I'm going to be starting a new project officially on February 27, 2009. The project goes above and beyond some of my goals on my 101 Things in 1001 Days list. In 2007 I made a resolution for the year to explore art and popular culture from other countries. I felt that American pop-culture had run amok over my interests and l was lacking a more broad perspective. So I made the 70/30 rule where 70% of the pop-culture I explored had to be by artists that were not American. It worked brilliantly and I enjoyed French and Korean film, British and Canadian authors and music from countries such as England, South Africa and Brazil.
That resolution was easy but this new project is going to be a test of my patience, endurance and tenacity. So how to describe Project Beaver? Basically I'm going to be exploring all things Canadian. Since later this year I'll be driving across Canada, I figure I have a perfect opportunity to compliment that experience by exploring and indulging in all things Canadian.
However, there are a few caveats. I'm going to try and buy only products made in or by Canadian companies but the products have to be environmentally friendly and not tested on animals plus fair-trade and organic when possible. If no Canadian product exists, I will substitute with that of a non-Canadian company but sold by a Canadian retailer. For example, I love Aveda products and the spa I go to in St. John's is an Aveda concept spa. If I cannot find a Canadian made product that works well, such as shampoo, then I will continue to purchase Aveda products from the spa.
But! and this is a big but; because I dislike waste, I'm going to use the products I've already purchased and replace them with Canadian products when required. For more information on what inspired this please visit one million acts of green.
The other exception is safety. I will not compromise my safety so if my car requires a part made in Japan for example, then so be it. Better to be alive then dead.
The big deal part of this project involves the CBC. For those who don't know, the CBC is Canada's national broadcaster; for Canadians by Canadians. Starting on February 27, 2009 and going until February 27, 2010 I will only watch the CBC. I want to see if the CBC provides a rich enough experience in Canadian culture from art, sports to news and politics. My television will be glued to the CBC for one year. I don't own a television at home so if I get laid off it will be difficult to work this experiment but I'm thinking of buying a television this summer anyways.
I'm also going to be exploring Canadian art as well but not exclusively. I enjoy many authors and artists from all around the world and the CBC part of the project is good enough without sacrificing music, film and books. I will however, make sure to allow Canadian artists to be front and center in my choices.
I know this project is ambitious but also completely fun and hopefully enlightening. I was embarrassed the other day when I read through a list of Canadian Prime Ministers and didn't recognize 3 of them on the list. I pride myself on knowing a good amount of Canadian history as well as knowing how my government works but since I couldn't name all the Prime Ministers I'm feeling a bit humble.
P.S.; Karin ~ The colour card comes from a book called More Alive with Color: Personal Colors - Personal Style by Leatrice Eiseman. I scanned the Sunlight colour card then matched the colours and cleaned it up. This book is essential to me because since I'm so used to wearing neutrals esp. black and grey that I need the help when shopping for colours that flatter me. I recommend the book; it's not outstanding but does the job well and the colour cards are awesome and I use mine when I shop for clothing, make-up and yarn.
Great idea! Although you should be linking the mentioned book through Chapters which is Canadian; Amazon is not...
Posted by: Paula | Sunday, February 08, 2009 at 15:33
*lol* busted...I feel shame =} you're right, I should be linking through Chapters/Indigo. It will be hard to break old habits.
thank-you Paula :) cute dog btw!
Posted by: Sonja Nelson | Sunday, February 08, 2009 at 19:42
Thanks for the tip on the color card!
I like your project idea and can't wait to hear all about it.
Other than that, I am trying to comprehend your other post. Did you get laid off?? That sucks.
Posted by: karin | Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 00:59
I did get laid off. I am now officially a victim of the global economic recession. I am a statistic.
Posted by: Sonja Nelson | Friday, February 13, 2009 at 02:52
Hi Sonja,
I'd first like to say that I'm sorry to hear that you got laid off. That's never good.
The second thing I'd like to say is props to you for thinking of project Beaver! I love it!
I was wondering if whilst you were travelling across the country you felt like blogging for us about your purchasing decisions? email me ;-)
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Thibodeau | Monday, February 16, 2009 at 15:00
Hi Sonja,
I'd first like to say that I'm sorry to hear that you got laid off. That's never good.
The second thing I'd like to say is props to you for thinking of project Beaver! I love it!
I was wondering if whilst you were travelling across the country you felt like blogging for us about your purchasing decisions? email me ;-)
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Thibodeau | Monday, February 16, 2009 at 15:00
Greetings from Dumbworld, California!
Project Beaver sounds interesting (and 101 things in 1001 days-- I am a huge fan of making to do lists :-). I'll have to check back often.
Drew from Dumbworld
PS- Speaking of matching colors, today somebody told me about Kuler.adobe.com (pronounced "cooler"). Have you heard of it? Here is a short video on it.
Posted by: drew from dumbworld | Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 19:13