Eco Friendly

Whether you’re a biking enthusiast or just looking for a unique indoor/outdoor candles, these Cog Tea Light Holders are a great find. They’re made from actual recycled bicycle parts, like freewheels and cogs, and hold a tea light candle in the center. They’re elegant, interesting and will add ambiance to any room. Enjoy one alone or buy several to line the center of a coffee or dinner table. They also make a great gift for the bike lovers in your life. Only $14 at Bambeco. Pick a couple up HERE!

Industrial hemp is gaining a lot of respect around the world for its amazing versatility and environmental benefits. Many companies are turning to hemp in order to make their products more sustainable and eco-friendly in general.

Unfortunately, widespread acceptance of hemp still has a way to go. Many people are oblivious to the great benefits of hemp. Some (incorrectly) assume that it’s a drug (because of its close association with marijuana). The U.S. government has even made it illegal to grow.

Hemp Placemat Set of 4

Hemp cultivation can provide many benefits for the environment. It grows quickly, requires no chemical pesticides or herbicides, and is 100% biodegradable.
Bottom line: hemp is a super fiber.

We think these hemp placemats would be a welcomed complement to any table setting. You can purchase a set for $34 at Bambeco.

Most of us who opt to emulate a greener lifestyle at home often uphold such practices far from home. But is your travel really as green as you think? Whether you’re headed across the state or around the world, here are five ways to ensure it is…

Learn How to Travel with a Lighter Footstep

1. Pack Light – There’s no denying that the ability to pack light is an art that must be learned. As a (somewhat) trendy gal, I’ve had to rewire my brain to grasp that I really don’t need to pack four pairs of heels for a short weekend jaunt…you know, just in case.  Packing light not only means less fuel will be used to carry it, these days it can also save you money! Need tips to help lighten your load? I’m a big fan of this Ultimate Guide to Packing Light.
2. Don’t Be Duped by Greenwashing – For those unfamiliar with the term, greenwashing refers to the practice of intentionally misrepresenting a company’s green initiatives and practices, which can happen more often than you think. If a hotel claims to be eco-friendly or energy-efficient, don’t be afraid to inquire about what makes them that way to ensure their claims can be validated.
3. Embrace Mass Transit – If you will be staying in a major metropolitan area, take advantage of public transportation! You’ll save a boatload of money while simultaneously doing your part to reduce harmful carbon emissions. Plus, in many big cities, mass transit is an integral part of the overall tourist experience (think the subways of New York or street cars of San Francisco).
4. Support Local Economies – Purchase locally-made crafts and souvenirs, employ local drivers and tour guides, and frequent local bars and eateries instead of large chain restaurants. You’ll get to enjoy authentic, scrumptious cuisine while supporting the local economy, especially in countries abroad.
5. Always Practice Sustainable Tourism – When planning your next trip, find ways to incorporate ecotourism. No matter where you are going, respect the local culture and natural environment of your destination. Take responsibility for your actions, especially in a foreign location, and recognize that water and energy are precious resources that should be used vigilantly.

Meat glue: It sounds utterly repellent; like some pre-industrial, rustic adhesive made out of rat hair and smells of old garbage. The Swedish Consumers’ Association has joined politicians in criticizing the government’s approval of thrombin, known colloquially as ‘meat glue’, claiming that the public could be misled about the properties of the product. “We do not want this at all – it is meat make-up,” said the Association’s Jan Bertoft. Huff Post has a quick read on the story. Head over HERE.

Modern Eco Homes has added some great new pages and new merchants to our site.

As many people turn to organic alternatives for their food and household cleaning items, they are discovering that there are more things that they can do to enhance green living. It’s no wonder that organic skin care products and organic make-up are increasing in popularity as well. Therefore we have added some great green personal care items, everything from Solay Wellness, Dr. Hauschka, Juice Beauty, Weleda, Sea Chi Organics, Avalon Organics and many more. Head on over to our Personal Care page (under our Living section) and check out all the awesome eco skin care products.

Solay Solay Wellness Organic Moisturizer

We also added a Kids’ Toys & Gifts page (under our Gift section) to help your little ones understand the benefits eco awareness and the importance of respecting and protecting our planet. We have everything from eco-friendly dollhouses to model kits that teach kids about Earth’s climate system, weather and atmosphere, as well as green toys, eco finger paint, eco dolls and more. Check it out.

Finger Printing Art Set

Last but not least, we added to our Apparel section, recycled and eco-friendly shorts for men, woman, girls and boys. Get ready for spring now!

Prana Apache Organic Shorts

Happy Green shopping!

Go Green by greening up your kitchen, lunch, and lunchbox and save an average of $40 per year by eliminating disposable plastics from your shopping list. These perfectly reusable sandwich wraps by Snack Taxi will help you reduce your waste impact, are toxin-free, completely reusable and easy to clean. Nubius Organic has over 25 cool designs to choose from. Great for kids and adults. Use coupon code ECO15 for 15% off your order!

NB also has a great new lunch box for under $20! It’s a three-in-one stainless steel lunchbox! The nifty food container is great for packing a child’s lunch, which typically contains three items: a sandwich and two side dishes, but it’s perfect for adults, too!

From soy candles to recyclable centerpieces, making eco-friendly choices for your wedding has become not only more popular, but easier. But what about those items that last beyond the day itself? What about your wedding bands?

Unfortunately, industrial and manual methods of extracting precious metals and gems can damage land and ecosystems. Small-scale miners often use excavation and extraction techniques, which are harmful both to them and to the environment.

Drawing from motifs found in nature, Rhonda and Elijah Wyman hand hammer these recycled wedding bands (available in recycled sterling silver or 18K palladium white gold). They both feature a cool bark-like texture to remind couples that just like a tree, their roots will grow deeper and their love stronger each day.

A few months ago the brother-and-sister team started a Santa Monica-based business aimed at making a profit while contributing to charitable causes.

The result is “I’m Tired of …”–called Ito for short-a brand of bracelet made of recycled tires and old pewter engraved with messages such as “I’m Tired of Autism” or “I‘m Tired of World Hunger” or “I’m Tired of Homeless Animals.” There are tons of AWESOME causes to donate to.

Help Relief Effort In Haiti

Ito has a Haiti and Animal Aid Haiti bracelet. We’re NOT “tired of” Haiti and I don’t need to tell you that Haiti still needs our help. By wearing the Haiti bracelet, you provide desperately needed funds while showing your support.  Spread the word and get everyone you know involved.  It’s still important to rally together to provide aid to the people of Haiti.

Haiti Animal Aid Bracelet

For every “Haiti” bracelet you buy, Ito will give 100% of the profits to Doctors Without Borders. Purchase HERE.

For every “Haiti Animal Aid” bracelet you buy, Ito will give 100% of the profits to Best Friends Animal Society. Purchase HERE.

I love Ito and I’m a proud supporter of all their efforts!

Domestic Aesthetic is a New York-based company that takes a good hard look at what it really means to be sustainable, and translates that into beautiful objects. Their housewares collection is made from reclaimed, recycled, and FSC woods, and their production methods take local and community economic empowerment into account. “ Live well, Live right” is the company’s philosophy that you can have products that enhance your life while taking into account people and our planet.

Domestic Aesthetic Salt and Pepper Shakers

With a beautiful line of handcrafted pieces, this truly green-minded company is out to make eco-friendly easier for both buyers and manufacturers, and we have to admit, the results are very pleasing.

The design of these Salt + Pepper Shakers will add some spice to any dining room table. The forms speak to each other, as well as to the spices that are contained inside. The short and sturdy pepper shakes is composed of reclaimed walnut from furniture waste while the tall and elegant saltshaker is finished with low VOC paint. You can purchase these S+P Shakers ($48) at Nimli along with a few other of their awesome products.