Those lucky enough to live in charming little towns with quaint boutiques or giant metropolitan areas with enough shopping destinations to satiate even the biggest addict may not be as reliable on online shopping as the rest of us. This is especially true when it comes to eco-friendly shopping. Although the movement to go green is rapidly (and thankfully) expanding, it still can be challenging to find really cute, well-made and practical goods in the stores. Which is why I love turning to the web. And the newest store I've added to my favorites list is Branch (http://www.branchhome.com), an online boutique that's beautiful to browse through and filled with tons of drool-worthy items.
Created to take the guesswork out of how environmentally responsible a product is, the Branch boutique only sells goods that promote sustainability. This means that everything you'll find on the website is ecologically sound, created with fair trade labor and environmentally wholesome. So really the only thing you have to worry about is maxing out your credit card. From furniture and home décor to items for your kids and pets, there's something for every eco-conscious shopper at Branch. Whether you're looking for silly, lighthearted gifts such as the Plant-Me Pets or something ridiculously lavish like gorgeous handmade, recycled glass vases, you'll find it here.
A few of my favorite things include the 100% organically grown bamboo Low Bowls by Bambu. With nine colors to choose from, you can get just one or select a cornucopia of shades to add some brightness to your normal kitchen routine.
The Willow bedding, made from organic cotton and non-toxic, water-based dyes brings a little bit of the outside world into your bedroom with its graphic botanical print. The entire set is luxurious, sophisticated and stunningly simple. And who could resist the cuddly Knit Octopus , hand-knit in rural Kenya by local artisans. It's cute as a button and completely safe for your little one to drag around.The Capsule Light lamps are made from two, color-contrasting pieces of wool to both direct and diffuse light. The only problem I'll have is deciding how many to buy. Each handmade felted Seat Slice is like a one-of-a-kind piece of art work. The stunning wool seat cushion somehow manages to be both contemporary and completely fun. Finally, my very favorite thing right now is the Cub Children's Chair, made with reclaimed cork. It's so uniquely beautiful and oddly interesting that everyone in my house will want to crawl all over it (including the cat). I only wish they made them for adults.
