Eco Expand Evolve

greenecobear has Left the Building

2012-09-04T14:36:00.001+01:00

greenecobear will be hanging up it's boots and taking a break from social media. You're welcome to look back on older posts, if you missed them. Plus here are a few blogs that you can pop-on to instead:

Green Steve: Green Steve writes about his journey on reducing his carbon footprint with really well researched articles. Explains the impact your everyday actions have on the planet and provides solutions you can adopt to improve your eco lifestyle.

Future Power Generation: The latest renewable energy projects and the advances of alternative energy around the world from Lucas Wyrsch.

Instructables: a database of Green DIY projects, the ultimate archive for making bicycle accessories and recycling awesome stuff like wood pallets. It takes a bit of searching to find the one that suits your needs but it's worth it.

So thanks for stopping by, we appreciate the audience. We hope you've had a laugh and maybe added a little eco friendliness to your daily routine.

Glow Green.Stay Clean.Be happy.

And remember, there are five d's in DodgeBall: dodge, duck, dip, dive, and... dodge.

Table/Bike Storage Dock

2012-09-01T14:29:00.005+01:00

Turn an LACK ikea table into a bike docking port.Upgrade your bed-side table's functionality and extend it's purpose in life. Versatile, flexible, simple. For small-space, apartment-share living, providing your precious green wheels with a little extra security. Docked in the safety of your own room, they'll have to pry it from sleeping, clenched hands if you they want to nick the bicycle. Bring it on... Pop on to Instructables for all the details. You could try looking for an unwanted, secondhand wooden table in markets, charity shops, car-boot sales, etc, that sell for a euro or two. Or a wooden fruit box/wine crate might work as well, and help save cash.

Flat-packed Mini House

2012-08-31T17:35:00.003+01:00

Here's a catch up of a wicked tweet, I tweeted yesterday (try saying that 10 times fast). The Flat-pack Micro House: compact, efficient, minimalist living that takes two days to install. Pack it, build it, live it. Neat is the word. Get it delivered to Electric Picnic Music Festival and Boom! a house-party within a Giant Party. Check out Gizmag for all the info.

DIY Wood Crate Shelf/table

2012-08-30T13:55:00.001+01:00

If you're lucky to have wooden fruit boxes lying around nearby, they make great pieces of recycled furniture. Just pop a box down on the floor and use it as a table, boom...you're done. Or stack one or two side by side in the bedroom for a shelf. Minimal effort, rustic, laid-back charm. And when you move they can be used for transport storage: travel-friendly living.

DIY bed-side/storage Shelf

2012-08-29T14:33:00.002+01:00

When I started out on my eco friendly, vegan lifestyle, I used to go to the local fruit and veg shop to buy loose food forgetting to bring a canvas grocery bag. It was before the plastic bag tax was in place, before reusable shopping bags were widely available or before our garden was setup to have some fresh, organic veg to eat all-year-round. Even if it ends up just being turnip, kale, and sprouted adzuki beans on the menu during winter, it's worth it. Anyway, the guy in the store gave me one of those supermarket plastic-trays free to carry the goods home. And the basket has come in handy for moving stuff from apartment/house-shares etc, ..we've been through some good times together. Plus it doubles as a sliding storage shelf under the bed. Place the tray upright, throw in a few cardboard shoe/mail boxes and it also works as bed-side table shelf. Portable, durable, useful. Upcycle savvy: retro, 80s, warehouse style. Or if you're lucky to get your hands on a second-hand wooden box crate, it could look even neater, cleaner...and greener.

Eco Vegan Undies

2012-08-28T13:22:00.002+01:00

Delicates... the item of clothing that hugs our valuables. Essential that they are stylish, *clean*, pristine pairs..to be prepared for any eventuality(you just never know). So why not show off your wicked, eco friendly side when you're dancing in the sheets? Look sharp and get your funk on.

Vegan Undies from PACT, a company who completely follows through on their green promise all the way down the chain system: source-manufacturing-packaging. They take every aspect of the business into eco-consicous consideration. Wind-powered eco-concept factory, GOTS certified and sweat-shop-free facilities, recyclable paper packaging made from FSC controlled wood and printed with vegetable ink in a factory generated by wind energy, carbon impact off-set by a climate partner, to name but a few of it's operations. Their Recycled Socks are made from the left-over yarn from the manufacturing of other socks, in a wind-powered factory. The cotton for their underwear and t-shirts comes from a single organic cotton project. No pesticides, no fertilizers, no bleaches. And they support social-environmental community causes like the Sustainable Food Center, that's teaching low-income families to grow their own organic veg, providing access to local healthy food and educational classes. All this leads to prices slightly above average $10-$36. But it's pretty impressive to see a green business structure that has a domino effect and creates beneficial spin-offs. A thoughtful gift, made with care.

Positive and long-term solutions that give people the tools to help themselves:

"You change your Underwear, together we can change the World"

Bam Bam boo iPhone Speaker

2012-08-27T14:48:00.003+01:00

An eco friendly, bamboo iphone speaker. The unique sound amplifier has mediterranean desert island meets technology written all over it. Pop it on the desk in work, in the garden, on the beach or in the sitting-room and pump up the tunes bohemian, cabin-hut style. Electricity-free and beautiful acoustics. Plus their packaging is environmentally friendly as well, adding to this company's credentials; simple, practical, green. Available from ibamboo Speaker (Temporarily out of stock but i think still worth the mention.) They will also have iphone speakers made entirely from recycled plastic in the same bamboo shape stocked in the future.

Mega Tricycle,Triple the Fun

2012-08-26T13:53:00.001+01:00

The Tricycle has a greater center of gravity than a 2 wheeler which means it's easier to balance. Basically a bike with massive training wheels. With a big basket at the back, it's handy for moving stuff around like groceries, pallet chairs, tents, maybe amps etc. And the heavy load doesn't affect control or steering, so there's no swerving like on a bicycle and bumping into cars. Alternatively you could just go "Dennis the Menace" style and reek havoc in the neighbourhood.

Or get three monster Dirt King Adult Trikes in three different colours: yellow, blue, red or green. Cycle the city streets with your mates, in a line, down steps, through the shopping center, on the escalator, etc. like the "Italian Job". Could make an awesome youtube video... (think maybe we'll try the child version tricycle, it's cheaper.We'll lose a few pounds instead). Triple the Fun, Triple the Memories. Game-On.

This...

..could turn into this.

See Amazon for more details on spec's and designs.
Related Posts: Monster Scooter 1920s Bike

Terry Tate:the Office LineBacker

2012-08-24T17:30:00.006+01:00

A housemate introduced me to this comical Reebok Ad on youtube a few years ago. Definitely worth a look, absolutely hilarious. It will hopefully brighten your day. Every workplace should have a Terry Tate:Office Linebacker."Pain...what Pain, i don't feel the hurt, ...baby it don't phase me"

Boom Terry Tate in your Face.., Hey Janice!

You can see more ad's of Terry Tate on youtube.

Where'd my Sock go?

2012-08-22T15:10:00.004+01:00

Socks, another item of apparel we wear most of the year, apart from days at the beach and those comfy, tracksuit ends, sandals(i-couldn't-give-a-f***) days. I buy my socks all the same colour so if I lose one to that (where the f*** do they go?) sock wormhole, I can match it up with whatever i have. They're all bamboo socks; naturally anti-bacterial, stinkless and softy etc. Pennies department store were selling 3pairs for 2 euro i think, it was definitely cheaper than buying online anyway. They've gained a few holes in them but I've had them quite awhile, so I suppose wear and tear is to be expected. I don't know if I can throw them in the garden for composting, i must check it out. I'll get back to you on that one. Browse your local supermarkets to see if they stock a pair, you'll get a better price. You can get more details on the benefits of bamboo socks at Nigels Eco Store.

See Related Posts: Bamboo Toothbrush Bamboo Towel Bamboo Cutlery Bamboo Sunglasses

DIY TableTop Pinball Machine

2012-08-21T14:56:00.002+01:00

Okay..STOP THE PRESS, this is way kool. A DIY project that's totally worth the effort. Your very own no-plug-in PinBall Machine. Mechanical, recycled wood, wicked cardboard ramps, a miniature ball from a computer mouse,.. it just screams Awesomeness! Customize it with old action figures, comic books, sports programmes from football games or whatever is lying around the house. You could pretend: "It's for a... friend's kid", but who are kidding. Let the Games Begin.

Wine Bottle Lantern

2012-08-20T13:15:00.000+01:00

Chilling on a garden lounger under the stars at night with mates and subtle outdoor lighting, creates that enigmatic atmosphere. Rustic Wine Bottle Lanterns ($25) says garden party/beach bonfire night. Another wicked upcycle of glass bottles to enhance an evening meal experience. You could probably do a DIY job by sticking some skinny candles in the top of a couple of wine bottles from last weeks dinner and pop them on the ground. Boom your done, bohemian, desert island style lighting. Laid-back and relatively cheap.

DIY Pallet Bed, sweet dreams

2012-08-19T13:22:00.001+01:00

We all need somewhere to lay our heads at night.You could try the floor but might not get a sound rest (especially if you don't drink alcohol to knock you out). Personally I think the sofa is grand. Alternatively a wood pallet bed has a wood cabin/warehouse style, that brings a simple minimalist vibe to the room. A green DIY project that will get you a lot of benefits from doing it, (it's where all the magic happens.) Collect enough pallets and you'll be able to deck out your whole room with recycled wooden furniture. Easy-going, basic, useful. Less...is More. You could probably just place two layers of wood pallets on the floor and boom, you're done. Or pop on to Instrucatables if you want something more held together.

Organic Please=Monkee Genes

2012-08-18T15:02:00.001+01:00

Eco friendly, organic jeans are not easy to get you hands on. One Label that is Soil Association and Global Organic Textiles Standards (GOTS) accredited is Monkee Genes. They have neat fitting Organic Sateen Jeans and laid-back Organic Chinos with bright, bold 80s colours on offer (even salmon pink). You can't go wrong with a decent pair of chinos, they're a basic wardrobe essential, an investment. So at £60 a pair these green-conscious trousers are mid-range affordable. A combination of environmentally friendly practices, reasonable prices, and a retro look catering for a range of styles and era's (like 70s flares). This green company is definitely one to watch out for. Eco threads, 'cos Fashion Cares.

Hybrid Bike,1920s Style

2012-08-17T14:27:00.002+01:00

Modeled after the early 20s board track motorcycle, this vintage classic has been brought back to life by Sportsman Flyer Motorbikes. Some things just never go out of fashion. It can be operated like a regular pedal-bicycle and if you need a little nitro boost for long journeys the Sportsman 200 can go an impressive 50mph. Unfortunately it's a 200cc engine & a fuel tank that provides the juice for the extra miles, so not really eco friendly transport. But if they made an rechargeable, electric Hybrid Bike in this funky style...I'd probably sell the clothes off my back to buy it and cycle butt naked around the countryside, who wouldn't. Stunning, custom-built Wheels like these come at a price of approx $3,500 for a complete kit (frame + engine sold separately), still i suppose it's cheaper than a car. I'll keep my fingers crossed and wait for an electric version to be made.

Twister..ye dig it

2012-08-16T14:44:00.000+01:00

Backyard Par-tay schenanigans, Break out the Twister: casual, intimate, consensual human contact. A game for everyone. If you can't go outside to enjoy yourself, you bring the Entertainment to you. Spin, move, knock, hug, Twist it like it's Hot. So if there's a power cut or you're trying to save on electricity 'cos last months bill was massive, Have no Fear...Twister is Here. Just play it by candle-light, even sounds kind of....romantic...nahh. Or get a couple of Twister mats, stick'em together, "borrow" a traffic cone for voice amplification, a spin-master (preferably someone with excellent commentary skills) and boom it's a mega twister tournament in your own living-room. This could be epic. btw the non-drinker always wins, you can't fight the Law of Gravity...it favours the Sober and strikes down the Drunk.

This could turn into...

This..

...or maybe this

DIY Bicycle Basket

2012-08-15T17:38:00.000+01:00

Cycling to work with bags requires compact packing, plus you might have to pick up some things on the way home.Whether you're carrying vegetables, sports gear or a laptop, a sturdy bike-cargo carrier makes life a little easier. A green DIY job for that retro look says: "I'm Practical...I don't care if you slag me, it works". It's like not having time to gel or brush your hair in the morning and people in work saying they like your stylish ruffled, i-just-got-out-of bed look. With our irish weather, even if you do bother to fix your hair, you still have that...i-just-got-out-of-bed look. You could go for the Wooden Bike Basket or the PVC Bike Basket. The wooden boxes may not be as easy to find as the plastic ones. But both are a neat way to recycle and "relocate" crates (that dude said i could have it) local supermarkets use.

Wireless Bamboo Keyboard

2012-08-14T13:11:00.003+01:00

When Nature Meets Technology = Green Bamboo Gadgets.This eco-friendly bluetooth keyboard is made from 92% renewable, recyclable bamboo and designed to work with iPads, iPhones, Macs, Androids, tablet PC, smart phones etc. No cables, no plastic, just a simple style that doesn't compromise the planet, in production or disposal. The portable, environmentally friendly office accessory for work on the move. Handy for those free Wi-Fi spots in cafes, hotels, and on buses. Pop it on the Get-To-The-Future List cos it's a whopping $100 (and $115 with the ipad viewing stand) from iZen Bamboo.
Yoda would probably have one already.

Bamboo Toothbrush

2012-08-13T15:24:00.002+01:00

A Toothbrush is one of those basic things you use 365 days of the year like toilet roll paper, soap etc. I can probably live without most material products, so I make sure I have the Noc List (necessity objects come-first) bought first before I spend money on anything else. I currently get a pack of four toothbrushes in Tesco for 74cent, bargain..save the pennies and all that jazz. But the carbon footprint of my plastic toothbrush isn't great.

So a compostable bamboo, BPA Free toothbrush with recyclable bristles sounds pretty amazing to me. The eco friendly toothbrush is from Smile Squared, who has a pay-it-forward ethos. For each one bought by you, Smile Squared donates one to a child in need in a developing country. A business structure that's environmentally friendly and encompasses social & corporate responsibility. It costs about $6 (4.5o euro) not including shipping, quite a difference to the 18 cent plastic one I buy. However Smile Squared's packaging is easily recyclable, which is a huge influencer for me and i think their ethical company policy deserve the extra euro.

See Related Posts: Bamboo Sock Bamboo Cutlery Bamboo Towel Compostable Party Plate

Apartment Garden:mini Greenhouse

2012-08-12T13:26:00.002+01:00

The micro-mini Socker Greenhouse from Ikea for Urban small-space Living. So you can sprout seeds, grow herbs and curly kale in the middle of the city. Show off your green fingers and grow your own veg without an allotment. I pop a windowbox & pots on a window sill indoors. But if you're really stuck on space the little glass Socker box works as a funky ornament on the table, while being useful at the same time. And it's not completely over-priced at around $20 (24 euro). Alternatively, if you're trying to save the pennies and live frugally you could make your own indoor garden. I came across a few green DIY projects that are pretty neat: the Mason Jar Wall Planter and the Window Herb Garden. There might even be items at home that you could recycle into herb planters like food tins, plastic bottles cut in half, yoghurt pots, etc.

DIY Bicycle Repair Stand

2012-08-11T12:40:00.004+01:00

Train, Maintain, Sustain. An awesome Bicycle Repair Stand from Instructables. A dinky DIY project to maintain your bike indoors. The portable, free-standing structure that you can take with you when you move. So you can check your brakes, gear chains, oil up etc. and not worry about drilling into any rented walls. Plus it kind of has that 80s pipe/warehouse feel. Basic, practical, effective.

A Vegan walks into Mac D's...

2012-08-10T13:16:00.003+01:00

A joke inspired by friendly banter and Tenacious D's calorie intake spoof. Haven't eaten Mac Donald's in about 7 years so the technical terms and names maybe a bit off.

Vegan: Hi can I get a veg salad please to take away with no dressing, no croutons.

Super Happy Cashier: Yeah Sure! Would you like Small, Medium, Large, X Large, Super Large, or Super X Large?

Vegan: Small please.

Super Happy Cashier: was it dressing on the side?

Vegan: no dressing.

Super Happy Cashier: Would you like a drink with that?

Vegan: do have green tea..?

S H Cashier: em...No. would you like coffee, regular tea, cola, or a diet 7 up instead?

Vegan: no thanks i'm grand.

S H Cashier: Would you like Fries with your order?

Vegan: no thanks

S H Cashier: Would you like some meat with that?

Vegan: no

Super Happy Cashier: okay so just to double check your order: A chicken salad with extra dressing, small tea and fries.

A Very Hungry Vegan: ...(who's thinking I should of went to Burger King)

Apologies for the lazy post, the Katie Taylor gold medal win yesterday has us all deliriously happy. Our Girl with the Golden Gloves, Our Cinderella Wo-Man. Thank you Katie Taylor and all the Boxing Team for making Irish eyes Smile again!

Lowrider StingRay

2012-08-09T12:40:00.000+01:00

The classic 1960s, banana seat lowrider. A green, lean, cycle machine. Cruise along at a leisurely pace with the Beach Boys songs blaring from your pocket boombox. Take in the scenery, pick up a passenger, sit back & enjoy the ride.

See Related Posts: The Phantom Cruiser The Chopper 80s BMX, old school colours

DIY Pallet Garden Loungers

2012-08-08T13:00:00.000+01:00

Relaxing outdoors with your mates, soaking up the sunshine (with some rain). Garden Parties, Hanging out, BBQs and a place to chill, chat & lye down.Garden Loungers recycled from wood pallets brings it all together. Even it's just somewhere to put your drink, phone or....handbags down for a minute, to enjoy the House-Band entertainment. It creates an easy-going atmosphere like a mini camping music festival/beach party. And you can pop out a blanket to make it more comfy to "cuddle up" on, as it gets darker. Get all the details from Instructables.

Buckle Messenger Bag

2012-08-07T12:52:00.001+01:00

The Buckle Messenger Bag that's built to last. Made by Chrome, another company on PETA's vegan list. Their trademark metal buckle clip for the city-cycle enthusiast, makes eco-commuting that bit easier. Smooth adjustment, quick release durable seatbelt strap, keeping your goods safe, secure and clipped-in tight. They also stock pretty awesome SPD Compatible Sneakers to enhance your riding experience. Ride & Glide through the streets and dodge traffic (if you can dodge traffic you can dodge anything), with the laptop and lunch locked to your back. Prices are steep, ranging between $160-$120 for different sizes. But they do claim that it's a bag for Life (if it doesn't get nicked). I think a worth while investment though, if you're a daily cycle-warrior.