About Eco Holiday SF

As a Green Business owner I sometimes find myself tiptoeing on a razor thin line between promoting "responsible" shopping and overt consumerism. Never is this dilemma more apparent than during the holiday season when we are supposed to be out there hustling for the shoppers' dollars while advocating for a more responsible way of saying "I care" to our loved ones (other than by senselessly throwing money around).

But we all know that shopping happens. You shop, I shop, we all shop for somebody. I shudder at the sight of the downtown hordes clenching toxic sweatshoppy bundles from corporate big box stores. For years I have searched out better options for my own shopping, but it hasnt been easy. Smaller, unique, green and local businesses get drowned out in the frenzied cha-chinging of the season.

Until now.

Introducing the 1st Annual EcoHoliday - a Local Shopping Experience, presented by the Urban Alliance for Sustainability (UAS), a non-profit co-op based in San Francisco.

Many years in deliberation, we finally decided to create space for this unique Holiday shopping event which celebrates our local commonalities and connects Eco-minded businesses with a supportive public. We wish to add that special San Francisco flavor to your shopping by making it an experience you won't soon forget. Come make a personal connection with local designers and entrepreneurs who are making a positive shift towards sustainable commerce. Keep your hard-earned dollars circulating in our local economy - that merchant may become YOUR next customer (or best friend)! Enjoy the organic food, music, & FUN.

Join us as a visitor, a volunteer, a vendor, or as a partner in making this a very happy Eco-Holiday season! And please join the spontaneous revelry which may erupt upstairs 'n downstairs (due to the strolling Clowns, Elves, Magicians, Jugglers, etc of all ages and sizes).

In Peace and Gratitude,

Gustavo Alcantar

UAS, Co-Founder & Board of Director
Swirlspace Hempwear, Principal / Designer

Gustavo is a native-born San Francisco designer, fueled by a creative spark and a passionate green edge. He has traveled far and wide, acquiring a taste for an atypical low-maintenance lifestyle and deep respect for planetary beauty and wisdom. He has been an avid Ecotician since his college days and has been involved in the Bay Area sustainability movement since the previous millenium :)

In spring 2000 Gustavo merged his design skills with his conscience and launched the Made-in-SF eco-fashion label, Swirlspace Hempwear. In 2003 he co-founded the Urban Alliance for Sustainability to inspire and integrate the local green community. He has been a key part of UAS' event production team, working on many mixers and larger events including Earthday/EarthNite (2004, 2005); SF GreenFestival Bizness Networking Area (2004, 2005); SF GreenFestival after-party (2005); UN World Environment Day "GreenHouse Jam" (2006), Digital Be-in 14 & 15 (2006, 2007).

About Eco Holiday SF

PARTNERS