November 2005 | Conscious Business
If a Flip Flops in the Forest…
With Turkey—or in some cases, Tofurkey—Day rapidly approaching, it’s officially the start of the holiday season. Time to pull those cozy sweaters out of storage and finish knitting that scarf before the first snow falls… Excuse me—east coast winter nostalgia kicking in. Time to snub our noses at our northerly neighbors and celebrate the season with a brand new pair of flip flops. Drop some dough on a pair from Brazilian sandal brand Havaianas’ endangered species line, and 7 percent will go towards protecting near-extinct animals like the Brazilian rainforest’s black face lion tamarin. Then go out and take your good deed to the beach for a warm winter romp. Havaianas “IPE” flip flops are available at local retailers and online at havaianasus.com. —ET
Whole Foods Lifestyle To-Go
Ever wished you could find your artisanal breads and free-range poultry under the same roof as your recycled glass dishware and upholstered organic headboards? Wish no more, oh responsible consumer! Organic and natural foods supermarket giant Whole Foods Market has announced the opening of its first “lifestyle” store in West Hollywood. The already busy corner of Fairfax and Santa Monica—which currently houses a holistic herbal health care center, yoga center and—yes—a Whole Foods Market, will bustle even more with greenies and sustainable-living devotees when the new store opens Oct. 28. Expect upscale eco-conscious clothing lines like Edun and Loomstate, housewears from Gaiam, planet-friendly yoga mats from Hugger Mugger, healthy baby and kids products, books and music, and even VOC-free paint—all produced by socially and environmentally responsible businesses. —LMK
The Chipotle Manifesto
Years ago, I became addicted to the burritos from a Mexican take-out in my college town called Chipotle. A typical, earnest college student, I usually did my darndest to avoid the spoils of chain-restaurant fare in favor of the local mom ‘n’ pops that “kept Boulder weird,” but in this case, I made an exception. It was the rice that impressed me—hot, fresh, fluffy and shot through with tangy cilantro. I found it irresistible—that is until the word came down through the college grapevine, a simple, sinister, killjoy of a warning, Chipotle is owned by McDonalds!
I have missed that rice all these long, determinedly Mickey D-free years. So it is with some delight that I share the news that, despite its eeeevil imperialist corporate parentage, Chipotle’s internal policies are unexpectedly progressive, and, (dare I say it?), even radical. Although most Chipotle-goers don’t even know it, the smashingly successful burrito chain adheres to a dedicated mission of “Food with Integrity.” And that’s not just marketing-speak; it actually translates to a strict, anti-factory farm policy, and a commitment to sourcing ingredients from small, family-owned farms. So, while I am by no means encouraging you to ditch your favorite local taco stand for this corporate giant, next time you’re lost in a mall and your stomach starts to grumble, you can hit up a Chipotle unapologetically. And as for corporate giantism, consider this, (in the Fresh-Mex Goliath’s own words): “Our size helps us influence the decisions of our suppliers. And it lets us shoulder our way into the consciousness of the American eating public. Our size means we can change for the better the way people eat.” Well, if that doesn’t quite bring a tear to my eye, it does give me some hope. Chipotle should pass along the good word to the mothership: the planet is dying for a McEvolution. Urge them along or give them props at the well-designed and fun chipotle.com. —ET
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