Business on the Edge

In permaculture it's recognized that life on the edge of an ecosystem supports an increased level of biodiversity. In the space where the meadow and the forest meet the unique ecosystems of both intermingle. You find meadow plants and critters, forest plants and critters and a third group of 'meadow meets forest' plants and critters all mixing it up. Native plants and "weeds" generally have a better chance of survival on the edges of yards, gardens, orchards, parks, playgrounds and schoolyards creating habitat spots for all kinds of insects and wildlife and as all kids know the most interesting spots for exploring.

The same phenomena happens on the edges of communities and neighborhoods where new residents bump up against old timers. Generally newcomers of different cultures and languages join the fringes, geographically and metaphorically before they join the mainstream at the center.

The same holds true in commercial and business sectors. Businesses found on main street nearly always cater most obviously to the mainstream and status quo. That's not to say you can't find main street business doing it right and going green - there happen to be a handful of independent businesses taking steps to go the sustainable route on the main drag in my home town. But chances are you are more likely to find the funky, pushing the envelope type business and a higher diversity of unique businesses one or two blocks of the the main drag.

Not coincidentally that happens to be where we find ourselves, a fair trade import shop a block down the road from where most of the downtown action happens. And though we absolutely aspire to be on main street some day, geographically and metaphorically, we do appreciate our lower rent and funkier neighbors. Both of which inspire us to do business our way - cooperatively and sustainably connecting the local with the global.

Karen

Ditching Plastics

I often find myself in conversation with like-minded parents in the shop about eco-healthy choices for kids. Many of us are concerned about chemicals that leach from plastic, like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, that have been linked to developmental disorders and cancer. Currently the Oregon Environmental Council is taking up the cause to reduce plastics in child cares, in homes -- and on the shelves of second-hand stores.

They are collecting them and will deliver them to lawmakers in Salem who have the power to pass laws that keep toxic chemicals out of children’s products altogether.

And they are asking for our help to get the word out to parents in Oregon about these collection events, and their campaign to pass a children's safe products law. Help us spread the word! Here's what you can do:

1) Below are listed events where they’ll be collecting plastics.

2) We’ll have a petition, as well as a fact sheet about children's safe products legislation. Please come by the shop to read the information and sign the petition.

3) Share this campaign with friends and family and childcare providers who can in turn share with other parents. Go to the Oregon Environmental Council web site for more information!

http://www.oeconline.org/our-work/kidshealth/HealthyKids/dropyourtoxics

Collection events/locations:
Portland: Through March 1, you can drop off plastic toys & bottles at the Urban Grind coffee shop 2214 NE Oregon, Portland

Salem: Thursday, March 12, noon, at noon on the Capitol front steps. There will be other toys collected there, other parents, and speakers talking about the healthy kids bills before congress.

Our hope is for truly effective legislation to be created that tackles the root problems in the manufacturing of plastics without creating obstacles for small businesses and producers already doing it the right way! ~Karen