Who: Brooklyn Industries – Brooklyn, NY

What: Java Tote

Where: Brooklyn Industries – $124-134 (Bonus: click here for 5% off all full priced merchandise!)

Why We Love It: As the saying goes, waste not, want not, and Brooklyn Industries’ head designer, Nancy Phan has certainly taken that to heart. After a visit to the Brooklyn Roasting Company, she found inspiration in a stack of discarded jute coffee bags. The resulting totes are a far cry from the shapeless sack they once were thanks to details like the contrasting cotton lining, the genuine leather trim, and the sturdy leather base. And because each tote is made from salvaged materials, no two are alike, so you just don’t know what you are going to get. You could wind up with a bag that once carried beans from Bali, Brazil, Mexico, Ethiopia, or Peru. You can, however, specify the lining color–choose from black, pink, or blue.

But hurry, these totes are limited edition, so get them while you can! And you can feel good about your purchase–a portion of the profits from each tote will go to Kiva a micro-lending organization that helps fund projects around the world to combat poverty.

Who: VivaTerra – Pueblo CO

What: Recycled Leather Tote

Where: Vivaterra – $279 $195, plus now through Feb. 1 take an additional 10% off with coupon code 10EX121

Why We Love It: This carry-all has that well-traveled look, like it’s been around the world and wants to take you along for the ride. The butter-soft reclaimed leather and sophisticated chevron stitched patchwork on the main body make this a standout in a sea of leather bags. It’s rugged and durable and roomy without overwhelming so you can fit all of your travel or daily needs without feeling like a well, like a sherpa… And if you like to mix up your hold on a bag, you can choose between an adjustable over-the-shoulder strap or a pair of generously sized handles, so no worries about your tote ever slowing you down.

Available in camel or charcoal.

A few notes about Vivaterra — they are focused on sourcing eco-friendly goods including organic textiles, and products crafted from FSC-certified or recalimed wood and recycled metals and glass. In addition, as a company, they have built wind generators and planted over 25,000 trees to offset their carbon footprint.

Who: Boris Bally – Providence, RI

What: Traffic Sign Key Ring

Where: Eco-Artware.com – $12

Why We Love It: With temperatures dropping to the single digits, it’s nice to have a reminder of sunnier days like these surfboard-shaped key fobs by designer and metalsmith, Boris Bally.

Each keychain is arftully handcrafted, or “humanufactured”–as Bally likes to call it–from salvaged metal traffic signs. The colors and patterns of each one is determined by the sign from which they are cut and means that no two are alike, and you’ll enjoy the suspense of not knowing what you are going to get until you open your package–surprises are good!

Who: Sprout Watches – Long Island City, NY

What: Sprout Women’s Diamond Accented Watch

Where: Amazon – $60

Why We Love It: New Year’s Resolution No. 1 – be on time. And to do that you’ll need a good watch. Dress up your wrist with this eco-friendly time piece featuring a natural bamboo dial and bird overlay (yes, they put a bird on it!) and a diamond–certified and conflict free–that mark’s 12 o’clock. We love the chunky fit and the winter white band.

The band is made from a biodegradable corn resin. But not to worry, Sprout assures us that their watches will not break down during regular wear and use–they’ll last a lifetime–but will biodegrade in a compost environment for a greener way of tacking the time.

Who: F.Rock – Boston, MA

What: iPad Bag

Where: F.Rock Bags – $195 (scoop up a sample today for $135!)

Why We Love It: In a world where mass production reigns, we appreciate the finer things; thoughtfully crafted, locally sourced, quality products that are built to last. And that’s exactly what you get when you invest in an F.Rock bag. Oh, and good looking too. Designer Nicolé Keane has a great eye for materials and for melding traditional design with a modern edge. We are suckers for those big buckles, sophisticated plaids, and high-grade materials. Click to continue »

Who: La Mano – Vancouver, CAN

What: Scarf Raspberry

Where: Ethical Ocean – $64.55 (50% off today through October 31st with coupon code LAMANO-EO)

Why We Love It: It’s difficult to choose a favorite among the scarves and wraps in La Mano’s catalog. The color combinations are rich, unique, and unexpected. The result is modern textile infused with rich history of it’s creation.

Each one is handwoven by members of an indigenous women’s weaving cooperative in Chiapas, Mexico using 100% cotton yarns. Part of the beauty of these textiles are that they directly support the female artisans who craft them empowering this women with economic autonomy, fair wages, sustainable employment, and confidence.

Choose from these color variations: Limon, Sage Stripes, Chocolate Brown, and Burnt Orange Passionfruit.

Who: Omhu – New York, NY

What: Omhu Canes

Where: Amazon.com – $135-$155

Why We Love It: The Omhu Cane has serious style so those who need one (and those who don’t) can walk with pride. Taking design notes from Scandinavian furniture, bicycles, hockey sticks, and skateboards, this colorful, and cool walking stick has levity and functionality at its core. It is both light-weight and light-hearted breathing fun, joy and color into an oft neglected tool.

The handles are made from layers of birch laminate and hand-finished with Livos oil, an all-natural, non-toxic, plant-based finish. The light-weight, high-strength shaft is made from recyclable aluminum and finished with bike paint. Both the handle and the tip are designed for maximum cushioning, grip, traction and support, usability being of utmost importance.

Available in three sizes 31, 34, 37 and six colors: purple, green, orange, black, cream, and light blue.

Who: Hemptress – Los Angeles, CA

What: Mona Mini Hemp Bag

Where: La Terra Bella – $91.80, also available in Herringbone

Why We Love It: Not too big, not too small, this bag is just right for toting all your essentials. And it’s no wonder why, handbag designer Arlene Nilsson had over 10 years experience in the industry before launching her own line of fashion forward eco-conscious handbags.

What sets the bag apart is all in the details; the ruching details on the outside made of 100% hemp (feels like canvas) dyed a deep rich, stunning teal using low-impact dyes; the unexpected contrasting lining made of a bright purple silk and hemp blend; and, a ‘best in the business,’ heavy-duty zipper that will outzip any other zip on the market. And, of course, our favorite detail, the gold chain topped off with a leather shoulder strap made from “reborn” recycled leather that nestles comfortably on your shoulder. Perfect for the eco-conscious fashionista on the go.

teal

Who: Gina Michele – New York, NY

What: Whiskey Rock a Roller Bag

Where: Gina|Michele – $198 (also available in vibrant grape suede, on sale for $148)

Why We Love It: Skip black and neutral bags this summer and opt for a pop of tropical ocean, perfect sky blue with this deliciously slouchy tote – it’s pure joy. It’s your something old, something new, something blue, that’s likely to be something borrowed quite frequently….

Crafted entirely from upcycled fabrics – super soft vintage suedes and leathers recovered from old jackets, silks salvaged from vintage shirts – it’s topped off with a hand dyed rope strap for a touch of laid back beach style.

Who: TOMS – Santa Monica, CA

What: TOMS Sunglasses

Where: TOMSshoes.com – Classic 301 – $145; Classic 101 (bottom) – $135

Why We Love It: Exciting news!!! TOMS is no longer just a shoe company. Founder, Blake Mycoskie, just added sunglasses to his “One for One” model, signifying their evolution from a shoe company to a “One-for-One” company. Teaming up with the Seva Foundation, their “Sight Giving Partner,” for every pair of sunglasses purchased, TOMS will give someone in need the gift of sight by providing medical treatment, prescription glasses, or sight-saving surgery for young and old alike in developing nations starting with Nepal, Cambodia and Tibet.

The collection features three different styles in a variety of colors. Digging the classic 301 aviators with walnut wood accents. The sunglasses are made in Italy with the TOMS signature three part stripe hand painted on the arms; one stripe for you, one stripe representing the person receiving the gift of site, and the middle stripe for TOMS, connecting the two. They offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.