The first ever SoCo Bazaar will be hitting Dana Point on Saturday, June 2, 2007. Inspired by Bazaar Bizarre and their own foray into the DIY culture, organizers Derick and Rebecca Zeulner, are aiming to bring a fun and unique arts and crafts fair to south Orange County.
I have great admiration for crafters and the DIY culture. While not all independent businesses are green, there's still a certain "feel good feeling" when you pick up a hand-knitted scarf at a local craft fair instead of something that was mass produced. At craft fairs, It's likely that the hands you're giving your money to are the same hands that made your new scarf. Not some big machine, or worse, sweatshop and child laborers.
There's also another part of the crafting business that I love: re-purposed items. While it's hardly a new idea, its relevance in today's times is increased as more and more people become aware of how the disposable lifestyle is causing great harm to our planet. Derick mentioned that one of the things consumers have started to notice is global awareness. "An Inconvenient Truth and many other things have helped show the world that we need to be doing life better if we want future generations to enjoy this beautiful world."
The great thing is that there are a lot of crafters out there who specialize in using recycled materials, including Rebecca's own company, re:made. Take a quick look around Etsy, the online crafter's mecca, and you can find a number of re-purposed items, such as dolls made from a recycled woolen blanket, photo albums made from old game boards and pieces, arm warmers made from recycled jersey fabric, and much more.
Breaking the disposable habit is no easy task, but every little bit helps. The first step is probably to only buy the things you really need. When that's proving to be a little too difficult, try making more conscientious decisions. You know the drill; buy local, cruelty-free, organic, etc. Don't forget to add re-purposed goods to that list!
Next time you're feeling the itch to buy a new shirt, keep an eye out for local arts and crafts fairs. This summer, if you're in southern Orange County, definitely check out the SoCo Bazaar. You'll find it at the South Shores Church parking lot in Dana Point, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, between 10 am and 4 pm. Admission is free.
