Found these cool bowls made of coconut -- "Coconut is the New Bamboo!"
 
                                                  
"Coconuts? Yes, coconuts. Coconut palm is a remarkably renewable material. Grown throughout the tropics for both culinary and non-culinary uses, virtually every part of coconut palm trees has some application. The coconut shell is what remains after the coconut meat and milk have been harvested. Coconut shells are usually a waste by-product, but have been transformed into a new purpose with these colorful bowls. Each bowl is unique since the shape is determined by the actual coconut. Every bowl is cleaned and polished, then finished with a durable food-safe PU lacquer and accented with a bright color. Use for either decoration or for food. Each coconut bowl measures approx. 5.5" diameter x 2.5"H. Set of 4 includes one each of Mango, Cayenne, Spearmint Blue, and Basil Green. $58"  Link here.   

Here's a great article from our friends over at EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) about chemical dangers, the burden of proof, and the US government's proposed actions on chemical oversight vs. Europe and other countries.  If we care about our families, ourselves and the planet, we'll clamor to make these important changes as quickly as possible.

Article here

You don't have to sacrifice style to be kinder to the environment, and a model condominium designed by Thom Filicia is a perfect example of this. He uses green materials, fabrics and finishes throughout this comfortably appointed home, but you wouldn't know it unless he told you. 

I love the beautiful dresser by Aponwao Design he used, which is made out of salvaged picture frames!

Read more (and see the beautiful dresser) here.

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).

Check it out... and product finder for green building materials in your are! This site is lacking a large amount of manufacturers, however, as the site develops, it will be come a great resource!

http://www.green2green.org