Trunk Show at Guilford Arts Center

We made our way back to the Guilford Arts Center a few weeks ago for our pre-holiday trunk show. As usual we had a good time- thanks to shop manager, Bonita Ruggow. She's such a doll. To our surprise when we arrived, the chorale group from Madison High School were singing a bunch of songs acapella- they were awesome! Check them out in the video below.

For those of you who couldn't make it to the Center before the holidays- you're in luck as they are now having an "Artistry on the Shoreline Post-Holiday Sale." Everything is 25% off!

So hurry and grab yourself a one-of-kind GG2G bag. The sale goes on until January 11th. The shop is open Monday - Friday noon to 6pm and Saturday noon to 5pm.

Christmas at the Mansion

Last weekend was Milford's Lauralton Hall's Annual "Christmas at the Mansion." They transform this old girl's school into a winter wonderland replete with white paper bag votives lining the exterior pathways. The event is a fund-raiser for a $100,000 scholarship for a deserving young girl- a worthy cause, indeed. Go girls. It was a 3-day event where we got to meet some peeps in our neighborhood. So often we traipse about the country side attending these kinds of vending events, so it was a nice change to be in our own backyard. As usual at these events, we meet som many wonderful vendors. This time was no different, we met Christine of GoGirlWrapperz. Chris and her partner Elvis make skirts for the girl on the go! Their motto is "Stay Strong....Stay Warm." The idea came about because Kris, a yoga enthusiast, wanted an alternative to sweatpants. She designed her skirts to be both warm (made from fleece) and nice enough to go out in afterwards. Next year Chris says that her line will include organic fabrics and more PET fleece. All her skirts are made in CT- yay! We took a couple minutes to talk to Kris. See what she had to say below.

GG2G's Holiday Part-ay!

Forgive us for we have sinned...well not really but December has been such a crazy month for us thus far that we haven't had a chance to blog about our 3rd Annual (although it was the 1st in our rockin' new work space) Holiday Party and Sale which happened way back on November 22nd.
We don't think anyone noticed that our furnace had broken...although our coat rack was conspicuously empty. hmm...but we digress. A great time was had by all. We strung sweet little lights up around our industrial space and it was instantly transformed into a cozy space. For early holiday shoppers, we had about 9 vendors (including ourselves) selling jewelry, stationery, cosmetics, soaps, tshirts , hand-carved ornaments and of course hella-gorgeous billboard bags.
Sign up for our mailing list and we'll keep you posted about all our upcoming events- including next year's party where we hope to stage a fashion show of eco-friendly clothing and accessories.
P.S. Thank you James for the heaters, Jenn and Jerry for bartending and Ryan for DJing.

Artful Gifts at City Lights Gallery

We are so glad we were contacted by the very talented Margaret Bodell to participate in the "Artful Gifts" Holiday Sale and Show going on now at the City Lights Gallery in downtown Bridgeport. Margaret's resume is choc-ful of many experiences in all facets of the art world including owning and running a few prestigious art galleries in New Haven and New York City. Her latest adventure is dedicated to bringing art back to Bridgeport. This event is only one of many that Margaret has planned for the now non-profit City Lights Gallery. The handful of vendors at this event include a woman who makes really funky necklaces from fabric-covered marbles and hand-painted scarves and woven rugs by LAND in Brooklyn which is "a non-profit studio that provides artistic and technical training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities." Oh yeah- and did we mention the art on the walls? It's pretty cool too!
So if you want to pick up some neato one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones, consider taking a trip down to Bridgeport's City Lights Gallery located at 37 Markle Court- just off State Street.

"Going Green" NBC Segment

Click on the image to view the clip.
We recently taped an interview for a segment on our local NBC station called "Going Green" hosted by Ryan Hanrahan. It's is essentially the Cliff Notes of GG2G- you can get a pretty good idea of who we are and what we do. We are very excited about how it turned out. What do you think?

Win a GG2G bag!!

It's so easy, it's so easy, yeah, yeah. (You're supposed to sing that line)

Ever the wannabe philanthropists...we'll give a bag to 3 lucky winners who email us (write "contest" in the subject line) and tell us why you'd love one of these bags. If you're one of the winners, please feel free to send us a photo of you and your bag and we'll post it! Don't forget to tell us which bag you've got your googly eye on.
We could go on about each bag's features and why we think you'd love one of 'em but we want to hear from you. So holla back at your girls. But be quick as this contest won't last long!

Time to Think About Wrapping it up...

Ok, another "green peeve" ... Wrapping Paper! Ugh!

Come on people, either make your own from old paper, magazine pages, or newspaper or use brown paper bags and decorate them with last years holiday cards cut into neato shapes. Just think -- this way the receiver can re-gift in it next year.

Look at this stat:

In the U.S., an additional 5 million tons of waste is generated during the holidays. 4 million tons of this is wrapping paper and shopping bags. (Agggh!)

Thank you to Ecogreenguy's blog for that stat...check'em out when you have time

If you absolutely insist on wrapping paper then do the planet a favor and get it from Seltzer goods. 100% post consumer gift wrap, -- funky and fun just like the folks at Seltzer. Their cards rock too! www.seltzergoods.com

How much fun is this?

We're Heeere

It needs something....

Ahh yes.

Perfect. Yes, yes.

Ok, so we've already been in our new digs for 3 months but we've only just gotten heat so forgive us for feeling giddy. We're in a converted factory with big metal doors that were just screaming for some art.

Holiday Partaaay

So we're gearing up for what will be an annual event for us, our Holiday Party & Sale.

Saturday, November 22 starting at 6:30pm.

80 Wampus Lane, Milford.

For more details click here.

We'll have drinks, a DJ, perhaps if someone gets their cheer on, we'll even have some dancing. Limbo anyone? We'll also have a bevy of vendors selling their hand-crafted goods. And we'll even have a manicurist giving mini manicures...yes, we have covered all the bases so you betta be there...or you'll be stuck looking at the pictures of the event and wishing you had been there. You don't want that!

We Have Only Three Words for you Today

We Have Only ONE Word for you Today

Pure Coffee?

I'm not one of those people who is addicted to Dunkin' Donuts coffee (although their latte ain't bad at all). Their plain 'ol glazed donut is another story. But we're not here to talk about that sugary goodness.

We're here to talk about the coffee, or rather, the container that holds said coffee...Styrofoam. Styrofoam? Really? In 2008- Styrofoam? I'm shocked that such a big company hasn't switched to a more eco-friendly option in coffee cups. It seems like such an unenlightened choice.

Now don't get me wrong, they have great ads and their billboards make some kick-ass bags (see photo and -plug here- available online) because pink and orange are rare colors in billboards- kinda like red sea glass...but, I digress.
Styrofoam is made by Dow. A chemical company. Wouldn't it stand to reason that if you heat a chemical product (with say, coffee) that you would have to be ingesting some chemicals? That's not the kind of pick-me-up I need in the morning!
The EPA did a human tissue survey and found: By 1986, styrene was found in 100 percent of all samples of human fat tissue. Researchers found that Styrofoam cups lose weight when in use, meaning that styrene is oozing into the foods and drinks we consume. It then ends up stored in our fatty tissue, where it can build up to levels that can cause fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, blood abnormalities, and even carcinogenic effects.

DD is the biggest food producer of Styrofoam waste! 3 billion Styrofoam cups are purchased and disposed of each year in the US from customers of Dunkin Donuts! Outrageous, right? Do your part and tell Dunkin Donuts to change their cups.

or write to them at:
Dunkin’ Donuts Consumer Care
130 Royall Street Canton, MA 02021
Tel: 800-859-5339

UPDATE: On the plus side, we've just read the Dunkin Donuts recently opened its first (hopefully of many) LEED-certified stores in St. Petersburg, FL...and yes, they use paper cups made from renewable sources. Plus they encourage you to bring your own mug in. Way to go DD!

Bendel Open See or...

...as we like to call it, Bendel No See Green! OK so, Cleo and I catch the 4:22 a.m train into New York city so that we can have the honor of standing in line for 4 hours, penance for being allow show our goods (no, not those goods!) to a Bendel's buyer. See our mini movie below of the que forming. The gates to designer glory opened at 9. We were quickly shuffled into Mecca, and passed through with Acela-like efficency. Next thing we know we are in front of the "yes or no-er" herself. We must say here that the handbags buyer makes the experience painless, but Bendel's as it turns out is only interested in leather handbags. Now, perhaps that's her stock phrase to let us down easy, but the next line out of her mouth is astonishing...she says "sadly, Bendel's is not really interested in eco-friendly." WOW!!! What would Henri have said about that? "C'est incroyable, mademoiselle!"
Now, we don't want you to get the idea that we are bitter, oh no, we are glad to know that we need not get up before we went to bed, stand on ice cold cement waiting in a line, praying for a decent coffee shop to open (what the hell Illy, 7:00am? No one in NYC wants a latte at 6am?) so that we can thaw our frozen finger-cicles, only to be told "non". We are not bitter, just a bit surprised that the upscale Bendel's customer is apparently not interested in the green movement. Who knew?
On a positive note, we met some really awesome women, like Leslie Marie who makes fabulous clothing and Cat of Cleo & Cat who makes these awesome Alice-in-Wonderland meets Vivan Westwood honking rings that totally rock-you must see. Plus there was a woman behind us who brought her line of satin bags and just behind her a couple of women who had the CUTEST bikinis- wish we had had time to get their info.
Anyway, we don't want to discourage anyone from having this experience because it's a rare occurance. Most stores make it impossible to get the opportunity to show your products to their buyers. It is reported that this is the way Todd Oldham (back when he was doing fashion) got his start. So for all you design entrepreneurs out there who think their products would be perfect at Bendel's, go for it! Just remember to get there early. And by early, we mean 6am, because the doors close at 12noon sharp. And how pissed would you be if you had been waiting for hours and didn't get a chance to see a buyer? Oh and bring a crossword, warm clothes...and of course, a latte.

Put Some Green in your Orange & Black

No reason why all your holidays can't be a little greener.

Let's start with Halloween...don't be scared, we'll help you through this.

• How about buying an organic pumpkin for carving.
• Don't forget to toast those seeds-they're a yummy snack or taste great on a salad. Get creative and try adding some fun herbs & spices before you bake 'em.
  
• Make sure you use non-toxic paint when painting on skin
• Try giving our candy that is organic and not full of junk.
  
• Costumes from Goodwill or children's consignment stores- there are so many there! Or better yet- make your own. Here are some funny (different) ideas.
  

Pumpkin Carving Primer
What a fantastically green idea! Carving organic pumpkins. Keep it low, keep it real low...you carbon footprint that is. Think about it.

1. Go buy an organic pumpkin from your local farmer's market (not the darn chain grocery store)
2. Invite family and friends over for a pot luck carving.
3. Use only one oven or pan to toast or roast (respectively). Putting a few seeds aside to plant next year, of course.
4. Any of the caved pumpkin meat gets made into a lovely autumn soup. (See recipe below)
   
5. lastly make shoes from the skin. (I kid)

How's that for cradle to cradle? Simple Pumpkin Bisque Recipe

Pumpkin Bisque

1 tablespoon green onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 (16-ounce) can pumpkin or fresh pumpkin
1 cup water
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 Vegetable stock cubes, crushed
2 cups half and half
1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

1. In a saucepan, saute chopped green onion in butter until tender.
2. Add canned pumpkin, water, brown sugar, salt, white pepper, cinnamon, and crushed chicken bouillon cubes; mix well. Heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in half-and-half and just heat through, but do not boil.
4. Garnish with slices from lemon and chopped parsley.

Makes 5 servings.

Greening the Guilford Arts Center

The prestigious Guilford Arts Center hosts an annual Holiday Event Sale called "Artistry" that draws artisans from around the country. This year it includes 150 artists-GG2G being one of them. We are so glad to participate as proceeds benefit the art school and center. Recently we attended the opening reception and had a chat with the store's manager, the lovely Bonita Roggow. See the video below and stop by the center if you're in the neighborhood. You'll find the most distinctive gifts around. Clothing, accessories, jewelry, pottery, ornaments, and much more! The sale in on until January 11th.

Oozing Talent

Our friend Ryan stopped by our studio today to show us his latest t-shirts featuring his cool-ass logo printed all over the shirt. How cute is this? We've told him he needs to print these on some girly-style shirts so we can sport 'em. Ryan is a super-talented artist and musician. Check out his website. Enjoy. BTW- if you're in the hood on November 22 at 7pm, stop by our studio for our annual holiday party & shopping event. Ry-Ry will be spinning some vinyl for us as well as selling some of his tees.

Ali & Day do L.A.

We just returned from a quick trip to Los Angeles where we participated in a The Green Gallery, a press and buyer event at The Gallery Los Angeles. We got to attend The Humanitarian Initiative fashion show (check out the quick clip of us waiting in line to get in-yummy organic drinks in hand) and see some great designs from American designers who are using sustainable materials to create gorgeous clothing and accessories.

1. Sandy of EcoSkin makes sumptous dresses that look great on every body type.
2. Teresa of oxumwear has stylish yoga wear made from bamboo and eucalyptus.
3. Kathleen of Smart Glass brought her show-stopping jewelry made from recycled bottles. (See our Eco Medal of Honor column to the right)
4. Christa of Yoga Tribe and Culture had great casual wear separates with great yoga inspired sayings.
   
5. Cem of Isle of U brought his organic cotton and bamboo tshirts emblazoned with such messages as HOPE (Help our planet earth.)
   

These are just of few of the green designers we met. We were so proud to be in their company as not only are they super-nice people but they are doing their part to, as we say, "Look Hot While Saving the Planet."

Food, Glorious Food

We just heard Teri Gross of WNPR's Fresh Air interview author Michael Pollan. What an amazing interview! Michael is the author of best-sellers, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History Of Four Meals and In Defense OF Food: An Eater's Manifesto. He also spoke about the article he wrote recently for the New York Times called "An Open Letter to the Next Farmer in Chief" regarding changes to the way we see food. This guy has some ideas that seem radical- yet they are so simple. I mean, why can't the White House devote 5 of its 17 acres to an organic farm that helps provide food for local food banks? That sounds like a fantastic idea!

Greenwashing

OK, let's just start this show off with an issue that's been bugging us for a while- that is what is now commonly referred to as "greenwashing." This is the practice of calling yourself a green company if you use compact flourescent lightbulbs...and that's all you do. Don't get us wrong, little things like these are important and can add up in the long run, but you can hardly call yourself a green company if that is all you are doing.
That lightbulb example comes to mind ('cause it really happened). We were at a trade show recently and a vendor there was calling themselves green. Upon being questioned about what green practices they followed they stated that they also recycled their office paper. Hurmfff!