Less is More this Christmas

I finally feel composed enough after taking Rip Van Winkle like slumber after gorging myself on Thanksgiving to sit down and express some thoughts regarding this Christmas season. (Side note Happy Chanukah to those who began their celebrations last week!)

Dad's beautifully smoked turkey
coming of the Big Green Egg

Not only did Thanksgiving afford me the opportunity to spend time with friends and family members (big thanks to Leesa (Mom) and Faye (Grandmother)), whom I had not seen since moving to EPP's new office location in Charleston, SC, but it gave me time to reflect on the idea that sometimes (not always) the cliche that "Less is More" is 100% accurate.

Even as a child when I was without an alternative and was forced kicking and screaming to accompany my mother and her friends on Black Friday shopping sprees, more often than not, the "shopping sprees" were more about quality time spent with friends and less about finding that long sought after deal at Macy's, Rich's or Sak's. I'm certainly not going to criticize or poke fun at those who awake prior to the paper boy to hunt down deals or those determined to pile the latest gadgets, toys, and trends under the Christmas tree. Like anyone else, I enjoy new gizmos and try to dress fashionably, but as a society, I feel that we've lost touch with the meaning of gift giving.

From Christmas to birthdays and so on, "if it's not the priciest, then it isn't a worthy gift"is a motto many go by.  It's reported that consumers spent an estimated $1 Billion this "Cyber Monday." And despite the fact I rejoice at that news as a sign of economic improvement, I worry about the cultural shift it underscores.

How many parents cave to giving their kids gaming systems or cell phones before they can read, do basic arithmetic, etc.? How many husbands (don't) know what interests their wives? And buy jewelry in lieu of a thoughtful gift (and vice versa)? I remember when a list for Santa consisted of 2-3 material presents and 2-3 noble ideals; does that still exist? Hardly, lists are pages long, double spaced, 12 pt font and posted on Facebook. And worse, instead of asking, hoping, being extremely good so Santa will reward their behavior, to the kids, the gifts are expected, if not demanded. But the cultural shift is another topic for another post.

Santa, there are still no presents under my tree &
 I promise I was good this year.

As I begin searching for gift ideas, I think back to the meaningful ones I've received in my life. Those that immediately come to mind didn't fetch a hefty price but were thoughtful - hand made gifts from my mother, books from my dad, family treasures from grandparents. These were gifts that transcended dollar value and touched the soul.

For years, Americans have piled on holiday debt only as a means to keep up with the proverbial Jones' to later find those debt laden gifts outdated, unwanted, or unused months if not just a few weeks later.

On this blog we focus more on promoting energy efficiency and sustainability than touting "green" to be green products and services, so I'm not going to urge you to buy some $250 phone charger just because it's solar powered. As Paul Anater says over at his Blog, Kitchen and Residential Design, "screw greening your Christmas, make it sustainable instead."This season, due to economic hardships, many Americans will abstain from gifting big ticket items like iPads, Playstations, or a 3D Televisions, and give the most sustainable gifts of all, gifts with meaning and that convey the love of the giver. It's amazing how a child will ultimately forget or worse break that toy he/she had to have, but they'll always (speaking from experience) cherish the scrap book of pictures & school work compiled by a loving mother.

It wasn't the presents that made the Whos in Whoville gather to sing; it was the love of each other that did: the most sustaining gift of all.  This song still puts a giant smile on my face (from the end of Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas)

Please, share some of your treasured gifts and holiday (Christmas or Hanukkah) memories.

Happy shopping: 19 Shopping Days Remaining

Adversity or Opportunity?

At Eco-Protective Products, we try to promote a corporate culture that encourages outdoor activity and time away from work to focus on the needs of the individuals that comprise our company. Not only do I feel great inspiration when out in nature, but I really believe wholeheartedly that our lives become exponentially more interconnected/wired-in each passing day, and it is nourishing for the mind, body, and soul to untether ourselves regularly from whatever network (Twitter, Facebook, work, kids, etc) that drain our energies. In today’s tough economic environment, it is especially important that we recharge our batteries in order to better handle and ultimately overcome the adverse conditions that are ever-present in our personal, professional, and social lives.

While on a run this weekend, I couldn’t help but contemplate times in my own life that I’ve had to endure adversity –sometimes so great that finding the will to go on was an arduous task in and of itself– but, as evidenced by my writing of this column, I was able to endure, survive, and prosper.

Adversity can come in many forms, many of which are relevant to at least someone you know and it can really effect your business, but here are some ways to turn adversity into opportunity to take your business, career, or personal life from good to great.

Ways to Overcome Adversity & Obstacles

1. Sell Your Vision –

According to Lyve Alexis Pleshette, a writer about small and women owned businesses it is imperative to go on the offensive in periods of downward economic times. In other words, those who are persistent, prevail.

“'A leader must be a dealer in hope,' Confucius wrote. Those who can illuminate the darkness are experts at restoring people’s faith in the future, especially the faith of talented people who have run into brick walls. Even if you’re the only person running your business, you have customers and clients, vendors and sub-contractors who need to see your vision. The golden core of leadership is the ability to raise aspirations. Transition is an ideal time to do so. Our intrepid adventurers are unflagging optimists. In many respects, this special species of leaders is 'delusional,' according to veteran executive coach Marshall Goldsmith. 'They are not as good as they think they are, but they have the confidence to pursue big things.' So tune out the cynics and second-guessers who say you can’t beat the odds. Don’t let pouting pessimists rob you from pursuing—and capturing—your dreams."

Read more: Strategies to Overcome Adversity

You don't have to be a modern day Shakespeare to blog.

Provide your readers/customers easy to follow information

relevant to their lives. It's a great informal way to make

a meaningful, personal connection. 

2. Blogging -

According to Lorna Li (an online marketer who specializes in green marketing and writes about green marketing, social enterprise, social media and personal branding in her own blog), green and sustainable business owners shouldn't "count on Obama's stimulus plan to help your green business survive the economic downturn. With a tough economy and increased online competition, your green business needs a blog to be competitive. Blogging is the least expensive way to market, as it is just a fraction of the cost of television or print advertising, and most importantly, in can drive lasting traffic, if done correctly.

Read more: Blogging for Green Business Survival

3. Look inward

Although Eco-Protective Products’ business model may differ from other businesses, what makes us successful or unsuccessful is no different from the business of a lemonade stand to a multinational conglomerate. In this economy, there are many places to point a finger: the economy, the housing bubble, too much regulation or too little, green washing, poor financing, and so on and so forth.

Adversity allows us to peel back 

the fluff and get to the core 

of our business.

However bad the situation may be, some businesses will gain strength, market share, and brand power through these times, and others will shutter their doors. And I think we all should take this opportunity to look within ourselves and our organizations to make improvements, whether it be discovering new talents from our employees, returning to our core competencies, reaching out & listening to our clients, or encouraging an open dialogue with the stakeholders of our companies. Blaming situational conditions does  little more than afford us an excuse when we allow adversity to  precipitate failure instead recognizing it as the opportunity to lay the foundation for future success.


Share with us what inspires you to overcome adversity. Not a subscriber to our Newsletter, do so here.

I'll Reduce, Reuse & Recycle but Let me Have my Candy

In preparation for my favorite day of the year – discounting religious holidays, large sporting events, family gatherings, and the season premier of 30 Rock - (Halloween), I’ve spent the past few days perusing articles coaching consumers how to "Go Green" with their Halloween festivities this upcoming weekend. Nothing has surprised me too much as the majority of the tips are straightforward and common sense (i.e. use reusable bags, bake a pumpkin pie from the insides of that ghoulish jack-o-lantern you plan to carve, encourage kids not to litter, make home-made costumes, etc.). Despite the simplicity of the message, what struck me as a bit over-the-top for a celebration focused primarily on allowing children the indulgence of a guilty pleasure (candy) for one day a year was arrogance and confrontational tones taken in some of the articles.

Although these are certainly not representative of the entire Green Community, when reading a handful of articles, the authors’ voices transformed these simple tips from fun suggestions to obligatory commandments. I read, “…bake homemade, organic treats that trick-or-treaters can eat while at your house. This will promote local farmers, reduce trash, and cut down on all the wasted plastic used to wrap those individual fun sized candies distributed by large candy corporations.” But what I really felt when I read it was “if you eat a Snickers, you may as well be directly polluting the local ecosystem.”

This example represents a growing trend and potential problem for businesses and advocacy groups with sustainability at their core: the progress achieved by the hard work of many is being undone by those who promote the “Green Movement” wielding as weapons criticism, arrogance, and disdain for those that may not share their exact beliefs.

Why is this? Big shocker! People in general (our customers, friends & family, or neighbors) do not respond well to overt criticism especially when it is directed at their values, ways of life, and habits. Even though we try to be logical and rational in our decision-making, often it is our emotions that are the impetuses that drive our choices in life. Criticism only serves to bring out the negative emotions in people, which, in this case, can become irreparably tied to all things green having the reverse effect to promoting sustainability.

Going forth, I urge you, if you have something to share, promote or suggest to a person who may not share your exact beliefs, do so with grace, patience, and with respect. If in the end, they agree and you successfully elicit positive change, kudos. If not, respect their rights and freedom of expression because that is the foundation of our society and what makes us great. Be tolerant and respectful of others and who knows, perhaps they will treat you and your ideas the same.

We want your feedback. What are some of the changes you've been able to bring about among your circles of influence that have had a positive impact upon the environment? What strategies have you found successful? Unsuccessful?