Super Eco

Photo credit: Green Your Decor

Headed to a Fourth of July backyard bash this weekend? You could bring a bowl of fruit salad, or some chips and salsa, or some little knick-knack that's red, white and blue—or you could go green, instead, and bring some really kickin' patio cushions. We are so psyched at this find (which we discovered through our friends at Green Your Decor): weather-safe, made-to-be-outside accent pillows of recycled (and recyclable) fabric, stuffed with 100% recycled plastic bottles. And no, we're not leaving you high and dry by bringing up this find at the last minute, because these little babies are available for just $19.99 apiece at your local Target!

Of course, post-consumer recycled products create a win-win for everyone. Have you noticed how many different things are being made out of plastic bottles lately?

• cell phones (props to Motorola)
• men's business suits (way to go, Sears!)
• sailboats (yes, really)
• bulletproof fabric (who'd-a thought?)
• CD cases (beautiful and inspiring!)
• even more plastic bottles (greenwashed, yes, but marginally better than 100% "virgin" plastic)

When you toss a couple of new eco-cushions from Target into your bag as a hostess gift, be sure to add a reusable water bottle, too. Don't get stranded someplace hot and sweaty with no alternative except bottled water. Every little bit really does count: according to the Container Recycling Institute, although some 636,000 tons of PET plastic beverage bottles were recycled nationwide in 2006, more than three times as much (a whopping 2 million tons) of PET went to waste. Stay hydrated this holiday both stylishly and sustainably—with Super Eco, you're part of the solution!