MOD GREEN POD

It's not that easy to find eco friendly wallpaper that does not compromise on style. Mod Green Pod have come up trumps and produced these great designs that are made from water-based, non-toxic inks. The wallpaper is also glazed with a non-toxic, water-based glaze that enables you to wipe them with a sponge. Great for anyone who has a budding little artist in the house.

CAT

Well, I have just come back (very reluctantly) from a week in the mountains in Wales. I took part in a course on ‘Sustainable Homes’ in the Centre for Alternative Technology in Snowdonia. It is nestled in an old slate quarry surrounded by the most beautiful scenery (and a few good little pubs). There were about 14 of us doing the course and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Everyone on the course was there for different reasons whether they were building their own house, making changes at work or just a general interest. We all stayed onsite and attended lectures from 9.30 till 6pm. We covered so much in the week from Building Materials, Renewable Energy to Sewage (surprisingly, it was the girls who weren’t fazed by checking out the workings of the composting loo!!). I think the best bits were when we were taken on site tours to see how the various buildings/systems worked. I could read books about solar thermal energy till I'm blue in the face but there is nothing like seeing it right in front of you to help understand. The lecturers were passionate, informative, funny and very eager to help people who are involved in their own projects. I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in sustainable living but the centre runs different courses throughout the year so you can choose whichever course suits you best.

LITTLE GREEN BAG

When I was browsing ReForm School I came across this amazing bag so I decided to do a round up of my favourite eco shoppers. This 'For Like Ever' is made from recycled cotton and is recyclable. It is only available from ReForm School and is currently my favourite 'Like Ever'.

JUTE BEAUT

Howies, the ethical clothing company designed my second favourite shopper. Not only does this jute shopper have a clear message it is also bio-degradable. Unfortunately it is currently sold out but here's hoping they decide to reprint.

MAD MONOCHROME

This monochromatic masterpiece is one of a series from Envirosax. There are five different series to choose from including Retro graphic, Retro Kitchen, Flora, Monochromatic and Amazonia. So much choice!

CUSHION CENTRAL

These fabulous Kstudio cushions are from the super cool ReForm School. Kstudio are a mother and daughter team who use only sustainable materials to create home accessories and bags. I love the simple illustrations and colours that these guys use. These cushions would brighten up any sofa!!

GRAPHIC & GORGEOUS

These two fantastic pieces are from Eco-artware.com

I can't think of a better way to display the number of your house than with these graphic beauties. They are by a guy called Boris Bally and are made from recycled aluminum traffic signs.

Bring a little bit of NYC into your home with this excellent clock made with from pieces salvaged from retired Yellow Cabs. Apparently the average lifespan for a cab in New York is two years! At least now they get to prolong their existence as eco artwork in someone’s home.

READYMADE

How To Make {Almost} EverythingA Do-It-Yourself Primer. Well, I think the clue is in the name here. Compiled by the makers of ReadyMade this book is a bible for people who like to do it themselves. The projects are broken down into six different raw materials: paper, plastic, metal, wood, glass, and fabric so it's up to you to choose your own medium. Get makin'.

SIMPLE YOU SAY?

I have been an avid fan of Lotta Jansdotter’s simple but beautiful textiles for some time now. The San Francisco based designer has now brought out a book of her most popular sewing patterns for all to try. There are reusable pattern sheets for bags, bed linen, notebooks etc. The best thing is that everything is explained so simply and clearly, that even a complete novice like myself can have a go. I will definitely be buying this and taking it along to our new ‘Craft Club Night’. Would also make a great Christmas present for a ‘handy with a sewing machine' type friend.

THE GOOD LIFE

I came across this first book A Slice of Organic Life -Get closer to the soil without going the whole hog yesterday and decided it would be a fantastic present for a certain friend of mine for Christmas. It's a collection of about 80 simple eco projects, explained step by step with plenty of images to get you inspired. I like the simple, straightforward design and the fact that you don’t have to move to the country, live on a farm or own masses of livestock to partake. It’s one of those presents that you know your friend will enjoy but you also kind of want to keep for yourself.

GREEN TEA ANYONE?

So, on my Traffic coffee table (see below) I would definitely have to use this fantastic Old/New Tea Set by Christine Misiak. She re uses parts from old discarded tea sets to create these stunning and kind to the environment new ones.

RYAN FRANK

Ryan Frank is a product designer originally from South Africa but now works in London. I am a massive fan of his work as he cleverly uses salvaged wood, shopping bags and eco emulsion to create beautifully designed furniture. I love, love, love the shapes of his Strata range which is built from waste wood from old battered office furniture and FSC birch ply. His Inkuku chair (Zulu for chicken) is made entirely from plastic shopping bags. Who would have thought it could look so good? Personally, I would very much like to be putting my cup of coffee down on the Traffic table (above)

http://www.ryanfrank.net/

REFORM 07 CONFERENCE

The reform conference took place in NCAD on Tues 6th as part of Design Week in Dublin. It was organised by Cultivate, the sustainable living and learning centre housed in Temple Bar. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect or how relevant it would be to my work but I was very pleasantly surprised. Both the speakers and workshops were all extremely inspiring and thought provoking. I decided to join in the workshop run by Simon O'Rafferty form the EcoDesign Centre in Wales in the afternoon. Simon divided us into groups and gave us two products which we had to decide amongst oursleves which design we thought was more sustainable. Given the choice between a Hummer and a Smart car might seem like a one horse race but surprisingly it wasn't all clear cut. It was good to meet up with others who had an interest in sustainable design and it looks like it will continue to be an ongoing thing. Rosie and Kate from Cultivate are hoping to organise a monthly meet up for designers from all backgrounds to meet and discuss relevant topics and swap information. If anyone is interested in this they should keep an eye on the blog http://reformconference07.blogspot.com/