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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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

After a trip to Australia about 8 years ago, Cathy saw a storefront in a neighborhood in Sydney that looked inviting. “With flowers in the flower boxes and an awning on the street, it looked like a store that I would want to shop in.” After returning to the States and doing some research, she discovered that the shop – Simplistic Funerals – had all of the same services that we offered here in America, but it was just packaged differently. Instead of being an intimidating environment, it looked like a place that you would be comfortable entering.

Since that life-altering experience, Cathy has become a licensed Funeral Director and opened up her own personal vision of that storefront, Signature Funerals, located at 8019 State Line Road in Kansas City, Missouri. Locally owned, Signature Funerals has created a warm and inviting place to meet with families, along with space for small visitations and services. Cathy and her experienced Funeral Care team work closely with families to determine exactly what they need, the best place for their services, what to include, etc. “More than anything, I give them permission to openly discuss options and items for the funeral that they may not have at other funeral firms in Kansas City.” Those options may range from a service location that is a very traditional church setting or it might be at the Pilgram Chapel, the Johnson County Arboretum, a local park, or perhaps even the Midland Theatre, a Kansas City landmark.

Signature Funerals believes in education and making sure you understand the process before you or a loved one has a need. “When you’re being educated about the process in the middle of the need, it is incredibly difficult. To have confidence in your decisions, it is important to know about the process, your options, and start to think about what you want to communicate to your family about your wishes,” says Cathy. These wishes might even include a green funeral.

IzzitGreen: Cathy, you talk about Green Funerals – what does that mean, and is that something that’s new here in the United States?

Cathy: I see a Green Funeral as a process that can be implemented in steps.  Some might see cremation as a green funeral option with the ashes being returned to the environment – earth or water – in a number of different ways.  Others that are measuring carbon footprint might see a natural burial in a woolen shroud or biodgradable casket made of natural wood, wicker or rattan as an efficient or green burial.  So, whether you are selecting an urn made of salt or sand or burial in a natural setting, there are a number of green options.

IzzitGreen: It seems as though the funeral business never changes. Have there been any major innovations in the last century?

Cathy: When you look at innovation in every other industry over the last 50-100 years and compare it to the funeral industry, there has been very little change in our industry.  That said, the popularity of cremation as a final option has increased to nearly 50% across the United States versus the traditional process of a visitation at the funeral home followed by a funeral at a church.  While this decision is often financially based because cremation costs so much less, it inserts CHOICE back into the situation and puts the control back into the hands of the consumer.  No longer is a grieving family forced into making decisions because the funeral home – who’s been in business for generations upon generations – tells them it has to be a certain way.

Across the board, buying patterns have changed as well.  Whereas 50 years ago someone would go to a local family-owned hardware store, for example, now they go to Home Depot.  And with clothing, instead of asking the clerk at the local dress shop to “show me all of your blue dresses,” now you browse through the racks yourself and ask questions only when needed, or you avoid it all together and simply shop online.

In the funeral care business, historically, everything has been handled and controlled by the Funeral Director, leaving consumers and families uncomfortable and unhappy with the process and the experience.  Add on top of that exhaustion, overwhelming grief, and limited or no prior education about this important event and what needs to take place, it can be even further devastating.

IzzitGreen: You talk about “permission,” which is such an important concept. Can you elaborate?

Cathy: At Signature Funerals we believe that permissions are so important!  Permission to make different choices based on all of the options available, and to think differently and outside the box, so to speak.  A funeral is the ultimate celebration of someone’s life, and it’s important to tell their story in the manner in which it should be told.  That doesn’t always mean doing things the same exact way that other family members, friends, and neighbors have done it.

For a friend or family member who has passed that was not religious, people need to understand that it’s OK to hold a service in a non-religious location, yet still have a pastor or funeral celebrant lead the service.  And it’s OK to have both a visitation and service at the same location.  This works especially well when there are older friends and relatives who are less mobile, and when the crowd is larger and logistics are a challenge.  We held a beautiful service at a famous Kansas City landmark recently which opened a lot of eyes and hearts to what we can do and what a funeral can be.

While these are just a few mere examples, the point is that whether told through special music, poems, scripture, personal reflections, or a special location, the story deserves to be told in a manner that reflects the life of the loved one.  And whatever the preferences for location and cost, there are endless choices.  We encourage everyone to take time to think about those choices before the need arises, and give yourself permission to go about it your own way if that’s the way you choose.

IzzitGreen: We’re so impressed. Besides your warm and inviting location and setting, what else sets you apart from the other locally owned firms and corporate funeral companies?

Cathy: What is most important to our firm is that a valuable service to families in our community is affordable and the experience is updated to this century. From a modern setting to prices that are 30-60% less than a corporate owned funeral home, it is important to have additional choices for your funeral care.  What’s most important to Signature Funerals is personal service and a comforting experience for the lives of those we touch in Kansas City.

For more information on green funeral options, funeral planning, or to contact Cathy Boomer directly, Signature Funerals can be reached in Kansas City at (816) 214-5174 and on the web at www.signaturefunerals.com.

Green Apple’s products are constructed with an eco-friendly organic cotton and bamboo blend using bamboo that is organically grown on farms certified by OCIA and NOP. The fibers used by Green Apple are also Oeko-Tek certified, meaning that they have been put through the highest quality processing and are tested at the end stages to ensure that they are free of chemicals. Green Apple uses only eco-friendly dyes that offer a 60% lower impact than other dyes used in the industry.

The entire eco-collection is just begging to be layered and mixed, but here are my top picks.

Kasmir Cami

This stylish Kasmir Cami is decorated with eco-friendly, water-based prints and has a dainty y-back that is feminine and sporty. This tank has a longer cut to stay in place while you move and the stretchable, lightweight fabric is naturally breathable to keep you cool.

Elise Sport Bra

The elastic straps inside the Elise Sport Bra provide ultimate comfort and control, but this full-coverage bra is stylish enough to be worn alone. The beautiful v-neckline and criss-cross back are sure to turn some heads whether you’re in a yoga studio or Zumba class.

Congo Hoodie

The Congo Hoodie pairs perfectly with yoga pants or jeans, and goes especially well with the Congo Yoga Flare Pants. The contrast stitching and water-based print in the hood create an original and classy look, while the streamlined cut creates a graceful silhouette.

Congo Yoga Flare Pants

These top selling yoga pants show off your best with a praise-worthy cut and contrast waistband. Green Apple didn’t forget the small details with the addition of a cute logo embroidered on the back of the leg and raw hem so that you can cut the pants to your perfect length.

Fitted Yoga Short

The Fitted Yoga Shorts are ideal for summer workouts and hot yoga, thanks to the breathable eco-fabric that wicks sweat while you work. The wide waistband and flat seams keep things comfortable and the well placed stitching complements your back side.

For your next workout, breath easy and put something clean and natural against your skin.

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Image Credit: Green Apple

Convertible

The Convertible includes a hemp, lace-up extension piece that allows it to be worn as a low-cut shoe, or a higher-cut boot. This unique system provides versatility as well as some major style points, but the extension is not the only feature that benefits from the stitching concept. In fact, each piece of the shoe is stitched together instead of glued making the Convertible more breathable, more durable, more repairable and more recyclable.

The sole is made from natural latex which is gently harvested from gum trees using a method that causes no harm or damage to the tree. This material also saves the soles from the garbage bin, as they can be ground up to make new soles at the end of their life. Additionally, the super comfy “foot mattress” is made from coconut husks and actually molds to your foot shape, so you feel just how lightly these shoes tread on the Earth. The leather is tanned using eco-friendly vegetable extracts helping these shoes be so sustainable that if you ever tire of them, you can drop them off at any Timberland store for complete recycling.

However, you might want to keep the compostable shoe box because it makes two awesome seed trays that are biodegradable and perfectly plantable.

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Image Credit: Po-Zu

Numbers 1-4

1. Green Apple Clea Jean Legging: These super cute and unique yoga jeggings are a stylish and soft combination of bamboo, certified organic cotton, and spandex.

2. Restore Eco Yoga Pants: The Restore recycled bottoms offer premium “Muffin Top minimizing” benefits thanks to the flattering fit and contoured waist that is slightly higher in the rear.

3. Organic Cotton Cobra Capri: With a flat waistband these capri style organic yoga pants work great as leggings and are perfect for your yoga class to hot date transition.

4. Shining Shakti Yoga Pants: These hand-dyed, organic cotton yoga pants are a great way to add some energizing color to your daily poses.

Numbers 5-8

5. Harem Knickers by Prana: These lightweight bamboo yoga pants have a very elegant drape that allows for full freedom of movement through all of your salutations.

6. OM Girl Practice Pant: The attached skirt detail and bootcut legs add some stylish and unique flair to these wear-everywhere organic cotton yoga pants.

7. Bhakti Ware Lotus OM Pants: A super-soft blend of organic cotton and spandex and beautiful hem artwork create a very eye-catching and comfortable pair.

8. Blue Canoe Bamboo Easy Pant: With a wide folding waistband and relaxed cut, these bamboo and organic cotton yoga pants are a must-have for some serious relaxation and stretching.

Numbers 9-12

9. Sauipe Short Shorts: These yoga short shorts come in a ton of fun colors and are perfect for Hot Yoga and showing off those legs.

10. Hyde Cropped Divine Drawstring Pant: Made with an organic cotton and spandex blend these trendy crops offer ties at the knee for function and a feminine touch.

11. ecoKashmere Angel Pant from Jonäno: Softer than a cloud, the organic bamboo and spandex blend fabric forms a lean and elegant look as you float through your routine.

12. Yoga Tribe and Culture Leggings: Made with Organic Prima Cotton and some spandex, the many color options and stylish fake fly helped these cropped yoga leggings make Izzit’s list.

Numbers 13-16

13. 4-rth Women’s Pants: These great looking yoga pants will hold their shape and keep you cool all day thanks to their special ProModal material which is derived from Eucalyptus and Birch Trees raised on sustainable farms.

14. Patagonia Serenity Tights: Organic cotton and spandex come together again with a wide waistband that can be rolled up or down depending on your fancy.

15. Harem Yoga Shorts by Float Design: These stunning yoga shorts made with organic cotton and lycra show off a little extra leg with a sexy side fabric gather.

16. Beckons Wisdom Pant: These organic yoga pants offer activewear your way with a roll-down waist that can be adjusted to sit just where you want it to.

Numbers 17-20

17. Prancing Leopard Harem Pant: These stylish yoga pants are made with high quality Organic Turkish Long-fiber cotton and are ideal for high fashion in the studio and on the streets.

18. Gaiam Organic Side Slit Capri: These flexible capri pants are made with certified organic cotton and spandex and use only low eco-impact dyes.

19. Inner Waves Organics Pono Pants: The Pono Pants are designed with a beautiful diamond, cross-over waist that flatters and feels great.

20. YogaFit’s Bamboo Relaxed Pant: A relaxed fit bamboo yoga pant with cute rear pockets and a handy front drawstring.

Number 21

21. Asquith Bootleg Pants: And finally number 21, these organic yoga pants are a luxurious blend of organic cotton and jersey with a tasteful row of Swarovski crystals at the hem.

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Image Credit: Asquith

Diaper Dude Digi Dude Eco Technology Case

Don’t let the name mislead, the Diaper Dude Digi Dude Eco Technology Case is one tough cookie. The durable case and solid design, made from recycled materials, can take a beating while keeping your iPad or laptop safe – yet another layer of security for your tech guru dad. Not to mention, not a bad looking case for a name with diaper in it.

Solio Rocsta Charger

If a technology case is not in store this year, but your gift needs still require a tech side, check out L.L. Bean’s Solio Rocsta Charger portable power source. This solar charger, which works for thousands of electronic devices, stores power for an entire year! And if the sun rarely shines where you reside, you have the option to USB cable or wall charge. This nifty solar charger is the perfect eco-friendly gift for the active Dad that craves a little power for off the grid adventures.

Reclaimed Ballpark Seat Cufflinks

Take your sport infused Father’s love of the game a step further with reclaimed, authentic ballpark seat cufflinks. Uncommon Goods has a slew of stadium seats to choose from, from Fenway to Wrigley! A flawless reclaimed accessory for Dad that gives new life to gone, but not forgotten stadiums.

TOMS Eyewear

TOMS Shoes is taking their one for one business plan a huge step further with TOMS Eyewear. TOMS Eyewear gives sight to a person in need for each eyewear purchase. Essentially one purchase at a time, one person receives the eye care that he or she needs. Check out their new initiative and snag a pair of hip sunglasses along the way. Not bad for a purchase that you and Dad can continue to feel good about.

Recycled Bike Tube Belltown Card Case

If a money storage device is on your Father’s Day list then a recycled bike tube wallet may fit the bill. The Recycled Bike Tube Belltown Card Case is said wallet that has it all – 99 percent recycled content, handmade, durable and water-resistant. Not too shabby for an accessory made from some old throw away bike tires. Not to mention it’s simple and slim design is bound for any mans back pocket.

Citizen Eco-Drive Watch

Citizen’s Eco-Drive Watch is in an entire worlds of it’s own. This time piece not only uses the most advanced technology in watch making, it’s black dial and scratch-resistant mineral crystal alone is enough to trigger drooling. The technology harnesses the power of light, natural or artificial, and converts it into energy that is stored in a permanently rechargeable lithium-ion cell. The Eco-Drive has I want, I want, written all over it.

Image Credits: Zappos.com,  L.L. Bean, Uncommongoods.com, TOMS