These edgy hand-painted candles will save you energy and rock your mantle.

The story goes that interior designer Lisa Carrier made a candle for Cher using hand painted Italian lace, rhinestones, silver studs and Swarovski crystals. Cher loved it so much that she commissioned several for her closest friends, thus launching Carrier’s career as a much sought after chandler.

We heart candles because at this time of year, they are both practical and flattering. Flattering, because we always look better in candlelight than we do under the kindest glare of bulbs, and practical because as daylight decreases, our energy usage creeps up.

Carrier’s paraffin pillar candles are scented with gardenia, jasmine, juniper berries, pinecones, vanilla, amber and black incense. Lovely. They also make for perfect seasonal gifts: the skull for Halloween; the Star of David for Chanukah; a cross from Christmas. Available from the designer for $90.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

The post Lustables: Embellished Candles appeared first on EcoSalon.

The next time you throw a house party, make it a B.Y.O. reusable cup. The above is another sustainable innovation from Biopac.

First, the factoids. Every year, the average American office worker tosses out about 500 disposable cups and all of us, as a whole, throw away enough disposables to circumnavigate the globe 300 times.

For even more perspective, consider that 65% of Americans drink coffee and the average coffee drinker throws away 250 cups per year. That translates to 58 billion cups chucked away from places like Starbucks, which cannot be recycled. Kind of makes that all-you-can-stomach Trenta even more ridiculous.

To learn more about sustainable coffee consumption, I encourage you to check out betacup.

For more on pretty beverage consumption – including hot drinks and cold ones by the pint – read on. You’ll never need to waste another cup or cup holder again.

This is my cup, and I love her. I like to sip on my Copco gigante like it’s 2006 and I’m an Olsen twin. It’s a fantasy that set me back $7.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

These Silipint drink holders are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, durable, reusable and recyclable at specialty facilities. If you need help recycling yours, contact the manufacturer and they’ll do it for you.

Seriously. How many of these ubiquitous red party cups have you thrown away? The reusable plastic cup, available through Vat19, is far more durable and expensive (a set of four for $13.95). But if Keg Party Chic is what you’re after, Keg Party Chic you shall have, again and again. Please note that these cups are made from melamine, which is toxic in certain combinations. On its own, or in the cups seen above, it is considered safe. Use your best discretion.

Design for Living’s reusable mug with straw fits in most standard cup holders, and offers an even cuter way to drink water. Just $9.99 at Macy’s.

Save the pandas, and the planet. This reusable mug is only available for a donation of $50 to the World Wildlife Fund.

The Eco Cup from “I am not a paper cup…” is microwave and dishwasher safe. It also features a silicone top and sleeve so you won’t burn yourself on your latte.

The Cup Kozy meanwhile, is a stylish and forgivable way to transport your reusable cups, or throw-away ones when you leave it at home. An estimated 14 billion coffee sleeves are tossed each year. It’s made of felt and can be attached to your key ring or bag. It’s like a coffee cuff, only fuzzier.

Another Eco Cup, this one made especially for cold beverages. Available from The Food Network.

Now for the really pretty. Artist Yevgenia, who specializes in hand painted and upcycled collectibles, makes extraordinarily feminine and delicate reusable ceramic cups with silicone lids. For something even more personal (or more macho), she can personalize a cup just for you. Visit Yevgenia’s shop on Etsy.

I really can’t decide which design I crave most, so here are two more for you.

The post 12 Reasons You’ll Never Throw Another Cup Away appeared first on EcoSalon.