I was perusing one of my favorite online stores the other day looking for fun green things to present to my faithful readers and I found a few super cute, really interesting and just plain fun items that could work in almost any home. My major issue with ethical home products are that they are usually ridiculously expensive, look “reused” or have no thought behind it. In that they are bland and design/aesthetics didn’t really have a part in the development process. I understand that pricing for some products is necessary due to the process the items may have to go through to be made and usable. I still feel that an integral part of being ethical is obviously pricing. I feel like what is the point of making an item ethical when you have to spend an arm and a leg for it. I realize I have mentioned this before but to me a part of being ethical and conscious is being affordable otherwise it isn’t very useful for helping the masses. Here are a few super cute things I found at Uncommon Goods that I would enjoy owning myself.

Upcycled Zip Wallet

Product Description: Upcycled Zip Wallet’s raw materials once spent their days lounging around the beaches of Bali. That sounds lovely, except that those materials are actually plastic bags. Billions of plastic bags are used every year, and many of them find their way to the ocean, where they can be damaging or fatal to marine life.
For each wallet, ten of those wayward bags are reclaimed from the shoreline, cleaned, cut and crafted into a durable cover. Inside are accordion dividers to keep your own resources organized, and an inner zippered pocket for your valuables. Because of the upcycled nature of the materials, each one will have a unique combination of bright colors. Because these wallets are handmade of recycled materials, each is one of a kind. Made in Bali, Indonesia.

Recycled Ceiling Tin Photo Frames

Product Description: Recycled Ceiling Tin Photo Frame Add vintage charm to your photos with textured, metal frames. The intricate rococo patterns are actually pressed tin ceiling tiles that once adorned homes and shops around the Northeast. Salvaged from crumbling buildings and remodeling projects, artist Margaret Taylor turns them into rustic frames. Due to the reclaimed nature of the materials, colors and patterns will vary. Handmade in Georgia

Two Tone Cork Apron

Product Description: The Two Tone Cork Apron is crafted from ultra-thin sheets of cork, a sustainably harvested material that is supple, durable, and naturally water resistant. Derived from the bark of Cork Oak trees, the material’s natural veining and stippled appearance gives a rich earthiness that is unexpected in a typically textile-based accessory. The dark-stained cork is set off nicely by the contrasting, lighter natural color of the ample central pocket, which is the perfect catchall for cooking utensils, towels or recipe cards. The apron is stitched around the edges and is reinforced with a cotton backing. Made in Portugal.

Fire Extinguisher Pendant Lamp

Product Description: Fire Extinguisher Pendant Lamps are crafted from spent fire extinguisher canisters. The artist Valentino Llegada hand paints each one in shades of black and gray. The aluminum material is lightweight and sturdy, and its interior is left with its metallic finish, which helps reflect the light out into the room. Available in two styles – cylindrical or with rounded edges – created by using either the top or the bottom of the canister. Comes fitted with a light socket and cord, and is ready to hang with included screw hooks. Cord does not have built-in switch. Handmade in Florida. Sold individually