Have been doing a little spring cleaning and unearthed jeans that I’ve had since college back, they’ve lived a good life and need to be trashed, but now with Gaps jean recycling event they’ll be able to find new life as eco-friendly recycled denim insulation. Now through March 14th, you can bring in an old pair of jeans (jean skirts and shorts qualify too) to a Gap in exchange for 30% off a new pair of Gap jeans. They’ve got sizes to fit every shape in the latest styles (none that we saw were organic though…. ) The jeans collected will be recycled to create natural cotton fiber insulation for homes in needy communities. So, go ahead turn your blue jeans green. It’s a win win…. Click to continue »

This past weekend was all about getting organized, rifling through my stack of catalogs, magazines, tear outs, business cards, the whole hot mess that had slowly been taking over my desk. And I am an organized person, but lately have had way too much on my plate to stay on top of things. But I digress. In my fit of OCD, I found the page I tore out of Lucky Magazine with the name of the website where you can make, share, sell or buy laser cut templates, designs or kits (this is the site I referenced on my post about my favorite DIY sites…    It’s PONOKO!! Such a relief, has been driving me nuts that I couldn’t remember the name of it and now I can stop racking my brain to find it. Click to continue »

When I heard about a local school being prepared for demolition, I got to thinking about all the materials in the school that would go to waste. The gym floors, the old oak doors, the brass light fixtures, even the brick. But the fact of the matter is that salvaging these materials is costly and most construction companies don’t want to be slowed down by the time it would take to reclaim the usable materials. It made me sick to my stomach to think of all the quality materials that could have been salvaged but instead would be hauled off to a landfill. Click to continue »

Spring Fever has hit. My Christmas tree (I went with a sweet little potted tree this year) is the only green thing outside, it’s been raining for four days and I am still wearing layers of under armour…. This is about the time of year that I fantasize about the garden that will magically transform my 100 square foot backyard into an oasis. Then, of course am reminded that my faulty green thumb might make that a challenge, but perhaps if I had just the right kit…

Here are some of the gardens I am coveting right now: Click to continue »

I often consider Urban Sherp my very own file cabinet full of ideas, stores, designers and products that inspire me and whose eco and ethical design standards I admire. I’ve been incredibly inspired by the designers, store owners and crafters and their stories of how they brought their visions to life. It is hard to not get bitten by their creative drive which is why for the last few months I have been working with my dad building a piece of furniture. Click to continue »

I finally got a chance to visit the High Line Park in New York and it was more impressive than I had anticipated. On our last day in New York, my husband and I got up early to squeeze in a visit, and even on a brisk morning, it was magical. We felt completely transported, elevated above the hustle and bustle and honking of morning rush hour to float above it all in a peaceful oasis. Moms were out walking their babies, joggers were enjoying a run without dodging traffic, commuters chose to take the scenic route, workers were laying the foundation for the next segment of the High Line, and my husband and were soaking it all in. Click to continue »

Some out of the ordinary hand-crafted Valentine’s Day Gifts from one of our favorite online boutiques – Supermarket…

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	Pippi Black Hat by Claudia Shulz – $195 With x’s stringed across the brim, this hat is perfect for the Valentine who prefers a little more structure and style in their winter hat. Love the European styling of this hat hand block wool felt, like a cross between an English riding helmet and a hunters cap. Made in Canada.

What Valentine’s Day would be complete without jewelry? Here are some of our favorite designers who specialize in handmade jewelry using recycled, organic, or ethically sourced materials… Click to continue »

Who doesn’t love a fresh bouquet of flowers on Valentine’s Day or any day for that matter. So why not go green this Valentine’s day and choose organic or locally grown flowers. Here are some of our favorite sites for gorgeous and eco-friendly flowers…. Click to continue »

Mmm, chocolate – here are some of our favorite organic, fair trade & handmade chocolates perfect for your Valentine… Click to continue »