Gratitude, Not Guilt

Posted on by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

When I write these posts and sometimes talk about the different processes a product must go through to get to us, I’m doing a lot of educated guessing. I actually think it would be awesome to have a show or a book that really took an audience on the actual journey–the entire journey– that a product goes through to get to a consumer. So many mind-numbing shows out there; let’s start creating and demanding ones that add value to our world.

I think something that shows a product’s journey from start to finish (and even its afterlife) would be a priceless addition to a child’s library or a mandatory school program, but also extremely important for the public at large.

Unfortunately, I often carry a feeling of guilt when I think of all a product has gone through. I think of the travel pollution and the natural resources used and the factory pollution into our air or waterways. I cringe when I see boxes piled on doorsteps or walk into a big box store, as I think of the negative impact all these products have had on our environment.  I know I’m in the minority on this, but I do seriously carry a load of guilt whenever I buy or receive something. 

BUT, I think a far better approach, really, for whatever side a person is on—feeling this tremendous guilt or not thinking about it at all–is for us to look at all of what products go through to get to us and use that as a way of gaining a greater appreciation for them. When we can really value all that something went through to be made and assembled and transported, then we can feel a connectedness and a gratitude we might not otherwise know. And only then, will we really be aware of its value.

Instead of saying things like, “Well, it didn’t cost much, so it doesn’t matter if it breaks.” or “I couldn’t find the one I had, so I bought another one.” or “A newer model came out, so this one isn’t good anymore.” Hopefully, we can instead know the true cost and true value of each product. We will appreciate what we have. Buy higher quality items from companies with fair and good manufacturing practices–Demand that, in fact.  Mend and fix broken items, instead of throwing them out. Share with our friends and neighbors, so we’re not each buying our own high-ticket items that sit unused for most of the year. Gaining appreciation for our food and products is one of the keys to making a big difference in helping our world.

By simply becoming more aware of our products’ journeys, we will start building this appreciation and changing our habits. Your actions can and will make a difference!

The Greatest Gift

Posted on by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

When I became a mom, I quickly realized I would do ANYTHING for these kids.  I want to give them all the best, always. Not in a spoil them, Veruca Salt, sort of way, but in a -I would walk to Mordor for you- kind of way. And, like so many parents out there, holidays or birthdays approach, and I get excited to give them something really special. To see their faces light up, to watch their imaginations grow. But, I can never help thinking, that the greatest gift I can give my kids, really, is a healthy planet for their future and for their kids. I know that sounds corny as all heckarooni when I say it, but I believe it deep down in my core. And while I’m not going to sit my kids down on their birthdays and tell them that their gift is that we didn’t get them anything that would add to the crisis of overconsumption and instead Mama sat down and wrote this post in the small hopes it would make a difference, I still think that we can keep things in perspective. Maybe cut down on the over gifting. Be conscious about what products we’re buying and what their company’s practices are and which local shop we’d like to support, even if it means paying a little bit more. Or even making our own gifts. Maybe we can also realize that for a lot of people, gifts aren’t necessarily brown paper packages tied up with strings, but instead might be a special outing or spending time together. I want to give my kids a healthy, sustainable planet for their future, and so with every celebration, every gift, every birthday party, I keep that at the forefront of my mind. And then all I can do is my best.

Healthy Body, Healthy Planet

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I had this thought several months back, that in order to have a healthy planet, we, ourselves, must be healthy. Kind of a no-brainer, right? But it felt like a real Aha! moment for me, so bear with me. We are part of this amazing, beautiful planet, just as trees are or oceans or animals. So, if one of our goals is a healthier planet, then that includes us. I can’t be talking about helping the planet and have my own self be an unhealthy mess, whether physically or emotionally or mentally. And, the more this really sunk in for me, the more I realized how quickly the connection of healthier lifestyles would actually help with a healthier planet—not just in this microcosm sense of it all, which is important too, but also on a larger scale.

A healthier person is going to be eating fresher, healthier foods, which means less food packaging, less eating out, less pesticides. Healthier people require less medical care, which is easily less negative environmental impact. Healthier people’s moods are usually better, meaning they’re probably offering more kindness, helping out more, able to think more clearly, which leads to better voting decisions, better personal choices, more conscious decisions, etc. A healthier person probably spends more time in nature and less in front of a device, so with an added appreciation for nature, because they’re out enjoying it, they probably have more respect for it, whether consciously or not and will treat it better. Anyway, I’m sure the list of connections could go on and on, but I just felt it was an interesting thought and wanted to share it here.

Vote with Your Wallet

Posted on by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Sometimes (ok, often) I feel like a bit of an outsider.  I don’t always think the same way as a large majority of people.  I don’t like or support many of the places or companies that are part of other people’s day-to-day, so I’m really a bit unsure going into this post… 

I’ve been reflecting on what kind of world I want, and I’m wondering how much that matches with the majority of the population.  Personally, I don’t want a world with big, overflowing, generic box stores filled with cheap stuff made in China. I don’t want a world where people hole up inside, while large trucks circle around with deliveries. I don’t know… Maybe a lot of people really DO want these things. But, I have a feeling that many people just get caught up in habits and convenience and sucked into the madness of our consumerist society. I don’t really think this is what most people want. And yet, every time we order something from a large online store or support Jeff frickin Bezos or buy the latest gadget at WalMart, then we are voting for that world and those things. We are saying, Yes, this is the world I want.

And, I just don’t. I’m not saying I don’t want to buy things or support companies; I just want to do my best to support the ones that show me more of the world I want to see. So, when I go into an independently-run, beautifully-decorated shop full of items carefully selected from companies with good business practices, THAT’s where I want to spend my money. Will it cost more there than at some of the evil empires? Absolutely. And this is where I often hear people step in with the Woe-Is-Me talk about how they NEED to shop at WalMart or Amazon because they just can’t afford anything else. A majority of the time though, I find these same people buying loads more stuff for “cheap” prices and spending way more than they would have spent supporting a local business and buying a select few quality items.

What I actually love about spending a little bit more for a local product or from a business with fair and conscious practices is that A) I’m supporting a place that brings me joy and, in my humble opinion, brightens our world, B) I know I’m buying a quality product that was made with good materials and will last, C) I’m cutting down on the amount of stuff I can buy and thereby decreasing clutter, D) I feel a greater respect and appreciation for something I’ve spent more money on and I know I’ll treat it better, make it last longer, mend it, if needed, etc. and Lastly, hopefully, I’m supporting a place that makes more conscious decisions for our world and its people. To me, it’s an all around win situation. 

I know it’s tough. In the day-to-day craziness, when “needs” for items come up, heck ya, it’s easier to visit a big ol online store. But maybe, just maybe, we can start taking a breath before we buy things…  Ask ourselves if we really need it. Ask ourselves if we can borrow it instead. And, most importantly, ask ourselves where we want to put our vote. The companies and businesses where we spend our money are what we will see more of. We can easily shift the direction of how businesses are run, what environmental choices they make, how they treat their employees, how well products are made, simply by spending our money at places that have these practices already in place. We’ve probably all seen examples of how our money votes change what is offered. It’s commonplace to see at least some organic food items at even the most generic grocery stores these days. That wasn’t always the case. Our money votes matter.

And right now, more than ever before, small businesses NEED you!  I strongly, strongly encourage some research into local, independently-run bookshops, toy shops, gift shops, and so on.  Many have done huge learning curves this year to provide online shopping or phone ordering.  Many do curbside pick-up.  I’ve even had some hand deliver items to my door, free of charge.  This is the time to step up and support local.  Buying gift certificates or future memberships is also a great way to support local businesses.  And if you can’t think of somewhere in your local area, think about some of your favorite independent shops you’ve seen while traveling or from places you used to live.  Many will ship.  Your purchases will keep them alive for your next visit. 

This is your chance to save small businesses!  To support quality items.  To say Yes! to fair working conditions and practices.  To keep a family’s dream afloat.  To create more beautiful places.  Where you shop and which places you choose to support can and will make a difference in our world.