Clay in Class

The BirdProject is a very important cause to the Laguna Clay Company.  The BP Oil Spill in the Gulf was devastating and we wanted to find a way to give back to the local community.  The white ceramic birds inside the soaps are glazed with Laguna Clay Co.  blue crackle glaze. We were proud and honored to donate this glaze to Tippy Tippen’s BirdProject.  Please enjoy reading and learning about the BirdProject.  As always, we would love to hear your thoughts and comments, as well as hear about your personal experiences.

The BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster has destroyed and continues to destroy local culture, our environment, and our wildlife. Both the long-term after effects of this disaster and its ultimate reach are yet unknown. BirdProject’s mission is to raise and maintain public awareness of the Oil Spill and to help provide funding for Environmental Cleanup Initiatives and aid for affected wildlife.

BirdProject provides work to the area by teaming exclusively with local artists, suppliers, and manufacturers and building positive partnerships between a range of New Orleans communities. Working with community and education based Operation Reach helps highlight this important issue in the minds of teenagers as well as teaching new skills in both green technologies and entrepreneurial creativity.

BirdProject is manufacturing an exclusive edition of black, bird-shaped glycerin soaps. Each soap contains a white, ceramic bird, made from Louisiana Clay and Laguna Clay Co. glazes, which remains as a keepsake once the outer soap has been washed away. The use of Glycerin – a biodiesel by-product – helps bolster awareness of green energy initiatives while emphasizing smart usage of manufacturing waste.

Through the daily act of washing, you will eventually free the clean, white, ceramic birds inside – potent symbols of restoration and recovery. The soap is shaped to be cradled in your hand and is a powerful representation of all creatures affected by the spill.

The soaps are manufactured from natural, locally sourced ingredients: biodiesel glycerin from Operation Reach, fair trade olive oil, aloe, activated black charcoal, and a light cypress scent – reminiscent of Louisianan bayous.

BirdProject’s production model is highly scalable, enabling cost-effective runs for both local and national retail outlets. 30% of the retail price will be donated directly to the Gulf Restoration network and the IBRRC. Profits will provide funding for follow up products including raising funding/awareness for wetland restoration.

BirdProject is the launch product from, MATTER L3C, a new design company based in New Orleans. About MATTER: Eco-intelligence, creativity, and innovative philanthropy unite at MATTER L3C: an industrial design & consulting studio based in New Orleans, uniquely focused on raising awareness and funding initiatives that advance social change. A portion of all proceeds flow to causes that impact the health, happiness, and sustainability of our communities both locally and for our neighbors around the world. MATTER L3C helps to make the world a better place by creating products and collaborations that matter.

Since my relocation to New Orleans from Brooklyn, NY to help in oil spill cleanup I have had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer for Audubon. This day was amazing in the ability to see so many healthy pelicans in an oil-free natural, habitat and a massive thank you to Lexie Montgomery, the incredible Audubon Volunteer Coordinator and new friend.

** Click here to SHOP BirdProject products – BirdProject donates 50% of profits to the Gulf Restoration network and International Bird Rescue. Profits will provide funding for follow up products including raising funding/awareness for wetland restoration and other social intiatives.

** Click here to watch Tippy Tippens in a short video of the making of the BirdProject **

** Below are photos of the making of these lovely birds… Click on the image to see the process in greater detail **

In The News:

**BirdProject’s Bird-Shaped Soaps Remind Us Gulf Spill Cleanup Isn’t Over**

“The symbolism of the soap extends beyond its shape. Intentionally black to represent oil, each bird washes away to reveal a white ceramic version inside. “The white ceramic bird represents hope, and is to remain as a symbol of progress and recovery,” Tippens tells Ecouterre.  Intentionally black to represent oil, each one washes away to reveal a white ceramic version inside.”

**Symbolic soaps raise funds for oil-spill cleanup operation**

By: www.springwise.com, 07/11/11

“Symbolically, the soaps represent the washing of a bird whilst simultaneously linking that process to human activity as they wash themselves. A further function of the design is that it has helped raise awareness for a rescue operation at a time when many feel swamped by calls to give to worthy causes. Those trying to achieve similar goals, time to start thinking creatively!”