BirdProject: Soaps to Help the Coast

BirdProject was founded by Tippy Tippens to support the clean-up efforts surrounding the BP Oil Spill. The black, bird-shaped glycerin soaps cost $24 a piece, with 50% of all profits going to Gulf Restoration Network (GRN) & International Bird Rescue (IBR). Inside each soap is a handmade white ceramic bird, a symbol of recovery and restoration, formed from Louisiana clay.

I asked Tippy to elaborate on BirdProject and how the concept emerged, among other topics:

Tippy on BirdProject:  The project began simply as a way to help.  I was living in Brooklyn at the time and became quite obsessed with watching the entire event unfold. My hands felt really tied being so far away, as well as not being an expert in the field of caring for marine life or the environment [Tippy’s background is in industrial design]. It began with abstract images of black birds in my head and evolved from there. I began drawing these birds, then that led to creating a form – then I sought the proper material which led me to soap, then to biodiesel glycerin, then to a ceramic bird at the center – it all took a couple months to take shape.

I contacted Tulane and they introduced me to their social entrepreneurship initiatives group and linked me to great things going on locally. I knew I wanted the project to be a collaboration between education, green initiatives, and environment.

Now, I am most proud that the birdies are actually helping. The two groups (IBR & GRN) are both so excited about BirdProject’s successes – that’s really gratifying and humbling. Not only have they directly raised money for the two groups, they have also raised awareness. GRN received a major donation due to the birdies being in Coastal Living.

On New Orleans:  I had never been to New Orleans before and first visited to do some research to ensure that I was creating the project correctly. I completely fell in love with the warm, wonderful people that I met and the beauty of the city.  I love it here and am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing place in the world. One of the things that I love most about New Orleans is saying ‘good morning’ to people on the sidewalks while walking my doggie in the morning. Something so simple, but it’s so nice. I love riding my bike and wandering around photographing beautiful NOLA. New Orleans feels more like its own country than a city in the US to me. I love talking to people while going out for a drink or sitting outside on the sidewalk for a delicious meal, and the scent of jasmine in the air. And, while I’m mostly vegetarian, I love the praline bacon!

Believe the hype!:  BirdProject was recently named “Best Project” at Chicago’s Renegade Craft Fair (via a design blog) and has received some wonderful press from Huffington Post, MTV Act Blog, Springwise, and Ecouterre to mention a few.

Check the list of BirdProject stores that carry the soaps, including eight in New Orleans. You can also purchase the soaps line, as well as note cards and other gifts, on the BirdProject official site.

Tagged as: BirdProject, Coastal Living Magazine, Ecouterre, GoNOLA, Gulf Restoration Network, Huffington Post, International Bird Rescue, MTV Act Blog, New Orleans art, New Orleans Shopping, NOLA, Renegade Craft Fair, Shopping, Springwise, Tulane University