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Eco Products

Upcycled art is generally described as artwork that’s compiled of objects that have been discarded by others. There are tons of reclaimed art artists that use the vision of what art is to them, to create visually stunning recycled items. It takes a truly artistic mind to look at what many people would consider to be trash and turn it into something eco-beautiful.

I am obsessed with accessories made from recycled wood. I have everything from candleholders, to bowls, to jewelry. So you can imagine my excitement when I was asked to write a review for a handmade DEDO frame. Each DEDO frame is crafted from precious post-consumer and reclaimed woods from around the world. The guys behind DEDO believe that the photos and artwork displayed in their frames are just as important as the frames themselves. And that a picture frame should enhance and compliment what lies within, not just serve as a holder. It’s their hope that their frames preserve the importance of art and personal expression without contributing to the destruction of the environment. Isn’t that awesome?!

My Bamboo DEDO Frame

My Bamboo DEDO Frame

We decided to ask Matt and Roger (owners and artists) a few questions about DEDO and their awesome, eco art. We think you’ll find the answers to our questions quite interesting. And if you can’t already tell by our enthusiasm, we’re HUGE DEDO fans! See our Q&A below.

Wenge DEDO Frame

Wenge DEDO Frame

Where does the name DEDO come from?

- The name covers the way DEDO is engineered and its aesthetic. It’s the Spanish word for finger, alluding to each piece being a “fingerprint”…there are no two alike. Also the cut used to make the frame is called a dado cut (pronounced similarly), so its a play on words.

Your frames are so uniquely designed. How did you come up with the concept?

- We love design that allows the materials to do the talking, so to speak. Our favorite material of all is wood – it’s richness and variability and vitality. We also love people, in particular, people’s faces – each look like a fingerprint. So, we came up with a way of marrying these two things in one display. That’s DEDO! It’s a streamlined design that allows the complexities of each picture and material to have center stage.

Every year Matt and I (Roger) go to a Christmas party where the folks attending have to bring a gift that they themselves have made. I, being a woodworker by trade, have all these amazing pieces of cool woods laying around my shop that are too small to use for much else.

But, I just can’t throw them away! I mean seriously, whose gonna throw away a piece of Cocobolo, or Snakewood (the rarest hardwood in the world)!!! So, what could I make with these relatively small chunks of material? I’ve always enjoyed pictures too. Okay…. My only other thought was that I had to come up with something that was simple enough to make – after all it was the morning of the party! So, I decided to make a frameless picture frame that used one of these really amazing pieces of wood, and brought that to the party. It was a hit, and DEDO was born!

Later on, Matt suggested that this frame was something a lot of other people might enjoy, so we teamed up to present it to the public.

You seem to have a vast collection of unique wood to work with. How do you obtain your reclaimed lumber?

- We have partnered with various woodworkers and artists in our area that supply us with pieces they would otherwise throw away. Being a woodworker, I have some of these pieces and also seek out my collegue’s who have a cluttered workspace or who simply discard their scraps

Do you have a specific wood that you choose to work with?

- We work with whatever woods are available. We see each piece as unique and beautiful in its own right. No discrimination here! There have been some favorites among our customers, specifically the Zebrawood and the Snakewood frames. The hard part is that we only sell what we have as reclaimed, so we can’t really stock a bunch of inventory by buying wood from lumberyards. We only have what we have on hand for our DEDO frame collection.

Did you introduce Bamboo specifically for it’s green properties?

- We were fortunate enough to come across a cache of bamboo when a cabinet maker specializing in bamboo cabinets cleaned out his shop. We literally rummaged through his dumpster to score all these different patterns he had glued up for his projects. They’re incredible! All kinds of funky patterns and types! Post-consumer bamboo…It doesn’t get much greener than that! We also knew that bamboo is a very popular material used in modern decor, so it’s a great product all around.

How long does it take to make one frame, start to finish?

- That’s hard to say. We typically finish a number of them at one time. But, I’d say around and hour to hour and a half start to finish per frame.

Is the glass you use for the frames also from a reclaimed source?

- I think that would be a tough one. Glass is such a delicate thing. It scratches SO easily, for example. Purchasing new material for the glass has helped us ensure a level of quality there that we couldn’t match were it to be reclaimed. We are definitely open to it, but cannot ensure a result that would be clean enough and that wouldn’t detract from the fine qualities of the overall product.

Are there any other eco-friendly practices that DEDO stands by during production of the frames that you would like our readers to know about?

- We use a very simple finish process that is eco-conscience. Instead of spraying or applying volatile finishes, we apply a simple, rich paste wax to each DEDO. We also look for every opportunity to partner with wood workers to get more material for the frames.

Where do you see DEDO five years from now?

- DEDO is intended to be something fun and beautiful for everyone. I hope that five years from now we can say that this little guy has been part of a movement. A movement where we can see the inherent beauty of materials like wood, but more importantly, one another.

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302designs is a clothing label whose poetic, artistic and unique clothing invigorate, exemplify and push the limits of the t-shirt fashion status quo. Their sweatshop-free and organic cotton t-shirts convey a powerful, philosophical, and persuasive message through their imaginative and unique approach.

Elevation
Each one of their designs is a symbolic representation of a moment of feeling in an individual’s life. Their messages empower the individual to think positive and feel empowered in their journey through life. Designs are printed on a limited-run basis, which reflects the uniqueness of not only their messages, but also their one-of-a-kind customers.
No Limits

If you spend $75 or more on their apparel, you get $15 off your entire order. Use discount code 150ff75. Head on over HERE.

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At first thought, an eco-friendly picnic may seem a bit ridiculous. After all, aren’t you simply just enjoying nature, sharing a meal with your family and friends?

But have you ever noticed how much garbage can accumulate after an outdoor picnic or bbq? Disposable dishes, napkins, beverage containers, and even used diapers can be found overflowing in our parks and on our beaches. And, because most of these are made of non-renewable petroleum-based products, they release contaminants into the environment as they break down in the landfill.

Here are a few of our favorite eco-friendly picnic accessories. Enjoy the warm weather and honor the environment by “taking only memories, and leaving only footprints.”

This rugged, environmentally friendly insulated picnic tote for two, features a classic design with a spacious insulated waterproof food compartment.

Picnic at Ascot Eco Collection

Picnic at Ascot Eco Collection

This is a great package deal for all your To-Go Ware needs! Not only do you get the 2-Tier Stainless Steel Tiffin Set and the essential Recycled Cotton Carrier Bag! It allows you to have a hands-free option for carrying your food.

To-Go Ware 2-Tier Action Pack

To-Go Ware 2-Tier Action Pack

How about a bamboo utensil set to round out the perfect toolkit for life on the go? A handy carabiner on the back lets you clip and carry a fork, knife, spoon and chopsticks wherever they may roam.

To-Go Ware RePEaT Utensil Set

To-Go Ware RePEaT Utensil Set

Say good bye to plastic bags and wraps. These sacks are a fabulous accompaniment to your no waste lunch!

SnackTAXI Sandwich Sack

SnackTAXI Sandwich Sack

Inspired by the organic beauty of blown glass, the ONE’s elliptical shape embodies balance and flow, while the body sparkles with the clarity and emotional resonance of crystal.

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HumanWear T-Shirt Review

by Katie Nielsen on June 21, 2010 in Eco Products

While I have plenty to say on the HumanWear t-shirt I was asked to review, for those short on time (or perhaps not interested in my ramblings), here’s what I thought of the shirt in a nutshell: snug, soft and oh-so-perfect. Now go buy yourself one.

When I first heard I would be receiving a t-shirt from the eco-friendly HumanWear line, I took a few minutes to browse their site and decided if I could choose any of the shirts, it would be this one:

via the Human Wear site

via the Human Wear site

I have a penchant for soft, sassy t-shirts and from what I could tell, this one seemed to fit the bill perfectly. A few days later, a package came in the mail and what do you know…

I got one!

I got one!

I’m definitely a “t-shirt and jeans” kind of girl and when it comes to shirts that I’ll wear, I have a few prerequisites: 1) they have to be comfortable and 2) they have to fit a certain way. When possible, I also look for clothing that’s non-toxic and made with environmentally-friendly materials, like organic cotton. The Human Being t-shirt (or “human tee,” as I’ve fondly started calling it) far exceeded each of these expectations.

  • First, the shirt scores high marks when it comes to its eco-friendliness; it’s made partially with low-impact dyes, rayon (which originates from naturally occurring polymers) and recycled and organic threads. The design is also made from a non-toxic, water-based ink that blends seamlessly into the fabric (meaning the design isn’t raised).
  • Second, the shirt is unbelievably comfortable; who wants to wear something – eco-friendly or not – that isn’t comfortable? This t-shirt (and I imagine others in the HumanWear clothing line) is incredibly soft and lightweight, perfect for layering or worn on its own. In fact, when I went camping last week, it was so cold I had to bundle up and I used the t-shirt as my comfy base layer.
  • Third is the cut of the t-shirt. As aforementioned, I’m really particular about the way t-shirts fit. Have you ever had t-shirts lose their original shape and get stretched out in the back or have a bottom that’s too wide so it doesn’t lay flush against your body? I’ve had many a cotton t-shirt suffer such a fate and I loathe it…I can’t stand wearing a shirt that doesn’t fit properly. Well, that’s certainly not a problem I have with the HumanWear t-shirt. It fits perfectly: snug in all the right places but not so tight it looks like I need one size bigger…just the way I like it!

Finally, at the risk of sounding shallow, one of my favorite things about the t-shirt is that it’s so darn cute. Shouldn’t that be reason enough to wear it?

I think my snug and soft Human Being t-shirt is my new favorite.

I think my snug and soft Human Being t-shirt is my new favorite.

Summary Review

Pros:

  • Made with eco-friendly materials
  • Soft, comfy feel
  • Slim, snug fit
  • Cute design

Cons:

  • Zero. Zip. Zilch.
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How Safe is Your Sunscreen?

by Katie Nielsen on June 9, 2010 in Eco Products

Recently, there’s been all sorts of hullabaloo on the news about whether or not certain types of sunscreen may be unsafe…a notion I find really odd (and not to mention quite concerning). I mean, for years sunscreen has been touted as an essential protector from the sun’s damaging rays. Now lathering up may actually not be good for you?

Before you step foot out into the sun, make sure your sunscreen is safe and protects thoroughly against damaging UV rays.

Before you step foot out into the sun, make sure your sunscreen is safe and protects thoroughly against damaging UV rays.

Well, here’s the scoop: the Environment Working Group conducted a study in which they compared 800 different brands of sunscreen against more than 400 other studies. A staggering 54% of the brands tested contained ingredients that broke down in the sun and 13% did nothing to protect against harmful UVA rays. In addition, some of the products contained suspect chemicals believed to have adverse affects on our health and the environment. One such chemical is oxybenzone which has actually been linked to cancer.

While the study is alarming, it doesn’t mean all sunscreens are bad or that you should quit using sunblock altogether, fearing that the potential effects may do more harm than the sun itself. It simply means you need to become a savvy sunscreen shopper. Here’s how:

  • Look for mineral based sunscreens like those containing as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which offer broad spectrum protection without the use of harmful chemicals.
  • Browse the Environmental Working Group’s sunscreen database. Each product listed is given a score that reflects its effectiveness at blocking both UVB and UVA rays and whether it contains chemicals that have been linked to health problems such as cancers or allergens.
  • Hypo-allergenic sunblocks (e.g. California Baby Sunscreen) are typically free of harmful chemicals and gentle yet effective enough to use on babies and children.
  • Check the Daily Green’s list of 21 natural sunscreens, all of which protect from the sun sans any questionable ingredients.

Regardless of what type of sunscreen you choose, it’s important to remember to reapply frequently (preferably every two to four hours) when out in the sun for any length of time. Not only can the sun break down certain sunscreens, so can water and sweat.

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Good Life Water Bottle Review

by Katie Nielsen on May 28, 2010 in Eco Products

I have spent the last two weeks getting familiar with the Good Life 500 ML stainless steel water bottle (a $24.95 value). I took it everywhere I went…running errands, to the gym, hanging out with friends. The task itself is nothing new for me – I already tote a water bottle wherever I go – but I was excited to compare this one with my beloved Camelbak. The verdict? Despite my prior biases, this particular water bottle is well worth the money. Here’s why…

After hours of sitting in a hot car, my husband was just as dismayed as I was to discover the water was still ice cold.

After hours of sitting in a hot car, my husband was just as astonished as I was to discover the water was still ice cold.

For starters, the bottle can keep liquids cold or hot for up to 24 hours. It has dual “layers,” an internal one that maintains the temperature of the liquid and the outer one made from stainless steel (similar to a thermos). I’ll be the first to admit I was rather skeptical when I first read this – 24 hours? How can that be? So I put it to the test. After chilling the water bottle in the refrigerator overnight, my husband and I took it along to a soccer game and left it in the car. Surely the water couldn’t still be cold after three hours of baking in a hot, stuffy car…right? Wrong! One sip and the water was nearly as cold as it was when it was first taken out of the fridge. Next, I filled the water bottle with ice and let it sit out, untouched for a full 24 hours. When I tried the water the next day, I was surprised to find it was still cold; while it wasn’t icy anymore, it was certainly colder than room temperature.

The Good Life 500 ML "GO" Stainless Steel Bottle...worth every penny of its $24.95 price tag.

The Good Life 500 ML "GO" Stainless Steel Bottle...worth every penny of its $24.95 price tag.

In addition, the water bottle is durable, stylish and of course, eco-friendly. The materials don’t have any leeching toxins or harmful chemicals and the bottle is manufactured in a safe and sustainable method.

The one down side of the bottle (well, perhaps it’s more of a personal preference) is the top; I’m all about convenience so I’m not really big on the twist top. Plus, there’s no hook for easy carrying.

These (subjective) drawbacks don’t really amount to much when you think about the most important feature (at least in my mind) the water bottle provides: to keep the water cold! I hate drinking lukewarm water on hot summer days (who doesn’t?) so needless to say, I’m a big fan of this water bottle. I can’t wait to take it with me hiking this summer…nothing like ice cold water to cool you down when you’re trudging up a mountain!

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As the calendar turns toward summer, Paper Culture, a leader in eco-friendly modern stationery, is helping celebrate by introducing Cards to Trees, a program that promotes American reforestation. Through this program, Paper Culture will plant a tree in honor of you for all orders that you place. Paper Culture is uber committed to a “no new cutting” philosophy.

Every Paper Culture card is printed on 100% post consumer recycled paper that is both FSC Certified (FSC-SECR-2003) and generated with renewable energy. The Card to Trees program takes their commitment to being truly eco conscious to the next level by actually turning stationery into new trees.

Cards to Trees is part of an exciting new partnership between Paper Culture and the Arbor Day Foundation, which for nearly 40 years has inspired people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Our country’s forests do more than look beautiful; they clean the air we breathe, provide natural wildlife habitats, and their root systems ensure that topsoil runoff does not pollute our nation’s water supplies.

And as if Paper Culture isn’t cool enough, more than 80% of the company’s employees take public transportation or drive hybrid vehicles, helping the company reduce its carbon footprint by conserving resources. Plus, to offset their carbon footprint that they cannot eliminate, Paper Culture is a CarbonFree partner of Carbonfund.org.

Through the Cards to Trees Program, any order placed at Paper Culture will result in you helping grow trees. Try Paper Culture, there are so many amazing card options to choose from. You’ll love them! Get $5 off your first purchase with code: ECOMOD. Or receive FREE Shipping, on $150+ order with code: SHIPFREE.

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The Green Lowdown on Dog-Waste Bags

by Kristen Banker on May 13, 2010 in Eco Products

I recently moved to a new city and I happen to be only two blocks from an awesome dog park. In the last two weeks Kayu (my dog) and I have become park regulars. I’ve noticed that most dog owner’s here pick their dogs waste up in non-biodegradable plastic bags. How you dispose of your dog’s waste affects the environment in more ways then you think.

America’s dogs produce more than 10 million tons of excrement each year. The landfills where most of it ends up contributed just fewer than 2% of the U.S. greenhouse gas emission in 2008 (according to the EPA). Aside from generating methane, the garbage doesn’t do much.

If you don’t want your dog’s plastic-wrapped droppings to spend generation’s underground, several companies offer bags they say are better for the environment. Once deprived of oxygen in a covered landfill, though, nothing breaks down quickly. Modern landfills isolate trash with liners rather than reintroducing it into the environment. In fact, knotted plastic bags can keep dog poop from seeping into the liquid beneath the garbage that may leak out and contaminate groundwater. Biodegradable bags come in handy for composting, but in many places the bacteria from decaying dog waste can contaminate water. It they’re made of nontoxic materials, they reduce demand for petroleum-based plastic and may also provide the best option for cities that incinerate their garbage.

Some bags offer a convenient way to drop poop in the toilet. Flushing a bag of poop may eliminate the excrement’s health risks and keep it our of landfills, but it also uses limited water resources.

Like many environmental decisions, the best option depends of where you live. Contact your local solid waste agency to see if composting is an option and whether your trash goes to a landfill or into an incinerator. Dog waste, like human waste, should be treated as sewage and carefully discarded. Below are some doggie bag waste options for you to choice from.

  • BioBag – Breaks down entirely and can be tossed directly on a compost pile.
  • Flush Doggy - Biodegradable polyvinyle alcohol bag softens in the toilet and won’t clog pipes.
  • PoopBags – Made with corn and other renewable resources; biodegrades at the same rate as an apple.
  • SkooperboxMade of 100% recycled material and is 100% bio-degradable.
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RubyBlaise Essential Oil Mists – Review

by Kristen Banker on May 12, 2010 in Eco Products

Let’s face it, sometimes our homes can stink, whether it’s from pets, dirty laundry, furniture, or other known “stinker-uppers.”

The aroma of warm cinnamon buns wafting through the air, the heady fragrance of roses mingled with jasmine, or the fresh scent of just-peeled tangerines appeals to people. But if you bring these fragrances into your home in the form of air fresheners you may be getting more than you bargained for, with possible consequences to your health and the planet.

Americans are expected to spend 1.72 billion dollars on air fresheners this year—that’s enough money to buy 82,100 brand new Toyota Prius cars. Air fresheners can provide pleasant smell associations, disguise bad odors, and make us feel warm and cozy…and itchy, congested, achy and occasionally even comatose.

Luckily, there’s an awesome eco-option available to help us clear the air. Welcome to the wonderful world of RubyBlaise Essentials. I was asked by Jody Garbutt, creator and owner of RubyBlaise Essentials, to sample a few of her beloved creations. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the aromatherapy mists I was sent.

RubyBlaise aromatherapy mists are completely natural and non-toxic. They’re made with 100% pure essential oils, (organic oils used when available). Jody, a holistic Mom, wants to help us elevate our moods and purify our space’s with the natural powers of essential oils.  I was sent samples of: A Happy Mist, Citrus Mist, Cleansing Mist and CalmBaby Mist. The Cleansing Mist soon became my “cleansing everything” mist and the Happy Mist offered a refreshing twist to my days in front of my computer.

The bottles are very neatly packaged in a 4oz., ($12.00 each), recyclable amber plastic bottle. Each spray can be used at home in your office, kitchen, bathroom, sprayed on your body, on linens, in a diaper pail, trashcan, and in your car. They’re basically an all-in-one anywhere and everywhere spray.

RubyBlaise offers 12 different mists, everything from a DogGone Mist to a Hippie Mist. They would definitely make great party favors as well as ideal gifts for those you love.

Unlike conventional air fresheners and deodorizers, which only mask odors, RubyBlaise seems to neutralize them. These aromatherapy air fresheners are a great way to enjoy the scent and therapeutic benefits of essential oils. And you can tell that every bottle is blended by hand with lots of love. So join RubyBlaise on their mission to make the world less toxic. Head on over to RubyBlaise and elevate you mood and cleanse your home the eco-friendly way!

Summary Review:

Pros:

  • Recycled Bottle
  • Essential Oils
  • Organic
  • Natural Mood Elevator
  • Eco-Friendly Air Freshener

Cons:

  • None
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What Constitutes Eco-Friendly Clothing?

by Katie Nielsen on April 21, 2010 in Eco Products

With the rise of the green movement over the last several years, “eco-friendly” and “organic” have become the latest buzz words in the world of fashion. But what exactly constitutes eco-friendly clothing? And just how green are fabrics labeled organic? The term “eco-friendly clothing” is an umbrella concept that can entail a wide variety of green practices. To help you become a greener, smarter shopper, here’s a brief look at some of the factors that can make clothing environmentally-friendly.

What does eco-friendly clothing really mean?

What truly makes your attire eco-friendly?

  • The use of organic natural fibers including cotton, linen, and wool (not to be confused with vegan clothing). Organic clothing is made from materials that are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Not just anyone can slap an organic label on a product. In 1990, the federal government implemented standards to regulate the production and processing of organic food and fibers, known as the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). Then, in 2000, new regulations were added to supplement those of OFPA and any article of clothing (or other product, for that matter) labeled organic has met these stringent requirements.
  • The use of materials made from renewable sources. Certain fabrics are inherently greener than others, like those made from bamboo and hemp. Both are renewable resources: they grow and replenish extremely fast and they require little water to grow (far less than organic cotton).
  • The use of recycled materials such as buttons, cotton, zippers, and more.
  • Adherence to fair labor practices during production. Clothing that is produced in a socially-responsible manner is typically considered green; this means they do not exploit cheap labor, are sweatshop free, and are often made in the U.S. or other high-regulated countries.
  • The use of low-impact or natural dyes. A prime example of this practice is Levi Strauss, which uses natural indigo dye for their famous denim.
  • Reduced energy use throughout production. This can include a myriad of things such as harnessing solar energy or purchasing carbon offsets.
  • Minimal or environmentally-friendly packaging, especially when shipped directly to consumers.
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