~ Earth Day 2013 ~

"The earth is what we all have in common."
~Wendell Berry 

 Happy Earth Day Everyone!

I have been pondering what to write for this my third Earth Day post, in my last two I introduced you to my father: Earth Day 1970-2011

And talked about my company's vision: Earth Day 2012

So....This year I want to talk a bit about how in small ways we can help to make a difference.

I run three Etsy shops, Nostalgic Summer,  Nostalgic Artifacts , and Été Nostalgique De Luxe. Needless to say I use a lot of packing materials, and when I opened Nostalgic Artifacts I was concerned with all that wasteful packing I would have to use for the very fragile items I would be selling. 

Here's how in my very small way I am trying to alleviate this problem, and maybe give all of you ideas for keeping your packaging "Green":

90% of the boxes used in all three shops are recycled. I've found if you visit your local business they will be glad to let you take used boxes off their hands, and every package I receive is recycled 100%.

All my packing material is recycled....Shredded magazines, old wrapping paper, etc....

It looks very nice when shredded!

 And great in the box!

I do have larger, fragile pieces that shredded paper will not work for, so I use packing peanuts....I KNOW THEY ARE SO BAD!....but I also get these from a local business who would otherwise throw them away, and I feel reuse is a much better idea. I do recommend to all my customers that they reuse these peanuts also.

I enclose Thank You cards in each package I'm shipping out and I use....yes you guessed it....recycled paper! I use paper samples that another business was eliminating.

I know none of these ideas are grandiose, but I feel any small step you can take will help. And if everyone took small steps we would have a grandiose change for our beautiful planet!

I would LOVE more Earth friendly ideas...so please leave them here in the comments.

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." ~John Muir

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." ~Native American Proverb

 

  We are linking this week with:

What We Accomplished Wednesday

*IT'S A FACEBOOK CELEBRATION!*

We've cracked open the champagne and are celebrating here at Nostalgic Summer world headquarters!

Last week Nostalgic Summer's Facebook page earned it's 777th follower...and since 7 just happens to be my favorite/lucky number I thought 777 must be really lucky.........So to celebrate I am holding a very special  "777 SALE!"

I've chosen seven pieces from the Nostalgic Summer line that I will sell at the special price of....you guessed it!...... $7.77. *WOW!*

Here is a look at each piece and the description:

Green and white tin bangle ~ $7.77 plus shipping.

Donkey Bead Pendant ~ $7.77 plus shipping.

Tin Oval Earrings ~ $7.77 plus shipping.

Tin Round Earrings ~ $7.77 plus shipping.

French Fashion Pendant ~ $7.77 plus shipping.

Happy Hour Pendant ~ $7.77 plus shipping.

Tin Heart Pendant ~ $7.77 plus shipping.

To purchase any of these seven pieces send a message to: renee@nostalgicsummer.com with the name of the item you would like, your shipping address, cc # & the 3 digit cvc on back of card. You will receive a confirmation email once we process your order. Or if you prefer we can send you a bill through Paypal.
 

The special sale will end on 4/20/13...unless items sell out sooner. This is a first come, first serve offer.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL MY 777 plus 1 FOLLOWERS!

“We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small gifts.” 

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer ~

~ Flower Show Inspiration ~

“The earth laughs in flowers.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I recently attended the Macy's Flower Show "The Painted Garden" in Minneapolis. Macy's website touted the event as being "Drenched in a spectacular palette of color, this years show evokes the inspiring architecture and vibrant spirit of southern Asia." And it was gorgeous! Now I don't know if it is the lack of spring like weather, the shock of color or the excitement of a tradition my family has held for years, but I was INSPIRED!

 Walking in you were greeted by this beautiful painted elephant.

The flowers were arranged in color pallets from warm yellow, orange, red to cool blue, violet, lavender.

I was inspired by the shocks of color, and especially the mix of patterns on the umbrellas .....

To create my new tin line, "Raindrops"

"Raindrop Cluster Necklace"

Dog Tag Style "Raindrop Pendants"

These new pieces will be available at my upcoming *art/crafts shows. But if you are interested please email me at renee@nostalgicsummer.com.

*More to come on Nostalgic Summers upcoming events.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

"I am following Nature without being able to grasp her, I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers."
~ Claude Monet