HAPPY 3-11 DAY!
(03.11.10) by Alex EavesIf you’ve visited the STAY VOCAL online store today, you probably noticed that we’re holding our 3rd annual 3-11 Day sale.
This and every March 11th / 3-11 Day is a holiday at STAY VOCAL. The band 311 was an inspiration for me to create this company and put my own positive stamp on the world. Each year on 3/11, we have a huge sale with 311 themed pricing and items.
There are some amazing new ReUse t-shirts that I’m really excited about. This is one of my favorite holidays and I had a lot of fun with this. I hope you have a great 3-11 day too!
UPDATE3-11 Day Becomes 3-11 Weekend!
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Make Your Nose Heard: STAY VOCAL / Easy Eco To Go ReUse Hankies!
(03.02.10) by Alex EavesSome of the many prizes found inside boxes of the ReUse Cereal T-Shirts are Easy Eco To Go Hankies, made from rescued t-shirts. When Julia from Easy Eco To Go sent these to me, I knew that there would be something in the future for us. I was right.
Today, we are launching the STAY VOCAL / Easy Eco To Go Hanky. These hankies are squares of rescued t-shirts, hemmed and printed with both of our logos. They’re not only great for nose blowing, but for any kind of small mess clean up in the house, in the car, or anywhere else!
The hankies are currently available for preorder and will be shipped out starting next week. They are $3 each or if you buy 4 or more, they’re only $2.50 each.
We’re only making 40 for our first test run to see how they’ll do. But there are surely a lot more noses than that!
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STAY VOCAL Partners With Pinemark
(02.02.10) By Alex EavesIn the days of everyone trying to be more eco conscious in all aspects of their lives, there are all sorts of green certifications. Buildings get green ceritification, hybrid cards get green ceritification, and businesses like STAY VOCAL get green certification from Green America. But what if there was a way to certify people? Well, there IS a way.
A few months ago, I was contacted by Joe Magee, the co-founder of PineMark. PineMark “offers a green lifestyle certification for individuals concerned about saving the environment.” Pinemark is definitely the first and only green lifestyle certification that I know of.
Similar to my mission with ReUse apparel, Pinemark’s mission is to reduce the planet’s waste through their unique green certification program. A person’s life is analyzed based on several factors and then it’s quantified with a score. And of course, not everyone is eligible for a PineMark certification.
In addition to being certified, individuals who are “PineMarked” are eligible for special discounts from the many companies who are partners with Pinemark . And you guessed it. As of today, STAY VOCAL is now an official partner with Pinemark. Click here to find out more about the benefits of getting PineMarked and get certified today!
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The Sunday ReUse Comics
(01.03.10) By Alex EavesFor a couple of years, Emile Goss has been helping STAY VOCAL with a lot of different tasks like setting up at events, promotions, and most recently creating the mailing label for the Cereal T-Shirt. Today, I am excited to announce that my favorite work of his is finally getting launched: The Sunday ReUse Comics.
Every Sunday, you’ll find a new ReUse Comic in the STAY VOCAL blog. Each comic will feature the main character, Face, teaching a simple reuse lesson and encouraging everyone to reuse more through easy, everyday tasks.
Click hear to read the first comic. It’s very fitting for our recent product launch.
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Get Your Daily ReUse Here
(01.01.10) By Alex EavesIt’s now 2010 and I have decided to start a streak with STAY VOCAL similar to one I did myself in 2002. But instead of it being for personal gratification, it’s for Earth’s preservation.
In 2002, I had been touring with bands for a few years and as a result had accumulated quite a collection of shirts. So that January 1st, I set out to wear a different shirt every day of the year.
Not only did I make it through the whole year without wearing the same shirt twice, but the streak continued through March of 2003. That’s over 400 different shirts that I had!
Upon finishing my streak, I quickly realized that there was no need for any one person to have that many shirts. And so began my dwindling collection of clothing and the building blocks for a reuse apparel company.
Fast forward to 2010.
Every day this year (unless human error gets involved of course), a different unique ReUse shirt will be listed in the STAY VOCAL online store. I’m calling it The Daily ReUse, because well, that’s pretty much what it is.
Each item will be listed sometime in the A.M., but like when I delivered newspapers, it’s not always going to be at an exact time.
The garments used for these ReUse shirts will come from various sources like thrift stores and donations, and will vary in style, size, and color. There will be t-shirts, hoodies, longsleeves, etc. In most cases, the shirts will be one of a kind, but on occasion, there may be a shirt that we find a few of.
And yes, there will definitely be some shirts from my own personal collection as I am still shrinking it down. (Side note: One time I got 40 band t-shirts as a Christmas bonus for working at a mailorder office. Crazy!)
With each shirt listing, I’ll be writing a brief story about that shirt, where it came from, what made me pick it out, etc. That way, the new owner knows some of the history behind their shirt.
The first Daily ReUse item will be listed later tonight. As mentioned earlier, they normally will be available in the A.M., but given the holiday week, things got a bit pushed back.
Be sure to check The Daily ReUse section of the store as early as you can, because with most shirts being the only, they won’t last long.
And hey, If you’re at all curious about what shirt I wore on your birthday or some specific day in 2002, I actually do have a list of everything I wore that year. HAHAHAH. Just email me at alex@stayvocal.com and I’ll let you know.
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Introducing STAY VOCAL ReUse Cereal!
(12.08.09) Do you remember a few months ago when STAY VOCAL held a cereal design contest? – http://www.stayvocal.com/contest/detail/16What was the best part of getting cereal when you were a kid? – The prize obviously!
Do you know that STAY VOCAL ships out most orders in used food packaging, many times cereal boxes?
Do you see where we’re going with this?
Today we are announcing the release of the new STAY VOCAL ReUse Cereal T-Shirt featuring the artwork of Christian Bogle. The design is printed on the reverse side of brand new t-shirts that were originally set to be destroyed.
This first printing of the design is “cocoa cereal” inspired, as it will be printed with brown ink. The milk in the design is of course white.
This is a limited printing, as there will only be 311 total shirts available and there is a 3 shirt per customer limit.
The shirt will be specially packaged in a used cereal box with a cereal themed mailing label, designed by Emile Goss. And there will even be a reused plastic bag to seal in the freshness of the shirt.
And ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yes, there will be a reuse prize inside! And let us just say that the prizes are AMAZING! Prizes include cds, dvds, plush toys, band merchandise, homemade handkerchiefs, jewelry, and even dog collars.
The prizes found inside the cereal boxes come from a wide variety of friends of STAY VOCAL: bands, non profit organizations, record labels, etc. The detailed list of prize contributors can be found below.
In addition to all of those amazing prizes, there will also be STAY VOCAL merchandise and items from owner Alex Eaves’ personal collection.
GRAND PRIZE:
Where would prizes be without a grand prize? Inside one of the boxes of cereal will be an ALF trading card autographed by Alex Eaves.
If you find this ALF trading card, you have won the Grand Prize, which includes 1 item from every contributor including:
• $100 gift certificate for the STAY VOCAL online store
• Autographed Anti-Flag Terror State CD
• Autographed copy of AMP magazine (article by Alex Eaves)
• Free Graphic Design Gift Certifcate from Emile Goss
• GC Records’ 90 Page Art Book
• Autographed Yo Yo From Jeff Coons
• Colonel Sanders PETA Bobblehead
• $30 ReRip.Com Gift Certificate
When you get your shirt in the mail, please take a photo of yourself with your package and prize and send it to us. We’re going to be making an online collage!
Since we started with a question, we’ll end with one too:
What will YOU get?CONFIRMED PRIZE CONTRIBUTORS (More could be added)
2 Skinnee J’s (Band) – 2sj.com
311 (Band) – 311.com
Alternative Press (Music Magazine) – altpress.com
Alternative Tentacles (Record label) – alternativetentacles.com
AMP (Music Magazine) – ampmagazine.com
Anti-Flag (Band) – anti-flag.com
The Appreciation Post (Band) – theappreciationpost.com
Bent Left (Band) – bentleft.com
Chotto Ghetto (Band) – chottoghetto.com
Dandelion Show (Band) – dandelionsnow.com
Darkest Hour (Band) – darkesthour.cc
Easy Eco To Go (Green Living blog) – easyecotogo.com
Emile Goss (Graphic Designer) – killbot.org
Farm Sanctuary (Factory farm animal sanctuary) farmsanctuary.org
GC Records (Record label) – gcrecords.com
Hayloft (Band) – myspace.com/hayloftband
Jeff Coons (Professional Yoyo player) – facebook.com/jeffcoons
Peta2 (Animal rights group) – peta2.org
Pnut Jewelry (Handmade Jewelry) – pnutjewelry.com
Punk For Peace (Online record store) – punkforpeace.com
ReRip (Skate/Surf/Snow Reuse Company) – rerip.com
Rise Against (Band) – riseagainst.com
Underdog ResQ (Equal Opportunity Dog Rescue) – underdogresq.com
What Is Waste (Movie Series) – whatiswaste.com
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Store Down This Weekend; New Store Monday!
(12.05.09) This weekend our online store will be closed as we put the finishing touches on our new and MUCH improved online store. The new store will be launching on Monday, December 7th. Get ready!
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New Blog! Green Business Of The Year?
(11.16.09) We just made an announcement regarding our run for Green Business Of The Year in the new STAY VOCAL blog.
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What is Waste? Contest Update
(11.11.09) It’s been a few weeks since our last design contest ended, but after some debate and knocking out all of the kinks the decision has been made. The winner in the What Is Waste? design contest is Christian Bogle with his design to the right.Originally, the What is Waste? design was going to be printed as a 2-color design on brand new t-shirts that were originally set to be destroyed. But after trying out the winning design, it just looks way too amazing as a 1-color print. So, instead of being printed over another design, we’re going to be using the second canvas of reused shirts for this one, making it another “inside out” t-shirt.
This is actually an environmental bonus too, as less materials and energy will go into the making of the shirt. And it’s going to look even better than we thought!
While Newbury Film Series is going to be using the shirt for a promotional item, we thought it was just too awesome not to make available to our community. And if you preorder the t-shirt before November 20th, you will receive a FREE CD, courtesy of our friends at GC Records.
CLICK HERE TO PREORDER THE WHAT IS WASTE T-SHIRT NOW.
Pre-Orders should begin shipping the week of November 23.
From both STAY VOCAL and Newbury Film Series, we would like to again thank everyone who entered the contest.
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Fan Of STAY VOCAL and Use PayPal?
(10.30.09)Note from Alex
For the past month or so, I have had the joy (note sarcasm) of the STAY VOCAL online store having numerous issues. So the time has finally come to move on and I will soon be launching a new and MUCH improved online store. For the time being though, the STAY VOCAL eBay store is the solution.
One of the main issues is that the online store is currently only accepting credit card orders, not PayPal. And I know how many people use PayPal….
That said, if you’ve wanted some SV ReUse merch and prefer using PayPal, you can head over to our eBay store, where you’ll find almost all of the same great ReUse items available there.
CLICK HERE to visit the STAY VOCAL eBay store now.
And if you visit the eBay store in the next couple of days, you’ll see that all of our organic canvas ReUse bags are 50% off.
As always, thanks for the support!
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ReUsing & ReRipping in San Diego
(10.08.09) Next Saturday, October 17th, STAY VOCAL will be in San Diego (Solana Beach to be precise) for ReRip.com’s 3rd annual Future Of Surfing Board Swap and Community Fundraiser at Fletcher Cove Park. In addition to sponsoring the event and providing ReUse ReRip t-shirts, we will also have a STAY VOCAL booth with reuse apparel for sale.The main feature of day is the board swap. People can bring any used, but rideable, surfboard and swap it for numerous products including plant-based surf blanks from Malama Composites, skate swag from OB Surf and Skate, sustainable water bottles from EcoUsable, bamboo decks from Bamboo Sk8, free personal training from EZIA Human Performance, and of course, reuse apparel from STAY VOCAL.
The donated boards will be resold at the event for great prices. All proceeds from fundraising efforts at the event will support the Solana Beach Junior Lifeguards.
For surfing fans, there will be many featured board shapers including JP Holman, Steve Pendaris, Jake Moss, Craig Hollingsworth, Eli Mirandon and Dan O’Hara from Solid Surf.
Beyond surfing, there will be a skate ramp, music by Sezio and Ottopilot, and art by Wade Koniakowsky and others.
The event begins at 11 AM and goes until 3PM. For more information, visit the Future Of Surfing Event Page at Rerip.Com.
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Stay Vocal & Non-Profit Film Group Team Up For A T-Shirt Design Contest to Promote Green Video Webseries
(09.17.09)This month, we’re teaming up with our friends at Newbury Film Series for a t-shirt design contest focused on their ”What Is Waste” video documentary webseries.
As the shirt will become the group’s main promotional tool, the documentary name, “What is Waste?” will be the major focus of the design. Shantel Hansen, producer of the series, wants those “who have been vocal about saving the environment and creating awareness to put their words and thoughts into a t-shirt design that conveys their own idea of what is waste.” Like many STAY VOCAL t-shirts, the design will be printed on brand new t-shirts that were originally set to be destroyed by merchandise companies.
All of the contest guidelines and prizes can be found on the What Is Waste? contest page.The contest has begun and all entries must be received by September 30th. The winner will be announced on October 5th and the t-shirts will be available soon after.
Be sure to visit the What Is Waste? web site and watch numerous videos that feature people redefining waste. Our favorite around here is the “The Junkman,” a musician from Vermont who makes instruments out of things he finds in the trash.
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We're A Top 10 Finalist! Now We Need YOU!
(09.09.09) When I opened up the email the other day, I couldn’t believe it. Even though we were late in the game with the preliminary voting, STAY VOCAL had enough nominations to make it into the top ten. Why? Because of all of you and the massive response and support that we got. And now we need that support again….Some people have asked me what this contest means. I usually say that it’s the equivalent of the Academy Awards in the world of green businesses. Green America’s People’s Choice Award is a contest where we’re trying to get STAY VOCAL recognized as a prominent Green business to enable us to bring our ReUse concept to the masses.
All that said, here is how you can help:
- Encourage your friends and family to vote through emails, instant messages, texts, phone calls, etc.
- Post a link to the voting page on your Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter Page
- Post our finalist image (to the right) on your web site or social networking page with a link to the voting page.
Please let us know if you help out and you’ll surely get a virtual high five.
Thank you all so much!
- Alex
In case you missed it above,
CLICK HERE TO VOTE!
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SV Chosen As The Vendor In The Spotlight
(09.03.09) We’re happy to announce that STAY VOCAL was chosen to be this month’s Thursday Night Market “Vendor In The Spotlight” in Chico, CA.With around 100 vendors at the market each week, it’s a great honor to have the DCBA (Downtown Chico Business Association) choose us.
Tonight will be the first market since the spotlight was written and we will of course have a vast selection of ReUse apparel and more. We’re also going to be raffling off some of our organic bags. So, if you’re in the area of Chico, CA, be sure to stop by.
The spotlight feature was included in the DCBA September 2009 newsletter and will be available on their website later this month. But we’re excited about it and want to share it now.
If you’re planning a trip to the Thursday Night Market in the next few weeks, you may notice a canopy with a sign reading, “Why buy new? REUSE!” If so, you have found STAY VOCAL’s vendor booth!
STAY VOCAL (SV) is a Green America Certified business that focuses on ReUse Apparel, specifically T-Shirts, but they also offer a wide array of unique ReUse products, like tote bags made from linens and clothing, and ReUse Monsters, stuffed dolls made from clothing and pillows. Through the products themselves and the designs put on them, all of the products share the common bond of encouraging people to reuse whenever and wherever possible.
Originally hailing from a suburb of Boston, MA, SV owner Alex Eaves recently moved more permanently to Chico to be surrounded by like minded people in a rapidly growing eco-friendly and green environment.
“After selling merchandise for touring rock bands for 7 years,” Eaves says, “I saw so much new stuff being made that I felt that it was imperative for me to encourage the concept of reuse.”
About half of SV’s apparel line is made from brand new merchandise that was going to be destroyed and the other half is found at thrift stores or through donations. With this, Eaves is able to offer more unique items to his customers. There’s something for everyone at the booth, whether you’re a businessman looking for a tie or a punk rocker who wants a black t-shirt.
In addition to the Thursday Night Market, you can find many SV items at Recycle With Style, located at 163 E. 3rd Street in Downtown Chico. For more on STAY VOCAL and their reuse movement, visit their web site at www.stayvocal.com
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We're Up For A Huge Award
(08.23.09) We’re really excited that STAY VOCAL is up for the 2009 Green America People’s Choice Award! Nominate STAY VOCAL now and then spread the word.
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STAY VOCAL Takeover in Bridgewater, MA PART 2
(08.05.09) After having such a great time at the first takeover in May, both Diane from the Rockin K and Alex from STAY VOCAL have been wanting to follow it up. Well, the time has come.This Saturday, it will be business as usual at the local shop with great tasting Equal Exchange organic fair trade coffee and other organic fair trade specialties, but in addition there will be:
- Free STAY VOCAL / Rockin K ReUse item to the first 25 customers
- Huge Variety of STAY VOCAL ReUse Clothing & Accesories for sale
- Music
The Rockin K is located on at 132A Broad St (Route 18) in Bridgewater, MA. Click here for directions.
Join us from 9am-5pm to pick up some great coffee and unique STAY VOCAL ReUse items.
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You Bring It, We Print It
(07.27.09) Tomorrow, July 28th, we’re going to be setting up for the first time at the first annual Farmer’s Market in Bridgewater, MA. The location is right across the street from our good friends at the Rockin K Cafe. So, we decided to do something fun.If you have a favorite shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, or whatever that you want the Rockin K Cafe and STAY VOCAL logo on, bring it by our booth. For just $5.00, we’ll print the logos on them and have them in your hands by the next market. Please bring only light colors, as the logo is black.
CLICK HERE to read more about the Bridgewater Farmer’s Market.
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SV Featured In Window Display Contest
(07.26.09) The Downtown Chico Business Association is currently holding a window display contest. While we don’t have a storefront, we worked with our good friends at Recycle With Style to design an environmentally themed window display, featuring multiple STAY VOCAL t-shirts. Now we need your votes!The theme of the window display contest is beach balls and all participating businesses must include 3 of them. While many businesses used beach balls as beach balls, we decided to go beyond the ball. One ball is acting as trash caught in a fishing net, one is acting as floating trash, and the third was reused as the mermaid’s bikini top.
Voting has already begun and ends at midnight on July 30th. Voting is easy and doesn’t require you to sign up for anything
CLICK HERE to vote.You must choose 3 businesses, but you can vote for Recycle with Style 3 times and they will count! The winners will be announced Monday, August 3rd.
CLICK HERE to see more pictures of the window display.
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Secret ReUse Bag Reveiled - Very Few Available
(07.21.09) Recently, we announced that our friends at GC Records were going to be making some ReUse Canvas bags with us. They took almost all of the bags, but we did keep 20 of them for ourselves. Initially, we only offered them to a select group in our community, but now this limited edition bag is available to everyone.There are only a few left, so act quick.
AND as an added bonus, if you purchase the STAY VOCAL GC Records ReUse Bag, you will also receive:
- 4 FREE Full Length CD’s, courtesy of GC Records (punk rock music)
Not a fan of punk rock? In this day age, you probably have a friend or relative who is. This bag makes a great gift, as it encourages others to reuse promoting something like like.
Click here to purchase the secret bag and get your 4 FREE CD’s.
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Summer Sidewalk Sale & FREE Watermelon
(07.10.09) The annual Downtown Chico sidewalk sale has begun! STAY VOCAL is there courtesy of our good friends at Recycle With Style.Tammy at Recycle With Style has worked relentlessly for this event and is offering an amazing assortment of great used clothing for anyone and for any occasion. Be sure to check out the shop at 163 E. 3rd St. And don’t forget to enter the raffle of a FREE bike to further help Mother Earth!
Starting today and ending tomorrow night, more than 200 downtown shops and restaurants will push themselves out into the sidewalks of Downtown Chico. And as an added bonus beginning tomorrow at 9am, they are giving away 2000 pounds of watermelon slice between 3rd and 4th on Broadway.
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Birthday Bash Sale This Weekend Only
(06.26.09) From Alex:This Monday, June 29th, I am celebrating my birthday by taking the day off for once. I’ll be eating breakfast at a diner, going to the movies for the first time in months, skating at a local skatepark and at night, having a bowling party with some friends. But before Monday, there is this weekend.
Starting Friday (tonight) and ending Sunday night, I will be creating and listing some prototypes of new ideas for ReUse shirts and other items. I am constantly thinking of new ideas; probably a result of all the coffee I drink.
In addition, I will be putting almost the entire store on sale. Here is a sample of what you can expect.
- Unique “Lyrics” T-Shirts
- Unique Stickers
- Unique Pins
- Crazy Sale items involving the number 29
Stay tuned to this news post, our twitter profile, or our facebook page for continuing updates.
UPDATE (4PM Friday) – Reusable shopping bags and unique tote bags are the first to see dramatic price reductions.
UPDATE (5PM Friday) ReUse Monsters: They’re unique, fun, and for 2 days, they’re only $29.29. http://www.stayvocal.com/store/format/reuse_monster
UPDATE (8:30 PM Friday) People always ask us for more than just ReUse T-shirts. How about ReUse Hats for $9.29 ; Men’s & Women’s Pants & skirts for only $7.29! http://www.stayvocal.com/store
UPDATE (2 PM Saturday) Let us know what you think about these: Just created & listed samples of new ReUse stickers. All on sale this weekend – only 29-cents. http://www.stayvocal.com/store/format/sticker
UPDATE (4:30 PM Saturday) Raising eco-friendly kids? Latest update: Unique Youth ReUse T-Shirts only $6.29. http://www.stayvocal.com/store/format/youth_unique_t-shirt
UPDATE (11 PM Saturday) New clothing samples soon. For now, we just listed some new STAY VOCAL ReUse pins for 29-cents. http://www.stayvocal.com/store/format/pin
Oh, speaking of clothes, we did drop all mens & womens unique ReUse t-shirts to $6.29 (!) for the weekend.
UPDATE (12 PM Sunday) Know someone else with a birthday soon? Our ReUse “Gift Wrap” 5-Pack is 29-cents through tonight. http://www.stayvocal.com/store/detail/544
UPDATE (8:30 PM Sunday) So you lost a little weight? Great! Don’t rush out & buy new pants. Get a ReUse belt to hold yours up. Check out the first samples on sale for $6.29 of course: http://www.stayvocal.com/store/format/belt
UPDATE (11:30 PM Sunday)Tell us what you think: First 3 Samples of the new I LOVE EARTH T-Shirt. Youth S, M and Men’s XL. 1 of each at http://www.stayvocal.com/store
UPDATE (1 AM Monday) We’re a little past Sunday night, but the last update is perfect for Monday mornings, TIES:
http://www.stayvocal.com/store/format/tie
P.S. SALE EXTENDED through Monday. Check out all of the crazy “29” prices at http://www.stayvocal.com/store
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Cereal Design Contest Winner News
(06.25.09) Our Cereal design contest ended a couple of weeks ago and we do have a winner, but we are not going to making a formal announcement until later in the summer when the design is put to use.If you entered the contest and have not heard back, that unfortunately means your design was not chosen. Thank you all for participating and stay tuned for a new design contest coming late summer/early fall.
Thanks
-Alex
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FREE ReUse T-Shirts In Chico, CA
(06.24.09) Throughout most of the summer, we will have a booth at Thursday Night Market in Chico, CA. And now if you make a purchase of at least $10 at the booth, you’ll get a FREE ReUse T-Shirt.Offer Ends 9/30/09
Click on the coupon to the right to download and print it.
- Be sure to print the coupon on used paper
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Store Back Up, Father's Day Gifts On Sale
(06.06.09) After a few days of downtime, our store is back up and completely functional. And as a Thank You for your patience, we’ve dropped the price of our Men’s “What Do You Do?” ReUse Patch T-Shirt. So if you’re looking for a great Father’s Day gift, here’s a chance to get one and have enough left over to buy him a cup of coffee as well.Make your dad a great shirt that he can wear and be proud of on father’s day or any day of the year. Write something like “being a great dad” or “raising great kids.” In the end, it’s all up to YOU and what YOUR dad does!
The sale price ends on Sunday, June 14th. And remember, Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21st.
Click here to get your dad a unique gift for Father’s Day
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Store Downtime This Week
(05.31.09) Due to some technical difficulties, our online store will be not functioning at 100 percent this week. If you would like to place an order, please call us at 781.561.7768. If we do not answer, please leave a message with your name, number, and the best time to reach you. Thanks so much!
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Cereal Design Contest Extended
(05.27.09) Probably because of school finals, graduation, prom, etc etc, we didn’t get as many entries in our ReUse Cereal Design Contest as we would have liked. So, we have decided to extend the deadline to June 7th.Also, we have decided to let you know our plans for the design. We’re going to be creating the second ReUse t-shirt in the “stains” series and we want YOU to help us with the design process. Like our coffee stains t-shirt, this shirt will look like cereal and milk are spilt on the shirt.
CLICK HERE to find out more and enter today!
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Chico, CA Loves To ReUse
(05.22.09) A week ago, I came back to Chico, CA where I am for at least half of the year. This past Thursday, I set up a booth at the downtown market for the first time this season and I couldn’t have picked a better night.Throughout the night I met a lot of great people who were really into the ReUse movement that I am trying to push. I met the writer of a blog called EasyEcoToGo.com which focuses on “green living in a fast food world.” Be sure to check out the site, as there will be an article on STAY VOCAL very soon.
I also met the owner of a new consignment boutique in Chico called Recycle With Style. She thought a lot of SV items would be perfect for the store and wanted me to stop by, which I did today. She seemed to instantly fall in love with the REUSE! Huge Font Inside Out Shirt, as she took all that I had and even made a display in the window.
While I was in the boutique, I met the owner of Headz Up!, the music/movies/novelties shop next door. She was really interested in the What Do You Do? Patch T-Shirt and took all of the ones that I had on me.
So, if you live close by or are visiting Chico, be sure to stop be these locations and tell them STAY VOCAL sent you:
Recycle With Style
163 E 3rd Ave
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 899-8900
Headz Up!
167 E 3rd Ave
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 343-8744
-Alex
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STAY VOCAL Takes Over Local Coffee Shop
(05.07.09) After STAY VOCAL owner Alex Eaves’ recent appearances at Bridgewater-Raynham High School, he was asked by many people where they could get STAY VOCAL items locally. At the time, stayvocal.com was the only place – until now.This Saturday, May 9th, STAY VOCAL will be taking over the Rockin K Café in Bridgewater, MA. It will be business as usual at the local shop with great tasting Equal Exchange organic fair trade coffee and other organic fair trade specialties, but in addition there will be:
• STAY VOCAL merchandise for sale
• Unique STAY VOCAL / Rockin K items
• Raffles
• Appearance By The ReUse Monsters
The Rockin K is located on at 132A Broad St (Route 18) in Bridgewater, MA. Click here for directions.
Join us from 9am-5pm to pick up some great coffee and unique STAY VOCAL ReUse items.
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STAY VOCAL To Be Featured On ABC'S Good Morning America
(05.04.09) On tomorrow’s episode of ABC’s Good Morning America, there will be a Mother’s Day Gift Segment and one of the featured items is the STAY VOCAL “What Do You Do?” ReUse Patch T-Shirt. We couldn’t be more excited about this, as the shirt is not only great for mom, but also Mother Earth.The show will air on all national ABC affiliates and the Mother’s Day segment will be at around 8:30-9AM (all time zones). In addition, the segment will be later posted on the Good Morning America Website.
We would like to thank Tory Johnson for showing an interest in our shirt and making this all happen.
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Available Now: Custom ReUse Bags
(04.29.09) In addition to offering our own line of ReUse canvas bags, STAY VOCAL is now offering custom bag production. So if you’re part of a organization, school, or company looking for your own personalized bags, STAY VOCAL can make it happen.What could be easier than reducing the waste caused by paper and plastic bags? Show the world that your business is making a difference with high quality, organic, canvas reusable shopping bags. All you have to do to join the ReUse movement is provide us with artwork and we will take care of everything else: set up, ordering, and shipping.
To learn more about our custom bag services and take advantage of this offer, please email us at info@stayvocal.com.
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NEW CONTEST: ReUse Cereal Design
(04.16.09) Do you eat cereal? If you said yes, then our new contest is for you. We have an idea and want YOU to help with the design process. Please visit the Reuse Cereal Design Contest Page for details.
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Anniversary Update #7: Autographed Band Shirt Charity Auctions
(04.05.09) First off, this ReUse anniversary week has been a lot of fun for me and the others at SV. There has been nothing but support and great feedback for all of the new things we’re introducing. That said, THANKS! Now, on to the last update.- Alex
When we were almost out of our President Bush T-Shirts, we pulled a few of them out to send to some of the bands that we work with. In turn, the bands created unique shirts of their own, featuring their artwork and autographs. The auctions of these shirts will benefit the charity of the band’s choice.
Click on the pictures or links below to be taken to that auction. Each one is starting at just 1-Cent!
Don’t forget about our “Last Of” Auctions. They all end tomorrow night at around 8PM Eastern Time.
Click here to see all of our “Last Of Auctions.”
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Anniversary Update #6: Reuse AND Make Yourself Heard
(04.04.09) It still amazes me that we have such an awesome selection of brand new shirts, bags, etc that were saved from the landfills. Today, I spent a lot of the day experimenting with some of these different items. One of the results was the Reuse AND Make Yourself Heard Combo Pack.Here’s a great way to not only reuse, but “make yourself heard” as well. This combo pack includes both a Face T-Shirt and Face Reusable Shopping Bag. These are brand new t-shirts and bags with new prints covering the original print.
One last update tomorrow…
-Alex
Click here to get the new combo pack for $16.
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Anniversary Update #5: Take Your ReUse Prescription
(04.03.09) Yes, this is officially the latest update I have posted, but since I spend a lot of time in California and it’s still before Midnight there, it counts.Similar to our ReUse Patch t-shirts, we are now offering ReUse pins. These are brand new pins that we rescued before they were thrown away. And our first item with them is our ReUse Prescription 5 Pin Set.
This is a set of brand new pins with “R-E-U-S-E” covering the original prints. In addition, each set comes in a reused prescription bottle to hold these and other pins.
Click here to pick up YOUR prescription.
Stay tuned for more updates this weekend!
-Alex
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Anniversary Update #4: $1 T-Shirts / 1 Day
(04.02.09) It’s a pretty self explanatory update here. The prices of all of our unique FACE T-Shirts have been lowered to $1 each for 1 day. For those keeping track, that’s $14 off the average price.Click on the appropriate category to see the selection:
You’ll here more from me tomorrow.
-Alex
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Anniversary Update #3: ReUse Monsters: They're Here!!!
(04.01.09) Here’s the update that I was most excited about posting. The ReUse Monsters have arrived at STAY VOCAL!All of our ReUse monsters are 100% unique; handmade by different artists. Each one has a different name and is made from various materials.
Don’t be alarmed. Our monsters are friendly monsters, helping to teach children and adults to learn to reuse more. Each monster has a name tag that features a quote about their commitment to reusing.
Talk to you tomorrow
-Alex
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Anniversary Update #2: ReUse Gift Wrap!
(03.31.09) I know I am not getting to this update until very late in the day, but unfortunately I wasn’t around a computer all day and well…anyway.So, you’re probably wondering what the heck is ReUse gift wrap? Well, when we decided to go strictly ReUse last year, we were stuck with a lot of our wholesale catalogs. At the time, they were just set aside, but when I was looking for charity auction items recently, I stumbled upon them again. So, I thought they’d make a great new ReUse item: gift wrap.
The catalogs measure 8.5×11 inches (11×17 when opened) and make for great alternatives to buying new wrapping paper. The gift shown is a CD and they would easily work for things like DVD’s, t-shirts, or granola bars. And as you can see from the picture, they also work as envelopes!
These catalogs were only available to stores.
Click here to get 5 ReUse Catalog Giftwraps for $1
Stay tuned for more updates, but here’s a hint for tomorrow’s update: Think scary, but fun.
-Alex
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We're Celebrating Our 1 Year ReUse Anniversary
(03.30.09) It was 1 year ago today that I announced that STAY VOCAL would officially be a ReUse products company. To celebrate this first anniversary, I have a lot of exciting things planned for today and throughout the whole week: new ReUse items, charity auctions of never before seen old items, etc. But you’ll have to wait until later to find out any real details. It’s really late and I need time to revamp – Alex
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Anniversary Update #1: 47 Last Of Charity Auctions
(03.30.09) I just got through listing 47 “Last Of” Auctions. Like we did a few weeks back with the last of our skateboards, these auctions are for the last of many of our older items that we have left. With the sale of each one, we’re one step closer to being strictly ReUse. Also, 25% of the total sale price of all of these auctions will benefit different charities: New American Dream, Plea for Peace, Underdog Resq, and peta2.I scoured through all of our bins, boxes, etc. looking for anything I could find. There are a lot of things you have all seen before, some you haven’t seen in a long time, but there are also some amazing finds that almost none of you have seen:
The European only Red Lights Flash STAY VOCAL T-Shirt
My Limited Edition 2004 Happy Holidays Pin Set Given to Friends and Family
The Rare Promo Only Alex And Dan Sticker
Click here to see all of our “Last Of Auctions.”
Stay tuned for more updates! – Alex
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New Video: How Patch Shirts Are Made
(03.27.09)We just made a short video about how our ReUse Patch T-Shirts are made.
For a higher quality video, click the “HQ” button on the bottom right.
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HAPPY 311 DAY
(03.11.09)By Alex Eaves
For fans of the band 311 like myself, March 11th is a day to celebrate positivity and unity. These are two things that I learned a lot about from the band; both by listening to their music and then later on when I worked for them on the road. And as a result, I ended up applying those ideas when I started STAY VOCAL.
To honor this unofficial holiday, I’ve decided to hold our second annual 3-11 Day sale. Not only have the prices of over 50 unique ReUse items been lowered, but they’re also at prices influenced by some great 311 songs.
Patches – $1.23
ReUse organic bags – $6.00
Unique ReUse t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats – $8.16
We even cut the price of our huge set of 50 ReUse bags in half to $123!
But hey, if you can’t decide, let us.
Our Surprise!!! ReUse T-Shirt is only $3.11.
This sale began at 3:11 AM PST on 3/11 and will last for 24 hours; ending at 3:11 AM PST on 3/12.
If you’d like to learn more about 311, check out the 311 STAY VOCAL music page.
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GC Records Joins The ReUse Movement
(03.06.09)By Alex Eaves
During my years working at A-F Records in Pittsburgh, I heard a lot of amazing things about GC Records and the man behind it, Shahab Zargari. My co-worker, Jeff Railsback, had nothing but great things to say about them. And as GC Records has become the latest label to join the ReUse movement, I know first hand that they are a bunch of top notch people.
On their website, the record label is now taking preorders for their new STAY VOCAL ReUse bag. And what’s really exciting is that they are offering 3 different music combo packs stuffed inside each bag. So whether you’re a vinyl or a CD listener, they’ve got your ReUse pack ready.
GC Records was established in 1999 and is best known for their indie punk acts. But as their website attests, they will “accept any and all demos.” Who knows who their next act will be?
Click here to learn more about GC and get your music-filled ReUse bag.
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Collaborations Begin With German ReUse Fashion Line
(03.05.09) In August of 2003, STAY VOCAL owner, Alex Eaves, was selling merchandise for a band in Germany, when he met Luise Barsch, the singer of one of the other bands on the bill. Little did he know that a few years later, the two of them would both be running companies that focus on the ReUse movement. Today, we would like to introduce our reusing friends from across the world, Mein Hansi.Click here to view Mein Hansi’s artist profile.
While Barsch did study fashion design, she says she doesn’t “care about trends or the fast changing fashion periods.” She adds, “I do whatever I like and maybe you will like it too!”
All of us here certainly like what Barsch does and we are excited to announce that the first “Mein Hensi for STAY VOCAL” pieces are now available in the store. Be assured that this is only the beginning.
Click here to see the Mein Hansi pieces now.
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25 FREE ReUse Bags: Time For Action
(03.03.09) After San Francisco banned plastic bags in 2007, many cities across the U.S. have been trying to follow suit. Unfortunately, most plans have never been put into action. We’re hoping to give this a little boost by giving away 25 FREE ReUse canvas bags.If more people are equipped with the tools to put plans into action, then the plans can start to work. That said, we have just lowered the price of our Original “Paper or Plastic” Canvas bag to $0.00. We know that when you start using your ReUse bag, it will change the way you shop for good.
LIMIT: 1 bag per household.
You can read more about the different plans, as well as the petitions started by plastic bag companies to halt these plans in this New York Time article.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE BAG
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FOUND! The Lucky Gandhi Sticker
(02.24.09) Today we received an email from Sean Gerler with the picture to the right attached to it. That was all we needed to see to know that he would be the one to receive 22 FREE ReUse CD’s and some other great prizes.We’d like to thank everyone who participated in this contest and helped move us closer to a 100% ReUse store.
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"Last Of" Auctions To Benefit Charities
(02.10.09) In the coming weeks, we will be auctioning off the last of many of our older items, as the transformation to a strictly ReUse company is finalized. We have decided to start off by auctioning the items that started the company off: skateboards.In 2003, STAY VOCAL (originally called VOCAL) was created in Boston’s South Shore. It began as a skateboard and apparel company. In early 2004, the first two skateboard decks were launched with a pressing of only 100. One was a deck featuring artwork of the band Anti-Flag and the other was the Martin Luther King “STAY VOCAL” deck.
Over the next couple of years, 3 more decks were released, all with limited pressings of only 100 (Plea For Peace Tree, Make Yourself Heard-1, Don’t Drive – Go Skateboarding).
Also during that time, the company name changed to STAY VOCAL. In March of 2008, production of all “new” items ceased, as the company was transformed into a ReUse products company.
At this time, one of the decks has been sold out for along time and we are down to only 1 available in 3 of the others, so we have decided to auction these last ones off and give 25% of the proceeds to charity.
For these “Last Of” skateboard auctions, 25% of the total sale price will be donated to our friends at New American Dream. New American Dream is a Washington D.C. based non-profit that helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice.
As previously mentioned, we will be auctioning off more of our “Last Of” items soon. Stay tuned for details.
Click here to check out the auctions of the last STAY VOCAL skateboards.
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Looking For A Few Long Hairs
(02.04.09) Here at STAY VOCAL, we reuse wherever and whenever possible. That is why our own Alex Eaves has been growing his hair for about a year and a half; he is going to reuse it.How do you reuse hair? Simple. You donate it to an amazing charity called Locks of Love.
”Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. [They] meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses [they] provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.” (www.locksoflove.org)
There are of course some guidelines for acceptable donations. For example, the donation must be at least 10 inches in length and bleached hair is not accepted. To see a full list of guidelines, as well as a step-by-step how to video, please visit the Locks of Love website.
While Alex’s hair isn’t quite long enough to cut a 10-inch pony tail off yet, it will be in the next couple of months. And when that time comes, he will be paying a visit to his sister Rebecca who owns KRaSe Hair Salon in Norwell, MA. The salon already donates hair frequently, so if you’re in the South Shore area of MA and want to reuse your hair as well, head to:
KRaSe
400 Washington Street
Norwell, MA 02061
781.659.9737
krasehairsalon@verizon.net
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New Contest For Music Lovers
(12.30.08) In the vein of Willy Wonka, we have decided to hold a lucky sticker contest. With each CD that we sell in our online store, we will be including a FREE Gandhi Sticker, but one of these Gandhi stickers includes a special winning message on the back. If you are the lucky person who receives this sticker, you will win 22 FREE ReUse CD’s.Check out details on the contest and prizes here.
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New ReUse Bag For Record Collectors
(12.15.08) Recently, our friends at Alternative Tentacles contacted us about teaming up for a project. A month or so later, it has come to fruition.This joint effort with Alternative Tentacles Records was made specifically to be the perfect record shopping bag. This huge organic canvas reusable shopping bag can easily carry up to 50 LPs. It can obviously hold plenty of other things as well. The design is infamous artist Winston Smith’s original AT logo.
Alternative Tentacles Records was established in June of 1979 and is most likely the longest lasting (and still active) underground record labels around. Although it is perceived by many as a “punk” label, having released records by Dead Kennedys and others, it is actually best known for its impact on the world of underground culture. To learn more about AT, check out the Alternative Tentacles website.
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ReUse Or Bust!
(12.04.08) As we are now an official “Green” business, it’s important that everything we do and sell reflects our commitment to reusing. To further emphasize this, we plan to offer 100% ReUse items by the start of 2009. In order to do that, though, we have to move out all of our non-ReUse, “new” items that we made in the past. So, we created the ReUse or Bust Sale and hope that you can help pave our path for the coming year.Please note: There are very limited amounts of the items left.
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Officially Approved: Festival Wrap Up
(12.03.08)From Alex
On November 14-16, STAY VOCAL took part in Green Festival in San Francisco. I felt really lucky to be involved with the event, as it has strict environmental standards on who can set up. But the night before the festival began, I felt even more fortunate, as I got an email confirming that we are an approved business in the Co-Op America Business Network (Note the new seal at the top of the page).
So what does being a member of the Green Business Network mean? In Co-Op America terms, it means that we’re a member of a select group of businesses that pledge to “reach beyond contemporary practices in addressing the needs of consumers, employees, communities, and the environment.” In my terms, it’s the “green” equivalent of getting my medical license. This is truly an accomplishment for me, as it was only about 6 months prior that I decided to go strictly ReUse. It seems like that was definitely the right choice.
Now, let’s get back to the festival.
Having been on numerous festival tours with bands before, I was used to the insanity that ensues when there are hundreds of vendors in one small area. From arriving at the venue to setting up to tearing down, everything was confusing. And it certainly didn’t help that the event was in downtown San Francisco. Luckily, I had some amazing help throughout the weekend from my great team: Kaitlin, Lisa, Jasmine, and Priya. We also had some additional help from our next-door neighbors at the event who were veterans of the Green Festival.
Alchemy Goods, is a very like-minded company, whose main products are messenger bags made out of used bike tires. Be on the look out in 2009, as their owner, Eli, and I spoke about some possible collaborations. This is just one example of how the festival was a great place to meet people who are committed to making the world a better place.
Green Festival also enabled the showcasing of some new SV items, including clothing from Rebecca Crouse and tote bags from Alana Joyner. The biggest hit, but not a real surprise, was Alyssa D’Amico’s collection of ReUse monsters. Each one comes with a ReUse tag with their name and a brief bio on how they stay vocal. It wasn’t a surprise that they all found new homes that weekend. Be on the watch for some new friends coming soon!
During the few times that I left the booth that weekend, I tried to find as many free food samples as possible. When you’re on your feet in the same 10×10 area for 7-10 hours a day, you get hungry. Fortunately, there were plenty of food vendors handing out samples and I was even able to acquire an entire box of Nature’s Path frosted pop tarts which DO NOT have gelatin (a.k.a. cow hooves) like that “other brand”.
My first experience at Green Festival was no doubt a positive one and SV will certainly be at future ones, possibly even as soon as March in Seattle.
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Buy Nothing Day - Friday November 28th
(11.27.08) This Friday, November 28th, we will be celebrating Buy Nothing Day, an informal day of protest against consumerism. In addition to closing our online store, our website will be turned off for the day, as there are some technical updates that need to be made. Learn more about Buy Nothing Day and why we’re choosing to take part here.
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Contest Over, New ReUse Bag Available
(11.21.08) The “Love Mother Earth’s Body Already” Contest has been over for a couple of weeks now, but we’re finally ready to announce the winner. As always, we got some great designs sent in and it was a tough decision. But between everyone at STAY VOCAL and Eve’s Rib Clothing, the consensus was Rachel Caldwell’s design.The new STAY VOCAL reusable shopping bag with her design on it is now available in our online store. With the sale of each bag, $1 will be donated to the National Eating Disorder Association.
- Material: 100% Organic cotton canvas
- Handle Size: 1 .5” wide x 23” long
- Bag Size: 18” wide x 15” high x 5” gusset
- Made in the USA
From both STAY VOCAL and Eve’s Rib Clothing, we would like to again thank everyone who entered the contest.
Order this bag before November 27th and receive 3 FREE stickers and 3 FREE pins.
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Unique ReUse Wall Clock Auctions
(10.25.08) Our good friend Josh Nelson has created some unique, one of a kind ReUse wall clocks for us. The clocks can be seen and bid on at the following eBay auctions:Zildjian ZXT Rock Hi Hats Clock
Zildjian ZXT 18” Rock Crash Clock
Josh Nelson is the drummer/singer/songwriter for the Kansas City, MO punk rock and roll outfit Bent Left. He and his closest colleagues have combined to form the organization known as Recycled Rockstar Ind. in an effort to further promote political, social, and environmental action and awareness through the arts. All of his works of visual art are one-of-a-kind pieces that are created primarily from reused or recycled materials, and they are often designed to recover the aesthetic and acoustic qualities of used musical instruments. More information about these projects is available at www.myspace.com/recycledrockstar
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What Will The Future Weather Be Like?
(10.16.08) There’s a new “green” movie on the horizon and we’re excited to be a part of it. Jenny Deller is the brains behind this new film entitled, Future Weather.Future Weather is a coming-of-age film about Laduree an aspiring conservationist whose plans to save the planet from global warming are trashed when her single mom skips town to find herself.
The movie is set to begin production in Summer 2009, but Deller has already created a vast community based around the movie. You can visit futureweathermovie.com to learn more about the movie, the people behind it, and you can even contribute. You can also read the Future Weather Report, the movie’s blog site, where Alex Eaves recently contributed an article about STAY VOCAL.
Watch the trailer for Future Weather.
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Online Store Overhaul: 300+ New Items
(10.03.08) To get ourselves prepared for the upcoming San Francisco Green Festival, we have been very busy creating hundreds of new ReUse items, most of which are unique or one of a kind pieces. But instead of waiting until November to unveil our new creations, we’ve decided to offer some of them first to the STAY VOCAL community in our newly revamped online store.Most recently, we have been working hard to expand the ReUse clothing line. From basic logo t-shirts to band merchandise to intricate pieces of wearable art, there is certainly ReUse clothing for all styles, tastes, and age groups. And it’s not just t-shirts anymore. We’ve got hats, sweatshirts, sweaters, skirts, and even some our first pairs of ReUse pants.
Unfortunately, we can’t talk about all of the items we’ve been making, as there are literally over 300 of them right now, with new items being added on a daily basis. But we’ll focus on some of our favorites.
One of our new lines of t-shirts is surely something enjoyable for anyone from anywhere. STAY VOCAL “Local” T-Shirts feature our Make Yourself Heard Face Logo strategically placed on a t-shirt from a specific location. The ReUse New Orleans shirt is one of our favorites.
Maybe you’re interested in creating your own ReUse shirt, though. That’s where our “What Do You Do” Series comes in. These shirts give you a chance to make yourself heard by providing a blank line for you to write in how you make the world better.
One of our more experimental new items, the brainchild of owner Alex Eaves, is our new “Inside Out REUSE! Huge Font” Series. How do you reuse a piece of paper? You flip it over and use the other side. Well that’s essentially what we’ve done with these t-shirts. All of these shirts have been flipped inside out and printed on the opposite side.
If you’re not a t-shirt wearing person or your job calls for something else, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Whether you work in a gas station, hospital, or an office, there’s a ReUse clothing item for you.
,
In addition to our clothing line, we’re also showcasing some of our truly one of a kind creations like tote bags and 
Thanks to our friend Kyle, the STAY VOCAL online store recently received a big upgrade. The clothing section is now broken up into three sections: men, women, and youth. We have also separated our T-Shirts into a few different categories so that you know which ones are unique and which ones are not.
Here at STAY VOCAL, we’re very excited about the progress we’re making in creating quality ReUse products. With each item we sell, we’re not only keeping materials out of the landfills, but we’re also saving energy and materials that would be used to make new products. More importantly, we’re inspiring new ideas for positive change.
STAY VOCAL is certainly not alone in spreading the ReUse movement. A lot of people have been doing a lot of things to help us as of late. We owe a big thanks to Alyssa D’Amico, Becki Crouse, Brianne Epley, Eric Guntor, Erin Dacayanan, Goodwin Graphics, Joan Eaves, John Babson, Julie Tremonte, Ken Eaves, and Tori Babson.
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Green Festival: Our Biggest Event Yet
(10.02.08) A week or so ago, when we mentioned that STAY VOCAL is going to be taking part in our biggest event yet, we meant BIG in many ways. On November 14th, 15th, and 16th we are going to be part of “Green Festival” in San Francisco, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America.To put it into numbers, there are going to be over 40,000 people from all over the world attending the festival each day. The festival features more more than 300 green businesses and nearly 50 speakers.
Some of the businesses exhibiting at the festival are Equal Exchange, Honest Tea, Organic Valley Family of Farms, and Satori Movement.
Speakers during the festival include Van Jones (President of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland), Chuck D (co-founder of legendary political rap group Public Enemy), Greg Palast (New York Times bestselling author and journalist for the BBC), and Kevin Danaher (co-founder of Global Exchange).
In their own words, Green Festival is “a walk through a sustainable community. It begins with finding solutions to help make our lives healthier—socially, economically and environmentally. Individuals along with business and community leaders come together to discuss critical issues that impact us at home and abroad. Organizations and businesses showcase programs and products that restore the planet and all that inhabit it. Neighbor-to-neighbor connections are formed, and skills are shared to empower people to create positive change in the world.” (www.greenfestivals.org)
STAY VOCAL and our reuse movement will be exposed to our biggest audience yet. But what makes this more exciting for us, is that by having been asked to take part in this event, we have truly been recognized and rewarded for our efforts.
Not just any company can be included in this event. Green Festival™ is the only green event that screens exhibitors for their commitment to sustainability, ecological balance and social justice using Co-op America’s green business standards. We feel extremely fortunate to receive this recognition.
In addition to the speakers and exhibitors, there will be an Organic Food Court, Music Stage, Kids’ Zone, Green Home Series, and Film Festival.
To learn more about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit the Green Festival website.
If you do plan on attending, come see us at our booth. We love meeting members of the STAY VOCAL community.
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NEW CONTEST: It's Time To Love Mother Earth's Body Already
(09.28.08) STAY VOCAL and Eve’s Rib Clothing are joining forces to promote positive body image for Mother Earth by reusing. But we need your help.Check out our new Love Mother Earth’s Body Already Contest for your chance to design a ReUse bag and win some great prizes.
IN RELATED NEWS…. Eve’s Rib Clothing is currently a finalist in this month’s ideablob contest and they could sure use the votes of the SV community. So get out your username and password for the ideablob site and vote for Eve’s Rib.
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Brief Update From STAY VOCAL's Alex Eaves
(09.19.08) Hey everyone,Things have been a bit quiet lately in the STAY VOCAL online world, but by no means have they been quiet overall.
First of all, we did not become a finalist in the Member’s Project Contest. It was a disappointment, but hey, I can’t win all of the contests! Thanks to all of you who took the time to nominate my project. There are some great finalists though, so for those of you who voted, check out the top 25 here.
In better news, we are going to be making a major announcement next week concerning the biggest event STAY VOCAL will have been part of yet. We are also going to be announcing a major overhaul to the SV online store. There are going to be a lot (and I mean A LOT) of new ReUse items for men, women, and kids. I personally have made many of them and I have to tell you, they’re awesome. But I guess I have to think that. But really, they are.
Until next week,
ALex
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How Would You Change The World?
(09.05.08) If you could change the world and make it a more fun place to live in , how would you do that? You’d have unlimited resources to do this, but it can only be one thing.Got an answer? Then you should definitely enter the contest being held by our friends over at HAVEFUN Skateboarding.
The grand prize includes a Barack Obama Skateboard Deck, as well as some great ReUse prizes that we have donated.
The contest runs through October 2nd, so get over to HAVEFUN Skateboarding.com and enter today!
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Make Yourself Heard And Love Your Body Already!
(09.04.08) Next month, we are going to be announcing an exciting contest with our friends at Eve’s Rib Clothing. Eve’s Rib is a company that promotes positive body image and self esteem in girls and women while donating a portion of their proceeds to the National Eating Disorders Association.We hope this will be the first of numerous collaborations between the two companies, as we share strong passions to change the world in a positive way.
In the meantime, Eve’s Rib is currently in the running for this month’s ideablob contest and they could sure use the votes of the SV community. So get out your username and password for the ideablob site and vote for Eve’s Rib.
If you already deleted your account, you can easily sign up again!
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STAY VOCAL Team To Walk For Farm Animals
(09.03.08) On September 27th, Alex Eaves and Brianne Epley will be leading the STAY VOCAL team as they take part in the Walk for Farm Animals 2008 in Chico, CA. Along with many others, the SV team is walking to raise money for Farm Sanctuary.Farm Sanctuary is a national non profit organization that rescues animals from factory farms, slaughterhouses, and sometimes just bad owners. They have HUGE sanctuaries in upstate New York and northern California.
To donate, learn about Farm Sanctuary, and see an awesome picture of Alex with some pigs, visit the STAY VOCAL Firstgiving page.
You can donate online with a credit card. All donations are secure and sent directly to Farm Sanctuary by Firstgiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation.
Please send our page on to anyone who might like to donate!
And hey! If you’re in the area, we’d love you to join our team and walk with us.
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STAY VOCAL Featured In Chico E-Zine
(09.02.08) The Fall issue of Community Seeds Magazine was just released and features a 2-page spread on STAY VOCAL.Community Seeds is a FREE online e-zine based in Chico, CA. Like STAY VOCAL, Community Seeds evolved over the years into a company heavily focused on being eco friendly. In addition to the online zine, the web site provides a local directory for Chico, as well as the surrounding areas of Durham and Paradise.
Check out the article about STAY VOCAL in Community Seeds HERE.
-Click on View Fall Issue near middle of page
-Go to page 46-47
Let us know what you think!
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You Can Be A Part Of A Huge Change
(08.29.08) You’re probably saying, “More news about this?!” I know, I know… but think about this: without you and the rest of the STAY VOCAL community, we would not have been able to win the Ideablob contest in May and push so far forward with ReUse. And now I want you to be part of an even bigger push forward.I’ve only got 3 days left in the Member’s Project Contest and I need at least 200 more nominations to get better consideration for my project, Bagging The Disposable Bag.
But with you and the rest of the SV community, this should be easy…but it’s not?!
It literally will take 30 seconds to register your nomination.
You can cancel your registration to the site upon receiving the first email.
You DO NOT need to be an AMEX card holder to nominate. Just sign up as a “guest member.”
In addition to your nomination, here is how you can be a huge help:
1. Forward this email on to anyone and everyone you know and tell them to nominate the project Bagging The Disposable Bag.
2. After making a nomination, leave a comment which is towards the bottom of the page.
3. If you have a MySpace or Facebook page, use the picture below as your default until the contest ends. Let us know if you do, so we can add you as a Top Friend!
Thank you SO much!
Let’s make our goal of a ReUse World more possible,
ALex
My Project
And if you have another 30 seconds…
Break the Bottled Water Habit
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Reuse Board Sports Site Features STAY VOCAL's Alex Eaves
(08.29.08) Recently, we became aware of an organization in San Diego called Rerip.com. They provide opportunities to reuse and reride board sports (skate/snow/surf) equipment. At the same time, they make people aware of the need to reduce their impact on the planet. Obviously, we had to contact them.There are plans in the works for future engagements together, but for now, Rerip.com has made our own Alex Eaves their current featured skater.
Check out the Rerip.com interview with STAY VOCAL owner Alex Eaves here.
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Flat Tires And Good Food: Warped Tour 2008
(08.22.08) By Alex EavesFrom July 22nd to July 29th, I rode with my friends in the band The A.K.A.s to promote their ReUse line of merchandise on Warped Tour. While the days went on forever and the van was tight and smelly, it was a great experience and I look forward to doing it again.
My first day with the band was surely the most memorable. I met up with them in Massachusetts, where I showed up just in time to help dismantle their merch tent and treck through the insane downpour of rain. After leaving the venue, we drove to our friends Matt and Tiffany’s house, where most of us dried off and ate some amazing vegan food.
At about 4:30 in the morning, we woke up at a gas station to the driver’s statement of “Hey guys. We have a problem. We’re missing a tire.” As we all slowly climbed out of the van, we saw that one of the tires on the trailer had completely shredded away. Who knows how long we had been riding the rim? Unfortunately, this wasn’t a car that we could just jack up, so we emptied almost the entire trailer out to let weight off. Luckily, the gas station wasn’t busy at the time and hopefully the attendant enjoyed the CD that the band gave him.
For the next six days, we traveled through Buffalo, Camden, Uniondale, Scranton, Englishtown, and Pittsburgh. As Warped Tour is always a circus, each day was a bit different. We would show up in the morning and have no idea where our merch tent would go, no idea when the band would play, no idea where we’d park, etc. But it was all part of the fun, at least for a week.
Unlike most bands, The A.K.A.s enjoy spending most of the day in their merch tent talking with fans and trying to recruit new ones. This turned out to be great for me too, as many people were intrigued by the ReUse merch line hanging along a rope on the side of the tent.
Not only did The A.K.A.s and I help promote ReUse on Warped Tour, but we also helped our good friends Tara and Erin at Warped Eco Initiative. They are on Warped Tour promoting green energy with a solar powered stage, as well as running the Warped Tour bottle and can clean up. Each day, dozens of people scour the venues collecting thousands of bottles and cans to recycle, which in recent years would simply be thrown away. Every concert tour needs a Tara and an Erin.
Another highlight of the tour was that I finally got to meet Emile Goss in Buffalo, who has been a huge help with SV as of late. Up until then, I had really only seen his South Park avatar, so it was good to find he wasn’t actually a cartoon!
Going on Warped Tour for seven days, was just enough time for me to start to get frustrated and homesick. Pittsburgh was a great way to end my stint on Warped Tour, as it’s one of my homes away from home. I saw a lot of friends at the show like Jeff and Scott from The Atomic Family and #2 and Jesse Jones from Anti-Flag.
I have to say, it was a bit sad to leave the band, as I grew a lot closer with them real quick. But when I took my bags out of the van and headed towards a house to sleep in, it felt great. I’d like to thank The A.K.A.s for letting me tag along and let me relive my merch glory days. I’d also like to thank Lisa with Warped Tour for making it easy for me to be on the tour, especially getting me a meal ticket! I definitely had enough of the soynut butter sandwiches and instant packets of miso soup during the first few days.
CLICK HERE to see even more pictures from my stint on Warped Tour 2008.
- ALex
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Learn To Reuse More / Break The Bottled Water Habit!
(08.21.08) Hopefully at this point, with the economy how it is and the facts coming out about bottled water being just bottled tap water, you’re not wasting your time buying bottled water. But if you’re still drinking bottled water, now is a great time to pledge not to, because you can win some amazing prizes and make huge enviornmental strides.
LEARN TO REUSE MORE AND TAKE THIS PLEDGE NOW!
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In a $2.5 million contest this time!
(08.19.08)Hey everyone,
I’ve entered another contest to win part of $2.5 million. The money will be explicitly used to create ReUse communities, providing reusable shopping bags for every resident of a town(s) and having all stores in the town(s) get rid of disposable bags. Please take a moment to nominate my project, Bagging The Disposable Bag.
By the way, it’s easier to sign up and vote for this than it was for the ideablob contest!
Thanks a lot!
ALex
P.S. Tell all of your friends and family!!!!!!!!!
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New Gift Certificates
(08.16.08) We all have those friends or family members who just don’t get the concept of reusing. You know the type: the ones STILL double bagging their gallon of milk. Well now we have something to help get them started: the STAYVOCAL.COM Gift Certificate.Unlike simply giving someone a reusable bag that could easily end up buried in a closet, the SV gift certificate enables them to pick out their own ReUse items, while at the same time they learn all about the concept from information on the website.
Our gift certificates are good for all items in the STAY VOCAL online store. At this time, our gift certificates are sold through PayPal. If the recipient of the gift certificate does not have a PayPal account, they can easily set one up when going to redeem their gift.
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STAY VOCAL Donation To Fire Victims
(08.15.08) Today, STAY VOCAL made a donation of $252.70 to the Chico Red Cross. While it was not the $1000 we were trying to raise, anything and everything helps.We would like to thank everyone who purchased a sticker during our fund raising weeks in July. We also want to send out a BIG THANK YOU to our friend Matt Frawley and the band Rancid.
At the Rancid’s recent show in Providence, RI, there were multiple donation boxes at the merchandise area. Matt was also generous enough to donate his entire weekly per diem to the cause.
While the fires might be settling down in Butte County, the destruction they caused won’t settle for a while. If you would like to make a donation, please send it to Chico Red Cross, 1398 Ridgewood Drive, Chico, CA 95973, or to use a credit card, call 1-530-891-0885.
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From Delivering The Paper To Being Featured In It
(07.26.08) From 4th grade through 10th grade, STAY VOCAL owner Alex Eaves delivered the Boston-based newspaper The Patriot Ledger. Recently, the tables turned and Alex and STAY VOCAL were featured in the paper.Check out the Patriot Ledger’s article on STAY VOCAL here.
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ReUse On Warped Tour With The A.K.A.s
(07.18.08) Next week, The A.K.A.s will be heading out on the traveling circus known as the Vans Warped Tour. Not only will they be performing live every day, but they will also be sharing their passion for ReUse with fans throughout the day.Since 1995, Warped tour has excelled at fusing together music and extreme sports. But for the past few years, they have brought environmental consciousness into the mix.
For most of their dates on the tour, The A.K.A.s will be performing on a solar powered stage, a new idea from the tour’s owner, Kevin Lyman. The band also plans to speak to fans at the the Warped Eco Initiative tent, which works with non profit organizations to raise awareness of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
In the band’s own tent, there will be a wide variety of A.K.A.s shirts printed on ReUse garments that STAY VOCAL recently donated to them. The band will also be selling their new reusable shopping bag.
For the first week of the tour (7/23-7/29), STAY VOCAL’s Alex Eaves will be joining the band to talk to fans about reusing and why it’s so important. If you’re interested in checking out some of the 100+ bands that play every day in the 100+ degree hot sun, check out the STAY VOCAL events page. And if you do go, be sure to bring a reusable bottle to fill with water throughout the day!
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FREE Autographed Posters With A.K.A.s Bag Preorder
(07.17.08) Be one of the first 50 people to preorder the new A.K.A.s reusable shopping bag and receive a FREE A.K.A.s poster, signed by all 5 members of the band! Orders will begin shipping the first week of August.This bag is our first one made from EcoSpun, an extremely durable material made from 100% recycled soda bottles!
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Watch Alex On ABC News Right Here, Right Now
(07.11.08) As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Alex appeared on ABC News discussing STAY VOCAL and the ideablob.com contest. Only a handful in our community were able to watch it, so we have been waiting to share the segment with you. And until today, Alex had not even seen the entire segment himself. But now everyone can view it right here.We also have some pictures from Alex’s visit to ABC in New York City.
Enjoy!
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Help Us Raise $1000 In 2 Weeks For CA Fire Victims
(07.10.08) As we continue to cross over to a strictly ReUse company, we have decided to use our remaining stickers for a good cause. For every sticker that you buy in the STAY VOCAL store, we will donate $.50 to the Chico Red Cross, who have been setting up shelters, providing meals, and funding the many families who have been affected by the Butte County Wildfires. Our goal is to raise $1,000 over the next 2 weeks. Spread the word and let’s make it happen!Hi everybody,
I am currently spending a lot of time in Chico, CA, which is about 20-25 miles away from the massive wildfires in Butte County. As a Massachusetts resident, I’m not used to this at all. For a few weeks, I have been told that this is normal, but currently, people who have lived here for 50 years have never seen it this bad.
Almost 50,000 acres have burned, around 50 homes have been destroyed, and thousands of people have been displaced. But it’s not just the fires that are the problem.
Even though I am 25 miles away, I am still affected by the fires. As Chico is in the valley, the smoke comes down from the foothills and blankets what should be a sunny sky. The ashes also float in like a light snowfall. It’s a scary time for me, so I can only imagine what it’s like for those closer to the fires. So I have decided to start helping out immediately.
If you would like to make a seperate donation, please send it to Chico Red Cross, 1398 Ridgewood Drive, Chico, CA 95973, or to use a credit card, call 891-0885.
Thanks so much everybody,
ALex
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Hanover Day 2008 & The "Big Check" Presentation
(07.09.08) A few months ago, I heard about “Hanover Day,” an annual summertime event in the town of Hanover, MA. As STAYVOCAL is based in the nextdoor town of Norwell, I thought this would be a great opportunity to promote our ReUse concept. So, I signed up for a booth and planned to have my cousin Cassie take care of it, as I was going to be in California at the time.Things changed, though, as SV ended up winning the ideablob contest, and after talking with my new friends Ami and Jennifer at Advanta, I realized that Hanover Day would be a perfect place to celebrate the contest win. I’m glad they helped me decided on that, because it turned out to be a great day.
Hanover Day 2008, which took this past June 21st, was a great time that I shared with a lot family and friends. Even my cousins from northern California were there, some of whom I had never even met. Through our booth and the “big check” presentation, many new people were introduced to SV and the ReUse concept.
As part of the celebration, Advanta hired an ice cream truck to hand out free ice cream and popsicles to the crowd. On a day when the temperature reached near 100, there couldn’t have been a better surprise.
If you’re interested in seeing pictures from the event, please visit the Hanover Day 2008 STAY VOCAL collage page.
We also have the brief 2-minute video of the presentation above. The video is a little shakey, but the audio is perfect!
I’d like to thank Ami, Jennifer, and Emily at Advanta, as well as Katie from Hanover Day for helping make the contest celebration so enjoyable and stress-free! I’d also like to thank all of the family and friends who braved the heat to come celebrate. Luckily, only 1 person had to leave early because of the heat.
ALex
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STAY VOCAL Featured In 2 More Boston Newspapers
(07.03.08) As a result of the ideablob.com win, STAY VOCAL has been getting a lot of great press lately. We wanted to share two recent articles from Boston area newspapers.The Boston Herald (June 22,2008) wrote an article about STAY VOCAL and the ReUse focus. The Norwell Mariner (July 3, 2008) focused their article more on the contest win.
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SV'S Alex Live on ABC TV, Tuesday 6/24
(06.23.08) I have some rather exciting last minute news. Tomorrow, Tuesday June 24th, at 4PM, I will be appearing LIVE on ABC News Now. The 7 minute segment will focus on ideablob, their recent May contest that STAY VOCAL won, and our ReUse concept. You can watch the show live on abcnewsnow.com or check your zip code at the bottom of their home page for other viewing options.In other news, this past week has been incredibly exciting and busy and I will have a lot to report soon!
Thanks so much,
ALex
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Thank You All!!! FREE T-Shirt, Pins, & Stickers
(06.12.08) As a thank you to everyone who voted for us in the May ideablob.com contest, we are offering a FREE combo pack in the STAY VOCAL online store. We would not have won and be where we are without your continued support.Starting immediately, you can order the FREE pack which includes:
- 1 ReUse T-Shirt (Pick Your Size)
- 2 Pins
- 2 Stickers
To take advantage of this offer, simply add the Thank You Pack to your order. There is no minimum purchase required. Limited to the first 100 orders. Shipping is not included.
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STAY VOCAL's ReUse Concept Wins Idea Contest!!!!!!
(06.11.08)Please watch the video above!
For any of you interested in the final vote counts, we received a total of 951. Over the first 8 days of voting, we received a total of 410 votes, but in the last two we got 541!
To celebrate our win, our friends at ideablob.com will be joining us at Hanover Day 2008 on Saturday, June 21st. The event runs from 10am -4pm at Sylvester Field, which is located on Rte 139 in the center of Hanover.
At 11:45, ideablob.com will present STAY VOCAL with one of those commemorative “big checks.” Afterwards, they will stick around to serve refreshments to our friends and family. So, if you’re in the area, please come join the party.
Below is the official press release available on ideablob.com.
SPRING HOUSE, Penn., (June 10, 2008) — Advanta Corp. (NASDAQ: ADVNB; ADVNA) announced today that Alex Eaves of Norwell, Mass. is the May winner of ideablob.com’s monthly contest for the best small business idea, as voted on by the ideablob community.
Eaves’ company, STAY VOCAL, began as a skateboard company focused on producing positive messages about social and environmental awareness. The company recently transitioned to focus solely on its line of ReUse products, which include clothing and accessories made from used materials, as well as being a source of information about music, news and events.
“With natural resources diminishing, and so much ‘stuff’ already available, it’s imperative that people learn to reuse more,” said Eaves. “With this award from ideablob.com, STAY VOCAL can expand and I can bring the ReUse line of products to new customers.”
Eaves plans to use the award money to revamp the STAY VOCAL Web site to make it focus more on ReUse products, and to inform people how to be more environmentally conscious in their daily lives.
“Boston has become a leading hub in the social entrepreneurship movement, with three social entrepreneurs from Boston winning the ideablob contest,” said Ami Kassar, Advanta’s Chief Innovation Officer.
Previous winners from the Boston area include John Struder and his idea to expand his sweatshop-free clothing company, No Sweat Apparel, and Naomi Bar-Yam and her idea for the Mother’s Milk Bank of New England, an organization serving babies, hospitals and families throughout New England.
Because Eaves is an Advanta Business Cards customer, he is eligible to receive 1,000,000 rewards points on his Advanta BusinessCard (or the $10,000 cash alternative) in addition to the $10,000 monthly contest prize. Advanta will present Eaves, who chose the cash alternative, with his $20,000 award at a special event later this month in Boston.
Ideablob.com is an active community where small business owners and entrepreneurs are sharing business ideas and receiving feedback, advice and support from the community. Experts from various industries take part in the ideablob discussions and offer their input on how burgeoning entrepreneurs can capitalize on their ideas.
Advanta, one of the nation’s largest credit card issuers (through Advanta Bank Corp.) in the small business market, awards a $10,000 monthly prize to the best eligible idea, as determined by the votes of the ideablob community. In recent months,
Advanta has awarded the monthly prize to software developers, non-profit leaders and several social entrepreneurs.
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Big D And The Kids Table Join ReUse Movement; Bag PREORDER
(06.10.08) By Alex EavesToday, we welcome some of our hometown friends to the growing list of bands who support our ReUse movement. Big D and the Kids Table have been part of the Boston punk/ska scene for years. While the music world and world in general have changed drastically since they formed in Boston in 1997, the band has never given up their love of ska music or positive outlook so evident in their songs.
I first began seeing Big D in the late 90’s opening for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and over the years, we met up periodically at shows in Boston, on Warped Tour, and we even did a short tour together in 2005 when I was with Anti-Flag. The guys have always been supportive of the positive movements I was working with, whether it was Anti-Racist Action or STAY VOCAL. But when the band began its “Try Our Your Voice” campaign, it was a no brainer that we would finally join forces.
Our newest addition to our ReUse shopping bag line is emblazoned with the band’s “Try Out Your Voice” logo and will surely encourage people to stay vocal everywhere it goes. Preorder the Big D and the Kids Table bag before June 16th and receive a FREE pack of 5 STAY VOCAL stickers and pins.
To learn more about the band and listen to some of their music, please visit Big D’s STAY VOCAL Music page. You can also help spread the word and download our Big D ReUse Flyer. Be sure to print them on the back of used paper or use new recycled paper.
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Third Graders In Hingham, MA Already Changing The World
(06.09.08) By Alex EavesLast Monday I had the pleasure of speaking to over 100 third graders at Foster Elementary School in Hingham, MA. This was my first time speaking to elementary school students about ReUse, besides my plethera of nieces and nephews of course. Surprisingly, these kids already knew a great deal.
I had a great time with the students, and was amazed at how much they knew about reusing already. I couldn’t believe it when I asked the first group of 60 students how many of their parents use paper or plastic bags at the store and only about 4 or 5 raised their hands! When Vice Principal Betsy Connolly had told me that all of the students had taken the school’s “Green Team Pledge,” she really meant it.
After a brief discussion about ReUse, as well as the school’s amazing recycling program, we broke into different groups and made some Reuse art projects. Some of the students took the empty boxes that our ReUse bags come in and made ReUse “people” out of them. One student in each group laid down and the other students traced the outline of their body. Then the students added their own artwork to the project. Some “people” had reusable bags or mugs, some had ReUse t-shirts, and some of them were performing environmentally friendly actions like recycling. But as shown in the picture to the right, all of the people were very unique!
While some of the students were busy creating the ReUse people, others made ReUse Father’s Day Card envelopes. I have a massive collection of junk mail “Business Reply By Mail” envelopes and the students made their own artwork on the envelopes. Then they took the envelopes home to finish the project and make a ReUse card to give to their father for Father’s Day.
My experience at Foster certainly makes me want to work with kids even more. They are the future of this world and if they grow up respecting our Earth, then the planet can have a long and prosperous existence.
I would like to thank Vice Principal Connolly, the third grade teachers and students, and Parent Representative Eileen Pouch for arranging everything.
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THANKS TO EVERYONE!
(06.01.08) The voting for the idea contest is now over. There are not enough minutes in the day for me to thank everyone who showed us so much support over the past 10 days. From friends to families to people we work with to people we have never even met, the support was utterly amazing. Even if SV does not win, I know that we have the support of you all. And that is more than enough to keep pushing to make this world a better place.We will not know anything for a few days. There is a lengthy process to verifying the winner of the contest. A company can’t just give $10,000 away to anybody!
Thanks again and again and again and again and….......
ALex and STAY VOCAL
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3 Days To Vote ! ! !
(05.22.08) As we mentioned before, our ReUse Concept is 1 of only 8 finalists in an idea contest this month. The grand prize is $10,000 to further advance our idea. If we win, we will be able to do many things with SV to advance the ReUse concept and continue to make this world a better place for you, me, and everyone else.All we’re asking for is about 90 seconds of your time to vote for us. You do have to register and confirm with an email address, BUT you can cancel anytime. It’s really not a big ordeal to register, but winning this prize would be mean a lot to our advancement.
Please encourage any friends and family members to vote. That would be awesome! But honestly, every vote counts.
Well, here is the link to vote. Just click on the vote box and proceed.Thank you so much everyone,
ALex and STAY VOCAL
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Taking Our ReUse Bags A Step Further
(05.21.08) We now have a 100% Recycled Cotton version of our “Paper or Plastic?” reusable shopping bag. Not only does this bag help keep plastic out of the waste stream and trees off the chopping block, but it also preserves precious cotton crops.ORDER a set of 5 between now and Monday, May 26th and get a 6th bag, FREE!
Orders will ship next week.
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You Can't Be Too Young To Reuse
(05.21.08) On June 2nd, Alex Eaves will be speaking to and working with the 3rd graders of Foster Elementary School in Hingham, MA. With the help of Mailorder Mom and others, he will be demonstrating the concept of ReUse with different activities, including t-shirt making. This is the first day of a week full of a variety of “green” ideas being presented to the students at Foster Elementary.
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May 15th: Buy 1 Get 1 Free 1 Day Sale
(05.14.08) On Thursday, May 15th, buy any PIN or STICKER and receive a duplicate, FREE. Maybe you have a friend or family member that would want one too. There’s no limit, but supplies may run out quickly.Check out the STAY VOCAL Pin and Sticker Selection
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New Street Team To Promote ReUse
(05.13.08) Many of you have been wondering how you can get involved with STAY VOCAL and promote our ReUse concept. Now it’s easier than ever.Our friend Emile Goss has started up a STAY VOCAL Street Team. If you’d like to join, please visit the STAY VOCAL Street Team Myspace Page.
Currently, the street team is promoting the use of reusable shopping bags with the STAY VOCAL Bag Selling Program. Not only can you help people learn to reuse more, you can make money at the same time.
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Stay Vocal Or Shut Up Tour On Hold
(05.13.08) By Alex EavesDue to vehicle problems that just wouldn’t stop, Bent Left was forced to cancel most of their remaining “Stay Vocal Or Shut Up” tour dates. Currently, the band is taking a short break with relatives in CA, where I got the chance to meet up with them last week.
While taking some time off in Kansas City recently, the band realized that their van had seen it’s final touring miles. So, they made a quick decision and boarded a train bound for San Francisco with a bass, a guitar, and some drum sticks. After playing their biggest show to date in San Francisco, the band played shows in Tahoe and Chico, where I met up with them this past Wenesday.
I was pleasantly surprised to meet the band in such high spirits, considering everything that they’ve been through. And even after 2 gruesome games of pick up basketball, William and his bandmates put on a great show at Chico’s Zombie House that night.
As always, this band won’t quit. After taking a much needed break in the Monterey area, the band will board another train and play two shows in Nebraska, before making it home to Kansas City, where the band will regroup, work off some debt, and purchase a more reliable vehicle to hit the road with. We’re all looking forward to the continuation of the tour this summer.
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New STAY VOCAL Magazine Column
(05.09.08) STAY VOCAL’s Alex Eaves will now be writing a column for our friends at AMP (American Music Press) Magazine. The column is appropriately entitled, “STAY VOCAL.”The column first appears in the April/May issue, which is available now. The focus of this month’s column is “Bringing ReUse Into The Music World.” The SV online store is also featured in the current issue’s “You Are Not What You Own” column.
If you’d like to pick up a copy, you can get one for $1.50 at Interpunk.com.
Thanks Matt, Brett, and Lisa!
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Thanks! Now we have a 1 in 8 chance.
(05.08.08) Thanks to all of your support, STAY VOCAL is 1 of 8 finalists for the May idea contest!!!From May 22 – May 31, you can go back to ideablob.com and vote to make it the winning idea.
We’re pretty excited about this.
Thanks again for all of the support thus far and please pass this on to anyone you can encourage to vote,
ALex and STAY VOCAL
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One of A Kind Strike Anywhere Chuck Taylor's
(05.05.08) We just listed our second pair of One of a Kind Chuck Taylor’s in our eBay store.This pair of Chucks was designed by Thomas Barnett, lead singer of Strike Anywhere. The lyrics are from a new song he wrote about women’s rights.We started the bidding for these sneakers at the exact price that we paid for them. 50% of all profit after that will be donated to Thomas’ charity of choice, The Syrentha Savio Endowment.
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Erik Davison's Art To Be Featured On New ReUse Bag
(05.04.08) The votes are finally in for our “Everybody Make Some Noise With The A.K.A.s” design contest. The winning design was created by Erik Davison. These bags will be available for pre-order soon, as the band is getting ready for a long summer of touring.From both STAY VOCAL and The A.K.A.s, we would like to again thank everyone who entered the contest.
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We Have Another Chance - Vote Before May 7th!
(05.04.08)Well, STAY VOCAL didn’t win last month, but our ReUse concept has another chance to win an idea contest this month. Long story short, all you have to do to vote for us is: click, click, type, confirm. It takes about 90 seconds.You can unsubscribe any time.
If we win, we’ll be able to make some big ReUse moves with SV. We’ll be able to bring out more positive change for more people. Let us know if you vote, so we can give you a virtual high five!
Thanks a lot,
ALex and STAY VOCAL
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Want SV's Owner To Speak At Your Event or School?
(05.04.08) After a very successful appearance at Bridgewater Raynham High School in Bridgewater, MA recently, STAY VOCAL owner Alex Eaves is ready to take ReUse on the road. If you’d like Alex to speak at your school/event about the ReUse concept, please contact us at info@stayvocal.com.We’d like to thank Shirley Wood and all of the students at Bridgewater Raynham High for making Alex’s first ReUse speech a great time. Check out the jumbo sized web site!
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ReUse Moves In To Chico, CA
(05.03.08) This past Thursday, a STAY VOCAL rep set up at Thursday Night Market in Chico, CA. This will be the first of many Thursdays through September where Chico area residents will be able to check out the latest ReUse line and learn more about how they can bring ReUse into their lives. If you’re in the area, be sure to come check us out.
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Help Us Help You - Vote For STAY VOCAL Now
(04.17.08) Hey everyone, we just entered our ReUse concept into an idea contest. All you have to do is click the button below, then click the “vote” button on the following page. If we win, we’ll be able to bring out more positive change for more people.Thanks a lot,
ALex and STAY VOCAL
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***30 Hours / 30 Dollars Sale***
(04.15.08) UPDATEWe’re offering 2 FREE Original ReUse Shopping Bags to any skateboard order for the last 1 1/2 hours of the sale.
You may be asking yourself, “why am I getting this email, I don’t skateboard?” Well, chances are you probably have a friend or family member who does and they would surely benefit from this sale. The average price for a new skateboard deck is $50.
Also, many skateboard decks are sold as art pieces. And with only 100 made of each design, STAY VOCAL decks are extremely limited and could become “collector’s items” down the road. (We hope people skate them and then reuse them for a shelf, though).
If you’re interested in picking up one of the last STAY VOCAL decks, please visit the STAY VOCAL Store Skateboard Section. And like most of our other current inventory, once these are gone, they’re gone for good.skateboard deck section of our product line is coming to a close. When I started VOCAL (original name) in 2003, after my second skateboarding-related surgery, I wanted to create a positive minded skateboard and apparel company. While I am still passionate about skateboarding, I am more passionate about protecting the planet for present and future generations. We pressed 5 decks in 5 years and I am really happy with the results.
Not making skateboard decks does not mean the end of our involvement with skateboarding, as we have made some great friends along the way. We have been talking with our friends at local shops about someday opening a ReUse skatepark, madeentirely of used wood, metal, and different obstacles from landfills, etc. We hope to make these talks a reality.
ALEX EAVES
UPDATE
We’re offering 2 FREE Original ReUse Shopping Bags to any skateboard order for the last 1 1/2 hours of the sale.
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Some Things Should Not Be Reused
(04.14.08) Whoever was in charge of making it so that US presidents can only serve two terms was definitely thinking ahead. Check out our Limited Edition President Bush ReUse T-Shirts.
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STAY VOCAL Spreading The ReUse Message At Numerous Events
(04.09.08) STAY VOCAL will be featured at a number of events in Massachusetts this month and beginning in May, will be seen regularly in Chico, CA.On April 18th, Alex Eaves will be speaking about ReUse at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Bridgewater, MA.
A few days later on April 22nd, STAY VOCAL will be amongst many exhibitors at the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) New England 6th Annual Green Expo, “a vendor fair featuring energy efficient, recycled, less-toxic, organic or otherwise environmentally preferable products and services.
That following weekend, STAY VOCAL will be a part of the South Shore Natural Science Center’s Earth Day Celebration in Norwell, MA on April 27th.
And finally on May 1st, STAY VOCAL will begin setting up every Thursday at Thursday Night Market in Chico, CA. This weekly event features farm-fresh produce, delicious food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and a STAY VOCAL booth!
For a list of all our events, please visit the Events Page
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SV Tour Dates Cancelled; New Ones Added
(04.08.08) Due to unfortunate financial and vehicle issues (see post below), Bent Left was forced to cancel a few of the Stay Vocal or Shut Up Tour dates. But on the positive side, they are by no means throwing in the towel. They have actually added many new shows across the country in CA, IN, MA, MI, MO, NJ, OK, OR, SD, and WI. If these touring warriors come through your town, be sure to check them out. Many of the shows are FREE!UPDATE (4/12): Even more shows added in IN, UT, and VA!
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YOU Can Help Keep The Stay Vocal Or Shut Up Tour Alive
(04.07.08) Long story short, the touring van for the Stay Vocal Or Shut Up Tour is in need of some major repairs and unfortunately, Bent Left has run their funds dry. They’ve already canceled some dates, but with your help, they can be back on the road reusing veggie oil for fuel and spreading their good word. You can read the full story on Bent Left’s Myspace PageIf you would like to help out, you can use the easy donaton feature below:
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Shaquille O'Neal Teams Up With STAY VOCAL
(04.01.08)BUT WE’RE NOT JOKING ABOUT THIS:
For every order placed from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM on April 1, we will be including 1 FREE patch, 1 FREE pin, and 5 FREE stickers.
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Bent Left Now Reuses Veggie Oil On Tour
(04.01.08) We just got a very exciting email from William of Bent Left: “Our van was dropped off at golden fuel systems this morning and will be running on veggie oil by tomorrow afternoon.”Bent Left is currently in month 4 of their Stay Vocal Or Shut Up Tour and from here on in will be reusing veggie oil whenever possible to fuel their trip. To see when Bent Left will be passing through your area, check out the STAY VOCAL Events Page.
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STAY VOCAL Featured In The Boston Globe
(03.30.08) In today’s Globe South Section of The Boston Globe, there is a feature story on STAY VOCAL and its founder, Alex Eaves. We’d tell you what the article was about, but we’d rather have you read it yourself. It’s more fun that way.For all of you who do not live in the South Shore region of MA, we have uploaded a .jpg version and a .pdf version for you to read. You can also read the article (minus the pictures) on The Boston Globe website.
An interesting side note: Alex actually went to college AND worked at The Globe with the reporter, Emily Sweeney, but they did not know each other. Funny how things work out.
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We're Going ReUse, Because You Can't Recycle The Planet
(03.30.08)
After almost 5 years of having ReUse as one of several core ideas, STAY VOCAL has decided to make ReUse our primary focus. We will be phasing out much of our current product line, while bringing in more truly reused products and new products specifically designed to be reused, like our reusable shopping bags and travel mugs. Our goal is to become THE source for ReUse products and information, while encouraging everyone to reuse more.
If you’ve had your eye on one of our t-shirts or skateboards or any other non-ReUse item in the STAY VOCAL store, then now would be a good time to get it because once they’re gone they’re gone. We also just started the “Ready to ReUse Last Chance Sale” and discounted all of the items going out of print. The Crying Puppy Sticker, a benefit sticker for Underdog ResQ, is the last non-ReUse item that we will make.Why are we doing this? It’s simple. We’ve always stood for positive change for everyone and the concept of ReUse can bring out the most positive change for the most people. Just by the simple task of reusing, you’re making positive change, as reusing is a huge step above recycling in preserving our natural resources for current and future generations.
Our Earth and our environment need to be priority # 1 with everyone, because if there’s no planet, there’s really nothing else to worry about.
While ReUse will be at the forefront, STAY VOCAL still believes and encourages addressing all manner of ideas that can have a positive impact.That said, we are not getting rid of our other idea lines, but simply emphasizing ReUse as the core focus. We want to provide you with a way to voice your favorite ideas for positive change, while making a positive impact on the environment.
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STAY VOCAL will reuse whenever and wherever possible. In addition to selling strictly ReUse products, there are many ways that we already reuse on a daily basis. When we print orders, they are printed on the back of used paper. When we ship orders, we reuse packaging and shipping materials, donated from our families and our good friends at Drum’s Emporium in Norwell. So if you get a t-shirt in a waffle box, don’t be alarmed. It’s for a good reason. Unfortunately, we haven’t figured out a way to reuse tape!
Here at STAY VOCAL, we’re all very excited about the transformation. We certainly will be offering many more one of a kind clothing items, reusable bags and mugs, and we’re even looking to team up with a great artist from Connecticut on some ReUse furniture pieces. Thanks for making things happen,
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To Make Room For ReUse, STAY VOCAL CafePress.Com Store Will Close
(03.29.08) In addition to converting our online store to strictly ReUse items, we are going to be closing the STAY VOCAL CafePress.com Store on March 31. While we think what they do is a great idea, we do not want to continue to manufacture new items when there is so much out there that could easily be reused.If you’ve haven’t checked out the store before, check it out now before it closes.
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Crying Puppy Benefit Stickers Are In
(03.25.08) The new Crying Puppy stickers are in. These stickers are in limited numbers and we will not be reprinting them. $1 from the sale of each sticker will be donated to Underdog ResQ.
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A.K.A.'s Contest Over
(03.24.08) We’d like to thank everyone who entered the “Everybody Make Some Noise With The A.K.A.s” reusable shopping bag design contest. We will be announcing the winner soon.
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STAY VOCAL Appearing in Burlington, VT
(03.15.08) This Tuesday, March 18th, STAY VOCAL will be meeting up with our good friends in 311 at their concert in Burlington, VT. We will have a table in the merchandise area and will be selling different ReUse items including reusable shopping bags and travel mugs. We will also have the last of our President T-Shirts. If you’ve ever wanted to speak for George W. Bush, here’s your chance.In addition to our merchandise, we’ll also have plenty of information and free stickers from New American Dream, Military Free Zone, and peta2.
311 is playing at the Memorial Auditorium with Slightly Stoopid and The Urgency. The show is sold out, but if you’ve already got tickets, we’ll see you there.
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Bent Left Now Offers ReUse Merchandise
(03.11.08) We just shipped Bent Left their first ReUse T-Shirts, which are now available at their shows. Speaking of shows, many news dates have been added to the Stay Vocal or Shut Up Tour in CA, OR, WA, MT, CO, IL, and MO.
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Band Who Helped Mold STAY VOCAL Owner Reunites In Boston
(03.03.08) The first time that I ever met Pilfers was on November 4, 1999, when I almost got the band fined $3000 by the city of Boston. I was working for a street promotions company and had plastered their posters all over Landsdowne Street, where the band was playing. Fortunately, nobody got fined and the band and I laughed the incident off.A month later, the band was in Boston again playing one of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones’ Hometown Throwdown shows. Coolie Ranx (lead singer) obviously had liked my promotional work ethic, because he mentioned the idea of me going on the road with the band to promote and sell their merchandise. At the time, I just figured that he said that to a lot of people he met on the road, so I didn’t get my hopes up.
In March of 2000, Coolie proved me wrong. He called me to say that the band wanted me to be their new merch guy for an upcoming tour with Suicide Machines. The only catch was that I had to be ready within a few days. Although I still had a week or two left of physical therapy for my shoulder surgery (1st one), I jumped at the chance. The next day, my mom and I went out and bought my first laptop and my first merchandise tools. Two days later, I met the band in Hartford, CT and loaded myself into the van for my first touring experience.
Touring with Pilfers opened a lot of doors for me, as I began working closely with the Positive Youth Foundation, Anti-Racist Action, and a lot of bands intent on making the world a better place. I was also able to meet many people who I remain close friends with to this day.
Coolie and I stayed in touch sporatically over the years and I was escatic in 2005, to find out that the original lineup had reunited for a show. They have played a few times since, but unfortunately I have always been somewhere else. But finally, after a 7 year drought, I will see Pilfers play live again.
On March 22, the band will reunite on stage in Boston at Harper’s Ferry and I will surely be there. To celebrate this reunion, we have added a Pilfers profile to our music section this month. You can download two great tracks for FREE and see an amusing picture I took on tour in 2000.
For more information and to buy tickets for the show in Boston, please visit the Harper’s Ferry Website.
Man, I hope they play “Jolly Jolly Jolly”
- ALex
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T-Shirt Company Promotes Date Rape And Profits From It
(03.03.08) Our friend Hanaa at New American Dream passed on this story to us. If you read this, you SHOULD be mad enough to write those in charge an email. So, please do…A company called David & Goliath has been selling a t-shirt that reads, “No Means No . . . Unless I’m Drunk!” That’s right, a t-shirt for women (more like tween and teen girls) condoning date rape. I’ve attached the image that was on the website. A few feminist blogs picked up on this and the shirt has been pulled as of today. I know I shouldn’t be shocked in this day and age that we have so-called ironic shirts joking about rape, but I am.
I am asking you to please send an email to their customer service department at questions@davidandgoliathtees.com requesting that any profit made from that shirt be donated to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, which runs the National Sexual Abuse Hotline and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims, and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
I was unaware of anything this company sold other than stuff that read “peas on earth” but this classy company also sells fitted tees that read “Miss BJ” among other gems.
Thanks for helping make the world a little more feminist,
Hanaa
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Vote For STAY VOCAL To Keep Offensive T-Shirts Out Of View
(03.03.08) Recently, we listed the STAY VOCAL Cafepress.com store on a web site called Fun T-Shirts List. It’s a website that lists different online t-shirt stores and each month, people vote on their favorite one.There are some good shops on there, but unfortunately there are stores that focus on rude and offensive t-shirts, similar to the date rape t-shirt that we focused on earlier today. We want to make sure that those kinds of stores don’t win, so hopefully they’ll rethink what they’re doing. So, we’re asking all of you to take a minute to vote for the STAY VOCAL store.
Thanks in advance!
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FREE T-Shirt, Pin, and Sticker: Today Only!
(02.29.08) February 29th is something that doesn’t come around too often, so we thought we’d do something equally as unique. Starting at 12:00 AM EST on February 29th, the first 29 orders of $2.90 or more will receive the following for FREE:- 1 STAY VOCAL - Make Yourself Heard Face T-Shirt (Pick Your Size)
- 1 Pin
- 1 Sticker
To take advantage of this offer, simply add the February 29th? Combo Pack to your order.
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Alex Eaves' First Printed Interview...
(02.28.08) The new Outsider PI (Issue #2) features an interview with our very own Alex Eaves. To read the article and/or purchase a copy, please visit the Outsider PI MySpace page and look for the “Stay Vocal” blog entry.
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New Jersey Online TV Show Creates STAY VOCAL Trailer Video
(02.28.08) Our friends at Jersey Fresh TV recently made us a STAY VOCAL trailer video. Jersey Fresh TV is an Internet TV show that focuses on music and art in the state of New Jersey. Be sure to check their page out, but only after you watch this video!
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Analog to Digital TV: A Trashy Way To Make A Lot Of Money
(02.27.08) Hello all,I have heard rumors about this, but now I know it is true. The US government has made it a law that as of this time next year, all television broadcasts must be digital. As a person who doesn’t watch too much television, this just seems like a money making scheme for television companies and the government.
Unfortunately, though the battle is not against the government this time, but rather the TV companies. I’ll leave it up to our friends at New American Dream to explain – ALex
On February 17, 2009, broadcasters will turn off their analog broadcasts and switch to digital. The FCC estimates about 16 million households still rely on antennas, rather than cable or satellite for their television reception. By next year, these households must purchas a digital-to-analog converter box, or a new television. With a potentially huge increase in discarded televisions, now more than ever we need free and convenient recycling for e-waste. Some manufacturers, like Sony, offer free recycling programs. Panasonic, Philips, and Sharp, however, have NOT established take back programs; they actively lobby against state legislation that would require them to do so, and have been slackers when it comes to substituting environmentally responsible materials in their products.
Fill out this online petition at Take Back My TV to ask other major television manufacturers to offer TV recycling programs. The campaign is part of the Electronics Take Back Coalition, which advocates for green design and responsible recycling in the electronics industry.
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Spay Day USA Contest, Vote For STAY VOCAL Cat Model
(02.25.08) February 26th is Spay Day USA and The Humane Society of the United States wants everyone to know that spaying and neutering actually improves pets’ lives. “In addition to making pets better, more affectionate companions, spaying and neutering helps animals live longer and healthier.”Visit the HSUS website to learn more reasons why you should spay or neuter your pet.To celebrate Spay Day USA, the HSUS is holding the “Spay Day USA Pet Photo Contest” and our good friend Mashed Potatoes is a contestant. You may recognize her from some of our “Adoption…Think About it” artwork. Well, she needs your votes if she’s going to stand a chance against the rest of the pets.
To vote for MP and any other pets (you can vote for as many as you wish), please visit the Spay Day USA website. And if you want to see how MP is doing, visit the Find a Pet page and search for her by name.
The contest ends on March 7, 2008.
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New STAY VOCAL Store Opens
(02.17.08) When anything is made, there is almost always excess waste. When you cook dinner, some of the food is bound to go down the drain or get thrown away. When you build a house, wood gets scrapped and nails get thrown away. The same problem is evident with merchandise. Companies will make products in hopes that they will all sell, but in many cases, the items sit on shelves for years.For a long time, STAY VOCAL has had a running list of designs that we’d like to see turned into merchandise items. But when we make new items, we have to buy large minimums to start. And not only does that cost a lot of money, but it would just be bringing a ton of new “stuff” into the world and have it possibly sit and collect dust.
STAY VOCAL also does not believe in making things just to make money. We like to offer products that are useful and worthwhile. There are things like books, t-shirts, and sweatshirts and then there are things like diamond necklaces, flat screen televesions, and monstrous SUV’s. The fact of the matter is that there will always be a need for clothing, which is a perfect way to get our messages out there, but we needed to figure out a way to offer designs and messages to people without having to make a ton of “stuff.” Fortunately, we did figure out a way.
Today we are celebrating the grand opening of the new STAY VOCAL cafepress.com online store. CafePress.com produces each item when ordered using a unique print-on-demand technology. None of the items are made until someone wants one, leaving no excess merchandise.
With this method, we are also able to give people more of a choice. That is why in our cafepress.com store you will see hundreds of different items. Like our mission states, “by providing a variety of vehicles that embrace different fashions, styles, and humor, this company is here to help people get vocal.” With the ability to offer so many new designs, we were able to make our first clothing items for some of our idea lines like Free To Be, Don’t Drive…every time, and Adoption…think about it. But the design that we are most excited about is Dube.
The other day I was eating at Grilla Bites in Chico, CA and I was coloring a picture of a zebra at the same time. I decided to make a rainbow striped zebra, because I was always taught to see beyond the box. I thought to myself that the zebra was free to do whatever he wanted. So, I decided to write FREE TO BE above it. Upon bringing the coloring home, the zebra became a big hit and I was told I should turn the coloring into a new design. That night, I scanned the coloring, reworked it, and came up with a design. The next day, the zebra was renamed Dube (pronounced doo-bee), which is an African male name meaning “zebra.”
The Dube line, along with all of the designs in the STAY VOCAL cafepress.com store are available only on items made in the USA. In the US today, the majority of products are cheaply made in China and unfortunately, many of them in sweatshops. Here at STAY VOCAL we care about everything and everyone. That is why weare not able to offer designs on as many clothing types as CafePress.com offers.
Fortunately for the planet and for us at STAY VOCAL, one of the products cafepress.com offers is a USA Made organic shirt. By using organic cotton, the entire shirt is sustainable, so the shirt and its message can stand the test of time.
While we were able to create many different designs to appeal to many different people, there is always more to say. So, we have set up a forum just for that purpose. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas for a design you’d like to see in our store, please visit the new STAY VOCAL CafePress.Com Online Store Forum. But, if there is a specific item type that you want, please contact CafePress and let them know that they should carry more USA made products.
Opening the CafePress.com store does not mean that the STAYVOCAL.COM online store will close. It just means that we will be able to focus more on ReUse clothing and items, like our reusable shopping bags and one of a kind pieces.
Please come by the new store for a visit at www.cafepress.com/stayvocal. We have dozens of new designs and hundreds of items, including pins, stickers, t-shirts, sweatshirts and more. And the best thing is that none of it is made until you want it to be.
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FREE Shipping in our Ebay Store
(02.14.08) For the next week, most of our fixed price and auction style Ebay listings are not only on sale, but also will include FREE shipping. Many of these items are the last ones we have and we will not be making any more.Visit the STAY VOCAL Ebay store to see our normal STAY VOCAL items, as well as many other t-shirts, stickers, skateboards, and one-of-a-kind DIY items. This sale goes through February 20th. Thanks!
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Stay Vocal or Shut Up: Many new dates added
(02.12.08) We just got confirmation from Bent Left on many news shows added to the Stay Vocal or Shut Up Tour. The band has new shows lined up in AZ, CA, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, MS, NE, NM, OK, and TX.
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Fresh Music Friday: Please Welcome Sakes Alive!! And Resolution 242
(02.01.08) Today, we would like to welcome two new bands to our music section: Sakes Alive!! from Rochester, NY and Resolution 242 from across the pond in the United Kingdom. The bands may not sound alike musically (or with their accents), but surely feel the same: this world needs some change and it needs it now.Through punk music, Sakes Alive!! focuses heavily on the environment, evident in their song, “Our Mistress The Sea.” Resolution 242 has a strong animal rights feel, very obvious in their reggae inspired track, “Meat Your Meat.” You will find these songs and more on the respective band’s STAY VOCAL Music pages. They’re FREE for you to listen to and download if you wish.
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President T-Shirt And Stickers: 50% Off And Going Out Of Print
(02.01.08) We have lowered the prices considerably on our Make Yourself Heard – President T-Shirt (Now $7.50) and Sticker (Now $.25). There are only small amounts of each left and once they’re gone, we will not be making any more.
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The A.KA.s : Download 1 New Song For FREE And Enter The Design Contest
(02.01.08) On March 18th, The A.K.A.s will be releasing “Everybody Make Some Noise!.” But for all of you who cannot wait that long to own some new A.K.A.s music, you can now download one of the tracks for free. “Confessions of a Dangerous Mouth” (DEMO Version) is now availabe on the bands STAY VOCAL Music page.In addition to writing a new record, the band has certainly been busy working with us on New American Dream’s “Bring Your Own Bag” campaign. Now, taking it a step further, The A.K.A.s will join the ranks of Darkest Hour, Mike Park and Strike Anywhere by having their own STAY VOCAL Paper or Plastic? reusable shopping bag. Like the other band bags, these will be made in the USA of 100% organic cotton canvas. But the band doesn’t have a design for their bag yet, so they have launched a special design contest on the STAY VOCAL Contest page. Check it out!
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Make Yourself (And The Candidates) Heard
(01.23.08) This past October, our friends at the Center for a New American Dream sent presidential candidates a survey of questions dealing with the environment, quality of life, fair trade standards, etc.“Over the last decade, New American Dream has observed a curious phenomenon: the “more of what matters” vision resonates with a large majority of Americans, yet few political leaders demonstrate the courage to challenge the “more is better” culture and economy.” (www.newdream.org)
So far, only two candidates, John Edwards and Dennis Kucinich have responded. But as voters, we want to hear from all of the candidates. Please sign New American Dream’s Petition to encourage the other candidates to answer these questions. The goal is 10,000 signatures by February 5th (Super Tuesday), when 19 states will hold their full primaries.
You can also read and review the response by John Edwards and Dennis Kucinich.
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FREE Equal Rights CD With Every Order
(01.22.08) In 2001, a friend of ours was just 14-years old, but he was working for multiple bands and record labels doing street promotions. You might know him as AOOne of the bands that he was promoting was the Blue Meanies, specifically their single, “All The Same.” This song was about the singer’s personal experience with movements toward racial equality in Chicago and how, “it’s all the same on the inside.”
As we look at the world today, racism is still an issue, hence this song is still very relavent. We are happy to say that AO recently donated 240 of these CD’s to STAY VOCAL. So, we will be sending them out for free with mailorder purchases until the 240 are gone. We hope you will enjoy the song and if you want to get one today, please visit the STAY VOCAL Online Store.
If you would like to learn more about the Blue Meanies, please visit the Blue Meanies MySpace page
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Store Bans Plastic Bags, We Offer FREE ReUse Bags
(01.22.08) Today was a great day for the environment and our descendants. Grocery store chain Whole Foods announced that as of April 22 (Earth Day), they will no longer be offering plastic bags in any of their 270 stores worldwide.The company says that this will keep roughly 100 million plastic bags out of landfills between that date and the end of 2008. Hooray for Whole Foods!
To celebrate this win for the environment and to prepare shoppers, we’re giving away a FREE Original ReUse “Paper Or Plastic” canvas shopping bag, when any 2 of our reusable bags are purchased. For example, if you buy 10 of our oversized bags, you’ll get 5 bags for FREE.
The offer is good through this Thursday, January 24th.
Check out all of the STAY VOCAL reusable shopping bags now
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How will YOU make positive change in 2008?
(01.18.08) As we begin another calendar year, I would like to thank you for helping to make 2007 an excellent year for STAY VOCAL, but more importantly for making an impact on current and future generations. As more and more people learn how important their voices are, we truly can make this world a better place for everyone.2007 brought many changes for STAY VOCAL such as our move from Pittsburgh back to my hometown of Norwell, MA. And in June, a new stayvocal.com as born. More importantly, though, we were able to make positive changes in the world.
This past year, we created a whole line of reusable “Paper or Plastic?” shopping bags, helping encourage people from all walks of life to shop consciously. While many chain stores and others began offering their own versions, we continued to be one of theSTAY VOCAL reusable shopping bags few to use USA Made, sweatshop-free bags. We don’t just care about the environment, we care about everything.
In September, we partnered up with the Center For A New American Dream’s Carbon Conscious Consumer (C3) campaign. Since then we have encouraged thousands of people to junk their junk mail, break the bottled water habit, wash in cold water and bring their own bag. After seeing the success of working on the C3 campaign, we are going to put some major focus on working with others in 2008.
This year, we will begin working closely with schools and colleges by setting up clubs and providing internships. We will also get more involved in events, like Bent Left’s 6 month long music tour that we are sponsoring. We are also going to begin working with local stores, acquiring their used boxes to make up a large percentage of our mailing supplies. So, if you receive a cereal box in the mail, do not be alarmed, it is not food. Reusing boxes is just one way that we’re going to strengthen our emphasis on the environment this year.
While we will of course continue with all of our core ideas, we will involve “ReUse” whenever possible to focus on even more positive change for the environment. What do we have if we do not have a planet? Instead of making primarily new items, we will be making more ReUse series and ReUse one of a kind items. And we have already encouraged some of our friends to do the same, as both the bands Bent Left and Strike Anywhere will be selling their own ReUse T-Shirts on upcoming tours.
With a lot of new ReUse items coming in, we need to make some room. So, in the next few weeks, we are going to be lowering the prices on a lot of older items that we have had for some time. We started by discounting many of our items in the STAY VOCAL Ebay store.
register to voteI hope you all use your voice more than ever this year, especially in the U.S., as we have quite an important presidential election coming up. If you are one of the astronomical amount of citizens who is not registered to vote, please register to vote today.
Thanks again for making things happen,
BIG AL
A Man From A Small Town With Huge Dreams
P.S. At the end of the summer, we will be celebrating our 5th anniversary with a big event, but there are no details yet. As soon as things start coming together, we will let you know.
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Would You Give 30 Seconds To Polar Bears?
(01.13.08) From The Center For Biological DiversityPolar bears are in trouble. The melting of the Arctic is killing them. Some are already starving and drowning. If global warming is allowed to continue, the Arctic will be entirely ice-free during the summer, dooming polar bears to extinction.
But as you may have seen in the news over the past few days, federal bureaucrats are illegally delaying a decision to protect the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act. Meanwhile they are fast-tracking Arctic oil drilling while the bear remains unprotected!
The Center for Biological Diversity and our allies are preparing to go to court to force the administration to finalize the Endangered Species Act listing. But we need your help as well. Polar bears need a massive groundswell of public support to show that people are watching and will not tolerate delays, denial, or political game-playing.
Please sign our polar bear petition today. Tell the Bush administration to immediately list the polar bear as an endangered species. With your help, we’ll send the petition with 50,000 signatures to the White House on January 31st.
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Staying Vocal...But A Little Slower
(01.06.08) Over the next few days, you may notice a lack of activity on our website. That’s because the person who regularly updates our website is having surgery on his right shoulder on Tuesday. We know that he’ll be doing his best, but as a right handed man who will now only be able to use his left hand, he’ll be working pretty slow. We’re sure that by the time his shoulder is healed, he’ll be an expert at typing with one hand.
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Sometimes Gifts Can Be Ignorant
(01.04.08) Gladys Garcia experienced ignorance this past holiday season and for the first time, she shares her feelings. Read her latest poetry submission, Fur-Trim Jacket.
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The Time Has Finally Come
(12.30.07) You may remember the “Bent Left: Stay Vocal or Shut Up” T-shirt design contest that we held recently. Our friend Benjamin Wolf entered the winning design, which is seen to the right. The contest was just one of the many, many preparations that Bent Left and STAY VOCAL had to make, though. But many days, hours, and jobs later, the time has come for Bent Left to embark on the long awaited ”Stay Vocal Or Shut Up : The Proverbial Knowledge Vs. Your Mouth Tour.”On January 3rd, Bent Left will begin their massive 8-month trek around the US with a send off show in their hometown of Rolla, MO. The band is nothing less than excited about the tour though, as drummer Josh Nelson says they “will be merrily traveling the countryside singing songs of change with joyous fervor.”
Generally speaking, Bent Left is geared toward encouraging political and social action and awareness on an individual level toward a global impact. And what better way to do this than by traveling around the country and meeting and talking to people. Before the end of August, Bent Left plans to play in all 48 of the contiguous states at least once, with a short break in the spring to bring the tour to Japan.
Unlike many bands these days, Bent Left certainly (pardon the cliche) practices what they preach. Instead of just talking about the need to conserve materials, the band chose to add ReUse shirts and patches into their merchandise line. Instead of just getting angry at people with Hummers, the band recently converted their van to run on vegetable oil.
Finally, the band and their fans will be able to interact together even after the shows are over in the Stay Vocal Or Shut Up Forum that we just set up. Talk about the shows, upload your pictures, set up carpools, request a tabling spot at a show, etc.
For now, we only have the first 10 days of shows listed, but we will be adding more and more as the days push on and new shows are added. If you’re in the Pittsburgh, PA area, you’re in for something special. On January 12, the band will be stopping in our old homebase for 2 shows; including a rare acoustic show at our favorite coffee shop, The Vault.
Don’t be discouraged if your city is not listed. There’s 8 months to go.
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Have Yourself An Alternative (Merry) Christmas
(12.21.07) Our friend Davis Fleetwood’s latest video has a similar sentiment to our recent holiday post. He too wants you to simply have a happy season.
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A Good Friend Helps Hip Hop Artist Stay Vocal In New Video
(12.21.07) Seth Abrams is a good friend of ours, who is currently working his way up the actor’s ladder. One of his most recent roles was in the video for “Stop Hittin’ Me,” a song by hip hop artist, Big Lou. Inspired by numerous battered women’s stories, Big Lou ceratinly stays vocal about his feelings on domestic violence. Seth plays the final husband. Watch Big Lou’s Stop Hittin’ Me Here
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Your Snickers Bar Might Have Blood In It
(12.20.07) From our friends at PETA:PETA has uncovered gruesome evidence that candy giant Mars has been paying experimenters to conduct deadly tests on mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. We’re launching a worldwide boycott of Snickers, M&M’s, Twix, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, Starburst, Dove, Skittles, and other Mars-made products until the company has a heart and stops hurting animals.
Right now, Mars is funding a study at the University of California, San Francisco, in which experimenters force-feed rats by shoving plastic tubes down their throats. The animals are then killed and cut open.
Mars has also paid experimenters to do the following:
- Force mice to swim in a pool of water and paint and find a hidden platform to avoid drowning—only to be killed later
- Surgically attach plastic tubes to guinea pigs’ carotid arteries and inject cocoa ingredients into their jugular veins to induce dramatic decreases in blood pressure
- Force rabbits to eat high-cholesterol diets with varying amounts of cocoa and then cut out and examine primary blood vessels to their hearts
Not one of these tests is required by law for candy. Mars’ chief competitor, Hershey’s, has already signed PETA’s statement of assurance pledging never to conduct or fund tests on animals.
We need your help to end Mars’ cruel experiments! Visit our new MarsCandyKills.com campaign Web site to find out what you can do to help.
Sincerely,
Jason Ullman
Anti-Vivisection Campaigner
PETA
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Why I'm NOT Buying Presents This December
(12.14.07) Happy Holidays!Happy Chanukah!
Merry Christmas!
Tis the season!
I’m not sure, but I don’t see any dollar or cent signs, do you? Well then, how have those phrases become synonymous with spending time and money trying to find gifts for everyone? To me, I would much rather spend time and money (if I have to) with everyone.
For the past few years, I have started to see how absolutely insane it is that for about a month people feel obligated to buy presents for people; not because they want to, but more so because they HAVE to. BUYING has become a tradition. That’s why this holiday season, I will be starting my own new traditions and I will not be taking part in the traditional gift buying frenzy. Isn’t is sad that spending a lot of your hard earned money on “stuff” is a tradition? What about simply spending time together? Having a huge pot luck dinner? Playing games?
This year, as a “present” to all 10 of my nieces and nephews, my lady friend and I will be putting on a huge cookie decorating session on Christmas Eve. As my good friends at New American Dream say, “Less Stuff, More Fun!” Speaking of New American Dream, they have an amazing guide called Simplify The Holidays, which takes all the stress and commercialism out of the holiday season and puts back the real enjoyment. Check it out and you could learn, and save, a lot.
Now some of you might certainly want to still get gifts for people and not only during the holiday season, but for other times of year as well. That’s certainly understandable. In fact, I want to give you all a DVD. Well, it’s actually a 20 minute online video called The Story Of Stuff , but pretend it’s a movie and please take the time to watch it. Grab some popcorn and a soda and you’ll be all set.
Thanks for paying attention, ALex
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Peta2 ReUsable Shopping Bags Are In
(12.13.07) We just received the “Put The Gun Down for peta2 canvas reusable shopping bags today and will begin shipping them out this afternoon.
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Now Taking Phone Orders
(12.09.07) We understand that many people are not comfortable using their credit cards on the internet. And there are also many people who do not have easy access to the internet. So, we’re now taking phone orders for any of you in those categories. If you would like to place an order by phone, please call us at 781.561.7768. If we do not answer, please leave us a message with your name and number and we will get back to you soon.
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NEW MUSIC : Hit The Switch
(12.09.07) We have some new friends from Chino, California. They define their style as “Punk / Hardcore / Experimental,” but we define it as “Message Music.” Read more about and listen to Hit The Switch here.
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ReUse Bag Featured In Alternative Press
(12.09.07) STAY VOCAL would like to thank Jessie and Leslie of Alternative Press Magazine for believing in what we’re doing. They went above and beyond to help us get some exposure this month. Our ReUse “Paper or Plastic” Shopping Bag is featured on page 62 of the January ‘08 issue (#234), which is available in stores now. Click here for a list of stores that carry Alternative Press.
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Bring Your Own Bag And Win Prizes
(12.06.07)
For about a year, we have been heavily promoting the use of reusable shopping bags and hopefully most of you have caught on by now. Even if you have not, now is a great time to start or continue using reusable shopping bags, as you can be rewarded for doing so.
What do you have to do? Just fill out the C3 pledge form and then start using reusable bags when you go shopping. It’s that easy. Just by doing that you’ll start making a dent in the waste of the 12 million barrels of oil and the 14 million trees used to produce plastic and paper bags each year. Plus you’ll curb your carbon footprint by almost 4 pounds each month.
After you sign up, tell your friends and family to sign up and you could win a $5000 prize package from Brighter Planet or one of several other terrific prizes.
Don’t have a reusable bag yet? No problem. We do! STAY VOCAL sweatshop-free, canvas reusable bags are available in different sizes, colors, and designs. Worldwide, an estimated 4 billion plastic bags end up as litter each year. Tied end to end that’s enough to circle the earth 63 times. Isn’t it time to start making a difference?
Join the campaign and learn more about becoming a Carbon Conscious Consumer.
Thank You for Making a Difference,
STAY VOCAL and New American Dream
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We Need Your Voice, And Fast!
(11.29.07) Hey everyone, our friends in The A.K.A.s are trying something new to get on Warped Tour ‘08 and they need your help. They’re making a video collection of people telling the Warped Tour staff why The A.K.A.s should be on the tour this summer. For full details, check out The A.K.A.s post.Hurry, though. The A.K.A.s extended the deadline only a couple of days!
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Stay Vocal At All Times
(11.28.07) For those of you who enjoy staying vocal whenever possible, we just put 5 new STAY VOCAL Combo Packs in the store.- BENT LEFT Going To The Show Pack
- DON’T DRIVE - Skateboard Pack
- PLEA FOR PEACE - Open The Center Pack
- PUT THE GUN DOWN Pack
- STAY VOCAL Cold Weather Pack
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Start A STAY VOCAL Club At Your School
(11.28.07) Interested in starting a STAY VOCAL club or group in your school? Well here’s a guide to help you get your club started. If you have further questions/concerns, please email us at info@stayvocal.com.1. GET A TEACHER INVOLVED
- Ask a teacher who you are familiar with or that you have had in the past
- Have the teacher view the STAY VOCAL website and talk to them about the STAY VOCAL Ideas
- This teacher should be supportive of STAY VOCAL
- Have your teacher contact STAY VOCAL before making any further steps
If you have friends who are familiar with the ideas of STAY VOCAL, ask them to be officers for your Club. Here are the suggested officer roles:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary (sends E-mails to Members of Events/New Updates)
- Events Coordinator
- Treasurer
- Merchandise Manager
- Public Relations Manager (Create Flyers/Banners to post around school, as well as creating a webpage / myspace page for your club)
- ask local restaurants/popular hangouts to do a fundraiser night for your STAY VOCAL Club
- collaborate with other clubs in your school and work together on fundraising activities
- take part in the STAY VOCAL ReUse bag sales program
- sell STAY VOCAL Face T-shirts, ReUse mugs and other items
- collect recyclable bottles/cans at school games/events OR around your town
- donate the money to a charitable organization
- purchase items from STAY VOCAL at wholesale prices to sell and raise more money for your club
- purchase things needed for possible activities/events you may have planned
5. EVENTS TO COORDINATE There are plenty of creative minds out there that could come up with innovative activities/events to help support a local cause. The majority of your events should revolve around the core STAY VOCAL Ideas. Here are some events/activities for you to consider:
- Don’t Drive Day – Walk / Bike / Skateboard to school Day
- Vegetarian / Vegan Lunch Day
- Buy Local Day – coordinate a shopping trip for necessary things from a local small business
- ReUse Day – have people donate reusable items for a local shelter or thrift store
- Pitch In Day – raise money for a charity
- Care Local Day – local trash and recycling clean up
- Optimism Week – This should be a week of positivity and paying it forward. You could have one activity per day of the week.
1. Compliment Day – wear a white shirt and have people write their compliments on your shirt.
2. Smile-all-Day
3. High-Fives Day
4. FREE HUGS Day
5. Favor Day
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Hug A Friend, Get A Detention. What!?
(11.27.07) Taken from the St. Louis Post-DispatchMASCOUTAH — A 13-year-old junior high school student was given two days of detention after school officials spotted her hugging friends after school last Friday.
Megan Coulter, an eighth-grade student at Mascoutah Middle School, was hugging her friends goodbye after school Friday when vice principal, Randy Blakely, saw her and told her she would receive two after-school detentions.
Blakely had previously warned Coulter that she was in violation of the school’s policy on public displays of affection after she was seen hugging a student at a football game.
The school’s policy says that “displays of affection should not occur on the campus at any time.”
Coulter’s mother, Melissa Coulter, says she has requested to speak with the School Board at its next meeting, and is mystified about the punishment leveled at her daughter.
Mascoutah Superintendent Sam McGowen said today that the district’s policy helps prevent misunderstandings and unwelcome expressions of affection.
We don’t really need to say much here. This is absolutely ludicrous. Are teammates allowed to high five when they win a game? Are couples allowed to dance at the prom? Honestly, why???
Please follow us and so many others and voice your opinions on this matter. To make it easy, we are providing you with a phone number and email for Dr. Sam H. McGowen, easily accesible on the Mascoutah website. We encourage you to write your own, but, you can even copy this simple message:
“Dr. McGowen, your views on public displays of affection are outrageous. HUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!”
Phone: 618-566-7414
e-mail: mcgowens@mascoutah19.k12.il.us
UPDATE
Here’s what our friend Riley Waters from Albia Iowa wrote:
I’ve just read of your recent punishment placed upon Megan Coulter and I must say I was offended by the fact that you would feel the necessity to punish her for publicly recognizing one of her friends with a hug. I am currently a junior in high school and our school has similar rules regarding “PDA” (Public Display of Affection) and they are enforced, when necessary. The PDA rules are there to make it so other students are not made to feel uncomfortable by two people displaying distasteful ways of their feelings for one another. I can’t see that a hug between two friends would make anyone feel uncomfortable. I believe if you truly take a step back and rethink this situation you will realize the ignorance of this punishment. Also what message are you sending these kids? Don’t hug and show that you care for someone who is your best friend? The society we live in is known as a stuck up sort of type. We’ll walk past people who we’ve known our whole lives and not say a word. The message we should be sending is hugs not drugs or hugs not violence. I can’t believe you’d see any reason to waste your time with something so harmless as this when there is so many worse things going on in this world and our schools. Bullying and violent things should be what you receive two days detention for, not something that shows a sign of caring and love. Thank you and I hope you reconsider and take this e-mail to heart.
Sincerely,
Riley Waters
Albia Community High School
Albia, Iowa
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Want to be a STAY VOCAL intern?
(11.23.07) STAY VOCAL offers numerous unpaid internships to students and the general public, who are looking to gain college credit or to simply boost their resume through outside experience. As all of our current internships can be done on a personal computer and phone, candidates need not worry about transportation. Our typical internships are 20 hours per week and those hours are generally up to the intern, as long as they stay fairly consistent. We accept applications throughout the year.A high level of self-motivation, interpersonal skills, and some creativity are essential for success as a STAY VOCAL intern. An overall interest in the company’s ideas and mission is equally important. Candidates should also possess a positive attitude and be able to work in and out of group settings. We also expect our interns to be familiar with the following computer programs and websites:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Adobe Photoshop (Art & Advertising Interns)
- stayvocal.com
- myspace.com
- facebook.com
Interested candidates should send us a resume and a short cover letter, indicating the internship they are interested in and the dates they are available, to info@stayvocal.com, under the subject: Internship.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING INTERNSHIPS: WINTER/SPRING ‘08
ADVERTISING INTERNSHIP- Online Advertising: Intern will assist in the creation and placement of online flyers and banner ads. Skills used will be graphic design, copywriting, networking and negotiation.
- Street Marketing: Intern will assist in the creation and production of flyers, which, along with provided promotional tools, will be placed at stores, events and other identified marketing locations. Intern will be responsible for maintaining a database of the events and targeted locations.
- Background in graphic design and customer service a plus. Examples of design work are requested.
- Intern will network with other artists, trying to find those who “stay vocal” through their art. Through these contacts, more artists can be featured in the “Art Section” of the website.
- Intern will assist in the creation of different designs for the core STAY VOCAL ideas of their choosing. They will in turn be featured in the “Art Section” of the SV website.
- Background in graphic design a plus. Examples of design work are requested.
- Intern will network with other writers, trying to find those who “stay vocal” through their works. Through these contacts, more artists can be featured in the “Literature Section” of the website.
- Intern will be responsible for creating different pieces for the core STAY VOCAL ideas of their choosing. They will in turn be featured in the “literature section” on the SV website.
- Ample writing expereince is a must. Writing examples are requested.
- Intern will be involved in working with physical and online retail stores.
- Intern will be contacting these stores via email, phone, and in person (in their specific area), trying to bring more wholesale accounts in.
- Background in sales, customer service, and promotions a plus.
- Intern will network with artists, trying to find those who “stay vocal” through their music. Through these contacts, more artists can be featured in the “Music Section” of the website.
- open for anyone interested in music, but a background in music is a plus
- Intern will be in charge of seeking out news directly relating to the STAY VOCAL core ideas. These will be posted in the STAY VOCAL forum. Some of these stories may be put in the news section as well.
- Ample writing experience is a must. Writing examples are requested.
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Buy Nothing Day - Friday November 23rd
(11.21.07) This Friday, November 23rd, we will be celebrating Buy Nothing Day, an informal day of protest against consumerism. Our online store will be closed. Learn more about Buy Nothing Day here.
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Fire In A 14-Year Old Heart
(11.20.07) We have a new poet in our literature section. Gladys Garcia is just 14-years old, but sees the world through the eyes of a motivated adult. Meet Gladys and read her first two poetry submissions.
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Davis Fleetwood's Student Challenge Tour
(11.20.07) As a follow up to my video challenging students to protest the war seen by over 2.5 MILLION on youtube, and as part of my new job with DENNIS KUCINICH FOR PRESIDENT, I am going on a cross country College Campus tour.Subscribe to my YouTube page to follow the tour online.
In a bus with a diesel engine converted to run on Food Grease, Davis Fleetwood (me) and members of the Kucinich campaign team will be touring college campuses from coast to coast, organizing rallies, protests- and posting video blogs on my channel.
Additionally, we are creating a documentary that will hit theaters in time for the Democratic National Convention this summer.
We will help you protest on your campus. We will be the protest on your campus. We will help you, amid the build up to war with Iran- STOP BUSINESS AS USUAL!
NOVEMBER 29 - EMERSON
NOVEMBER 30 - NYU + other NYC locations TBA
DECEMBER 1 - George Washington University
DECEMBER 2 - UNC, ASHEVILLE
DECEMBER 4 - University of Texas @ AUSTIN
DECEMBER 5 - Arizona State University
DECEMBER 6 - PRESCOTT COLLEGE, AZ
DECEMBER 8 - UCSD
DECEMBER 9 - UCLA
DECEMBER 10 - PRE DEBATE KUCINICH RALLY in Los Angeles
(Davis Fleetwood)
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Peta2 Bag Design Winner And Pre-Order
(11.19.07)Not only will this bag help the environment, but it will also help animals. $3 from the sale of each bag will be donated to peta2, People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals. So, get one today and be rest assured that there will be plenty of room for your soy milk, veggie burgers, vegan cookies, and more.
PRE-ORDER this bag and get a FREE 5-item Sticker/Pin Set.
Orders should begin shipping the week of December 10. If you order anything else, that will be shipped now.
- Material: 100% Organic cotton canvas
- Handle Size: 1 .5” wide x 23” long
- Bag Size: 16 .5” wide x 17” high x 6” gusset
- Made in the USA
- $3 from the sale of each bag goes to peta2
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Wendy's And Animal Cruelty
(11.16.07) (From our friends at The Human Society Of The United States)Wendy’s attitude toward animal welfare is frosty. After months of discussions with The HSUS, the cold-hearted company is still lagging behind its competitors, Burger King, Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., when it comes to reducing cruelty to egg-laying hens.
In 2007, all three of these competitors began phasing in the use of cage-free eggs. Yet all of the eggs that Wendy’s uses come from birds crammed in cages so tiny they can barely move.
The HSUS has repeatedly urged Wendy’s to stop lagging behind and begin moving away from eggs from caged hens. And tens of thousands of caring consumers have emailed and called Wendy’s. But the company has not taken any concrete steps to reduce the suffering of these birds.
TAKE ACTION
Please call Wendy’s between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST and ask the company to move away from battery-cage cruelty, at 1-800-443-7266, ext. 2032.
You can read more about how to take action against Wendy’s on the HSUS’ website.
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Vote For The Peta2 Benefit ReUse Bag
(11.14.07) Well, the contest is officially over. First of all, we’d like to thank everyone who submitted one of the many great designs that we received. Unfortunately, a few of the entries did not follow the guidelines, so they were taken out of the running. Here is a link to a collage of the entriesIf you could, take a quick look and then send us an email, telling us which one is your favorite. Please let us know by Friday morning.
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Celebrate Reusable Bag Day / Big Bag Sale
(11.11.07) “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has designated Wednesday, November 14 as “Reusable Bag Day.” Retailers across the state will encourage customers to consider bringing in their own bags or purchasing a reusable bag.”(Senator Brian A. Joyce) Read the full Boston Globe ArticleThis is just the first step though, as a plastic bag ban is being considered in the state. As STAY VOCAL is based in southeastern Massachusetts, this makes us all very happy. To celebrate this exciting step, all of our ReUse shopping bags will be on sale through Wednesday. If you don’t have a reusable shopping bag yet, please get one today. Stop letting things happen and MAKE things happen
And if you’re going to buy gifts this holiday season, these are an excellent choice. They’re the gifts that keep on bagging.
SALE PRICES
- Original Paper or Plastic? – $4.50
- Organic Paper or Plastic? – $6.00
- Organic Mike Park – $8
- Organic Darkest Hour – $10
- Organic Strike Anywhere – $10
Remember, OUR bags are big, durable, washable, sweatshop free, and made in the USA.
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What do YOU do to make the world better?
(11.08.07) Think of a good answer? Well, our new Make The World Better sticker is a perfect way for YOU to tell everyone what YOU’re doing to make some positive change.
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One Of A Kind USA Made STAY VOCAL Sneakers
(11.08.07) Many of us at STAY VOCAL have enjoyed wearing Converse Chuck Taylor’s for years. They’re comfortable, inexpensive, available in a ton of colors, and best of all: sweatshop free and made in the USA. That is until NIKE purchased Converse in 2003 and now all Chucks are made in sweatshops, mostly in Vietnam.Fortunately, it is still possible to find good, used pairs of USA made Chucks at thrift stores, etc. But recently, we found a mini Holy Grail of Chuck Taylors: a store with 5 brand new pairs that have been sitting and collecting dust. Well, we wanted to make sure that these treasures didn’t collect dust any longer, so we got them all. But we also decided what a perfect opportunity to make some one-of-a-kind pieces of STAY VOCAL ART.
In the next couple of months, we will be listing the 5 different pairs. Our first pair, Free To Be Chuck Taylors by Alex Eaves, are live right now. We started the bidding for these sneakers at the exact price that we paid for them.
25% of all profit after that will be split with a specified charity.
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Beat the Heat, Wash in Cold, Score an Eco-Friendly Home Office
(11.07.07)
Did you know you can reduce your carbon footprint, save energy and money, and give yourself a chance at some great prizes in one simple step? It’s a win-win situation for you, the community and the ecosystem…and you can even win $1500 worth of green office furniture and supplies from Office Depot.
What do you have to do? Just fill out the pledge form at c3.newdream.org and then wash 80% of your laundry in cold water. It’s that easy. Just by doing 4 out of 5 loads in cold water you’ll cut 72 pounds of CO2 emissions this month alone. Keep it up and you’ll save more than $60 a year in energy costs too.
Visit the C3 site to sign up and then tell your friends: you could win $1500 worth of green office furniture and supplies from Home Depot or one of several other terrific prizes.
Washing in hot water is more likely to clean out your wallet than your apparel. Today’s more efficient clothes washers and laundry detergents make it possible to get even whites clean in cold water. Did you know that almost 90% of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating the water. Wash in Cold is an easy way to cut down on your energy use
Help me Beat the Heat and sign up today!
Go to:
http://c3.newdream.org/campaigns/c3/register/5f4b0816a75fd758e1010b8408420496/ to join the campaign and learn more about becoming a Carbon Conscious Consumer.
Thank You for Making a Difference,
ALex and STAY VOCAL
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Think At The Sink
(11.02.07) Yesterday, I read a chilling story about a small town in Tennessee that literally ran out of waterWith the major drought in Southeastern USA, this story should hit close to home with everyone. Running out of water is not just part of a science fiction movie anymore; it’s a possible scene from our future.
How can we prevent this you might ask? Well, we certainly cannot prevent nature from taking its course, but we certainly can learn to conserve water a little bit more. Below is a list of things that I do on a regular basis to conserve water. Try doing a couple of these one day and then a couple of different ones the next. Hopefully you can get into your own pattern.
1. Don’t shower every day. Do you really need to? If you’re someone working in a slow-paced environment, why not just wash your hands and face at night?
2. Don’t flush all the time. If you live alone or with roommates, do you really need to flush EVERY time, especially when it’s just number 1!
3. Fill up a couple bottles with sand /dirt and put them in the toilet tank. Each time you flush, you’ll save all the water that is displaced by the bottles. (Brianne Epley suggested this one.)
4. If you have a dehumidifier, use the water it collects for your next load of laundry.
**Speaking of that, take this month’s C3 pledge to use cold water when you do your laundry
5. Install an efficient showerhead and low flow faucet aerators.
For every 1,000 of us who install faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerheads, we can save nearly 8 million gallons of water and prevent over 450,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year!
For more information on the last idea and for more great ideas on how to conserve, please visit our friends at New American Dream and start to turn the tide.
Thanks for listening,
ALex
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The Forum Is Back!
(11.02.07) You may have noticed that our forum had not been running at 100% for a while. Well, it’s fixed now and we’re ready to have you get back in there. If you haven’t signed up, make yourself heard today!
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Bent Left: Stay Vocal or Shut Up!
(10.30.07) We first teamed up with our good friends in Bent Left for a ReUse travel mug. Now we’re teaming up with the guys for a ReUse T-Shirt design. This design will be featured on their upcoming “Stay Vocal or Shut Up” tour which lasts for about 8 months! And you guessed it, we want your help to come up with the design for the shirt. Please visit the Reuse With Bent Left Contest Page for all of the details.
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Don't Sin In Silence
(10.29.07) I’m writing to ask a favor. The attached video has been seen by over 2 million in just 2 weeks. help spread it further.Chris Crocker can cry for Brittany and have his video go viral- let’s make the student challenge go viral. See it below- a link to copy & paste into an email right here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fzt4Q9VCpc
As I am experiencing a temporary moment in the youtube sun (a recent video of mine is the most viewed on all of youtube this week) Watch: A CHALLENGE FOR STUDENTS …. I wanted to ask if you would consider sending the link to all of your friends. All of your enemies.
Why? Because if we (students and non students alike) continue to do nothing the consequences are too awful to consider.
I appreciate your taking 5 minutes right now to get this link sent out, with a plea for your friends to send it to their friends.
Stop business as usual. Thousands of small actions- at schools and other public places all over the country- will do more to avert war with Iran than any major “Saturday” march on Washington.
(DAVIS FLEETWOOD)
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SV Ebay Store - 50% Off For Today Only
(10.28.07) We feel bad for those of you who have not been able to process your orders this week. So to try and make up for this, we’re offering a huge 1-day sale in the STAY VOCAL Ebay store. All t-shirts, stickers, skateboards, and one-of-a-kind items are 50% off from 12:00 AM today to 9AM PDT on Monday, October 29th. Thank you for your patience.
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STAY VOCAL Club Accepting California Fires Donations
(10.27.07) The Aliso Viejo STAY VOCAL Club is now accepting donations to their Southern California Wildfire Drive: Money, food, toys, and clothes. If you would like to donate, please send it toAliso Niguel High School Wildfire Drive
ATTENTION: Mrs. Wright
28000 Wolverine Way
Aliso Viejo, California 92656
Please visit the Aliso Viejo STAY VOCAL Club website
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STAY VOCAL And Help Protect Your Pets
(10.26.07) This summer, the U.S. House of Representatives included language in its Farm Bill that would prohibit the use in research of dogs and cats obtained from “random source” Class B dealers, who may steal pets or fraudulently obtain them through “free to good home” ads. Now, we need the Senate to act. Please help protect pets by taking action today.The Senate is expected to vote on its version of the Farm Bill any day now. It is crucial that we ensure that this vital protection is included in the Senate’s Farm Bill as well.
TAKE ACTION
Please make brief, polite phone calls right away to your two U.S. Senators and urge them to support Sen. Akaka’s amendment to the Farm Bill to protect pets. Click here to look up your Senators and their office phone numbers.
Making a call is easy. A staff member will take your message and pass it to your legislator. You can say:
”Hello, this is [your name]. I am a constituent from [your town, your state]. I’m calling to urge Senator [last name] to support the Akaka amendment to the Farm Bill that would protect pets from being stolen and ending up in research. This issue is important to me. Thank you for your consideration.”
Then, send a follow-up email to reiterate your support for the inclusion of this important safeguard for dogs and cats in the Senate Farm bill.
Finally, please be sure to tell your friends and family about this amendment and how they can help, too.
We are at critical juncture to prevent pets from suffering this horrible fate, so please don’t delay. Take action now.
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States
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New Quiz Could Make Voting Easy
(10.23.07) Recently, we were informed of a new technique that could help get more U.S. citizens to use their most important asset, their voice, at an extremely important time. WQAD, an Illinois radio station posted a short, 11-question quiz that lines you up with presidential candidates that you agree with most.Many people don’t follow politics at all, as it can be too boring, too time consuming, or they just don’t know where to begin. So, why would they bother voting for someone who they knew nothing about?
Simply getting people, especially younger people, to get out to the polls and vote is probably the biggest problem surrounding U.S. presidential elections. In 2004, there were 41 million 18-29 year olds in the US, of which only 20.1 million voted. (U.S. Census Bureau). Our own Alex Eaves knows this problem all too well.
“In the fall of 2004, I had the pleasure of being part of Punkvoter’s “Rock Against Bush” tour, as I was travelling with the band Anti-Flag. Punkvoter’s ‘goal is to educate, register and mobilize over 500,000 of today’s youth as one voice.’
Not only was the tour a gathering of bands united together to try and get a new president in office, but it was also a major campaign to get a large amount of younger people to register to vote. But unfortunately, many kids just came out for the music, didn’t register and Bush was not rocked against hard enough.”
“This quiz is not meant to pick your candidate for you. It is designed to inform the public of the various stances candidates make. Results are not scientific.” (wqad.com) But at least it’s a start.
Hopefully more people will take 5 minutes out for this quiz and at least learn the basics of what the different candidates stand for. And maybe upon seeing a connection with one, they will look deeper and learn more.
The WQAD candidate survey is based on the original SELECT A CANDIDATE survey developed by Minnesota Public Radio. Take the Select A Candidate Quiz today.
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FREE Music and Movie Posters In The Store!
(10.23.07) Recently, someone donated a ton of music and movie posters to STAY VOCAL and we’ve decided to give them away for FREE with any purchase, no matter what the amount. They’ll all be shipped in sturdy poster tubes at the same time as the rest of your order. Supplies are limited, so don’t miss out.Click Here to get one now.
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NEW Strike Anywhere And Darkest Hour Bags Are In
(10.23.07) We just received the Darkest Hour and Strike Anywhere reuse canvas shopping bags yesterday. We will begin shipping them out today. Our next limited shopping bag with Mike Park will arrive in November.And don’t forget about our put the gun down for peta2 bag design contest.
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peta2 Joins Us For A New Bag Design Contest
(10.12.07) For our next installment in the battle against the use of paper and plastic bags, we’re teaming up with our friends at peta2 for an animal rights bag design. We will be donating $3.00 from the sale of each of these bags to the organization. But first, we need your help to come up with the design for the bag. Please visit the Put The Gun Down For peta2 Bag Design Contest page and enter today.
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Underdog ResQ Joins Us For A New Sticker Design Contest
(10.12.07) For our newest sticker design, we’re teaming up with our friends at Underdog ResQ. We will be donating $1.00 from the sale of each of these stickers to this great non-profit organization. But first, we need your help to come up with the design for the sticker. Please visit the Adoption…Think About It For Underdog ResQ Sticker Design Contest page and enter today.
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ReUse and Break The Bottled Water Habit
(10.05.07) Click HERE to join me in a pledge to Break the Bottled Water HabitDid you know you can reduce your carbon footprint, preserve our water resources, save money and give yourself a chance at some great prizes in one simple step? It’s a win-win situation for you, the community and the ecosystem…and you can win a free condo for a week at a ski resort in Idaho.
What do you have to do? Just fill out the pledge form at c3.newdream.org and then fill up your reusable water bottle. It’s that easy. You’ll be doing your part to reduce the 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide produced in the manufacture of plastic bottles for the US consumption last year. Imagine saving the energy equivalent of a quarter bottle of oil for every bottled water you would have consumed—not to mention the money!
Visit the C3 site to sign up and then tell your friends: you could win a free condo for a week at a ski resort in Idaho or one of several other terrific prizes.
Bottled water is often marketed as being purer than other water. In the U.S., however, tap water is more closely regulated than bottled water, while as much as 40% of commercially available water starts out as tap water. While bottled water can cost as much as $10 a gallon, when you consider that only about 12% of the plastic is recycled, the environmental expenses associated with a momentary convenience are far greater and long-lasting.
Help break the bottled water habit and sign up today!
Go HERE to join the campaign and learn more about becoming a Carbon Conscious Consumer.
Thank You for Making a Difference,
Alex and STAY VOCAL
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ReUse Shopping Bag Prices Dropped Low
(09.26.07) Due to popular demand, we have decided to permanently lower the prices considerably on our selection of ReUse “Paper or Plastic” Canvas Bags. For example, you can now get our original bag for $6 (was $8) or a set of 5 of them for $25 (was $35).Bringing a reusable shopping bag is something that everyone should be doing at this point. Think about the landfills now and think about what they could be if people continued needless waste. If you care about the environment and you care about people, then get one of our bags. You can see our entire selection of bags here.
Did you know that a lot of stores will give you a discount if you bring your own bags?
Did you know that most store brand reusable bags are cheaply made in China and can not be washed?
We don’t just care about the environment; we care about everything.
Here are the specs on our original bag:
- Material: “A”-grade 10-ounce cotton canvas
- Handle Size: 1 .5” wide x 23” long
- Bag Size: 16 .5 ” wide x 17” high x 6” gusset
- Made in Northern California, USA
- Easily washed and dried with your laundry
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The ALS Association's National Call for a Cure
(09.22.07) One of our good friend’s father has ALS - Lou Gehrig’s …(which is a fatal disease that has taken away his ability to use all of his muscles to the point of not breathing well…and progressively will take his life). There is no cure. On September 19, The ALS Association launched the National Call for a Cure, a day-long grassroots blitz to Capitol Hill. We are asking the entire ALS community – families and advocates from across the country – to call their US Senators and urge them to cosponsor the ALS Registry Act and join our fight for a treatment and cure.Forty-five Senators have cosponsored the ALS Registry Act – just six short of a majority! Your participation in the National Call for a Cure is urgently needed to build additional support for the bill and help pass it into law this year! Importantly, your participation also will to continue to raise awareness of ALS on Capitol Hill. Please forward this news to your entire address book.
Detailed instructions, including contact information and a script you can use are available here. The website will automatically generate the appropriate talking points and contact information for your Senators after you enter your zip code. For PALS whose disease has robbed them of the ability to speak, participate in the National Call for a Cure by emailing your Senators.
Questions? Contact Kim Hymes, The ALS Association via phone (202) 638-6997, Toll-free 1-877-444-ALSA or via email khymes@alsa-national.org.
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Physical Therapy Leads To Great New Allie
(09.20.07) written by AlexWhen I started going to physical therapy this past August, all I hoped for was to leave with a better feeling back. Well, this past Monday I finished my 6-week session and my back is certainly feeling better. But I also left the program with something else; a new comrade to stay vocal with.
It turned out that one of the two physical therapists who worked on my back is also a co-partner in a great organization called Underdog ResQ.
Underdog ResQ is a non-profit 501©(3) dog rescue dedicated to the rescue of good dogs that may otherwise be euthanized in New England and the New York Tri-State Area animal shelters due to lack of resources and breed discrimination.
We look forward to working together with Underdog ResQ in the future in New England and beyond. To learn more about Underdog ResQ, please visit their website, www.underdogresq.org.
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Sally Field Stays Vocal, Do You?
(09.17.07) Praise Sally Field for trying to stay vocal for positive change in a situation when most never express their personal beliefs. But thumbs down to Fox for censoring her. For those of you who have not seen Sally Field’s Emmy speech, watch it HERE.
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STAY VOCAL Celebrates 4th Anniversary With Unique 4-Day Sale
(09.14.07) We’re celebrating the 4th Anniversary of STAY VOCAL for 4 days. Check out the online store for huge discounts and limited special items, all involving the number 4. We’ll also be giving out 4 free items with every order during these 4 days.I can’t believe 4 years have passed since I had my ankle surgery and decided to do something different with my life. Crazy. Well, I hope you all enjoy the “4” sale that I came up with. (Alex)
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Hand Out Flyers, Win Free Stuff
(09.13.07) We just created our ReUse Grocery Store Flyer and want you to help us hand them out. So, we’ve decided to hold a photo contest.PRIZES
1. (2) ReUse shopping bags of your choice
2. (1) T-Shirt or Hat of your choice.
3. (1) assortment of patches, pins, and stickers.
DESCRIPTION
We’re looking for any pictures with the flyer in them. It could be anything from a flyer on every car windshield in a parking lot to a flyer being held by a famous person. Anything and everything goes. Our judges are going to base their decision on creativity and flyer visibility.
GUIDELINES
1. Each picture must have at least (1) ReUse Grocery Store Flyer in it.
2. All pictures must be sent via email to contest@stayvocal.com or uploaded and a link sent to us.
To get started, download and print the flyer HERE.
Thanks a lot everybody and we look forward to any and all entries.
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Junk Your Junk Mail!
(09.12.07) Our new friends at the Center for a New American Dream have a great campaign this month: “Junk Your Junk Mail.” With a simple pledge, you can help eliminate waste and also have a chance to win some great prizes.Everything we consume has a climate impact, but paper more so than most commodities. According to the Department of Energy, the forest products industry is the third largest industrial consumer of energy, behind only petroleum and chemicals, and the pulp and paper industry uses the vast majority of that energy. The production and disposal of direct mail alone consumes more energy than 3 million cars! So if junk mail adds clutter and annoyance to your life AND exacerbates climate change, why not take action to lighten your load?
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New Friends With Like Minds Offer Decks At Great Mass. Location
(09.11.07) Today we met some great people from the positive-minded gift shop, Red Obi, at 903 Broad St. in Weymouth, MA. They’ve decided to carry our decks in the shop, which is perfect, as it is directly across the street from the Weymouth Skatepark. So, if you ever make it to the South Shore of Boston, be sure to visit.
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Musicians Want You To Shop Consciously
(09.06.07) When bands are on the road, it’s not always easy for them to be as environmentally conscious as they are at home. Venues without recycling bins, backstage rooms with paper plates and plastic silverware, and tour vehicles that chug gasoline, are all an unfortunate common occurrence in the world of touring. But while there are some things that bands almost can’t avoid doing, there are other things that are extremely easy to avoid, like using paper and plastic bags. That is why we’ve teamed up with three artists to help promote the use of reuseable shopping bags.This month we’re releasing three new organic shopping bags, featuring the artwork of Darkest Hour, Mike Park, and Strike Anywhere. So, not only can you help the environment when you bring this shopping bag to the store, you can also support some great bands.
Changing the world is certainly a team effort. That is why we’re giving 50% of the profit to the artists. While they are helping support environmental awareness and positive change, we in turn are supporting them.
These bags are part of STAY VOCAL’s limited run of ReUse Canvas Shopping Bags; only 100 will be made on the initial run. They’re all available now in our ONLINE STORE. And for a limited time, you can pre-order these bags and get a FREE 5-item Sticker/Pin Set.
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Back To School: You Don't Have To Buy New
(08.27.07) It’s that time of year again when parents and kids head to the malls and online stores, looking for those new “Back To School” clothes and items. But they don’t have to be “new” to be “new to you.”After you wear something once, it is officially used. So why not get clothes from thrift stores, consignment shops, hand-me-downs, etc? Not only will you save a ton of money, but the more we reuse clothing, the less new clothes will have to be made, which in turn means less impact on the environment through energy and waste.
If people truly want to make a difference in this world, they can make such easy steps like reusing anytime that they can. That is why we offer many ReUse items, like our new ReUse Daily Pack. This pack of ReUse items is a perfect way for both children and adults to reuse throughout the day. Hopefully ReUse will catch on more and more in all aspects of life.
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First Books Available In Our Store
(08.27.07) We just added our first couple of books to THE STORE, thanks to our friends at AK Press.They’re both geared towards the younger crowd (one is a coloring book!), but keep an eye out, as we’ll be adding more soon.
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Organic Canvas Bags Now Available
(08.26.07) We’re now offering an organic version of our ReUse “Paper or Plastic” canvas bag. They do cost more, but they also HELP more. There were no pesticides involved in the making of these bags.
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Want to sell STAY VOCAL canvas bags for cash profits and positive change?
(08.25.07) Check out our ad for our new ReUse Bag Selling Program. We’re currently looking for help in every city across the USA. If you’re interested, please email us at info@stayvocal.com.
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Amazon.com Sells Animal Fighting Magazines?!
(08.15.07) We received an email from out friends at The Humane Society of The United States letting us know that Amazon is “the only online retailer of subscriptions to animal fighting magazines in the United States, and these magazines advertise the sale of fighting animals and cockfighting weapons—sales made illegal by federal law!”Please read their email and send a letter to Amazon HERE
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Pitching In To Help Clean....Donations And Ebay
(08.13.07) Yep. Some of our friends and family have way too much stuff and need help getting rid of it. So, besides donating a lot to thrift stores, we’ve listed many of their items in our Ebay store Check it out. There’s a lot of toys, sports items, and t-shirts this time.
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Black Bag Design Contest Winner Announced
(08.08.07) Well, after a few days of voting and hearing everyone’s reasoning, we have a winner in the ReUse Black Bag Design Contest: Christian Bogle from Germany.You may recognize his name, as he has won some of our contests before. If you get a chance, please visit his personal site. You’ll see that he truly loves art.
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Darkest Hour Continues To Deliver Message On New Album
(08.07.07) Our friends in Darkest Hour recently released a new full length album, entitled, “Deliver Us.” They have chosen the title track to donate to STAYVOCAL.COM for your free listening and downloading pleasure.And if you can’t make out all of the lyrics:
This world is dying everyday
don’t let it come between us
our fate has traveled this far
and now the storm brings us faster to a close
brimming with pathetic prose
vacate your stolen hearts
as if nobody’s seen us
and empty out your pockets
you needn’t bring
anything where we’re going
and to think we created this monster
crawling in and walking out on us
to think that we craft our own disasters
falling in and falling out of hope
don’t leave me, I need this
unleashed and unafraid, us castaways
calling out release us, propelling towards
insidious decay at an alarming rate
and to think we created this monster
crawling in and walking out on us
to think that we craft our own disasters
falling in and falling out of hope
don’t leave me, give me release
don’t sink down into defeat
only when you’re through fleeing
can you save yourself deliver us
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STAY VOCAL Neighbors Are Killing Sharks! Help Us Tell Them To Stop!
(08.03.07) We just found out that a local shark tournament is being held tomorrow and we need to let the people in charge know how we feel immediately.“Each year, with the help of many volunteers, the Scituate Chamber of Commerce proudly presents Scituate Heritage Days. The annual event combines live music and entertainment, artisan crafts, kid’s activities and historical site visits for one of the South Shore’s biggest and most anticipated outdoor events of the summer….Due to popular demand, the Shark Tournament is returning as a 2-day event.” (http://scituatechamber.org/events_heritage.html)
Well, this certainly does not sit well with us. So, we got all of the information on who is running the event and we’re hoping that many of you will voice your opinion to them, even if you don’t live close by. Killing sharks in Mass effects the population worldwide.
So, here is all of the contact information, available to the general public on the Heritage Days website. MAKE YOURSELF HEARD!
Belsan Bait & Tackle, Peter Belsan, 781-545-9400
38 Country Way, Greenbush, www.belsanbait.com
nbelsan@comcast.net
They also listed all of the Shark Tournament Sponsors, who you may want to contact as well.
Belsan’s Bait and Tackle
Massbayguides.com
Scituate Harbor Marina
TK O’Malley’s Sports Cafe
Glancy Crane and Rigging
O’Donohue Insurance Co.
The Pub At Widow’s Walk GC
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KC Wants You To Save Scarecrows
(08.02.07) We’ve picked the winning design for our first monthly pin design contest. KC, who is featured in the art section ,entered this design.For those of you who are like, “huh”, KC has a quick explanation: small local farms have scarecrows; big corporate ones don’t.
This pin is limited to only 50, so if you like it, you can preorder it in the store right now.
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Vote For Your Favorite ReUse Bag Design Before August 6th
(08.02.07) Our design contest for our upcoming Black ReUse Canvas Bag has ended and now we want your help to pick the winning design. Please click here to see all of the finalists. Then send a quick email to contest@stayvocal.com, letting us know which number is your favorite. Get your votes in before this Monday, August 6th.
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Make Yourself Heard...To Your Favorite Band
(08.01.07) Our friend Chris has started up a new site for fans to be able to pick their favorite band’s setlists. “The goal behind this site is to help bands communicate with their fans and allow the fans to actually feel like they are part of the show, that their voice really matters.” Check the site out: www.pickrset.com
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STAY VOCAL in Cape Cod
(08.01.07) Our friends at True Ride Skateshop in East Falmouth, MA just opened their doors for the first time this week. So head on down and say hi to Jake, Kaleb and the rest of the Cape crew. You’ll be able to tell you’re at the right place when you se the big Make Yourself Heard banner outside.True Ride Skateshop
www.truerideskateboarding.com
460 Waquoit Hwy. (Rt 28)
East Falmouth, MA 02536
Phone: 508-457-9100
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FREE Chotto Ghetto CDs
(07.31.07) That’s right we’re giving away the Chotto Ghetto CD for FREE. The only catch is that you have to visit the Pittsburgh area soon to get one.Our good friend Jeff works at The Record Exchange at 2904 W. Liberty Ave in Pittsburgh. He’s a pretty swell guy and is currently running a promotion there. For every CD you purchase of any band featured in the STAYVOCAL.COM Music Section , you get a FREE copy of Chotto Ghetto’s “Shootin’ Devils” CD. Supplies are limited.
While you’re there, make sure to give the whole store a look through. They’ve got a pretty great stock of used video games, cd’s, dvd’s etc. Why buy new, when you can reuse?
For store hours, please call 412-341-6591
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Looking For New STAY VOCAL Web Developer
(07.27.07) We need someone that does work with Ruby on Rails and PostgreSQL deployed on Linux. Any interested parties, please email your resumes to info@stayvocal.com.
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Sign The Petition For Cleaner Air
(07.27.07) “4.5 million U.S. children have asthma. 14 million school days are missed each year because children are too sick. There are even days when the air is too toxic for kids and adults with sensitive lungs to go outside.On June 21, 2007, the EPA proposed stronger limits on smog in our air. But doctors and scientists say the new limits don’t go far enough. And now powerful polluters are pushing back, trying to stop any change. Here’s your chance to make your voice heard. Adopt a square mile of sky over the U.S. and sign the petition to demand clean air now.” (www.adoptthesky.org)
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Is The President Really Allowing Mass Killings Of An Endangered Species?
(07.26.07) Our friends at Earhjustice.org have set up a campaign to let the Bush administration know that their plan to “delist” gray wolves from the Endangered Species List is wrong. Please read “Executive Director Vawter Parker’s letter and then sign the petition.“Poisoning, trapping, and shooting. That’s the fate awaiting gray wolves after the Bush administration’s plan to “delist” them from the Endangered Species List takes effect. I urge you to send a clear message that mass killing of endangered gray wolves is wrong. But hurry, we only have until August 6 to express our concern.
Take immediate action to stop mass killing of wolves.
Delisting spells catastrophe for the very survival of wolves. Removal of the animal from the list will also open their habitat to exploitation by corporate special interests. Worse, delisting leaves the animals’ preservation to the mercy of the state governments. And the state officials charged with ‘protection and preservation’ are not hiding their glee.
Idaho Governor “Butch” Otter is no friend to wolves. He is calling on state hunters to start the carnage as soon as the ink is dry, and he is willing to lead by example. “I’m prepared to bid for that first ticket to shoot a wolf myself,” boasted Otter.
The conservation efforts of the past two decades brought the wolves back from the brink of extinction. But the move to delist them will quickly reverse these gains and decimate the species. While the Bush administration wants you to believe that wolves have fully recovered, the truth is there are still too few of these animals and their future is uncertain.
Officials in the Fish and Wildlife Service are hoping to do away with the critical protections for wolves with as little attention from the public as possible. Did they consider the wolves’ essential role in the ecosystem? Wolves’ removal will cause a devastating domino effect for the entire Northern Rockies environment. That is why it is critical for concerned citizens to speak out.
Help save the wolves, before it’s too late—send a comment to the Fish and Wildlife Service now!
We don’t have much time. The deadline for the public to speak out is only days away. We must stop the Fish and Wildlife Service’s reckless campaign before it is too late for gray wolves in the Rockies.
Sincerely,
Vawter “Buck” Parker
Executive Director
Earthjustice
P.S. After you’ve taken action, please tell a friend to do the same.”
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Buddy Icons Fixed
(07.23.07) If any of you have been trying to download our buddy icons, many of them were too large. Well, our friend Stefann informed us of this and now they’re all fixed and should work fine. THANKS STEFANN!
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Gas Is Expensive. Our Decks Are Not.
(07.20.07) All of our decks are on sale for either $30 this weekend. Sale ends Sunday at 11:59 PM EST.
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CONTESTS: We want to see YOUR videos...and give YOU prizes for them.
(07.16.07) We want your help in making some new videos that relate to the different STAY VOCAL ideas. They can be serious, funny, scary, dramatic, etc. They can be short or long. Nine winning videos will be picked; one for each of the SV ideas. For all of the details, please CLICK HERE.
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Newest STAY VOCAL Member Prints First Batch Of ReUse T-Shirts
(07.14.07) Tori Babson, the newest member to the STAY VOCAL team, certainly learns quick. On her first day with us, she was able to print a batch of ReUse Face Series T-Shirts.Here at STAY VOCAL, we believe everyone should try everything at least once. You’ll never really know what you’ll enjoy doing or what you’re really good at, unless you try it.
Well, it seems that Tori has definitely found something she’s good at. We look forward to seeing what she’ll be making for us soon.
CHECK OUT ALL OF TORI’S FACE SERIES T-SHIRTS HERE
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Sixty-Cent Stickers Saturday, Sunday Sale
(07.14.07) All of our vinyl stickers are on sale for either $.60 or $.60 cheaper (benefit stickers). Sale ends Sunday at 11:59 PM EST.
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ReUse Bag Design Contest Extended
(07.11.07) We’ve decided to extend the bag design contest to the end of the month. We simply need more time to decide between what we already have and why not let more entries come in while we decide?
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Dunkin' Donuts: Stop Using Styrofoam!
(07.11.07) “Dunkin’ Donuts is the world’s largest coffee and baked goods chain, serving more than 3 million customers per day.” (www.dunkindonuts.com). They are also one of the only chains to still use Styrofoam for their single serving coffee cups. Please help us by telling Dunkin’ Donuts to stop using Styrofoam and at the very least, change to paperboard, which is much more biodegradable. Visit their product feedback page HEREI grew up in the Boston area and well, there are Dunkin’ Donuts shops everywhere. For example, in the small town I grew up in (about 10,000 people), there are 4 of them. I had my first taste of coffee there in the early 90’s and well, I’ve never looked back. Their coffee made me a coffee lover, not so much a connoisseur, more of an addict. Oh well, it could be worse.
Since we came out with the SV travel mugs about a year and a half ago, I have always brought mine into coffee shops. It’s so reused that the image completely wore off and I had to put a PTGD Gorilla sticker over it. I don’t frequent DD as much lately, because after their invasion of my hometown and replacing one of the only independent coffee shops around, I got a little annoyed with them.
But that hasn’t stopped the millions of customers they have every day. And unfortunately, most of these people do not own our ReUse travel mugs or own another travel mug or simply care how bad styrofoam is for the environment. That’s why we need to make Dunkin’ Donuts see the problem. Please help us by telling Dunkin Donuts to stop using styrofoam and at the very least, change to paperboard, which is much more biodegradable. Visit their product feedback page HERE
You can also do your part by making sure to bring a reusable container every time you get coffee or other beverage when you’re out. If you’re interested in getting one of our ReUse Travel Mugs, please CLICK HERE
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STAY VOCAL Giveaways At Technical Store Opening In Boston Tomorrow
(07.06.07) Our friends at Technical Skateshop in Norwell are opening a second store in Boston tomorrow. We’ll be there….one way or another.The doors will open at 11AM and we’ll be there to help John breathe, and to hand out stickers too. We’re also going to be giving away one of our Don’t Drive Go Skateboarding Decks. So come check out the new shop and maybe you’ll walk away with a free deck.
Technical
230 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-262-0003
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Two New ReUse Clothing Series: You Save Money And The Environment
(07.04.07) We just put up some of our first clothing items from our ReUse Face and Coffee Series. These include unique shirts, skirts, jeans, jackets, etc. that are offered at very low prices.“ReUse is probably our most important idea out there,” SV’s Alex Eaves says. “Our environment is in a terrible state right now and we need to make any effort that we can to make things better.”
“By offering the Coffee and Face Series, we’re saving electricity, materials and keeping garments out of a landfill. We’re also saving our customers money. I mean really, once you wear something once, it’s used anyway. So why not skip that step and save some money?”
In the coming weeks we will be putting up many more items from our Face and Coffee Series. Remember, each one will be unique, as they will be printed on different garments and with different colors.
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Bigger ReUse Shopping Bags Now Available
(07.04.07) Many people have been purchasing our ReUse Shopping bags for BIG families. With BIG families comes BIG grocery purchases. So, we decided to make BIGGER shopping bags to make shopping consciously even easier.These bags can easily fit 3 or 4 gallons of milk, a purchase you’d normally need 2 or 3 paper or plastic bags for. Not only will these bags work great for shopping, but they work great for carrying almost anything in and out of the house.
ALEX SAYS: I gave one of these to my 96 year old great aunt, who doesn’t get out much. But she loves it for all of her knitting needles and yarn.
SHOP BIGGER AND MORE CONSCIOUSLY NOW
ALSO, we’d like to get your thoughts on our ReUse shopping bags. Tell us anything you think about them: design, material, price, etc. We’re just curious.
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Welcome to the new STAYVOCAL.COM
(06.21.07) There’s a lot of changes around here. We don’t want to keep you from exploring, so we’ll make this quick. Here’s a list of all the new features:- Events – see where and when SV will be
- Store – now we’re carrying “Their Voice” too
- Contests – monthly contests, as well as new ones updated frequently
- Forum – Make yourself heard in our many different forums
- Downloads – banners, buddy icons, wallpapers, flyers
- Art – see who’s staying vocal through art
- Literature – read who’s staying vocal through literature
- Music – tons of new songs to download for FREE
- Skateboarding – see who’s staying vocal through skateboarding
- What Do You Want To Stay Vocal About Search – got a concern and not sure where to start?
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FREE 2-Pin Set With New Don't Drive...Go Skateboarding Deck
(06.21.07) To celebrate Go Skateboarding Day (GSD) this June 21, we’ve released a new skateboard deck. The skateboard falls under our “DON’T DRIVE…every time” idea line and features facts on the harmful emissions that automobiles release. Do people need to drive everywhere that they go? Obviously not, which is just one of the reasons why GSD was formed in 2004.As the official holiday of skateboarding, GSD gives skateboarders a chance “to raise awareness about the issues (skateboarders) face” (www.goskateboardingday.org). STAY VOCAL sees this also as a chance for skateboarders to raise awareness about issues everyones faces. The deck is appropriately entitled, ”DON’T DRIVE…Go Skateboarding.”
ORDER NOW and receive a free Don’t Drive…Go Skateboarding 2-pin set. FIRST 50 Orders Only.
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STAY VOCAL Has Moved
(05.21.07) STAY VOCAL has officially moved from Pittsburgh, PA to the Boston, MA area. We would like to thank our landlord, Neil Linn, for being an excellent host in Pittsburgh for 2 years. We were sad to go, but Massachusetts is our real home.Our new space is a lot bigger and there is definitely room for expansion. We’ll be able to do a lot of things that we only wished we could do in Pittsburgh. We’re very excited for our future here.
Please take note of our new mailing address: PO Box 316 Norwell, MA 02061.
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Help The Fight Against Breast Cancer Now!
(04.20.07) The new SSE Benefit sticker is now available in the STORE. $1 from the sale of each sticker will be donated to The Syrentha Savio Endowment. This non-profit organization provides financial assistance to underprivileged women who cannot afford the expense of fighting breast cancer.
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STAY VOCAL on TV!
(04.02.07) Some of our friends are currently part of a new online TV show called, “Prom Queen.” Being good people and strong backers of the STAY VOCAL ideals, they decided to wear some of our stuff on the show. Here is a snapshot from one of the episodes, where the character Ben is wearing our Strike Anywhere T-Shirt. To watch all of the episodes, visit the Prom Queen website. Episode #2 is the first to feature one of our shirts
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Don't Drive and Fight Multiple Sclerosis
(02.09.07) From now until February 16th, we will be donating all of the money from the sales of our DON’T DRIVE line of patches and pins to our friend riding in the MS Bike Tour in Pennsylvania. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will use funds collected from the Escape to the Lake (Erie) MS Bike Tour to not only support research for a cure tomorrow, but also to provide programs which address the needs of people living with MS today. Click here for more details or visit our store to help fight MS right now!
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Pictures Needed
(01.25.07) We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. We’re looking for any and all pictures with STAY VOCAL items in them. It could be anything from someone wearing a shirt to a store with the decks on sale to someone eating a sandwich with an SV pin on the bread. Anything and everything goes. Please email any and all pictures to info@stayvocal.com.
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STAY VOCAL staying quiet?
(01.17.07) Well, there hasn’t been much action on here lately, but it’s all for one reason, which you will find out soon enough.For now, check out Alyssa D’Amico’s new additions to the Reuse One of a Kind Collection. She recently sent us some amazing custom made bags, dresses, skirts and shirts.
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PO BOX 316 / NORWELL, MA / 02061 USA | 