See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 08/21/08

Overstock.com is generally a great site for finding buys on the cheap. You can find anything you want, from bedding and artwork to clothing, computer parts and electronics. A virtual discount superstore, if you will. That said, Overstock in the past... See more

Overstock.com is generally a great site for finding buys on the cheap. You can find anything you want, from bedding and artwork to clothing, computer parts and electronics. A virtual discount superstore, if you will. That said, Overstock in the past had not proven to be a very good source of green products. You might find an organic cotton sheet here or there, or a vase or 2 made of bamboo. So when I found this furniture, it almost bowled me over. An eco-friendly sofa, even upholstered in organic cotton, for less than $600? “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I thought. Apparently, neither my eyes nor my mind were playing tricks on me. Sure, its not the loveliest sofa I’ve ever seen, and not really my style. But when I find green furniture that’s not used for this kind of price, I HAVE to pass it on to my readers. Seriously, you could spend more than $600 just buying eco-friendly fabrics to re-upholster your existing sofa — many of those fabrics cost more than $100 a yard. But a sofa... See less

Highlights: Price: Sofa: $579.99; Chair & Ottoman Set: $489.99 (aff)

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 07/25/08

My husband and I spent an afternoon earlier this week making our way through thrift stores trying to find hidden treasures: ie. ugly, outdated, or damaged furniture pieces that we could rehab and turn into something magnificent. The thing about that... See more

My husband and I spent an afternoon earlier this week making our way through thrift stores trying to find hidden treasures: ie. ugly, outdated, or damaged furniture pieces that we could rehab and turn into something magnificent. The thing about that is, you literally have to be a visionary. You have to be able to look past said object’s current state and see it for what it can be — not always an easy task. Luckily for all of us, there are so many companies that specialize in rehabbing vintage furniture. Lotus Bleu, a company I discovered via Jetson Green, makes the task look easy. Who could resist these vintage chairs restored with gorgeous, modern fabrics? I couldn’t even pick a favorite! From chaise lounges to danish armchairs and loveseats, each one-of-a-kind piece has classic bones and contemporary styling — the type of furniture you’ll want to hand down to your children. See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 07/10/08

Lately, I’ve taken a liking to cool benches and unusual chairs. After all, sitting isn’t exactly the most exciting activity in the world, so you may as well look good doing it. This great Tiki Stool is the perfect marriage of form and function. It... See more

Lately, I’ve taken a liking to cool benches and unusual chairs. After all, sitting isn’t exactly the most exciting activity in the world, so you may as well look good doing it. This great Tiki Stool is the perfect marriage of form and function. It can serve as a modern side or end table with extra storage underneath when you need it to. But if you are entertaining, it can serve as extra seating for your guests. Because it comes in a variety of fun colors, it is also perfect for kids’ rooms. And an added bonus: Sitting in it will help teach your children good posture. No slouching allowed here, kids. Its curvy, organic form is inspired by Tiki mugs and barware from the 60’s. So it will give you a little retro flair with a contemporary feel that is sure to liven up your room. See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 07/09/08

Eco-friendly furniture is becoming more widely available now that big box retailers like Crate & Barrel are taking the initia... See more

Eco-friendly furniture is becoming more widely available now that big box retailers like Crate & Barrel are taking the initiative to create green options. But I once heard someone say if you really want to green, you have to build it yourself. I don’t know about you, but I’m not quite handy enough to turn pieces of scrap wood or bamboo plywood into beautiful pieces of furniture. Paul Mirocha is that talented, and he’s sharing his artistry with the world. Mirocha is a self-taught artist and woodworker out of Oakland, CA, who makes astonishingly beautiful furniture and lighting from salvaged, certified, reclaimed, reused, and otherwise discarded wood and other materials. He shared this with me about a piece he recently created, “The Poor Mans Writing Desk,” which was made from a pile of old-growth Douglas Fir he found in front of a house being remodeled in Berkeley, CA. The owners said “Take as much as you want. Just don’t make a mess.” I thought to myself “you don’t know what your... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/30/08

I used to just smile and nod at my husband to hear him talk about how much the trees and nature inspired him. That is, until I sat outside with him one day and just paid attention. No talking, no books, no nothing — just us and nature. And I got it.... See more

I used to just smile and nod at my husband to hear him talk about how much the trees and nature inspired him. That is, until I sat outside with him one day and just paid attention. No talking, no books, no nothing — just us and nature. And I got it. Clearly, artist Alena Hennessy understands it too. These eco-art prints are clearly inspired by the beauty of nature and use materials to match. They are screen-printed by hand on sturdy woven organic cotton and come ready to hang — no frame necessary. And of course, my favorite little birdie motif shows up here again in a print appropriately called “joy.” But if you’re not as fond of birds as I am, there are lots of other prints to choose from (as well as a bonus — a couple of fashionable organic tees and scarves). See less

Highlights: Price: $74

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/28/08

This is one of the most innovative and useful products I have found in a long time. On my desk, there tends to be little piles of “stuff”. Paper clips, pens and pencils, USB drives, and lots more. I currently tend to stuff them all into the one small... See more

This is one of the most innovative and useful products I have found in a long time. On my desk, there tends to be little piles of “stuff”. Paper clips, pens and pencils, USB drives, and lots more. I currently tend to stuff them all into the one small wire mesh basket that’s next to my mouse. If you’ve ever seen wire mesh, you know it isn’t the most attractive thing to look at. Functional? Yes. Attractive? Not in the least. If I could have just one of these recycled paper baskets on my desk, it would be a brighter, more cheerful and organized place to work. What I really like is that they start off flat, ideal for use as a placemat or even a unique mouse pad. Then when you need some extra storage, simply snap the corners together and voila! It’s a basket! Even if your office isn’t the place where you most need it, it can be used as a tray or serving basket. This would be perfect to serve bread in if your family enjoys eating outdoors. They are made from recycled paper and cotton woven... See less

Highlights: Price: $16.95 ($24.95 for 2)

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/27/08

I think summer makes everyone a little giddy. At least it does for me. It’s not just that the weather is great for going outside and visiting the local community pool, although those definitely help. It’s knowing that I get to play dress up with my... See more

I think summer makes everyone a little giddy. At least it does for me. It’s not just that the weather is great for going outside and visiting the local community pool, although those definitely help. It’s knowing that I get to play dress up with my patio and back yard. I know — I’m a design geek. I can’t help it. I found the Ultimate Hammock from Gaiam the other day, and I thought I’d hit the jackpot as far as eco-friendly hammocks go, but I think I have a new favorite. This hammock from TING Home is a great example of eco-innovation at work. It is made of reclaimed and repurposed seatbelts, or if you want to be technical, seatbelt webbing. It is weather-resistant, and both rope and mounting hardware are included. Who knew old seatbelts could look so good?! Designer Inghua Ting founded TING in 2000 with sustainable design in mind. She set out to reuse materials that have been overlooked in new ways, and boy, did she ever succeed! If I am ever presented with a series of mundane objects... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/27/08

While I love home products that are made of recycled paper, its not often I like products that actually look like recycled paper. Thankfully, I’m an open-minded decorator. Otherwise, I may have missed the beauty in these Lumalight table lamps. They... See more

While I love home products that are made of recycled paper, its not often I like products that actually look like recycled paper. Thankfully, I’m an open-minded decorator. Otherwise, I may have missed the beauty in these Lumalight table lamps. They are both sleek and sculptural, with a soft wave that reminds me of water cascading over the edge of an Infinity pool. When turned on, the 100% recycled paper construction allows a soft glow to shine through, creating a unique ambience. And though it must be assembled, the lamp has a zipper on the back to make that easy for you. Each lamp is signed by the designer, Roland Simmons, to guarantee its authenticity and quality. Recycled materials can be exceptionally beautiful if we just take the time to look. You will see another example of creative recycling in my next post. See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/27/08

I try every day to be the greenest mom I can be, protecting my kids from the harmful toxins found in many cleaning products and other items around my home. And when I swore off using disposable plates for the sake of the Earth, I had to find a viable... See more

I try every day to be the greenest mom I can be, protecting my kids from the harmful toxins found in many cleaning products and other items around my home. And when I swore off using disposable plates for the sake of the Earth, I had to find a viable alternative — preferably not one made of plastic (I don’t even want to imagine the offgassing that happens in the microwave). So that left the ceramic and glass plates I have in my cabinet. Eco-friendly as they might be, they’re not very kid-friendly. So I set out to find something I can let my kids use. What I found was these Bambu Veneerware plates. They are not the perfect solution since they are still disposable, but the upside is that you can toss them in your compost pile and they will decompose in 4-6 months. These are all-occasion plates that you can take outdoors or give to your kids. And I’m sure your they will appreciate the Bamdino plates with a dinosaur etched in the center. You can also get the 24-piece bamboo flatware set to... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/26/08

I am always looking for unique items to hang on walls. There is always wall art, and my beloved wallpaper, but sometimes I like to look outside the box for something three-dimensional that can make a bold statement without screaming. Understated,... See more

I am always looking for unique items to hang on walls. There is always wall art, and my beloved wallpaper, but sometimes I like to look outside the box for something three-dimensional that can make a bold statement without screaming. Understated, versatile elegance, if you will. And something my husband will let me get away with (ie. not too frilly or girly). This hanging vase is the ideal solution. In my mind’s eye, I can already see a group of several vases hanging on the wall with organically-grown flowers in various bright, bold colors. Talk about a living wall! And at this price point, it won’t break your pocket to create a gorgeous, green wall installation that you can put your own creative spin on. There is a hole on the side of the vase near the top for easy hanging. If you prefer, you can also sit it on a flat surface as a traditional vase, but personally, I am anything but traditional. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again — vases don’t have to be used for flowers. Fill... See less

Highlights: Price: $19

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/26/08

Lately, I’ve been crushing over a few specific types of decor doodads and themes: wallpaper, bird silhouettes, vintage pieces and Fair Trade and international items. It is probably fairly obvious based on the items I’ve written about over the past... See more

Lately, I’ve been crushing over a few specific types of decor doodads and themes: wallpaper, bird silhouettes, vintage pieces and Fair Trade and international items. It is probably fairly obvious based on the items I’ve written about over the past several weeks, but I just wanted to confirm it for anyone who may have been wondering. NOVICA, a marketplace associated with National Geographic, is a great place to find Fair Trade and international pieces from artisans across the globe. What is unique about NOVICA is the information provided about each artist. You see their photos, know their names, know what drives them to do what they do — it creates a personal connection with the product when you know exactly where it came from and know the story behind it. It makes it more than just a purchase of a pretty jewelry box. It makes it an international experience. This particular jewelry box, “Floral Mystery,” was made by Handaru Baskoro, and Indonesian batik artisan who has been featured in... See less

Highlights: Price: $54.95 (aff)

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/25/08

To say that it makes me happy to find natural interior paint that is non-toxic would be a serious understatement. I’m like a kid in a candy store when I find products like this. I get excited and immediately want to try a little bit of everything.... See more

To say that it makes me happy to find natural interior paint that is non-toxic would be a serious understatement. I’m like a kid in a candy store when I find products like this. I get excited and immediately want to try a little bit of everything. And with good reason… Green Planet Paints is a company that uses natural mineral (clay) and plant-based ingredients to make their matte-finish paints. It is also great to find a paint manufacturer that goes beyond one green product in their whole line — they support a complete culture of sustainability and do their share. See below for some of their green practices. Their paints are also made in the U.S. (in a wide variety of colors, might I add), so there are fewer worries about the distance your paint purchase must travel to reach you. If you wish, you can also try to find a dealer in your area. See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/24/08

I am once again here to tout the benefits of buying products that are not only eco-friendly, but also Fair Trade. The Rwanda Path to Peace Collection from Macy’s includes gorgeous baskets that are handwoven by Rwandan women, providing them with a... See more

I am once again here to tout the benefits of buying products that are not only eco-friendly, but also Fair Trade. The Rwanda Path to Peace Collection from Macy’s includes gorgeous baskets that are handwoven by Rwandan women, providing them with a source of sustainable income. That means these baskets are not only beautiful — they support a cause you can feel good about that carries a meaning much deeper than the beauty of the product. For many of these women and their children and villages, the sale of their baskets means clean water, more nutritious food, better access to HIV/AIDS medications and collaboration between members of the Hutu and Tutsi tribes, the two groups at odds during the 1994 genocide that left nearly 1 million Rwandan citizens dead. If that’s not a cause worthy of your money, I don’t know what is. The baskets are available in several styles and colors, each equally beautiful. Each basket includes a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Why It’s Green: * Made of 100%... See less

Highlights: Price: $35-120

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/24/08

While you are in the process of greening your home, don’t forget your nursery. In fact, for many green moms I know, their nurseries were the first rooms to get the eco-friendly treatment, mostly because they were in the market for new bedding anyway.... See more

While you are in the process of greening your home, don’t forget your nursery. In fact, for many green moms I know, their nurseries were the first rooms to get the eco-friendly treatment, mostly because they were in the market for new bedding anyway. And as I’ve said before, if you’re going to buy new, buy green. This lovely, calming Sleepy Safari Crib Bedding set by Nature’s Purest will be a great addition to your new nursery decor, provided you’re OK with the light, natural colors. Crib-dwelling little ones typically don’t get dirty enough to make light-colored bedding an issue, but only you can decide how light is too light. The naturally-colored set features whimsical safari animals that are sure to give your baby imaginative dreams and includes a comforter, bumper pad, fitted crib sheet, and crib ruffle. And while you’re at it, get the matching throw pillow and mobile, and call your eco-nursery complete. Why It’s Green: * Produced without any use of harmful pesticides, chemicals,... See less

Highlights: Price: $197.95 (aff)

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/23/08

Eco-friendly fabrics are at the heart of any green decor project. With softgoods accounting for a significant percentage of key elements in your rooms, including upholstery, window treatments, pillow covers and more, it is essential to use fabrics... See more

Eco-friendly fabrics are at the heart of any green decor project. With softgoods accounting for a significant percentage of key elements in your rooms, including upholstery, window treatments, pillow covers and more, it is essential to use fabrics that are easy on the Earth. Namely, organic cotton, hemp, jute, bamboo and the like. For this reason, I am always exicted to find textile makers who focus on eco-friendly produts. Brand new to the eco-textile market, Rubie Green has entered with a bang. Their line of organic cotton prints is nothing less than ultra-chic sophistication. They are type of fabrics that can take an old chair or headboard from unimpressive to astonishing. I love the company’s philosophy: “We know that natural does not mean boring, and that interiors make a house a home.” The print shown above on the throw pillow is Mary, a vibrant, zebra-inspired pattern that comes with an attitude to match. It is available in black or natural. Other available fabrics include... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/23/08

I love finding pieces of furniture that tell a story…items that hold character and that you can feel good owning. The Zaishu bench collection will do all that and more. Zaishu is an award-winning bench/seat/table that slots together simply and... See more

I love finding pieces of furniture that tell a story…items that hold character and that you can feel good owning. The Zaishu bench collection will do all that and more. Zaishu is an award-winning bench/seat/table that slots together simply and represents the marriage of cultural creativity and sustainable design. The benches feature artwork from well-known artists like David Bromley and Stewart Russell, but they also feature artwork from community groups, tribal art, and hand-painted designs from Bollywood artists. The print shown above is the Mini International print by Australian designers Tin & Ed. $50 from each sale of this particular print will go to the charity Ripple, an online-based initiative that allows users to contribute to various causes by viewing ads. The second pattern shown is Antique Kimono, a name that is appropriate for colorful artwork reminiscent of these ancient Japanese garments. There are several other patterns to suit your fancy. Owning one, or several, of... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/21/08

When furnishing your home, I believe the bedroom is a room homeowners should focus on. Sure, it’s unlikely any of your guests will ever see it, but it is a place where you will likely spend a lot of time. And besides, you are decorating your home so... See more

When furnishing your home, I believe the bedroom is a room homeowners should focus on. Sure, it’s unlikely any of your guests will ever see it, but it is a place where you will likely spend a lot of time. And besides, you are decorating your home so you will love it — not just for entertaining. Because of this, furniture selection is important, particularly your bed. You’ll spend a third of your lifetime sleeping, so why not fall asleep in comfort and luxury that you absolutely love? Natural, eco-friendly bedding and a natural latex mattress may be all you need to get there. But if you can afford to go all out, a luxurious bed could take your room over the top. And I don’t know about you, but the Ibiza Panel Bed makes me feel all warm inside. As much as I love clean, contemporary, green simplicity, every now and then a find something frilly and girly that I fall in love with. And don’t ever tell him I told you, but my husband loves this bed too. The Ibiza bed has an Art Nouveau-... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/21/08

Green flooring options are becoming more abundant these days. And if you know anything about carpet, you know that no matter what it’s made of, even if it’s recycled or otherwise eco-friendly in terms of materials, it is one of the most unhealthy... See more

Green flooring options are becoming more abundant these days. And if you know anything about carpet, you know that no matter what it’s made of, even if it’s recycled or otherwise eco-friendly in terms of materials, it is one of the most unhealthy (though affordable) floor coverings you can have in your home. Carpet traps everything you track in on the bottom of your shoes: dirt, bacteria and who knows what else. If you must have carpet, stick to area rugs or carpet tiles that can be washed and/or replaced. That said, cork flooring is a wonderful, natural option to consider. It is very affordable, starting around $3/sq. ft., and because it comes from the part of a tree that grows back naturally and can be harvested several times, it is sustainable. It looks and feels luxurious and comes in a variety of styles and colors, with a small sample of your options shown above. And what’s even better is that it’s a no-hassle installation process. These Uniclic cork floor panels from DuroDesign... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/20/08

One of my goals before I leave this Earth is to live in a home that is completely self-sufficient — a life off the grid. In fact, I want my home to produce so much alternative energy that some of it is fed back into the grid to provide power for... See more

One of my goals before I leave this Earth is to live in a home that is completely self-sufficient — a life off the grid. In fact, I want my home to produce so much alternative energy that some of it is fed back into the grid to provide power for other homes. A lofty goal, I know. Unless I become a millionaire tomorrow (did you hear that, Universe?), that goal probably won’t be fulfilled for quite some time. Fortunately, due to the ingenuity of so many designers who are concerned about sustainability, we can take baby steps. I actually like to think of the SunTable as more of a brisk toddler stride. Place it in a sunny outdoor location and it automatically stores backup energy. Power up your laptop, radio, water purifier and other small electronics for up to 5 hours (you’ll get about 4 with a laptop). In direct sunlight, it charges in about 4 hours. Can you imagine how great this would be to have during a blackout? There’s always flashlights and kerosene lamps for lighting, but it would... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/20/08

I know, I know — I’m back on my wallpaper fetish again. But let’s be honest…isn’t this delicious? Brown is by far my favorite color, with gray as a close second, and when paired with bright colors like orange and green, I just can’t resist. Who makes... See more

I know, I know — I’m back on my wallpaper fetish again. But let’s be honest…isn’t this delicious? Brown is by far my favorite color, with gray as a close second, and when paired with bright colors like orange and green, I just can’t resist. Who makes this beautiful wallpaper, you ask. Olli & Lime, in their own words: Olli & Lime is about great design, without compromise. We produce children’s bedroom furnishings, yet we don’t let them conform to the ‘fluffy’ stereotype. We believe in high-quality manufacturing, while respecting the environment. We take all the usual steps; using recycled materials and recycling what we use, wherever possible. I love designers who have an eye on the future, and I have to thank Tiny Décor for my discovery of this line. Although their line is technically for kids, I’d be happy to have an accent wall covered in their Carrie wallpaper (shoe print shown above) an a grown-up space as well. The wallpaper is printed in the UK, with heavy-duty paper from... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/20/08

As eco-friendly bedding goes, I personally prefer organic cotton. As I’ve said before, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of organic cotton against your skin, particularly after a warm shower. Bamboo is next on my list. It has a feel that is... See more

As eco-friendly bedding goes, I personally prefer organic cotton. As I’ve said before, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of organic cotton against your skin, particularly after a warm shower. Bamboo is next on my list. It has a feel that is reminiscent of silk, and we all know that bamboo is among the most sustainable resources being used today. This Elm bedding by Lawrence, part of their eco-friendly Sky Collection, is 60% bamboo, 40% cotton (organic would have been better), but it’s 100% beautiful. Textile manufacturers use nature silhouettes so often in prints for a reason: They are gorgeous! I definitely love a little color in my bedding, but this neutral color scheme, paired with a sophisticated print, make it exceptional even without bolder color. The tree embroidered front and center on the comforter as well as the button, thread and natural stone details on the pillowcases and shams give it that little “something” that makes it work. And unlike many other luxury bedding... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/19/08

In the spirit of summertime living and making our outdoor spaces as beautiful and comfortable as indoors, I began hunting for an eco-friendly hammock. I also had a selfish reason for this, because I wanted to get my hubby a hammock for Father’s Day,... See more

In the spirit of summertime living and making our outdoor spaces as beautiful and comfortable as indoors, I began hunting for an eco-friendly hammock. I also had a selfish reason for this, because I wanted to get my hubby a hammock for Father’s Day, and being the woman I am, if I was going to buy one new, it had to be green. I considered organic cotton, I thought about leaving it outdoors for an extended time and the moisture, elements and rain it would be susceptible to. Wet fabric leads to mold, so I had to scratch that off the list. Next up: hemp. I like hemp as much as the next guy, but it just wasn’t what I was looking for. Little did I know I’d find this little eco-friendly gem from Gaiam. The “Ultimate Hammock” as it is so appropriately called is made of recycled soda bottles. This is great for me for 2 reasons. The obvious reason: it’s green. But secondly, it is waterproof and should stand up to the elements well. This last one is key since if I know my husband, he’ll get a... See less

Highlights: Price: $189 (aff)

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/19/08

I had been eyeing this absolutely gorgeous mango wood vase for a long time. But being the eco-savvy decorator that I am, I had to do a little research to find out exactly why mango wood is sustainable. See the “Why It’s Green” area below for more on... See more

I had been eyeing this absolutely gorgeous mango wood vase for a long time. But being the eco-savvy decorator that I am, I had to do a little research to find out exactly why mango wood is sustainable. See the “Why It’s Green” area below for more on that. Sleek, sophisticated forms light my fire, and this piece may as well be a bunch of dry twigs thrown into an open fireplace. The transition from the lighter wood at the top of the cylinder to the deep, dark wood at the bottom is captivating. It is tall and regal, and the perfect vase to use for an organic bouquet centerpiece. See less

Highlights: Price: $18.95

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/19/08

I am originally from the Virgin Islands, and after being stung by jellyfish more than once while swimming in the ocean, it was a little hard for me to see the beauty in the creatures. Thankfully, there are artists like Tanis Alexis Laird out there... See more

I am originally from the Virgin Islands, and after being stung by jellyfish more than once while swimming in the ocean, it was a little hard for me to see the beauty in the creatures. Thankfully, there are artists like Tanis Alexis Laird out there who can see the good in everything, and she does a wonderful job of expressing that beauty here. Laird is an artist living in Vancouver, Canada, who is inspired by nature, colour, music and eco-friendly styles. This colorful, graphic Jellyfish Eco Print shows one of nature’s most unusual creatures in all its glory, stinging tentacles and all. The coloring gives it a warmth that is sometimes missing in art inspired by the sea. And it is a perfect reminder that there is a place for everything in nature. And any stylish environmentalist can appreciate the depth in that message. See less

Highlights: Price: $20

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/18/08

A green lifestyle can be achieved in obvious ways: By reducing consumption, reusing what you can, recycling, buying sustainable products when you buy new, and doing what you can to reduce your impact on the Earth in general. But if you ask anyone who... See more

A green lifestyle can be achieved in obvious ways: By reducing consumption, reusing what you can, recycling, buying sustainable products when you buy new, and doing what you can to reduce your impact on the Earth in general. But if you ask anyone who truly understands the green movement, they will tell you that it’s about more than just that. It’s also about supporting fair trade and encouraging and rewarding the ingenuity and hard work of artisans from across the world. These colorful wildlife sculptures offer the perfect opportunity to do so, all the while gaining a unique piece of art for your home. UniquEco Designs, a fair trade company based in Kenya, Africa, sells these colorful animals, offering workers in that region a viable way to earn a living. The sculptures are made of recycled flip flops, of which there is an abundant supply, removing them from the waste stream. Local artisans search the shores for washed-up slippers, and the found pieces are glued together and hand... See less

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/18/08

If you are a hands-on decorator who loves the idea of creating affordable, custom pieces that are a true reflection of your style, you are the customer Mio Culture had in mind when they created this product. The Bendant Lamps lets you do the... See more

If you are a hands-on decorator who loves the idea of creating affordable, custom pieces that are a true reflection of your style, you are the customer Mio Culture had in mind when they created this product. The Bendant Lamps lets you do the designing. It is a funky fixture comprised of a series of bendable leaf-life pieces connected at the center. Bend the shades up or down to create a finished fixture that is uniquely you. The lamp is delivered flat, as shown above left, reducing both the materials needed to create it as well as the amount of packaging needed. It is also available in three color options: white, silver and lemon (shown). That makes it an automatic win in my book. See less

Highlights: Price: $175

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/17/08

I will readily admit that I am not the green thumb in my household. My husband is more at home with his hands in the dirt than almost anywhere else, and he has potted plants everywhere, both indoors and out. As soon as I saw these planters at... See more

I will readily admit that I am not the green thumb in my household. My husband is more at home with his hands in the dirt than almost anywhere else, and he has potted plants everywhere, both indoors and out. As soon as I saw these planters at Apartment Therapy, I knew I had to pass them along. These colorful planters are made of natural rice husks. They have a textured glaze that makes them slightly retro, with a beautiful curvy form and saucer to catch extra water. Your plants will live a beautiful, healthy life in these pots. They aren’t very large at 6″ tall and a 6″ diameter, but the right size to allow you create a small, colorful garden collection. They are available in five colors: natural, ebony, orange, avocado & mocha. I wish I had found these before Father’s Day. I think a set of 5 of these pots would’ve made my husband grin from ear to ear. And at this great price, you can afford to buy as many as your heart desire. See less

Highlights: Price: $6.20

See this at: greenyourdecor.com| Added on 06/16/08

With the news that the vinyl shower curtains so many households use in their bathrooms are laced with toxins, many are seeking alternatives that are safer for their families. Traditional vinyl shower curtains were found to have contained toxins that... See more

With the news that the vinyl shower curtains so many households use in their bathrooms are laced with toxins, many are seeking alternatives that are safer for their families. Traditional vinyl shower curtains were found to have contained toxins that can be linked to liver damage as well as damage to the central nervous, respiratory and reproductive systems, according to researchers for the Virginia-based Center for Health, Environment & Justice. Not really worth it for that new curtain smell. Organic cotton and hemp are the obvious green alternatives, but the reason many people use vinyl in the first place is because of its convenience and affordability, two qualities that cotton and hemp cannot easily boast. For those of you who love IKEA, and there are many, you will be happy to learn that they carry several stylish shower curtains made of PEVA, an non-vinyl alternative that performs similar to standard PVC but without the chlorine and other toxins that make it hazardous to your... See less