Surely some of you are wondering how on earth green goes with any color scheme and the finicky among you are just cringing at the thought of bright green décor in your well appointed living rooms. Read on…
For those not familiar with the term “green” it refers to a natural, organic, eco-friendly item or product. Hence, the subject of, at least, the first part of this article is how earth friendly décor has a moral and aesthetic place in any room of our home! Green décor may be an item of art or a functional piece that is made from recycled materials or from natural, sustainable resources.
Those already attuned to conservation and the environment are well aware that there are many websites and stores to learn about and purchase green products. These folks also know that one does not have to downgrade the quality and beauty of their décor for it to be eco friendly. We can combine ecology and elegance to both beautify our home and protect the planet at the same time! While we can surely display our children’s crafts made from recycled and natural items we can be assured that there are many other beautiful, green curio, mantle and center pieces available to decorate any room in any style.
No matter the style there are numerous décor options including items made from natural fabrics, stone, renewable sources of wood and other natural growth, so called junk and recycled metals, glass and more.
Now that we have touched upon earth friendly décor that brings pleasure to mankind and shows compassion for the environment there is another type of décor which brings gratification to both the purchaser and the crafter.
Rather than buying the commonly available mass produced décor found in many stores one should consider purchasing handcrafted décor. While handcrafted décor may often be more expensive, its purchase provides needed income to hard working mom and dads. Some handmade décor will be earth friendly as well!
Where to find handcrafted décor:
⢠Craft fairs and markets
⢠Local craft shops and galleries
⢠Shops and websites selling Fair Trade products
⢠Websites selling country crafts, handmade or handcrafted gifts, décor and collectibles
Visiting markets, fairs and shops are also an enjoyable way of spending a day off. While vacationing, particularly in the countryside or “small town USA”, you will come across charming shops often in or connected to the homes of the crafters themselves. Pack a lunch and plan a day of visiting local shops, attractions and picnicking. Fall is a particularly beautiful time for craft excursions. The countryside is bursting with color and the Halloween and Christmas crafts are on show! Do not forget your camera!
Another source of crafts are those made by disadvantaged crafters primarily in third world countries. There are many talented crafters whose works are being sold in shops and online. Some are sold via non profit organizations while others are imported and retailed by for profit businesses. Fair Trade organizations provide certification to some organizations and businesses who maintain their rules of fair trade practices. You can visit some of these fair trade organizations online to learn more about them. Many other businesses are not certified but do provide their crafters with fair wages and help to make a true difference in the quality of their crafter’s lives! While overseas be sure to visit the many outdoor craft markets where you can meet the crafters and find some great buys!
When planning to purchase décor, gifts or collectibles be thoughtful of the needs of those around us whether it be a local crafter, a disadvantaged crafter in Africa or the environment. In the end you will more greatly appreciate your purchase and will bring pleasure to others as well.
Ron Askotzky is co-founder of Wow! Imports fair trade and earth friendly home decor, gifts and collectibles. His goal is, ?To make the lives of our crafters more pleasant while bringing joy to the recipients of their handiwork?.
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