Yesterday at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Nike along with partners launched GreenXchange, “a digital platform and system that promotes the creation, sharing and adoption of technologies that have the potential to solve important global or industry-wide sustainability challenges.”

Don Tapscott, who covered the launch, notes in his post that, “new approaches to collaboration enable new business models that empower companies to create better value for consumers.”

Everywhere I look I feel like I’m seeing new and innovative collaboration efforts that are producing really amazing products or events, and like Tapscott says–better value.

It’s great to see a leader in design such as Nike taking this step and I think the GreenXchange will play an important role in furthering sustainability iniatives within the fashion industry.

Looking Forward category: These entries explore student works, promising developments in sustainable design and other inspiring news.

Friday, January 22 & Saturday, January 23; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Tesla Store Chicago Open House

Stop by the new Chicago Tesla Store this Friday and Saturday at 1053 W. Grand Ave. to help celebrate the opening. It’s quite exciting to see such a high-performance electric car in person! There are a few Tesla Roadsters in the showroom to ooo and ahh over–my favorite is the white one.

Sunday, January 24; 1 – 5 p.m. — Conscientious Luxe Winter Sample Sale

A few fan-favorite local eco-fashion designers including Mountains of the Moon and Lara Miller are getting together this Sunday at Great Taste Cafe (355 E. Grand Ave.) for an amazing sale. Definitely drop in this Sunday if you’re looking for a winter blues pick-me-up. Vaute Couture is even offering a buy one, get one free deal on their luxe coats!

Tuesday, January 26; 5 – 7 p.m. — Green Grocer Sprecher Brewery Tasting

Every Tuesday evening Green Grocer features a wine or beer tasting. Stop by next week for some fun, conversation and shopping before heading home to make dinner!

Eco Scenes category: These entries share upcoming events with a focus on learning about creating more sustainable communities and lifestyles. The point is to do more than “be seen on the scene.” Engage with others, take valuable information away, and use it to make positive changes in your life and others.

Last week I provided some eco-fashion options for pastels, a key spring 2010 runway trend. This time it’s on to ruffles. Very girlie, right? I might have to quickly cover the “tribal chic” trend to balance everything out a bit…

A favorite fashion site of mine, Second City Style, also gave a nod to ruffles and I loved the image they pulled from Valentino’s show to represent the trend (pictured above).

A couple eco-fashion options to incorporate some frills into your wardrobe:

Handknit tank (on major sale!): Lara Miller, Meadow Tank

Jersey top: Kelly B, Bailey Keyhole Blouse

(Image via SecondCityStyle.com / Style.com)

Sustainable Inspiration category: These entries showcase popular looks or designs that have been posted on other blogs, shown in magazines or elsewhere, and then link to sustainable design options that can be purchased to style the look similarly. Always look for eco options to create your favorite looks when you can!

Tuesday, January 12; 12 p.m. — The Hull-House Kitchen Hosts re-Thinking Soup

I have heard so many great things about this series, but unfortunately have not been able to attend a Tuesday yet. “Every Tuesday from 12:00-1:00pm, the Hull-House Museum hosts a modern day soup kitchen that is a public and communal event where we gather together and eat delicious, healthy, soup and have fresh, organic conversation about many of the urgent social, cultural, economic and environmental food issues that we should be addressing.”

I don’t see January 12th’s topic or speaker posted yet, but I’m sure it will be an informative and engaging way to spend a lunch hour.

Wednesday, January 13th; 5:45 – 8:30 p.m. – Chicago Green Drinks: Annual State of Sustainable Chicago

If you haven’t been to a Chicago Green Drinks before, this would be a good one to start with. Note: pre-registration is required for this event, so act quickly if you’re interested. (Normally you can just show up to Green Drinks, but this is a particularly popular night.) “How will the events of 2009 impact us in 2010? Come gain a broad perspective from local leaders on topics ranging from green restaurants to environmental policy. Leave inspired with ideas about how you can get involved in issues that will influence Chicago in the coming year.”

Foresight Design’s Chicago Green Drinks has been around for quite a while now and it attracts a loyal, business and networking-minded crowd. It’s a great opportunity to hear some of the city’s top leaders in sustainability and interesting thinkers. You can go with the mindset of meeting new people and networking, or you can make your night more laid back if you prefer and just take in the panel discussion. I’ve got my ticket, so I’ll see you there.

Eco Scenes category: These entries share upcoming events with a focus on learning about creating more sustainable communities and lifestyles. The point is to do more than “be seen on the scene.” Engage with others, take valuable information away, and use it to make positive changes in your life and others.

(Image via Medill Reports)