Charleston Green Taxi

While sitting at Metto Coffee and Tea yesterday I came across an advertisement for Charleston Green Taxi in the City Paper. Charleston Green Taxi is our cities first Eco-Friendly Taxi service. From the picture in the ad it looks like the Toyota Prius is the Green Taxi. I am continually impressed by how quickly our city is catching on! The next time you are in need of a ride to the airport check them out at 843-819-0846.

Not a great picture but here is my favorite item that is made from reclaimed wire, light bulbs, nuts, and bolts. This sweet bug hangs on my front porch and makes my day! A friend of mine, Jeff Kopish, of Lime Blue, on Queen Street makes these. Imagine a garden full of these all lit up, a true wonderland. 

Check out these great mirrors we purchased at Palmetto Moon in Mount Pleasant. They are made of old Charleston Doors. Before the builder put mirrors in our bathrooms I asked him to wait. Instead of a generic mirror from Lowe's we have 4 of these great works of art in our home. All of the mirrors are original and unique. Another stylish way to recycled and reuse.

Recycled Outdoor Rugs

Over the next week I thought I would share with you some of the things in my home that are repurposed or made from recycled materials. One of my favorite items is the rug on my front porch made from recycled soda bottles. Not only is it able to be hosed off but it does not fade. After three years in the blazing sun it has retained it's color. I purchased mine locally as well at the Antique Market on Coleman Blvd. I also believe they sell them at Dwell Smart and Global Awakenings. The rugs come in many colors and can be used inside or out. What better way to use all those leftover soda bottles!

Eco-Slipcover Solutions

Having three kids places a definite strain on your furniture. Luckily most of our furnishings are wood and not fabric. But the one of the sofas we own has sure taken a beating! Our neighbors were getting rid of this sofa and offered it to us. It is a "vintage" Crate and Barrel with nice lines and a great pull out bed. We love the couch but after many smoothie spills it could sure use a face lift. Above is a great hemp fabric I found from hemptraders.com . I want something durable. non-toxic, and eco-friendly. I have also thought about going with white. Something I can throw in the wash with some oxy-clean Love to hear your thoughts....

So we decided to go with the open shelves. This is a picture of the beautiful shelf Chris Cobb, of Cobb Woodworking, built for my kitchen. The open shelf definitely makes my kitchen feel more spacious and less confined. The change in paint color from a maple cabinet to this nice gray also adds to the openness. They used a low-voc paint which means no smell and less impact on the environment. I decided to place dishes and cups that I use often on the shelf to minimize dust. Mission Accomplished!

Recycled Flip Flop Door-Mat

With most of my husband's family living in Hawaii, I have a great appreciation for the ever-comfortable flip-flop. We usually have about 10 pairs in the shoe box on my porch at all times. But like anything else what happens when they are worn out and too small. Check out the door mat above! Viva Terra carries these as well and storage bins made from flip flops. I purchased one for my brother a few years ago and it is still holding strong! I will do some research on how to donate and recycle my own families supply, I will keep you posted....