One of the most meaningful aspects of being an entrepreneur and maker is living out my values through my small business.
The big things that guide both my work and my life are health, integrity, and purpose. I care deeply about:
- the health and wellbeing of both people and our planet
- being transparent and clear in all that I do
- creating things that support and add value to others' lives
These values are woven into every Pure Luxe Apothecary product, through the sustainable choices I make:
*Sourcing only high-quality, natural ingredients.
By choosing natural ingredients over synthetic, we help bypass the cycle of waste production and pollution to our most vital resources. Making synthetic ingredients requires water to process, manufacture, and dispose of waste. This then has a knock-on effect on the delicate ecosystems in our waterways- including the flora, fauna, and humans they sustain.
And, of course, choosing natural ingredients supports our own health with highly efficacious and beneficial ingredients and reduces the toxic load of chemicals we're exposed to and absorbing through our bodies. Every single Pure Luxe Apothecary product is clean, effective, and a delight to the senses thanks to those natural botanicals (learn more about ingredients here).
*Bottling products in glass, never plastic.
Using glass both protects the integrity of natural ingredients AND helps reduce the number of plastics in circulation.
According to earthday.org, we're using upwards of 1.2 million plastic bottles per minute around the globe. The amount of plastic and micro-plastics in every corner of the earth - in soil, waterways, oceans, animals, and our bodies - is incredible in the worst possible way.
*Labeling products with Terraskin material instead of paper-based labels.
This material doesn’t require trees - it’s actually made from finely ground stone - and uses minimal water for production. While paper is both useful and recyclable, its production drawbacks include deforestation, the large amount of water needed to manufacture it, and the resulting air and water pollution from that process.
*Choosing packaging materials that are all recyclable and/or compostable.
This includes bottles, labels, boxes, packing tissue, bags, and use cards. Reduce, reuse, and recycle to keep things out of landfills (and oceans) as much as possible.
In my personal life, I make sustainable choices wherever and as often as I can too.
Perfection is impossible, but I remind myself there's always room for improvement in what I choose and the way I live. There are so many small things that add up to big differences. Especially when more people get on board.
The list of ways to make healthier choices is endless, but here are a few simple ones:
- Select clean, natural products for self and home... skincare, soaps, shampoo, conditioner, makeup, deodorant, laundry detergent. Candles and air fresheners made only with essential oils. Reading ingredient labels is critical.
- Minimize the chemicals and plastic associated with cleaning supplies by making your own: Sanitizing sprays in refillable glass spray bottles. Baking soda as a natural scrub for sinks and tubs. Reusable cloths and wipes.
- Fill up reusable water bottles instead of buying plastic. I have a set of clear glass water bottles that I love, and they're so easy to sanitize in the dishwasher.
- Use glass storage containers in the fridge and pantry. They're better for the ingredients they hold, plus they don't stain and are super easy to clean.
- Take reusable shopping bags to the store, instead of collecting single-use plastic bags.
- Food shop from local farmers, growers, and makers for seasonal, fresh food with higher nutrient values. Organic whenever possible.
We need our leaders and policy makers to implement the big changes, but in the meantime, keep choosing health and keep encouraging others by sharing your example. There's power and strength in numbers.
*What health- and environment-centered choices are already habits for you? What new habits are you ready to incorporate next?
A note on values:
If you're curious about clarifying your own personal values, I highly recommend 'The Live Your Values Deck' by artists and entrepreneurs Lisa Congdon and Andreea Niculescu.
"Living your values increases your compassion, reduces your stress, enhances your confidence, and allows you to experience more intimacy in your relationships. These 78 cards offer you a practical set of tools for determining your core values and practicing them in your daily life."
My core values are: Health, Family, Growth, Spirituality, Purpose, Integrity, Creativity, Adventure, Beauty, and Fun. Staying true to these helps me share my authentic self, be in a place of alignment, and enjoy the evolution of the life I'm creating.
