Early autumn garage sales are some of our favorites; wake up early, throw on a hoodie, grab some cash and coffee and foray into the unknown yards and garages of those who purge at the change of season. Pass through a lot of junk, a lot of could-want but don't need, and hopefully discover a gem or two along the way. These folks did find some gems and have inspired us to never give up the hunt...
Ohdeedoh first featured SewnNatural's picnic blanket in June of this year. Not one to stick to summer-only stuff, we found a lot more great, organic items including nap mats (which roll up or fold up and tie up), upcycled dolls (gnomes!), quilts and burp cloths. Take a look:
For use as an outdoor trellis or an indoor screen, this tennis racket structure shows interesting new life given to old rackets (these were gathered at Salvation Army)...
Kevin Toukoumidis is the LEED architect behind sustainability-focused dSPACE studio, comprised of three parts design: architecture (including full renovation), interior design (like the Chicago residential bathrooms shown below), and landscape (check out the rooftop deck and urban garden!). Working with a range of clients and needs, dSPACE makes a real effort to source efficiently and cut material costs even when working on a large budget project. Click below for recent project and product details:
Part of spring cleaning for us includes not only window washing, scrubbing, dusting and rearranging. It also includes using things up, not buying more. Our top things that need streamlining this time of year for our sanity and for our budget...
posted originally from: AT:Chicago
Sharing is always good: zip cars, bicycles, houses, food...
Now we know about tool sharing, too. Some cities have organized "Tool Libraries" (libraries unto themselves; others may be part of a regular public library), but even if yours doesn't, a neighborhood (or condo) tool swap or tool sharing solution would promote both good will and good fixing/gardening/etc. There's no need to invest in a bunch of stuff you may only use sporadically -- and a tool sharing program is much more cost effective than always running to the hardware store for rentals.
L.L. Bean asks, "Is it wrong to love a doormat?" Don't think so. If you're reading Apartment Therapy, chances are that you're the type of person that loves something in your home that others find neutral, unimportant, or totally unlovable. An antique, sure. A favorite blanket, of course. But a doormat? Certain cleaning supplies? A storage container? Might sound boring to some folks, but we absolutely understand.
Back in 2007, we featured these great recycled chopsticks table lamps. After spotting several retailers with these or similar items, we have now found Kwytza Kraft. The company is the brainchild of Bryan Parks, who pushed the idea to "collect post-use, single-use chopsticks from restaurants, thoroughly clean them, sanitize them at extremely high temperature and pressure, and use them to make high-quality accents for the consumer’s living space."
Funny, organizational, multi-purpose, recycled "friend figures," these animal caddies can be used to store your stuff, serving as an eye-catcher (and catch-all) in a home office, bathroom, bedroom, etc. These would also make great additions to a kid's room...a piggy bank for coins, a kangaroo pouch for pens 'n pencils, ideas are endless:
These tree-free paper waste bins are made from 100% recycled cotton remnants "pressed to resemble leather." Great for a home office that needs some color and useful, sensible recycled products (not more waste)...there are also magazine holders to match, if you're not quite ready to eliminate your mag/paper intake. Details below:
posted originally from: AT:Chicago
Kushtush Organics calls itself the "Eco Sleep Shop." Specializing in organic sheets, pillowcases, pillows, blankets, comforters, mattresses and toppers, the online shop also boasts free shipping for orders over $100 (and a flat $8.95 shipping fee for orders under $100.00 -- excluding silks, mattresses and furniture). With Chicago temps dropping to -3 this week, we're all about being at home and in bed early with layers and layers of blankets. A few Kushtush favorites below:
posted originally from: AT:Chicago
Forbo natural flooring product has been featured and discussed on AT before, but we'd like to focus on the design (color!) components as much as the green ones. The linseed oil, wood flour, rosin, and jute product offers a healthy design solution in lieu of sheet vinyl, and is customizable in shape, pattern, size (as tiles or sheets) and colors. Here are some of the most interesting examples we spotted:
posted originally from: AT:Chicago
Last Friday, I attended the first Method detox party held in Chicago. The San Francisco-based Method team is now on a nationwide tour, launching temporary pop-up stores and hosting parties at homes. When I arrived to my friend Roni's condo (she was selected as one among numerous host hopefuls), I was greeted by the Method team who offered signature pink grapefruit martinis, passed hors d'oeuvres, and lots of product placement throughout Roni's home.
posted originally from: AT:Chicago
These kits consist of 100% natural ingredients and cover the gamut of needs: for home, body, baby, and pets. We've given cleaning supplies as housewarming gifts before, but this green batch of goodness has everything all wrapped into one and makes for a great gift for yourself or someone else.
posted originally from: AT:Chicago
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