I am preparing for a pet expo in Indianapolis. First show of this type in Indy-- it is part of a bigger Home Show that also includes a green section. When we go to a pet expo we are often one of a very few "green" companies. When we go to a green show, we are often one of a very few pet products companies.
Pet expos are often very glad to see us but green shows don't seem to know what to do with us. We don't make nifty organic energy drinks or classy solar back packs. We make very simple but well designed dog and cat toys from organic dye free fibers. We make them in our homes and our low tech shop. Our mission is fairly simple: provide safe earth friendly and pet friendly toys.
One regional green show rejected us because our products, "Don't make a large enough impact on the earth". In some green shows we end up somewhere odd, like by the earth friendly racing boats (really? are racing boats ever earth friendly? ) Hmmm. This type of thing used to piss me off. Now I see it as a reflection of something deeper, perhaps somewhat unconcious and questionable. Some deeply green folk see pets as mostly non-sustainable-- simply creatures who eat but don't contribute. Wasteful. Most of us who live with pets would say nothing is further from the truth-- but truth is relative.
On the other hand, some green festival organizers want the shows to be flashy and stylish. A good goal but perhaps not one Purrfectplay can embrace. Also, to be fair, criteria we do not meet. Please don't missunderstand. Attendees at the green expos are wonderful and very interested. Our booth is often so full we can't fit anyone else in. We also hear consistantly that, " we finally found you" "why is your booth way over here?" " I have been looking all day for your booth".
So.. I could and probably will write on this more. But.. I just want to say that I LOVE the pet expos. Pet guardians are so in need of safe US made toys. They are so kind and interested in our products. Many of them become loyal fans of our toys and good supportive friends of Purrfectplay. We will do many more pet expos. We stlll support green expos but we will remain cautious.
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