It’s this season’s hottest number and has lit up the spring runways in various shades of glowing effervescence. Begone wintry black and welcome springly white! Let’s have a look at the some of the best ‘green’ fabrics for these LWDs and see if we can’t hook you up with the perfect number.

Cotton

Cotton is obviously a very widely used textile and this high demand has caused a lot of damage to the environment. It’s quite a destructive plant when grown intensively and 25% of the world’s total pesticide use is used to keep it production as high as possible. These chemicals are dangerous to the environment, to the people that have to work near them and, eventually, to the person that wears the fabric. The requirements for 100% organic cotton are very stringent and also take steps to rebalance the soil and diversify local agriculture (source).

Cotton Dresses- 100% organic cotton dresses are easy to come by and you’ll be able to find them on the high street. If you’d rather shop online, take a look at this sassy little Ryann Lauren dress or John Patrick’s more laid back Surf Dress.

Silk

Silk is naturally biodegradable and renewable, but there are concerns over the chemicals used by some mass producers to smoothen out the finished material. Added to this is the fact that the vast majority of silkworms are unethically treated- they are usually boiled alive inside their silk cocoons to preserve the completeness of the thread and improve the end colour. As with cotton, 100% organic is a good tag to look for, as are words like ‘undyed’, ‘vegetarian’, ‘peaceful’ and ‘natural colour’. The good news is that silk is perfect for our eco-LWD because the end product is the right colour without dying; the bad news is that peaceful, organic, undyed silk is going to cost you a bit more! (Source)

Silk Dresses- It’s quite hard to find peaceful, organic, white silk dresses! Here’s a very sweet baby doll style dress from a great little company called Indigo Handloom. I also found a good alternative to dresses made from new silk: Sarah Zin makes pieces from reused and repurposed materials and this remnant dress would make a very special outfit. There are also some lovely silk dresses in different colours from Deux FM and Fin (that one’s 100% wild handspun silk!).

Bamboo

Bamboo’s getting a lot of eco-attention at the moment. Although it’s better than non-organic cotton, there are downsides to its production. The biggest problem is the chemicals that are used in the refining process. They’re officially not harmful to human health, but many are concerned that the current standards aren’t strict enough. Even if we put human health aside for a second, use of sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide on a large scale is not good for the environment. It is possible to get bamboo fibers that haven’t been treated in this way, but they’re very hard to come by. Having said that, bamboo is a sustainable resource in its native form and it’s doing wonders for raising awareness about the validity of ‘alternative’ textiles. (Source)

Bamboo Dresses- Elwood’s Strange Fruit Jumper Short is made from a french terry mix of bamboo and cotton. This is actually a romper, but it does the same job! Alternatively, Cmarchuska’s Robin Dress is made from a blend of chemically refined bamboo and spandex and was put together in New York. Lastly, if you like the idea of about eight dresses in one (and why would you not?!), then AngelRox’s ‘The Wrap‘ is for you. It’s made from chemically refined bamboo and was manufactured in the US.

Hemp

Wonderful hemp! A sustainable plant with a longer, stronger and more absorbent fibre than most other textiles. Like cotton, it can be made into a wide variety of end fabrics, like linen. It doesn’t require any herbicides (and can easily be defended with organic pesticides), grows at an astonishing rate and maintains the quality of soil. Like bamboo, manufacturers use either the non-harmful ‘mechanical’ method, or the more dangerous ‘chemical’ method. However, unlike bamboo, the mechanical method is much more widely used and ‘organic’ hemp is much easier to come by.

Hemp Dresses- Only one hemp dress for now I’m afraid. This pullover dress is from a label called Mountains of the Moon and is made from a mix of hemp and cotton.

Choosing to use a natural yoga mat can help you stay in unison with your personal values, while enjoying many of yoga’s other benefits. There are several things to consider when looking for a more eco-friendly yoga mat. Greener yoga mats are often more expensive than plastic mats. Which makes sense, when you think about it. Production costs associated with pumping out PVC laden mats are much lower than working with natural materials. Also, because these mats are made from natural materials, they can break down more readily than the PVC mat competition, however technology and improved manufacturing methods have made this more of a mute point. In addition, some eco-friendly mats will emit a natural odor, but in most cases this can be solved by airing out your mat for an hour or so before its first use.

The environmental impact of the production, use and disposal of plastic mats is enough to make most people think twice. The production of plastic mats emits a large amount of pollution and greenhouse gases into our atmosphere and also, often produces a chemical called dioxin which not only acts as an environmental pollutant, but also is suspected to be associated with human immune and reproductive disorders. Yuk! In addition, the PVC often used in plastic mats is connected with several types of cancer and is non-recyclable, and non-biodegradable, which means that all of these mats have no where to go but landfills. And the best part is, that when some of these mats are exposed to heat or sunlight, they can release harmful chemical odors for the user to inhale.

When looking for a eco-friendly yoga mat, you have several choices. As Yoga has several different styles, natural yoga mats are offered in several different materials, with varying properties. Here is a top mat in each category.

Natural rubber mats are made from a renewable resource, the rubber tree, and are also biodegradable. One of the best natural rubber mats out there is the eKO mat by Manduka. This mat is composed of closed-cell natural rubber which means that it will not absorb moisture that can breed bacteria but, it is also very high quality and super durable, so it will not fade or flake. The eKO mat also has a great texture in a sea-grass type pattern that provides superb stickiness and traction. This eco-friendly mat uses a toxic-free softening process and is totally void of foaming agents and plasticizers that can be found in many other mats.

Another option for an earth conscious yogi is a plant fiber mat, made from various plant materials such as organic cotton, jute, or hemp. These fibers are also inherently renewable and biodegradable. A top contender here is Barefoot’s Natural Jute and PER mat. Jute is a vegetable plant that is incredibly fast growing, while PER stands for Polymer Environmental Resin which is an eco-friendly, nontoxic and carcinogen free alternative to PVC. This decomposable mat has a unique look and feel due to the ingenious coupling of these two materials.

What about alternative plastic mats? These are mats that are made from greener plastics such as PER or TPE, Thermoplastic elastomers, which are both made without toxic substances. A great choice in this category is the Eco Yoga Mat from Natural Fitness. This mat is made from TPE and provides great traction and is incredibly lightweight. The mat is also free of cadmium, lead and phthalates, which make it safer for yogis everywhere.

Another category is yoga mats made from cork. Which is actually surprisingly ideal. Cork naturally provides great shock absorption and cushion, while being incredibly durable. Cork also repels moisture and bacteria, and is hypo-allergenic for those allergic to latex. Cork is also harvested in a very green way. Cork comes from the outer bark of certain oak trees which completely regenerates. Combine that with Korq’s Eco-Foam and you have one beautiful green yoga mat. Korq natural yoga mats are made by hand in New York City, where they combine cork, their Eco-Foam backing and an organic cotton binding to complete their stunning and original mats.

You might not always think about it this way, but what you put in your body largely affects your body’s largest organ. Any idea where I’m going with this? That fancy organ I speak of is your skin! And sometimes we can be downright mean to it, forgetting how cool this thin veneer we wear really is. Research suggests that a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and water is what really enhances your skin’s natural beauty. So in honor of your largest, and my personal favorite organ, I’ve gathered some info to help you nourish and protect your skin from the inside.

The Benefits of Water

I know, I know, you’ve heard it a million times before, I even blogged about it a few weeks ago, but are you keeping your skin hydrated by getting eight 8-ounce glasses of water into your system every day? If not, your plan for healthy skin through what you put in your body should start here, with a little h20 action! Water keeps your skin hydrated, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And water improves circulation and blood flow, all of which keep skin radiant.

Vitamins

You can look for vitamins in creams and lotions, but why not keep things simple, and your diet nutritious, by getting this source in through your mouth. Some of the best vitamins for you skin are vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Vitamin A battles dry skin by hydrating deep layers of the skin. Good sources include oranges, carrots, leafy greens, eggs, and low-fat dairy.

Vitamin C helps undo damage done by free radicals while protecting skin from the sun. Vitamin C is also involved in collagen production. Good sources for vitamin c include peppers, oranges, strawberries, lemons, kiwi, broccoli, greens, and brussel sprouts.

Like vitamin C, vitamin E also protects your skin from damage done by the sun. Some research also suggests that vitamin E may work in combination with vitamin C to provide an extra boost of anti-aging skin protection. Nutritionist Joy Bauer points this out in an article on MSNBC, Eat Your Way to More Beautiful Skin. She also points out recent studies have raised some questions about the safety of vitamin E supplements, so these nutrients should come from your diet, not from pills. She recommends food sources for vitamin E such as wheat germ, fortified cereals, nuts, and seeds.

Minerals

Kick free radicals in the tush with selenium, a trace mineral that safeguards the skin from sun damage while enhancing skin’s quality and elasticity. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, button mushrooms, shrimp, lamb, cooked beef, light turkey meat, oysters, crab, wheat germ, and certain fish – snapper, cod, halibut, sardines, tuna, and salmon.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants combat damage to skin cells caused by free radicals. To extend your skin’s youthful look, pack your grocery cart full of colorful fruits and vegetables.

Beta Carotene is an antioxidant critical for skin health. It converts to vitamin A in the body, is involved in the growth and repair of body tissues, and may protect against sun damage. In extremely high doses, straight vitamin A from supplements can be toxic. However, food sources such as sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, mangos and apricots are safe and great for your skin.

CoQ10 is another antioxidant that protects your skin and other body cells from free radicals. On top of skin health, CoQ10 is also involved in energy production and immune system function. Good sources for this antioxidant include salmon, tuna, organ meats like liver, and whole grains.

Essential Fatty Acids

Don’t let the word fatty in essential fatty acids scare you away. Essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s help maintain your cell membranes so they are effective oil barriers. Get smoother, younger looking skin with yummy foods like walnuts, salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Other sources for essential fatty acids include olive oil, canola oil, and flax.

Go on now, try a diet chalk full of antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and water for beautiful skin. And go straight to the source, fight this battle from the inside out with nutritious food and eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day!

Thank you Suat Eman for the sweet food pic.

Go green this St. Patrick’s Day! But why? The original color associated with St. Patrick was blue not green. Over the years though, the color green and its association with the holiday grew because the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, was used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish people. From the 17^th century on, the wearing and display of shamrocks have become a symbol for the day.  Interesting, right?

Well now that your history lesson is over for the day, it’s time to get down to business and find the perfect gear for your pets big appearance in this year’s St. Patty’s Day Parade. We wouldn’t want to leave any member of the family out now would we?

Always eager to jump out the door, let your dog celebrate in style with the Hemp Canvas Dog Collar Collection from The Good Dog Company. These fashionable adjustable collars and leashes are made of durable hemp canvas that will be sure to withstand whatever your playful pooch has in store for a day of shenanigans. If you’re still not convinced, these dog products are sustainable, biodegradable, naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial and odor absorbent! The eco-friendly Hemp Canvas Dog Collars won’t break your wallet either at $20 from sizes ranging from extra-large to small collar fits. Check out all of The Good Dog Company’s eco-friendly products on their site – earthdoggy.com

This spring sees the coming of age of the boyfriend blazer. Oversized or straight fitted, these classy little numbers will last you all the way into summer. Wear them wrapped up tight with a belt to keep the wind out, or roll up the sleeves and let it hang loose and easy when the sun decides to show its face.

All of these jackets are sustainably sourced and reasonably priced, so they won’t put your conscience or your purse out of joint!

1. The Boyfriend Jacket

A traditional style for the boys, this subtly feminised redesign is brought to you by Sundance, Robert Redford’s ethical fashion label. Made from a wool mix, this is probably the warmest jacket on this list, so check it out if the thought of bearing flesh before June makes your blood run cold!

2. Shirt Jacket

This jacket’s unique shape is inspired by the tailoring for men’s shirts. This is definitely one for the glamorous eco-chick for the following three reasons:
- its sparkling white colour couldn’t be more in this season
- its dramatic lines will draw eyes and sighs from any angle
- it’s made from 100% recycled material

3. AngelRox Denim Blazer

A snug but lightweight jacket for girls that like to be prepared. This is a slightly more traditional option, but you can see the ‘boyfriend blazer’ inspiration in the smart collar and long sleeves. The bottons and shoulder epaulets also complement this season’s military themes. The AngelRox collection uses local suppliers in the New York area and is adamant about fair labor.

4. Juleselin ‘Soley’ Coat

Made from 70% organic cotton, this designer jacket is such a classic it hardly needs introduction. Wear it unfastened for the ‘just thrown it round the shoulders’ look, or keep stylish and snug by zipping it right up to the collar.

5. Jacket Militaire

Another entry from the Sundance collection, this one is the more lightweight option. Again, it ticks the military-theme with its outfitting of epaulets, flap pockets and three-button cuffs. The bright spring colours are what makes this otherwise boyish number attractive enough to banish any thoughts of winter clouds to the deepest depths of February. Wear with pride!

Don’t let the rain stop you from getting out and enjoying the great outdoors this spring. Here are some suggestions for an eco-friendly, breathable rain jacket:

Patagonia is a company at the forefront of environmentally conscious business, and luckily for us, they also make a high-quality, breathable, and green solution to spring downpours. Patagonia’s Storm Light Jacket is fully waterproof, thanks to its polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE)-free coating. It is also fully breathable, so you won’t get clammy when putting forth some effort. And added features like a 100% recycled polyester mesh lining, 100% recycled polyester taffeta hood lining and 100% recycled polyester brushed-jersey collar lining, make this jacket both comfortable and eco-friendly. It is also recyclable through Patagonia’s Common Threads Recycling Program.

Check out the Men’s and Women’s versions.

Another coat to don when the weather turns rainy is the Cyclone Eco Jacket by Sierra Designs. This waterproof shell is made from 100% recycled polyester, with a solvent-free laminate. In addition, the jacket boasts taped PVC-free seams for full protection. Underarm vents and a super breathable material allow the shell to release heat when needed. The slight stretch allows for great range of movement and the coat feels great when zipped all the way up thanks to the fleecy material behind the neck and at the chin. Beyond their products, the Sierra Designs headquarters in Boulder, CO is wind-powered to keep the company’s environmental footprint as small as possible.

The Cyclone Eco is available in Men’s and Women’s Models.

Or how about the Shelter Jacket by Nau? This 3-layer waterproof shell is made from 100% recycled polyester, from the face to the backing to the trim, which can also be recycled at the end of its life. A simple but beautiful jacket that looks as good in the rain of London as it does in the rain of the PCT. And for each product sold Nau will donate 2% of the sale to one of their partners for change of your choosing, in addition to their annual “Grants for Change”, given to an individual or small group working for positive change. Nau also purchases carbon offsets for their shipping and provides free public transportation for their employees.

View the Men’s and Women’s styles.

Being so caught up in face products as of late, I’ve completely neglected the other 90% of my skin. No doubt this is due to an attempt to cover and forget about every last bit of exposed skin these winter months. I can’t promise this mistake won’t happen again, but I do promise to point out some pretty spectacular, earth friendly body moisturizers from a few green cosmetic companies.

Suki Winter Skin Hydration Kit: The Ultimate 100% Natural Moisture Package

The Suki Winter Skin Hydration Kit fights winter dryness while providing all over skin nourishment with natural, clean and organic ingredients. This kit covers all the bases with a butter cream healing salve for hands, a velvet moisturizing cream for your body, and lip repair butter for smackers. And to tie everything together, well package, this hydration kit comes with a 100% organic cotton sateen travel case. My favorite thing about Suki though, besides their adorable travel cases, is their choice to pack their products in glass, not plastic, and cartons made of recycled stock using clean, vegetable based inks. Oh, and the part where none of their products sold through Beautorium are tested on animals.

Origins Precipitation: The Lazy Moisturizer

Origins Precipitation body lotion is for those who want to keep it simple with one hard-core lotion to use all over, all year round. I actually discovered this lotion at an Origins store one summer in Connecticut and continued to use it year round – yes, it combats northern NY winters quite well. One thing that keeps me from buying this all the time is the price, although it really does last longer than other lotions, and not just because it comes in a huge bottle. One pump is all you need for total body coverage.  Plus, with an ingredients list of Sunflower and Soybean Oils, Ginseng, Aloe, Gentian Root, Clary Sage, Barley and Phellodendron Extracts, how could not want to slather this bad boy all over?

Melvita Argan Oil: The Hot Tub Goers

Argan Oil was recommended to a friend of mine after complaints of dry skin after hot tub dips. He was in serious need of some all over moisture and determined to get an earth friendly solution – Melvita Argan Oil fills both shoes. Melvita Argan Oil is rich in essential fatty acids that you can use on your face, body, hair or nails, but is also ideal in protecting skin and hair from premature ageing. Argan tree kernals, the source for Melvita Argan Oil, have been harvested for centuries for their many health and beauty uses. All of Melvita’s products are certified by ECOCERT, France’s leading organic certification organization. Sold through Beautorium, Melvita’s products are not tested on animals.

Go ahead, wrap yourself in one of these earth friendly body treats – who said you couldn’t have spa like skin all year round?

Traveling with a toddler is not the easiest thing in the world. You need lightweight, versatile gear, plenty of snacks, and LOTS of distractions. In your haste to prevent airport and airplane freakouts, you might forget to make eco-conscious choices. We’re here to help, with the essential green kit for traveling with toddlers.

1. Want to carry a squirming 25-plus-pound child (what feels like) several miles to your departure gate? No? Then you’re going to need a foldable lightweight stroller. This one contains no lead, phthalates or PVC. It stores upright for easy gate-checking.

2. Staying at child-free friends’ or family members’ house? Bring a portable high chair. Choose one that folds down small when you’re not using it, and attaches to a table rather than standing on its own legs, otherwise it’ll be impossible to carry easily. Make sure any plastic on the high chair is listed as being BPA- and phthalate-free, and that any paint on steel frames is non-toxic.

3. Need a clean, green surface to change diapers while traveling, and don’t trust the cleanliness of the airplane changing table? Check out the Kalencom Quick Change Kit. It folds out into a changing pad, and includes a wipes case. There are two pockets to store fresh diapers, or dirty ones if you use cloth or aren’t near a trashcan. Kalencom kits are colored with AZO-free dye, and their easy-to-clean plastic surfaces are phthalate-free.

4. Wipes are essential, not only for changing diapers and cleaning food-covered faces, but also for cleaning potentially grimy surfaces your toddler will touch, such as the airplane tray table. Don’t bring separate cleaning wipes: make your regular baby wipes do double duty, and you’ll save room in your carry-on bag. Choose alcohol- and chlorine-free wipes, and if you and your toddler like scented wipes, try to ensure the fragrance comes from essential oils rather than chemicals.

5. Spill, diaper accident or other toddler-related mess? Cloth diaper user? (Bravo for keeping sposies out of the landfill!) You’ll need a wet bag to store soiled clothes or used diapers. These waterproof bags separate dirty or wet things from the rest of the items in your diaper bag or carry-on bag. Some are made of water-resistant polyurethane-lined fabric, which makes them non-biodegradable. However, PUL fabric is safe, and it’s still better to use these bags than to use plastic and toss it away, especially if you’re traveling and might not have a place to recycle a plastic bag. Wet bags are machine-washable and can be used many times, so even if you’ve got one that’s made of PUL fabric, you’re being more eco-conscious than if you stored dirty items in a paper or plastic sack. This being said, make sure you pick a wet bag that’s PVC-free.

6. Worried the little one will go stir-crazy on the plane? Stock up on some new books and toys. Parental wisdom dictates that if your toddler hasn’t seen or played with something before, it’s more likely to hold his or her interest. You don’t have to buy new things: arrange a toy and book swap with a parent of a similar-aged kid. If you do decide to hit the toy store, try to find books printed on recycled paper – even better, choose books about recycling and being kind to the earth! Toy-wise, pick up stuff that will fit easily in your carryon, and that can be used over and over again. Try the Aquadoodle, a water-based drawing tablet that saves paper by featuring two reusable drawing surfaces. Sprig Toys, Haba, Melissa and Doug, and Plan Toys are just a few of the most environmentally conscious, kid-safe toy brands on the market today.

7. Exhausted upon arrival at your destination? Put Junior to bed, and relax with a nice glass of sustainably grown wine. You deserve it.

Last week, Renee told us which organic products can keep our skin looking and feeling good in the harsh winter weather. Kids and babies have a special set of needs when it comes to their skin. Kids need good sun protection (especially if they’re old enough to go skiing or snowboarding), and plenty of hydration (especially if they’re spending lots of time indoors in a heated house). Babies need healing ointment to protect little butts from diaper rash, especially if those little butts are wrapped in layers of winter clothes – while cozy thermals trap heat, they can also trap moisture, making rashes more likely. And every little one needs bug protection. Wait, what? Bugs? In the winter? Yup – don’t forget that, for half of our planet, it’s actually summer right now: Australia and South Africa, for example, are just hitting their peak annual temperatures. Natural insect repellent is perfect for keeping babies bite-free safely.

The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetic database is a great place to look up skin products before you buy them. It tells you what chemicals to avoid when choosing products, and why they’re bad. There’s a section of the site that deals specifically with children’s cosmetic products. TruKid Happy Face and Body Lotion received a rating of 2, or “low hazard,” from the EWG: it’s nontoxic, contains no artificial fragrances or colors, and moisturizes the skin with shea and cupuacu butter. You can use it on little ones’ wind-chapped noses and cheeks, or on dry elbows and knees: it’s good for face and body. After your baby’s bath, try putting lotion on his or her skin while it’s still slightly damp, to seal in moisture. (Don’t do this when you’re putting on diaper cream, though: let the area dry first.)

Speaking of diaper cream, it’s essential to find a good one – your baby’s skin will thank you. Some creams soothe and protect, but they do it by using chemicals like BHA, sodium borate and parabens. BHA is a fragrance-masking ingredient that has been known to cause skin depigmentation, and is also linked to cancer. Sodium borate and boric acid are antimicrobial and pH-adjusting ingredients that cosmetic-industry authorities say aren’t safe for infants’ skin. Parabens are used as preservatives, and have been linked to cancer and hormone problems. Triple Paste diaper cream gets an excellent EWG rating of 1. It contains zinc oxide and lanolin, and creates a protective coating against moisture while healing irritated skin. Take it from me: this stuff really works, and fast. It’s always healed my son’s rashes within two days.

Whether it’s the height of summer or deep in winter, the sun can burn you and your little ones. Keep babies under 6 months old out of the sun: sunscreen can irritate their skin, and it’s just not safe for them to be unprotected. For bigger kids, choose sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection. Avoid products containing oxybenzone: it’s a hormone disruptor, and sunlight can cause it to produce allergenic and carcinogenic chemicals. Paradoxically, sunshine can also break down sunscreen, making it ineffective and letting UV rays through to the skin. Mustela Bebe SPF 50 lotion is photostable, meaning it doesn’t degrade in the sun.

And now for our readers in the Southern Hemisphere: Eco-friendly bug repellent for babies and kids! California Baby makes a natural insect-repelling lotion that contains citronella, cedar and lemongrass essential oils. It’s great when you’re keeping baby out of the sun, but still want to lounge together outside in a shady spot without being eaten alive. It’s also good for evening playtime and alfresco dinners. Plus, it contains aloe vera and Vitamin E oil, making it perfect for rehydrating the skin after spending all day in the sun. Northern Hemisphere-dwellers, remember this product when your summertime rolls back around! California Baby also makes a sunscreen with citronella for combined UV protection and bug repellent.

I’m jealous of my son’s gorgeous complexion: baby skin is amazingly soft and clear. To keep it that way, treat it well – use lotions, sunscreen and bug repellent with natural, non-toxic, skin-nourishing ingredients – and it’ll be beautiful for years to come.

This week I delved into the plethora of products made of recycled glass, and I was seriously impressed by what I found. Glass is a material that can be recycled infinitely. It is comprised of silica, the main component of sand, and I have learned that one application for recycled glass material is that it is being tested as a material to “replenish” beaches that have been worn down by erosion.  I guess that is the ultimate back to nature approach. Glass is a stable, non-toxic material that can be used in a multitude of forms. It has great insulating properties and can be used to create amazing art forms. There are a lot of uses for recycled glass throughout the home and garden, I have selected a few to discuss below.

Recycled glass first becomes “cullet,” or crushed glass. When making new products from cullet, 40 percent less energy is consumed in place of making glass from new products, because it melts at a lower temperature than virgin ingredients. ~ Earth 911

In some cases, the glass doesn’t need be melted to find another use. These cool countertops (and floors!) were made by mixing crushed glass into an eco-friendly resin. So instead of trucking in rare marble from across the globe, there is a funky use for all of those broken mirrors. A few companies that manufacture these countertops, wall panels and floors are EnviroGLAS, Vetrazzo and Curava. I love the variety of colors and the ability to mix and match between the aggregate composition and the resin (or concrete) color, it definitely lends itself to some creative home decorating solutions!

If you are looking for a departure from the ordinary in your landscaping pursuits, there are several companies that offer tumbled glass as a weed-prevention (mulch alternative) material. It is available in a large variety of colors and can also be used in other applications such as Koi ponds.  There is even a product, GrowStone, that will improve the performance of your potted plants. GrowStone is a eco-friendly alternative to perlite and pumice (both strip-mined materials) that is made from 99% recycled bottles.

For every six tons of recycled container glass used, a ton of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is reduced. A relative 10% increase in cullet reduces particulates by 8%, nitrogen oxide by 4%, and sulfur oxides by 10%. ~ Glass Packaging Institute

Glass is widely used for its insulation properties, and there are a number of companies and associations that are trying to utilize as much recycled  glass as possible. Insulation takes many forms, from the traditional batting we are familiar with to tiny glass beads that can be added to construction materials to increase their powers of insulation.  Most standard home insulation has about 30%  of recycled fiberglass content, and manufacturers are looking to increase that percentage.

This is just the tip of the iceberg on the possible applications of post-consumer glass. As there are so many recycled glass products available, be sure to ask retailers and manufacturers about the recycled content in glass goods. As consumers we have a powerful voice in advocating for sustainability through our buying practices. I’m sure I’ll be blogging on this topic  again as there are so many cool products made from recycled glass!