Nude food all wrapped up!

By jenny | January 8, 2012

Are you into Nude Food?  If this concept is foreign to you, you either don’t have kids at school, or you are a prolific user of plastic wrap!.  The concept of Nude Food (nil plastic/rubbish in lunchboxes) was introduced in various pre-schools and schools around Australia just a few years ago, and is gradually being accepted as a normal practice – Savings millions of plastic bags going to landfill each year!.  But is it easier said than done? It does take some thought, but with a few basic pieces, it is very easy!

Nude Food - Not a placky bag in sight!

Reusable Lunchskin Sandwich and Snack bags - 3 sizes!

Nowadays there are so many lunchboxes available with various compartments for storing salads, sultanas, homemade muffins and sandwiches – and no plastic wrap etc is required.  But some are still faced with the dilemma of what to store their sandwich in to keep it soft and fresh.  Speaking from personal experience, Lunchskins are the answer! Made from food grade fabric and available in large Sub size, Sandwich size and snack size, they keep sandwiches together and fresh – and at the end of the day you can just shake out the crumbs, or place in the dishwasher (yes!) and reuse it the next day!  The large size fits teenage/adult sized rolls or two sandwiches, the standard size is great for one sandwich, and the snack size is great for crackers, nuts, and smaller morsels – great for toddlers snacks when out and about.

stainless steel drink bottles, BPA Free, Nude Food

BPA Stainless Steel Drink Bottles

There really is no excuse to keep buying plastic bottled water everyday when water from the tap is clean and free, and you can simply refill a sturdy stainless steel drink bottle. We do love the unique designs on the Earthlust stainless steel drink bottles, and the fact they are BPA free is the wonderful icing on the cake so to speak.

So there it is – Nude food options all wrapped (erhemm unwrapped) up – For kids AND adults! What will you be using in the office or kids lunch boxes in 2012?

Lunchskins and Earthlust bottles available online at State of Green.

 

 

 

 

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Lighting design uncorked

By jenny | January 5, 2012

In the 1970’s – 80’s we used to see cork products everywhere – in wine bottles, coasters, hanging off hats, and even used as flooring.  After a lull of sorts for two decades, we are now enjoying its’ resurgence in a range of new applications – including lighting design.  In particular, we covet this very cool Float Light by the young, internationally acclaimed British designer Benjamin Hubert.

Benjamin Hubert, Cork Light, cork design, sustainable design, eco design

The Float Light

Hand turned, these Portuguese agglomerate cork lamps are made from waste product derived from wine stopper manufacture.  Being made from a natural material, they are also biodegradable and are fire resistant too.  We think these lights would look great suspended above a kitchen bench, or hung as a trio (three different sizes available)  in a cozy reading corner.  The Float lights are available internationally or if in Australia, you can purchase them from Great Dane Furniture.

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Soak away your worries in mineral rich thermal hot springs

By Maria | January 4, 2012

Are you looking for a relaxing start to the New Year?  Well I have a quick getaway for you!  Tucked away in the rolling hills of Fingal (Rye) is the body re-charging Peninsula Hot Springs – and I was lucky to indulge in the experience on New Years Eve.

Hot springs, natura springs, thermal springs, Peninsula Hot Springs, naturals baths

Attending the natural mineral rich thermal springs with 9 other family and friends in tow may not sound like the ultimate indulgence, but it truly offered something for everyone. With over 20 (!) different mineral bathing experiences on offer, plus a spa dreaming centre for those wanting a more personal pamper, the springs offer a wonderfully relaxing experience for young and old.

Following a quick cleansing shower in the modern well maintained change rooms, we wallowed in the warm waters of large outdoor communal pools, massaged our shoulders and aching backs in shallow bubbling spas, squeezed into small Japanese bathing tubs, walked (ok hobbled) down the pebbled reflexology walk, and even captured a few quiet moments contemplating the year gone by in the tranquil cave pool.

Hot Springs, thermal springs, natural baths, thermal baths, Peninsula Hot Springs

Whilst all the outdoor pools are public, a meandering path up the hillside leads to an “adults only” (16yr +) retreat – dotted with numerous hot and cold spring pools which offer an even quieter experience under the shade of the silvery Moonah gums.

The pool at the peak however, provides the most magnificent view across rolling hills that stretch into the distance and out to the bay.  Stunning. But you may have to line up to literally soak in the view.

Hot springs, natural springs, thermal pool, natural hot spring, Peninsula Hot Springs

Each of the thermal pools display their temperature ranging from cold plunge pools up to a cooking 43 degrees. A quick dip in an icy plunge pool certainly got my blood pumping, before sliding back into the tranquil warm depths of the pool opposite. Ahhh…serenity now.

++ Peninsula Hot Springs ++

Fingal, Victoria.

 

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TOP 3 Eco Design articles of 2011

By jenny | December 29, 2011

It has been a top year here at State of Green.  We have very much enjoyed sharing with you all some fantastic sustainable and eco design finds from Australia and its surrounds. As the year comes to a close, we thought we would share with you the TOP 3 “Most Read” articles this year – Read on to see what floated your boat in 2011!

No.1: Grown from the ground up - The Ajiro Velomobile

Local Industrial design student Alexander Vittouris wowed us all with his design of the Bamboo Velomobile.  Grown over a skeletal structure, the natural energy of the fast growing bamboo plant forms its shape, and challenges the very basis of future product design. Read more about the Ajiro Velomobile here.

Karton, Cardboard Furniture,

No. 2: Cardboard Furniture by KARTON

Flat pack cardboard furniture by KARTON clearly struck a chord!  Offering an economical but ever so stylish solution to many of our furnishing needs, it has so many practical applications – student desks, guest bedroom beds, first share house – and so portable and biodegradable too! Read more about KARTON here.

Green restaurant, greenhouse restaurant, eco restaurant,

No. 3: The Worlds greenest restaurant? - The Greenhouse Restaurant, Sydney

Joost Bakker has the greenest of thumbs, and the opening of the pop-up Greenhouse Restaurant in Sydney created quite a buzz about town.  Drawing on the talents of various local talent, the restaurant attracted worldwide attention as it showcased how “green” design can be funky, edgy, functional and oh so very cool. Read more about GREENHOUSE here.

Wishing you all the most marvellous 2012 – If you have any suggestions for what you would like to see on State of Green throughout the year, please get in touch!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

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TranSglass transform old bottles of plonk into contemporary glassware fit for MoMA

By jenny | December 22, 2011

Artecnica, upcycled wine bottle. recycled wine bottle design

When you drink a bottle of wine, do you ever consider its carbon footprint?  It is estimated that 60% of a wine’s carbon footprint is in the production of the wine bottle, not to mention the fact that approximately 10% of our landfill comprises glass (put it in the recycle bin people!).  Addressing the issue of glass waste is USA design firm Artecnica, who under their Design with Conscience Program, produce tranSglass® - transforming post-consumer wine bottles into highly styled and functional design objects.

Designed by glass artists Emma Woffenden and Tord Boontje, the recycled post-consumer wine bottles are made by Guatemalan craftsmen involved in the Aid to Artisans program – a non-profit organization providing assistance to artisans worldwide.

The origin of these designs is only evident in the “punt” or “dimple” in the base of the glassware, and the tell tale 750ml imprint on its base.  The rest is perfectly cut, polished, buffed and stamped with a little tranSglass symbol. All manner of glass bottles are re-used, from brown beer bottles, to emerald green wine bottles, and satin finish vodka (??) bottles.  In addition to admiring their stylish form at your next dinner party, half the fun will also be guessing their original purpose!   It is no surprise the tranSglass® range has been selected to be part of the permanent collection in MoMA, New York – Upcycled design at its’ highly styled best!

++ tranSglass®++ now available at State of Green

 

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Save the world from an unwanted gift!

By jenny | December 18, 2011

How many unwanted Xmas gifts do you have in your cupboard from years past? Come on – we all have them! Mine include a salad dressing shaker, loofah soap kit, drink coasters amongst others. Now I do not want to appear ungrateful, but as an adult who has had quite a few years to establish a household, we are lucky to have what we need.  Unfortunately, there are so many others around the world who lack basic necessities, and Xmas provides the perfect opportunity to spend your money on a gift that REALLY counts – This year I would LOVE to receive a gift card from Oxfam Unwrapped.

Oxfam Unwrapped, Xmas donation,

Each year Oxfam Unwrapped comes up with a somewhat quirky, but valuable range of gift suggestions that help transform the lives of people living in poverty.  From as little as $10 you can give a gift of a chicken to a family in Laos, for $98 you can provide clean water to a school in Cambodia, or for just $50 you can help feed a village in India with a fishing net!  Oxfam have come up with over 40 fantastic gift suggestions, that will not only put a smile on your friend/family members face, but also make a valuable contribution to the livelihood of people in need.  With only a few days left to Xmas, you can purchase a Oxfam Unwrapped gift online and send to your friend as an E-Card, or pop into your local store and get a printed card.  Perfect for those family KrisKringles, and for friends who have everything!

**Oxfam Unwrapped**

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Sustainable fashion find: Mina + Oli leather handbags

By jenny | December 15, 2011

Most of us have owned a leather jacket in our lifetime – A great cut leather jacket is a classic wardrobe staple, be it new or vintage, they carry us through from season to season.  On the other hand, there is another category of leather jacket that passes as neither vintage, nor classic, nor stylish – It is that old leather jacket that one wonders what attracted you to it in the first place.  I have a bright red one in my wardrobe…  Not one to waste good quality fabric, Melbourne based designer Laura Thomey of Mina + Oli seeks out these jackets stuck in no mans fashion land, and transforms them into stylish handbags fit for public viewing again.

Wristlet featuring hand stitched doily

Coin Purse with hand stitched doily

With a degree in fashion design under her belt, and experience as a stylist assistant in London, Laura decided to launch Mina + Oli in 2009.  Singlehandedly, she sources old pre-loved fabrics, drafts the designs, cuts the pattern and sews each handbag in her sustainable fashion range – creating an individual and unique bag that you will not see elsewhere!  When not making handbags, Laura also shares her love of design, and teaches others the craft of sewing.

Once a leather jacket....what a transformation!

Laura was kind enough to put down her needle, and share with us an insight into her business!

1. What inspired you to start designing handbags?   I have been making handbags from leather jackets since I was at university.  After graduation I explored the world.  I worked on a cruise ship in the Caribbean, in the fashion industry in London and travelled around Europe.  I came to Australia and fell in love with a man in Melbourne!  Preloved leather has such a lovely warn-in feeling and has so much character. It’s one of my favourite materials so I made another handbag for myself.  My friends loved it and wanted one of their own.  Since I finally settled down it was the perfect time to follow my passion for design and being creative.  Mina + Oli was born.

 2. How did you come up with the name Mina + Oli?   I wanted to have a name that was special to me.  The names Mina + Oli were my grandmothers nick names.  Mina for Wilhelmina and Oli for Viola.  These ladies were adventuresome, creative and inspiring to me.  The name is a way to allow their memories live on.

 3. What types of recycled materials do you use in your designs?   I have always loved to hunt for treasures in charity shops since high school, so this is a fun part of my business.  I look for leather jackets that have interesting features as they are the bodies of the handbags.  Colourful printed fabric remnants and clothing make up the bags lining and sometimes I use a selection of lace doilies, tea towels and embroidery for embellishment.  I get very excited when I find a fantastic jacket or embroidery, already envisioning how I will use them in a design!

Love the clutch. Love those studs!

 4. Which comes first in the design process – the material or the design idea?    It’s a bit of both.  I have different patterns and will look through the jackets to see if there is one suitable for that design.  Let’s say a jacket has an interesting pocket, I’ll save that jacket for a bag design where a pocket can be used.  I like to save as much of the original character of the jacket as I can, using the seam details, pockets and embossed areas.  This can make the cutting process quite challenging and time consuming.  I want to use the interesting features of the jacket to best advantage but also not waste the leather.  It’s like a jigsaw puzzle fitting all the pieces in.

 5. Do you have a favourite design in your range?   Oh, that’s a hard one!  Each new bag is different even if the silhouettes are the same.  The new tote design with the geometric cat print that was once a tea towel is a favourite at the moment.  I like to carry a lot of things with me and it’s a nice and roomy bag with lots of pockets.  And I love cats!

Laura's Assistant - Mayzie the cat. Photo: Agent Morphe Design

 6. Share with us your easy eco living tip?  When I’m not sewing I’m in my garden.  I try and grow as many of my own vegetables as I can. It saves money, there are no pesticides, it’s relaxing and they taste better.  I’m still learning the Australian growing seasons which are quite different to Canada.  I also have a worm farm where all my organic waste goes and I receive nutritious worm juice to fertilize my garden! 

Thanks Laura!

** mina + oli **

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Slumber is sweet in ALAS new organic cotton sleepwear range

By jenny | December 13, 2011

Are you a fashionista in bed, or does the old t-shirt or fluffy pilled pj’s get a regular workout?  Whilst comfort is above all the priority for many of us, new certified organic and fairtrade PJ brand ALAS (All Light All Shadow) is bringing casual chic style in soft organic & fair trade cotton back into the bedroom.

 

The jumpsuits printed in pomegranate and watermelon organic cotton make me want to jump into bed at 8pm with a good book and cup of herbal tea (okay – my formative years were in the 1980′s). But if you are more of a mix and match kind of girl, the pretty prints on the ALAS tops and pants will be right up your alley.  If vintage style is more your thing, then you must check out the baby doll nightdresses!.

1. Who are the people behind the brand?  ALAS is composed of myself (Betony) and Kelly. We met on our first day of university in 2004 (fashion design at QUT) and have been collaborating on various creative projects ever since.

 2. When did ALAS start/launch?   We came up with the idea of creating an organic sleepwear label almost exactly one year ago. We launched our online store two months ago, and we celebrated our official launch with a little party at The Corner Shop (Paddington, Sydney) two weeks ago!

 3. What was the inspiration for the label  Kelly and I returned from overseas with many, many ideas. After travelling through Morocco we had dreamed up some very colourful fabric prints and thought that they would look great on pyjamas. We loved the colours and patterns in Morocco, the blue boats, the incredible textiles, and the general craziness of the place.

The phases of the moon that make up the ALAS logo represent the motions we all experience every day and night, from sleeping to waking, from static to change, from mayhem to peace. Each collection will be inspired by something new. We have just designed our next collection for A/W 2012, taking inspiration from the Australian snowy mountains and the native flora that grows there….

eco sleepwear

4. Why Pj’s? We noticed a lack of organic/fair trade sleepwear in Australia. We believe that as a business we have a certain responsibility to do things ethically, so no matter what we are designing we will always endeavour to do so as best we can.

Also, we humans spend a third of our life sleeping so we might as well do it in comfort and style!

5. What eco friendly practices do you incorporate into your label?   ALAS sleepwear is made in India where the cotton is also grown, spun, woven and dyed. With Fairtrade accreditations, from designer to cotton grower the supply chain is built on respect. This ensures there are no children working, the factory employees are treated fairly, and the farmers who grow the raw cotton are protected against fluctuations in global prices.

All ALAS garments are constructed with 100% certified organic cotton which has been farmed without dangerous chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers. The fabrics are then dyed and printed using methods that avoid harmful AZOs and formaldehyde. All packaging, swing tags and business cards are recycled and recyclable.

And just to make your dreams a little sweeter, ALAS are currently offering 25% off their pants and tops in their online store.  Sweet dreams.

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Pre-Xmas Sale at State of Green

By jenny | December 11, 2011

We all love a sale BEFORE Xmas, and State of Green has just gone ON SALE! This is your chance to complete your Xmas shopping from the peace of your armchair/desk stool/kitchen bench, and get it all delivered to you without fighting for one parking spot! We’ll even wrap your gifts for you if you request it during check out (request it in the Comments field).

Just some of the items on sale!

The above is just a taste of the many items we have marked down, in preparation for new great eco wares arriving in the new year! Stock is limited so first in first serve. MERRY Xmas all!

 

 

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Great Eco Holidays on our doorstep

By Maria | December 8, 2011

Sombrilla

Xmas for many does not just mean a day of family and celebration, but also at least a few days off from the daily grind of work.  So how will YOU get away from it all this year?

An “eco holiday” can conjure up a range of images or words. It can include anything from basic camping down the coast with family; Glamping in eco luxe style in the desert;  roughing it out bush with the bare necessities;  or staying in eco lodges complete with calendula oil bodyrubs  in secluded rainforests with the tranquil sounds of a river bubbling past (ok that one was taking artistic licence …. or was it?).  Last year we spent a great week over New Year’s Eve at Bimbi Park on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road with friends, family and lots of koalas. This year, we’re renting a holiday house on the Mornington Peninsula with extended family where we hope to replace the normal daily grind with walks down the beach, visits to local farmers markets,  lunch and tastings at organic wineries & providers, lolling around  at the Peninsula Hot Springs and definitely some rest…can’t wait!

eco holiday, green holiday

Whilst many Australians are travelling abroad at present due to a strong Australian dollar, don’t overlook the fabulous finds right on your doorstep. .. and save yourself some airmiles too. In 2012 at State of Green we plan to bring to our readers 12 features  – yes one a month – of great Australian holidays breaks that leave a smaller footprint and a lasting impression. Whether it’s a great holiday house, destination or activity  – we’ll do our best to find out more, and get you at least one step closer in 2012. So, what’s on your eco holiday wish list? If you know of a special place send in your ideas in the comments field below and stay tuned…

 

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