Congrats are in order for Danielle & Co., one of our many valued customers, who won BEST OF SHOW at the NYIGF in EX*TRACTS for innovative design.  D&C used a container from our greenPots line to create a multi-puprose eco-friendly gift.  The hot design is sleek and modern.  Their luxurious bath and body items come packaged with organic soil, all wrapped with a recycled paper ribbon that is implanted with flower seeds. This is “upcycling” at its best!

We’re very proud to have been selected to partner with D&C on this creative idea.  See this and other great eco-products at www.DanielleandCompany.com

We always say: Who says you can’t have high style and still save the planet?!

you know the rest. 

We’re just back from The Big Apple and NYIGF.  You know, we always love the shows, meeting new people, seeing customers and introducing new product…BUT WE’RE EXHAUSTED!  The doorman of the hotel practically had to carry me out to the cab kicking and screaming just to show up the last day.

Through all of the cold, snow, rain, and uncomfortable hotel beds, we can see that it was worth it. The show was very successful.  Sales were strong considering our location and the reduced traffic.  (still across town from the Javits Center…in Chelsea at the Metropolitan Pavilion)  The show was planned for Super Bowl weekend?  What were they thinking?

Speaking of which…it was surreal to be in NYC during the last 59 secs of that game.  The shouting and honking went on until 3 AM!

Anyway - the COIR line continues to be HOT.  Customers love it.

Next stop is Chicago in March, where we’re launching our new dinner ware line called grēnware. Stay tuned.

Thanks for checking in!

Announcing our first new product line for 2008

ecosource steps forward into the new year with a new line of renewable, sustainable green products for the home and garden. Our third line of pots, called COIR, are all natural, made with coconut fiber. The product’s unveiling at the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market, January 11 - 15, was in response to strong customer interest in larger vessels. These new decorative pots, from 18 inches up to 24 inches, are lightweight, easy to move around and perfect for outdoor spaces. We are planning to launch more new designs, lines and accessories later this year.

ecosource is the proud recipient of Co-op America’s Green Business Network seal of approval as a progressive business leader solving today’s social and environmental problems.

I hear the conversation more and more.  What is sustainability and who defines it?  What does it mean to be truly green?  Who sets the standards?  How are green and sustainable related?

I have opinions on all of the above and will probably comment on them in future posts…  They are all important…but isn’t the question really bigger?

I have this gnawing feeling that we are not asking the right questions.  We’re not looking back far enough to see the casues of how we (collectively…the greater planet “we”) got here.  I tried to write about this back in 2001, but found myself ill equipped.

Lot’s of smarter and better informed people than me have written about it.  I have a feeling that there are 2 or 3 keys.

1.  We don’t generally connect the dots.  EVERYTHING is connected.  It is a system, however we are not taught to think in this context.  Because:

a.) it is hard, and

b.) it is dangerous.  God forbid the average joe (or joline) should have an original thought!

2.  Westerners and particularly Americans are dumbed down.  We’re over stimulated and over entertained, but do under informed…because:

a.) mass media is no longer objective or deeply critical in its thinking, and

b.) we are essentially lazy and would prefer to be told what to think rather than search for the info, wade through the muck and determine what is right for ourselves.  It is too easy to listen to the talking heads of politicians, pundits and pulpits.  (I love the 3 p’s…isn’t there a writing term for the use of the running consonants?  But I digress…)

3.  When I started writing this I had a #3, but it is 5 in the morning and I’ve been up since 4. and I cannot remember.  So why don;t you tell me what you think?  I’d love to hear your perspective.

(By the way, a DIFFERENT dear friend than “blog-bitch”, whom I call Sassy Pants tells me that I am up at 4 in the morning because I am in menopause and should never expect to have another full night’s sleep without the help of a happy little pill.  Nice.  I happen to to be a 45 year old man.  What did I do to deserve this?   Where is the love?  I think need a new crew.  However, considering #3 above, I may have to give her opinion further consideration…especially since I seem to be writing in outlines, typing bleary eyed before first light and refusing to turn the mirror around that I love to point toward everyone else.  No wonder we hate critical thinking.  It hurts.)

My dear friend and colleague, whom I affectionately refer to as my “blog-bitch” (sweet.  right?), as effectively bitch-slapped me for my lack of blogging frequency and therefore prowess.  I have essentially been blog-flogged.

So I am going to do better…but shorter.

Lots of fun stuff going on.  The BIGGEST news however is that we just completed the first day of the Atlanta Gift Market with AMAZING results.

We’ve launched and entirely new line of larger stuff pots called COIR (more later…coconut and natural latex.  VERY COOL!  light weight, modern.)

New colors have been intro’d in the greenPots line (can you say shiRAZZ!!!?)

We’re just trying to keep up with demand and the pace of a new business.

Stay tuned for more updates more regularly.  My life, it would seem, depends on it.

Looking forward to finding you more great green goods in 2008 to make this a better place for all of us.

In green we trust,

Chuck

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man is by John Perkins…published in 2004, I think.  Please read it.  It will give you a whole new perspective on how environment is tied to government, economics, corporate greed and western (especially American) empire building.  ”Confessions” brings clarity ties together the issues facing our endangered planet.  The book helps the reader see, through historical example, this system that may have begun as an intentional strategy, but which has become self-sustaining…almost a creature with a life of it’s own.  A dangerous, destructive, ugly creature.

Recycling is great…and conscious consuming…all of the stuff we try to do better.  But that alone won’t save our precious planet.  We also need to change what we think, what we value and how we live.

Read this book, regardless of your politics.  It raises critical questions…and points out that we all need to be questioning more and following less.  I hope you’ll pick it up and let me know what you think.

John Perkins is no hero.  He is human and a typical product of his enviroment.  The beauty is that he woke up in time to tell his story and maybe make a difference.  He made a difference to me.  Read it.

Hi All!

I wanted to post you on some exciting updates.

As you browse the web site, you’ll note may new exciting updates, including a whole new look.  Not only have we cleaned it up and made it easy to navigate, but you’ll see lots of interesting and valuable additions:

• This ecoBlog featuring yours truly…and YOU, whenever you care to write.  I would truly love to hear your suggestions and comments on our lines and on the web site.  We look to you to help us get better.
• FREE downloadable POP materials available to any retailer.  We’ve already posted signage for the enviro Collection and greenPots lines.  Before the endo f the month we’ll be adding 2×3 drop in cards, 4×6 counter cards that include tips for eco-friendly living, a tri-fold counter top sign design and large poster sized signage.  All of these options are available to retailers at no charge as a value added service…or if you don;t like the idea of printing your own, we have them in stock and will happily sell you a package for a very reasonable cost.  One of the best parts about this is that our new signage is no longer printed on foam core board (not very earth friendly), but on 100% recycled paper.
• Daily changing tips for eco-friendly living as well as links to great resources for learning more about climate change, rainforest preservation and what it means to live “green”.
• Retailer contact info and LINKS to e-tailer sites to drive business to our customers.
• New catalog updates all the time.  The greenPots line has added a new Low Bowl 303.  It has a classic, elegant profile and matching detachable saucer.  You’ll also see 2 new colors that brighten up the line for the upcoming holiday and spring seasons.
• It is not terribly evident, but we’re very proud to have spent a little more to do the right thing and upgrade our printed catalogs to 100% recycled paper.   Our catalogs always met eco-friendly priniting standards, but we have now gone a step beyond and made a better choice for the planet.  However, we still always encourage our customers to first view the e-versions. Then when truly needed, our paper catalogs are now as eco-friendly as possible.

Stay tuned for lots more news.  We have new product launches in the works for spring and we’re looking at new catagories for 2009.  It just keeps getting better!

Wishing you all a great weekend,

Chuck

Welcome to our eco-blog! (What a boring name, huh? Any suggestions?)

We’re excited to launch this new part of our web-site for lots of reasons. It is more than just to give us an opportunity to keep you up to date on what’s new and what’s coming. We don’t just want to talk AT you…our consumers and readers. We want to create a space for thoughtful dialogue.

Our intention is to make this site a true resource…and more than a typical B2B information only site. We want to be a part of an important conversation and community that will lead to learning, growth and development for us all…so that we can leave a better planet for the next generation.

We can’t just about sourcing and selling product. We also want to be a part of a cyclical betterment of the planet. One important cornerstone for betterment is dialogue, which leads to a raising of a collective consciousness. However big or small the impact, this is our way to move the ball forward…get people thinking, talking and cooperating. We’re not trying to be perfect, but we want to try to do better…to make a difference.

So…sometimes here you’ll see fun stuff. Sometimes you’ll read political stuff…or community interest. Sometimes we might just wax philosophical…or pose a focusing question for debate. And I’m sure there will be times when getting a simple eco-friendly living tip posted will be a challenge.

Just know that your comments and points of view will always be welcome and considered. We won’t always have a chance to respond directly or immediately. But know that you have a voice here with us. We encourage you to let it be heard.

Our policy will never be to shut down dialogue or edit…as long as your words are thoughtful, productive and intended to be a positive force for change. Conflict is cool, because it will ultimately lead to greater understanding. I may be naïve, but my hope is that we’ll never have to regulate.

So let us hear from you. Welcome to the conversation. I am looking forward to our continued journey of learning together.

Peace,
Chuck