The Buzz

Ecopixel's clients & friends are busy people

Ecopixel's client Hope for Women unveiled via their customized e-newsletter a new line of cards made by an artisan group located in the highland cloud forests of El Salvador. In 2001, massive mud slides and a devastating earthquake left many families in the highlands of El Salvador homeless and jobless. With their fields destroyed, many people began traveling to low-paying jobs in the capital. An enterprising group of women, however, formed an artisans’ organization that handcrafts stylish designs from native flowers and plants. These women now work locally, caring for their families and saving for their future, while Hope for Women brings their handiwork to the US. Check out the new line of fair-trade greeting cards at www.hopeforwomen.com. (July 2008)

The Catamount Trail Association (CTA), an Ecopixel client and the caretakers of Vermont's 300-mile bottom-to-top ski trail, is in the running for a major grant. Recent e-newsletters from CTA ask members and friends to vote every day on a special Web site so that they can earn the top prize of $50,000. Second place comes in at $10,000. The nonprofit skiers association reports that they would use the funds toward permanently conserving the final 90 miles of unprotected trail. To cast your vote of support for the Catamount Trail in this national contest, visit www.catamounttrail.org for instructions. (July 2008)

Smart Growth Vermont has been selected by the Town of Warren to assist citizens with developing a strategy and revising bylaws to promote the construction of affordable housing.  Warren has been actively investigating and seeking ways to meet the housing needs for the central Vermont community in a manner that enhances its village center and preserves the rural countryside.  Noelle MacKay, executive director of Smart Growth Vermont says, "There is a critical shortage of moderately priced homes in Vermont, and local policies and codes are sometimes part of the problem." (June 2008)

The Stowe Land Trust in Stowe, Vt., one of Ecopixel's longtime Web clients, is bringing the community together on Saturday, May 24. That day they'll hold their Green Flea Market, which encourages residents to dig out household items that aren't in use anymore. Instead of heading to the landfill, folks will bring their items together to sell at rock-bottom prices. One man's trash is another man's treasure, eh? (May 2008)

The Catamount Trail Association issued an online survey for members and friends of the 300-mile ski trail that crosses Vermont from top to bottom. If you have an opinion about snowshoeing on the Catamount Trail or want some input on upcoming activities, you should log on and be heard. (April 2008)

In a recent Ecopixel-hosted e-newsletter, Smart Growth Vermont reported on new sections of its Vermont Community Planning Toolbox. They added information on  housing and apartments to provide communities and citizens with information and resources about one of the most important issues facing Vermonters - housing.  They also included a new case study on a  Road Corridor Visual Analysis Tool that was used to protect the viewsheds on Route 7. (April 2008)

Climb High moved its Shelburne, Vt., store to a newly renovated and expanded outdoor gear store on Bank Street in Burlington, Vt. This store is located across from City Market and the Marketplace Garage. Not in Burlington? No worries. Check out the closeout deals on outdoor clothing and gear (Mammut, Raichle and more) at www.climbhighoutlet.com. (March 2008)

Our friends at Pika Works added some more animals to their line of colorful animal paintings, prints and greeting cards. Some of the wildly colored and beautiful creatures include elephants, giraffes, horses, cows, zebras and lions. (March 2008)

The Himalayan Cataract Project is nearing completion of a major expansion to the Tilganga Eye Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal. Tilganga is the hub of high-quality eye care in the Himalaya. HCP is at the forefront of international organizations working toward the eradication of preventable and treatable blindness in the developing world. (March 2008)

Judy Phelon at Law, Phelon & Associate Real Estate was on hand when NBC's "Today" show filmed at Sugarbush ski resort. Matt Lauer and the gang jumped on skis and snowboards and even learned about maple sugaring. It was tremendous exposure for Sugarbush and the Mad River Valley, where Phelon's real estate office is located. (February 2008)

Julbo USA offered ski goggles for the first time this winter. Julbo goggles have been sold before in Europe, and they finally made their way over the big pond. Check out the new line of Julbo ski goggles and the other 2008 models of Julbo sports sunglasses. (February 2008)