| Surely some of you are wondering how on earth | | | | décor will be earth friendly as well! |
| green goes with any color scheme and the finicky | | | | Where to find handcrafted décor: |
| among you are just cringing at the thought of | | | | • Craft fairs and markets |
| bright green décor in your well appointed living | | | | • Local craft shops and galleries |
| rooms. Read on... | | | | • Shops and websites selling Fair Trade |
| For those not familiar with the term "green" it | | | | products |
| refers to a natural, organic, eco-friendly item or | | | | • Websites selling country crafts, handmade or |
| product. Hence, the subject of, at least, the first | | | | handcrafted gifts, décor and collectibles |
| part of this article is how earth friendly décor | | | | Visiting markets, fairs and shops are also an |
| has a moral and aesthetic place in any room of | | | | enjoyable way of spending a day off. While |
| our home! Green décor may be an item of art | | | | vacationing, particularly in the countryside or "small |
| or a functional piece that is made from recycled | | | | town USA", you will come across charming shops |
| materials or from natural, sustainable resources. | | | | often in or connected to the homes of the |
| Those already attuned to conservation and the | | | | crafters themselves. Pack a lunch and plan a day |
| environment are well aware that there are many | | | | of visiting local shops, attractions and picnicking. Fall |
| websites and stores to learn about and purchase | | | | is a particularly beautiful time for craft excursions. |
| green products. These folks also know that one | | | | The countryside is bursting with color and the |
| does not have to downgrade the quality and | | | | Halloween and Christmas crafts are on show! Do |
| beauty of their décor for it to be eco friendly. | | | | not forget your camera! |
| We can combine ecology and elegance to both | | | | Another source of crafts are those made by |
| beautify our home and protect the planet at the | | | | disadvantaged crafters primarily in third world |
| same time! While we can surely display our | | | | countries. There are many talented crafters |
| children's crafts made from recycled and natural | | | | whose works are being sold in shops and online. |
| items we can be assured that there are many | | | | Some are sold via non profit organizations while |
| other beautiful, green curio, mantle and center | | | | others are imported and retailed by for profit |
| pieces available to decorate any room in any | | | | businesses. Fair Trade organizations provide |
| style. | | | | certification to some organizations and businesses |
| No matter the style there are numerous décor | | | | who maintain their rules of fair trade practices. |
| options including items made from natural fabrics, | | | | You can visit some of these fair trade |
| stone, renewable sources of wood and other | | | | organizations online to learn more about them. |
| natural growth, so called junk and recycled metals, | | | | Many other businesses are not certified but do |
| glass and more. | | | | provide their crafters with fair wages and help to |
| Now that we have touched upon earth friendly | | | | make a true difference in the quality of their |
| décor that brings pleasure to mankind and | | | | crafter's lives! While overseas be sure to visit the |
| shows compassion for the environment there is | | | | many outdoor craft markets where you can |
| another type of décor which brings gratification | | | | meet the crafters and find some great buys! |
| to both the purchaser and the crafter. | | | | When planning to purchase décor, gifts or |
| Rather than buying the commonly available mass | | | | collectibles be thoughtful of the needs of those |
| produced décor found in many stores one | | | | around us whether it be a local crafter, a |
| should consider purchasing handcrafted décor. | | | | disadvantaged crafter in Africa or the |
| While handcrafted décor may often be more | | | | environment. In the end you will more greatly |
| expensive, its purchase provides needed income | | | | appreciate your purchase and will bring pleasure to |
| to hard working mom and dads. Some handmade | | | | others as well. |