Daniel Mendes

Currently pursuing a business degree with a minor in studio art from Stony Brook University, Dan is looking forward to his prospects in environmentally friendly and socially responsible business. He spends his time working on his art and music while planning to start an organic apparel company focused on men's apparel in the future. His four-plus years at a lighting store has endowed him with the knowledge of sustainable lighting options and the idea that there are ways to better our planet without compromise or sacrifice.

In 2009, Dan started Saints and Sounds, a blog about music, art, and our environment and has been struggling with his passions ever since. A newcomer to the Inhabitat and Ecouterre team, Dan is eager to find his footing in the world of eco-friendly design and can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.

Hemp, Recycled PET Sneakers by Vans Reduce Production Waste by Half

When it comes to sustainably constructed skate-and-surf shoes, Vans has been making big strides. Its latest attempt is the animal-free 106 SF, a classic après-surf sneaker that features uppers made from hemp or recycled PET, along with water-based dyes and glues that are gentler on the environment.

Gitman Vintage: Classic Oxford Shirts With A Retro, Locavore Twist

“Quality, not quantity” is a mantra Gitman Vintage aims to live by. Choosing to focus on the Oxford, one of the most iconic staples of men’s fashion, the Gitman Brothers spinoff combines classic styling and heritage fabrics to create its sharply tailored sport shirts. Founded in 1978, the label more than remembers its roots. In fact, the Vintage collection consciously pulls fabrics from its archives. (Spring/Summer 2010, for example, is a facsimile of Spring/Summer 1984.)

JGoods’ Sneaker Restoration Kit Makes Your Old Shoes New Again

Instead of trading your old, beloved sneakers for a younger model, consider making them freshly wearable again with the sneaker restoration kit from JGoods. The custom-shoe company has cobbled a collection of tools (including brushes, sponges, finish remover, and leather paint) together to make your grimy kicks sparkle like new. No previous shoe-restoration experience is necessary. A comprehensive guide shows …

Farm Tactics’ Upcycled Bags Are Battlefield Tried and Tested

Designed for the battlefield, these vintage military deadstock fabrics now see a different kind of action: as stylish, functional bags for dudes that won’t have folks questioning your manhood. The outfit responsible for these rough-and-tumble getups? Farm Tactics, a Los Angeles-based label that rescues rare military textiles from the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s and hews them into totes, satchels, backpacks, and hip bags by hand.

Vans Steps Up Green Cred With Tony Alva Skateboarding Shoes

Vans has once again teamed up with Tony Alva, skateboard legend and the godfather of pool skating, in its newest rendition of his classic sneaker. The limited-edition shoes are constructed with eco-friendly materials, including water-based adhesives, recycled gum-rubber, and recycled PET. Look for the Mid Skool 77 Pro and the Era Pro at your local retailers in February for $60-$70.

+ Vans

Brooklyn Tailors: Bespoke Clothing for the Discerning Gent

Brooklyn Tailors is a prime example of how the fashion industry should operate: small, local, and people-focused. Run by Brenna Boyce and Daniel Lewis out of their label’s namesake borough, Brooklyn Tailors creates its custom and read-to-wear garb by hand one at a time. Each piece features quality materials, artisanal workmanship, and an impeccable fit and finish that will sharpen any man’s appearance.

Finisterre’s Eco-Friendly Waterproof Jackets Take Cue From Nature

Unlike most technical-apparel lines, U.K.-based Finisterre provides tough, fashion-forward, and comfortable clothing that treads lightly on the environment. Taking a page out of Mother Nature’s playbook, Finesterre has developed a new, high-performance fabric that is designed to ventilate and protect in the harshest of conditions.

Get Dapper With COTO Luxe’s Stylish Eco-Accessories for Men

COTO Luxe offers a collection of eco-friendly men’s accessories that successfully blend traditional products with fun, innovative design and material choices. Its line, which includes ties, cufflinks, and shirts designed for fashion-forward environmentalists, uses diverse elements, from recycled paper to antique coins. The New York City-based company even offers a surfboard, made from plantation-grown Paulownia wood, that underscores COTO’s fun but professional appeal.

6 Eco-Friendly Men’s Jackets Ready To Take On Fall

With fall’s blustery weather bringing down the mercury, it’s time to suit up with an extra layer to help you transition from balmy summer to frigid winter. Here, six eco-savvy men’s jackets to help you stay snug as a bug without compromising your values or aesthetics.

Nau Fills Men’s Eco-Fashion Void With Basics Every Guy Can Appreciate

As any one of our male readers will tell you, there is a dearth of stylish eco-friendly clothing for men. One brand, however, is looking to change that with its full range of smart, sustainable apparel for guys. Nau’s garments are made from eco-textiles like organic cotton and ethically harvested wool. Just as important, though, are the clothes’ appeal, which Nau has well-covered. After all, if you love a shirt so much that you’ll wear it for 30 years, that’s pretty darn sustainable.