Artful Vision: Dozens of American Artists And Good Causes
*Art of all types *Shop by category or by artist *20% of price goes to causes
There are so many fantastic artists and craft categories on this Art co-op, that it is almost dizzying. When you shop within this little community, you know that you are supporting an American artist, as well as supporting a good cause… and the percentage given to the cause is no joke either – a generous 20% goes to a cause of YOUR choice. On top of it, this art is reasonably priced to begin with!
There are many dozens of artists that cover sculpture, clothing, accessories, jewelry, pottery, lighting, birdhouses, greeting cards, slumped glasswork, photography, textiles, bath& body, you name it.
http://www.artfulvision.com/home.php
One item that I would like to feature is a hand-painted wall clock series by Christine Bailey Claringbold. She is a master at creating unique wall clocks that are painted on retired Vinyl records… now that is a clock with SOUL! (that is, unless it was painted on an old Muzak recording). The prices are great, and the detail is priceless. Get them fast before she gets really famous and hikes up the prices! She also puts her art on ceramics and on reclaimed CD spacers for a great suncatcher.
http://www.artfulvision.com/Christine-Bailey-Claringbold/
There are many great artists here.
Spiritex: Organic Clothes for the Whole Family
*Organic, local, sustainable *Very reasonable prices *Unique designs
Of special note, this clothing line is sewn in Asheville, NC. Some of the classic staples with multiple color options, as well as some unique pieces that might start a conversation. Surprisingly, they even make a huge variety of onesies for babies, and youth tee-shirts. The men’s Hunter Jacket is under $100, is unique and classy, and they can still make a profit on it. This makes you wonder why the retail stores are selling imports at an even higher price than this! American clothing is COMPETITIVE!!!
Select handbags and accessories round off the collections.
Factorydirectdrapes.com: US Drapes are Priority One
*Tons of selection *Green options *4 stage customization process *Great pricing
Factory Direct Drapes: first thing I noticed upon opening their website was a large promotion for “Buy American Made – Save American Jobs – Stop thinking about it!!!” and a great discount was offered. Buy directly from the manufacturer for deep discounts. They have a huge selection and have signed contracts with American fabric makers to maintain this relationship. Green options: organic, hemp, soy, bamboo, recycled, and “Lyocell”, which is a natural and flame retardant material. They do not mention the country of origin for the curtain rods.
1. Start with Style
2. Select the fabric
3. Enter width (up to 160”), height (up to 120”) and quantity.
4. Select additional options such as “pair or panel”, matching tiebacks, linings, or matching pillows (cool!)
Thirsties: Cloth Diapers with Adorable Designs
*Reusable *Save the Planet *Nice designs
Thirsties: one of the very few cloth washable diapers made in USA! Website is clean and modern, and the company is about as green as you can get. Their warehouse is 100% powered by wind energy, all product components are sourced locally… even packaging is made from recycled material.
http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/
Find a retailer on the map and by zip:
http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/where-to-buy/buy-thirsties-cloth-diapers/
Or hundreds of designs and options at Amazon, including their “Super Wash” cleaning liquid:
Ecotainer: Coffee Cups, Sleeves, Hot Containers
*Low prices *Biodegradable *Watertight *Bulk options *For hot drinks or soup
Ecotainer by International Paper: From the low price you wouldn’t think that it’s eco-anything, but it is.. and its made in the USA! The corn-based coating makes it watertight as well as certifiably biodegradable! Even the lids are compostable… full product list and pricing can be found here.
Compostable cups at BuyGreen.com
Compostable Food Containers at BuyGreen.com
Green Toys
*Great selection *Great reviews *Easy to find *Locally sourced recycled plastic
Green Toys: I’ve been seeing these more and more on the web, but much to my delight, I saw a full end-cap full of toy school buses, fire engines, and dump trucks at our local Whole foods! Made from locally sourced and recycled BPA-free plastic. Currently 30% higher priced than imported toys, but that will come down with more distribution and isn’t the peace of mind worth it?! Now expanding into housewares… good job Green Toys! Cool stylistic quasi-retro design appeal.
Bamboosa: Bamboo Fiber Blend Clothing for All
*Luxurious *Sustainable *Super-soft and gentle *Super-absorbent *Variety
Bamboosa: Bamboo fiber blend clothing for men, women and babies – made in the Carolinas and luxurious-to-the-touch. Not just Yoga clothes! For men they have 70/30 blend Tees (which I will feature here), socks, ski and skull caps, and boxers. For women they have skirts, long and short sleeve tops (nice v neck), yoga pants and sleepwear slips. For the family they have soap made with bamboo powder and essential oils.
Bonus reasons: ring-spun yarn that yields the softest and finest knit fabric, chlorine-free bleaching process, energy and water-efficient dyes, packaging is all recycled. Sustainable harvesting, gentle on your and your baby’s skin… it absorbs up to 4x that of cotton.
Gotta give them props for their outreach and encouragement to explore other US made sites! https://www.bamboosa.com/engage.php?PID=37
Great mommy-review here: http://theinquisitivemom.blogspot.com/2012/02/bamboosa-bamboobaby-clothing-review.html
Okabashi: Stylish Summer Footwear for Men and Women
*Wide variety *Green production *Recyclable *Affordable *Detailed photos
Okabashi: Look no further for simple and well-thought-out summer footwear for men and women. Not only do they look very stylish with handsome proportions and textures, they typically cost between $15 and $20! Don’t cheat your feet… go with a pair of these sandals with arch support. Made in Buford, GA, they use green production processes and zero-waste manufacturing, and are 100% recyclable. Either send them back for a coupon, or drop off at your recycling center. A few sexy designs for the ladies too!
Fine selection at Amazon with zoom-in feature:
Dozens of Okabashi Sandals on Amazon