Archive for the ‘Elegant Roots in the Media’ Category

The 46664 Bangle. In support of the 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

The 46664 BangleThe 46664 Bangle design is striking and uplifting; the epitome of Style and Relevance.

We all know, (or we should), of the extraordinary man named Nelson Mandela and his remarkable historic journey from decades-long political-imprisonment to having received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, having become President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and to having led South Africa’s transition towards multi-racial democracy.

You probably didn’t know that “Four, Double Six, Six Four” was Mr. Mandela’s prison number; number 466, imprisoned in ‘64. Mr. Mandela’s legacy is redirected for a new struggle; originally launched to raise awareness about HIV AIDS, 46664 has now expanded its focus to champion Mr. Mandela’s broader humanitarian work.copper box _CTX5576 500x662copper on black_CTX2793 sml 500x424

The 46664 campaign focuses on global social issues such as poverty, hunger, unemployment, education, gender inequality, discrimination, and HIV AIDS prevention. The 46664 Bangle initiative aims to create jobs for the less fortunate and also spreads awareness of the 46664 campaign.

Each 46664 Bangle is fair trade handmade in South Africa of the highest quality pure copper, or silver, gold or platinum with a copper inlay. Each bangle bears a digital imprint of Mr. Mandela’s hand and his symbolic prison number. The Bangle program makes a positive impact through job creation and skills training while promoting a message of social responsibility.

In 2007, Rob Favole and the Elegant Roots team began turning a concept, an idea, into a social business, ElegantRoots.com designed specifically to serve people, planet, profits. In October 2008 — exactly the time that The Great Depression became a topic for current events discussion — ElegantRoots was launched as an online boutique offering design-forward jewelry and accessories For Her, For Him and furnishings For Home – and all of it is green, either eco-conscious, socially responsible, or both.

Silver 70x183 no background at 72 copyOne Elegant notion is that design-forward products, lovely in form and function, take on unsurpassed beauty with the luster of fair trade, social responsibility and eco-consciousness. And knowing the story of these more meaningful products enables consumers to align their purchases with their values.

Transparency brings some benefits of globalization to those who had previously been on the margins, or worse, had been victims of globalization’s press for cheap labor. And transparency allows consumers to “vote” with their dollars for greater meaning and the greater good.

The ElegantRoots.com team strives to help provide access to the wide US markets for such products while providing their creators with some measure of recognition through a commitment to transparency. Thus, for each product, Elegant Roots tells the story — the Roots — through “our 4 Ws” (who made it, where, from what, and, why, beyond its beauty and function, it is a worthy purchase), and our designer profiles. Everyone wins — from artisan, to customer, to recipient of an ElegantRoots.com gift — upon delivery of an item of greater meaning than even its beauty or soulful qualities.

Silver Box front 500x494ElegantRoots.com supports the 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation by offering the 46664 Bangle on a non-profit basis – that is, ElegantRoots.com makes no profit on its sale of the 46664 Bangle.

Your purchase of a 46664 Bangle signifies you have risen to the challenge; making a real difference in the lives of those at risk from HIV/AIDS. More than a one-time act of charity, your purchase changes lives, unleashes opportunities for entire communities, and cares for, educates and uplifts those affected by this pandemic.

It’s not JUST a fashion statement. Tell the world that ordinary people can make extraordinary contributions. Be part of the new legacy.

Hand silver2 266x400Each 46664 Bangle bears a digital imprint of Mr. Mandela’s palm, a reminder of his slogan, “It’s in our hands”, and an embrace from one of the world’s most inspiring men.

Now it’s in your hands.

Join Brad Pitt, Will Smith, ElegantRoots.com and many others around the world in support of the 46664 campaign of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

ElegantRoots Teams with Turquoise Mtn: A Social Biz and a Not-For-Profit

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

On a 2004 state visit to Britain, Afghan President Hamid Karsai discussed with Prince Charles the imminent loss of Afghanistan’s traditional crafts and how revival of those arts would help renew a sense of national identity. Prince Charles, an aficionado of traditional arts, committed to help. He raised seed money for a charitable foundation and enlisted his friend (and former tutor to his sons), Rory Stewart, to lead the effort.places in between cover 150

As Executive Director, Stewart, (author of The Places In Between and now a Member of Parliament), shaped a 3-pronged mandate for the non-profit TM: regenerating Murad Khane, Kabul’s ancient art center; establishing artisan collectives to renew traditional Afghan arts and architecture, and spur sustainable development; and to establish schools.

In 2007, Rob Favole and his team began turning a concept, an idea, into a social business, ElegantRoots.com designed specifically to serve people, planet, profits.

In October 2008 — exactly the time that The Great Depression became a topic for current events, ElegantRoots was launched as an online boutique offering design-forward jewelry and accessories For Her, For Him and furnishings For Home – and all of it is green, either eco-conscious, socially responsible, or both.

One Elegant notion is that traditional arts and artisan techniques when applied to updated designs can support traditional lifestyles around the globe, bringing some benefits of globalization to those who had previously been on the margins, or worse, had been victims of globalization’s press for cheap labor. Meilebag_iFan 500x646

The ElegantRoots.com team sees its place as helping to provide access to the wide US markets for artisans from outside as well as within the US. And to provide them some measure of recognition through a commitment to transparency. Thus, for each product, the Roots, or story, is presented through “our 4 Ws” (who made it, where, from what, and, why, beyond its beauty and function, it is a worthy purchase) and our designer profiles. This transparency also serves ElegantRoots.com customers, enabling an informed selection that allows them to align their purchases with their values. Everyone wins — from artisan, to customer, to recipient of an ElegantRoots.com gift — upon delivery of an item of greater meaning than even its beauty or soulful qualities.

Meanwhile … to achieve the revival of Afghan arts and the creation of a thriving art and design community, Rory Stewart brought in to Turquoise Mountain many talented volunteers – architects, urban planners, engineers, and artists. Pippa 100x133Among them was Pippa Small, renowned designer and anthropologist, whose design brilliance resulted in “Pippa Small for Turquoise Mountain”, a line designed around Afghanistan’s native raw gems. All TM’s products are hand-crafted in TM’s Kabul studios by master artisans using materials indigenous to Afghanistan.

Turquoise Mountain has restored many of Murad Khane’s historic buildings, employing many talented wood carvers and bringing life back to the arts center; has created the Institute for Traditional Afghan Arts to pass along the skills, create employment and preserve these arts; has created primary schools for children many of whom had never been to school before; and has created a girls’ school.Solitaire Rings 200x235

There could be no better match than that of Turquoise Mountain and ElegantRoots.com. TM’s vision is to revive and restore Afghanistan’s traditional arts and thereby revive Kabul’s art center. ElegRoo’s is to open the US market to artisan products made by applying traditional techniques to new designs to help preserve traditional lifestyles.

Ruby Double Drop on white iFan 500x702This year, Turquoise Mountain and ElegRoo have teamed up to bring the compelling jewelry designs of Pippa Small for Turquoise Mountain to the wide American market.

Wearing this hot designer jewelry with cool raw emeralds, rubies, amethysts or lapis promotes fair trade. Join Prince Charles, Pippa Small, Rory Stewart and the international community in remaking Afghanistan. And support our troops’ efforts to bring stability and security through economic development and opportunity.

TM has moved mountains in pursuit of these ends. Now you can help and wear the hottest pieces. Visit ElegantRoots.com and open the American market to Turquoise Mountain’s jewelry and silk.

Yunus, Social Business, and Elegant Roots

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Creating A World 150x200 I just finished reading Creating A World Without Poverty by Muhammad Yunus, the gentleman who created micro-credit and won a Nobel Peace prize for his micro-credit work in Bangladesh. The book is the most inspiring business book I have ever read. Part One, especially, created a one-person think-tank brainstorm in this head.

Dr. Yunus is a visionary AND he’s a hands-on practitioner committed to transforming his homeland through outside-the-box thinking, flexibility and effective implementation. Brings to mind a modification of the old Sinatra refrain from New York, New York: “If he can do it there, we can do it everywhere.”

Do what? you might ask. Use business to tackle social problems. Micro-credit is an inspired notion and an effective reality. ElegRoo supports micro-credit through the totally great KIVA.org.

But we at ElegRoo are taking a lead from Dr. Yunus beyond micro-credit. In Creating A World Without Poverty, Dr. Yunus proposes the idea of “social businesses”, that is, businesses organized as for-profit enterprises, but whose sole goals are to achieve some social benefit. All profits are plowed back into the company. Investors receive no dividends, no profits whatever. They can expect to receive back their initial investment and will still own the company and direct its efforts.

A “social business” must compete head-to-head with ordinary for-profits by dint of the value of its products and/or services.

LuAnne Speeter reports that “[65%] of consumers believe businesses are responsible for having a greater social purpose beyond profit … that businesses have a shared responsibility to address and solve today’s social and environmental issues through a blending of social initiatives and business operations.”

But other attempts at formalizing business commitments to social issues, like B Corporations, are hybrids that attempt to serve two masters — social benefit and investor profit. Dr. Yunus predicts that, at some point, each of these hybrids will face a choice, and that investor profits will prevail. No such Hobson’s Choice can afflict a “social business” — investor profit motive is simply not present to diverge from the social benefit motive.

100% of the ownership of Elegant Roots agrees with these notions and believes also that the vision and mission for Elegant Roots [to promote social justice and eco-consciousness by providing a market for goods that further these goals] fits squarely within the notion of “social business” propounded by the good Dr. Yunus.

100% percent of the ownership has directed that ElegRoo management begin the process of formally converting Elegant Roots into a “social business.” Watch this blog for the ANNOUNCEMENT when the conversion is complete.

Elegant Roots’ FB Fans: Relax, You Are Secure

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Facebook privacy has the been the talk on lots of media lately. Some of the complaints raised make no sense; some are impossible to discern; and some may very well be valid — BUT — Elegant Roots’ facebook shop customers can RELAX.

Facebook does not have access to any information provided during an Elegant Roots’ customer’s session in Elegant Roots’ Facebook Shop.

The Elegant Roots Facebook Shop was created by and is powered by Milyon*i. During checkout, our customer’s connection is encrypted, so Facebook cannot possibly see any part of the Checkout process or the information provided during Checkout. Even if Facebook was being more devious than claimed, we can say without reservation: Facebook does not have access to the financial or identity information provided during Elegant Roots Checkout. For technical detail, check out the Milyon*i blog.

Their quick answer is “rest assured you are secure.” When you have finished selecting products and start to check out, the pages are secured. Each step in the Elegant Roots Facebook Shop (#1 – Billing and Shipping Information, #2 – Shipping Method, #3 – Transaction, #4 Completion and Registration) is protected with up to 256-bit Secure Socket Layer encryption. FACEBOOK CAN’T ACCESS IT!

Bottom line — whatever the validity of privacy concerns re Facebook — they don’t apply to a transaction on the Elegant Roots Facebook Shop.

More on Elegant Roots’ Privacy commitments and procedures.

Elegant Roots and Dirt Candles Featured

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

dirtcandle_A_385x253Elegant Roots and its Dirt Candles are featured at MyShoppingConnection.com .

Dirt Candles are 100% American-grown, organic soy and scented with essential oils. Each candle comes in a recycled glass jar. They’re great! No wonder MyShoppingConnection was impressed.

The MyShoppingConnection feature also discusses the EPA’s and American Lung Assn’s indoor environment health concerns that arise from paraffin and/or lead-wicked candles. Here’s a partial, all courtesy of Christin Sheehe:

“The American Lung Association lists candles as the most common cause of poor indoor air quality. Many candles are made with paraffin wax and lead wicks. The EPA has discovered that paraffin candles and the smoke and soot they give off contain several hazardous chemicals that are probable carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins. Acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane, toluene, mercury and lead have all been found in paraffin candles. Worst of all, the candle industry is not required to inform consumers of the ingredients they use in their candles, even if their candles contain lead wicks.”

“It’s also a good idea to avoid candles that are scented with synthetic fragrances. Synthetic fragrances can contain phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive harm in infant boys.”

So make a good choice: a set of six soy candles from Dirt; individual soy candles from Kokoro; KokoraCandles_A_385x316

or a set of 3 hand-dipped beeswax candle pillars from Cheeky Bee. All outstanding and all available from Elegant Roots. CheekyBee_A_385x385

Finally, MyShoppingConnection presented Ten Tips from Elegant Roots When Choosing Recycled. I’ll blog that tomorrow. Check back.

Later,
Rob

Elegant Roots Gains Green America’s Seal of Approval

Monday, February 8th, 2010

Elegant Roots is proud to announce that its application to the Green America’s Green Business Network has been approved placing ElegRoo among “progressive business leaders who are solving today’s tough social and environmental problems.”

GreenBusinessSealofApprovalPMS370

What does it mean to receive Green America’s application approval? “Members of Green Business Network™ at Green America* have made extraordinary commitments to fair treatment of their employees and workers in their supply chain, promoting healthy communities where they do business, preserving the environment, and delivering quality products to their costumers. To recognize [these] commitments and accomplishments as a green business, Green America has created our Green Business Seal of Approval. This seal signals that [ElegRoo] ha[s] passed Green America’s screening process and ha[s] been admitted as an approved green business to our Green Business Network™.”

Elegant Roots now proudly displays the Green Business Seal of Approval.

And Elegant Roots listing now appears at Greenpages.org and in the 2011 National Green Pages (due out in the fall of 2010).

Green America’s Review Committee “commend[ed] Elegant Roots on the quality of information [it] share[s] with customers on ElegantRoots.com! From a committee reviewing hundreds of businesses, such recognition of ElegRoo’s practice of transparency and “our four Ws” is particularly gratifying.

The members of the committee have encouraged ElegRoo to create two additional categories: Fair Trade products and Made in the USA products. “Often consumers are looking for or give priority to these products.”

We have taken their advice and have created a Made in USA category. While we were at it, we created Made in Africa and Made in Israel categories. We’d love to hear what our customers think about the appeal and usefulness of a Fair Trade category and of other geographical categories: Made in Latin America; Made in Asia, etc. Please let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

Thanks,
Rob Favole

Can’t Eco and Socially Just Gifts Cost Less?

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

On September 27, Sami Grover wrote about Elegant Roots on Treehugger.com. Sami’s headline is “Elegant Roots: Green Doesn’t (Always) Come Cheap”.

Apparently, having been burned repeatedly by criticism of the “pricey-ness” of some green products, Sami felt compelled to an anticipatory rant in response using, as her subject, our $69 handmade, organic stuffed Penguin. Penguin by Dwelling.penguin_a_72-4x5

Sami concludes: “It seems to me that if someone is going to spend $60 on toys, then buying one or two well-made, safe and sustainable items beats filling up the toy chest with lead paint and plastic crap. (Not to mention there are plenty of ‘luxury’ toys out there that don’t carry such green credentials…)”

We, at ElegantRoots.com, agree wholeheartedly and appreciate greatly Sami’s endorsement. And we agree emphatically that people should Buy Less But Buy Better. As she suggests, there may be some “green” alternatives in a lower price range. But there are other issues at play here.

Social Justice and soulfulness. We offer things that are handmade — touched by the hand and spirit of the artisan. No machine-turned-out toy can match the feel. And, unlike the Wal-Mart ilk, ElegantRoots.com does not squeeze price concessions from the artisans. A fair price for a handmade item is what we’re all about. If a handmade, organic stuffed animal were to sell for half the price, who would bite it on that transaction? The artisan.

I guarantee a “similar” toy can be made in a sweatshop factory in China for a lower price. And who bites it on that transaction. The sweatshop indentured servant.

ElegantRoots.com exists to help create and sustain a market for artisan products that use traditional skills to create marketable designs (Penguins are not a traditional subject in Kenya). If there is no market for these products, traditional skills become economically nonviable. Traditional lifestyles are lost as people are forced to overcrowded cities to join the ranks of the displaced, dependent on sweatshops.

So, when people complain about the prices, what do they really want? Do they want social enterprises like ElegantRoots.com not to exist? Do they want the artisans in developing economies to get squeezed to the bone on prices in order to try to compete with sweatshops? Do they want only “cheap” plastic stuff that winds up in the dump?

kk-knitters-045-72-5x5 Bottom line, you get what you pay for. If you want a product created by hand by some one person with pride and care, working in a joyful community of women receiving fair trade prices, a Penguin from the Critter Knitters of rural Kenya is the perfect choice. Penguin from Critter Knitters

kimochidoll_a_72-4x5 The same applies within the borders of the US. If you want a limited edition Kimochi “emotions” doll made by hand in the US by a noted doll artist, Cody Thompson, shop at ElegantRoots.com.

You’ll be glad you did. So will the artisan somewhere (and we tell you where) who, because a market exists, can pursue his/her art and be independent.

And it all comes wrapped in our nonpareil, signature, and COMPLIMENTARY, eco-conscious gift wrap.

Later.

Babble Droolicious and Gerber Babies

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

ElegRoo extends its thanks to Babble.com Droolicious and the blog 2Gerberbabies.com for great coverage.

Babble’s Droolicious loved ElegRoo’s Exclusive Obama Inauguration jigsaw puzzles using photos by White House photographer Paul Morse and design by the incomparable Wentworth Wooden Puzzle company. “The Obama Inauguration Jigsaw makes a summertime activity that’s worthy of the presidential seal.”  bit.ly/5BGRc

Our Obama puzzles are of the highest quality, a product of CAD and laser cutting on Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood. Check them out — we’re really proud of them. bit.ly/kJYF3

The Gerber Babies Blog recommended our Dimples Ensemble (organic cotton baby set), Wool-Felt Police Car Toy Bin by En Gry & Sif,  the “S” olivewood bowl from Dwelling, the Wool-Felt Computer Bag by etcetera media, Kakadoo embroidered jewelry by Dori Csengeri, the baby alpaca throw from Marcel Miller, and our eco-conscious, complimentary gift packaging. Here’s a sample from Gerber Babies Blog:

“Save yourself some time and check out Elegant Roots the next time you need that perfect gift! Not only do they have the greatest selection of products for just about anyone on your list, they offer meaningful gifts created by true Artisans. The products are eco-friendly and socially responsible! We received the most adorable newborn set from the Dimples Collection. The Dimples Ensemble is made from pure organic cotton. This set is very soft and a pleasure to touch. The fine details ensure that this set will be treasured long after it is outgrown! The set includes a delightful baby gown (playsack) featuring an embroidered rose or bee. It is available in chocolate, sage, and pink! A matching cap and wrap are included! Don’t look elsewhere, Elegant Roots is the first to offer this set in the USA!”  bit.ly/P2X3b

The Gerber Babies Blog also liked our ElegRoo blog about Parents Behind the Curve  bit.ly/nalpj

To Babble and Gerber Babies — thanks for the support!

Thanks to White Apricot!

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

We’re giving a shout out to White Apricot. Elegant Roots got some great coverage on their website:   http://www.whiteapricot.com/

They also put the review in their Newsletter.  http://www.whiteapricot.com/newsletter/eco_fashion_organic_skin_care_news.html (In the newsletter, you have to scroll down to the bottom — below even the Viagra-hidden-compartment ring. Seriously.)

The editor really gets it – and obviously spent a lot of time getting familiar with our site. We appreciate it.

Special notice goes to Cynthia and Julie Kramer for the “ impeccable and refined taste” in product selection. And to Ryan DeBisschop of California Retail Packaging for helping create our “quite elegant” (and always complimentary) gift boxes.

Welcome to the Elegant Roots blog!

Friday, October 10th, 2008

Our First — the Inaugural — the Maiden Blogage

Every good blog should end with a cliffhanger. We’re going one better; the ER blog is starting with a cliffhanger – You.

Our Blog will be rooted in ER’s core values — Quality, Relevance, Transparency, Encouragement and Responsibility. See ER Values Description. Does the mention of core values make you feel like diving off a cliff? See, we’ve delivered already.

But hang in there. The ER Blog will feature entertaining and relevant news, media, and compelling ideas. Occasionally we’ll have guest bloggers. We’ll invite you to comment and review each for posting. We’ll host micro-fiction writing contests with prizes selected from among our wonderful gifts.

While our Blog will celebrate challenging debate, it isn’t meant as a forum for praise or critique of our specific gift offerings or the way we do business. For that kind of input, we sincerely invite readers to use the Contact Us Page.

Info is the new black. Purchasing power coupled with information can contribute to a better world. One purchase, or blog entry, at a time, together we can make positive change. That’s why boycotts work. That’s why they brought back Classic Coke.

So inch back from the cliff’s edge. Come back again to check out the ER blog. And join in. We’ll do our best always to end with a cliffhanger. Starting tomorrow.

Co-Founder Rob Favole