Eco Wednesday - Upcycled Market Tote

I love the upcycled green dogwood fabric used for this reusable market tote by team member Aqua Cherry!

Not only is this a fashionable way to carry your market items but would also make a great everyday tote. The convenient zipper makes it easy to access everything and the exterior pocket is perfect for your cell phone.

You must visit Aqua Cherry's shop as she's got some very unique bags mostly made from upcycled material. There are many more market totes, as well as funky messenger bags, clutches, and wallets!

Eco Wednesday - Recycled Sketchbook/Journal

I found these adorable sketchbooks while browsing some of our member shops and just had to share!

CAB Team member Patchwork Trails has taken cereal boxes to the next level and created these cute sketchbooks. The spiral bound books are 5.5 x 4.5 inches and can be used for sketching or could be a cute diary for a little girl. You can even request a specific cereal box cover.

Take a peek at Patchwork Trails Etsy shop for cute patchwork purses, wallets, make-up bags and more! You can also follow Terri's blog.

Eco Wednesday - Magnetic Recycled Jeans Pocket

This is so clever and makes you think why didn't I think of that?!

Our own CAB teammate Sunflowers by Design has come up with a very useful way to re-use denim jean pockets. She's added a magnet to the back of the pocket, so you can stick this to your fridge to hold pens, coupons, notes, etc. And as she mentions in her listing, this is a great addition to a teens locker! I also love the embellishments, so adorable!

Great idea and very eco friendly!

Eco Wednesday - Upcycled Burlap Coffee Sack

This upcycled bag was made from a burlap coffee sack. Actually this entire bag was made from upcycled materials! A pair of khaki pants, light blue fabric, and even the buttons were upcycled to create this stunning eco friendly bag.

The 5th Season, located in Portland, OR, is using all sorts of discarded materials to create unique, one-of-a-kind bags.

I love the pleats on this bag and the light blue ruffle just adds that extra special touch. You must visit their Etsy shop to witness the innovation and creativity that is the 5th Season.

You can also follow them on Twitter: twitter.com/#!/5SeasonDesigns or join them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/5thSeason

Also don't forget to vote on our very own team members upcycled creations for Challenge #2. Great job to all!! http://carriedawayteam.blogspot.com/2011/05/challenge-2-vote-for-your-favorite.html

Eco Wednesdays - Insulated Lunch Bag

It's Eco Wednesday time!

Julie Meyer's shop features some of the cutest lunch bags I've seen on Etsy! And the best part is they are all made with vintage fabrics, bedspreads, and tablecloths!!

I have to admit it was hard to pick just a few items to feature, as they are all so cute. I chose this insulated lunch bag made from a vintage yellow floral fabric that once was a bedspread, circa 1975 (and the year I was born!) Her lunch bags are lined with a food safe, water resistant nylon and are machine washable.

She also has lunch bags with a handle for easy toting like the other lunch bag I chose. This sweet red one was created by using a vintage curtain panel!



Check out Julie Meyer's Etsy shop for more lunch bags, as well as coasters and handbags that are all eco-friendly as well!
Join her on Facebook for occasional discounts and sales: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Meyer/152602834788041

Eco Wednesdays: Upcycled Billboard Posters.

This Wednesday, we are saving the world once more, this time from unwanted billboard posters. I give you The Recycled Billboard Banner Macbook/ Macbook Pro Sleeve by Notty Pooch:

 I love the sleek look of this sleeve, it's not immediately obvious that's made from a bllboard poster. It just shows you can help the planet and look incredibly stylish all at once.
Not only does buying this help to recycle what would otherwise go to waste, but 10 percent of the profits from the sale go to charity, so it's doubly world-friendly.

This couple from Malaysia has a gorgeous shop full of billboard posters upcycled into wallets, laptop cases, storage containers and much more. The eco aspect means you can shop for gorgeous items with a completely clear conscience, what more could you ask?

Eco Wednesdays: Upcycled Messenger Bag

Hello there all, hope everyone is having a fantastic festive season. I'm Nicci and I'm going to be writing a weekly "Eco Wednesdays" blog post, featuring items that are constructed from recycled rubbish, made from sustainable materials, or just help us to help the planet in some way.

The first item I'm going to bring to your attention is this amazing "Upcycled Messenger Bag" by Lous Upcycles:

Like all of the items in Lou's shop, this bag is made primarily of plastic bags that would otherwise go to landfill sites. I love the adjustable handle made from mens' ties.

Have a look at Lou's shop for an assortment of plastic bag wallets and bags, as well as a profile full of facts and figures that show us exactly why we should all be this passionate about recycling.