Graze

I am not very healthy. Right now I have fish fingers in the oven for the sole purpose of becoming a sandwich with ketchup. I was swayed by Graze solely because of their nibble box, which allows you to have yummy flapjack and chocolate buttons as well as fruit, nuts and seeds. I was sold when I was given a code by a fellow blogger to receive the first box free...and so today my first box dropped through the doorstep.

A complete surprise every time you choose your likes, dislikes, loves and things you'd like to try and Graze choose 4 items for you that match these as well as working well together nutritionally. It's all about balance after all. It all looks yummy and I can't wait to try it.

If nothing else as a promotion student I have to give them top marks for not only getting me to order one but to also get excited about healthier snacks. Everything is conveniently packaged in recyclable packaging which has been mostly made from recycled plastic and cardboard.  The branding is consistent and the little personalised welcome card and top tips leaflets are a sweet addition to your first box.

I have surprised even myself by wanting to try the Black Forest selection first, which contains raisins, strawberries and walnuts and is the only punnet I have received that has one of my 5 a day. I probably should have liked more of the healthy options but oh well.  Clearly chilli slipped through my radar when I was choosing my dislikes because the Great Fire Dragon punnet, roasted maize, jumbo chilli maize and satay broad beans, will be given away sadly.

All good fun and a great brand concept. You can use the code H1L3JBX3 to get your free box. You can cancel straight after the free one if you want :o) and who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised just like me, then you too can "feed your friends" and spread the word.

Pop-up Cardboard Cinema

The Cool Hunter have done it again...they've provided me with an article that shows a simple yet quirky idea that made me grin from ear to ear.  Whilst people ramble on about being eco-friendly and are often ignored some concepts can't fail to make you reconsider if you're anti-eco.

This cardboard furniture can be assembled wherever, whenever then reuse or recycle.  Feasible in reality?  I like to think it could be.  It's been used in museums and exhibition spaces so why not?!

Image from The Cool Hunter

Chris Ofili: I shit you not...

Chris Ofili's Nigerian inspired artwork is being exhibited at Tate Britain between 27 January and 16 May 2010.  Having seen some of his work at Tate Modern years ago I have always remembered the presence of elephant dung.  Glittery elephant dung in some cases.

The Tate website says it a bit better:
"Ofili has built an international reputation with his works that bridge the sacred and the profane, popular culture and beliefs. His exuberant paintings are renowned for their rich layering and inventive use of media, including balls of elephant dung that punctuate the canvas and support them at their base, as well as glitter, resin, map pins and magazine cut-outs."

And to be fair, it is pretty good.  If it wasn't I wouldn't remember seeing it 5 years ago would I?  The Tate however have taken it one step further, commisioning a London artist who goes by "INSA" to respond to Ofili's work.  Here's the result:

Yes shoes with platforms of elephant dung...so poo then.  I shit you not.  (Sorry I couldn't help myself!)  This is one eco-friendly material I didn't think I'd see within fashion.  See the full range of images at Ecotuerre.  Doubt I'll forget these in a hurry either.

Tree Life

As I have already mentioned I won an award at Graduate Fashion Week for my project Eden Village.  Revolving around sustainable tree houses the idea was that consumers could experience truely sustainable living to see how easy they could adapt.  From simply planting your own vegetables to designing an entirely sustainable house.

It was inspired by The Cool Hunter's Tree Life exhibit...and it's coming soon.  They first announced it in 2008 and have given 2010 as the kick off date...which, in case you haven't realised, is not too far away.  I'm still waiting for them to tell me which city will host Tree Life's launch but I have my fingers crossed for London.

"This event will showcase innovative and creative sustainable architecture, and illustrate that green can co-exist with urban city life." ...pretty much the essence of my entire project.  The biggest names in architecture, design and art will come together to showcase cutting edge eco-design.  Marvellous.

100% eco-friendly, 100% Mini...

Whilst on the GQ website the other day I saw an BMQ advertisement calling for field testers for the new Mini E and I got all excited.  Considering I don't live in the London area and I don't have a driving license I'm not sure why.  I think it's because despite the fact they say it's an experiment I don't believe it'll stay that way...as long as they can get the price right.  This is the first practical, entirely electric, zero emissions car.  This has got to be a good development.  I mean think about it...no paying for petrol!  What more of an incentive could you want?

 The Mini E and its entirely electric engine:

There are some issues...a lack of backseats and the fact they'll only manage 100-120 miles per full charge...though this won't be a problem for commuters.  There's also the fact there'll only be 40 in the UK for testing...It's pretty amazing though that they've designed an eco-friendly car that's still 100% Mini.  In other words great fun to drive.  (Yes...despite not having passed my driving test I have driven a Mini!)  I'd get applying soon if you fit the criteria.  Check out details on the Mini E Field Test website.