How about this Eco-Gem?

Since we have started focusing our work more and more on the integration of environmentally relevant aspects of personal development and self improvement, I have been looking for stories of success and applications we can all use to become more eco-conscious.

Recent writings pointed towards transportation solutions as well as management and leadership aspects of eco-consciousness. As in any cause based effort, it is important to get the word out, develop an image and a reputation, and provide value to the followers. In additions I want to gather ideas that will actually help us to build the community of eco-pioneers.

Instead of killing trees by creating flyers, postcards, newspaper ads, or anything like this, I have decided to use social networks and the advise of marketing gurus like Glen Crosier to help me establish a following around our cause.

One of these social networks is Facebook. It is one of the fastest growing online communities, especially since it made the decision to move form a college student forum to an open community, inviting people from all walks of life and all kinds of businesses.

While updating my own entries and profile and commenting on other friends writings, stories, and comments, I received a message from my Facebook Friend Krista English. 

She lives in Santa Barbara, just as I do, and we had been trying to meet and find an opportunity to get to know each other for some time. When Krista saw the new orientation of my company towards eco-consciousness and combining modern approaches to management, leadership and self-growth with the green revolution, Krista took action and made me aware of a gem in our proverbial backyard.

If you like to read or learn a little more about Krista, use this link and read her amazing story of perseverance, hope and success. http://www.shaklee.net/restoringyourdreams/aboutme

The Gem Krista made me aware of is the Shaklee Corporation. She wrote to me:

“Shaklee Corp. is a true eco-pioneer — Founded in 1956 with the philosophy of living in harmony with nature, Shaklee is committed to developing products to improve the health of people and the planet. In 1960, Shaklee introduced Basic-H Concentrated Organic Cleaner, one of the first nontoxic, biodegradable cleaners. I love being a part of a company that has been helping people go green long before it became a fad to do so! You should check out our other environmental achievements too!”

Shaklee philosophies

And so I did. What I found was pretty amazing and worth writing about.

Krista described it this way:
It’s truly astonishing how visionary this company is. In 2000, Shaklee became the first company in the world to obtain Climate Neutral certification and totally offset its C02 emissions, resulting in a net zero impact on the environment. In 2006, Shaklee became the first consumer products company to offset 100% of C02 emissions through the EPA Climate Leader’s program, and uses 100% Green Power. 

Environment

Shaklee chooses to run its business with a net zero impact on the earth - these decisions were made many years ago, knowing it might not be good for business, but that it was the right thing to do. Now they empower people everywhere to make a difference, one home at a time, even planting 5 trees per customer in the Gold Ambassador program.” 

When you search a little more and look a little deeper, you find a company that is very successful without having any stores, or regular distribution channels, and that works in a networked way, awarding commissions to those who go around and spread the word about the products and use them regularly. It’s probably not as fast a process as the marketing campaigns for the Apple Ipod, but it has created a sustainable business winning awards left and right, and making its members proud of their affiliation with the company. 

Here is what Shaklee says about dreams:

“At some time in most people’s lives, the idealism of youth gives way to the reality of bills, and they find themselves hitting the snooze button over and over on Monday morning.

Dreams

We think most people are snoozing when they are dreaming.

We believe it’s every person’s innate right to be prosperous, regardless of education, class, ethnicity, gender, or location. We believe it’s every person’s innate right to live the life they have imagined.”

Winning awards and planting trees is one thing. Working in a climate neutral way is pretty amazing. The real manifestation that you are fully immersed in your philosophy can be found in the physical monuments an organization created for itself.

And again, Shaklee delivers:

“The Corporation world headquarters in Pleasanton, California, is much more than the center of operations. It’s a physical tribute to what Shaklee believes in.

Success

It was designed by world-renowned architect, Gensler, to make a people-friendly, earth-friendly space that reflects Shaklee’s commitment to Living in Harmony with Nature®. No matter where you are in the building, you can see sky, trees, hills and fields. Advanced architectural design brings the beauty of outdoors inside with natural light, natural materials, and natural colors.”

Not only that, but it is build from renewable sources and applying the most modern methods of eco-consciousness and environmentally and energy-saving building technologies.

Overall, it’s a Gem right here in my back yard and they are always open for people to join them, as distributors as well as customers. I am not writing this as an endorsement. I have not worked for them or ever used one of their products. 

Eco-consciousness

I am writing this to bring an example of successful eco-conscious behavior to my readers. Shaklee has been at this since 1956. As Krista said, they have seen the need for eco-consciousness long before most others. That gives them a huge advantage in experience and we can all learn from them. Take a look and learn how the eco-conscious company of the future looks like, smells like, operates, and presents itself. Their website is www.shaklee.com.

Thanks Krista for pointing out such a good example of what can be done when the right mind set and the right people come together for a common cause and follow their dream with patience, positive energy, and the goal to help each other and everybody else they touch.
Let me know what you think and send me your comments.

Axel Meierhoefer