April 2008

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It can be tough finding wallpaper that holds up to the scrutiny of the most environmentally-friendly decorator: there is production of the paper itself and the backing to consider, as well as the paintstaking and sometimes toxic task of putting it up. The “Eco-Wallpaper” collection from Charles Rupert does a good job of answering that challenge. These wallpapers are all printed on 100% paper base (not vinyl) and use water-based inks. The formaldehyde-free paper is produced from sustainable, managed forests, and the production process creates mostly benign byproducts such as water. Additionally, the inks and coatings are water-based with very low VOC levels. And for the final part of the wallpapering process, all wallpapers are installed with traditional wheat paste or cellulose paste, which are made from powder and mixed with water and produce no VOCs.

I will say right now that this beautiful chandelier is one of the most innovative examples of repurposing that I have ever seen. It is one of a limited number of 20 made by inspired artist Stuart Haygarth. And you will never believe what it is made of. The Spectacle chandlier is created from 1020 pairs of prescription glasses (hence the name spectacle) which are linked together to resemble a traditional tiered chandelier. According to Haygarth’s website, “By using prescriptive spectacles which were once an essential tool for seeing an interesting analogous line is drawn between their old and new purposes.” The light fixture inside reflects off each pair of lenses for a truly unique lighting effect.

These cute pieces will let you dress up your table, even when you have to put a drink on it. Use them as coasters or as trivets. Each set comes with four pieces: an outer and inner ring in each of two colors: slate and chestnut. That means you can mix and match them. They are made of 100% eco-certified felted wool. The outer ring is 7.5″ diameter, and the inner ring is 4.75″ diameter, so they are big enough for all your tabletop needs.

Price: $22 for the set

All too often, environmentally friendly bedding can only be found in boring shades of ivory, cream or white. Well, feast your eyes on these! This 100% certified organic cotton duvet cover and pillow shams from Plover Organics are marked by a beautiful, sophisticated pattern in shades of blue, green and brown. The duvet does reverse to all white if you want that crisp, fresh look, and all the pieces are pure from fiber to finishing — no formaldehydes or synthetics were used in their production. And if the beautiful plants on the shams don’t take you right back to nature, I don’t know what will.

Have you ever been to a flea market and thought “All I can find here is junk.” Well, this unique timepiece just might make you rethink the way you look at flea markets. Stroke of Art finds interesting objects at fleamarkets and turns them into functional jewelry, clocks and art. This particular clock combines a rotary phone dial with a vinyl record to make a unique pendulum clock with a vintage phone mouthpiece on the end. Now that’s what I call recycling!

Price: $188

Finally, organic bath towels with a splash of color! The luxurious Marimekko bath towel will be a bold addition to your towel rack, but its ample size (55″ l x 28″ w) also makes it a towel you will love wrapping yourself in — and it will go all the way around your body. At least 60% of the cotton used in the production of these towels is organic. It would be great if that percentage were 100, but look it this way — it is at least 60% more eco-friendly than many of the towels you probably already own.

I personally love bold patterns in black and white, and the bold herringbone pattern on this blanket makes it a keeper, in my book. The clean lines will make a statement if placed on the back of your favorite chair or across your bed, and black and white works with just about any other single color. You can also feel great about your choice: it is made of 100% Certified organic tanguis cotton, and hand dyed and handwoven in Peru.

Price: $1400

Joya candles come in a beautiful package, but that is only the beginning. They are handmade in New York of either 100% essential oils or essential oil and fine perfume blends. The wax they use comes from palm oil kernels and is extracted and refined through pressing and crushing, rather than the use of chemicals. The wax is vegetable-based, grown without the use of drugs or hormones and is a 100% natural food-grade renewable resource. Joya candles are free of petroleum products and additives and use cotton wicks. Available scents are First Love Gardenia, Peony White Tea, Japanese Wisteria, Calabrian Lime Blossom and Pomegranate Bourbon Vanilla.

This beautiful patterned rug from Gaiam is 100% recycled, handcrafted Thai floor covering. The rug is made from recycled soda bottles, so it will stand up to foot traffic in mudrooms, kitchens, or anywhere else. And even better: no maintenance is required. All you have to do is spray it off with your hose. This makes it perfect for households with kids or pets (assuming they won’t chew on your rug).

Price: $84

If you want to go green in your kitchen or bathroom, you can do more than just purchasing EnergyStar appliances. IceStone surfaces are made with 100% recycled glass in a cement matrix and reduce the amount of glass that ends up in the landfill. They are kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom vanities and shower walls, tabletops, flooring, and outdoor pavers. And they are remarkably durable as well — up to 13,000 psi, IceStone surfaces are stronger than marble, and they are heat and scratch resistant. It also comes in a 23 different colors, so you can truly customize it to match your kitchen. The detail photo above shows the Icicle Blue finish.