Eco-friendly Promos

In the future, our walls and roofs may start looking a lot more like our lawns! Though impractical for most people right now, green walls and roofing are definitely on the rise. Pretty soon they should be a standard part of our homes, and with awesomely aesthetic examples like those above, it’s hard to complain!

Green roofs offer loads of benefits; not only do they provide more space for building users, but they can reduce heating and cooling costs, reduce storm water runoff, and fight pollutants out of the air and water.

Green walls are a more recent trend of which their are two breeds: green facades or living walls. The plants of green facades climb right on wall surfaces or on structures, whereas those of living walls grow directly into special wall systems. Like houseplants, green walls promote cleaner air and water reuse.

You don’t need sacrifice the earth for pretty gift wrapping, or vice versa. First and obviously, always recycle wrapping paper, and be sure to buy recyclable brands yourself. You might also consider avoiding paper all together. There are plenty of green alternatives if you think creatively! Instead of using store-bought, wasteful paper bows put an edible peace of candy or a fresh flower or pine cone on top. Wrap your gifts in colorful scarves or fabrics, or purchase special reusable fabric gift bags  or tote bags (you’ll be encouraging your recipient to wrap green too!).

Would you believe that these purses are made out of old wrappers and other trash? it’s true! Welcome to the great new aspect of green living: Ecofashion. Undeniably at the forefront of the fashion world, ecofashion designers create sustainable products that are rapidly gaining popularity. Eco-clothing isn’t limited to using trash; other organic raw materials, such as organic cotton, meet standards. Popular brands include the ecoist (featured above), Linda Loudermilk’s luxury eco line, and CROW.

Rising energy costs make it difficult for environmentally-friendly people to justify travel in this day and age, but there is a way to pack your conscience with you: ecotourism! Ecotourism can generally be defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment” and improves the “well-being of local people”. It’s a fun and enlightening way to get a vacation in. Typically, a vacational ecotour will involve educational compontents for travelers and local communities. Lodging and activities involve sensitivity towards local cultures and biodiversity (check out the gorgeous eco-lodge above!) Popular destinations include Australia, Costa Rica, Alaska, and even New Jersey! This fascinating green trend is fun to learn about and even more fun to take part in!

A humorous article in one of my favorite blogs, Gawker, reminded me of the importance of reusable water bottles. You’ve probably heard a lot about this topic before, but its so common for a reason: its important! The booming water bottle industry has wrecked havoc on mother nature. First, the sheer amount of plastic created is a horrendous burden to our land fills. As for water itself, up to seven times the amount the bottle actually holds is wasted in its creation! Finally, when it comes to energy, the manufacturing and shipping of bottles is a huge, unnecessary waste. There’s pretty much nothing ecologically redeemable about those innocent seeming bottles…

Fortunately, you can easily make a big difference: get a reusable bottle! You’ll help save the earth, along with your time and money. My favorite brands are the trusty Nalgene for its cult status among outdoorsy types and the Sigg, for its non-toxic and eco-friendly guarantee. If you’re looking for to get a company or organization involved, try getting them promotional water bottles that they’ll love to use.