Green Thinking Blog

Today I got a glimpse of a huge, beautiful sparkler of a diamond on some lady’s hand when I was standing in the checkout line at Publix. After I shook off my mesmerized stare (I’m a sucker for anything shiny and sparkly), I made a mental note to write this blog for our Green Thinking readers.

Is it possible to “green” your engagement or wedding rings? Well, first we have to put aside the fact that rings are not a necessity to life and they do require resources, energy, and transportation. But it got me thinking that in 2008 there must be sustainable or eco-conscious ways to adorn your finger (or your partner’s). The truth is that rings are pretty and most girls really look forward to the moment when we’ll get one. Can I get an AMEN?!

As usual, I did a little research, and here’s what I came up with:

Brilliant Earth - I found out about this company from my friend Melanie in California who recently got engaged. Her guy surprised her with a non-traditional, but oh-so-classy platinum sapphire ring from Brilliant Earth. All the company’s jewelry is made using socially-responsible methods, the diamonds are certified conflict-free from Canada, and they donate 5% of profits to “communities who have suffered from unethical practices in the jewelry industry.”

GreenKarat - I read about GreenKarat jewelry over on TreeHugger. They have some ready-made selections (check out that simple, but gorgeous canary diamond), but the best feature is the custom jewelry page where you can tell them exactly what you want, and they’ll make it for you in 2-8 weeks time. GreenKarat makes ecologically and socially responsible jewelry, and the company is also a big supporter of recycled gold.

Another option is to buy a “recycled” ring from the classifieds or a vintage/antique store. It would take some searching, but you never know what you’ll find. You might come across something special in the classifieds if someone is getting divorced and wants to get rid of a ring (seriously)! As for vintage/antique jewelry, you may have a great store right in your city or you can browse online. A few good sites I found are: Sylvia’s Antiques, Fay Cullen, and Dover Jewelry (wowza they have some ROCKS). On these sites, you can find rings from $400 to $80,000! Another option: take a diamond that’s been in your family and have it re-set in the style and setting that you want.

Pictured: Platinum sapphire ring from Brilliant Earth.

Happy Thursday everyone! I’m feeling very festive today, and I’m looking forward to a great 4th of July weekend. To feed my appetite for fun, I found some great green products to share with you. Maybe you’ve been looking for a gift for a friend, or maybe you just need a little something for you. Either way, I hope you enjoy my eco-friendly finds.

I Am Not A Cup - Say goodbye to disposable cups at work. This porcelain coffee or tea cup has built-in insulation and a silicone lid that keeps your drinks warm.

Egglings - These ceramic egg look-a-likes actually sprout plants when you crack them open and water them (check out the 10 pictures on the site). Choose from basil, petunia, mint, chrysanthemum, spicy red pepper, wild strawberry, or prickly cactus. After three months, the plants can be replanted in soil.

Euro Cloths - The happy medium between a sponge and a paper towel. These dishwasher-safe cloths come in a three pack for $4.00. I’m definitely getting some of these so I can finally knock my paper towel habit.

SunNight BOGO Solar Task Light - This flashlight is powered by rechargeable batteries and sunlight. Take it out in the sun (even with clouds) for 8 hours and its ready to go! I’m sure Kate would love to sport this one on her next camping trip.

PLENTY Magazine - Grist.org recently named Plenty the best green lifestyle magazine. It’s winning over readers with recycled paper, bold design, and a mix of reading material including political matters, green lifestyle, tip sheets, and beautiful images. I’ll be subscribing to this one fa ’sho.

Also, check out this article to find out what chemists are doing to make fireworks more eco-friendly!

A gift that gives back is the best gift to be given.  My boyfriend recently bought me a flower pot to fill with flower seeds that I got in a business card (a post at a later date).  Yes, a sweet thought, but it gets better.  The flower pot is compostable!  It is made from a rice base and will eventually decompose along with your plant into the ground!  This way, if I happen to abandon it, or it is suddenly stolen from my porch in all its beauty, it can do a disappearing act with no harm to my Mother Earth.

This amazing garden tool is created by Terra Cycle, and upon further research, this company is fabulous.  Their focus is to provide a plant food made from waste, worm poop to be exact, and distribute it in waste, recycled plastic bottles, ie. like the one your soda comes in.  Their product is sold at The Home Depot (You really can do it!), Whole Foods, Wal-Mart, and other retailers. 

Better yet, they will buy your waste from you!  You get paid and save space in a landfill.  Cookie lovers:  Send them your old Oreo wrapper - get $.02.  Caffeine Addicts:  Send them your old soda bottle - get $.05.  Winos:  Send them your old corks - get a good samaritan feeling.  Ah, getting rich by the saving the world has got to be the best feeling you can get. 

What better way to celebrate Dear Old Dad than let him know his kid will live in a healthier world for years to come? Well, there isn’t a better way!

Check out some gift ideas for Pops this Father’s day…It is June 15 in case you need reminding…

• Dads are always mowing the lawn, why not let him save some carbon footprints and get some exercise while he makes his lawn green green green! Cleanairgardening.com offers many options for manual lawn mowers.
• Swinging atop the lawn he just mowed on his new HAMMOCK! This hammock by Gaiam is made of recycled soda cans. Also check out a hemp version handmade by the Tekiah Hemp Co-Op.
• While we are at it, let Dad take out the trash to his new Compost Bin! The Green Machine is easy to spin & provides the perfect environment for decomposition.

Okay, maybe your Dad isn’t into chores when it comes to celebrating his fatherhood. Why not celebrate his favorite pasttime by giving him…

• A pen made from the wooden chairs in his favorite baseball stadium. Unique, provides a conversation in any business situation, and brings in a flood of memories allowing the wood to live forever in a different form.
• Or give him what he really needs after dealing with his kids all day…a drink! Try a sampler set of Organic Beer. Ranging from a pack of 4-10 beers depending on how much grief you have given him over the years.