For the past five years I have been committed to living a more consumer-responsible life, and to be honest, it's been one of the hardest things I've done. There are three questions that I ask myself when buying something. How was it made? Who made it? And, Do I really love it? These questions touch on the issues of fair labor and sustainable practices. And, having been a retailer of ethically made products the last three years, I can tell you that options for new, socially-responsible products are still very slim, especially when the budget is small. So, in the last few years, I have made by hand a lot more things than I really wanted to and I have spent more time in resale and antique stores than boutiques and malls. I have also learned to be more content and resourceful with the things that I already have.
Photos from left to right:
1. I needed a new make-up bag and ended up making one
2. A felt tree skirt that I designed and made this past Christmas
3. Our vintage danish couch that I found at Goodwill for $49
4. My favorite bag. It's recycled leather.
5. Vintage Red Wing bowl I found at an antique store
6. Recycled glass votive holder made by a local artisan in Seattle
7. Instead of buying new patio furniture last summer, I sanded and refinished our table and chairs
8. I try to buy local art products as much as possible
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