While we make an effort to connect with our neighbors and create social capital, sometimes I feel isolated in our busy modern life. Some weeks I feel like we are our own island with unironed clothes and budgets to update.
This song made my morning, and I hope it will make your day feel little more connected. Ben Lee is a brilliant young artist, and I love his lyrics in “We’re All in This Together.”
How do you help your family feel connected?
~*~*~*~*~*~ Sustainable Family Finances The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.
While I know my every decision does not in fact achieve sustainability, I am inspired by the principle of sustaining the Earth for seven generations. One of my most cherished experiences at the Oregon Country Fair was to hear the wise voice of Grandma Agnes Baker Pilgrim. I first met Grandma nine years ago in my early non-profit career, and I was eager to reconnect with the most inspiring people I’ve ever known. As always, she was down-the-earth, joyful and wise. I was excited to learn that she has connected with a dozen other wise indigenous Grandmothers who are on a journey to help us heal the Earth. They have a soon-to-be-released documentary “For the Next Seven Generations“, and I’ll share the trailer:
Most us are more familiar with the brand Seventh Generation, and I think that’s progress too. I find 7Gen has a wholistic approach to sustainability while providing high quality products that I truly need. When I became a Costco member I requested their products, and still hold out hope that some day conscious consumers will be able to buy a year’s supply of TP. So, I didn’t cry “greenwashing!” when I saw they will soon be supplying Walmart shoppers. I personally don’t shop at Walmart, but the fact is that many families on a budget rely on Walmart. If we are truly making decisions for the seventh generation, every family needs affordable access to products that don’t deplete the Earth.
How deeply do you consider the seventh generation?
~*~*~*~*~*~ Sustainable Family Finances The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.
If you haven’t seen it yet, here is another mind-opening video from the Story of Stuff which focuses on cosmetics. I have to admit that I’ve had the best of intentions to rummage through my bathroom cabinet to clear out any potentially toxic ingredients.
This video makes me feel like I’ve got quite the task ahead. I’m glad that I don’t actually wear make-up on a daily basis, with the exception of my favorite lipstick from Aveda. There are obviously plenty of other culprits, and I’m going to start with our kiddos’ shampoo and lotions. More on that later…
What is the cost of your cosmetics?
~*~*~*~*~*~ Sustainable Family Finances The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.
I’m home sick today, so I’m sharing this little pick-me-up. This song always make me smile, and the lyrics are a good reminder of how we are all connected:
What helps remind you that “we’re all in this together”?
~*~*~*~*~*~ Sustainable Family Finances The story of a family creating an abundant and sustainable life.
