GREENIE #5

This lady does it all! An international touring teacher, producer and writer of music, a crafter. AND she just finished prepping for "an eco-fab wedding"! I love the way Jess describes her work at A Second Chance - "I find expressive, abandoned/discarded sweaters and imagine their lives. I imagine what they can now become and who might be drawn to it. My different arts have common threads: improvise, enjoy the moment, listen, see the big picture and soak in the details." AND not only is she helping making the world a better place by crafting off the grid but she donates 10% of her Etsy proceeds to Kiva to help small businesses in developing countries.

1. When did you decide to start making eco-friendly stuff and what triggered your going green? As a performance artist, I'm use to using anything and everything you can in order to be a better storyteller. Theatre is green by necessity (reusing, recycling and reducing) when it comes to props, sets and costumes. I just took that imagination into my knitting. While touring on the road, I ran out of yarn and while in the thrift store I realized I could take the yarn from a sweater and keep knitting. Then I was hooked. I'm renovating my 100 year old farm house in the same way, it makes it much more personable and unique.
2. What recycled, reused, or eco-concious materials do you typically use? I hunt through the thrift stores for sweaters, pants, shirts, you name it. They all go in my recycled knitwear line, A Second Chance. But I'm starting to branch out a bit (mainly because of our house) and look at scrap metal and wood. If it can be cleaned up or cut up, it's ready for reconstruct! What is your favorite? Sweaters, any kind of yarn. It's a great feeling to deconstruct, examine the sweater's plus point and minuses, and then reconfigure the piece to be used again.
3. What non-art or craft related things do you try to do to lead an eco-savvy life? Being on the road 300+ days out of the year touring my music and theatre work, I decided to purchase a Hybrid. I also try to buy local, organic food and frequent independent businesses. I think being conscious of the consequences of our actions is the best way to promote eco-fab change. So, I try and stay aware and not take things, people, and my situation for granted.

4. What is the one thing you wish people would do more of to contribute to the green cause? Be aware and take the time to do things yourself, we can't wait for someone else to start the change. Even one green alteration in one's daily routine will help. Good intentions spread.

5. Do you have a green hero? Artist or environmentalist or just uber-eco friend? I think Ed Begley Jr. is amazing with his support, lifestyle and push to get the green lifestyle into the mainstream. But to be honest, there are hundreds of people - artists, environmentalists and everyday individuals - that are finding their own way of reclaiming their life and their responsibilities. There's a new rad idea every second, it's inspiring to me.

Thank you, Jess! I have learned so much from the past five Greenie particpants. I am really excited to next week's group!