A New Method

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We all know Method as one of the originators of eco-friendly cool. The masterminds behind this company turned the consumer packaged goods industry on its head when they came up with the idea to develop a line of cleaning products that were both green and stylish enough to openly display in the home. I’m guessing most of us have at least one Method cleaning product we swear by, but I’m not sure how many of us are aware of their body line. I’ve been using the lotion and shaving cream for a while now, …

Plight of the 'Eco-Birkin'

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I’m not one to knock working hard and rewarding yourself with a few indulgences from time to time. I do draw the line, however, at overindulgence. You’ll still catch me rolling my eyes at anyone who aspires to one day own the infamous Hermès Birkin bag. Not only does the price tag start at $7,500, but the wait list to get one also averages two years. Why, oh why, I ask myself, would anyone want to wait that long and pay that much to own something that isn’t even unique anymore? Yet, just …

Faking It: Is Faux Grass the Greener Choice?

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Sometimes it’s easy to choose the greenest way forward. This is one of those other times. Artificial grass: once a novelty affordable only by the wealthiest sports-grounds, it’s now set to conquer the domestic markets as a green product. But which grass is greener – the real thing or the Brady Bunch stuff?

Fake: Better than the real thing!

-Near-Zero Maintenance. Save reservoirs of water (can’t get greener than that), doesn’t get churned up into ugly bald patches, and has a longer “life” than grass. It doesn’t matter …

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee (Doctor's Orders)

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It’s been a while since we last reported on it…and the jury’s showing no signs of movement. But now it appears that for a place in a healthy lifestyle, coffee is much more than a drink. This being Monday morning, we feel this is eminently newsworthy.
The smell of coffee has a life of its own. I know people who turn their nose up at the drink itself, but happily breathe in the aroma of freshly-ground beans until they need to be dragged off the ceiling. Now neuroscientists have an explanation. …

Smart and Sophisticated in EcoSkin

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With the growing abundance of sustainably produced fashion, why would anyone still be wearing the old staples like rayon, acrylic, and polyester (unless they’re recycled)? From sporty and casual basics to sexy evening looks, there is a collection for every type of green clothing you desire. Our goal at EcoSalon is to introduce you to as many eco-sensitive designers we can find.
So, without further ado, let me introduce ecoSkin. When designer Sandy Skinner launched ecoSkin last year, her goal was to create an eco-friendly women’s line that doesn’t compromise style. …

The Big Chill

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I like to think that if Donna Reed married Al Gore they undoubtedly would have settled on a Big Chill refrigerator for their suburban kitchen.
That’s because the retro appeal of these babies would please any fan of 50s chrome and Formica. But on the inside you won’t find frozen TV dinners or a power source that sucks up too much energy. These stamped metal throwbacks are designed with modern function and efficiency, including moisture control and temperature management systems that appeal to our energy-saving sensibilities. You could call it a hybrid …

Aid to Artisans

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I’m always drawn to the creative appeal of ornamental accents handcrafted by small artisan groups. In the absence of mass production, artistic standards come before profitability, and this idyllic approach yields unique styles and high quality craftsmanship.
At Aid to Artisans, you’ll find a variety of such items that are both modish and eco-friendly. Handmade by dedicated artisans in Ilobasco, El Salvador, the Ceramic Round vase will adorn your tabletops with a touch of rustic charm. These striking pieces resemble laced-up leather, but they aren’t. Rather, they are skillfully shaped from the …

Loving: Bamboo Wrapped Vases

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One of my favorite parts of creating my personal décor scheme is choosing the accents to embellish each room. But, no matter how much creative objet or wall art I stumble upon, nothing beats the brilliant hues of Mother Nature herself.
With the Bamboo Wrapped vases, you can display the classic beauty of vibrant flowers in contemporary style. These hip pieces boast a unique feature: they can be hung on empty wall space as well as placed upon tabletops and mantles. Handmade from rapidly-renewable bamboo, which grows faster than any other existing …