We have a joke in our family that I became invested in zero waste living because my friends and I toilet papered so many houses in our adolescence that I had a lot to make up for. This may be a little bit true; I do feel lousy about that. Thankfully, once you know better, you can do better. 

Toilet papering aside, I think my interest in the environment began with a 5th grade science project where I toured a local recycling plant. I remember being in awe of the process and the necessity for individuals and families to play a role in the reduction of household waste. 

Years later, when I realized that recycling wasn’t as efficient as I’d once hoped and that the onus had been placed on individuals instead of corporations, my viewpoint evolved. As a society, we have focused so much attention on recycling, we have forgotten the first two R’s— reduce and reuse. 

Aside from the environment, my interests are many. I am the mother of two children (one of whom is a silent partner in this endeavor) and the other is off to college next fall. I’ve been with my husband, Tom, for almost 13 years and he’s played a pivotal roll in the building of our business. From creating displays and helping out at markets, to brainstorming and managing our plumbing, none of this would be possible without him. When we aren’t working, the two of us love to travel, read, cook, spend time with friends and family, listen to music and ride our bikes around town.

It is my deepest held belief that all forms of activism have the ability to intersect around climate change. The affluent can use their resources to relocate when necessary, but those with limited means are left to suffer in a situation often created and perpetuated by greed and corruption. This is why we offer sliding scale prices and will work to find solutions for anyone who wants to attempt a zero waste life style. Everyone deserves clean products and a healthy planet.