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January 03, 2006
Places to Spend Your Money
Now that I'm officially the President of the Big Idea, I have to face a hard truth: there is no guaranteed income. At this very moment I have $6,000 in my checking account and no expectations for additional deposits. The year of frugal living starts here.
On the other hand, I've been meaning to post information about some of the supercool socially and environmentally friendly products that I saw at the Green Festival back in September and today is the day. Why now, you might ask? Well, as part of my recent spate of productivity, I have cleaned out my physical inbox and, lo and behold, I found a pile of business cards and flyers from the Green Festival. In order to properly dispose of them, I will now transfer all that knowledge to Write Again Soon. Enjoy!
You would never know from the delicious, melt in your mouth, scrumptious sticky buns that this bakery offers a full line of vegan sweets...so irresistable, you can't keep your paws off 'em! Located at the very convenient 1904 18th St., it makes me sad that I don't work downtown. Sticky Fingers Bakery offers walk-in treats, and also does catering.
I must have walked by the Gecko Traders stall at the Green Festival a dozen times. Their handbags, wallets, and accessories kept catching my eye, and I just HAD to have something from them. And when I found out their story, I was even more enthusiastic:
Gecko Traders, Inc., a small Arlington, Virginia business, works with Cambodian women to produce their hand-dyed and hand-woven silk handbags and accessories.What began as a small group of Cambodian seamstresses hired by Gecko in 1999 has grown to over 150 women—many of them polio-afflicted or land-mine victims, and nearly all are their families’ sole breadwinners.
Plus, they are located in Arlington, which means a visit to Gecko Traders doesn't have to happen only at next year's Green Festival. While they don't do direct retailing, they have several trunk shows a year--I'll definitely be at the next one! (I mean, after I have an income again.)
I purchased a little notebook from the Nepalese Paper stall, and was amazed to talk to the sellers and learn about the completely sustainable method of paper production this organization uses.
Nepali handmade paper is made from the inner bark of a wild shrub locally known as "Lokta," which is found at altitudes of 7,000 to 9,000 feet. The "Lokta Bush" has characteristics of re-growing again and again after pruning. The long fibrous handmade paper is prized for its attractive texture, its durability, strength and its resistance to insects.
NepalesePaper.com was established in 1995 with the main objective of supporting the developing Nepalese traditional craft industry, thereby improving a family's standard of living in the rural and urban areas. All of thehand made paper items are entirely tree free and Fair Trade.
Sustainable Energy in Motion Tour
This bike tour sounds AMAZING...although I'm a little hesitant to commit. (again, I'm broke--plus I'm not exactly an avid biker.) But just reading about it, don't you want to sign up?
Oregon Coast Sustainability
Oregon's world-renowned Coastal Scenic Bike Route follows legendary Route 101's twists and turns along the rustic bluffs of the Oregon Coast. Along the way, we will visit organic farms, a land trust, a visionary community school, and more. (one week tour)
Permaculture & Sustainability Tour Ride through the lush Willamette River Valley, home to innumerable wineries, fruit orchards, and beautiful scenery. Many, however, are not aware of the presence of the many progressive organizations with truly international repute, with whom we will be working and learning. (two week tour)
Columbia River Gorge Tour The Columbia Gorge is home to hundreds of waterfalls, including the second largest year-round waterfall in the US. This tour will ride through the Gorge along the beautiful scenic route, all the way to eastern Oregon to visit with the very unique Umatilla Indian Reservation. (two week tour)
