The Green Connoisseur Blog

The Green Connoisseur is your source for high-end goods and services that are green and sustainable. Please click on the link below to visit our homepage.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

My Eco Bag - The Shopping Solution for Reducing and Reusing

Reusable shopping bags are a must have for every eco-savvy consumer, but a normal family grocery trip isn't always easy with typical reusable totes.  Kristen Brown, founder of Green Waste Solutions, has created the answer - a convenient, easy to store system of 4 versatile shopping bags.
My Eco Bag System can replace 15 to 30 disposable bags with each use, eliminating about 700 bags per family from the waste stream each year.  Each bag is designed to be easy to lift and a breeze to carry, with the ability to hold as much as 40 pounds, making it an ideal system for both city and urban shoppers.
About the System
The 4-piece eco shopping solution nests together for easy storage, then fits perfectly within your shopping cart for convenient and timely checkout.  Every component to My Eco Bag System has a specific function at the store, perfectly organizing your weekly purchases and saving as much time at home as it does at the store.
  • The smallest bag, 13 by 8 by 15, features fabric bands to keep glass jars and bottles in place during transport.
  • A 14 by 9 by 15 bag boasts an insulated liner and zipper closure - ideal for cold foods and frozen items that need protection during longer drives.
  • The third bag, measuring 17 by 10 by 17, is designed with an easy to clean anti-bacterial liner to carry fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • The largest bag, 18 by 11 by 17, holds boxes, cans, and the rest of your supplies while also providing storage for the entire system when the bags are not in use.
All the bags are made of 100% recyclable polypropylene 5 and are created to be a long lasting replacement to disposable paper and plastic.  Durable handles and roomy interiors are sure to make My Eco Bag System a favorite household staple.
Get Your Eco Bag System
My Eco Bag System, along with other chic reusable shopping bag models in the works, are available through the Grocery Bag Solution website.  The 4-bag system is just $29.95, plus a $4.95 shipping and handling fee.  
My Eco Satchel - an oversized everyday bag with plenty of compartments and pockets, as well as My Eco Tote - a stylish, triangular shaped bag, ideal for commuters, will both be available soon through the website.

Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Eco Know-How - 10 Earth-Friendly Projects You Can Make Yourself

DIY projects are fun and inexpensive - especially when they benefit the earth as well. This collection of DIY creations minimizes landfill waste by recycling ordinary household trash destined for the garbage. From plastic bags and old CD cases to your favorite t-shirt and last year's curtains, you can rescue your trash and turn it into something unique!
One-of-a-Kind Gift Bows
A handmade, recycled bow is the perfect finishing touch for your eco-friendly gifts! Each bow rescues a plastic shopping bag from an otherwise harmful ending and should only take about 10 minutes to make. Choose colorful bags to match your gift wrapping.
Personalized Picture Frame
An old jewel case is the ideal start to a handmade picture frame. Paint, leftover scrapbook paper, buttons, and other accessories can decorate your frame, while small dowels or old skewers provide support to keep the display upright.
Reusable Shopping Bags
DIY shopping bags are stronger and more durable than plastic store bags - they're also much better for the planet. This collection of 5 reusable bag projects range from easy and quick to difficult and timely, and recycle t-shirts, sheets, and old plastic bags.
Pop Bracelet
Before you toss your soda can into the recycle bin, save the tab and create unique jewelry with it! This recycled bracelet requires about 20 tabs, an elastic cord, and a fastener - plus some creativity, patience, and a little time to spare.
Greeting Card Ornaments
It's a shame to throw out your greeting cards once the holiday season is over. If you're not already reusing cards for collages and scrapbooking, why not turn them into a unique ornament that can be remembered for years to come! This recycled greeting card ornament requires about 20 paper circles, scissors, and glue. Embellish your creation with a scrap of ribbon for hanging and a bit of glitter.
No Sew Rag Rug
Once your clothing, curtains, and sheets have seen their last days of wear - turn them into an 
eco-chic rug, potholder, or placemat! The rug is made by braiding and weaving the fabric scraps together until the desired size is reached. Strips from plastic bags may also work if you're wanting to create an intriguing mat for outdoors.
Cardboard Furniture
Cardboard packaging creates a great deal of waste that can be reused to make bookcases, tables, and adorable furniture for children. Cardboard is stable and sturdy, obviously capable of supporting a great deal of weight. Download patterns to create your own child-sized stool and chair from cardboard at foldschool.
Timely Stationary 
Calendars are so pretty and personal but after a year, it's time to throw them away. Instead of trashing your annual beauties, turn your calendars into notecards with matching envelopes.  You'll need scissors, glue, and an envelope to use as a pattern. This recycled stationary is unique, beautiful, and easy to make.
Floppy Disk Accessories
If you happen to still have a few floppy disks lying around, there are all sorts of functional and creative DIY projects you can make. Your old floppies can become USB drives, notepads, letter holders, or CD holders. Here are 10 interesting ways to recycle your outdated floppy disks.
Pretty Ribbon Dispenser
Your fabric scraps and empty oat containers are all you need to create a useful and unique recycled ribbon holder. A wooden dowel will hold several rolls of ribbon, while a carefully cut opening allows the ribbon to easily dispense. This creative project is perfect for your craft room or just to store wrapping ribbons without untangling a mess when you're ready to use them.

Labels: , , , , , , , ,