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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It’s possible to stay true to your eco-beliefs this holiday season by giving gifts that aren’t actually things. Instead of buying clothes or books or electronics for your loved ones, consider investing in non-profit organizations that are working to preserve, conserve, and protect open spaces, watersheds, parks and wildlife habitats across America. By giving gift memberships, having trees planted in honor of your friends, or buying from merchants who give a percentage of their profits to environmental organizations, you positively impact the environment and stand up to consumerism and excess.

There are all kinds of organizations that are committed to protecting, preserving and restoring the wildlife, forests, open spaces and bodies of water in this country. Before buying your friends and family more stuff that they may or may not need, consider giving your money to one of these organizations and using your consumer power to do good now and throughout the coming year.

For Hikers: With a mission to the preservation and management of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail’s natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources, a gift membership to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy helps provide primitive outdoor-recreation and educational opportunities for Trail visitors. Membership includes a subscription to A.T. Journeys: The Magazine of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, as well as discounts at the organization’s Trail Store and an Appalachian Trail Conservancy decal and patch.

For Bird Lovers: If you have loved ones who spend their weekends trekking through wetlands in search of elusive birds, a Gift Membership to the National Audubon Society might be the perfect gift this year. Having advocated for the preservation of natural habitats and wildlife for over a century, Audubon lobbies Congress to preserve and protect wildlife habitats, and restore already damaged ecosystems by building parks and wildlife preserves. Members receive a subscription to Audubon, the organization’s bi-monthly magazine, as well as access to Audubon sanctuaries and preserves around the country.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Founded in 1922 to save outdoor America for future generations, the Izaak Walton League is dedicated to restoring watersheds, reducing air pollution, protecting open spaces, and instilling conservation ethics in outdoor enthusiasts. Your gift of a Membership will help further clean air and energy campaigns, wilderness and public land protection programs, and efforts to save vulnerable watersheds and streams. The Izaak Walton League offers members discounts on publications and merchandise, and provides subscriptions to their quarterly publication, Outdoor America, to thank members for supporting the organization.

For Urban Adventurers: The Central Park Conservancy works to restore, preserve, and maintain Central Park as a beautiful place for leisure, recreation, and the appreciation of nature. If you’re looking for a unique way to support the organization’s objectives and beautify the city, you can purchase daffodil and tulip bulbs and have them planted in honor of those special people in your life.

For Boaters:The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is the only independent non-profit that is dedicated to saving and restoring the Bay and its tributaries, and has worked non-stop to “Save the Bay” for over 40 years. You can honor a loved one this holiday season by having a tree planted in the Bay’s watershed by donating $25 to the organization.

For Arborists: You can help protect the forests and ecosystems of America when you donate money to American Forests as this holiday season. The organization plants trees “in the right place, for the right reason,” and one tree is planted for every dollar you give. American Forests is a world leader in planting trees for environmental restoration, a pioneer in the science and practice of urban forestry, and a primary communicator of the benefits of trees and forests.

Happy Holidays!

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When it comes to using my consumer dollars to make purchases, I actually don’t buy all that much stuff. For years I’ve been too poor to buy much more than I really need, so most of what I own is limited to the essentials – books (yes, books are essentials), plants, clothes & shoes, and household goods like dishes, and towels. I inherited most of my furniture from family and friends, and I go without things (like wine glasses) that most people just wouldn’t live without.

Part of why I live so minimally is poverty – I was in school and unemployed for years, and just couldn’t afford to buy anything. And since I started making real money, I’ve had to apply most of it to paying off bills accrued while in school and unemployed. Another part of why I don’t buy much stuff however, is the environmental impact of personal consumption. By living low on the consumer chain, I feel that I’m taking part in the 1st “R” of conservation – Reduce. When I don’t upgrade my hand-me-down couches or replace my overwhelmed bookcases with sturdier models, I don’t contribute to the manufacture of these goods and I keep my own carbon footprint low.

It’s not as if limiting my purchases is difficult – I am fiscally frugal, I don’t like clutter, and my apartment is small and lacking in storage space. At the same time, there are items I would really like to own and just can’t bring myself to buy – because they’re expensive, impractical or just not enough of a priority to justify the purchase. Topping the list of stuff I wish I owned are all kinds of green furniture that would work well in my home and replace the well-worn items I already own.

For my living room…

I really like the looks of the Babylon Sofa by RC Green. Founded by designer Robert Craymer, RC Green designs, manufactures and retails eco-furniture, bedding, clothing, shoes and accessories. With an eye toward minimalist design and a sense of responsibility towards the environment, Craymer is working toward an all green, all natural, sustainable and organic way of living. Furniture crafted by RC Green is made with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wood, recycled steel (for springs and screws), non-toxic and formaldehyde free glues, and a range of eco-fabrics including cotton, linen, bamboo, and hemp. Additionally, all RC Green products are made in the US and built out of local resources.

I also like the clean lines of the Hect Chair by Greener Lifestyles, a Seattle-based design and manufacturing company that specializes in creating sustainable furniture . Constructed out of FSC wood, the Hect Chair is finished with organic hemp, cotton and wool fabrics, and held together with eco-friendly adhesives.

To show off my new couch and chair, I could always light my living room up with a few of these Bleu Nature Tropique Lamps. Offered by environmental retailer Eco-Terric, these lamps are hand crafted in Northern France,? and made from all natural products.

For my ever-growing expanding book collection, I like this Tetrad Shelving unit from Brave Space Designs. Consisting of 4 interlocking squares, this modular shelving unit is constructed from either ash or wood and built using paints, stains, adhesives, and sealants with low or zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Brave Space Designs also finishes all of their products with either hand-applied organic-herbal oil or water-based spray finishes.

To finish off my room, I would add this hand-knotted Jardin rug offered by Cotswold Furniture Makers. Headquartered in Stowe, Vermont, Cotswold is committed to producing environmentally sustainable furniture, and ensures that their products are never constructed by children or with abusive labor practices. Hand-tied in Tibet, the Jardin rug is crafted from 100% wool.

If you are in the market for eco-friendly, sustainable furniture, check out some of the companies listed above. These designers and manufacturers have all committed to producing products that use local resources, non-toxic chemicals and organic fabrics. Change happens one person at a time, so next time you’re in the market for new furniture, consider buying green.

I’ve always wanted to be one of those people who knows how to give the perfect gift – something that is both practical and beautiful, well-designed, environmentally friendly and affordable. And while I have always given generally thoughtful presents (interesting books being my specialty), I lack that special knack for finding gifts that light up people’s eyes when they’re opened.

In an effort to help others out there who have trouble finding great gifts, I’ve compiled a list of beautiful and practical presents that are well-designed, affordable, and most of all, environmentally friendly.

Baby Shower
New babies need everything, so finding gifts for these tiny creatures isn’t difficult. I like to buy things that will last (strollers, savings bonds), but also understand that most new parents need baby staples like onesies, crib sheets and cold weather gear. Kate Quinn Organics, offers an Organic Sherba Baby Bunting that looks warm, comfy and large enough to fit an infant for 6 months. The site also has a selection of organic bodysuits and infant sacques that make good gifts. Babies-R-Us has even gone green and offers a line of natural and organic products on their site. I found a set of 3 organic receiving blankets (by Tadpoles) and an Organic Cotton Sleepsack (by Halo Innovations) that are lower-cost alternatives than the organic baby boutiques. I also love this bib by Peaceful Company – when it’s not your baby, it’s not as outrageous to pay $12 for a bib!

Father’s Day
Dads can be tough to buy for – mine already has everything he wants or needs and is rarely forthcoming with gift requests. One thing he might like however are these Vintage Record Coasters. Handmade by Elsewheres, these coasters are old 45s, and basically just really cool. Elsewheres also makes a Snack Tray, Bowl and Clock out of old records. If your dad is a cyclist, he might like the Bike Chain Bottle Opener or the Recycled Bicycle Chain Bowl. The Elsewheres gifts are edgy – but if your dad is as cool as mine he might just like them.

Graduation
The end of college is prime time for upgrading your graduate’s clothing, outerwear and accessories. Laptop bags are a necessity – especially during job searches – and can complete any outfit. While it was difficult to find many eco-friendly bags, I managed to track down a few. Hip & Zen sells a Recycled Plastic Laptop Bag made out of plastic shopping bags that use no dyes. Each bag’s color is produced during the manufacturing process when plastic bags of different colors are layered to create a unique design. If a laptop sleeve is a viable alternative, you can find laptop cases made from recycled Columbian tires from the UK company TREAD. Handmade from salvaged tires, these cases are designed for Macs.

Housewarming
For some reason I’ve always thought that stationary makes for lovely housewarming gifts – especially if you’re giving it to someone new to the area. Paporganics is an organic paper goods company that makes stationary and gift wrap. Their cards are printed on 100% recycled paper; the Cultivated Card series is adorned with illustrations of fruits and vegetables and finished with witty quotations, while their Organic Cards are made from 100% organic cotton paper and contain real flower petals.

If your friend or family’s new home has room for a garden, consider bringing the Sunflower Garden or Shirley Poppy Garden gift boxes from VivaTerra. These pretty boxes are decorated with their respective flowers and filled with flower seeds. If you want your gift to mean even more, help your friend plant the seeds than sit back and wait until the flowers bloom!

Mother’s Day
If your mom deserves to be pampered on Mother’s Day, consider giving her this 100% Organic Cotton Spa Robe from VivaTerra. This waffle-pattern robe is chemical-free and can be paired with a set of Organic Cotton Spa Towels for true luxury. I also found an organic chocolate company called Vere that hand makes their treats using sustainably-grown, pesticide-free, organic cocoa beans. You can get Vere truffles, caramels, bars, brownies, wafers and even vegan treats. If your mom is anything like mine, she’ll love the gift and possibly even share.

Weddings
I know that wedding registries have made gift giving a no-brainer for a lot of people, but I still like to find more personal gifts for new brides and grooms. If you have similar sentiments, check out Pangaya, an eco-chic online retailer that sells tableware made from 100% recycled products. The Seaglass line of tableware on the Pangaya site is designed and manufactured by the Riverside Design Group and constructed from post-industrial/pre-consumer recycled glass.
VivaTerra is another eco-friendly store that has plenty of items that fit my gift criteria – I like their Thatched Bowls (hand crafted with recycled metal twigs), Root of the Earth Bowls constructed from reclaimed Chinese Fir trees, and River Stone Placemats and Runners made from hand gathered stones.

I hope this little guide has given you some great gift ideas – let me know what you buy and as always, feel free to send me ideas, suggestions and comments on what you’ve read.