Pretty Little Green Things

Archive for August, 2010

I just got back from the most amazing whirlwind anniversary weekend with my husband (more on that later) and straight into the whirlwind New York International Gift Fair.  For those of you who don’t know what the Gift Fair is, let me tell you.  It’s a huge show with tons of vendors selling everything from stationary to tabletop products, bedding & linens to baskets, baby products to furniture and jewelry to bags and much much more.  I went to take a peek at the fair yesterday to see what kind of eco-friendly offerings there were and boy was there a lot.  I was actually quite excited about the vintage look that seemed to pervade much of the Home show.  While I know these products weren’t actually vintage, I’m happy it’s the look right now.  One more excuse to buy used!

Unfortunately my camera decided to run out of batteries so I don’t have pictures of the show for you, although that is a picture of my loot above (I know, I know, taking all the catalogs is not very eco-friendly, but when you have a memory like mine, it’s necessary).  Thankfully the vendors have amazing websites, so I’m going to use some of their pictures instead.  As a quick tease, here are a few of my favorites below.  I’ll be posting more about these and some of the other vendors I saw in the next couple weeks so stay tuned.

This blanket comes from D. Bryant Archie Textiles.  They sell the most beautiful throw pillows and blankets from 100% alpaca or linen.  And D. Bryant Archie herself is absolutely lovely.

These pictures absolutely don’t do this linen line justice – Libeco makes the most gorgeous linen I’ve seen.  They make pillows, kitchen towels, bath towels, table linens and more.

I actually saw these “stones” from Ronel Jordaan recently at one of my vendors showrooms and was amazed at how real they look.  They’re felted wool made to look like giant stones.  You can sit on them or just look at them.  They’re sold through Amaridian.

I loved these fair trade baskets from Swahili Wholesale.  They’re made by women in Swahili out of grasses and pieces of old prayer rugs.  And they come in tons of colors.

I’ve known about Stray Dog Designs for a while but it was so great to see their products in person.  It was great to see their newest line.  Plus, I have to say their photos don’t nearly do their light fixtures justice.

Okay, that was your quick tease for now.  More details about these and other wonderful eco-friendly products to follow.

Don’t worry, I’m not turning this blog into a stationary site, but in honor of my one year wedding anniversary (August 14!), I decided to do Monday’s room scheme as an eco-friendly paper inspired round-up instead.  All of the notebooks, binders and stationary below are made of recycled, certified or post-consumer products (or all three!) and are made by environmentally conscious companies.  But best of all, they look great.

There are tons of eco-friendly paper options out there; it was hard to select just these few.  Next time you’re in the market for office supplies, binders, notebooks or stationary think green first and support these great companies.

1.  Decomposition Notebook from Kate’s Paperie

2.  Academic Great Big Wall/Desk Calendar from Paper Source

3.  Project Binder from the Naked Binder

4.  Table Setting Paper Placemats from Kate’s Paperie

5.  Zinnia Album from Rag & Bone (there are a ton more cover options online so be sure to look!)

6.  Things to Remember Notepad from Little Otsu

7.  Letterpress Congratulations Card from Sycamore Street Press

8.  Hemp Drawing Book from Green Field Paper Company

9.  Plantable Seed Notes from Porridge Papers

I was on Three Potato Four’s website today and decided that I must be in a vintage mood because I wanted to buy just about everything they had.  Fortunately for my overcrowded apartment I was able to restrain myself, but I did pick out a few of my favorites to show you.  Definitely keep this wonderful website bookmarked for the next time you’re looking for the perfect vintage accent or storage piece.

I have talked about virtues of buying vintage before, but those of you wondering why I’m showing antique goods on a green design blog, in my opinion it’s one of the most eco-friendly purchases you can make.  Why?  You’re reusing goods rather than throwing them away and you’re saving additional resources from being used to create new things.  A double green bonus.  Enjoy!

1.  Antique book storage transfer files.  Very eco-chic way to store letters and papers that you never know what to do with.

2.  Sign Painter Signage.  Lug your rug.  Seriously. Awesome.

3.  Letterpress Wood Type Font Set.  This would look great hung on a wall just like this.

4.  Numbered Tea Sample Tins.  Great eco-friendly storage option.

5.  Open Till 9 Storefront Sign.  I must get this for my husband.

6.  Collection of Small Antique Bottles.  Perfect for summer buds.

7.  Beacon and Esmond Mills Blankets.  Beautiful.

8.  Local Roadside Orchard Signs.  They’re making me hungry!

9.  Tailor’s Male Dress Form.  Great just to display or to hang clothes.  His clothes of course.

Photos from Three Potato Four

We’re getting ready to do some major construction in our apartment.  While I’m not excited about the dust, the mess and having to move out, I am incredibly excited that I’ll finally get to wallpaper in our entry!  I’m a huge fan of all types of wallpaper but have never had it in my own house.  It’s about time.

As an interior designer I have access to a lot of sources, but even for me it’s still sometimes overwhelming to search out just the right thing.  Fortunately, there’s a fantastic resource called the Wallpaper Collective.  Founded Cindy Weil, the Wallpaper Collective is a one stop shop for beautiful, artisanal and super hip papers.  Perfect for that one special spot or an entire room.  She’s even arranged the website so you can see at a glance which papers are eco-friendly.  I’m sold.

I’ve picked a few of my favorite eco-friendly wallpapers for you, but there are a TON more online.  Even if you’re not on the lookout for wallpaper right now, the images are inspirational all on their own.  Enjoy!

This is my absolute favorite pattern.  Gorgeous!  Kaleido Gold from Jocelyn Warner.

This wallpaper is a beautiful combination of a feminine pattern in a cool color scheme.  Cascade Silver also from Jocelyn Warner.

For something a bit more modern, try this Elizabeth Moonbeam paper from Madison & Grow.

There are lots of graphic wallpapers if you’re looking for modern.  Delight in Water/Peppercorn from Mod Green Pod.

For those of you who like more texture in your wallpaper, there’s Paper Mills.  I couldn’t pick just one so here’s a selection of my favorites.  Pattern names from left to right: Little Havana, Pablo, Nono Channel, Bark, Tania, & Native.

And for the kids or the kids at heart, here’s a super cute elephant border.  They also have monkeys and ducks too.  Frederick Elephant in Red from Bholu.

All photos from the Wallpaper Collective

I’ve been in design magazine backlog (and frankly heaven!) over here lately so haven’t given a proper shout out to one of my new favorites, Pure Green Living Magazine.  One of the latest trends in the magazine industry is an online format for content rather than print.  For us green gals and guys out there, this is a fantastic move.  No paper, no ink, no delivery.  Very eco-friendly.

But Pure Green Living has taken their eco-friendliness one step further – it’s a whole magazine about green design and green living!  What more could a girl ask for?  Here’s a quick screenshot of the cover, but make sure to check out the whole issue online.  It’s wonderful.  The next issue is due out this fall so stay tuned for more eco goodness.

Okay, not literally green in color, but these baskets are eco-friendly.  In fact, decorating with baskets is a very eco-chic way to go.  Most are made from grasses, which are very rapidly renewing materials.  Just make sure to either select ones in natural, un-dyed colors or colored with vegetable or non-toxic dyes as all of these are.  It’s also a great way to support fair-trade in third world country since baskets are a traditional craft can be made by local artisans earning a living wage.  Here are my top 10 eco-friendly basket picks.

1. Traditional Tonga Winnowing Basket sold through Aid to Artisans

2.  African Market Basket from VivaTerra

3.  South African Checked Wire Vase sold through Aid to Artisans

4.  Dogon Baskets from Mali from Canvas

5.  Ikat Woven Collection from West Elm

6.  Soft Jute Collection from West Elm

7.  Floppy Basket made by Josh Jakus and sold through Branch Home

8.  Iringa Baskets from Tanzania from Canvas

9.  Woven bowls from Gone Rural and sold through Amaridian

10.  Zulu Wedding Baskets from L’Aviva Home

Happy Monday!  I’ve had kitchens on my mind lately since we’re about ready to redo ours.  While ours won’t look exactly like this scheme, I did want to take the opportunity to show you how modern and chic an eco-friendly kitchen can be.  I gathered a range of beautiful kitchen materials, energy efficient appliances and fun accessories.  I may have went a little bit overboard on this one, but I’ve really only scratched the surface of what is possible for a green kitchen.  Bear with all of my explanations and enjoy the beautiful kitchen selections of the week.

1.  This beautiful dimensional tile comes from Heath Ceramics.  It’s a great way to add some texture to your backsplash while still being super easy to clean.  It’s also a great combo of a modern pattern and warm white color.  Crease tile from Heath Ceramics.

2.  Engineered stone sometimes gets a bad rap for being not as natural looking as marble or granite.  But with all of the possible environmental issues of natural stone, I think this countertop from Ice Stone is a wonderful alternative, made locally of recycled glass and concrete.  Refined Collection in Snow Flurry from Ice Stone.

3.  These modern cabinets come from Breathe Easy and are made from sustainably harvested woods with low-VOC water based stains.  The cabinet door that I’ve selected is a horizontal grain oak with a dark wenge finish.

4.  You might think that linoleum is so 1970s, but it’s actually one of the greenest flooring materials out there.  It’s made from 100% renewable materials including linseed oil, rosins, wood flour and jute, and of course finished with ecologically responsible pigments.  It comes in a ton of colors, but I think this Slate grey would be very chic in this kitchen.  Marmoleum tile from Forbo.

5.  You’ve probably all heard about Energy Star ratings, a symbol to show you that your appliance is energy efficient.  This is a very important thing to look for when selecting appliances because better efficiency means that it’s better for the environment and your wallet.  This integrated refrigerator from Miele is, of course, Energy Star rated.

6.  I’m definitely one of those people that needs a cup of coffee in the morning.  Too bad I don’t have one of these coffee systems in my house (a girl can dream, can’t she?).  This one also comes from Miele, a company with a great environmental track record.

7.  This dishwasher comes from Bosch, as is said to be the most efficient dishwasher in the US.  I’ll have to take their word for it.  Either way, it’s leaps and bounds above our current dishwasher.  800 plus dishwasher from Bosch.

8.  Of course you’ll need something to chop all of your fresh veggies on.  There are a ton of bamboo and cork cutting board options out there, but I like this butcher block style.  Bamboo chopping block sold through Green Feet.

9.  These bamboo cooking utensils are handmade by Bambu in China from 100% organically grown bamboo and natural food safe wood oil.  Bambu only works with manufacturing partners who demonstrate a commitment to environmental protection, worker health and safety and fair labor practices.  You can feel good about your choice while stirring your spaghetti!  Bamboo Utensils from Bambu and sold through Branch.

10.  Also sold through Branch is this beautiful flower vessel made from a low-fire ceramic (which means it takes less energy to make) and finished with a non-toxic glaze.  Vessel: Ivy handmade by Perch and sold through Branch.

11.  I love dishes and dinnerware of all kind so it’s always tough for me to choose just one.  What I like about these beautiful ones from Vivaterra is that they have both a modern and handmade quality to them.  And right now they’re also on sale!  Birch dinnerware from VivaTerra.

12.  These tumblers are made from the lower portion of recycled California Chardonay wine bottles.  And then they use the top half for the wine glasses.  Brilliant!  11oz Topaz Clear Equus tumblers from Bambeco.

13.  I just had to include this piece because I love the contrast of the warm bamboo against the outer gray bowl.  Large Salad Bowl from Bambu and sold through Feel More Human.

14.  Induction cooktops are very eco-friendly because they cook food much faster by directing heat directly to the cookware (and thus your food), and therefore don’t waste energy.  36″ Induction Cooktop from Wolf.

15.  And lastly, phew!  This eco-chic tea towel is made from 100% organic cotton and printed with water based non-toxic inks.  Ikat Chevron Tea Towel from Hammocks & High Tea.

You may not know Sara Rotman, but you’ve probably seen some of her work. Her company, MODCo Creative Inc., created the logo for Tory Burch.  She’s also worked with Carolina Herrera and Pour La Victoire to name just a few more.  But her weekend home in the Berkshires is a much different type of design.  It’s a Modernist house complete with hip and fun furnishings, geothermal power and solar panels.   She collaborated with David Mann on the project, founder of MR Architecture + Décor, who she worked with on the Tory Burch Nolita store.  I think it’s a very successful design.  It’s modern, sleek and green without feeling cold and impersonal.  Here are some pictures of the house from the New York Times.  Enjoy!

Here’s the facade.  I love the contrast of the natural wood and the dark green lawn.

I’m a huge fan of concrete floors.  And I love all the light this house gets!

I’m not usually a fan of antler chandeliers, but it looks so fun and cheeky above the red lacquer chairs.

The natural wood on the ceiling is a fantastic way to warm up the house.

Here are the solar panels and of course her dog in the distance.

I love the infinity pool.  I wouldn’t mind hanging out at this house!

All photos from NY Times

I’ve been advocating living a greener life for quite some time now to anyone who will listen to me jabber on.  But even with my passion, I can tell that too much technical talk can be, well, too much.  So when I started this blog, I made a conscious decision not to do too much hard selling, assuming that I would already be preaching to the choir.  I still plan to continue that way, but I wanted to share what I think is one of the most understandable and entertaining videos out there about why you should go green.

The Story of Stuff is a short film that was created and written by Annie Leonard and released back in December 2007.  I’ve watched it numerous times and suggest it to anyone I know who is interested (or not) in sustainability.  It’s been viewed over 12 million times and if you haven’t seen it, you absolutely should.  It’s about 20 minutes long, but there’s so much information and not once does it feel technical and dry.  I’ve included the video below, but you can also visit the Story of Stuff website or YouTube to see it.

Now you’re probably saying to yourself, “Petra, 2007 is so not breaking news.  Where have you been the last three years?”  And you would be right.  However, in my defense, it’s an amazing movie that everyone should watch.  And in those last three years, Annie has been making sequels to this one to explain other aspects of green living, including the Story of Cap & Trade, the Story of Bottled Water and the Story of Electronics (coming soon).  Her latest video, The Story of Cosmetics is now officially out.  I’ve included the video of this one below as well.  You can of course, see it on their website or on YouTube.

If you can’t tell already, I absolutely believe in what Annie Leonard and the Story of Stuff are saying.  But I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.  Do you agree?  Disagree?  Let’s start the discussion.  As always, you can comment here, or find me on Twitter @PrettyLGreen.

Photos and videos from The Story of Stuff

I’ve always planned that when I have children I would paint one wall of their room with blackboard paint so they could go to town and draw all over their walls.  But with writeUp H2O from Designtex, I may have to change that wall to dry erase.  This product comes in cans and is applied just like paint so you can make your dry erase board as big or as little as you’d like.  Plus, not only does it turn any wall you want into a writeable and erasable surface, it’s also green.  The paint is low-VOC and can contribute to LEED points.  I wish I had better pictures to show you, but this was all they had online.  Either way, it’s still a very cool product for home or office.

If any of you ever decide to use this in your home or office, send me your installation shots.  I’d love to see how it turns out!

Photos from Designtex