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.
Related Post: What He Really Thinks About Sustainability
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.
Conversations happening in our ‘Women Who Love Politics’ group:
*You must be a Facebook member to read or comment. Join here.
- A member has created a petition to add “they” or “he or she” when referring to the president in the US Constitution rather than just “he.”
- Where does one start if they want to learn more about the political landscape in Australia?
- A new women-led nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom reporting at the intersection of gender, politics and policy will be launching soon.
- A podcast explaining how competition propelled by neoliberal ideology has broken democracy– and how it can be fixed.
- Women politicians in India receive nearly twice the amount of trolling experienced by their female counterparts in the US and UK.
Popular articles from our archives this week:
- 20 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Costing the Earth
- How to Recycle Properly: What You Should and Shouldn’t Be Putting In The Recycle Bin
- The Ultimate Guide to Ethical and Eco-Friendly Work and School Backpacks and Rucksacks
- How Sustainable Is IKEA, Really?
- 11 Ethical Brands Producing Organic Activewear, Yoga Wear and Athleisure Clothing
And that’s all from me. Enjoy the rest of your week and happy V-Day for those of you who plan to celebrate it tomorrow!
Peace, love and all that jazz,
Editor-in-Chief Jen xx
Never miss our posts. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.
Recommending reading:
- 12 Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for She/Her (Under $70)
- 12 Affordable Sustainable Gift Ideas for He/Him (Under $35)
- WAMA Underwear: Comfy Organic Hemp Undies for Everyday Sustainable Living
- 15 Ethical Fashion Holiday Gifts for the Vegans on Your Christmas List
- The Anti-Consumerist Guide to Gift Giving
- 10 Ethical and Sustainable Gifts from Made Trade That Empower Makers and Artisans
- 15 Cruelty-Free and Vegan Xmas Gifts For Eco Beauty Lovers
- 9 Sustainable Gift Ideas For Recipients Who Prefer Experiences Over Things
Feature image of Ben McGuire and founding editor Jennifer Nini at a wedding in Melbourne in 2018.