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The real power to make change lies with the consumer, more power than
with any government institution, or any media outlet or corporation. By
encouraging sustainable consumption, we are creating a market for green
products. When we start to identify with this goal, empowerment happens.
While we support giving money to environmental causes, going to rallies
in the park, even sitting up in a tree (especially!), the big change will
come when companies realize it's in their interest to be more environmentally
responsible.
A spokesman for a major corporate lobby recently
called this type of consumer activism "blackmail"
1 but voting with our dollars is a perfect
example of capitalism in action--when people don't buy something, the market responds accordingly.
Conversely, when people do want something, it's available for sale. The desire
for green products is well-documented and growing. Whether based on personal
health concerns or larger, altruistic concerns--or both--most people would
buy green products if they were easily available, worked as well, and
cost more or less the same.
And that is our mission: to satisfy these criteria so that we can expand that market. We want to make people aware that
sustainable alternatives exist for just about everything they use on a
daily basis, and they're beautiful, and they're here. We want to be the
voice for a collective shout that demands: show us the green!
Making a difference and saving the earth requires "walking the walk"
in addition to "talking the talk." Our agenda is one of spirit, rather
than politics. We are looking for a revolution in hearts and minds, in
the very consciousness of the lives we live, where we live. It's a revolution
that starts with greening the home.
Green regards,
- LC
1 Timber Company Reduces Cutting of Old-Growth Trees; 'New York Times', March 27, 2002, By GREG WINTER back
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