The holidays are almost here! Where did the year go, anyway? While the music, decorations, lights and gatherings can all be fun and exciting, they also generate a ton of waste. Anything that you can do to reduce your environmental footprint at this time of year is a good thing. That is why I am trying to feature some great ideas for gift giving this year. So far, I told you about the Cleveland Clothing Company and From the Blue Bag. Today I want to tell you about Second Time Designs.
Second Time Designs is a company by Nicole McGee. I first ran across these designs at Aladdin’s Restaurants. If you have ever eaten there, then you have seen her flower centerpieces on the tables. These eco-chic decorations not only require little upkeep, but they are made from flooring and wall base materials that were destined for the landfill. You may have seen her at the Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival showing flowers and cool light switch covers. She just opened her etsy store and you can see here newest stuff at the Tremont Farmer’s Market, Tuesday November 24 and Dec 15th at the Pilgrim Church. She has added cool new hair clips, too! Pictures do not do justice to how lovely these items really are. Word on the street is that she is premiering some new holiday wreaths from recycled materials, and I can’t wait to see them! Hand crafted, unique and eco friendly, why not give a gift this year that is useful and beautiful? Planning a big design project? Nicole is great at doing commission work and special orders!
Remember that every time you support a local artist, you support the local economy. Wouldn’t you rather give something from close to home, rather that a cheap piece of tat that had to hauled all the way from China? In addition, these Items are made from materials that were diverted from the waste stream. Upcylcing allows us to rethink the way we create, and rethink the life cycle of the products that we use. Imagine the impact on the planet if just a portion of all the holiday purchasing was made from recycled or upcycled materials! Start here with a funky light switch cover or a chic hair clip, and make 2009 the greenest holiday ever….
