reMade USA: Bags From Previously Loved Fabric And Leather

reMade USA is a design company that upcycles used materials to make one-of-a-kind objects. Their mission is to create beautiful, long-lasting, well-made products that positively impact the environment, their users and their makers. All of the products they make are hand-crafted in Potrero Hill in San Francisco, California. Their first line is a range of bags made from used leather clothing and scrap. They are also committed to the principles of sustainable design outlined by The Designers Accord.

reMade is available in two collections, Ready to Order and One-Offs. Each bag is a limited edition of one and bears its own serial number that reflects its uniqueness. They source our materials in a variety of ways. Thrift stores and scraps from the furniture and automotive upholstery industry are their main sources. For the bag linings, they use vintage scarves. They also accept donations of all kinds of leather. If you choose to supply your own jacket, they do take special orders and will make you a bag based on one of their current designs.

Follow them on Twitter to stay up to date on what they are up to. Visit http://www.remadeusa.com to learn more.

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Get Political With Timberland’s “Don’t Tell Us It Can’t Be Done” Campaign.

In December, 192 nations from around the world will come together in Copenhagen to attempt to ratify a new global climate change treaty, designed to replace the soon-to-expire Kyoto protocol. COP15 represents a significant opportunity to take action on climate change. Through the Don’t Tell Us It Can’t Be Done campaign, Timberland hopes to rally the power of individuals and consumers around the world to affect this process positively by challenging government leaders to set standards for emissions.

Timberland is challenging world leaders at COP15 to commit to reducing global emissions – even if that means a cap and trade system. Even with the restrictions that such a model could produce, Timberland is confident that it would force innovation in industries everywhere and that businesses, as problem solvers, would find a way to adapt without passing the cost to the consumer, just as Timberland has. Through measures such as improving lighting design, using renewable energy sources at Timberland facilities and building all new US stores to LEED specifications, Timberland has reduced its direct carbon emissions by 27% since 2006 – all while achieving cost savings.

As part of this campaign, individuals can make their voices heard by signing an online petition at www.donttellusitcantbedone.com or by going through Facebook.com/timberland and Earthkeeper.com. The petition asks world leaders to come to an agreement on fair and binding climate legislation that clearly sets a limit for greenhouse gas emissions; and then asks them to step aside and let businesses innovate and lead the way to finding solutions to achieve those limits.

In addition to signing the petition, visitors can learn about other ways to address climate change or stay up-to-date with happenings at the conference from December 7 – 18. An on-the-ground correspondent will be providing daily updates and exclusive interviews at www.donttellusitcantbedone.com.

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Solé Tiles: An Integrated Solar Solution For Clay Tile Roofing

Solé Power Tiles are electricity-generating “barrel-style” tiles which can be installed in an integrated way with US Tile’s traditional clay tile roofing. The Solé Power Tiles install like a standard tile with no penetrations into the tile itself. The benefit to the consumer or developer is that the solar components are not readily visible.

Solar energy is a renewable alternative to power plants that burn fossil fuels, finite resources that contribute to pollution, global warming, as well as the reliance on imports for our energy security. Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into electricity, powering everything from lamps to air conditioners in a residential or commercial building.

In PV systems, direct current (DC) electricity is produced. Appliances and machinery, however, operate on alternating current (AC). The DC energy produced by the panels is fed into an inverter that converts the DC power into AC power, which then feeds into the main electrical panel that powers a home or business. Any excess generation is fed back into the utility grid. Over a year, as a utility customer, your electricity bill is reduced by the energy you produce.

To learn more visit ustile.com and srsenergy.com.

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What Chemicals Are Around You?

This is NASA’s new, inexpensive device which uses the iPhone to sense chemicals with 16 nanosensors. The phone can send this information to other devices and also the government over the internet. Turns out that there are numerous uses for chemical sensors including early information on a chemical attack, track emissions from factories, not to mention, allowing users to obtain info about the chemicals present in their everyday lives.

Read more about this on inhabitat.com.

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MIT Graduates Develop A Color-Changing Roof Tile

A team of recent MIT graduates has developed roof tiles that change color based on the temperature. The the tiles are white when the temperature is hot, allowing them to reflect away most of the sun’s heat. The reverse happens when the temperature is cold, they turn black to retain heat.

“The team’s lab measurements show that in their white state, the tiles reflect about 80 percent of the sunlight falling on them, while when black they reflect only about 30 percent. That means in their white state, they could save as much as 20 percent of present cooling costs, according to recent studies. Savings from the black state in winter have yet to be quantified.”

Read more at www.impactlab.com

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The Connect Chicago 1 Year Celebration This Thursday.

How the time flies. Our friends at Connect officially opened their doors exactly one year ago! As a thank you to all friends and supporters they have put together an event to embody everything Connect and celebrate this milestone.

If you’re in Chicago this Thursday be sure to come by their store to mingle and mesh over beats by international DJ E-Six (recently seen with Chromeo and Crystal Castles at Congress Theater) and Mr. Joshua of Crossfader King while perusing our curated clothing collections by Nau, Holden Outerwear, Icebreaker, and Timberland Boot Company. Creative energy abound with sculptures and art installation, ‘Creationship’ by artist Stephen Winters.

Come by to learn about their new collection of eco minded clothing for men called C by Connect. Also gain exposure to Connect’s private in-house label, SideCar, which uses reclaimed and surplus fabrics and organic cotton, is also available, making the popular Chicago line available for the first time worldwide.

“Connect, as well as our partners, are driven by conscious capitalism that paves the way for future generations,” says Jonathan Shaun, partner at the company. “Each and every brand we work with goes through a rigorous selection process to ensure that it aligns with our values and vision. Our online web store represents a collaboration between a wide-range of stakeholders within the sustainable design industry.”

Drinks will be served.

Thursday, November 12th, 2009
7-11pm
Connect Chicago Store
1330 Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago Illinois