling happily down a country trail or traversing hazardous city streets, every biker knows the value of a good bell. Unsuspecting squirrels, walkers and the like inevitably cross our paths … sound the alarm, we’re coming faaast.

These handy little accessories are painted by hand with paints free of solvents and toxic perfumes; made by artisans in Montreal, Canada. Choose your favorite design – watermelon, ice cream or orange; $29/each. Find these bike bells at Poketo.

Now you can pour two cups of your favorite hot or cold beverage and take ‘em on the road, Bubba-style. Bubba Brands makes this sleek and handsome reusable drink container with all the right fixings:

• dual-walled food grade stainless steel, ergonomic body
• BPA-free
• vacuum insulated, keeps beverages cold for 12 hours and hot for 6 hours
• screw off lid features handy strap, and flip & sip top
• comes in orange, black, plum or our fave, brown
• made in the USA
• $9.99 @ bubbabrands.com.

(above) Another Eco Alternative for Kids …

Green Toys are made from recycled plastic milk cartons, and they’re so much more durable than your typical beach-bound, play-in-the-sand toys. This California-based company prides itself on being local — every part of the process, from obtaining the milk cartons to the final packaging, happens in California. They make a great product while being extra careful to emit the smallest amount of greenhouse gases possible. My favorite design feature is the rope that serves as the bucket’s handle.

$18.88 on Amazon @ Green-Toys-Sand-Play-Set.

Colorado micro brewer Colin Westcott and his company, Equinox Brewing take keeping their business local and sustainable — very, very seriously.

When Westcott opened his micro brewery, he vowed to serve his brew in his own taproom, as well as select bars that were either within walking distance, or hand truck delivery. Since his home base of Fort Collins is bike-friendly, he expanded his delivery options by commissioning the design and creation of the ‘keg trike’ (more…)

Do yourself and your fine-feathered friends a favor, put a couple of these modern, designer birdhouses around your backyard or patio. These handsome, finely crafted, architectural birdhouse are handmade by Nathan Danials for his one-man company, Modern Birdhouse Design. The craftsmanship and style of these birdhouses is undeniable. Styles and inspirations range from brightly colored Scandinavian ski chalet (below) …

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Many of us are shifting our transportation habits and hopping on a bike to get around. Exercising, saving money, saving the planet and keeping it local are popular motivations for choosing two wheels over four. Cruising around usually includes stopping in to pick up some so called essentials at the market. But who wants to use a bike trailer to tote those bags? They’re not that easy to maneuver and they “widen your ride”.

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Every grill master’s dream come true – the ability to grill and chill anywhere. Sleekly transport the Element by either grabbing the built-in handle, or go hands-free — slipping on the adjustable canvas shoulder strap and slinging this lightweight fire pit over your shoulder.

The red travel band holds the legs, lid and grill in place while you make your way. With the press of a button, the little canister of propane ignites, heating up the entire 159 square inch, enamel-coated, cast iron grate with a robust 8,000 btu’s of cooking power.

Throw on the tasty morsels and pour yourself a tall one. link directly @ amazon.com (now $149.99)