Emotionally Durable Design

Leafing through the most recent issue of Utne Reader, a publication which appeals both to my aestetic and intellectual sensibilities, an article title snagged my interest: Slow Consumption, Heirloom designers aim to change the world by making stuff that lasts by Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin. The article defines and promotes the concept of "emotionally durable design" while discussing the inevitable demise of functional or planned obsolescence. What is going to shift our addiction from disposable goods (a $323 million dollar US import annually) to well designed objects that last? Read on...

http://www.utne.com/Environment/Slow-Consumption-Heirloom-Design.aspx

The Importance of Supporting Local

The buzz lately speaks of the importance of supporting your local farmer, grocer and small business owners. Many people are inclined to shop at a chain because they are guaranteed lower prices and better selections but at what cost? If you are saving a dollar the discount is often paid by an intangible. "Cheap" is a misunderstood term of oversimplification. The word bargain doesn't have a backdoor with an image of an impoverished laborer in unsatisfactory working conditions. Perhaps if it did, many would understand that nothing is really discounted or cheap.

A locally spent dollar supports our economy three times more than spending at a chain, franchise or corporation. We know where our products come from, we revitalize our community and help sustain it's families. Minimize your carbon footprint by purchasing closer to your home. Support your local farmers, crafters, artisans and artists. Everything is fresher, more nutritious when local...and it feeds the soul! Sweetfern has many local friends and the list keeps growing.