Sunday, May 31, 2009

Do you know an Expat Aussie?

Despite racking up more than $300 billion in debt, the Federal Australian Government is sending about $25 million in bonus payments to people living overseas.

Will this money get invested back into the Australian economy as it was intended or will it boost the economies of Britain, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Germany, France and the United States where the majority of these Australians now live?

If you know an Expat Aussie living overseas who will receive the Australian Federal Government's bonus payment, encourage them to spend the money back at home in Australia.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

FEATURED COMPANY - Joolz by Airdrie


An interview with Airdrie Makim from Joolz
Q. What is your Company trading name?
A. Joolz by Airdrie
Q. Where is your main location?
A. Melbourne
Q. How many people do you employ?
A. Usually just myself, unless things are really busy, when I have some helpers! And of course people like my wonderful photographer, Lucia, who very handily only lives one suburb away and is a GODDESS! And models and makeup artists, when we’re doing a shoot for Joolz. You can see Lucia in action, (in fact a whole bunch of us) busy on this shoot which was filmed recently – it’s now up on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20vgbexjbn0
Q. Are all the products/services you provide 100% Australian?
A. Everything from Joolz is made and designed right here in Melbourne. I source locally for as many of the materials as possible used in constructing my designs– like the recycled native Australian timber beads I use in the Murindi necklace and Hunter Gatherer bracelet.
I love using unusual Australian stones too, like beautiful brown and black banded Tiger Iron and turquoise green Varascite from WA, Pink Opal from NSW, and my favourite, green Rhyolite from outside Rockhampton in Qld.
We have such beautiful natural materials right here in Australia – of course I’m going to use them! And all the other recycled materials I use are sourced locally too – they come from antique stores, second hand shops, collectors, all sorts of places.
Q. Why should people use your products/services in lieu of other alternatives?
A. I design classically beautiful statement jewellery for people who like to both accessorise well and support eco-friendly alternatives. The fact that it’s all-Australian is an added bonus!
Q. What is your website address?
Q. Do you have any additional comments and information?
A. I design a lot of commissioned pieces – brides in particular like to have something created that’s ‘just for them’ and I always think it’s such a wonderful privilege to be designing for weddings.
People also get things made for special gifts, like 21st presents and anniversaries and so forth. Doing an individual design for someone is both the most challenging, and the most fun! I have a special group of subscribers who always get to see the new designs before anyone else, and they also get special offers, competitions and sales that no one else has access to.
If anyone’s interested in subscribing, just send in via the “Subscribe” option on my Contact Page: http://www.joolz.com.au/contact.html
And finally, I believe it’s very important to give back to society, which is why I support a number of local charities and non-profit organisations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the CWA, the Starlight Foundation, and other local organisations. Last year I sponsored the two Victorian entrants in the Miss Earth Australia competition – we organised a fashion show fundraiser together – which both raised funds for the World Wildlife Fund, and promoted local eco-friendly designers. I really like to promote other local designers who I think are doing a great job.
Q. Would you be prepared to offer any discounts or special offers to people who mention that they saw your business promoted on “madedownunder”?
A. Yes, most definitely. For the next month, a special 20% discount is offered to all purchases made when someone mentions that they saw Joolz promoted on “madedownunder”. This discount applies to all items except those on the Sale Page (those items are already very heavily reduced – up to 80% off).
JOOLZ - The home of award winning handmade Australian jewellery

Monday, May 11, 2009

LABEL CHECK - Is Made in China killing us slowly?


With over 90,000 cargo ships travelling the world's oceans, it has been estimated that just 15 of the world’s largest container ships could possibly emit as much pollution as all of the world’s 750 million cars.

With China now having emerged as the new manufacturing hub in the world, emissions from shipping operations have risen considerably.



So "LABEL CHECK" everything you purchase to see where it has been made.

If it hasn’t been Made in Australia, consider the impact your purchasing decisions is likely to have on the environment and also your health.

By purchasing Australian Made products, less fuel will be used to transport these items. This will dramatically reduce the impact on our environment as shipping produces 18-30% of the entire world's nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution and 9% of the global sulphur oxide (SOx) pollution.

For more information refer: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/apr/09/shipping-pollution