Tag archives: Recyclable

A2adesign: Cardboard reDesigned

22Feb07

Thanks to Design Milk I now know about A4a Design, an Italian company who turns its love affair with recycled cardboard into functional furnishings and art.

These Mobiles by A4aDesign not only lend visual interest to a room, but lend evolving light compositions throughout the day and evening.

The Spot-tondo and Spot-quadro Tables are each punctuated with a brightly colored laminated wood top. Slotted construction means they arrive in a space-saving package and can be put together in minutes, or put away when not in use.


Street Benches are made of recycled-honeycombed-board and available in four lengths. The laminated wood top is available in bold-colored solids or graphic patterns.

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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Etsy Find: Plantable Greeting Cards

23Jan07

Here’s a great way to spread a little love this Valentine’s season: Plantable Greeting Cards from round robin press. I discovered them on Etsy after buying my refashioned poker chip necklace from stinkycretingirl (beautiful jewelry, the name however…).

Wildflower seeds have been embedded in organic cotton paper and will sprout when planted. If I had a yard I’d test it out. Anyone out there game to try?

And the love birds? They’re letterpressed using soy-based ink, and enveloped in a 100% recycled Kraft envelope.

Love Birds, roundrobinpress, $6 on etsy. A variety pack of four is available for $20.

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

Filed under Gifts+Gifting, Indie, Lifestyle Tips, Recycled, Stationery+Cards| Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments

Angela Johnson: Frocks that Rock

18Jan07

There’s something really captivating about designer Angela Johnson’s sense of style. Self-described as “punk couture,” “vintage inspired” and “kitschy ready-to-wear,” Angela’s gowns exude feminity “but with a dark side.” So if you tend to gravitate towards the adventurous style of Gwen Stefani over the classic appeal of Nicole Kidman, look no further than these bold-n-beautiful gowns refashioned from vintage fabrics.

With the menswear trend back in full force this Button Down Party Dress made from thrifted men’s shirts will prove who wears the “dress” in the family. Wear it with a crenoline petticoat for extra “pouf,” (available separately). $300 at Angela Johnson

T-Shirt Ball Gown, by Angela Johnson, $400 at Unsung
A daring black number that makes a statement–literally. This gown incorporates international iconography (I can just about read the Chinese characters at the waistline). Only one available for snapping up!

Each gown is one-of-a-kind (no fears of deja vu on the red carpet for you). You can either leave the T-shirt choices up to Angela or supply your own castoffs. As with the rest of Angela’s clothing, you have to expect that Angela’s sense of humor will be included with this dress.
Angela is Phoenix-based, but her clothing is available through a variety of retailers listed here.
Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

Filed under Eco Glam, Fashion - Women, Handmade, Indie, Refashion+Refurb, Urban Style| Tagged , , , , | No Comments

Design Meets Cannery Row

14Jan07

Storage that doubles as a piece of wall art? The Cesaria Evora Storage Unit by GodoyLab takes recycled cans and transforms them into a wall mounted shelving unit. Originally designed in 1997, Emiliano Godoy has created many versions since. These units strike a perfect balance of industrial style and elegance.

The DIY Version: Create your own storage unit from empty paint cans or coffee cans. Peel off the labels (you may need to soak them in water first). Paint the interior (and/or exterior) a sassy color for a two-toned graphic effect.

Personally, I’ve been wanting to design a room divider from cans for my home office. Open up the bottom with a can opener and paint the interior with a low-VOC paint (in a peacock blue). The trick is to hot glue them in an arrangement that becomes freestanding. Voila–a storage divider.

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

Filed under Art+Graphics, Budget Decor, Interior Design, Multifunctional Design, Office Style, Refashion+Refurb| Tagged , | 3 Comments

Walls and Wares to Die For: Lily Yung

11Jan07


My fetish for felt furnishings continues with a look at the sinewy, die cut furnishings and jewelry designed by Toronto-based mixed media artist Lily Yung. Made from industrial wool felt, the pieces are dyed and hand assembled by Lily into gorgeous webs for wall panels, pillows, rugs and runners.

Not one to waste good material, Lily takes the remaining die cuts (the cut outs) and uses textile techniques to create masterful pieces of jewelry:


Lily’s personal favorite? The blue Boa FB1:

“I think the blue boa is very successful. It is simple but dramatic on
the body and fulfills my goal to incorporate the closure mechanism in
the piece and it is also adjustable to fit different neck sized and
can be easily reconfigured to be a collar or a bracelet.”

The Fab Factor: Lily’s pieces are simply stunning and beautifully crafted. Wool felt as a material that is landfill-friendly and naturally fire-retardant (goodbye to chemically-based fire-proof treatments). We love that Lily sources her wool and cutting services locally (conserves fuel/transportation), and transforms otherwise wasteful leftovers into beautiful pieces.

You can meet Lily and see her work in person at:

Virtual/Tangible v2.0 Show
@ Velvet da Vinci, San Francisco
January 24, 2007

Interior Design Show 2007
@ Direct Energy Centre, Toronto
February 22-25.

If you’re planning on attending either event, we’d love to have you share your field report with Fab Green readers!

You can see more of Lily’s work here. If you’re interested in buying or sourcing her pieces feel free to contact Lily directly.

Another entry on Lily’s beautiful wire jewelry to come later this week. Special thanks to Lily Yung for answering our many questions and sharing your work with Fab Green!

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

Filed under Art+Graphics, Handmade, Indie, Interior Design, Jewelry, Materials+Finishes, Multifunctional Design| Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments

Modern Glam: Palazzo T4 Chandelier

20Nov06

If Marie Antoinette were a modernist, she probably would have been drawn to this hot, acrylic Palazzo T4 Chandelier. It’s more minimalist than the popular Murano Glass Chandelier sold at Design Within Reach but at half the cost. Designed by British innovator Patricia Adler of Peppermint it can be hung indoors or out–thanks to its lightweight acrylic nature. Available in frosted blue or white, it arrives flat, to be slotted together in five minutes with a simple screwdriver. Which means it stores away just as easily. Sells for about £295 ($475 USD).

The Fab Factor: The Palazzo uses only candles, so it’s romantic and kind to your electric bill. We also give kudos for the flat-pack efficient design (less packaging upon arrival) and that it’s made from acrylic, a recyclable material.

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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Greening Your Beloved Nano

23Oct06

There’s been much Sturm und Drang (thanks Tim Gunn) over Greenpeace’s campaign to “green” Apple’s iproducts. As a loyal Apple customer since 1986 (yes, that’s right folks! I was happily inculcated as a high school junior with that first SE-30–remember those little things?), so I was disheartened to hear alleged reports that they haven’t committed to removing toxic PVCs (aka “Pretty Vile Chemicals”) from their otherwise impeccably designed computers and gadgets.

That said, many of us cherish our iPods, iShuffles, and those sleek and sexy Nanos. At least you can wrap your Nano in something green…


…or ruby, orange or aqua…

The Fab Factor: These Jimi Cases designed by Californian Mike O’Neill are made from 100% recycled plastics and are fully recyclable when you’ve moved on to the next “it” gadget. They are made in the USA (Pittsfield, MA to be exact). Plus Mike O’Neill is also a member of 1% for the Planet.

Available at Zanisa and Branch Home. Maybe Apple will take its cue from the accessory companies who love them.

Note: Want to see “green” Apples? Feel free to join Greenpeace’s tough love campaign to encourage Apple to make their products lean and green.

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

Filed under Gadgets, Gifts+Gifting, Recycled, Refashion+Refurb| Tagged , , , , | No Comments

Futureproof/ed Furniture

17Oct06


These Oto chairs available at Futureproof/ed conjure up childhood memories of folding origami with my mother. So what happens when you take a penchant for paperfolding and apply it to say–molded beech plywood? How about a stunning collection of furniture that is clean, understated. Very eco-cool.

The Voxia line designed by Peter Karpf is the result of more than 30 years of experimenting with “the optimum simplicity in a chair, unifying space with the article of furniture.” It doesn’t get more simple (or more sustainable) than using a single sheet of wood veneer. No screws or added hardware. No toxic adhesives. Just simple, straightforward design.

Stackable NXT Chairs

Toothy-looking Vuw Stool

Stackable Eco Chair

The Fab Factor: We love the fact that Voxia is crafted from a sustainably managed forest near to the production plant. The form itself requires minimal materials to make–a real statement of less being more. The production process requires substantially less energy (catch their video here). And of course, they’re recyclable.

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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Icarus Pendant: Flight of Fancy

13Oct06

How beautiful is this? A sculptural light by über Dutch designer Tord Boontje made of overlapping feather shapes cut from Mylar. A surprising poetic flight of fancy for any space. And at $80, the Icarus is also very wallet-friendly.


The Fab Factor: We love that it’s packed flat (for minimal packaging) then springs to life when it reaches its final destination. Mylar is recyclable (yippee), and the Icarus uses a low wattage bulb of 60W or less. Now that’s sustainable style.

Available at:
Modern Poverty
friend Objects in Common
Unica Home

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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FLOR: Cute as a Button Rugs

26Sep06

Kudos to FLOR for their first foray into circular tiles! Our firm Sander Architects are tried and true FLOR fans. They’ve adorned our product library and reception area in three different offices (we’re in a never-ending moving pattern). But these new Button tiles are eye-popping, playful little things…dynamic eye candy for your floor.

The Fab Factor: Non-toxic, hip alternative to carpet (unless you like inhalants). They can be put down temporarily for apartment dwellers and reused when you’ve moved on. They inspire creativity – mix and match colors and rearrange to your heart’s desire. Perfect for folks like me who love to change my mind. When you’ve finished with them, FLOR will reclaim them for you instead of letting them go to a landfill.

Via Apartment Therapy

Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.

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