Reusable In The USA

by Mistie Dawn

I am happy to say that I am starting to see reusable bags every where! As more and more people switch from plastic bags that fill up land fills (and won't biodegrade) or end up in The Great Pacific Garbage Patch the options for reusable bags are growing. But not all reusable bags are created equal. Most bags are made in foreign countries, rip or tear easily and some are made out of materials that are much better than the plastics bags.

Then there are some bags like iTySE which are easy to carry, compact-able, made in the USA, completely washable and come with a 25 year guarantee.

www.ityse.com

Perfect for those on the go and never know when they may need a reusable bag. 

Solar Gagets for the Home

by Mistie Dawn

The cost of solar keeps going down while solar product innovation continues to improve. Making solar options better than ever. If you've been wanting to use solar in your home now might be the time to shop around and see what is available. From solar panels to solar roof tiles there are a lot of interesting products out there. If your not ready to go big yet but would like to get your feet wet then here are a couple of products that might interest you: Solar Tube Lighting and Solar Attic Fan.

Natural Light Tubular Skylight

Harness the natural light of the sun and add soft lighting to almost any room, closet or nook without any heat loss or gain (unlike standard framed-in skylights) or driving up your electricity costs. Did you know that electric lights can add up to 40% of average heat gain in your home? Also check to see if Natural Light Tubular Skylights qualify for local tax credits as a energy conservation device.

www.gemstatesolar.com

What is a Solar Attic Fan? Powered by solar energy it's a fan that can improve circulation in attics, lofts, workshops, storage sheds, garages, even barns with no electrical wiring, electricians and city permits needed. Installs easily and is powerful (a 10 watt unit can fully vent up to 1200 square feet, operating at up to 850 cfms). Attic venting not only is energy efficient but saves you money. Attic venting cools your roof extending the material life, reduces built-up heat and moisture in your attic, increases fresh air circulation and reduces the load on your air conditioning system.

Bonus: Solar Oven

Solar Oven

• Reaches temperatures 360 to 400F
• Built in thermometer
• Food can be boiled, steamed, roasted or baked
• Ideal for everyday use in your back yard, at picnics, while camping, or floating down the river, or use the SUN OVEN® in the event of a power failure
• Devised to meet up to 70% of the needs of a family of 6 to 8 people

Brooklyn Style + Eco Fashion = Madison Maxey Blazers

by Mistie Dawn

Having lived in Brooklyn for over eight years and launched my own eco fashion accessories line there, I know how inspiring yet challenging it is. Which is why when I see two talented young women like Tessa Lewis and Maddy Maxey who have the drive, ambition and heck just a great concept making it happen, I smile. They have come up with a great concept: improve the fit and style of the everyday blazer. Heck, we all wear one from time to time whether it's for a job interview, daily business attire or to simply make a fashion statement. What makes Madison Maxey different is that they decided to move away from synthetics to the natural fibers of silk and cotton twill and each collar is made from recycled designer fabrics. Here is a breakdown:

No more pulling, tugging and mystery fabrics. A conscious apparel brand bringing better blazers to the USA.

You would think that coming up with a cool and chic eco conscious blazer would be enough for Tessa and Maddy, but you would be wrong. Like most fashion designers and due to their start-up budget constraints their current manufacturing is based in China but that is something they would like to change. They would like to move their manufacturing to the USA and have partnered with an independent factory in San Francisco. Have I mentioned how much I love the vision and drive of these two girls?! Moving their manufacturing isn't cheap or easy so in order to fund this move they have created a Kickstarter campaign that just launched today. Have a look at their two intro videos: 

How can you not be encouraged by the direction and vision of these two young fashion designers? Good luck Tessa and Maddy! I look forward to purchasing my made in the USA Madison Maxey Blazer soon.