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Plaid Doctrine Briefcase, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Gadgets, Handbags, Green

Plaid Doctrine Briefcase, Handbag of the Day
OK, not quite a handbag, but certainly can carry a few extra items tucked in with your laptop ... Plaid Doctrine's briefcase is a nice twist on the ho-hum black laptop carrier and is eco-friendly, too. The bag is water- and stain-resistant, and its high-performance fabric is made from recycled bottles. Other features are prime-grade, vegetable-tanned leather trim, solid brass hardware with nickel matte finish, a full ripstop nylon lining, and a handy rear pocket to slip over a rolling luggage handle. Measures 12" x 16" x 4" and holds a laptop with up to a 17" screen. Colors are Blue Houndstooth (shown), Red Houndstooth, and Grey Striped. Free ground shipping domestically. $479

Marni Rubber Necklace, Jewelry From Recycled Tires

Filed under: Jewelry, Green

marni rubber necklaceI came across Marni's Necklace and was drawn to its simple beauty. The colorful bows and feathers against a deep black backdrop together create an eye catching piece. I especially liked the mix of texture and shapes that were used. Upon seeing it, I initially thought it was made from beads but was pleasantly surprised to discover that it's made from recycled tires. If I had the ability I would definitely try to make a necklace that is "inspired by" Marni's Rubber Necklace ($445).

It's such a treat to find items that have used recycled material to create something new. Who knew you could make neckties out of cassette tapes? That is pretty amazing. And even though this has been going on for quite some time and we are exposed to a wide array of items that we can use in practically all facets of our lives, I am still amazed by the ingenious minds that are behind instilling new life into materials that may initially appear useless.

Matt & Nat Recycled Vegan Bags, Handbags of the Day

Filed under: Handbags, Green


Indulge your taste for luxury handbags without sacrificing the planet -- no guilt when shopping Matt & Nat as all of their creations are made with recycled plastic water bottle linings and some even have recycled material exteriors as well. The bag shown above, for example, made of 100% recycled materials and according to the website's count (they give you a bottle count for every bag) it took 49 bottles to create -- that's a lot of plastic kept out of the landfill. It's the Davis Green Vegan Handbag and features green faux suede on the outside and khaki faux suede on the inside, decorative stitching, antiqued brass hardware, and of course the Matt & Nat logo bar. $215

See more Matt & Nat creations in the gallery below.

The ECO Only Bagg by Baggallini, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags, Green

eco only bagg
As I used my cloth bags in the store the other day, I thought about how the movement toward reusable bags and away from plastic sacks has created another thing to be manufactured from raw materials, even if the end result is positive. Then I came across Baggallini's ECO Only Bagg (TravelSmith, where I saw it, spells it "Only Bag").

Each Only Bagg's exterior is made from 26 recycled plastic bottles. Available in chestnut, earth red, ocean (see photo), sage, raven, sandstone and black; nylon interior; 12" drop handles; 10" x 15.5" x 7.5"; 7 inside zippered pockets, 2 bottle pockets, cell phone compartment, place for pens, pencils and lipstick; detachable cell phone case on the handle; and detachable ID/coin pouch. Weighs just 20 oz. and is water-resistant.

The bag's name comes from Baggallini's claim that it's "the only bag you will ever need." It's certainly better-looking than the free cloth bags I've picked up at expos, and would work as a travel bag or commuter bag as well as a large, but definitely casual, handbag. But, it's a bag you can feel good about using, even when you're carrying your water bottle in it. $74.95


Tie-Ups Recyclable Belts

Filed under: Apparel, Green


Belts can make or break an outfit, and although these Tie-Ups are extremely simple in design they're certainly not timid in some very bright colors and with buckles that can be interchanged with other Tie-Ups buckles to fit your own personal style and color combination whims. Plus Tie-Ups belts are made of recycled rubber and plastic, so they're good for the environment as well as you're wardrobe.

Tie-Ups resist fading, are antimicrobial, UV protected, and hypoallergenic. Your choice of 11 colors to mix and match, $89.

Via acquire

Frederic Fekkai Debuts Luxe Natural Haircare

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

In what is touted as the "art of beauty without artifice," Fekkai & Co. introduces its new Au Naturel line, hair care made from luxurious plant-based ingredients such as calendula petals, tonka bean and ginger--and no evil sulfates, parabens or synthetic fragrance. Shampoos, conditioners and styling products start at $23 per 40%-recycled-bottle.

Johanna Keimeyer Recycle Lights

Filed under: Decor, Green


I'm not going to say that these Recycle Lights by Johanna Keimeyer are pretty because they really aren't (in my opinion), but that doesn't mean I don't like them. Inspired to re-purpose the ugly plastic bottles we all see laying all over the place to into something use-able again, Johanna Keimeyer took a trip through Europe that resulted in this unique collection of eclectic lights that incorporate bottles from water, soda, detergent, and numerous other products. They're especially interesting to me because they look so completely different when the inner bulb is illuminated versus when it isn't. Plus with all that melting and twisting they look really fun to put together!

RD4 Chair LE*

Filed under: Decor, Green


The RD4 Chair ("roughly drawn") is a great example of form meets function. Originally created by Richard D. Liddle back in 2006, it's now been revamped for a special limited edition series. The RD4 LE* has all the open-weave airiness of the original design but with more defined legs and what looks to me to be a slightly tighter or thicker composition. Made of 100% recycled plastic waste this chair is just as good for the environment as it is for your decor. 100 LE* chairs are available total, 50 in green and 50 in black. $1,548

Gallery: RD4 Chair

RD4 Chair LE*RD4 Chair LE*RD4 ChairRD4 ChairRD4 Chair

Recycled Paper Jewelry

Filed under: Jewelry, Green


I've always been a little in the minority being what some would call a "girly girl" but at the same time really not liking jewelry with too much in the way of jewels or flash. I'm hugely partial to sterling silver pieces with organic energy and unique individual design. And as far as I'm concerned, pretty much everything from FrucciDesign fits that criteria -- especially this Tally ring. Made of recycled paper plus various other items like wood, metal, glass, or even lava, these designs aren't priced all that high but really could be -- there are definitely some conversations waiting to be started when you wear anything from this collection.


Via Design Mind

Eco Friendly Flooring Recycled Metal Tiles

Filed under: Decor, Green


Eco-Friendly Flooring, a company whose name is self-explanatory, also deals in recycled backsplashes. They have created aluminum and brass tiles from 100% recycled metal as well as creating backsplashes from recycled glass tiles. They are based in Wisconsin and provide installation services for throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Illinois. For clients outside of this area, they can help you find a contractor or provide you with installation instructions. The metal tiles start at $35/sq.ft. for aluminum tiles, $70/sq.ft. for brass tiles. The tiles are easy to clean and can be ordered in either a polished matte or sandblasted rough finish. They also sell sinks made from recycled metal.

[via Home Improvement Ideas]

License Plate Map

Filed under: Decor, Art


This interesting piece of art work is exactly what it looks like: a bunch of real license plates cut into the shapes of their corresponding state and put together to form a map of the United States -- Alaska and Hawaii included. It's not only an interesting piece of artwork to display but also a nice way to recycle old plates. Created by artist Aaron Foster, this Reclaimed License Plate Map is made by hand in California and mounted on a large cedar plank (with smaller separate boards for AK and HI). I think it would look great in a library or study. $3900

Trevor O'Neil's "Dulce de Leche Divan"

Filed under: Decor


It sounds like a dessert, but the Dulce de Leche Divan by Trevor O'Neil is a contemporary sofa that's both stylish and eco-friendly. Made of recycled cork and birch, this sofa is simple and contemporary in design. Besides neutral/natural colors (it looks almost unfinished) clean lines with rounded soft edges make this an inviting seat, although with no back it's probably not the best for real relaxing -- sit up straight! Only available in the one color scheme, and notice the handy built-in end tables on either side. $5,800


Via Born Rich

Vetrazzo Countertops

Filed under: Decor, Green


Check out the gorgeous countertop above. Those bright bits of red glass are actually red lenses from decommissioned traffic lights. Vetrazzo is a company that specializes in countertops made from recycled glass. Each countertop panel is made from 550 pounds of crushed recycled glass from traffic lights, windshields, and beverage bottles (there is even one beautiful cobalt blue countertop made with Skyy vodka bottles). In just this year Vetrazzo transformed over 250 tons of recycled glass into countertops. The company also works green, using a closed-loop water filtration system and working to be 100-percent solar powered by year's end.

Colorblock Hanging Light

Filed under: Decor


Some great reasons to drink more wine, if you were looking for some, are these Colorblock Hanging Lights. Designed and made by Jerry Kott of recycled wine bottles (he cuts them apart, puts them back together, and polishes them) they're bright without being obnoxious, stylish, functional, and good for the environment because they're made of recycled materials -- what else can you ask for in a lighting fixture? Each hanging lamp measures 17"Hx3"W, is priced according to the number of color blocks, and is custom made to order. $190-$310


Via Design Mind

Recycled Bike Coffee Table

Filed under: Decor


I have to say, I would not have guessed "bicycle" if asked what this coffee table used to be in a former life. I can kind of see it in the cogs and the reshaped rims, but the rolled inner tubes for feet and some other features are well disguised. This Recycled Bike Coffee Table by Resource Revival is definitely unique and brings a whole new meaning to the idea of recycling with it's elegant though industrial appearance. It's hard to imagine that it used to be an old used-up form of transportation for somebody -- welcome back little bike!

Specializing in using old bicycle parts to create functional works of art, Resource Revival makes its creations by hand in Mosier, Oregon. Also worth checking out from them is this Recycled Bike Cafe Table.

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