Leadership Solutions

Final Footprint

Good People Doing Good
Things 

Few people want to think about this.

And yet, eventually, someone will have to do something. 

Then they'll either do what you told, or they'll do something else.

I'm writing about your final footprint.

Admittedly, this is a very personal matter.

It's also a topic that is undergoing change.

Instead of trying to leave a lasting memorial, people are now seeking ways to show respect for both the person and the environment.

In some ways, these new approaches leave a more lasting memorial. Imagine, for example, the difference between planting a forest that will grow versus building a structure that will erode.

In addition, these new approaches often cost much less.

If you're interested, check the web site for Final Footprint.

You'll find many options to consider.

Kiva

Good people doing good things

Something that is small for you could be huge for someone else.

For example, with only $25, you could empower someone with a micro-loan made through Kiva.

Kiva, you may know, is a non-profit organization that facilitates micro-loans to people worldwide. Currently, over 796,000 people have made over $330 million dollars worth of loans.

Pay back averages over 98.9%, which is incredibly high considering that the borrowers live in poverty. This means you can expect to recover the money that you loan.

As you scan through the loan requests, you will find a parade of touching stories. Someone in Ecuador wants to borrow $700 to buy fish for resale, someone in Bolivia wants to borrow $750 to buy materials to manufacture jackets, someone in the Philippines wants to borrow $500 to buy seed for a farm, and so on.

Notice that each of these requests comes from someone who will use the money to earn an income.

I encourage you to join Kiva. It's one small action that produces a huge benefit for someone else.

Fullerton Arboretum

Good people doing good things.

Perhaps you have a place that is nearby where you can disappear into the serenity of nature -- where you can see beautiful flowers, walk among trees, and hear birds.

For me, it's the Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton, CA.

There are different habitats, including ponds, a cactus garden, and odd trees.

There are many activities, too. The Arboretum staff schedules educational programs for every age group. Since these programs are always changing, check their web site for details.

Fullerton Arboretum

If you live near Fullerton, California, I encourage you to visit. Then, if you care to, please support them by becoming a member.

If you live elsewhere, visit your local arboretum, garden, or park.

While there, enjoy the beauty around you. It's one of the most relaxing gifts that you can give yourself.

Ginger's Garden

Good people doing good things

Irena from Ginger’s Garden(TM) has been making handmade, natural artisan soaps since 1969. She follows two generations of soap makers, who made soap the old-fashioned way.

These soaps are amazing. They lather faster, clean better, and last longer than standard commercial soaps.

Why?

First, Irena uses pure, natural ingredients, such as fresh, organic Virgin Olive oil, Coconut oil, Unrefined Shea Butter, and Castor oil. Then, she adds flowers or other natural ingredents to provide fresh, natural scents and colors.

For example, here is one of her specialty soaps.

"Apricot Freesia artisan soap has top notes of fresh apricots, citrus zest, with notes of lily of the valley, pink rose petals and freesia flowers. This soap creates a summery day that is delightfully fun and fruity!"

This reads more like the description of a floral bouquet than a soap.

These soaps feel good too, especially if you have sensitive skin. None of them contain any harmful chemicals.

I've been buying the Goat's Milk Handmade Soap for years because it's fragrance free and gentle. I have sensitive skin that complains about the chemicals in harsh soaps.

Ginger's Garden sells other products such as shaving soaps, skin care products, sculpted soaps, and more.

So take a moment to visit Irena's web site, Ginger's Garden. You'll find many intriguing, wonderful products.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

Fiberactive Organics

Good People Doing Good Things

Several years ago Julie Mullin became frustrated with the lack of organic sewing products on the market.

So she decided to manufacture her own.

Since then Fiberactive Organics has sold organic cotton thread, embroidery floss, hand-dyed ribbon, and braided tape.

Fiberactive Organics is also a working studio where products are made from organic cotton and post-industrial scrap fabric. This includes attractive dresses, wedding gowns, and other beautiful products. Please visit their web site to see them.

And Fiberactive Organics provides sewing services to other green companies.

The sewing staff are Montagnard refugee women who work in Raleigh, NC.  They grew up in the jungles of Vietnam and speak a language specific to their village. At Fiberactive Organics they receive ESL classes, basic living and health instruction, medical assistance, and a host of other services as they need them.  

Julie says, “We are a small community of travelers, making our own little world of difference.”

If you're shopping for organic cotton products, I encourage you to call Fiberactive Organics.

Much success,
Steve Kaye
Nature Photographer 

Note: Images provided by Fiberactive Organics

PS: Please help birds. See: Help Endangered Birds