Care for creation

​It’s January 9, already! Even though we’re nine days into 2022, Christ’s Baptism feels like the real new start for me. With that in mind, and remembering Pope Francis’ exhortation to respond to the “cry of the earth and the cry of the poor,” I’m wondering how I can use my position as a consumer this year to support communities and care for the earth both when I make purchases.
We can celebrate the growing number of companies who focus on ethical behavior and sustainably sourced and fairly traded products, and we can easily access them at local markets and through the Worldwide Web, we may just need to look for them.
Here are a few ideas to consider before purchasing:

​Ethical or Fair Trade represents an employment or trade relationship based on the treatment of workers, artisans and farmers, providing fair wages, safer working conditions and consideration to the community and environment.
 

Companies that bear the Certified B Corp. logo are businesses that balance purpose and profit. They are required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. Cabot Cheese, Ben and Jerry’s, Tillamook, and Bombas are a few B Corporations.

BETTER WORLD SHOPPER is a public research project dedicated to making social and environmental data available to consumers who wish to utilize their dollars as votes in order to help build a better world. Companies and brands are rated on five key categories:  human rights, the environment, animal protection, community involvement and social justice. Use the online tool to search ratings for products and companies; you might be surprised at some of the grades. https://betterworldshopper.org
Local shops that prioritize the environment include MOM’s Organic Market, local farmers’ markets (the one in Falls Church operates year round), and Trace, the zero waste store in Vienna.

Please watch this space for upcoming monthly events – either in person or via ZOOM. Future topics include gardening and water.