Good morning Friends, the GLR Best Green Gifts for 2010 guide is finally here and we’re even giving some of them away to a few lucky readers like you. These gift ideas are appropriate for anyone on any occasion and include some physical gifts, as well as other awesomeness, so sit back and dive into the Best Green Gifts for 2010, presented in no particular order.
*** GIVEAWAY RULES are located at the end of the post so please read through***
BEST GREEN GIFTS FOR 2010
Hugg A Planet -- It’s the globe for the new generation, but not only can a kid (or adult!) hug the planet Earth, there is also a moon, Mars, stars and even a flatter map of the U.S. to choose from. The shell is 100% cotton and provides a guide to over 600 places (on Earth) on a squeezable pillow. What better way to show a love for the planet than giving it a big hug every night?
Nahui Ollin Handbags -- Ever think about what happens to all of those gum or soda bottle wrappers after their first use? Well Nahui Ollin sure did and uses them to create stunning cases and handbags with a truly unique, woven look. Talk about doubling your fun!
World Vision Gift Catalog -- With over 100 options inside, this is the Green gift that keeps on giving! But don’t think it’s all about things manufactured, some of the very cool gifts include: an alpaca, a deep water well for a school, a bicycle so a girl can attend school, ten fruit trees, plus a slew of others. These gifts are not only eco-friendly they are socially conscious and well worth the investment.
Make it Right -- In August of 2005 Hurricane Katrina changed the lives of thousands of people along the Gulf Coast, primarily in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana. Two years later activist Brad Pitt toured the hardest hit area, the Lower 9th Ward. He started this campaign with the Pink Project (sculptural tarps that indicated locations of the homes slated to be rebuilt) and 50 of the 150 LEED Platinum certified homes were to be completed by the end of December 2009. There are amazing items available to purchase (such as the first book published documenting the project: Architecture In Times of Need or tote bags created from the original pink tarps) or a donation can be made to further the cause and assist in completion of the project by December 2010.
Filter for Good Campaign -- Brita together with Nalgene are aiming to completely eliminate the use of one time use plastic bottles through this campaign. Delicious, filtered tap water consumed from a BPA free, reusable bottle? I can’t think of a better way to stay hydrated! Not to mention they also support the Surfrider Foundation, way cool.
The Greening Book -- I can’t stress enough: Green gifts for kids. Learning now will ingrain positive habits for the future! A spiral bound journal style book with a rigid cover allows the user to add their name as co-author to the front, as well as their thoughts, ideas and actions toward caring for the planet, not to mention there is a giving thanks page and a way to involve every member of the household plus so much more.
Dapple -- Any parent with a new baby is concerned with keeping their items as clean as possible and Dapple promotes the use of naturally derived ingredients in their cleaners that break down food and odor for truly clean, mouth ready toys and bottles.
BooksOnBoard -- All the rage, and a strong proponent of saving trees, is the eBook. The cool thing about BooksOnBoard as opposed to a handheld device is that the book is downloadable right to the computer and it works for PC, Mac, iPhone and other smartphone style devices (it will also work with Kindle according to the website). No trees are harmed and no additional equipment has to be manufactured to give the gift of words.
Save the Redwoods League -- Many of us will spend $50 on gifts for our loved ones but few of us could say that money purchased a tree named in their honor, until now. With a $50 donation a seedling will be planted and a commemorative certificate showing the reforestation efforts in California State Parks is granted to the recipient. But truthfully this gift is really like giving to every living thing that needs oxygen to survive!
Animoto -- A greeting card for the technophile in all of our lives. Photos and videos are uploaded by the creator to provide a most unique greeting card to the recipient. An annual membership will cost about $30 but to create a simple, super cute Valentine’s Day greeting video for a friend or loved one is totally free.
Soda Stream -- Turn water into a carbonated beverage with just the push of a button then add condensed flavoring options to create healthier versions of your favorite sodas right at home. Place cold water in a special carbonating bottle (in BPA free plastic or glass) then inject with CO2 from the attached canister. The canister is sent back to Soda Stream to be inspected, cleaned and reused so there is virtually no waste, which helps save up to 310 aluminum cans per canister and the machine uses no electricity to operate.
Nature Bag -- Created by home based workers from JungleVine in Laos, this simple bag is perfect for a day at the Farmer’s Market, to tote toys or anything else that needs carrying. A sturdy strap, that is long enough to cross over the body for ease of transporting items, and inherent stretch from the vine make this a durable, yet flexible and breathable, woven fabric.
Zipcar Annual Membership -- The other day I discussed the new trend toward Hybrid vehicles, suggesting alternate forms of transport, and Zipcar is way at the top of the list of cool, Green options. For just $75 you will give someone without wheels the flexibility of mobility whenever they like (membership & annual fee included, hourly/daily rates not included). Use it for an hour or a week, order online or over the phone. The ‘use only when needed’ approach takes countless tons of emission out of the air. With gas, insurance and 180 miles included this is sure to get you moving.
DuckSkinz -- There are few things to me as enjoyable as spending time outside in the sunshine. I love to walk the beach, swim, play sports, hike, anything in the bright fresh air. The problem lies in my very fair skin and how easily it can burn without proper sunscreen protection. The makers of DuckSkinz are revolutionizing outdoor activities by providing a lotionless SPF protection of 100 by simply wearing their moisture resistant, lightweight, flexible shirts/jackets. Not enough to be touted as environmental you say? All their shirts are made from a blend of proprietary recycled material and bamboo. Surf’s up!
Sylvania Light Products -- Leading the charge in cool and creative lighting concepts, Sylvania provides consumers with 3 snazzy, fun lighting solutions: DOT it Solar (solar powered outdoor LEDs), PalPODzzz (portable night light) and LED Color Changing Coasters. The outdoor lights are perfect for lining a patio or walkway, PalPODzzz come in an adorable ladybug shape and the LED coasters will be sure to make a funky splash at any gathering, all without using electricity or incandescent bulbs.
Garden Bon Bons -- What does soil eat? Why bon bons of course! I’m not talking about the human variety ice cream filled versions, no, these are a little different. Made from seeds, compost and clay, these lovely little selections are made up into truffle shapes and placed in a fancy pants box that could almost fool the savviest of chocolate eaters! They could not be simpler: plant in the garden or indoor pot, water give a little sunlight and enjoy as they grow. Comes in Italian Herb or Herbal Tea varieties and at about $15 for eight bon bons, this is a gift anyone can enjoy.
Annemarie Börland Natural Beauty -- Created from natural extracts that will readily biodegrade where possible, the company provides skin care products (for men & women), hair and body care and a full line of cosmetics, not to mention an entire sun block line as well. When it washes down the drain and into waterways we can feel confident knowing these products will not harm the planet.
VeeV -- Few things are as popular as giving the gift of liquor, so when shopping for something that will be sure to impress, consider a bottle of VeeV Açaí Berry Spirit. The liqueur is created from distilled Idaho grain and infused with the exotic Brazilian Açaí berry (also prickly pear cactus & acerola cherries) and at a price of just $35 per bottle it is far less than many other high end liqueurs. The company is dedicated to socially responsible harvesting, donating proceeds from their sales to that very cause, not to mention Açaí is touted as one of the world’s top superfoods. Oh yeah, VeeV is also the world’s first spirits company to be certified 100% carbon neutral.
GIVEAWAY RULES
The companies below will be conducting a random giveaway of their mentioned item so to qualify, please leave a comment answering the following question.
***Who in your life will benefit the most from receiving a Green gift in 2010 and why?***
Only one entry per person.
Be sure to include a way to get in touch with you if you win, all winners must acknowledge their win within three days or another winner will be chosen.
The contest will run through this Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 5:00 PM EST. At that time I will use a random generator to pick the winners but please note the items sent will be done so at random via Social Lite. These companies will be shipping direct to all of you so I will need to acquire mailing addresses for that purpose.
Good luck!!!
Giveaways include:
Soda Stream
Filter for Good
DuckSkinz
Nahui Ollin handbags
Garden Bon Bons
Sylvania Light products (3 products)
Showing posts with label repurpose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label repurpose. Show all posts
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
It’s Curtains for the Door Project!
The project to install doors is complete; I couldn’t be more pleased with the final look and functionality of them. Yesterday I posted this photo as a tease for how the before looked:
The opening on the nook that we call our bedroom is approximately 62” wide by 77” high and as you can see in the lower right corner there is a piece of furniture rather close to the opening so the traffic path is just wide enough for passing ability. This means we could not have a standard swing style hinged door so Matt and I began brainstorming a better solution.
Our final decision was to use bi-fold doors. There were a few reasons for this:
1. They are a cost effective solution (since this isn’t our permanent residence that is key).
2. Installation is relatively easy.
3. They will block light & noise as well as provide a greater sense of security.
4. They can come with us when we go if the landlord doesn’t want to keep them.
5. Minimal damage done to the homeowner’s doorway is easily fixable later.
We headed up to tax free New Hampshire for a day of shopping last weekend and picked up all the supplies we needed. Because the brown and copper leafed desk was going to be residing in this space, and also that I was intending to exchange the cranberry velvet curtains with a pair of green striped panels from another room, we decided on sage green paint and oil rubbed copper pulls.
Including the trim on the inside to finish the look and block the light from coming into the sides, the entire project cost us about five days to completely finish and in the ball park of $225 for materials. Here are the finished doors installed and functional! Only bit left is to paint the interior trim which I will finish up this week.
The look is much more streamlined than the curtains were and when left open, they don’t impact the traffic path at all.
These pretty pulls bring the look together well.
So what did I do with those cranberry colored velvet curtains?
Well they were the perfect compliment to our movie themed living room!
They instantly warm up the space, both visually and physically, by providing another much needed punch of color in a room which we are not allowed to paint.
The opening on the nook that we call our bedroom is approximately 62” wide by 77” high and as you can see in the lower right corner there is a piece of furniture rather close to the opening so the traffic path is just wide enough for passing ability. This means we could not have a standard swing style hinged door so Matt and I began brainstorming a better solution.
Our final decision was to use bi-fold doors. There were a few reasons for this:
1. They are a cost effective solution (since this isn’t our permanent residence that is key).
2. Installation is relatively easy.
3. They will block light & noise as well as provide a greater sense of security.
4. They can come with us when we go if the landlord doesn’t want to keep them.
5. Minimal damage done to the homeowner’s doorway is easily fixable later.
We headed up to tax free New Hampshire for a day of shopping last weekend and picked up all the supplies we needed. Because the brown and copper leafed desk was going to be residing in this space, and also that I was intending to exchange the cranberry velvet curtains with a pair of green striped panels from another room, we decided on sage green paint and oil rubbed copper pulls.
Including the trim on the inside to finish the look and block the light from coming into the sides, the entire project cost us about five days to completely finish and in the ball park of $225 for materials. Here are the finished doors installed and functional! Only bit left is to paint the interior trim which I will finish up this week.
The look is much more streamlined than the curtains were and when left open, they don’t impact the traffic path at all.
These pretty pulls bring the look together well.
So what did I do with those cranberry colored velvet curtains?
Well they were the perfect compliment to our movie themed living room!
They instantly warm up the space, both visually and physically, by providing another much needed punch of color in a room which we are not allowed to paint.
The posters and movie themed pictures include: The Goonies, Memphis Belle, School Ties, Honeymoon In Vegas, Aladdin, Cinderella and Spice World (oh you better believe it!) plus around the space are tons of movie related items such as a Lord of the Rings statue, scene markers, movies and a copy of The Hobbit plus much more.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Repurposing, Recycling, Refinishing, and More Projects
Good morning friends! I do greatly apologize for my time away but there have been quite a few projects going on over here and now that everything is done I’m really excited to share the final photos and stories with all of you!
I have never been a person to just toss a piece of furniture, in fact, most of the time I tend to keep pieces long past their intended life cycle. I recently refinished a desk where this was most definitely the case but it came out so well that it probably just gained another five years at least!
When I was a very young kid, about seven or eight, my dad made me a desk. It was a simple piece made of pine, with an interestingly shaped top that fit right into a corner, one large drawer in the center and three legs which screwed into the bottom. I have been carrying it around with me for all of these years because of its versatility.
About five years ago I painted it and a side chair (which I had acquired from my grandparents years before and was likely already twenty some odd years old) in fire engine red and spray painted the white ceramic pull with brushed silver then used it in my funky colored craft room. The color was good but the paint wasn’t and over the past couple years it had started to peel or chip off, including the pull. In addition to that I had a small table in there that I got for free out of the trash somewhere that was originally fake wood sticker over particle board. Here are all three pieces in my old sewing room (table in lower left corner just a glimpse of it):
I have never been a person to just toss a piece of furniture, in fact, most of the time I tend to keep pieces long past their intended life cycle. I recently refinished a desk where this was most definitely the case but it came out so well that it probably just gained another five years at least!
When I was a very young kid, about seven or eight, my dad made me a desk. It was a simple piece made of pine, with an interestingly shaped top that fit right into a corner, one large drawer in the center and three legs which screwed into the bottom. I have been carrying it around with me for all of these years because of its versatility.
About five years ago I painted it and a side chair (which I had acquired from my grandparents years before and was likely already twenty some odd years old) in fire engine red and spray painted the white ceramic pull with brushed silver then used it in my funky colored craft room. The color was good but the paint wasn’t and over the past couple years it had started to peel or chip off, including the pull. In addition to that I had a small table in there that I got for free out of the trash somewhere that was originally fake wood sticker over particle board. Here are all three pieces in my old sewing room (table in lower left corner just a glimpse of it):
With my experience painting, plus the desire to freshen up these pieces I decided to pick through some paint we had lying around and a project was born! I decided to utilize the chocolate brown left over from the free entertainment center project from last year so everything would come together much more cohesively.
I scuffed them all, wiped them down and brushed on two coats (no primer needed as there was already paint on all the pieces).
I scuffed them all, wiped them down and brushed on two coats (no primer needed as there was already paint on all the pieces).
Then before applying the antique flat, water based, top coat varnish I got inspired to do a little leafing with some left over copper leaf I had from a previous client. I used a simple but decorative stencil to apply the leafing adhesive to three of the corners, around the pull and on the pull itself.
For the side table I purchased a piece of $0.98 hardware and Matt drilled the hole to install it. For the chair I utilized a piece of fabric that I already had to reupholster the seat (which goes perfectly with the palm tree area rug we have in our living room, score!). Here’s the final look of the other two finished pieces:
But these were not the really big project that we both took on over the past week. The biggie was finally putting a door up on the entrance to our bedroom. I’ll give you a little teaser with a before photo but come on back tomorrow for the full story!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Fused Plastic and Salvaged Fabric Laptop Bag
As a gal who enjoys whipping out the sewing machine and also someone who ends up with way too many plastic bags (regardless of using our reusable ones most of the time) I am very happy to have come across this video tutorial. This looks fairly simple, not too many steps, and will be a very personalized item. So cool!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Eco-Fashion Friday (on Sunday) Featuring Jennifer Brown
It has been a busy week over here and unfortunately I had to let the slightly more involved Eco-Fashion Friday feature slide until today. I really apologize but am very excited to share this amazing designer, her thoughts and work with everyone. So, although it is a couple days late, please enjoy this feature on Jennifer M. Brown of both Under the Root and Quarks.
Jennifer M. Brown is a gal with an eye for style and I first came across her online shop Quarks through our mutual membership in Team Eco Etsy. I was immediately impressed with her ability to take seemingly unrelated pieces and infuse them together to create garments that are not only budget conscious but have a strong vintage feel to them. One of the best things about Jennifer’s shops is that a gal can outfit almost her entire bod as Jennifer creates everything from undergarments to stockings, dresses, arm spats, hats, chokers and even a cloak for those chillier days (and even undergarments for men!). For fashion her price point is amazing -- most items hover in the $50 - $60 range with some more, some less. Best of all she utilizes sustainable, repurposed, reclaimed, upcycled and recycled materials in just about all of her work.
Because of her strong commitment to fashionable items that are fiscally viable to the larger public and her use of repurposed materials in her work I am granting Jennifer Four Green Leaves!
How long have you been creating eco-fashion?
I began assembling used/vintage textiles into theatrical costumes during the high school years. Wow, that was some 20 odd years ago. Clothing came next while using a secondhand, black lacquer Singer and the miscellaneous textiles from garage sales, thrift stores, estate and church sales, and reclaiming used/found materials. While studying Dance at Columbia College Chicago, I realized that costumes played an intricate role for the performances. The availability in movement and projection of each design was tantamount for dancers, performers and individuals alike. Today, each handmade structure reflects the use of cottons and the grace of the human body.
The designs are ever-changing and the materials are strictly obtained from sustainable resources, designer cutoffs, thrift stores, estate and church sales, swaps, and trades.
Sustainable fabrics came into my focus around 2005. The manufacturers were popping up all over and the prices were in my price point. Under The Root is leaping in this direction and my hopes are to educate, sustain, and grow with the future of 'gentle' structuring.
I began sewing in high school and started the first Fashion Club with the class of 1988. My teacher was careful, kind, and knowledgeable in so many areas of life, not just sewing. She cared for our time. The time I spent in that class with all the tables, machines, tools, and fabrics will forever be an inspiration for Under The Root to give people their desires. After high school, I studied Business, Design, and Dance. I read tons of practical applications and find the greatest source for continuing on with oodles of noodles and practice.
Jennifer M. Brown is a gal with an eye for style and I first came across her online shop Quarks through our mutual membership in Team Eco Etsy. I was immediately impressed with her ability to take seemingly unrelated pieces and infuse them together to create garments that are not only budget conscious but have a strong vintage feel to them. One of the best things about Jennifer’s shops is that a gal can outfit almost her entire bod as Jennifer creates everything from undergarments to stockings, dresses, arm spats, hats, chokers and even a cloak for those chillier days (and even undergarments for men!). For fashion her price point is amazing -- most items hover in the $50 - $60 range with some more, some less. Best of all she utilizes sustainable, repurposed, reclaimed, upcycled and recycled materials in just about all of her work.
Because of her strong commitment to fashionable items that are fiscally viable to the larger public and her use of repurposed materials in her work I am granting Jennifer Four Green Leaves!
Please continue on to read the fantastic interview Jennifer was kind enough to grant us here at GLR, then stop by both of her shops to check out her fantastic work.
How long have you been creating eco-fashion?
I began assembling used/vintage textiles into theatrical costumes during the high school years. Wow, that was some 20 odd years ago. Clothing came next while using a secondhand, black lacquer Singer and the miscellaneous textiles from garage sales, thrift stores, estate and church sales, and reclaiming used/found materials. While studying Dance at Columbia College Chicago, I realized that costumes played an intricate role for the performances. The availability in movement and projection of each design was tantamount for dancers, performers and individuals alike. Today, each handmade structure reflects the use of cottons and the grace of the human body.
Where do you acquire your materials?
The designs are ever-changing and the materials are strictly obtained from sustainable resources, designer cutoffs, thrift stores, estate and church sales, swaps, and trades.
Do you try to acquire sustainable fabrics?
Sustainable fabrics came into my focus around 2005. The manufacturers were popping up all over and the prices were in my price point. Under The Root is leaping in this direction and my hopes are to educate, sustain, and grow with the future of 'gentle' structuring.
Are your designs OOAK?
I do many personal, custom pieces which are one-of-a-kind. In fact, that process is still a major foundation of the outlet for the deep-rooted artist in me. I love watching creations grow from visions of the beautiful people on this planet, and sometimes other planets.
I do many personal, custom pieces which are one-of-a-kind. In fact, that process is still a major foundation of the outlet for the deep-rooted artist in me. I love watching creations grow from visions of the beautiful people on this planet, and sometimes other planets.
Did you go to school for fashion design?
I began sewing in high school and started the first Fashion Club with the class of 1988. My teacher was careful, kind, and knowledgeable in so many areas of life, not just sewing. She cared for our time. The time I spent in that class with all the tables, machines, tools, and fabrics will forever be an inspiration for Under The Root to give people their desires. After high school, I studied Business, Design, and Dance. I read tons of practical applications and find the greatest source for continuing on with oodles of noodles and practice.
Thank you for bringing Green Leaf Reviewer 'under' the root of it all.
love.
Undergarments/Findlings -- Under the Root
Clothing/Accessories -- Quarks
Blog -- Under the Root
Friday, November 28, 2008
Uncle Traveling Matt: Episode II -- In the Workshop
Although he was not sending postcards to Fraggle Rock, there were a lot of picture messages sent to me from the cave-like workshop where Matt is working on our free entertainment center. He has had to slightly modify the materials in order to ensure the unit will be structurally sound and will not warp as the temperature and humidity levels here in New England rise and fall, however in keeping with the original basis of a completely free piece of furniture, he is utilizing “scrap” wood from friends and family in addition to his neatly cut pallet planks.
Here is Part II of Matt’s entertainment center construction journey.
March of the Pallets: Part 2 (Reality Strikes!)
Having obtained a large sum of free pallet lumber, I was faced with the challenge of turning the raw materials into something useable. If any of you have ever seen pallet lumber, it's a little...well....ugly. There are splits, nail holes, and the surface of the wood is usually filthy. Just below the surface, however, lies some of the most attractive wood you will ever see. And it's all available for free!
After the work to square up and clean up the lumber, I took some time to cut it to length to build the frame of the entertainment center according to my ever changing plan. Enter my friend, B. B has been doing woodworking for as long as I can remember. He has a better equipped wood shop than most professionals, and probably as much experience in fine woodworking as anyone I know....except for maybe my Father-in-law....who IS a professional woodworker. B had a few comments that made me take a step back from the project and re-evaluate how I was going about it. Sometimes reality sucks, but it's better than the alternative.
Pallet lumber is a solid hardwood. Solid hardwoods expand and contract rather substantially with changes in humidity, temperature, and other environmental factors. If I had continued to build the entire entertainment center out of just the pallet lumber alone, B pointed out that our 100+lb TV would have most likely ended up on the floor the first day with relatively low humidity. As the wood contracts in dry weather, all of my fancy wood joints would have either cracked or pulled apart, and our TV would have landed in our downstairs neighbor's apartment. His suggestion was to use the pallet lumber as a non-structural coating to dress up a plywood case.
B also pointed out that re-using pallet lumber may only be a mild savings to the environment, as the amount of energy used to re-cut and re-plane each piece of wood is probably more than a lumber mill uses to cut it originally. Additionally, the wear and tear on blades to rework the lumber may be a factor, as the creation of the metal used to manufacture a replacement blade would have an adverse environmental impact. The upside, however, is that less trees need to suffer for our need for a practical storage solution.
In the spirit of creating this entertainment center with little to no additional "virgin" lumber, B had some scrap plywood from prior projects that he offered to the cause. It was a little smaller than I had designed the entertainment center around, but with a slight rework, I was able to utilize the scrap plywood with virtually no waste.
Keep tuned to The Green Leaf Reviewer to see the progress of the pallet/scrap wood entertainment center.
For those still keeping track:
Time Spent to Date: 24 Hours
$ Spent to Date: $4 (all transportation related)
Here is Part II of Matt’s entertainment center construction journey.
March of the Pallets: Part 2 (Reality Strikes!)
Having obtained a large sum of free pallet lumber, I was faced with the challenge of turning the raw materials into something useable. If any of you have ever seen pallet lumber, it's a little...well....ugly. There are splits, nail holes, and the surface of the wood is usually filthy. Just below the surface, however, lies some of the most attractive wood you will ever see. And it's all available for free!
My first step in renewing the wood was to cut the end 2-3" off of each piece. This removes most of the splits, and 4 out of the 6 nail holes. I then squared up each side of the wood on a table saw, cutting off about 1/4" on each side. At this point, I started to get a preview of the color and graining of the wood. The filth and wear that pallet wood exhibits barely sinks below the surface, so once you cut just a small amount off, you can see the true beauty of the wood. Then comes the real show! I ran each piece through a planer/joiner removing about 1/4" from both faces of the lumber, and that revealed the full glory of new-old wood. Each side was now showing as if it was fresh, new lumber....except for two small nail holes in each piece.
After the work to square up and clean up the lumber, I took some time to cut it to length to build the frame of the entertainment center according to my ever changing plan. Enter my friend, B. B has been doing woodworking for as long as I can remember. He has a better equipped wood shop than most professionals, and probably as much experience in fine woodworking as anyone I know....except for maybe my Father-in-law....who IS a professional woodworker. B had a few comments that made me take a step back from the project and re-evaluate how I was going about it. Sometimes reality sucks, but it's better than the alternative.
Pallet lumber is a solid hardwood. Solid hardwoods expand and contract rather substantially with changes in humidity, temperature, and other environmental factors. If I had continued to build the entire entertainment center out of just the pallet lumber alone, B pointed out that our 100+lb TV would have most likely ended up on the floor the first day with relatively low humidity. As the wood contracts in dry weather, all of my fancy wood joints would have either cracked or pulled apart, and our TV would have landed in our downstairs neighbor's apartment. His suggestion was to use the pallet lumber as a non-structural coating to dress up a plywood case.
B also pointed out that re-using pallet lumber may only be a mild savings to the environment, as the amount of energy used to re-cut and re-plane each piece of wood is probably more than a lumber mill uses to cut it originally. Additionally, the wear and tear on blades to rework the lumber may be a factor, as the creation of the metal used to manufacture a replacement blade would have an adverse environmental impact. The upside, however, is that less trees need to suffer for our need for a practical storage solution.
In the spirit of creating this entertainment center with little to no additional "virgin" lumber, B had some scrap plywood from prior projects that he offered to the cause. It was a little smaller than I had designed the entertainment center around, but with a slight rework, I was able to utilize the scrap plywood with virtually no waste.
Keep tuned to The Green Leaf Reviewer to see the progress of the pallet/scrap wood entertainment center.
For those still keeping track:
Time Spent to Date: 24 Hours
$ Spent to Date: $4 (all transportation related)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Artist Spotlight: Andy and Trina of Katrina Kaye
I was recently introduced to the fashionable stylings of Katrina Kaye by Charmaine Manley of Charmaine Manley Design, who I had the great pleasure of interviewing back in July for The Organic Mechanic. A truly inspiring Interior Decorator I love to receive suggestions from her on environmental topics so when she pointed me in the direction of Katrina Kaye’s shop I knew it would be inspirational.
Trina and Andy Kaye, a husband and wife team, are the owners of Katrina Kaye, based out of Amsterdam. They epitomize what it means to recycle, repurpose, upcycle and reuse by utilizing vintage fabrics in all of their unique designs. Andy was more than happy to chat with me about the who, what, why of their home based business as well as some of the ways their family lives green aside from that facet. Truly an inspiring story!
Can you tell us a little about what it is you do?
We design and create limited edition accessories, cushions and children's clothing using recycled materials and vintage fabrics.
How long have you been creating fabric items such as bags, cushion covers and clothes?
Trina has always been sewing and making things form a variety of materials. When we came to Amsterdam, Trina decided to not to continue her career in graphic design as she wasn't really enjoying it so she utilized her time by diving into and exploring her creative/ crafty side. Trina and I share a passion for good design especially 60's and 70's things so it was an easy choice after we realized we could get hold of these fabrics. This was about 4 or 5 years ago. Of course everyone wants these fabrics now so it's a lot harder to get hold of them and they are considerably more expensive.
What is the creative process behind your work? How does an idea take shape?
We like to brainstorm a lot and constantly talk about new things we can make. Inspiration comes from every facet of our lives but mainly from the fabrics themselves. It's always easier to design items when you have colorful, vibrant and tactile fabrics. Our problem in the past has been to whittle down the number of ideas into the most realistic and viable option. Since I quit my job 2 years ago we've had to become a little more commercial and get rid of products which, for instance took too long to make. Having a market stall is an excellent way to literally test market something on the public to see how it will be received and Amsterdam is a mixture of cosmopolitan tourists and thrifty bargain hunting locals. We therefore always try to think of a new product in terms of usability and value for money whilst still maintaining the handmade, recycled and unique feel.
Where do you acquire the vintage fabrics used in your designs?
Wherever we can find it... ;)
What inspired you to use recycled Army bags and vintage fabrics together?
It's not a new concept but something which was done back in the 1970's by left wing activists and hippies so we can’t really take credit for the idea.
How do you feel that selling and using vintage fabrics helps the environment?
By using what's already out there and already produced there's less need for us to go out and buy contemporary fabrics off the roll. Perhaps and more importantly we hope we are helping people open their eyes to the possibilities of re-using items which they previously thought held no value.
When did you first become interested in living and working in a green way by repurposing?
When we lived in England and after I'd shrunk 1 too many of her woolen jumpers in the wash she was inspired to cut up the felted jumpers and make them into things like Christmas stockings and blankets. That's where it all started. When we moved to the Netherlands we sold our car as the transport infrastructure is so good and all you really need to get around is a bicycle. When we arrived the Dutch were a long way ahead of the UK in terms of recycling and accepting their role in helping to achieve a greener environment.
There's a fantastic system of exchanging goods in Amsterdam. Every area has a certain day when second hand furniture and items can be left on the street at night and in the morning a local council truck comes round to collect it. Of course by then the discerning person has sifted through to see if there's anything worth saving!
Has any one green practice become second nature, something you personally do every day?
I suppose that through our business we are recycling every single day without really being conscious of it. We bicycle everywhere, use public transport and where necessary make use of a pooled car system called greenwheels.
What green practice do you recommend readers try?
Change to green sourced energy (like wind powered providers) and of course get on your bike instead of jumping in your car for local trips. It will help you to stay healthier as well.
As an independent artist what is your greatest challenge?
For sure it's hard to compete with mass produced cheap imports. People get automatically taken in by what they see as value for money. People seem to have so easily accepted badly produced goods which cause larger carbon footprints to get to the West. Thankfully a larger proportion of people are now doing more to support local economies whether it's locally sourced food or products and services from local artists.
After so many sales do you still get that giddy feeling with each item that sells?
Yes, absolutely. Every morning one of us likes to be first down to refresh the webpage to see if we've sold something. Most sales are to the US so we've usually made money whilst we sleep which always makes me giggle. When I take our wares to the market, it's a really nice buzz to share our concept and connect with people. Even if doesn't end in a sale, we just appreciate the positive feedback and the smile it has put on someone's face.
What is your advice to a fellow artisan who is new to their industry?
We were just featured in a 'Quit your day job' interview on Etsy where we tried to share our experiences.
Do you have online presences where your work can be viewed?
We wanted to set up our own website some time ago but we didn't really have the time. Trina was riding the front edge of the crafts wave which was forming online and was into websites like crafster and glitter where people were sharing and teaching other people their ideas. That's when we came across Etsy which was in its infancy and had such a great interface. It showcased people with handmade goods and you just knew it was the start of something big.
Our shop is Katrina Kaye
Is your work featured in a boutique or other brick & mortar location?
We wholesale all over the world now. Some of the requests come from people who have found us online at Etsy or from the market. We also started doing trade fairs in Europe this summer so have started to be present in shops in quite a few large European cities. We always welcome wholesale requests from anywhere in the world.
Trina and Andy Kaye, a husband and wife team, are the owners of Katrina Kaye, based out of Amsterdam. They epitomize what it means to recycle, repurpose, upcycle and reuse by utilizing vintage fabrics in all of their unique designs. Andy was more than happy to chat with me about the who, what, why of their home based business as well as some of the ways their family lives green aside from that facet. Truly an inspiring story!
Can you tell us a little about what it is you do?
We design and create limited edition accessories, cushions and children's clothing using recycled materials and vintage fabrics.
How long have you been creating fabric items such as bags, cushion covers and clothes?
Trina has always been sewing and making things form a variety of materials. When we came to Amsterdam, Trina decided to not to continue her career in graphic design as she wasn't really enjoying it so she utilized her time by diving into and exploring her creative/ crafty side. Trina and I share a passion for good design especially 60's and 70's things so it was an easy choice after we realized we could get hold of these fabrics. This was about 4 or 5 years ago. Of course everyone wants these fabrics now so it's a lot harder to get hold of them and they are considerably more expensive.
What is the creative process behind your work? How does an idea take shape?
We like to brainstorm a lot and constantly talk about new things we can make. Inspiration comes from every facet of our lives but mainly from the fabrics themselves. It's always easier to design items when you have colorful, vibrant and tactile fabrics. Our problem in the past has been to whittle down the number of ideas into the most realistic and viable option. Since I quit my job 2 years ago we've had to become a little more commercial and get rid of products which, for instance took too long to make. Having a market stall is an excellent way to literally test market something on the public to see how it will be received and Amsterdam is a mixture of cosmopolitan tourists and thrifty bargain hunting locals. We therefore always try to think of a new product in terms of usability and value for money whilst still maintaining the handmade, recycled and unique feel.
Where do you acquire the vintage fabrics used in your designs?
Wherever we can find it... ;)
What inspired you to use recycled Army bags and vintage fabrics together?
It's not a new concept but something which was done back in the 1970's by left wing activists and hippies so we can’t really take credit for the idea.
How do you feel that selling and using vintage fabrics helps the environment?
By using what's already out there and already produced there's less need for us to go out and buy contemporary fabrics off the roll. Perhaps and more importantly we hope we are helping people open their eyes to the possibilities of re-using items which they previously thought held no value.
When did you first become interested in living and working in a green way by repurposing?
When we lived in England and after I'd shrunk 1 too many of her woolen jumpers in the wash she was inspired to cut up the felted jumpers and make them into things like Christmas stockings and blankets. That's where it all started. When we moved to the Netherlands we sold our car as the transport infrastructure is so good and all you really need to get around is a bicycle. When we arrived the Dutch were a long way ahead of the UK in terms of recycling and accepting their role in helping to achieve a greener environment.
There's a fantastic system of exchanging goods in Amsterdam. Every area has a certain day when second hand furniture and items can be left on the street at night and in the morning a local council truck comes round to collect it. Of course by then the discerning person has sifted through to see if there's anything worth saving!
Has any one green practice become second nature, something you personally do every day?
I suppose that through our business we are recycling every single day without really being conscious of it. We bicycle everywhere, use public transport and where necessary make use of a pooled car system called greenwheels.
What green practice do you recommend readers try?
Change to green sourced energy (like wind powered providers) and of course get on your bike instead of jumping in your car for local trips. It will help you to stay healthier as well.
As an independent artist what is your greatest challenge?
For sure it's hard to compete with mass produced cheap imports. People get automatically taken in by what they see as value for money. People seem to have so easily accepted badly produced goods which cause larger carbon footprints to get to the West. Thankfully a larger proportion of people are now doing more to support local economies whether it's locally sourced food or products and services from local artists.
After so many sales do you still get that giddy feeling with each item that sells?
Yes, absolutely. Every morning one of us likes to be first down to refresh the webpage to see if we've sold something. Most sales are to the US so we've usually made money whilst we sleep which always makes me giggle. When I take our wares to the market, it's a really nice buzz to share our concept and connect with people. Even if doesn't end in a sale, we just appreciate the positive feedback and the smile it has put on someone's face.
What is your advice to a fellow artisan who is new to their industry?
We were just featured in a 'Quit your day job' interview on Etsy where we tried to share our experiences.
Do you have online presences where your work can be viewed?
We wanted to set up our own website some time ago but we didn't really have the time. Trina was riding the front edge of the crafts wave which was forming online and was into websites like crafster and glitter where people were sharing and teaching other people their ideas. That's when we came across Etsy which was in its infancy and had such a great interface. It showcased people with handmade goods and you just knew it was the start of something big.
Our shop is Katrina Kaye
Is your work featured in a boutique or other brick & mortar location?
We wholesale all over the world now. Some of the requests come from people who have found us online at Etsy or from the market. We also started doing trade fairs in Europe this summer so have started to be present in shops in quite a few large European cities. We always welcome wholesale requests from anywhere in the world.
With such ultra cool vintage fabrics, inspiration to repurpose, working from home (saves on emissions!) and riding a bicycle or public transportation Andy and Trina have become an inspiration to me proving that by working hard enough, anything is achievable and that is why I am bestowing a Four Green Leaf Rating to their efforts. Hooray for making your business viable and going after your dreams while simultaneously helping the planet!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Artist Spotlight: Louise Cady-Fernandes of The Hole Thing
For quite some time I have been interviewing artists who live and work green for The Organic Mechanic. Louise Cady-Fernandes of The Hole Thing in Lexington, Massachusetts was pleased to share some information with me and I felt that now with both blogs it would be fantastic to give her double the exposure so this interview will be posted on both blogs today.
Can you tell us a little about what it is you do?
I create a line of whimsical felted wool sweaters, housewares, and accessories, that are made from recycled sweaters. Many of my sweaters have die-cut holes in them which create windows for whatever is worn underneath. The circles that come out of all the holes are recycled again onto other products.
How long have you been creating felted items such as clothes, housewares and accessories?
I came up with the design concept in November of 2005 while I was at Susan Bristol Inc. I worked there in knitwear design for 16 years. I made a felted "hole" sweater for myself never intending for it to turn into a business, but the idea quickly caught on. THE HOLE THING hit the market in September of 2006.
How do you feel that using upcycled, and natural, wool helps the environment?
see above.
I would have to say that my greenest practice is being conscious about what I do- I am always wondering how I can do something in a more environmentally mindful way. For me it's just about paying closer attention.
What green practice do you recommend readers try?
Gosh there are so many! How about this- try getting organized enough so that you only have to grocery shop once a week. I know this sounds horrendous but it honestly only takes a few minutes of planning each week. Shopping once a week not only saves on repeat, gas guzzling trips to the grocery shore, but it also saves on trips to get take-out food and all the wasteful packaging it creates. My website has lots of other great green tips.
Figure out how much you want to make per hour for your work. Then keep track of how much time it takes to create what you make and how much your supplies cost etc. This has been very helpful to me because I know immediately which of my products are cost effective and which aren't. My other advice in business is to plan on making mistakes. They will teach you and will act as arrows pointing you in which direction to go in next.
Do you have online presences where readers can learn more about you?
Yes -- The Hole Thing
(Editor’s Note: Louise also has an Online Shop on Etsy)
Can you tell us a little about what it is you do?
I create a line of whimsical felted wool sweaters, housewares, and accessories, that are made from recycled sweaters. Many of my sweaters have die-cut holes in them which create windows for whatever is worn underneath. The circles that come out of all the holes are recycled again onto other products.
How long have you been creating felted items such as clothes, housewares and accessories?
I came up with the design concept in November of 2005 while I was at Susan Bristol Inc. I worked there in knitwear design for 16 years. I made a felted "hole" sweater for myself never intending for it to turn into a business, but the idea quickly caught on. THE HOLE THING hit the market in September of 2006.
What is the creative process behind your work? How does an idea take shape?
THE HOLE THING grew out of my love for both polka dots and felted wool. For years creating a sweater with holes had been on my list of things to make for myself. I didn't want to knit it though as that seemed too monotonous. Then one day, while I was making a blanket out of old sweaters that I had felted and cut into squares, it came to me to make my hole sweater out of an old felted sweater. The creative process for my line is continually evolving and expanding which I love. Now I have 18 products that include among other things, scarves & hats, candle holders & vases, note cards, and a felted jewelry line that incorporates the leftover holes that are punched out of all the sweaters.
THE HOLE THING grew out of my love for both polka dots and felted wool. For years creating a sweater with holes had been on my list of things to make for myself. I didn't want to knit it though as that seemed too monotonous. Then one day, while I was making a blanket out of old sweaters that I had felted and cut into squares, it came to me to make my hole sweater out of an old felted sweater. The creative process for my line is continually evolving and expanding which I love. Now I have 18 products that include among other things, scarves & hats, candle holders & vases, note cards, and a felted jewelry line that incorporates the leftover holes that are punched out of all the sweaters.
Where do you acquire the wool used in your designs?
I shop at thrift stores, but I also get lots of hand me downs from friends and family. My 86 year Mom also gathers old sweaters for me occasionally. I usually buy between 30-50 sweaters at once.
I shop at thrift stores, but I also get lots of hand me downs from friends and family. My 86 year Mom also gathers old sweaters for me occasionally. I usually buy between 30-50 sweaters at once.
Why recycled/upcycled wool?
Why not? There is so much of it out there. Anytime we can use what is already available a new product doesn't need to be produced. This is terrific because virgin resources aren't being used for production. New products take precious energy to create, and often have hazardous environmental waste such as dyes and other pollutants. New products also consume lots of energy because they need to be packaged and shipped long distances.
Why not? There is so much of it out there. Anytime we can use what is already available a new product doesn't need to be produced. This is terrific because virgin resources aren't being used for production. New products take precious energy to create, and often have hazardous environmental waste such as dyes and other pollutants. New products also consume lots of energy because they need to be packaged and shipped long distances.
How do you feel that using upcycled, and natural, wool helps the environment?
see above.
When did you first become interested in living and working in a green way by repurposing?
Both of my parents grew up in the depression and living a more minimalist life kind of seeped into me like osmosis! My dad was forever running around turning off lights, my mom cleaned out jars of mayonnaise etc with a spatula to "get every little bit". For me being green isn't a sacrifice or a challenge, it is something that brings me pleasure. I am forever thinking about how I can do things more thoughtfully. The beauty of THE HOLE THING initially for me was as much about the design as it was about having a business that upcycled.
Both of my parents grew up in the depression and living a more minimalist life kind of seeped into me like osmosis! My dad was forever running around turning off lights, my mom cleaned out jars of mayonnaise etc with a spatula to "get every little bit". For me being green isn't a sacrifice or a challenge, it is something that brings me pleasure. I am forever thinking about how I can do things more thoughtfully. The beauty of THE HOLE THING initially for me was as much about the design as it was about having a business that upcycled.
Has any one green practice become second nature, something you personally do every day?
I would have to say that my greenest practice is being conscious about what I do- I am always wondering how I can do something in a more environmentally mindful way. For me it's just about paying closer attention.
What green practice do you recommend readers try?
Gosh there are so many! How about this- try getting organized enough so that you only have to grocery shop once a week. I know this sounds horrendous but it honestly only takes a few minutes of planning each week. Shopping once a week not only saves on repeat, gas guzzling trips to the grocery shore, but it also saves on trips to get take-out food and all the wasteful packaging it creates. My website has lots of other great green tips.
As an independent artist what is your greatest challenge?
All the different hats that need to be worn. My favorite thing is to design. Luckily though, I think I am about equally right, and left, brained so at least the book keeping and other logistical tasks are a little more satisying for me than for most artists. For instance I like to balance my checkbook and I know that this is a rare thing for most everyone.
All the different hats that need to be worn. My favorite thing is to design. Luckily though, I think I am about equally right, and left, brained so at least the book keeping and other logistical tasks are a little more satisying for me than for most artists. For instance I like to balance my checkbook and I know that this is a rare thing for most everyone.
Do you remember the feeling of your first sale? Has that feeling changed now that you have sold many more items?
I do remember the excitement of my first sale. I think I like doing craft shows because although the excitement has diminished, the feeling gets created over and over again. I love to see the happiness that my whimsical designs provide people. It makes me happy.
I do remember the excitement of my first sale. I think I like doing craft shows because although the excitement has diminished, the feeling gets created over and over again. I love to see the happiness that my whimsical designs provide people. It makes me happy.
What is your advice to a fellow artisan who is new to their industry?
Figure out how much you want to make per hour for your work. Then keep track of how much time it takes to create what you make and how much your supplies cost etc. This has been very helpful to me because I know immediately which of my products are cost effective and which aren't. My other advice in business is to plan on making mistakes. They will teach you and will act as arrows pointing you in which direction to go in next.
Do you have online presences where readers can learn more about you?
Yes -- The Hole Thing
(Editor’s Note: Louise also has an Online Shop on Etsy)
Is your work featured in a boutique or other brick & mortar location?
I am in nine stores. The newest one is a wonderful new store called Bead and Fiber in Boston's south end on Harrison Avenue.
Because of Louise’s efforts in utilizing upcycling, natural fibers and her constant environmental eye in everything she does I am granting her a solid Four green Leaves!
I am in nine stores. The newest one is a wonderful new store called Bead and Fiber in Boston's south end on Harrison Avenue.
Because of Louise’s efforts in utilizing upcycling, natural fibers and her constant environmental eye in everything she does I am granting her a solid Four green Leaves!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Eco Holidays
Since I was raised in the United States in an Irish Catholic household these are the holidays I personally celebrate. I would love to hear about any and all traditions or holidays that readers embrace and how this year might be the one where an environmental twist can be placed on those celebrations!
Halloween
For the past couple weeks we have been saying that for Halloween this year we will wear our most tattered clothing and go as out of work bankers. When I was a kid, that same costume was called a Hobo when a clown face was added. It is difficult to imagine myself fitting into my old Halloween costume this year so I am on the prowl to scour my closet and come up with alternate solutions by utilizing items I already have or can acquire very inexpensively.
This trend seems to be catching on as I was reading some comments on my personal blog from Julie. She said:
“So, I pulled out my sewing machine the other night. It's been a while. But it was fun, and I was pretty proud of my "freehand" upcycled creation. The four of us are going to a costume party for Halloween, and since the boys are going to be Batman and Robin, DH & I are going as The Joker & Catwoman. So, I converted a goodwill shirt into a shiny (literally) new green vest for the clown-faced villain in my life. Basic, but like I said, I'm happy with it. :) Still, I need to make a headpiece/mask/ears & tail for my costume, and convert a yellow t-shirt into a cape for Robin...”
Fantastic!
Then there was the year that my sister in law spray painted cardboard boxes and glued on cups to turn my nephews into Legos.
When a child goes out trick or treating the signal for where to stop for treats is a porch light left on so how can we simultaneously conserve energy? Perhaps install a CFL bulb prior to that evening. Or there is always the option of placing this little baby out on the stoop: A solar powered lantern. Charge it that day in bright sunlight and it will hold a thirty hour charge. The candy will run out before the lantern light does!
Thanksgiving
Countless gallons of fossil fuel are burned on the biggest travel day of the year. Gallons of water are down the drain. Electric usage soars while the oven runs for six continuous hours, the television stays on for the football games while everyone naps on the couch and extra lights are turned on all over the house.
So what can we do about it while we still enjoy a hearty meal and laughs with our respective relations?
For starters those hosting this festive occasion can purchase just what is needed of locally grown and organic food. Less fossil fuel is burned because the items have less distance to travel and with no added chemicals it will be a healthier meal all around.
Family and friends who are headed out in their cars to take advantage of this healthier feast can definitely improve their emissions by completing a few small steps prior to the date of travel. Have tires checked and inflated to proper pressure, make sure oil and filter changes as well as tune ups are all up to date. A properly working vehicle is key!
It might seem difficult to reduce a carbon footprint while flying but we can -- pack a travel mug in our carry on bag to fill up with a beverage of choice once past security, attempt to carry on only reducing the weight of baggage on the flight (basically do not over pack), park in an out-lot and take the shuttle to the terminal (less time cruising for a perfect parking spot, carpool instead) and plant a tree (or ten) upon returning home to help offset some of the carbon utilized while on the plane.
For those with a dishwasher that like to rinse dishes, fill a dishpan or the sink halfway with warm water and soak the dishes rather than spending time running them under a faucet. This will cut down on wasted gallons of water and improve the efficiency of the dishwasher. For those without a dishwasher just add soap to the warm water and let the dishes soak. Wash them all at once and rinse them all at once.
About a half hour after the meal is over most everyone stretched out on the sofa (bed, floor, chair) will be passed out but the television will still be running for the duration of that nap. Why not set the sleep timer to turn off after an hour? Encourage guests to be mindful of leaving lights on throughout the house, turn them off when leaving a room.
There is nothing quite like taking an entire day to give thanks and show gratitude for the wealth of things we have in our lives and one of them is the environment. For a complete list of some great tips check out this site.
Christmas
In decades past this was the time of Yule logs burning and smells of cinnamon mixed with winter pine. A time when kids were on break from school so they could have snowball fights, go sledding and build snowmen. A time of frosty noses and family, friends and fun, peace and joy. More recently this holiday has turned into a race to the mall where countless items are purchased for individuals we barely know perpetuating a cycle of disposable consumerism. Acknowledging each other and the fuzzy feelings we have with a special little something is perfectly wonderful but maybe it is time to think outside the box stores to do something that will bring an even greater sense of warmth to everyone involved and give back to humanity at the same time.
Shop local. Instead of driving miles away to a mall or other big box retailer, explore the cities or towns we live in to bring our dollars back into our own communities. This will help boost local economies, keep people employed and build relationships in the places we all live.
Buy handmade items from independent artisans. When we absolutely have to shop online, consider purchasing something more unique from an artist who put their heart and soul into creating that item. Independent artisans are to the internet what local retailers are to a town. The service is always more personalized and generally the products are of a higher quality. I suggest starting the search on Etsy where each shop is independently owned and the items are as unique as the shop names.
Consider donating to a charity in someone else’s name. With amazing success this is something my Mom instituted last year in an effort to rid her home of stuff. We jumped on the train and it was amazingly successful throughout our family. There is something out there that everyone believes in whether it is environmental or humanitarian in nature. There are many on the receiving end of the donation who benefit so the giver and recipient both feel great about doing something special for someone else.
Create a personalized gift. One year for a holiday I purchased a simple plastic box frame, some tiny accoutrements (a plastic phone, a shoe, etc), glued them to the face of the frame, printed a photo of my sister and I and put it inside. She still has that gift to this day. Using our imaginations we can create all kinds of heartfelt gifts that will be cherished for years.
Simply spend time with someone. The holidays can be a difficult time of year for many people. When we embrace what the spirit of the holiday season is all about we will find that sharing a cup of tea over great conversation on a Sunday afternoon is a far greater gift than anything purchased.
Halloween
For the past couple weeks we have been saying that for Halloween this year we will wear our most tattered clothing and go as out of work bankers. When I was a kid, that same costume was called a Hobo when a clown face was added. It is difficult to imagine myself fitting into my old Halloween costume this year so I am on the prowl to scour my closet and come up with alternate solutions by utilizing items I already have or can acquire very inexpensively.
This trend seems to be catching on as I was reading some comments on my personal blog from Julie. She said:
“So, I pulled out my sewing machine the other night. It's been a while. But it was fun, and I was pretty proud of my "freehand" upcycled creation. The four of us are going to a costume party for Halloween, and since the boys are going to be Batman and Robin, DH & I are going as The Joker & Catwoman. So, I converted a goodwill shirt into a shiny (literally) new green vest for the clown-faced villain in my life. Basic, but like I said, I'm happy with it. :) Still, I need to make a headpiece/mask/ears & tail for my costume, and convert a yellow t-shirt into a cape for Robin...”
Fantastic!
Then there was the year that my sister in law spray painted cardboard boxes and glued on cups to turn my nephews into Legos.
When a child goes out trick or treating the signal for where to stop for treats is a porch light left on so how can we simultaneously conserve energy? Perhaps install a CFL bulb prior to that evening. Or there is always the option of placing this little baby out on the stoop: A solar powered lantern. Charge it that day in bright sunlight and it will hold a thirty hour charge. The candy will run out before the lantern light does!
Thanksgiving
Countless gallons of fossil fuel are burned on the biggest travel day of the year. Gallons of water are down the drain. Electric usage soars while the oven runs for six continuous hours, the television stays on for the football games while everyone naps on the couch and extra lights are turned on all over the house.
So what can we do about it while we still enjoy a hearty meal and laughs with our respective relations?
For starters those hosting this festive occasion can purchase just what is needed of locally grown and organic food. Less fossil fuel is burned because the items have less distance to travel and with no added chemicals it will be a healthier meal all around.
Family and friends who are headed out in their cars to take advantage of this healthier feast can definitely improve their emissions by completing a few small steps prior to the date of travel. Have tires checked and inflated to proper pressure, make sure oil and filter changes as well as tune ups are all up to date. A properly working vehicle is key!
It might seem difficult to reduce a carbon footprint while flying but we can -- pack a travel mug in our carry on bag to fill up with a beverage of choice once past security, attempt to carry on only reducing the weight of baggage on the flight (basically do not over pack), park in an out-lot and take the shuttle to the terminal (less time cruising for a perfect parking spot, carpool instead) and plant a tree (or ten) upon returning home to help offset some of the carbon utilized while on the plane.
For those with a dishwasher that like to rinse dishes, fill a dishpan or the sink halfway with warm water and soak the dishes rather than spending time running them under a faucet. This will cut down on wasted gallons of water and improve the efficiency of the dishwasher. For those without a dishwasher just add soap to the warm water and let the dishes soak. Wash them all at once and rinse them all at once.
About a half hour after the meal is over most everyone stretched out on the sofa (bed, floor, chair) will be passed out but the television will still be running for the duration of that nap. Why not set the sleep timer to turn off after an hour? Encourage guests to be mindful of leaving lights on throughout the house, turn them off when leaving a room.
There is nothing quite like taking an entire day to give thanks and show gratitude for the wealth of things we have in our lives and one of them is the environment. For a complete list of some great tips check out this site.
Christmas
In decades past this was the time of Yule logs burning and smells of cinnamon mixed with winter pine. A time when kids were on break from school so they could have snowball fights, go sledding and build snowmen. A time of frosty noses and family, friends and fun, peace and joy. More recently this holiday has turned into a race to the mall where countless items are purchased for individuals we barely know perpetuating a cycle of disposable consumerism. Acknowledging each other and the fuzzy feelings we have with a special little something is perfectly wonderful but maybe it is time to think outside the box stores to do something that will bring an even greater sense of warmth to everyone involved and give back to humanity at the same time.
Shop local. Instead of driving miles away to a mall or other big box retailer, explore the cities or towns we live in to bring our dollars back into our own communities. This will help boost local economies, keep people employed and build relationships in the places we all live.
Buy handmade items from independent artisans. When we absolutely have to shop online, consider purchasing something more unique from an artist who put their heart and soul into creating that item. Independent artisans are to the internet what local retailers are to a town. The service is always more personalized and generally the products are of a higher quality. I suggest starting the search on Etsy where each shop is independently owned and the items are as unique as the shop names.
Consider donating to a charity in someone else’s name. With amazing success this is something my Mom instituted last year in an effort to rid her home of stuff. We jumped on the train and it was amazingly successful throughout our family. There is something out there that everyone believes in whether it is environmental or humanitarian in nature. There are many on the receiving end of the donation who benefit so the giver and recipient both feel great about doing something special for someone else.
Create a personalized gift. One year for a holiday I purchased a simple plastic box frame, some tiny accoutrements (a plastic phone, a shoe, etc), glued them to the face of the frame, printed a photo of my sister and I and put it inside. She still has that gift to this day. Using our imaginations we can create all kinds of heartfelt gifts that will be cherished for years.
Simply spend time with someone. The holidays can be a difficult time of year for many people. When we embrace what the spirit of the holiday season is all about we will find that sharing a cup of tea over great conversation on a Sunday afternoon is a far greater gift than anything purchased.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Time For A Makeover
One of the most popular terms from yesterday seemed to be upcycling because so many of us artsy types do it in our every day work. Material selection is not just reserved for the aisles of a local Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics anymore. So many artists are finding new ways to use formerly loved items in their work and it is causing an entire community of advanced creativity to spawn!
I have interviewed some of these artists before with regard to their thoughts on living and working green and if you have some time on your hands please swing by The Organic Mechanic (or via the image on the right side bar) and click on any of the Artist Spotlight links (postings from mid June to present) to read some amazing stories of fantastic artists and designers.
I am picking out a few artists to feature here today because their creativity in reuse astounds me and that is why I give each of these artists Four Green Leaves!
Courtney Watson of TwIsTeD upcycles formerly used telephone wire to make her funky and bold jewelry line.
Intarsia artist Theresa Ekdom of Wood N Goods uses scrap and cutoffs to create her amazing inlaid wood designs.
To say Eric Masters of IMOTIME only upcycles items into clocks would be a complete understatement, the items are wacky and it works!
Ingrid McEntire of Creations by Ingrid truly embodies what it means to upcycle, utilizing anything from candy wrappers to men’s suits in her amazing creations.
These artists are just a small number of those who are utilizing unique, upcycled materials to create amazing, functional items. By supporting the efforts of independent artists such as these folks and others we can keep a staggering amount of waste out of landfills.
I have interviewed some of these artists before with regard to their thoughts on living and working green and if you have some time on your hands please swing by The Organic Mechanic (or via the image on the right side bar) and click on any of the Artist Spotlight links (postings from mid June to present) to read some amazing stories of fantastic artists and designers.
I am picking out a few artists to feature here today because their creativity in reuse astounds me and that is why I give each of these artists Four Green Leaves!
Courtney Watson of TwIsTeD upcycles formerly used telephone wire to make her funky and bold jewelry line.
Karen Dengler of Retired Records upcycles vinyl albums into just about anything from home goods to jewelry to purses, very cool!
Intarsia artist Theresa Ekdom of Wood N Goods uses scrap and cutoffs to create her amazing inlaid wood designs.
To say Eric Masters of IMOTIME only upcycles items into clocks would be a complete understatement, the items are wacky and it works!
Ingrid McEntire of Creations by Ingrid truly embodies what it means to upcycle, utilizing anything from candy wrappers to men’s suits in her amazing creations.
These artists are just a small number of those who are utilizing unique, upcycled materials to create amazing, functional items. By supporting the efforts of independent artists such as these folks and others we can keep a staggering amount of waste out of landfills.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Whatchu Talkin Bout?
Here I am rambling on about all this environmental whoo-ha and it just occurred to me that some readers may be new to the eco lifestyle and have no idea what we are all going on about over here. How dare I post a bunch of bloggity blogs without first sharing what all of those fancy terms even mean?! Well before those fantastic people glaze over and click away, I will share a list of a bunch of environmental based terms and what they mean to me. I encourage everyone to post in the comments if you have questions about certain terms or have a different opinion on what it means to you. Please note there are some terms I will just post the dictionary definition for because they just seem to sum it up so nicely. Now in no particular order, let’s get talking people!
Environment -- The most important of all the terms. To me this is the all encompassing, includes everything term. The environment is not just the untouchable ozone layer or air we breathe but also the house we live in, the car we drive, outer space, the job we work at, the websites we surf, the water we swim in, fish, drink, the tiny little ant that crawls across the sidewalk to the greatest desert, the smallest creature on the planet, the polar ice shelf, You, me, all breathing things, you get the picture. If you experience it at any time with any of your six senses then it is the environment. Treat it well.
Green -- This is a toughie because everyone has a slightly different take on what this means but to me, green means being, doing and promoting the betterment of the environment as much and as often as possible. What is your take on this word as used in an environmental capacity?
Recycle -- Probably the most widely used and recognized term where environmental living is concerned. The dictionary defines this as: to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse. This is important to remember – anything recycled in a traditionally adopted manner must go through another process to become something else. It will save that thing from being placed in a landfill (trash heap) but a process must be completed again to make the new item.
Upcycle -- Sort of like recycling except the item in question is generally not completely reprocessed, just repurposed or reused. Here is the difference: With recycling, I put a plastic bottle in my bin, it is taken to a plant, melted down and reformed into a plastic shopping bag. With upcycling I take a plastic bottle, cut it in half, coat the bottom with sticky back felt and use it as a pen holder. There is a process involved in repurposing that bottle but a lower impact process environmentally speaking. And I have a personalized, kick ass new pen holder to boot.
Eco -- This is simply the prefix used to shorten the length of an ecologically responsible word. Instead of saying “that shopping bag purse is an environmentally responsible item” we can be lazy and say “I love her eco-friendly purse!”. Eco-conscious, eco-responsible, eco-blogger, eco-mom, etc. What eco- do you define yourself as?
Repurpose -- Dictionary says: To use or convert for use in another format or product. This is another term for recycling, upcycling or reuse.
Earth Day – This is the day we greenies get to share the love of our blue and green marble in space with a whole slew of people that may not be focused on it any other time of year. There are amazing conventions, group meet ups, talks, discussions, actions and many other activities planned all over, you guessed it, the Earth on this day. In 2009 it is on April 22. Get involved!
Solar -- Fun in the sun baby! The heat and energy produced by everyone’s favorite flaming ball of gas is known as solar.
Passive Solar -- Collecting and using the rays of the sun without any mechanics. This is something I do every day and discussed here.
Photovoltaic Panels -- Cells in the form of flat panels (photodiodes) used to collect the suns rays and regenerate that into electric energy. This is known as Active Solar and they are sometimes referred to as PV’s.
Wind Turbine -- Wind, or kinetic, is harnessed through the rotating turbines (blades) and converted into energy. It is deemed a turbine when that energy is converted to electricity. Windmills use the power of wind to run machinery strictly.
Compost -- The dictionary tells us this is: a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil. Scraps of dinner or yard waste (like lawn clippings) can be saved and put back into the Earth to make a more nutrient friendly soil for planting.
Emission -- Basically a fancy-schmancy term for release or discharge. Every time we start and run our cars there is an emission created from the tail pipe for example. Emissions from many sources (methane gas, fossil fuels, etc), has led to increased air pollution across the planet. Using clean power such as solar or wind will help to keep emissions to a minimum.
Sustainable -- Anything that will continue to provide forever is sustainable. Wikipedia states “sustainability has been expressed as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. A fantastic explanation.
Renewable Resource -- Anything in nature that can be reproduced (or naturally recycled if you will) is renewable. A great example of a rapidly renewing resource used for many items would be bamboo. It grows quickly and can be easily replenished (also allowing for sustainability). A non renewable resource would be fossil fuel.
Global Warming -- The dictionary has a nice definition here: an increase in the earth's average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate and that may result from the greenhouse effect. So let’s break that down. The greenhouse effect happens when solar radiation is absorbed by gas in the atmosphere. It is natural and not a bad thing. When more of that radiation is trapped than escapes however it will lead to an increase in the temperature of the atmosphere in question. Temperatures in an overall sense go up and that results in warmer air and water. In our case the temperature on Earth has gone up by one degree in the past century. Now many people might be saying “big deal, one degree is barely noticeable so who really cares?”
Climate Change -- Here is where caring about the one degree really comes into play. Due to that seemingly tiny temperate increase so many things within our global ecosystem have shifted and not in a good way. Beach erosion is directly related as the sea levels begin to rise. When the sea becomes warmer the ice melts, just like in a glass of water. In that glass of water however is not an entire species that relies on the ice being there to survive. Ever wonder why there has been a significant increase in bizarre weather events of late like a tornado in Brooklyn or snow in southern California? All of this is a direct result of climate change.
Carbon Footprint -- Each of us have one because it is the measurable impact we all have on the planet. We can determine how much greenhouse gas is released through our individual daily activities (our personal emissions checklist). There are predictable and non predictable questions in a Life Cycle Assessment that help determine where we each stand and then we can truly gauge the areas we could cut back to help protect the first and most important term -- our Environment.
Environment -- The most important of all the terms. To me this is the all encompassing, includes everything term. The environment is not just the untouchable ozone layer or air we breathe but also the house we live in, the car we drive, outer space, the job we work at, the websites we surf, the water we swim in, fish, drink, the tiny little ant that crawls across the sidewalk to the greatest desert, the smallest creature on the planet, the polar ice shelf, You, me, all breathing things, you get the picture. If you experience it at any time with any of your six senses then it is the environment. Treat it well.
Green -- This is a toughie because everyone has a slightly different take on what this means but to me, green means being, doing and promoting the betterment of the environment as much and as often as possible. What is your take on this word as used in an environmental capacity?
Recycle -- Probably the most widely used and recognized term where environmental living is concerned. The dictionary defines this as: to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse. This is important to remember – anything recycled in a traditionally adopted manner must go through another process to become something else. It will save that thing from being placed in a landfill (trash heap) but a process must be completed again to make the new item.
Upcycle -- Sort of like recycling except the item in question is generally not completely reprocessed, just repurposed or reused. Here is the difference: With recycling, I put a plastic bottle in my bin, it is taken to a plant, melted down and reformed into a plastic shopping bag. With upcycling I take a plastic bottle, cut it in half, coat the bottom with sticky back felt and use it as a pen holder. There is a process involved in repurposing that bottle but a lower impact process environmentally speaking. And I have a personalized, kick ass new pen holder to boot.
Eco -- This is simply the prefix used to shorten the length of an ecologically responsible word. Instead of saying “that shopping bag purse is an environmentally responsible item” we can be lazy and say “I love her eco-friendly purse!”. Eco-conscious, eco-responsible, eco-blogger, eco-mom, etc. What eco- do you define yourself as?
Repurpose -- Dictionary says: To use or convert for use in another format or product. This is another term for recycling, upcycling or reuse.
Earth Day – This is the day we greenies get to share the love of our blue and green marble in space with a whole slew of people that may not be focused on it any other time of year. There are amazing conventions, group meet ups, talks, discussions, actions and many other activities planned all over, you guessed it, the Earth on this day. In 2009 it is on April 22. Get involved!
Solar -- Fun in the sun baby! The heat and energy produced by everyone’s favorite flaming ball of gas is known as solar.
Passive Solar -- Collecting and using the rays of the sun without any mechanics. This is something I do every day and discussed here.
Photovoltaic Panels -- Cells in the form of flat panels (photodiodes) used to collect the suns rays and regenerate that into electric energy. This is known as Active Solar and they are sometimes referred to as PV’s.
Wind Turbine -- Wind, or kinetic, is harnessed through the rotating turbines (blades) and converted into energy. It is deemed a turbine when that energy is converted to electricity. Windmills use the power of wind to run machinery strictly.
Compost -- The dictionary tells us this is: a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil. Scraps of dinner or yard waste (like lawn clippings) can be saved and put back into the Earth to make a more nutrient friendly soil for planting.
Emission -- Basically a fancy-schmancy term for release or discharge. Every time we start and run our cars there is an emission created from the tail pipe for example. Emissions from many sources (methane gas, fossil fuels, etc), has led to increased air pollution across the planet. Using clean power such as solar or wind will help to keep emissions to a minimum.
Sustainable -- Anything that will continue to provide forever is sustainable. Wikipedia states “sustainability has been expressed as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. A fantastic explanation.
Renewable Resource -- Anything in nature that can be reproduced (or naturally recycled if you will) is renewable. A great example of a rapidly renewing resource used for many items would be bamboo. It grows quickly and can be easily replenished (also allowing for sustainability). A non renewable resource would be fossil fuel.
Global Warming -- The dictionary has a nice definition here: an increase in the earth's average atmospheric temperature that causes corresponding changes in climate and that may result from the greenhouse effect. So let’s break that down. The greenhouse effect happens when solar radiation is absorbed by gas in the atmosphere. It is natural and not a bad thing. When more of that radiation is trapped than escapes however it will lead to an increase in the temperature of the atmosphere in question. Temperatures in an overall sense go up and that results in warmer air and water. In our case the temperature on Earth has gone up by one degree in the past century. Now many people might be saying “big deal, one degree is barely noticeable so who really cares?”
Climate Change -- Here is where caring about the one degree really comes into play. Due to that seemingly tiny temperate increase so many things within our global ecosystem have shifted and not in a good way. Beach erosion is directly related as the sea levels begin to rise. When the sea becomes warmer the ice melts, just like in a glass of water. In that glass of water however is not an entire species that relies on the ice being there to survive. Ever wonder why there has been a significant increase in bizarre weather events of late like a tornado in Brooklyn or snow in southern California? All of this is a direct result of climate change.
Carbon Footprint -- Each of us have one because it is the measurable impact we all have on the planet. We can determine how much greenhouse gas is released through our individual daily activities (our personal emissions checklist). There are predictable and non predictable questions in a Life Cycle Assessment that help determine where we each stand and then we can truly gauge the areas we could cut back to help protect the first and most important term -- our Environment.
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