Since October is National Fair Trade Month it is fitting that one of my favorite paper suppliers for Sustain & Heal, Mr. Ellie Pooh, is celebrating its brand new membership with the Fair Trade Federation. Sustain & Heal’s inaugural design in late 2007 (Florence pictured at right) is letterpress printed on Mr. Ellie Pooh elephant dung paper. Since then fair trade certification for pooh paper has long been on De Milo’s wish list. Congratulations, Karl Wald, on work well done!

Holiday Jr. Mod Shapes

Spring Meadow

Bianco Invitation

Pasadena is well on its way to becoming a Fair Trade Town (read the Pasadena buzz on Facebook). Some upcoming local fair trade events in Pasadena

Besides mostly containing a lot of sh@*%t, what do disposable diapers and traditional stationery boxes have in common? They both occupy more than their share of landfill space. I can get behind the convenience of Pampers and you’ll hear no eco bad-mouthing directed at exhausted mommies from my corner. But finding a sustainable alternative to that awful plastic lid and coated cardboard box is my responsibility. It’s long been on my to-tackle list. Recently my friend Don, who works with youth in LA’s foster care program, brought over two enterprising young men who are interested in this project. We spent an afternoon together reinventing the box. It was fun. I think we’re close to identifying an efficient, high quality process that results in a beautiful sustainable and 100% biodegradable product. Clear windows are made from biodegradable/compostable corn based material. Wood is from managed farms. Stain and glue are waterbased art products.