Keep on Keepin' On, Greenies!

Sometimes it is not so easy being green.
With many tears and heart wrenching sadness, April and I have decided to close Max and Zane. This is an especially difficult choice because we truly believe in the store's mission and in the products we lovingly hand selected. We appreciate the quality and the creativity put forth by the vendors with whom we worked, and we applaud their efforts in helping to create a society where green is beautiful. Why, you may ask, are we closing our store?
As much as we have loved creating Max and Zane, we are also mothers, wives, friends and daughters. We are women with rich backgrounds and a vast array of experiences that inform who we are and what we will become. We are children of the earth who want to give back more than we take. We are, at M&Z, a team of only two.
Keeping Max and Zane afloat in an economic crisis, when nearly everyone is tightening their purse strings, would take a Herculean effort. It would mean pushing it into high gear, day and night,every day, all day. It would eat away at our flexibility to do things like take our kids to the park, care for an ailing relative, or volunteer for causes that are close to our hearts. In short, it would mean putting Max and Zane ahead of our families. Despite all of our heartache, it wasn't much of a choice. Max and Zane must be put to rest.
Thank you for your support and encouragement. Continue to shop green, recycled, organic and fair trade. We will miss you.

ECOnomize

It seems that there is a general feeling in our neck of the woods that we should all be scrimping and saving. Even if we are not feeling the pinch yet, the economic future is so unsteady that it looms over us all like a black cloud. For those of us who have made a conscious shift towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle, does scrimping mean that we have to forgo our green essentials for something more affordable?
No way, says Jenn Farrington, co-founder of www.maxandzane.com. Being more aware of one's finances does not have to mean trotting off to SprawlMart for the latest in cheap Chinese-made sweatshop goods. Here are a few ways to be smart with your money but keep your green priorities in check.
1. REUSE, REUSE, REUSE.
We probably don't have to tell you that it is much smarter for both the environment and the pocketbook to put all those leftovers in a reused yogurt container or pyrex dish than to plastic baggie it. Sending your kids off to school with their lunches in recycled containers, too, can save $100 plus per year, not to mention all that plastic that is avoiding the landfill.
2. LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS.
Don't just stick your leftovers in the fridge and ignore them until you discover a mold farm on trash day. Websites like The Leftover Chef make it easy to search your leftovers and other ingredients that need to be cooked up to find a cool new meal idea. Forget about nuking last night's chicken, revisit it in tonight's menu with a dinner that no one will guess began as leftovers. So simple.
3. MOOD LIGHTING.
A recent week long blackout here in Ohio (thanks to Hurricane Ike) made us realize how much electricity we can live without. A row of tea lights down the center of the dinner table makes family dinners lovely, and Solio solar chargers will keep cell phones totally juiced up sans the electrical outlet. Without the distractions of television and computers, we found ourselves playing cards at the picnic table with neighbors we had never met. Electricity makes things more convenient, surely, but forgoing it from time to time can not only be healthy for your mind and body, it can reduce your carbon footprint and save you a few pennies.
4. EAT ORGANIC
Yup, you heard me right. The cost of food is rising, but, if you are a wise shopper, you can still buy organic. Ultimately, the cost of feeding your family processed foods is far greater than the cost of organic foods. Hit the local farmer's markets, where you can still find some great buys on organic goods. Or buy organics on sale at the store and freeze, baby, freeze. Bread, fruits, veggies, and flour all freeze well and can save you big bucks in the long run. Don't forget about the grocery store brands, too, as many large chains now have organic canned goods and cereals at affordable prices. Another option is buying a share in a community-supported agriculture program. CSAs are a cost effective way to get your green on, and it doesn't get much fresher than straight from the farm.
5. LAND OF THE FREE
You don't have to be a dumpster diver to get free stuff. Craigslist and Freecycle are two great resources for finding things you may need that aren't exactly in your budget. From hardware to pet supplies to baby gear, we've seen it all listed. Get what you need for free and squirrel away that cash you would have spent, and rest assured that you are not contributing to wastefulness. Now that's green.
You can also save big by attending free activities. Going to the movies, for example, is a ridiculously expensive treat, even for a small family. Seek out the free movie on the library lawn, the weekend festival with no admission, or the free concert at the University. Kids and adults alike will likely be surprised at the fun things to do out there that cost nothing.
Got other ideas for staying green and saving green? We would love to hear them! Email us at info@maxandzane.com or post a response here.

Artist Profile - Julia Ventresco

Julia Ventresco can see beauty in all things. Recycled tarps morph into chic handbags, old wallpaper and maps into stationary, and paper rice bags into one-of-a-kind totes. She fills her world with items she has creatively recycled and repurposed with exquisite craftsmanship. Max and Zane are thrilled to carry a variety of Ventresco's handmade goods, including the fabulous Hick Chic Recycled Tarp Bags.

Julia lives off the coast of Maine, born an artist into a family of artists. She is an avid collector of what others might throw away and finds an artistic use for it, always with a fresh creative eye. The folks at Max and Zane not only love her concept, but we admire her attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship.
Watch for more of Julia's awesome products to hit Max and Zane soon!

Seal of Approval

Did you know that Max and Zane is now a part of Co-op America's Green Business Network™? This diverse network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses has a rigorous screening process, looking for businesses that are committed to conducting business in a way that demonstrates care for employees, suppliers, customers, the community, and the environment. We are honored to be a part of it!

Its a Man's World

All of us here at Max and Zane agree that presents for men are perhaps the hardest gifts to find. Ties and socks? Gimme a break! You can do better than that! We are always keeping an eye out for items that are fun, funky, functional, and unique. Here are a few suggestions:

MUSIC NOTES are a perfect little item for that audiophile in your life. Cut from vintage album covers, this unique assortment of 30 round note cards packaged in a metal tin is a Max and Zane exclusive.

Vintage barware is always a good choice for men who appreciate a good libation now and then. This VINTAGE FLASK was snatched up by Max at an estate sale, and we think the combination of a plastic cap and metal shot lid make it not only cool but fully functional. Perfect companion to romantic stargazing or riverside picnics!



COOL BELT BUCKLES are a necessity for any man. This handmade buckle is crafted from vintage library book covers and is like no other. Check out our fun assortment of buckles and select one he'll love!

PLASTIC BAGS SUCK. PERIOD.

Don't be silly- carry a reusable bag, of course!
But did you know that textiles make up 5% of all municipal waste? Or that many fibers and dyes are made from non-biodegradable petrochemicals, just like plastic bags? Thats why piece lily uses only recycled fabrics and handles for the Go To Market Tote. Buying recycled means you are not contributing to the billions of tons of pre and post consumer textile waste ending up in landfills. Plus, piece lily totes are extremely durable, completely washable, and cute, too! We carry a variety of patterns and three sizes from which to choose. Each comes in its own little 'stuff sack' to make it easy to toss in your bag or car. Shop today!

I'm a Believer

We are so excited about our newest addition to our bath and body product line. Luscious Naturals has created these All-In-One Bars for Max and Zane. Shampoo and Soap in one, these bars have been a big hit with all our testers, especially men and those of us with short hair. An amazing combination of cedarwood, sage, and petitgrain, the scent is fresh but not too woodsy, sweet but not too feminine, and natural without smelling like a bulk food bin at a co-op store. This unique blend of organic ingredients, including milk, honey and natural oils, will leave your hair and body gently cleaned and thoroughly soft. Whats not to love? If only you, too, could enjoy your morning shower with this fabulous All-In-One Bar... but wait, you can!! They are available now at Max and Zane!

Max and Zane Sneak Peek

To celebrate the final departure of February (the longest shortest month EVER), we would like to give you a special sneak peek at one of our new items that will be listed soon. This "setting for six plus" is OD melamine and nearly perfect. Beautiful aqua and white cups, saucers, salad plates, dinner plates, serving pieces,creamer and sugar bowls will make your retro kitchen shine. We call it service for six, but there are bonus pieces for you as well. Bye bye, February... March is lucky already!

Winter Green

Tiring of winter? who isn't! This time of year, spring can't come fast enough for many of us who are still enduring frigid temperatures. Here are a few ideas for beating away the winter blues and becoming, well, winter green.

1. THE WINDOW GARDEN
Nothing says spring more than beautiful little seedlings! Outside our workshop, the ground is still frozen, so Max and I raided our recycling bucket to create our own little office container garden. We cut large juice containers and two liter soda bottles in half, then used a drill on the spout half to create small holes. This allows the soil to be self watering. We LOVE low maintenance plants!
In the bottom half, we made a larger hole about half way down for water refills. Place the top half,spout down, into the bottom half, and voila! Find more detailed instructions here.
We opted for good quality potting soil and organic seeds from Johnny's Selected Seeds, a wonderful resource for beginner or established gardeners. Their excellent website helped us choose plants that would thrive in containers and gave invaluable information about germination, soil and water requirements. (Through trial and error (ahem), we found that for plants requiring less water, fewer perforations should be made in the spout half.)
A spot of tabletop green is sure to perk up your winter... and if you grow healthy edibles, like we did, it just may improve your bathing suit season as well!

2.CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY
Wish someone would send you off on a complimentary luxury spa weekend? Baby, its time to take matters into your own hands... literally! If you can't spare the time or expense to jaunt off to Canyon Ranch, a homemade scented scrub can do the trick. We found some great recipes for sugar scrubs out there on websites like care2 network. Simple, affordable, and luxurious, a homemade sugar scrub will make dry winter skin unbelievably soft. And those poor feet that have been stuffed in your uncute snow boots? They may need a exfoliating salt scrub.
Whip up a batch, grab a few soy candles, pour a glass of organic wine, and barricade yourself in the bathroom. You need it! As cliche as it sounds, an hour of pampering WILL help chase away those winter blahs.












3. GET ORGANIZED, GET CREATIVE
If you are one of us who wants to just hunker down and avoid the cold weather, put yourself to work. And no, we're not talking about overtime! Winter is the perfect time for getting organized. Sort things into manageable piles- items to donate to charity, papers to shred, things to recycle, etc- and get out from underneath your winter clutter. If you are on the fence about whether to keep or toss, consider donating it. For us pack rats, it is sometimes easier to let it go if we know it will be put to good use! Goodwill is always an excellent choice for your household items and clothing. Building supplies (new and used) can be donated to Habitat for Humanity's ReStores.
Items that you know will come in handy for future craft projects, such as paper making, quilting or decoupage, can be stored in recycled shoe boxes or metal cookie tins. Keeping the boxes small ensures that you only keep what you will reasonably need for any given project, and the labeled containers can be easily stored away in your garage or attic.

Screw Punxsutawney Phil's prediction... Before you know it, winter will be over!