I know I'm not the only one to rearrange my home seasonally; not only does it make it easier to Spring clean since you're moving your furniture around, but it brings a sense of newness and change to your living spaces that is a visual refresher. While my home is comfortably set up, recently I realized that a bit more light would make the evenings more cheery, and went in search of an easy-on-the-Earth but still design-savvy lamp. Here's what I found. 

 

Nicola Table Lamp: Made from recyclable and handcrafted European glass, this pretty lamp has smooth, organic lines that gives off a mellow glow from it's orb-like shape. If your room is crowded or busy, this simple addition will add light without creating more distracting 'stuff.'

 

 

The Aloft Four Light Arc Lamp is made from brushed Nickel, which "utilzizes recycled content and is itself recyclable." Be sure to use compact fluorescent bulbs and you will have a light that is ecofriendly in both production and use phases. This classic design would work well in more modern spaces.

 

 

The Chain Desk Lamp is not only modern and minimalist, it can be adusted for height or folded up when not in use, or for a nightlight feel. It uses LED lights, which take very little power, and last for a very long time (and don't generate heat).

 

 

Lighten Up Designs Exclamati Lamp is one of many beautiful designs by the ecofriendly lamp company. Made from recycled materials, these lamps will brighten a room both aesthetically and practically. The company also upcycles found elements for some of their other designs.

 

The Bloom Day Light can work indoors or out (as the picture above demonstrates). And it's totally electricity-free, running on collected solar power. During the day, you turn it upside-down to capture sunlight with the built-in solar panels, and at night it gets turned back over to product light when you need it.

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In the Eco-Tote Explosion of 2010 (ranked right up there with the Cupcake Revolution of 2009), every celeb who could shake a shoulder was sporting a green bag. Naturally, celebrities and their favorite designers were quick to jump on this trend. But since mere mortals can't or won't pay $495 for a Stella McCartney organic cotton shopper, (I paid a buck for mine from Trader Joe's,) other options were necessarily researched. And luckily, a charity has answered our call for affordable, fashionable, celebrity-endorsed green tote bags. (Isn't this what we all pray for at night?)

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One of my favorite things to do while travelling around the world is to seek out the local eco boutique or sustainable store, as is inevitably includes a new designer I'm not yet familiar with and great local knowledge and resources. Whether you live near one of these brick-n-mortar shops or live in the middle of nowhere (lucky you!), thanks to the internets, you too can dress in ethical style, even if the only one watching is you. Several of these stores are online-only, while some have 'real life' locations, but it hardly matters if you're a savvy (and responsible) Web Citizen.

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