The ‘Green Google’ Alternative

“Google it!” I used to say a few times a week, but no longer…

Why?

Because I’ve just discovered an amazing green search engine called Ecosia.

They’re a B Corporation (the equivalent of Fair Trade certification) German company that uses the money they earn from ads to plant trees. Literally millions of trees. They’ve planted 4.7 million so far!

I’ve made Ecosia my default search engine. It’s such a simple change to make. I’ve been using it for a week and, while I admit it’s not quite as perfect as Google (it’s powered by Bing and Yahoo because Google didn’t want to partner with a “charitable” company), it’s still fantastic for most searches and totally worth the change.

And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can always hop back onto Google after planting a tree.

Ecosia even displays how many trees you’ve planted with a cute little tree counter in the top corner.

It’s amazing to think that if Ecosia had as many users as Google, they would have the power to end deforestation.

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Handmade Paper Journals

I’ve been busy lately, making stacks of handmade paper, collecting twigs and binding these little journals. I’m excited to say, they’re finally available on my Etsy shop! And I’ll be taking them to my next market – Kirribilli Art & Design on Mother’s Day. Here are a few pics of these delicate creations… IMG_9829photoshopped_1IMG_9831photoshopped_1IMG_9837photoshoppedIMG_9855photoshoppedIMG_9845photoshoppedIMG_9850photoshoppedIMG_9833photoshopped_1IMG_9842photoshopped

New Eco Bags

Introducing a few new designs to my eco tote bag collection…

These bags are ethically made from 100% recycled materials, including plastic bottles and organic cotton.

My nature-inspired ink drawings are digitally printed with eco-friendly, water-based inks.

Explore the full eco range.

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Explore the full eco range.

Recycled, handmade art

IMG_9344photoshopped I’ve just received a bundle of beautiful new picture frames in the post! I was so excited when I found these in Mulbury‘s online store. Made in Australia from rescued, recycled timber, they have a gorgeously rustic quality. I will be selling limited edition prints of my ink drawings, printed on my handmade recycled paper and framed in these special eco frames. A perfect combo!

——– $40 for a 6”x8” Limited Edition Framed Print on Cliffwatcher’s delicate handmade paper ——–

Contact me to pre-order. Choose from any of my ink drawings. (To browse all my designs, visit my Etsy store.) IMG_9332photoshopped IMG_9339photoshopped

Sunday 30th Nov – Coal Loader Artisans Market

This Sunday I’ll be pitching the Cliffwatcher marquee at the Coal Loader Artisans Market in Waverton. It’s the first time I’ve ever been to these sustainable markets and I’m very excited to be visiting at last!

The Coal Loader is the headquarters for a Centre for Sustainability. Ironic, considering its former use – for most of the 20th century, it was a big coal depot. A few years ago, however, the local community decided to transform this onetime centre for pollution into a greenie’s heaven. Now, the Coal Loader is brimming with organic community gardens, an Aboriginal Bush Foods garden, a chook run and a sustainable artist’s studio. It’s a community hub for all things environmentally friendly and runs numerous workshops on how to “green up your life”.

The Coal Loader Artisans Market is held four times a year. As you’d expect, considering the Coal Loader’s sustainability ethos, the market has a strong focus on environmentally friendly products. There’ll be lots of art, ceramics, jewellery, fashion etc. handmade by local, emerging artists.

I’m really looking forward to meeting other artists/makers who are passionate about sustainable products, and discovering this intriguing, historic site.

If you’re thinking of coming along to visit, make sure you leave time to walk around nearby Berry Island. With its amazing Aboriginal rock engraving and harbour views, this is one of the best spots in Sydney to spend a Sunday arvo.

Coal Loader Artisans Market

Sunday 30th November, 9am – 3pm

2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton

Eco T-shirts Gallery

My favourite images from the recent photo shoot!

These t-shirts are 100% recycled, made from plastic bottles and organic cotton.

Explore the full eco range.

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Explore the full eco range.

Ethical Finds

This week, I want to focus in on my new favourite online shop, Shelf/Life.

Today, I am going to start my weekly Ethical Finds blog. I spend (perhaps waste?) a lot of time trawling the internet for fair trade/ethical/environmentally friendly clothes, gifts, art etc. There is something very special about these items as they often have a good story to tell about the maker or designer. There are some wonderful people out there, getting creative with where they source their materials from, often recycling in amazing ways and doing unexpectedly beautiful things. So I thought I’d share a few finds every week. This week, I want to focus in on my new favourite online shop, Shelf/Life. They offer homewares made by a variety of ethical brands from around the world. Perusing their shop is like stepping into a cohesive, bright and often surprising space full of creative treasures. The curating is impeccable. Enjoy my selection and I hope it inspires you :-) Ethical Finds 18Sept Owl Trio by Petit Collage, art print on sustainably harvested maple veneer, $25 / Floralware medium oval bowl 05 by Eucalypt Homewares, handcrafted ceramic bowl, $65 / Metsa fabric per metre by Kauniste, screen printed in Finland using water based inks and traditional printing techniques, $52Let’s Get Lost poster by Oh My Home, poster printed in the Netherlands using thick high quality paper, $58Stone storage basket – round by Bookhou, screen-printed with a design drawn by hand, handmade in Toronto, Canada, $28 / Lace tiny dish – square by Kim Wallace Ceramics, tiny ceramic dishes imprinted with a vintage lace pattern, made by hand in Australia, $14

Visit Shelf/Life to see all the beautiful products.