For my work in sustainable business and clean technology, I subscribe to email updates from media companies such as GreenBiz, Environmental Leader, and TriplePundit. Today, it was an article on TriplePundit titled, “Whole Foods + Etsy = Abe’s Market,” that caught my eye.
Abe’s Market describes itself as “the online marketplace for great natural products.” After reading the article and taking a quick tour of the company website, I decided it would be a good addition to the green consumer resources here on YogaGreen. And, writing about it provides a great opportunity to also introduce some of the other green consumer websites already listed on the “Tips & Resources” page. The timing is serendipitous as well, as we find ourselves in the midst of the holiday season. While green consumer sites are a valuable resource for shopping year-round, it is perhaps particularly important to highlight them now, as we buy gifts, plan food menus, and prepare for houseguests.
First, a bit more about Abe’s Market. According to the article in TriplePundit, “(Abe’s Market’s) business model is designed to launch small retail social entrepreneurs (like Etsy did for crafters).” “We connect buyers seeking amazing natural products with the people who make them,” states the company's website. “At Abe’s Market you can discover fantastic natural products while having the unique opportunity to learn the story behind them – straight from the products’ creators. … You can even chat directly with sellers to ask specific questions so you know that you can trust and be comfortable with the products you bring into your home.”
Abe’s Market sells natural foods and natural products for bath and body, health, beauty, baby and kids, the home, and pets. There are special sections for gifts and sale items. Under health, there is a section devoted to yoga supplies, which includes mats, props, mat cleaners, yoga bags, and more.
Other green consumer websites listed on the “Tips & Resources” page, include BuyGreen.com, GoodGuide, and HealthyStuff.org. BuyGreen.com is similar to Abe’s Market in that it offers products for sale, with an emphasis on environmentally-friendly products, ranging from bamboo clothing to solar powered products. GoodGuide and HealthyStuff.org differ from Abe’s Market and BuyGreen.com in that they evaluate products rather than sell them.
For example, GreenGuide evaluates products based on their health, environmental, and social impacts. GreenGuide focuses on personal care, food, household chemicals, toys, and paper products. There’s also a community recommendations section. And, yes, there is an app for that. If you have an iPhone, you can get the GoodGuide app and have access to product ratings wherever you go.
ecofabulous is another website worth a mention here (also listed under “Tips & Resources”). According to its website, ecofabulous “inspires and educates readers about quality eco-friendly products vetted by expert editors and designers.” I heard the founder speak on a recent teleseminar and was very impressed.
Unlike Abe’s Market and ecofabulous, not all of the green consumer sites mentioned offer information on yoga products, but of course, yoga is also about much more than our practice on the mat—yoga is a way of life. To me, yoga as a way of life means honoring and living in harmony with other people and environment. Each decision we make every day has an impact and a ripple effect. And, as I think about it, taking small steps to reduce our impact on the environment is actually very much in line with the approach of yoga to bring peace to the world. It starts within each of us. As we learn to be kind and accepting with ourselves, we are better able to spread kindness and peace to others. We cultivate compassion and recognition of self one person at a time, one interaction at a time. Similarly, by taking personal responsibility for our impact on the environment, we can bring that commitment into our relationships and lead by example.
When I find myself questioning how much impact I can make, I remember these two quotes:
“If you think you're too small to be effective, then you have never been in bed with a mosquito.” (Unknown)
“In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)
When I started writing, I didn’t anticipate such a philosophical tangent. But, being able to share my random thoughts and “aha” moments is one of things I love about the blog format.
Bringing the conversation back to the more practical topic at hand… have any of you tried using any of these green consumer websites? I’d love to hear about your experiences with them.
Shanti Om. Namaste.
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