It’s been a long while since I’ve featured a product for pets, and when I saw this one, I knew it was time. The Litter Robot is precisely what it sounds like: It is a contraption that automatically separates messes from kitty litter so you never again have to scoop cat poop manually.

Now, I am not a cat owner, and although I’m actually really fond of cats, my dislike for the litter box might stop me from ever owning one. I have lived with a cat, and although I had no problem feeding her and even rubbing her down for “baths,” I HATED clearing the litter box. It was always a stomach-churning task for me, and I generally have a pretty strong stomach.

So for people like me, the litter robot seems like a godsend. A few minutes after a cat exits the unit, it automatically sifts the litter, extracting clumps of poop and depositing them in a bag-lined compartment underneath. So all you have to do is remove and throw away the bag.

What’s so green about this, you ask? Well, it is  reasonably green in that it is made in the U.S., and the eco version is made of 100% recycled plastic. But whether it’s necessary is certainly up for debate. Some people would say it’s an extravagance. I can imagine a few cat owners would see it as the best idea ever.

Either way, the thing is ugly. So…the ingenious folks over at Automated Pet Care Products Inc. also created a cabinet to fit over the unit and cover most of it. I’m not sure whether the box is made of reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood. And even with the cabinet, the robot is still pretty large and noticeable. BUT, I’d venture to say that’s a small price to pay if you never have to scoop the litter box again.

What do you think? Considering both form AND function, is this thing drab or fab? And is it green enough?

Why It’s Green:

• Made in the U.S. of recycled plastic

Price: Eco Litter Robot, $329; Cabinet, $119-179

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It’s been a while since I’ve found something truly worthy of a Drab or Fab post, but when I saw these heads at Anthropologie the other day, I  knew they were perfect for one. As a general rule, I’m averse to the idea of having animal heads hanging from a wall, whether they’re real or fake (HOPEFULLY not real, though). But there’s something about these two that draws me in. They’re almost — dare I say it — cute, and even slightly modern.

They are made of recycled cement bags and pages from old books. In the closeup shots, you can really see the detail of the words on the pages used, though you won’t be able to read them unless you can speak French. They have a quirky quality to them that just might make me overlook the fact that they are still — well — animal heads. Intended for a wall. Still, as smitten as I am, I’m not sure how or where they could be used, outside a library or playroom of some sort. And while Anthropologie is generally spot-on with their staged shots of products in a room, I’m sorry to say that the photo below is NOT a stylish solution.

So what do you think? Are they drab or fab? Are animal heads a no-no, regardless of what they’re made of? I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Why It’s Green:

• Made of recycled cement bags and pages from vintage books

Price: Zebra & Rhino, $68/ea.

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I enjoy the occasional sci fi movie just as much as the next guy, but you won’t see me at any Star Trek conventions any time soon. Still, I couldn’t help but  be enamored with this flying saucer bowl set by Museum of Robots. It’s geeky, but not in the pocket protector and bi-focal wearing sort of way. More in a really quirky, modern, “where did you get that?!” sort of way.

Maybe it’s because it’s made of beautiful, sustainable acacia wood, or maybe it’s because it’s the only way I’ll ever get to see a “real” spaceship, but I’d love to have this as a centerpiece for a dinner party. You gotta love the fact that it splits into two separate bowls for serving purposes. I definitely have to say I think it’s fab. The price tag, not so much, but the product is fabulous.

What do you guys think? Is it drab or fab? Would you use this for entertaining, or keep it out all the time. Weigh in below!

Why It’s Green:

• Acacia is a fast-growing, sustainable hardwood

Price: $230 (aff)

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I know it’s been a while since I have done a Drab or Fab post, but I have to get your opinion on this one.

Generally, all you have to do is think the word “floral” to make me run screaming in the opposite direction. I’m not a floral kind of girl. Unless of course that floral shows up in a bold, modern damask or close-up photography of flowers in black and white. But red roses? On bedding? Not for me. Usually. This bedding from Gaiam is (I can’t believe I’m saying this) making me reconsider.

The roses are there, and I did have to stifle a bit of a gag the first time I saw this bedding, but the unexpected polka dot background made me take a second look. I’m not completely convinced, but it’s growing on me. On the plus side, the bedding is reversible, so you could switch to the plain polka dot side if the the roses proved too gagtastic for you to handle.

So what do you think? Is this polka dot/floral combo drab or fab? Is it a beautiful example of decor innovation or shabby chic run amuck? Leave your opinions in the comments below!

Why It’s Green:

• Made of organic cotton
• Colored with low-impact dyes
• Finished without harsh chemical softeners or chlorine
• Oeko-Tex certified (also known as Eco-Tex)
• As a company, Gaiam is known for its social and environmental responsibility

Price: $36-140 (aff)

Made in: China

Bonus! Get $20 off any order over $100 at Gaiam with coupon code “EWW2V4“. Exp. 11/11/09

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My husband is a vegetarian, but I’m not quite there yet. I’m on my way though, as I don’t eat any red meat or pork — just poultry and seafood. But I love the look of leather furniture. I’ve never been a huge fan of leather clothing, but on a club chair? I can’t help but appreciate the luxurious look and feel of tightly upholstered leather. And the dream home office I have conjured in my head includes two beautiful white leather Barcelona chairs.

I can’t, however, shake the notion that no cow should have to die to upholster a chair. After all, if I won’t eat beef, why should I decorate my home with its skin? This, of course, comes from the logical side of my brain. The creative, design geek side just wants a beautiful leather chair. The Bennett Lounge Chairs, shown above in black (though it looks brown in the photo) and white, are clean, simple and pretty affordable at just $159.99 apiece. They also find a bit of a middle ground between my two warring opinions: They are upholstered in recycled leather.

Therein lies the dilemma. Is recycled letter better than virgin leather, or is it just as bad? Does the fact that the leather is in it’s second life make it more green? Personally, I’m on the fence about this one. Recycled leather is, by definition, greener than virgin leather. But is leather, in an of itself, anti-green? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

Price: $159.99 (aff)

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My husband knows how much I like eclectic art and accessories. We have African masks and shadow boxes filled with handmade trinkets, and I’m typically drawn to colorful art like the Obama print I featured yesterday. But something tells me he might be a little freaked out if I brough home this recycled glass head from Pier 1. I love stepping out on a limb and doing something that’s a little different and a lot unexpected, but I think if this were in my home, I’d feel like its blank eyes were following me around the room.

On the plus side, it is made of recycled glass, so at least no resources were wasted to create it. But really, unless you’re a sculptor or a hairdresser, it’s hard to imagine any decorator using this. I’m trying to envision it in a teenager’s room, or maybe in a funky sitting room. It might work, but I think this one is a little too much for my taste.

So what do you think readers? Is it drab or fab? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Price: $15 (only available in stores. Find one near you)

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Though I’ve never been on a true sailboat, I love the feeling of being on the water. Whether it was a ride on the ferry between St. Thomas and St. John (Virgin Islands), a spin on a paddle boat at Magen’s Bay Beach, or a ride on the Staten Island ferry, the water has always welcomed me. That said, this particular use for sails may be a bit too much for my taste.

I love the sustainable spirit behind reusing a real boat sail, but I’m not sure the nautical look is the right fit for my bathroom. I’ve seen recycled sail pillows on Etsy and really liked those. And even though I’m not a big fan of the price, I even dig the sail tote bags, perhaps because the theme comes in a much smaller dose. But as a shower curtain? Not so much.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of a recycled boat sail

Price: $79

So what do you think decorators? Is it drab or fab? Leave a comment and let me know!

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One decorating trend I’ve been seeing a lot of lately is birdcages. At first, I wasn’t too keen on the idea. Images of feather-filled pet store cages and old episodes of Looney Tunes featuring Tweety Bird being pursued by Sylvester the Cat came to mind. Not exactly something I would want to be reminded of every day. It took a while, but eventually, I was able to look past their function to their form. They really can be beautiful pieces of sculpture.

This Bamboo Barrel Birdcage from Anthropologie is a perfect example. The rounded form has a distressed
white finish that makes it unique and stunning. So again, I’ve found a piece that would be right at home in a shabby chic room — and I actually like it!

Why It’s Green:

• Made of bamboo and rattan

Price: $88

So what do you think decorators? Is it drab or fab? Leave a comment and let me know!

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As I’ve mentioned in the past, I’m originally from the Caribbean, so I tend to fall head over heels for anything that reminds me of the ocean — sandy colors, coral patterns, beach stones…you name it. Still, this lamp falls on that really thin line. You know — the line between unusually fabulous and over-the-top gaudy.

I am drawn to its organic shape and the shade made of natural, fossilized cocoa leaves, as well as the whimsical nature of the gangly “tentacles.” Definitely not something you see every day. But while the natural and green versions might have a chance in my home, I draw the line at the multicolored lampshade. Reminds me too much of stained glass windows in an old church.

All that said, this lamp did do one thing. It inspired a new feature here at Green Your Decor called “Drab or Fab.” Every now and then, I’ll come across a product that challenges my taste, and I’ll ask your opinion. Do you think it’s fabulous, or is it a bad idea that never should have happened?

Why It’s Green:

• Shade made of natural fossilized cocoa leaves
• Handmade
• Frame made of powder-coated wrought iron, which is recyclable

Price: $229.99

What’s the final verdict? Is this lamp drab or fab? Leave a comment and let me know!

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