We have to admit that gift wrapping during the Holiday quickly filled the trash can. It makes sense to explore ways to be more ecologically conscious. And when the packages are as great as these, being eco-friendly feels like an indulgence.

The founder of Pi’lo is Heather Shaw, a Torontonian mother of 2 young boys. She hand makes functional items for the home. I like her minimalist, comfy style. Like Heather said on her site, her creations can be passed around like a family heirloom.

My Favorite Items from Pi’lo

Her reusable crackers are made with recycled pop bottles that are transformed to look and fill like felt. I interested by her concept since I decide to make my own crackers this year. Her eco felt cracker comes with a lining, ribbon closure and a tag that can be used as a place card or a gift tag. I would personalize the crackers by putting more festive ribbons and maybe adding a tiny gift ornament on one end.

Another good idea is to replace the standard paper gift bag with one of her felt bags. Intended for loots at at kids parties or baking bags, small gifts would fit nicely inside her felt bags. Add a few holiday decorative touches and voilà!

Some people exchange tree ornaments during the holiday. Her lovely photo pocket ornament would be appreciated. Insert a family photo and give then to grandparents, your best friends and close family members.

SOURCING:
+ Reusable Crackers $10 USD
+ Felt Bag $12 USD
+ Photo Pocket Ornament $18 USD

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Create you own mosaic wall with old magazines. It must feel good to repurpose old magazines in such a beautiful way. It can even be a conversation starter.

Classify the magazines by format (width and length). First, you need to make your bricks by tightly tying magazines together. Discuss with your handyman on the best way to proceed to assemble the wall. You must be sure that your wall will not fall apart if something or someone hits it.

+ via PoppyTalk and Home by Sunset

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Since the handle of a jug helps us when we pour liquid, the Spanish design studio GR Lab created a attachment that perfectly fits the universal coil of any plastic bottle. Plus it adds a touch of color to your table. I like the fact that it is a simple way to reuse the plastic bottles. When we think about it, we could reuse plastic bottles to serve fresh lemonade or ice tea.

I read on Inhabitat that the Aqua Jar for Balvi was launched at last month’s Valencia Design Week. It is not yet on the Web site of Balvi. The Web site of GR Lab is more than sparse on information. This is all the information I could find of this new product.

+ Via Inhabitat

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I always admired the stylish design of Ovopur, the eco-friendly water filtering system developed by a Quebec brand called Aquaovo. I think the egg shape glazed porcelain jar looks even better dressed in black.

CAVIAR is a limited series available in two patterns: Marcato and Legato. I love both. If I could find a spot in my home, I would like the have one. You fill the top reservoir with tap water. That water will be filtered as it falls on the main egg-shape reservoir. The egg shape reservation prevents water stagnation. Combined with the thermal property of porcelain, your water stays fresher longer. It is simple, elegant and eco-friendly. Except for the filtration cartridge that you need to change 3 times a year, there is no waste.

OVOBAR is a beverage dispenser. It is basically the OVOPUR system without the top reservoir and water filtering system. When you need it, you can use the main reservoir of the OVOPUR as a beverage dispenser. Since it is easy to clean, I do not foresee any problem to convert it for the need of a party. To be safe, I would ask Aquaovo.

SOURCING:
+ Aquaovo collection
+ Ovopur (white) $689 CAD

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I like the style of the string shopping bags. At moment it feels European while at other time it feels bohemian. I wish to know if you find them more practical than the Envirosax or the RuME bags? I am thinking of trying them. Here are three models that caught my eyes.

+ Stretch Bag by Artecnica is made from recycled billboard. There is also a leather version vinyl $16 USD, leather $95

+ Black Organic Cotton String Bag starts at $6.95 USD
+ ECOBAGS EarthTone Cotton String Bag Set with Hemp StuffSack 5 bags $29.95 USD

Do not forget to tell me what type of reusable shopping bags you use.

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Founded in 2006, Kroom transforms recycled cardboard in adorable kid furniture and toy storage solutions. Cardboard can be durable and strong. You or the babysitter will be able to sit for playing with your kid since the stools of the table and stools set can hold 220 pounds.

I enjoy the illustrations printed on the furniture and the storage boxes. I feel that Krooom updated classic kid themes. Tris, in particular, is gender neutral.

Each series has several components. Items come absolutely flat in the package, they have a moisture resistance and are free of hazardous chemicals. Plus, no tools are necessary for assembly. I read on Inhabitots that they are laminated to protect against accidental spills and splashes.

Barnes & Noble and Target are listed on Krooom as the only US retailers who carry the line for now. Sorry but I do not know how much they cost. You may like to know that Kroom also makes home accessories that could appeal to students or to decorate your first apartment.

MORE:
+ Krooom Kids Collection
+ Store Listing
+ via Inhabitots

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First of all, I wish to say that I hope that reusable produce bags become as popular as the reusable shopping bags. Each time I go to the grocery without them, I feel bad. They are great for shopping but I also feel that the vegetables stay fresh longer.

Many brands made them. I introduced the ECObags last year. I still like those, they kept their shapes and sizes after several machine washes.

Stewart Bags

At the start of the summer, I received a complimentary combination pack of reusable produce bags from Stewart Bags, a Canadian brand run by a couple. I recommend that you get one or two combination packs of reusable produce bags (five small bags, three large bags). I keep the vegetables in the reusable bags in the fridge. Since some bags may be in the laundry basket, I need more for shopping. You will see a small bag is enough for many items on your shopping list.

I made the error to dry machine them once. They shrunk a bit but they kind of extend like an old pair of jeans when you insert fruits or vegetables. Therefore, it does not really matter.

Stewart Bags was founded by the Baileys, who are both teachers in Ontario.

October 24th, 2009 Update: Stewart Bags will have a stand in the New Product Showcase area at the Grocery Innovations Canada 2009. The show, which will be at the Toronto Congress Centre next Monday and Tuesday. I wish that retailers will decide to sell that green alternative in their stores. Bringing our shopping bags was not natural at first. Now, the cashiers ask us if you need a plastic bag?

SOURCING:
+ Combination Bulk Special $25 CAD

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I read on the book Six Pixels of Separation by Mitch Joel how new technology will shape the way we think about building in the 21st century. It is not Mitch who made that prediction. It is an affirmation made by William Mitchell, a professor of architecture and computer science at MIT. This is how my topic for my post on Climate Change for Blog Action Day 2009 was born.

I wrote several posts over the years about the need for walking city planning. I think it is the best way to live is to not have to use the car every day. I see a glimpse of hope due to the Web and smart phones. Digital technology means that many people can work from everywhere as long as they can be connected to the Web. As we get more and more access to wireless connections, Voice Over IP and other means to be connected, we are not restricted to our desk anymore.

Inspired by the Village

The main appeal of the European cities is that they were constructed before the industrial revolution. This means that they were built with human scale in mind. Having shops, restaurants and residences nicely integrated in a neighborhood builds a sense of community. We already seen the revival of  abandoned neighborhoods built around multi-functional buildings.

Coworking spaces, which are offices to go to for consultants, developers and telecommuters that come complete with printers, high-speed internet access, conference rooms and community, flourish across North America. We have Station C in Montreal and Office Nomads in Seattle. They are hiccups like the closure of Workspace in Vancouver. This is normal since it involves a different way to do business. Still, the concept behind the community office makes a lot of sense for many people.

Looking at the Future

What do it has to do with taking about Climate Change. Everything! Sharing spaces or using them for double duty reduces our footprint in so many ways.

We have to reexamine how buildings are built in light of what the future will bring. They might not need to serve only one function: housing, work, entertaining. If we can work from everywhere, it changes our commute habits. If we share offices, it reduces the number of office buildings we need to serve everyone. I do not have the solution, but we must envision our actions with how we will live in the future instead of only considering how we live now.

I encourage you to read the last three sections of my post about Imprinting a new North American lifestyle and to check City Guides and European City Life post.

CREDITS:
+ photos: Station C, Kim Vallee (with my iphone), Bixi

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I received an email from Abe’s Market today to introduce their green and natural products marketplace. While browsing Abe’s site, I came across this complete 13-piece lunch kit. Yes, you can assemble yourself but it would save you time by getting this bundle. Plus, you are sure that things fit together.

I introduced the reusable snack bags of Plum Creek Merchantile earlier this year. You have a choice of 7 patterns for the 3-snack bag set included in the lunch kit. Each lunch set also comes with one To-Go Ware RePEaT Bamboo Utensil Set, a small and a large To-Go Ware’s stainless steel sidekick tiffins, an insulated bottle, a Klean Kanteen 12oz water bottle in a metal lunch box.

Bulk food storage bags

For shopping, remember that Plum Creek Mercantile produces bulk food storage bags with a clear window for easy identification and to write down the bin number. Besides reducing your waste, an added advantage of using the bulk food bags is that they are sized to fit a gallon jar or a quart jar. So, no more guess at the grocery store about how much you need to put inside the plastic bag.

Online Marketplace

Note that Abe’s is launching with four initial product categories – personal care, kids and baby, home, and food and beverage. They plan to expand into new categories shortly after launch. I will keep my eye open for other cool eco-friendly products.

SOURCING:
+ Lunch Kit by Plum Creek Merchantile on sale $47.99 – $52.99 USD  reg. $54-$59
+ To-Go Ware RePEaT Bamboo Utensil Set $11.95 USD
+ To-Go Ware’s stainless steel sidekick tiffins small $4.95 USD, large $5.95
+ Abe’s Market

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I showcased several eco-friendly disposable dinnerware for parties before. I think that the VerTerra is the best sustainable dinnerware I featured so far. It is because they provide unique features. They can stand hot food and liquids.  You can use them to reheat food for up to 45 minutes at 350 degrees. If you plan an outdoor event, they can stand being under the sun without problems.

The curvy shape is stylish. They kind of look like light wood. They are made of fallen palm trees that were steamed. It is simply made out of leaves and water. They contain no adhesives or chemical products. They will biodegrade within 2 months after use.

The range is comprehensive. Plates come in 4 sizes from 4 inches to 10 inches. You can serve single-servings, tapas, sauces, chips, chili, soups, cereals and dips in the bowl collection. There is a small 7″ x 8.5″ tray/platter. By adding a few medium and large trays, you will be all set to serve an outstanding buffet for a large crowd.

Time Saver Party Planning Tool

If you are hosting a party, use the VerTerra party calculator to estimate your dinnerware need. You enter the number of hours and attendees for the type of event you’re hosting, and they do the rest! They include “Add to Cart” links to every item they suggested for your event.

You can reuse the plates, bowls and trays many times if you wash them by hand. Beware that they won’t keep their shape if you put them in the dishwasher.

There are time where you need disposable dinnerware for a party. No need to plan a complete eco-chic party to prefer reusable and biodegradable disposable dinnerware. Frankly, the eco-friendly dinnerware collections often look better than the mass-produced disposable dinnerware.

SOURCING:
+ VerTerra
+ Verterra Pressed Leaf Plates – Hors D’oeuvres or Dessert $5.50 USD for 8
+ Verterra Pressed Leaf Small Trays $4.50 for 4 trays
+ Verterra Pressed Leaf 6 x 8 Bowls $6.50 USD for 8
+ Verterra Pressed Leaf Dinner Plates $7.50 USD for 8
+ Verterra Setting for 8 – Pressed Leaf Plates, Bowls, & Trays starts at $21 USD
+ Via Design Milk

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As a pursuit to reduce my consumption of plastic water bottles, I am looking for a reusable water bottle that would look great while I walk in the city. I wish for a funky or cool modern print. The SIGG bottles have a trendy look but they are made of aluminum which means that they can corrode. I trust more the food grade stainless steel bottles.

Earthlust

First let’s look at Earthlust. This small brand started by a mother from San Francisco has a cute line. I would like if the drawing theme extends beyond nature. I like the cute poppies and the silver Crow. Earthlust bottles use non-toxic paints and BPA-free safe polypropelene caps.

Klean Kanteen

For a minimalist look, look at Klean Kanteen. They started selling stainless steel reusable water bottles in 2004. Their line is quite extensive with all kinds of caps to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Plus, more of their range is dishwasher safe.

They launched not long ago an extra-wide mouth bottle which is more practical if you like to put ice cubes or fresh berries into your drink. The wide-mouth is only available in brushed metal finish. It has a lightly shorter profile, more compact and lighter than the Classic model.

The sleek stainless steel Classic bottles also come in 6 colors: green moss, orange sunset, ocean blue, black eclipse, pink renewal, tree bark and indicator red. The Classic model feels more like a bottle versus the wide mouth model which feels more like a Mason jar.

The outside of Klean Kanteen caps is made 100% BPA-free with the inside made of 100% stainless steel. Therefore, your drinks will never touch plastic. And their bottles fit totes by Built NY.

I still have to find a brand that make stainless steel bottles with hip designs than are as good as the SIGG Lifestyle series. If you know one, I would like to know who it is.

SOURCING:
+ Growing Tree Stainless Steel Water Bottle by Earthlust 13  oz. $15.95 USD
+ Earthlust Crow Stainless Steel Water Bottle – in red or silver 20 oz. $15.00 USD
+ Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Colored Water Bottles on sale $9.95 – $25.49 USD
+ Built NY Totes for Klean Kanteen 27 oz Stainless Steel Bottles $27.50 – $35.50 USD
+ Built NY Totes for Klean Kanteen 40 oz Stainless Steel Bottles $40 – $45 USD

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These wood bikes are absolutely gorgeous. They are pieces of craftsmanship that you should enjoy riding for the long time. They have panache.

The Pandurban is a fully equipped, four season commuter. It will make the envy of your co-workers with these features:

• Shift the 9 speed SRAM hub with a simple twist of the wrist, even when stopped.
• All-weather disc brakes and fenders
• The lights works with a generator. This means that you won’t change the batteries. Both front and rear lights remain on several minutes after you stop.
• Heavy duty, powder-coated steel fork laughs at nasty urban pot-holes.
• A super sturdy rack carries the gear you need for a day or a week.
• Michelin 700-32c puncture-resistant City tires with reflector sidewall.

If you wish for a simpler bike. The Bambooter Commuter is a 3 speed bike that offers the same smooth ride as the Pandurban.

Why Would You Want a Wood Frame?

Besides their beauty, there are other reasons to select a wood frame bike. First, producing a wood bike frame creates less damage to the environment than building a carbon, an aluminum or a steel bike frame.

Now with the advance of technology, they are able to create a durable wood frame. The Renovo wood frame has much greater impact resistance than butted metal or carbon bike frames. Plus:

• Wood absorbs vibration better than steel, aluminum or carbon, producing a smoother ride
• The fatigue life of wood exceeds steel or aluminum, and approaches carbon

Renovo will custom built your bike. You can select between 15 hardwoods and softwoods. The laminated bamboo is the greener option. They produce several models of commuter bikes and road bikes. They cost about the same as a carbon frame bike.

MORE:
+ Renovo Bikes
+ Via Inhabitat and Core77

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