Profiling our pots!Yvette

At Bloom College we try to reduce the amount of stuff we consume in our workshops and courses. Many containers we use are ‘repurposed’ or ‘rethought’ plastic, metal and glass containers that originally came into our lives holding household food items. It’s amazing how useful an ex-yoghurt or ex-soft-drink container can be. And, what’s more, they can become quite good lookers with artistic application of enhancements and coverings!

When we source new containers from manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers of course we look for items that are stylish and functional but we also try to find products that have been created with some principles and practices of sustainability in mind.

Imagine how pleased we were to find the OOhh range of de-cluttering totes and pots. These products are very stylish, waterproof and essentially made from recycled paper and sand. The soft pot containers we use in some workshops have a natural rubber covering added. The pots and containers are hand made by Sri Lankan women who have been trained to complete the work from home so they can earn cash and also take care of their children. Although the products aren’t formally certified Fair Trade, we’re told the women receive a fair wage for their work.

We get our OOhh supplies from Koh Living (formerly known as Enliven Giftware). Because Koh Living is a wholesaler who doesn’t sell to the public, we can’t send you off there. But stay tuned for news of how you can get your hands on some OOhh products.

Meanwhile keep on repurposing that household stuff. If you haven’t seen it, check out Annie Leonard’s The story of stuff on YouTube for some fascinating info on how much household waste societies like USA and Australia generate, and on the waste that’s made to make the stuff we waste!