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  The Results Are In!
– Saturday, February 27th, 2010

VerdeLifestyles.com has been live for almost six months now and we are always trying to improve the site with your feedback.  We are considering branching into new areas but wanted to reach out to you, our customers, first.  So we created a Survey to hear your opinions and now we have all this great information to help us make better decisions on site’s direction in the coming months!

So what were the survey results?

  • Accents and Bedding were the most popular categories.
  • The most common product people associate with being organic is food.
  • The most important qualities people look for in organic products is end product costs and what the product is made of.
  • Customers requested more of a product selection for Bedding, Kitchen & Dining (Serving Utensils, Glassware), Outdoor Decor, and adding Clothing and Accessories.  We will also be adding more color and style choices, as well as variety in each category.

If you didn’t have a chance to take the survey, click here.  We are always looking for your feedback on how to improve the site!

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Eco-Friendly Makeup to Leave You and the Enviornment Looking Its Best
– Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Mineral makeup is a big trend, but is it as environmentally friendly as you think? No. So here are 3 outstanding makeup brands [tested and approved by sheknows.com!] that are made with all natural elements and without all those harmful ingredients!

1. Josie Maran: “The natural beauty teamed with the Environmental Working Group’s site Skin Deep for the creation of the cosmetics’ formulas and with The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics to bypass harmful ingredients. Josie is as committed to quality and luxury as she is to the environment—which is a win-win for the environmentally savvy girl on the go.”

2. Nvey Eco: “The entire Nvey Eco brand is certified by the Organic Food Chain. In addition to its environmentally friendly practices, Nvey Eco is praised for making long-lasting and durable cosmetics.”

3. Alima Pure: “Alima Pure takes being natural very seriously, which is why they are certified against the more rigorous European standards of the Federation of German Industries and Trading Firms for natural cosmetics. As only the second American cosmetics company to get that coveted stamp of approval, you can count on them for quality natural ingredients.”

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Planning My Garden & Dreaming of Springtime
– Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

It’s 35 degrees outside and snowing and all I can think about is planning my garden! Granted I’m moving into an apartment next month,  but at least the balcony is fairly large. Since my Aunt introduced me to the world of succulents two years ago, I’ve been completely obsessed with them! Mainly because they are nearly indestructible and come in the most bizarre shapes, sizes, and colors.

Technically, a succulent is any plant with thick, fleshy water storing “organs”. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems or roots and can survive in arid conditions, as well as indoors.  Because succulents require such little water, they are considered more eco-friendly;)

Springtime is right around the corner (March 21 to be precise!).

What are you planning for your garden?

Succulent Wreath

Succulent Planter

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Verde’s New Product Line: Wood Furniture
– Friday, February 19th, 2010

Sustainable Wood Stools & End Tables

Bring nature into your home with our unique handmade Wood Stools and End Tables! All of our stools are hand-carved from sustainably harvested trees. One of our favorite styles is the Twist Collection with long wrapped wooden arches and intertwining legs. Other designs include our Stacked RingsInverted VSqueezed Rectangle and Blocky stools with simple designs for a touch of the outdoors in your living or dining area. Non-toxic stains available include walnut, white wash and a honey tone made from tung oil. NOTE: Not all stools come in these three shades.

I hope you like them as much as we do!  We’ll also be rolling out wall panels, mirrors, bathroom and spa products, as well as more great home accents.  So be on the look out!

Windows End Table

Honey Tone Mango Merlot End Table

Small Sustainable Wood Twist Stool

Honey Tone Blocky Sustainable Wood Stool

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Hello World!
– Monday, February 15th, 2010

Its the little things in life that make me smile.  Which is why I wanted to highlight the more corky and creativity designers I’ve come across.  While my favorites may not be practical, at least they’re fun! So here is my list of fun “green” products from the past couple of months:

plantnecklace

First off is Paula Hayes’ living necklace.  I would love to take nature with me where ever I go!  I could just have plants at work and home but it’s just not the same as having them around your neck.

Then there is the dirt powered clock by Marieke Staps.  You just need two plants to stick the copper and zinc in and volia, electricity.  But you have to remember to water the plants or else your clock will lose power.
soilclock

One of my all time favorites is this moss mat.  I would love to have soft green moss under my feet everytime I came out of the shower!  Yet this one does not last too long since the moss does need sunlight.  It’s a great conversational piece though.

mossmat

I know this post is a little short on content, but I’m still tipping my toes in the water!  I started this blog as a precursor to our website launch.  I wanted to write about my passions, in particular eco-friendly lifestyle trends.  So you might see articles about conservation, the latest green technology, green building techniques, or completely off the wall topics like my favorite books or movies.  Really, anything goes!  My partner, Ryan Forrest, will also be helping me with the blog.  So feel free to leave comments and let us know what you think!

-Danielle-

You should follow us on Twitter here!

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Michigan Public Transportation or Lack There Of
– Monday, February 15th, 2010

I’ve been spending so much time in my car lately that I started thinking about public transportation options. But then I realized I live in metro Detroit aka “The Motor City” and that there really aren’t many options here for public transportation. I know there has been some talk of more public transportation in the state, especially with all the commotion over the past year within the automobile industry.

What really peaked my interest was an article in Inhabitat about a solar and hydrogen powered interstate rail in Michigan. The article was from 2008 and said that construction was set to begin that year and the rail system would connect Ann Arbor and Detroit. I haven’t heard or seen anything since, but that would be great if it became a reality!

intltraveler0

The project was designed as a solar powered, hydrogen-fueled, zero emission mass transit system that would carry anything from people to cars. The highway would be made up of systems called the rail conduit cluster and would provide an integrated system for public/private transit and a municipal infrastructure network. Essentially, it would serve as a public transport system AND distribute electricity, potable water, liquid waste, fiber optics, hydrogen, oxygen, and fuels. I won’t go into more detail than that because frankly I’m satisfied just knowing it works lol! (See resource blow for original article.)

To give you a little background on public transportation in Michigan, a professor of urban planning at the University of Michigan said that “if Michigan got a grade on its current public transportation system, it wouldn’t be pretty. Michigan’s public transit system would probably be given an F”. The reason being the predominant role of the big three in Michigan, there has been a hesitancy to put a transit system in place. It would be perceived as competition with the state’s largest industry which is why it has been ignored for so long. But hopefully that will change soon.

With that being said, where do other states rank as far as public transportation?

Top 10 States For Public Transportation

  1. New York City
  2. Washington, DC
  3. Boston
  4. San Francisco
  5. Philadelphia
  6. Chicago
  7. Seattle
  8. Los Angeles
  9. Las Vegas
  10. Atlanta

Resources
Public Transportation Tips
Public Transportation State Ranking
Michigan Public Transportation
Inhabitat Article

Follow us on Twitter here

-Danielle-

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An Eco-Friendly Nightclub That Goes Above and Beyond in Sustainability
– Monday, February 15th, 2010

Since we’re all trying to better the world by “going green,” why not do it in every possible aspect of daily living? Environmentally friendly home decor, fashion, and travel have taken the world by storm, so why not apply earth friendly behaviors to nightlife?  One of the most fun, beautiful, and responsible nightclubs in the world is Greenhouse, located in New York City’s legendary Soho district. Besides having unbelievable decorations [including bamboo/grass walls and a crystal rain effect], this club aims to fulfill its environmental responsibility. Below are some of Greenhouse’s unique qualities that keep it #1 in eco-friendly nightlife.  Now you can go green when you go out!

Greenhouse is L.E.E.D. certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. It strictly uses LED lightbulbs, which use 1/30th of the energy of regular club lights. There is even wind-generated energy to cover its electricity usage. Greenhouse’s 6,000-square-foot space includes waterless urinals and low-flow toilets to reduce water usage, in addition to bamboo walls and floors. Even high-rolling club goers goers make a green contribution by signing up for a table with bottle service and purchasing eco-friendly Vodka 360. Var staff wear uniforms made of organic materials designed by Edun. Next time you’re in New York City, make sure to support the green efforts because helping the Earth has never been so glamorous!

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Verde Sales & Specials!
– Saturday, February 13th, 2010

Check out the latest Verde Deals!!

Current Coupon Codes: Receive 15% off all repurposed steel Table Top and Wall Decor pieces with the coupon code 15off180design.  As always, feel free to style your home with $60 or more worth of our products and receive $10 off with the coupon code styleitverde.

What makes these organic cotton duvets, pillows and blankets eco-friendly? All pieces are manufactured under the strictest environmental standards. Each product is made with certified organic fibers and will make a statement in any home.

Reed Organic Flannel Pillow

Reed Organic Flannel Blanket

Reed Organic Cotton Pillow Cases & Duvet

What makes these striped cotton table linens so eco-friendly? All pieces are manufactured under the strictest environmental standards. Each product is made with certified organic fibers, and all hand-printed items are made in the USA to eliminate carbon emissions from shipping.

Set of 4 Porter Striped Cloth Napkins & Placemats

Porter Striped Table Runner & Table Cloth

What makes this unique candy dish so eco-friendly? It is crafted from a recycled vodka bottle and is melted down to eliminate waste. Each piece is multi-functional, serving as a candy dish or anything else your heart desires! Not only is it a great way to participate in recycling, but also a unique conversation starter and kitchen helper.

Vodka Bottle Candy Dishes

Vodka Bottle Cheeseboards

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Wired Resistance Makes A Statement With Handmade, Recycled Jewelry
– Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Wired Resistance is an eco-friendly company [started in 1998] that uses unusual recycled pieces to make eye-catching and beautiful jewelry. Melissa Kolbusz is incredibly creative with her designs, using materials from Effen Vodka bottles to washers from old BMW’s. Below is a list of some of our favorites, as well as a link to purchase her jewelry and local stores that sell it. Hop on the green wagon and start accessorizing with recycled materials!

Dangle Earrings Made From Recycled Effen Vodka Surgeon Warning Label

Ring Made From Recycled Rubber Stoppers and Stainless Steel Wire

Dangle Earrings Hand Punched From Rubber Labels and Steel Cuts

Wrap Bracelet Made of 30+ Feet of Recycled Wire

Wired Resistance Web site

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Indoor/Outdoor Composting Machine
– Saturday, February 6th, 2010

This has got to be one of the coolest household appliances I’ve ever seen. The NatureMill PLUS XE and PRO XE are designed to fit in your home under your sink or in a small area by the trash. Apparently they can even go outside, but who would want this sweet conversation piece outdoors?

Now I know what you’re thinking, doesn’t it start to smell? It has a carbon filter that lasts between 5-7 years and completely seals after you close it so you never smell any nastiness. Another secret to it’s success is a fan built into it that helps pass oxygen over the soil to prevent harmful gases and stenches from building up. And if you’re really that concerned the garage or the back porch are perfectly acceptable locations for the device.

view_lidTrayOpen

So how green is this product? It is made from recycled materials and is even recyclable itself after its lifetime. It uses only $.50 worth of energy a month. Over the course of it’s lifetime it produces over 4,000 pounds of high quality compost which means 4,000 less pounds of garbage left sitting in landfills.

Cost may be an issue for some as this product ranges between $300 and $400 but there’s a minimum one year warranty, 5-7 year filter lifetime and several additional years on the product itself.

You should check this product out if you are:

1. An avid gardener with a need for rich soil.
2. An eco conscious person with a little extra yard space.
3. An existing composter who’d rather have the finished product in 2 weeks instead of 2 years.
4. Anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint by at least 4,000 lbs per decade.

Why is composting so important for the environment? Approximately one third of all the waste that goes into landfills is organic and easily decomposes. Unfortunately when all of those products are sealed in airtight bags and pilled hundreds of feet below the surface, they can produce harmful carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Compost itself is a natural fertilizer that can significantly help plant and tree growth when applied regularly.

view_plusXE

Check out the video I found on the site below:
http://www.naturemill.com/video_histChan.html

-Ryan-

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