This week’s Do-Gooder is a champion of the well-rounded sustainable lifestyle… architecture, arts, entertainment, transportation – you name it. You may know his documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?, a widely lauded look at politics, Big Oil and the future of transportation.  His latest pro-environment welfare project is his own homestead in Culver City, CA.  A 21st Century Case Study house for sustainable design, comfortable living, and hi-tech function.  Behold the Marrakesh House!

This place is completely tricked out with “green” features inside & out.  Click here for and impressive & extensive list of “eco” details.  And another majorly impressive stat about the house’s construction:

A typical 4,300 square foot home construction project creates over 12,000 lbs of trash. The Marrakesh House team was able to eliminate 75% of this potential waste from entering a landfill by reusing and recycling original materials like lumber and dirt.

 And beyond actively proving that living “green” is as comfortable and easy as living “mainstream”… and certainly proving that it’s infinitely better for the environment, it’s people and all our our futures… and not to mention SO much more chic, Chris Paine is also hellbent on making the Marrakesh House a hub for “eco” entertaining – a modern day roundtable salon of sorts.  To kick off this beautiful home’s long & mindful life, Chris is hosting an open house fete on June 6th.  If you’re in the LA area… Come party like it’s 2099!

Paine & design collaborator Shellie Collier amongst the solar panels.

Ever wanted to cover a less-than-attractive floor in a snap?  Well, I was recently faced with this issue when I moved into a new place and realized my new kitchen floor is tack-y!  I hit some of my bargain-y online faves and thank you Overstock.com for this perfect and REALLY reasonably-priced (not to mention simple & chic) 100% recycled Harrison cotton rug!

Available in several colors & sizes, this basic but in my case, life-saving bargain sells from $19.99 (runner) to $44.99 (4′8″x8′) and with Overstock’s everyday flat rate $2.95 shipping… we’re talking serious deal!

Let me start this by saying… I love Zulu baskets.  They’re intricate, hearty and gorgeous.  They also celebrate the ingenuity and artistic talents of a culture that is not my own.  That being said, for years the Fair Trade options out there weren’t exactly plentiful and once you got your fill of Zulu baskets, Peruvian pottery or batiked textiles from India… that was pretty much it.

Well, NOT ANY MORE!  There’s a wonderful awareness of the importance of buying “local” these days.  Food, wine, furniture, artwork and even clothing… and I think it’s fantastic!  Not only are we boosting support of artisans and farmers, etc. in our own communities, but we’re reducing the amount of cross-country and even international shipping – which in turn has the potential for greatly reducing our overall carbon footprint on this beautiful planet of ours.  I’m on board, I get it, I completely support it.

Recycled papier mache lamp made fairly in Haiti 

However… a good number of us reading this post have the luxury of being from a fully “developed”, democratic and capitalist society.  We may take for granted that buying locally is one of many options rather than the only one.  For many people across the globe (in developing nations) their lives, work and total existence are drawn from only their own small village or their over-populated, highly polluted and economically devastated city.  And for many of our brothers & sisters in said situations… decent wages, health care and education is scarcely even a dream.  Enter FAIR TRADE!  

Blue & White Ceramic planter made fairly in Viet Nam

Social welfare organizations all over this crazy planet have taken on the glorious mission of not only securing fair wages and health care for workers & artisans in these developing nations where their governments have failed them, but sometimes also providing schooling for the worker’s children and housing for the families.  AND Fair Trade is also a wonderful way to celebrate the craftsmanship and artistic methods of talented people worldwide!

Lotus journal made fairly in India 

Yes, this has been a long introduction to some of my favorite Fair Trade finds and if you’ve lost track… my point is – buying local is an amazing concept.  Do it with Godspeed.  But also, remember our friends, remarkably crafty and living with much less, and support this wonderful thing we call FAIR TRADE!  We all deserve at least the necessities, don’t we?

Clay & Sisal woven bowl made fairly in Swaziland

I’m not sure what it is about this (not-so) little snail… but I can’t keep my eyes off of him!  He’s a new add to the GwG collection, so he’s still got that fresh car smell, but it’s more than that.  He’s bright & curious, statement-y and maybe even a bit shifty.  Regardless, I love him.  White is my favorite, but the others do make me smile.

Made via Fair Trade by artisans in Haiti, these little guys are crafted into papier mache using recycled paper and finished with low-VOC paints.  He’s kind of grinning… isn’t he?

So… a couple of weeks ago my dear friend, Matthew, wanted to see The Informers (the lastest screen adaptation from a Bret Easton Ellis book – set in the 80s, of course).  We obliged.  Overall, it was just awful… but there were some highlights: Mickey Rourke played sinister really well, Brad Renfro was so haunting that I found myself looking away from the screen at times during his scenes and the pretty, young blonde who all the “hot” guys were after wore PEARL STUD EARRINGS!  Ho-ly… it was like finding that $20 in a pair of jeans you haven’t worn in awhile or re-discovering a camisole in the back of your closet that you end up wearing all season.

Go… get yours!  You know you have a pair!  At some point in your life a family member has given you a pair… or 2… or 3.  My latest and my favorites were given to me by my husband while we were still dating – like 10 years ago.  Been wearing them non-stop…  It’s not like they ever go out of style!

So… a couple of weeks ago my dear friend, Matthew, wanted to see The Informers (the lastest screen adaptation from a Bret Easton Ellis book – set in the 80s, of course).  We obliged.  Overall, it was just awful… but there were some highlights: Mickey Rourke played sinister really well, Brad Renfro was so haunting that I found myself looking away from the screen at times during his scenes and the pretty, young blonde who all the “hot” guys were after wore PEARL STUD EARRINGS!  Ho-ly… it was like finding that $20 in a pair of jeans you haven’t worn in awhile or re-discovering a camisole in the back of your closet that you end up wearing all season.

Go… get yours!  You know you have a pair!  At some point in your life a family member has given you a pair… or 2… or 3.  My latest and my favorites were given to me by my husband while we were still dating – like 10 years ago.  Been wearing them non-stop…  It’s not like they ever go out of style!

Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, the fearless leader of major & massive online mag, Ecostiletto (for whom I write a column, thank you very much), just forwarded me her latest video which quickly & cutely spells out the difference in environmental impact between a standard cotton tee shirt and the sustainable alternatives. It’s got a cheeky, “learning’s fun” vibe, but the overall message is what we all need to hear. Check it!

Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, the fearless leader of major & massive online mag, Ecostiletto (for whom I write a column, thank you very much), just forwarded me her latest video which quickly & cutely spells out the difference in environmental impact between a standard cotton tee shirt and the sustainable alternatives. It’s got a cheeky, “learning’s fun” vibe, but the overall message is what we all need to hear. Check it!

Team GwG knows fashion.  Team GwG knows home design.  Team GwG knows glossy “eco” events.  Team GwG knows their way around a kitchen.  Team GwG knows 2nd hand shopping and bargain buys.  Team GwG knows food & wine. Team GwG even knows a thing or two about beauty… but the one thing Team GwG didn’t know – until now – is MOTHERHOOD!

Enter stylish “eco” mom Stephanie W, who’s honed her writing skills on her own blog, Lake Lustre!  We consider her a perfect fit for our team… she’s irreverant and informative, adventurous and savvy. And we look forward to reading about her experiences, trekking down the path of great, “green motherhood.  May the wind power always be at her back.

Totally unrelated, but cute bag!

Team GwG knows fashion.  Team GwG knows home design.  Team GwG knows glossy “eco” events.  Team GwG knows their way around a kitchen.  Team GwG knows 2nd hand shopping and bargain buys.  Team GwG knows food & wine. Team GwG even knows a thing or two about beauty… but the one thing Team GwG didn’t know – until now – is MOTHERHOOD!

Enter stylish “eco” mom Stephanie W, who’s honed her writing skills on her own blog, Lake Lustre!  We consider her a perfect fit for our team… she’s irreverant and informative, adventurous and savvy. And we look forward to reading about her experiences, trekking down the path of great, “green motherhood.  May the wind power always be at her back.

Totally unrelated, but cute bag!

I made these to take to my dear friend, Vanessa’s house the other day… and they were a major hit with a group of total non-vegans.  What is almost as awesome as how delicious they are – is that I always have the ingredients in my kitchen and they take under 15 minute including the bake time.  Perfect for impromptu get-togethers!

 Ingredients:

1/2 cup raspberry preserves

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup canola oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup plus 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees & lightly grease a cookie sheet.  In a large mixing bowl, stir together the raspberry preserves, sugar, canola oil, vanilla and almond extract.

In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.  Add the dry ingredients to the wet in 3 batches, mixing well with a fork after each addition.  Drop generous spoonfuls onto the cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.  Feel free to top with scoop upon scoop of ice cream.

I made these to take to my dear friend, Vanessa’s house the other day… and they were a major hit with a group of total non-vegans.  What is almost as awesome as how delicious they are – is that I always have the ingredients in my kitchen and they take under 15 minute including the bake time.  Perfect for impromptu get-togethers!

 Ingredients:

1/2 cup raspberry preserves

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup canola oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup plus 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees & lightly grease a cookie sheet.  In a large mixing bowl, stir together the raspberry preserves, sugar, canola oil, vanilla and almond extract.

In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.  Add the dry ingredients to the wet in 3 batches, mixing well with a fork after each addition.  Drop generous spoonfuls onto the cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.  Feel free to top with scoop upon scoop of ice cream.

I love, Love, LOVE high-end furniture design… LOVE IT!  A beautifully designed and perfectly executed piece is like a Stradivarius violin or a residence by Mies van der Rohe – meticulously crafted and wonderfully functional.  My latest article for Ecostiletto is about 2 in demand & brilliant contemporary “eco” furniture designers, Facundo Poj and Cliff Spencer.  Check it:

Table by Facundo Pol

Rocker by Cliff Spencer

 Let’s be honest, a made-to-order piece will cost a bit more, but you’ll be investing in a high-quality, durable piece that likely will become an heirloom, passed along for generations to come, rather than ditched in a landfill at the end of its limited life. We think that kind of legacy is well worth the price.

“Life is short. Live simply.” That’s the motto of cabinetmaker and furniture designer Cliff Spencer. We’re knocked out by Spencer’s knack for turning reclaimed woods into stunning works of functional art—a talent he uses to create classic-looking custom pieces for renowned green architects and Beverly Hills ecoistas alike. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind bed frame or conversation-worthy rocking chair, Spencer works with each client to craft precisely the right piece from anything from old wine barrels to fallen backyard trees.

If you’re in the market for something a little more cutting—or in this case, bending—edge, check out the work of Miami-based designer, Facundo Poj. Turning spectacularly sustainable bamboo into sinewy, statement-making furniture is Poj’s M.O. We’re wowed by Poj’s technique, which involves layering nearly 30 layers of engineered bamboo ply and completing each piece with water-based and custom-colored finishes.

I love, Love, LOVE high-end furniture design… LOVE IT!  A beautifully designed and perfectly executed piece is like a Stradivarius violin or a residence by Mies van der Rohe – meticulously crafted and wonderfully functional.  My latest article for Ecostiletto is about 2 in demand & brilliant contemporary “eco” furniture designers, Facundo Poj and Cliff Spencer.  Check it:

Table by Facundo Pol

Rocker by Cliff Spencer

 Let’s be honest, a made-to-order piece will cost a bit more, but you’ll be investing in a high-quality, durable piece that likely will become an heirloom, passed along for generations to come, rather than ditched in a landfill at the end of its limited life. We think that kind of legacy is well worth the price.

“Life is short. Live simply.” That’s the motto of cabinetmaker and furniture designer Cliff Spencer. We’re knocked out by Spencer’s knack for turning reclaimed woods into stunning works of functional art—a talent he uses to create classic-looking custom pieces for renowned green architects and Beverly Hills ecoistas alike. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind bed frame or conversation-worthy rocking chair, Spencer works with each client to craft precisely the right piece from anything from old wine barrels to fallen backyard trees.

If you’re in the market for something a little more cutting—or in this case, bending—edge, check out the work of Miami-based designer, Facundo Poj. Turning spectacularly sustainable bamboo into sinewy, statement-making furniture is Poj’s M.O. We’re wowed by Poj’s technique, which involves layering nearly 30 layers of engineered bamboo ply and completing each piece with water-based and custom-colored finishes.

We live in a time when celebrities have an inordinate amount of power & influence over the rest of us.  It’s not their doing, it’s ours.  So what’s better than a famous person using their influence to inform and raise awareness for causes in need, social woes and noble efforts?  Think Paul Newman, a long-time advocate for organic farming and social equality.  Think Audrey Hepburn, a Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF.  It’s not a new thing for celebrities to be do-gooders, but there are certainly more do-gooder celebs now than ever.

So we’re starting a new feature here at Living GwG.  Each week we’ll choose one person of the famous kind who’s really done something special that very week, something that will truly have a positive impact on the planet – and spotlight their good deed!

To kick it off… our first Do-Gooder: Adrian Grenier.  You know him as the star of HBO’s Entourage and possibly from all the way back in the day in, The Adventures of Sebastian Cole.  You may also know him from his years of “green” awareness raising and his countless “eco” projects.  And potentially, you know him as the host of Planet Green’s home/lifestyle renovation show Alter Eco.  So, you know him.

Well, here’s what he’s doing this week that makes him our favorite Do-Gooder…

Adrian is lauching a new eco-friendly app that will help consumers weigh products’ environmental and health impact. Fantastic, right?  Called “Ecohero”, it’s being developed by the same Texas-based firm that created the popular shopping comparison app ShopSavvy.

  Cheeky photo compliments of Ecorazzi.

From Forbes article, Ecohero will also contain other functions, such as a carbon calculator and eco-encyclopedia. To encourage users to live environmentally, the app will record their (submitted) activity and suggest eco-friendly ways they can offset their activities. “We wanted to provide a social way to use the apps,” Muse says. On-screen, the app resembles a “utility belt” that rotates with the swipe of a finger. It will launch this fall with six “micro-applications.” The group plans to add more “tools” to the belt in the future, including “lite” versions of existing eco-friendly mobile apps.

For those not familiar with ShopSavvy, the app uses the mobile phone’s camera to take a snapshot of a product’s barcode. That information is then sent over the web and shoppers can find out where to get that particular item for a cheaper price. Grenier’s app plans to implement the same system — but you’ll be able to see just how green (or non-green) that particular brand of orange juice is. What????? YES!

If all goes well (Fingers crossed! Sponsors are still being lined up), expect Ecohero is to launch for the iPhone and Android this August.

I’m really ramping up for a summer of entertaining.  We’re moving into a lovely, little house in Silver Lake with an incredible view – and I’ve already got my eye on a pair of vintage Hardoy chairs by Knoll for our patio.  Those along with an oak dining table my mother had when I was a baby and we’ve got one hell of a outdoor space for dinner with friends!  Picture it… grilled Mediterranean vegetables on a bed of couscous, Elote-style corn and a big green salad – enter the Ibiza bowl by Vidreco.

A real statement for the table, the Ibiza is made in Spain of 99% recycled glass.  It’s festive, sustainable and sturdy… pair it with the Luigi Bormiolo recycled glass pitcher from this week’s bargain buy and mix in some vintage barware & dishes – How chic will your summer be?

We’re introducing a new feature to Living GwG called “Bargain of the week”.  We scour the market weekly for something chic & sustainable that won’t break the bank.  Enjoy!

Oooooooh… warm weather!  Which makes me go Mmmmm… lemonade!  Or Mmmmmmmm… vodka & lemonade – even better, right?  Well, which ever poison you pick the Luigi Bormiolo recycled glass pitcher  at Walmart is ready to serve.  A clean, classic design, the LB (as we like to call it) will work with anything from Danish Modern to American Traditional.  And at $19.98, it’s also the perfect hostess gift for any summer fete!

 One of the reviewers on Walmart’s site said, “It adds some elan to my lemonade.”  Oh la la!

We’re introducing a new feature to Living GwG called “Bargain of the week”.  We scour the market weekly for something chic & sustainable that won’t break the bank.  Enjoy!

Oooooooh… warm weather!  Which makes me go Mmmmm… lemonade!  Or Mmmmmmmm… vodka & lemonade – even better, right?  Well, which ever poison you pick the Luigi Bormiolo recycled glass pitcher  at Walmart is ready to serve.  A clean, classic design, the LB (as we like to call it) will work with anything from Danish Modern to American Traditional.  And at $19.98, it’s also the perfect hostess gift for any summer fete!

 One of the reviewers on Walmart’s site said, “It adds some elan to my lemonade.”  Oh la la!

 I don’t mind telling you – I like breakfast in bed.  Nothing feels more lazy and luxurious than watching an old movie and sharing a tray, topped with mimosas, Gimme Lean, tofu scramble & toasted bread, with my husband on a lazy Sunday.  And I take my bed & my bedding quite seriously… I don’t get to spend a whole lot of time in my bed, so when I do – it had better be good, right?  I’ve been sleeping on organic cotton and/or bamboo bedding for a couple of years now and it just feels right.  Soft and chemical-free, sustainable sheets can’t be beat!  But now that our bedding is a couple of years old, it’s getting ready to make the move from our bed to an animal rescue (btw… they also take old towels, blankets & coats – find one near you and keep a pooch or kitty comfortable).  So, I find myself happily shopping for some new sheets.

Amy Butler is a recent discovery.  Her first line for Wellspun (and available as of early June at Bed Bath & Beyond – believe it or not) is playful & grown up at the same time.  Bright colors, certified organic cottons and modern floral motifs make Amy’s bedding that kind of bedding that adds an instant finished feel to a room. Take an all white room, add some Amy Butler bedding… and you’re done!

And then there’s Rubie Green!  The pieces are fresh & fun, but they SO remind me of my childhood days spent in Lily Pulitzer frocks running around my grandparent’s Florida house.  Also, 100% organic cotton and also 100% d-i-v-i-n-e!

 Photo & Rubie Green 411 thanks to great design blog,  Green Your Decor!

Now GO… sleep, drink champagne, devour a DVD and enjoy all of the amazing things a “green” bed can be!

This is Deana’s latest post for The Green Girls.

 I don’t mind telling you – I like breakfast in bed.  Nothing feels more lazy and luxurious than watching an old movie and sharing a tray, topped with mimosas, Gimme Lean, tofu scramble & toasted bread, with my husband on a lazy Sunday.  And I take my bed & my bedding quite seriously… I don’t get to spend a whole lot of time in my bed, so when I do – it had better be good, right?  I’ve been sleeping on organic cotton and/or bamboo bedding for a couple of years now and it just feels right.  Soft and chemical-free, sustainable sheets can’t be beat!  But now that our bedding is a couple of years old, it’s getting ready to make the move from our bed to an animal rescue (btw… they also take old towels, blankets & coats – find one near you and keep a pooch or kitty comfortable).  So, I find myself happily shopping for some new sheets.

Amy Butler is a recent discovery.  Her first line for Wellspun (and available as of early June at Bed Bath & Beyond – believe it or not) is playful & grown up at the same time.  Bright colors, certified organic cottons and modern floral motifs make Amy’s bedding that kind of bedding that adds an instant finished feel to a room. Take an all white room, add some Amy Butler bedding… and you’re done!

And then there’s Rubie Green!  The pieces are fresh & fun, but they SO remind me of my childhood days spent in Lily Pulitzer frocks running around my grandparent’s Florida house.  Also, 100% organic cotton and also 100% d-i-v-i-n-e!

 Photo & Rubie Green 411 thanks to great design blog,  Green Your Decor!

Now GO… sleep, drink champagne, devour a DVD and enjoy all of the amazing things a “green” bed can be!

This is Deana’s latest post for The Green Girls.