A Part of the Revolution for Better

Is there a parallel universe where everything is organic and made humanely that I’m not privy to? Is there a secret access code or some sort of official how-to manual? Or is this lifestyle created by tiny changes and modified behaviors perhaps? After months striving to create the eco-art market I know our new company, {made}, could be, my husband and I took a much needed vacation after a never to be repeated 3-year long vacation embargo. In those three years, we have been busy parenting our oldest daughter, birthing twins, selling a house, building a house and starting this company. This past week away was needed. For the first time in a long time I felt like myself again, my clarity and purpose renewed. I’m a creature of habit, and when my routine is shifted, I usually squirm. But this time, I embraced it. I felt the sun fall on my face, I looked around. I flowed, usually I control. While away I took the time to really look around. I saw the heartbreakingly poor and the ungodly rich, within miles of one another. Both had more common with me than I would have thought: they were all trying to navigate through each day the best they knew how. Deep down, regardless of income, we all share the same goals of enjoying this life, working to preserve ourselves and leaving a safe world for our children. Everyone wants to do better, it’s just the constant dilemma of how far do you push yourself to make better choices.

Most recently, the choices that I make and how they represent our company are top of mind. When Rachael Roewe, and I co- founded {made} we wanted to give access to something better to a broader market. We were tired of big box stores and questioning how products were made that we were bringing into our homes. The comfort of knowing where and how something was made is what drives us. As the company has grown, so has my conviction to make better choices about consuming in both my personal and professional life. I want both to reflect the principles on which {made} was founded. Changing my habits with wardrobe consumption was the easy part. I love resale and thrift stores. I’m new to buying sustainable/organic ones, but I’m a veteran thrift hunter. I know the half price tags days in all the thrift shops in a twenty mile radius from my home. I love the story behind clothes, thinking about where they have been, who’s worn them, and saving them from the landfill. I like to feel their energy. And I like to add to their story, I feel more connected.

It’s all the little things I can’t find at thrift stores that makes me wince with turmoil –do I choose convenience or conviction? When I need office labels, tape, or glue, I have historically bought what’s readily available to me. I’ve never even googled USA made or sustainable office products. But I will now. For most of us, it seems to come down to this: I’m at the store right now and if I save time and money here, maybe I could put my efforts to better use elsewhere: in the garden, in the kitchen, in my neighborhood. Or should I use all of my time and resources to find the absolutely most eco-friendly material? Or is my best enough?

I want to be transparent about my work and yet, realistic. If my jewelry board is made from salvaged wood, the hangers are made in the USA, but if I can’t find USA-made nails and the silver leaf is made in China, am I cheating my brand? Will others embrace my work for being honest about my materials, understanding that I am trying to the best of my ability with what is currently available? I’m a capitalist and not an isolationist. Some things just simply aren’t made here anymore. I do want to support a global economy but on better terms. Simply put, I want the resources from around the globe to be made from sustainable practices and fair wages paid to those making the products. I try my best to use sustainable materials and when there are no other options, I vow to stay abreast of better made materials and incorporate them as I can.

As for that “how-to manual” about living in a world comprised solely of organic food, sustainable materials, and ethically made products, I think the answer is it’s not out yet, but will be soon. Until then, I know we are part of the change of the new way of living: a way that we can feel good about and be assured that we are not causing more harm than good. So for now, each of our individual best efforts is better than nothing. I’m proud to be a part of the revolution for better and so is {made}.

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About {made} –

{made} was founded by Tiffany Ralston & Rachael Roewe. Their goal is to provide access to
hand-crafted wares {made} better through their online marketplace, www.madecommunity.com
The site connects eco-friendly artists with eco-conscious consumers. {made} promotes the site, onboards
artists, and manages business functions such as order fulfillment, inventory management, and payment
processing. These services leave {made}’s artist partners to focus on what they love and do best – creating
beautiful, and functional art that we can all feel good about.

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