Issue 4:
Mar - Apr 2009

ECHOstore GONDOLAS

NEWS BUZZ

We're Turning Fashion-conscious

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One of the first groups we brought into ECHOstore was Rags2Riches, with their recycled cloth bags made by Payatas women under the creative genius of fashion designer Rajo Laurel. Now, we’ve brought in Dita Sandico-Ong, a fashion designer who focuses on natural fibers such as banana, abaca, cotton, and pineapple. Dita also works with communities in Bulacan, Catanduanes, and Ilocos.

Dita is known for her three-dimensional wraps made of abaca and banana fibers in a rainbow of vibrant hues. ECHOstore now carries her fashion accessories such as evening bags, brooches, and sunhats. Dita is not just a fashion designer, but also a staunch environmentalist. She runs the Earthlight Foundation, an organization that aims to preserve culture through the arts, indigenous weaving, and advocating for environmental awareness.

We also have earrings from recycled newspaper and bracelets made from compressed twigs and leaves, plus necklaces by the indigenous Tboli group from Lake Sebu.

Introducing
G Mag

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ECHOstore supports Mediag8Way Publishing, which will be launching G Mag—the first consumer magazine focused on giving readers a glimpse on the green sustainable lifestyle.

G stands for everything positive you can think of: Green, Good, Grateful, Giving, Generous, Groovy, Grounded, God-loving, and whatever else that can define Generation G!

This 68-page monthly publication will have a wide range of topics that provide information on anything and everything to start you off on a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable lifestyle—from healthy and organic food products; health, wellness, and beauty products; the latest eco-styles, the newest materials in the market for greening your space; tips and opinions on environmental issues; and people, places, and events that make the sustainable lifestyle the only way to go.

Watch for this in July when we launch the first issue!

Update on Malunggay Green Kids Feeding Program

In partnership with Kabisig ng Lahi Foundation

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We've started feeding our 30 malnourished children from Barrio Masigasig in Taguig with supplemental formula food and some rice every day at 11:30 a.m. The Barrio Masigasig community is slowly rebuilding homes after a fire razed the area a couple of months back.

Please continue to buy any malunggay product in ECHOstore, or order from our malunggay menu at the café, as part of sales go to the feeding program. We would like thank our malunggay suppliers, LPW and MLGS Herbal Products, who have been supporting our feeding program by giving donations in cash and in kind.

10 Ways Teens Can Reduce Their Carbon Footprints

By Bea Osmeña
ECHOstore Young Volunteer

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1.     Use canvas bags.

Many stores nowadays are selling inexpensive shopping bags made of canvas that you can easily fold and slip into your purse, so you don’t need to bother getting a paper or plastic bag. These bags that will just end up taking more space in a landfill somewhere. You can get them plain or with cute graphic designs.

2.     Shop local.

From clothes and accessories to fruits and vegetables, it requires huge amounts of energy to transport products abroad to our country. With the state the economy currently is in, you can help support our local businesses by buying Philippine-made (and/or Philippine-grown!) products.

3.     If it’s organic, there’s no need to panic.

It’s your body and you wouldn’t want chemicals touching your skin or entering your body when you don’t know the potential damage they could be causing. By buying organic products, you know what your body receives is all-natural, and many locally made organic products come at affordable prices!

4.     Go vegetarian for a day.

The meat industry is one of the most energy consuming industries today. Going for vegetarian options is an easy and healthy way to reduce your carbon footprint. Vegetarian options tend to be more affordable as well. By devoting just one day a week to eating vegetarian can make a big difference.

5.     Commute or carpool.

There are LRT and MRT stations conveniently close by colleges for a reason. The trains go through the same schedules every week, so one more person on the train doesn’t add or subtract to the amount of energy consumed to maintain their schedules. Carpooling or sharing a ride with friends is a way to conserve fuel and energy.

6.     Unplug those chargers or use a power switch.

It may be convenient to have your cell phone charger constantly plugged into the outlet next to your bed, but keep in mind that, whether it’s connected to your cell phone or not, it is still consuming energy and raising that migraine-causing electric bill. Use a power switch to plug in all your gadgets so you can just switch off the ones already charged.

7.     Take a dip in the pool.

Summer has just begun and the heat can easily be felt. But, instead of making excuses to be inside with the air-conditioning playing video games, try making swimming plans with friends. You’ll be getting that golden summer glow and exercising at the same time!

8.     Brown-bag it!

Bringing your own food to school is a simple and cheap way to reduce your carbon footprint. Mass-produced food tends to be wasteful. If you like to eat your lunch nice and hot from the cafeteria, bring your own container and utensils for the food.

9.      Reuse your old notes.

You can cut up your old notes and reuse the clean side. Buy padding glue at your closest office supply store and you can stick them together into a conveniently-sized notepad.

10.      Spread the word!

The best way to save the earth is by getting other people involved. No one likes to hear a self-righteous preacher, though; don’t say it, demonstrate it! Suggest a carpool when you plan on going out with your friends, remind them to switch their lights out when you’re about to head out, and offer the use of your canvas bag when out shopping. Little things done everyday can make a big difference!

E-mail from an eView Reader

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Dear movers of ECHOstore,

I'm one of your customers who would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your tireless efforts towards a better world. You are always a-buzz with worthwhile activities, and I REALLY like your products that are so much like the people who created them—no frills, straightforward, and effective. Thanks again.

May your kind richly populate this precious Earth,

Peggy Tan

THE POWER OF THREE

Me + Me

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All that you are is the result of what you have thought.

Sri Swami Sivananda
Hindi spiritual teacher and founder of the The Divine Life Society

You + Me
= We

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To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.

Confucius
Chinese thinker, social philoshopher, and founder of Confucianism

We + Planet
= Sustainable Lifestyle

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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead
American cultural anthropologist

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS - NEW CORPORATE PARTNERS

Accenture

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Accenture Delivery Center in Manila has become our partner! Accenture Philippines is a technology, outsourcing, and management consulting Group. Some of its global services focus on solutions delivery and application management work for projects and outsourcing engagements. Major capabilities also cover net-centric solutions, application software (currently SAP, Siebel, Oracle, and PeopleSoft), mainframe, and legacy skills.

Accenture has invited ECHOstore to bring in the ECHOstore gondolas every time there is an event. To move this partnership towards more sustainability, Country Managing Director Beth Lui offered to create Intranet marketing for ECHOstore products to all Accenture employees, to help with taking product photos through the volunteering of the Accenture Photography Club.

Through this partnership with ECHOstore, Accenture widens its corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions by opening a niche market for products made by social enterprises, NGOs, and small community groups.

Philippine Airlines

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Philippine Airlines (PAL) Mabuhay Miles Elite and Premier Miles Elite recently signed a partnership agreement with ECHOstore. Barbara Aragon (PAL Assistant Vice President for Products) and Ria Domingo (PAL Program Development and Communications Manager) represented PAL Mabuhay Miles to ink a deal offering members a special treat when they shop at ECHOstore. A minimum purchase of P500 at the country's first sustainable lifestyle store entitles the cardholder to a free cup of freshly brewed Philippine coffee while shopping.

Seated (L to R): Jeannie Javelosa, PAL AVP for Products Barbara Aragon, and Chit Juan. Standing (L to R): PAL Program Development and Communications Manager Ria Domingo and Reena Francisco

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS - NEW COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Sikhay

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Sikhay is a livelihood program under the Development Action for Women Network (DAWN). It was set up in March 1996 to help in the economic reintegration of returned trafficking into Philippine society. Sikhay provides therapy for returned migrants, develops skills training for women, and acts as a vehicle for advocacy for the continuing plight of migrant women.

The livelihood program is managed by the women, as they have trained with the necessary business and management skills. The handloom woven products not only provide them with livelihood, but also help them regain their self-esteem and -respect. Your support and appreciation for their products will help them continue their efforts in protecting the plight of migrant women’s rights and their children.

Crafter's Joy Cornhusk Products

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In the small town of Basista and nearby municipalities in Pangasinan, a new agricultural farm practice has now emerged. Farmers now are making sure that cornhusks are gathered and stored, instead of waiting for them to rot or be incinerated after the harvest, as was the custom.

Cornhusk crafters or gatherers, during harvest season, are on the lookout for quality cornhusks. Gatherers already go to the farmers to reserve husks. The farmers may also choose to sell the quality husks, which are priced at PhP50 per sack. After a day’s work from the field, a farmer, together with members of his family, may work at home making cornhusks twines and braids or flowers that are delivered to the factory and warehouse of Crafter’s Joy in Basista.

Crafter's Joy manufactures novelty items, bags, slippers, belts, and flowers from cornhusks. Considering the fact that the cornhusk craft is still confined to the awareness of those regarded as enthusiasts, Crafter’s Joy explored other avenues to stir other people’s interest and expand awareness of the novel craft. The company keeps enhancing its products and trade to be at par with products that are out in the market.

EVENTS HUB

Lambalites Earth Hour

March 28

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It was lights out at ECHOstore in celebration of Earth Hour last March 28, as millions of people all over the world cast a vote against global warming. House lights were shut off, while candlelight allowed everyone to chill out!

ECHOstore baristas turned into bartenders for the night, and treated customers to a summer cocktail hour with free-flowing Lambalites Flavored Lambanog, one of ECHOstore’s new products. The Lambalites cocktail mixes were a hit, with flavors such as dalandan, melon, and lambajack. Malunggay Chips and Shingaling were a perfect partner to the cocktails.

(Thanks to Pete Petisme of MLGS Herbal Products and Janito Ballester of JVN Foods, who also donated malunggay chips for the event.)

Good News Kapihan

March 3

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The Good News Kapihan was born in 2005 when University of the Philippines graduates Tina Arceo-Dumlao and Chit Juan thought there was a dearth of good news in the media. In their small way, they organized breakfasts at least once a month on various topics, so long as there was nothing on politics or religion.

The advocacy is now on its fourth year and, though it has been difficult doing it monthly like before, it still remains as the only forum where only "good news" is promoted, and where the media come as part of their personal advocacies, and not because of assignments or beats. Now, this event has found its home in ECHOstore.

The March 3 gathering focused on the topic "Healthy Prospects for Organic Products." Guest panelists included Mara Pardo de Tavera, one of the founders of the Organic Sunday Market; Rosalinda Tan, Chair of the Organic Trade Producers Association; and Jerry Pacturan, Executive Director of the Philippine Development Assistance Program. Other guests included entrepreneurs selling organic products.

PRODUCT FEATURE

Something for everyone!
Home décor * gifts * fashion accessories * health and wellness * body, beauty, and nutritional products * food and beverages * environment-friendly products * books * music ... and so much more, all showing Filipino design ingenuity and creativity.

Milagro

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Milagro: An environment-friendly deodorizer and disinfectant made from banana enzymes with absolutely no synthetic chemicals.

It is an effective solution to foul odors, bacteria, and disease-carrying insects. For use at home, in toilets and kitchens, and on pets; also for use in hospitals and agribusiness.

Just dilute a small amount of the Milagro concentrate in a liter of water, and spray away. Milagro has soaps, too!

New malunggay menu

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Try our new menu! Not only have we fortified it with malunggay-related dishes (to support our Malunggay Green Kids feeding program), but we also make use of ECHOstore products in the café dishes that we serve.

Malunggay pesto pasta PhP 175	Malunggay pan de sal with spicy sardines PhP 175
Malunggay chips with malunggay aioli dip PhP 155	Malunggay banana walnut loaf with brewed coffee PhP 150
Malunggay sampler PhP 195

HOW TO HELP

Hold your seminar at ECHOstore

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Our store space is open for use by groups and individuals who need space for lectures and workshops related to the sustainable lifestyle, or even just a social gathering.

Please e-mail Stephanie at steph@echostore.ph or call us at 901-3485 for details and to block off your preferred schedule.

Volunteer with us

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We need your help in building a sustainable community! Volunteer with us! Help us write articles, tell us your opinion, and even help out in our campaigns.

Or if you’re a professional graphic artist or designer, sign up for ECHOdesign Lab, our advocacy and CSR program focused on helping design and develop community products. Volunteer your time and talent to a marginalized or indigenous community’s product to help refine its design, product development, visual identity, and packaging.

To volunteer for ECHOstore or to be part of ECHOdesign Lab, e-mail us your resume at echostore@echostore.ph. Please include your name, address, telephone and mobile numbers, e-mail address, and how you want to help.

Buy ECHOstore gift certificates

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Give GIFTS OF HOPE all year round with ECHOstore gift certificates.

PERFECT for people who have everything, people who love receiving gifts with meaning, people who understand what sharing means, people who love to buy their own gifts, and for people to give to others!

Visit our store at Serendra to purchase or ask about our gift certificates. Available in P500 denominations.

Thanks again for your donations!

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Again, we’d like to say a big thank you to Rupert Salas of Rupert Signs, who donated even more used tarpaulin banners which we will recycle into new usable items. Rupert Signs & Display Services produces signage and booth displays and prints banners, posters, and other graphic needs. Call 330-1538 to 9 or e-mail Rupert Signs at rupertsigns@yahoo.com or rupertsigns@gmail.com.

We'd also like to extend our thanks to Karina Bolasco for generously donating her old glossy magazines and boxes which we will use for our recycled shopping bags.

SIMPLE GREEN STEPS

Use a digital camera

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If you’re off traveling around this summer, use a digital camera instead of one that needs film. Some 686 rolls of film are processed each year, and the solutions used to make the prints often contain hazardous chemicals that require special treatment and disposal. Avoid using disposable cameras. Despite the claim in the box that they are recycled, more than half end up in the trash.

From The Green Book by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas Kostigen

Subscriber Info

ECHOstore eView is the bimonthly e-mail newsletter of ECHOstore* Sustainable Lifestyle.
*ECHO: Environment & Community Hope Organization STORE

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ECHOstore shares space with Kape Isla, Home of Philippine Coffee
G/F Serendra Piazza
McKinley Parkway
Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Tel: 901-3485
www.echostore.ph (with archives of previous eView issues)

E-mail feedback on ECHOstore eView to Jeannie Javelosa at jej@echostore.ph.
E-mail inquiries about products to Reena at rsf@echostore.ph.