Hearing of the “world’s first eco-friendly tattoo parlour” last week almost brought on my first tattoo. But then I realised it was, predictably, in LA, and that while the studio’s architectural values sounded fully sustainable (passive ventilation, green roof, etc), there wasn’t much that was eco friendly about the actual body art. (more…)
Ireland’s First Vintage Bridal Fair Ireland’s first Vintage Bridal Fair makes its debut at Malone House this Sunday, providing brides-to-be with unique ideas and inspiration for the big day. Hosted by Decadence, the organiser of Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fairs, the event will feature 40 exhibitors showcasing elegant vintage bridalwear, prom dresses, evening gowns, accessories and jewellery, making this event the perfect destination for brides, wedding guests and ladies seeking a stunning vintage frock for a fabulous event. (more…)
A Japanese lingerie maker has created a bra that grows rice.
The bizarre underwear features pots instead of cups, and a plastic water hose with seedlings acting as a belt.
It even comes with a pair of detachable farming gloves.
Triumph Japan has a reputation for making “gimmick” undies that convey political messages. (more…)
Ever get a pang of the green eyed monster when you then of the services and variety that is on offer in the States? Normally not buy into the convenient, disposable lifetyle that seems to dominate US life, but I have to admit that sometimes get it very right.
A perfect example of that is the genius, innovative company namely, thredUP. threUp is a new online kids clothing exchange which allows America’s busiest and greenest families to conveniently exchange kids clothing online. (more…)
When I was young, I remember whenever we needed to buy a new washing machine ore TV, or some such big appliance, we would search from shop to shop and even town to town in order to get the best product at the best price. In that same process, we would obviously burn up lots of fuel and crank out all sorts of nasty stuff from the car exhaust as we went. This was normal, because access to information on these products was not as readily available as it is today.
Who says a greeting card can’t double as a gift? Especially when it pops-up and sprouts a mini living garden! Postcardens are designed and produced in Britain by A Studio for Design — a team of artists who created these evolutionary greetings to make the experience of receiving a card “more playful, curious and interactive,” encouraging the recipient to “bond, live and grow the greeting on day by day basis.” What a perfect message to deliver to green kids to help them develop a green thumb! Learn how easy it is to plant and produce your own mini garden from a Postcarden, and watch the time lapse video of how this sweet patch of green blossoms after the jump!
You might be doubtful that your choice of briefs can be a catalyst for global change, but consider the statistics. The UK underwear market was valued at £4.1bn in 2009. Most of that money is spent on multinational-produced pants. Some are constructed from a mixture of oil-based synthetics, including nylon (which results in emissions of nitrous oxide, a poisonous greenhouse gas).
Received wisdom tells us that cotton, the main underwear fibre, is the type of natural material we need in these delicate regions. Received wisdom is wrong. Although cotton covers less than 1% of the earth’s landmass, it soaks up 25% of all pesticides and herbicides. A single pair of cotton pants uses 10ml of pesticides. (more…)
WHEN it comes to adopting green parenting practices, being environmentally aware is not the same thing as being environmentally friendly, says green parent and ‘ mumpreneur’ Claire Lancaster, founder of Dandelion Lounge, a personalised stationery service with a focus on families.
” If you asked my mum raising a family in the Seventies if she was ‘environmentally friendly’ she wouldn’t have been able to answer the question, simply because the term would have meant nothing to her,” says Lancaster.
But in the Seventies, her mother opted for reusable terry-towelling nappies, walked everywhere, purchased from a local farm and greengrocers and didn’t go abroad for holidays. (more…)
When we buy organic or fair – trade food, the benefits are obvious- it’s healthier, it tastes better and we know we are helping producers earn a decent wage. We love the feel good factor that we are supporting our local farmer. So why is it practically impossible to get consumers to shop for fashion locally, let alone ethically?
I am delighted to see that the magic of a good Christmas market is casting its spell over more and more Irish towns each year. Traditional Christmas Markets, held in cities, towns and villages throughout the country, are becoming increasingly popular. Not only do they evoke an enchanting festive atmosphere but in the ever present economic doldrums, they present the perfect and powerful answer to supporting your local economy!
For my book, I can simply not think of a better way of getting hold of that unusual or rare Christmas pressie that doesn′t smack of commercialism. These markets are full of craft work, artisan foods and gift ideas that are not mass-produced but guaranteed real quality. Add to that a good splash of mulled wine and your favourite Christmas carols and I think you′re in for a real treat!! Below I have listed the Chrismas markets I myself know about, and also those that our readers have kindly flagged to me!! No doubt I have missed lots, so if you know of one that isn′t listed here, please drop me a quick email and I will be happy to add it! (more…)
