bonsai faery eco-update ~

December 2007

Environmentally friendly. Ecological Footprint. Sustainability. These are all catch phrases that we hear every day now. But what does this mean to the average person, and how does it affect their lifestyle?

(Eco) Conscious choices as consumers are an easy place to start. Change is reflective of market demands. If we, as consumers demand sustainable, ethically & locally (whenever possible) produced goods, manufacturers & retailers will undertake to supply us with them!

Bonsai Faery is committed to caring for the home we know as Earth. In early 2007, we undertook to complete an environmental audit of everything we do to provide you with all natural soaps & body products.

Taking a holistic approach to this challenge, we are considering the entire cycle of soap, from production to consumption:

Source of ingredients: We are focusing on increasing certified organic ingredients, as well as continuing to pay attention to issues such as ethical harvesting & production, non-chemical or certified organic practices, fair trade programs and locations of sources.

Transportation: How far does any particular ingredient have to travel to get to our little soap makin’ factory? Can a more local source be accessed? Can substitutions be made when a local source can’t be found?

Energy & water usage: Making soap, like any other endeavor uses energy and water. I’m happy to report that our uses are conservative already, however our goal is to take this one step further – to solar powered electricity.

Waste & disposal: How much waste is produced while making a luscious batch of all natural soap? Well, not terribly much, really. A lot of it consists of the packaging all those lovely natural ingredients come in. Anything that can’t be reused is recycled if possible. Stay tuned next year for more exciting ways we are recycling waste at the bonsai faery factory…

Packaging: Currently, many products boast minimal packaging. While we still need to comply with packaging and labeling regulations, we are exploring ways we can reduce the amount of packaging, as well as source out more eco-friendly types of materials that make up containers, labels, etc.

Marketing: How can we let you know about our soap and its wonderful qualities while sparing the forest? Well, we are happier than pigs in mud that there are more and more choices of high content post-consumer or forest-free paper… oh, and electronic newsletters, website….word of mouth (thank you J)

Education: Continue to check into www.bonsaifaery.com for a growing resource section with articles, links, and more….

Packing & shipping: An ongoing project is to get bonsai faery in more stores so that you can talk a nice walk down the street to get your fix of all natural goodness! Bonus? Burn calories and keep in shape while you are at it….told you our soap was good for you!

As you may know, we have always used natural ingredients. These ingredients are ethically produced, without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. We continue to be true to the one rule we have always followed:

 no synthetic fragrances or colors ~ all natural ingredients

 How can you get involved? Let us know what you want! Let us know what you like and don’t like….In our goal to achieve a zero-footprint score on environmental responsibility, we would love to keep you updated with our progress. Just hop online and give us an email…and while you are there, why don’t you sign up for the natural news e-letter?