Fashionably Responsible Design: the 111 Navy Chair

Design Within Reach, arbiter of modern style for the home, is now offering the 111 Navy Chair, designed by Emeco in partnership with Coca-Cola. Made from 111 recycled plastic Coke bottles, the 111 Navy Chair is a plastic version of the classic aluminum 1006 Navy® Chair.


Expected to keep 3 million bottles out of landfills each year, the 111 Navy Chair is made in the USA and is available in red, orange, green, white and 2 shades of grey. We'd LOVE to see these in a coffee shop or cafe and hope that more companies will partner to keep raw materials in the loop and out of landfills...especially when they can come up with such stylish solutions.

SHOP for it at Design Within Reach HERE

InSpa Creates a 'Fashionably Responsible' Pedicure

Last week, I was lucky enough to test out a new water-efficient pedicure that will soon be offered at InSpa, a chain of day spas in Washington and California.

Today, about 8 gallons of water are used for the service and sanitation of each traditional 'tub-soak' pedicure. InSpa figures that this adds up to about 2,200 gallons of water a day across their eleven stores, not to mention the fact that chemicals must be used to sanitize tubs after each service. Can you imagine how much water all the spas in America are using each day?

InSpa prides themselves on being innovative and eco-minded, so while looking to reduce their ecological footprint, they started working on a new pedicure that not only eliminates a large consumption of water, but also reduces the risks associated with water-borne bacteria.

So how do they do it? Gone is the huge tub of water for soaking. The new treatment uses steamed towels to wrap your feet and soften the skin. The result is something akin to the hot towel on a first-class flight or a nice blanket straight from the dryer, except your feet are the ones bundled and kept nice and warm, while the steam does it's job. The foot rub and massage are relaxing and indulgent, and the polish at the end is the icing on the cake. I really did prefer the towel method to the traditional foot soak - it seems much cleaner and actually more comfortable since you aren't getting wet.

Kudos to InSpa for this "Fashionably Responsible" update to a traditional service. We hope other spas and nail salons will follow your example and help save one of earth's most precious resources...while still providing a stylish fix.

FOLLOW InSpa on Twitter as @InSpaFriends

VISIT InSpa's Website or Facebook Page

Thanks to Kelly for inviting Fashion Ethic and providing additional information

The Earth Awards Seeks Sustainable Innovations

There are just a few more days to get your entry in for The Earth Awards 2010. With a selection committee made up of innovators like Richard Branson, Graydon Carter, Jane Goodall, Philippe Starck, and Diane von Furstenberg, The Earth Awards showcase innovative and SUSTAINABLE design in six categories: Fashion, Products, Systems, Built Environment, Future, and Social Justice.

Entries are judged based on their sustainability factor. They must be Ecological, Original, Measurable, Achievable, Useful, and Scalable. Last year, FAB.REcology by Neri Oxman took the grand prize. These organic forms adjust to their environment, as seen in this fantastic video.

Submissions are welcome through May 10, 2010 and the Awards gala is set for September 16th in London, along with a fabulous exhibition of sustainable design and a Sustainable Business Conference.

LEARN MORE about The Earth Awards at their website

SUBMIT your product or company online