I just came across this chic modern outdoor furniture from LA based Scout Regalia.  The outdoor table set is made from untreated FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood (wood from managed forests) and enameled aluminum, which puts a nice spin on the classic park table.  Time for a picnic!

Can you see a plastic box soundsystem on your shelf or desktop from where you are sitting now?  Does it appear from this accessory as if you enjoy plastic packaging more than the quality furniture in your home or office?  Does it actually jar you out of peacefully enjoying Mozart when you look at this piece of plastic crap cranking out your beloved tunes?

Next time you need to replace your broken stereo, consider this Vers system instead.  The design idea was inspired by a classic 1955 Zenith radio that co-founder David Laituri has owned since he was 12.  He and partner Tim Trzepacz worked together at Brookstone before they started Vers as an alternative to plastic-encased sound systems.  They wanted a high-quality sound system that would look smart and also be sustainable (each Vers 1.5R system replaces 80% of what could be plastic with wood).

My family was ahead of the eco-friendly trend when it came to wrapping paper. In the 80s, we wrapped the lids and bottoms of boxes separately with our favorite paper, allowing us to re-use year after year with just a fresh ribbon (and sometimes even a reused one!) In the 90s, we made or purchased fabric gift bags with drawstring ribbons that allow for easy access. Not only are these ideas simple and reduce wrapping waste and stress, but they have also become beloved holiday memories themselves: who will receive the Snoopy box or the snowman bag this year? You can even hold a craft-party with friends and family to make your boxes and bags out of scraps from your other projects!

Here's another great holiday idea that holds up year-round:

Here's a great find from www.dailygrommet.com: 

The end of a tree's growing life is not the end of its useful life by any means. Spencer Peterman from Western Massachusetts can attest to that personally. Spencer spends his time scouring the woods for fallen maple trees that he makes into fine bowls for your dinner table. 

Spencer's spaulted bowls - named for the natural veining or cracking that occurs during the decomposition process - are available in a range of sizes. He also offers spaulted maple salad tossers. All of his products are made from fallen or donated trees - no trees are cut down. Spencer can even make a bowl out of your own beloved fallen tree! 

I'm feelin' the Jack Larimore furniture pieces straight from ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair).  Jack says that his collection embodies "modernism, sustainability and the old souls of timber salvaged from Philadelphia structures."  Oooh... soul...  love that!  Since each piece comes from a different source, you'll get a certificate of provenance to explain your piece's story.

Jack Larimore