Celebrate Green Blog

by Lynn

March is a bridge month between dark winter and hopeful spring, so it’s the perfect time to window shop for some colorful eco-finds. Here we go!

Mother Tongues t-shirts celebrate cultures through words. Hard to believe that t-shirts and apparel can nurtures cultural understanding, community building and mindful living, but it’s true. The words printed on these shirts have no direct English equivalent, but are “defined” through poetic images. Conversations resulting from someone seeing you wearing the shirt and stopping to ask about it are the beginning of this cross-cultural experience.

The shirts are 100% organic cotton and use water based inks. They are Fair Trade Certified by Transfair USA and their brochures and shipping labels are printed on 100% post consumer waste paper. Plus, a percentage of shirts sold benefits various charities. How could they be greener?

"Ubuntu" I am because we are

This Anemona felt necklace is one of my all time favorite accessories. It’s colorful, light, unique and eco-friendly. When I wear it, I feel happy and love the comments I receive. It’s from Digs, where you’ll find loads of interesting, unusual handcrafted items.  Their tabletop accessories, clothing and jewelry as well as furniture is sustainably produced by people earning a fair wage. This company is nothing short of eco-terrific!

HU2 Design’s wall stickers are funny! I have to admit that the guy peeking out of the toilet is a favorite, but more to the point for eco-thinkers and those trying desperately to get their family to remember to turn off the lights are their reminders you can put by switchplates like the one pictured below.  The vinyl they use is 100% PVC free and recyclable. Packaging is recycled printed with veggie inks. The only downside is they are located across “the pond” from the U.S.  On the other hand, these stickers can’t weigh much!

I realize it’s not even officially spring yet and in fact, the temperature here in Seattle last week hung around 20 degrees for a day or two, but I know spring is coming. I absolutely believe it’s on it’s way and not far after, summer. (You should see me smiling as I write this.) And summer for me means sandals!  Literally, that’s all I wear once it warms  up. Last summer I was sent a pair of Okabashi sandals to try. Oh baby, where have you been all my life?

Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but this company is as eco-friendly as they come. Let me count the ways:

• vegan friendly
• zero waste, lean manufacturing
• made in Buford, GA
• post consumer recycling program
• long lasting—two to four years compared to similar shoes that wear out after a summer’s use
• and I’m sure there are more great things about them…

…but I suggest you try a pair. They’re affordable too! In fact, this model is on sale right now for under $10!

I don’t know what it is with me and pitchers, but I don’t seem to be able to keep them in one piece through the summer, so I’m always on the look out for inexpensive ones to hold water for our many barbecues. Since we refuse to buy bottled water, setting out several pitches with lots of ice, works well.

Love this one from Trycycle, made from 100% recycled post consumer glass. It’s classic shape reminds me of ones we had on the table all summer filled with lemonade when I was a child.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of  Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.