les violettes » organic

ethos paris fall/winter collection 2009/10

michele — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:01:34 +0000

Ethos Paris is an eco fashion house founded in 2002 that only uses materials that are both fair trade certified and organic. The collections are mostly made from cotton, raffia and alpaca. While alpaca is an animal-based product, it is sourced and produced by an Indigenous collective in Bolivia. Zippers are free of nickel. Coconut, wood or seashell are used for buttons. The preference is to design garments that minimize fastening devices to keep clothing wear simple.

In 2007 the company launched the Botanical Impressions collection made from 100% herbal dyes that are ayurvedic or natural. Founders Ann and Leslie Leroux abide by regulatory organizations such as Eko, Ecocert and Bioport. Company goals include “Put an end to the clothing industry’s exploitative sweat shops by establishing genuine partnerships with producers and uniting forces to bring about positive economic and social change.” and “Respect for the consumer through business transparency and product quality.” Look for more Ethos Paris at the Paris Ethical Fashion Show and Portland Fashion Week coming this October. In the meantime, enjoy this short video with music by the Japanese pop group, Yaneka.

national farmer’s market week

michele — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:31:26 +0000

Here in the U.S.A. we are right in the middle of the National Farmer’s Market Week. This August 2 – 8, 2009 marks the 10th annual celebration of the more than 4,800 farmer’s markets here in the United States. More than 94% of all farms are what the U.S. government refers to as Small Farm Operators (those with receipts of less $250,000 years and are operator owned and managed). In addition to supplementing the income of farmers, farmer’s market provide a much needed community service to those who many not have fresh fruits or vegetables readily available in their area. Special programs for seniors and WIC (Women, Infants and Children) are also available at many of the markets.

Three of my favorite farmer’s markets are the at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, the Lake Merritt market in Oakland and the Downtown Berkeley market. So many tasty treats! For a list of local food sources go here. If you would like to add a farmer’s market to your area, go to Growing for Market for advice and resources. For management resources and seller locations go to Manage My Market. To find out more:

Farmer’s Market Hotline: 1-800-384-8704
Farmer’s Market Coalition: http://www.farmersmarketcoalition.org
American Farmland Trust: http://www.farmland.org/
Center for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture: http://www.cuesa.org/
The Inadvertent Gardener’s blog: http://www.theinadvertentgardener.com/
Food Routes: http://www.foodroutes.org/
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service: http://www.ams.usda.gov/WholesaleFarmersMarkets

green interior design with rachel hulan

michele — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:52:40 +0000

Rachel Hulan is an Interior Designer based in Santa Ana, California. She specializes in green interior design. Watch this short video on sustainable materials and treatments.

source: blip.tv by Melodiesinmarketing.com by Mario Vellandi

Impressive! Right? This expert has passed the difficult NCIDQ exam and is a member of both the U.S. Green Building Council and Build It Green. As the Principal and Founder of Path Design, Hulan believes that rather than being a fad that green design is “a fundamental change in the way interior design and architecture are approached. The aim is to create dwellings, and other man-made environments, which reduce or eliminate the use of unhealthy materials, minimize ecological impact, and relate people with the natural world around them.” Perhaps you will want to request some of these items or adapt some ideas for your own use?