Saving the planet... one napkin at a time

Okay, so if you don’t live / shop in the Byward Market area of Ottawa, you may not have a long term relationship with the store once known as the natural Food Pantry, and for the past few years, known as Market Organics. Located at 126 York Street, just a bit away from Dalhousie Street and a really good shawarma place called, Garlic Corner, Market Organics has been a great place to get organic foods, funky vegan stuff and more for myself and @wtl for years.  We usually get our B.Goods Cookies there if we are not near the B.Goods “Mobile Bakery”, and while their prices and selection may not compare to big box places like the Bulk Barn in quantity, the quality of what we find there and the convenience more than makes up for it!

So, in case I forgot to mention it at the beginning of this post, Market Organics was also one of the very first retailers [ see the list to the left of the others] of Eco-TAV Pouches.  In the past, when the location was smaller { half the size} and crowded with oodles of stuff, the pouches were pretty much invisible.  I missed last weekend’s grand re-opening but was able to pop in today for my fix of bulk choc chips, aforementioned cookies, almond milk , etc.  And I saw my babies!  There, to the left as you stand in the single line waiting to pay for your purchases and perusing the fresh baked goods, hanging below a hand written sign suggesting” Why take a paper bag when you can get a Reusable bag”, there were a healthy selection of Mini Pouches, and Large Pouches.  There is NO ECO-TAV LOGO on DISPLAY, but you’ll see it when you look closely at the care-label on the flap!

The Eco-TAV Mini Pouches really are just the right size for a single yummy cookie from any of the bakeries that supply the store.  And the Large makes a great place to assemble a wondrous collection of a prepackaged  Market Organics sandwich, fruit and perhaps a lovely side of couscous or salad from their fridge!   It keeps it all just fine to get you to your snacking destination and is large enough to create an eating surface

Shameless self-promotion done now.

Back to the new layout!

I chose to enter by the front of 126 York by fluke, I did not actually realize that the other entrance on the side is now closed off.  So, I walked into the building and was directed leftwards, into the store.  FLOORSPACE!!! OMG!  If you were ever in the store when it was only half the size, you may remember how there were always little ladders, and boxes to walk around as staff was constantly restocking shelves!  Now, I can envision an entire impromptu dance number in the entrance area alone!  They have a sidebar/nook/ eating area ‘ cause they have a little cafe set up!  Woot!  I was not able to try any of the food, but it looked like a small selection of yummies – salads and gourmet coffee – I’ll be back to test that one of these days for sure!

So, after getting over the initial shock of walking into a huge open space with shelves full of stuff, I kept walking around the horseshoe shaped layout to see what I could see!  Food first, then fridges, then around the corner for cosmetics, vitamins, and the bulk foods are still along the inner wall, though rearranged, of course.  I kept going and found the new check out system with the “Please form one line” sign and two cashes.  These are a bit smaller in counter space, but you are no longer competing with the baked goods for surface area to put your purchases down while paying for them.

You can get your baked goods while you wait in line – great marketing and yes, I picked up one of my favorite Bread and Roses vegan peanut butter squares [ they come in a tiny plastic bag, but what can you do when you know they are really tasty and only offered in the prepackaged manner?].  They always remind me of the peanut butter balls my mom used to make when I was a kid – covered in chocolate, and full of sugar – but these are so much healthier – I swear!

Anyhoo – if you get a moment, pop in, say hi, buy and Eco-TAV Pouch from their display, fill it with yummy baked goods and support 3 or even 4 small businesses in one shot!

On a side note, I am now frequenting the Bridgehead on Richmond Road near Churchill/ MEC, and the lovely lady [ manager?] who served me gave me an “own mug” discount for both my stainless steel mug and my Eco-TAV Pouch! She was very adamant that yes, this discount would be given anytime someone uses something “reusable”!  So, while the head office is really not  interested in carrying the Eco-TAV line, yet, the stores have been very supportive – especially if you are nice about it!  My home Bridgehead location on Dalhousie has been great from the start and kudos to them for that!

Keeping it shades of green!

Tracey

Hey all,

It’s been a while since I have posted, mainly due to having to change our server where we’ve got all this techno stuff hosted etc.

So in the meantime I’ve been doing some accounting and examining what I can continue with in regards to the Eco-TAV line.  I know these pieces are a great diea, but it’s just me.  I do the designing, sewing, marketing etc.  I am totally grateful for the few locations who have joined my adventure and sell my products through their retail locations as well, so I want to make sure I can continue with that.

Upon realizing that my time is limited, and my costs do need to be considered in the equation, I’ll be continuing with one fabric type for the napkins and pouches: the 55% Hemp/45% Cotton.  The 100% hemp is lovely, but the cost is almost double to get it, and I don’t buy fabric in large enough quantities to allow for greater discounts.

THUS PLEASE NOTE:I’ll be selling off my remaining stock of 100% hemp pieces over the next while and donating 30% of my profits to the fund-raising efforts of the Ottawa Browncoats and the Serenity/Dr.Horrible showing that will raise money for iSisters and Equality Now.

I’ll also have a booth at the Environment Week Fair on the 2nd of June 2010 at L’Esplanade Laurier Building. I will be there from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Although it is described as an “information” booth, I will have stock with me, and can process orders discretely for those interested!  Or you can still order online of course!

Okay – back to work for me!

Keep it shades of green,

Tracey

I have been hearing about podcamps/ barcamps/ democamps  for a couple of years now I guess, and while I have yet to attend one, there is certainly a buzz about them.

But what are they? I hear that they are not limited to “social media” types nor just “techy” fests. If so, are regular folk attending?

I guess maybe Ottawa’s Cupcake Camp last year was a “pod camp” of sorts, but really it was not what I think most of them consist of – but it was fun! Just FYI, I believe another will be coming up soon…

So, I am asking for help in alleviating my ignorance…

If you can explain to me – and anyone who happens to stumble across this post – what a podcamp/ barcamp/ democamp is to you, endlessly karmic gratitude will flow into your life – I swear!

And even better, if you have already posted on your own blog information about podcamps - or any similar open concept gatherings, PLEASE post the link in the comments so that I can take some time to check out everyone’s information and have it handy in one place for reference!

Your time is much appreciated and your help is invaluable!  I am seeking knowledge so that I can look into setting up a potential event for one of my own niche interest groups.

Also post any info about any upcoming events that might be a good way for me, and anyone for that matter, to check things out in person to get a well rounded, in person idea of what these events are like.  My schedule is pretty full, but if I can make it – I’ll be there!
Thanks in advance,
Tracey

A bit behind the times – it is already January 10th – but welcome to 2010!

Looking back at 2009, our inaugural year, there was a lot of continued developement, research, learning, growing and playing.  A lot of hard work, and more to come, but all for the greater good!

Eco-TAV is looking forward to some great green shows this year – the two big ones here in Ottawa that we are booked to participate in are:

March 20/21, 2010: Go Green Expo at Lansdowne Park

and

April 24, 2010: Ottawa Eco-Fair at thr R.A. Centre on Riverside Drive

Another smaller event will be the Ottawa Dancers’ Bazaar on March 6th at the Knight’s of Columbus Hall on McArthur Avenue.

And life goes on!

I am looking into creating more designs for the Artisan line and launching those over the next few months, making them available via the Eco-TAV Artfire site and at the Trade shows of course.

For those unfamiliar with Artfire, it is a similar concept as Etsy, AND they plant trees and are really interactive with their clients!  They are constantly developing new contests, awareness campaigns and more – I like em!

I have also established an Eco-TAV Giving Page through CanadaHelps.org and hope you will take a moment to check it out.  I think they are a simple and easy way to make donations to my favorite mainly local charities ! Make a small donation and help some great folks do their good!

I have loads of work ahead of me this year, but I am looking forward to sharing the ride with you!

Happy 2010!

Tracey

Thank you muchly for the two folks who took time out of their busy lives to submit their own stories of Eco-TAV.

So who will be the big winner?  I know they are both winners { literally as they are both getting prizes!], but I need your help to choose!

So, please check out both videos and let me know which you prefer in the comment section below!

The Lunch Bag by Bonnie Jean et al

M2 Review of Mouse pouch

So either leave your comment on the youtube pages or here and I’ll tabulate and calculate and award these hard working Green Folk by the end of this week!

The Eco-TAV Video Submission Contest has been a bit of a journey! A journey of learning for everyone who has been a part of it!  And it is not over yet!  You’ve still got time to get your video submissions in – message me if you have one in the works and need to figure out how to upload it!

Thanks to the two fabulous people who have entered their video submissions so far!  And mega thanks to the efforts on one lovely lady in Montreal who is spreading the Eco-TAV word by gifting her friends and colleagues with products and tried so hard to create a video for this contest – but technology got the best of her!  Maybe over the holidays, Jenn!

Since there are only two in so far – I know we have at least two winners already, but I’ll need help deciding who is the “BIG” winner!  That means I need your help!  Starting MONDAY, DECEMBER 14th,  I’ll be asking you to vote on your favorite by making comments on the Eco-TAV YouTube PAGE Where the videos are awaiting your comments as video responses!

You’ve got til Sunday December 13th at MIDNIGHT to get your videos in – email me { info@eco-tav.com}  if you have questions!!

Nothing like the trepidation of sending products that you think are great, off to be tested and reviewed by a total stranger. But that’s what I need – some fresh eyes to give me some feedback and let folks know how they find the Napkins and Pouches are to work with.

Thanks to Carrie Anne at EverythingMom for taking the time to post a review about my Eco-TAV goodies!
You can check it out here:

and then follow them on twitter:
@everythingmom and @cbadov

Let’s have some fun this fall and yes, you can win a prize!

PRIZES:
The top 4 videos will each be awarded a fun prize as a thank you for your creative efforts!
The top prize will be a choice of one of two options:
1 – $50 value of Eco-TAV products, gift wrapped and mailed to an address of your choice for the upcoming holiday season.
or
2- $50 gift certificate to any restaurant of your choice within the Ottawa area.

The three other prizes will be valued at $20 each and your choice between

1 – $20 value of Eco-TAV products, gift wrapped and mailed to an address of your choice for the upcoming holiday season.
or
2- $20 gift certificate to any restaurant of your choice within the Ottawa area.

DETAILS:
Why:
I am seeking different ways to:
a. generate interest in the Eco-TAV line…
b. get folks thinking and acting a bit more ‘green’, one step at a time…
c. encourage that community feeling…
..and I thought maybe this could be a fun adventure for those interested in coming on it!

What:
The adventure is to create a video up to 2 minutes – or whatever!- in length that shows how you and yours are using the Eco-TAV line to enhance your lives. It should feature at least one of the Eco-TAV products, but I totally welcome the inclusion of other green/eco-friendly/healthy lifestyle products too!

Where:
Submit your video to the Eco-TAV Youtube Channel and let everyone see it and vote on it.  While I don’t like the idea of “competition”, I do want to award those creative sparks and encourage some funky thinking!

When:
Submit your video [s] until December 12th. Judging will be on going with the standard YouTube rating system already in place, and comments will be open so that folks can really let us know what they think!
Judging will end December 15th so that the Prizes can be awarded in time for Holiday enjoyment!

Who:
Well, everyone who has been touched or will be touched by Eco-TAV, of course! If you know someone who is a creative soul and would love to play with this, send them to Eco-TAV.com so that they can find out where to get their own Eco-fabulous piece of the action!

Rules of engagement:
1 – Copyright issues:
You must have copyrights to everything used in the video. If you are going to talk about someone else’s products and can get permission to do so, that would be ideal.

Any music/ logos/ etc. must be original content created by the creators of the video, or you get written permission to use that music.

Use of the Eco-TAV logo in the video will be permitted. You can contact me for a good quality image!

Once you submit your video, you are giving permission to Eco-TAV/ TAV Creations to use the video, completely or in part, for promotional purposes.  Credit will be given to you in every way possible, though no compensation, financial or in trade, other than indicated in the original contest can or will ever be granted.  But the Fame!  and the Glory!

2. Video submissions should be family friendly.
That’s the way I roll – it can be funny, serious, kooky, dark and even mind numbing – as long as it is safe for work and safe for the kids to walk past while it is on screen!

So, I hope you see this as a fun way to get creative and share you own love of the planet.  Remember to tell your friends to go and vote too!