If there’s no doubting we’re in the midst of a truly “greening” revolution of our world, then there’s also no doubting that there are many bandwagon-jumping manufacturers who are slightly less than sincere about their products eco-friendliness. For us consumers, “greenwashing” can be hard to detect but as the product landscape continues to evolve, committed companies are relying on honesty and transparency rather than the typical rhetoric. Patagonia is one such company and their newest project, Footprint Chronicles, uses maps, photo’s, and interviews to document selected products journey from design to manufacturing to final delivery. If only everyone would follow their lead.
If you’re someone who buys eco-friendly products, what are some of the ways you research companies? What most affects your decision to buy or not to buy?
+ via Coolhunting
April 24, 2008
Richard Hutten has designed a new MG H2O store in Rotterdam. It caught our eye because it almost appears as though the store is an installation. It kind of reminds me of shopping in an attic, it would be great for vintage wear. The upper loft looks a little un-sturdy which adds to the character of the store. You could never get away with a store like this in the states as there are no railings.
It seems as if we are seeing a lot of storage stairs lately and MG H2O has another great one. Using the stairs as a storage display rather than creating a dead space to jam a closet into is a much better response to the problem of unoccupiable space.
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{via: designnws}
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April 7, 2008
I was shopping on urbis when I ran across this set of necklaces and rings by Swedish designer Elin Segren. Each one is made from European porcelain from the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s.
I would love to shop for the old plates, cups, and tiles that these guys came from. Wearing one is like taking part in a little piece of history. We actually featured another porcelain jewelry set recently by Gesine Hackenbeg with a completely different style. The possiblities are endless and each piece is unique. I could definitely see them as a treasured heirloom.
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April 3, 2008
Great things can be done with felt, screen printing, water jet cutting, and a little assemblage.
I love the handbag!
From French designer studio.lo
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April 3, 2008
I was drawn to this dress by stewart+brown for its simplicity and classiness. Yet the detail of the hem line and back are neither simple or traditional. The extra folds and seem to compliment the dress well making it far from ordinary. Plus it is made from organic cotton.
Organic cotton is grown in soils that are never treated with pesticides and seeds that are not genetically engineered. Stewart+brown also claims to use dyes that “minimize environmental impact”, although it does not clearly state which chemicals are used during the dying process.
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March 23, 2008
Gesine Hackenbeg is a jewelry designer who takes china and various textile pieces to explore our personal relationship with jewelry.
My favorite aspect of this jewelry is the artifact left behind and the history that it creates for each piece. I hope that these necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings come with the plate from which they were extracted.
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March 22, 2008
Safety first. Leah Buechley designed this using LED’s and her self-developed wearable e-textile technology, LilyPad Arduino. The controls are located on the wrist. I know I’d feel much safer street riding.
+ Via: Why Me?
March 13, 2008
Auburn University's Rural Studio 
