5 Great Upcycled Gifts from Etsy

These old utensils have found a new use at Curbside Pickins set $20

Upcycled & Recycled Love 

These gifts are great for any time of year. Upcycling starts with using items and repurposing them into something else. Lisa and Andy from Charlottesville Virginia have found good use for old utensils.  They also use old encyclopedias to make pendants and ornaments as well.  Who would have thought mismatched 

silverware would look so great? 

Pop Art Canister would look great in the art room Eco Friendly Freckles $95

Jessica from Oklahoma takes old cans and makes them into functional art canisters, great for storing your gardening , sewing , or craft supplies. With a pop art look these would make great one of a kind gifts! In her shop you will also find upcycled cassette tape business card holders!  

RetroGrandma Upcycled CookBook Purse $45 

RetroGrandma has been upcycling cool things on Etsy for sometime, including records into functional clocks. This cookbook purse is not only funky but would make a statement for the chef in your life. Imagine the comments you would get.  Her items are made with love from Canada. 

HodthePods uses old firehose to make these coasters $24.95

Fireeeee!!!! Well, there goes the fireman hose, upcycled into functional art coasters to hold your tasty beverage. A set of four run you $24.95 and have a great look to them. Not all are stenciled but the material makes them look so retro and great for your home!  Felted back and great guy gift! Made by Mike from HodthePods a shop out of  New Jersey. 

Rebecca Steen Crafts Paint Mirror $55

How cool is this? Paint scraps that were left over on Rebecca's palette would be scraped into the trash can, or tiny dried remnants otherwise unused, have been affixed to this 12x12 mirror and would look great for the art room!   What a way to upcycled, from Riverside, California.

Etsy has a great plethora of upcycled and recycled gifts!

  

Stella Divina Coasters Recycled Tile Needs Beer Labels You Get Free Coaster

Vadim surprised me with flowers at the #ClaremontFarmersMarket today!!! #love #flowers #Entrepreneur #girlboss #farmersmarket #BuyHandmade #BuyLocal

A photo posted by Stella Divina (@astelladivina) on Jan 24, 2016 at 9:56am PST

Stella Divina Coasters - Hand Crafted in the U.S.A.

As we are always on the hunt for upcycle and recycle artists, we just found Stella Divina of Claremont Village, CA.  She is creating away gorgeous colorful drink coasters from old tile, cork and labels. Not to mention, she's encouraging people to drink beer and send her labels.  Why?  

She says, "I make upcycled coasters using recycled tiles that I paint by hand. Each tile has different mixed-media embedded into it, such as craft beer labels, vintage art, wine labels, or photography. I have a Beer Drinking Team so people can peel labels off their bottles and send them to me to recycle them into my coaster, and 25 labels gets anyone a free coaster. Great way to recycle those labels!"

Who would know these were old kitchen and bathroom tiles? Find them here at StellaDivina.com or Etsy shop astelladivina

This coaster by Stella Divina $14.99 and an old citrus crate label. Find it here. 

Buy them on Etsy @Astelladivina

Drink Beer & Get a Free Coaster? 

It is true craft beer is a hugely popular item today.  Although most people recycle the bottle, the labels are lost forever. Now you can remove the labels and send them to Stella Divina, and get a free coaster!

Find out more about this promotion at StellaDivina.com

Etsy Shop:  astelladivina

note: drink responsibly.  

Grow Dome and Garden Dreams

Summertime is here , weather is sunny and crops are booming. Here's some great Eco Products for the home, and your life. 

Garden Tool Set, $24 VintageABCs

No garden is complete without plants, tools and cute decorations. First up, we have some antique gardening tools for the taking. Buying vintage means you are using something discarded yet fully functional, doing your part to upcycle and not buy mass produced crap items that will further clog the landfills.  Let's face it, if the tools above are still around this means they don't make them like that anymore! These tools above will last you plenty of seasons to come!

The Tiberian GrowDome System is your solution for fresh food.  Find it here:  http://jessegilbert.com/growdome

Next up, we have a Garden Growdome.  This is a must for the eco conscious gardener. The bottom line is before Monsanto, and use of growth chemicals and harmful sprays, people grew their crops and harvested them in a healthy and timely manner.  Now, with population spurts and climate issues, Monsanto backed by large box retailers are under fire for teaming up to mass produce items in a hurry.  This includes spraying them with harmful chemicals, using fertilizers that are harmful, or contain growth hormones.   Long term issues include health problems. 

Now you can be corn fed with natural untainted crop by using this udpated Tiberian Grow Dome system . The mere theory dates back to 14AD --- and has been updated to today's gardeners. This way, you can make a climate to safely grow your plants to the max without the use of pesky hormones and unfriendly chemicals.  The guide is available for less than the cost of a gallon of weed killer, which you don't need anyhow.  Get on the bandwagon here http://jessegilbert.com/growdome

Suzanne's Pottery Farm, $40, set of three

Once you get your garden going, add some gnome homes, thrown by hand on Etsy, set of three from Suzanne's Pottery Farm, she'll whip them right off her kiln.

Find these at Smart Seeds: Burlap Windowsill Herb Garden

Herbs drying out or seeding on you too quickly? Plant more mid season. Start them indoor with this tiny windowsill herb garden.

$18.86 Medium Sized Fiber Fiber Set, $45.26 here

Somewhere in Western Australia, Fox Hill Llamas  offers handmade Llama fiber is used to make vessels, homewares and recycled paper (out of poo).  Above: These fibre bowls are the cat's meow and could easily hold your favorite plants.

Below: Since we're on the theme of gardening, we can't overlook the bird nesters.  These are made from fiber left over from teh processing that would normally become waste. Hand picked and stuffed into these adorable little nesting units, birds will flock around to remove it to build houses.

Find this at Fox Hill Llamas : Bird Nester $18

The nesters provide material to help the little birds build theeir own nest, so you can see them in action.  Nesters come in natural, small to large, and even wire casings.  Find out about the process used to make the bird nesters here. 


This is a sponsored post, keep in mind, sometimes our posts feature sponsors who pay to get their links included. 

Eco Friendly Vegan Dog and Cat Products

Delta talks about her products, note the pet bed (below) made from recycled soda bottles!

Living life by going greener, wanting to be "eco friendly" doesn't have to just be for the humans in your household. What about your furry friends?  Eco Dogs And Cats, a pet website run by Delta Farrington, who has been a true vegan for over 27 years decided to launch her own business offering products she would use.  None of the products are made in China. She was featured on this Youtube video (above) talking a about the various items she offers that are eco friendly for dogs and cats. 

This pet bed uses recycled soda bottles for the (inside) stuffing.  The outside is organic cotton. See it here.

Vegan cat and dog food kibbles available here.

One thing a pet owner can rest assured knowing is none of the products come from China.   The Ami pet food, which is a kibble vegan dog or cat food free of GMO's or slaughterhouse biproducts is made in Italy and for the first time available in the USA ! You'll find dog toys are made from Hemp and unlike mass produced unsafe products you'll know what your friends are chewing on.   

Organically grown cat nip is free of toxic chemicals, sprays, so your furry feline is safe from unpleasant chemical effects. Packaged in these pretty tins.

Delta says, I practice what I preach. My cat Simba has been a vegan since we adopted her and my dog Hannah for 10 years. Our household, including our three animal companions, eat natural and organic, humane and cruelty free, vegan foods."

Go there now--> EcoDogsandCats.com

Editors note: Although the article is our own and we've chosen our favorite items from Eco Dogs and Cats, this is a sponsored post. 

Tundrada Nature Arctic Inspired Gifts

Tundrada on Etsy has the best Eco made gifts!

Shopping for unique gifts on Etsy can be as easy as one, two three. First look for the shops who take pride in making handmade items. Case in point, we've found Tundrada who has a unique flair from the Arctic !  Her shop is based in Enontekio, Finland.  Shop owner Eline Niemi takes pride in her goods. 

1. Above:  Tree Moss Baskets are made of real moss collected in Finnish forrest. What a great way to reuse the earth!  Price $29.49     2.  Below:  Natural Leaf Card has a real pressed leaf in it, for only $2.86.

The store is filled with rustic items that will fit in any part of the home. Even better, all the materials are sourced via local woods, so these are truly eco friendly items that are handmade and one of a kind! 

Antler Coat Rack: REINDEER!

You will also find things you just don't see here in the states, yet shipping is available to the states.

 3. Above:  Coat Rack $49.71 made from Reindeer? 

Support this Etsy shop now:  Tundrada

Save Energy Odor Killing Bulbs Go Green

Odor Killing Bulbs Kill Germs too. 

Save Energy with these new bulbs!  Check this out for an odor free house . This is interesting, those with pets, germs and messy smells can now get a new bulb that eliminates odors.

Now , these compact fluorescent bulbs are approved by the FDA and said to kill germs and bacteria as well as MRSA, swine and bird flu! How does one bulb do this? It saves energy and gives your home or office a smaller greenhouse foot print.

According to the website, the odor killing bulbs actually santize the air by killing microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold spores and nasty dust mites without having to use spray or harmful chemicals.

They are coated with a sanitized next generation coating which decomposes the organisms.

More info:  

Read about them here to get an odor free house. 
Or, buy them here.

SaniBulb™ Air Sanitizer CFL Bulbs

EcoSmart | EnergySmart | HealthSmart
KILLS Deadly Viruses & Bacteria
DESTROYS Toxic Pollutants & Allergens
ELIMINATES Tough Unpleasant Odors
IMPROVES Indoor Air Quality & Health
SAVES Money & Lasts 10x Longer
REDUCES 75% Energy & Footprint
FIGHTS Pollution & Global Warming
PROVIDES Instant Flicker Free Light

Sponsored post by http://www.odorkillingbulb.com/

Facial Friday Go Green With Orange

Fom's new Orange Blossom Facial Cleanser

One company, Fom Cosmetics has this delightful smelling Orange Blossom Facial Cleanser . It's described as a natural botanical with  anti aging properties. It helps moisturize and removes your eye make up! 

So many times beauty products contain harsh chemicals (usually in the first few ingredients if we ever take time to read the label) that actually cause more harm than good. Stringent cleansers or soaps can actually strip the skin and cause allergies. Fom boasts their orange blossom facial cleanser is a natural product and has no alcohol, is skin friendly,  and packed with natural actives.  The items is also non allergic and non fragranced. So how does it smell so scrumptious?  They said, "It has a luxurious scent of orange blossom as we use floral hydrosols!"

Note: According to Wikipedia, hydrosols are herbal distillates , aqueous products of distillation. The are colloidal suspensions of essential oils as well as water soluble components obtained by steam distillation or hydro distillation from plants/herbs! 

You can't get much fresher than that.



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Magnet Pad Mattress Green and Eco Friendly

Magnet Pad is a new form of mattress promoting alternative healing, read why.

New Mattress called "Magnet Pad" Helps Heal Naturally

Magnet Pad is a new form of mattress that takes alternative health and healing in mind. It is specially designed with new technology that is unique to this mattress.  The secret is a 7 zone bio magnetic core (that's right, magnets) which  have proven effective helping relieve back pain and arthritis.

Magnet Pad is designed to promote, sustain, and enhance your Chakras. Many Magnet Pads have been purchased for Pain Relief, Back Conditions, Arthritis, Anti-Inflammatory, Circulation, Hip Problems, Stress and Pressure Relief, Sleep and for Pure Comfort.

This is the Go Green Mattress

The makers (who are called Magnet Bed) have also went "green" and "eco friendly" because they have come out with the world's first 100% organic latex mattress. Yes, you heard right.  Their 100% Certified Organic Latex represents a return to safe and sustainable practices. Believe it or not, it's grown with natural fertilizers and is free from toxic chemicals.

Sustainability

Find out more about their company's mission and vision here, or read more about their Magnet Pad.  If that isn't grand enough, they even have a Magnet Bed.

They Claim Natural Herbs Metabolize Fat Energy

It Works Skinny Wraps and Supplements

I've been hearing more about these skinny wraps and so I had to investigate. What I found out is that all of the products used in the "skinny wrap it works" treatments are made with all natural ingredients.

It's Natural and Green

In case you don't know,   The Skinny Wrap   actually a body wrap made of an all natural botanical based product. It can be held in place in your target area with anything, such as an ace bandage.  The secret seems to be the botanical ingredients that penetrate four layers into your skin burning the fat.

Does it Work

I wanted to see what people are saying about it. One person I talked on Facebook says "It starts working in as little as 45 minutes and the results last."  I talked to one distributor in Virginia who said "This is not a water loss wrap. It's actual fat loss.The natural botanicals penetrate the cells and literally melt or dissolve them."

Their claims state it's safer than surgery and well, that is a fact.  Just the other day I received a Facebook message from an old friend who now owns a salon in Parkville, MD. She asked if I knew anyone in the area selling these wraps, she wanted to get them in her salon. So I started reading about them.

Proof in the Pudding, or Lack thereof

Normally when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is, but in this case based on the fact it's using natural ingredients and botanicals, I think it's worth a second look. 

The real proof seems to be in the lack of fat--and photos from it's users.  Look also in the way in which it's growing. If you look closely, the company is quickly growing by it's very own user base who orders the product, tries the product, falls in love with it, then starts selling it to family and friends. I suppose the proof is right there.

Would you sell something to family and friends unless it really worked?   If you have used this product please leave comments.  I'm glad to see this company go green, and use botanicals, herbs, and natural ingredients. although I haven't tried it yet, maybe I should. More information here buyskinnywraps. 

Eco Friendly Greeting Cards Ojolie

Sample shots of ecards , Courtesy of: OJolie.com

Go green!

It really bugs me that people give me greeting cards that aren't upcycled or recycled. Even the DIY greeting cards I give I know will eventually end up in the trash or recycler--all a waste of paper and my time, and money!  Geesh!

I have found an eco friendly green solution not harmful to the environment. 

Goodbye tree killers! Hello email ecards by Ojolie.com

Ojolie.com offers beautiful, animated ecards with tasteful music for birthdays, Christmas , Valentine's, and just about any other holiday or occasions you can think of. They are 100% eco friendly that you send via your email. No more wasted paper or killing trees. As you know not all greeting cards are recycled!  Stop paying all that money in the store for someone just to toss them away within a few weeks.  Give the gift of green by sending ecards!   My favorite are the beautiful birthday ecards . The cat lays sleeping while the beautiful butterflies flutter around.  Your message is displayed and brings a smile to the receiver's face. Not bit on cats? No worries, they have dogs too!

Courtesy of : OJolie Dog Ecard ,  animated dog!

Obviously, these screen shots can't explain how good they really look or the smile you will receive, but you can go and see how they work for free by clicking on any of the ecards at OJolie.com

Language of Love Eco Friendly TShirts Celeste Thorson Will You Be My Valentine?

What are the Languages of Love? Feel them on this comfy tshirt!

Love for Always: Not Just for Valentine's Day

The Languages of Love Heart tee is designed by Celeste Thorson and made on a 100% Organic cotton T-shirts for women, men and kids. There's even adorable creepers for babies.

They are proudly made in the USA by American Apparel. The word love in 31 languages fits snuggly into this heart design and is the perfect gift for all ages.

Baby's Creeper by artist, actress and activist Celeste Thorson!  

What a great eco-friendly icebreaker for adventures at home or abroad!   Get the best tshirts online at Zazzle. View all of Celeste's offerings at Zazzle here in her official store.

Learn more about Celeste Thorson.

Green Rocking Horses Stevenson Brothers Reducing Carbon Footprints

Photo Credit:  Stevenson Brothers  , This Rocking Horse Is the Arab Horse

This Rocking Horse is Green, Literally.

It's nice to know that a company can start small, and grow large but keep their green and sustainable values. The Stevenson brothers are twins in the United Kingdom that have been handcrafting rocking horses since the 1980's. No matter how big and fancy they get, they keep in mind ways to reduce waste and live green.

Photo Credit: Stevenson Brothers Rocking Horses

Steps to Stay Green

Stevenson Brothers rocking horses are made from locally grown wood, wherever possible, to minimize the carbon footprint. All horses are made by hand using traditional methods; no machinery is used in crafting the horse. Can you imagine that, just look at them for knowing they are 100% handmade is truly amazing.

Photo Credit: Stevenson Brothers, this is the 30th Anniversary Dapple Horse.

Replenishing Trees : From the UK with Love

On top of that each year at Christmas, Stevenson Brothers send an oak tree to a number of their customers which they can plant to replace the wood used in the making of their rocking horse. It's true.  American companies could sure learn a lot from these folks. Kudos to you United Kingdom guys. Check them out at StevensonBrothers and read how they've grown. Shouldn't they win the green company of the year award or something like that ? 

Related Items: 



You Tube Video about these Stevenson Brothers Rocking Horses

Another article about UK Rocking Horses

First Vegan Magazine VegWorld Free Sample

Now there is a Vegan Magazine and you can get a free sample!

In the theme of talking about vegans and vegetarians, and living green and eating healthy, I just found out about VegWorld Magazine.  The magazine is the first ever to feature the leaders in the vegan living movement, thus dubbed,  "The Evolution of Veggie Living". 

This vegan magazine is Apple's 5-star rated and top grossing digital magazine in Apple's Newsstand! Contributors include accredited leaders including  Dr. Will Tuttle , Kathy Freston, Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Rip Esselstyn, Rae Sikora, Dr. Neal Barnard, and many others.

This is a first in vegetarian history, to have a great magazine about vegan living! It really helps put vegans on the map, and of course, on the iphone.  Now don't worry, they have it available on ALL platforms !

FREE SAMPLE!

They offer a free sample of the magazine just by liking their Facebook fan page. LIKE THEM HERE

Please spread the word!

Visit them here VegWorldMag

The Vegetarian's Beginner's Guide 30 Day Course Vegan Living

Have you ever wondered just how to become a vegetarian?  Did you wonder what the difference is between vegan and vegetarianism? Why some folks say they are not eating eggs, but others eat fish, and some do not want to touch certain products that contain certain items? To the meat eater it may be all confusing, but no anymore.  Truth be told there is a great Vegetarian's Beginner's Guide 30 Day Course available to help people make the transition from being a "meat eater" to a fully educated and fledged "vegan" or "vegetarian".

This is a brand new course for aspiring vegetarians and vegans which provides the necessary information, tools and knowledge to make a hassle free transition. The cost to you for this eduction? There is a premium version which is $127 but the beginner version is only $67.  I believe eating healthy can help make changes towards going green. Not to mention, your grocery bill will be changing based on the foods you are eating, and you 'll recoup that $67 quickly when not buying those expensive steaks.

Organic Deodorant, Balms, Vegan, Soaps, Moustache Wax Galore and More

$6 buys you organic deodorant

Organic deodorant made with live enzymes. Mustache wax made with real natural oils and ingredients and not petroleum. Lip balm made with chai and soothing ingredients.

Does this sound fab? We thought so, since we discovered Petal Pusher Fancies on Etsy.  Prices are low in comparison to shopping online for organic and all natural products.  Items are craftily packaged in retro style housing.  The owner is living green, and spreading love to all with her organic and healthier beauty alternatives.

Some of our favorites are here:

$9 for this nice size bottle of natural Sandalwood Body Lotion here in the lotion section.

$6.25 buys you something vegan and soy free HERE, in a lovely package great for gift giving.

She has soaps , lips balms and more. Do you know this shop owner also has her own "APP" ? For real! Check it out here: http://appcat.com/petalpusher


On Etsy
On Twitter
On her Website
On Facebook

Fiat 500 : Eco Friendly Car

Courtesy of MotorVillage

If you are shopping for a car, the  Fiat 500 is an environmentally friendly car with low CO2 emissions. Great fuel economy makes this car super green.

Recent reports indicate the Fiat 500 gets 40MPG. That in itself is amazing. Surely driving around in this makes being green super cool.  It's a fun, quirky looking car that's available in loads of colur combinations.

Gucci Fiat 500 Fashionista Meets Green Chic Courtesy of MotorVillage

There are four Fiat 500 series style cars available. I learned about them doing more research on them after seeing the fashion ad for the Fiat 500 Gucci . If you ask me, the best part is you don't have to spend a fortune to be more environmentally responsible.  It offers great value for money and you can feel good about spending less on gas.

Electric Bicycles for Eco Friendly Commuting

Reef Electric Bike : I love this.

Commute Green Style 

With the holidays over, it's back to work, and one company, Reef in Australia is making sure that Australia is doing it in Eco friendly style. I'm talking about their brand of earth friendly, transport, the electric bicycle. I really couldn't believe it at first, but it's true--someone I know online actually rides one and commutes to and from work every day.  I was like what?

The Stingray Electric Bicycle runs you $32/month or $1899 in full. 

The Reasons and Benefits of Electric Bicycles

The need arose when Reef realized it costs over $6000 per year to drive a car in Australia (In the USA, try twice that with gas, insurance, emissions, repairs, and payments!) They wanted an eco friendly and sustainable form of transport and wanted to reduce carbon emissions. Most of their bikes will hold a charge for at least 50 Kilometers, and go up to 25KMH, and of course, no license required!  Yes, you can ride them in the rain (amazing, right?)   Lithium batteries recharge in about 4-6 hours after your long ride.

These bikes reduce carbon emissions, decrease use of fuel and gas and is a super low cost of commuting.  Bikes last forever, and the company stands behind their product often given a full bumper-to-bumper bike warranty for a year and even up to three on the frames!

$1499 for the Pearl, comes in male or female versions.

You Can Afford Them 

ReefBrand bikes range in price but most are 1/10 the price you may pay for a new economy car. Sure, you could "charge your ride" onto your credit card and pay it off in no time--but even better, you can work out a payment plan with the company!  Take for instance the tricycle Escape which I pictured first in this article, may only cost you $39 a month.  Wow. No six year car payments here.

The bike above, "The Pearl", has a built in USB charger so while on the go, you can charge your phone or tablet. Is that crazy or what?

The Australians are lucky, it's mostly free shipping anywhere in Australia. My question is, when can I get one?

The Video Says It All 

I had a good laugh watching this Youtube video while everyone else was stuck in traffic, the biker just coasts by...



Find out more on their website, Reef.

Coffee Talk : Go Organic with Kona

Organic Kona Coffee Beans 

There's a lot of responsibility in living green by checking out where you are obtaining your coffee. Many people think that coffee with the label "Fair Trade" is the only kind to buy. You must investigate further as labels can sometimes be misleading.

You have to also look for private and family owned and operated businesses when purchasing your coffee. For instance, take organic gourmet coffee grown in Kona, Hawaii. Some may think that even though Kona is technically under a larger label, larger labels are bad news. Not so. Upon further investigation it is part of high elevation coffee from family-owned coffee estates, hand-picked, and expertly roasted organic beans!

Kona won this award in May 2012.

Coffee doesn't get any better (or fresher) than that!  It's no wonder they have won awards from their coffee grown in a high elevation island of Hawaii.

You can check them out at  OrganicKonaCoffee.com