One of the things I do when I’m not writing blog posts for Vibrant Nation is representing us at gatherings such as last week’s LOHAS conference in Boulder. LOHAS stands for “Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability,” and Vibrant Nation was there for the second year running, knowing how important making a difference is to our members.
In the throes of the BP crisis, the general atmosphere was somber, indeed. And yet, a healthy representation of women like us “who know things,” including futurist Faith Popcorn, the EPA’s Stephanie Owens and CEO of Mother Jones Magazine Madeleine Buckingham, see the potential for true transformation out of this crisis. “Potential” is the operative world, however, as the question of the day is “Will the scope of this tragedy mobilize the masses into positive action…or, overwhelmed, will we give up?” The future of planet earth literally resides in the answer to this urgent and timely inquiry.
What more can one woman do? I, too, was looking for answers. I already recycle, and have a bias for simplicity over consumption. But there must be something more I could do. But what?
Then I had the good fortune to attend the dinner sponsored by the Green Spa Network, an organization of spas that is promoting the natural connections between personal well-being, economic sustainability, and the health of our planet. After a heart-felt exhortation to do whatever we can on a micro as well as macro level by 80-something founder of Rancho La Puerta Deborah Szekely, I went back to my hotel room and immediately dumped my oil-based lipstick for one that is mineral-based: healthier for me and the environment.
I also chocked my serial use of water bottled in oil-based plastic in favor of a reusable metal canteen, which I have already begun carrying around in my stylish, new environmentally friendly and reusable bottle carrier by Chico Bags — a boon for me as I walk the hot streets of Manhattan apartment hunting (but that’s a story for my next blog post!)
I also engaged in conversation with representatives of wind farms, socially responsible investment banks and companies like Petco (and their organic lines of dog food) and eBay (proud of their role as the largest recycler of everything from zebra-striped pajamas to fancy watches,) asking questions, offering suggestions.
So what can one woman do? For starters, she can evolve lipstick by water bottle into an even more thoughtful (and reluctant) user of oil-based and oil-consuming products.
The second, related agenda inspiring Vibrant Nation’s leadership role at LOHAS is to encourage inter-generational exchange and cooperation. Too many great ideas by young people fail to gather steam because they have marginalized Boomers with the discretionary income holding the potential to make their enterprises viable from their consciousness, let alone their product design and marketing.
This is particularly critical in this difficult economy, Steve French of Natural Marketing Institute reporting that the percentage of the general population willing to pay more for “green” products is down from 20 per cent last year to 8 percent this year. At the same time, I was on a panel discussing generational differences and similarities, and able to report the results of the VN community’s own survey on the subject. An inspiring 95% of us already do or are willing to pay more for products and services that are good for the environment!
Vibrant Women, too, are in robust innovation mode, starting organizations, creating new products, offering services – and surely all the generations would benefit from the exchange not only of money, but mutual support.
So what can one woman do? At least 95% of us would agree with something philosopher Bertrand Russell once wrote. Paraphrasing Bertrand: We may not be able to single-handedly change the world, but we can at least add in our two cents when and wherever possible.
Collectively, that can add up to a whole lot of green.
ReginaLove, that is SO great to hear! As for soy, it may help with menopause symptoms -- it it controversial. The best way to use soy is in the form of whole fermented soy foods (miso, tempeh, tamari and natto). Non-fermented soy foods such as soy mi
Agreed. I never thought I was vain until I had a mastectomy at age 39. I was devastated and told the doc I wanted to wake up with implants. Now at age 60, I am lopsided and wondering if I was just avoiding the inevitable. You get what you get and you
Sounds very interesting.
Spike, you are awesome! Love your perspective, thanks for sharing.
I am engaged in my latest green challenge. I looked around my kitchen and was appalled at the amount of plastic.
Storage containers of every description. Zip lock bags, sandwich bags, cupboards full of plastic containers.
How could I have been so blind. I’m already seriously engaged in living green. So my challenge is in what do I wrap my sandwich in? What do I store my leftovers in? How do I get rid of all the plastic packaging my groceries are wrapped in, and what is the point of getting rid of the packaging and re wrapping in Glad freezer bags?
How many attractive glass jars do I currently have? Do they fit in the refrigerator? Take up more space? Less space? Will the lids be practical to use? Will my spouse be willing to get some fruit cocktail out of a jar instead of those kid size little plastic cups they come in? NOPE. He wants his kid sized little plastic wrapped thingy for convenience, to take in his lunch bag.
How many spices do I own? And how come I had never noticed they are all in plastic containers? Why aren’t they at least in nice glass spice jars?
It’s a huge challenge!
I’ve already done the cleaning product change over. I’ve already examined my cosmetics and made changes. And Lordy, I’ve even struggled to do without paper towels. That was huge! But I am coping with that. I bought a whole pile of old fashioned aprons at a lawn sale. And a whole pile of kitchen towels at the dollars store. I read recently that it takes 7 million trees a year to keep the world supplied in paper towels. Isn’t that ridiculous!
This week I invested in a good spice rack with glass jars. The change over in my kitchen will be gradual and sustainable.
Sounds like you’re adding more than your two cents. Inspiring! Thanks. I’m wondering if others in our community have practical advice on breaking the oil habit!
Hi all,
Don’t miss these threads started by Carolyn Scott, about practical steps we can take to live greener:
Thanks for all the advice, however we have on this site also many women not working at this time. Money a BIG problem, so you believe they will spend an extra .50-1.00 just to get glass jars? When you are trying to survive and money is dear, I’m not expecting that and either should you. For those that can afford to find, but don’t make those who can not feel guilty, my 2 cents…TRACK
What lipstick doesn’t come in plastic? “So what can one woman do? For starters, she can evolve lipstick by water bottle into an even more thoughtful (and reluctant) user of oil-based and oil-consuming products.” Don’t get this!…TRACK
Perhaps a tad literal.
My point is that for those of us who feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problems, it’s better to start micro than nowhere. And yes, I agree it makes sense to use up products already purchased, unless the use of the product creates more harm than good.
No offense taken! I readily admit I’m a beginner–and the issues you raise go right to the core of issues surfacing in the green movement. You’ve got an inner circle of knowledgeable, engaged people who really know which end is up, and walk their talk–and the vast majority of “others” who may have good intentions, but not the means/motivation to get up to speed. How do you bring less sophisticated/motivated folks along? Do we have the luxury of time to be patient/compassionate with one another? If we push too hard, will they just say “the heck with it?” I’m concerned about the latter, ergo my two cents approach. But perhaps the greater risk is to not push on each other harder because the risks of going slow are too great? Important questions! So thanks!