Companies we Love: Blue Q designs
I recently came across Blue Q– which makes the cutest STUFF ever. And by stuff, I mean bags, wallets, pencil cases, lotion, gum, lamps, magnets, tee-shirts, and so.much.more. But the best part: they make it all from recycled and sustainable materials! Yay!
The item that did me in was the cutest pencil case, from their iconic Me-Om collection. If you have ever tried to do yoga at home with a kitty you will understand why this little case is so funny and awesome: the reverse side shows the kitty knocking over the flowers, runner, and toppling onto the floor (just like in my house!). I try not to get sucked into buying too much STUFF like this, but it was too cute to ignore and the tag noted it was made from recycled products. So I checked it out- and it gets better!
Blue Q’s website notes that they make almost all their products from 95% recycled post consumer material. Their tees are made from sweatshop free American Apparel 100% cotton fabrics. And none of their body care goodies are tested on animals. In addition, for the past 10 years they have been the largest private employer of individuals with disabilities in Western Massachusetts. Their site notes that their employment programs, “are coordinated by the Berkshire County ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens), whose mission is ‘to assist and support individuals to identify and realize their chose lifestyles.’ Berkshire County ARC oversees the hiring and retaining their crew, and assists with many other aspects of their lives away from work, too. And for extra awesome points, Blue Q donates 1% of the sales from bags and stainless steel bottles to The Nature Conservancy– a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people!
Green Living Ideas was not compensated in anyway for this post by Blue Q or anyone else… we just fell in love with them and wanted to share!