In Bali I met with a group called Mitra Bali (shown at right.) They work with about 70 groups, primarily on Bali but also on Java. These beautiful products perfectly fuse traditional Balinese craftsmanship with modern design. It’s wonderful to witness the creative freedom in artisans as they explore new designs and ideas in art rather than being forced to hammer out the same thing over and over again. Fair trade is a way to both preserve traditional art forms and and allow a market for new expressions that are equally authentic. Mitra Bali has some great social programs and a very important business ethic that puts honesty, transparency and respect first.

Naturally scented cinnamon bowls from Mitra Bali.

On the island of Lombok I met with a smaller group (shown at left) that focuses exclusively on the traditional pottery of the island. Lombok pottery produces beautiful, low-fired pottery in traditional ways in the village but, again, with an openness to new shapes and designs. I was blown away by the simple beauty of the pieces. I hope that the design asthetic in the states returns again to a more natural, earthy look as I think that this will really help groups like this using natural materials. This group has to work very hard to make things work as their product is more limited, heavy and fragile. They work very hard to pack everything well (an art in itself!) and then they have to deal with the fact that shipping is getting more and more expensive. Lombok does not have a container port so things have to be trucked and ferried to Java.

Traditionally crafted cannisters from the island of Lombak; fairly traded pottery

So, once again, lots of connections. Let’s keep those connections active.

–Karen LeAnn McKay, Manager of Ten Thousand Villages Portland

Only a creative like JooYoun Paek, an interactive technology artist could come up with designs that blend humor and function so well. Pillowig (shown at right) is a pillow sewn onto a cap that creates a wearable headrest. I mean who would’ve thought to create such a fabulous piece of art? Not me, but I’m inspired by it and think I would actually wear it. I know my friend Robyn would. Think of all the comfortable naps on planes, trains and buses one could take. Oh, and the fashion statement alone. It’s also adorable…

Source: AlarmPress

As most of you know, we just re-launched PPnG (yippie!) and all of us here are happily swimming in the pink.

A technical issue was brought to my attention the other day that has since been corrected. The Contact and Ask Cheryl forms were not functioning properly, so if anyone submitted a question or comment with no response, could you please re-send it? I’m not ignoring you and would love to hear from you again. I promise to respond quickly.

cj

So I admit it; I’m a bit lazy when it comes to starting a fire in my fireplace. I normally use eco-friendly Java Log starters to get it going.

As I was checking out of New Season’s Market with my Java Log starters in hand (it was a chilly summer night), the cashier happened to share a green tip with me–lint from the dryer could be used as a fire starter. She also told me to add candle wax to really get it going.

So I tried it and guess what? It worked like magic. What was once something I threw into the trash, now became reusable and valuable. Plus it saves me money. No more Java Logs…At least for awhile. By next winter I’ll be stocked up.

Thinking of you Jen…

As I sit here under the dryer at my favorite hair salon, Gilly’s Salon on darling SE Clinton St. in Portland, OR, I’m grateful that getting rid of my gray doesn’t involve any harm to the environment or my hair. Gilly’s uses organic and vegan products in everything including color and perms. Vegan also means selling products that are cruelty-free. I also happen to be in love with my fabulous hair stylist, Emie Otis, (shown at right) of Beauty Mark Designs, who refers to herself as a beauty dominator. We at PPnG are such big fans of Emie that we decided to produce and direct a video short on her work as an eco-fashion designer. Look for it (coming soon) in the video section of the blog.

I asked Emie about her thoughts on green living and here’s what she had to say:

PPnG: How old are you Emie?

EO: 25

PPnG: What do you think of green living and how do you practice it?

EO: Green living is being responsible to the environment and taking action in daily life. To make sure that you are not wasting and not polluting as much as possible. We do that at the salon. For example, we use ammonia free organic color, derived from natural minerals which is so much nicer on the hair and the body. Our products are even safe for pregnant women to use.

PPnG: Because you are a beauty dominator right? Isn’t that your true profession?

EO: Yes, it’s true. (big smile here)

PPnG: So how do people your age respond to issues regarding the environment? Do they feel the same way you do?

EO: Many of my friends (including me) bike instead of drive. That’s a big one, since it cuts down significantly on carbon emissions. I recycle and so do many of my friends who also re-use grocery bags. Many of my friends are vegetarians, shop local and eat organic foods.

PPnG: What is your latest creative project?

EO: I’m working on the Junk-to-Funk show right now, which is an annual fashion show (held in November) where designers use recycled trash to make wearable works of art. I’m collecting bottle caps right now for my piece. So if you have any, please send them my way.

To contact Emie, visit her website: www.beautymarkdesigns.net