Green design for the home is hardly newsbreaking. But a forward-thinking collaborative in Boulder, Colorado, makes  sustainable home furnishings, clothing, and little luxuries accessible to everyone.

As a resident, I feel confident stating that Boulder practically invented the ethos of green living. Yet even amongst the  city’s (third party-certified, controlled wood) forest of eco-chic boutiques; green design firms;  grocery stores and restaurants defined by locally-sourced ingredients;  hybrid automobiles; LEED-certified buildings;  cyclists, and non-profits devoted to planetary salvation, madelife stands out.

Formerly known as factoryMADE (the branding transition is happening as you read), this groovy, green design showroom located just off happening East Pearl Street is a store and collaborative artist space boasting cutting-edge products made from reclaimed or ethically-made, – sourced-and-shipped materials. Eighty percent of the stock is made by Colorado artists, designers, and other creative folk.

Before you start envisioning hand-loomed hemp yoga mats and recycled beer bottle bongs, allow me to explain: madelife’s largely consignment-based inventory is super-stylish, and undeniably cool. The vibe might best be described as “agrarian-urban-mod,” or, perhaps, “etsy-meets-Design Within Reach.” There are trendy threads and funky dining tables made from repurposed basketball court hardwood. Shed antlers are gilded and decorated with beguiling curlicues (Suggested use: hat rack or necklace display.).

Jewelry, both delicate and chunky, is crafted from copper wire, old bike parts, feathers, antler, leather, metal scraps, and other odds and ends. Luscious apothecary goods are chock-full of natural ingredients like beeswax, essential oils, and other botanical goodness. Woodblock-printed pillows accentuate modernist sofas sheathed in nubby fabric; wee woodland dioramas are housed in old cigar boxes. Once, I dropped by and discovered a gloriously refurbished, peony-pink Frigidaire; you never know what kinds of treasure you’ll find at madelife, but the place never fails to inspire or incite desire.

This is why they also offer workshops and events for all ages (The company website states, “We curate + cultivate creative talent, community, and culture;” they also do custom video, music, and design for select clients, and donate 10-percent of their net profits to “underserved young people with creative potential.”).

Kids’ summer camps this year include classes on storybook making and functional art. Big people can try their hand at silversmithing, making beauty products, constructing terrariums, sewing, and reupholstering furniture. Check out the summer schedule and get your craft on.

Images: (top) madelife (All other images) whimseybox

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The Dandelion Dresser by design team iannone:sanderson is made from reclaimed Kirei board.

Made from the reclaimed stalks of sorghum plant and using a formaldehyde-free adhesive, the six-drawer Dandelion Dresser is a perfect addition to the sleek, minimal and eco-aware bedroom. The cabinet itself is constructed of FSC-certified sustainable plywood, while the white laminate conforms to healthy indoor air standards.

Non-toxic, cute and imaginative, what we love most about this fun, yet subtle, storage unit is the Bumble Bee. Do you see it? There he is, pollinating the bottom middle drawer.

Price: $3,995.00 from Vivavi.

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

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Remember Tom, as in Tom’s Of Maine toothpaste? Well, Tom got tired of the same old, same old and decided to do something else.

He and his wife, Kate, bought a sheep farm, named it Rambler’s Way and while watching all the pretty sheep with their soft fur a grazin’, got inspired to create an eco-thermal-wear line. Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur.

It actually took him some time between selling Tom’s of Maine to Colgate in 2006 to now, but he’s back and providing us with more products that have been created with a conscience. In fact, at the Rambler’s Way website we learn that:

• They use organic, no-till, and best management practices.
• They protect wildlife habitat and preserve critical ecosystems.
• They use gentle combs and humane handling systems when shearing and sorting.
• Their environmentally-sensitive enzyme wash is a chlorine-free and patented treatment.
• They use minimal packaging, made from reclaimed materials that are compostable and recyclable.
• They generate their own renewable solar and geothermal energy.
• They use bio-fuels in our trucks and tractors.

Okay, we get it! We’re sold, Tom.

Now comes our giveaway that includes one of these beautiful tops and one of these pairs of bottoms (you choose the pairing) made from Rambouillet wool from the sheep farm in Maine (or from one of the collaborative ranches in Colorado, Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas or Utah). I just got a Rambler’s Way sample the other day to feel and the quality is wonderful.

For complete giveaway rules go here, and you’ll find FTC guidelines here. Good luck!

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