Alternative Consumer

Revisions Design Studio specializes in creating new products out of upcycled and recycled objects, like the silver cake server that was re-fashioned and transformed into this stylish ‘Tribal Statement’ necklace. The cutouts in the server create a ‘tribal’ feel. No one will ever guess that this necklace was originally a cake server, once used to [...]

Looking to make the world a better place and snag a good green deal? Perhaps it’s time to get on board with Pure Citizen. Founder Amy Ludwigson and her dedicated team feature earth-friendly and body-friendly goods at 30-70% off. Just sign up for their free Daily Love email and gain entry to a slew of [...]

The landscape of our eastern farmlands is often dotted with the rusting remains of old farm machinery that’s outlived its usefulness. One couple is re-using this material with great results. Kate and Ben Gatski design and fabricate their folk art, furniture and sculptures with the reclaimed metal recovered from outdated farm machinery and the salvaged [...]

A Tried and True Green Product Review … one complimentary bag of EnviroKidz Crispy Rice Bars treats was provided us for the purposes of this review. In short – they’re fun, tasty and crunchy. Don’t be afraid … bag in hand and ready to dole out samples, we made our way to our 12-year-old nephew’s [...]

I know caffeine makes me go faster…(video) Coffee-Powered Car Makes Bid for Speed Mark – bbc Big name stars like Leonardo DiCaprio make global push to save sharks…Call to Ban Shark Fin Soup Gains Support From Big Fish – sacbee.com Maybe these exotic pet imports could be classified as illegal immigrants…Exotic Pets Turn Invasive, Threatening [...]

MommaFix delivers a little shot of happy … to kick-off October as Fair Trade month, we celebrate the work of Julia Gerson and Denise Jacobsohn, two Maine-based momtrepeneurs (pictured below) who sell their unique line of children’s clothes, toys and nursery decor on mommafix.com. Clothes are sized from newborns and tots to 9 years. The [...]

Designer Betsy Ryland makes these industrial-looking (think “Blade Runner”) table lamps from the recycled components of up to three retired motorcycles. Comprised of a spring, shock absorber, brake rotor and transmission gear – each handmade lamp is about 18 inches tall with a base measuring between 11 and 12 inches across. The series of lamps [...]

(above L to R) Global Girlfriend can recycle plastic and transform it into pretty handbags; we’re loving this adorable polka dot number. English Retreads recycles tire inner tubes to create a line of sustainably stylish handbags, including this nifty wristlet which doubles as a small clutch or makeup bag. Available @ shopECOgoods.com ($32 and $34 [...]

A new spin when we recycle that vinyl … Some 45′s and 33 rpm’s become collectors’ items, others wind up in landfills. Here’s one that was upcycled and transformed into a useful Vinyl Clock. The numbers 3, 6, 9 and 12 were carefully melted onto the vinyl to distinguish the hour. retails for  34.90 € [...]

Around campus there seems to be a little more eco consciousness about drinking coffee – mostly in the form of more reusable mugs being used. But one gadget that doesn’t seem that green to me are those single-cup coffee makers. Fun and convenient, yes. And they may consume less energy per cup than a bigger [...]

These ‘Flow’ modular 3D wallpaper tiles were designed by Jaime Salm and his sustainable product design and consulting firm, MIO. The textured paper tiles are made from both ‘pre’ and ‘post’ consumer recycled paper. The tile system allows you to create your own pattern variation by rotating the tiles or painting them in your favorite color. [...]

This handsome handmade satchel is made almost entirely of upcycled materials. The shoulder bag’s exterior is crafted from a vintage US Army canvas duffle bag. The satchel’s design incorporates many of the original elements and much of the character of the original duffle bag and also features a lining of sturdy sienna/orange canvas. The flap [...]

Heavy rains in the eastern US take their toll…The Great ‘Pumpkin Shortage’ of 2011 – theweek.com Parasite first seen in the UK…Deadly Bird Disease Spreads to Europe – bbc Critics of ‘Fracking’ Raise New Concern: Sand – msnbc Politics as usual…Lawmakers Probe Solyndra Investors About Loan – rueters It’s harder to see an oil spill [...]

Yay – we’ve gotten into the habit of using our reusable bags at the grocery market … but wouldn’t it be nice to have stylish totes as we transition from day to night? Well, thanks to Envirosax, now we can – with their beautiful new After Dark coordinated designer bag collection. One lucky winner will [...]

True comfort meets eco awareness … beginning today, save 10% on Gaiam’s new line of yoga wear – unitard (above), jacket, tops and bottoms – made from a blend of recycled polyester and spandex. This high performance material wicks away sweat to keep you dry, and outerwear is quick drying and wind resistant. Plus receive [...]

Brand new to the scene is Qraft – a simple to use site which allows you to rent rather than purchase toys and gear ranging from big ticket items like yachts, helicopters, planes, RV’s, ATV’s and sexy cars to camera lenses and camping gear. After sign-up, you can either post your valuables and let others [...]

Rescued scooter parts in the spotlight today: Putting a new spin on upcycling is Bel and Bel Studio, with their very unusual Mannequin Floor Lamp featuring a handlebar and headlamp from a defunct Vespa scooter. Pick up at Salt and Ethic for 1500 €.

Love dogs, hemp and eco-conscious products with a socially conscious mission? Meet Better Buddies, a new line of pet beds — comfy bedrolls, donut beds and pillow beds in attractive styles and different sizes. Designed by two-time Emmy winning, Julie Marie Berman, (currently starring in ABC’s General Hospital), the line of eco-friendly pet beds is [...]

Honeydrop Beverages is a healthy line of teas and juices powered by honey. The Brooklyn, NY-based company is a leading producer of natural teas and juices made with a spoonful of pure wildflower honey, domestically sourced from regional beekeepers across the U.S.. Honeydrop recently announced their “Buy a Bottle – Save a Bee” initiative where [...]

  From the Source creates their delicious-looking, handmade modern furniture in its Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY design studio utilizing only the most sustainable raw materials. Their work utilizes reclaimed, salvaged, repurposed and sustainably harvested wood, timber and slabs in the creation of a cool eco-friendly designer and custom furnishings.   Related: more eco-friendly furniture and related [...]