Ecosalon

Hartfelt and Fancy Free: Eco-Friendly Felt Cushions

For the record, in the US we call them pillows. Not that there's anything wrong with cushions. In fact, call them whatever you like. If they're soft and cozy you have my attention; make them from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles (eco-fi felt), in cool and colorful designs and I'm sold. These modern, graphic cushions, … Continue reading Hartfelt and Fancy Free: Eco-Friendly Felt Cushions

Cutting Edge Concept: the Flow2 Kitchen

The kitchen could be considered the hub of a home. It's the spot where people congregate at parties, despite protests from the hostess; it's the place a family gathers to break bread as often as three times a day. There are all types of kitchens. We've shown you recycled or sustainable parts and entire islands … Continue reading Cutting Edge Concept: the Flow2 Kitchen

Give an Old Chair a Softer Suit with Parkhaus Pads

I lean toward the minimalist in all things design and I'm especially drawn to chairs of the modernist period. There's nothing not to like, in my opinion, and there's no need to alter any of the classics. That's why they're called classics. But who could object to a softer seat? Unless your bum is naturally … Continue reading Give an Old Chair a Softer Suit with Parkhaus Pads

Cool Design Converts the Car-Addicted

I live in Los Angeles and yes, I love my car. Not because it's a symbol of my status or a prized possession, but because I'd get nowhere without it. In a city known for traffic jams and empty carpool lanes, you'd think locals would be begging for ways to avoid our cars. Such is … Continue reading Cool Design Converts the Car-Addicted

The Look of Refurbished Lockers (Without the Hassles of High School)

My memories of high school are not what you'd call nostalgic. In fact, you couldn't bribe me with eco-gifts and organic treats to return and relive the nonsense of it all. Despite the oodles of teen angst, I did manage to graduate with a strong B average while spending most of my time playing sports … Continue reading The Look of Refurbished Lockers (Without the Hassles of High School)

DIY and Wear a Recycled Tee on Your Wrist

When I was young, still living at home, I'd leave the house for a run and hide my key under the potted plant near the front door. I'd never try this trick today. Instead, I might use one of these simple Wrist Cuff Wallets I found on Etsy. They couldn't be cuter or cheaper ($5) … Continue reading DIY and Wear a Recycled Tee on Your Wrist

The Ceramic Industry: Is a Little Green Better Than None at All?

It wasn't the answer I had hoped for, in fact it threw me. And when I finally landed it was clear I had my next topic for EcoSalon. Is ceramic an eco-friendly material? Not really. Ceramic is certainly not 100% eco-friendly, although it does boast an honest list of good intentions. But first the aforementioned … Continue reading The Ceramic Industry: Is a Little Green Better Than None at All?

The Hip Bag May Be Helpful But Is It Hot?

Can a hip bag ever be a hip bag? I can't help but raise the question since they keep showing up. Years peacefully pass and then, oh! There's another fanny pack, I mean hip bag. My first hip bag was a navy nylon number I wore while trudging through Europe with a backpack and Eurail … Continue reading The Hip Bag May Be Helpful But Is It Hot?

Wasted and Wanted

One sign of true talent, whatever the medium, is the ability to make something spectacular from practically nothing. One man's scraps are another's masterpiece. I'm talking, of course, about up-and-coming designer Dylan Gold and his latest work, Wasted. The San Francisco-based artist worked in advertising for years before finally choosing to pursue his passion for … Continue reading Wasted and Wanted

Handbags Born of Old Leather Jackets

A company born of passion, based on the concept of upcycle rather than brand new, reMade USA makes handbags that hit the eco target. The San Francisco-based company creates one-of-a-kind stylish, sophisticated bags out of recycled leather jackets and scrap materials sourced from thrift stores and car and furniture upholstery companies. They also accept donations … Continue reading Handbags Born of Old Leather Jackets

Prairie Underground Flutter Skirt

If you've spent even a minute clicking through EcoSalon's plethora of fashion posts, you're sure to have laid your eyes on plenty of Prairie Underground. So I'll get to the point. This Flutter Skirt feels like your favorite old tee or worn-in pair of sweats, but it looks more like a million bucks. Made of … Continue reading Prairie Underground Flutter Skirt

Pot Your Plants in PAD’s Recycled Aluminum Pod

Say that six times fast, and then find your favorite pair of gardening gloves and let's play with dirt. These pots are worthy of plenty of playtime. Whether you want to grow your green indoors or out, the metal spun recycled aluminum Pod by PAD is the perfect planter. It's sturdy, lightweight and powder coated … Continue reading Pot Your Plants in PAD’s Recycled Aluminum Pod

Right Brain Terrain Says It, Simple & Green

No one annoys me more than a constant quoter of clichés. Especially irksome is the motivational kind of cliché - overused, inane and just plain tired. When I'm in the midst of something challenging (good or bad), the last thing I need or want to hear is "when the going gets tough" or "when this … Continue reading Right Brain Terrain Says It, Simple & Green

A Good Reason to Buy Something Useless

Of course, I never wasted my hard-earned cash on something I didn't need*. But in case you ever have, now there's a good reason...to go useless. Useless, in this situation, is guilt-free: sustainable, charitable and fashionable. It's got good written all over it. The eco-friendly brand Useless sells stuff people need and use and gives … Continue reading A Good Reason to Buy Something Useless

Judge This Buckle by Its Book Cover

Judge these belt buckles by their covers and all you'll come up with is a serious case of eco, clever and fun. And maybe an urge to go to the library. I'm a serious book lover, and these one-of-a-kind Literary Belt Buckles are too cute for words. I call them the bookworm's belt buckle because … Continue reading Judge This Buckle by Its Book Cover

In the Mood for Sexy Summer Dresses

How do I know it's summer? I hear bees and see flowers blooming; I'm working out because that beach vacation is looming. I watch baby birds as they learn to fly; I welcome new beginnings into my life. And yes, I write terrible jingles that barely rhyme. Actually, I know summer is upon us because … Continue reading In the Mood for Sexy Summer Dresses

Reclaimed Tree Ring Paintings by Tracy Melton at Etsy

Art is an intensely personal experience. What whets your appetite might leave me longing for something slightly different. Or the piece I prize and display in my home could inspire in you nothing more than a really bad headache. But something tells me that Tracy Melton's Tree Ring Paintings will strike almost anyone's fancy. I … Continue reading Reclaimed Tree Ring Paintings by Tracy Melton at Etsy

Outsapop’s Trashion Is Cool DIY Fashion

I was an artistic kid, but I had not an ounce of interest in learning how to sew, much to my mother's chagrin. She was quite the seamstress. Her Singer sat prominently in our playroom where she'd stitch and sew me new dresses, always searching for the coolest Vogue patterns"¦but nothing could change my mind. … Continue reading Outsapop’s Trashion Is Cool DIY Fashion

The Recession-Friendly Guide to Going Out: Twenty-Three Fun and Free Date Ideas

The dating scene is not an easy one. There are the usual quandaries - dinner or just drinks; sleep over or the token kiss on the cheek? Add to those basic issues the meltdown of all things economy-related, and the idea of going on a date might send even the most romantic Romeo & Juliet … Continue reading The Recession-Friendly Guide to Going Out: Twenty-Three Fun and Free Date Ideas