Jiro: The Tire Belt That's Picking Up Speed

Stamped on the inside not as "made" but "RE-made" in Italy, Jiro belts are as eco-friendly as they come! They're constructed of old bicycle tires, and although the tires went through a manufacturing process, the belts are truly one of a kind and can not be reproduced since each piece of rubber maintains its own unique character. The brains behind this concept is a man who prefers to be known simply as "Nero," a graphics designer from Milan, who believes we should "reclaim our primary means of locomotion: the body." And he sees "cycling is our only necessary luxury." Further comments to get Nero to hype his wonderful product went unchallenged, but he did offer that Jiro was only one of his projects. When Seen Green pressed for a reason why he created them, he simply said: "I love my bike."

Cost per Jiro belt is 30 euros or for us and other please-don't-make-me-convert-currency! folks, $45 USD. Shipping is $18. Tell Nero what you're looking for in color and he'll get as close as he can to your request. (Remember the belts are all different) If you buy a bunch (10 or more), Nero makes deals. Interested? Click here.

G-20 Bonus: Henne Helps Build Ecomonic Empowerment for Ugandan Women

If it seems uncharacteristic of a high-end retail establishment, like Henne of Pittsburgh to show heart to a small African nation, blame it on Pittsburgh's recent G-20. From the Shadyside jewelers stand point their awareness "of what's happening around the world" was raised, and they were not willing to just standby. By hosting a fundraiser for the women of Uganda through the "Bead for Life" Project, Henne is helping to raise money for medicine, income, food, school fees and most importantly---hope. Bead for Life's mission is to create sustainable opportunities for African women to lift their families out of extreme poverty by marketing the beads they create by hand of recycled paper. Henne feels an affinity for these Ugandan women through their skills of personal craftsmanship and "mutual love of jewelry."

All the items ( amazingly colorful bracelets and necklaces!) are very reasonably priced – from as little as $5.00 to $30 – but enable the women to earn an income five to seven times higher than they would otherwise receive. One hundred percent (100%)--yes all!-- of the proceeds from the Henne sale will be donated to Bead forLife, an encouraging and generous offer worthy of emulation. As Henne's PR says: "Who would think buying a beautiful piece of hand-made jewelry for so little could mean so much?"

One small step for jewelry; one big step for mandkind!

The sale starting Monday, November 2-7, 2009 with a reception being held on Thursday, November 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. with African food and music at the Henne store located at 5501 Walnut Street.

Sources: Mary Ann Miller Communications, LLC

Joyce Baucum, August Wilson Center/Women of Visions, Pittsburgh

Udate on Pittsburgh's GAGI: A Festival of Art and Technology

Subtitled Art+ Technology at it's best, the event promises to be full of geek, green and technology surprises. Get all the 411 at the Geek Arts and Green Innovators blog. click here.
The schedule of events includes a kick-off with kids activities, mid-day robotics and visual arts exhibitions as well as a car showcase, eco-tech fashion show, film and live performances A must do for the entire family! Save the date! Friday, April 2, 2010