I LOVE summer but I HATE mosquitoes. What is a nature loving, blood-protecting girl supposed to do? Bug Off! has come up with a multitude of ways to arm yourself naturally against pests. Using ingredients such as blends of citronella, rosemary, lemongrass and geranium essential oils (all of which are Mother Nature’s insect repellents), Bug Off! makes it easy to put down the deet. They have wipes, soy candles, spritzers, soaps, oils, shampoos and a bug rub that contains shea butter. And for that tiny spot you may have missed (and there’s always one), Bug Off! makes a Bug Bite Soother. If you are visiting a tropical locale (take me please), you really must stock up. When I’m covered in bumps, the tan just doesn’t seem worth it!

Had he not already had a side table, I would have gotten this for my son's nautically inspired room. It would also be chic in my tasting room...if I had a tasting room. I feel like writing about the reuse of wine barrels could be a little cliche, but if you like slightly rustic wood, this could be just the table you are searching for. After a couple years doing its job of imparting complexities unto fermenting grapes, these barrels generally find themselves tossed in landfills. This side table, handmade in Georgia, is a great example of finding a creative way to get the most out of something valuable - oak. What results is a well-crafted, salvage piece that honors the curvature of its predecessor.

My girlfriend, who is presently remodeling her house just asked me what to do with all of her perfectly useful appliances and fixtures, so I began to research. Of course, Freecycle is an excellent local option, but if she lived on the East Coast I would have raved about Green Demolitions. The socially (and inadvertently eco) company says that their service is a "win, win" situation. But this is more like a "win, win, win, win" situation. Green Demolitions will bring along a crew of contractors to extract all the useful items (for free). Then they'll sell them at a fraction of the going price in one of their three stores (New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania) or online at greendemolitions.org, give you a tax deduction and put the profits towards their charity to help people overcome addictions. The donor, the customer, the charity and the earth all come out on top!

There are a number of gnarled, natural looking furniture pieces popping up everywhere from the most luxurious depots to mass market stores. Though I encourage you to place these pieces sparingly, it is exciting that the serpentine artistry of an entwined root is no longer relegated to the outdoors and that nothing has to be chopped down to indulge an al fresco aesthetic. I have a particular penchant for the Vivaterra multi-tiered receptacle. Vivaterra salvages the roots, trunks and limbs from fallen trees (actually, they vow that they never cut trees down for any of their wooden pieces) and that their select artisans hand-construct these stands to receive  jackets, purses, scarfs and hats. Applying an all-natural, burnt finish, the twists and turns are rich and imaginative and, surely, they will spruce up just about any foyer. And if you fancy some driftwood  elsewhere in your home, Vivaterra also offers a corresponding bookcase, table, stool, and framed mirror (keep in mind the "sparingly" comment above).

Pottery Barn continues is foray into sustainable and natural products with it's 'Botanica' collection. Pottery Barn has endeavored to make every inch of this classically-styled line eco-friendly and built to last. The  sofa, chair and ottoman  feature  kiln-dried hardwood frames from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (fsc), recycled steel springs, foam cores made from 20-30% soy-based materials, cushions stuffed with recycled plastic fibers, organic cotton upholstery and more. Easy on the eyes  and the pocketbook, 'Botanica' is a comfortable entree to  eco-furniture.

Flying may not be the most eco-friendly of endeavors (to put it mildly), but it is one of those necessary evils. I live in San Francisco but I have to be in New York (at Domino) and in Los Angeles far too frequently. Ever since Virgin America launched I have been unable to fly anything else. The service, chic design and awesome entertainment make it irresistible. Now I can assuage my eco-guilt a little because two San Francisco based companies have come together to make Earth Day travel a little bit lighter. The trailblazing "people against dirty" over at Method Home will be providing their cool "Plastic Bag Rehab" tote filled with their easy-on-the-planet, easy-on-the-eyes cleaning products to every passenger on Virgin America's flights this Earth Day, April 22nd. And for every flyer, Virgin and Method will donate $3 to the California Parks Foundation. All the while, sit back and relax in front of a seatback touch-screen that will include viewings of Al Gore's new "Climate in Crisis" TED talk (a must see!) among other green broadcasts. Don't forget to offset your flight, though. I use SavingSpecies.org or Terrapass.com to minimize my footprint. Now, kick back and enjoy the illuminated ride.

Unveiling contemporary, custom furnishings, the Moe Design Studio in New Mexico has taken what was once probably slated for landfill and turned it into timeless possessions for the home. Talk about extending the life! From such obscure places as a tobacco barn in Tennessee and an old textile mill in Massachusetts, discarded architectural elements are reshaped with non-toxic, eco-friendly adhesives and finishing materials mostly sourced through a local company, BioShield. I've got my eye on the Olathe Table; available with a variety of insertable tops (glass, stone or wood) and reclaimed hickory or oak; it's a table that's amenable to your personal tastes, available from Vivavi.

Palm Woven is a recent (and my favorite) addition to Smith & Fong's Durapalm repertoire. This un-wood comes from plantation grown coconut palms which grow abundantly throughout the world. After a palm's useful life (about 100 years for nut production), they are replaced by younguns. Smith & Fong utilizes these felled oldies but goodies (otherwise generally discarded) while also providing  supplemental income to the farmers. With non-toxic adhesives and formaldehyde-free finishes, Durapalm also meets LEED criteria for low-emissions. Palm Woven comes in easily interlocking panels for a unique textural surface that makes a serious statement. I can see this as an accent wall or a back splash, but I would love to hear your ideas for use!

Organic sheets have been around for a long time, but kids want bold colors and patterns, and finding that in an organic option has been next to impossible, until now, that is.  I like Pixel Organics because they meet my stringent environmental demands while quenching my children's thirst for fun. Made in the US, the organic cotton, sustainable and regenerated fibers are spun into pajamas and sheets. Dyes are solely water-based, and the company relies on eco-friendly materials like REFILL - regenerated PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) fibers from processing discarded bottles, recycled into the fill for their pillows and mattresses - and Pure Grow Wool. A member of 1% for the Planet, Pixel Organics also produces pillows and mattress pads for the younger crowd.  If you live in LA, you can pick up Pixel Organics at my super stylish sister's new store on Abbot Kinney - Eden's Green Closet (named after my adorable niece). I will post about it in the next few days, so stay tuned!

When I was setting up my first baby's room I scoured all of the the stores in my area and the web to find furniture that didn't compromise my aesthetics nor the health of my child. It was a futile experiment. Thankfully for any ecofabulous new moms, there are now a number of excellent options. Lullaboo line from Celery is firmly committed to providing nursery digs that are good for parents (think easy assembly with NO hardware needed), good for baby (healthy and safe) and good for the environment (no deforestation or nasty emissions here). Selecting bamboo with non-toxic adhesives and 100% recycled formaldehyde-free medium density fiberboard with zero to low-VOC finishes, you won't have to worry about damaging the Indoor Air Quality of perhaps the most important room in the house - the nursery. And it converts into an adorable bed for toddlers, extending its useful life! The Lullaboo Crib comes in quite a few color configurations and has complimenting accessories, such as the chic changing table, a kid-sized rocking chair and a modern take on the classic rocking horse. For an even earlier start, check out Celery's cool cradle. Celery focused on creating great furniture but the website definitely leaves something to be improved, however, Lullaboo is easy to find on the web so I encourage you to buy from a dealer you trust and one that promises to deliver in time for your special delivery!

Light fixtures that flatter CFLs can be difficult to find. I was excited to find Propellor Design studio in Vancouver that has a modern take on the ubiquitous chandelier with an inventive eco twist - inside and out. The Calvino is a grouping of seven pendants constructed from trusted Teragren bamboo (contributes toward LEED certification) with a 100% pure walnut oil finish and a canopy of upcycle-able aluminum, finished with natural linseed oil and beeswax. In addition, this fixture comes equipped with CFLs and is shipped in recycled packaging. It is sure to warm up any narrow space with a great deal of volume. I can see it illuminating a grand staircase...too bad I have a one story!

Woodson & Rummerfield interior design studio is an amazing resource for modern interpretations of period furniture. I have recently been wooed (or cooed) by their recycled/recyclable wallpapers, like the Victorian-inspired Bird Cages. Silkscreened using low-VOC vegetable-based inks and dyes, choose from White & Lime or Pink & Ivory. These designers of the new PETA headquarters in Los Angeles play with the fabled romanticism of an empty bird cage without clipping any flights of fancy. But there are lots of other whimsical papers to please a variety of aesthetics. And while you are on the site, make sure to take a peek at their Hollywood glamorous furniture as well.

DIRT takes candles from dirty to clean in one fell swoop. With 100% soy wax from organically grown soybeans, not only do they burn longer than their paraffin conventional counterpart, but don't emit noxious soot into the air. Coupled with aroma essential oil blends that are free from synthetic fillers or diluters (not to mention phthalates!), DIRT CANDLES snuffs the average flicker with unique and complex scents. I'm currently loving one of their newest additions, the Nitty Gritty, which contains organic soil, ripe tomatoes, fresh Mediterranean sage and hints of Malabar grass and celery seed. Doesn't sound like the ambiance you're looking for? Don't despair; you've got nineteen more amazing bouquets to choose from. Encapsulated in recycled glass and paper, DIRT delivers.

Studio 1a.m. in Chicago is both eco-innovative and conceptually imaginative. Take the post-modern This Table Will Self-Destruct. Each time this table is constructed an additional "pixel" is removed from the design, where the tabletop is considered the "grid." And they'll keep building the table until they've removed too many pixels for it to be of practical use. Talk about getting in on a limited edition, artistic endeavor. Each one-of-a-kind creation is made from a concrete blend using slag and fly ash - industrial byproducts. The base is made from reclaimed Walnut. So far, 25 pixels have been removed. If it is your thing, you better act fast. 26 seems much smarter than 62!

The effluents produced in the textile industry are awful - potentially containing hundreds of chemicals, the most prevalent of which include ammonia, methanol and toluene - all dangerous to human and environmental health (according to the EPA). One way to ensure the fabrics that drape throughout your interiors are of a cleaner derivative is to select a company that respects their weavers as artists and are genuinely committed to sustainable practices. Lulan does just that. Using natural fibers with low-impact dyes, all of their ethnic-inspired deep hued designs are created by hand from start to finish. Visit one of their showrooms in Charleston, South Carolina; Las Vegas; San Francisco; or access their diverse plethora of fabrics online.

The newest from Izzy Design comes the Audrey collection of striking storage units that have countless possible configurations. Made from post-consumer recycled materials with non-VOC paints, the Audrey is GREENGUARD certified, meaning it's ensured to not compromise your Indoor Air Quality. Consider how important that is given that people spend 90% of their time inside on average. To get organized in healthy, modern, eco style, Audrey may be just the one for you.

The creation of Environment Furniture, a company who uses sustainable products and environmentally responsible processes is based on the philosophy that style was born from nature. Environment Furniture exploits the possibilities, without exploiting the world around them. Pieces evoke a sense of history with robust character yet also convey clean, modern warmth (I know, not often used in the same sentence). They are a combination of strong and regal materials with an array of naturally rich colors. The modern Peroba collection, celebrating Brazilian Peroba wood coupled with responsibly harvested mahogany, is comprised of beds, tables and accent pieces. The materials they use play a leading role, often driving the initial design itself, so collections are constantly evolving. Check out their somewhat cumbersome site to download the latest virtual catalog (another way to branch out and show your love for the trees).

I have decided that there is a definite shortage of attractive stools, both eco-friendly and eco-inconsiderate alike. That is why I am nuts about Acronym's indoor/outdoor stool made of reclaimed walnut hardwood and brushed stainless steel. These square seats are a deeper shade of green, as the reclaimed top uses the castoff from the manufacturing of reclaimed flooring, connected with low VOC glues. Available from one of my favorite eco-commerce vendors, Vivavi. I have been told that one might need a seat around when the $1200 (bar or counter height) price tag registers, but a high-design eco-abode takes a little bit of eclectic imagination. Skimp somewhere else.

Maybe I am obsessed with bath sheets, but Organic Style's classic twill towels are definitely worth obsessing over - I am wrapped with them because they have the luxe look and absorbency of Frete without having to fret about how they are manufactured. Their organic cotton is grown in India by family farmers organized in cooperatives, so they are good for the earth and the workers connected to them. Colors are limited but their white isn't that wheaty white so often (historically speaking) associated with organic cotton - the only towel to grace my master bath. They are brilliant despite the fact that no chlorine is used. The blue is a chic cruise navy, perfect for a nautical theme - I have them in my son's bathroom and am delighted that no fading has occurred even after numerous washes. The other two tones are wonderfully neutral. And the plushest part is that they are surprising affordable.

What's the coolest way to extend the life of old Coca-Cola bottles? Well, transforming them into sparkling knobs that will surely prettify your cabinetry is my idea of creative. That's what TE-MA's been up to - a family owned and operated company in Woodstock, New York that designs and manufactures 90% of their products in-house. With these jewel-like handles, I feel like I've discovered a treasure trove of eco-goodness hidden deep in the Catskills.

It's winter and by global mandate everyone is trying to conserve energy (or should be). That means turning our thermostats down. But for some (ok, me), being cold is an unbearable thought. So I am now attempting to warm myself without overheating the room and the rest of the inhabitants in it. I have turned to these chic throws from In2Green. Made using eco2cotton, their blankets are a result of a process that involves collecting pre-consumer (yes, I'd prefer post) fibers and clippings after the cut and sew process, sorting them by color and blending them into a cozy fluff. Pick your favorite pattern and color combo, and soon you won't even notice the chill around you…or at least you will tell yourself that.

We don't have to tell you that eco-friendly bedding that's also cute and stylish isn't always the easiest accessory to find. However, that's all about to change. Hitting shelves in cyberspace and your favorite local sustainable stores this month, is the premier collection from Plover Organic. Delivering a decidedly springy color palette (with low-impact, fiber reactive dyes), Plover takes its designs right from nature for a fresh, light line of bedding that will brighten up any bedroom. Fair Trade and 100% organic cotton (made from non-GMO seeds), the linens from Plover also make a light and airy addition to the planet.

Looking at Christian Rathbone's (doesn't the name scream couture?) modernistic rugs, there are no visual clues that they are paving the way for a more sustainable path. But indeed, the gorgeous designs emerge from humanely sheared wool that's hand-dyed and sun-dried without the use of chemicals, treatments or synthetics of any kind. The dyes are sourced naturally from things like pomegranate, oak, walnut, madder root, indigo and chamomile to create a rich, provocative palate. Adding a modernistic flair to Turkish traditional methods of production, C.R.'s carpets are as good for the conscious as they are for dressing up a room.

Hope everyone had a great Valentines Day! We were going to quit all this lovey dovey stuff, but when I arrived at my computer on Thursday I found a beautiful card from my very thoughtful husband. The card says, Owl (heart) You Forever. Yes I'm a sucker for owls and yes it is a really hip little piece of art, letter press printed on a piece of wood, but James has been with me long enough to know that the first thing I do when he gives me a card is turn it over to see if it has any eco-credentials. This one passed with flying colors. It is printed on sustainably harvested birch wood. Now that is true love. I'm enamored with Night Owl Paper Goods entire line of wooden cards.

By supporting job creation programs and women's empowerment groups, Be Sweet brings South African flair stateside, in an array of some of the most original objects we've ever encountered. Our undeniable favorites, though, are these incredibly unique felted pebbles and rocks. Made from 100% merino wool and hand constructed from start to finish with all natural materials, these rocks are a sweet way to bring a little outside in, without the hard edge. It is shocking how much the boulders resemble their geological relatives. In bringing these gorgeous home accents to a wider audience, Be Sweet helps community development, enables creativity with a conscience... and is paving the way for some really happy customers in the process.

Graham & Brown unveil an incredibly wide selection of gorgeous wallpapers while standing firm as self-proclaimed treehuggers. With the FSC stamp of approval, all of their products combine materials from sustainably-managed forests with recycled papers (on average, consisting of 50% renewable resources). It's worth noting that, though they only use non-acidic inks, and, while eco-friendlier options exist, they do operate a Waste-to-Energy Plant - meaning that, instead of releasing their effluents into the environment, they capture them on-site to be used for energy. G&B's extensive collection appeals to an array of design aesthetics, so you're sure to find the perfect roll to embellish any under-dressed wall.