It is estimated that restaurants discard billions of single-use chopsticks every year. Whenever I hear an astounding figure like that, I wonder why more aren’t recycled or reclaimed in an effort to reduce waste.

The team at Kwytza Kraft is of the same mind. These resourceful artisans sanitize and craft these disposables into Chopstick Folding baskets to hold anything from fruit to keys.

But if I’m being honest, I’m a little unsure. While I’m all for sustainability, I can’t help but cringe a little at the thought of décor made from used utensils, especially when the finished product so closely resembles its origins. Am I being too fussy or does this one seem to miss the mark? Vote on the poll below and let us know what you think.
 

Is the chopstick basket stylish or shabby?

The post Chopstick Baskets: a Hit or a Miss? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Your editor has had enough. First, a recap: On the green path to Woodland Chic, we’ve seen faux bois. And regular old bois. Unless you’re an oblivious sort of fauna you know that 2008 has been having a field day with all things sylvan. At EcoSalon, we’ve covered this nature-inspired trend’s eco offerings (and its urban vertical garden variant) extensively, from beds to floors to coasters and more.

The blogosphere of style has been collecting other great ideas, too. And I do mean collect. Call it bohemian, call it the bright collective, call it not-so-shabby chic – vintage updates and collections in candy splashes of color are everywhere – from walls to tables to teapots.

But perhaps inevitably, the twain have met between the twigs, evident in the form of Bohemian Bambi – the custom papered stags of the Wilderness Project by mixed-media artist Jennifer Khoshbin.

Points for a creative mashup to artist Khoshbin, but I am starting to notice some trends that are simply taking things too far. Or rather, making me writhe in editorial anguish. Normally I am calm, cool, and collected, but I’m also a Virgo (Mike is cringing at my astrological reference right now; ignore) and sometimes we volcanic Virgos have simply. had. enough.

5 Trends That Make Me Want to Subscribe to Dentition Monthly:

Give me your lighting, give me your mobiles, give me your stunning fabrics, and eco-paper my walls – but please, no more of these trends.

1. Tiny! Did you see? It’s a regular old thing, only now it’s tiny!

Oh my gosh, it’s…tiny. And therefore chic and adorable and obviously essential. Tiny elephant, tiny furniture, tiny tiny tiny. I loved this…when I was 9. I’m not aware of any woman who truly wants tiny, are you? This is a trend that will expire faster than my raw macadamia butter, so don’t fall for it (but do try the butter, it’s delicious and low in carbs).

2. The afore-mentioned boho.

I’ve disliked this word since my college roommate reinvented her wardrobe a la those calorically-challenged Olsen twins. "Boho" is one of those words that, like a homely pre-med, is best termed unfortunate. Now, I love the eclectic look, and bright colors are both addictive and fabulous. But there is such a thing as forced – which is the worst possible thing you can do with your "look" – and in my opinion it’s this. When you have a magazine that feels satisfied naming itself Boho (oh yes, friends, it exists), be assured that the trend has jumped the ikat-upholstered shark.

3. The twig whose sanity has snapped.

Twig-inspired jewelry is one thing. An actual twig ring, however? This is ironic, and not in a good way.

4.  Felting gone scary.

Flokati is luscious. Felted wool is both cozy and chic. Until it gets to be too much and you feel like you’ve entered a 14-year-old boy’s Cheetos-infused lair of video games and mouldering gym socks. Do we really want to be reminded of not being allowed to date seniors again?

5. The ubiquitous fleur-de-lis.

To the compost with this decorative symbol!  It was fine on my sofa pillows of yesteryear, but I don’t need to choke myself with it, as well. Is this seriously still around, and clutching at women’s throats, no less? I thought we realized this flower wilted back in 2006. It is most definitely not Next.

Remember, a little goes a long way and you needn’t jump on every trendwagon. There was a time when we all thought this was a must-sport style.

What do you think, dear readers? Am I being too fussy? What trends are you peel-the-paint sick of?

Image: Noel Zia Lee

The post 5 Decor Trends That Go Too Far appeared first on EcoSalon.