Did you know that most municipal recycling programs do not accept plastic lids, tops or caps for recycling? Many only accept the containers for recycling and require that you remove the caps and discard them. This is due in part to the fact that the caps are usually made out of a different kind of plastic and the hard plastic caps often jam the processing machines endangering workers.  With no option for recycling, the tops end up in landfills, littering parks and coastlines and endangering wildlife.

Recognizing this shortfall, Aveda recently launched a plastic top recycling program: “Recycle Caps with Aveda.” So now you can collect your caps (any rigid polyproylene plastic #5*) and bring them to the nearest Aveda store where they’ll ultimately be recycled into new containers for Aveda’s product line. Click to continue »

Who: Amenity, Los Angeles, CA

What: Peacock & Cream Grass Pillow

Where: AmenityHome.com, regular $89, on sale for $30

Why: I just want to run my fingers through the wispy grasses draped across this pillow top. The blown up graphic with its’ eye-catching trio of colors would add a touch of understated glam to any living room, or better yet, bedroom. Based on photographs and clippings taken by Amenity founders, Nicole Chiala and Kristina de Corpo,  Amenity’s prints capture the essence of nature while reinventing them for a modern aesthetic.

Hand silkscreened in L.A. on Belgian linen with an insert made from recycled plastic bottles.

Who: Lights Up! Brooklyn, NY

What: Soiree Table Lamp

Where: Design Public – $174

Why: Since 1985, Lights Up! has created lighting that makes a statement without shouting. Minimalist by nature, the designs display clean lines, unfussy hardware with interchangeable beautifully patterned lampshades designed by Thomas Fernez of Thomas Paul. You can mix and match the shades with a variety of bases and ceiling mount options to create a lighting fixture that suits your space and aesthetics. Urban Sherp’s favorite? The sleek resin base pictured above paired with Fall ’08′s black ginko lampshade. Perfectly modern. And the good news, soon these lampshades will be available in 100% PET recycled plastic! When it came time to source a new supplier of the linen and silk used for the lampshades, owner Rachel Simon took the advice of her nephew to consider more eco-friendly materials. So keep an eye out for a greener shade.

soiree lamp

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 »

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: Matt & Nat, Montreal, Quebec, CANADA

What: Portishead Grey Felt Handbag

Where: Matt&Nat.com, 40% off, on sale for for $135. On final sale at funkylala.com for $96!