Method: Environmentally Appealing March 29, 2009

Method products capture the best of both worlds:  their products are environmentally friendly AND well designed.  I try to seek out those two factors in my purchases:  environmentally friendly for obvious reasons and design because it captures my eye.   I’m a lover of well done typography, and realistically, good design of an environmentally friendly product should inspire more people to see it, buy it, and use it.  The same product packaged in a bland way will not generate as much consumer interest.  Maybe that’s a shame, but humans inherently seek out the visually appealing.

I really want to commend Method for understanding this.  Their products are amazing because the company seems to ‘get’ what consumers want.  Consumers want a unique visual appearance;  they want a variety of easily accessible and understandable options; most consumers will say that they DO want a product that’s environmentally friendly.  Realistically, if someone else is already doing the work for us in terms of making sure their products are made with natural ingredients, the easiest thing we can do is buy and use these products.

Every Method product is made from renewable and/or abundant natural resources; their products are designed to minimize water and energy consumption, both from how they are made and from how most of their products are bottled in concentrated form, leading to smaller bottles and less waste.

Method has recently been named a ‘Cradle to Cradle’ company, meaning that they are nationally recognized for being a green and sustainable company as a whole (in production and product).

I wanted to highlight a few of my go-to products.  Method (along with Mrs. Meyers) has taken over my entire array of cleaning supplies.

Dish Soap and Hand Soap:  I love the Lavender and Grapefruit Scents

Fabric Softener and Laundry Detergent:  We’ve recently been using the the ‘Squeaky Green’ Laundry Detergent and Dryer Cloths.

Bathroom Wipes and All Purpose Wipes:  The bathroom wipes are heaven-sent when one has a cat who makes everything a mess!  The all purpose wipes are wonderful for counter tops, yoga mats, or dusting (again, partial to lavender!)

Russell and Hazel Helps Keep My Life Sane March 14, 2009

Life has become incredibly busy as of late, between my current job, scouting out for a new job (and possible new city), and wedding planning.  So, I always want to post new ‘cheery observations’, but I sadly often run out of time.

One designer/paper maker/wonder that I credit for helping keep me organized in all of my undertakings is:  Russell and Hazel.  Upon first seeing their products at The Container Store, I knew I was in for a productive treat.  Their crisp lines and products illustrate exactly what I need to stay organized.  The item that I use the most is their desk top calendar.  This calendar is wonderful–it allows me to write EVERYTHING:  Month, Date, Notes (and not be confined by a traditional calendar’s system.  For example if I want to make 2 blocks into 1 day, if it’s an especially busy day, I can.)   It’s a blank canvas, and I use it accordingly.  I’ve learned to mostly write things in pencil, as ‘to do’s’ seem to be in a constant state of flux.

Another item of theirs that I use on a daily basis at work is their Self-Adhesive Numbered Note Pads.  The fact that the numbers are built in helps to focus my wildly formulating ‘to dos’ into a bit more of a cohesive system.  It has 15 lines and a circle to check off when you complete an item.  The 15 line format is wonderful for someone like me–I’ve been known to make 30 plus to do lists, which can become the opposite of helpful!

Finally, I don’t own these, but I appreciate the concept:  12 months–a pad per month– of the daily adhesive notes I mentioned above.