From clothes hangers to hangeliers!

What are hangeliers, you ask? Clothes hanger chandeliers of course! Having just blogged about how to make expensive clothes hangers out of plastic bottles, blogging about hangeliers next couldn't seem more appropriate! Thanks for the lead, Pat!







My only criticism is the designers at Organelle Design made the above hangeliers from off-the-shelf plastic and wood hangers rather than finding old, used ones. According to Inhabitat where they were featured last year, "clothes hangers are clogging our landfills at a rate of nearly 8 billion per year." That's a whole lot of hangers! They should have tried and used some of those 8 million!

My compliment is that other materials designers Alex Witko and Courtney Hunt used to make their eye catching hangeliers are salvaged repurposed found objects such as bike rims, chainrings, and zipties.

Even more inspiring was Organelle Design's BYO_ event as in "build your own ____!" event. Their slogan: "resist consumerism.... by reusing it's wasteful by-products!" Check out how it went here. Below is a shot of one of the event's results... a snazzy coffee table 100% made from salvaged repurposed found objects!

xo,
ej

PS - 3 more days till my special ecojot ecard January giveaway ends, so keep sending those ecards for your chance to win ;D

Be safe. Be green. Advanced Happy Happy Halloween!

Hi Everyone,

How was everyone's weekend? Wonderful I hope!

I've got a crazy busy week ahead of me hence my absence yesterday, and my decision to be absent for the rest of the week. I'll be back next week to announce the winner of my October Ecojot Treat Giveaway, in the meantime, be sure to enter if you haven't yet already ;)

And just because I happen to be going to NYC for a few days at the end of the week... A fun video, because you know how much I love them!

Be safe. Be green. Have a Happy Happy Halloween!

See you next week!

xo,

ej

PS-- In fact, just for good measure, here's a link to InHabitat's Top 5 Green Halloween Treats and Tips by Yuka Yoneda!

Another Halloween Contest...

As many of you have mentioned reusing old Halloween costumes, or shopping at Value Village for my October Ecojot Treat Giveaway... It only seemed appropriate to let you know about the Inhabitat Green Halloween Contest...

You can enter the Inhabitat Greeen Halloween Costume Contest any time before the deadline of 11:59pm EST on November 1st. To enter, upload up to 3 photos (as jpegs) of your awesome green halloween costume. They are looking for creative examples of DIY Halloween costumes – so you’ll get extra points for craft and creativity.

I've been battling a cold, so I haven't yet gotten a chance to check out any of the films at the Planet In Focus Film Festival but I'll be at the Eco-Exchange all day tomorrow. So if you're in the 'hood please come by and say hello. As I love to do, I will have a special raffle. And on this rare, occasion I will be selling some ecojot products!

If Toronto isn't home, not to worry, you can still enter my October Ecojot Treat Giveaway. All you have to do is tell me your favourite ecojot design/pattern!

Have a wonderful weekend! Remember to load up on vitamin C to keep those unfriendly colds 'n flus away!

xo,

ej

I spy with my little eye... ecojot!

NYC Inhabitat Party Goodie Giveaway
Originally uploaded by Inhabitat

A few weeks ago I'd heard that Inhabitat New York was launching. Being the big Inhabitat and of course NYC fan that I am, while I couldn't be there in person... I thought why not try and send some Ecojot goodies. As luck would have it my offer arrived in time, and I managed to send some Ecojot gift-in-kind donations for a the "NYC Inhabitat Party Goodie Giveaway."

Inhabitat sent out word they'd posted pics of the launch party on Flickr, and so I of course had to check 'em out!

Speaking of giveaways, SliceofLemon.com is hosting a giveaway for five Ecojot jumbo journals, or as Sabrina, the blogger refers to them "jumbo-jots...." "The Greatest Notebooks on Earth!"

The contest is going on until 9 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, Oct. 5, 2009. So hurry, one entry per person, all you have to do is share "your fondest childhood memory!"

It's very wet and gray here in Toronto., which is unfortunate since well it's a tad depressing, plus not only is it Nuit Blanche tomorrow in Paris and Toronto, but I am riding my first tall-ship sail boat tomorrow for a ride on Lake Ontario and a delicious dinner... But brrrr, it sure is going to be cold. I may have to bring my parka!

Bon weekend however you spend it!

xo,
ej

Getting excited for TIFF, and a film premiering at UN Climate Week

Wow, 43 Google Followers!!! Welcome to all the new subscribers... Perhaps many by way of PegCityMomma's Giveaway, enter here, if you haven't yet already... Giveaway ends September 14th :D

Just a quick Tuesday hello... I was reading the Globe this morning when I came across this fantastic photograph of the Snowbirds ("Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron) in Toronto.

Photo: Ryan Enn Hughes/The Globe and Mail

I'm still wondering how this was shot... Helicopter? One of the other Snowbirds? The latter seems unlikely considering how much attention the pilots need to pay when they're that close to each other as it is.

Keeping this short 'cause have you ever noticed how a short work week after a long weekend seems to pile up the to-dos? But before I sign off just a quick ecoFilm plug...

I was visiting Inhabitat.com this morning when I came across this film trailer for "The Age of Stupid." After watching the trailer, I quickly logged on to the TIFF website to see if it's screening here before it premieres in the US on Monday, September 21 in conjunction with US Climate Week. Unfortunately, it's not screening at TIFF, but I am hopeful it'll open here too.

I'm getting really excited about TIFF, and I'll be sure to share my thoughts on the films I get to see. I'm seeing at least six in all, the most I've ever seen at one festival! Should be tons of fun, and for those of you who are in Toronto, and didn't know there are many free events. All the TIFF Free Events are being held at Yonge and Dundas Square, including not just screenings but concerts as well! Full details and schedule here.

xo,

ej

design • style • recycled

I quite like these "Clever Lids" by Jack Bresnahan (as seen on InHabitat) that convert tin cans into stylish containers. Jack is a recent graduate of Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK and showcased his designs at the New Designers exhibition in London.

As Bresnahan points out "Bresnahan says that “concentration should be given to a product’s life from birth to death and designers should take responsibility for their products when they eventually need to be disposed of.” The standard “tin” can was patented in 1810, but since the 1960’s they have been made primarily with aluminum, making them entirely recyclable, corrosion resistant, and durable."

Speaking of recycled design... How's this...?


An entire kitchen made of recycled material by Milestone (as seen on EcoFriend). Also in the UK... Is it just me or the British trying to lead the way for green design?

"Classed as a ‘hard & rigid’ plastic, the board material for the unit doors shown here is made from factory reject and post consumer waste… yoghurt pots!
It takes 700 yoghurt pots to make 1 sanded unit door!"

As I happen to own a great "bazura bag" (pictured on the stairs above) made entirely of recycled material (juice packs that would otherwise end up in the landfill). Therefore, I think a whole kitchen would be fabulous! My mum gave me my bazura bag which looks very similar to the one pictured below that I just adore, especially for my grocery shopping trips! They're made in my home country of the Philippines!

Till tomorrow when I announce my Flickr Photo Contest Winners... So be sure to stay tuned, especially if you participated! Happy Thursday!

xo,

ej

Top 5 Silliest Eco-Inventions According to InHabitat

Happy Friday Everyone! It is absolutely gorgeous outside here in Toronto which is perfect for an upcoming long weekend! Not sure if it's a long weekend for you where you're at... But this Monday is a Civic Holiday here in Ontario. While I freelance full-time and therefore it's not quite a holiday for me... I may not be blogging again till Tuesday.

So here are five laughs for you courtesy of InHabitat... The Top 5 Silliest Eco-Inventions. Let me know which is your fave. I think the two solar-powered products the bra and fan hat are mine...

5. PETaPOTTY for Dogs "Just because it contains grass doesn't make it green."

4. Solar Powered Bra "that comes equipped with two-cup holders, an electronic billboard, and can charge my cell." LOL... Completely unnecessary and hilarious!

3. The Hybrid SUV "Tracing along the lines of oxy-morons like jumbo shrimp, free love or working holidays, the hybrid SUV gets worse gas mileage than most sedans and requires tremendous amounts of virgin resources to produce. This “green” vehicle certainly falls short of ever really being eco."

2. Eco Button "Plug this earth-emblazoned eco button into your computer and then press it to automatically send your computer into sleep mode. I have heard that one could achieve a similar effect by either closing their laptop or using the ever-so-complicated drop down menu."

1. Solar Powered Fan Hat "Sure to brighten your day or the planet - if only because you will be laughing and pointing at the person wearing it. It does absolutely nothing to help the environment, and one could probably produce the same amount of cooling air by waving a magazine in front of their face."

That's it for now... Have yourselves a wonderful weekend! Thanks for checking in to my site. I love to see that I am slowly growing a following. Just a final friendly reminder that the final day of my Flickr Photo Contest is this Monday ;) So get those photos in ;D

xo,

ej

Being green and saving green when you're traveling...

Please excuse my absence on Friday... The day just ran away from me with lots to do... Then I woke up this morning admittingly unsure what to blog about. A bit of writer's block I suppose ;) Not to mention that I don't like blogging unless I have something exciting and relevant to say...


Well at it happens, as many of you know I absolutely love to travel. Especially on a budget! Last year in particular was my year of travel, I made it all across France, bits of Italy, Beglium and Netherlands, Bangalore and Mysore, India, the Philippines... Not just Manila to surprise my family, but a small town called Donsol with my older brother G and his friend Jack to swim with whale sharks, plus an unexpected trip to the Bahamas! (We spotted one whale shark, and got a chance to swim above it... Unfortunately no photos of the biggest fish).

All travel was on a super tight budget, needless to say I was thrilled when the Frugal Traveler Matt Gross of the New York Times featured my favourite notebooks on his blog!


So speaking of traveling turns out InHabitat did a great piece of the Top 5 Incredible Eco-Hotels and Hostels of the World... While they are not super affordable they are very environmentally friendly... I am particularly fond of the idea of turning an old plane that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill in to a hostel. Although it would likely be the most expensive hostel I've ever stayed at if that were the case!

The other worthwhile mention is the Shipping Container Travelodge in the UK... That's right a shipping containers... Check out this great little video of how it works here... Very affordable especially for expensive UK prices!

I was discussing the article with my Uncle M who happens to run a travel agency with his wife my Auntie A in Connecticut when they told me about a series of cottages in Litchfield, CT that just opened... However I was disappointed to see that there is no mention of the Winvian accommodations being the least bit green... Although they do apparently have a cottage with a helicopter in it.

While I am fond of luxurious from time to time... After all, I don't know anyone who isn't. I am convinced there are ways to enjoy the luxurious things in life and still be kind to the environment. That's why I am a strong advocate of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System developed by the U.S. Green Building Council which is quickly becoming a standard in architecture around the world.

I once worked in the architectural industry a few years back, and it was great to see so many architects take the rigorous steps to become LEED accredited. In fact, many institutions demand that architects have LEED qualifications to be considered to be their lead architects... no pun intended ;) Kudos to such institutions such as numerous universities, a selection of Green Buildings in Canada featured by the Canada Green Building Council available for viewing here.

That's it for now folks... It rained all weekend, as in ALL weekend long here in Toronto so with the sun shining I must spend the evening outdoors!

xo,

ej

green energy, green bikes and green buses

Happy Monday Everyone ! Bon Lundi Tout Le Monde !

Yesterday, D'Angelo left me a comment asking how green hydroelectricity is... From what I know, it's renewable energy source which uses sand to generate electricity, usually falling over a dam. The electricity is generated from the movement of water and it is therefore a non-polluting energy source ("no direct waste.") Therefore, it's pretty green :)

That's the extent of my knowledge on that area, but speaking of energy, kinetic energy specifically (such as "hydroelectricity") you've got a check out this very green bike that produces kinetic energy to help run the hybrid buses of London. This is only a prototype at this point, but WOW, très cool to say the least! The idea is one rents the bike, uses it, and any energy that is made when braking is stored for London's hybrid buses. Plus you get a credit towards your bus pass for the energy you helped create. How ecoAwesome is that?


In fact, also according to InHabitat (where I learned about the "Ingenious Energy-Generating Bike Rental System") London has already rolled out six of their Hybrid Double Decker Volvo Buses, and will roll out more if successful!

"London’s iconic double-decker buses recently received an eco update as six highly efficient hybrid Volvo vehicles hit the streets for the first time. The new B5L two-story buses retain their classic red color, but under the hood a hybrid drivetrain saves 25% on fuel consumption while significantly reducing emissions and noise. "

Needless to say London certainly appears dedicated to being in the forefront of sustainability. Kudos London!

That's my ecoInspiration for you today :) Here's to GREEN ENERGY =)

Thanks for asking your question, D'Angelo!

xo,
ej

Keep snapping! You could win some green, share some green, and even maybe ride green!

So while I clearly can't promise to blog every day, and unfortunately it would seem not even every week... I can promise I'm all about quality posts regardless of quantity 0;)

First and foremost, here's hoping all the ecoWonderful dads had a fantastic Father's Day! My ecoCool dad was kind enough to share his day with me ;) He's all the way in the Philippines and so at around midnight I skyped him to greet him, and in turn he skyped me yesterday morning to greet me Happy Birthday!

Although my family is all the way on the other side of the globe, I must say I love that they're just a mere video-call away... I don't believe I was actually born on Father's day, but I do know that every few years we get to share the day even if it's from afar :)

How did you celebrate the weekend? For it was not only Father's Day and my birthday (or as my big brother likes to call it... The day he stopped being an only child =p) but also Summer Solstice, the first official day of summer and longest day(light) of the year! So... Happy Happy Second Official Day of Summer!

Here in Toronto it was all right Friday, absolutely grey, sad and wet Saturday, but come Sunday the sun was shining and it got as hot as it promised at 27 degrees Celsius. Here's hoping wherever you were, it was as gorgeous! Definitely best dad day/birthday weather ever in my books! Sunny, hot but not sweltering 8)

And now for a few quick announcements... Have you seen the Ecojot Flickr Photo Contest entries? If not, here's a sneak peek...

The exciting news? My contest has been extended to Monday, August 3rd. So keep snapping up pics, start commenting and faving and also remember to tell your friends to do the same. Remember the photo with the most comments and starred favourites wins an Ecojot prize-pack!

Speaking of photo contests.... Want to win the ultimate ecoVehicle? Check out Inhabitat's PIMP MY ECO-RIDE CONTEST. They too have extended their contest, but only until this Wednesday, June 24th!

That's it for now... Good luck on the contests!

Loving the entries in both mine and Inhabitat's thus far... So keep 'em coming!

xo,
ej

Poo-powered public transit.

Yes, you read that headline correctly... I said "poo powered public transit," poo powered buses in Oslo to be exact. I originally discovered the headline "Transportation Tuesday: Oslo Buses to run on Poo Power!"at Inhabitat and couldn't help but read more at Wired and The Guardian. I particularly loved how The Guardian displayed a toilet handle with their headline "Flush hour: Oslo to run buses powered by biomethane from human sewage."

The concept is simple take all the waste from Oslo's sewer that already exists and turn it into biomethane fuel, or as Wired says, "poo-to-pump-fuel." It sounds gross but as the magazine points out, "Biomethane is produced during a four-phase process called anaerobic digestion that uses microorganisms to break down everything from human waste and leftover food to lawn clippings and stuff swept from the slaughterhouse floor."

My apologies to those who are visiting to find out who the ecoAgenda/ecoResolution winner is and instead discovered me talking about "number two." I will be announcing the winner this week (promise!) and announcing my February Giveaway next week :)

I just had to blog about this albeit gross-sounding but most certainly innovative idea by the City of Oslo. Kudos to them for literally turning poo into savings (twice over, economically and environmentally)! I wonder which cities will be inspired to follow suite...

Happy Wednesday!

xo,
ej

Eco-cool coffee re-use.

So apparently Punxsutawney Phil (the Groundhog) did see his shadow, as did Nova Scotia's Shubnedacadie Sam which means six more weeks of winter :(  Or as "Ontario's Wiarton Willie then weighed in: 'The sun has peaked, my shadow I see, six more weeks of winter it will be.' "

Interestingly, although Punxsutawney "town authorities say Phil is always correct about the duration of winter but according to the U.S. National Climate Prediction Center, Phil and other U.S. and Canadian groundhogs get it right about 39% of the time," according to the National Post. So there's hope yet! Clearly, I'm not so secretly hoping this is the 61% of the time the groundhogs are wrong!

Instead of announcing the January Giveaway winner today... I like to keep a little suspense going 0;) Two tidbits today none weather related one eco-cool and one just plain hilarious...

If like me, you're fond of coffee (my preference lately is a bold shot of espresso), and like me, are hesitant of purchasing an ink jet printer particularly because the cost of printers are always cheap but the ink cartridges never are... Check this out, a printer that uses coffee grounds or tea bags as ink!  

As seen at DVICE and Inhabitat, it does not appear available for purchase yet.  The RITI Coffee Printer is among 49 other eco-friendly inventions competing for your vote as a top greener gadget of 2009!  Voting details here.  I plan to check out the full list later today ;)

Finally for the "one just plain hilarious..."  Since I've gotten the habit of putting YouTube videos up on a regular basis, recently shared by a friend and perhaps already seen, but still enjoyable twice, maybe even thrice...

Happy Tuesday!

xo,

ej

Onwards, Upwards and therefore looking up and seeing GREEN!

I trust we can all agree that was quite the speech by 44th American President Barack Obama yesterday. I happened to be at a community college library at noon, in awe of the history unfolding before me on a large projected screen of live CNN streaming video. "I suppose this is your Man walking on the Moon," said a woman to me. I nodded and replied with a big smile.

Now it's onwards and upwards we go. And if I were living in Helsinki (last year anyway), I'd be looking up at le Nuage Vert, the "Green Cloud" by French art duo Hehe (Helen Evans and Heiki Hansen).


Featured on inhabitat, "HeHe installed a Nuage Vert, or “Green Cloud”, across the skies of Helsinki. The installation used laser tracking to project a green illumination onto the chimney emissions of the Salmisaari power plant. The illumination adjusts its shape and size to the contours of the vapor, reflecting the electrical consumption of residents in Ruoholahti and neighboring Lauttasaari."

Click here for the full article. What an incredible art piece... Or as the French say "incroyable!" Apparently during the week long installation, local residents were encouraged to consume less. Incredible and inspiring to say the least...

Just as inspiring as your ecoResolutions as part of my January Giveaway. 30+ comments to day! That's a third more than my first Giveaway... Yay! Thanks everyone, and remember I'm running it till the end of the month... So please encourage your friends to share their ecoResolutions!

xo,
ej