Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category

Say Goodbye to the Shoe box

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

Then say hello to that new pair of shoes in a reusable bag, starting with Puma. The 3rd largest sporting goods manufacturer behind Nike and Adidas, has redesigned their shoe box that will in turn, reduce their energy and water usage by over 60% within the year after it rolls out.

Puma estimates that the [new packaging] will slash water, energy, and fuel consumption during manufacturing alone by 60%—in one year, that comes to a savings of 8,500 tons of paper, 20 million mega joules of electricity, 264,000 gallons of fuel, and 264 gallons of water.

Employing the know-how of a world renowned industrial designer, a unique cardboard structure was built to encase and protect its shoes within a reusable bag made of PET, something we know a lot about. The new cardboard “skeleton” which takes form upon being wrapped by the reusable bag, uses 65% less cardboard than a shoe box and has no laminate - making biodegrading or recycling easier. Hopefully other companies will follow suit and follow in the greener and sportier footsteps of Puma.

VID: See how PUMA says good bye to shoe boxes.

Guess whos leaping into even more eco-friendliness?

Guess who's leaping into even more eco-friendliness?

Gifts.com has a great Green Gift section!

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

After quite a hiatus we are back to blogging daily! We would like to wish everyone a happy Lunar New Year, it’s the year of the Tiger and we are very excited to see how this year will be even better than last year.

I would like to start this off with a blog about Gifts.com . After browsing the web for a while i stumbled upon this great section under the already popular Gifts.com . They have a great selection of items that cater to the über-earthy Natural Woman and the eco-fabulous Trendanista at the same time.

Follow this link to check out some great ideas and comparisons of gift ideas : Eco-Friendly Gifts for Every Style.

Here are some great gift ideas that i thought were worth browse:

Sun Jar

Sun Jar

The Sun Jar shown above comes equipped with a solar-powered cell and rechargeable battery. Its energy efficient LED light will automatically switch on when it gets dark to give you 5 hours of candle-like light. I thought this idea was pretty cool! Basically your catching the ” Energy of the Sun ” in a jar!

Solar Powered Path Lights.

Solar Powered Path Lights.

These solar powered path lights are great items! They not only improve the appearance of your yard but they also provide safety lighting. These lights on a full solar charge can last up to 10 hours!

Orvis Wine Barrel Dog Bed

Orvis Wine Barrel Dog Bed

“Crafted from an actual retired white oak wine barrel and solid white pine, this wooden dog bed is perfectly sized to fit our small round Dog’s bed. Dog’s nest not included. Measures 13″H x 27″W x 10 1/2″D. For dogs up to 25 lbs.” We’ve seen numerous attempts at eco-friendly dogs beds but this one is pretty interesting as well as ingenious. Orvis has actually decided to Re-Purpose these retired wine barrels rather than just throw them out. We feel that whenever you can give a item a second life you are taking that one extra step to a sustainable lifestyle.

For more great gift ideas please stop by: Gifts.com

Mama Om; Organics for mothers, expecting mothers, and babies.

Thursday, February 4th, 2010
MamaOm

MamaOm

This blog article is dedicated to our own expecting mother Melissa. Melissa is about 8 months and a couple weeks pregnant and her daughter can come at any moment now!

There definitely is a buzz around the office when she drops by to say hi. So all you expecting mothers out there good luck! Here at Simply Green Solutions we definitely can relate to what you are going through and hope you all the best!

At MamaOm they strive to provide customers with the best eco-friendly products in the market! Mixing design, environmental values and the magnificent bond between mothers and daughters. MamaOm offers organic clothing that is trendy, comfortable and utilizes eco-friendly materials. For MamaOm organic is not only about how the cotton was grown, but also about the whole manufacturing process. They use no chemicals, toxins and maintain or production as eco-friendly as they can.

The splendid relation between mothers and daughters is what inspired them to begin MamaOm. For them it is important to promote the wonderful and unique bond. Each moment and adventure can be extra special by sharing a sense of style and caring for the earth while wearing matching outfits.

At MamaOm they believe ignorance is the biggest threat to the earth, therefore they are committed to inform people of the difference that is made by purchasing organic and eco-friendly products, and how this can be beneficial to all. As a business giving back is important to MamOm.

Please check out some of their great products:

Ballerina Flat with Polkadots on front Royal Blue. $39.00

Ballerina Flat with Polkadots on front Royal Blue. $39.00

Colori Diaper Messanger Bag. Was $180.00 now $150.00

Colori Diaper Messanger Bag. Was $180.00 now $150.00

SuperMom. $34.00

SuperMom. $34.00

Bumble Dress. $90.00

Bumble Dress. $90.00

100% Mommys Milk Organic Lap T-shirt. $20.00

100% Mommys Milk Organic Lap T-shirt. $20.00

To see more of MamaOM’s products please follow this link : https://www.mamaom.com/

Sub_Urban Riot; Urban fashion with a purpose.

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
Buttoned Hoody. $48.00

Buttoned Hoody. $48.00

Sub_Urban Riot may sound like a company with a chip on their shoulders, but they are very far from that. Sub_Urban Riot is a great company that started in the North West Pacific and has transplanted to Venice California.

They’re constantly sourcing sustainable materials, from organic cotton, to recycled polymer based materials. They don’t do it because green is in. They do it so your kids aren’t born with three arms and a tail.

Their main commitment is to their consumers and the planet. So, 1% of all sales go directly to protecting our natural environment. It’s not a gimmick, its just what they do. They proudly support “One Percent for the Planet” so please visit the OnePercent website: http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

Please take a look at some more of their great items:

Riot T-Shirt. $30.00

Riot T-Shirt. $30.00

The Place I Lay T-Shirt. $32.00

The Place I Lay T-Shirt. $32.00

Cardigan. $48.00

Cardigan. $48.00

Burnout Mod. $74.00

Burnout Mod. $74.00

For more items from Sub_Urban Riot please follow this link : www.suburbanriot.com

The Urge to Adorn, Recycled Interchangeable Belts and Buckles

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

The Urge to Adorn

The Urge to Adorn uses a paper medium for their designs and seals them with 8-10 layers of non-toxic materials.  Each buckle is hand-made so the texturing (one of the layers) may differ from buckle to buckle. All of their buckles are made with 100% lead-free pewter and made in the United States.

Their ” Recycled Belts ” are:

  • Made of recycled, eco-friendly agricultural tires
  • Closely resemble black, matte leather
  • These tend to run a bit narrower than their leather belts –measuring approximately 1″ wide
  • Available in black only

Their ” Leather Snap ” Belts are:

  • Made of high-end latigo leather (not pressed)
  • Made in the United States
  • Very durable and soften with wear
  • The standard width (1 1/2″ wide) fitting most jeans, etc.
  • Come in black and saddle tan (brown with a hint of red)
Egrets Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

Egrets Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

Royal Elephant Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

Royal Elephant Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

Great Wave Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

Great Wave Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

Geisha Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

Geisha Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

Vintage Rose Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

Vintage Rose Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

The Sweetest Kiss Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

The Sweetest Kiss Belt Buckle. Buckle only ( $73.00 ) Belt & Buckle ( $98.00 )

If you liked what you saw please follow this link to their online store: The Urge to Adorn

Nixxi, Taking Organic Texture to the Next Level

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Nixxi is a great company that offers high end pieces that are manufactured with organic materials.

Their mission is simple; To provide clean silhouettes in organic textures. Being manufactured in Canada I consider them one of the great internationally rooted organic apparel companies out there.

Please take a look at some of their great Autum/Winter pieces that are no currently on sale:

Fringe Collared Wrap Top. Was $130.00 now $70.00

Fringe Collared Wrap Top. Was $130.00 now $70.00

Batwin Top. Was $120.00 Now $60.

Batwin Top. Was $120.00 Now $60.

Puff Sleeve Shirt. Was $78.00 Now $40.00

Puff Sleeve Shirt. Was $78.00 Now $40.00

Ruche Top L/S. Was $78.00 Now $35.00

Ruche Top L/S. Was $78.00 Now $35.00

To view more of Nixxi’s products please follow this link: www.nixxi.ca

Green Label Organic Apparel

Friday, January 29th, 2010
Save Whats Left Mens Thermal $42.00

Save What's Left Men's Thermal $42.00

All The Water Womens Crew $29.00

All The Water Women’s Crew $29.00

Green Label Clothing was co-created five years ago as a labor of love for George, a long time T-shirt designer who has always wanted to change the world, and his wife Rain, an extraordinary organic grower and lifetime environmentalist.

After learning about the severe environmental impact of conventionally grown cotton, they set out to educate and inform as many people as possible to the importance of supporting organic farming and responsible, sustainable business practices.

The Green Label philosophy is one of respect; respect for our environment, respect for working people everywhere, and respect for themselves through the choices they make.

They are pleased to offer you this colorful collection of 100% certified organic ring spun cotton T-shirts and tops. Their super-soft, low impact garment dyed organic T-shirts are made in the USA. Each piece is artfully designed to deliver fun and positive messages about the environment, fair trade, sustainability, and issues that are important to us all.

Womens Dragonfly hooded Tunic $48.00

Womens Dragonfly hooded Tunic $48.00

Grow Your Own Womens Long Sleeve $35.00

Grow Your Own Women's Long Sleeve $35.00

Revolutionary Womens Thermal $42.00

Revolutionary Women's Thermal $42.00

All The Water Mens Crew $29.00

All The Water Men's Crew $29.00

Imagine Mens Long Sleeve $35.00

Imagine Men's Long Sleeve $35.00

Revolutionary Onesies $26.00

Revolutionary Onesies $26.00

I hope you liked what i highlighted in this post. For more info on Green Label or to see their full selection of products please follow this link : www.greenlabel.com

Huge Loomstate Jacket & Outerwear Sale!

Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Ford Blazer. Was $250.00 Now $75.00

Ford Blazer. Was $250.00 Now $75.00

Launched in New York City in 2004 by designer Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn,
Loomstate was founded as a casual brand dedicated to creating demand for certified organic cotton
using socially and environmentally responsible methods of production.

I personally LOVE Loomstate’s clothing line and as i was browsing the web today i just so happened to find out that they are having a huge sale on a lot of their fall and winter apparel!

All three items i am highlighting today are pieces from their Men’s Jacket & Outerwear section. Please check out their great selection below:

Santa Paula Jacket. Was $325.00 Now $97.50

Santa Paula Jacket. Was $325.00 Now $97.50

Montana Jacket. Was $325.00 Now $97.50

Montana Jacket. Was $325.00 Now $97.50

Never With-Out Hood. Was $165.00 Now $49.50

Never With-Out Hood. Was $165.00 Now $49.50

Please follow this link to see Loomstate’s full product line: www.loomstate.org

Noon Solar, Messenger and Satchel Bags With Solar Panels to Charge Your Phone or MP3 Player!

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Elston Messenger Bag, 15x12.4x4.5

Elston Messenger Bag, 15x12.4x4.5"

The two founders of Noon Solar, Jane Palmer and Marianne Fairbanks, have backgrounds in fibers and textiles. They met in the graduate MFA program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Their company began as an art project in early spring of 2002 as a response to the impending war in Iraq. They were feeling powerless in the country’s decision making process and felt the US was largely going to war for oil. They came up with a solution to give people not only personal power, but to integrate renewable solar power into daily life.

Logan Messenger Tote, 12x14x4

Logan Messenger Tote, 12x14x4"

Noon Solar was actually brought to my attention by a colleague because i ran into the problem of being out on the road and having my phone die out on me.

The Noon Solar product line is great because it produces just enough power after a day in the sun to allow me to charge my phone. Another great feature is that this bag has a battery inside that will store that power for use at a later time.

No Longer will i be stuck without a outlet to charge my phone or MP3 player with. The messenger bags are even constructed to be able to fly on a plane with you. The Noon Solar staff even charged their bags from the sunlight from the window while on that plane! How amazing is that?

For more information on their product line please visit their website : www.noonstyle.com

+E, Positive Energy Clothing. A great clothing brand that gives back to noble causes.

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Joan Maloney and her daughter Hollis, shown left to right, are the founders of +E (Positive Energy), LLC. Joan, an award-winning graphic designer from San Diego, California has had her own design business, Studio 318, since 1997. Hollis is a graphic design studen

I love stumbling upon great clothing brands that not only use eco-friendly high quality materials but also use sweatshop free labor. This mother/daughter team was formed as a medium for them to spread their messages about causes that need attention.

Joan and Hollis felt that they had been blessed with the gift of being able to communicate. So why not communicate messages that help all of us through this life? Together they brainstormed ways to get messages regarding social and environmental causes that they were passionate about, into the mainstream consciousness.

Originally, they wanted to design and distribute newsletters or “did you know” cards to coffee houses and concert venues, etc., with information regarding the dangers of vinyl, the plight of much of the world’s population regarding the lack of safe drinking water, dangerous food additives that are approved by the FDA that are in common foods and beverages that are actually carcinogens, etc. Then Hollis suggested that instead of putting the messages on paper, which usually just ends up in the trash, why not put them on shirts?

Because Joan has another business, +E serves as a place for her passions, not her primary paycheck. Not only is it a vehicle to help others but it’s also a way to “give back.” Hollis and Joan both feel that life is an opportunity to give our best everyday and to help each other every way we can, whether it’s with a kind word, a compliment, a helping hand or a monetary donation. There are so many people and places in need, they are trying to help, one step at a time, by donating 10% of their profits to three different charities with the hope that they can give more to more charities as they grow.

Here are some great examples of some great simple shirts that i love:

World Hunger. More than 800 million people in the world are starving. In developing countries hunger-related causes kill 6 million children each year. One in ten households in the U.S. are living with hunger or are at risk of hunger. What we can do Understand that the challenge we face is not production of food and wealth, but getting it to the people who need it most • Help spread the word against politcal climates that restrict emergency relief efforts as well as systematically starve their people because of failed economic policies • Empower people to find ways to improve their lives by providing opportunities for training and awareness

World Hunger. More than 800 million people in the world are starving. In developing countries hunger-related causes kill 6 million children each year. One in ten households in the U.S. are living with hunger or are at risk of hunger. What we can do Understand that the challenge we face is not production of food and wealth, but getting it to the people who need it most • Help spread the word against politcal climates that restrict emergency relief efforts as well as systematically starve their people because of failed economic policies • Empower people to find ways to improve their lives by providing opportunities for training and awareness

Back View

Back View

Recycling. Recycling turns materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources. It reduces the need for landfilling and incineration. It also saves energy and prevents pollution from processing virgin materials. Recycling conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals and helps sustain the environment for future generations. What we can do Recycle at home • Separate and put out your recyclables for curbside pickup or take them to your local drop-off or buy-back center • Use products in containers that can be recycled in your community and items that can be repaired or reused • Support recycling markets by buying and using products made from recycled materials.

Recycling. Recycling turns materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources. It reduces the need for landfilling and incineration. It also saves energy and prevents pollution from processing virgin materials. Recycling conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals and helps sustain the environment for future generations. What we can do Recycle at home • Separate and put out your recyclables for curbside pickup or take them to your local drop-off or buy-back center • Use products in containers that can be recycled in your community and items that can be repaired or reused • Support recycling markets by buying and using products made from recycled materials.

Back View

Back View

Animal Abuse. Hundreds of thousands of animals are held captive, tortured, or killed every year. The reasons range from consumer products to pure entertainment. Outdated product testing inflicts unnecessary pain and damage onto laboratory animals. Overbred dogs are kept in horrendous conditions for profit. Exotic animals are irresponsibly sold as pets. Circus animals are often trained through the use of intimidation and physical abuse. What we can do Recognize that animals are capable of feeling pain and suffering • Support companies whose products and ingredients are not tested on animals • Check local shelters when looking for a pet • Be aware of others’ intentions when giving pets away • Consider spaying or neutering your pets • Avoid circuses that feature animal performers • If you witness animal abuse, write down the details and report it to the police

Animal Abuse. Hundreds of thousands of animals are held captive, tortured, or killed every year. The reasons range from consumer products to pure entertainment. Outdated product testing inflicts unnecessary pain and damage onto laboratory animals. Overbred dogs are kept in horrendous conditions for profit. Exotic animals are irresponsibly sold as pets. Circus animals are often trained through the use of intimidation and physical abuse. What we can do Recognize that animals are capable of feeling pain and suffering • Support companies whose products and ingredients are not tested on animals • Check local shelters when looking for a pet • Be aware of others’ intentions when giving pets away • Consider spaying or neutering your pets • Avoid circuses that feature animal performers • If you witness animal abuse, write down the details and report it to the police

Back View

Back View

If you are interested in purchasing their clothing or are just interested in getting to know more about what they do please visit their website : www.shoppositiveenergy.com