Green Options

While dreamy solar wallpaper may seem light years away, there are eco wall options out now that will fill your space with contemporary eco style and welcome in brightness. Are you interested in designing your space in a way that eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs, or offgassing chemicals)?

For example, if you happen to be an interior decorator check out this elegant, modern yet casual Caba Company Barkskin wallcovering. Barkskin is a natural, handmade wood material made of hand-pounded bark. “It mimics the look of stone, parchment or leather without the financial or environmental cost of these “luxurious” materials.” ~Sprig

Here is another selection of delightful wall prints made with non-solvent water-based inks, and free of toxic vinyl: Anna French Wallpaper~

The 2009 American International Toy Fair is getting a recycling programs, sponsored by Sprig Toys.

Sprig (”where play comes naturally”) will be introducing four new earth-friendly toy lines aimed at preschoolers, but you’ll see the Sprig logo all over the show. They’re sponsoring recycling at the show.

From Environmental Leader:

Javits Center management has agreed to recycle paper, plastic and aluminum free of charge. Recycled corrugated cardboard receptacles bearing the Sprig Toys

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Ajna is an ethical fashion collection that longs for a personal, social and global transformation towards a sustainable and meaningful lifestyle. Here are samples from the raw whites collection previewed above and natural looks for fall shown in thumbnails below:

Their about page tells us that “the collections are drawn from the relationship between technology, nature and humanity, emphasizing the practice of fair trade; caring for people and the earth; applying modern technology & ancestral wisdom as design solutions.”

In the mood for some songs to swoon to this spring?

News is in that the recent Tune In. Turn On. Drop Off! event we mentioned earlier this week was hot! She and Him (composed of actress/singer Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward) performed for the participants at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills.

While green launch parties are great fun, my biomimicry-intrigued self is drawn to The Independent nature article out now called Eco-pop: Songs in the key of life ~ “A new breed of eco-pop artists is making musical ’soundscapes’ that get closer to nature than ever before.” They discuss how scientists are increasingly reaching out to musicians to engage the public in their work.

Music (no matter what the genre) is a great catalyst for innovation, motivation, even social change and environmental consciousness. What are some tunes that are moving you in a good direction?I’d like to share some recent playlists I’ve found to give you a burst of spring fevor:

1. Eco-fashionistas @ Natural High Lifestyle seem to know what to play.
2. Jack Johnson is a chill, soothing listen.

Previously, on FGS we talked about the possible choices for ladies to buy organic intimates. Which who knows? May just move you to a luxe-lingerie dance party tonight. Right now Grist has a great article out on greening the underwear drawer and it includes briefs for men. As a resource they feature Red Dog eco sport. Looks like a good choice for the guys! The styles are simple and all organic, and they have a solid mission:

Red Dog products are made in Turkey from SKAL certified organic cotton (exclusive of trim). Low impact, eco-friendly dyes were used to achieve product color. RDS encourages organic farming and eco-friendly, sustainable living. By providing farmers with tools to improve their skills, and thus the quality of their cotton, we hope to increase their opportunities for self-sufficiency and sustainability. We only work with manufacturers that believe in our principles. All workers must be paid a living wage and no unfair labor practices or unsafe working conditions can exist. Your support enables us to educate consumers on the benefits of recycling and renewing the earth’s natural resources.