Ecoist is a company that creates and sells eco-friendly items primarily made from discarded product labels which are then recycled and turned into fashionable, functional and fun products that create conversation and look pretty neat too. Unlike some eco-friendly fashion companies, Ecoist doesn’t want people to buy their items just [...]]]>

Ecoist is a company that creates and sells eco-friendly items primarily made from discarded product labels which are then recycled and turned into fashionable, functional and fun products that create conversation and look pretty neat too. Unlike some eco-friendly fashion companies, Ecoist doesn’t want people to buy their items just because they’re eco-friendly, they want them to buy them because they follow trends you’d see on celebrities or on the runways, AND they have the added bonus of minimal environmental impact. Wouldn’t you like to pick up a purse and be able to say, “it’s just like Victoria Beckham’s, but mine didn’t require a mortgage or take away a piece of my soul and morality because of it’s environmental impact”?

This company has the greatest selection of stylish eco-friendly purses that you’ll find online with more than 50 varieties in the collection. Plus, when you purchase a handbag from the collection, they’ll also plant a tree, so you walk away with a positive mark on your conscience. I think it also goes without saying that each of these items are hand made and follow fair trade regulations. Here are a few of the fashionable, funky, eco-friendly handbags and accessories available from Ecoist.

Style likes the Diva Clutch are perfect for the evening, and perfectly on trend with the glitzy, glamorous and sometimes even gaudy colors and styles that are popping up in fashion whether you like it or not, the Diva Clutch from Ecoist is available in amethyst (purple), ruby (a pinkish-red), diamond, and silver for the shiny and sparkly designs. It’s also available in more refined colors like shades of brown, confetti (multi-colored), and newspaper (which is exactly what you think it is). The amethyst version of the Diva Clutch is made from recycled candy wrappers, and it’s ready for a night out on the town!

Tote bags are extremely popular for their ability to fit everything but the kitchen sink (believe me; you don’t want to see mine). But these reclaimed material handbags are not only practical from the Ecoist, they’re also sustainable. The Mega and The Daily are the two styles of totes for sale and depending upon the color choice, are made from either candy wrappers, newspapers or magazines.

The Ecoist also plans to release one of a kind styles of handbags, so despite the fact that their collection is already unique, serious eco-fashionistas can get their hands on things no one else will ever have. There are also other styles, like wristlets, shoulder bags and cross body purses. If purses aren’t your thing (what’s wrong with you??) then you can check out Ecoist’s line of home products, bracelets and reusable shopping bags.

Many clothing and other companies use plants and animals as the logo for their product, for some, there is meaning behind it, for others, it simply represents the brand. Save Your Logo is a company that is encouraging these organizations to do good through the sale of their products, and it asks them [...]]]>

Many clothing and other companies use plants and animals as the logo for their product, for some, there is meaning behind it, for others, it simply represents the brand. Save Your Logo is a company that is encouraging these organizations to do good through the sale of their products, and it asks them to support the animals the help bring them profit and success. Save Your Logo works with these companies to help them filter some of their proceeds into non-profit organizations that help support their cause.

Big names are already jumping on board with this project. Lacoste clothing company, best known for their simple alligator logo has committed to helping with the preservation of crocodiles and alligators that have helped bring them so much success and recognition. Although Lacoste’s clothing and accessories themselves might not be made from sustainable material – they’re taking steps towards becoming more environmentally friendly by partnering with Save Your Logo in a unique way. So, as you’re shopping for the fall season and have your heart set on sustainable clothing, don’t discount Lacoste’s line of polo shirts, cardigans, dresses, and accessories; because every time you look at that cute little alligator logo that is characteristic on the brand, you’ll know you’re directly helping the company support the longevity of that mammal. The best part about Lacoste’s involvement in this project, is that their clothing is available in stores and online to consumers around the world, so the products are always available to everyone!

Lacoste was the first international brand to join the Save Your Logo initiative in sustainability, and since other organizations that aren’t just focused on clothing design have partnered.  MAAF Assurances has also devoted their efforts to provide support to the dolphin that has been a big part of their branding when car and home owners choose to purchase insurance with their company. The other organizations other than Lacoste involved to date are available to international consumers outside of the US, but hopefully, as awareness is spread about this project, more organizations will jump on board. In the meantime, check out Lacoste to support your local modern day dinosaur.

Fashion lovers with money to spend may search far and wide for the for the trendiest sweater designs that are made from what is said to be one of the softest and most luxurious products on earth. But let’s face it, many of those with money to spend on fashion, discard [...]]]>

Fashion lovers with money to spend may search far and wide for the for the trendiest sweater designs that are made from what is said to be one of the softest and most luxurious products on earth. But let’s face it, many of those with money to spend on fashion, discard their clothing picks with the seasons without even thinking about those poor sheep that took all the effort to grow their undercoat, and the factory workers that spent hours upon hours to spool the pricey wool.

TeddyLux is an eco-friendly company that doesn’t let the hard work of the sheep and the factory workers’ hard work go to waste by letting the cashmere sweaters end up in the cashmere graveyard. Instead, they recycle the discarded fashion items and turn them into some of the most luxurious and soft and cuddly toys available for children; and the knowledge that they’re eco-friendly through their use of recycled materials doesn’t hurt either.

TeddyLux handpicks cashmere sweaters and hand makes its one of a kind recycled baby and children’s toys which have all of the benefits of cashmere, for the most luxurious feel, without the cost that can come along with purchasing the items since their materials are reclaimed. TeddyLux, true to its namesake, makes recycled cashmere teddy bears; available in pink, blue or a neutral shade of brown or beige; and they’ve also got elephants, bunnies, and plush baby rattles which are all eco-friendly. Naturally, since the toys are each individually made, and cashmere sweaters are sourced for each product, the shade of each color ordered can vary from what’s available on the website, which makes each shipment even more unique.

If you’re in search of a toy for a new baby or a child who only deserves the best with products that are environmentally sound, unique and luxurious, then TeddyLux is the place to check out!

Sometimes even when you’re out in touch with nature, out on a hike or a bird watching adventure, it can be hard to detach yourself from the modern world and leave your plethora of gadgets behind, but without access to a place to plug in and keep your gadgets charged it can be [...]]]>

Sometimes even when you’re out in touch with nature, out on a hike or a bird watching adventure, it can be hard to detach yourself from the modern world and leave your plethora of gadgets behind, but without access to a place to plug in and keep your gadgets charged it can be hard to maintain your addiction.

The Voltaic Solar Daypack is perfect for a day hike in the woods so you can get in touch with nature and bring your favorite companions along; your Blackberry, iPod, iPhone, GPS and whatever else you just can’t stand to leave at home. The backpack is solar powered, so as you carry your water, a lunch, and your camera, you can also use the solar pack’s pockets and wire channels to keep your devices charged while you’re on the go. It’s a green option that allows you to conserve electricity without being left chained to your home when your personal gadgets are out of batteries.

Since the sun isn’t always out, no matter how much you might want it to be, the daypack comes with a variety of hookups so the contained battery pack can be charged on those gloomy days, that way there’s never a fear of being disconnected even during your retreat away from all things technological.

Hey, you know and I know just how hard it is to break away from your gadgets; whether you’re a small business owner, a parent who constantly worries about their children or a teenager who would have to lose their thumbs in order to stop texting. So it’s nice to have options and those that are nice to the environment as well as your technological addiction.

Any musician knows just how wasteful a hobby it can be when it comes to guitar strings – they can break in a session, they can break in a week, or if you’re lucky, you might get through a month or two if you play regularly and like to experiment with your riffs. [...]]]>

Any musician knows just how wasteful a hobby it can be when it comes to guitar strings – they can break in a session, they can break in a week, or if you’re lucky, you might get through a month or two if you play regularly and like to experiment with your riffs. Guitar strings from electric or acoustic guitars don’t last forever, and while the average person might discard them without a second thought, there are millions of people out there that would like to get their hands on used guitar strings once plucked by artists like Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan or Avril Lavigne.

Wear Your Music creates bracelets from the guitar strings of famous musicians so that they can be reused, recycled and relished by their fans. Each guitar string is secured with a clasp in silver or gold, and music fans can also choose from adding a diamond into the mix or having the bracelet engraved. The guitar string bracelets created by Wear Your Music ensure that one of the most wasteful materials in music is repurposed into something that is fashionable, appreciated by music fans, and it also creates items that really tell a story.

Did I mention that a percentage of the sales from each of the recycled guitar string bracelets also goes to a charity advocated by the rockin’ musicians themselves? Sure, it lets you do something nice for the environment and for another great cause – but with certain musician’s guitar strings turned bracelets for sale, they are the gift that will keep teeny boppers screaming “Oh my god, this was touched by Nick Jonas!” (figuratively speaking of course, since the Jonas Brothers have yet to participate in this program).

Via: The Chic Ecologist

During the summer months, there’s nothing better than sitting out on an Adirondack chair with a glass of wine or a nice frosty beer to take in the sights and sounds of the season. However, since this type of outdoor furniture is typically manufactured from wood, wood and more wood, it may bring [...]]]>

During the summer months, there’s nothing better than sitting out on an Adirondack chair with a glass of wine or a nice frosty beer to take in the sights and sounds of the season. However, since this type of outdoor furniture is typically manufactured from wood, wood and more wood, it may bring a nice summer, cottagey feeling to your home in the city or the county; but it comes at the cost of the environment.

Loll Designs offers a solution with their line of outdoor furniture that is made from 100% post consumer recycled HDPE, a high-density polyethylene which is a plastic resin that is used in products and packaging such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, margarine tubs, and garbage containers. Loll Designs Adirondack chairs come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and will look fantastic on any deck or front porch of a home or summer cottage. Plus, to get them there, the eco-friendly company uses carbon offset shipping through a partnership with Carbon Fund and packages the sustainable outdoor furniture in completely recycled and recyclable packaging. It doesn’t stop there either, they also produce their furniture locally in the United States, donate 1% of the proceed of their sales to a variety of environmental organizations, and they plant a tree for every harvesting day of the year!

The only drawback of the Loll Designs outdoor furniture is that they aren’t cheap – but look at it this way; by choosing this type of design over the typical wooden Adirondack chairs, you’re making multiple contributions to the environment, and they’re durable enough that they should be kicking around your cottage porch or back deck for years to come!

It can be hard to be eco-minded when you’re staring at a big, sparkly piece of bling that’s calling your name, but, when you’re choosing rings that are going to solidify your wedding vows; why not choose jewelry that has minimal environmental impact so that the world as you know if might be [...]]]>

It can be hard to be eco-minded when you’re staring at a big, sparkly piece of bling that’s calling your name, but, when you’re choosing rings that are going to solidify your wedding vows; why not choose jewelry that has minimal environmental impact so that the world as you know if might be around for a little while longer after you say “I do”.

Between the conflict that comes with diamond mining and acquisition, and the toll that gold mining has upon the environment; not to mention the conditions that the miners work in, risking their lives for the sake of a commodity that primarily becomes a status symbol, there are many strings attached to jewelry. Sure it looks nice, but once you have nowhere to wear it because the world as you know it is long gone due to environmental degradation, it really won’t do you much good. Yes, I’m being melodramatic; and yes, it’s true that one set of wedding rings isn’t going to make the difference between environmental soundness and complete destruction. But every little bit counts, and while one purchase may not seem like it’s on a large scale, think about everyone else who has the same attitude.

When it’s time to choose the rings for your wedding or commitment ceremony, don’t walk into your local jewelry store; instead check out Green Karat. This company only uses conflict-free gems in their production of their green wedding rings, and uses post-consumer recycled gold, either collected from donations of jewelry or from scraps contributed by jewelry makers. Each piece of jewelry is hand-made, and they’ve got all sorts of unique and traditional designs that are perfect for any wedding, and any bride, no matter how attention-grabbing or understated she wants her jewelry to be.

Now that you’re aware of your green wedding ring options, those of you who are already married can look at your with guilt and shame. Oh, and besides your feelings about your lifelong commitment, you can feel bad for your contribution to the decline of the environment too.

Although the availability of green products for the home is expanding, many of the companies that carry these items are still falling under the radar because they just aren’t part of the mainstream yet. This means that without digging deeper, prospective green consumers just don’t know where to look in order to find [...]]]>

Although the availability of green products for the home is expanding, many of the companies that carry these items are still falling under the radar because they just aren’t part of the mainstream yet. This means that without digging deeper, prospective green consumers just don’t know where to look in order to find affordable, eco-friendly items to decorate their homes with. It’s really nice to see some of the big name companies coming on board with green alternatives, because it increases everyone’s exposure to products that are sustainable, eco-friendly and affordable.

Kodak has been the latest big name to join in the production of home products that have minimal environmental impact. They’ve recently released a line of Eco Care frames which avoid the use of toxic chemicals and they use bamboo, since it is the fastest renewing natural wood that reproduces itself with no replanting required. Although bamboo is becoming the most popular material used to produce all sorts of sustainable products, having Kodak advocate its use will reach more people and help them to understand the importance of using alternative items that are environmentally friendly.

Kodak currently carries four frames in their Eco Care line, all made from bamboo, which have a different look and feel to fit every home décor theme. Available in a variety of sizes, the frames are affordable, organic and water based with no chemicals, and the mat board and backing board on the frames are made from completely recycled materials. Since the design of the frames is similar to what they already offer in the non-eco friendly variety, there’s no reason for people not too chose the sustainable frames. Hey, if you’re going to make a purchase to help you cherish your memories in film; why not ensure that you make steps to preserve and cherish the environment at the same time?

Yoga is about getting in touch with your body and improving your overall health and well-being, but it also helps you to connect with the environment and your natural surroundings when you let go of those everyday worries that can come with modern living, and get an out of body experience that puts [...]]]>

Yoga is about getting in touch with your body and improving your overall health and well-being, but it also helps you to connect with the environment and your natural surroundings when you let go of those everyday worries that can come with modern living, and get an out of body experience that puts you in touch with the world.  Little equipment is needed for yoga; all you need is some comfortable clothing and a yoga mat. Connecting with nature on a more spiritual level is one thing, but come on, what good does that do if your product choices don’t reflect the same mentality?

When shopping for yoga duds, mats and equipment check out the range of yoga and fitness products by Natural Fitness, including their Eco-Yoga Mat. When you purchase their Natural Fitness Eco-Yoga mat you can rest assured you have a product that is eco-friendly, and completely recyclable, free from toxic chemicals. Their yoga mats are made from TPE rather than PVC, so they contain no cadmium, lead or phthalates and are non-allergenic, lightweight and recyclable.

The product itself is perfect for those ready to try yoga, but the best part isn’t the product itself, it’s the fact that for every mat purchased, Natural Fitness will plant a tree with the help of partner organizations that improve the environment in international locations like Asia, Africa, and locally, in the Americas. What’s better than improving yourself body and mind, while knowing that you’re doing the same for the environment?