Markets for Alaskan Nature Products

There is a market for almost every aspect of nature you can find in Alaska (or anywhere for that matter) if you just get creative. And the ability to earn money on nature hikes is limitless once you realize almost anything has a monetary value. Here are a few ideas!

Cottonwood Oil: An oil derived from cottonwood buds is one of the most expensive things Alaskans can sell. You can do research on making it and then sell it to herbal medicine suppliers or direct customers looking for it. It supplies arthritis relief and is believed to be one of the strongest natural remedies for chronic pain.

Alder Leaves: Alder leaves can be dried and sold as an additive to teas to help aid in headache relief. Some herbal suppliers may purchase them, but your best luck would be to sell them yourself.

Alder Cones: Dried alder cones can be sold as craft supplies for many crafters around the country. They're very popular in holiday crafts because they make such a unique small winter-time accent.

Willow Branches: Willow branches can be made into wicker and sold to craft stores and basket weavers. They can also be sold as chew toys for rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, chinchillas, and birds.

Blueberry Stems: Blueberry stems can be made into a tea! They add a sweet (lavenderish?) taste to other tea blends. They aren't often used alone, but can be sold as an additive. Many tea makers will buy them as well.

River Rocks: River rocks are purchased for a variety of things. Jewelry makers will buy certain colors or shapes for jewelry (quartz is popular). Religious/Spiritual suppliers will buy certain stones for ritual purposes. They can also be sold as home decor (vase accents, fountain addition, aquarium rocks).

Spruce/Hemlock Branches: Some wreath makers will buy spruce branches for wreaths. They're relatively stiff- which makes them a good decision for outdoor decorations. They also really like hemlock, because hemlock branches have a sort of 'droopy' evergreen appearance that can make beautiful holiday decor.

Dried Wildflowers: Many collectors will buy Alaskan dried wildflowers- specifically ones that are native to the arctic/subarctic and not other areas. Crafters will also sometimes buy them- but your best bet would be collectors and museums.

Tundra Lichen: Tundra lichen is bought by beauty suppliers to be used in making lotions, hair products, facial scrubs, and even soaps. It has a moisturizing property that is thought to help prevent wrinkles and promote glowing skin.

Moose Poop: These have been creatively formed into all sorts of things. Many artists buy them to make key chains, jewelry, novelty items, and other awesome things. But some pet stores will also buy them for Hermit Crab food.

Fighting Colds, Naturally

I've never been a huge fan of medications... as we all know by now. And around this time every year the stuffy indoor sick usually brings some sort of sickness upon me. And I know how hard it can be for people in the bush to get actual medical care. So I thought I'd share a few of my tips on fighting colds naturally.

Sleep: Whenever I get sick, I burrow away under the covers and sleep- for as long and as much as I can. I wrap up in a hot blanket and let myself sweat. It's the quickest way to break a fever, and the sleep is what your body honestly needs to get better.

Eat Vitamen C: like it's going out of style. I eat oranges, suck on cough drops with vitamen C, stock up on cloudberries, and go nuts on all citrus fruits. It soothes my stomache, my throat, and my immune system.

Drink Tea With Honey: Honey is a great way to fight colds and tea helps soothe your throat. Whenever I have a sore throat the first thing I do is make a pot of tea. No better way to get your voice back ASAP.

Organic Tea Blend Sampler by Marble and Milkweed

Inhale Evergreen Steam: If I can get to a spruce tree, I'll take a branch (about the length of my forearm) and when I get home put the needles in a pot of water. I'll boil it for about five minutes and then take a towel, cover my head over the pot, and inhale all of the steam. It helps clear your mucus, soothes your sinuses, and the fresh scent wakes you up (so you don't feel so drouzy and dizzy). If you have to go to work sick, try starting out the morning with this- it will honestly help you feel better throughout the first half of your day. Try again at lunch time (if you can find a spot to do so) and it'll help you get through the second half too.

Alaskan Business Ideas

Because Alaska is a relatively 'new' state there are a lot of businesses that have yet to make their way up here. What businesses have you noticed Alaskan is missing? Here are a few business ideas that I think someone here in the north could cash in on.

Interior Designer: As the rest of America's housing economy drops- ours is rising. And with it a demand for interior designers. Many of our wealthier Alaskans don't have the time nor the creative mind to make their home comfy. And many would happily pay someone else to make their house a true home. It's a niche market that hasn't really been picked up in Alaska yet.
Art Agent: Alaska has a huge market for art agents- because we have a huge market for our art. Native artists, Alaskan artists, and even Alaskan musicians need people to represent them. And once you have the right contacts, finding markets for their work can become a breeze. Plus you get a commission rate from each peice that sells- so the harder you work, the more you're paid.
Kennel/ Pet Sitter: There are a lot of kennels in Alaska, but even so they always seem to be full. Just by petsitting sleddogs alone, you can make huge money throughout the year. But Alaska also is missing a few key pet sitters- specifically ones for cats, small animals, and birds. Dog kennels are popular- and could make money, but require space. But other animals need a place to stay too! And they don't require nearly as much room.
Nanny: Live-in nannies, specifically for oil workers, can make a lot of money in Alaska. We have a lot of jobs here that require travel. And unfortunately that travel doesn't cooperate with a child's education. So many people are in need of someone who can help babysit their children, on a full-time live-in basis. Nannies also usually perform daily household chores- but if you're like me, and enjoy that sort of thing, it can be a wonderful job.
Animal Breeder: Alaska has a surprisingly large market for exotic and small pets. Specifically birds, gerbils, ferrets, and chinchillas. African Grey parrots have always been in high demand and many Alaskans have to leave the state to buy one (there are very few breeders here). I, personally, love animals. And have had a lot of experience breeding them. It's a full-time job but a really rewarding one- and in Alaska it can be a great way to make money. Because we have so few reliable breeders, a good one can make a good chunk of change with each animal.

Keeping Kids' Rooms Warm

Back bedrooms in a lot of cabins can be cold. I know mine are and I thought it'd be nice to share a few ideas of ways to keep kids rooms warm.

Heat Blanket: You can put a heat blanket under the sheet of the bed and have it on a constant low setting throughout the night. Turn it on about an hour before bed and it will warm up the blankets so your kiddie doesn't have to climb into cold sheets.
Leave a Light On: Lights, no matter their size or type, give off a little bit of heat. Leave one on if you can afford it. Or, if your kid goes to school (and isn't too young) leave a candle lit in their room. Even a small candle can put off some major heat. In the winter I light a few candles in 'drafty cold' parts of my home and it helps counter-act the winter coolness.
Leave the Door Open: If your teen isn't throwing a hissy fit, leave the door open. It will help promote an even air flow throughout the house, so one room isn't colder than another. Basically it ensures that that room will be almost as warm as the remainer of the home.
Pack On the Blankets: Layers helps! Don't just leave your child with one blanket on their bed, give them two or three. Fleece ones make a great 'under cover' that really helps insulate heat. And because their so soft kids love snuggling up with them at night.
Add A Rug: If you have hardwood or lanolium floors, try putting down a rug. It doesn't have to be a nice carpet one. A cheap one will do. Rugs help insulate the floors and keep cold hair from coming from the basement or under the house. It also helps keep those little feet a little warmer when they jump off the bed in the morning. Plus it's a comfy place for them to play on the floor.

New Years Resolutions (Alaskan Style)

I thought it would be fun to make a list of new year's resolutions worthy for Alaskans! A selection of things every Alaskan should challenge themselves to do this year.

Money Saving Goals
Only order online from sites with free shipping to Alaska.
Buy more items from local thrift shops. Good deals + Support the AK economy= Win Win

Activity Goals
Get outside in the winter. Go iceskating, snowmachine, build a snowman, walk your dog.
Try a new winter sport (skiiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowmachining).
Go on a summer hiking tour with tourists. You get to tell your stories and be active!

In Alaska Goals
Try some eccentric native foods (seal oil, blackmeat, dry fish, boiled salmon heads)
If you dare: The Polar Bear Plunge
Visit a big Alaskan event (Fur Rondy, Alaska State Fair, Iditerod)
Do Pick.Click.Give!

What are your New Years Resolutions for 2013? Leave a comment below!