Green Tip: Share The Love

Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is celebrated on the14th of February. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending cards and gifts.

Did you know that the sending of “Valentines” goes as far back as the nineteenth-century in Great Britain? Also, in 1847, a woman by the name of Esther Howland developed a successful business in her Worcester, Massachusetts home with hand-made Valentine cards based on British models.

The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. They also estimate that 85% of women make the purchase valentine cards.

Today the rise of the Internet e-cards are very popular, millions of people now use digital means of creating and sending Valentine's Day greeting messages. This is a great green way to say, I Love You! So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and share the love this season. And if you do buy a card...show how much you care by making it a handmade one! - CT

Green Tip: Dry Cleaning Only...Think Twice

Did you know that the solvent perchloroethylene or "perc" used in dry cleaning is known to cause a host of health problems and is labeled as a probable human carcinogen?! It is also a suspected endocrine disrupter, meaning it is a chemical that may confuse the body into thinking it is estrogen! Well I didn't know until now so I'll be handwash my many items labeled "Dry Clean Only" from now on. There are many item that you can hand wash even silk and wool by searching for the instruction on the web. I found a host of many wonderful green sites with safe tips for hand washing "Dry Clean Only" garments. There are also "Wet cleaner" or "CO2 dry cleaners" that do not use perc. To find a list of green cleaners nationwide go to EPA Cleanguide. - CT

On line Branding Identity

Branding creates value by promoting your product and making your company name visible on line. It builds awareness of your product and forms a positive association with your customer over time. Effective branding is all about letting your customer know who you are, what you do and how you do it.

When potential customers visit your web site let them know who you are and let them see what you're all about. Communicate the message right off the bat. View your web site through the eyes of the visitor. What does the text say about you and your products? Does it define and describe your products? Web sites can often get caught up in flashy graphics and fancy fonts without telling the customer what the company is actually all about. Get to the point quickly so your reader stays on your web site and doesn't bounce off. Keep them interested.

Another branding tip is adding a personal element to make sure that your web site is connecting with your customers. Include your photo, name and a personal message on your “About” page for your customers to relate to. Add your business phone number and address to your “Contact” page and add an appealing design logo your customers can associate with. These item will go a long way in building consumer trust and loyalty in you and your brand.

Use your web site URL on all stationary, business cards, newsletters, blogs, forums and marketing materials. Repetition is the key to a good branding strategy. Keep the look and feel consistent throughout all of your materials. The Internet has many opportunities to brand your product or service. Remember that everything that you do and say on line sends a message so be very careful and be professional at all times with that message. Use these tips to create your own branding identity to promote your image on line and attract your customers. - CT