For many, the last thing they want to do is trade their nice, warm car for a bicycle at this time of year, and even if you’re playing with the idea the increasing rain and impending snow is probably your number one concern. But with a little preparation and perspective winter biking isn’t as bad you might think.

Winter biking takes preparation but it is just as much an improvement for your life as biking any other time of year. For some of us, that fresh air even feels better when its cold?it seems that much more fresh and invigorating. And you will find you aren’t cold at all once you get out there pedaling.

A lot of people find themselves struggling to keep from being too hot, especially if they made the mistake of throwing on a big winter jacket. Just some decent warm clothes will be all you need once your heart is pumping. Remember that multiple layers create more of an insulating effect than big bulk jackets. You don’t need thickness to stay warm – try wearing a t-shirt and a couple long sleeves instead.

Also, you have to be more careful riding a bike in the winter. If the concrete is icy or wet it can get pretty slippery, but cars are more likely to be involved in accidents in these conditions too. You just have to think about the conditions before you hop on your bike and take the same precautionary measures. One thing to really think about is that if the weather is particularly ugly it is more difficult to see you, so take heed on blind corners and intersections.

A solid helmet is a must in this kind of weather even if it is not required by law. You might not be going that fast, but make no mistake, if you slip on a bad patch of ice and your head hits the pavement you can be seriously injured. To minimize the risks of these incidents, get some tires with really good traction. Mountain biking tires are a great choice but if you have the money and will be riding in extreme conditions then try to get some winter tires.

Eye gear is also helpful to keep the rain and slush tossed up from passing vehicles out of your eyes. Some are fine with sunglasses; others prefer some cool-looking snowboarding goggles. Good lights are a must for any serious commuter if you plan to ride at night. Your eyes usually adjust to the dark enough to see, so the headlight is more for being visible to other drivers. Also, in many places it is the law. I like the lights with the pulse option because I think a flash is more eye-catching.

It’s not necessary, and a lot of bicyclists don’t like to have extra weight up so high when riding, but I like to have a quality backpack when I’m riding because I usually have my laptop with me. Victorinox, the company that makes Swiss Army knives, sells some really quality packs with great organization. It is also nice for keeping paperwork, my cell phone, my long-sleeved shirt if I get too hot, and water or food.

Take your bike to the shop before winter starts and get a tune-up. Or learn to do the maintenance yourself – it’s really a good skill for a regular bicyclist to have.

Some people even consider winter cycling a way to enjoy some sport in the cold season, and in particularly snow-blanketed times it can certainly be just as exhilarating. This is a good mentality to cultivate. It’s nice to take a break from being an adult and get in a little “play” on the way to the daily grind. Enjoy your ride!

Before you dismiss this article and insist there is no way you could live without your vehicle, hear me out. I was back in America holding down a job, running a business, and excelling at the university when I sold my truck to use a bicycle for transport. It was the best decision I ever made. There are a lot of reasons getting rid of your car is an awesome lifestyle choice. Even where I lived at the time, where nowhere worth going is less than a fifteen minute drive and the city transport system begs for an upgrade, I immediately saw improvements in my quality of life.

Here are some reasons why ditching the automobile is a good decision:

Your Social Life – Without a car, you now have to depend on others more often. Depending on other people for rides makes you associate with others more often. Your socials skills get better and you end up getting invited to a lot more social events.

Even if you’re walking, riding a bike, or taking the bus, you are forced to talk to people more. I often got off the bus and before my bike ride home I’d pop in to see a friend who lived nearby or stop at my favorite brewery for a quick beer and some hot wings. On the bus, I found myself talking and associating with amazing people I never would have met sitting in my air-conditioned truck with the windows rolled up.

This constant companionship is great for your health – humans need this kind of social interaction. As with anything, a balance is good, and being around people so often can be a test in patience, but patience is a skill many people need to cultivate.

Good for your Health – Possibly the most obvious of benefits to not having a car are to your health. Being forced to walk or ride a bike gets you outside in the fresh air and all that pedaling is great exercise. You will soon find there is no need for going to the gym.

Good for your mind – Using the older forms of transportation slows you down. You get a completely different sense of time and place. You see the world in differently. You see the plight of people less fortunate than you and develop a new sense of how your community functions – what it would be like without it. Moving along in a fast-paced world at a slower pace gives you a perspective you would not otherwise have.

Good for your Spirit - Now that you have put new challenges upon yourself, you have to rise and meet them. As you pedal everywhere you go or sometimes struggle to juggle a ride, you find you often earn every small step of your life. This may not seem attractive to some, but it is great for the human spirit.

When I would get back from an exhausting day of school or get off work at two o’ clock in the morning and face the uphill ride home in the rain, I would sometimes doubt my decision, but as soon as I walked in the door to my house I felt a sense of triumph, accented by the fact that I was finally living in line with my beliefs. Which brings up the last point?

Good for Your Soul – Not having a car is better for the environment, of course, and you are participating in the act of change. People around you will see the changes in your life. Some may resist those changes, but others will admire you and eventually follow suit. Living out your principles gives you a sense of purpose.

Adjusting to a car-free lifestyle is not an easy process, but for those who live in cities, this kind of living can even be easier than the former option. With a new emphasis on sustainable city planning, we will see more and more cities and towns built around the idea that living without wheels is a healthier choice.

In my own experience, giving up the my limiting vehicle and all the chains that came with it gave me the freedom and courage to throw some of my things into a backpack, move out of my home, and take off to see the world. Not everyone’s decision will lead to such a drastic change, but I assure you, with a little patience, a little effort, and a little lateral thinking, a car-free lifestyle will change your life. For the better.

Green industries are changing faster than ever, and with change comes a vast array of new technologies. We need experts who know who understand the bigger picture and how to incorporate these new technologies into our lives. For you aspiring college students considering majors, you’re facing one of the biggest decisions of your life. Green is the way to go. Here are some emerging fields of study revolutionizing the way we live:

Sustainable City Planning – The future requires innovative city planners who know how to can organize our lives to live with the environment rather than against it. What may have once come across as a drab field has now become very exciting as concepts we have never even considered are being factored into planning out living spaces. Portland State University, located in the only U.S. City qualified as in the world’s stop ten sustainable cities, offers a minor.

For those with long-range goals, you can get a Master of Science in Sustainable Urban Design at Lund University in Switzerland.

Human Ecology – A one of a kind university with a unique approach, The College of the Atlantic in Maine has only one degree – Human Ecology. Students are free to focus on resource areas, designing their own degree from a wide spectrum of disciplines, but the main focus is how humans interact with natural ecology. This has been dubbed as the greenest college on Earth.

Environmental Law – Radical new paradigms shifts require new laws, regulations, and civic responsibilities. Smart lawyers need to bring big corporations who think only of profit to justice. The Vermont Law School offers one of the best programs available.

Conservation Biology – Learning to live better with the land requires a deeper understanding of how the environment functions. We need to conserve what we have not already destroyed for generations to come. The University of Minnesota offers an in-depth graduate program for those with ambitious goals.

Green MBA Program – Entrepreneurs have finally come to the realization that not only can making money and saving the world mix, but economics is one of the most powerful motivators of social change. If you want to mix your entrepreneurial spirit with your social responsibility, check out the green MBA program at the University of California, Berkeley: Haas School of Business.

Energy and Environmental Engineering – Obviously, energy development is a huge field as well and sharp scientific brains are needed to unlock Nature’s mysteries. Opportunities abound in solar, wind, hydro, biofuels, and many more emerging technologies especially at programs offered by Illinois State University and Texas Tech University Wind Science and Engineering Research Center.

Sustainable Architecture – One of the most vital ways we can change our environmental impact is by rethinking the way we build our homes. Creative new innovations implement new techniques based on biomimicry and other concepts to achieve in our homes what Nature often already does perfectly.

Arizona State University School of Architecture

Sustainable Agriculture – Our agricultural systems are wasteful, inefficient, and take a big toll on the water and land. This field alone raises very challenging questions about the way we live. Warren Wilson College in North Carolina with offers hands-on training in a 300 acre farm and a 600 acre forest for hands on learning.

This list is far from complete in terms of both available degrees and universities offering them, but it is a good start to get you thinking. Be at the forefront of change. Make your living doing what?s right. For perhaps the first time in America?s history, that is where the money will be.

Today’s post is, as promised, once again directed (mostly) towards all of you eco-friendly gentleman readers out there – and the lovely women in your lives who like to buy them presents. I’ve compiled a range of interesting, unique, and clever gadgets, accessories and personal items that you don’t have to feel guilty about buying.

OK, I admit – I’ve written about the good people at Resource Revival in the past – I love their stuff so much that I bought one of my closest male friends their Sproket Wall Clock for Christmas. If you’re looking for a similarly cool (non-clock) gift for your favorite green guy, check out these nifty recycled Bottle Openers. Made from reclaimed bicycle chains, these bottle openers are affordable ($9.00 apiece), come in a variety of bright colors, and fit on a key chain.

If you’re looking for recycled bike-inspired jewelry, you might also check out this 7-inch bracelet made from a reclaimed bike chain. For just $12 you can show the world that you’re both eco-friendly and practical (you know, in case your chain break while biking you can always fix the chain with your bracelet)!

In looking for the coolest summer shoes possible, I found these Hermes Flip Flops from Be Good Designs. Made from 100% recycled leather, these stylish shoes are available in brown, black and tan. While they aren’t cheap (they sell for $98 apiece), they are sturdy, well-made and eco-friendly.

If you’re looking for a sturdier sandal, you might like the Apolo Sandals. Made from leather reclaimed out of car seats (no lie), these shoes also sell for $98 and come in black, brown and tan. Be Good Designs believes in treating the planet with respect, and manufactures all of their products in a sustainable manner. The materials used, suppliers contracted, and laborers hired are all treated in a fair and humane manner, and all apply eco-principles to their own part of these products’ production.

We all need bags sometimes, and finding cool eco-bags can be difficult (trust me, I’ve looked plenty). If you’re looking for a decent-sized messenger bag, consider buying the Wellesley Messenger Bag from Jack & Marjorie. Made from reclaimed leather, military surplus tent canvas and organic cotton twill (for the lining), each of these bags is unique in their own little ways. The Wellesley is large (W 15.5″ x H 11″ X D 3″), and as sturdy as your favorite canvas tent. Find this (and other messenger bags) on the Jack & Marjorie website.

Here’s hoping that one of these nifty items suits you (or your favorite green guy)!

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When researching companies and products to use in this blog, I’ve noticed that most of the sites I visit are specifically directed towards green-minded women. The “eco-list” I maintain is filled with companies that make lingerie, swimsuits, dresses, t-shirts, jewelry and handbags for women, and the products and companies focused on the needs of men are few and far between.

In an effort to appeal to all (or at least more) of my readers, I’m decided to dedicate this, and the next few posts, to great green goods for sustainably-minded men. So if you’re looking for clothes, shoes, outwear or accessories for yourself or your favorite guy, you’ve come to the right place. Today’s post… sustainable and green garmets for eco-minded men!

EDUN – EDUN is not your average sustainable clothing company by a long shot. Founded in 2005 by Ali Hewson and Bono (yes, that Bono), EDUN’s mission is to drive sustainable employment in developing economies by producing organic and eco-friendly clothing. EDUN clothes are currently produced using sustainable practices in India, Peru, Tunisia, Kenya, Uganda, Lesotho, Mauritius and Madagascar.

If you’re looking for a crisp dress shirt, you might check out this short-sleeved Tropic Woven – Sandstone Khaki shirt. Made with 100% organic cotton in Uganda, this button-down shirt is finished with epaulette sleeve detailing and can be purchased for $95. EDUN also makes jeans, and is currently offering thee Galaxy Denim Pants in black. Constructed with 98% organic cotton denim (the other 2% is stretch), these slim-legged jeans can be picked up for $145.

Loomstate – Launched by designers Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn in 2004, Loomstate is dedicated to creating certified organic clothing using socially and environmentally responsible methods of production. Loomstate clothes are inspired by the balance of shape and color that’s found in nature, and are designed with an eye towards comfort, fit, and durability. f you’re interested in casual clothing that are 100% organic, you might find what you’re looking for at Loomstate.

I like these 100% organic Crafton Cargo Shorts, and know someone who would look great wearing these on weekend hikes or visits to the Farmer’s Market. These heavy weight cargo shorts come in Olive Green and can be purchased for about $100 on the Loomstate website. If you need a shirt to pair with your new cargo shorts, consider the “Peace Signs” SS Crew Tee for $38. Available in blue, beige, or black, this 100% organic shirt sends a message that connects peace with alternative energy. Loomstate also offers denim, dress shirts, jackets and hoodies for men, and has a collection for women as well.

Boll Organic was created when founders Kent and Kevin Russell couldn’t find any organic dress shirts. The company prides itself on creating superior organic dress clothes at prices comparable to their non-organic competitors. And even though it costs Boll Organic 30% more to create organic shirts, they still manage to donate 1% of their profits to organizations that are working towards a cleaner environment. Buy Boll Organic shirts if you’re looking to impress others and feel good about yourself. The company’s shirts come in 2 styles – button down and spread collars, and are made from 100% US Supima cotton. The shirts come in classic white and can be purchased on the company’s website for $35 each.

Other eco-friendly retailers who make men’s clothing include:

`e ko logic – Organic and recycled polos and t-shirts.

Spun Bamboo – Organic bamboo t-shirts, boxers and sweaters.

Ecolution – Hemp clothing, accessories and shoes.

HT Naturals – Hemp, cotton and eco-fiber casual clothing.

Join me next time to find out where you can get eco-shoes, accessories and other guy-centered sustainable goods!

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One thing I spend a lot of time thinking about for this site is what it really means when we call a product, company, or service “green,” “eco,” “environmentally-friendly,” or “organic.” It seems that there are an increasingly large number of companies jumping on the “green” bandwagon, but how do we know if what they are offering is actually green or simply marketed as such?

When I research and write about green companies and products for this site, I try to pay attention to the each company’s environmental and human rights policies, look up sourcing information on the materials used to make products, and concern myself with the entire life cycle of a “green” product – from conception to delivery. In doing so, I’ve certainly thrown out some “eco” products that weren’t all that green upon further examination.

I’ve been reading more and more recently about the “Zero Waste” movement. Zero waste is a concept whereas all of the materials required to manufacture products are used in various ways. In doing so, the externalities of the manufacturing process are significantly reduced, waste is removed from the manufacturing process, and new goods are created using materials that would otherwise be tossed into a landfill or incinerator. By creating zero waste products and working within a zero waste manufacturing system, companies can ensure they are participating in the highest form of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” possible.

If you’re interested in finding clothing that’s been produced using the Zero Waste mentality, there are a few cutting edge designers and organizations out there in whom you might be interested. London-based designer Mark Liu rolled over his Singularity Point Collection at the London Fashion Week in February of this year. By employing a unique cutting technique, Liu saves over 15% of the fabric needed to create his designs, and therefore reduce the amount of fabric needed and waste produced in the manufacture of his high-end clothing line. Liu’s fashions aren’t cheap (they fall into the – “if you have to ask you probably can’t afford it” price range), but are fun, eco-friendly and very sexy!

Another of these cutting edge Zero Waste designers is Caroline Priebe of the 5 in 1 Studio in Brooklyn , NY. Priebe designs under the Uluru label, and works in cashmeres, silks and hemp fabrics. When creating pieces, Priebe saves every scrap of fabrics and “upcycles” all of the previous years’ scrap remnants into the details and finishings on her new garments. By ensuring that every possible piece of fabric is used in some way, shape or form, Priebe is able to bring her Zero Waste collections to market. I like the $200 Cashmere Dress (on the left). It’s made with 100% cashmere and finished with a black silk scarf that was most likely salvaged from the trash!

The Zero Waste philosophy of fashion design is still in its infancy, and the cost of these products reflect the fact that this may become the next big thing for high-end fashionistas. Like most fashion trends, Zero Waste clothing will probably come down in price over the next few years – and like most things – is most affordable if you can make create your own personal Zero Waste line! I’ve listed a few sites below if you’re interested in learning more about this emerging trend and finding out about other designers who are turning their minds to reducing waste and designing the most eco-friendly clothing possible!

Zero Waste – The Newest Eco-Fashion from Planet Green

Zero Waste Designers by Laurel House of White Apricot

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It’s summer again and time to wear as little as possible! If you’re looking to heat up your summer evenings, you might try doing so with a sampling of sexy eco-underthings. As more and more people turn their attention to the plight of the environment, more and more companies are responding and creating goods with sustainable materials and with environmentally-friendly practices. Show your special someone what an eco-fiend you are by picking up a pair of panties or a silky nightie that not only looks fantastic, but is made with guilt-free materials and practices!

Sexy Panties and Naughty Knickers is a British-company that designs lingerie using all natural fibers for women of all shapes and sizes. When Pom Lampson founded the company in 2004, she did so with the vision that all women deserve to wear high-quality underthings made from natural fibers and accessible to women from all walks of life. Bras, panties and other delicates from Sexy Panties and Naughty Knickers are built using silk and cotton wherever possible, but do sometimes contain synthetic materials where needed for support and comfort.

If you have some extra cash and are looking for the perfect panties to blow it on, you might consider these 100% silk Viva Nighty Knickers. While pricey at $50 per pair, these panties come in storm, purple, or silver and look like they’re as comfortable as it gets when it comes to what you’re wearing underneath your clothes. If you really want to splurge, consider pairing your new knickers with the company’s matching Viva Nighty. For an extra $129, you can slip into bed wearing nothing but silk against your skin and feeling as sexy as possible.

If you’re looking for something a little more casual this summer, you might like these Boy Shorts from the British company Ciel. Made with 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex (for added stretch) these Boy Shorts come in a range of muted colors (coffee, blush, mulberry), and are finished with a fine-tulle French lace. And you can always add the matching camisole if you want to round out the set.

When designing and manufacturing their lingerie, Ciel follows a sustainable and ethically-minded eco-philosophy. Ciel products are made using a mix of sustainable (organic cotton and bamboo), man-made (certified with ‘Oekotex’ & ‘Confidence in Textiles’ labels), and recycled/reclaimed materials. The company also works with local manufacturers in the UK, and ensures that their products are all produced under Fair Trade practices. Ciel is considered to be a highly ethical company and is certified as such from a range of organizations.

Less practical, but certainly just as adorable, is the Annabel Shorty Set (to the right) from Enamore. Designed with 100% organic silk, this 2-piece set comes with a ruffly camisole and knickers trimmed with candy pink bows. Enamore is another British lingerie company, and makes clothing using organic, sustainable and vintage fabrics. Look to Enamore i f you enjoy luxurious lingerie made from silk, organic cotton, bamboo and soya fabrics.

Another store I like is Perfectly Imperfect. Though they have somewhat of a limited lingerie selection, the organic camisoles and panties that they do make look as comfortable as underwear gets! Perfectly Imperfect’s Sweetie Lace Cami is made from 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex (again for that stretch!). The company is committed to producing products that don’t harm the earth, and makes all of their company clothing right here in the USA.

While there still aren’t as many organic/eco-lingerie boutiques out there as I might like, the number of designers and manufacturers who are starting to incorporate eco-principles into their products is increasing. With a little bit of savvy and a strong hold on Google searches, you can find almost any eco-lingerie that you might like to wear. And while these goods do still tend to be pricier than their non-organic counterparts, you can always use it as an eco-excuse to splurge a little and buy the softest, highest-quality underthings you could possibly desire! Happy Shopping…

In these challenging economic times, it can often be difficult to justify the expense of organic foods. Everyday items like milk, eggs, vegetables and meat are already pricey, and adding the USDA Certified Organic label jacks prices even higher. For those of us who have to stretch fewer dollars further than we ever thought possible, the organic option seems fully out-of-reach. After all, when it comes down to affording organic, free-range beef or affording 5 nights worth of dinners, it’s obvious that the organic option is simply irrelevant.

The option of eating organically grown goods however, should not be determined by the (often elevated) costs associated with organic food. One reason organic goods are so expensive is that in order to become a certified organic producer, you have to spend a significant amount of time and money to establish the organic integrity of your goods. It’s not easy to become a certified organic supplier, and those who attain this status certainly deserve ample compensation for their efforts.

So what can we do to make organic goods accessible to everyone? On one hand we have a huge group of consumers who may want to eat organically but who, at least in the short term, simply cannot afford to do so. On the other hand we have an already financially struggling group of farmers who are committed to growing organic goods, but who also have mortgages, loans, bills and their own groceries to buy- they can’t afford to drop the extra costs associated with growing organic goods.

Clearly I don’t have the million dollar answer to this complex dilemma – there are all kinds of organizations and special interest groups whose positions need to be considered, and true systematic change to the process of producing organic goods has to include the reformation of agribusiness and agricultural legislation at the Congressional and/or Executive level within the government. Perhaps farmers who go organic shouldn’t have to pay to do so – perhaps organic producers should get tax breaks, subsidies and government assistance for their efforts… It may sound crazy now, but someday soon the powers that be may wake up and realize it’s time to produce the nation’s food in a more sustainable manner.

In the meantime, I’d like to offer some suggestions on how you can incorporate organic (or even less processed) foods into your family’s meals. There are all kinds of people and businesses out there who are growing, cooking, and selling foods that, while they may not necessarily be stamped with the USDA Certified Organic label, are still grown using few (if any) pesticides or chemicals, are locally produced, and are just as healthy (and tasty) as certified organic goods.

1. Buy vegetables, fruit, eggs, herbs, wine and meat at your local farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets are popping up all over the place these day, and chances are excellent that there’s at least one near you. While not all of the items found at a farmer’s market are organic, goods do tend to be produced using fewer toxins than do similar items found in your grocery store. And if you really want to know how the food for sale has been grown, just ask the farmers! Farmer’s markets are also great places if you want to eat seasonally-appropriate and completely fresh foods given that most of the items for sale are grown within 50-100 miles of the markets.

2. Grow your own! I know that not everyone has the time or space for a full-scale vegetable garden, but that doesn’t mean everyone can’t grow something they love. If you’re limited by space, try growing fresh herbs in small pots on your window sill. Herbs (especially organic herbs) are expensive to purchase, but easy to grow. You can also plant all kinds of veggies in containers and have a healthy harvest of lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and other food all summer. If you have the space for a large garden, just go for it! Growing food is one of the most satisfying things you can do, and when you harvest the fruits of your labors, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your food is truly organic.

3. Shop at local farm stands. The growing season where I live in New England is relatively short, but that doesn’t stop our local farmers from putting out all the stops and stocking their stands with an abundance of fresh, local goods from late spring to late fall. And while not all of the farms in this region are organic, you can always find a selection of fresh foods grown by people from your community. If you have questions about what you’re buying from a farm stand, you can actually talk to the people who grew it, and come to understand how and why they grow their food.

4. Buy organic goods selectively. I can’t always afford all of the organic food that I’d like, so instead I buy what matters the most to me. This means that I always have organic eggs, cream and yogurt, and I sometimes have organic meat, produce and snacks. By educating yourself as to the ins and outs of what goes into your favorite foods, you can prioritize how to spend your organic dollars, and compromise on your food choices. Think about what foods you eat the most, who in your family eats which foods, and how these foods are impacted when produced using pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals. By understanding how different foods are impacted and altered by these additives, you can decide when things have to be organic and when they can be otherwise.

5. Buy a share in a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Sometimes farms won’t sell food at farmer’s markets or via a farm stand, and will instead participate in a CSA. By purchasing a share in a CSA, you show your financial support to a farmer, and they use your money to grow food all season. Each week you’re rewarded with a ’share’ of the farm’s crops, and the farmer is able to feed their community without breaking the bank. Again, when purchasing food direct from a farm, you may not always get organic goods, but you buy food grown in your community and invest your money in a local farm.

Eating healthy, seasonal, local organic food doesn’t have to be a luxury only the wealthy can afford. We all deserve to eat food that nurtures and sustains our bodies, and there are plenty of options out there that allow us to do so. And while it may not be as easy to go to the farm stand or join a CSA as it is to go to the grocery store and buy what’s there, the benefits you reap from eating that which is grown by people you know – people who live in and are vested in your community – far outweigh the benefits of picking up cheap goods from a faceless corporation.

Happy eating!

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It’s always fun to update your home to match the season at hand, and if you can do so with green goods it makes the whole process that much more fun. You don’t need to spend a lot (or spend anything if you’re inventive) to update your home with sun-inspired finds that help bring the outdoors inside. With so many companies jumping on the “green” bandwagon these days, you can find the perfect set of sheets or fun frame to fill with this season’s memories for every price range. So check out some of my favorite finds, sit back and get ready to welcome summer in to your home!

If you’re looking for attractive mainstream furniture and accessories with a green twist, you need look no further than your local Pottery Barn. For the past few years Pottery Barn has focused on the impact their business has on the environment and has started operating under a series of Environmental Commitments.

From increasing the percentage of recycled post-consumer waste in their packaging to developing products that use sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, Pottery Barn has restructured their business to reflect a growing corporate concern for the environment. Look for the “Earth Friendly” logo on the Pottery Barn website – products marked with this label have been designed and developed using reclaimed and sustainable materials that include FSC-certified wood and organic fabrics.

OK, let me start by admitting that yes, I love luxurious sheets and I also love the color green. I can’t help it, but when I see bedding like these Tonal Stripe 400-Count Organic Sheet Sets (to the left), I want to run out and buy them immediately. And while I can’t afford to drop $119 on a Full Sheet Set, I’m hoping that someone out there reading this can! If you’re a sheet fan like me, you might also like Pottery Barn’s Boathouse Stripe Organic Duvet Cover & Sham, or their Botanical Embroidered Organic Quilt & Sham in Porcelain Blue.

It’s also no secret that I am a big fan of Viva Terra – an eco-friendly store that sells clothing, jewelry, furniture, garden goods and accessories to beautify green-loving homes. If you’re looking for something quirky and different to display on an end table or desktop, consider these granite Owls. You can get a set of 2 for $75, or buy 1 large owl for $95. I also like the Porthole Mirror Collection (comes in a set of 5 mirrors). With frames crafted from naturally aged, sustainable sheesham wood, these funky mirrors will light up your house with their shine. While pricey at $369 for the set, these mirrors are sure to last a lifetime and have been manufactured in a manner that hasn’t harmed the Earth.

If you’re looking for something to serve your summer visitors, try tea – and use Gaiam’s Pressed Leaves Tea Set to do the serving. This handmade celadon pottery set comes from Thailand and includes a teapot, 4 teacups and a wooden tray to pull it all together. This $40 tea set is finished with lead-free glaze, and the product is manufactured under guidelines established by the Fair Trade Federation. And if you really want to set the mood while you sip your tea, check out these Handblown Glass Lanterns for $18 apiece. Handcrafted in Georgia, these one-of-a-kind lanterns come in blue, ruby or amber.

I know how challenging it can be to wade through the masses of stuff available online – there are so many well-made, eco-friendly, interesting products out there that deciding exactly what to buy can bring about a certain paralysis when it comes to making decisions. I hope that my pointing out a few of my favorite goods here helps you make your own decisions, and that you’re able to pick up a few new pieces to really spruce up your home this season without breaking the bank.

Happy Eco-Shopping!

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With more and more people turning to environmentally-friendly products these days, finding vendors who sell all you need is key to successful green shopping. While it may seem romantic to visit 15 different merchants when shopping, most of us don’t have the time, the energy or the inclination to do so. Plus, driving around the suburbs to buy all you need from a variety of stores isn’t really eco-friendly!

To help you out I’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly online marketplaces where you can find all kinds of home-goods in one location. These marketplaces act as the “middle-men” for eco-friendly vendors, and ship the goods right to your doorstep – thereby saving you the trouble of driving around and wasting fuel. So sit back, click some links and get your eco-shopping done from the comfort of your home – it’ll save you time and resources, and may just help save the planet!

Gaiam – If you’ve been reading this site for any length of time, you’re probably already familiar with Gaiam – I write about it all the time! And while I’m not always thrilled with some of Gaiam’s methods (most of what they sell is not made in the USA), they do offer a tremendous selection of furniture, home furnishings, clothing, accessories and gift items that are sourced and manufactured with green processes. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the company strives to offer “Conscious Commerce,” and is “a provider of information, goods and services to customers who value the environment, a sustainable economy, healthy lifestyles, alternative healthcare and personal development.” Look to Gaiam if you want eco-friendly yoga clothes and tools, outdoor furniture, or light fixtures.

3R Living – Billed as “Future Friendly Products,” the goods sold on the 3RLiving website have been “carefully selected with the principles of reducing waste, reusing unwanted or discarded materials, and recycling in mind.” Founded by Samantha Delman-Caserta and Mark Caserta in 2004, this Brooklyn-based business offers a selection of home goods, accessories and gifts to enhance the most eco-friendly of homes. The budget-conscious can find inexpensive goods to meet their needs on the 3RLiving site too – there’s a section for goods under $10, $20 and $50.

Organic Bug – Organic Bug is a funky online gift store that offers a decent selection of Organic, Hand-Made, Sustainable, Fair Trade, Made in the USA, and All Natural clothing, accessories, cosmetics, personal care products and outdoor goods. The company’s mission is to help people use their purchasing power as a vote for social and environmental change – i.e. – put their money where their mouth is! The company has all kinds of green initiatives that they have incorporated into their operating principles, and is obviously putting their green philosophies into action in how they run their business. Check out Organic Bug if you’re looking for bamboo clothing, unique home decor, or eco-friendly garden products.

Adili – When Adam Smith founded Adili, he did so with the thought of opening a department store filled with eco-goods. Stocked with goods from over 80 eco-designers from around the world, Adili sells clothing, accessories, shoes, home goods, and beauty products to suit your every eco-need. You can also purchase goods from Adili’s line – Own-Label – which have been sourced and manufactured with Fair Trade, organic, and ethical practices. Committed to the principles of ethical eco-chic fashion, Adili’s website includes a section dedicated to their philosophies and practices. Shop here if you’re looking for fun, fashionable and somewhat funky clothes, shoes and jewerly for the whole family.

EcoMall – While the EcoMall website isn’t as flashy or stylish as some of the other online eco-marketplaces, it’s jam-packed with practical information about all kinds of eco-products and companies. More a directory of green goods and websites than an online marketplace, EcoMall has pages upon pages of green, organic, Fair Trade and eco-friendly vendors and merchants who sell everything from magazines to furniture, aromotherapy products to alternative energy, appliances to clothing. So while EcoMall may not exactly fall into the “One-Stop Shopping” category, it can point you in the direction of almost anything you need that’s green.

Feel free to write in and let me know if you have a favorite online marketplace where you buy your everyday green goods. Finding great sites like this is an ongoing challenge, and I would love to offer your suggestions to my readers!

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