This photo has been cruising blogs across the interwebs for a while. It depicts the satellites and debris that orbit the Earth (the view is facing the North Pole).
This photo makes me want to gag. We clutter so much that even our orbit looks like a trash heap. I sigh in frustration at the sight of it. But then again, I use a cell phone that requires a few of those satellites to be there ...
Now, I'm sure you all know that today is Earth Day- the international celebration of caring for the planet, our mother ship. I was walking through a department store last night and was amazed to see a jewelry set that included the recycling symbol, a small planet and a leaf. All three were enamel set in what looked like gold. This was in a department store that prefers selling "diamond-esk" jewelry at a killer price- all of it probably imported from a third-world country whose recycling and emissions standards are not taken as seriously as poverty, the spread of disease in slums, or a lack of education in poor communities.
Was the department store in question intent on spreading the message of stewardship? Probably not.
I popped into a popular clothing store after that ... this particular retail outlet is known for up-to-date fashions at very, very low prices. Most of their clothing is made in Indonesia. There were environmental references on graphic tees, dresses, jewelry, handbags ...
Don't get me wrong, I've been rocking recycling logos since I was a pre-pubescent ... but lately this surge of retail propaganda doesn't feel right ... How often do these large companies recycle? How much waste do they create? Are they making an effort to be better companies??
I went HERE to find out.
That's Gap Inc.'s Climate Counts Score Card. Climate Counts is mentioned here a fair amount- and they're based in New Hampshire! Who knew?! Not many people, and that's the problem ... Funded in part by Stonyfield Farms, Climate Counts is based in Manchester and rates companies across the country to let consumers know just how environmentally minded these companies are.
Nike, believe it or not, is their highest ranked apparel company.
So, with an overall score of 42 (out of a possible 100), they're working on getting better, but ultimately with conglomerates like Gap Inc. the bottom line is always the bottom line. Money drives the engine.
Since I started reading Gary Hirshberg's new book, the one I mentioned in my last post, I've realized why the man is so well off. Having a leader like him in our midst makes our communities all the better.
So, in honor of Earth Day, as you pick up litter, clear beaches, finally put recycling bins in your office- whatever you may be doing- let's let this concept sink in ...
If we really want to change the consumption rate of our society, we have to speak with our wallets.
I've been victim to choosing cheap over sustainable. It's hard not to most of the time; it's a tough economy and everyone is strapped for cash. Hence Walmart's never ceasing popularity. I've bought the cheap t-shirt. I've stocked up on discount accessories. It is a daunting task to shell out more cash in favor of the greater good ... the whole effort is hard as hell.
Recently, on GreenGuideNH, I read a tid-bit that said (and I'm paraphrasing): It's too difficult to try and change every bad habit you have all at once ... so pick one at a time and stick to your new ideal until it becomes a habit itself.
Baby steps. Avoiding frustration and exhaustion is the way to go. My habit is starting at the grocery store. I garden extensively, preserve the left-over produce and compost the waste. I've gotten into the habit of baking my own bread, a money saver for sure and when you get down to it, homemade bread is just the balls! It's delicious, all warm and new ... When I can't grow it or make it myself, I make an effort to find it locally. When Hannaford or Shaws is your only option, just read your labels. Support organic where you can, bring reusable bags and when in doubt- ask for help. There are resources all around you to help you find the most local produce at the best price. You needn't sell off your first born to eat well, join a CSA ... visit your local farmers' market for bulk staples (honey, butter, meats, veggies, breads, herbs, etc.).
I've pontificated enough ... Really, I wish you the best of luck, dear reader. I wish all of us the best of luck. I'm praying for an economic rebound, for a day when green will no longer describe a fad ... it'll just be a color in the rainbow. I'm praying for the day when sustainability is the norm and functioning outside of those parameters is financial suicide.
These days are coming ... and I'm hoping all the fad fashion trends are just a sign of the changing mind set and not another effort to green-wash a business into higher profit margins.
Happy Earth Day, everyone. Thank you for reading. I'll be back with more soon.
Hug a tree for me.
Love,
Say
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