Fresh Celebrate Green News July 22, 2009

Green Bits

* Welcome to all the new subscribers we met at the Idaho Green Expo last weekend. Wasn't it a fun event? If you enjoyed our hands-on demos with cloth gift wrapping and rolling beeswax candles, you might be in the mood for a couple more simple craft ideas. We've got two we put together for Mother's Day, but they can be used for gifts for any time of the year. Take a look here and here. Be sure to leave a comment.

* At the Boise expo, we were excited to show off our new, biodegradeable banner from DWA Tradeshow. We would have loved a banner made from stone (believe it or not), but settled one from Bio-flex which, unlike most, will break down when (if) we're done with it. We were happy with the results and received a number of positive comments.

* Want to help spread the word about Celebrate Green! and all we're doing? Join our Village. Once a week you'll receive a "babysitting assignment" that can be completed in less than 15 minutes. It's a fun, easy way to support our efforts.

* Wee Glee drawing extended. Wordpress was acting cranky last week so if you use Internet Explorer instead of Firefox and tried to access our Wee Glee Gum contest, you may have been unable to find it! Because of this, we're extending the deadline until this Friday, July 24. Just go to our blog and offer one wee green idea. You could end up with a nice supply of Wee Glee.

*And speaking of our blog, for the newbies among us, be sure to subscribe. We offer hints, ideas, reviews and links to amazing people and products to help you celebrate green.

*Know anyone in Chicago who cares about kids and the planet, is creative, passionate and would enjoy being a part of our nationwide initiative? We're seeking a Green Halloween coordinator in the toddlin' town. Take a look at the GH website and if you or someone you know would like to chat about creating a boo-tiful time, contact Corey.

* Coming to a theater near you...A few months ago, we participated in an exciting film project courtesy of www.Biznik.com, an online and in-person networking group for entrepreneurs. Just this morning, we were sent a link to the trailer. Take a look. 

Baby gifts and encouraging crafters to green up

Recently I (Lynn), stumbled across Heather's Treasure Box. Heather knits and sells the most adorable baby booties. When I find a handmade item I love, I always check out the materials the crafter uses. What I have discovered is that most people who make things want to do the eco-friendly thing, but for a variety of reasons aren't quite there yet.

In this case, I emailed Heather and asked whether she had considered using wool, alpaca or other natural yarns. As a result of our discussion, she is going to speed up her exploration of alternatives to her current choice.

So when you find products you like, but the makers aren't quite on board with eco-friendly materials, ask if they would consider a bit of experimentation. Whether they are into jewelry, painting, sewing, collage, or metal, almost always, there are greener alternatives available.               

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