LotusHaus

Green Garmento

(photo via Greenzer)

I tried out my free sample of the Green Garmento and I must say I am very impressed. As an alternative to the not so eco-friendly plastic dry cleaning bags, these fabric 3-in-1 bags are really cool! Large enough to hold several hangers and roomy enough to be a full size laundry bag, these things really are functional. There is a drawstring on the bottom and a zipper on the side. Here is how I used mine: a) loaded in my hubby's dress shirt and slacks. I even put his dress shoes and socks inside then cinched the bottom closed, yippee! b) after he wore them I removed the hangers and shoes and carried it like a duffel bag to the nearest green dry cleaners (in Seattle, it's Blue Sky Cleaners) c) when they were done I picked them back up in the same back, all neat and ready to go again. d) repeat process

This definitely makes life simpler, enjoy!

Happy Earth Day from Raffy!

Here's my lil' green buddy, Raffy! (Wearing daddy's baby shoes!) He's now 5 months today, yay! Below is Raffy at age 3 months... sporting a soft and cozy organic cotton gown from one of my readers! Thanks Oresya from GinkoOrganic.

JaydaOnline } Stationary and Gifts with an Eco-Twist!

For lifestyle stationary that is modern, fun and eco-friendly look no further! Jayda is a fantastic source for invitations for weddings, baby showers and parties! The founders, Johanna Reyes and Yadira Chevere are the sisters and designing women behind this beautiful event planner's resource (The company name is a sweet combination of their first names). Check out their impressive environmental commitment here. Jayda also has awesome blogs! For wedding inspiration check out Down the Aisle and for some baby love check out Blue, Pink and Green. In addition, to being eco-savvy and hip, the MOST IMPRESSIVE thing about Jayda's offerings is that when you purchase invitations for a wedding or baby shower, you get your own coordinating blog site!

Tantawantan Bloom Floral & Event Design - NY

WOW! Look at this amazing floral decor and event design work for the Lamborghini Showroom in Long Island by Tantawantan Bloom. How incredible are these arrangements that defy gravity!

Organic Cotton teddy bear for grown folks! Kuma Bear by Fauna

The Kuma Bear is a hip, modernist and organic cotton bear that features movable joints and hand screenprinted patterns! Created by New York designer Ross Menuez for his line Fauna, you can get your own bear at Design Public. I love that the joints can be positioned to express your every whim! Take one along with you on location and make postcard pics ala the Travelocity Gnome or Amelie's Gnome!

I wanna be a kid again so I can FeelGoodDesigns.com

What more can I say? Doesn't this look like pure unsaturated fun! Feelgood Designs produces these amazing creative play shapes and eco-friendly furnishings for children. Each of the soft pieces are made from a patented eco-friendly material called ecosoftx®. I love the vibrant colors and amoeba like shapes ala Karim Rashid... I want kids!!!

VerTerra } Modern, Natural, Compostable Tableware Made from Palm Leaves

Check out VerTerra, a modern and sustainable single-use tableware collection...Inspired by plates used at roadside stands in India, these unique plates, platters and bowls are made using only fallen palm leaves and water. Each piece is 100% compostable, can be used in the microwave or freezer and are perfect for sending leftovers and treats home with guests. Plates that don't find a home can be rinsed and tossed in the yard. After about 60 days the plates will completely compost! I'm loving the hexagonal plates and have a great post-meal idea that involves paint (or decoupage) and mounting the plates as wall decor like this.

Greenheart } Fair Trade, Earth Friendly Finds

I really like these bamboo containers from Vietnam and handpainted coasters from Indonesia for possible gift ideas! I found them at Greenheart, a Fair Trade and Eco-Friendly online shop.

Wasara } Paper ware for spiritual enrichment

Oh my goodness, my heart skipped a beat when I discovered Wasara, a truly magnificent concept in disposable paper table ware. With aesthetic beauty and thoughtful ergonomics, this Japanese concept has created an impressive way to display your culinary creations and serve your guests. But wait, the Wasara collection is also sustainable! Even though these items are disposable, their content is eco-friendly in design because they are made from reed pulp, which is quite renewable, and bagasse, which is pulp waste produced when juice is extracted from the sugarcane...the result is a tree-free, compostable and absolutely stunning collection of entertaining pieces. I have contacted Wasara to see where this collection is available on line and for purchase in the United States and will keep you posted! Via Kelley Moore

Related Posts:
Hands Giving } Thankful Gestures at the Table
Tast.es } Modern Disposable Servingware

URBN Hotels Shanghai } Eco-Modern in China

Via the new eco-modern lifestyle site FeelMoreHuman.com, I was able to surf to Shanghai and check out URBN Hotels, the first super-hip, carbon neutral boutique hotel in Shanghai! It looks absolutely stunning with its modern designed suites with wrap around seating, sunken lounge areas and eco-friendly interiors. I definitely want to stay here if ever I get a chance to visit Shanghai! Visit the website at  www.urbnhotels.com

Be Earth Friendly at BabyEarth.com

Hey eco-chic moms! Check out babyearth.com a beautiful, modern and easy to navigate online retailer for healthy, safe and earth friendly baby items and accessories. gDiapers flushable diaper kit, Zolo Wear Hemp/Organic Cotton Ring Sling, and Q Collection Organic Cotton Bedding.

A Green 4th of July!

For this year's 4th of July party I was inspired by the cool green, white and brown colors of Carlene & Sonny's wedding theme and the Its Heavenly Blog. I wanted to keep my party as green & reusable as possible and really didn't want to buy anything novelty that I knew would never see another day. I used green colored reed placements to dress up my wooden screen and covered my cushions with green fabric remnants. For table decor I used exising glass vases, wrapped them with bamboo placemats and filled them with colored curly willow that I already owned.

Other green decor included bamboo shoots from our bedroom and my masterpiece of the day...a bamboo water fountain! I took my bamboo floor lamp and secured a wood tray on top with raffia wire. Then I made an arrangement with bamboo shoots, river rocks, succulents from the backyard and an old fountain pump. Voila!  A relaxing and free flowing soundscape to melt away the heat. We love it! It's still in the patio and greets us whenever we enter our home!

FabricPot } Fashionable and Sustainable Planters

I'm really liking these funky and eco-friendly fabric planters by FabricPot. Instead of a ceramic or plastic container, these pots use high tech, breathable fabric made with 100% recycled polyester. The fabric material provides proper aeration and makes these planters collapsible and easy to store. On sale now for $24.

Organic Floral Decor } On a Mission to Celebrate Earth Day in Style!

Uphold the well being of the planet & celebrate Earth Day in style...enliven your inner space with some modern organic green! Treat the planet, it's inhabitants and yourself to these charitable & eco-chic floral arrangements. Each of these beautiful organic bouquets not only support the environment, but they give back to the beautiful people of the world. Pick up some flowers this week and feel good about the world you live in! You'll be happy to know that these blooms are also delivered in gorgeous sustainable packaging. Trust me, this will be an awesome experience! Don't forget to compost these lovely things of beauty and they will be enjoyed forever.

Rainforest Green Bouquet The mission of Rainforest Foundation-US is to support the efforts of indigenous and traditional populations of the rainforest to protect their environment and fulfill their rights. The Foundation helps indigenous communities secure land rights, manage natural resources and strengthen their capacity to defend and sustain their ways of life. Now you can support the Foundation through the purchase of these magnificent chartreuse colored roses. With each one dozen purchase 5% will be donated to the Rainforest Foundation-US. $49.95

Earth Share Oriental Lilies Earth Share is a nationwide network of America’s most respected environmental and conservation non-profit organizations. Earth Share is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and supporting the vital charities that work to protect the environment and our well-being every day. Now, you can help support Earth Share in its vital mission simply by purchasing this unique and fragrant bouquet of Oriental white lilies – 5% will be donated to Earth Share for each purchase. $59.95

A Bouquet to Save Plants United Plant Savers' mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant and renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come. Now you can support United Plant Savers through the purchase of these beautiful mauve colored long-stem lavender roses. With each purchase 5% will be donated to United Plant Savers. $49.95

Asiatic Lilies that CARE CARE’s mission is to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Drawing strength from CARE’s global diversity, resources and experience, CARE promotes innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility. Now you can support their humanitarian efforts with the purchase of these vibrant yellow and orange Asiatic Lilies. Each bouquet is hand selected and shipped fresh from the farm. Plus a portion of the proceeds of this sale will be donated to CARE. $59.95

Healthy Child Healthy World Roses Healthy Child Healthy World (HCHW) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public, specifically parents and caregivers, about environmental toxins that affect children's health. Goals are met through increased scientific research, government policies which are more protective of children, and educating and mobilizing individuals around the country. Support Healthy Child Healthy World through the purchase of these spectacular bright pink roses. With each purchase 5% will be donated to HCHW. Includes two-dozen long stem roses. $69.95

Be Happiness Itself } Eco-Friendly Greetings by Compendium

Please have a look at these inspiring greeting cards by Compendium. The card shown here has a nice lotus graphic and reads "Be Happiness itself." on the outside and "Be a Birthday." on the inside.  There are many other wonderful expressions and best of all of these cards are printed with soy ink and the paper is FSC certified 100% recycled stock. Each card has a different environmental tip on the back and a portion of your purchase goes directly to organizations that protect the environment.

Ann Demeulemeester Boutique } Green Seoul

Here's some more global green! Check out Ann Demeulemeester's green boutique in Seoul, Korea. Designed by Minsuk Cho of MassStudies. All I can say is WOW!!!! Click here for a slideshow and click here for more examples of modern greenery in retail environments.

A Sweet and Sustainable Bedroom Bench!

I just love this sweet bench made of reclaimed Chinese Fir! Check out this lovely bench and many other inspiring lifestyle products for your Body, Spirit and Home at Acacia.

Wintergreen snowflakes } DIY or buy an eco-gift

These wintergreen snowflakes are so lovely and naturally whimsical! Make your own using this DIY guide from Sunset magazine or jump on OrganicStyle.com and send an Organic Pine Snowflake or a Pine Peace Wreath to your favorite person! 

Seattle's First Ever Green Fashion Week!

This week Seattle will have it's very own Green Fashion Week! Check out the event schedule for some pleasantly unexpected fashion events like style consultations, green panels, book releases and spa pampering. I hope to attend some of these events and will be back to report on them!

San Francisco GREEN DESIGN SHOW ~ Sept. 19-20, 2007

Oh, how I want to go to this event! It's the San Francisco Mart's first green expo. The theme for this green event is "Live Green, Live Well"  and the show is dedicated to green furnishings and design. Sounds exciting! For more information, go here.

Cecily Ink } Fresh & Eco-Friendly Stationary

This is a fabulous new find from my trip to the Seattle Summer Gift Show. Cecily Ink is a new greeting card line by Alex Wijnen, a graphic designer from Portland. Named after her grandmother, Ceciel, Cecily Ink, offers a fresh selection of graphic cards, envelopes and matching postage. As the principle of Defteling, her own graphic design company,  Alex started this unique stationary company after the success of the Fresh Style Card File, a card organizing box that she created as a corporate gift for her clients. To my delight, Cecily Ink products are also very green. All greeting cards are printed by a green printer in Portland, on FSC-certified paper that contains 30% post-consumer recycled content.

Green } 2008 Top Color Trend

Pure Contemporary has a great take on top color trends for 2008. One key trend is about Going Green at home. Here's the excerpt:

Go Green ~
Just say green and you indicate the eco-consciousness that's pervading our lives and our styles. The darling of a more environmentally aware Hollywood, green is on its way to a starring role as the newest “neutral” color. When used as a subtle backdrop to reflect environmentalism and social responsibility, this cool hue represents the growing environmental movement. Mid-tones of fern, palm, pine and sage used alone or with clear blue or aqua create living spaces that conjure a sense of outdoor-friendly living. Intermingle sandy tan and adobe brown to complete that earthy, eco-friendly feel.

Where to Go Green ~
While suitable for all areas of the home, this palette is especially good in bathrooms, kitchens and family living spaces.

Green Toys } Eco-friendly playthings

Green Toys is a San Francisco based environmentally friendly toy manufacturer. Via Sustainable is Good, I learned that Green Toys is launching a line of toys made with bio-plastic (made from corn, wheat, potato and tapioca starches instead of petroleum). Also, all of these toys are manufactured and assembled in the USA.

Recycle It!

I love this Recycle logo that I found on the Resource Venture website. If you're summer cleaning and about to throw something out...STOP! Look online to see if there are recyclers in your town that will take it. If you are in Seattle, check out the Recycler Database for some great resources.

Seattle Weekly } Get Your Green Card

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Seattle Weekly has a great new feature called the Green Card. Sign up online and you will receive a card in the mail which entitles you to green discounts and specials at participating businesses. Small businesses and entrepreneurs, I encourage you to learn more about greening your business and participating in awareness programs like this. You will not only do good for the green earth & your green pockets but you will also open your doors to a new market of friendly, happy NEW customers.

Speaking of friendly new markets, I picked up this little card at the Greenfresh Market, the newest green grocery store in Renton (south of Seattle), just minutes from my house!!!! The store is daybright (they have clerestory windows), the goods are green, organic and local, and the people are so friendly and happy to be working there! It's so easy being green! (The owner was a former PCC partner)

E-Jeepney } Green Cars in the Philippines!

If-you're-Fi-li-pi-no-and-you-know-it-clap-your-hands...because the Jeepney has now gone down the electric avenue! For those of you not yet clapping, the Jeepney is a Filipino innovation in public transportation, and art for that matter. After World War II, when the US wrecked havoc in the Philippines, they left behind their standard issue military jeeps. Being crafty & resourceful, Filipinos reused these jeeps and gave it the Filipino flip. With flamboyant decoration and crowded seating, the Jeepney has become a symbol for Philippine culture as well as the people's transportation. But now, flash forward to 2007, and southeast asia is forever changed because Greenpeace and GRIPP (Green Renewable Independent Power Producer) have helped to launch the electric jeepney. The Electric Jeepneys are part of an innovative project led by GRIPP to help reduce the use of fossil fuels and address urban problems like air pollution. Magaling! Excellent!

The ingenuity and individual creativity of the Jeepney has also inspired an urban clothing line from fellow Sea-town pinoys, called Jeepney clothing.

Pangea Organics } shower then flower

I've always loved Pangea Organics for their sumptuous scents, sustainability, stylish packaging and merchandising displays. Until recently I had only found the line at Organic Co-Ops and Whole Foods markets. This weekend, much to my delight, I was shopping at World Market and discovered Pangea's organic soap line to be beautifully displayed in woven baskets on the shelves! When I checked out the World Market website, I discovered another wonderful tidbit...you can plant the box and grow either sweet basil or amaranth! Isn't that so cool! I have used their soaps before but somehow I missed this great eco-centric feature. Needless to say I picked up a few pieces.

Maku } Indonesian modern & sustainable outdoor furniture

Founded by two "Global Surfers, Travelers, Marketers and Lifestyle enthusiasts", Maku Furnishings offers "non traditional furnishings for a modern world." Their surf-inspired aesthetic is tempered by a distinctly modern feeling that yields a pretty unique set of products; Maku calls them "experiential, organic, and relevant to passionate lifestyle participants and design enthusiasts." All of Maku's products are made from sustainably-harvested teak from Indonesia, and they're also proud members of 1% for the Planet. Via Sustainable Style

I love the limited edition Maku lounge chair. It has beautiful hand carvings peaking out from underneath the armrest! Also, check out the incredible wood doors!  

Triko } The Art of Life

While working on my { fashion Design } porfolio, I was taken back to my time at the streetwear brand Mecca USA (whose production office is in Seattle, WA). I was living in San Diego and traveling back and forth between Hong Kong and New York. At the Mecca NY headquarters, I had the pleasure of working with the progressive, eclectic and hilarious nuyorican, Héctor Estrada. Little did I know back then that we would both be creating sustainable lifestyles of eco-conscious design. Hector is a fellow creative and the inspirational founder and designer of the sustainable street-wear line, Triko. Triko is a premium brand that aims to inspire by promoting environmental and social issues through its designs and lifestyle. What I like most about Triko, is the zen like philosophy that Hector has established behind the brand. It makes you feel good to be hip, organic and mindful. I also love Triko's dedication to wildlife and the donations to environmental causes made each season. Now, I wonder if he has a womenswear line yet...hint, hint, wink, wink! Also check out NAU, the progressive Portland based outdoor brand, whose style reminds me of the  clothing brand, Transfer, one of Hector's previous brand creations.

Aani and the Tree Huggers } Save a Beloved Forest

Aani and the Tree Huggers is based on a true event in northern India, and presents an enduring message of bravery and environmental action. Aani, a young girl in a large Indian family, makes a decisive move to save her special tree from the cutters that have stormed their beloved forest.

This story is based on actual events known as the Chipko Andolan (Hug the Tree Movement), which took place in northern India in the 1970s. These were the original Tree Huggers! Because of this movement councils in India meet within most villages to decide how many trees can be cut without endangering the land and those who live there, and also, new trees are planted each spring. There is much to be learned and remembered here.

Help our next generation cherish the wonders of our environment. Share this book with them and relive the spirit of the original Tree Hugger movement. Go here to purchase a copy and make it a cherished heirloom for generations to come.

Organic Spa Magazine } Spirit. Sustainability. Soul.

Wow! My heart skipped a beat when I discovered Organic Spa Magazine. This new lifestyle magazine is dedicated to the sustainable side of life – be that spa and wellness, food and fitness, or design and décor...and I'm all over it! This is what I'm talkin' about! Enliven Your Inner Space! If you check out their site you can view the digital version of their latest print magazine. I'm ordering my subscription today!

Orchard Garden Hotel } Eco Chic in SF

The Orchard Garden Hotel is San Francisco’s newest green hotel. Newly built in the heart of San Francisco, the Orchard Garden Hotel is stylish and sustainable. Next time you're in SF, make sure you stay here and let me know how it was!  

Growing Business Card } Another Blooming Designer

Talk about organic design, I spotted some great green design growing over at Jamie Wieck via ProductDose.  Jamie, a designer in London, has created a growing business card that when dipped in water, sprouts a mini-houseplant like alfalfa or cress. For more plantable-type products, check out these sites, Round Robin Press, BloominPromotions, and Grow-A-Memory.

Get Amp'ed } Alternative Motivational Posters

Grow...Focus...Integrity... These are motivational concepts that until now were only conveyed with slick photography, clever quotes and a gallery wall in your HR department. Tired of these ho hum pieces, Right Brain Terrain has created illustrative & graphic "Alternative Motivational Posters," using rock concert posters for inspiration. Not only are these posters exciting and well-designed, they're made with 100% Post-Consumer Recycled, FSC Certified Papers, Certified Processed Chlorine Free, printed with Soy/vegetable Inks, and made with 100% Green Energy. Grab one today and you could be inspired by both the artwork's message and its green roots! 

Greener Lifestyles } in Sustainable Ballard

Greener Lifestyles is a modern sustainable furnishings store in Ballard. For those who don't know, Ballard is a hip and sustainable neighborhood just northwest of downtown Seattle. In this modern and delightful store, you will find refreshingly hip furniture, flooring, linens, bamboo tableware, gifts and more. They carry samples of Flor tiles, EcoTimber and Yolo paint for your green decor pleasure. Most of their furniture is custom designed inhouse. I love the sofa collections and the meditation chair you see below (in chocolate colored upholstery.) Unfortunately, there is no info about this piece on their website, so just give them a call and ask for Ben.

 

Sprig } Stylish People Are Into Green

Sprig, "Stylish People Are Into Green," is a fresh new lifestyle site with stylish green news & products. I read here that the site’s goal is to become the Daily Candy of green – and then some. I especially love the video section and the coverage of the Project Earth Day Fashion Show in NY! It made me feel like I was there.

Above are two of my favorites from the show. On the left, is a dress by Nature Vs Future, and on the right is Xay Xiong's winning design from the student fashion show. Thanks Inhabitat team, for the wonderful photos and commentary!

Kalon Studios } Sustainable from Berlin to LA

Kalon Studios is a LA based husband and wife design company that makes beautiful Sustainable furnishings. Husband, Johannes Pauwen is of German and Tunisian Bedouin descent and wife, Michaele Simmering is American. I love husband and wife teams, they make for a happy family and a happy world! I also love how their design philosophy embraces my global call for all to enliven your inner space!

"To be kalon is more than being beautiful; it is having a beauty that both is and inspires excellence. For the Greeks, this meant a beauty linked with moral worth and usefulness...The Greeks believed that an object that was kalon had a beauty powerful enough to inspire excellence in those who beheld it. It is our sincerest hope that our products will do this as well - that the thoughtfulness and consideration put into each object we’ve made will pour back out into the homes they grace and the world of which we are all a part." ~Kalon Studios

This LA based husband and wife team have created a beautiful & sustainable collection of essential furniture pieces and well crafted nursery furniture. "The project they are most proud of is their daughter Io Zara Pauwen for whom they both designed and named their children’s collection ‘IoLine.’" (Isn't that wonderful?!)

Seattle Urban Farm } Organic produce from your backyard to your table

This is just the thing! If you have an overgrown backyard that you've been wanting to turn into your own lil' locally grown Whole Foods produce section, then give Seattle Urban Farm Co. a call! I know I will! They will create an organic vegetable garden right in your own backyard. After an intial consultation, the trio of urban farm boys will hook you up by planting the veggies, herbs and flowers of your choice. They will even return regularly to maintain them, and even harvest your crop for you every week. Mmmmm, I can just taste the juicy organic tomatoes and fresh cilantro, and witness the glory of the colorful blooming dahlias!

Marriott & Organic Bouquet } organic flowers for your next event

In the May/June 2007 BizBash Los Angeles magazine there's a great spread for event planners wanting to green their events. It talked about 15 ways to reduce the ecological impact of corporate events and meetings - some simple and cheap, some not so much. The most interesting thing that I discovered was that "If you happen to be using a Marriott property for an event, finding organic blooms is about to get easier. As one of many venue owners and chains looking to get on the eco bandwagon, Marriott recently forged a partnership with Organic Bouquet to make it easier for planners to source eco-friendly flowers."

Hooray for Marriott, and hooray for Organic Bouquet!

From Organic Bouquet: "The environmentally conscious party concept is spreading. Marriott International will soon announce deals with organicbouquet.com and other vendors to make organic flowers available to customers for events, starting in the spring, said Laurie Goldstein, a spokeswoman for the hotel chain. Ms. Goldstein, who said the demand was driven by corporate meeting planners seeking to be more socially responsible, called organic flowers "the first step" to offering all-green events, including organic food and organic cotton tablecloths."

Just Green } Seattle Design Center

After poking around the Girari website for sustainable event rentals, I discovered JustGreen, a dealer at the Seattle Design Center. To my further delight, it turns out that JustGreen is a company offering sustainable furnishings to the trade. I will definitely contact them if I ever have a sustainable enough budget to plan a party using Girari's sustainable event furnishings.

Nau } beauty, performance, sustainability

Nau, (pronounced “now,” meaning “welcome” in the language of New Zealand’s Maoris), is a Portland based sustainable outdoor apparel company, that has really captured my green heart. The holistic nature of their design philosophy, modern styling, and sustainable processes epitomize to me the Emerald standard for all retail enterprises.
 
In addition to well-fashioned and well-thought out product, they have also launched an environmentally responsible retail concept that satisfies the demands of us socially conscious customers. The key to their strategy involves blending an online store with brick-and-mortar storefronts, that they've coined, "Webfronts."

Currently in Seattle, Portland, Boulder and Chicago, these Webfronts appear to be like any other store: physical locations where shoppers can browse, try on garments, ask questions and purchase items. But the stores feature computer kiosks to allow customers to research products and, if they choose, buy them online for home delivery at no charge. Because purchases are made online, the stores can carry less inventory, thus reducing costs and reducing impact on the environment. Webfronts require less square footage, thereby cutting down on building materials and decreasing energy use.

I'll be sure to check out our store here in Seattle (actually it's in Bellevue, which is east of Seattle) and give you a full update. But in the meantime, check out their beautifully designed flash website and watch this incredibly tactile and inspiring video for a stylish and interactive look into the Nau philosophy of beauty, performance and sustainability.