eco-chic design

green your commute with IZIP electric bikes

Recently on a business trip in Santa Monica I rented some e-bikes from the IZIP store in Venice. I had never been on an e-bike before and absolutely loved riding it around the Venice beach bike path area. It was very affordable and the ultimate eco-chic fun. The IZIP store provided us with helmets, locks and a quick introduction on how to use the e-bikes. We rented the Izip E3 Metro in dark grey/orange and the more retro-inspired looking IZIP Zuma in red. Both e-bikes let you choose between two riding modes: PAS (Pedal Assist) requires pedaling and applies power automatically or TAG (Twist and Go) requires no pedaling at all. Their batteries last around 20 miles depending on the terrain and biker. I really liked the sleek design of the IZIP E3 Metro. It’s IZIP's top-of-the-line e-bike with a powerful 500W motor and a concealed 36V Li-Ion battery. Feeling a bit guilty about having used the motor power most of the time instead of pedaling I found an interesting study about the environmental benefits of e-bikes. Basically it’s a bicycle with an electric motor that uses rechargeable batteries and lets you commute without any CO2 emissions. But now get this: based on a recent study on the environmental impact of e-bikes compared to other modes of transportation they are not only greener than conventional cars or rail transit but also have a similar impact as conventional bikes. The result was quiet a surprise to me but also relieved my eco-guilt a tiny bit.

eco-fabulous make-up bags from Australia

It’s always a nice surprise when the design of a product catches my eye first and then it turns out to be eco-friendly. That was the case with the sleek and sustainable make-up bags by Australian based company apple & bee at NYIGF last week. What I loved about the bags was their envelope shape so that they easily double as a purse. And multi-functionality is a big part of sustainable design. The make-up bags are made from 100% organic cotton, non-toxic plant dye, and lined with hemp. I love that they close with a zipper and a flap with a magnetic clasp. They are incredibly well made and come in 5 charming patterns. 

Apple & bee is a Sydney-based company founded by Brett Pattinson, the founder of the natural skincare line bod and designer Claire Morris, the former art director of Marie Claire. Their products combine everyday functionality with contemporary design that’s considerate of the environment. The entire line includes cosmetic, travel and baby bags made from materials like certified organic cotton, bamboo silk, hemp, and burlap/calico. The company is carbon neutral through the organization Climate Friendly. Apple & bee also created the Bee Foundation to support the study of Colony Collapse Disorder affecting honeybees that are needed to support crops and eco-systems. All this sounds pretty amazing to me. Now I just need to decide which eco-friendly make-up bag to get. After all a green life-style is all about being kind to the environment while being good to yourself, right?

eco-modern bags created from recycled PET felt

Now that summer is in full swing eco-friendly bags for the park and beach come in handy. And this really great 7-Pocket Tote designed by the founders of Museum of Robots stuck in my mind since I saw it at NYIGF earlier this year. The company has many cool and innovative products but the great thing about this tote bag is that it follows the cradle-to-cradle philosophy of green design. The material is made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and the entire bag plus the fabric are made in the USA. It has no added components such as hardware so that the entire bag is recyclable at the end of its useful life. What really got me hooked at NYIGF was its softness. Most totes made of eco-friendly felt are usually coarser. I learned that its soft nature is partially due to the fact that the fabric was originally created for the display industry intended for velcro-friendly applications. Initially the eco-modern bag was designed as a diaper bag so that the softness made a lot of sense. But I’m thrilled to see that it’s now offered for all ages. It comes in blue, charcoal and red. Other bags by Museum of Robots made of recycled PET felt are made from fabric originally created for the automotive industry and look more industrial but are very durable. You can never have enough bags as long as they are reusable or in this case fully recyclable.

bottled water design with an environmental cause

Finland has some of the world’s best water on tap and you might wonder why anyone who lives there would want to buy bottled water. Unless it looks as cool as the donut shaped bottle from Plup that donates 10 euro cents from every purchase to the Baltic Sea Action Group to help with the cleaning of the Baltic Sea.

The Finish company Plup was founded by designer, artist and director Stefan Lindfors. The innovative donut shaped design allows for the bottle to be stackable, durable and portable which makes it easy to reuse. Even that the 0.4L bottle is made from the highly recyclable plastic HDPE the company would rather see you refill and reuse it. The HDPE bottle looks modern with its clear round body and the starfish-shaped cap. It almost functions as a hip accessory so that you’re less likely to forget your reusable water bottle at home. An optional beltclip makes it easy to carry for hiking or boating. So far the Plup bottle is only available in Finland. Soon it will come in different colors and transparencies depending on other content such as juice. Plup is planning an expansion to other countries like the US and Australia and is on the lookout for charities that fight major local environmental problems. It might be worth checking out.

pack your own eco-lunch

Not sure why it took me so long to discover To-Go Ware’s reusable RePEaT utensils especially since I’ve already featured so many green alternatives to plastic bottles and bags. Berkley based To-Go Ware was founded by Stephanie Bernstein in 2004 to combat today's throwaway culture of plastic. Her company acknowledges that a modern life-style is a life on-the-go, but she’s committed to offering eco-friendly and modern alternatives like her RePEaT utensils. Their name originated from the fact that the holders for the bamboo utensils are made from recycled PET plastic. Not only do they give plastic bottles a second life, but they also help to keep more plastic out of landfills. I love that each set includes a fork, knife, spoon and even chopsticks since I never know what I’m in the mood for in regards to a quick lunch. They are great for the office, schools and picnics at the park or beach with their fun, colorful designs. Other To-Go Ware products include food carriers made out of stainless steel that come in recycled cotton bags that are woven from cotton scraps collected from recycling sites and dyed with natural colors. Now all you have to do is to remember to put them into your bag in the morning and you’re all ready to reduce, reuse and repeat.

a flexible take on eco-bowls

As soon as I saw these colorful squishy bowls and cups by Guyot Designs at the Go Green Expo in New York I loved their eco-modern twist on hiking utensils. They are made of flexible food grade silicone and are temperature resistant up to 400˚F. And here’s how flexible they really are: you can squeeze them into any type of form and immediately they will spring right back into shape. This makes them perfect for soups or drinks on hiking trips or picnics. They are great for eco-parents to keep in their bags for emergency feedings of toddlers that like to drop things. What makes them an ideal travel companion is their light and space saving design that allows the bowls to fit inside each other like Russian nesting dolls.

The squishy bowls and cups are the brain child of Guyot Designs which was founded by Joshua Guyot and Sloan Russell. The outdoor design company combines Josh's design experience with Sloan's vision of environmental responsibility and corporate ethics. At the end of your product’s life-cycle simply send it back to Guyot Designs and they will find recycling markets for every component. This way you can leave the campsite planet earth as clean as you found it. And last here’s something to look forward to this summer: squishy bowls for pets. Perfect for urban dog owners you can now take your dog to an outdoor restaurant with its own chic and reusable pet bowl.

a modern take on eco-travel

In case you’ll be visiting friends or family for the holidays you might want to take your eco-conscience with you in one of these fabulous, leather-free travel bags by Matt & Nat. The company is based in Montreal and was founded in 1997 by creative director Inder Bed. He has been on the cutting edge of innovative materials with his spring 08 nylon collection made entirely of recycled plastic bottles that he converted into felt for his fall 08 collection. Matt & Nat has a great selection of structured looking, eco-friendly bags ranging from shoulder bags to diaper bags. I love the vegan leather overnight bag “Bauhaus” in  plum, black, or brown with faux suede lining, vintage tone on tone trim and antique silver and brushed nickel hardware. It has multiple pockets for your cellphone, PDA or passport. And if you’re feeling really fashion-forward you might want to check out the new pool collection that will add a little shine to your holidays.

leave a miniature carbon footprint

Travel size products are a great way to try out something new without the big commitment of regular sized ones. I admit that it’s more packaging in the long run, but at least in the case of EO’s personal care products it’s made of recycled PET bottles.

Their signature blue bottles look gorgeous and contain natural and organic ingredients without synthetic colors, fragrances or harsh chemicals. EO actually stands for essential oils, which are steam distilled directly from flowers, leaves, bark and wood. No wonder all their products smell so amazing. The travel products entail shampoo and conditioner in chamomile & honey, shower gel in French lavender and body lotion in grapefruit & mint. And once you’re tired of sightseeing you might want to try the revitalizing lotion for legs & feet as well.

a natural fit: Stella McCarthy and LeSportsac

Once in a while I’m allowed to fantasize like about these new designs that are a team effort between Stella McCarthy and LeSportsac. I’ve been looking for a great beach bag for a while and stopped right here.

This is LeSportsac’s truly eco-friendly collection even that their bags were always a great leather free alternative. The line of handbags, travel bags, totes and backpacks is sporty yet incredibly cute and sophisticated.  Plus it’s entirely made of recycled polyester. My favorites are the hobo bag in purple grey solid made of 100% recycled eco polyester body fabric and the carry all tote in pop print. But not only do these bags look great but they also feature LeSportsac’s signature functionality with multiple interior zip and snap pockets. A girl is allowed to dream, right? Stella McCarthy really seems to have a neck for great stylish design, that’s eco-friendly since I already featured her organic skincare line.