A new Street Team is on the rise called Eco Etsy.  The team concentrates on reducing, reusing and recycling.  Members of the team work together to practice good environmental habits by way of recycled packaging, literature and other materials and raising awareness  in their craft and personal lives as well.

"We strive everyday to raise awareness about the health of our planet. We like to share tips and information with each other about what we can do each day to reduce waste," says the Street team's leader, Tara , from Project Felt.

The team recently announced its first contest open to ALL Etsy sellers called the Tree Huggin Photo Contest. Participants will photograph themselves hugging a tree. The goal is to use our creative minds to raise awareness about the severity of our earth's severe health condition.  We can never take for granted the supply and demand when it comes to all things made from trees. It's time to take a few minutes out of our day, hug a tree and tell that tree how much you appreciate its existence. All photographs will be uploaded to the Eco Etsy Flickr group page created specifically for this contest. Everyone will be able to view all the photography submitted. The Contest began on September 17 th and runs till October 7th at 12 am EST.

All entries will be judged by three Eco Etsy members, Kateseyeview, Walkonthemoon, Julesmaeclothing . What will the winner receive, you ask? A surprise gift box filled with handmade goodies donated by the Eco Team members. A feature on the team's blog  and a feature on the Eco monthly newsletter created by the team leader, Tara. This contest is a great way to for all of us to put down the needles and glue and get outside to do something fun and creative.

To learn more details about the contest , photo suggestions, and for entry requirements, please refer to the Team Blog. If you are a seller who makes a conscious effort to reduce waste and likes to recycle, you may want to consider joining the team. We have monthly chats and newsletters were the members get to offer coupons, get tips and facts about the environment, discuss promotions and learn more about each other. Promos swaps, monthly challenges, and other activities are in the works for the team.  Please contact Tara  if you would like to be a member of this exciting up and coming team.

You can also find all the doings and such of Eco Etsy on their Myspace Page.