  
|
|
|
|
|
||
Recycled Plastic
Seo predicts that more businesses will find ways to recycle as innovatively as Stonyfield Farm: The company asks consumers to send yogurt containers to RECYCLINE, which turns them into toothbrushes ($4; 888-354-7296).
Keepsake
One Christmas, Seo's brother gave him a TIFANNY & CO., miniature sterling silver Swiss Army Knife. Seo always carries it in his pocket and uses the scissors to snip fresh herbs ($125; 800-526-0649).
Dishwasher
The Swedish company ASKO may not be a household name, Seo says, but its dishwasher makes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's list of energy-efficient appliances. It uses less water than other brands do and it saves energy by heating what it needs instead of drawing on the house's hot water tank ($700 to $1,300; 800-367-2444).
Cleaning Products
Seo loves the biodegradable dishwashing detergent made by ECOVER. "It has a great lemon scent, suds up well and does a squeaky clean job" ($4; 800-449-4925). Sometimes he adds a drop of AVEDA Lavender Singular Note Oil to the water for a soothing aroma as he scrubs ($11; 800-328-0849).
Sponges
Seo uses only cellulose sponges, like those from GAIAM, because they are biodegradable. He microwaves dry cellulose sponges for 30 seconds to kill bacteria; wet ones need a minute ($11 for a set of 10; 800-869-3446).
Flooring
Wood floors are bad for the environment, Seo says. But planks from ECOTIMBER are made of bamboo, which is a grass and can be harvested every four years; trees, on the other hand, have to be replanted ($5 a square foot; 510-549-3000). Teak flooring from SMITH & HAWKEN is made from farmed trees, not cut from forests ($230 for four 18-inch-square pieces; 800-776-3336).
Glasses
Seo is working with GREENGLASS, a recycling company, to design beautiful drinking glasses made from old wine bottles ($24 for a set of four; 715-355-1897).
Copyright © 2008, American Express Publishing. All rights reserved.
View Website Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement of American Express Publishing Corporation. Users of this site agree to be bound by the terms of the American Express Publishing Corporation Website Terms and Conditions. Copyright © 1997 - 2008 American Express Publishing Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
