Welcome to August's e-news. This month we are focused on Smart-Consumerism.

While it may seem ironic for a retail operation to promote less consumption, it is exactly why we are in business and what we do! A personal passion for reducing waste led the way for the business. We help our clients decide if they really need the product, if it will work for their lifestyle, and then guide them to purchase only what they need and to purchase products that are healthy, have exceptional durability and are easy to maintain.

In addition, we are promoting buying local, which will be evident throughout this e-news.

I encourage everyone to view the documentary "Story of Stuff" by visiting www.storyofstuff.com when you have 20 minutes. Watch it with the kids - it's meaningful for all ages!

I hope you find value in this information. If you know of someone else that would also find this e-news informative or valuable, please pass it along. Thank-you!

Cathy Kumar LEED AP - Owner/Operator
Southwest Green Building Center
5620 Venice NE, Unit L in Albuquerque
505-821-6259

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*** Receive a good-looking, heavy duty reusable bag with every purchase in August ***

In addition, all items "made in New Mexico" are 10% off thru August!

This includes:

Cleaning stones by Earthstone
Earth plaster by American Clay
Platform beds by Rambin Wood
Rainbarrels by Desert Plastics

Why Earthstone ??

Andrew Ungerleider thought it was a distressing sight to watch the rugged Jemez Mountains of New Mexico being whittled down and permanently disfigured by strip mining. Not only were the mountains being maimed, but the heavy silt runoff created serious problems for the region's precious rivers and fresh water. Ungerleider understood that the best solution would be to find a superior alternative to pumice products. Working with an artist/scientist in Santa Fe, he found the answer. They created a way for recycled glass bottles and jars to be ground into a powdery substance, then molded into - white foam glass. These proprietary products are non-toxic and chemical free. They're safe for kids, pets and the environment. Best of all, they're made almost entirely from recycled glass.

Currently, Earthstone uses more than 1,300 tons of recycled glass each year. That's the equivalent of 5.3 million 8 oz. glass bottles.

And of course, every ton of recycled products also means one less ton of pumice need be stripped from the sun-baked mountains of New Mexico.

Advertising is constantly shouting at us. Buy this and you must have that. Is it time to get away from your consumer lifestyle? Take time to evaluate your true needs and keep these tips in mind - hey, you could save a lot of money!

1. Measure the effect of advertising. Be aware of why, when, how much and how often advertising affects your spending habits.
2. Appreciate what you have. Spend some of time looking at and appreciating all the things you already have. Do you really need another pair of jeans? Or a better toaster? Chances are, the answer is no. Remember, it's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.
3. Compare. Check out small businesses, local farmer's and flea markets and charity/thrift stores.
4. Bargain and recycle. Do your friends have something you need and vice versa? Can you recycle something into something else that is more useful? There are many raw materials that already exist within your home - just use your imagination and create something new.
5. Think awhile. Before you buy anything, especially those higher priced and large items, really ask yourself if you need it. Walk away from it for a bit, think about it, come back and ask yourself again.
6. Think of your long term goals. Is buying this today going to bring you happiness and security tomorrow?

• It stimulates the local economy. A 2002 study showed that for every $100 that was spent in a chain bookstore, only $13 of it was put back into the local economy. But that same $100 spent at a local, independently owned bookstore put $45 back into the local economy.
• It helps locals keep their jobs. Most people who work in local businesses live locally. By buying from these places, you help your neighbors keep their jobs and that benefits your whole community.
• Local businesses give back locally. By supporting these businesses, I help ensure that they can support the community.
• It's good for the environment. If enough people buy locally, it could actually prevent a big box store — which usually devours open space and requires new roads to be built — from infiltrating your community. If you're buying locally grown food, it’s really good for the environment because you're helping the small farmers keep their farms operational instead of shutting down and selling to developers.
• It promotes a sense of community. If you want to get to know your neighbors and others in your community, supporting the local businesses is a great way to do that.

Oh, and one more - when you visit a local business, chances are the owner is helping you or is very available. Small business owners are usually passionate about what they do and it shows in the great customer service!

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