Step Three

When you just can't make it

When all the resources are examined, and possibilities discovered and you still cannot find a homemade solution what does a consumer do? You consume, but responsibly.

There are times when things just can't be made at home, or made by others. Some things need machines, mass production, assembly lines, or artificial materials. Some things cannot be purchased used, found or up-cycled. But, we as the consumer have to power to choose items created by a company that has environmental protection policies, one that gives back to the world more than it takes. Sure, it takes time and research to discover them, it's hard to buy impulsively when you look at purchases this way; but I think that's a good thing, impulse buys are destructive. We have to power to change how companies create merchandise, we can make them change.

Recently with the fad of a "green" becoming a modern business tactic, the word green is thrown at us as with the casualness of media. Green has become a way to appear environmentally conscious. Are these businesses that claim to have a green spirit actually protecting our world, are they actually providing non-toxic product? Are these companies giving back to the world, or are they just recycling the soda cans from the employee lounge and calling themselves green? Instead of using a color for attracting conscious consumers, I want to see companies advertise with specific things they are doing. For example, what if a coffee company stated on it's packaging (which just happens to made from used and torn old coffee harvesting cloth sacks that have been re-used to prevent more waste being produced) they state that these beans have been harvested with machines running on electric power, the company headquarters use solar-voltaic power and implement rain-water catchment systems. That the plants have not been fertilized with toxic chemicals therefore resulting in a slightly smaller bean, or that 1 % of the companies yearly profits go to counteracting the pollution that the company produces. That would be a product that I would buy. Companies are doing those things, some are truly "green". Others are claiming to be green, but not doing all that they can. It's our responsible to make companies liable for how they create their product.

An excellent example of a company, that I will continue to buy from, is Patagonia. They excel at recycling materials, using alternative power, and giving back to the world some of the resources it consumes. When you buy a product from them it is made from quality materials that endure. My husband owns a Patagonia rain jacket shell that he has owned since high school, that he actually bought used then, and it is still awesome. It has dealt with serious outdoor adventures, countless possible destructive circumstances, and over 10 years of wear. It has outlived numerous North Face jackets that have either been thrown out, or given away, fleeces from other outdoor apparel companies have deceased during 'ol Red's lifespan. The point is, it is a quality item, and it is made by an outstanding company. Patagonia is a company that I will consume from.

Now, when I must consume, when all my other options won't work, I will research all available sources and choose to buy a quality item that will last a long time, that has good design and classic purpose and style from a company that is more than green, it's non-existent in the eyes of mother nature.