When I think of felt - I think of 5th grade. That's the year my best friend, Eden, and I created a 2-foot-high UCLA basketball player out of papier-mache. We captured him mid-stride with an orange Styrofoam basketball hanging from his hand. The light blue and yellow uniform, socks and shoes were made with felt. … Continue reading Have You Ever Felt So Green?
Ecosalon
I’m Forked!
I'm a giver. Finding an item that seems perfectly suited for a friend is like happening upon a buried treasure - I can't pass it up! I buy and give and it doesn't have to be any one's birthday or anniversary. (This in no way makes me immune to the talent of taking, by the … Continue reading I’m Forked!
Environmentally Friendly Sunscreen Review: SmartShield
I spent most of my youth outdoors, either running around the neighborhood with friends or on the tennis court or playing after school sports. Needless to say, the harsh southern California sun had its way with my skin. Terms like SPF or UV weren't on the tips of everyone's tongues just yet. We preferred Baby … Continue reading Environmentally Friendly Sunscreen Review: SmartShield
Shop Wisely with Rising Tide Fair Trade
I'm a big believer in Mies van der Rohe's dictum "less is more". I'd much prefer that you use what already hangs in your closet. And as much as the lesser green in me would love to encourage you to buy a newer, cooler version of this or that, the greenest me would never do … Continue reading Shop Wisely with Rising Tide Fair Trade
5 Favorite Cutting Edge Eco-Chairs
I'm all about sitting. I'm a mover and a shaker when the occasion requires, but when it's time to call it quits I bet my butt finds a chair before yours. How can I be so sure? Because I was master of musical chairs in kindergarten. I would somehow throw my little body into place … Continue reading 5 Favorite Cutting Edge Eco-Chairs
The Ultimate Guide to Eco Lighting
Maybe it's the way they can make or break a room, like the way the perfect accessory can pull together an outfit. Or maybe the whys don't matter as much as the facts. Eco-lighting is front-page news and everyone who's anyone is making the switch to green. For your viewing pleasure, I've gathered a cutting … Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Eco Lighting
Stella McCartney Vegan Bag: Eco-Friendly or Eco-Wannabe?
I enjoy the occasional controversy. Not the "throw one below the belt" emotionally-charged controversy, but the intelligent discussion chock full of thoughtful comments and ideas even-in-the-throes-of-opposing-views controversy. And I especially enjoy them when they're eco-related. So, here goes. Yes, I covet the new faux leather bag by Stella McCartney. (And word has it a certain … Continue reading Stella McCartney Vegan Bag: Eco-Friendly or Eco-Wannabe?
We Gotta Fight, for the Right, to Paaa” Hang Our Laundry?
I thought it was god-given or at least somewhere in the First Amendment, but it seems that the right to use a clothesline might soon be stripped away. Yes, you heard me. Your eco-friendly clothesline (the one you just ordered this weekend!) is in jeopardy. Your laundry is literally on the line. Has a neighbor … Continue reading We Gotta Fight, for the Right, to Paaa” Hang Our Laundry?
Geoff McFetridge: Coming to a Wall Near You
I didn't think it was possible but wallpaper has become huge, as in popular, hip, happenin' - most likely due to its turning a lovely shade of green (as in eco, eco, eco). It also doesn't hurt that a few of the ultra cool graphic designers du jour have lent their creative juices to the … Continue reading Geoff McFetridge: Coming to a Wall Near You
Throw an Eco-Party Without Planning
It's not surprising that the green movement has found its way into the world of event planning - from weddings to product launches to graduation celebrations. Parties are fun, and trust me, I'm definitely in favor of fun. But most parties will create more waste and use more energy in one night than a family … Continue reading Throw an Eco-Party Without Planning
The Key to My Eco-Heart
Last Sunday after brunch, my friend and I hit Melrose for window shopping, and there it was: a white porcelain key hanging from the neck of a very hip woman. There it swung, elegantly and simply by a thin, black leather cord. Now, I've done my eco-homework. Porcelain falls into the green category, and it's … Continue reading The Key to My Eco-Heart
More Sex, Ladies: the Planet Is Counting on You!
I, Kim Derby, would really like you to get busy. Why? Because sex, my friends, is good for the planet. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your...well, if you're doing this properly, you probably won't need to tell them. I know all of you smart, sophisticated eco-vixens have it in you. Here's why going … Continue reading More Sex, Ladies: the Planet Is Counting on You!
Go Green, Good Traveler: Introducing Starwood’s New ELEMENT hotels
In the days of old and eco-oblivion, you could travel the world, sleep anywhere with 5 stars and be assured of a restful, luxurious, guilt-free experience. In the 90s, smaller "boutique" hotels began to crop up - but pampering, not green, was still the priority. If you're a frequent traveler who happens to have acquired … Continue reading Go Green, Good Traveler: Introducing Starwood’s New ELEMENT hotels
Of Sea Pearls and Diva Cups: an Honest Review of Eco Feminine Hygiene Products
The curse, Aunt Flo, crimson wave, the rag, that time of the month - sound vaguely familiar? For centuries women have been shushed and shamed and told it was inappropriate to discuss - but if you ask me our ability to create a life is amazing. So here at EcoSalon, let's just use the word … Continue reading Of Sea Pearls and Diva Cups: an Honest Review of Eco Feminine Hygiene Products
For the Guys: 10 Things to Avoid if You Want to Date a Green Goddess
Poor thing, he'll be out there all night. Let's just say I've dated a lot. I have dozens of horrible yet hilarious dating tales, but I continue to pick myself up, dust off the disappointment and carry on - hey, the good outweighs the bad and there's always the chance for love. However, I have … Continue reading For the Guys: 10 Things to Avoid if You Want to Date a Green Goddess
Folding the Light
I have a light fetish - an all consuming, but eco-conscious obsession with lighting a room just so. The search for a quality and eco-friendly light has taken me far and wide, including New Zealand, which I wrote about in Modern Balance. Now I've landed closer to home and as eco-friendly as one can get. … Continue reading Folding the Light
Mod by Moxie
I've heard of sewing and embroidery, knitting and crochet - I've even tried my hand at a few of the aforementioned crafts. (Didn't your grandmother enforce the "you should know how to mend, sew a button and knit a scarf" rule, too?) But felting is new to me. I've been delighted by Etsy's Made by … Continue reading Mod by Moxie
No Sweat Tees
A t-shirt is a t-shirt is a t-shirt. Not true - any lover of tees would vehemently oppose such a statement. All of us have a favorite - the one that fits just so; the one we can count on when all else fails. So it won't surprise you to know that an eco-friendly, organic … Continue reading No Sweat Tees
An Easy Green Dry Cleaning Trick
Next time you drop off clothes at the local dry cleaners (an environmentally friendly one, I hope), bring a garment bag along and ask them to hold the plastic and paper. I started doing this about six months ago when my dry cleaner began providing simple, black garment bags for purchase. I spent the $5 … Continue reading An Easy Green Dry Cleaning Trick
Zaishu!
No, Zaishu isn't a new gadget or sugary snack. It's a sturdy little table-seat-whatsit that happens to have quite a story behind it (and on it). The story begins in Japan. Zaishu is Japanese for "small seat" - and small it is (approx 16" x 16" x 11"). Its eco-footprint is equally diminutive. Made of … Continue reading Zaishu!
Kim Derby 
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