Closed Memorial Day

Just a quick note to let folks know that we will be closed on Monday, Memorial Day. We'll be hanging out with family and friends and enjoying the beautiful weather. Hope you are having a great weekend.

"Staying Local"

Although our store's website has been up for a couple of months -- I haven't yet completed the content for all its pages. I did finally add content to the "staying local" page -- so please check it out and let me know what you think.

World Record!

The final results have been tabulated and the Fair Trade Coffee Break held on May 10th around the country was a huge success!

According to the folks at the Fair Trade Resource Network, "12,128 people in more than 150 communities nationwide together raised their mugs/cups/glasses to Fair Trade. "

30 of those folks were in Lovettsville, VA at Greater Goods. It may have been small, but it was a start and we played our part!

Thursday

and that means that it's my turn for a day-time shift at the store. Which I really enjoy, by the way. The only reason I work evenings rather than days is because Michal's mom watches her kids during the day time. And my babysitter's hours are more flexible.

Today's already been a bit busy. Not so many sales yet, but some interesting folks have come by. Two lovely women from Waterford who had never been in the store before and seemed to like it quite a bit and will hopefully be back. I told them to spread the word! Word-of-mouth advertising is really the best kind, in our experience. The women particularly enjoyed reading the "Pigs in a Poke" line of cards from Tree Free Greetings. I am such a fan of TFG. They are one of the companies I am most proud to represent. The cards, note card sets, and gift bag sets are absolutely gorgeous, high quality, very reasonably priced, and very "green." NO new trees are ever harvested for their products.

The production of Tree-Free paper uses less water, no chlorine or harmful chemicals, & requires less energy. Tree-Free uses paper from sustainably harvested sources like kenaf, sugar cane, and bamboo, as well as from post-consumer recycled paper.

That it's "post-consumer" recycled is key. As TFG's website states:

Unless it says post-consumer recycled or Tree-Free, "recycled" paper may legally contain a high content of wood fiber from virgin forests and/or unsold "pre-consumer" waste. Such paper is bad for the environment.

When you buy anything that says "recycled" on it -- look for the PCW%. That's the percentage that truly reflects how "earth-friendly" the product is.

Probably silly of me ...

but it's such a great deal -- I kind of feel obligated to pass it on. Especially since it's a product we're not currently carrying.

OHGEEZ Organic Cotton Baby Clothes is having a closeout sale with savings up to 70% off. If you've wanted to purchase some organic clothes for a loved little-one, you will not find better prices.

Mark Your Calendar!

A smattering of upcoming local events that we think you might be interested in:

This weekend, May 17th and 18th:

2008 Loudoun County Farm Color Tour - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, both Sat. and Sun. Drop by Greater Goods for a free brochure and map to the more than dozen area farms that will be open for visitors. Most farms have special activities and demonstrations. A great family activity.

1st Annual Taylorstown Spring Fling Sale - Sat. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sun. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. At the Old Taylorstown Country Store, 13068 Taylorstown Rd, Taylorstown, VA. Featuring arts, crafts, vintage items, baked goods, silent auction, live music.

Computer and Electronic Recycling - Sat. in Ashburn. Loudoun County sponsors this event twice a year. A great opportunity to responsibly rid yourselves of all kinds of e-waste.

Save the Date:

Used Book Sale: Sat., May 31st, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Lovettsville Community Center gym. Book donations accepted until May 28th at the community center or library. All proceeds benefit the Lovettsville Library Advisory Board and the Lovettsville Community Center Advisory Board.

Loudoun Wildlife Festival: Sat., June 7th, 4:30 pm - ? at the Blueridge Center for Environmental Stewardship. Live Reptile Show, Live Music, Food and Drink. Proceeds benefit the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

Emma's Revolution, in concert, June 21st at the St. James United Church of Christ in Lovettsville. Tickets available at Greater Goods.

Happy World Fair Trade Day!

Doing a bit of a happy dance today, myself. The sun came out and so did some people. Some from as far away as Ashburn -- specifically for the Fair Trade Coffee Break. Officially we are counting 30 folks for the coffee break -- though we did serve others before 3:00 and are continuing to do so all evening. We have Peace Coffee, an assortment of Fair Trade teas, and chocolate chip cookies, brownies and chocolate muffins - all baked from scratch with fair trade sugar and chocolate. The brownie recipe was from the NY Times and is definitely a keeper.

Business is *finally* picking up again. May is looking good. Was able to write some checks today and that felt wonderful! Might actually have some money to spend on advertising again soon. Three [of five] local papers printed today's event in the calendar section and quite a few folks today showed up because of those notices. One woman lives just a couple of miles down the road and didn't even know the store was here. I hear that a lot. I've been meaning to do a postcard campaign for months and months. It's just a matter of me deciding to spend the money that way. [As opposed to buying more inventory.] And given that I am constantly finding such wonderful things to stock in the store -- well, it's hard to make that call. I have this strange fear that I'll spend a bunch of money on advertising and then when crowds of people come in, I won't have enough merchandise for them to buy! That's what comes from kind of bootstrapping yourself and not starting out with an abundant budget, I suppose. I need to constantly remind myself to shift my state of mind and plan for the store out of a vision of plenty instead of scarcity.

Ok, off to do some more work. But before I go, I wanted to share: I finally got around to watching this bit about Fair Trade from John Oliver's stand-up routine. I thought it was amusing and today seemed like the right day to share the link.

later luvies...

CAFOs Uncovered

CAFOs Uncovered

"Confined Animal Feeding Operations" is the industry term for the way the vast majority of food animals are raised in the US today. The Union of Concerned Scientists has recently published a report demonstrating that "the crowded conditions in these facilites have increased water and air pollution and other types of harm to public health and rural communities."

To read the report, or its executive summary, click on the links under "related links" in the middle of the article. Also, there is a petition to the Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture that you can sign on-line, urging the USDA to level the playing field so that small farms using sustainable agriculture practices get a fair shake.

In western Loudoun County we are lucky to have the choice to support alternative and more sustainable agricultural methods by purchasing food produced on local farms. I am working toward the day when Greater Goods will play a part on this effort by providing a venue for local producers to sell their food goods!

Five reasons why Fair Trade is good for the environment

From the Fair Trade Resource Network:

• One of Fair Trade’s six principles is environmental sustainability. Companies that fail to uphold this principle in their supply chain will not be admitted into the Fair Trade Federation and are refused certification by TransFair USA
• During the production process of Fair Trade products harmful agrochemicals and fertilizers are often now allowed to be used, sold, handled or distributed by producer organizations. When they are used, they are done so in minimal quantities with strict regulations and guidelines on their usage.
• Many Fair Trade products are made by hand, often in producers’ homes or villages. Choosing hand production over mechanized production significantly reduces CO² emissions that are often omitted from big factories. Since Fair Trade producers are often based in remote rural areas, where resources and infrastructure are scarce, they are provided with income earning opportunities that they otherwise would not have had. What little energy is needed in the production process is often produced through alternative energy sources.
• Fair Trade products are often made from materials that are locally and abundantly available.
• The majority of Fair Trade products are transported to consumer countries by boat. This significantly reduces CO² omissions created by air travel.

Join us Sat., May 10 for Fair Trade Coffee Break

A press release I e-mailed widely this evening:

May 10: World’s Biggest Fair Trade Coffee Break Comes to Lovettsville, VA

For World Fair Trade Day, Greater Goods, Loudoun’s Green General Store and Fair Trade Art & Craft Gallery Hosts Coffee Break for Fair Trade

Fair Trade Products Better for Farmers, the Environment, And You, Organizers Say

Lovettsville, VA – Aiming to help set a world record for the biggest ever coffee break, Greater Goods is hosting a “Fair Trade Coffee Break” on May 10, World Fair Trade Day. It will be one of scores of Fair Trade coffee breaks held simultaneously around the country, and will focus on the benefits of Fair Trade for farmers, artisans, consumers, and the environment. Visitors to Greater Goods will be offered complementary cups of Fair Trade coffee and tea – as well as sweets baked with Fair Trade chocolate and sugar.

In order to set the world record, the events will have to draw thousands of people throughout the U.S. participating at the same time.

Greater Goods owner, Ayala Sherbow, said, “In a global economy the way each of us chooses to spend our money is at least as powerful as the way we choose to vote. The products each of us buys and the companies we choose to support have a direct impact on the health of the planet and the quality of life of our fellow humans. We urge people to discover the pleasures and benefits of purchasing high quality and ethically-sourced fair trade products.”

WHAT: “Fair Trade Coffee Break” to Help Set World Record;
Simultaneous Events in Towns and Cities throughout the U.S.

WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 2008 – World Fair Trade Day – 3:00 to 5:00 pm

WHERE: Greater Goods
1 South Loudoun Street
Lovettsville, VA 20180
540-822-4653
http://www.forpeopleandplanet.com/
http://forpeopleandplanet.blogspot.com/

###

quick update, more on BPA

Just dashing by before bed to share two things:

1. Absolutely lovely couple hours hosting a fair trade tea at the store for the ladies of St. James UCC. We served a variety of fair trade teas and Peace Coffee [organic, fair trade and shade-grown]. I baked a chocolate torte [using fair trade chocolate and sugar of course], and coconut macaroon meringue cookies. Karen and I made tea sandwiches [cucumber-mint, salmon-cream cheese-dill, and apricot-dijon mustard-ham]. Another local baker prepared some yummy shortbread and biscotti [and I will post a link to her biz as soon as I get back to the store and get her card.] Karen and I did the math afterwards. Even offering a 10% discount to the ladies while they shopped, the event covered its expenses and made a few dollars for the store. And it was fun. Preparing for it, setting a nice table, and of course, meeting the women and talking about Fair Trade. Of course I was completely wiped out afterwards. [I was up to midnight last night baking, and then again at 8:00 am today.] When I got home, I crawled in bed and took a nap with the baby. I think it was a successful event all the way around. And I think we'd like to try it again with other groups.
2. Surfing the web, I came across this post cautioning folks to be very careful in searching out BPA-free products for babies and little ones. It's a good reminder that one needs to read the fine print -- even when dealing with reputable retailers.

Given that dear hubby left this afternoon for 4 days of business travel, and my to-do list for home and the store is several pages long - I really need to be head to bed.

more tomorrow. [probably...]

Mothers and Fair Trade

In our most recent newsletter, I write that May has 2 days honoring mothers -- Sunday May 11th [Mother's Day] and Saturday, May 11th [World Fair Trade Day.] There is quite a bit that could be said about Fair Trade and I hope to be writing more about it [and pointing you to other resources to learn more] as May progresses. Right now, I want to share why I feel the cause of Fair Trade is so connected with the well-being of women -- and particularly mothers -- around the world.

Women make up some 60% of the world’s working poor, defined as people who work but do not earn enough to lift themselves above the $1 per day global poverty line. And yet, in some regions of the world, women provide 70% of agricultural labor and produce over 90% of food.* Evidence shows that when women in impoverished communities do earn money, they are more likely to invest it in the well-being and education of their children than men are. And when women earn money it has other benefits as well:

When people become economically empowered, they gain political and social power. Many of the groups that we work with do more than just produce crafts; they're involved in community development, health and education. For the women we work with, the effect is even greater. As they gain employment, they become able to leave abusive situations, to seek legal assistance, to acquire education, to become independent. Their work allows them to be economically significant in the family and gives them leverage to be considered an equal .

Bob Chase, Executive Director, SERRV International

To me, the connection between the economic empowerment of women and the well-being of children is on its face obvious. That is, in my mind, the connection between Fair Trade and Mother's Day. I could not say it any better than the Women Thrive Worldwide website does: "...economic opportunity for women is so important to ending the extreme poverty that cripples communities in the developing world: because when you teach a woman to fish, everybody eats."

Except in many cases, there is no need to teach at all. Women around the world already have marketable skills in agriculture and in the handiwork they do to provide for their families. What they need is a level playing field and a fair wage for their labor. Which is what Fair Trade is about.

I hope to have time to write more about this later in the week.

Until then, I hope you are enjoying the wonderful weekend weather!

*stats from UNIFEM

Things I've been meaning to tell you ...

Note to self: If I wait until I have the "perfect" slice of time to write a blog entry [quiet, kid-free, uninterrupted, at least 30 mins.], then I never get around to posting.

Hence, despite the fact that I am smack dab in the middle of multi-tasking, I am determined to share a few things:

(1) A blog I was delighted to find and happy to share with you: Greener Loudoun, written by a Bluemont local who used to work as an Environmental Manager for Loudoun County. He updates regularly on a wide variety on environmental topics -- both local and those relevant everywhere.

(2) More on Bisphenol A [BPA]: I have been blogging about the multiple evils of conventional plastics and I wanted to keep folks updated on info as I found it. These links from Enviroblog, a project of the Environmental Working Group give a helpful overview of the topic:

BPA Cheatsheet

BPA Q&A

I was at a major home goods retailer today to buy some thermal carafes for serving hot coffee. Featured prominently in bright summer colors were all kinds of pitchers and glassware for poolside and backyard entertaining. The vast majority of these were made out of Polycarbonate. Below, is the EWG on this kind of plastic. Please note the last line [emphasis theirs] which brings a whole other problem to light.

Polycarbonate bottles: As the original post mentioned, studies show low levels of BPA leach out of polycarbonate bottles (like Nalgene and other hard, colored water bottles) at room temperature. More BPA leaches when the bottles are filled with hot liquid. Generally these bottles will be marked with recycling number seven. Polycarbonate is hard, translucent or clear plastic.These bottles may be marked with the number 7. If you're going to use a polycarbonate bottle, be aware that it's likely that higher amounts of BPA leach out of older and damaged bottles. Although we recommend that you avoid drinking from polycarbonate bottles, it's important to note that your potential exposure to BPA through canned food is considerably higher.

Our neighbors to the North are a bit ahead of us. In April, Canada became the first country to ban the use of BPA in baby bottles. Immediately after this announcement:

Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he will file a bill to ban BPA from all baby products as well as dental sealants and any bottle or container that holds food and drink. "It's better to be safe than sorry," Schumer said.

A news analyst on NPR this morning noted that it's unlikely that any such legislation will gain much immediate traction in the US because of the economic ramifications of banning BPA. It's in many consumer products and manufacturers do not have a good [for them] alternative readily at hand.

So, for the foreseeable future, we are stuck with it in our bottled water. Does that mean I'll never buy another bottle of Dasani at the 7-11 when I'm running late to little league practice with the kids? No. I did it yesterday, actually. It does mean that I am doing my best to limit my family's exposure. I would add that if you are buying and using conventional water bottles this summer -- try to avoid letting the bottles get overheated. There is evidence that more BPA leaches out at higher temps. So if you have a 36 ct pack of bottled water sitting in your garage or the trunk of your car, well, at this point, I probably wouldn't let my kids drink it. [Nor my 80+ year old grandma.]

Well, I have more to share, but the baby is soaked from splashing in backyard puddles, and my pygmy goats are trying to get in the house by climbing in my open dining room windows. Yes. Really.

until later...

ETA: This NYT article is another good overview of the BPA issue.