Pretty Little Green Things

Archive for February, 2012

Sure, there are all the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts that you can give.  But this year why not take your presents up a notch and give the eco-friendly version instead?  I’ve compiled a few options so your ‘I Love You’ can be both red & green.

1. Bouquets of flowers are the most traditional and foolproof gift option for Valentine’s Day.  But not all flowers are eco-friendly, so make sure you do it right.  Check out your green flower options here.

2. I’m a fan of jewelry for Valentine’s (I mean who isn’t?), but nothing says I love you quite like green jewelry.  Among all the shops out there, Linhardt is a personal fave.

3. Why not give a practical gift this year?  I love the funky red design of this Baggu reusable grocery bag.  Even better if you fill it with organic food.

4. A little red in your life is always welcome.  And how cute are these felt purses from Canvas?

5. Instead of the traditional bouquet of flowers, plant a tree.  Plant a Billion from the Nature Conservatory is one option among many.

6. Give organic or locally produced chocolate.  One option is Dagoba, a chocolate company dedicated to sustainably grown, organic cacao.

7. What better way to say I love you than with a heart?  I love these hand crafted French ceramic hearts from ABC Home.

8. Make your own Valentines with this eco-friendly stamp kit from Branch.

9. Give a Valentine’s Day card made from recycled paper like this cute French Bulldog from Sycamore Street Press.

10. How about this red water bottle from bkr?  Made from glass instead of plastic, it’s a very green way to get your 8 glasses of water a day.

I love a leisurely bike ride as much as the next person, but I have always been in awe of the subset of New Yorkers who are brave enough (or crazy enough?) to navigate the insane traffic of this fair city.  Maybe someday if I ever move to a less populated (read: fewer cars) area of the country, I’ll get myself a bike.  In the meantime, I’ll stick with walking, taking public transport and living vicariously through these brave souls.  But that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a good looking and eco-friendly bicycle.

Panda Bicycles was created by three friends at Colorado State University, obsessed with making the world a better place.  They set about making a bicycle that had it all – a unique, classic design with well-crafted, innovative, safe and hi-tech details.  The bamboo frame of this vintage inspired piece is not only good looking but also eco-friendly, naturally hefty and non-corrosive.  As Panda Bicycles says, “we’re growing bikes,” which I think couldn’t be more true.  As for me, just imagine me on one of these bikes with a basket, sundress, jaunty little hat and no traffic.

Photos by Panda Bicycles