Timberland has made a name for itself as a maker of quality, long lasting footwear, but over the years they have become well known for their commitment to the environment as well. Transitioning their packaging to 100% post-consumer recycled content cardboard printed with soy-based inks complete with their signature environmental “nutritional label.”  Launching their Earthkeepers line,  a collection of  eco-friendly footwear made of  natural and sustainable materials like recycled rubber treads, biodegradable Smart wool liners, organically tanned leathers and recycled PET to name a few. And refining their manufacturing process to reduce energy and material waste. Click to continue »

As my friends will attest, I am in desperate need of a good re-upholsterer for my favorite chair, a thrift store find circa 1999. Of course, reupholstering will likely be more expensive than if picking up a new chair at a discount chain, but, in keeping with a greener lifestyle, I will salvage my perfectly good antique, crafted back when things were built to last and were not disposable…… (See Story of Stuff). Per usual, I am holding out (it has been 5 months now) until I find just the right fabric from the budding eco-friendly textile market. In the meantime, I will continue to begrudgingly lounge in my more shabby than chic chair.

Here are the contenders thus far: Click to continue »

There has been a much talk recently about the harmful chemicals present in everyday household cleaners. That ’oh-so-clean’ chemical smell associated with a spotless house is actually toxic and pollutes our air, soils, and water. Think about it, when you dispose of household cleaners, you are required to dispose of them as if they were hazardous waste, and that hazardous waste is what we are using to clean our homes? Sorry, but I just think that is crazy–crazy that we are comfortable wiping down our countertops with a cleaner that is treated as hazardous waste when disposed!! So what should you do?

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For your next DIY painting project try out low-VOC or zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints. Not only will you avoid that initial heavy chemical fresh paint smell, but you will also avoid the harmful emissions release from the paint for years to come. These low level toxic emissions are one of the leader factors of poor indoor air quality, but they also contribute to outdoor air pollution and ozone depletion. The low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes are comparable or superior to standard paints in terms of durability, scrubability and coverage. They are slightly more expensive, but consider that a small price to pay for the quality of your indoor air and, in the long run, for keeping contaminants out of our soil and water. And you don’t have to wait for the hazardous waste day to get rid of your old paint cans! Click to continue »