The Maker Movement

One of my favorite things to do this summer was shop at the farmers markets. Utah County is king of the farmers market. Almost any day of the week when it is warm you can find a market of some sort going on. It is awesome to be part of a community that appreciates buying locally, going green, and being organic. Not only appreciates it, but supports it whole heartedly.

And even when it is not summer days there are other markets going on in the area. My favorite one is coming up this weekend! The Bijou Market has been around since 2009 and features all sorts of vendors. They say, "Our number one goal with Bijou Market was to create a place where people like us could sell their handmade wares with minimal risk and cost. We accept original, high quality handmade or vintage items. We want the newest, hippest and freshest. We stick to the motto, "If we'd buy it, (or proudly put our Bijou Market stamp on it) you're in." So if you are the Urban Crafters, the lover of customizable fashion, part of the maker movement, an educated consumers, or all about organic.. this place is for you! Because let's face it, local manufacturing is cool!

There are also a few companies around that are all about local manufacturing and zero waste. Which I think is an awesome concept. Have you heard of 3Form? Or Color By Amber? Both of these companies are use products like ecoresin to build items - bracelets, shower doors, table tops, deorations.. to name a few. And the coolest thing? They don't put any items in landfills. They have a program set up to avoid that very thing. What about Rickshaw Bags? Their bags are made completely out of recycled water bottles. And beyond that, all their bags are customizable. Function and fashion. Rickshaw Bag's factory is open to the public, because they want you to see how they work. They want you to be a part of their local manufacturing. How many companies do you know that will do that? The company is all about zero waste, upcycling items, and keeping things local.

Rickshaw Bagworks: Who We Are from Rickshaw Bagworks on Vimeo.

And as I think more and more about farmers markets, buying locally, and all those good things... I have come to realize that I want to make a difference. A difference for my community by buying locally. A difference for my community by putting more care into how we all work together. I want to be a part of the maker movement and I want to be a better educated consumer. Because sometimes, all that I think I am doing, is not enough. What about you? What will you do to join the movement? What will you do to support your community?