May’s Sustainability Snapshot is ESA volunteer Micky Magnolo.
For years Micky owned a small “green” store in Evergreen. The store was mission based and focused on Fair Trade, sustainable and better world products. The goal was to offer a healthy option that also provided opportunity in improving the quality of life for the maker. Today she is a volunteer for ESA and continues to support small business and believes that what you purchase matters! Read more about Micky’s sustainable journey below.
What inspired you to adopt more sustainable practices in your life?
I’ve always had a deep connection to the earth. Growing up in Minnesota I’ve got fond memories of playing outdoors, listening to birds and asking my mom if the weed killer used in our yard went into the food we ate. With this as a starting place – I grew into seeking out natural products, favoring food co-ops to grocery chains and have never wavered. Recognizing the earth as indeed a mother, I endeavor to treat her with love and respect.
Can you give some examples of how you practice a sustainable lifestyle (either related to zero waste, renewable energy, conservation, involvement with ESA etc.)?
Sustainability has many forms. Of course, there are zero waste and recycling options for daily use items. I am passionate about sustainability being driven by the choices we make. During this pandemic, as never before, we see the importance of sustaining community. For nearly 10 years I had a small “green” store. More mission based, I carried exclusively better world products; meaning sustainable, Fair Trade, social enterprise. My goal was to offer a healthy option that also provided opportunity in improving the quality of life for the maker. I felt fortunate to find a community of like minded people here as well as be an inspiration for those willing to learn. My belief, then as now, is what you buy matters. Every time you purchase, you are voting with your dollars. Today, I support small business and buying second hand. Source and ingredients are crucial to me and my decision making.
What words of wisdom do you have for someone just getting stared on their journey to ‘go green’?
There are many things we can do to lessen our footprint. Whether it’s using LED bulbs, turning heat and lights off while you’re out, refilling your container of shampoo, bringing your own bags to the grocery store, recycling what you can, buying organic food when possible and keeping it local (remember when you shop small and shop local those dollars get reinvested in your own community)…all these things matter. This is how you can make an impact. While it may feel like it’s some small thing, together we can do a lot!
