Nice Threads Man

Every Ethnotek bag has a removable and replaceable front called a Thread that serves as, “a flag that says, I care!” Each Thread is a direct trade, ethical textile that carries the deep cultural heritage and story of its origin. Direct trade means a high level of transparency concerning both working conditions and payment procedures. These hand-dyed and woven fabrics are only sourced in person and bought directly from artisans or villages. All of the Threads are limited editions and made in very small batches that are never repeated. This exclusivity is fostered by the time consuming and detail oriented handcraft of the source. Your bag is genuinely unique, but when you are inspired to carry a new look or share a new culture, instead of purchasing a new bag, you can buy just a new Thread from Ethnotek. It’s always worthwhile to check back with the Ethnotek Web site often for new Thread additions.

Ethnotek’s passions for culture and travel are infectious, and the company encourages customers and friends to keep an eye out and notify the company of any interesting ethnic textiles that they encounter on their own travels. Through this process Ethnotek creates demand for traditional practices that are currently threatened. Through this method the company never dictates the design or imposes on local artists who are free to express themselves through this non-intrusive supply chain.

Ethnotek Travel Backpacks

An Ethnotek backpack is a serious and unique travel companion with a message. Let’s talk modern accessories. The padded laptop compartment is side-loading and accessible without opening the main compartment and big enough to carry up to most 17″ devices. This makes it not only incredibly easy to get to, but also very secure. The huge roll-top and massive buckle also offer incredible security. Both sides have mesh pockets, ideal for storing snacks or a water bottle, and the right side has a zip-access pocket that fits your passport, phone, or mp3 player perfectly. No more digging! Whether hiking up a mountain trail, or running to Terminal A, the padded, ergonomic back panel with vents will keep you comfortable and cool. Plus, the padded shoulder straps, and all-important sternum strap help the bag stay in place when you’re running to catch that bus.

One of the best things about these packs is how versatile they are. Thanks to the roll-top, compression straps and light 2.6 lb weight, they can be loaded to the max or minimally packed to maintain a surprisingly low profile. Even with generous dimensions, these packs are carry-on friendly and always the right size. Check out the beautiful, removable Threads strutting from complex patterns from Ghana, bold colors from Guatemala or the work of a master-weaver in India!

Ethnotek Messenger Bags

Messengers, the newest edition to the Ethnotek products won’t dispoint loyal backpack owners or Ethnotek newbies. The padded laptop compartment has clever, removable bumpers that offer snug protection for your 13″ or 15″ laptop. As you might anticipate, the front zip pocket is complete with organizers and a zip compartment perfect for your tunes player. The removable seat belt shoulder strap is a nice convenience, with the added comfort of a generous padded section and diagonal stabilizer strap. If any of you have ever tried to cycle without one, you know how crucial that last feature is. In fact, I strongly discourage trying to ride a bike without one, embarrassing situations will ensue.

The rear of the messenger has a low profile luggage handle pass-through, which is invaluable when traveling with a rollie bag. A nice detail is the ability to zip the pass-through closed to use as a pocket when you don’t have other luggage. The yogis and artists out there will appreciate compression straps at the base of the bag perfectly made to cinch down a yoga mat or tube protection for your next masterpiece. With all of these features you might expect a weighty transport system, but the Ethnotek Messenger tips the scales at a feathery 1.8 lbs. This surprisingly light bag is actually made from 840-denier, water-resistant, ballistic nylon (translation: bomb proof) and the bag is lined with woven fabric, handcrafted in Vietnam. Now we’re talking. Like the backpacks, the messenger bags wear an exhibition of culture and responsibility. The Threads are beautiful pieces like the 100% recycled patchwork from Hmong textiles, woven rainbows from artisans in Guatemala, or my favorite, 1 of the 25 existing handmade Threads from Ghana.

Keep an Eye on Ethnotek

Ethnotek is made up of a compact and passionate team that are deeply involved in global travel and spreading cultural awareness. Although they have achieved their goal of creating handmade global culture that is useful and practical, something tells me that there is more to come from this socially responsible company. I encourage you to read through the company blog and enjoy the Ethnotek videos which give you a really good idea of what actually goes into these incredible bags. Rumors of a sub $99 day pack and possibly a rain cover are circulating, so keep these guys on your radar.

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Image Credit: EthnotekBags.com, Ethnotek Facebook

1. House of Marley Headphones: eco-conscious headphones of superior quality and style made by a company honestly committed to giving back, but would Bob approve?

2. Eco-Friendly Kids’ Party Favors: some awesome ideas for filling favor bags at your child’s next birthday party that will wow their friends, parents and the eco-minded.

3. How to Recycle Butane Fuel Canisters: examines a nifty little tool that can help you easily and responsibly dispose of your used camping stove fuel canisters.

4. Pet-Safe and Eco-Friendly Lawn Care: some advice on fertilizers, pest control and weed killers that are safe for the planet and pets.

5. Eco-Barefoot Running Shoes Guide: the final installment of a three part series that outlines the top ten sustainable barefoot running shoes out there.

6. Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats: an in-depth look at different types of sustainable yoga mats and some recommendations for mats to try.

7. Very Eco Wedding Guest Dresses: fashionable and Earth-friendly options to turn heads at your next special occasion.

8. Top 10 Bamboo Lingerie, Organic Intimates and Eco-Underthings: a countdown of the top pics of stunning and feel-good pieces that are sure to please. Who ever said that eco couldn’t be exciting?!

9. 21 Bamboo and Organic Yoga Pants: an extensive list of the best yoga pants, shorts and capris from companies with a conscience.

10. Smaller Footprints with Recycled Material Tents: a rare look at two tents using recycled materials that you may have never heard of.

From all of us at IzzitGreen, thanks for all of your support to make 2011 an amazing year. Onward and upward!

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This celebration of my favorite, gooey substance prompted a quest to seek out the best good-green peanut paste the market has to offer. My discovery of Justin’s Nut Butter was the end of my search. Justin’s sent me a generous box of goodies from which I stuffed my pack for a hiking trip in northern Portugal. Read on to see why my hunt ended with Justin’s and how nut butter made my trip.

The Justin’s Difference

Justin’s all started in Boulder, Colorado in 2002 when founder, Justin Gold, longed for a tastier peanut butter. From that dream Justin’s Nut Butter has taken an amazing foodstuff and done the impossible. Justin and his company have created a superior peanut butter and in the process managed to completely re-conceive the category. So, how is Justin’s Nut Butter better? Please review the following steps. Start with super high-quality, natural and organic ingredients that are sustainably harvested and sourced as locally as possible. Then add a proprietary grinding method that boosts yumminess and consistency. Combine with innovative packaging that facilitates on-the-go consumption and mix with a company dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint. The result? A delicious, nutritious, and ingenious snack that will blow your mind.

The simple ingredients in each of Justin’s products make them easy to love, whether you’re into Vegetarianism, Paleo, Slow Carb, South Beach, Atkins’ or just being healthy. Justin’s products are certified gluten-free by the GFCO, certified Kosher by Scroll K and use only PPO-free almonds. Aside from the aforementioned amazingness, Justin’s also offers variety. Check out each of the ways that you can enjoy Justin’s creations below.

Squeeze Packs

A seriously perfect snack for hiking, traveling or munching at work. Justin’s squeeze packs offer a super convenient way to eat nut butter on-the-go. I figured I would mostly add nut butter from the packs to apples or crackers, but found myself just as happy eating it plain. It reminded me of my childhood when I would shamelessly steal heaping spoonfuls of peanut butter right from the jar. Regaining some of my long lost courage, I noticed myself several times desperately massaging the last bits of nut butter from my squeeze pack, only to catch my boyfriend boldly ripping open the package to lick the inside clean. The packs excelled one night as a surprisingly satisfying dinner during a seemingly never ending journey aboard Portuguese public transportation on our way north to the Peneda-GeresNational Park. From Justin’s wide scope of eight squeeze pack flavors, I was sent the Honey Peanut Butter Blend and Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Blend. Both of the flavors have a rich, natural and grittier texture that you can almost chew for pure satisfaction. Justin’s Nut Butters use palm fruit oil that is sourced from a sustainably harvested, organic farm in Brazil to minimize oil separation. Not only does this provide excellent texture but palm fruit oil also has no trans-fatty acids and contains less saturated fat than many other oils. Once again, the quality shows. For me, the Honey Peanut Butter Blend flavor is the perfect combination of salty and sweet thanks to the unique coupling of sea salt and honey and a very faint sesame after taste. The peanut butter packs were a fabulous comfort food as the small pools of water in our tent slowly crept towards my sleeping pad. I thought the Hazelnut flavor would just taste like Nutella, but I was hit instead with a genuine hazelnut taste and hint of salt that lacked the artificial, over-sweetened, way-too-creamy faults of that other frosting stuff. The packs are generally easy to open, but can require some extra muscle with very cold hands. Plus,  REI just published some great tips for sleeping warm and it recommended eating peanut butter right before bed to give your body something to burn. No wonder I slept so well! Oh, and don’t forget to knead!

Jars

There can never be too much of a good thing, and that’s where Justin’s Jars come in. Not only are they filled with nut butter goodness, but all of Justin’s Jars are PETE-1 recyclable and BPA-free. If you’re not in a rush and have something more relaxing in mind, screw open a jar and enjoy any of the eight better nut butters on one of your favorite snacks. Make sure to try out each of the hazelnut, peanut and almond varieties. Here are some great recipes using peanut butter to check out, or there’s always just your spoon.

Peanut Butter Cups

Peanut butter cups are another fond memory from my childhood, specifically the hundreds that I consumed in the weeks following Halloween. Available in both milk and dark chocolate versions, Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups offer a refreshing look at a classic. In both flavors there is a pleasant absence of that cheap, milk taste and high quality peanut butter makes all the difference. The shell is made from decedent, fair-trade, organic chocolate that is Rainforest Alliance Certified. Using such virtuous chocolate, no wonder Justin’s decided to coat it on thick. The harder, more substantial shell provides a beautiful match to the normally overpowering peanut butter taste. Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups provided a particularly welcome lunch desert as we rested near a stream and bridge described by a local trail guide as, “a naturally well conceived scenario.” The dark chocolate mixed with peanut butter is an entirely new and wonderful experience, but even the milk chocolate flavor holds happily little resemblance to the unhealthy candies I enjoyed as a child. It’s like a peanut butter cup all grown up.

Sustainability

Aside from its earth-friendly kitchen, Justin’s takes steps throughout the business to reduce its impact on the environment. For a trip through their supply chain, visit Justin’s “Dirt on Nuts” to explore the company’s carbon footprint and what it is doing to reduce it. Already, the Justin’s headquarters is solar powered through panels in front of the office and sustainable packaging has become a priority. While Justin’s cardboard packaging is currently made from 100% recycled paper constructed using only wind power and dyed with Zero VOC inks, the company has also embarked on a unique journey towards a sustainable squeeze pack. The ultimate goal is 100% renewable packaging that can be composted at home, but the plan includes realistic stepping stones of 33% and 66% renewable packaging along the way. On the social side, Justin’s also supports Conscious Alliance in its work to distribute food to Native American Reservations through monetary contributions and of course, healthy food donations.

So, spread the love and make sure to spoon, squeeze and smear it on thick!

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Image Credit: Justin’s, Alina Jesien

Better Dancer

Jinga shoes are really, really light. A pair weighs less than 300 grams! The minimalist construction allows for foot flexibility and a maximum level of movement that I never knew I was missing. I find myself compelled to do the “happy feet dance” whenever I slip these bad boys on. Through some ingenious engineering Jinga’s protective TPU sole has managed to achieve great wear, grease and temperature resistance. Plus, the sole is sticky enough to allow for quick movements, but has a sweet spot with just enough slip for my awesome spins. It was incredible to actually find myself feeling light and on time with the thumping samba music. Although designed as dance footwear with roots as a capoeira shoe, Jingas are super comfortable with and without socks and an interesting option for barefoot or minimalist running, exercise class or street walkin’. But, if you think that these shoes are for blending in, think again. Jinga’s beautiful design is hip enough for the dance floor whether you’re into salsa, street dance, Zumba, jazz, modern or Dance Dance Revolution. Jinga shoes are as versatile in function as they are in style. Any of the five thousand color schemes creates a rhythm and expression that’s all your own. They even make shoes for kids. So even though there’s no hope for my dancing career, but from six months on, your little one can be feather light and making all the right steps.

Better Priorities

Jinga captures and celebrates the animation and passion of the Brazilian Culture in its shoes, while working to make a positive social and environmental impact in the country. Through careful selection, Jinga fosters long term relationships with socially and environmentally conscious suppliers. These lasting relationships create stability and facilitate better processes for people and the planet. Through its commitment to fair and responsible business practice in Brazil, Jinga is able to have a concrete impact on many Brazilians’ lives. Currently, the company provides a percentage of its profits to partner with a Brazilian NGO, REDEH, and offer an out of school activity program for Brazil’s youth. Going forward, Jinga has committed to dedicating 25% of its net income to similar projects in Brazil.

Better Processes

In addition to its social efforts, Jinga makes the environment a top priority. The company was awarded the “Green Seal” by the Brazilian government for its environmental policies as well as the high standard of working conditions that exist in its factories. The company’s values are also clearly considered in Jinga’s planning and business practices. Jinga shoes are 100% vegan and made in Brazil using only materials that are sourced locally from suppliers with stated socio-environmental policies. Additionally, anything left after manufacturing is sent to a facility for recycling in an effort to reduce waste. In another partnership, as part of Amanha Mais Feliz’s Happier Tomorrow Project Jinga is recognized as an environmentally responsible footwear company thanks to its lean production philosophy. So, slip on a pair of these eco-shoes and revel in your new ability to “move as nature intended”. Lacing up a great pair of shoes could really change your day, but great shoes from a good, green company could change much more than your mood.

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Image Credit: Alina Jesien, Jinga

Sustainable and functional isn’t necessarily boring, and yoga isn’t just about posing. Meet Plank, a company created by the bold British designer Doreen Hing whose brassy personality shines through in all of her products. Much like its maker, this luxury brand confronts the norm and challenges people to think about yoga in a new and spirited way.

Artistic

Plank yoga mats have no trouble standing out from the crowd thanks to the company’s innovative “art on mat” concept. The gallery quality images on every Plank mat make it temping to store yours on the wall as art. Forget rolling it up and stuffing your mat into a corner. A few months ago I was sent the Shag Luxe Yoga Mat which displays a nostalgic image of a retro carpet complete with downward dog hand prints. At first, I thought the image would be distracting, but after some classes I found that it was actually just the opposite. The quasi-repetitive pattern acts almost like a Magic Eye image with a very meditative effect. My Plank mat’s distinct artwork became a type of visual representation of my own quiet time; something that an uninspiring, blue foam mat could never accomplish. Like Plank’s other three original mat designs, the Shag Luxe Mat offers a witty humor and a generous perspective that puts a smile on my face every time I unroll it. As Austin Powers says, “Ooo, Behave!”

Functional

Who ever said that art can’t have utility? In this case, your Plank canvas also doubles as a yoga mat!  An amazing one at that. I really appreciated the high-quality grip layer that is actually activated by the heat and pressure from my feet and hands, which comes in really useful on my less flexible days when it feels like it’s just me vs. me. This special layer also serves to protect your artwork and keep it looking unused and bold up on your wall. The emphasis on function as well as fashion results in a mat that’s beautiful, never slippery and always the perfect firmness, as opposed to some other mats that are too squishy and make me feel off balance. Plank mats are incredibly well constructed and built for the long haul so they won’t start to fall apart after a few classes like cheap foam or PVC options.

Sustainable

Each Plank yoga mat is made from fully sustainable natural rubber. Unlike synthetic rubber, the natural stuff is sourced from renewable rubber trees. Natural rubber also requires significantly less energy to produce than its synthetic counterpart. When it’s all said and done the harvesting, processing and transporting of natural rubber consumes only about one fourth the amount of energy that synthetic rubber production does. So stretch deep and breath easy. Plank yoga mats don’t come cheap and they aren’t super light, but in my humble opinion you get more than what you pay for. I would rather bear a few extra ounces to take a little weight off the environment and spend a few extra bucks to own a mat with character that will last a lifetime, than float around with a boring, PVC-laden wafer of a mat. Proud to be a Planker.

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Image Credit: Plank, Alina Jesien

Nothing But the Best from Revo

The Guide Sunglasses are a star member of Revo’s Eco Sustainable Style Collection, offering super high performance for any outdoor junky. One of the most innovative features is Revo’s Motion-Fit (TM) system that balances pressure points so that your glasses stay put for a perfect fit. No more hiking your glasses up your nose when you’re looking down. The quality also extends to the Serilium (TM) lenses that are constructed from a super strong polycarbonate that can withstand impact from gravel and debris. Plus, the high contrast polarization and anti-reflective coating add major value and brilliance to the world around you. These prescription-ready optics block 100% of UVB, UVA and UVC light and and are available in three practical lens tints: graphite, bronze, and water.

Sustainable Style

No matter which of the seven frame colors you choose, Revo has made sure to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Some frames offer sustainable performance through Revo Re-Use (TM) in which the frames are precision molded from 100% recycled polymer resins or nylon plastics that would otherwise become trash. Other frames offer Eco-Use (TM) in which Revo employs a strong TR-90 nylon frame material made from castor bean seeds instead of petroleum. The result is a very light and flexible frame that is 60% bio-based. Check out this movie in which Revo explains both of their eco-processes.

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Image Credit: Revo