Summertime Fun
CHILL OUT
Need to tote some cold beverages? Keep them chill in a Cascades Cardboard Cooler Box ($19.99). Perfect for picnics, camping or the beach, the cooler is foldable and made of 70% recycled fibers from Canada and the U.S. Lined with a NorShield waterproof coating, when the cooler is packed with ice it can sustain a temperature of five degrees Celsius for 36 hours. And unlike Styrofoam coolers, this one can be recycled at the end of its life. —Kaley Belval
A TISKET A TASKET
Do more dining in the great outdoors, but skip the disposable plates and cutlery, with the Eco-Friendly Picnic Basket from Chasing Fireflies ($99.99). The basket, handmade from willow, is lined with cotton and sturdy enough to hold food for four. It comes with four non-dyed cotton napkins, four sets of bamboo plates and utensils and four wine glasses made from recycled glass. —K.B.
FLOWER CHILD
Children can indulge their inner florist with Build-a-Bouquet ($27.99) from Green Toys, featuring stackable stems, leaves and petals for creating lots of lovely arrangements. The set includes four base pieces, 16 stem and leaf pieces and 24 flower pieces, all crated out of recycled plastic milk jugs. Like all Green Toys products, it’s made in the U.S. and contains no BPA, phthalates, PVC or external coatings. And it comes packaged in recycled materials printed with soy inks. —K.B.
BRAND NEW BAG
With its square, stylish shape, the Harvest III Backpack ($120) from Keen doesn’t look like your standard backpack, and it isn’t made like most backpacks either. It’s made from used car airbags that are dyed a rich color and upcycled to Keen’s new line that includes messenger bags, totes and wallets. Each backpack is hand-numbered and signed by one of the craftspeople who built it. —Faith Nicholas
RECYCLED ROCK
Perfect for music fans, Guitar String Bracelets ($50-$300) from Wear Your Music are made from guitar and bass strings used by music legends that come with a certificate of authenticity. Strings from over 150 artists are available, including Eric Clapton, Jack Johnson, Trey Anastasio and Bonnie Raitt. All profits go to support a charity of the artist’s choice. In the case of Phish’s Anastasio, for instance, proceeds benefit Seven Below which supports arts education in his home state of Vermont. —F.N.
WAVE READY
The brainchild of a swimsuit designer and eco-enthusiast, Odina Surf serves up swimsuits made from recycled plastic and reclaimed fabrics. The swimsuits are a favorite among surfers for their sustainability, style and ability to stay put in the face of monster waves. The Wave Catcher Top ($62) is a versatile, single-strap bandeau with a built-in bra that’s perfect for swimming, jogging or yoga. And the matching Wave Catcher Bottom ($54) is also exercise friendly due to its booty-short fit. —F.N.