So this was my husbands question on Saturday when I got in the car excited after I fought the crowds at Target. Normally I would get in the car cranky (and yes this does mean my husband sits in the car while I fight the Saturday crowds at Target & Trader Joes, although he never skips going into Whole Foods), but FSC certified recycled. WOOHOO!

Yes, I know, am I seriously so crunchy I get excited about FSC symbols on target gift card envelopes, the answer my friends, YES. First, look what I do for a living, I am vice president of Franklin Goose, very crunchy. Second, I am a vegetarian. Third, I have been raised by descendants of farmers who didn’t make anything unless it was from scratch, never used chemicals and always taught us never to be wasteful (which explains why my grandma’s sister figured out how to make rugs out of plastic grocery store bags twenty years ago before recycling was mainstream).

So then the question, “What is the deal with FSC anyway?” I looked at him, my husband, the one who tolerates my conveniently forgetting to buy paper towels so he can’t use them, the one who has to listen to me complain about clothes shopping because everything comes from China and the one who loves meat, everything meat who sat through Food, Inc in the theatre and then listened to me rant for weeks, how can he not know?  And so I respond with, “huh?” He says, “Seriously, what is FSC?”

To which I reply, “How can you not know this? Okay, FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council. They have the strictest regulations for environmental responsibility, they enforce social responsibility and economic viability. It is a world wide organization that has established the highest level of certification for timber.” “Oh,” he says. “Okay, for me it means we are guaranteed there are no chemicals, there is no slave labor and there is no depletion of natural resources or harm done to the humans or the planet where this wood is grown. FSC certified recycled means that in an industry where there is not necessarily any oversight FSC recycled provides the highest vigor in recycling. There must be a certain amount of recycled and post consumer waste used.” “Ohh,” he says, “Well that is cool.”

But, to me, it is so much more. It means that more and more people are paying attention and trying to make a difference by making the right choice, or at least they are trying to impress those of us who pay attention and really care. Either way, it means less chemicals, and better treatment for people and our planet. And that my friends means a little less cranky on a hectic Saturday morning.

-Sheri

I was reading this article yesterday about H&M and Walmart destroying and throwing away their clothing that didn’t sell rather than donating them to shelters and non-profits. H&M and Walmart take clothes & shoes that did not sell in the store, cut them up so they can not be resold or worn and then throw them in the trash. They were caught doing this in New York City, where 1/3 of the population is impoverished.

After I finished asking “Are you kidding me????” about 400 times. I had to start my deep breathing and try to calm down. This is just so amazing to me, I mean really,  isn’t it just common sense not to throw away clothes when people in our country can’t afford them.

I don’t shop at Walmart or H&M. I used to but I stopped about two years ago because I do not agree with their business practices. While I am glad Walmart has decided to carry some organic items I feel it is not done with any conscience, which is even more obvious now. I prefer my money go to companies that actually care. I may pay a little more to shop at my locally owned grocery store but they give back to the community. Now, what does this matter to people who are barely able to pay their bills, how can we justify paying a little more when we barely have it? The reality is you are paying more anyway. The food shelters, the homeless shelters, the public programs for impoverished and needy families are funded by you and me everyday. Our tax dollars are spent on these programs. If we spend our money at stores with consciences, even if they are a little more expensive initially they are more than likely saving us money in the end. They are also helping your community directly and allowing your tax dollars to be spent elsewhere to help the country.

There are so many stores that either give back, get involved, or are just as dedicated as you to a better community & environment.  If the places you shop at don’t give back do they at least operate with a conscience? Your money speaks loudly, make sure it is expressing what you believe in. Choose companies dedicated to your beliefs, not just interested in jumping on the Green/Organic/Community bandwagon.

If you must shop at Walmart and H&M please at least make  a phone call and tell them you think this is a ridiculous practice, suggest local charities where they can donate clothing, toys, & home goods.

Where do you shop? Do you search out stores that are involved in your community?

-Sheri

(Sorry for the ranting today but I really couldn’t help myself.)