EcoLiving Ideas

By Robin Baron on May 4, 2012

0 reviews |

| Login to Comment |

The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming – we’re officially in spring full swing and the friendly daffodils are just one of many daily reminders of why we need to save our planet. Eco-aware households have come a long way from the granola-and-Birkenstocks lifestyle, and eco-friendly Web sites are treasure chests of upcycled goods, sustainable products and handmade housewares to add to your eco-sanctuaries. Check out these creative finds from Etsy and EcoPlum:

As our government tries to find ways to incorporate solar energy into our country’s corporations, you can bring it into your own home in style! Made from mason jars, these vintage chic lights feature futuristic functions, requiring zero electricity. The sun charges them during the day so they shine brightly at night. Try stringing several in your garden to add an even greener touch. Created by treasureagain, $32.50.

Add some bucolic beauty to your home with rustic coasters made from untreated juniper wood, perfect for indoors or out. Try putting a hot mug or candles on it to release a sweet wood aroma into the spring air! Created by HansHolz, $11.

Bring a dose of spring into your living or bedroom with these whimsical Asian-inspired pillow covers. They feature a hand-painted design of pink cherry blossoms on white, unbleached organic cotton. Created by Derilyn for $74.99.

This colorful candle set will add a burst of brightness to your room with its vibrant hues plucked right out of Mother Nature. Made from 100 percent palm wax, these eco-friendly candles feature an ethereal crystalline appearance due to a naturally occurring quality of the wax, making a stunning glow once the lights go down low. Created by GreenLeafCandles, $37 for a set of three.

Warm weather months are perfect for making and enjoying some refreshing lemonade. Besides growing your own or buying organic lemons and using vintage jars or glasses to serve your citrus beverage in (or in compostable cups!), you could also use these reusable Glass Straws by Glass Dharma, which even come with their own cleaning brush. No more straw waste! These could be used for any cold beverage - even margaritas - so start concocting. $6.50 - $69

Before Summer comes to an end, you might want to take some time and record all of the wonderful memories you've just created, with your loved ones, or even by yourself. Write down your lazy days spent reading a good book, active beach days and spontaneous road trips, and how you felt during each one in these Vintage Vinyl Journals, which feature your favorite musicians, old(er) and new. All journals are made from recycled materials and 100 percent acid-free paper, and contain 220 high quality pages, in addition to the carefully handcrafted cover. They also made a great accessory to your reclaimed wood coffee table, or your home office. $34.99 - $44.99

Robin Baron is an interior designer and lifestyle expert based in New York City. Visit her website, www.robinbarondesign.com, and follow her on twitter @RobinBaron and Facebook.com/robinbarondesign.

See All EcoLiving Ideas | Login to Comment