Last week on Craft Thursday we profiled the Portland, OR based non-profit Trillium Artisans. This week we're looking at an international group that unifies crafters by family (ok, city), the Craft Mafia. Originating in Austin, TX, the reign of craft has spread to cities small and large, including Portland. EcoMetro cities Berkeley/Oakland and Seattle are suspiciously absent, though St Paul has a familia. More...

The non-profit organization Trillium Artisans has long been a favorite of EcoMetro Portland. Members must use a minimum of 50% recycled materials in their gifts and wares. The flower represents the three principles of people, planet and profit that guide this group in creating business opportunities for low-income artists. Group members are coached in small business counseling and gain access to credit card processing and other benefits that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive. Applicants must be below the median income in Portland ($33,950 for a house of four, $27,150 for two and $23,750 for one). This week we'll take a look at some of our favorite picks from the online shop. Artists interested in forming a similar group in your area can contact Trillium via their site for more information. More...

Did you know that 18 tons of mine waste is generated in the production of one simple gold ring? More than 80 percent of all newly mined gold goes to making jewelry, yet there is enough gold already mined to satisfy all demands of the jewelry industry for the next 50 years. I'll cover the alternatives in this brief overview on how gold is produced. WARNING: It’s not very romantic! More...

Each Thursday we'll bring you our favorite gems picked out from scouring local craft markets, Etsy, Lov.li, and local craft sites. We'll also give highlights from our other EcoMetro cities. Materials must meet our environmental criteria, which include recycled/reclaimed materials and eco fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, and soy fabrics and yarns.

Organic Bella Frosting-Frida Booties by Frosting Couture, $19 Made from organic cotton with eco-spun felt flowers, these little shoes should come in adult sizes. Opt for organic fabric soles. Made by a raw-vegan with a growing organic line in her shop.

More of this week's crafters after the jump... More...

Greenloop is one of the foremost online eco fashion boutiques around. Everything in the store is selected for green merits and owner Aysia Wright is up to date on fashion trends that the rest of the eco fashion world are still catching on to. This is a particularly good shop for men, who have limited eco fashion choices gathered in one place. Start with conventional cotton chemical facts if you need convincing.

For details, read on... More...

Don’t forget your accessories, since the mining of precious metals and jewels can devastate the environment. More...