The Modern Materialist : green

Vegan Sandals That Look Like Leather

Diana Vilibert — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:47:00 GMT

In honor of Earth Day on Wednesday, I wanted to share these lovely sandals--proving that "vegan" and "fashion" can come together in very chic ways. More about this vegan shoe, after the jump:

These chic spring Olsen Haus ‘David’ sandals look like leather but are actually made from 100% vegan, animal/cruelty-free faux patent leather. Olsen Haus produces only environmentally conscious and animal-friendly clothes and accessories, so if you're looking to green up your wardrobe, this is the place to do it.

[Olsen Haus via Trendhunter]

Start Your (Eco-Friendly) Engines!

Diana Vilibert — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:44:00 GMT

WTF, right? Yeah, that was my initial reaction too. It's the WorldFirst F3 race car, the first Formula 3 racing car designed and made from sustainable and renewable materials. More on the WorldFirst F3, after the jump:

The team at the Warwick Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre incorporated a steering wheel made out of carrots, a seat made of soybeans, plant-oil based lubricants and a biodiesel engine capable of running on chocolate and vegetable oil. And last but not least, the car is capable of cleaning the air as it drives thanks to its revolutionary emission-destroying catalyst.

[via Inhabitat]

Go Green On-Screen

Steph Auteri — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:02:00 GMT

Don't you just love how the letters on these mag pages were recycled ransom-note style?

Go green on-screen as well, with this new eco-friendly font:

[FREE, Ecofont]

Because of the tiny holes in this font, it uses up 20 percent less ink when you print.

Happy Hour: Make Every Drink Irish

Steph Auteri — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:58:00 GMT

Who needs a special day to drink like the Irish? I suggest buying a bunch of these glasses:

[$41, Cloudberry Living]

That way, you'll be seeing green every day.

Sleep Easy on Eco-Friendly Pillows

Steph Auteri — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:19:00 GMT

[$55, Etsy]

What so great about these pillows (aside from how darn cute they are)?

These fabric, appliqued pillows by Etsy seller alexandra ferguson are made from 100% recycled felt from plastic water bottles.

After the jump, some more ways you can protect the environment with your eyes closed:

[$55, Etsy]

[$62, Etsy]

[Via Apartment Therapy]

These Glasses Give Me Wood

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:23:00 GMT

Even before I needed glasses, I wanted them. Inspired by the likes of Egon Spengler and Peter Parker, I thought glasses were the coolest accessory and I was so glad when I was diagnosed with nearsightedness. (I'm so into glasses that I don't even own a pair of contacts.) I'm wearing my current pair from Moscot in the picture above, but I've been thinking about deviating from my usual thick-rimmed frames for something else. . .

I've also lately had an obsession with wood products, my favorite being these wooden handle bars. I think I just found my next pair of frames:

They are almost exactly like my current frames, but made out of wood (Desert Ironwood, to be exact)! I don't even care that they match my skin color, these Urban Spectacles wooden glasses frames are so goddamn nice. The best part? Urban Spectacles makes everything custom. They will precisely measure your head and design the glasses, then you pick the wood and they carve it by hand, apply the final oil coat and voila: you have yourself a new pair of glasses.

Prices start at $500, which is totally reasonable for exotic wood and custom fit and style.

This has been officially added to my wish list.

Here are some more:

[$500 - $900, Urban Spectacles]

[Via Selectism]

Related: Glasses That Don't Need Repair

Design Synthesis: Bright, Blooming Colors

Steph Auteri — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:19:00 GMT

[$1,498, Anthropologie]

Occasionally, despite a number of non-girly tendencies, I am drawn to floral patterns. Especially in uplholstery and other fabrics. The problem? How am I to make a bold floral pattern work with everything else in my apartment? I think my place is a lost cause, as far as introducing this lovely chair into the equationgoes, but if I were starting from scratch...

Chloe Gauze Curtains, $24, Urban Outfitters
Lacquer Mirror, $19.95, Crate and Barrel
Tube Top Color Lamp, $110, 2modern
Silhouette Cuckoo Clock, $368, Anthropologie
Coming and Going Coat Rack, $68, Urban Outfitters
Santorini Vase, $66.95, Crate and Barrel
Huomenta Table, $1,298, Anthropologie

Let Obama Carry Your Groceries

Steph Auteri — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:39:00 GMT

I don't like to place too much Hope in a man who is, after all, only human. But Barack Obama as president makes me feel good. The past eight years have brought actions and circumstances that I never thought could happen or exist in this day and age. And, at times, it scared me, even as I made my slow way to resignment and acceptance. But now...? Change...an about-face...a movement toward something better seems possible again. Obama has made it easier for me to hope, and to look forward. Heck, he's even made it easier for me to carry my groceries.

[$10, Baggu]

I've always loved these reusable, machine-washable shopping bags, which come sans Obama in a huge variety of colors and patterns. The proceeds from these Obama Baggus, however, go toward repaying the DNC's campaign debts.

What about repaying my debts, people!?

::sigh:: Change is slow.

The Blankie That Fits in Your Purse

Steph Auteri — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:04:00 GMT

Do you have an embarrassing, Linus-like attachment to your blankie?

Designer Tineke Beunders has figured out how to carry hers around in her purse, soliciting compliments instead of contempt.

[74.95-82.95 euros, ontwerpduo]

These cuddly little change purses are made of re-used wool blankets and cotton.

[Via Modish]

Design Synthesis: Put On Your Brights

Steph Auteri — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:52:00 GMT

[$90, Birkland]

I've always wanted one of those open, airy kitchens with huge windows, a bar that opens out into the next room, and stools for perching in front of the counter.

For the moment, I'm stuck with what I've got in my one-bedroom but, having been completely charmed by the red and green stools above, the wheels in my head are turning...how could I build my dream kitchen around them?

Glassware from Amazon ($19.95)
Pitcher from Anthropologie ($38)
KitchenAid 4-Slice Toaster from Chefs ($99.99)
Cuisinart 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker from Williams-Sonoma ($59.95)
OXO Teakettle from Williams-Sonoma ($49.95)
Macintosh Dishtowel from Crate and Barrel ($5.95)
Oven Mitt from Williams-Sonoma ($9)

[Via Apartment Therapy]

Related: Seeing Red

What Do These Two Books Have In Common?

Shaun Seneviratne — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:39:00 GMT

What on Earth could this two books have in common?

They are both journals made from vintage hardcover books! Many more awesome journals are available at their website Ex Libris Anonymous.

Thanks to Dani B for the tip!

[$13, Ex Libris Anonymous]

Sleek, Quirky, Eco-Friendly Bags for Guys and Gals

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:33:00 GMT

I've been needing a new messenger bag and I'm always torn between the brighter ones and the more "serious" ones. Zaum seeks to reconcile the two.

The above model, Citta Piccola, is vinyl and comes in a variety of different colors.

[$130, Zaum]

Zaum also makes eco-friendly bags:

That right there is the Eco-Lola clutch purse made from undyed, natural felt and certified organic cotton.

[$95, Zaum]

You can also customize your bag for $30 more!

Some more of Zaum's nice bags:

Eco-Avia EMA3

[$190, Zaum]

Busta Media ADM4 - Laptop Sleeve

[$68, Zaum]

[Via Holycool]

Holiday Tip: Elephant Poop

Alex Zalben — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:37:00 GMT

Aw, look at the cute little elephant holiday cards. Aren't they precious? Except, they have one horrifying secret which will guarantee that next year, you're removed from every single holiday card list:

They're made of recycled elephant poop. Seriously. They're made from 100% recycled elephant dung and, more according to the listing, are completely odorless. Also, they're handmade in Thailand. Think about that sentence for a second. Now go throw up.

[$40 for 10, Uncommon Goods]

Beyond Solar: Oxygen Producing Lamps

Shaun Seneviratne — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:58:00 GMT

One small step for green technology, one giant leap for mankind.

These need to be mass produced and shipped around the world immediately.

As all plants do, the algae in these lamps "breath" in carbon dioxide and "exhale" oxygen. These algae just happen to be bioluminescent--producing light without requiring any energy source!

Amazing.

[Via AutoBlogGreen]

/* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Eco-Friendly SUVs

Steph Auteri — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:36:00 GMT

While I'm not as high on the smugness scale as my husband, who drives a Prius and never lets anyone forget it, I do sorta loathe all the SUVs on the road.

Still, this new SUV is super-sleek, super-chic, and also eco-friendly!

Ah...road warriors and nature coexisting...

[$85, Etsy]

[Via Holy Cool]

It's Log, It's Log, It's Big, It's Heavy, It's Furniture

Alex Zalben — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:01:00 GMT

What rolls down stairs, alone or in pairs, Rolls over your neighbor's dog?

What's good for a snack, and fits on your back? It's...

It's Lost & Found's Upcycled Furniture, actually. They take a stool or table base that has been consigned to the trash, and pair it with a tree stump. Prices available on request, and be sure to browse their whole collection.

[$AoR, &made_home]

[Via Inhabitat]

Related: The Giving Tree 2.0

Fan Films

Alex Zalben — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:02:00 GMT

I'm kind of in love with these fans from the Modern Fan Company. I have an old, rickety fan in my apartment. Check this out:

- It hugs the ceiling, for smaller rooms and apartments.

- It has optional lighting accesories.

- The whole unit is energy saving.

Rad! No word on price, but you can check out a ton more models here:

[The Modern Fan Co]

[Via Trendir]

Nice Spare Tire

Alex Zalben — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:03:00 GMT

Hey, everybody loves a spare tire, right? They do if it's one of these:

The limited edition Spare Tire belts are made to order out of recycled bicycle inner tubes. Green, stylish, and will help de-emphasize that OTHER spare tire.

[$45, Snack On]

[Via Inhabitat]

Related: Worst Belt Buckle Ever

The Giving Tree 2.0

Alex Zalben — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:36:00 GMT

In Shel Silverstein's classic book, the tree gave everything of itself, until there was almost nothing left. Too bad it wasn't one of these:

During the day, this Gadget Tree recharges, and then you can snap off the leaves to find an almost unlimited supply of plugs, to recharge your electronic devices. Then, put it back together, and keep charging. An unlimited resource, that gives, whie never losing any of itself. Take that, Jesus Metaphor Tree.

[Behance]

[Via Gizmodo]

This Purse Has a Secret

Alex Zalben — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:04:00 GMT

Nice, leather purse, right? Except it has a rather shocking secret:

That isn't leather, they're solar cells. The purse has an included battery that charges your cell phone, while you carry it. It's not on sale yet, but will be $285 when it's released at the end of the year.

[$285, Solarjo]

[Via Inhabitat]

This Light Has a Secret

Alex Zalben — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:00:00 GMT

Looks like a fun, green lighting unit, right? Well, it's got a pretty big secret, can you guess what it is?

It's made of old Mountain Dew bottles! Designer Shelley Spicuzza has created a cool, green (pun intended) concept for reusing old soda bottles. She also has a variation involving Coke, which you can see here:

[Shelley Spicuzza]

[Via Yanko Design]

Radio BBQ

Alex Zalben — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:00:00 GMT

Can you guess how this crazy looking BBQ works? I'll give you a hint... It's not how I indicated in the post title. It's actually...

...A solar barbecue! Sadly, just a concept, but a cool one at that. Or should I say... A hot one?

[Tuvie.com]

Equations: Pens and Cutlery, Sitting In a Tree

Alex Zalben — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:02:00 GMT

[Via DesignBoom]

Half Naked Ladies Go All Green (Yes, There Are Pictures)

Alex Zalben — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:28:00 GMT

Before I show you more pictures of girls in bikinis and monokinis, there's something you should know: the above suit is not only hot looking, it's also green; it's made of soy beans and coconuts. Seriously.

Nikster has a line of completely green, completely recyclable bikinis and monokinis that look good, and make you feel good... But you don't care, do you? Here's more bikini girls:

[$45-$140, Niksters]

[Via TrendHunter]

Quick Tip of the Day: Lowering the Electric Bill

Steph Auteri — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:29:00 GMT

Our latest electric bill was $225.77. Not cool. Especially when I'd rather be spending my money on self-help books and purses. And maybe some more filing cabinets.

And some artwork for the walls.

Something's got to give.

[39.99 pounds, Maplin]

Perhaps it could be as simple as swapping that standing fan in the living room for this energy-saving, solar-powered fan (which also, inexplicably, includes a lantern, alarm clock, battery, and cell phone/mp3 player charger; ahhh...multitasking at its best).

Go Green In Bed

Alex Zalben — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:30:00 GMT

Going green is important, but you can't do it twenty-four hours a day. I mean, what about when you're in bed? Well, what about this, eco-protector?
[$65, Uncommon Goods]

Evolution: The Garden Gnome

Alex Zalben — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

In the beginning, there was The Garden Gnome.

And lo, over time, he became something more:

And he was a biodegradable seed bomb, and it was good.

[Studio TX]

[Via Inhabitat]

Spending my iPhone fund: A tote made of salvaged billboards?

Brian Marabello — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:15:00 GMT

Still got my iPhone money. (Not by choice.) Perhaps I’ll invest it in a new tote made of old ads. Hopefully, not an old Apple ad. It’s too soon, I still hurt.

Vy & Elle takes billboards (which are made of vinyl) and makes them into all sorts of storage devices – messenger bags, gym bags, wallets, purses, coolers, makeup kits and even phone cases, which are too narrow to hold the new iPhone. I appreciate the solidarity, Vy & Elle.

I’m partial to the Hot Toddy (pictured below), but really want so much more of their other wares.

[$22-187, vy&elle]

5 Kitchen Objects That Gross Me Out

Steph Auteri — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:30:00 GMT

The sink's drain stopper
The garbage can (when it starts inexplicably stinking)
The vegetable drawer in the fridge (after I forget about the vegetables)
That spot on the window ledge where ants sometimes get in
The sponge

Perhaps I should — at the very least — replace the sponge...

[$5, Napa Farmhouse 1885]

These washcloths are made from 100% cotton sweaters, which makes me want to rub them slowly over my cheek before they get dirty.

The Naughty Testament

Brian Marabello — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:15:00 GMT

“Rebekkah shimmied out of her soaked-through panties. Luke heeded the call and lapped at her clitoris like a yak after a six-day Gobi crossing…” See the one-of-a-kind journal cover that inspired this, my first foray into amateur smut writing, after the jump.

Sure, Moleskine journals make a fine gift, but Attic journals are more personable. They take the covers of old hardcover books and rebind them to 75 pages of fine writing stock. No telling what gems you’ll find – Attic salvages vintage textbooks, cookbooks, children’s books, even hymnals.

Make old, stupid prose into new, stupid prose. Reduce. Recycle. Reuse. Rewrite.

Bonus: They also use the pages to make pocket mirrors.

[$16, atticjournals.com]