The Eco-Friendly One Person Business

This post is inspired by the upcoming panel discussion How to Make It: Implementing Green Practices in Your Designs sponsored by Uncommon Goods and scheduled for February 5th. The panel will discuss means of making your designs and business practices more eco-friendly and how doing so might make your business more competitive. For those of you who can't make this free event or want to think about how to implement some greener practices in your business right now, here are some suggestions:

City Cats by Deborah Julian on recycled card stock

1. Paper 

This is always the first one that comes to mind and here is how you can become a greener paper consumer: 

• Use the cloud, e.g. Google Docs, Dropbox etc., to collaborate on documents instead of printing them out
• Try to edit most of your work online instead of on a hard copy
• If you do need to print something, try to set the margins smaller to print more information per page, use the black print setting instead of the color setting and print in draft mode. These practices will result in using less paper and ink.
• And as a reminder, here are the obvious ideas: buy recycled paper, print on both sides, reuse paper as scratch paper, use your recycling bin

Vintage Salt Sack iPad Case by Fritz and Fraulein

2. Energy

Turn it off! When you are done with your work, turn off your computer. For ease of use, plug in your computer and all it's peripherals into a power strip and once you power down your computer you can turn everything off with one push of the button. Set your monitor to turn off after a reasonable time of inactivity instead of using a screensaver. And finally, remember to unplug your chargers when you don't use them. Yes, it comes down to about $1/year/charger but every little bit counts.

3. Office Furniture and Supplies

Use Freecycle or Craigslist to reuse rather than buy new items. For example, right now there are 5 office desks available on Freecycle New York City and assorted three ring binders are looking for a new home on Craigslist.

Salvaged Slate Tray by SimplyNu

4. Price Tags and Displays

Be creative in finding recyclables for your shop supplies. My grandmother who owned an antique shop in Missouri cut out her own display signs out of cereal boxes. Recycle scarves and fabrics into wrappings and furoshiki shopping bags.

I'm sure you can think of many other ways to start off the year on a greener foot. We'd love for you to share them with us!

Simone
groundsel.etsy.com

Earth Day Reflecting

Happy day-after-Earth Day!

Two weeks ago, I had promised photos and a recap of the Etsy craft event on making terrariums, but I didn't make it. I had to rush home to dog walk. Yep. I was dog sitting that week and had to make sure the rascal was okay.

Needless to say, I missed the event, but heard many, many great things about it. I've even seen a few of the terrariums made that evening and am full of envy that I don't have my own to share with you.

Are You Ready For Some "Eco-Friendly" Football?

I have to admit, I'm not a football fan. Never have been. In high school, I only went to football games because it was "cool" to freeze off our butts and sit in the bleachers with friends and listen to the awesome band perform those hit hip-hop tunes that were popular in the 90s. In college, I went to Super Bowl parties to be around cute boys. I know, I sound shallow on a craft blog, but there is a point to this, I promise.

What does Earth Day mean to you?

...It comes only once a year, is celebrated by millions of people around the globe and creates environmental awareness.

You guessed it - today is Earth Day! ...and what makes this year even more special? - it's Earth Day's 40th anniversary!!

I think of Earth Day as a time to celebrate, a time to reflect and a time to take action - to be a part of the solution.

What does Earth Day mean to you? Does it strike a chord with your inner do-good self? Maybe you already know the ropes and are a whiz at recycling...or maybe you are a casual recycler and want to get more involved? Small acts of change add up...everyone can do something to help!!

{NewNew} member Groundsel uses up-cycled suits

to make her gorgeous earth-friendly bag

New York City and the 5 boroughs are home to hundreds of events, workshops and fairs for Earth Day fun.

Want to get involved? One of the best places to start is the official Earth Day website where you can find all sorts of fun things to do, from parties in Times Square to street festivals at Grand Central Station. Brooklyn is even throwing a few block parties and events at the local farmers markets.

{NewNew} member RueRenee up-cycled a flower calendar

to make her beautiful earth-friendly note cards

So then why not make it a whole week of celebrations? On Saturday April 30th, McCarren Park in Brooklyn is hosting the Go Green! Greenpoint Earth Day festival and market...featuring many talented members of The {NewNew}! (...go ahead, click on the link to find out more!)

So whether you will be out in the crowd celebrating in style, even if you're not one to march with the masses in Times Square...do a little good today, show your Earth Day spirit....

...make today count, make a pledge to do one more new thing this year and do the right thing for our environment...you know you want to let your inner do-good shine :)

make the earth happy today, and every day....

...because we all {heart} New York :)

by {NewNew} member virginiakraljevic

Thanks!!

Earth Hour 2011

“Last year's Earth Hour made history as the world’s largest ever voluntary action with people, businesses and governments in 128 countries across every continent coming together to celebrate a commitment to the one thing that unites us all – the planet”.
This year’s Earth Hour is expected to be even more successful! The World Wildlife Federation, who sponsors the event, are upping the ante this year by challenging everyone worldwide to not only get involved for Earth Hour, but to go above and beyond this single event by speaking out and taking action against climate change.
When is Earth Hour and what the heck do I do?
It begins at 8.30pm on 26 March (that's tomorrow!), when millions worldwide will turn off their lights for one full hour.
So take that first leap, go on - I promise it will be really easy! One quick flick of a switch and you'll join millions in creating more awareness on climate change.

...what better time is there to sport this cute light bulb t-shirt?

by NewNew member: aminyitray.etsy.com

“From its inception in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global symbol of hope and movement for change. "

Can you believe that last year 1,551 landmarks went dark? Included were some of the world’s most iconic and well known such as,

• The Eiffel Tower in Paris
• The Las Vegas Strip
• Buckingham Palace and Big Ben
• The Coliseum in Rome

…..and our city’s own Empire State Building!!

Photo courtesy of earthhour.org

So what are you going to do to go beyond the hour to fight for our planet and our environment? Get in on the action and let us know by leaving your ideas in the comments!

Visit www.earthhour.org to learn more

.....so lights off tomorrow night everyone! (I know I'll be in the dark....)

www.sansmap.etsy.com

Spring into green!

Being a responsible consumer by reducing, reusing and recycling is very important to me (both as a consumer and a designer) because it's so important to our environment. Every little bit we can do to help our planet goes a long way. There are infinite easy and creative ways to work towards being green, so if you haven't already - go ahead and take the first step!

Springtime....perhaps the most appropriate time of year to overhaul your cleaning supplies and begin cleaning the eco way! It will promote a healthier surrounding in your home and is less detrimental to the environment...how can you say no to that?

* * * Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips & Tricks * * *

Use only household cleaners that do not contain toxic or harsh chemicals:

Sorry bleach, but you've got to go! Choose earth friendly cleaning products such as those that are plant-based, have naturally derived ingredients and do not contain harsh chemicals. Avoid products that contain chlorine, phosphates, artificial fragrance and dyes.

eco-friendly felt pillow by alexendra ferguson

Choose laundry detergents that are phosphate-free, non-toxic and biodegradable:

If the ingredient list reads like a science experiment, or alternately lists vague names like 'stabilizers' or 'cleaning agents', chances are it's not eco-friendly. Harsh detergents not only irritate sensitive skin and leave toxic residues, they affect the natural balance of our eco-systems as they don't biodegrade easily.

You won't go wrong if you use handmade cleaning supplies like these...you might even be happy to do your laundry next time!!

natural vegan laundry detergent by shower treat soap

handmade citrus laundry soap by nordea soaperie

Switch to re-usable natural fiber towels and cleaning cloths instead of using paper products:

Score an eco-friendly double hitter when you switch from using paper towels to using natural fiber cloths and towels. Just think of the impact you can make by replacing paper towels with even only 2 hand towels and 2 cleaning cloths in your home!

Can't you see these beautiful handmade eco-friendly items in your home?

set of 4 seasons tea towels by claudia pearson

cotton dish towel by wicked mint

So you see, even with just a couple new eco-friendly habits to try you'll already be on your way to a happy, healthy home and do some extra good for the environment.

Reduce, reuse and recycle and shop handmade. Have an eco tip you'd like to share? We'd love to know just shoot us a comment.

And remember you can find {NewNew} eco products on Etsy using the keywords: newnewteam eco - you may be surprised by what you discover!

Eco-Conscious Wedding Paper Product Alternative Ideas (that's a mouthful!)

My husband + I wanted a beautifully and thoughtfully decorated wedding - but we also wanted it to be ecologically responsible, economically reasonable and also represent 'us' [tall glass to fill!] The first of many decisions began with our save-the-date. Yes, there are tons of adorable and clever options out there (magnets, cookies, candles, etc); but rather than create excessive waste, we determined that every single person on our invite list (save for 5 people over the age of 80) had an e-mail address. We therefore sent out an electronic fyi (which was a huge hit) also serving double duty requesting mailing addresses for the formal invitation.

Easy steps to e-mail save-the-date:

(1) Craft a message that is personal - reflecting you as a team.

Include the necessary information:

- date

- location

- hotel information (if you have it)

- website (if you are doing that)

- address information (if you need it)

(2) Attach a photo - everyone loves to see the couple in a funny state [fortunately for me, i've known my guy since we were 12] If anyone on your list is insistent on prehistoric methods, they can print out the attachment + affix to their refrigerator. Here is a blank version for you to use if you'd like :

Also, you are welcome to use this MARRIAGE header + footer I created to frame the text of the e-mail:

Next, invitations! If you do not feel comfortable with complete DIY invitations, waisze and fubabee both offer options in customization (color, font + wording choices among others) in their ETSY shops.

Programs:

We wanted to explain the customs and traditions of our wedding, as well as highlight those participating. A very simple DIY solution (that doesn't involve bows, glue or much more than a paper cutter) is following this format:

(1) Chose 11x17 paper or card stock. Each sheet will yield 2 programs.

(2) Design your monogram or emblem, which will be placed on the far right. Make sure it is no wider than 1 inch. For example: Wedding of _____ & _____ with optional date and place - or just initials is also lovely.

(3) Design the text keeping in mind that you will be folding the paper 8 inches in from the left (therefore leave a gutter)

*Keep all of the above no taller than 5 inches from the top.

(4) Duplicate all of your top content directly below.

(5) Print / Copy just over half of the amount you anticipate needing.

(6) Cut every sheet in half lengthwise (hot dog - not hamburger) so that you are left with 2 pieces of 5.5 x 17

(7) Fold - not in half - but so that your names are visible on the right hand side.

This may seem simple, but really these are generally a throw-away (except for maybe your paternal grandmother) and super easy!

Cheers + Great Wishes!

- lisa

http://myconey.wordpress.com

of pcharming & prismPOP

"Green" Beauty

Here's a quick and easy tip for maintaining a youthful look:
Take off your makeup before you go to bed!

Don't be a bum about this, for it truly can be an easy way to lessen the dreaded wrinkles and crows feet from forming on your face any sooner than they need to.

I know for some it can be a pain to remove makeup, and products out there for the task can be dreadfully wasteful or harmful to the environment. So, I propose a two-step green beauty solution...

1. Use a combination of olive oil and water as a natural oil-based makeup remover.
2. Use wash cloths or makeup removal pads (see image above) that can be washed and reused instead of buying cotton balls and other throw-away removal items.

Think of all the cotton balls you'd save, and how appreciative your skin will be if you take these easy steps to a beautiful you!

~EcoKate