Design^Sprout | Your Guide to Green Design

D^S contest! Win Green Chic - a new book on going green!

 

     You always knew going green was the right thing to do but hemp dresses and recycled t.p. were just so........hippy. Well, Green Chic, the new book by Christie Matheson, shows that there's no reason to go live in a treehouse - it's the little things that make a big difference.  For example, did you know that:

1. Unplugging your cell phone charger when not in use saves the earth from 100lbs. of carbon emitted each year?
2. Using cold water to wash your clothes is much more eco-friendly than hot water and actually prolongs the life of your clothes?
3. Eating and buying local products is healthier for you while saving the earth from the exhaust and gas associated with shipping.

     Some things I knew, some things I didn't, but the great thing about this book is that it's not preachy. I highly recommend picking up a copy and finding the tips that work for you. Really, it's so easy!!

"So how can I WIN THIS BOOK?"

     I'm glad you asked!  Just leave me a comment and tell me what you're doing that's green. Anything from sewing your own grocery bag to buying recycled paper towels.  It all has an impact and hopefully I can get some great new ideas!   

     All comments received by Friday will receive one entry which I will then randomly draw out of a hat.  I'll be announcing the winner on Monday. GOOD LUCK!!!

Fido likes it.

      Only the best for your little buddy, right? Everyday Studio offers an entire range of seriously designery and oh-so-cool accoutrements  sure to get your best friend out of the toilet and filling your face with slobbery kisses. If you like that sort of thing.

Saturday Score!

     Aren't we all suckers for a sale!!!  70% off this weekend at Modern Economy. Check out all their designer goods this Sat. at the uber-hip Ace Hotel, in Portland.  10:30am to 3:00pm - so you can still sleep in a score something great. I'm jealous.

Bottle it on up

      The lovely ladies at Daily Candy introduced me to Love Bottles, an entirely recycled glass bottle that you can personalize and reuse again and again. Old-fashioned swing-top lid and vintage feel - perfect for you stylish peeps on the go.

A Perfect Sunday at the Renegade Craft Fair!

My web soul-mate Etsy gave out free packets of wild flower seeds.

Adorable aprons like these remind me of my friend Nicole, who bakes while wearing killer heels and has a drink recipe on hand for any occasion.

I can imagine these recycled, tea-cup pendant lights as the perfect touch in a little girl's room.

These little notes on wood veneer from the Misanthrope Specialty Co. cracked me up.

Recover Your Thoughts was one of my favorite stands - a super nice couple takes trash-bound library books and turns them into quirky journals. This way people on the bus think your reading Nietzsche when really you're just drawing cats.

Don't Quilt your Day Job featured these ingenious shopping bags made from...other shopping bags. Somehow they quilt these monsters together to form one stylish and eco-friendly tote.

Man, I wish I knew who designed these State Map necklaces. They are fantastic!

Everyone loves a Sock Monkey but does everyone love a Sock Monkey dressed as a Mexican wrestler? Si, si, si!

Artist Faryn Davis handcrafts each one of these beautiful, glass treasures.

2 pm: While giddily giving T great ideas for future presents a Tim Burton-esque band begins to march through the crowds. We were mezmorized as the sound slowly got louder and you realized that pieces from a huge band were coming together from throughout the entire building. The self-titled "circus-punk" band Mucca Pazza puts on one hell of a strange and wonderful show. Pretty impossible to describe but they're playing a few more days here in SF - I highly suggest you check them out!

4pm: Energized in my mind but tired in my feet, T and I make yet another trip to Starbucks. Thankfully the caffenine buzz kept me focused long enough to get this post out! Perfect end to a great day.

Admirable Imperfection

 

     Sustainability is all well and good, but for this girl, prettiness can be equally important.  Luckily, there are shops that seamlessly combine the two qualities.  Currently, I'm a bit (okay maybe more than a bit) obsessed with glassware from Branch.    The obsession started with their off pitcher.  Each one is handmade resulting in a wonderful variety of forms.  I want 7 of them to line my mantel. Next my magpie eye was drawn to the pretty colors of their slumped vases(above).

 

The form of the water drop jugs is pure art.

 

     And how handy would this off pitcher and cup be?  Particularly for those of us who frequently wake up to their kitty helping herself to any glasses of water left by the bed.

     All this prettyness is made from recycled glass which is processed in an electric furnace powered by wind energy.  I love combinations like that!  Of course, the price of these items is a bit steep for your average non-big-bucks-making girl.  However, maybe I can save my pennies and be content with just one amazing off pitcher.