Well, it’s a trend and maybe even a way of life we are all succumbing to, by desire or by demand, it’s here for all to experience. “Eco-Ethical Living” is the latest buzz word for what used to be known as saving, growing, reusing, remaking and not wasting.
My parents grew up with that lifestyle, not so much by desire, but because everyone needed to live that way back then. Many families had gardens, not for the pure joy of growing lovely flowers and a few tasty vegetables, but because it was the family food. It was eaten fresh in the summer and preserved, canned, frozen and dried for the other seasons. It was necessary, but it was enjoyable as well. It forced patience and perseverance, but rewarded with a bounty from the earth.
Well, that way of living; growing your own garden, sewing your own clothes, graciously accepting hand-me-downs and even reusing wrapping paper a few times is lost to many of us now. Don’t get me wrong, I like the accessibility in my life. I like being able to get any fruit or vegetable at the market any month of the year. I like being able to find trendy clothes that can be purchased from a store only a few blocks from my home. I even like designing wrapping paper that I know people will use for only a few brief moments before being crumpled up and tossed into the trash after the gift is uncovered. Well, in all honesty, that one hurts a little!
I am grateful that we are fortunate enough to have these accommodations so accessible. Our lives are easier and better than any other generation before us. I don’t want to forget that. I don’t want to take advantage of that. I want to be respectful of what has come before us and I want to be conscientious of how I treat my world.
The collection Organic Fruitation I have been developing is designed to speak to that eco-ethical lifestyle. We need to be responsible for our earth, think about our actions, and find little ways to make a difference where we can. Go green or grow greens, but more than anything else, learn from those who came before us and put into practice something from their basic lifestyle which really was eco-ethically lived.
And don’t forget that you also need a little “confection” in your eco-friendly life. I’m sure Ben or Jerry would agree to that!
