I can't believe it is Wednesday

I can't believe I missed my Tuesday post! I definitely have a lot on my plate and Iceland on the brain. So in honor of Iceland I'm talking felt. Not just any felt, but felted soap to scrub in the tub.

You say: "Felt in the tub! That's just wrong. Who wants wet wool that smells like wet Yak?"
Fiat Luxe says: "No worries. Our fragrant soaps are wrapped in a fuzzy little anti-fungal wool that exfoliates as you scrub and shrinks along with the soap for a perfectly sudsed wash every time."

They are green, beautiful and reusable - just cut a slit and insert a new bar. Healthy for your skin and the environment. Another win, win.

--till next week Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew

Closets & Windows

I bet your closet doesn't have a window, but it is the window to your wardrobe soul. This week I'd like to take a minute to give props to a local to me window company that has gained notoriety through President Obama.

Northeast Building Products of Phildelphia offers a range of quality energy-efficient windows and this product offering has lead the company to growth in these economically troubled times. The family owned business has increased its workforce from 185-285 employees. The company has certainly benefited from the Obama stimulus plan, but the greatest impact has come from Obama's mention in the State of the Union Address which lead to a significant increase in sales.

Founded in 1975, this family owned company has work hard to ensure innovation and a commitment to social responsibility. Their work has paid off in spades. Northeast Building Products won two of the most coveted industry awards in 2009: Window and Door Magazine's Crystal Achievement Award for "Most Innovative Plant" and the "Greenest Manufacturer" award from Door and Window Manufacturer Magazine. Investing heavily in green technologies, Northeast customers to qualify for a $1,500 energy tax credit.

Good for the environment. Good for business. Go Green!

--till next week Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew

Asos Green Lounge

UK online fashion retailer Asos launched an eco-driven section on their website on February 19th. Asos features the latest trends and celebrity looks - a bit more sophisticated and mature Forever 21.It is one of my favorite sources for that bit of something different. Sign up for their email newsletter and enjoy a real treat. They sell internationally so don't fret if you don't live in the UK.

According to their blog: "...THE GREEN ROOM will fill you in on all the latest stories from the real people behind your favourite finds on ASOS.com. We'll be asking the brands who sell in THE GREEN ROOM and anyone who plays a key roll in bringing you the latest fashion that support people and the planet.

SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE BRANDS – features amazing labels that promote people and planet, from Swedish Hasbeens much-feted ecologically prepared, natural grain leather footwear to the hotly anticipated Emma Watson for People Tree collaboration.

ASOS.COM OWN LABEL – We launched our first Fairtrade cotton jersey pieces back in December, here you'll find an ever increasing number of own brand creations designed inhouse by our super designers and suppliers - there will be some basics but well be dropping a few styles with a twist on site - search 'FAIRTRADE' onsite now - don't miss out! (check out the fab Chrissie Abbott designed tee). The Fairtrade status of these products ensures that the cotton farmers have been paid a fair price for their crop. Each farming community also receives a social premium that they invest in social projects such as building schools and hospitals (see one of our next blogs for commentary directly from the Fairtrade Foundation)

BEAUTY– a range of products that pamper without using any ingredients that are damaging to the environment - and of course your skin! Includes well-known brands such as Cowshed, This Works and Neal’s Yard. Lush!"

Ahh another reason to practice retail therapy online and feel good about your choices.

--till next week Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew.

Bodkin Just Keeps on Keeping on...

Bodkin Designer Eviana Hartman shares her favorite green items with Daily Candy on the eve of NY Fashion week.
The top 5:
1) Her own Bodkin Jedi Pant $170 from the Fall '09 collection (see image #8 for the organic wool design).
2) Rachel Comey’s raincoat with the rounded shoulder overlay piece and built-in belt (to preorder, call Frances May, 503-227-3402; $579)
3) Black and lavender geometric-printed tights from Gaspard Yurkievich and a spotted pair by Hansel from Basel.
4) Housewares from Tortoise General Store, a Japanese housewares shop in Venice, California.
5) Costa Rica
--till next week Restore, Refresh, Recycle & Renew

It's 10AM somewhere

So wherever that is I'm not late with today's post;)

We've talked about Brooklyn based Bodkin before. Talk about making the grade! Check out the latest edition of Marie Claire for the latest on Bodkin.

It's great that MC is giving coverage to home-grown green. Thumbs up to Marie Claire for the coverage.

--till next week Restore, Refresh, Recycle & Renew

Bridesmaid Blues

There is nothing quite so wasteful as a bridesmaid gown that is so specific it can't be worn for anything else. Back in the day, I was subjected to purchasing a floral number with a big artificial flower located right at my bust which doesn't need any more attention drawn to it. The second time I was called to duty, I was required to wear a mauve and white satin number that made me (the oldest in the bridal party) look like mutton dressed as lamb.

Since then, brides have been much more reasonable requesting all attendants go with a particular color, or pick from one of several styles. When I got married, the woman who made my ensemble was my Maid of Honor and she chose a suit that worked well with my 1940's inspired tea length chemise and jacket. Allowing your attendants to choose an outfit that suits them and can be worn again as is or with slight alterations goes a long way to helping our environment. I have worn my wedding dress for another event and I have worn the jacket again on a couple of occasions with slacks or a skirt to create other ensembles.

Two Birds Bridesmaids has come up with an excellent solution. One dress that can be worn 15 ways. We have discussed the multiple option dress before, but this one is done very nicely for the special occasion category. According to the website, Two Birds offer, "One dress that can be wrapped in over 15 unique ways, flattering to all body types. 18 colors offered in 4 lengths, one size fits 0-14 and size B fits 16-24." The Classic dress is described as "nylon/jersey/spandex, blend dresses do not cling, maternity friendly, hand washable, made in New York, no alterations necessary." At $270-$310 this option is reasonable.

I wish this had been an option for me. The mauve satin (not at all forgiving as a fabric) number was ordered for me in a size 3 sizes smaller than the size that the chart indicated would fit my bust. I implored the bride to order large so we could tailor it down in the other areas, but she just couldn't believe I needed that large a size. So days before the wedding, my friend was cutting down the peplum and using the piece to extend the bodice. Thank heaven it was the 80's and there was a lot of peplum.

Two Birds doubles up doubles - the ability to wear the dress again and again kills more than "two birds" with one stone. Keeping the dress in your closet, instead of a land-fill and being able to hand wash, and producing in New York kills the environmental "two birds" with one stone. Thumbs up Two Birds for finding an environmentally sound Special Occasion solution.

--till next week Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew


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--Elphaba to Fiyero:"I don't CAUSE the commotion. I AM the commotion." --Wicked

View my Blog and work at www.minervamedia.co

Too Many Sweaters?

We are enjoying a bit of a January thaw in the North East, but we are sure to have another bitter snap before Winter is done with us. How about upcycling an old sweater into a new accessory for the final push to Spring?

What exactly is Upcycling? Wikipedia offers a concise definition: "Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value." The Upcycling movement is growing and it is easy to participate.

We've talked about it before in many of my blog entries. If you aren't so crafty or you just don't have the time, here are a couple of services that will do the work for you:

Got an old cashmere sweater and a friend with a new baby? Contact TeddyLux. This Georgia based company offers plush animals and toys from recycled cashmere. You can also order a custom plush from your own sweater. Prices are reasonable. Animals are $50-$60 each with toys on offer for $15. They accept donations as well and will reimburse you for postage.

ReKnit is another company that upcycles. Each month ReKnit converts your old sweaters into a new product. This month - scarves. Users get to vote on the next item. You send in your sweater and the yarn is unraveled and reknit into the item of the month. The reknitting fee is $30. That's quite a bargain.

Best of all, you can re-purpose that sweater and learn a new craft yourself. First, check this unravel tutorial from Neauveau. Then select an old sweater from your closet or acquire one from friends or a local thrift shop. Next check out these resources on learning to knit. Better yet, find a local knitting group. Knitting circles are everywhere - from bars to home parties it shouldn't be too hard to find one in your community. A local yarn store is a good place to start or find one at Stich 'n Bitch.org.

--till next week Restore, Recycle, Refresh & Renew