People are finally starting to “get it” and not a moment too soon. Statistics show that 64% of Americans understand that human activity is causing climate change and are concerned. Climate change is not only real, but is happening faster than scientists originally thought possible, with devastating results that are already affecting many of us. Some scientists even believe that we are already beyond the point of no return and what we need now is immediate action to salvage what we can and reduce green house gases right now. Unfortunately, the United States is a major polluter of our environment and that doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon. Although “many people” are expressing hope in tenuous reports that Ivanka Trump has taken interest in climate change (Thanks, Leo), the President-Elect, himself, continues to choose people for his cabinet who are card-carrying members of the Climate Change Deniers Club. In fact, Reince Priebus has told reporters that climate denial will be the official policy of Trump’s administration and the Koch brothers, and Big oil are already shaping Trump’s climate-denying environmental agenda.
So, what can we, as individuals, do? Of course, we can save energy in any number of ways on a personal level, but we can also hit them where it hurts: their wallets. What if each one of us did our best to only buy products that protect and even help heal the planet? Although it’s difficult to find these products on a daily basis, it can be done and is getting easier thanks to companies that are not only doing the research for us, but also making it part of their mission to help get the word out in a grass roots effort to induce change. One such company is Love Goodly. Love Goodly was founded by two moms who were looking for products safe for themselves, their families and the planet. The products they curate, everything from jewelry to skincare to protein powder and teas, are all organic, non-gmo, cruelty-free, eco-friendly and vegan so you don’t have to worry which of them are safe for you and the planet. In addition to curating an awesome selection of earth friendly goods, they recently created their first “Do Good. Be Green Conference” in Los Angeles. This event brought together a powerhouse of industry leaders and top experts in the eco beauty, fashion and wellness arenas, each with its own panel, along with a keynote discussion with model and eco-activist Angela Lindvall.
There were over 20 earth-loving brands in attendance available to talk with attendees about their products and how they are making a difference. This first of-its-kind conference brought together so many like minded women, all with a unifying interest in doing their part to live a more sustainable, healthier life. We feel so fortunate to have been invited to participate as both a brand and as a speaker on the eco-fashion panel. Women truly are the hope for the future. We will no longer wait, like damsels in distress, for our Prince Charming to save us or the planet. We know now that it is our actions alone that will save both. Yes, using eco-friendly products on a personal level may seem like a small step, but remember the old Chinese proverb: “the man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
Love Goodly Founders Katie Bogue-Miller and Justin Lasoff (wearing Hipsters for Sisters belt bags)
with Sunny Subramanian of the Vegan Beauty Review*
Model and activist Angela Lindvall*
Katie Bogue-Miller of Love Goodly, Brandie Gilliam of Thoughtfully Magazine, and Amy Roland of A Fashion Nerd and Fashion Tap App*
Hipsters for Sisters Belt Bags at Do Good. Be Green*
*All photos by Alvin Manuel Photography