A Grassroots Campaign for "Homemade, All Natural Preserves"

by Jen Pennington

Over the summer, I sat down on a Saturday afternoon with my client, Danielle at the Whidbey Camano Land Trust, and I listened as she lamented about their low visibility at local farmer’s markets. The Land Trust is involved in protecting the Islands’ most important natural habitats, scenic vistas, and working farms and forests in partnership with landowners and our island communities. This was their 25th year and she wanted people to take notice. Danielle told me people would often walk by their booth and try not to make eye contact. They thought all the Land Trust wanted was donations. I told her what she needed was a hook:  something that would attract as much attention as if they were selling fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Then we started play the, “What if?” game. (more…)

Redesigning the Image of an Eco-Friendly Network

by Jen Pennington

Rhizome Design is unveiling their redesign of the Network for Business Innovation and Sustainability (NBIS) web site (www.nbis.org). More than a simple update of the site graphics, the redesign reflects NBIS’ commitment to helping businesses go beyond the adoption of green practices (being “less bad”), to a deeper strategic focus on sustainable business practices that yield environmental, social,  and economic benefits.

Gone are the traditional muted earth tones usually associated with environmentally friendly product. The new NBIS site features vibrant green and blue tones that evoke new spring leaves and nutrient-rich sunlit seas. Not coincidentally, green is also the color of money. NBIS has proven their focus on sustainable business practices improve profits. (more…)