Who: Beyond Skin; East Sussex, UK

What: Hazel T-Strap Pump

Where: Amazon.com – $284.95 $113.98

Why We Love ‘Em: We are completely obsessed with these T-strap heels from Beyond Skin. Such a classy look with just the right hint of ‘foxy.’ Great contrast in colors and texture with the high gloss of the faux patent strap (it’s made from PVC-free polyurethane and  is 100% vegan) against the muted black. And who knew that hemp fabric could look so good, Click to continue »

Who: 3greenmoms;  Potomac, MD

What: LunchSkins Reusable Snack & Sandwich Bags

Where: 3greenmoms.com – $8.95  for the sandwich bag & $7.85 for the snack bag; ReusableBags.com – $8.95 for the sandwich bag & $7.95  for the snack bag w/discounts for orders of 2 or more.

Why We Love ‘Em: Finally a stylish, feel-good replacement for that old tattered zip lock bag that has been reused a hundred times and leaves your lunch vulnerable to the dreaded office lunch snatcher. Would they be so brazen to steal the pb&j tucked discreetly in the shark tote with your name on it? Hmmm…

While they can’t perform miracles, these bags will definitely help curb your ‘trash footprint.’ Unlike some of the other reusable sandwich bags,  LunchSkins are made with a high quality, moisture-proof German fabric (it feels almost like a sail cloth) used worldwide in the food industry so it can handle more than just dry goods without leaking and hot items without melting. Best of all, the durable fabric makes these baggies machine washable! Click to continue »

Who: Joy O Designs; San Francisco, CA

What: Arc Drop Earrings

Where: Joy O Designs, $158

Why: Great pair of  simple, everyday-wear earrings.  This versatile pair from Joy O Designs can be worn from work to evening paired with everything from a v-neck T to a cocktail dress.

A beautifully handcrafted piece made from natural stone and recycled metal.  The imperfections and variations of the natural stones as well as the hand hammered recycled metal only make each pair more unique.  Designer Joy Opfer doesn’t overwork her materials but lets the natural beauty, and often natural imperfections of the stones, dark blue sapphire nuggets, in this case, shine through resulting in a timeless heirloom quality pieces.

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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 »

Who: Skip Hop,  (HQ) New York, NY, designed in New Zealand

What: Wishbone Bike

Where: Petit Trésor, $249 or the graphic limited edition, $299

Why: There is more than meets the eye to this bike. The Wishbone running bike, (note: no pedals), is a clever design that grows as your child grows. And given how quickly kids outgrow bikes, it makes sense to create one that can accommodate them through their first five years.  With a few minor modifications this bike transforms from a tricycle to a low riding two-wheeler (simply remove the two back wheels and reinstall one between the wishbone shaped frame) to a taller version of the low rider with just a flip of the frame. Click to continue »

Looking for an excuse to splurge on Kiehl’s? Well, look no more, here are five:

1) Kiehl’s recycles as part of their Recycle and Be Rewarded program. Simply bring your empty Kiehl’s bottles to any Kiehl store and you’ll be rewarded with free goods.  Bring in 3 empty bottles and you’ll recieve a #1 Lip Balm, 5 empties and you’ll recieve a 2.5 oz travel collection product, 10 empties and you’ll get a free full sized product valued up to $25. Nice to be rewarded for your recycling efforts. Click to continue »

Who: Motorola; Albuquerque, NM (HQ)

What: Motorola W233 Renew Cell Phone

Where: T-Mobile or AT&T, $9.99 when you renew your existing plan. Through April 30th, new T-Mobile subscribers qualify for a free phone and $100 cashback. For other providers, look for an unlocking code – see PC Magazine.

Why: Wish this phone was on the market when I was shopping for my last phone. I spent a week looking for a more environmentally friendly option and the best my Verizon rep could offer was a phone that was green, as in the color green…..meet Motorola’s Renew, a cell phone that is actually green. Click to continue »

Who: EKOBO, HQ – Generargues, France

What: Globo Salad Bowl & Servers

Where: Available at Lekker $99 for the bowl, $32 for the salad servers. Matching pasta bowls are on sale for $22.50. Buyer beware, you may find yourself lost in a sea of irresistible products at Lekker……

Why: The EKOBO line of kitchenwares “had me at hello,” and then I watched the video showing how the gorgeous bowls are made and I fell even harder. The manufacturing process is fascinating. Each piece is handmade in Vietnam using traditional practices in compliance with Fair Trade standards. Crafted from socially and environmentally responsible bamboo which is then spun and hand hammered into shape revealing a delightful pattern of rings left exposed on the interior of each piece. Next, they are hand-sanded, polished and painted before being wrapped up in recycled packaging for shipping.

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(Updated October 18, 2008) If you prefer the natural bamboo on the outside try this one from Global Exchange, an online fair trade marketplace. A similar set is on sale for 30% off Vivaterra!! Only $49 for the set.  Makes a great host/ess gift.

Who: Beyond Skin – London, U.K.

What: Beyond Skin Women’s Amelia Lace-Up Pump

Where: Amazon.com – $284.95, on sale for $85.48!

Why: Beyond Skin’s Amelia heel is a sassy and sweet take on the menswear classic. Oxfords are all the rage this fall, a timeless refined shoe that can be worn all day long. The Amelia oxford features a faux patent leather toe and soft felt uppers with a heel that looks petite, but at 3″ is deceivingly tall. These shoes would look ‘smashing’ with our beloved s u w h a jacket, (if you have not heard of s u w h a – you will, she is an amazing up and coming London based designer) which is curiously enough, also named the Amelia…. mere coincidence?

The designers of Beyond Skin set out to create a line of stylish, ethically sensitive and eco-friendly shoes. Most of the shoes are vegan incorporating natural and man-made fabrics such as satin and synthetic leather which are made from polyester and cotton-backed polyurethane respectively to cut down on chemical by-products. All of the shoes are made to order by hand in East London. Quite comfortable.

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Update: March 12, 2009: (Seen at ECO-AGE). The heel on these shoes and the rest of the Beyond Skin line are deceivingly high!

Who: Simple – Ventura, CA
What: Weebit Booties
Where: Amazon
– $14.89 – $19.99
Why: This little piggy went to market, and this little piggy stayed home, snug as a bug in his cozy eco-friendly kicks. I mean, what could be cuter?

Simple’s Wee-bits are made of hemp uppers, organic cotton linings, recycled elastic collars, 100% post consumer paper pulp foot forms and outsoles made of recycled bike tire inner tubes–even the packaging is made of recycled materials. Available in all sorts of colors, plaids and dots – the new Black/Urbin Dots fabric is our favorite.

And if you are feeling a wee-bit green with envy, try out your own grown up version with the Simple Women’s Retire Slip-on Sneak……..