consumer products
Stupid Creatures [posted on September 7, 2006]
These creative creatures are made entirely of old socks, fabric remnants, buttons and neckties, and the recycled polyester fill that goes inside each one. Each Stupid Creature is unique and handmade by their creator John Murphy or his assistant Ian Dennis. These crazy creations can be purchased on the Stupid Creatures website or can be custom made with a couple pairs of your old socks..."No funk, stank or foot diseases, please." [Stupid Creatures]
Tree Blocks [posted on September 6, 2006]
Without harming any living trees, Tree Blocks provides fun and learning oriented toys produced in a socially and ecologically responsible way. They use the discards of apple, cherry, hazelnut and elder orchards and forests to create real wood toys. Purchasing the wood in this way leaves the farmers with clean soil and seed money, so they can continue their production. [Tree Blocks]
Kenana Knitters [posted on September 6, 2006]
Helping rural Kenyan women get income utilizing their spinning and knitting skills, Kenana Knitters buys homespun wool produced locally, then knits it into toys, and other fashion accessories. Colors are obtained from dying the wool with traditional plants, grown in the local garden so as not to adversely affect the environment. Each piece is signed by the woman who knitted itand the money goes directly into the hands of the knitters. [Kenana Knitters]
Lucky Crow Gift Bags [posted on August 8, 2006]
Based in Seattle, WA, Lucky Crow is a small, artistic, and environmentally-minded group of happy, hard-working folks with solid backgrounds in business and design. Lucky Crow's gift bags are simple, stylish, waste-free, and reusable. They are also a proud member of 1% for the Planet , donating 1% of all of our sales to non-profit organizations working to protect our natural environment. [Lucky Crow]
Industrial Designer's Society of America Northwest Chapter [posted on August 8, 2006]
The Industrial Designers of America (IDSA) is the voice of the industrial design profession, advancing the quality and positive impact of design. Their mission is to lead the profession by expanding our horizons, connectivity and influence, and our service to members, inspire design quality and responsibility through professional development and education, and elevate the business of design and improve our industry's value. [IDSA]
Used Rubber USA [posted on July 28, 2006]
When owner & designer Mandana Macpherson was a student at Brown University, after spilling a bottle of ink in her leather backpack, she set out on a quest to make a bag impervious to stains and spills. To manufacture quality personal accessories in an environmentally sound fashion has been her goal as well. Used Rubber USA is well known throughout the world for the unusual nature of our products, design ethics and aesthetics. In addition to Mandana's original riveted innertube bags, they now offer sewn innertube items such as wallets, cases, and planners. [Used Rubber USA]
Traditional Medicinals [posted on July 28, 2006]
Making herbal remedies since 1974, this Sebastopol-based company has an extensive line of all types of fair-trade teas, syrups, and seasonal products to help keep you in tip-top health; they even have a line just for kids. Also committed to selling organic and kosher products, Traditional Medicinals also invests in wind power, recycling, and the Maya Biosphere Reserve. They’re so certain that you will enjoy their teas that you can order a free sample package on their website. [Traditional Medicinals]
Spectrum Organics [posted on July 28, 2006]
Started in 1986, Spectrum's product offerings include certified organic supplement and culinary oils, vinegars and mayonnaise, and an array of delicious, healthy dressings and spreads. Often found in health food stores, you can buy their products online as well. Not sure what oil is right for your cooking? Check out the Kitchen Guide on their site for info on what oils to use at different stovetop temperatures. [Spectrum Organics]
Amazing Grass [posted on July 28, 2006]
Wanting to help people lead healthier more active lives by achieving their full potential through better nutrition started a company on a dining room table in San Francisco in 2002. Since then, Brandon and Todd have grown Amazing Grass into a viable business. They offer nutritious Organic Wheat Grass, Barley Grass and Green SuperFood; all in powder form. [Amazing Grass]
Nandina [posted on July 27, 2006]
Using an innovative new yarn that applies cutting edge technology to sustainable and organic plant resources, Nandina is a natural blend of certified organic cotton and plantation grown bamboo. The fiber is woven into their Heavenly Bamboo towels, bath mats and robes, creating the luster of silk, the softness of aged cotton, and the durability and ease of care found in more traditional fabrics. [Nandina]
Eco Me: Healthy Cleaning at Home [posted on July 13, 2006]
Specializing in 100% natural, do-it-yourself kits, Eco Me was created to help people make their own natural, non-toxic, chemical-free products. In addition to their starter kits to help you stay healthy while cleaning your home, their website is chock-full of information about avoiding toxics and other nasties in your house; they also donate percentage of their revenue to charities including The Breast Cancer Fund and Cancer 101. [Eco Me]
Organic Exchange [posted on June 28, 2006]
This non-profit organization is committed to expanding organic agriculture, with a specific focus on increasing the production and use of organically grown fibers such as cotton. Organic Exchange bring together brands and retailers with their business partners, farmers and key stakeholders to learn about the social and environmental benefits of organic agriculture, and to develop new business models and tools that support greater use of organic inputs. [Organic Exchange]
Ambatalia Fabrics [posted on June 28, 2006]
This unique fabric store in downtown Mill Valley supports fair trade, culturally, and environmentally sustainable fabrics. You’ll have no problem finding hemp and organic fabrics; as well as those hand loomed in France, Africa, South America, and Indonesia. Also available at Ambatalia Fabrics are vintage fabric, buttons, notions, and ribbons; plus hand dyed wool and yarn. [Ambatalia Fabrics]
BeesWork [posted on June 21, 2006]
No artificial ingredients. Period! That’s the motto of Bay Area-based BeesWork, whose products are for men, women & children who come in all ages, colors and shapes. They believe 100% in their products and hope you will come to love them as much as we do. [BeesWork]
Speesees [posted on June 12, 2006]
This local, organic cotton baby line is manufactured under Fair Trade Practices and Principles. The cotton is organically grown and handpicked by farmers whose families live biodynamically and receive health care. Once spun, knit and dyed with low-impact dyes, the garments are sewn and printed in a sweatshop-free factory in Southern India. The collection features adoreable pictures of baby animals from all over the world. [Speesees]
