Paula Mitchell Bentley

Paula is a working mother of 2 wonderful kids, a toddler and a teenager, who wants to leave the planet in the best possible condition for her kids. Her main focus in life is her family. She believes that living green is a lifestyle, not just an idea. Paula thinks that everyone can live a greener life through a series of tiny steps. It doesn't have to be one giant leap -- just tiny steps towards improvement by many people can really make a huge impact on a global scale. She is intrigued with the idea of upcycling art, how a change in perspective can take an object from the trash pile and move it into the treasure pile. She is also very interested in sustainable living for average families and simple ways to live greener lives. She wants to teach her children environmental responsibility and respect for the planet.

Paula's articles:

Coconut Husks Replace Peat Moss and Mulch in the Garden

Posted on July 10, 2009 by Paula Mitchell Bentley .

Coconut shells can be used for other things besides making cute faces on Flickr or banging them together to pretend you’re riding a horse like Monty Python. Several companies are now distributing a range of gardening products made from coconuts husks. The hair of the coconut shell or coir can be easily used to supplement [...]

Recycled Paper Board Flash Drives

Posted on May 29, 2009 by Paula Mitchell Bentley .

This flash drive is made of 100% post consumer unbleached recycled cardboard. If that’s not green enough for you, it is extremely light at only 18grams and is made in compliance with RoHS specifications for non-toxicity and reducing hazardous substances. The reduction in packaging and shipping costs to the environment are substantial. The company, Promo Key Chain, also uses a web server that is 100% wind powered and has definitely found a selection of innovative products for their eco-friendly USB drive line.

The Subtle Art of Conspicuous Consumption

Posted on May 19, 2009 by Paula Mitchell Bentley .

This plastic wave is entitled Gyre and was made by artist Chris Jordan in 2009 as part of his latest project called Running the Numbers II. The piece shows what 2.4 million pieces of plastic looks like. That huge number is equal to the number of pounds of plastic that is dumped into the oceans [...]

Reuse Old Socks: DIY Dog Toy

Posted on May 11, 2009 by Paula Mitchell Bentley .

This is a great way to use up those socks and fabric scraps without throwing them away. Animal shelters, dog foster families and rescue foundations are always looks for toys for the dogs to play with as well. If you don’t have any dogs, consider making these chew toys up anyways and donating them. These toys save money and rescue items headed for the landfill into a new use. If they’re going to eat your socks anyways, you might as well just give the socks to them!

Beautiful Garden Accessories From Can Misprints

Posted on May 7, 2009 by Paula Mitchell Bentley .

If plants could read, they’d definitely be inspired to grow by this wall hanging. A designer from VivaTerra managed to get his hands on misprinted cans from several different factories. The printing on them is crooked or incomplete but that doesn’t make them garbage when viewed from the eye of an upcycler. These items definitely show that one person’s garbage is another’s treasure. The designer has re-purposed these cast off cans into a range of colorful products that are definitely worth taking a peek at.

Soak In Nature From Your Tub

Posted on May 4, 2009 by Paula Mitchell Bentley .

Sometimes the simplest designs are also the most brilliant. This portable hot tub couldn’t have a more simple design — the water is warmed through the spiral coil with a wood fire and then sent back into the tub. It’s called the Dutchtub and was designed by Floris Schoonderbeek as part of his thesis in the product design department during his time at art school in the Netherlands.

What Do You Get When You Turn a Soccer Ball Inside Out?

Posted on May 1, 2009 by Paula Mitchell Bentley .

A purse of course is what you get when you turn a soccer ball inside out! Check out this clever reused ball that’s being sold through Branch. It’s on sale until the end of the month for $98. When the sale is over, it’ll cost you $198! Each ball is used which makes each purse truly unique. This is a “must have” for all the soccer moms on the go in their hybrids!

Make Reusing Sexy with Stripnotize

Posted on April 24, 2009 by Paula Mitchell Bentley .

These shoes are commonly referred to as “stripper shoes” but they are quickly becoming more and more fashionable. Celebrities such as Britney Spears, Shauna Sands, Christina Aguilera, and Mariah Carey have all been photographed wearing platform heels. Brides and runway models are wearing them because they lengthen the look of the leg and look so outrageously sexy! High end fashion designers such as Gucci and Christian Leboutin have taken this style and made it into their own. This company uses all kinds of recycled goods for customizing their shoes — vintage jewelry, magazines, vintage pin-up covers, newspapers, wall paper, gift wrap and even books. Going green really can be sexy!!!

From Pollution to Art

Posted on April 7, 2009 by Paula Mitchell Bentley .

Jimmy Pons discovered his medium of choice during a holiday on the beaches of Spain. He began to pick up the remnants of oil spills and oil tankers dumped at sea. He picked up these sticky bits of tar which stuck to his feet and hands while others sunbathed. When he went home to wash [...]