Monday, August 4, 2008

Diengie Summer Newsletter—August 2008

For diengie, summer has come with some transitions. By the end of summer each of us will have moved to a new home. This means our main studio has relocated and we have had to take some time off from diengie to get settled. Now we are getting back into the swing of things and are ready to release our next three designs. We have two new bags in our Green Bean collection! The Doppio Meta and Doppio Terzo, made from coffee bean bags. And, a third bag called The Page, made from recycled linens.

The Doppio Meta—Italian for half double—our reversible purse, is about half the size of and is patterned after our Doppio Petite. It is a must have! We love its size and style. It’s perfect for carrying your everyday needs—wallet, keys, phone, checkbook, small makeup bag, etc. Bag dimensions: 17" wide x 9" tall x 6" deep. Includes button closure and key loop.

The Doppio Terzo—Italian for a third double—our smallest reversible tote, is about a third of the size of and is patterned after our Doppio Grande. It is just right for your favorite book and journal. It would also be great as a purse or a ‘just the basics’ diaper bag. Bag dimensions: 13" wide x 11" tall x 5" deep.

The Page is our ultra-organized messenger featuring 5 pockets, two 'scrunchie' cup/water bottle holders and key clip on the inside. The outside has 3 pockets, large flap with easy magnetic closure and an adjustable strap with cell phone pocket. Also comes with a zippered wristlet. . .for all the small things you need to carry. We think the Page would be great as a purse, school bag or diaper bag. If you use the Page as a diaper bag, we suggest using the wristlet for mom's stuff. Just pull it out of the bag when going out without baby. Your purse is always packed--no changing purses! This bag is made with all recycled and refreshed fabrics. Measures approx. 12" wide, 14" tall, and 4" deep.

Speaking of change. . .We at diengie are gearing up to do more about the continuing problem of plastic grocery bags and their effect on the environment. In addition to using our own reusable shopping bags every time we shop, we would like to challenge all of you to use reusable shopping bags too. Below are just a few reasons to stop being a plastic shopping bag consumer:

“Plastic bags are not biodegradable. They clog waterways, spoil the landscape, and end up in landfills where they may take 1,000 years or more to break down into ever smaller particles that continue to pollute the soil and water. Plastic bags also pose a serious danger to birds and marine mammals that often mistake them for food. Thousands die each year after swallowing or choking on discarded plastic bags. Finally, producing plastic bags requires millions of gallons of petroleum that could be used for transportation or heating.”

quote found at: http://environment.about.com/od/reducingwaste/a/no_plastic_bags.htm

Here are some hints to help make using your own shopping bags easier:

1. Keep your shopping bags together and in an obvious place—near your front door, in the car, etc.—so they are easy to remember on your way out the door.
2. Generally, for a week’s worth of groceries, for a family of five, you will need about 4-6 reusable grocery bags, depending on the size of the bags.
3. Before checking out at the register make sure to tell the cashier that you have your own bags.
4. Reuse plastic and/or paper bags at the store. (Please RECYCLE them if you don’t plan to reuse! Some stores have recycling bins just for plastic bags.)

Stay tuned to find out our next step in reducing plastic bag use in our community. Please check out the website link above to learn more about plastic bags and their impact on the environment.

Shop online at http://diengiedesigns.etsy.com and visit our website at http://diengie.com. More designs are on the drawing board. . .check back often. And, we will soon have more Doppio Grandes and Doppio Petites in our shop!

Go green, in style!
heiDI, karEN, anGIE