a few things.

reusable party straws [via: creature comforts]

found: a vintage rentals company [via: wiley valentine]

holy cow: by sarah gardner [via: design is mine]

Mottainai.

Earth day every day.

Did you do something different today?
Did you make Mother Nature happy?
Did you think twice about using a plastic bag?
Did you only eat at local restaurants?
Did you walk to the store?
Did you car pool to work?
Did you hug a tree?

If today, then why not tomorrow?
If tomorrow, then why not the next day?
Make Earth day every day.

Mottainai.

Keep it wonky.

 
Do something a little different today...

p.s. This poster is printed on recycled paper. *Bonus*

[photo credit: aardvark manifesto {via: oxford and beyond}]

Mottainai.

Riding the pine.

Reclaimed wood bench recipe

1 - recycled wood plank [places to buy in Mpls: 1. 2. 3.]

4 - hairpin legs [found here]

[photo credit: Angela Ferdig [via: Design Mom]]

Mottainai.

Preserve the trees.

The artist's name is Ciara.

She's a freelance designer and illustrator.

You can see her work here.

The print is titled Preserve the Trees.

You can buy it here.

[via: designvagabond]

Mottainai.

Paper, Glass, Metal

I caught MPR's Art Hounds on my way into work this morning and made a mental note to look up an artist that was highlighted on today's show - Michael Kareken. His name escaped me by the time I got home, but a quick Google search that included Minnesota Institute of Art, Michael and recycling led me to his website.

Michael's current work is a collection of paintings and drawings of the recycling industry. The local industrial recycling locations he selected "inspire metaphoric associations with life and death, growth and decay, order and entropy, structure and chaos." [MIA]

His exhibition can currently be seen at the Groveland Gallery in Mpls from now until April 10th.

[michael kareken]

Mottainai.

Some links to love.

Where have I been? It doesn't matter because I'm back and I'm here to share some links with you.

"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets..."

Layered chain necklaces...love. Socially conscious fashion...love. Put them together and what do you get...The Andean Collection. "great fashion forward designs, while creating a greener planet, and providing a path out of poverty for artisans using fair trade principles." [via]

The fact that this girl discloses what materials she uses to make her bags makes me happy. [via]

The upcoming World Cup uniforms (aka kits) are made from recycled plastic bottles. I wonder how well those breathe? Nike is stating that they diverted 13 million water bottles from the landfill. [via]

Good news...greener packaging. Bad news...it is still Quiznos. Read about the changes Quiznos has made to their packaging. Looks like they are on the same path as Nike - uniforms (aka aprons) are going to be made from recycled plastic bottles.

Now you can take that beloved t-shirt from high school and turn it into a laptop sleeve. Now I know what to do with my favorite t-shirt from swim team with my name on the back and I'm not even joking. About the organization: Hello Rewind is a New York City based operation promoting two-fold renewal; to recycle old goods into new, and to develop a business aimed at supporting the reintegration of sex trafficking survivors into society. [via]

A dollhouse that is modern AND eco-friendly. Groovy. [via]

If you are in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area tomorrow, check out the citywide event that is helping two local restaurants recover after a recent fire took them off the grid.

[day sixty five {via: creature comforts}]

Mottainai.

Lovely linens

 

A fun housewarming, birthday gift.

Reduce paper waste.

100% cotton fabric.

Non-toxic inks.

[nina glaser {via: modish}]

Mottainai.

Other people's words. My thoughts.

"i packed a bag and i boarded a train.
and i spent the weekend
away from home.
i laughed with friends and i joked with strangers.
i ate good sandwiches, i drank great beer
and i had those kinds of moments, 

the ones when your tummy hurts 
you've laughed so much.
and when you catch yourself smiling at nothing at all."

 

-forty sixth at grace

 

 [via: forty sixth at grace: on sandwiches and beer and things that matter]

 

Mottainai.

Monday morning reminder.

 

[hijirik studio]

Mottainai.

Give the gift of travel.

Travel near.
Travel far.
To new places.
To favorite places.
By car.
By bike.
By plane.
By foot.
By boat.
See.
Hear.
Smell.
Taste.
Explore.

Giving gifts is one of my favorite things to do. It is important to me to give gifts that are meaningful, useful and a bit unexpected. Babies and toddlers are always a challenge for me because they don't necessarily know when they are getting something and they seem to have a ton of books, toys and clothes. 

Last year as my nephew's and niece's 1st birthdays approached, I decided that I would give them the gift of travel. This gift of travel wasn't a plane ticket or frequent flyer miles, but a travel account (aka. savings account) for them to use once they turn 18. My family is aware of the account, so if they feel compelled to add to it, they certainly can! Traveling has made such an impact on my life and is a source of inspiration for me - I wanted to give this gift to them.
 

Bon voyage, Tate & Olive!

[via: reading my tea leaves; (oh, hello friend) you are loved; design*sponge; stephane massa-bidal]

Mottainai.

Go now, and live.

That is all.

[via: loveology: when we wake up...]

Mottainai.