By Skye Kilaen •
September 2, 2008
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Don’t forget! The next Carnival of Green Crafts is Thursday at Whip Up. Sneak your entry in just under the deadline now!
I started writing the Fabulous Fabrics series here in March, and I thought the six month mark would be a good time for a retrospective.
What I’ve liked best about doing this series is seeing the combination of creativity and passion that goes into what these fabric designers and manufacturers do. If someone’s making organic fabric, it’s because they believe in it. It’s not just because a market analysis told them they would make some money. (In fact, I sometimes worry if they’re even making enough to live on, given the extra work they’re doing to source and use eco-friendly materials and fair trade practices.) These folks really want to make a difference.
So here are the fabrics and shops I’ve covered so far in the Fabulous Fabrics series here on Crafting A Green World. At one point I was afraid I would run out, but more and more come to my attention all the time. So here’s the past, and I’ll see you next Tuesday to start in on the next six months!
By Ariel Schwartz •
August 16, 2008
Part 2: Green Building Materials
Earlier this week, I wrote about my experience at Ford headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. Specifically, I discussed the Ford Escape Hybrid. While I was in Dearborn, I also had the chance to check out some of the “green” materials that Ford is currently using/plans to use in their vehicles.
One of these materials is soy-based foam, which is present in the 2008 Mustang, the F-150, the Expedition, the Navigator, and the Focus. The foam is made by crushing soybeans to get oil, which is then turned into soy polyol. According to Ford, the foam reduces CO2 emissions by 5 million pounds annually. Soy proteins are also eventually going to be used in rubber parts.
By Paul Smith •
August 14, 2008
What do you do if you’re a marine biologist with an entrepreneurial streak who wants to indulge it by opening a business, but you want it to be part of the solution, rather than adding to the problem? Open an online eco fashion site, of course.
That’s what Adrian Desbarats, up in Prince Edward Island, on the far east edge of Canada, decided to do. Far from being yet another boutique green fashion site in an obscure location, Desbarats is about to launch a site with high ambitions: To make the buying of sustainable fashions an affordable, quick, painless experience, at great prices.
It’s easy to find expensive green fashion like Natalie Portman’s vegan shoe line and other such boutique items, or on the other side, hippy skewed hempwear. But what if you want fashion for the more everyday, that looks good, wears well, and is reasonably priced? This is where Fashion & Earth aims to fit.
Now the question that came to my mind is, isn’t there other sites out there that do just that? Desbarats was on the case, with a well thought out response:
What is a card or wrap trap? A waste of resources that eventually cost more than money! Most people spend special occasion and holiday funds on ultimate trash when they buy conventional cards, gift wrapping paper and ribbon. Such items are rarely recycled and cause an excessive landfill burden, especially during December.
Perhaps you’ve noticed gift and holiday supplies proudly claiming recycled, post-consumer, chlorine-free, or tree-free? Sounds nice, but are you confused? Most consumers are when trying to decipher it all. Frustrations peak when claims are misleading.
Karen Young’s eclectic southern shop, Hammocks and High Tea, offers fanastic gifts for the sustainably minded shopper. Having spent her childhood in South America, Karen grew up influenced by a blend of British and Caribbean culture.
Her passion for the culture comes through in some of the gorgeous pieces that she carries, such as the beautifully designed tea towels. Inspired by her memories and travels, Hammocks and High Tea line definitely [...]
British car-maker Lotus has unveiled an environmentally-friendly concept car, which is partly made of marijuana, at the British International Motor Show. The Lotus Eco-Elise (pictured above) sports body panels manufactured entirely from hemp (they’re the brown bits on the roof and bonnet).
You might be excused for thinking that the Lotus designers had dreamt up such a crazy scheme after sampling some of the raw materials. In fact, it seems that the company are on to a good thing. Compared to metal, hemp is a very lightweight material, which helps to improve vehicle performance and promote greater fuel-efficiency. Hemp is also a renewable, lightweight material that absorbs CO2 through photosynthesis. In addition, the particular type of hemp used by Lotus is ethically produced in close proximity to the manufacturing plant, keeping a lid on the emissions made through transportation.
Since their launch in 2006, Noon Solar has sold out of every product line within weeks after manufacturing. Based in Chicago, Noon Solar creates bags for those who are both eco and fashion conscious. Now you can enjoy that lunch in the park or drive to your next appointment all while charging your cell phone, PDA or digital camera using the sun’s power!
As the founders say “you can bury this bag in the backyard, but you’ll never want to”. Made of biodegradable materials like organic hemp and cotton these bags can skip the landfill (after you’ve removed, reused or recyled the solar panel and hardware). Although I’d likely give it away when I was done with it rather than throwing it in the compost, it’s nice to know it can be done.
A modern take on a Victorian classic, the Cleo sofa is just one in a collection of completely sustainable and modern furniture. Greener Lifestyles, based in Seattle, WA doesn’t believe you have to sacrifice your health, the environment or good design for well-made, long lasting pieces for your home. Priding themselves on impeccible craftsmenship and attention to detail with 100% sustainability their goal, they’re always searching for the best non-toxic materials.
Responsibly harvested FSC-certified wood is used for the frame, while sustainably harvested rubber tree sap is turned into their biodegradable and mold, mite and mildew-resisting latex cushions. Anti-microbial and naturally fire-retardant organic wool is used with organic cotton for all cushion batting.
By Kelly Rand •
July 17, 2008
–Don’t forget! Send in your posts for the new Carnival of Green Crafts. Taking submissions now.–
I know that we’ve covered hemp yarn before from Lanaknits and Autumn talked to us about macrame , but it was Leslie’s quest to try natural dye that got me to take a second look at Aurora Silk’s Hemp Yarn.
At first look this yarn from Aurora brings to mind all the stereotypes that Skye talked about when she profiled hemp fabrics. But no it is Not Marijuana.
Hemp yarn is derived from the growth of industrial hemp, a different species of it’s more famous cousin. Industrial hemp grows fast without the need for much pesticides or herbicides. The fiber harvested from the plant is more commonly known as bast. Bast fibers are long and very strong and can be woven or spun to make fabric, rope or yarn.
It’s that time of year again: wedding season! Here are a few companies helping brides say eco-chic on their big day.
Here are a few tips for going green while wearing white:
The Rings: Make sure you choose conflict free diamonds and recycled gold bands if you aren’t inheriting a family ring. C5 Company, Todd Reed and Brilliant Earth are excellent designers that use recycled gold and raw diamonds thatare responsibly sourced.
The Dress: Check out ANGeLRox, Natural Bridals or Deborah Lindquist for gorgeous bridal collections that are made with organic and eco-friendly fabrics, such as hemp and silk. Heirloom dresses and vintage are also excellent choices and can be a really nice touch for your special day.
