Striving for Greater Goods

Only 4 days left ...

2008-10-15T12:40:00.003-04:00

It's been a brutal couple of months. Retail-wise.
I'll be closing our doors on Saturday, October 18th.
Things will be on sale this week.
We'll be having a "wake" for this little dream of mine on Saturday evening from 6:00 to 9:00.

Feel free to drop by ...

We'll be closed briefly this afternoon ...

2008-09-05T11:13:00.001-04:00

Just popping in to say that Greater Goods will be closed between 1:00 and 5:00 today. We apologize for any incovenience.

Visionary Investment Partner Program Details ...

2008-08-10T12:00:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I had the idea. And after much wrestling with it, we finalized exactly what the benefits to VIPS would be ... I was more than a bit intimidated, however, by the prospect of systematizing it and describing it accurately enough that someone could actually participate. Now, after several days of research, writing, and revision, I have produced an official VIP Membership Program Agreement, and a brochure. Yay me! [And thanks to a certain national retailer whose website includes the full text of their paid membership "loyalty" program agreement.]

As difficult as it is when I do force myself to write about Greater Goods, I am usually pleased with the result. And, I end up re-inspired. I've found that writing about the business [whether for the blog, website, an ad, press release or brochure] forwards an important and on-going process of clarifying my mission and goals. And from everything I read about innovative and [eventually] successful businesses, they consistently review and evaluate how they definte themselves, their purpose, and their vision. I find this process useful to remind myself why I am doing this [I'm certainly not taking a salary], and to make sure that the reality of Greater Goods does not diverge from the vision.

From the [recently written] VIP Program brochure:

What is Greater Goods' mission, anyway?
Greater Goods is a “green” general store and “fair trade” art & craft gallery. We strive to be a globally-minded retail business that is deeply rooted in our local community. Our mission is to provide our customers with high quality merchandise that is ethically sourced and good for people and the planet. We hope that by doing so we contribute to a vibrant local community and a sustainable world for us all.

Ch-ch-ch-changes ...

2008-08-07T19:11:00.005-04:00

We've been busy beavers over the last week getting the store re-organized and consolidated. As part of our 3 part strategy to save the store and stay in business, we have invited local antique dealer Kathy Myers to move in and share our space. So, in a win-win move that will keep two local women-owned businesses open and serving our community, Kathy's Keepsakes -- specializing in antique and vintage treasures -- will begin sharing space with Greater Goods in mid-August. To accommodate the change, we have been busy moving furniture and merchandise around in the shop -- and have slashed prices on goods we are discontinuing.

When we took a hard look at the state of the business, I knew it would take 3 things to keep us viable through these lean times: a) re-energized sales, b) cutting our overhead and c) raising some capital. July sales soared in response to letting our customers and friends know about our cash crunch. [Thank you, thank you, thank you!] Michal leaving us to pursue a job that could actually afford to pay her wages, made a dent in the store expenses. Having Kathy's Keepsakes sublet 1/2 the store space has made it feasible for us to keep Greater Goods open! [Yay!]

Now, we just need to mobilize our core customers to join our Visionary Investment Partner Program and we will raise the capital we need to re-stock the store with all kinds of wonderful and useful things that are good for people and good for the planet ...

"VIP" Program Officially Open!

2008-08-03T12:51:00.003-04:00

It's an idea we've been flirting with all year, tweaking and re-thinking. Now, the need to raise some immediate working capital finally convinced us to move foreward with our "VIP" program. We played with a lot of possible names for the program [Greater Goods' Groupies? Very Important Patrons?] and we settled on "Visionary Investment Partners." No, we are not selling stock in Greater Goods, and we 're not a member-owned coop. But, for a $100 "investment" in the continued growth of Greater Goods, VIPs will receive:

5% off EVERY regularly priced purchase for 12 months. [That's like paying no sales tax for a full year!]
ability to pre-order regularly stocked merchandise at discount prices. [Never run out of your favorite soap, kitchen cleaner, or coffee! And get it at a discount!]
invitations to preview-purchase sales to custom order what we normally don't keep in stock. [Perfect for those special gifts, or locating hard-to-find essentials.]
invitations to a special VIP appreciation event this fall.

Our goal is to inspire at least 5o folks to join the VIP program by August 30th. We hope you'll consider it!

my heart is full ...

2008-07-20T13:18:00.004-04:00

and there are tears in my eyes. We have the greatest customers in the world -- and we live in a wonderful community. In the few days since I sent an e-mail out to our newsletter list, letting folks know that we couldn't pay the rent and the future of the shop was uncertain, sales have skyrocketed. In addition to spending hard-earned dollars with us, people have shared ideas, hugs, wisdom, prayers, suggestions and even donations. I simply cannot express how humbled and moved and inspired I am. It is deeply gratifying to know that people appreciate our vision and feel we are making a contribution to the community that they value.

I am currently exploring many options to keep the business afloat and operational during these lean times. I am open to all kinds of ideas. And I will keep everyone posted as things unfold ...

where to begin?

2008-07-12T15:00:00.002-04:00

If I sit here staring at the computer screen long enough, I'm bound to come up with something witty and/or insightful and/or optimistic, right? That was the theory anyway, though it's not yet working...

I was trying to write the monthly store newsletter, but I couldn't seem to find my mojo. To be honest, things look a little bleak around here friends. The economy is kicking our rears -- quite thoroughly. Michal has had to leave the store to find a job with a company that can actually afford to pay her salary, so it's just Karen and I holding down the fort. We have such a wonderful cadre of loyal customers. They still come in to say hello -- and even bring their friends and visiting relations -- but paying $4/gallon of gasoline seems to be taking a huge chomp out of everyone's budgets. No one seems to be buying anything but the necessities. I am still hoping against hope that we'll be able to stick it out ... but I really don't know. If anyone has any brilliant ideas [or any capital they'd like to invest in a much-loved, values-driven retail shop with great vision and big plans], please drop me a line. Or just come by and say hello. We'll give you an organic, all natural lollipop on the house...

Closed Memorial Day

2008-05-24T18:11:00.003-04:00

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"

2008-05-24T17:53:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-05-24T16:48:00.003-04:00

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

2008-05-22T12:35:00.007-04:00

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 ...

2008-05-16T17:25:00.002-04:00

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!

2008-05-15T13:39:00.007-04:00

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!

2008-05-10T18:01:00.004-04:00

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

2008-05-08T21:51:00.003-04:00

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

2008-05-05T22:47:00.006-04:00

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

2008-05-05T22:39:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-04T23:37:00.006-04:00

Just dashing by before bed to share two things:

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.
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

2008-05-02T22:41:00.007-04:00

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 ...

2008-05-02T12:58:00.013-04:00

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.

Watch this now.

2008-04-29T12:53:00.003-04:00

Really. It's an important 20 mins. If everyone watches it, our collective literacy on critical issues facing us as a species will increase.

Goodness! It's been a week since my last post!

2008-04-28T15:19:00.003-04:00

How did that happen? And it's yet another rainy Monday. I'm at the store because Michal slipped and sprained her ankle this morning. Happy to be working the day shift; sad that she is hurt and needs to be off her feet. I have about 8 gazillion things I need to be doing right at this very moment [correspondence that is overdue, orders to place, new jewelry to display, a newsletter to write, an ad to design]. But I did want to just pop in here and say hello. I've actually heard from some folks in the last week who have been reading here and who gave me some positive feedback. Which is very much appreciated, 'cause I rather felt like I was sittin' around talking to myself. So if you do drop by -- do leave a comment. Even just a "hello out there" would be wonderful.

I have several post brewing. So it ought to be well less than a week before I'm back again.

Later luvies...

Rain, rain ...

2008-04-21T17:23:00.004-04:00

I don't want it to go away, necessarily. But it does put me in a rather indolent mood. I have beaucoup I could be doing, of course. But very little motivation.

Tomorrow is officially Earth Day. We will have a little free gift for everyone who comes by the store tomorrow [and for the rest of the week, until we run out.] Tomorrow is also, incidentally, the 1 year anniversary of Greater Goods' opening. [Not exactly a coincidence.]

On Wednesday, Michal and I will have a table at the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Annual Leadshare Luncheon. The event is sold out, and the speaker is one I am eager to hear, so I am looking forward to the event. Both as a marketing opportunity for the store, and in terms of my own personal edification. And, bonus[!], the luncheon is at one of my favorite Loudoun restaurants, Lightfoot. I have got to have produced some kind of reasonably nice-looking flier before then! I have several designed if I can just stop playing with them and actually print them out in sufficient quantity.

And then I could of course be working on my website content... Oh! and I found a handful of Loudoun bloggers that I want to connect with and see if we can't help each other with some cross-promotions... I have ideas!

Off to implement ...

What I'm thinking ...

2008-04-17T17:51:00.003-04:00

Quiet afternoon in the store. Just dropped my son off at Little League practice [I was so ridiculously full of goofy joy and pride seeing him in his uniform] and am now back for the evening shift. Spent a good chunk of the day getting organized professionally and personally. Our life is fairly hectic right now in general, and we are hosting our extended family for a Passover seder on Saturday evening. Which requires almost as much shopping and cleaning and cooking and baking as Christmas does in many folks' homes.

Trying to keep my spirits up. Business is so sssslllloooowwww. Folks are just not shopping. I hear it from most of the other local businesses as well. I know that stocking grocery and food is the way to go. Making that happen is a bit more complicated though. There are so many wonderful products I'd love to stock! I recently got wholesale buying information from 3 reusable water bottle companies. I am hoping to be able to choose between them and place an order in the next 2 weeks or so. I'm also a big believer in rain barrels, and am trying to find a cost-effective way to supply them to local folks. Last summer was so dry that Purcellville was on mandatory water restrictions for most of the season.

Well ... I'm off to make some more progress on the website.

Later, luvies...

More on plastic and bisphenol A

2008-04-17T15:10:00.001-04:00

Based on draft findings by the National Toxicology Program, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, senior congressional Democrats asked the Food and Drug Administration to reconsider its view that the chemical bisphenol A is safe in products for use by infants and children.

From a Rueters' wire store on Tuesday.

In lieu of me writing ...

2008-04-17T12:13:00.002-04:00

Here's a campaign I've joined. Check it out and see if you'd like to as well.

2008-04-13T19:59:00.013-04:00

Depicts two million plastic beverage bottles,

the number used in the US every five minutes.

Photo by Chris Jordan. Image found at TreeHugger.

I'm not going to re-write what other people have said perfectly well elsewhere on-line. Even the most cursory of Google searches will result in plenty of anti-plastic info. All I'll do here is summarize the key points and link to the sources.

Bottled water is no more pure or healthy than tap water. And in the minority of places in the US where tap water isn't up to standards, inexpensive home filters will help.
"Bottled water can cost up to 10,000 times more per gallon than tap water."
"Making bottles to meet Americans’ demand for bottled water required more than 17 million barrels of oil last year – enough fuel more than 1 million U.S. cars for a year - and generated more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide (Source: Pacific Institute)."
"Each year more than 4 billion pounds of PET plastic bottles end up in landfills or as roadside litter."

Bottom line: Bottled water costs too much. Too much money. Too much oil. And creates too much garbage.

Want to read more and research it yourself? Here are some places to start:

Think Outside The Bottle

Take Back the Tap, a report by Food and Water Watch

And for an excellent overview of the economic issues from a relatively mainstream and not particularly "green" source: "Message in a Bottle," from the magazine, Fast Company. One of the most chilling quotes from that article:

And in Fiji, a state-of-the-art factory spins out more than a million bottles a day of the hippest bottled water on the U.S. market today, while more than half the people in Fiji do not have safe, reliable drinking water. Which means it is easier for the typical American in Beverly Hills or Baltimore to get a drink of safe, pure, refreshing Fiji water than it is for most people in Fiji.

Runner up most disturbing fact from the same article: "24% of the bottled water we buy is tap water repackaged by Coke and Pepsi."

Do I have to?

2008-04-13T19:45:00.004-04:00

I’ve been on a certain parenting e-mail list for years. The list is organized around a particular parenting philosophy, and list members are fairly “hard-core” about adhering to it. Most list newbies undergo a fairly predictable process. There is often some defensiveness as she finds some of her parenting strategies and ideas challenged and critiqued. And then, after much back and forth with the articulate and fiercely opinionated women of the list, at some point the newbie dissolves into a pool of maternal guilt as she regrets past interactions with her children. And then a list veteran will console her – and encourage her to move on – by reminding her, “When we know better, we do better.” Meaning of course, “Don’t beat yourself up for the past. But, now that you see that something else is possible, put it into action.”

When it comes to the environmental impact of our modern life: Sometimes I wish I didn’t know better. New habits are hard to adopt, especially as we juggle too-full lives with too many responsibilities. I’m proud that my household recycles most of our waste – the volume of paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum that my husband hauls to the recycling center in town is triple the amount of garbage that the trash company picks up at our house. I’ve finally bought enough reusable grocery bags [and put them in both of our cars] that more often than not, I don’t use store given disposables. We’ve all gotten used to using towels and rags to clean instead of paper towels. What few paper products we do buy – we spend a little extra to buy recycled. And, while we can’t afford it yet, I know that our next car will be a hybrid.

But, oh my. Some of the changes I know I should make… well, they are more challenging. I must be a bit of a masochist. As I count down to Earth Day, I could be blogging about any of the changes we’ve already made. Instead I’m preoccupied with plastic. And now that I know better … well dang it all, I’m supposed to do better. Some of the changes I’ve already implemented. We’ve weaned ourselves off of plastic cling wrap for the most part, and we no longer put any plastic containers in the microwave. [That’s a health issue – as opposed to an environmental one.] But doing without the ubiquitous litre of bottled water? Especially as we move into warm weather? Committing to buying, and then regularly filling and cleaning reusable water bottles? Enough for a family of 6? While we rush pell-mell through boy scout meetings and baseball practice and shopping trips and playdates at the playground? Do I really have to? I really wish I didn’t know better. But the evidence against bottled water– as you’ll see in the next entry I post – is fairly damning. So, I think I’m going to have to give it a go…

April Sales!

2008-04-12T16:53:00.006-04:00

Still on Sale Until April 14th:
Baby Badger Skin Care for Infants 30% off
Byrd Mill Farms and Woodpecker Farms Baking Mixes 20% off
Celadon Green Pottery from Bali 25% off
Children's Books from Dawn Publications 25% off
Earring from Global Crafts 25% off
Green Glass Tumblers and Goblets 20% off
Maggie's Organics Baby Hats, Onesies and Gift Sets 30% off
Maggie's Infant and Toddler Socks 20% off
Tween Bath and Body Products 20% off

Come in on tax day, April 15th and let us ease the pinch a bit by giving you 5% off your total purchase!* Then, starting April 16th, we will count down to Earth Day, April 22, by offering 10% off of a different product each day!

Which products will be on sale? Even we don't know! We decided that the first customer of the day gets to help us choose each day! So if there is something special you've had your eye on and you'd like 10% off -- 11:00 am is a great time to shop!

Procrastination, Perfectionism and Plastics

2008-04-11T23:58:00.000-04:00

It’s 10:30 on Friday night. My head is pounding after a long week. The kids are asleep and my husband is in the other room watching a comedy starring a young and handsome Paul Newman. I’m sure he would be delighted if I joined him given that he’s been traveling all week. [My husband, that is. I’m not privy to Paul’s schedule.] But, I decided that I would post once a day as a countdown to Earth Day and I am determined to do so.

Actually more of an obstacle than my being tired is my own familiar nemesis, the biggest reason I procrastinate or avoid doing anything--my perfectionism. I just spent the last hour reviewing some of the topics I’d like to post about here, and I realized that almost anything that needs to be said on almost any issue has already been said – several times. And it’s usually findable in just a matter of moments thanks to Google. So if I can’t do it first or best or most comprehensively – then why bother? At least that’s what the little devil on my left shoulder says – with quite a bit of a petty pout I might add. And then the little angel on my right shoulder takes a deep breath and reminds me, “The perfect is the enemy of the good.” And I remember that my deal with myself in all this is just to be authentically myself and that doing something is almost always better than doing nothing.

So. I want to tackle one of modern living’s most relied-upon conveniences and one of the environment’s most pernicious foes: plastic. I will not attempt to do so all in one post – especially as tired [and verbose] as I am feeling at the moment. Plastic bags have been much in the news in the last year: China recently banned free distribution of plastic bags at stores, San Francisco became the first city in the US to ban their use in grocery stores, and chic New Yorkers stood in long lines for the chance to buy $15 designer “I am not a plastic bag” totes. Then there was the spate of news about the possible danger posed by plastic baby bottles leaching the toxin bisphenol A. And, as oil continues to hover around $100/barrel, the fact that most plastic is made out of petroleum products should be of increasing concern to everyone.

But plastic is everywhere. And we use it for everything. It’s cheap and convenient. For time- and money-crunched families I imagine plastic products show up – in one form or another – many, many times during our daily routines. To change those routines and create new habits takes effort and we need to feel that such effort is justified. After all, not everyone self-identifies as a “treehugger.” However, after much reading and review, I believe that there are a handful of changes each and every one of us needs to make in terms of how we use plastics. Despite their convenience, there are some plastic products whose environmental cost is severe enough that no one can really justify their continued use.

So this Earth Day I challenge myself – and my community – to wean ourselves completely off plastic shopping bags and plastic water bottles. Additionally, I strongly recommend that people limit their use of plastic wrap and plastic containers to store foods. I also urge folks to consider paying a little more to buy trash bags that are made from recycled plastics. I will blog more in the coming days about why I recommend these changes, and how you might implement them. Finally, I will share what I’ve learned about the development of new, more earth-friendly, plastics. But now -- goodness it’s already midnight -- it’s time for bed.

Busy, busy, busy and a poem

2008-04-10T11:24:00.007-04:00

Absolutely gorgeous day here in Lovettsville. Blue skies, mildly warm, birds singing. And I'm delighted to be able to spend most of the day at the store. The door is propped open and I love the fresh spring air.

So much I want to get done in the next couple of hours. Prepping for Earth Day promotions, need to get the newsletter out, finalize a jewelry order. [Mother's Day is just around the corner.] And I want to draft a substantive (or at least helpful or insightful or meaningful) blog post as part of our Earth Day/Anniversary Count Down. And then there's the really fun stuff: I have a large order from one of our favorite fair trade suppliers to unpack and get on the sales floor. Three large boxes filled with baskets, bird houses, jewelry and home decor. Here's hoping some customers actually walk through the door as well! So much to do! Better get on with it.

Oh. I almost forgot. April is also National Poetry Month. In honor of this glorious spring day, then, I found this to share:

Now that the winter's gone, the earth hath lost
Her snow-white robes, and now no more the frost
Candies the grass, or casts an icy cream
Upon the silver lake or crystal stream;
But the warm sun thaws the benumbed earth,
And makes it tender; gives a sacred birth
To the dead swallow; wakes in hollow tree
The drowsy cuckoo and the humble-bee.
Now do a choir of chirping minstrels bring
In triumph to the world the youthful spring.
Thomas Carew, The Spring, 1630

Well ... off to work!

Wednesday's Hours

2008-04-09T09:15:00.000-04:00

Michal is attending the funeral of an old friend's mother [our thoughts are with you S.] and Ayala is juggling the schedules of 4 kids while her husband is out of town. So, today the store will be open: 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm. And we may close briefly about 3:30 to do another kid shuffle.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

13 days and counting ...

2008-04-09T08:53:00.007-04:00

Well, Earth Day is April 22. And it is also the one year anniversary of the opening of Greater Goods. If I had more time and more money, I would have loved to really "do it up" -- host some special events, invest in advertising, hire some musicians. Alas resources are still thin. So, we will do the best we can in our own impromptu, bootstrapping way...

What I hope to do here on the blog is a series of posts to help everyone commemorate Earth Day in their own way. The best they can.

I will launch it by pointing folks to a fairly comprehensive site courtesy of the Sierra Club [of which I am a member.] In honor of Earth Day they have launched a clever website "We Can Do It" filled with practical ways to conserve resources. I say it's clever, because they've crafted it to appeal to a wider range of folks than the stereotypical "treehugger." The emphasis is on strengthening the US economy -- and you can't argue with the relevance of that right now.

From the site:

We Can Create a Clean Energy Economy with Good Jobs Now — and Save Money!
Investing in renewables and efficiency will transform our economy and free America from our dependence on foreign oil and big oil companies. It will also creates job here at home, save families and businesses money, and combat
global warming.
We can do it. We have the necessary technical skills and ingenuity. Now we need to commit -- to fix our economy and our planet.

Give it a look-see. And if in your quest to tread more lightly and use fewer resources you'd like to pick up some green cleaning products, recycled paper products, or convenient and colorful reusable shopping bags -- drop by Greater Goods. We can hook you up.

Closing early tonight ...

2008-04-04T12:59:00.003-04:00

Just a note: We'll be closing at 5:00 pm tonight.

Unavoidable due to family scheduling.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

I love to shop ...

2008-04-03T13:59:00.007-04:00

Well, not all the time ... and not when I have to. That is stressful. Nothing worse than hiking a mall end to end because you have to find the perfect outfit at the perfect price for some looming event. But ordering for the store is a lot of fun. Our recent order of birdhouses and baskets was so successful, that I already had to place a reorder today. And I am also writing 2 more jewelry orders this week. It's such fun to anticipate all the new things coming in!

Speaking of new things, we are pleased to added 3 new locally produced items to the store this spring.

Wonder Wraps.
Handcrafted in Purcellville, VA by a work-at-home Mom, Wonder Wraps are 100% natural luxury hot and cold wraps to soothe aching bodies. Filled with natural cherry stones, they can be placed in the freezer or warmed in the microwave. [And they smell delightful when warmed!]

Jewelry by Sky High Designs
One of a kind silver and genuine stone bracelets, necklaces and earrings, handmade in Hamilton, VA.

MOMS Club of Purcellville Cookbook
Filled with hundreds of recipes, all proceeds from the sale of these books go to three local non-profits serving women and children in Loudoun County.

Remember, it's not too early to be thinking about Mother's Day!

Finally!

2008-03-31T17:45:00.002-04:00

The website is up! It's still quite thin in terms of the info I will be adding over the next week -- but I am so delighted to have something that I can update regularly instead of the static placeholder page.

In fact, I am about to dive right in

I am not a professional photographer...

2008-03-29T18:40:00.004-04:00

but as a [very] small business owner, one has to be a jill-of-all-trades. And so, I have spent the evening taking photos of Greater Goods in the hopes of culling a few gems to put on our soon to be unveiled website.

[And may I just take a second to interject how much I *adore* Google. Once again, as a very small business owner, the range of free[!] applications and services and tools and just plain fun and neato things that Google makes available to the public is just amazing. And did I mention they were all free?]

Okay ... so I still have mucho to do and it's already 7:00 and I am *so* not ready for the Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet tomorrow afternoon [as a mom of a "Bear" cub, I am volunteering for set-up and as a local business owner I also need to prepare my donation for the silent auction.] So, it's back to work for me...

edited to add:
You can see the fruits of some of my labor tonight, to the right...

Just a Quick Note ...

2008-03-27T16:37:00.006-04:00

Wrapping up a fairly productive day today. Spent some time putting some draft orders together for some lovely and fun jewelry. [Thinking ahead to Mother's Day!] Worked a bit more on finalizing the website. Went through oodles of e-mails that I had flagged as "to-dos." Kaarin was in the studio experimenting with some new designs for her paintings. It's always fun for me to be able to watch the creative process. And, BONUS, we had some customers! Yay!

This week has been nutty busy, personally. And will continue to be so. My husband sprained his ankle [severely] last Friday -- so I have had to do all the driving, schlepping, hauling, carrying, that he usually shares with me. And this week is the start of Little League -- which both our soon-to-be-five year old daughter and our 8 year old son are participating in. Between the 2 of them, that's 5 different practices I needed to get them to this week!

Tuesday night we finally managed to host the Purcellville Mom's Club for their monthly, "Mom's Night Out." There were 6 of us and I think everyone had a good time. We had wine and cheese and grapes and sweets; chatted and laughed; watched a short video on "Fair Trade" and then a brief discussion about Greater Goods and our mission. And then the ladies got to shop with 10% off. The sales that night were a great boost to us this month -- March was not shaping up so well. So it was profitable as well as fun!

Well, Karen is here for the evening shift and I am off to Little League practice!

Until next time...

World Water Day

2008-03-22T17:33:00.013-04:00

Today, March 22, is World Water Day. In an ideal world, I would have had the time to research and then write an inspiring and informative post about why this is important. [Okay, in an ideal world, there would be no need for World Water Day because everyone on the planet would have access to a safe, secure water supply.]

Instead of freshly-scribed inspiring prose from me, I give you some key excerpts from a World Water Day website:

World Water Day is an international day of observance and action to draw attention to the plight of the more than 1 billion people world wide that lack access to clean, safe drinking water. Celebrated since 1993, World Water Day was designated in 1992 when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly passed a resolution. With each passing year, the observance has grown larger and stronger.
....
The world water crisis is one of the largest public health issues of our time. Nearly 1.1 billion people (roughly 20% of the world’s population) lack access to safe drinking water. The lack of clean, safe drinking water is estimated to kill almost 4,500 children per day. In fact, out of the 2.2 million unsafe drinking water deaths in 2004, 90% were children under the age of five.
....
Many women and young girls in rural areas in Sub-Saharan African and other parts of the world must trek as much as six miles everyday to retrieve water for their families. Due to this manual labor, such women and children are prevented from pursuing an education, maintaining their households or earning additional income.

Evidently, each year there is a theme for World Water Day. This year's theme is "Sanitation" which means exactly what you fear. Not the sexiest of topics for a blog post, I know. But the reality is the lack of adequate sanitation facilities is a huge contributor to death and disease in impoverished countries. And contributes to environmental degradation.

If helping ensure access to safe, clean water to families around the world is something you'd like to be part of, the non-profit, Water for People seems to a highly-regarded and reputable organization. On their home page, they also have several short videos clearly illustrating the problem and the solutions.

Finally, this opinion piece in the Denver Post is a good summary of the issues.

ETA: I liked this article from The Christian Science Monitor as well.

Doing a "Happy Dance!"

2008-03-22T17:22:00.003-04:00

The good folks at Ashley Cyber Services have put the finishing touches on our website design. And now I am spending the evening drafting the text! We should be live and on-line with it by Wednesday!

Woo hoo!

As I work am working on the website, I see that this blog has the potential to be an integral part of Greater Goods' on-line presence. While I hope to update the website at least 2 or 3 times a month with key events and news, it makes more sense to keep the blog for more frequent discussion of related topics. At some point I hope to attempt a redesign of the blog so that from a design perspective there is more of a kinship between the 2 sites...

And then someday -- on-line shopping at Greater Goods!

One step at a time ...

Reduce, Idea #1

2008-03-20T11:29:00.021-04:00

Okay, so how about a series of posts on simple ideas we can implement to reduce our impact on the planet? For the moment, I will assume that we all think that is a good idea. [The "reducing the impact" part of the program -- not the "series of posts" part of the program.]

I am sorry, Evian and San Pellegrino and Dasani and all the other bottled waters out there—Aqua Velva, Wells Fargo, Muddy Waters, Joan Rivers, Jerry Springer, whatever—but the current campaign against paying good money for bottled water when tap water is perfectly good (and very likely purer) is so sensible on the face of it that I am now done with you.
Fini. Kaput. Ausgeschlossen. No more designer water. Water is water If you want lemon flavoring, add a slice of lemon. You want bubbles, stick a straw in it and blow.
—Garrison Keillor in a Sept. 29, 2007 in the Salt Lake Tribune

Photo credit: Dan DeLuca via Creative Commons

Over the last 6 months I have read more and more about how the manufacture and consumption of bottled water has a huge negative environmental impact. It just makes sense the moment you start to think about it. Plastic is generally a petroleum product -- a non-renewable resource that is getting more and more expensive [Gas at $3.29/gallon!]. The manufacture of the bottles and then the shipping of them consumes even more fossil fuels. And then the waste product. Although the plastic bottles are recyclable -- only a small percentage of them actually are. The vast majority end up sitting in landfills -- and sitting and sitting and sitting -- because plastic does not decompose. [At least not for thousands of years...]

So the alternative? Water filters and reusable water bottles. Both in plentiful supply and available in many, many varieties from many retail locations -- in person and on-line. But not yet at Greater Goods.

Why not? That's a perfectly reasonble question. Because beautiful beaded earrings from Nepal and colorful market baskets from Ghana are paying the rent right now. Rest assured, friends, it is my intention to carry more mundane but very important utilitarian goods like water filters and reuseable water bottles and rechargeable batteries ... But until then, I think it's important -- and well within our mission -- to spread the word about what we can all do today to make a difference.

Want to read more about the issues around bottled water?

"Bottle Water, No Longer Cool?" Fortune Magazine, 04/07

"Take Back the Tap" A Report by Food and Water Watch

And, because there are legitimate concerns in some US cities about the quality and safety of tap water in some US cities, we should educate ourselves about that as well:

Tap Water Quality and Safety from the National Resource Defense Council

I will try to do more research about water safety and what we can do in Loudoun County to ensure we are making the smartest drinking water choices -- for people and planet.

reflections on public candor

2008-03-19T21:51:00.008-04:00

One of the cardinal rules of blogging is to be consistent. Going a week between posts probably doesn't qualify.

I will warn you that the following post will primarily be personal reflection on the nature of blogging -- so if it that doesn't strike you as interesting, feel free to move along. :)

I know exactly why I didn't post before now. I knew when I started this blog that any attempt to write publicly about Greater Goods was going to be a challenge for me -- I guess that I didn't expect to run into obstacles quite so immediately.

By nature I am a very open person, prone to candor about myself and my inner workings very easily. As I mentioned earlier, I've kept an on-line journal for years -- though I have limited its access to a reasonably small circle of [2 dozen or so] trusted confidantes. [I told you I was open by nature.] And, to some degree, the only reason I am not generally even more open about my journaling [many, many people blog more publicly about their personal life than I have, to be sure] was because I felt so much of what I write about is not mine to discuss publicly. Things about my children, for example.

This blog represents an interesting dilemma for me. On one hand, I am trying to build a successful business. And that requires a certain amount of "marketing" and "salesmanship" and "promotion." Especially as I am in need of customers, investment, resources, support, networking, positive "buzz," etc. If Greater Goods is to stay open and viable, I need to attract more of all of those things. And, obviously, people want to support something -- and someone -- that they think is going to be successful. Someone that inspires confidence.

So what do I do about the inevitable times when I feel dispirited? When I feel a bit pessimistic about or daunted by this venture? [As everyone does about anything at some point, I imagine.] What do I do when I disappoint myself? How candid and transparent and open am I willing to be with the world about my efforts to build this business? And if I am candid about what is difficult, will that negatively impact what I am trying to achieve. Will it become "bad" buzz?

Maybe. Maybe some people will use my self-reflection and candor as evidence that this business will not be successful. Maybe I am breaking all kinds of marketing rules and conventional wisdom about growing a successful business. But, maybe, I am willing to take that risk. Maybe I just want to be able to be honest about what we are trying to do and how we are doing. And even the mistakes I make. Because, when it comes down to it, I am very proud of what Michal and I have achieved so far. I am very proud of the products we've chosen to sell and I am proud of the way we have chosen to interact with the community and our customers. And I'm proud of the vision behind it. So maybe I should trust that those things will speak for themselves -- to the good. And if I choose to peel back the curtain to give people a glimpse behind it -- in all its messiness -- that won't undercut the rest.

Here's hoping, anyway ...

Spotlight on ...

2008-03-12T18:56:00.003-04:00

Peace Coffee!

This is the brand of coffee we have chosen to carry at Greater Goods. In researching possible film clips to share at the Mom's Club Mom's Night Out tomorrow, I came across this video about Peace Coffee. Watching it made me even happier that we were stocking coffee from such a great company.

It's about 6 minutes long, and is a great little behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a socially responsible company.

This week's goals, revisited.

2008-03-12T17:57:00.002-04:00

Wednesday evening. The week is half over already! [This time-change is really kickin' my rear -- I feel like I've been in a fog since Monday am.]

So, I thought I would take a peek at what I said I wanted to get done this week. I did get the e-mail out to local folks, spreading the word about the seed sale and store-wide sale. I still haven't designed or produced any fliers. And I did zilch in terms of bookkeeping. Well, not exactly zilch. I did contact Dee and we have a meeting scheduled for Monday night. In any case, it's clear what I should be spending my time on this evening at the store and tomorrow during the day while I am here.

Okay then ... I'm off to design a new flier!

Purcellville Mom's Club - MNO

2008-03-12T11:45:00.004-04:00

Okay, I'm feeling conflicted. This is the second time we've tried to schedule a "Mom's Night Out" for the local Mom's Club [which I am a member of.] Last time no one could make it -- so we rescheduled for this month. But there was another Mom'c Club activity in Lovettsville last night -- this time at Total Basket Cases, and so I was [perhaps foolishly] reticent about publicizing the event here.

The idea for the MNO at Greater Goods would be: hang out with other members in a relaxing setting. I would provide munchies and music. And we would do some informal education on either the benefits of natural bath and body products or fair trade shopping -- or both. Whatever people were interested in. And -- while there would be absolutely NO pressure to shop at all -- if folks wanted to buy something, we were offering 10% that evening.

Right now we are scheduled for Thursday [tomorrow] March 13th from 7:30 to 9:30.

I have posted a poll for Mom's Club members so we can decided what to do. See the poll on the right -- about half way down. Please let me know what you think!

Also, feel free to add a comment to this post to share your thoughts, ideas, suggestions.

What a fun morning!

2008-03-10T12:48:00.004-04:00

Greater Goods is hopping this am. Michal is staffing the store, Kaarin [our other resident artist] is working in the studio, I dropped by with my girls [Leah, 18 mo and Jayla, 4 yrs] to do a few things. And, Monica of MoJo Knits and her friend Monica, a local jewelry artist are here visiting. Monica makes gorgeous fine silver and genuine stone jewelry and she and Michal are going through her work to pull a selection of her work from Sky High Designs to feature for sale here. And, Jared Melvin, local financial advisor and ambassador from the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce dropped by to check in. And with his moral support and enthusiasm, I made the leap and decided to become a "promotional partner" of the Chamber's Annual Leadshare Luncheon in April. I went ahead and filled out the form and sent my credit card number and now I'm committed. It'll be a great opportunity to get the word out for the store.

Sat afternoon ...

2008-03-08T17:26:00.005-05:00

Ah... the worst of the thunderstorms seemed to have abated and signs of life return to South Loudoun Street. I'm staffing the store until 7:00ish and then I will head out to meet John [Greater Goods' major investor and my husband] for dinner in Frederick.

My goal this evening: Send an e-mail out to local friends letting them know about this blog, the sale, and the opportunity to pre-order seeds at a discount.

Other near term goals for this week:

Put together a small flier and distribute at other local businesses. It's silly for me not to try to court the folks that do run errands in town. I am certain that many customers at Beauty on Broadway and the Talk of the Town still don't know about Greater Goods, right around the corner. [In the midst of writing this I had a lovely conversation with a woman who was staying at the B&B up the street. I really need to get fliers up there too!]
Finish reviewing the bank and credit card statements from 2007 so when I meet with Dee [my wonderful new bookkeeper, referred to me by the great women-owners of The Book Crossing] I have more to give her.

As a side note, the last couple of sales I've made today and yesterday all included merchadise that we just ordered and received this week. It's so gratifying when people end up liking what we choose.

Also, I think I get even more pleasure out of selling a $5.00 wooden bangle bracelet, or a $12 beaded necklace than a $50 piece of art. When someone buys a lower-ticket item from me, it means they didn't spend that money at Target or Wal-Mart or TJ Maxx. I certainly don't mean to besmirch those retailers -- I shop at them myself. It's just that the bracelet or necklace in my shop was crafted by an artisan in an impoverished community who got paid a fair wage for their work. So you know that your little impulse purchase is really putting your dollars to the best use. It's not like Target -- or the manufacturers of mass produced goodies -- necessarily need another $10.

Okay -- off to send some e-mails...

later luvies...

It's 5:00 o'clock on Friday ...

2008-03-07T17:26:00.001-05:00

Well. I am here. At the store. I really don't expect much business tonight, but the heat is on, the lights are on, the XM radio is on, and the pretty and colorful sale signs are scattered throughout the store. So the place is fairly cozy and welcoming, should some intrepid soul venture out on the wet and cold evening ...

Pre-Order your Seeds for 20% Off

2008-03-07T15:04:00.005-05:00

From our most recent newsletter:

"Pre-order seeds for your garden before March 20th and save 20%! We will be placing our order with Botanical Interests on March 21st. Pre-order at least $15 worth of seeds and get 20% off. Send an e-mail to forpeopleandplanet@verizon.net and we will send you the seed catalogue. Or drop by the store and place your order in person!"

We discovered the seed company, Botanical Interests, last spring. Even though we didn't open the store until April 22, last year, we still wanted to carry some seeds. We've been impressed with the quality of the seeds [Karen grew the most fabulous sunflowers last year from them.] And the packaging of the seeds is gorgeous and extremely informative.

So when it came time to stock seeds for this year, I thought I would offer an incentive to folks to order early. It's a win-win for customers and the store. Greater Goods get some [much needed] income from the sales of the seeds before we have to pay for them -- and customers get to save money! Yay!

Now, we just have to spread the word so that people can place their orders!

rain, rain ...

2008-03-07T14:51:00.002-05:00

It's mid-afternoon. The store hasn't been open much today. Michal came down with a vicious migraine this morning and despite an hour chiropractic appointment she could still barely stand without wanting to barf. I could have mobilized, I suppose, and called Em [our wonderful nanny] and asked her to come early so that I could have gone in to the store. But I was enjoying a snuggly, slow day with the girls. And I didn't want to put Em out. I will go in from 5 to 7 pm, as scheduled -- though I don't expect much traffic on a chilly, rainy, Friday night.

So. Michal still doesn't know about the blog. I will see her tomorrow [she works the first part of the day; I work the later] and I will fill her in then.

I hope to get some e-mails out tonight letting local folks know about our spring sale and the garden seed pre-order special.

Hmmm.... Maybe I should post that info here as well?

If it was a snake ...

2008-03-06T19:51:00.000-05:00

I've been blogging in some form for the last 9 years and keeping a journal with pen and paper on and off for almost 3 decades. So why did it only just this moment occur to me to blog about Greater Goods? I have to say, I was inspired by Kristen's new blog for White House Ceramic Studio. Our ventures are practically next door neighbors, after all. And I did not until this moment realize that my Google account gave me instant access to setting up a blog in a matter of keystrokes. It could not have been easier.

And, I have waiting [not so patiently] for the launch of the Greater Goods website... And, I have been looking for more ways to create community around and build excitement around the store ... So, voila! Instant blog as store-owner.

The purpose of this blog will be to ... [bear with me a moment, I am making this up as we go along] ... is to ... hmmm ... is to share the personal experience of being a socially-responsible entrepreneur! Hah! That sounds swell. What I mean is, this will be the "behind the scenes" look at our retail venture, Greater Goods. What are we thinking about, struggling with, experimenting with? How are we juggling mamahood and entrepreneurship? How are we doing at creating a business that reflects our values?

Hmmm ... who is this "we" woman? Brainstorm! This shall be a cooperative blog! Henceforth, my business partner and first cousin, Michal, will also be posting here! [I just have to let her know that too...]

Oh! I think this will develop into something fun and interesting.

Stay tuned...