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?"

I met Richard Seireeni in the basement of the Elliot Bay Bookstore in Seattle. He'd just taken us on a PowerPoint trip through The Gort Cloud (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2008) - his book describing the ad hoc communications web that constitutes much of green marketing.

 I felt inspired and relieved after hearing from him and, subsequently, reading the book. Inspired because the book outlines 20 sustainable companies that have become remarkable successes -- I can envision myself among them someday! As a group, these entrepreneurs broke many rules, failed, tried again and succeeded.

I felt relieved because the random, mitochondrial nature of the Gort cloud mirrored my own chaotic marketing plan. And maybe that's OK. And also because he was accompanied at the book reading by his 8-year-old son, who helped coach him through some of the presentation. I see he also is balancing family and a life's work.

I highly recommend this book for you, the ecobly entrepreneur, to help you create a revolution by running your sustainable business (read my previous blog about some GreenFest revolutionaries).

The companies in Seireeni's book have paved the way for green business in America, but by making "green" profitable, they've also ushered in the greenwashers and hucksters.

Recyclers and manufacturers now know the ecobly story. Here are some fascinating excerpts:

"You won't find "Ecobly" in a dictionary but in a few mouse clicks you connect to a virtual site designed to be a national directory linking customers with green products such as toys, furniture and home decor made close to their homes."

 "One of the reasons that having the Ecobly verification on a company's advertising is so important, it gives consumers another factor to think about when they are making a decision...They may be paying a little bit more for something but they know it's going right back into their own community. Third-party verification is very valuable when consumers are making their decision."

I know, you don't know what to have for dinner tonight - but here I am to put a bug in your ear to think about your Mom. How nice to have some time to think about getting her something special, and not (just) pick up flowers that morning. Plus, if you order something online early, you can save on shipping!

 With that kind of time, you can do some "slow shopping."

Find a company in your town or state that makes the perfect little something for her. Visit their website -- or even the shop itself! Give her a gift with a tiny carbon footprint,  made locally, and filled with love.

Read about us on the NW Source shopping website! We are their "daily find."

 Find local, earth-friendly stores at new online directory Ecobly.com