ecobly blog

I can take criticism (gulp) - I can, really! So, when I got Walt's email titled, "what good is this?" I gave it a lot of thought. Maybe some other users have this question as well, so I figured I'd let you all in on the answer. Finding companies that meet the ecobly qualifications -- manufacturing goods sustainably, with local, green materials -- is a challenge, and I welcome your help!

Here's what he asked:

 "I joined ecobly this morning because I read about you in Waste & Recycling News. I wanted to see what you are about. I searched for car battery, not found, I tried beer, nothing, bread, nada, clothes, same thing, nothing found, swim suit, nope. You mean to tell me there is no american, local bread in my zip code?"

 The first thing to clear up is that ecobly doesn't list food items. The local food movement has become very mainstream, and for good reason! Everyone's counting their food miles to eat healthier and reduce greenhouse gas pollution from food. The best way to eat locally is to find a CSA (consumer supported agriculture) nearby. You can find them at LocalHarvest.org.

 Clothing is a very difficult category. Only 10 percent of our clothes are made in the U.S. (according to a recent article in National Geographic magazine.) And hardly any of those can be considered "green." So, no, there are probably no swimsuits made in your town. For most clothes, the greenest choice is consignment or Goodwill (maybe not for swimsuits, though!) I have found a few U.S. manufactures -- so any clothes you find on the directory (look in the Clothing category) are made green and in the U.S. with local materials. 

 Hmmm, car batteries. If there are any sustainably made car batteries in the world, I'd love to know about it!

There are more than 200 companies representing thousands and thousands of products on the directory. In Wisconsin, you can find glassware at The Green Glass Company, green building materials at Wood Joiners and Furz-off pet hair removers. To shop in your region, try the Advanced Search page and cruise through adjoining states as well as your hometown.

PLEASE send me information about any companies you find that might meet the ecobly qualifications!The more we support these companies, and unite to demand these products, we will encourage more investments in our communities, more wise-use of our recyclable resources, and bring back local production. That's What Good It Is!

 Walt, I hope this answers your question!