Five Products you Should Check Out for Issue 4, 2008

Elmwood Reclaimed Timber Inc. manufactures and markets the highest-quality reclaimed wood products, which adhere to standards embracing the company’s deep respect for the environment. Every product created by Elmwood, including wide plank flooring, countertops, beams and cabinet lumber, has been made by using wood salvaged from sustainable sources. All antique reclaimed timber is old-growth wood harvested from the original, unaltered forests that were standing before settlers arrived. Out of respect for cultural heritage and architectural history, only structures that are condemned, abandoned or beyond repair are deconstructed. Elmwood Reclaimed Timber just had a portion of its products gain the designation of Forest Stewardship Council-Recycled accreditation. The recognition adds validity to an already green team, which is working on having other inventory items similarly cited.
To find out more, visit www.elmwoodreclaimedtimber.com or call 816-532-0300.

Bazura Bags is a social entrepreneur proving that one person’s trash is another’s treasure. This Toronto-based company has launched a line of high-quality bags and accessories handcrafted by a women’s cooperative in the Philippines. They use colorful discarded juice containers and tons of pre-consumer waste that would otherwise clutter landfills, fields and streets in their communities. Every day children from local schools collect more than 50,000 used drink containers called “doy packs” and sell them to the co-op. By transforming “basura,” the Filipino word for “garbage,” into unique collections of eco-chic bags and other accessories, virgin material resources that had been previously used to make similar products are conserved. The company is committed to giving garbage a new life as fashionable bags and accessories support the environment and fair trade.
To find out more, visit www.bazurabags.com or call 705-741-4733.

Because the textile industry is one of the largest environmental polluters, Looolo Textiles wants to address the issue to effect global change. The name “Looolo” is a visual representation of “100 percent,” symbolizing the company’s commitment to sustainability in every aspect of the design process. From the choice to use organic materials for production to consideration of the environmental footprint that the products leave at the end of their useful lives, Looolo is revolutionizing the textile industry with its sustainable solutions. These organic, biodegradable interior furnishings are lined with organic cotton filled with kapok from the Malaysian rainforest and are available in a full range of colors.

To find out more, visit www.looolo.ca or call 514-880-6560.

Almost every product in the cleaning aisle has undergone some kind of evolution while sponges have been the same for decades. In 2006 founders of TWIST set out to turn the world of cleaning products on its head by combining design and environmental responsibility to create functional, beautiful and responsible alternatives that are more durable and longer lasting. One TWIST European Sponge Cloth is equivalent to 17 rolls of paper towels and lasts 25 times as long as a traditional terrycloth bar rag. Not only are TWIST products 100 percent biodegradable, but the packaging is earth-friendly and recyclable. TWIST packaging is a paperboard box that can be turned into a bird feeder. How’s that for a twist?
To find out more, visit www.twistclean.com or call 303-443-9953.

Bottled water now costs more than gasoline; and while tap water is making a comeback, there is growing concern about the impact certain hard plastic reusable bottles may have on long-term health. Klean Kanteen, an industry leader in lightweight, stainless steel bottles, has developed sleek alternatives to leaching plastic and potentially hazardous epoxy-lined aluminum bottles. The company makes the bottle of choice for eco-conscious and health-conscious consumers. A Klean Kanteen is made of electro-polished stainless steel, which is lightweight, durable, non-leaching and toxin-free. Now launching a full collection of colored bottles, including a pink “renewal” bottle that will benefit breast cancer research, Klean Kanteen also offers a children’s 12 oz. Sippy Cup, an 18 oz. cup, a 27 oz. cup, a 40 oz. size and a full range of cap options.
To find out more, visit www.kleankanteen.com or call 530-345-3275.Issue No. 4, 2008