In honor of Earth Day, this week’s posts will focus on products that can help us all live greener, simpler and more in the moment. While buying used, vintage, secondhand—or whatever you’d like to call it—is the most ideal way to shop eco-consciously, we all buy new now and again. And when we do, why shouldn’t we choose products that are better for the environment and for us?
Today, I’m sharing my wish list from Gaiam.com, a great source for what Gaiam has dubbed “conscious commerce”—i.e. natural, eco-friendly products that enhance a buyer’s health and well-being. If this shopping list proves anything, it’s that green doesn’t equal dull. (I wouldn’t direct you to anything less than swoon-worthy, would I?) In fact, I would say this first Earth Day-inspired lust list is quite eco-chic.
And, if you’re more interested in beautifying your pretty face than you are in decorating your lair, check out my green beauty faves.
1. Turkish Pattern Reversible All-Weather Floor Mat by Mad Mats: Pets, kids, muddy shoes—they’re all incredibly tough on rugs. Enter this recycled plastic floor mat, which is handcrafted by artists in Thailand who receive a fair wage for their gorgeous work. Wouldn’t it be stunning on your porch or deck? With its rich, warm colors and intricate pattern, it’s difficult to believe that this floor mat is made entirely of spent soda bottles. The best part: When this mat endures a puppy shed-fest or some accidental mud slinging, you can simply take it outside and hose it off.
2. Cedar Shoe Rack and Topper: Despite my best efforts, the entrance to my place is always host to an ever-growing collection of shoes. The shoe ditching is great for my carpets, but bad for feng shui. This stackable shoe rack is a perfect addition to the landing strip in your entranceway. The landing strip—also known as the place where you can drop the trappings of your day in the outside world, such as shoes, keys, mail, umbrella and so on—should help you stay organized (and sane!). What better way to keep it neat than with this naturally aromatic shoe rack?
3. Deluxe Full Spectrum Floor Lamp by Brookfield: I can’t resist classic pieces. After all, if I’ll never tire of the look or design of a piece in my home, then splurges are well justified, aren’t they? This floor lamp, which is based on a design that premiered at the St. Louis Exposition in 1904, is no exception to that rule. This floor lamp uses a 26W bulb that lasts 10,000 hours. Translation: It’s efficient. Can’t you picture this lamp in a cavernous library filled with books? Or, at the very least, next to your coziest reading chair?
4. Digital Zen Alarm Clock by Now & Zen: As much as I loathe being jarred awake by the always irritating buzz of my alarm clock, it’s a wonder I never thought to search for something a little more soothing. Take this Digital Zen Alarm Clock. It wakes you with the sound of chimes that mimic gentle, Tibetan bells. Not to mention, the bamboo finish is chic and simple. I’m already feeling more Zen.
5. Kitchen Compost Crock by Norpro: We all know why we should compost (after all, according to the EPA, yard trimmings and food residuals account for more than 26 percent of the solid waste sent to landfills). This sleek crock simplifies a potentially messy and smelly process. Keep this crock on your kitchen counter, scrape your scraps into it and let the activated carbon filter in the lid work its odor-preventing magic until you’re ready to dump its contents into your outdoor compost bin. Your kitchen trash bin will fill slower, and the plants in your garden will grow happier and healthier.
6. Reusable Dryer Sheets by Static Eliminator: Unlike disposable dryer sheets, each Static Eliminator sheet can be used up to 500 times. You’ll save money and unnecessary waste and, best of all, the use of these chemical-free, hypoallergenic dryers sheets will ensure that you won’t be infusing your clothes with any harmful chemicals. An added bonus for owners of fuzzy pets: These work wonders to remove fur from your laundry. Plus, how sweet is the blue and white ticking of this fabric?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Dibs on the dryer sheets. Any way to make them scented, too?
@Will: The Static Eliminator sheets aren’t scented. But Seventh Generation makes Eucalyptus & Lavender Fabric Softener Sheets. They aren’t reusable, but they are eco-friendly. (Translation: They’re derived from plants and can be recycled or added to a compost pile.)