I was recently asked to check out Eco Market – a UK based online marketplace now open for business in the US. They have been dubbed by the press as the “Etsy for Eco products” and currently have 1,700 “stall owners” (direct retailers) selling more than 10,000 unique, natural products in a wide range of categories. They are trying to give their shoppers the “farmer’s market” experience and feel. They sell thousands of unique products ranging from Fair Trade coffee, to handmade natural soap, to “up-cycled” t-shirts.
Eco Market shares sellers’ stories through video vignettes and now offer curations to “show the right kind of items to the right people based on their interests.” Shoppers can interact with sellers via the site’s own social network, where they can also learn more about the story of and people behind the products.
Eco Market gives sellers a platform to sell products and to give consumers all the tools and information they need to “demystify ethical shopping.” They categorize products into the following “causes”: Natural, Energy Efficient,Vegan, Biodegradable, Recycled, Organic, Fairly Traded, Forest Friendly, Water Conservation and Animal Friendly. They offer a broad range of vendors and categories (with clear labels). I found some awesome vegan/gluten free products and many natural beauty products that I would like to try, as well. For each product, you can see who sells it, what certifications they have (organic, vegan, gluten free, etc.) and then drill down to ask the seller questions or connect with them via social media. This site is similar to Ethical Ocean in the US, but has even more of a small, local feel to it (a bit ironic since many sellers are in the UK, but check it out and you will understand what I mean.) Many sellers on this site sell only one or two products like you might see at a local market. The user interface is similar to Fab and other marketplace sites and is pretty straightforward.
They also have a terrific blog. It has eco tips (like make your own laundry detergent) and other helpful articles on being more eco-conscious and taking care of your health. It is now added to my bookmarks!
Eco Market is a great site for those who want to take the headache out of vetting products based on ethical and environmental concerns. You also get some great products and support new, small businesses in the process. A win-win! What do you think?
I met Lara Coffee at the Pathfinder Day at BlogHer13! Lara is a full-time working, triathlon mom, who “wanted to run, train and race with her child.” In 2011, when Lara was planning her training she had to run with her toddler in the jog stroller, because her husband was also training for an Ironman. While looking for races, she found no site that listed races as “stroller friendly.” She started contacting each race director directly to see if they would allow strollers. In January 2013, Lara realized she was not the only mom looking for races that allow strollers and she started Run Stroller Run as an extension of her personal blog.
Lara is looking to build a comprehensive database of races that allow strollers and to add reviews from moms and dads on how well the races worked out with strollers and any tips and tricks. Know any stroller-friendly races in your area? (or stroller friendly race directors?), please send them Lara’s way on Facebook or on Run Stroller Run.
I found lots of fun summer deals this week – apparently some folks are doing Christmas in July: [Please note: I apologize for some recycling. I am having some technical difficulties with the blog host! This is the best I could do! Still some great deals!!]
- Check out great deals at Gilt City get 25% off if you are not a member and sign up – free! They have 45% off of a 3 month summer beauty regimen from From the Lab (online) and 50% off of teeth whitening products from Glo Sciences. In Chicago now there are great deals on B-12 shots, cocktails at C-View, gyms, spas and more. Lots of great deals in other major metros, too!
- Like RuMe bags? Save 30% on all bags and everything else on their site with the code JULY30 through July 29 for their Christmas in July Sale. Plus all orders over $50 ship free.
- Get up to 40% off of cute, custom labels for kids from Tiny me for signing up for their newsletter! (My SIL has these and loves them!)
- Need some new fitness finds?
- Check out the summer clearance on curated fitness items at Fit Frosting!
- Get an extra 25% off on already great discounted prices on curated fitness sales at The Clymb with code SUMMERSALE
- New customers to Bulubox can get a free box with the code TWEET10 at checkout.
- Hey Chicago Runners, register today to save $15 on Hell Run Chicago with code HELLRUN15 through 8/31 or save $12 on the Chicago 10K with code ACTIVE12 through 8/11.
Still Available:
- Get 20% off a Wantable Wantable . Wantable is a makeup and jewelry experience with “on-trend, curated boxes” created just for their customers. Answer a few style questions and they’ll recommend a box with full sized products picked by pro makeup and jewelry artists with your style in mind.
- Check out two great deals at Beauty.com:
- Spend $40 at Beauty.com and receive a skin care trio ($34 value) gift with purchase!
Offer ends 07.13.2013 or while supplies last.
- $10 off $50 at Beauty.com!
- Spend $40 at Beauty.com and receive a skin care trio ($34 value) gift with purchase!
- Hey Chicago runners:
- Enter to win a V.I.P. pass to the Terrapin 5K (on August 8th at Soldier Field) for you and two registered friends by entering on the RAM Racing Facebook page every Tuesday at 2pm CST! Winners are announced 10am the next day with lots of fun ways to win!
- Save $10 on the Crosstown Classic 10K with the code CLASSIC10K
- Save $10 on the 2013 Chicago Half Marathon on September 8th with code MKTATHCHM13 through 7/25.
- Like Forever Yogurt? The Chicago Reader has a $5 voucher for $2.50 (and lots of other 50% off vouchers for eats around town!)
- My Red Mango card giveaway has ended. You can try Super Biotic Red Mango smoothies for $2 until July 31 with a voucher from Google Offers or one from Amazon Local Deals (you have to join that one – free and you can link your amazon account). Try them! I think you will like them!
- Save 20% site wide on great “eco-elegant” flowers, food and gifts from OrganicBouquet.com. (Click link for 20% off)
Happy Friday, friends! I am heading to BlogHer13 to learn to improve this blog and get some new ideas. What are you up to this weekend??
PS. Don’t forget to enter my Liza’s Crunch Granola giveaway!
