What's a Sustainable Life Without Love?

Note: This letter from the editor was originally published in our weekly newsletter and is being republished here.

Hey guys,

I’m not one to deep dive into my romantic relationship but if you can’t share about your relationship on the eve of Valentine’s Day when can you? LOL!

So here’s an insight into mine:

There are times when working with my partner Ben drives me absolutely crazy. We have different work styles, different strengths and different operating rhythms.

I require complete focus and concentration when I work whereas he prefers the open plan environment of lots of noise, interruption and discussion.

I deleted the email, Facebook and Facebook messenger apps off of my phone so that I’m neither interrupted by notifications nor controlled by the demands of others whereas Ben loves sharing funny memes and gifs on Facebook and watching silly YouTube videos.

Ben is the entrepreneurial to my managerial.

What's a Sustainable Life Without Love? — *EWP Brands Partnerships Manager Ben McGuire and Founding Editor Jennifer Nini at a wedding in 2016.*

We may be an ‘us’ but there are two very distinct ‘I’s’ in this partnership.

So how do we run a growing start-up, stay on top of our many farm projects all while maintaining a solid relationship of 11 years and not lose our individual selves in the process?

It all comes down to love really.

We adore our families, feel connected to nature, believe in something greater than ourselves, share daily laughs, obsess over sports, are both quick to forgive, are pragmatic in our idealism, allow space for each other’s growth and independence – and we love each other as much as we love ourselves.

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, I encourage you to spend some time reflecting on how love shows up in your life.

Because let’s face it– what’s a sustainable life without love?

Quote of the week:

“When an industry doesn’t care about how people are treated, no consideration of sustainability is possible. You can’t just care about the environment and forget about the fair and ethical treatment of people.” – Simone Cipriani

What do you think? Leave a comment here.

Update:

Some of you have expressed continued concerns about affordability of ethical and sustainable products. We now have a central place that lists promotions, discounts and sales being offered by our brand partners. To access, click here.

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