Image Galleries

The Week in Pictures: Trawler Sunk by Jellyfish and More

2009-11-13T14:00:25Z

A 10-Ton Japanese Fishing Trawler Sunk By Giant Jellyfish You could say it was the jellyfish, or you could say it was the overzealous fishermen on board. While trying to haul in a catch of several dozen giant Nomura's jellyfish - one of the largest in the world - a Japanese fishing trawler tipped right over.

Read the full story: A 10-Ton Japanese Fishing Trawler Sunk By Giant Jellyfish

Image credit: nurpax

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IEA Whistleblowers Say World Oil Stats Deliberately Inflated to Avoid Financial Panic, Appease the US World oil reserves are far lower than officially reported, the situation far more serious than publicly admitted, and we're already past peak oil. That's the word from two anonymous IEA whistleblowers, The Guardian reports. To add insult to industry, the figures were deliberately massaged, at least in part, to appease the United States.

Read the full story: IEA Whistleblowers Say World Oil Stats Deliberately Inflated to Avoid Financial Panic, Appease the US

Image credit: jack_spellingbacon via flickr

Carbon Nanotube Sponge Can Absorb Toxic Oils and Solvents up to 180x Its Weight! Cleaning up toxic spills has always been a problem. It's hard, and it's expensive, and you have to be thorough. But things might have just got easier: Scientists from the Peking University and Tsinghua University have created a sponge like no other. It is made of carbon nanotubes - regular carbon atoms arranged in a specific cylindrical shape - and can absorb organic pollutants from the surface of water (such as oil and solvents) up to 180x its weight without absorbing water.

Read the full story: Carbon Nanotube Sponge Can Absorb Toxic Oils and Solvents up to 180x Its Weight!

Image credit: Peking University and Tsinghua University

NASA Turns Two Unmanned Warplanes Into Environmental Scouts The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is quite an impressive piece of hardware. It can stay in the air for more than a day, has a range of 3,400 miles, and at very high altitude (its record is 19,928 meters (65,380.6 ft)). Usually it's the military that would have control over these UAVs, but two Global Hawks have been turned over to NASA for environmental research flights .

Read the full story: NASA Turns Two Unmanned Warplanes Into Environmental Scouts

Image credit: U.S. Air Force, Public domain

Mavizen's 130 MPH TTX02 Electric Motorcycle Runs on Linux Mavizen has decided to offer a new electric bike based on the previous winner of the TTXGP so that other teams can have a solid foundation to build on for next year. The TTX02 is based on the KTM RC8 with a Agni powerplant. The twist is that they call it a "laptop on wheels" because of all the electronics it packs on top of what is strictly required to control the electric motor (dash-mounted computer that runs Linux, has wifi connectivity and a web-server, etc).

Read the full story: Mavizen's 130 MPH TTX02 Electric Motorcycle Runs on Linux

Image credit: Mavizen

Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Have a Slow Holiday Let's face it: With all that rushing, consuming, and bargain-hunting, the holidays can be darn stressful. So this year, following the best of the methodology pioneered by the revolutionary Slow Food Movement, TreeHugger is taking them back. We're putting the brakes on stress and over consumption and making a return to those idyllic holidays of old with our Slow Gift Guide, consisting of 12 categories and over 100 gifts.

Read the full story: Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Have a Slow Holiday

Image credit: TreeHugger

Sneakers for Geeks and Hackers Are Made form Recycled Computer Chips Are these the dream sneaks for green geeks? Maybe. They're at the very least a cool creation by Gabriel Dishaw, junk-metal artist extraordinaire, who fashioned these shoes out of pieces of computers and typewriters, with only glue and metal bending techniques to keep the pieces held together.

Read the full story: Sneakers for Geeks and Hackers Are Made form Recycled Computer Chips

Image credit: Gabriel Dishaw

Seriously Cool and Inspirational Visual Bike-Art (Slideshow) Biking is beautiful, and bikes can be really beautiful objects too. Those of us who love to ride already know this, but translating that feeling into images and art can remind us how amazing this vehicle is. Here's a detail from a large mural painting called 'A solution to massive transport', located in the city of Milan and painted by Italian street artist Blu.

Read the full story: Seriously Cool and Inspirational Visual Bike-Art

Image credit: Walls of Milano.

Readers' Fall Garden Photos (Slideshow) From organic gardening with composted horse manure to raised bed gardens--filled with Swiss chard, spinach, romaine lettuce, radicchio, arugula, black seeded simpson and broccolini--readers send in their fall garden photos. Click through for beautiful fall woodland gardens, glowing golden Birch trees, and gardens prepared for winter.

Read the full story: Readers' Fall Garden Photos

Image credit: Amy O Hair

Businessweek Includes Toyota Prius in "Fifty Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years" BusinessWeek has compiled a list of what they consider to be the 50 ugliest cars of the past 50 years. The inclusion of the Hummer H2 on the list might make some TreeHugger readers cheers, but what about the nomination of the Toyota Prius? Yay or nay? We're curious to know what you think. Let us know in our poll.

Read the full story: Businessweek Includes Toyota Prius in "Fifty Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years"

Image credit: Toyota

The Week in Pictures: Oil Rigs on Fire, Paris Hilton's Doghouse, Mount Kilimanjaro, and More (Slideshow) Miss last week's Week in Pictures? From the 35-mile long volcanic rift in the Ethiopian desert that has been confirmed as the beginning of a new sea to the news that oil continues to gush into the Timor Sea--at an estimated rate of somewhere between 400 and 2,000 barrels per day--from an oil rig off the NW coast of Australia, a lot happened last week in green.

Read the full story: The Week in Pictures: Oil Rigs on Fire, Paris Hilton's Doghouse, Mount Kilimanjaro, and More (Slideshow)

Image credit:

Amazing Jewelry Inspired By Natural Systems

2009-11-13T12:45:00Z

Last week when we saw this amazing bracelet modeled after weather patterns in the designer's hometown, we were inspired. Created by Mitchell Whitelaw, the bracelet uses a natural system as the source for the shape, pattern and structure. What other pieces of jewelry have been created using earthly patterns and inspiration? Without having to search long, we found some incredible items!

Photo via Mitchell Whitelaw

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But more on this bracelet. It is based on the pattern of 365 days of weather in his home town. The varying temperatures form the curves of a 3D wearable piece of art. Each day is one sliver of the bracelet. The hottest temperatures form the peaks, and the lowest form the valleys. And the holes - those are the days with rainfall.

Photo via Mitchell Whitelaw

Artist Melissa Borrell created this beautiful necklace by taking a close look at topography. Not just topography of land, but of bodies. The necklace follows lines and curves, and maps out hills and valleys.

Photo via Melissa Borrell

The artists at Nervous System explore many intricate aspects of nature as inspiration for designs. Here, this necklace is inspired by coral. They state, "We generate the patterns by aggregating tiny circles of varying sizes into complex configurations within a circular boundary. The process we use mimics the growth of corals and other branching forms." Rather than using actual coral - which is unsustainable - the coral provides inspiration for an even more unique piece of jewelry.

Photo via Nervous System

Nervous System didn't stop at coral. Check out this incredible ring. One of many unique pieces, the ring's structure mimics cell cycles. "Inspired by the complex forms of radiolarians [amoeboid protozoa that produce intricate mineral skeletons], where intricate pattern is integral to structure, these shapes derive from a simulation of spring meshes which form mirrored catenoid surfaces."

Photo via Nervous System

Taking a more literal approach, artist Sarah Hood created these rings that model a bush, grass, and a stone. Hood looks at natural forms as not only a way to connect with the planet, but also as a way to appreciate the preciousness of everyday objects...like grass.

Photo via Sarah Hood

This unusual necklace by Hood looks both above, and below ground. Trees and roots offer endless inspiration for artists.

Photo via Sarah Hood

The earth's crust and many interesting layers offers inspiration for this broach. The broach is highly personalized - you can have your favorite landscape turned into a piece of jewelry. "The Earth Brooch Silver is an eclectic custom piece of jewelry you can easily design yourself. Just select your desired location. Within a few seconds the place's distinctive landscape turns into a 3d-preview of your custom jewelry."

Photo via Fluid Forms

It goes for cuff links as well. It can make an incredible gift for someone who has a favorite hiking spot or cityscape. And, you can make sure the topography is accurate: "You can compare the silver cufflinks with the real landscape as we send you a printed satellite image of the selected location."

Photo via Fluid Forms

If you want to take wearing natural systems as literally as possible, follow the lead of designer Hafsteinn Juliusson who created jewelry that grows. "Growing Jewelry is a redefinition of modern values. It is a clash of jewelry an gardening; couture and organism. The collection of this hand jewelry is designed for people in metropolitan cities and is an experiment in drawing nature toward man, as nature being the presupposition of life."

Photo via Hafsteinn Juliusson

Sesame Street's Top 10 Environmental Videos

2009-11-12T16:30:06Z

Sesame Street, Jim Henson's educational masterpiece, has been teaching curious learners for 40 years. Among the well known songs about the alphabet and numbers were segments with strong environmental messages.

Do you have comments on this slideshow? Leave them here.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

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Premiering on November 10, 1969, Sesame Street was one of the first attempts to use television as an educational tool. It remains a notable success in educational programming for children.

In this video, Alastair Cookie shares "Conservations with My Father," a story that introduces basic ways to reduce waste around the house.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

The foundational premise of Sesame Street was, as Malcolm Gladwell has explained, that "if you can hold the attention of children, you can educate them."

By combining vibrant characters with music in sort segments, the show proved that this philosophy was affective, as in this segment featuring a rock band singing about water conservation.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

The writers and producers of the show experimented with new techniques constantly, using emerging research in education and child development as a guide. This vigilance, combined with the show's versatility, has helped Sesame Street last to become the longest running children's program on US television.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

Much of the music featured on Sesame Street has found life outside the show. Performed by artists such as Frank Sinatra and the Carpenters, the songs have become classics.

Sesame Street has be honored with eight Grammy Awards.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

Regional versions of Sesame Street have been developed for countries around the world. Here, characters on Takalani Sesame, South Africa's version of the show, sing about properly disposing of trash.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

Of course, over the years much of Sesame Street's content has taught skills and attitudes that, while not explicitly environmental in message, are closely associated with the green movement today.

Healthy eating and taking public transportation are only two very common examples.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

In his book It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider, Jim Henson writes that people "don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are."

These neighbors teach the subtle power of local food when they become friends in the garden.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

Even First Lady Michelle Obama has joined the fun, sharing what she's learned about gardening and local food.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

In 40 years of programming, Sesame Street has covered so many environmental topics that it is actually hard to pick only ten. From the clear green messages of gardening and conservation to the more subtle lessons on public transportation, the eco-education provided by Sesame Street is just one of the ways Jim Henson accomplished the goal he laid out for himself when he said: "My hope still is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here."

Do you have comments on this slideshow? Leave them here.

Video credit: Seasame Street/YouTube

Readers' Fall Garden Photos

2009-11-11T13:00:52Z

"This year I am using favas as 'green fertilizer'-- they increase nitrogen content naturally by letting them grow--doing their brilliant N-fixing job all fall and winter, then I hoe them under before planting my beds in February." Amy O Hair

Image credit: Amy O Hair

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"I find it amazing how much force favas exert as they push up through the soil, unfurling themselves." - Amy O Hair

Image credit: Amy O Hair

"My gardening process is all organic--I use only composted horse manure." - Tim Bruni, Chester County Pennsylvania

Image credit: Tim Bruni

"I'm submitting these photos because I thought your readers might be surprised at how much you can grow in such a small space and using only a cheap cold frame placed on top of a raised bed..." - Tim Bruni, Chester County Pennsylvania

Image credit: Tim Bruni

"Seeds were sown on September 20, 2009 and now everything is growing strong..." - Tim Bruni, Chester County Pennsylvania

Image credit: Tim Bruni

"Inside the frame: swiss chard, radicchio, arugula, black seeded simpson, broccolini, spinach and romaine lettuce..." - Tim Bruni, Chester County Pennsylvania

Image credit: Tim Bruni

"With the lids covered tightly these cut-and-come-again crops will get through winter safely to spring. Gardening process is all organic and only composted horse manure was used." - Tim Bruni, Chester County Pennsylvania

Image credit: Tim Bruni

"Fall is a great time in my woodland garden as it glows golden from the reflection of the Birch trees and shrubs." - Susan

Image credit: Susan McCoy

"We recently renovated an area and put in a new stone patio and added paths to designate "garden rooms" and keep the dogs out of the beds." - Susan

Image credit: Susan McCoy

"I couldn't resist showing my puppy Jack with his rubber chicken in a yard full of leaves! And this year I'm moving them up, not blowing them off--much better for the earth." - Susan

Image credit: Susan McCoy

"My Knock Out roses are still going strong and my Clethra Summer Sweet Ruby Spice and fothergilla have gorgeous golden color as well." - Susan

Image credit: Susan McCoy

The World's Brand-Spanking Newest Metro Systems

2009-11-10T14:17:12Z

Dubai Metro One of the latest toys in Dubai's futuristic sandbox is also the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula, and an essential addition to the city's public infrastructure. After the first section of the Red Line opened at 9:09:09 PM on September 9, 2009, more than 110,000 people, or nearly 10 per cent of Dubai's population, used the Metro in its first two days of operation. It features VIP carriges as well as dedicated women only cars, with some lavish station designs and, needless to say, ample air conditioning.

Wikimedia Commons

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More on Dubai The first of the city's driver-less, fully automated metro network, and running partly on elevated viaducts, the Red Line is still only partly operational. But when it is finished -- and joined by the 20 km Green line next year -- the Dubai Metro will surpass the Vancouver Skytrain as the world's longest automated metro network. For oil-rich Dubai, which has the world's highest person/car ratio (1/1.84), the metro is a stunning and welcome change of pace from its other, well, dubious projects.

Wikimedia Commons

Beijing Line 4 It's hard to keep track of Beijing's subway network -- in its eight-year rush toward the Olympic Games, the city doubled its amount of track with the addition of five new lines. The opening of Line 4 didn't just add another 30 kilometers to the network, but expanded it in the city's underserved west side. If Line 4 looks and feels like Hong Kong's MTR, that's because it is: in a first, the city allowed the development and management of Line 4 to be handled not by the state but by a private joint-venture between Hong Kong's successful MTR Corp. and a state-owned investment firm. The testing of private capital on Beijing's subway line -- bringing with it the MTR's punctilious management skills -- is an unlikely but crucial experiment as the city struggles to catch up with ridership demand (the network's length, as this map illustrates, is set to double again by 2015).

Xinhua

Inside Line 4 MTR, which reaps great profits from the land rights it gets in exchange for managing subway stations, has instituted a ban on food and beverage consumption inside Line 4, another first for the city. So the subway cars might actually stay looking this shiny for awhile.

Xinhua

Seoul's Line 9 The South Korean capital's newest subway is only the first of three phases of a line that should be complete in 2015. Like the New York Subway, this 3-track subway offers express service on separate tracks. As with Beijing's Line 4 and Shenyang's new metro, the Line 9 will be the first privately run subway line in Korea, operated by Veolia Transport.

Santo Domingo Metro The Dominican Republic's first metro line, only the second metro in the Caribbean, is a breath of fresh air for a city clogged with traffic and pollution. But the sleek and high-tech 14.5 km north-south line has come under fire from critics of the debt-ridden government, whose budget for the subway reportedly exceeded that of three important ministries and 5 pivotal governmental institutions, including the ministry of higher education, science and technology. Still, the metro's construction and management has been handled by a company independent of the government. Unlike most other city's rapid transit rail systems, Santo Domingo's does not rely on a third rail but instead collects its current from an overhead line system.

Photo from WikiCommons

Adana Metro The southern Turkish city of Adana opened its first metro line in March, after over a decade of construction and financial woes. Only partly underground, the 13.5 km line has 13 stations and travels north-south. Construction of the second line will start in 2010. When it opened in January, the subway authorities still hadn't taken the wrapping off the station indicators (see photo, bottom).

Flickr/Tramturk

Shenyang Metro Although its first metro line just opened, the city of Shenyang, in Liaoning province was one of the first Chinese cities to propose a subway network. A series of plans dating back to the 1940s were scrapped due to the Cultural Revolution and subsequent financial woes. But after an economic boom, the city began construction on this in 2005, at a total cost of US$1.1 billion. Currently running 22.2 km east to west and servicing 18 stations, the line will be extended next year. In 2012, the city plans to open a north-south line. Like Beijing's Line 4 subway line, the Shenyang metro system will be managed in part by Hong Kong's MTR Corp., an unlikely but promising development for a country where state-run management of public goods is a nominal pillar of the Communist Party's ideology.

Lausanne Metro The new metro system in the hilly seaside city of Lausanne, Switzerland consists of Line m1, a light metro, and Line m2, a fully automated metro. They are owned by two distinct companies and operated by a third, and have made Lausanne the smallest city in the world to have a full metro system, replacing Rennes.

Photo: KEYSTONE/Laurent Gillieron

Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit System The city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is home to one of our favorite buildings, Toyo Ito's solar-lined World Games Stadium. And after a seven-year saga of scandals, construction accidents and poor worker treatment, the red and orange lines of the city's new underground and above-ground metro opened in 2008. Though ridership was expected to hover around 360,000, the system has only averaged about 100,000 passengers per day, leading to losses expected to reach NT$6 billion by the end of 2009.

Wikimedia Commons

Palma de Mallorca The city of Palma, Spain saw its first metro open in 2007, built at a cost of 312 million euros. When the system was hit by repeated flooding, Spanish authorities took the unusual step of suspending operations on September 2007. Services restarted on 28 July 2008, after a 46% cost overrun. Plans are currently in the works for continued expansion.

Wikipedia Commons

Berlin's U55 After spending €320 million ($460 million) and 14 years, this year Berlin got what could be the shortest underground train line in the world. Nicknamed the "Chancellor's Line" -- it was intended to serve the ultra-modern government quarter being constructed in the center of the Berlin -- only runs between three stations: Berlin's central station, the Hauptbahnhof, through to a station under the parliament, the Bundestag, and finally to the Brandenburg Gate. Thus, it would only take Chancellor Merkel and other government officials around three minutes to travel the 1.8 kilometer (1.1 mile) underground line.

Flickr/NervousEnergy

Inside U55 First suggested as far back as 1919, and again in the 1950s (a big wall interfered with that), the U55 was originally meant to link to the U5 underground line at another central station, Alexanderplatz. To avoid having to return a federal government grant, the city opened a shorter version of the line. The plan is to eventually link the line to Alexanderplatz by 2017, at the cost of another €433 million. See more on subways at TreeHugger: The World's Best Subway Lines Beijing Line 10: "The iPhone of Subways" The World's Most Impressive Subway Maps

Flickr/NervousEnergy

Seriously Cool and Inspirational Visual Bike-Art

2009-11-09T14:34:08Z

Biking is beautiful, and bikes can be really beautiful objects too. Those of us who love to ride already know this, but translating that feeling into images and art can remind us how amazing this vehicle is. Here's a detail from a large mural painting called 'A solution to massive transport', located in the city of Milan and painted by Italian street artist Blu.

Walls of Milano.

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Another detail from the large mural painting by Blu.

Official Blu website.

A beautiful, subtle illustration by british artist Joel Benjamin named 'City Crash'.

JoelBenjamin.co.uk.

Drawing in chalk made by Brazilian artist Tiago Dejerk on Portland's Bryant Street bridge.

Bike Portland.

A stencil with the same figure in different colors, by Brazilian artist Tiago Dejerk at BikePortland's offices.

Dejerk.com.

How cool would it be to have a bike necklace? You can begin to imagine with this poster made by Celeste Prevost for an Artcrank exhibition held in Minneapolis.

Artcrank.

This amazingly crafted image is a design by I Love Dust studio made for Spread Magazine to represent the world of the very famous and hip French boutique Colette.

I Love Dust.

Another poster from the Artcrank exhibitions. This time from Bryan Cavanagh showing the contrast between the 'cleanness' of bikes next to cars in the city.

Artcrank.

Terri Saul is an American artist born and raised in California who has a large set of art inspired by bikes and biking. This one is just a sample, check more at her website.

Terri Saul.

We've already seen how bikes can bring couples together. A representation of that, this poster was exhibited at Artcrank Minneapolis.

Artcrank.

In this stop-motion video, check out how artist Carson Ting from Chairman Ting studio paints a bike themed piece on a wall.

Chairman Ting.

Is it a pedal? Is it an ice-cream? It's another poster from the Artcrank exhibitions, this time from one held at San Francisco.

Artcrank.

Did you ever think that the water cycle could be perfectly represented in a bike shape? Graphic artist Matt Coleman did and thought, 'Hey, Why not?'

Matt Coleman.

Bars, bikes and beers is what this poster by Adam Turman represents. Exhibited at Artcrank Minneapolis

Artcrank.

A mural painting at Dupont street in West Toronto, Canada, came to improve the 'streetscape'. The piece, placed on a 400 foot wall piece, represents bike culture.

I Bike T.O..

Want to recover your stolen bike? Well place an ad on a milk carton -- What else? Don't look too close, but if you were to find this bike, one Pee Wee Herman might appreciate a quick call. Artist Brian Cummings named this poster 'Francis' in homage to the foil in the movie starring Mr. Herman and his bike.

Artcrank.

This carefully crafted piece was presented by Rus L at a bike art show organized by Altered Aesthetics.

Altered Aesthetics.

A very great closure for this gallery. This poster by Sean Tubridy is called 'Tomorrow', and don't we all expect the future to be like this?

Artcrank.

Green Gift Guide: The DIY'er

2009-11-09T13:38:38Z

When challenged to make enough gifts for everyone at the holidays, the DIY'er thrives. If you can't match the sentiment of a hand-knitted scarf or intricately embroidered blanket, help your hands-on friends finesse their craft with these ideas, from canning supplies for your avid gardener and patterns that use your sewer's scraps to printable paper toys for the mechanically-inclined and artisan-made tools for the woodworker in the family. Who knows? Maybe next year you'll reap the benefits.

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Prime Account From Ponoko

With Ponoko, aspiring designers can see their ideas come to life: Just create a design for anything from a hanging chandelier (shown) to a coffee cup holder to a one-of-a-kind USB port and upload it--then the site will find a local craftsman to make it for you or let you order the pieces and build it yourself. A month-to-month membership will let your DIY'er take a discount on the making price, postage and handling costs, plus give them more materials to choose from and extra support options. ($39/month)

Photo via Ponoko

Home Canning Kit From Ball

Your gardening-obsessed in-laws may already have all of the tools and organic growing books they need to turn out healthy, delicious backyard harvests, but the gardener who has everything often has one teeny problem: trying to eat all those zucchinis, tomatoes, cucumbers, and raspberries before they go bad. Hook your urban farmer up with a canning set, like this beginner version from Ball--which includes a pot, rack, and utensils--as well as a set of jars and lids, like these from the Ball Elite Collection. Then drop some subtle hints about how willing you are to taste-test all the jams, jellies, relishes, and pie filling recipes that will follow. (Ball Preserving Kit, $60; jars and lids, $3-$6)

Photo via Fresh Preserving

Selvedge Edge Handbags Pattern From Ric Rac Sews

Even the most experienced sewer winds up with scraps that are too small to use elsewhere--and the selvedge pieces (end strips that don't have the pattern printed on them) are some of the most useless. This pattern from Etsy seller Ric Rac Sews gives detailed instructions and sizing information for turning those tiny strips into brightly patterned purses, so your crafty friends can come up with something from nothing. ($6)

Photo via Ric Rac Sews at Etsy

Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic Materials

Making your own clothes and decor is a hands-on way to tap the most of those junior high home ec classes--while adding plenty of personality to your closet and your home. Give your favorite sewer even more green inspiration with Sewing Green: 25 Projects Made with Repurposed & Organic Materials, which helps readers look at vintage cloth, old wardrobe pieces, and sustainable fabrics in a whole new way--think making an apron from men's shirts, a wallet from shirt cuffs, and a blanket from old sweaters. (Amazon, $17)

Photo via Craft

Beaded Jewelry Pattern From Purple8p

Pearls, silver beads, and iridescent crystals make these intricate earrings the perfect finishing touch for a winter bride, holiday cocktail dress, or night-out jeans--and the simple instructions from Etsy seller Purple8p make them an easy project for even novice jewelry makers. Give the pattern (and others for earrings, pendants, bracelets, and rings) with a collection of beads to your most stylish fashionista friend so she can put her own spin on accessories. ($4)

Photo via Purple8p at Etsy

Multi-Tip Screwdriver From Lie Nielsen

From crafting to woodworking to simple home repair, a screwdriver is the ultimate must-have item for every DIY'er, from your daughter living on her own for the first time to your kitchen-remodeling father. The handmade tools from Lie Nielsen are designed to last for generations, and the multi-tip screwdriver, with its interchangeable phillips, square, and slotted heads, are the kind of tool you'll borrow, lend, and pass down for years to come. ($60)

Photo via Lie Nielsen

Papercrafts From Flying Pig

These downloadable paper models are perfect for stocking stuffers, activity bags, or keeping kids occupied in those long hours between presents and dessert. Schrodinger's Cat, pictured here, pops up from inside a can, while other moving models include a moose that opens and closes his mouth, a man tipping his top hat, and a flying mouse. You pay to download the instructions and pattern, print them at home, and then cut and fold into fun working models. (2-3 Euro)

photo via Flying Pig

London, New York, and Paris Postcards From Make City

Buying for friends abroad or die-hard travelers? Pick up the Make City Postcards set from Brooklyn 5&10 . Five postcards from each of three cities--London, New York, and Paris--have one side for sending notes and another side with cutouts that you can build into urban icons, like a double-decker bus, the Eiffel Tower, and a yellow cab. They're perfect for the builder, traveler, or writer in the family. ($12.50)

Photo via Brooklyn 5 and 10

Gnome Bowling Printouts From My Fantastic Toys

Spend rainy Saturdays or unexpected snow days working on your strikes and spares with this downloadable Gnome Bowling kit: Just print out the nervous-looking little guys, cut them out, and attach the paper stand; then set them up on your table, grab a marble or small wooden ball, and see how many you can knock over. Not a fan of bowling? Other gnome-based projects in the kit include finger puppets, a paper doll, and a mobile. (Free)

Photo via My Fantastic Toys

Build a Bamboo Bike

What's more DIY than building your own bicycle? Use this tutorial from Instructables to get your DIY'er rolling--just print out the directions and collect the materials, or give a gift card to cover the cost of the pieces. If your recipient prefers more direct instruction (and lives on the East Coast), sign up for the two-day bike building session at Bamboo Bike Studio in Brooklyn, where the owners promise you'll enter on foot on Saturday and wheel out your new bike on Sunday. (Bamboo Bike Studio Class, $1,000)

Photo via Bamboo Bike Studio

2932 Sewing Machine From Singer

Fashion is all about individuality--and what's more personal than making your own clothes? From copying celebrity looks with DIY patterns to repairing hems and zippers to help your goods last longer, this Singer sewing machine has the easy-to-use functions and stitching options that make basic repairs--or more complicated style statements--a breeze even for novice sewers. ($150)

Photo via Joann

Green Gift Guide: The Health and Wellness Guru

2009-11-09T13:08:11Z

You don't have to be a health nut to appreciate the benefits of gifts free of toxins, synthetic chemicals, BPA, and phthalates--think paraben-free lip gloss or filter-your-own water bottles. We even have solutions for that one person who always answers your questions about healthy eating, appropriate exercise, and holistic remedies--so read on for cookbooks, essential oils, workout gear and more.

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Resistance Toning Gear From Natural Fitness

Help your health nut get a head start on those January resolutions with Natural Fitness resistance toning gear made of eco-friendly latex and phthalate-free PVC. The exercise balls are designed to hold up to 600 pounds without bursting, while the resistance bands let you reap the benefits of weight training without the weights. They are the perfect essentials for setting up a home gym too, which means if you have a resolution to green your workout, quitting the gym takes you half way there. ($16-$30)

Photo via Natural Fitness

Crown Jewels Lip Gloss From Tarte

Even total health buffs need to trade their workout gear for glamour sometimes--which is when Tarte's Crown Jewels lip gloss set comes in handy. Fifteen mini glosses in shades that range from pale pinks to deep reds and shimmering golds to neutral browns are packaged in three sets of five, so you can split them up for stocking stuffers or give the whole package at once--and they are made without parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, fragrances, and sulfates. ($39)

Photo via Tarte

Sampler Tins From Zhena's Gypsy Tea

The antioxidants in tea give it health benefits that go way beyond the soothing quality of sipping; they're also thought to reduce heart disease, lower the risk of some cancers, and support the immune system. Help your health nut find a new favorite flavor with sampler tins from Zhena's Gypsy Tea. Each tiny tin holds four individual hemp-paper teabags--filled with Fair Trade, 100 percent natural tea leaves, essential oils, herbs, and fruits; choose from four-tin sets that include herbal teas, green teas, romantic teas (like red lavender, coconut chai, and gypsy rose), or black teas, or buy one tin at a time for your coworkers and children's teachers. ($2-$9)

Photo via Zhena's Gypsy Tea

Soy Candles From Bluewick

Candles are a classic go-to gift for the hard-to-buy-for people on your list--like your cousin's new girlfriend, your college-aged niece, and your favorite babysitter--and Bluewick Soy Candles, made of 100 percent soy wax for a cleaner burn, come in enough scents to please even the pickiest person on your list. Try traditional fragrances like cinnamon, cedar pine, lavender eucalyptus, and vanilla musk or more unusual choices--including mandarin cocoa, spiderlily, guava, and gojiberry. ($8-$32)

Photo via Bluewick

Hemp Mat Sling From Gaiam

A bag works fine for keeping your yoga mat clean and dry when it's not supporting your sun salutations, but we think the low-maintenance yoga lover in your life will prefer this simple hemp sling from Gaiam. Two loops keep the mat rolled while the shoulder strap makes carrying easy--and gives your yogi a break from trying to stuff the mat into a bag after every class. ($13)

Photo via Alternative Consumer

Filtered Stainless Bottle From Water Geeks

Getting your recommend dose of daily water is a snap when you can take your own bottle along--and even easier when that bottle includes its own filter for fresher-tasting H20 from any tap. Water Geeks' Filtered Stainless Bottle is BPA-free and comes with a cap filter that sifts out chlorine, lead, and weird tastes or smells, so you'll never need to give in to the plastic bottle industry again. (about $22)

Photo via Water Geeks

Gift Certificate to SpaFinder

You don't have to be a wellness/fitness/health devotee to enjoy a good massage--all you have to be is a little bit stressed, a little but busy, or a little bit tense. A gift certificate to SpaFinder allows your recipient to find local eco-spas and sign up for a massage at any one of the 5,000 spas that are part of the network. And since the certificates aren't for specific services, he or she can pick a favorite treatment, from a hot stone massage to a simple mani/pedi. ($50-$1,000)

Photo via Spoiled Pretty

Year of Seeds From Red Envelope

For hostess gifts and office thank-yous, a plant does double duty as both sweet present and air purifier--especially if you choose one of NASA's favorite purifiers, like an English Ivy, Spider plant, Peace Lily, Heartleaf philodendron, Weeping Fig, Pot Mum, or Rubber plant (most of which you can get at your local garden center). For the green thumb on your list, try a gift set--like Red Envelope's Year of Seeds--that includes 12 different seed packets and 12 pots to grow them in. They won't have the air quality effects just yet, but they will keep any side table or windowsill a little greener. ($80)

Photo via Casa Sugar

Flower Garland Oil Diffuser From The Body Shop

Tea tree oil has been called "a medicine cabinet in a bottle," and is believed to have a positive effect on everything from sinus infections to acne. Use a diffuser, like The Body Shop's Flower Garland Oil Burner, to fill your home with the oil's healing properties by the heat of a votive candle--no plug-ins required. (Oil Burner, The Body Shop, $20; Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil, Mountain Rose Herbs, $9/ounce)

Photo via The Body Shop

Magic Pure Castile Soap From Dr. Bronner's

Okay: We know that a bottle of soap is not exactly the sexiest gift you could give. But if you're shopping for someone who's committed to cleaning everything from his hair to his floors with non-toxic, organic, Fair Trade lather, then Dr. Bronner's Magic Pure Castile Soap is the way to go. The soaps are biodegradable and vegetable-based for worry-free disposal, and the organic formula uses coconut, olive, jojoba, and hemp oil for a truly all-purpose clean. Looking for something slightly less utilitarian? Organic hand soaps and tins of moisturizing body balm cater to the clean-freak without bringing up very un-gifty thoughts of scrubbing and mopping. ($2.50-$52)

Photo via Dr. Bronner's

The Kind Diet

Actress Alicia Silverstone has been more than open about her journey to veganism--and the health and emotional benefits she's seen as a result. In her new book, The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet, she tackles the process of changing the way you eat, and the nutritional information, recipes, and tips you need to make it work. Of course, she can't promise movie roles will follow--but she does believe you'll be happier and healthier by replacing even just a few of your meat-based meals with vegan or vegetarian alternatives. (Amazon, $18)

Photo via Amazon

Green Gift Guide: The Pop Culture Fan

2009-11-09T13:00:49Z

Yes, it's in the nature of a pop culture fan to be nearly impossible to shop for: Simply because he or she has seen every movie, heard every album, read every book, and watched every television show that comes to mind. That's why we've pulled together gifts that are one-of-a-kind: custom posters, unique jewelry, handmade bags, and DIY projects that will surprise and delight even the most dedicated culture vulture for ages to come, despite their fleeting fancies.

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Custom Movie Posters From Droplet Studio

Looking for just the right piece of artwork? Droplet Studio can help you make a totally unique custom poster--like this wedding party gift modeled after a concert poster--based on the photo and info you provide. It's the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for the movie buff or music lover on your list. ($75)

Photo via Droplet Studio

Vintage Vinyl Record Bracelet

Fashion meets function in artist Meg Musick-Makely's cuff bracelet. Made from vintage albums, this mod piece allows you to keep your favorite musical memories close at hand. ($26)

Photo via Eco-Artware

Jack Johnson "En Concert" Collector's Edition

Green-minded musician Jack Johnson took to the road in 2008--but even those without backstage passes can pick up the En Concert Collector's Edition Set. The set includes a CD, DVD, vinyl album, poster, t-shirt, and access to 19 downloadable digital tracks and, as with the tour, all of the proceeds will be split between the Kokua Hawaii Foundation and the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation. ($75)

Photo via Stomp and Flow

Hobo Bags From Rising Tide

If you're buying for a friend with fashion sense pulled from the pages of the "Stars: They're Just Like Us!" tabloid pages, then try the Rising Tide Fair Trade hobo bags. Handmade from vintage quilts and saris and finished with cruelty-free suede, no two are exactly alike--which may be why stars including Julia Roberts and Maria Bello have been spotted with the bags on their arms. ($140)

Photo via Earth Lover Shopping

Wave Necklace From Uncommon Goods

Not all eco-friendly jewelry has to be made of recycled metals or synthetic gemstones: This mod Wave Necklace from Uncommon Goods is crafted from skateboards that have seen too many railslides. Canadian artists Jan and Jeff Whidden make each by hand from used or broken boards (so the exact colors may vary), smoothing the edges into a striking piece that's as at home on your favorite niece as it is paired with your go-to blazer and jeans. ($28)

Photo via Uncommon Goods

Charitable Donations

We're entirely in favor of directing holiday budget towards the organizations and charities that use it for the greater good. Particularly when it comes to shelling out a ton for used-once-and-forgotten stocking stuffers--and for the pop culture fan on your list, try making a donation to a celebrity-supported organization, like Matt Damon's Water.org; Oceana (whose supporters include January Jones, Morgan Freeman, and Glenn Close), Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation, or the California Community Foundation (which partners with the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation). (From $5)

Photo via Socialite Life

Michael Jackson Cross Stitch Kit From Bella Stitchery

Memorialize Michael Jackson with this cross-stitch pattern that recreates the King of Pop. The finished product, roughly 18 by 25 inches, is an ironic combination of rock-n-roll and country chic, and a tribute to one of history's biggest music superstars. ($6)

Photo via Bella Stitchery

Green Porno

If you've been hooked on Isabella Rossellini's Green Porno web series, which tells the story of undersea mating via humans in brightly colored costumes, then put the Green Porno book on your list: Filled with striking artwork and including a DVD of the series, it's marine sex like you've never seen before. ($16)

Photo via eBooks

Mosaic Prints From Schimmel Art

Maybe you see junk mail as just that--junk--but artist Sandhi Schmmel Gold sees it as so much more. She uses paper, scraps, newspaper, and magazines that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin to make intricate, detailed portraits of pop icons--including Audrey Hepburn, Linda Evangelista, and Marilyn Monroe--available as prints, note cards, and posters. Have a special request? She also does custom pieces. (From $4)

Photo via Schimmel Art

Greensburg

Catch up on Greensburg with the first season of Planet Green's Leonardo DiCaprio-produced show on DVD. The show follows the town of Greensburg, Kansas, as they rebuild after one of the country's largest-ever tornadoes--and this time, the residents are determined to make their town live up to its name by turning their home into an unmatched, sustainable haven. ($30)

Photo via Planet Green

Gift Card From Ticketmaster

If your pop culture fan really has everything, he's an idea: A Ticketmaster gift card, so they can choose their next night out. Whether you're buying for classical music lovers, sports nuts, theater junkies, comedy buffs, ice skating fans, or rock-n-rollers, your gift card will give them access to hundreds of shows across the country, without so much as a bow to toss in the trash. (From $25)

Photo via TV 20 Detroit

Green Gift Guide: The Foodie

2009-11-09T13:00:32Z

There's nothing like a long meal that lingers into the night to bring people together, whether you're talking a dozen relatives or just dinner for two. With the tools and guides on these pages, your favorite chef sure to make the feast more delicious and memorable. So while we can't guarantee your in-laws will get along or that the kids will keep the food on the table, these skillets, bread-making sets, custom recipe collections, and fool-proof cookbooks are destined to become family heirlooms, make for memorable holidays, and possibly even start some lovely new traditions.

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Duo Pressure Cooker From Fagor

Ever since the slow cooker staged a comeback, we've been waiting for its '80s counterpart, the pressure cooker, to shake its way back into our hearts (and kitchens). Pressure cookers heat up using less energy than other pans, and this one from Fagor is also designed to work with a home canning system so you can keep your garden bounty at hand all year. (Crate and Barrel, $100)

Photo via Crate and Barrel

Bread Loaf Pan, Knife, and Recipe Book

It's amazing we don't all make our own bread: It's easy, it's delicious, and it's cheap. Give the foodie in your life the tools to get started with a customized do-it-yourself kit: a loaf pan, a bread knife for perfect slices, and a book of recipes (we like Bread: A Baker's Book of Techniques and Recipes by Jeffery Hamelman) for starters. Throw in an apron, a few packets of yeast, a bag of flour, a board for kneading, and a sourdough starter and you chef is ready to go. Then reap the rewards. ($8-$25)

Photos clockwise from left via: Amazon; Kitchen Collection; Bambeco.

Wine Club Membership From the Organic Wine Company

Organic wines have a bad rap for flavor, but it's often undeserved: More and more tasty vintages made from organically-grown grapes are now on the market, it's just a matter of finding them. Why organic? They have less or no sulfites--which many people are sensitive to--and no pesticides. With a membership to the Organic Wine Company's wine club, your foodie will receive three wines a month (either all red or two reds and one white), and judge bouquet, body, and finish with the best of them. ($50/month)

Photo credit: flashfilm/Getty Images

Cast Iron Skillet From Lodge Logic

When it comes to durability and function in cooking tools, very few items beat a cast iron skillet: It's free of the carcinogens that make other pans non-stick, it's sturdy enough to last a lifetime (and then some), and, if you season it regularly, it's just as easy to use. Your foodie can reap the benefits of cast iron with the Lodge Logic 12-inch skillet, which comes pre-seasoned to make cooking even simpler. From dinnertime sautes to early morning eggs, it will be your favorite chef's new favorite tool. ($34)

Photo via Lodge Logic

Endangered Foods From Ark of Taste

Animals aren't the only things that can become endangered: As supermarkets stock reliable customer favorites, a whole world of tastes, flavors, and varieties of food loses shelf space--and become harder and harder to find. Track down these unusual goods with a purchase from Ark of Taste; the foods vary by region, but include a variety of meats, herbs, fruits, and vegetables (many in seed form) that you won't find anywhere else. Roy's Calais flint corn, shown here, is said to make a superior corn meal. (Prices vary by region and retailer.)

Photo by Gina Fiorillo-Brady

Bamboo Knife Block From Mikoto

Sharp knives make prep work a breeze--and a bamboo knife block keeps them in pristine condition. Bamboo is harder than traditional maple, and this block from Mikoto is made from a collection of thin bamboo rods--so you can slide your knives back in without worrying about which one fits where. Watching your wallet? Make one yourself with a minimum of investment; these instructions require only two laminated shelves and dollar-store bamboo skewers. ($55-$150)

Photo via Lekker

Mini Garden Stacker Kit From Herbkits.com

We love the Aerogarden for the fresh herbs, tomatoes, and peppers at a rate that's faster than we can eat them, but we don't totally love how much space it takes up on the counter, or the constant running water noise, or the light that always seems to go on at night (no matter how often we fiddle with the settings). If you have the same problems, wrap up the mini garden stacker kit from Herbkits.com instead. The set stacks to grow nine plants (here shown in edible pansies) in a fraction of the space--you can even hang it to free up more counter or shelf space--and doesn't require a plug, water filters, or lamp. ($35)

Photo via Furniture for Small Spaces

Vintage Kitchen Towels From Branch

Perfect for wiping up a spill without using wasteful and resource-heavy paper towels, putting down a just-from-the-oven pot, or drying the dishes, these stitched kitchen towels from Branch will be your favorite chef's new best friend. They come in two versions, hand-spun organic hemp or boiled linen, and are hand-woven on looms in Transylvania. ($19-$72)

Photo via Branch Home

Custom Recipe Box From Malcolm Studio Shop

A great cook is always on the hunt for new recipes. Share some of yours with a handmade recipe book: Just copy (or type) your family's favorite dishes, desserts, and holiday treats onto pretty paper and have it bound at a local copy store--or use traditional recipe cards and present them in a one-of-a-kind recipe box made from upcycled and found objects, like these custom versions from Malcolm Studio Shop on Etsy. (And if you're shopping for someone who's not exactly a genius in the kitchen, this may be the right gift for him, too.) ($60)

Photo via Malcolm Studio Shop

Earth to Table: Seasonal Recipes from an Organic Farm

Speaking of recipes, inspire your chef throughout all four seasons with cook book Earth to Table: Seasonal Recipes from an Organic Farm by Jeff Crump and Bettina Schormann, which follows some of the Slow Food Movement's biggest names, including Dan Barber, Thomas Keller, and Heston Blumenthal through 12 months of harvests, recipes, and feasts from their farms. ($35)

Photo via Harper Collins

Green Gift Guide: The Design Junkie

2009-11-09T13:00:24Z

Whether your design junkie is obsessed with the newest eco-friendly designers, entirely sustainable furniture, or strikingly cool artwork, you'll find the perfect gift here. You might even take inspiration from these designs to come up with some of your own: Handmade collage artwork, simple thrown pottery, and upcycled furniture makes a personal gift one-of-a-kind enough to last a lifetime.

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Espresso Maker From Presso

Even the pickiest coffee connoisseur on your list won't be able to resist the Presso manual espresso maker. The sleek shape--made from recycled aluminum--means you'll use the perfect amount of pressure every time (no electricity required), while the requirement of just-hot-enough water saves you energy on the stove. And did we mention that it will look much better on your counter-top than that other boxy coffee machine? ($140)

Photo via Home Tone

Spot Bowl From Perch!

While this little Spot bowl from Perch! might not be the shape you're used to, we love the endless ways to use it: as a plant pot, as a fruit bowl, as an ice cream dish; for holding jewelry, for catching paperclips and tacks, for showing off one bloom of your favorite flower. Even empty, it's an eye-catching piece that your design junkie will fall for. And did we mention it's handmade with environmentally friendly low-impact materials and processes, with non-toxic finishes and byproducts? ($28)

Photo via Perch!

Collages on Wood From Petit Collage

Each of Petit Collage's wooden pieces shows off vintage and found papers scrapped together into cheery, whimsical designs--from wide-eyed owls and bright birds to neutral leaves and kid-friendly flowers. But since each design is made in a limited run of 50--and no two pictures are exactly the same--we'd suggest you take a quick break and head over immediately to choose your favorite. ($90-$140)

Photo via Petit Collage

Sway Stool From Branch Home

Add seating indoors or out with the 100 percent cork Sway stool, handmade by designer Daniel Michalik. Fabricated from cork reclaimed from bottle stopper factories, the solid-core seat is sturdy enough for sitting, while the perforated edges let you move and adjust for increased comfort. Cork doesn't sustain mold or water stains, meaning you can put a few on the back porch for the next outdoor bash. (Branch Home, $495)

Photo via Branch Home

Custom Lamp From Inhabit

Brighten up a dark corner with a custom lamp from Inhabit. You can choose from a seemingly endless number of color and stripe combinations (there are actually 1,607,045, which seems like plenty of options). The rectangular bottom and crisp white shade modernize any space--and if the decision-making process is too much, you can pick from some pre-made versions, too. (From $140)

Photo via Inhabit

Reincarnated Indian Beer Bottle Lanterns From VivaTerra

Though candlelight is an energy-saving option that isn't always entirely practical, it can set a mood like nothing else. Place votive candles in these Indian beer bottles--the glass has been antiqued to cover the original look--and hang them from outdoor wires for warm-weather al fresco dining. Feeling crafty? Collect your own bottles--either clear or frosted--and suspend them around pillar candles for a glowing chandelier that lends a DIY touch to your next gathering. ($29)

Photo via VivaTerra

Reclaimed Tool Bowl From UncommonGoods

Putting a whole new slant on having a screw loose, the Reclaimed Tool Bowl was welded together by hand from discarded wrenches, screwdrivers, and other hardware by artist Tammy Roy. The industrial look of the sturdy finished product is one part man cave, one part trendsetter, and all eco-friendly. ($195)

Photo via UncommonGoods

Desk #2 From Knu

This sparse, eco-friendly desk from Knu has everything you need for a complete workstation--including cubbies for your supplies and laptop and a recyclable plastic drawer for pens and pencils--without the bulky, industrial look that makes you want to hide other office furniture out of sight. Plus, it's made of FSC-certified wood with a low-VOC veneer for a non-toxic finish. As for size? It's just big enough to spread out those papers on--without taking over your living room. ($700)

Photo via Knu

Hive Bench From Arktura

Wooden coffee tables and stools have their place, but the Hive Bench from Arktura turns any empty corner into a conversation area with graphic cutout and bold colors. Made from recycled bent steel with a low-VOC power coat finish, you'll find it does double (or triple) duty as extra seating around the dinner table, a room-brightening coffee table, or an end-of-the-bed bench. (PlushPod, $1,975-$2,415)

Photo via PlushPod

Green Gift Guide: The WeeHugger

2009-11-09T13:00:24Z

Let's be honest: It is way more fun to buy gifts for kids. Toys wrapped in big, shiny boxes reveal dolls that must be immediately introduced to the family or games they can't wait to begin--gifts much more exciting than a tie or a cooking pan. But kids' gear can also be so poorly made it's broken by New Year's; painted on the cheap with toxic materials; and constructed from non-recyclable plastic. This year, see their eyes light up with sustainable choices--and that's sustainable in both long term play and eco-consciousness. From a dollhouse complete with solar panels to a reusable lunch kit that will make them the hit of the cafeteria, we guarantee none of these gifts will be relegated to the landfill by Valentine's Day.

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Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Dollhouse From Smart Gear

Forget the miniature antique-filled wooden Victorian dollhouse and the swing-open plastic version with monochrome furniture: The Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Dollhouse from Smart Gear is this year's must-have for future greenies. Made from sustainable rubberwood and painted with water-based colors, it comes with practical eco-touches like recycling containers, a solar panel, a windmill, a rain barrel, and a bicycle, plus three wooden dolls to act out any green scenario. (Wooden Toddler Toys, $160)

Photo via Babble

Children's Clothing From Barley and Birch

We have two main pet peeves when it comes to buying clothes for kids: First, Environmentally harsh production and materials that don't even last long enough to become hand-me-downs and second, lame, cutesy designs that cause nothing but embarrassment when you get out the old albums. With Barley and Birch, you don't have to worry about either issue: The clothes are made from certified organic cotton and water-based inks, so they're easy on the Earth during production and durable enough for baby #2, and the designs--think bright purple flowers, dancing birds, and colorful architecture--are eye-catching and fun (without the twee sentiments). (Gretchen and Grace, $12-$24)

Photo via Barley and Birch

Stuffed Wool Cars From E Gry & Sif

For junior gearheads, anything with two wheels deserves a "vroom!" noise--but we especially like these handmade wool cars from Danish designers En Gry & Sif. The Fair Trade police car and ambulance are made from New Zealand wool felt and colored with low-impact dyes by artisan women in Katmandu so they're sustainable and soft--perfect for kids who love cars but aren't old enough for the tiny metal versions. (Elegant Roots, $55)

Photo via Elegant Roots

Organic Finger Puppets From iPlay

Let your kids' imagination run wild with these animal-themed finger puppets, made from 80 percent organic cotton with a 100 percent organic stuffing. Each set comes with six characters--including a giraffe, lion, and elephant for telling jungle stories and a duck, lamb, and pig to round out the barnyard--for hands-on, interactive playtime that will do more for your little ones' imaginations than a Baby Einstein marathon. ($20/set)

Photo via iPlay

Bamboo Pallina From HaPe

A classic game of strategy gets a sustainable bamboo makeover with the Bamboo Pallina game from HaPe. Run the sticks through the cone to support a pile of marbles, and then take turns removing sticks; the person that drops the balls is out. Easy enough for kids as young as three but engaging enough for their parents, this is a sure-fire holiday hit. ($40)

Photo via HaPe

Eco Dough From Eco Art Works

It's best to make your own play dough--as easy as flour, salt, oil, warm water, cream of tartar, and food coloring--but if you must go ready-made choose Eco Dough: Essential colors like red, green, and yellow, come individually packaged in compostable cornstarch cups and, if they're left out overnight, are brought back to gooey, squishy life with a little bit of olive oil. ($20)

Photo via Eco Art Works

Power House Green Essentials Edition From EcoPlanet

Skip the traditional chemistry set for your aspiring scientist and wrap up the Power House Green Essentials kit. Aimed at kids older than 10, it comes with 30 experiments and 10 building projects that highlight the power (and importance) of sustainable science, from testing solar collection methods and building a mini refrigerator to putting together a wind turbine and a lemon battery to power your own model house. ($90)

Photo via EcoToyTown

Soup to Nuts Lunch Kit From Citizenpip

The school cafeteria has enough dangers without also expecting your kids to brave the mystery meat--bringing your lunch is greener, and often tastier and more nutritious. Bag the brown paper bag with the bright insulated Soup to Nuts lunch kit from Citizenpip: Use the stainless-steel bottle in place of a juice box, pack sandwiches and snacks in the BPA-free containers, stay neat with cloth napkins, and steer clear of sporks with a fork and spoon set. (And if your kids are more likely to throw out cloth napkins or trade their water bottle for a Kool-Aid, the pieces are available separately.) ($55)

Photo via Citizen Pip

Doodle Shoes From Simple Shoes

Toddlers grow quickly--which means they also quickly outgrow their shoes. Eco-friendly materials and production, like those on Doodle from Simple Shoes, can lessen your impact; eco-friendly suede, organic cotton fleece, and natural rubber keep little feet safe while preventing excessive waste. And did we mention they're washable? You're welcome. (REI, $35)

Photo via Simple Shoes

Bean Rockers From Knoend

Kids deserve their own pint-sized furniture, but what do you do with it when they grow out of it? This season, invest in the Bean Rockers from Knoend. Four different shapes--made of FSC plywood and padded with an organic cotton cushion--are low enough for kids and comfortable enough for adults (and even pregnant women) so they'll be a key part of your at-home movie night for years to come, no matter who's coming over for the show. (Vivavi, $270-$550)

Photo via Vivavi

Green Gift Guide: The Fashion Buff

2009-11-09T13:00:19Z

Slow down the chaos in your favorite fashion buff's closet with the classic, timeless pieces featured in our fashion gift guide for girls, guys, and even teens. By skipping trends with a six-month lifespan, you'll trim the dent in your wallet (and the landfill) and still turn heads with the likes of wear-anywhere men's jeans, effortless dresses, recycled jewelry, slouchy bags, and more.

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Wren Wrap Dress From Kelly B

The tried and true fashion statement in every woman's wardrobe is the little black dress: Find the right cut, fit, and style, and you'll be slipping it on for everything from business meetings to wedding receptions. We suggest the Wren Wrap Dress from Kelly B: Made of 92 percent hemp with ruffled cap sleeves and a deep v-neck, it's the perfect starting point for creating an outfit for any occasion. With the following stylish items--clothes, jewelry, and more--we'll help you build a hip, more sustainable wardrobe for the fashion buff in your life..and tempt you into purchasing a gift for yourself. ($132)

Photo via Nimli

Sade Clutch From Matt & Nat

The right accessories can make the basics in your closet enter a whole new realm of style, and this Sade clutch from Matt & Nat is the perfect place to start. Made of vegan "leather" and lined with recycled faux suede, it boasts plenty of interior pockets for preventing your keys from scratching up your iPhone (without adding extra bulk), and the cheery pop of color works for dressing up or dressing down. We think its the kind of statement piece you'll have forever--just consider it a new closet basic. ($135)

Photo via Matt & Nat

Weekend Scarf From Organica Deluxe

A silk scarf is another must-have accessory--the kind of piece you can wrap around a white t-shirt and jeans for a casual weekend brunch or wear over a cocktail dress during a chilly happy hour. See how many ways you can wear the neutral charcoal-and-ivory striped Weekend Scarf from Organica Deluxe; handwoven of cruelty-free Indian silk, each one provides two weeks worth of resources to a tribal family. ($59)

Photo via Organica Deluxe

Reclaimed Wool and Cashmere Scarf From Uncommon Goods

Keep the man in your life toasty on winter's coldest days with this patchwork scarf from Uncommon Goods made from reclaimed wool and cashmere sweaters. The materials--collected from the Goodwill--are soft and luxurious, while the unique patterns make each scarf totally one-of-a-kind. ($38)

Photo via Uncommon Goods

Skirt 17093 From Isoude

For a one-of-a-kind statement piece without the mega carbon footprint, pick up this skirt from the Isoude spring 2010 collection. Designer Katie Brierly starts with untreated silk, paints it by hand with dyes pulled from rustic wood, acacia wood, or cochineal insects, and then cuts it into the individual silk paillettes that line the bottom of the skirt. The result is a custom piece you'll wear forever. ($1,080)

Photo via Isoude

FEED HEAL+H Backpack From the FEED Foundation

Lauren Bush's FEED bag collection connects philanthropy with fashion--each burlap or cotton tote does double-duty as a carryall for the purchaser and as a way of providing food to schoolchildren through the UN World Food Program. The newest bag, the FEED HEAL+H backpack, offers a twist on the charity; buy a bag and the same style, filled with medical supplies, will be sent to community health workers in Africa's Millennium Villages to support underprivileged communities there. ($125)

Photo via Out

Olulu Shoes From Patagonia

Buying green shoes doesn't have to mean sacrificing style. Your fashion-forward guy will lace up the Olulu from Patagonia--think classic bowling detailing meets sustainable materials--with pride. Made from hemp and leather, it has a stitched sole (for easy walking) that uses fewer solvents and glues than other styles. ($110)

Photo via REI

Juniper Heel From Terra Plana

A classic, neutral heel never goes out of style, and Terra Plana's Jupiter is about as timeless as it gets. Made of vegetable tanned leather, the round toe and chunky heel are comfortable enough for everyday wear (read: no commuting sneakers necessary) and just as well with jeans or skirts. Looking for a brighter color? Try hot-pink suede or a bold yellow and red version made from recycled quilts. ($160)

Photo via Terra Plana

Gift Certificate From Greenloop

Buying for a picky fashionista? A gift card to Greenloop, an online boutique for eco-friendly clothing and accessories, always fits her taste and your budget. Then your giftee can choose from a huge selection of designers and styles--all with sustainable ethos--and you don't need to worry about including a gift receipt. For an extra eco-touch, send your certificate via email and avoid the paper trail. ($15-$500)

Photo via The Greenloop

Omne From Gemma Redux

Jewelry designer Rachel Dooley fills her Gemma Redux line with earrings, bracelets, and necklaces made from industrial metals and bright stones--and while the fashionista in your life will be thrilled to unwrap any of her pieces, we like the Omne for the ultimate in wearability and longevity. Made from a mix of stainless steel chains and held together with a magnet, the 57-inch piece can be worn as a headband, necklace, choker, or bracelet for one piece that's as unique as your girl. ($98-$158)

Photo via Gemma Redux

Men's Prophecy Jeans From Loomstate

A durable, stylish pair of jeans can do more for a man than he realizes, from showing off his best assets to becoming a go-to part of his wardrobe for work and weekends. The dark wash and slim leg of the Loomstate Prophecy do all that and more, while the 100 percent-organic cotton denim is as soft and sturdy as traditional fabrics. (The Greenloop, $165)

Photo via Loomstate

Bracelets From Alex and Ani

These celeb-favorite Alex and Ani bangles, made in the United States from recycled materials, give the wearer an armful of charms, delicate wire, and beads that add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, whether you're topping off dressy jeans with a set of gold disks or dressing down a cocktail dress with a funkier set--and they're expandable, so you can be sure they'll fit just right. ($68-$348)

Photo via Alex and Ani

Green Gift Guide: The Outdoors Enthusiast

2009-11-09T13:00:14Z

While a true outdoors enthusiast doesn't need much to enjoy the great outdoors--just a sturdy pair of shoes and a taste for adventure--this individual is even more likely to appreciate gifts that are as eco-friendly as they are functional. Take the time to enjoy the elements knowing you are doing your best to protect them with durable, stylish gear like wind-up flashlights, recyclable plastic dinnerware, cold-weather hats, and breathable shirts. Oh, and the sturdy shoes? We've got those, too.

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70 Trail Running Shoe From New Balance

The New Balance 70 sneaker includes laces, webbing, and other sections made with recycled materials, rice husks in the soles to cut back on rubber, and a reduction in the number of solvents holding it all together. The shoe was also designed to create a minimum of waste in the production process, meaning you can rest easy on your feet. ($80)

Photo via New Balance

Matuse Wetsuit From Matuse

Help the surfer on your list fight frigid temps and fatigue with Matuse Wetsuits for men and women. The company uses Yamamoto Geoprene, a rubber-type material sourced from limestone, in place of traditional petroleum-based neoprene, for unmatched flexibility and warmth without the weight of conventional rubber. Not buying for the wetsuit type? Separate tops and pants satisfy surfer needs. (From $89)

Photo via Transworld Surf

Lightbeam and B2 Shirts From Nau

When it comes to stylish, eco-friendly clothing, Nau offers styles that are low-maintenance and low-impact--and just right for the outdoor athlete in your life. Scoop up the wind- and water-resistant Lightbeam shirt, woven from 100 percent recycled polyester with a snap front, for the man on your list, and the B2 long-sleeved snap-collar shirt as a recycled polyester base layer for your favorite outdoorswoman. (Lightbeam, $120; B2, $95)

Photos via Nau

Clean Breaks: 500 New Ways to See the World

Even the most adventurous travelers tire of the same old vacations--the beach, the mountains, the lake, the trails--on constant rotation. Pick up a copy of Clean Breaks: 500 New Ways to See the World by Jeremy Smith and Richard Hammond and provide inspiration for an entirely new lineup of destinations and trips that support local culture and economies, from seeing zebras on the move in Botswana to mounting up with Venezuelan cowboys. Then prepare yourself for vacation photos you're actually excited to see. (Amazon, $20)

Photo via Amazon

Sport Solar Oven From the Solar Oven Society

We all know those campers who prefer to travel with all the comforts of home (and hey--sometimes, we even are those campers). So for meals that go beyond hot dogs on a stick followed by toasted s'mores, give the Sport Solar Oven. The weather resistant kit comes with two 3.4-quart pots, a thermometer, and recipes--plus, at 10 pounds, it's light enough to haul to the campsite, so you can enjoy baked fish, steamed vegetables, and even pasta wherever you end up. (But we wouldn't recommend giving up the s'mores.) ($135)

Photo via Solar Ovens

Preserve Tableware From Recycline

Paper and plastic plates and utensils will leave your campsite or afternoon picnic with a carbon footprint that's totally unnecessary--but not if you stock up on Preserve Tableware. The plates, cups, and cutlery are made from 100 percent recycled plastic, but are safe for the dishwasher (and recyclable with #5 plastic in a pinch). And did we mention they're light and durable enough to travel with the rest of your weekend gear, easy to rinse on-site, and simple to store until your next adventure? ($5-$21)

Photo via Home Green Solutions

SUB Waterproof Flashlight From Hydrostar

Whether your weekend warrior likes underwater diving or late-night hikes, the HydroStar SUB Waterproof Flashlight will keep the path illuminated. Waterproof to 33 feet, the flashlight will run a 1/2 watt light for an hour with just one minute of cranking--and includes a USB port to charge mp3 players and cell phones without any batteries. (The Waterproof Store, $40)

Photo via Seattle Sports

Recycled Fish SAFE Angling Kit From Green Tackle

For the fisherman on your list, give the Recycled Fish SAFE Angling Kit, filled with biodegradable and non-toxic lures and hooks, including wooden floats (instead of plastic bobbers), tin weights (instead of lead), and molded baits made of biodegradable, digestible protein (instead of soft, dangerous plastic). You'll help keep the fish living in water clean and safe (well, except for your fishing rod, that is). ($15)

Photo via Recycled Fish

Make a Charitable Donation

Shopping for the nature lover who has everything? Skip the commercial gifts and donate to a charity that will keep their favorite spots pristine, like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, The Natural Resources Defense Council, or The Nature Conservancy. It may not be as exotic as a big, shiny, gift-wrapped box, but the initiative will go farther. (From $1)

Photo via PureBound

Bamboo Socks From Bridgedale

Cold, wet feet can turn any trip from merry to miserable, but Bridgedale's bamboo socks use a blend of bamboo and polyester for temperature control and moisture-wicking. With a range of heights including ankle, crew, and extra-low, there's a style to keep every foot dry (and every camper happy). (REI, $14-$17)

Photo via REI

Lightweight Alpine Beanie From Patagonia

True outdoors enthusiasts know that keeping your scalp covered is key to successful winter activities. Patagonia's Lightweight Alpine Beanie, made from 92 percent recycled polyester (and 8 percent spandex, to keep it tight on your head), is compact enough to stow away for just-in-case weather, warm enough to keep you on the slopes all day, and recyclable through the company's Common Threads program. ($25)

Photo via Patagonia

Small Zip Pouch From Green Guru

Keep lighters, band-aids, keys, and other travel must-haves close at hand with Green Guru's small blow out zipper pouch. Constructed from rubber that was a bicycle inner tube in its previous life, the 5 by 3 inch wallet lets you carry essentials in a pocket or backpack without overloading your hands. ($9)

Photo via Green Guru

Green Gift Guide: The Green Geek

2009-11-09T12:57:35Z

Giving gadgets may be a quick and easy way to satisfy all the techies--and closet green geeks--on your list, but shelling out for anything that plugs in just for the sake of that holiday-morning electronic glow can have a heavy cost on your wallet and on the Earth. Still, we've tracked down items sure to gratify any gadget-minded guy or girl: foolproof ways to make your current technology last longer and work better, while keeping in mind that the greenest gadget is the one you already own.

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iPhone Solar Skin From NovoThink

The apps that make the iPhone a must-have for every gadget hound also have one important requirement: that the phone stay charged. The Solar Skin from NovoThink takes care of that: While keeping the screen and USB port free, it allows your iPhone to charge from the sun--so whether you're playing on the beach, heading out for a hike, stuck in traffic, or just playing battery-hogging games during a boring meeting, you'll still be able to track down vegetarian restaurants when you really need to. (Solar Arcadia, $70)

Photo via Solar Feeds

Green iPhone Applications

Of course, those same iPhone apps can also help you live a more eco-friendly life--at least, if you download the right ones. From calculating your carbon footprint to choosing sustainable shops, our list of 100 green iPhone applications takes most of the guesswork out of going green: Try Green Outlet as a home power monitor, AroundMe for finding businesses within walking distance, GoodGuide for choosing the greenest item on the shelf, Harvest for picking perfectly fresh fruit, and TapIt for tracking down stores that will let you refill a water bottle for free. (iTunes, Free-$3)

Image via TreeHugger

Kill A Watt Power Monitor From Weems Creek Solutions and Tweet A Watt From Adafruit Industries

The Kill A Watt power monitor is an inexpensive way for your favorite gadget-obsessed techie to track just how much energy each computer, appliance, lamp, or ceiling fan affects the meter reading (and the monthly bill). But for the hands-on energy tracker on your list, give the Tweet A Watt, which allows the monitor to connect to a Twitter feed and post regular updates of how much you're saving--or wasting--for the world to see. (Kill a Watt, $22; Tweet-a-Watt Starter Pack, $90)

Photo via MAKE

YBox2 DIY Mini Network PC From ThinkGeek

An Altoids tin has dozens of uses beyond holding those curiously strong mints--but turning one into a computer seems like a stretch, right? Not with the YBox2 DIY Mini Network PC kit from ThinkGeek. You get an 8-core CPU, 32K RAM, 32K Flash, an ethernet port, composite video output, full-color status LED, a circuit board, and more; just provide an AC power adapter, a monitor, soldering tools, and the mint tin. Then put it all together (it should take about two hours) and prove to your gaming friends that size really doesn't matter. ($75)

Photo via ThinkGeek

2x iPod Dock From Vers

For all the sound of a full-size system--without the space requirements or amount of resources--give the Vers 2x iPod dock. Made from sustainable cherry wood (or bamboo) and fitted with an energy-efficient amplifier, 15-watt speakers, and a 14-function remote, it's an eco-friendly alternative to the more common plastic and metal versions. It's also hand-finished and held together with screws--which make it easy to recycle when it's time for a newer model. ($180-$200)

Photo via Planet Green

Solaris 26 Solar Charger From Brunton

Keeping your gadgets charged by the sun while traveling can mean hauling a larger-than-comfortable solar device (unless you're willing to use your cell phone for every tech need). The Solaris 26 from Brunton may not be the prettiest charger on the market, but its thin-film technology is strong enough to power anything that runs on 26 watts or fewer, and it folds up to an 8.5 inch by 11 inch envelope--small enough to fit in your briefcase or backpack. ($620)

Photo via MetaEfficient

Reclaim From Samsung

Eco-friendly cell phones are an idea we can all get behind--especially when so many end up in landfills after just a few years or less--and the Samsung Reclaim is a good start. With texting, Facebook access, GPS navigation, and a body made from 80 percent recyclable materials, it's efficient when you're using it and easy to dispose of. One caveat: Since it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of more extravagant phones, it might not be the right choice for your always-dialed-in techie--but it is exactly right for those family members who prefer the basics (Mom, we're looking at you). ($50-$129, depending on contract and activation)

Photo via TreeHugger

Power Smart Wall From iGo

While a power monitor that shows how much energy you're using might be the boost you need to unplug your computer and turn off the lights, lazier gadgeteers need iGo's Power Smart Wall. The device comes with four outlets to hold all your electricity guzzlers: Two shut down automatically when you turn off your device to fight the waste of vampire power and two stay on all the time for your must-have appliances. It's an effortless way to save energy and money--but of course, we still recommend turning off the lights when you leave the room. ($30)

Photo via iGo

USB Heating Gloves From USB Geek

Whether you're trimming the heat bill by lowering the thermostat or have a gaming obsession that extends to the outdoors, USB heating gloves will keep your hands warm while leaving your fingers free for game controls or typing. Simply plug the warming pad into your USB port and the gloves heat up. Feel like these are a bit much? Trying making some from and old pair of gloves or knitting your own. (USB Geek, $22)

Photo via USB Geek

USB Bamboo Keyboard and Mouse From Brando Workshop

Keep your favorite computer geek's desk a little more cozy and sustainable with a USB-ready bamboo keyboard and mouse from Brando Workshop. The standard 106-key keyboard and scrolling mouse work with PCs and Linux; just add a few plants and an aromatherapy candle to turn a stressful home office space into a soothing retreat (well, except for the work). ($19-$52)

Photo via Gearfuse

Reader Daily Edition From Sony

The newest addition to Sony's Reader lineup, the Daily Edition, is scheduled to hit shelves in December--just in time for the holiday rush. So how does it differ from previous versions? In addition to finally having wireless access to downloadable books (which is what separated Sony from the Amazon Kindle in older models), users have the ability to borrow electronic editions from their local library and download from Google's public library--both for free. Review devices haven't come out yet, so we can't discuss the interface, but for the voracious reader (and wallet-watcher) on your list, the Daily Edition could become a new personal library. ($400)

Photo via Sony