If having a gift-free holiday is not something your family would go for, why not get them something sustainable? Just by looking through the eco-links collection on my website, one can easily see that there are cornucopia of green stores to choose from. For the next two months, I’ll be featuring some of the freshest shopping destinations the world wide web has to offer, helping you get to the bottom of that twice-checked list faster than ever.

Trying to decide who to feature in my first Green Shopping Spotlight was a darn tough decision, but the answer came to me in a snap, or an e-mail as it were. Two days ago, I got a delightful message from Jennifer, half of the two-woman team that started Max and Zane, the other half being April. I’d never heard of the online outlet before so I quickly clicked on over to see what the scoop was, and boy (or girl, haha) was I in for a treat!

Handmade, vintage, recycled, repurposed — Max and Zane has it all. We’re not just talking accessories and t-shirts either — paper goods, bath & body, kid & baby, men, women and special gift lists are full of unique items that I haven’t seen on any other sites. "Max and Zane was born out of a love for all things extraordinary and the knowledge that not everyone has the time or the patience to seek them out."

While the goods sold on Max and Zane are green, does the rest of the business operate under the same principles? You bet! "Not only do we have a love for vintage and repurposed goods, but we use recycled office supplies and support eco-friendly companies whenever humanly possible. Your purchases from Max and Zane will most likely arrive at your door in recycled cardboard boxes with reused packaging … we figure, if we can provide secure shipping in materials that are reused, why waste valuable resources?"

Need a simple gift for a co-worker? Shopping for a relative that is "difficult" to pinpoint? Ready to start putting slash marks on your holiday list? Click on over to Max and Zane — you won’t be disappointed.

1. Handbag knit purse from plastic shopping bags.

You’ve probably seen similar projects to this one: maybe a rug braided from plastic grocery bags. This Instructables project takes a slightly different approach: spinning the bags into a "yarn" that you then knit using an incredibly simple pattern to make a durable bag. I think you could easily make cute stripes with blue and white bags.

2. Yoga mat bag made from old pants

This project from personal fave ReadyMade magazine reuses "grandpa pants" (sorry Max!), but you can use any old pants, including denim, to make a very cute tote for your yoga mat. Can’t wait to try this one as soon as I "borrow" my mother-in-law’s sewing machine.

3. Tote bag made from old t-shirt

If there’s one thing I have a ton of, it’s old t-shirts. My storied (ha!) athletic career (and teaching career) left me with more t-shirts than I know what to do with. Most have sentimental value and I hate to throw them out, but I never wear half of them, and I’m not a fan of those t-shirt quilts. This project from Instructables is super-simple and, with a little work, could be the easy way to make all those reusable grocery bags you’ve been meaning to buy.

4. Insulated lunch bag remake.

Okay, this one is kind of cheating: it’s more of a makeover than a reuse, but if you happen to come across one of those cheap insulated lunch bags, Instructables recommends remaking it to be less hideous. Well, I’d make a cuter applique than the shifty-eyed donut, but that’s just personal taste

5. Customized reusable shopping bag

I can’t wait to try this, since I have a plethora of reusable bags I’ve gathered over the years. This Instructables project creates inner pockets in your reusable grocery bags to hold "produce bags you’re reusing at the store, a bottle of wine, or fresh baguette." Oh yes, I want to carry television-style grocery bags with a loaf of bread and leafy carrots sticking out of the top. Now I can make the myth a reality.

6. Handbag sewn from plastic shopping bags

Although the ReadyMade project on the right looks more complicated than the other projects here, the end result looks seriously stylish, and the only materials needed are grocery bags, thread, bobby pins, scissors, and a sewing machine.

7. Messenger bag from trash bags

Here’s some MacGyver bag-making: Make has a hip messenger bag, suitable for men and women, made from old trash bags using an iron to melt the plastic together. And you can watch it being made via their online video. If that’s not your bag (I couldn’t resist!), download the PDF instructions.

8. Handbags from old sweaters

If you’ve got old sweaters, Cosby or otherwise, lying around (maybe with your grandpa pants?), WhipUp’s got a pattern to turn them into one-of-a-kind totes.

I hope this is of interest. Please contact me for more info…Jerry

Cool Planet Jewelry announced today that it has teamed up with the Stop Global Warming Virtual March to develop a special StopGlobalWarming.org collection of  fine handcrafted jewelry, using recycled precious metals.   All Cool Planet Jewelry products have been developed to ensure that every aspect of the company’s operations are socially, economically, and environmentally responsible.   The collection uses recycled precious metals thus eliminating new mining, which is a significant source of environment degradation.
 
The StopGlobalWarming.org collection features a men’s and women’s line jewelry ranging from necklaces to bracelets and pins, all featuring the StopGlobalWarming.org logo.
 
“We are thrilled to partner with Cool Planet Jewelry and encourage concerned citizens to support this beautiful and environmentally responsible jewelry collection,” said Laurie David, global warming activist and founder of StopGlobalWarming.org.   
 
Founded by Laurie David, John McCain and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. StopGlobalWarming.org has galvanized over 900,000 individual marchers including leading scientists, entertainers, athletes, political and religious leaders, and corporations who are concerned about the overheating of the planet and have united to urge government to find solutions to the growing and imminent danger of global warming.
 
With every purchase a generous donation will be made to both StopGlobalWarming.org and the Natural Resources Defense Council.  Visit www.coolplanetjewelry.com <http://www.coolplanetjewelry.com/> . The web site is 100% solar powered.
 

Editor’s note: Please join us in welcoming Jason Phillip to the Green Options writing team! A freelance writer and editor based in Chicago, Jason will be focusing on the "green scene" in the Windy City for us. Mayor Richard Daly has committed to making Chicago the greenest city in the country, so we’re looking forward to Jason’s reports on these efforts.

My idea of sustainable fashion has always been making sure the clothing I wear gets as long a life as possible. I like keeping things in my wardrobe forever, and when they finally can’t be worn even one more time, replacing them with something from a thrift store that I know has had at least one previous owner. I like to think I’m buying classics, and also keeping material out of the waste stream. If I’m not buying something new, my purchase doesn’t help spew any carbon dioxide into the atmosphere or exploit any sweatshop workers, right? Plus, I can save a bundle outfitting myself with recycled duds.

But as most fans of "thrifting" know, it can be tough to shop this way all the time. There’s an element of luck involved—you have to make do with what fate presents you. The scavenger hunt feeling can be addictive, but sometimes it’s just not practical—like when building a professional wardrobe, or looking for outdoor apparel with modern weatherproofing performance. No one has ever accused me of being a slave to fashion, but sometimes you gotta go retail. And for the eco-conscious consumer, going retail may now mean seeking out environmentally-friendly garments. In just the past year, it seems, the fashion industry has really begun to embrace the environmental ethos, and the choices available to consumers interested in ethically-produced clothing are growing by leaps and bounds.

Case in point: I got a pair of recycled sandals as a gift this year, after my decade-old pair of slip-ons finally gave up the ghost. My wife—never a fan of the old dork cork classics, but nonetheless tolerant of my penchant for comfort over style—found a decent looking replacement pair that compared favorably in the looks department, and had some impressive sustainability features. I appreciated the fact that the soles are made from recycled car tire tread, the straps consist of used (but clean) bicycle inner tubes, and the thread holding it all together is organic cotton. Alas, the whole shoe is less than the sum of its parts; the sad fact is that the new togs just make me miss my old pair. They don’t feel anywhere near as sturdy, they fall off my feet when I walk because the straps can’t be tightened, and the stitching in the soles looks like it’s about to wear through after only three weeks of use. Did I mention I owned my old pair since the mid-1990s? These "sustainable" sandals don’t seem like they’ll last through next summer. The warm glow I felt around the purchase of this innovative product has faded pretty quickly, replaced by the creeping realization that I’m going to have to make another summer footwear purchase soon.

So now I’m weighing the relative merits of buying conventional but long-lasting versus green but disposable. Can a consumer item really claim to be sustainable if it leads me to make even more purchases? Obviously my disappointing sandal experience is just one tiny drop in a rising sea of eco-friendly fashion, but I can’t help but think there are a lot of frustrated expectations to wade through while clothing designers work the kinks out of their green creations. I want to be part of the greening of our culture, but I also don’t want to pay for the privilege of being an early-adopter guinea pig. As fashion guru Tim Gunn from the reality show Project Runway regularly tells the ambitious designers competing for fame and fortune for the cameras, "Make it work, people!" Once I know it works, then I’ll be happy to own it.

Fortunately, Chicagoans will get a chance to decide for themselves which cutting-edge ideas work, and which don’t, in the sustainable designs of dozens of retailers and designers at the EcoModa fashion showcase on Sept. 27. Hosted by Foresight Design Initiative as part of its Sustainable Convergence ’07 party, EcoModa will highlight the ways emerging designers from Chicago, established designers from the region with their own boutiques, and large-scale clothing manufacturers like Patagonia and Nau are creating clothing and accessories that are easy on the earth.

Such an event seems extremely topical at the moment. Eco-fashion is hot right now, as both mainstream and environmental-focused media have rushed to cover the trend in recent months. Entire issues of E Magazine and VegNews have been devoted to telling the story of how eco-fashion has moved beyond the era of Birkenstocks and hemp ponchos. High-end fashion designers around the world have been experimenting with sustainable fabrics and dyes that treat the earth more gently, and they’re creating stunningly beautiful garments with them.

These trends strike me as exciting in a "gee-whiz-that’s-what-the-future-may-look-like-someday" way, but what about us eco-conscious folks who need a new work outfit today and for whom haute couture is just not in the budget? Eventually fabrics utilizing exotic materials like bamboo, corn, organic cotton, and recycled materials will trickle down to the everyday department store shopper, but how long will that take? Many new concepts in eco-fashion out there seem like great ideas on paper, but not thoroughly tested in the real world.

Along comes EcoModa—a chance to enter the big tent of this cultural trend and kick a lot of tires. Skeptical about the aesthetic potential of a skirt made out of recycled t-shirts? Wondering how to avoid supporting off-shore sweatshops? Curious about how high-end designers work a sustainable material like bamboo into their garments? Anybody with even a passing interest in sustainability who’s not a nudist will probably find something at the event to capture their attention. I think we’re just beginning to see what committed, creative people with sewing machines can do with the task of making a billion-dollar industry a more ethical one. In the not-too-distant future, we may look back on the way we dressed ourselves at the turn of the 21st century with the same disbelief that we feel today when confronted with the historical realities of hoop skirts and whalebone corsets.

To get a little background on the upcoming fashion showcase and find out what to expect, I recently sat down with Peter Nicholson, the Executive Director of Foresight Design. He told me that each year the Sustainable Convergence event brings together over 40 nonprofit organizations, business enterprises, and service providers doing work in the sustainability realm in Chicago. The Sustainable Enterprise Fair portion of the event features dozens of information tables and networking opportunities with environmental movers and shakers, but Convergence is also a big party, complete with sustainable food and drinks, music, and free giveaways.

"We work a lot on building community," Nicholson says. "Changing the way we do things, whether it’s biking to work or buying local produce, is better done in concert with other people who are trying to do it too."

The event was originally conceived as a way to bring together (as in "converge" … get it?) different groups of Chicagoans—the business community, members of the general public interested in sustainability, and design professionals—all in one place and all around the concept of packaging green ideas so people will want to use them. "I believe we’re going to design our way out of this crisis. Advances in technology will get us part of the way there, but how do you incorporate them into people’s behaviors? How do you package it so it is useful? That’s the role of design."

Not simply a stereotypical gala fundraiser, Sustainable Convergence is meant to showcase great ideas in sustainable design in a setting where people can support and learn from one another. Rather that have a separate space for a runway show, the fashion designers will be mixed in among the nonprofits and green businesses promoting their products and services. The idea is to cross-pollinate among different subgroups of the overall "green community" in the city.

I asked Nicholson why he and his staff decided to make fashion the featured design discipline at this year’s event. He swears that he had no idea it would become the green issue du jour it is now when the idea was considered over a year ago. The draw for Foresight, he says, was that eco-fashion could take design out of the abstract realm and be presented as something that everyone can relate to on a daily basis. He says the EcoModa will be compelling because of the breadth of the 40 different "looks" that designers will present. Nicholson says attendees can expect to see "everything from everyday wear, to kids clothing, to more fancy stuff." He also says focusing on the intersection of sustainability and fashion design "offered the opportunity to show not just one product or approach, but a whole range of possibilities."

That newly emerging range of options is what I think makes this the right time for a showcase like EcoModa. Whereas once "earth-friendly" clothing was synonymous with "hippie wear," the entire fashion industry seems to be on alert to the new trend in eco-sensitive—if not socially just—design. As a casual observer, it’s gratifying to see what can often seem a pretty frivolous and self-absorbed industry waking up to the need for better environmental stewardship. And as it wakes up, it can lead consumers to a deeper understanding of how garments get into their closets. It can present a different path than the mindless consumerism that follows the pattern of See-Want-Buy-Discard-Repeat at the lowest monetary cost to the consumer. Hopefully, the trend will spread to all the segments of the market, in order that eco-fashion not stay a niche within the industry. Indications so far are encouraging. As Nicholson says, "It’s not couture and it’s not crunchy. It’s—dare I say it—mainstream. Or at least it’s headed that way."

Just like organic food and green architecture have come of age and have presented a new set of choices to consumers, the American public may someday have to reckon with labeling and branding messages that have never been part of our retail shopping lexicon. Now is when we start to shake out the relative merits of terms like "upcycled," "compostable," "reclaimed," "fair trade," and "low-impact" (to name a few) as they apply to the clothing and accessories we wear every day.

Even more important than learning to parse the buzzwords, though, I’ll be attending EcoModa on the lookout for designers that would make Tim Gunn proud. In Season 2 of Project Runway, the contestants on the show were challenged to design an outfit using materials they scrounged from piles of refuse at an industrial recycling center. This design challenge was mostly just a reality-TV stunt ("You’ve got 8 yards of bubble wrap, 2 rolls of duct tape, and 90 minutes…Go!"), and most of the creations didn’t hold up to being worn by an actual human being for even the few minutes it took to slink down the runway. When it came to eco-fashion, the Project Runway kids didn’t really make it work. But I’m hoping that EcoModa will feature some design solutions that reflect some deeper thought and that capture the promise of the "recycled dress" concept. I’ve got a feeling that here in Chicago, known as "the city that works," the audience at this event won’t be satisfied by mere aesthetics–this eco-fashion is going to have to work. I can just picture Tim Gunn wandering the exhibit space in one of his impeccable suits, stopping to peer over his glasses at a beautiful design that makes you forget how small its ecological footprint is, and intoning with sincere appreciation, "Mmmm…very impressive." It could happen.

Like the discriminating Mr. Gunn, I plan on not being shy about questioning a few of these visionaries about what really works in their designs. I value what they’re doing, I really do. I’m even willing to pay a premium for a dress shirt or a raincoat or a pair of pants that does everything I expect it to because it does those things in a sustainable way. But I need to be satisfied that it’s going to keep delivering on that promise for a few years before I’m willing to spend my thrift-store dollar on experimental eco-smart threads. Call me crazy, but I want my next "sandal of the future" to have a real future. Otherwise, there’s a world of second-hand clothing out there just waiting to be reclaimed.

To register for Sustainable Convergence ‘07, click here. Ticket prices vary by date of registration.

What is true cost? It’s most commonly defined as an economic model that involves including externalities into the pricing of goods and services. These externalities are most apparent in harm caused to living beings, including the environment as a whole. True cost includes everything from the depletion of non-renewable resources to pollution from shipping the product to you. Toothpaste from China may be cheap in price, but if it has anti-freeze in it, your true cost just went way up.

I love the concept - it applies the old adage of "you get what you pay for" in a new way. More importantly, it also allows us to calculate the real impact of our choices. For an everyday, real-world example, if I need to run an errand and decide to drive, at a minimum it will cost money for gas, add mileage to the car, and emit CO2. Even though I can’t really put a specific dollar cost on the CO2, at least I can recognize that there is a clear cost to the environment. If I walk, it only costs a little extra time, which I usually have. The better choice becomes clear.

The Reduce-Reuse-Recycle hierarchy comes in to play most often when considering purchases. I say "hierarchy," because this really is how it should be used: the best choice is reducing consumption. So, although I’ve been feeling pressure to have the coolest green products, it’s actually better not to buy anything new. At all.

To see how this felt, a week ago I decided not to buy anything new products (not including food, of course). This eliminates the use of resources in every stage of a product’s life cycle, from raw materials to disposal. It actually wasn’t too hard where I was concerned, but a baby shower broke my resolve – surely, it’s tacky to take used merchandise to a baby shower!?! I suppose I could have made something, but Martha Stewart I ain’t!

Gifts aside, this experiment felt really good, and not just for the sense of reducing consumption and saving money. More than that, it has taken the pressure off - I don’t have to have a new organic cotton shirt, because I don’t need another shirt, much less a new one. Whew! And I’m actually greener for it!

Of course, a complete ban on stuff can’t go on forever. But there are plenty of great options for reusing merchandise – the second level of the hierarchy – including thrift stores and garage sales. Check out Google’s new maps tool, which allows you to find all garage sales listed on craigslist near you. Cool events like swap-o-ramas are also popping up all over. Who needs bamboo underwear? OK, bad example.

Image credit: www.swaporamarama.org

Out of all 7 projects, my personal favorite it the design from U-handblog, a TypePad-featured blog all about (you guessed it) making handbags. This bag (featured in the accompanying image) has a curved seam and reinforced straps, so no matter how much to put into this sucker, it will still feel comfortable on your shoulders. Don’t let the curved seam scare you off: Lisa does a fantastic job of providing step-by-step instruction and pictures on how to get the job done easily. She also provides directions on how to make a cute little storage pocket, so you can carry your new bag with you all the time (you know, in case that urge to buy some tasty organic peaches comes along). Curious just how much this little bag can carry? A whole heck of a lot: Lisa graciously posted a few images on her blog of the haul she fit into this homemade gem.

Being the greenies we are, using recycled or sustainable fabrics is the first choice when sewing your own creations. You can find a wide range of recycled fabrics just by shopping through any vintage or second-hand store; the drawback here is that you might not be able to find a shirt or pants with enough fabric for this particular projects. For something a bit more modern and colorful, check out my collection of eco-fabric links on my website.

Completed this project? Come back and post some pictures of your creation - we’d love to see them!

Image source: U-handblog 

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls… come right in for another edition of the Greenest Show on the Web: the Carnival of the Green! Fresh off of a stellar performance at Ms. Malaprop, the Carnival’s here at Green Options this week to amaze and delight you. But don’t wait around — the show has a limited engagement here, and then it’s moving on for a stint with our friends at Greener Magazine.

What’s the Carnival of the Green (or COTG, as we green bloggers like to call it)? It’s a roundup of some of the best posts on green blogs from the past week. Always moving, the COTG stops for a visit on a green blog every Monday. The Carnival was the brainchild of Al Tepper, publisher extraordinaire at City Hippy, and Nick Aster, the man behind (and often in front) of the curtain at Triplepundit. These days, our friends at Treehugger play tour manager for the Carnival.

Now that we’ve got the formalities out of the way, let’s get on with the show. And if you’re suffering from a case of the Mondays, here’s a little music to put you in that carnival mood…. wherever you are.

The Hall of Science

Come on in, and take a gander at the latest technological wonders. Won’t cost you a dime…

We’ve got a double-header from EcoGeek this week. Want some help adjusting your driving to save fuel? Hank and co. take a look at the Fuel Mizer, which can monitor your stops and starts for you. And if you’re a walker (which we hope you are!), two students at MIT are just won a prize to harvest the energy from your footsteps (yep, we covered that one, too).

The Naib, over at The Sietch, investigates the Watercone, a device that uses solar energy to desalinate water. This piece of simple technology could do a lot of good for people without easy access to fresh water.

For the Dedicated Followers of Fashion…

We’ve got some Fall previews, and some new looks.

The Natural Collection is predicting an ethical Autumn as they roll out their Fall fashions online. Keep an eye on their site, as they promise "some fantastic giveaways, competitions and freebies" are on the way.

Nature Mom Tiffany Washko takes a look at some furnishings (particularly beds) that are both green and stylish.

Inhabitat shows us how designer Stephan Boltz gives a second life (and new sense of style) to airplane trolleys.

And speaking of reuse, our own Victoria E. shows us how the Broken Plate Pendant Co. turns "useless" china into unique pieces of jewelry (on her own blog).

The Carnival’s Trade Show

Catch the latest trends in green business and finance.

Sox First has a podcast interview with Erik Mather, managing director of Regnan, on the growing pressure for companies "…to come clean on their contingent liabilities that include environmental, sustainability and governance risks."

Great Green Gadgets expresses some skepticism about carbon offsets, particularly those involving tree planting. Doesn’t mean they’re against planting trees, though… even guerrilla style!

And the Savvy Vegetarian shares a post from market gardener Jocelyn Engman on the importance of supporting local farmers.

Time for a Break… and a Beer

All this carnivaling can make you thirsty…

GO’s Gavin Hudson shares some tips on making your own eco-friendly brew: cheers!

And the Green Cougar points to that inevitable post-college dilemma for green grads: aluminum cans or glass bottles?

The Medicine Show

Health and safety stories with a green tint.

Allie’s Answers takes note of some of the potential dangers presented by manufactured nanoparticles in sunscreens.

The Environmental Working Group’s Enviroblog presents a video on the danger that still exist from arsenic-treated lumber used for decks and playsets.

Finally, at sustainablog (my other blog), I took a look at an editorial in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune claiming that greener development of transportation infrastructure could create less wear and tear on roads and bridges (so they’re less likely collapse!).

Get a Glimpse of Far-Away Lands…

A couple of our participants in the Carnival this week share some travel information and experiences.

Intelligent Travel spotlights several green hotels you might want to consider on your next getaway.

Sally Kneidel of Veggie Revolution recounts her visit (complete with some great photos) to the South African village of Welverdiend

The Souvenir Stand

If you must buy, make sure it’s sustainable.

The Millionaire Mommy Next Door claims that "Memories are made of the things we do, not the things we buy." We couldn’t agree more!

La Marguerite reminices on times past when we didn’t throw away so much stuff.

And Green LA Girl takes a look at some eco-friendly claims made by some companies about their products, and shows that a little digging often chips the green gilding off of these fairly ordinary items.

Finally, Take a Stroll Down the Midway…

You never know what you may find.

INNside Innkeeping in Montana highlights efforts by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, the owner of hotels and restaurants inside a number of state and national parks, to green up their own operations. That’s right… Yellowstone is going green…

Maria Energia, the blog of our own Maria Surma Manka, considers the implications of recently-announced renewable energy deals by BP.

Jetson Green takes a look at an ancient case of urban sprawl, and wonders if it provides some insight into more recent calamities such as post-Katrina flooding in New Orleans, and the bridge collapse in Minnesota.

In another post, Intelligent Travel offers its congratulations to Java Green, a D.C.-area cafe’ that recently won the title of "Best Vegetarian Restaurant" in a contest held by VegDC.

Flower-Garden-Bulbs.com provides some tips for getting flower bulbs started right… the organic way.

The Good Human muses upon the messages sent by environmentalists concerning climate change, and claims that the planet itself will survive this crisis; the human species, on the other hand, may not be so fortunate.

And, finally, our good friends at Lighter Footstep help spread the word on the October 15th Blog Action Day, when a diverse array of bloggers, ranging from Lifehacker to ProBlogger, will be writing about, and raising funds for, environmental issues.

That’s a wrap, folks — thank you for coming by and enjoying the Carnival. We’ll see you next week at Greener Magazine!

Image sources: Treehugger (COTG banner) and Wikimedia Commons (here, here, and here)

Earth Tones is a phone and Internet company that donates 100% of its profits to environmental causes. That’s because it’s run by the environmental organizations it funds. If you’re not satisfied with choosing between AT&T and AT&T, but you still want the shiny silver faceplate with anytime minutes, then consider Earth Tones. In addition to cell phones, Earth Tones also provides long distance home phone, dial-up, and portable high-speed Internet services.

Their website may not have 3D animated effects, and my new phone can’t play itunes or brew my morning tea, but the phone was free, the plan’s inexpensive, and my satisfaction is solid green. (For those who are interested, many morning-tea-brewing-type phones are also available, like the Razr V3; you can even use your new iPhone.)

Which environmental non-profits does Earth Tones fund? Here’s a roll call:

• The State Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs)
  
• The National Environmental Law Center
  
• The Green Life
  Campaign to Save the Environment
  
• Toxics Action Center
• ecopledge.com
• Recycling Action Campaign (promoting recycling in Massachusetts)
• Free The Planet!

Earth Tones still works through AT&T’s Cingular phone network, but for the same monthly rate your money can fund environmental initiatives. Here’s some more good news: if you currently own a phone that works with AT&T or if you have been yearning to get your hands on an iphone, you can use either with Earth Tones’ service.

Fewer cell phones these days contain toxic materials such as cadmium and lead, as an article from Inter Press Service discusses. However, your old phone may still contain these toxins; it is important to dispose of it safely. With proper cell phone disposal, you can prevent screen and battery chemicals from leeching into landfills (see this article from Cell Phones Etc.), raise funds for charity, and even earn a tax deduction. If you’re changing cell phones or getting rid of an old one, make sure it doesn’t end up in the trash. Visit earth911.org or recyclemycellphone.org, or donate your phone through your current wireless provider at the web addresses listed in this article on About.com.

Resources:

Also, see the following Tip ‘o the Day articles about environmental responsibility and cell phones, written by my fellow bloggers on Green Options:

Tip o’ the Day: Keep Going and Going and Going to Recycle Your Batteries by Rebecca Carter.
Tip o’ the Day: Unplug that Cell Phone Charger by Amy Stodghill.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tammer/21241151/

Here is my deeper perception on additional “call for entries” situations:

What I have found is that when a corporate product manufacturing company has a call for entries, they are seeking new ideas. Sometimes ideas perpetuate in a work situation, and it becomes difficult to think as far out of the box as some younger creatives do. Electrolux is an international home appliances and equipment company. Each year their Design lab runs a competition for industrial design students working towards their undergraduate or graduate degrees (so this one isn’t for everyone but its still interesting). While “innovative ideas for household appliances of the future” is the mainstay, sustainability is this year’s theme. Students are asked to create eco-friendly, sustainable household appliances and solutions for 2020. If you are a student, check it out. The deadline is July 31. For the rest of you, finalists will be announced October 1.

When a foundation posts a call-for-entries, it is often based on a desire to generate the inspiration of the organization’s namesake in a new generation, and to allow the his/her spirit to live on. Each year, the distinguished jury of the Buckminster Fuller Challenge awards a large sum to “support the development and implementation of a solution that has significant potential to solve humanity’s most pressing problems in the shortest possible time while enhancing the Earth’s ecological integrity.” This year’s competition honors Fuller’s a"nticipatory design science method": the idea of doing more with less. The Challenge seeks “design science solutions within a broad range of human endeavor that exemplify the trim tab principle. Trim tabs demonstrate how small amounts of energy and resources precisely applied at the right time and place can produce maximum advantageous change.” The entry period is September 4 – October 30, so you have a little time to think about this one. On the other hand, a sustainable solution cannot be left until the last moment to be completed. So get to work.

My third example is similar to one of last week, but this one is still open for entries. RE:VISION is a complete competition network that seeks to highlight great ideas about to explode, but that don’t yet have a venue to do so. Stacey Frost, founder of RE:VISION, wanted to create a place where these “ideas are put into action, supported and encouraged by a diverse group of people dedicated to making WHAT IF, WHAT IS.” Stacey believes that with each individual’s unique perspective combined with ideas, energy, and resources we can really generate change.

The current competition RE:ROUTE is a call for new urban transportation systems thinking. “We need to enhance and revitalize our areas, changing them from a bunch of buildings into a community. How can we move people cars, services, or goods through a neighborhood.” The competition seeks to generate new and creative ideas for urban transportation that start 4 steps back from the base and stop for a breath of fresh air 100 steps ahead of where we are in 2007. The competitions closes August 15 but the requirements are minimal. If you have an idea, get on the “wagon” and redesign it.

For more information these are the sites I consult for new competition posts:
Core77

American Society of Interior Designers

"The concept started as a sideline for Trina in England when working as a graphic designer. She started recycling wool and making gorgeous throws for a shop in our local village. The concept was very popular and it was a nice earner on the side," said Andy, when I spoke to him last night. To add an extra element of style and durability to their handmade line of bags, swatches of vintage Scandinavian fabrics from the 1960s and 70s are used. "Finding new and funky retro patterns is the favorite part of our bag making. You never know what you’re going to find and it gets the adrenaline going when you discover a fantastic piece."

Making green products is not just a front - it's an integral part of the couple's lifestyle. "The fact that much of our business is made from recycled materials is a reflection on our efforts as individuals to be green. As designers we do feel a responsibility to highlight recycling and perhaps show what’s possible when green sourcing." The collection has been a big hit on Etsy.com, the handmade alternative to eBay. Plans to expand the Katrina Kaye line have already gotten underway.

We already design and make stuffed monsters, retro kids jump suits, rings , belts and other accessories using the vintage fabrics. We’re going to be coming out with a line of vintage lined canvasses and pillows. We also use a lot of recycled felted wool in the winter to make hats/ gloves/ scarves/ ponchos and throws but since having our daughter Sienna 7 months ago many of these things have taken a back seat. Trina is brimming full of ideas but mainly wants to focus on a kids line of clothing (maybe organic) when she can find the time, hopefully in 2008.

If you are looking for an affordable ($35 each), green, unique alternative to the ever-popular bike messenger bags seen all over the country, Katrina Kaye has what you are looking for! New styles are added to their online store weekly.

The Lazy Environmentalist

These innovators make it easy for us to integrate environmental awareness into our lives. They understand that while so many of us are concerned about the environment, we don't always have the time, energy, or inclination to do something about it.

I only wish this was written in a less-than-serious voice. In my mind, if you don't have the "time, energy, or inclination" to do something about the environment, than you can hardly classify yourself as an environmentalist. You are looking to alleviate guilt for your conspicuous consumption, a culture of consumption that is devastating our planet. It's exactly the "culture of convenience" that's waging all-out war on our resources. Consider this passage from the chapter on cars:

There really is something for everyone–even those who drive Hummers, the most colossal of all urban assault vehicles…By offsetting the carbon dioxide emissions spewing from your car's tailpipe, TerraPass offers Hummer drivers eco-salvation.

Eco-salvation for Hummer drivers? A little too, oh, oxymoronic, for my tastes. Lazy is definitely geared towards a more high-end clientele, despite it's mention of Wal-Mart as an organic clothing retailer (Yeah, I know what you are thinking…I can't trust them quite yet, either).

Stepping off of my soapbox, for those of us who do have time, energy, and inclination to do something to lighten our footprint still have to buy goods and services, and Lazy provides a well-laid, well-written plan to finding greener versions of those goods and services. If you have to spend money, you might as well spend it on more sustainable products, right?

There are 22 chapters focusing on different products and services, from home furnishing to energy providers to media outlets (what, no shout out for Green Options?) Each chapter begins with a narrative insight into what practices these eco-companies are establishing to go green, then lists several companies, along with their websites and a brief description of what their business does or produces. Reading about different design innovations companies are using was fascinating (BraveSpace's hollow bamboo tables, anyone?), and I'll definitely check out many of the websites listed. If I'm going to save the planet, though, I've got better things to do.

Tarma is a company that designs, manufactures and sells unique, high quality, personal art that celebrates the spirit of adventure and a love of the outdoors. Guiding our enterprise is a commitment to meaningful social and environmental issues. We understand that everyone’s journey is exquisitely their own. Our personal art provides those who invest in it with a visual representation of their life’s journey and a demonstration of commonly shared values. For the Tarma family, our guideposts reflect our most closely held hopes, dreams and intentions. Our belief is that businesses have a social and ethical responsibility. We will strive to live by our guideposts, to do our part, and set a good example for others to follow. Social and environmental issues are at the forefront of public concern. Our goal is to deliver creative products that we 'adventurists' enjoy backed by an environmental and socially responsible company.

Two separate collections are available in Tarma Designs' online store: Active and Artisan.

The Active Collection brings natural shapes and your favorite outdoor activities to life in casual jewelry for women and men. Crafted from recycled 316 stainless steel, accessory cord and nylon webbing, all Active pieces come with a high polish that's durable and fashionable. The Artisan series is all about discovering new people, places and cultures. We travel the earth and bring back a little taste of our adventures with this distinctive artwear. Free spirited and made to be worn, every piece is custom crafted by skilled artisans. Wear these handcrafted pieces with the pride in which they were created.

80% of the stainless steel used is recycled, and the steel can be recycled 100% in the future. All packaging contains no less than 95% recycled content and no bleaching processes are used. "For the Artisan products, we work closely with non-profit organizations that are members of IFAT, the International Federation of Alternative Trade, a coalition of the handicrafts and agricultural producer organizations and alternative Trade organizations (both importers and exporters) around the world. Our suppliers adhere to IFAT(International Federation for Alternative Trade)'s standards of fair trade and to its objectives."

The Artisan collection is meant mainly for women, but the Active collection contains a wealth of pieces for both sexes. From the Artisan collection, earrings range from $15-25, rings are $15, pendants range from $25-32, and necklaces range from $35-56. From the Active collection, earrings range from $12-25, pendants for men and women range from $18-$30, wristbands for men and women range from $18-$30, and bottle openers range from $22-25.

The big question for an eco-friendly knitter is this: what kinds of yarn leave the lightest footprint? Many knitters steer away from acrylic for various performance reasons, but synthetic yarns are also bad for the earth, since they are made from petroleum. Vegans object to using wool, and, although great for many heirloom projects, are just not as sustainable as some of the newer options. Industrially-produced cotton brings with it a slew of environmental problems, including water and soil pollution.

Until recently, my LYS only had earth-toned organic cotton, which was beautiful for a baby blanket, but didn't allow for enough variety for a range of projects. Is there anything else out there that will allow me to make awesome crafts in a greener way?

Fortunately, eco-friendly fibers have exploded in the past few months. Some, like the organic cotton, take an existing fiber and green it up. However, a whole new crop of yarns are being produced using normally cast-off materials. South West Trading Company, of Tempe, AZ, makes yarns and fibers from soy, corn, bamboo, even milk and shrimp and crab shell fibers. Their SoySilk fiber is created from byproducts of tofu production (and is produced in a variety of decidedly non-earth tone hues). Bamboo (which, because of it's rapid rate of growth, is a popular green knitting needle choice) produces a soft fiber often compared to silk or cashmere. Hemp yarn is also gaining popularity beyond the granola-set of knitters, and recycled silk, spun from old saris by women in Nepal, is a unique fiber to work with. Most of these yarns can be found at Yarn Market.

But why shop online? If your LYS doesn't stock green yarns, just ask. Most will stock it if people will request it. At the very least, they'll order it for you. After I bought up most of the organic cotton at my LYS (hey, it was a bigger blanket than I had planned) I was pleased to find that not only did my store start stocking a much wider variety of eco-friendly yarns, but they even sponsored an event to promote their new lines.

Our design and business goals are one: to drive trends and create meaningful change in our world. A few years ago, we began asking the question: “Can a handbag save the world?” We weren’t just trying to be provocative. Our rationale remains that as consumers reflect on what makes our “high style, low impact” handbags different to conventional ones – the same kind of reflection they’re doing in larger and larger numbers at the whole foods market and “body and soul” store – the handbag becomes the gateway for more meaningful change.

So what makes our bags unique? Designs are based on objects found in nature – think poppy seed heads, iris buds, mushroom caps, and flower petals. We also have a penchant for innovation. We love using novel materials and have most recently incorporated into our designs both Cradle to Cradle™ certified wool flannel and EcoSpun®, which is made from recycled soda bottles. We have also featured Treetap® “wild rubber,” a sustainably made, fair-trade product from the Amazon, as a leather substitute.

Our commitment extends beyond making stylish and sustainable handbags. We also lead workshops that showcase the benefits of cleaner, greener living; contribute our products to fundraising events across the country; and pledge 2% of gross sales to youth and environmental causes across the globe. Among the organizations we have supported are local activists, groups with national influence, and global relief organizations.

Many engaged couples spend countless hours planning a ceremony that reflects who they are. Until recently, however, green couples had limited options when it came to lessening their big day's big footprint, but since more couples are considering the environmental impact of their vows, multiple new resources and vendors are catering to a more sustainable clientele.

There's a growing group of brides and grooms who are choosing to simplify their ceremonies. For those of us (myself included) who want to eschew a fancy ceremony in favor of something simpler and/or non-traditional, IndieBride is a lifesaver. There are plenty of sustainable brides (and grooms!) who share their ideas, experiences, and advice on working outside of the traditional wedding industry DIY (doing it yourself).

The new Portovert Magazine is "the first and only magazine for eco-savvy brides and grooms", and has resources and tips for all types of weddings, from intimate ceremonies to lavish receptions. For those couples who still want the big traditional ceremony, but not the big impact on the earth, their Responsible Resources offer organic florists and caterers, tree-free invitations, and vintage gowns. Organic Weddings is another great site that provides vendors and resources.

Diamonds are the traditional stone for wedding settings, but industrial production methods can be extremely draining both environmentally and socially. Jewelers like greenKarat and Brilliant Earth combine conflict-free and created stones with recycled metals for settings to produce beautiful and sustainable rings.

Those green couples who choose to create a gift registry can forget about the traditional big-box stores in favor of more eco-friendly home stores. We registered at Gaiam, although GreenFeet has a variety of products, including organic bedding and towels and recycled glassware.