When reviewing Method for our Summer 08 cleaning-themed issue, we had a hard time giving the products our 100% eco stamp of approval. [this just in, we’re not the only reviewers who are big fans of eco+great design gone mainstream, but who can’t find many specifics.] While the company has started to list ingredients on their minimalist bottles, they sometimes still use vague terms such as “fragrance” or “color” instead of actual compounds. And though the significance of “non-toxic” and “derived from natural substances” is debatable, we do know that Method doesn’t include any cancer-causing parabens or phthalates, and most bottles are made from 100% recycled content.

We are, however, more than willing to give Method credit for creating a line of sleek products that make consumers stop and consider that being “eco” might actually be cool, cutting edge and worth flaunting by the kitchen sink, retail shop or at the laundromat.

This week on joshspear.com, elefriend Carmel Hagen explores the brains behind those sexy bottles. Check out her interview with Method’s industrial designer Danny Alexander, who started out designing sustainable furniture but decided to reach the masses by branching into flushable bathroom cleaner wipes (one example of Method’s over 132 products).