February

Is a stalled month in my opinion. I am feeling, and I don't think I am alone, immobilized by all of this SNOW. It is beautiful- really it is- but there is a point where I no longer think of it as a thing to play in. Okay, thats it, just a little whine, and you wont hear any more from me.

On a positive note we have filled toe shop with little bits of spring! Verbena is the scent to be surrounded with. And all the spring wreaths. We even brought out this cute little black bamboo dress complete with sunhat because it really is coming. Finalize your garden plans we will be digging in the dirt before we know it! 

I've been inside all week

  I just read that average Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Levels of pollution inside the home and be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels. Homes have become tighter and more energy efficient- this is great! And it makes it all the more important to let fresh air in and be careful about what pollutants and toxic chemicals are allowed into our homes through household cleaners, paints, dry cleaned clothes, bedding, personal care products, etc.

 At The Pear Tree we are making a commitment to reduce exposure to unnecessary chemicals and pollutants- for the benefit of the environment and personal health. Our intention is to become  resource for a greener cleaner healthier home.

Thinking Green

I have spent the last few weeks obsessing over garden books & catalogs, planning all the future gardens I will plant. I have even started some seeds, knowing that most will become root bound before its even close to planting in the earth time. I have BIG ideas for park like settings and lush overflowing perennial beds. I always do in the winter. 

I have also been thinking a lot about the greening of the store. We are looking into alternative energy sources as we look forward to making the barn a more year-round usable space, with heat and all. There is SO MUCH to learn. geo-thermal? solar? We live in Vermont, it is all possible. 

I have been reviewing the products we carry to see just how green we are. We are preparing for a new line of eco-friendly upholstered furniture that is really exciting. Sustainably harvested hardwood, natural fabrics, more cushion options. We continue to add to our bamboo, linen & cotton loungewear, caldrea non-toxic and incredibly fragrant home care, soy & beeswax candles (locally made) , and recycled & reclaimed furniture. Of course, we always offer locally made furniture- not only does this support the local economy and reduce shipping- it allows us to offer custom options as we are dealing directly with the craftsperson. 

So, on the whole we are doing good, but I think we can continue to do better. The most important step we will take is to ask more questions, and I encourage you to do the same to help us grow greener. 

And this is winters gift. Planning, dreaming, researching preparing for SPRING!