THOUGHTS ON ECO-SHOPPING
Isn't it inspiring that there are so many avenues available for those who want to shop compassionately and have great "stuff" too? There are wonderful things to be had, even as you shop with an eye towards sustainability, health, and care for earth, people and animals.
I use many of these sites year round to buy clothes, shoes, housewares, cosmetics, and gifts. Just browse some of these links and give it a look! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the fun, useful, cool, beautiful and interesting things available and the convenience of ordering them.
By shopping these kinds of places and products, you are directing your valuable dollars--our most powerful vote--in a truly generous and constructive way. You are voting with your money--the only real vote Americans have, in my opinion--for a better planet and world. There is little more refreshing than making your purchases an intentional investment in a brighter, safer future for your children, their children, and so on.
EACH SINGLE ACTION toward sustainability and social justice/uresponsibility really does make a difference and helps to shape the future. Even if you try ONE THING--one organic cotton item, a cool thing made from recycled materials or sustainably harvested timber--you are reducing the impact that conventionally-made products have on air, water, soil and people.
Further, at this time of unrest and violence in the world, it may soothe you to choose things that come from peace and awareness, and do no harm (or less harm than would conventional counterparts). At this time when many of us feel saddened, frustrated, and helpless about the direction things are taking--whether politically or environmentally--I hope you can derive some sense of power from voting with your dollars for a cleaner, kinder, more peaceable world.
There are many different kinds of violence--and many ways to lessen them. Because we cannot personally end all of them does not mean it isn't valuable to help diminish--or not participate in--those within our sphere of personal choice.
Remember, you have a choice. Every dollar you spend is a vote. You can express your concern for people, the environment, animals--all living things--and for peace and social justice, with what you buy. It DOES matter.
--Robyn Landis |
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MORE THOUGHTS
Making these choices can be not only as easy as "doing the usual thing," or gravitating toward common, conventional choices, but actually easier and more convenient. If a healthier, gentler, sensible alternative is readily available, "Why not?"
If you think this complicates your shopping, think again. If you eschew companies and products that use toxic, needless, careless ingredients that are harmful to human and environmental health, it simplifies things greatly. You still have tons of choices. You've simply narrowed the field of choice to dozens, instead of hundreds of thousands.
For example, when I want to buy a lipstick or a pair of shoes, I still have 10 or 15 companies/brands to choose from. That's already way more than I need. But at least I don't have to choose from 300 or 1,000. That's crazymaking to me. Focusing your choices this way can simplify the mania of choosing from EVERYTHING IN THE WHOLE WORLD.
If you simply refuse to invest in greed and toxicity, you actually uncomplicate your life greatly--with no real loss of choice. And you not only have plenty of choices today; you're helping to give your children more and better choices.
Environmental issues will ultimately determine the future of our planet and the survival of our species. The massive amounts of agri-chemicals used in conventional farming practices are poisoning our land, water, air and our bodies. For us to continue to blossom, we need to care for our environment and ourselves. Hemp, organic farming and eco-friendly business practices provide a sustainable foundation upon which tomorrow's children can grow. By preserving the present - the earth and our plants and our animals - we preserve the future for all. Shop lightly, shop judiciously, shop smart. Share yourself - not "stuff." Drive safe - drive less.
--Robyn Landis
Also see similar thoughts from eco-retailer Mama’s Earth
Bold names below connote RL personal favorites
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