So little Time, So Many Green Finds

There are many days I spend hours on the internet looking for needed items for my house. I know I am not the only one who does this. Today, the big search was for a wall display for plates that I bought through a thrift shop. I figured since most wall displays are made of aluminum, how hard was it to find a used one or one containing some recycled content? Near impossible. Either it does not exist or my googling skills need work.

I realized a couple of hours into my search, that most of my time was being spent clicking on a bunch of other great sites that contained eco-friendly items. So, I figured I would share some of my diverse finds for the home. All of my finds are very different and sure to capture your interest. Whoever heard of Styrofoam moldings or recycled sock slippers?

Moldings made of Recycled Styrofoam: These interior moldings are mold and mildew resistant, waterproof, and made out of ninety percent recycled plastic (75% post consumer and 15% pre-consumer) with zero VOC emissions. Great for basement and bathroom applications. The product has the same density as soft wood, so it is easy to paint, caulk, and cut, and comes in seven different profiles. Best of all, the waste can be recycled. See EPSpackaging.org for more information where to recycle Styrofoam. The price range for the product is $.30 to 1.20 per linear foot depending on the molding, and is sold by Close the Loop LLC.

While you are on Close the Loop’s wwebsite, take a look at their recycled post and rail fence made of milk jugs and other recycled plastics. This fence is durable and beautiful without the maintenance of wood. A 2 rail fence cost $9.69 per linear foot, and a three rail fence costs $13.60 per linear foot.

Recycled Wine Bottle cheese plates: Shilo Glass has transformed wine bottles into unique etched cheese plates. Each plate has cork feet as surface protectors. There are different etched patterns to choose from. Priced between $25-30, these cheese plates make a unique gift. My favorite is the clock. These plates can be purchased at One Earth Products.

Also, check out their recycled stemware as well.

Colorful Melamine Plates: These plates are great for the outdoors or anytime you need to fill in for a party. No more paper or plastic waste. You can buy them individually for $8 a piece at Elsewares (no lie that is the name).

If you taste is more traditional, check out the Artifact dinner set, which comes with 4 differently designed plates for the price of $36.00. These plates are pretty enough to hang on your walls.

Street Sign Coasters: These great coasters are created by artist Boris Bally made out of salvaged street signs, and handmade in Rhode Island. Set of 4 costs $70. They can be purchased at Uncommon Goods. Who says being environmental can’t be fun?

Garden in a Bag. For those of us who can’t wait for Spring, Garden in a Bag has 10 different plants to choose from including lavender, herbs, and tomatoes. It is 6.75 in height and only 4.75 in width so it can easily sit near a window sill and provide you with summer for the whole year round. The Bag can be purchased at Greenfeet ($6.95) or Amazon.com ($7.95-$9.95).

The plates, street sign coasters, and the Garden in the Bag recommendations came from Kristine of Grenade Fishing as listed on her This Next list.

Butterfly wall switch: Following my garden theme, why shouldn’t summer last forever? It can every time you turn on and off your light switch. Each one of these flower and butterfly designed wall switches is hand cut from 55 gallon drums. The details of the design are hand pounded, and offered for both rocker and toggle switches. A single switch, which is 5 by 7 inches, is $15.95. Also take a look their butterfly hooks and stained glass sun catchers.

Lite a Switch: A LED night light is built into either an outlet cover or wall switch. These night lights are great for seniors and kids for lighting hall ways, bathrooms, and bedrooms with an estimated 10 year life.

Come to think about it, it is nice for everyone especially when you have experienced banging into a wall or two at 2 am in the morning.There are 3 different lighting designs, 3 different colors (white, blue, and green) and different light switch and outlet décor to choose from.

According to the Company, the outlet or switch takes 5 minutes to install. They even offer to manufacture custom light switches for you. The price for the switches starts at $16.95 for a single light cover.

Bamboo Flatware organizer: This flatware organizer intrigued me because not only was it made of a renewable resource, and it could expand. The standard version (11.75″”Wx17.5″L) is priced at $12.99 and the expandable one (12.75″Wx18″-22.75″L) is priced at $39.99 offered by World Market. See their store locator or shop online.

Recycled Paper Mache Top hanger: If you own a retail store, this is a great item to either compliment your green store or become a little greener. Everything except the hook is biodegradable and recycled. Each box comes with 120, 16.5” hangers and costs $78.00 per box. Considering buying a box with some friends and splitting the hangers. Heck, if you are a shop alcoholic, keep the whole box.

How can I forget Etsy, the place to buy everything hand made? Etsy is home to very creative artists that make one of kind creations. I did find a wall plate display, but it was in a grape vine design. I was looking for more of a traditional French design. Check out the vineyard plates with grapevine design priced at $39.95.

How about owning comfy recycled sock slippers? The sock slippers are custom made to your shoe size and costs $42.00. If you have 12 single socks to give this artist, she will discount the cost of the slipper by 20 percent. Now I know what to do with all of my old socks that have lost their pairs. There must be a place where all these socks end up? Take a whirl around Etsy. You are sure to find some great gifts and items for yourself.

Although I did not find what I was looking for, I had a lot of fun looking at some great eco-items for the home. Do you have any favorite eco items for your home?

And by the way, if anyone knows where I can buy two bronze traditional 3 plate wall displays, which are either made out of recycled materials or are used, please put me out of my misery.