On Vacation...

I'm taking a short break, but not to worry. The Eco-Modernist will resume publication on July 14th, 2008.

Handmade Brooms

These handmade brooms are attractive, functional and eco-friendly, and since you're going green with all of the rest of your cleaning needs why not add a broom to the mix? Despite it being the modern era, I still use a broom on occasion, so I think this is a great find. Made from sustainable, renewable sorghum (a grass crop). Bamboo handle and non-toxic dyes. Made in Thailand.

www.vivaterra.com

Jeans Pocket Coin Purse

These really cute coin purses are made from the pockets of old blue jeans. What a great idea! Perfect for your eco-fashion conscious tween and and it can also hold a cell phone. In fact, I think my four year olds would like these too--minus the cell phone!

Sassy Cassy's Boutique

SoftSeating Strips

There's always something new and exciting at Vivavi--like these "softseating strips" mix and match units made from 100% heavyweight Kraft Paper (50% post-consumer waste) for instance. The honeycomb structure is what gives these their strength and allows them to fold up into book size modules for storage or fan out for use as a seat or table. In natural or black, which is dyed with charred bamboo.

www.vivavi.com

Antler and Bone Cabinet Knobs

If you're looking for hardware made from natural materials including shells, stone, faux ivory (tagua nut), wood, bone, and antler, then check out the selection at Nature's Hardware. The octagon cabinet knob shown here is made from bone and antler and has an Art Deco feel to it.

Bamboo Fruit Bowl

This stunning bamboo fruit bowl is from the Brazilian company Creollus whose mission is to "design, create, hand manufacture high-end exclusive artifacts of art pieces, fashion and home accessories out of recycled materials such as coffee filter, cardboard, newspapers, banana leaf, gourds... and transform them into lamps, bags, belts, hats, tables, chairs". Their creations are simply beautiful.

www.frombraziltotheworld.com

Recycled Rubber Garden Tub

With the gardening trend in full swing (tainted veggies anyone?) these 100% recycled rubber garden tubs are prefect for your gardening needs. I adore these garden tubs. Not only do I use them for gardening, but they're great as laundry baskets and for storing things too--like my kids toys, pails, and gardening tools, and anything else I can fit in them. Made from 100% recycled rubber in 11 gallon (recommended!) or 7 gallon sizes.

www.cleanairgardening.com

Recycled Iron Wall Sconces

These pretty wall sconces with their delicate tendrils are made from recycled iron and fairly traded. They aren't electric, but they are just right for those chunky tall candles. The perfect way to set the mood.

www.guardianecostore.co.uk

Jute Picnic Cushion

Attention hip picnickers! It's time to upgrade from the picnic blanket, and this jute picnic cushion is just the ticket. Made from jute fabric, one of the most eco-friendly fabrics on planet earth, it's available in two styles: the square and the full length cushion. The full length cushion rolls up for easy carrying. In natural/mimosa.

www.toast.co.uk

Aluminum Can Siding Shingles

As far as I know, these crushed aluminum can "shingles" are not available commercially; however, it's a great idea and an excellent use for all those aluminum cans in states where there are no bottle laws. The entire exterior (and the planters too) of this ca. 1953 brick tract house is covered with this unique green building material. Clever but time consuming idea!

Source: Recycling Rag

Colorful Bamboo Baskets

Be a part of the smart eco-mod crowd with these colorful woven nesting baskets. Perfect for organizing any room in the house, the double walled organic bamboo baskets are made in Vietnam for Bambu's laquerware collection.

www.greenfeet.com

Natural Rubber Dog Toys

This whimsical squeaky dog toy named the Bellboy Duck, is reminiscent of the vintage yellow rubber duckies loved by kids of all ages. Made from 100% natural rubber and is lead-free and non-toxic. 8 in. tall.

www.olivegreendog.com

Eco-Jot: Eco-Friendly Notebook

I don't know about you, but I can never have too many notebooks to jot notes in--like this pretty retro looking eco-friendly notebook made from 100% post consumer paper. This particular notebook's paper is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and the glue and inks used are vegetable based. Designed and made in Canada.

www.ecojot.com

Heat Treated Carpet Accessories

This UK company, founded by applied artist Kelly Atkins in 2002, uses a patented technology to create a rigid board-like material from polypropylene carpet remnants. The material known as HTC or Heat Treated Carpet, is used to make a number of products including waste baskets, magazine racks, trays, tabletops, seating, flooring, and paneling. Can be used indoors or out.

www.carpet-burns.com

Living Glass Panels

Dubbed "Living Glass", these architecturally laminated glass panels are embedded with leaves, flower petals, grasses, bamboo rings, river rocks, and more. Using recycled, recyclable, and renewable resources, these glass panels are amazing to look at and even more amazing to create architectural elements with--glass walls, glass floors, and tabletops--just about anything is possible.

www.livinglass.com

Radley Cupcakes Tote

Another product from the British, and very trendy, company Radley. Like the Random Spots Umbrella I wrote about a few weeks ago, the lightweight fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles and features a funky retro cupcake pattern. Perfect for the eco-chic woman on the go!

www.radley.co.uk

Recycled Packaging: Into the Garden

There's nothing better for your skin than natural and organic beauty products like those from Pangea Organics. What makes this company even more special is the packaging. Not only is it made from recycled fibers, it's embedded with seeds so when you're finished with the packaging you can plant it and grow a tiny flower garden.

Visit my other website, Marigold Lane and check out my product reviews for Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai and Goji Berry Face Mask and Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Beans & Cranberry Facial Scrub, both from Pangea Organics. Yummy!

Recycled Jewelry: Pendant Necklace

This unique pendant, part of Minneapolis-based artist Brenda Weber's Altered Pendants collection is made from recycled hardware and other bits and pieces like metal flowers, tiny knobs, glass beads, and typewriter keys.

www.autumnplacearts.com

Eco-Furniture: Chaise Lounge

This stunning, sleek, and very mod chaise lounge is handcrafted in locally cut and milled oak and is covered in 100% hemp canvas with natural latex cushions. Available in 3 colors--Chinese Black, Khaki, and Olive. 78 in. long and 30 in. wide.

www.kushtush.com

Chandelier Light

This is one amazing chandelier! It may not fit into everyone's decor, but if you're looking for something completely one of a kind and funky, yet beautiful, here it is! Designed by Tord Boontje, it's made from chiffon, metal, crochet, and organza fabric. Named Come Rain, Come Shine, it is one of the design with conscience products offered by Artecnica.

www.artecnicainc.com

Black & White Flower Cuff

I really like the vintage look of this beautiful eco-chic flower cuff bangle and think it's is just perfect for summer! Made from recycled materials by women in South Africa, there are also matching earrings.

www.globalgoodspartners.org