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These awesome Handmade Journal Sets on the Daily Guff today come to us from the husband and wife team of This Is It! Creations. We love their eclectic handmade gifts that happen to be fantastically eco-friendly!
Founded in 2005 in southern Oregon, this duo creates products that are designed to help you reflect, appreciate each moment, and remember what’s important in life: peace, love, beauty and fun! (that’s a quote straight from them…we love it) All of their paper comes from environmentally sustainable sources (Nepalese lokta paper for these journals) and the Handmade Journal Set comes with individually wrapped journals in biodegradable sleeves. We enjoy the humor and thought behind the sayings on the covers of these journals – you get to pick your favorite 3!
Their motto is “Freedom from the ordinary – Freedom for the animals.” You know that’s something we get behind here at Guffly. What’s more is they currently donate 5% of their profits to animal welfare groups.
Family Picture!
Hat tip to you Jodi and Dan of This Is It! Creations – you’re fighting the good fight and we support you! Support them (and the animals!) by getting your very own Handmade Journal Set on the Daily Guff: http://guffly.com
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The nice people at Vers create these attractive, functional Bamboo iPhone and iPod Cases while considering the environmental impact of said items. We appreciate the careful consideration of the effect of mass production on our environment and the great steps that Vers has taken to make a difference for today’s Daily Guff.
You may remember these too cool cases from back in October when we first carried them – we got an overwhelming response that you wanted to have more funcationality from your case with your iTouch and iPhone. Well, Vers must have heard a lot of that too because now they’re offering new styling on the cases that allows you to access full functionality and ultimate protection.
Their mission states:
Without a doubt, the creation of any mass-produced product requires the use of resources and energy to manufacture, transport and manage throughout their useful lives – which resources, how much energy and the length of a ‘useful life’ are where big differences can be made to reduce the total impact that a product makes on the world. Could you craft a more beautiful, better sounding system with LESS impact to the environment at the same time? We thought so, and it’s been the driving passion behind Vers from day one – to be better in every way imaginable.
The company also partners with the Arbor Day Foundation to replant for each tree they take! Bamboo grows faster than any other species, reaches a harvestable height in as little as 3 months, and produces 35% more oxygen per acre than trees – amazing stuff! The bamboo grass for these awesome cases are harvested by hand so they require significantly less energy (energy = CO2). Believe it or not, bamboo is harder and more dimensionally stable that Oak, with strength characteristics equal to steel! There isn’t a better, more eco-friendly way for you to protect your precious iPhone.
We think this a great option for a iPod case that will protect it for sure! These make great gifts (especially for those hard to buy for guys). Get one for you iPhone, iTouch, iPod Classic, or iPod Nano on the Daily Guff: http://guffly.com
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Since it is the holiday season, the Daily Guff is getting in spirit with the Scrabble Tile Holiday Ornaments. These awesome festive pieces come to us from Lark Studio! Dawn founded Lark Studio in 2003 as an outlet for her handmade unique items. While her varied creations may not seem to share a common thread, all of her work is unified with an eco-consciousness and remarkable attention to detail that her customers have come to expect.
We love her playful approach to design but what we really love more is that she diligently collects discarded materials to make these rad products. I mean seriously…how funny is the WTF ornament? These aren’t just for trees, imagine them as a fun desk accessory or unique way to adorn a gift! Check them out on the Daily Guff: http://guffly.com
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These rockin – pun kinda intended – Recycled Folding Speakers come from OrigAudio. They are busy producing Mother Nature Approved speakers that are made from recycled materials and are completely self powered! Hello, who doesn’t need a pair of these in their life.
Think about it – on a bike ride, at the beach, just chilling at home, while working…whatever the occasion, having some easy to travel with speakers to add a soundtrack to your life is a beautiful thing.
Another beautiful thing about OrigAudio is that they support Music National Service, which is a nonprofit enterprise that supports and expands the use of music to address important civic and social needs. Research shows music to be an effective intervention in: 1) under-resourced public schools and low-income communities to develop more successful students and youth; 2) health care and therapeutic settings for patient recovery and improved functioning; 3) the public domain for increased civic engagement, diplomacy and peace.
That’s certainly something we can get behind! Get your pair (or get 2 and get your second for HALF OFF) on the Daily Guff: http://guffly.com/
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The eco-geeks in each of us were pretty excited to learn about the Eco Friendly Laptop Sleeve on the Daily Guff today! These laptop sleeves come to us from GreenSmart, the cool company that’s making neogreene (the green version of neoprene) products of all types.
GreenSmart was founded in 2006 by Tom Larsen and Debbie Wililams. Prior to then they were a company making bags the same ol’ way that everyone else in the world was doing it. We’re impressed with their ability to take a new look at their business and move it towards more sustainable practices. They say, “We are just beginning. Our primary objective with every product and material we make or use is eco-progress. There is no eco-perfect and we are not perfect either. We plan to continue to improve.” And we’re eager to see the improvements they make to their already great products!
Some info on Neogreene…
Neogreene is the GreenSmart trade name for the collection of products made from a proprietary formulation of thermoplastic elastomer foam. TPE-G2 foams provide the unique physical properties of traditional rubber foam products but with the processing efficiency of plastics. TPE plastics have long been used in automotive, electrical, and toy industries however, a TPE foam suitable for sportswear application had yet to be introduced. Our neogreene formulation has been modified to also match the Shore A value (a hardness test method) similar to SBR, rubber, and CR neoprene foam. This modification opens up the opportunity to offer the performance and environmental benefits of neogreene for bags.
Environmental: Aside from the compression and elastic benefits of neogreene, it first offers a clear environmental advantage in comparison to neoprene and rubber foams. Neogreene is considered Toxic-Free because there are no phthalates, VOCs, chlorine, nor metals that are traditionally comprised in neoprene (see reports on this page). Neoprene is also vulcanized in production while neogreene is not. Neogreene can, at the raw material level, be reformed and reused. Specific to neoprene, neogreene consumes 25% less energy to manufacture and 25% less petroleum to produce. These two comparisons are conservative relative to the assorted manufacturing techniques and chemistries found for chloroprene/SBR rubber, etc. all considered neoprene in the market. In many cases the environmental benefit of neogreene is substantially higher than this data for many versions of neoprene offered in the marketplace.
Water-Based Lamination: Neogreene packages (foam plus the fabrics glued to it) are only constructed using water-based adhesives. This eliminates the dependence on solvent based adhesives, which generally contain toluene and dimethyl formaldehyde. No neoprene supplier, that we have found, has yet to find an alternative lamination method for fabrics to neoprene rubber other than solvent based adhesives. In many cases, it is these adhesives that contain the VOCs which off-gas the distinctive odor popularly associated with neoprene.
Lightweight: Since TPE Foams are injected with Hydrogen in the foaming process, it results in a material 50% lighter than neoprene by volume. This benefit appears in the transportation costs of neogreene vs. neoprene.
Durability: TPE foams were first created to replace rubber in automotive applications because of its high-resiliency to both extreme hot and cold conditions. This resilience allows for neogreene to provide a greater range of temperatures where it will continue to provide cushion and elastic properties.
Insulation and waterproof claims: Neogreene has a closed cell structure similar to neoprene (sponges are open cell foam). Neogreene has a superior Clo Value to that of neoprene. The Clo Value is a measurement of intrinsic thermal resistance. Neogreene provides approximately double the insulation properties of traditional neoprene. The closed cell structure makes neogreene fully waterproof.
Hygienic: Because neogreene is a closed-cell structure it does not absorb water. This benefit means that when the laminated fabrics get wet, it is the fabric that dries, not the entire package, as a sponge with fabric would, eliminating the potential for mold or mildew to form in a wet foam layer.
Whew! We just wanted to make sure we explained this great material to you…the laptop sleeve comes in a wide range of sizes to accommodate most laptops. Get yours on the Daily Guff: http://guffly.com
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Guffly is super excited to present these eco portable speakers! These speakers are created by a Southern California design company named, AON BOX. They love creating fun and functional products that don’t harm the environment. Like any other Guffly product, the eco speakers are super cute! These speakers are perfect for when you’re on the boat, in the office or having a personal dance party in your room…we won’t judge. Not only are they portable and easy to use, they are also made from recyclable polypropylene.
We think these speakers are the best portable speakers out there and can’t wait to have an eco-friendly Guffly dance party! To purchase these head on over to the Daily Guff: http://guffly.com
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We all know that being eco-friendly is fun and easy but for some reason there are some people that haven’t caught on to this idea of saving the earth. Strange, yes, but pat yourself on the back for being a more earth friendly individual. You have decided to ride your bike whenever possible; you shop locally and use those cute reusable bags. Not only have you done this but you also shop for eco –friendly and fair trade products! You go you! But despite your efforts there is one place that probably hasn’t fulfilled your eco-friendly dreams and that of course is your job. If you are an eco-minded person, listen up for some quick tips on how to green your not so green job.
1) Recycle: You may work for a place that doesn’t recycle for whatever reason but don’t let this stop you from doing your part to save the planet. If your place of work doesn’t recycle start a recycling committee. As dorky as it sounds it will work! Find a few likeminded people and organize a recycle crew. Find a box to be used for recycling paper and each week trade off on who takes it home to be recycled with their personal recyclables. This way you are getting rid of those unwanted papers but still being the eco diva or divo that you always knew you wanted to be. Hey, you might even make a new friend!
2) Turn off the lights: You may work in an office that always has those huge lights on all the time. If it is at all possible turn those lights off and let the natural sunlight light up your office. This way you are cutting back on the energy needed to power them and refreshing your mind with some good old fashion sun. If this isn’t a possibility ask if you can turn off some of the lights. Turning on only half of them will also cut down on energy use and still light up the office.
3) Recycled Paper: Many offices use a lot of paper and if you want to green your job, be sure to suggest using recycled paper. Recycled paper has the same quality as traditional paper but it is better for the environment. If you suggest this you will be making a big stride to making your office greener.
4) Car pool: If riding your bike to work is not an option or is becoming less of an option because of the cold weather that is approaching, suggest to car pool with people that live nearby. Sure, this could be awkward at first if you don’t know the person that well but after a few car rides of awkward silence you will develop a relationship and an attitude for eco-friendly living. So, be brave and find that eco-friendly person in your office and ask them to jump in for a ride!
Guffly is a one product per day online store and community featuring eco friendly products and fair trade lifestyle goods like home, pet, clothing, office and personal accessories. We know that people aren’t interested in ugly stuff, so you can bet Guffly’s green products are stylish, fun and attractive – eco stylish if you will. Shop the Daily Guff at http://www.guffly.com/
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What was once a fence taken down by Hurricane Ike in 2008 is now an incredibly unique, eco-friendly home décor product. This great product comes to us from James a talented craftsman that prefers upcycling, recycling and using reclaimed products. Oh does the team at Guffly love that!
His unique wood items are made from reclaimed wood with a special attention to preserving the rustic nature of the wood. There is a small LED push light that you can attach to the bottom for an interesting lamp effect.
We couldn’t be more in love with the way this product came to be. We think it’s the perfect adornment for any desk or a unique decoration piece in any room of your home. Shop the Daily Guff: http://www.guffly.com/
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Today’s Daily Guff comes to us from David, a print manager for a small photography business in North Carolina. Obviously, he’s an engineer at heart since he figured out a safe and functional way to reuse ink cartridges into hip, useful lamps.
The translucent plastic and hand-held size work great as hanging lamps or happily sitting next to you at a desk. Each of these is carefully cracked open, dremel-ed, drilled, wired up, and turned into a glowing box of light! Made in the USA foremost out of love according to David – whadda guy!
We think these lamps are totally unique and really would make the perfect gift for just about anyone but we think graphic designers, printers, and students would really love these. Get someone the gift you know they won’t have on the Daily Guff: http://guffly.com
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These handy dandy notebooks come from the brilliant company, O’BON – a US based creator of a variety of eco-friendly school/office supplies! They have a revolutionary process for pencil making by rolling newspaper around graphite and these Fly Sugarcane Notebooks are made from Bagasse, which is essentially what remains of the sugarcane plant after the juice has been drained. How fun is that?!
We were hooked at hello with this company, here’s what they say about themselves:
“At O’BON we strive to incorporate 3 fundamental elements into every one of our products, specifically Quality, Responsibility and Affordability. Our loyalty lies passionately in the hands of our customers, and behind every single product we make exists a determined effort to surpass any and all expectations you may have of us.”
Well how about that? Pretty impressive if you ask us. Plus their products are fun, attractive and items we use every day of our lives. These notebooks aren’t just for show either – they’re functional and durable. Wow your friends when you head back to school with your cool eco-friendly supplies! Make them wish they were as hip as you were by getting yours on the Daily Guff: http://www.guffly.com!
If you’re reading this extra blurb then you’re one smart cookie! For the first three customers to purchase the Fly Sugarcane Notebooks we’re throwing in an extra notebook for freezies! Happy Friday to you!
