eco-chic design

cool and carbon-free driving

I’m excited, since soon (well early next year) I’ll be able to spot the new Electric Mini in my area thanks to BMW’s test run of 500 vehicles in New York, Los Angeles and New Jersey. I've always been a huge fan of minimization and test drove the smart fortwo in April this year and loved it. 

The new Mini Cooper E plug-in comes with an electric socket and each charge should last for 150 miles. Its 204 horsepower electric motor propels the car from zero to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds, but the top speed will be limited to about 95 mph to save energy. The only drawback I can see is that it’s a two-seater since the lithium-ion battery pack takes up all the space of the backseat. Otherwise the cool, little EV looks incredibly stylish and sports a big yellow logo in the shape of a power plug making a bold statement. Please let me know once you see one here in New York City.

not for recessionistas

REN’s Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil feels incredibly luxurious during not so great financial times. It’s a great way to destress in green style. The main ingredient is Rose Otto, one of the worlds most expensive and revered essential oils, but it’s so worth it.

REN has been a pioneer for the concept of Clean Bio Active Skincare and is one of the purest skincare lines on the market. What’s so amazing about the Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil is that it contains real rose otto oil extracted from petals harvested at dawn through the use of steam instead of chemicals. It uses 100% pure plant oils and 100% natural fragrance. All of REN’s products don't use petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens or synthetic fragrance. The light rose scent smells amazing and has stress relieving, uplifting and soothing qualities. And that’s something I can really need these days.

closing the organic loop

Part of my green shopping tour by FIT last week was a stop at the third floor of ABC Carpet & Home. The incredibly knowledgeable sales staff of their Home & Planet section introduced me to Loop’s organic towels and bedding.

I absolutely adore the name of the company, which stands for its belief that everything on earth exists in a closed-loop system. Their organic cotton sheets and towels are made of certified organic cotton and processed without harsh chemicals. Instead hydrogen peroxide is used for whitening and even the low-impact dyes for colors are certified organic to reduce the impact on the environment. I love the simplicity and no-frill elegance of their signature 250 thread count organic cotton sateen sheets. The handmade birch accent pillows in chocolate, blue or orange use a water-based screen printing process on soft hemp linen and look amazing. OK, finally I feel I’m back in the loop of organic shopping.

sexy and sustainable body cleanser

Over the summer I read this amazing book cradle by cradle written by the architect William McDonough and the chemist Michael Braungart. It talks about how products should be designed from the get-go to provide nourishment for something new after their life cycle is finished.

It’s great to see that Kiehl’s “Aloe Vera” Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser is the first beauty product with Cradle to Cradle Certification issued by MBDC. The body cleanser is made from 100% biodegradable ingredients and contains no parabens, SLS and dyes. It’s packaged in a 100% post consumer recycled (PCR) bottle with a handwritten note by Brad Pitt on the label. All net profits from the sale will go to JPF ECO SYSTEMS, a charitable partnership by Kiehl’s and Brad Pitt to raise awareness for sustainable projects like the "Make It Right" initiative in New Orleans. And of course I love that anything related to Brad Pitt instantly raises the sex appeal of eco-friendly.

reduce your carbon footprint

I wish I would’ve worn a pair of these while walking through Manhattan last Saturday as part of the seminar Shopping for Green at FIT.  Simple Shoes took the idea of eco-friendly walking instead of driving quite literally by integrating car tires into their soles.

The company is a leader in sustainable and eco-friendly shoes, sandals and bags. Their sustainable materials range from organic cotton and hemp to recycled car tires and inner tubes. In 2005 Simple Shoes introduced the Green Toe collection made from all natural materials. My favorite collection though is ecoSNEAKS for men and women, which uses materials like recycled car tires, certified organic cotton or PET. The outsole of the men's CARload-Certified Suede in black or classic taupe as well as the women's Carousel-Certified Suede in black or blood mary used to be a car tire. Sounds simple? The best ideas always are.

eco-friendly message in a bottle

The new KOR ONE Hydration Vessel looks so stylish that I might finally be able to keep my ongoing resolution to drink more water. It’s designed by RKS Design in partnership with KOR WATER and really impresses with its high-tech design and high-end looks.

This reusable water bottle is made out of BPA free plastic and can be opened with one hand making it perfect for cycling or running errands. It’s equally great for the office and its good looks make it a little easier to live by the mantra of refill, reuse, and rehydrate. To be honest, the part that really sold me is that you can put a personalized message under the cap. This makes it a great gift with a fun greeting, or in my case a simple reminder that says: drink more water.

the reincarnation of coolness

Rogan Gregory reclaims leather or wood and recycles steel in the coolest, most simple ways in his Rogan Objects collection. As if it wasn’t enough that he’s the creator behind the eco-conscious clothing lines Loomstate and Edun.

I love how he combines industrial looking steel with warmer materials like leather or wood, which looks clean yet rugged. His collection is small while consisting of seating, tables and lighting yet incredibly opinionated and will make a statement anywhere. My favorite pieces are his square long bench made out of bull hide and patinated steel and his tunnel table made out of a single bent steel sheet. The latter results in a minimal yet strong structure. To me his entire collection is the epitome of eco-cool.

for green dinner parties

It’s nice to know that spring is in full bloom on the other side of the globe, since it’s my favorite season. No wonder I’m a huge fan of Australia’s new blossom creations line designed by Erin Corvisy.  

She started her company out of a love for design combined with her passion for the environment. Her products range from notebooks and stationary made out of 100% post consumer recycled paper printed with soy ink to kitchen and table accessories made out of 100% hemp printed with water based solvent-free ink. I especially love her colorful table napkins and placemats with beautifully designed patterns inspired by sprigs, branches or figs. They would make any eco-host or hostess proud. And if you’re feeling really brave to bake your first pie for fall you might want to check out her cool aprons too.