A few Green artisans and their craft. These were spotted in this week's Time: Style & Design issue.
Karen Ryan's designs
Chris Haughton's illustrations
Anya Hindmarch's contribution
Piet Hein Eek's reclaimed materials (Shout out to our Dutch readers!)
I first heard about Fair Trade during my 9 month stay in Central England. Again, it came up during a trip to a monastery in Taize, France. It seemed so simple for me to make a few changes in the way I spent my money in order to support people who don't have the freedoms and opportunities I live with. I got on a few anti-this and that wagons and developed a cynicism for capitalism and went to the extreme of judging those that shopped at Wal-Mart (even though I snuck in to get a few things myself). Then I just dropped it and got caught up in being pregnant and moving to Seattle.
I felt a little more at home among other Fair Trade friendly Northwesterners and talking about the Green way of doing things became normal. I think I relaxed a lot. I decided that I can't worry about how any fabric I buy is probably from China because there is little I can do about that. I don't think I'm supposed to become an activist or a judger of others. I think I'm supposed to make good choices when those choices are available and spread a little awareness of those choices to others. No forcing, no finger pointing. Reuse what I can. Recycle when its available. Reduce my carbon footprint.
So here is my contribution today. Check out a few websites and see what a lot of artists are doing to make a difference. I think there are changes to be made but we have to want to do it ourselves.
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7 comments:
VERY well said! Great sites...Like u said we can do our part and spread the word. The world wont change over night...but eventually it will get there. If you change one persons mind that equals a million because that person will go on to change others minds and so on and so forth.
my husband has taught me so much about this . . . i now find myself tucking bottles into my purse to take home with me to recycle after lunch out . . .
I'm so impressed with this post. I'm sure you're flattered (I'm being phasicious). We recycle (which is not a common thing in the Midwest, I might add. And we avoid Walmart like the plague. It's enough for us to be able to eat healthy w/o spending all of our time and money. But we do try to keep a balance of living. I am glad you've posted your free trade sites. I think they give geographic recognition to the popular items that find their way onto popular store shelves that most people find to be just the latest trend vs. having origins in other countries.
Cool sites - also like the list of Fair Trade links to the right, too.
You can also try www.globalexchange.com, which is a human rights organization (which is where Fair Trade practices land).
If you are looking for a great resource for eco-friendly businesses, last month's Domino magazine was all green home care and decor. It was fascinating to see the variety and the fact that people are looking for sustainable, renewable resources that will help us take care of the Earth.
Thanks for sharing all this info Rachel, I know sometimes it seems like it is preaching to the choir, but if it effects just one person's decision making, it's a good thing. :)
P.S. I adore the 'I Am not a plastic bag' bag :) Cute :)
Love your comments...do what you can, judge less and be happy...love it :)
I totally agree. I think when we can we should do what we can. And teach our kids to do the same!
I am so exited to see your fair trade post... I used to work for Ten Thousand Villages, and just wanted to mention that on top of being to great for the earth and people overseas, they also do some wonderful stuff for underprivelged right here in our country! Don't forget about buying American made, too!
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