SKN, whose tagline reads "modern design merging with planetary preservation" , introduces their first product, The Carrot Bag. Made in the USA from 100% unbleached cotton, this bag is perfect for anyone who wants to look good and act with purpose. 12 in. x 16 in. x 6 in.www.getskn.com
DalNaturel, the new line from Dalsouple, is a natural rubber flooring made from 90% natural materials. Most "rubber" products are made from synthetic materials derived from petroleum-based resources. Non-toxic, naturally hygenic, and recyclable many times over, the rubber for DalNaturel flooring is harvested from the mature rubber tree.www.dalsouple.com
Composite stone countertops made from recyled waste paper and flyash that look like concrete or soapstone. The perfect kitchen (or bathroom) countertop for the modern home. Five colors, priced by the slab. Individual tiles also available.www.environmentalhomecenter.com
These chic, funky, and eco-friendly seat cushions are made from woven "end of line" seatbelts. No zippers or seams. Available in several mod colors including red, orange, camel, chocolate, and black. 38 cm x 38 cmwww.nigelsecostore.com
These amazing colorful, lightweight, and biodegradable pens are made from corn, specifically Mater-bi a plastic-like material derived from cornstarch. Blue ink, colors vary. www.grassrootsstore.com
This one of a kind eco-chic beach bag is made from recycled festival and event banners made of PVC polyester. There are two sizes, a small beach bag and the large bag (pictured above), which is 57 x 55 x 15 cm. in size and can be used as a shoulder bag or handbag. Designed by Meck Osten for Demano, a design company out of Barcelona, Spain.www.demano.net
Here's a fun chair that's eco-friendly too! Featuring four bright, bold colors and chrome-painted recycled steel legs, it's perfect for your pre-teen and teen aged kids' room. 28.5 in. wide x 18 in. deep x 16 in. high.www.eco-furniture.com
I came across architect Gregory La Vardera's website last year while looking for inexpensive contemporary modular and prefab housing. Then I stumbled on it again while reading some back issues of Dwell. The design pictured above is for The Porch House, a cozy 2-BR cabin in winter and a spacious outdoor room in summer, in effect a screened in porch. He's got a number of stock plans to choose from and they can all be built using standard construction methods.
www.lamidesign.com
These super striped placemats are perfect for summer dining. Trimmed in cotton and washable, they're made from Wootex, a woven recyclable plastic mesh. Available in three colors: licorice, poppy, and army. 13 in. high x 16.5 in. widewww.totelemonde.com
Want an even more low maintenance and eco-friendly garden this year? Add a few of these recycled silverware flowers to the mix. Combine them with these recycled glass stones and you can create a beautiful piece of artwork right in your back yard. www.terrafirmastudios.com
If your kids (or you) love construction paper, they're going to love this bio-degradable corn-struction paper even more! Made from cornstarch, corn-struction paper is slightly thicker and more durable than regular construction paper, but can be cut, glued, and colored on just the same way as the regular paper. 12 inch rounds or 10" x 10" squares in assorted colors.www.magicnuudles.com
Coir is a fiber derived from the husks of coconuts, specifically the coconut palm, which has been used in India for centuries for a number of uses. The natural color of coir is brown to reddish brown but it can be dyed to make bold, colorful, and graphic patterns. With their loose texture and ability to dry quickly, coir mats are nice accents around the pool, in an entrance hall, or as colorful doormats.
www.rugandcarpets.com
100% recycled glass tiles are the ultimate in green building materials and the circular shape makes these tiles perfect for your mod apartment or home. Available in 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 5, 8, and 10 inch diameters and a variety of colors including a matte or glossy finish, the Caribbean color series, and the Watercolor series.
www.naturalbuilthome.com
Dinnerware made from bioplastic, which can be used as many times as you want...and then composted. Made from materials such as wheat maize and lactic acid, colors and styles vary. Perfect for picnics, parties, or light meals.www.papcorn.dk
Whether you're dining on the terrace or hanging out in your post-mod garden with friends, these recycled rubber retro style flower coasters should get plenty of use. Set of four in red, orange, green, and blue. 3.25 in. x 4 in.www.escapeconcepts.com
Made from Wootex, a woven recyclable plastic exclusive to Tote le Monde, this mod Hollywood cell phone pouch has a buckle that allows you to attach it to a handbag, belt, or anything with a strap. Avaialable in blues and greens or reds and oranges. 5.5 in. long x 4 in. wide.www.totelemonde.com
This environmentally-friendly "stump" barstool is made from reclaimed teak and can be used inside the house or out in the garden. Paint it or leave natural, it's up to you. 30 inches high, 13 in. diameter. www.bar-stools-barstools.com
Engineered stone made from recycled glass mosaic grit can be used to create wall panels like these. Available in 1/4 inch thick tiles or slabs in a variety of colors. Tile sizes ranging from 12 x 12 inches to 48 x 48 inches. Slab sizes are 24 x 120 inches and 48 x 120 inches. www.stonesource.com
These "ivory" cabinet knobs are made from the tagua nut to resemble ivory. Not only that, they are actually LEED eleigible. If you love the color and clean contemporary look of ivory this collection is worth a look. www.natureshardware.com
I am amazed at how many objects can be created using discarded and recycled traffic signs, including this light switch plate from one of my favorite stoes Eco-Artware. I just love the bold, graphic black and white color and the funky shape. It kind of reminds me of those old oval-shaped doorknobs used in many homes built circa 1910 and 1920s. www.eco-artware.com
These amazing totem sculptures are made by environmental artist John Dahlsen from found objects--including plastics and stainless steel--that litter Australian beaches. Approximate size of totem is 2.2 m x 50 cm (~7 feet x 20 inches).www.johndahlsen.com
Room dividers are a great accessory for loft spaces or the open-plan post-modern home.Crafted in Mexico, this classic and tres elegante room divider is the creation of designer Emiliano Godoy. Handmade from FSC-certified (sustainably harvested) beech, maple, or pine, and stitched together with cotton rope. Measues 83 in. tall and from 6 to 30 feet long.www.branchhome.com
Recycled plastic sheets made from a variety of plastic waste and polymer types (mobile phones, wellingtons, plastic water bottles, and more) can be used for a multitude of projects--including counter tops and these garden benches from Bart Baccarne. www.smile-plastics.co.uk