Our handbags and totes are made from recycled clothing and remnant fabrics, and are adorned with appliques and embellishments to make them unique. Each bag has a liner and two pockets, and they are all hand washable. Styles and fabrics are dependent on supply, but each bag is fun and functional. Because not every woman wants to carry a designer purse...seriously! Some of us prefer smaller fabric bags with character, knowing that no one else in the world is carrying the exact same one. So we'll keep 'em coming and hopefully you'll see one that suits your style. Happy Holidays from EcoSak!

We're offering FREE SHIPPING all month of December. You should take advantage of it!

Business & Finance: Cotton Shortage

The ravages of the boll weevil and unfavorable weather conditions have combined to produce another "short crop" of cotton for the third successive year. As a result, cotton contracts for future delivery have experienced another sharp rise, even passing the 35¢ level.

According to the Government's latest forecast, this year's crop should amount to about 10,248,000 bales, which, with 650,000 linters and a 2,573,000 world carry-over from 1922, gives a total supply this season of 13,471,000 bales. The world's estimated consumption this year is 12,000,000 bales, which leaves a world's carry-over of only 1,471,000 bales. This carry-over is critically small— more than a million bales less than that for 1922.

Just how critical the cotton shortage will prove, will depend upon consumption as well as production. Consumption for 1923 is estimated as 630,000 bales less than in 1922. Actually, we have so far this year exported 283,499 bales more than we had last year at this time, and consumption for 1923 may exceed the 12,000,000 bales estimated. On the other hand, the high retail price of cotton goods has already caused a partial buyers' strike, which of course cuts down consumption by spinners of the raw bale cotton. While mills will continue to buy even at present high prices, neither they nor the jobbers and retailers will stock up, in order to avoid being caught with the high-priced goods in a declining market. Lower cotton prices must come, however, mainly through increased production, which has come to be a gamble against the weather and the boll weevil.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,717022,00.html#ixzz1AkehGLkQ

The Sweatt family has been running the school since 2003, and despite their own tragic losses of eight of its 18 school buildings, they still managed to help more than 200 other families in need during the flood. Their generous efforts touched the lives of many, and at a time when they were at risk of losing the school due to lack of finances, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” identified the school to makeover.

Several companies, including LP Building Products and HARDAWAY Construction Corp., teamed up with hundreds of volunteers to complete the project. All materials, labor, and products for the build are donated by local and national companies. One such company is EcoSak Eco Friendly Furniture based out of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. EcoSak donated 15 organic cotton bean bags for kids to the project, and these EcoSaks will be used in four of the classrooms and one play room in the Lighthouse Preschool. 

Eco friendly furniture for kids is becoming more popular among parents, church groups, schools, and children’s organizations. EcoSaks are made with recycled foam and 100% Certified Organic Cotton covers as well as liners, which allow the cover to be removed and machine washed. As builders go green, it makes sense to use green products in the finished buildings as well.

The Emmy award winning reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” now in its 8th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It’s executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC. The Lighthouse School project was completed in mid-September and the episode detailing the build will air in November 14, 2010. EcoSak Eco Friendly Furniture can be found online at www.EcoSak.com.

EcoSak eco friendly bean bags were a hit, and provided a bit of cozy shelter on Saturday, when things were just a wee bit too cold for being outdoors.

And of course, the kids had a blast, as usual!

Thanks to Kristina and Kellie and all the hard-working and dedicated volunteers for making this event such a success, and a pleasure to be a part of. Looking forward to the next year....

LP Building Products & Hardaway Construction Corp. Lead “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” Rebuild Of Lighthouse School

Fueled by Nashville Volunteerism, Rebuilding Begins Tomorrow

Nashville, Tenn. (Sept. 10, 2010) – Today, LP Building Products and HARDAWAY Construction Corp. in partnership with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” announced that they will rebuild Lighthouse Preschool, which was completely demolished during the historic flooding in May.

At the center of the disaster is the Sweatt family, who has been running the school since 2003. In spite of the damage to eight of its 18 buildings on the school campus, the Sweatt family demonstrated true Tennessee volunteerism and took it upon themselves to spearhead a flood recovery effort. They have helped more than 200 families, providing shelter, food, water, clothing, counseling, and a myriad of other social and financial services.

Located at 5100 Blue Hole Road in Antioch, the preschool is the lifeblood of the Lighthouse School. With finances nearly depleted, Lighthouse School does not have the resources to find skilled labor to rebuild. Sadly, if the building isn’t rebuilt and reopened soon, the entire school is in jeopardy of closing within 24 months. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” identified the school to makeover, and LP Building Products and HARDAWAY Construction Corp. jumped onboard immediately.

“After the flooding, the Sweatt family and the school stepped in immediately to help Nashville recover, and now it’s our turn as local businesses and volunteers to help this family and school get back on their feet,” said Rick Olszewski, executive vice president of sales and marketing for LP Building Products. “It’s wonderful to see the Nashville community coming together to help with this project, and LP is proud to be part of such a worthy cause.”

“The Nashville Build is a true picture of the Volunteer State,” said Stan Hardaway, president of HARDAWAY Construction Corp. “We’re honored to have the opportunity to serve as the builder for this project as we join with local volunteers and businesses to give back to the Nashville community.”

For the latest information about The Nashville Build, visit www.TheNashvilleBuild.com or follow The Nashville Build on Facebook and Twitter at @nashvillebuild.