The new year is right around the corner... We're prompted by the change in the calendar - and by the traditions surrounding that change - to reflect on our lives, and to consider changes we might like to introduce. Furthermore, if you're reading this blog, you're probably the kind of person who looks at the holidays and the way we celebrate them - including the shopping and consumption that frequently accompany them - and wonders how to make them more green. HighVibe's commitment to green goes way beyond the green juices we love so much and the beautiful green plants we have in the store: we're also passionate about making and keeping the planet as green and life-filled as possible. When you think about it, what more wonderful gift could you give than the gift of a more sustainable planet - for you, your loved ones and for future generations? To us, that kind of gift is truly what embodies the holiday spirit.
To that end, we wanted to bring a couple of store items to your attention, as well as an AMAZING website that you really have to see to believe! The site is www.storyofstuff.com, and it starts with a 20 minute story of, well, stuff - where it comes from, how it gets made and sold, and what happens to it. In an incredibly engaging and practical presentation, Annie Leonard takes us through the consumption cycle; explains its impact on the environment, local and global cultures; touches on its relationship with government and big business, and - thank heaven - concludes with some really meaningful resources to explore and tips to help make your life greener all around!
This site is particularly good for kids: visual, to the point, informative without being overwhelming, serious without being alarmist, and paced for the internet generation. It is in itself a fantastic gift of education that will really work, and work for the generation that will inherit our poor bruised but still beautiful planet. Here at HighVibe, the storyofstuff site has made us really question how we deal with our consumer waste, from double packaged products from our vendors to our recycling policy, and we're working to improve how we handle these things. There's no perfect answer, but true strength is partly about having the courage to do the best we can starting right now! Definitely check it out and forward to everyone you know!
It's serendipitous that we have just added a new product that goes right along with this site - our recycled bag bags! They are strong, stylin', and crocheted from plastic bags. How cool is that?! We loved them right off the bat and are super excited to have them in the store.
We also wanted to encourage the use of our gift certificate option. One of the things mentioned in the story of stuff site is the rate at which stuff is discarded. Did you know that only one percent of the stuff you buy is still around six months later? One way to cut down on this kind of waste is to avoid purchasing items that will be discarded... and one way to do that is to take the guesswork out of what somebody wants!
Finally, there are some great charity sites out there that need support. Giving to them is a wonderful investment in our planet and our future, and most have an option to donate in someone's honor, which makes that gesture doubly meaningful! We'd particularly like to point out Emergency USA and the Chandler Sky Foundation. Dagger has been personally involved with both of these charities for ten years and can vouch for their integrity and effectiveness.
Every little thing we do with mindfulness and gratitude - whether it's a carefully chosen and lovingly given present that you buy or make yourself, a waste-reducing certificate or bag, the gift of education, a prayer, a smile to a loved one or to a stranger - helps heal the planet and increase the physical and spiritual green of life.
Praise and be amazing!