FAIRFIELD — Brad Kerner made a decision last year that he and his family would cut down their plastic use.
He created an Instagram account documenting that process and after receiving messages from followers that his journey was inspiring them to become more eco-friendly, he decided to create a business around the idea.
“It’s supposed to be mission-driven before profits,” said Kerner, founder of Eco Evolution, which will be based in Fairfield.
Eco Evolution will be an eco-friendly marketplace that will sell locally sourced, all-natural products touted as being good for people and the planet. It will also house an environmentally friendly coffee shop and an artists cooperative.
He’s hoping to sign a lease on a former restaurant in town in the coming weeks. If that goes through, he’ll work with eco-friendly and sustainable architects to outfit the 3,000-square-foot space and possibly open Oct. 1.
Items are currently sold on the business’s website, ecoevolution.co.
A fundraising effort is underway to make the artist cooperative piece of the project a reality with a fitting deadline of April 22 — Earth Day.
“That will be our giving back arm,” he said.
Kerner is hoping to raise $20,000 by then to receive a $5,250 grant from Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund. People can donate online through Patronicity.com.
“Through the Community Match Fund, we aim to put residents at the forefront of creating positive, impactful change,” said Abe Hilding-Salorio, community outreach manager for Sustainable CT. “Match Fund projects are community led and community funded, demonstrating the power of people working together to make change in their communities.”
The community donations and grant will go toward training and membership dues for 30 of the cooperative’s artists. Among them will be refugee female creators who are a part of “Our Woven Community” in Bridgeport.
“It gives creators that need it the space,” Kerner said.
About $4,000 of the money raised will be used to sponsor the RainForest ArtLink program in a Bridgeport and Fairfield elementary school. Donations will also allow cooperative artists to offer free workshops for community youth.
Under the cooperative model, about 50 to 70 artists will be able to rent a shelf to sell their work at the shop. This cost will be determined based on the monthly rent, but Kerner expects to have the spaces available for $60 to $80 a month. Sellers will keep 80 percent of the sale.
He already has the shelfing, upcycled from a cooperative that closed in New Canaan. That owner also oversees the Ally Bally Bee in Ridgefield and has been helping Kerner with this endeavor.
Any interested artists can submit an application, which asks a series of questions, including if the products are eco-friendly. Kerner said there will be an emphasis on those types of creators but he will also offer tips for others on how to become more sustainable. They’re trying to avoid anyone who uses plastic or chemicals.
He said this could also be a way to help creators rethink their own products and packaging.
About 25 artists have already signed up, offering a variety of products including jewelry, soaps, picture frames and candles.
“There’s some cool things,” he said.
Right now the artists are from Connecticut, with many coming from the Fairfield area.
“We’d love to include more Bridgeport-based artists,” he said.
He said he wants to create a diverse space that features artists who aren’t well established. He said this could include people who might already have an Etsy shop, but aren’t reaching as many people as they would like.
“How do we get them into a larger market and help them succeed?” he said.
Kerner said he’s hoping this shop and the associated co-operative will encourage people to turn to local creators instead of buying something from across the country and having it shipped here. He said there are already so many great products right here and buying from these creators not only supports them but cuts down on carbon emissions.
“We’re trying to inspire people to shop local,” he said.
kkoerting@newstimes.com
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New biz and artist co-op in Fairfield stem from founder’s frustration with plastic - Fairfield Citizen
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