Recycle Your Umbrella at Grand Central: Local Labels Collects Umbrellas for Recycled Bags

New York, NY, July 15, 2009 --(PR.com)-- A soggy start to summer has left a plethora of broken umbrellas on the city's streets and in its trash cans. But rather than throw out yet another umbrella after the next rain storm, bring it to the Local Labels kiosk in the Graybar Passageway at Grand Central Terminal to be recycled into stylish bags and totes by fashion designer, Catherine Edouard-Charlot.

Local Labels is the city's only source for specialty foods and gifts made within the five boroughs. Many of their products are eco-friendly such as recycled stationary, organic and all-natural body products, soy candles, sock monkeys and quilts made from recycled cashmere.

They have teamed up with Himane, a fashion and design company founded by Brooklyn resident, Catherine Edouard-Charlot to collect used and broken umbrellas from water-logged commuters at Grand Central. Catherine refashions the umbrellas into innovatively designed and waterproof bags and totes and Local Labels sells them at the recession-minded price of $15 for a tote, which when folded resembles an umbrella and $45 for a multipurpose and portable folding bag. Local Labels also offers custom bags from the Himane collection.

Local Labels launched in 2007 to support established and emerging small-scale producers in New York City. Their vendors are craftspeople and manufacturers who live and work in New York City and put their hard-earned money back into the local and regional economy.

Buying local strengthens community ties, supports the local economy, decreases our dependency on oil and is more eco-friendly and conscious about health and the environment.

Local Labels kiosk
Grand Central Terminal, Greybar passageway: Lexington Entrance
July-August, 2009
Hours: 8 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday
10 am to 8 pm, Saturday

Visit Local Labels online at www.LocalLabels.com

Local Labels is working with businesses that have their manufacturing bases in the New York City area. Local Labels features everything from apparel and accessories to specialty foods and housewares. While some raw materials may not be made in New York City, Local Labels requires that the product be sourced as close to home as possible. All printed apparel must be Made in the USA and printed in NYC. Local Labels features products that are hand selected based on their material content, design and quality.

For corporate orders Local Labels also sources locally. Ordering from area shipping and packing companies their shipped boxes support the local economy and contain little packaging.

About Local Labels:
Local Labels believes in supporting their neighbors by making the best of New York City within reach. From specialty foods to gifts, they have explored the five boroughs and found local bakers, chocolatiers, artists, and manufacturers creating fresh and unique products.

Partners Loren Talbot and Jean Tanler met while studying at the urban planning at Pratt Institute. They identified a large gap in the gift market for locally produced products when they were discussing the loss of manufacturing in the city. They noticed a disconnect between existing manufacturers and local retailers who were offering "New York" products - from taxi cab shot glasses to I Love NY t-shirts - often made out-of-state and overseas. They sought to start a company that would provide shoppers with a one-stop resource for finding products made in NYC. They were tired of seeing small mom and pop enterprises give way to the big box stores taking over and wanted to sell products that truly represented the diverse and vibrant city we live in. Soon after Local Labels was launched.

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