Green Options

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My home is definitely my refuge.

Until recently, I thought I did a pretty nice job of doing my part for the environment when it came to my home: using eco-friendly cleaning supplies, buying CFL’s, setting the timer to regulate heat and air, but the more I read, the more I find that I can do. There are also a ton of companies emerging that are trying to make an impact while reducing their footprint.

Below are a few of my favorite online destinations for cool products and information for the home and home office:

The Lazy Environmentalist, Josh Dorfman’s company, Vivavi, is a one stop shop for decorating a stylishly modern and eco savvy home. For a more traditional and equally stylish look, check out Brooklyn Farm Table’s reclaimed tables.
For the home office, check out the Zody by Haworth. This ergonomically designed chair boasts cradle to cradle certification and is made of recycled materials down to the nylon on the seats. Haworth even purchases wind credits to power the manufacturing of the product. While sourcing materials is one of the biggest challenges that they face according to the company’s Sr Design for Environment Engineer, Mark Bonnema, they are getting partners onboard and are creating a sustainable chain reaction. The company itself is pursuing some impressive sustainability objectives: sustainable products and design, energy management, green transportation, zero waste and emissions, green building and site management and social responsibility.

Having spent a lot of time in the wireless industry and being hopelessly addicted to my Blackberry and my Helio Ocean, I wanted to take a look at how manufacturers and carriers stand up when it comes to enviro-friendly action.

Nokia: Remaking Mobile
Nokia is one of my favorite handset manufacturers. Not only do they have some amazing concept devices, such as the Nokia Remade, a handset made entirely of pre-used parts from old tires to aluminum cans, they also currently have working devices on the market that are reducing impact. With covers made of recycled material and chargers that are Energy Star compliant and then some, Nokia is making bold strides in the right direction.

The 3110 Evolve’s biocover is made with 50% renewable material, and the packaging has been reduced by 60% for the handset. Along the a charger that uses 94% less energy that Energy Star compliance requires.

No doubt about it, I have my vices. Addiction to coffee seems to be genetic in my family, and so, really, there isn’t anything I can do about it other than try to drink responsibly. Aside from buying organic and fair trade coffee, what you drink out of is as important as what you drink.

I was very excited to see the new Sustain recycled and recyclable mugs from Aladdin. Made from eCycle, a new food-grade safe plastic that is […]