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Image from issiworld: Lothar Gotz
Handbags made out of old recycled fire hoses are nothing new at TreeHugger. We have admired Elvis and Kresse’s bags for a year now. And the fact that half of their profits go to the Fire Fighters Charity makes them even nicer. But now they have joined up to launch a new art-eco fashion brand, Read the full story on TreeHugger

Sustainable design is often smart and sleek, but in an attempt to push the eco-friendly fashion envelope, it can go too far. Way too far.

We’ve picked out some of the most entertaining and wacky in eco bags for your viewing pleasure. And who knows? Maybe you’re the kind of eco diva who can pull off using one of them!

Righteous Fur

Wait… fur is now sustainable? According to designer Cree McCree, it just depends upon whose fur you’re using. In this case, it’s that of the nutria, a large invasive rodent. Native to South America, nutria were introduced to the US in the 30s, but since then have become an invasive species, threatening wetlands. So, buy a rodent bag, save an ecosystem.

Fab Firehoses

These bags (above) aren’t actually all that unattractive, but the material is beyond industrial chic. Elvis & Kresse’s new Firehose line uses recycled British firehoses, which have subdued flames for around 25-30 years before making it to the purse stage of life. The green aspect of the bags doesn’t stop there; the bag liners are made from old fabric or recycled furniture upholstery and the bag labels are printed on old luggage tags.

Living Plant Bags

Even the greenest thumbs may not be up for  the Woolly Vagabond living handbag, made from reclaimed leather and recycled plastic. The bag doubles as a potted plant, and while we do love most things multipurpose, it does raise the question: would bringing your potted plant along feel like a third wheel on a first date? Not sure it grows on you.

Repurposed License Plates

There’s a lot of good going on in the world of repurposing; what’s better than putting an item that would normally go to waste to good use? This little number – called MiniFlare Bag – is made from repurposed license plates, complete with a recycled rubber handle. But does the Swarovski crystal embellisment make this eco bling or an eco bust?

Haute Hair

For the ultimate in upcycling, turn to Australian artist Polly van der Glas, who made a full line of accessories from human hair and teeth. Careful though – with a purse like this you’ll be styling for two, better set the alarm clock a little earlier.

Killer Keyboards

For your inner eco-nerd there’s the Keyboard Purse, designed by João Sabino of Portugal. This would be my number one pick for the green bloggers out there; write intriguing eco posts by day, sport your trade by night!

It’s a Party!

Balloons aren’t the most eco-friendly (think turtles in the ocean who can’t distinguish between latex and real food), so what better use for them after they’ve turned a so-so birthday party into a killer one than a bag? Okay, maybe not. These balloon bags by designer Krizia Robustella were spotted in Madrid during Fall 2009 fashion week.

A Gorgeous Goal

You’ll be looking sporty and responsible with this reclaimed soccer ball tote. The perfect accessory for a conscious soccer mom? We’ve blogged this baby in the past, and we still aren’t convinced.

All Tied Up

No need for a business suit if you’ve got this clutch under your arm. Made of vintage men’s ties with an organic denim interior, this creative little clutch could be your key piece next time you need to show who’s boss. This one we might actually go for!

Which bag will you be sporting in 2010?

Photo Credits: Core 77, Green Muze, Littlearth, Polly van der Glas, Cree McCree, João Sabino, Fete LA, BTC Elements

DN berättar om hur Stockholms kommunfullmäktige haft en julsångstävling. Vann gjorde KD och C, bl a på grund av följande sång:

1. Hyllning till Förbifarten (mel. Jul, jul strålande jul)

Väg, väg signade väg, älskade Förbi-farten
Snart kan vi fullfölja vå-åran plan
Snart kan vi köra förbi hela stan.
Sossarna gillar dig lika väl, detta är givetvis upplagt för gräl.
Väg, väg, signade väg, älskade Förbi-farten.

För alla som inte är lika säkra på förbifartens signifikans kommer här en garanterat trafik-fri spellista för Spotify. Den tog mig några timmar att vaska fram: den innehåller bara artister som antingen tillför något unikt till kända sånger (Dwight Youkam, Take 6, Jagger & Joss Stone, Aaron Neville, Elvis m fl), eller inte lika kända sånger med speciell laddning (Rufus Wainwright, Sarah McLachlan, BB King, James Brown mfl). Bidra gärna med dina egna unika spellistor!

Och samtidigt utlyses härmed en tävling om bästa trafikjulsång 2009. De tre bästa förslagen belönas med en Spotify-invite. Senaste inlämningsdag 24 dec.

Här är min julsångslista: Ljungbergsbloggs julsånger 2009

Länk: DN-artikeln om kommunfullmäktiges sångtävling

Recycled surfboard backsplash and tankless water heater in cool eco-kitchen. Tiles made of recycled skateboards create a kitchen sink backsplash, electric car charging are installed in each parking spot. There are also dual flush toilets and re-claimed Black Forest Walnut — among the many green design elements at Lofts @ Cherokee Studios. Elvis, Ella Fitzgerald, John Lennon, and Dave Matthews recorded here in the heart of Hollywood and the studio is now open again (if you know who l…Read the full story on TreeHugger

Sunny's Mum and Dad are Architects who believe in energy efficiencey and environmental sustainability. Read about a building they designed called Fortune's Gate. It's also know as Elvis's quiff or the Mobius Tower.