PSFK Interview: Scott Ballum, Consume®econnection Project

Generally, what are the steps you take to accomplish this?

The process definitely varies depending on the product, where it’s made, and how big of a company it is. Sometimes it’s as easy as going in to a restaurant (on a slow afternoon) and asking to talk to the owner or head chef, small business entrepreneurs are extremely passionate about what they do and love talking about it. With national companies, like Seventh Generation, I call ahead, explain my project, and try to make an appointment to meet with someone. And sometimes I just go to the factory and take the tour, and sneak off to talk to folks that work there, without even trying to explain anything about the project. If someone feels like their being interviewed, they’re probably not going to say much.

What have been your limitations?

Primarily just getting into really large corporations. The big companies don’t know what to do with me, whether my call is a customer service issue, a public relations request, or what. There used to be a time when we would go to the cobbler who made our shoes, and the butcher who carved our meat. The connection between consumer and producer is so far removed today, that there really isn’t an infrastructure to support it. And of course, there is the obvious obstacle of so many products being manufactured overseas now.

How has it been going? Are you finding yourself a bit limited?

For the most part, it’s been really fun. It’s given me the excuse to talk to lots of new people, learn a ton about how and where things are made, and travel all over the country. To that end though, there’s also the financial limitation — all this travel adds up. So I do find myself going to the same restaurants and buying the same types of things over and over — or I just don’t buy anything at all. If I could get a new pair of shoes and find a few more local restaurants, I think I’d be happy.

Right, have you found an alternative to that one Mexican restaurant you mentioned?

I haven’t branched out yet, but there’s no excuse other than being focused on other things, like doing this interview. I’m think I’m ready though, and I know my boyfriend is ready to eat someplace else.

Read about Consume®econnection Project at Scott’s blog: www.sheeplessco.com