Good morning! There is not much to say today other than the good news that Jennae over at GREEN YOUR DECOR and I have collaborated to do a giveaway of 2 of my 10" Iris wall panels!
Jennae's blog offers lots of great ways to liven up your space with eco-friendly products. She's a thoughtful writer, with lots of ideas and strong convictions. She does her homework, incorporating a 'why it's green' bullet list for each product that she features.
It's fun to feature trends and products on this blog...but, lately, more and more I am asking myself 'where does this stuff come from???' and if it's not handmade, recycled or from a source who is candid about their materials, frankly, I'm having trouble finding a reason to post it, other than just for the eye candy factor.
Yes...there's lots of cute stuff out there. And it would be nice to have it all. But, what's the other side-- where is this stuff made? By whom? What quality of life does making/owning this stuff yield? And is there an alternative? What am I putting back into the world by purchasing it...supporting it...owning it?
A business thought-- earlier this year as I planned for NSS, I was weighing the budget. After seeing the pricing for Eco Friendly / Recycled materials versus The Usual, I nearly choked. But, I'm so glad I stayed with my convictions. Now, not only can I present product with utmost confidence, I can give my retailers a better story, and a product with heart to pass along to their customers. It was worth it. Anyway--- doing that in my OWN business has made me seek out products made the same way, and actually, be resistant to buying ones that are thoughtlessly made.
Frankly, if thought is put into it, it IS possible to create things that are reasonably priced, and relatively harmless-- but that's the thing....you have to take the time.
I love these pictures!
I just found out that there's a company in my town that hires themselves out for Green Event Planning. This is such a great idea! Just like you, the companies having the event can promote their green efforts and be fully satisfied that they did everything they could to plan a smarter event.
Whatever you're convicted by, you'll feel much better if you fully stand behind it.
Posted by: katelyn | Aug 26, 2008 at 12:40 PM
These are just gorgeous Susy! What a fun giveaway and a very thoughtful post....
xo
Melis
Posted by: Melissa de la Fuente | Aug 26, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I stumbled upon your blog for the first time and I couldn't agree more with your statements. Let it be inspiring to many more people, to have more businesses offering a green alternative... and more customer ready to buy it.
Posted by: Sophie Gabias-Moffat | Aug 27, 2008 at 02:16 PM
thanks so much sophie!
katelyn, that is a really cool idea for a service...how great would it be to do a wedding that way!!
Posted by: susy | Aug 28, 2008 at 12:34 PM