When things get difficult, uncertain and uncomfortable, people feel a lot of things. Fear, rage, anxiety, despair, apathy...the entire range of uncomfortable emotions that feel pretty terrible to exist in. Another US presidential election has shown that there is a lot of hate and anger out there. Once again I'm disappointed that the country I live in is choosing divisiveness and xenophobia in praise of a narcissist whose ego only leaves destruction in its path. *Sigh*
I want to reiterate that my optimism and hope for better will not be diminished by recent events. I will always choose to protect my energy and devote my time, money and attention to people and causes that do good. As a Native Hawaiian, chubby, perimenopausal woman...this country was never made for me. I have to reconcile that fact over and over again while still insisting on making space for myself. I'm here to make THIS space a safe one, where I can share my constant awe and wonder at the world that at times can be really dark.
It's hard to put into words (and this is my romanticizing Pisces coming out), but I believe the world is beautiful. Small, tiny moments of beauty are everywhere. Exploring a new city, watching the full moon rise, seeing spring blooms, preparing meals with my hands. Noticing life and putting down the devices has helped my mental health immeasurably. SSRIs help too!
So, what do I do with the small community and voice I have? I can control where I source, who I do business with, what groups I donate my time and money to. Here's what Borough Home & Body aims to accomplish in 2025 and beyond:
1. Divest from suppliers that do not align with our values. Uline is a huge supplier for all business sizes and they donate millions to right-wing politicians. We are no longer doing business with them.
2. Aim to go plastic-free and zero waste. I have been slowly changing my personal lifestyle to one of over-consumption to one of conscious consumerism. I replaced all of my shower routine with plastic-free products (bar shampoo/conditioner, soaps, metal razor). I mend my clothing, don't buy new tech (I have had my iPhone XS since 2018!) and thrift clothing and materials for new hobbies.
Over the last 3 years I have implemented plastic-free and zero waste practices at Borough Home: using plastic-free packaging and reusing existing plastic void fill for orders. All extra plastic packaging, films and bubble wrap are recycled through Ridwell, which diverts materials from landfill and reuses them in myriad ways. Sourcing materials from the US as much as possible, finding local suppliers that I can support and offsets for net-zero carbon emission shipments to everyone that places an order through my website.
3. Support my local community. As my business grows, I am able to afford to support more folks that are doing amazing things for the community. This fall I signed up for a farm share CSA that has been incredible. Organic produce, made mere miles from me on a small family farm? *chefs kiss*. I will also be donating to Rose Haven, Milk Crate Kitchen and Reclaim It! this holiday season. Starting in 2025 I will select a local organization to donate to each quarter. My focus will be on woman-owned, zero-waste and mutual aid organizations.
I could talk endlessly about how community-building is more important than ever, but you probably already know that. Now is the time to turn to your neighbors, your local shops, your local governments and reach out. We were never meant to live our lives through a screen, sitting in solitary anxiety. We've got each other and I know you got me.
If you've made it this far, thank you. I have a LOT of thoughts about what's been going on. If you ever want to chat, please DM or email me! I try not to share too much of the doom and gloom that world events can often bring, but please know I am highly aware and continuously educating myself on current events and believe that people should exist and thrive without violence, prejudice and hatred. I want my time and existence here to be gentle, positive and beautiful.
I feel extremely, extremely lucky that I get to do this, where I'm doing it, in this time on earth. Thank you.