The Alternative Consumer likes
eco friendly walnut media console -iannone design
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 7 February 2012, 09:20
Philadelphia-based Iannone Design makes great looking sustainable furniture. Their Waltnut St. Graphic Console provides plenty of space for hiding your cable box and DVR and and can also be used as a designer storage – it features an adjustable shelf, two compartments and touch release doors. The console is made... Continue reading »
eco fashion friday finds – valentine’s day edition
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 10 February 2012, 10:55
(above) These artsy, ceramic heart earrings are handmade from start to finish; each bead is shaped by hand, dried, fired in the kiln, glazed and then fired again. Decorated with a deep red glaze and fitted with silver plated clip-ons. a very lovable $23 and change @ the karoart Etsy shop (above) For those who take... Continue reading »
bound in balance – earth-friendly designer jewelry
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 25 January 2012, 15:25
Andrea Williams of Bound Earth is devoted to nature in all aspects of her life, from collecting seedpods on her frequent outdoor hikes to using only non-mined materials in her work and encouraging other jewelers to do the same. Her goal is to share her sense of wonder and reverence for the earth, and to help develop a... Continue reading »
SolarSail – hybrid solar and wind powered ships reduce emissions
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 26 January 2012, 12:24
A 2008 report by CNN points out that the greenhouse gas emissions from ocean-going ships is a far greater problem than most people realize. The shipping industry emits an astonishing 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gases per year — over twice the amount of the aviation industry! The Australian company, SolarSail,... Continue reading »
the house arc – a cute, modular, off-grid prefab
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 26 January 2012, 15:03
The House Arc is the brainchild of Bellomo Architects. The small-footprint, modular, off-grid housing solution is designed to be shipped in pieces (fabricated locally if possible) to a site and erected by the user or community. The designers envision the freestanding tiny-house as an emergency housing solution for... Continue reading »
eco-fashion friday finds: indie designers
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 27 January 2012, 13:05
(above) Funky chic — designer Stephanie Teague’s Pretty Birdie’s Hemp Silk Layer Dress is made from gathered layers of gorgeous, sustainable hemp silk. The dress features hand sewn flowers made from organic cotton gauze or peace silk and trim that’s organic lace. The hemp muslin belt is hand... Continue reading »
lamps, vases and objects made from recycled aluminum – jahara studios
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 28 January 2012, 09:10
Brazilian designer Brunno Jahara creates much of his work from recycled materials. Brunno’s Batucada Collection of trays, lamps and vases is created from 100% recycled aluminum. Brazil recycles over 90% of its aluminum, primarily due to the proliferation of ‘catadores’ – a culture of people who... Continue reading »
just for kids – Rooware’s bio-plastic tableware
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 18 January 2012, 14:08
Brooklyn-based Rooware’s new collection of kid’s tableware is fun, healthy and well designed. The company’s eco-friendly, bio-based tableware features an engaging array of cartoon characters and was conceived in response to parental concerns over the toxins in traditional plastic and the demand for... Continue reading »
the Joe Fly electric bike from Prima Power Bike
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 15 January 2012, 22:31
One great way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower the cost of your daily commute is replace your car with an e-bike. The Joe Fly e-bike (pictured above) is one of the sexier alternatives. Made by Italian bike maker Prima Power Bikes – the Joe Fly is a peddle-assist electric bike, meaning you start peddling... Continue reading »
friday’s eco-fashion finds: 5 easy pieces
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 13 January 2012, 08:47
Handmade, vintage and one of a kind – what’s not to like? This lovely handmade necklace (pictured above) from Authentique Design features a collection of vintage brass and copper flowers, up to 100 years old. The metal flowers are combined with and beautifully and accented by, turquoise stones. To create... Continue reading »
CES news: SolarKindle – solar-powered e-reader cover
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 8 January 2012, 16:59
SolarFocus Technology Company’s SolarKindle has been named a CES 2012 Innovation Award Honoree and will be introduced at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show In Las Vegas. The company calls the SolarKindle, the world’s first solar powered e-reader cover. The cover’s integrated solar panel collects... Continue reading »
eco-leaf solar curtain and light
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 3 January 2012, 15:02
Designers Wan Xuan Lim and Tang Xueling Jane’s award winning Eco-Leaf Curtain/Light is envisioned as a next generation window treatment that reduces energy use during the day and serves as an energy efficient light source after dark. During the day the product conserves energy by providing shade and allowing for... Continue reading »
eco-fleece polar bear pullover
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 7 January 2012, 14:00
Because it’s cold outside…look playfully cute and keep those hands warm with this pullover’s front access kangeroo pockets. The polar bear image is a 2-color print on eco-fleece oatmeal. Made with organic cotton, recycled polyester, and naturally occurring rayon. from Poketo $58 Continue reading »
marine solar cells – wave and solar power combined
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 6 January 2012, 15:25
Phil Pauley, founder of the design agency PAULEY, has a new concept for renewable power generation, the Marine Solar Cell. Marine Solar Cells (MSC) are hybrid solar and wave energy generators with the unique ability to generate photovoltaic solar power and wave energy from a single off shore system. The solar-wave... Continue reading »
friday’s eco-fashion finds: new year, new looks
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 6 January 2012, 10:30
As any seeker of a more sustainable lifestyle knows, you can create great new fashionable looks with found or pre-loved materials. Our latest survey of the landscape reveals a few new standouts to add a little edge to your new year: (above) U.K. jewelry designer Poppie Jasper creates beautiful jewelry – in this... Continue reading »
Mirror, Mirror…a fresh look at healthy makeup
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 3 January 2012, 09:12
Make-up has been around for over 5000 years. Think about the ancient Egyptians, Native American Indians and African cultures and their use of body and face paints-to name a few. In our very modern world we have acquired a collective knowledge and scientific sophistication. One would imagine that living here in the USA... Continue reading »
ring in the new year – eco-friendly rings
By The Alternative Consumer in lifestyle , on 31 December 2011, 15:45
(above) You and your partner can wear these interlocking Lego rings to show the strength and eccentricity of your bond. Shannon Conrad creates these funky rings from 100% recycled sterling silver and sells them at her rubygirl Etsy shop. (above) Are you the literary type? If vintage jewelry suits your style this... Continue reading »