sustainable

Benefits of a Minimalistic Lifestyle

Robert Borneff Lifestyle , , , 0 Comment
Benefits of a Minimalistic Lifestyle

During the last recession a lot of people got worried about their financial future. For some peple this changed their lifes for the better. They have learned to live within their means. Don’t live in a house that’s too expensive for you; don’t get into debt for spending too much. Always pay your bills. Make life much simpler than it used to be. Appreciate the people around you, enjoy the beauty of nature and find time to do the things you are passionate about.

In short: Live a better quality life without the hassles of buying and spending. This can be considered a “Minimalistic Lifestyle”. Here are some benefits of this lifestyle:

  1. Being your true self and relaxed:

Your self-worth is not connected to your belongings anymore. You are valued as a personality and not as an owner of things. You escaped the cycle of debt and overwork and you live relaxed.

  1. Cherish relationships.

Since you are not constantly maintaining, fixing and storing your possessions, you find time to play with your kids and visit friends and family. You may also be able to volunteer in your community and be grateful for what it offers to you.

  1. Value the work of others

You become aware that cheap manufacturing is at the cost of those in poverty working overtime under unbearable conditions. You are choosing your purchases wisely respecting the work of others.

  1. Protect the environment

Your lifestyle saves energy, water and resources. You are aware of the destructive powers of industrialization. Your lifestyle contributes to the use of renewable energy, sustainable grown wood and responsible agriculture.

  1. Strengthen neighborhoods and communities

Your lifestyle supports local businesses and communities. You are an active part of your community and you exchange your gifts and talents with the people around you. You are accepted and you enjoy the fruits of the community.

  1. Agree with of words of Henry David Thoreau:

    “I make myself rich by making my wants few“

 

 

Corporate Social Responsibility

Robert Borneff Marketing , , , 0 Comment
Corporate Social Responsibility

In one of my last posts (“Transparent Marketing”) I was talking about the importance of an open and honest business approach. To gain the trust and establish rapport with customer a business has to send truthfully and reliable messages to their customers.

In this post I want to show what influence the internal actions and policies of a company have on its public relations. I am talking about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

A couple of years ago it was more or less up to a company how it was acting and what values it was representing. Thanks to modern communication technology everyone stands in the spotlight. Customers are rewarding companies with more sales for their social responsibility. For example in our community Kroger supports local Non-Profits and the people appreciate that. On the other hand Lumber Liquidators almost collapsed over allegations it would use wood from illegal sources.

Companies that share the the concerns of their customers have a positive impact. And it’s not just big corporations with large marketing budgets that can promote their intentions of doing good. Also small local companies can benefit from supporting a good cause. Here are some examples:

  1. Acting responsible

Customers reward companies that practice good business culture. Being known as  a good employer for example also creates trust in customers. Companies which are thoughtful with their garbage and emphasize recycling show that the earth is important to them. This also counts for efforts to save water and energy.

Responsible companies also show that they care for their customers in offering products that are made out of environmentally friendly materials.

  1. Support the community

Customers like companies which are engaging in the local community and support organisations that provide provide assistance locally. Here are just a few organisations that appreciate support financially but also donated volunteer hours:

-Habitat for Humanity    -Refugees Centers   – SPCA         – Schools and Day Cares

  1. Support of organizations that promote sustainability and fair business culture

Here are four organizations in the furniture industry that stand for Corporate Social Responsibility .

The Sustainable Furnishings Council is a coalition of manufacturers, retailers and designers dedicated to raising awareness and expanding the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices across the home furnishings industry.

  • Better Business Bureau                  bbb.org

BBB helps people find and recommend businesses, brands and charities they can trust.

  • GoodWeave                                       goodweave.org

GoodWeave is helping children in the international rug industry by certifying child-labor-free rugs

  • Forest Stewardship Council           fsc.org

The Forest Stewardship Council sets standards for responsible forest management. A voluntary program, FSC uses the power of the marketplace to protect forests for future generations.

 

In this context in want to close with a quote of Warren Buffet:

Look for three things in a person: Intelligence, energy, and integrity. And if they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother with the first two.

 

Sustainable Living

Robert Borneff Lifestyle , , , 0 Comment

There is a lot of talk about sustainability in the past years.  What is sustainable?  And how do we measure it?  Is it really only about nature and endangered species?

As a forester I am following the discussion about sustainable forestry for more than 15 years.

A core question is: How can you responsibly use wood for construction, woodworking, furniture and even paper products, without damaging or destroying valuable ecosystems?

Wood is one of the few building materials that can grow back providing beautiful forests (unlike concrete, steel, Aluminum, plastic). If used locally, it has one of the lowest carbon footprints. And finally, if wood is not treated with dangerous chemicals, it can be easily reused and recycled.

Independent from the question of how to provide a reliable system that guarantees sustainable forestry it’s interesting to note that most people in our society are not directly connected with this subject. It’s about wild animals, swamps, nice mountains but not about daily life. I want to discuss here, how sustainable living has an influence on most people every day, no matter if they live in the city or in the country.

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