so right so smart; the power of one and the power of many influencing corporate environmental sustainability

This evening…

I left my comfort zone to attend a monthly meeting of the U.S. Green Building Council’s California Central Coast Chapter

and found myself in a room full of industry experts, some who have been in the business of sustainability since long before I could likely pronounce the word,

unknowing of the rather unique opportunity that awaited me.

So Right So Smart.

An amazing documentary available to few (unfortunately) about Ray Anderson of Interface Inc., a man who transformed his business, his industry, his life to be more sustainable and as a result, more profitable in exponential ways,

enriching, motivating, changing the world around him.

The film is a true testament that the transformative acts of

one

plus one

plus one

plus one

can literally change the way the world works.

A reminder that corporations have the resources and the capability to lesson our cumulative impact on the environment.

And that, through the power of OUR almighty dollar, through our purchasing decisions, we determine the directions in which big business head:

toward conservation

or

devastation.

The message is less, not more.

Demanding responsible products and practices from companies we choose to support.

Raise your brow, raise your voice.

Educate yourself and become more aware.

The waste we produce doesn’t simply disappear. Just because it’s out of sight and out of mind doesn’t mean it’s out of landfills and ground water and oceans and air.

For the future of our planet and our generations, we must be mindful of what lives our products and packaging will have when we’re through with them. If the purchase is necessary but can’t be recycled or reused, get creative by finding another brand or an alternative solution. No alternatives? Take a moment to contact the company CEO, demanding eco-conscious changes. Holler enough and they’ll listen because they need you and your dollars to survive. Ray listened. And took action, recruiting experts in the field and those in his circle of influence to help him create a powerful movement, one that continues to be recognized and emulated by businesses in every industry.   

In the end, we must never forget that this is a shared journey within a shared world that we will one day be leaving to Tomorrow’s Child.