Mike Chino

The managing editor of Inhabitat, Mike is a writer, researcher, and musician based in San Francisco. He left sunny UC Santa Cruz with a B.A. in French and modern literature and delved into publishing through a stint at ReadyMade. Inspired by the impact that forward thinking can have on the present, he has cultivated a voracious appetite for developments in sustainable architecture, design, and technology. Mike likes to bike, blog, and build things, and in his spare time he also cooks, produces music, and rocks out.

14 Eco-Friendly Men’s Boots For Ushering Fall

DOWN TO EARTH
The latest addition to Timberland’s Earthkeepers line, the hardwearing plain-toe boot has a simple and unembellished profile that cleans up nicely for urban wear. Derived from leather from a Silver-rated tannery, the waterproof shoe features a 100 percent recycled PET lining made from plastic bottles, 100 percent recycled …

Levi’s, Filson Collaborate on Heritage Workwear Made in the U.S.A.

Levi’s Unveils the World’s Oldest Pair of Jeans at Fall 2011 Fashion Preview

Gucci Goes Leather-Free With Patent Rubber Men’s Moccasin

Gucci may be known for luxe textiles and flashy cuts, but the Italian fashion house’s latest offering negotiates waterlogged sidewalks as well as it does the catwalk. The patent rubber moc, a modern update of the company’s classic bit loafer, eschews leather in favor of durable (and vegan!) rubber, making it the perfect shoe to pull on once summer flies the …

Wood Thumb Makes Wooden Neck Ties From Reclaimed Lumber

If you’re set to move on from last year’s urban lumberjack look but aren’t quite ready to give up the axe just yet, consider stepping out of the backcountry and into the office with one of Wood Thumb’s quirky reclaimed-wood ties. The San Francisco-based startup salvages wood from old barns …

GUNAS Offers Luxe Minimalism With Lineup of Sleek, Vegan Bags

Not all vegan bags are built equally. Whereas many stray towards hempy weaves and boho flourishes, GUNAS’ line of leather-free satchels and totes can go from boardroom to downtown without skipping a beat. These covetable carryalls keep it simple with clean modern lines and urbane color palettes. Plus, they’re made entirely from Greenguard/LEED-certified manmade fabrics that are as cruelty-free as they are light on the earth.

Transform Your iPod Nano Into a Wristwatch With iLoveHandles Straps

We’re big fans of multifunctional design here at Ecouterre, which is why we snapped to attention when we spotted these clever straps that instantly transform your iPod Nano into a wristwatch. Shrinking technology has slimmed the cumbersome iPods of yesteryear into pint-sized media powerhouses, so what better way to display the pace of technological progress than at face value upon your …

Hold Everything With Tuts and Crash’s Upcycled-Leather Bike Pannier

Although bike messenger bags are great for hauling lots of gear, those neon nylon satchels leave something to be desired when it comes to subtlety. Enter Tanya Sheremeta’s beautifully finished bike bags, which take the form of elegant leather envelopes you can strap straight to your cycle. …

Platinum Dirt: Road-Ready Leather Jackets Reclaimed From Car Upholstery

Gentlemen, start your engines. The motorheads at Oakland-based Platinum Dirt have just launched a line of road-ready leather jackets that get extra mileage out of reclaimed automotive upholstery. Made from vintage Caddys, Bimmers, and Benzes, every topper in the “VIN” line comes emblazoned with the seal and vehicle identification number of the defunct and junked auto. It also comes with a “pink slip” detailing the demise of the car, plus a cheeky zipper made from the departed vehicle’s hood ornament.

9 Green Guy Essentials for Fall

Fall is now upon us, and with winter around the corner, we’re bundling up and breaking out the cold-weather gear. Fortunately, with the recent resurgence of high-quality heritage menswear, there’s never been a better time to invest in classic frost-battling essentials that are built to last. From warm woolen knits to sheltering coats, we’ve rounded up our picks for sustainable garments that will help you withstand the worst that fall—and winter—have to offer. So suit up, boot up, and hit the jump for the greatest green gear to weather the cooler months to come.

8 Green Grooming Tips For Guys

For most guys, good grooming habits are a necessity. Unless you’re a lumberjack or a world champion beard grower, shaving face is saving face during the 9-to-5 work week. But even though you may be condemned to drag a razor across your mug on a daily basis, your shaving ritual doesn’t have to be painful for yourself or the environment. Quick-to-dull disposable razors and chemical-laden facial products are abrasive affronts to freshly shorn skin, and they’re equally unhealthy for the environment at large. Read on for five eco-friendly men’s grooming supplies that take care of your body and the planet.

Kévin Goupil’s Cork Bicycle Helmet Offers More Cushion For Your Noggin

So you’re barreling through the streets on your trusty cycle with your Kill Spencer satchel strapped to your back. Blammo! You’re ambushed by an errant metro rail that sends you careening through the air. Fortunately, your cabeza is preserved by this chic cork casque designed by Kévin Goupil. Modeled after old French army helmets and outfitted with a cushioned suspension …

XOElle Whips Vintage Men’s Shirts Into Snappy Bow Ties

The bow tie has shaken off its erstwhile affectations of late and is popping up amid a very current crop of designers with a penchant for all things prep. But why reinvent the wheel when you can cut these classic ties from a cloth …

Killspencer Bags Salvaged From Battle-Tested Materials

In case you missed it, simple utilitarian chic is everywhere in menswear of late, and with rainy days on their way, we’re welcoming the resurgence of goods built to last. Spearheading the charge, Los Angeles-based Killspencer creates tough-as-nails backpacks, duffels, and messenger bags made from recycled military truck tarps and coated cotton canvas that are sleek and refined enough to tote around the city. Each bag was made by hand, features top-of-the-line hardware, and will probably outlast you.