5 Things We Love: Earth Day

5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.

1. Factory rejects become cool wares

Give your business cards or your family photos a little edge and do some good for the planet by dressing up your desk in Resource Revival’s line of wares made with defective bike chains. Created in Oregon, the frames ($40), business card holders ($26) and more are created from bike parts that would have been discarded by the factory. See the collection of chic, hardware-inspired products at Super Citizen in Kahala Mall.

—Donica Kaneshiro

2. Neuma leaves nothing behind

I don’t like the idea of buildup in my hair from conditioners so I was eager to try Neuma, a line of products formulated without synthetic fragrances, neurotoxins, parabens, gluten and phthalates — a laundry list of ingredients that do your body no favors.

I was surprised by the thick, creamy texture of Neuma’s Moisture Intensive Masque ($35). How could a formula so rich possibly rinse out clean?

But, instead of leaving a greasy feel, it disappeared into my hair like water, while leaving it smooth, tangle-free and moisturized without feeling like it had a slick coat of buildup-producing silicone.

As a bonus, the company does its part for the environment, using 85 percent post-consumer recycled bottles and 100 percent recycled fiber cartons.

Find it at Hairscapes and Etch Salon.

—Nadine Kam

3. Candle smells good, firm does good

Aveda’s limited-edition "Light the Way" Earth Month soy wax candle feeds the senses as it fills the air with fragrant aromas of vanilla, cinnamon and ylang-ylang and feeds the soul with its Earth-friendly packaging and the charitable contributions that result from a purchase.

The glass candleholder is made from 100 percent reclaimed beverage bottles and is packaged in 70 percent to 90 percent recycled paper. The artwork on the packaging was created by children in Madagascar, one of the places that benefits from proceeds.

All profits benefit Global Greengrants Fund (www.greengrants.org), which funds hundreds of water projects in developing countries.

The candle costs $12 at Hoala Salon & Spa at Ala Moana Center.

—Nancy Arcayna

4. Backpack was made from old bottles

I’ve been a fan of midsize Dakine backpacks ever since I discovered them. They’re well-made, have plenty of places to stash your stuff, and this one is made from recycled plastic bottles. I think they’re a great substitute for a purse or diaper bag, also perfect for a short hike. This 13-liter Womens Grom pack comes in a colorful crochet design with reflective details. I bought mine at T&C Surf Designs in Ward Warehouse for $35. T&C is also at Ala Moana Center, Pearlridge Center, Kahala Mall, Windward Mall and the International Market Place. Visit www.dakine.com.

—Nina Wu

5. Glass blower turns bottles into cups

As phrases like "going green" and "buying local" become more widely accepted — and expected — among consumers, it’s important to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk.

One easy way to head in that direction is to visit HI Tech Glass Designs, at 3392 Waialae Ave., and check out the recycled glassware.

No, not recycled in the sense that you’re buying someone’s used dishes. At HI Tech, glass blower Ryan Jenkins works with beer bottles of different sizes and removes their necks, smoothing the edges to expose a wider mouth for drinking. Prices are $5 to $10, depending on size.

Originally from Oregon, Jenkins holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Hawaii-Manoa and has more than a decade of experience blowing glass. Sure, half of his Kaimuki storefront is dedicated to products of slightly more questionable character, but don’t dismiss it as just another head shop. Besides recycled glassware, Jenkins creates a variety of glass artwork that is also worthy of attention.

For me, modified bottles of Guinness and Hitachino not only look cool, they help give new life to the leftovers from Jenkins’ "creative brainstorming sessions" (he said most of the glasses are made from bottles he and his friends emptied themselves). I’m also saving my empty Scotch bottles for Jenkins to turn into custom old-fashioned pint glasses! Call 744-8133 or visit www.facebook.com/HiTechGlassDesigns

—Jason Genegabus