tranSglass is a really cool recycled glass design project.  With the help of Aid to Artisans, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to artisans across the Globe, Artecnica collaborated with Guatemalan craftsmen to bring designers Emma Woffenden and Tord Boontje’s designs to the market.  These pieces combine old world craftsmanship with modern and sustainable design to create a beautiful and affordable art out of trash. 

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Now this is recycling that your cat can get into!  I think my cat would need a wide screen.  Unfortunately this Etsy seller is sold out but this is a great way to presuppose old non-functioning things around the house and maybe will inspire some other creative home recycling ideas.  If you have a project you’d like to share, give us a shout through the Contact Us page.

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Here is a beautiful and eco-friendly gift for Mother’s Day, a Japanese Maple in a Biodegradable pot from Delight.  The pot is made from Rice Hulls and contains the seeds to grow this stunning little tree right in your own home.  It is also available in Heirloom Lavender for $16. 

These reproductions from Frank Gehry’s Easy Edges furniture project (1969–73) are sturdy pieces made from recycled corrugated cardboard with lacquered side panels.  The Guggenheim reflects on Gehry’s furniture:

Gehry’s furniture designs are a “quick fix” of his architectural practice: their realization is relatively immediate and low cost, and they provide a satisfying smaller forum in which various design concerns, including ones relating to his buildings, may be explored.

“Low Cost” maybe in comparison to his buildings, but even these reproductions will set you back a pretty penny ($920 for the chair and $498 for the stool).  Not for everybody, these cardboard cutouts would be a good choice for a Mid-century Modernist with some Green to spend.  They are more eco-friendly than many of the periods alternatives… made from recycled material and biodegradable, although at $1000 a chair I cringe to think of it biodegrading. 

(pictures from Notcot)

Target has teamed up with Newsweek and Terracycle to make Retotes, an interesting reusable bag program.  Basically, the Retote is made of used, recycled Target bags that have been returned to the store then Terracycle turns them into reusable shopping bags.  If you pick up Newsweeks April 15, 2008 issue, “Environment & Leadership: Who’s the Greenest of Them All?”, you will find that the cover doubles as an envelope that you can use to send in and get a coupon for a free Retote (which retail for $6).  Kind of a production to get one reusable bag, but the target label adorned bags are popular and we have to give them credit for the creative promotion.  Also, head on over to Terracycle and read about their story, they have some interesting ideas about eco-capitalism.

They call it “Trashion.” Everyday gear that is tough as a tank, refurbished from old tires, shoes, trading cards, fixtures, you name it. Refinding.com offers beautiful and durable “Trashion” products that anyone could use in their everyday life. The Big Tire Bag is a hefty 5lbs so you better have some guns to tote this around. Materials used include tire tread, inner tube, and a seatbelt shoulder strap. Each bag is handmade and unique with variations depending on the trash put back to use. The hard part is finding steering wheel hoop earrings to match!

Here is an interesting coat rack that will add to your natural decor.  The Entwined Root Coat Rack, by Viva Terra, is hand made by selecting roots and trunks then nailing the pieces together in this serpentine manner.  This is great because it is all natural, and a unique alternative to a mass produced atrocity coated with toxic chemicals. 

This piece is a bit pricey but since I am on a DIY kick lately I think for the more motivated and penny pinching among us a similar piece could be created at home and provide a fun weekend project.  I tried to run out and make one in 5 minutes like the bag drying rack but got a splinter and got locked out of my house :o(

Reusable shopping bags are getting used more and more, but what about the other plastic bags we use.  I used zip lock bag the other day to hold some popcorn.  When I was done with the popcorn the bag was virtually brand new and it seemed silly to throw it away.  I just put the bag back in my bag drawer crumbs intact, but even if I had put something messy in the bag I could just wash it out.  That’s where this cool plastic bag drying rack comes in handy.  The one on the left is available from GAIAM for $20.  The one on the right I made with with stuff I found around my house in less than three minutes and the one on the bottom I made with stuff from my kitchen in less than 20 seconds.  

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  The long awaited Tesla Roadster is finally out with the opening of the Tesla showroom in Hollywood, but don’t get too excited, all the 2008 models have been sold and there’s already a long line for the 2009 models.  Here’s a quick breakdown for those of you who are not already familiar with this environmental dream machine… 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds… 125mph top speed… 220mile range… 135 mpg equivalent… 0 emissions… and a $109,000 base price!

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These eclectic light block lamps by Brave Space Design are made from FSC Certified Walnut and 3form Ecoresin.  Ecoresin is a durable and dynamic non-toxic resin that uses 40% post-industrial reclaimed material and meets GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality standards.  These lamps will debut at BKLYN Designs starting this Friday. [via: Inhabitat]