Sunday, November 30, 2008

Introducing...ecogeneration!


Shop Name: ecogeneration

A little about you: I have always been conscientious about how wasteful we are as a society but I wouldn’t classify myself as an environmentalist in the traditional sense of the word. I recognize that we live in a disposable and “we want it yesterday” era that quick and convenience take priority over worrying about landfills or the environment, even including me, at times. But I am changing and I owe it to both my mom and my mother-in-law. They have been the ecological savvy matrons for years without knowing that they were saving the environment. In fact, they were being just frugal! They don’t buy any new plastic containers. They always reuse ice cream tubs, yogurt containers, Chinese Take Out tubs, and alike… (Now, the studies have shown that they may leak chemicals into foods. Yikes!). They also reuse glass jars before recycling became mandatory. Now, I, the one who always complained that we had too many empty glass jars and plastic containers in the pantry, am filling my own pantry with glass jars and non-recyclable plastic containers. I am also looking at ways to reduce buying the “want’ items and just buying the “need” items. I also started converting some non-recyclable items into functional housewares (see bottle caps) instead of throwing them out with the trash. I am also buying organic, including my knitting yarns. I have organic and natural rubber mattresses. I have organic sheets. I use phosphate free laundry detergents (safer for the local waterways) that are plant based (Eco brand). I don’t use commercial cleaning agents anymore; instead, use vinegar and baking soda (another one of my mother in law’s secret for years). I started making my own dishcloths, inspired by my mom, and haven’t bought a commercial sponge in years.

So, after considering many of my friends suggestions to sell my ever growing selection of handmade ecological goodies, I decided to sell them on Etsy….not just to make money (trust me, I’m not retiring any time soon) but also to educate and send out a message that we should all reduce, renew, and recycle. And we can do it in style.

A little about your products: My Organic Washcloth is long lasting and is so soft (and gets softer with each washing) that it can be used even on babies’ soft and sensitive skin. The washcloth gently exfoliates tired cells and you’ll feel so much cleaner. I use 100 percent certified organic cotton and dyed to meet the organic guidelines. I also made reusable makeup remover pads with organic cotton yarn. These pads will eliminate the need for disposable cotton balls or make up remover pads. Teenagers can use them for their acne prone skin. They’ll love using them. The organic pads can be used over and over, saving you money but also the environment. I started out making dishcloth before I started selling on Etsy. I’d give them away to my friends and family. I love them because they clean better and last longer so they don’t end up in landfills as quickly. (I don’t use organic cotton yarn for the dishcloths or scrubbies because, frankly, rougher acrylic yarn cleans the stains better than the soft organic ones.) I have other products on Etsy but they are not made with organic materials. They are made with reclaimed or repurposed materials so they are still contributing to saving the environment.

What about the organic mission inspires you?: My mom developed an allergy to formaldehyde from years of working in the garment industry. Formaldehyde is used in almost everything we come in contact with, including fabric, lotion, soap, furniture, and more. She also loves gardening and prolonged exposure to pesticide and insecticide in the past has made her become very sensitive to any chemicals. I started buying organic more conscientiously after she started feeling all that. But I won’t buy organic products from another country. It defeats the purpose of being environmentally conscious if we have to have them shipped or flown from a foreign country, wasting energy. We have so many fine products produced right here at home. Of course, I’d prefer to go to a local farmer’s market and buy “Local Organic”. That’s the best.

What's your current project: It’s a secret. No, seriously, I am currently working on making some toys using plastic bottle caps. I already sold a set of birds’ nest magnets (my avatar) that I made from plastic bottle caps so I am really happy that I am putting these non-recyclable caps to use. I am also knitting a preemie’s set: a hat, bootie, and glove with organic yarn. I’m hoping to finish them for Christmas season.

Where your products can be found: ecogeneration.etsy.com

Blog: ecogeneration.blogspot.com

Thursday, November 20, 2008

EOT New Look!

If you didn't notice the poll on the side of the page for a week, you might noticed now that the EOT pursued a new look and now have it!

Many thanks to the talented BoolaBoolaLand for her patience and all of the work that went into this!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Introducing...RoseBudOrganics!


Shop Name: Rosebud Organics

A little about you: I'm a work at home Mommy with a 15 month old baby girl and one on the way. My husband and I are in an organic folk rock band called The Art of Whimsy, so we're on the road a lot, but I always make sure to bring a craft bag along. I absolutely love letting the creative juices flow in crafty, expressive ventures. My shop focuses on baby attire, but I also love photography, watercolor painting, collages, scrapbooking and finding ways to use up all the knick knacks I can't help but collect. (I just started a yarn jar for small peices of yarn that I know I'll find a good use for someday...)

A little about your products: My items are all organic, and mostly geared towards babies, though I have some brooches and bath items on there as well. I love embroidering and started making personalized onesies for friends' babies awhile back. My mom taught me how to crochet when I was 8, so as soon as I was pregnant with my first child I started making all sorts of little hats and things for her. The shop kind of grew from there.

What about the organic mission inspires you?: I was inspired to make my own organic baby products when I had my own little one and realized how hazardous the world can be when you're so very small. My whole lifestyle was revamped as I learned about organic living. I started out by throwing away all the cleaning products in the house and making my own. I also planted an organic garden, started composting and recycling everything (not just the bottles and cans), and started trying to support sustainable and organic companies. I hope to raise my little ones to know that God has intrusted them with the care of the earth as well. We're all in this together.

What's your current project: Where to start?! I'm currently making note cards, elf beanies, tie-dying onesies, and have a load of stuff I need to put up on etsy that I haven't put aside the time for yet.

Where your products can be found: So far my products are on etsy, occasionally on ebay, and sold at the merchandise table at The Art of Whimsy shows.

Blog: rosebudorganics.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2008