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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

DreamSacks – Luxurious Natural Fiber Products

It's impressive when a single company can turn just one travel product into a venture that now creates a wealth of eco-friendly products fashioned from natural fibers, such as silk, bamboo, soy and cashmere. DreamSacks produces an array of luxurious bedding, clothing, and accessories. From saving more than 300 gallons of gas per year driving an all-electric truck to giving back to poverty-stricken communities, Dream Sacks gets an A+ for creating a well-rounded, earth-conscious business. Just a few DreamSacks products to consider: For Women: DreamSacks offers an assortment of pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, and nightwear, such as this Cerise Robe with handcrafted knotted closures. Comprised of sheer silk and rayon, the robe comes in a seductive Chocolate with Cielo Blue trim (shown) or relaxing Green Tea with Vanilla trim. A selection of garments for expecting mothers includes an array of colorful tunics, gowns, and pajama sets. For Men: From breathable bamboo boxer shorts to comfy lounge pants, DreamSacks accommodates men with fashionable eco-friendly clothing and undergarments. For example, the Charmeuse Men's Robe provides a loose fit, two convenient pockets, and matching belt. Comprised of Charmeuse silk, women aren’t the only ones slipping into something a bit more comfortable. Available in Black and Chocolate Brown. For Baby: DreamSacks has your little one covered from top to bottom with eco-friendly baby hats and pesticide-free bamboo socks. Accessories and gifts sets include knit baby blankets, bibs, and natural fiber crib sheets. When shopping for an eco-conscious mama-to-be, consider the BabyDreams Collection Gift Set & Outfit ($84) – consisting of a Lemongrass with Nectar trim blanket, Lemongrass Long Sleeve Tee & Pants, and nectar hat and socks. This set is available for babies 3 to 6 months. Bedding: Your bedroom serves as your sanctuary and what better items to enhance your slumber than with DreamSack bedding that includes Handstitched Habotai Silk Coverlet Pillow Shams ($105) and Reversible Silk Charmeuse Coverlets ($378). This BambooDreams Sheet Set ($216) offers a 250-thread count bottom fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases that accommodates Queen, King, California King, and Twin beds. Available in Green Tea, Rain, Natural, Almond, and Sienna. Travel: Whether at home or in the air, you want a luxurious slumber during your jet-setting adventures and the Luxury Travel Kit ($196) aims to place you in first-class surroundings no matter where you may be. For in-flight comfort and hotel room relief, your set will include a Silk/Cashmere blanket (42"x76"), Charmeuse Silk Eyeshades, and an outer bag that doubles as a pillowcase. Available in Chocolate with Cielo Blue. Giving Back I'd also like to applaud DreamSacks for not only their contribution to preserving the environment, but also their effort to give back to less-fortunate communities. DreamSacks supports Coaching for Hope (an organization that uses soccer to fight the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Africa; Hwa Nan Women's College (provides advanced degrees to women in China); and Mercy Corps (helping people beat impossible odds, disasters, and chronic poverty). Image Credits: DreamSacks

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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Paihamu Wild-Wool and Eco-Luxury Fur

Have you heard of the reduce, reuse, and recycle plan in New Zealand that ultimately satisfies your desire for soft, natural fiber products, including eco-luxury fur pillows, throws, and rugs? Thanks to a non-native furry creature threatening the ecosystem of the country, Eco-Luxury Fur, LLC offers consumers a 100% natural fiber product consisting of 60% merino wool and 40% Paihamu fiber. When spun together, a cashmere-like fabric is produced with softer, warmer, and lighter qualities than plain wool. What is Paihamu? Known as the "Australian Brushtail possum" outside of New Zealand, manufacturers and the industry chose to use the Maori word Paihamu to avoid confusion with the American possum – a completely different species in appearance and fur quality. Known as the largest of all possum species, Paihamu are nocturnal, semi-arboreal marsupials with pink noses, pointy snouts, and long whiskers. During the fur trade rush of the 1800s, Paihamu first came to New Zealand by way of Australia. Unfortunately, the critter thrived a little too well with an estimated 70 million roaming the country, outnumbering New Zealanders 17 to 1. At night, Paihamu destroy about 20,000 tons of vegetation throughout the country, including many native forest plants and precious eucalyptus leaves. The creature also poses a threat to wildlife habits, native animals, and domesticated animals, including birds and cattle (with the transmission of tuberculosis). Wild-Wool Accessories & Goods Against the skin, the softness and warmth of Paihamu products is impressive with inviting colors that adds an upscale touch to bedrooms, dens, and living rooms. The Paihamu and wool blend also accommodates consumers with sensitive skin, bringing what Eco-Luxury Fur likes to call the 'prickle factor' close to zero. The natural fibers are also believed to be hypoallergenic. A sample of items include the over-sized Basketweave Throw ($225) measuring 62" x 58" that comes in Oatmeal, Denim Blue, Heathered Teal, and Black, and the Scallop Edged Wrap/Throw ($95) offers a decorative fringe in Oatmeal, Heathered Teal (shown above), and Black. Other Wild-Wool products to consider include a selection of Unisex Ribbed Scarves, Ribbed Hats, Gloves, and Wool Socks. Eco-Luxury Fur According to Eco Luxury Fur, LLC, the Paihamu has the distinction of being named the third warmest fur with a light composition that not only delivers soft, silky luxury, but also helps ease a highly aggressive ecological threat in New Zealand. When browsing eco-luxury fur products, a few standouts include: Small Pillow ($100) and Large Pillow ($250) – Accent piece for bed or couch. Chair Throw ($1250) – (shown) Room accent piece that cozily accommodates one to two people. King Shorn Throw ($2800) – Sheared fur with unforgettable caramel and soft gray tones. Large Rug ($1900) – Raw-edged and unlined, this rug that also doubles as a throw, is made with treated suede backing. The Lowdown on Wild-Wool and Eco-Luxury Products
  • All clothing and household goods are 100% sourced and manufactured in New Zealand.
  • All Wild-Wool products are washable.
  • All fur is humanely collected (and not farmed), which in turn provides employment in rural areas. The company spares the animals from an inhumane and wasteful end. They also contribute to the protection of the environment by averting potentially toxic alternatives, including a substance banned in the United States, which not only kills the Paihamu, but also takes the lives of dogs, cattle, and other innocent animals.
  • Fibers are minimally processed, renewable, durable, reusable, and biodegradable.
  • No pesticides, insecticides, or fertilizers are used in the production of fibers.
If you're interested in learning more about the ecological profile of Wild-Wool or would like to request more information, contact info@eco-luxuryfur.com or 503-635-0002. Eco-Luxury Fur, LLC 333 S. State Street, Suite V-446 Lake Oswego, OR 97034 chrys@eco-luxuryfur.com Image Credits: Grace Studio, Eco-Luxury Fur

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