Earth Day At Anthropologie

Chic clothier and furniture retailer Anthropologie is doing their part for Earth Day this April 22nd. Their four Canadian locations (see below) will be displaying cork installations in their windows, showing that the renewable material can be used for more than just preserving a shiraz. Each store will have a unique installation made from tens of thousands of recycled corks, only sharing in common natural cork as the main material.

To emphasize the importance of repurposing and recycling, the installations will be available for “adoption” after Earth Day in exchange for a contribution to the Cork Forest Conservation Alliance (CFCA), the organization behind the concept for the windows. Any remaining cork will be returned to the CFCA and recycled through their Cork ReHarvest program.

In addition to their eco window displays, they are offering cork repurposing workshops to customers and kids at the Calgary location tomorrow from 12-2 p.m. So if you’re in the area, stop by to craft your own cork animals or planters (above), and pass the green gene onto kiddies. All Calgary workshops are free of charge.

In the spirit of Earth Day, I’ve rounded up some eco-conscious finds from Anthropologie that will add a bit of green to your home.

Their High-Minded Chandelier is handcrafted from recycled encyclopedia pages. Keep it out of the bathroom because of the moisture, but it would look great in a dining room or home office.

The Wormly Sofa is made from recycled wool upholstery, and the seat is handcrafted in South Africa by Casamento, a company that uses natural fibres to create eco-friendly, non-allergenic furniture. I love that the tufting on the back is scattered leaves instead of neat and tidy buttons. I’m usually drawn to symmetry, but the asymmetrical back cushions leave me wanting to mix things up a bit.

The Splayer Sofa is handcrafted from raw cotton and burlap, and illustrates what Suzanne Dimma was on to for 2011’s “new vintage” trend. The worn, theatrical look may not be for everyone, but it suits this rustic space perfectly, don’t you think?

The Tightrope Coffee Table’s seat is woven from brightly coloured recycled ropes — adding crafty style to the traditional shape of the mango wood legs. It would cheer up a safe ‘n simple sofa as a coffee table, or add eclectic charm to a cottage entryway as a bench.

This hippy-chic trivet is backed with cork, making it practical and eco-conscious. Serve up your Easter dinner dishes on a few of these — a quick way to add some colour to your spread.

Their Tall Pinched Vases and Rainy Window Glasses are blown from recycled glass. These soft hues are perfect for spring.

So if you’re in Calgary, Edmonton or Toronto, pass by to check out the window displays, or stop in to shop their eco items! Addresses below:

Calgary
Chinook Centre
6455 Macleod Trail SW

Edmonton
West Edmonton Mall
8882 170 Street

Toronto
80 Yorkville Avenue

Shops at Don Mills
19 Clock Tower Road

For more eco inspiration, see our Green Design photo gallery.

Photo credits:
1-5. Anthropologie
6. High-Minded Chandelier, Anthropologie
7. Wormly Sofa, Anthropologie
8. Splayer Sofa, Anthropologie
9. Tightrope Coffee Table, Anthropologie
10. Into The Jungle Trivet, Anthropologie
11a. Tall Pinched Vase, Anthropologie
11b. Rainy Window Glass, Anthropologie