Hello All!

I apologize to all of you that I was unable to make our first meeting this morning! I have 2 sick children with fevers.

I received a diploma in Interior Design back in Canada eons ago! I have 2 children, a son who is 6 yrs and a 3 yo daughter. My husband is a computer engineering genius who travels a lot! We have lived in quite a few countries, England, Germany, Holland, France, Canada (as we are Canadian!) and now in the US.

We are very globally minded, and see the "big picture" as to how our excess living here in North America especially, has become insanity. I love simpler living. It is no longer about keeping up with the Jones. Less is definately MORE!

What I strive to bring to my home staging, and painting business (decorative painting), is non toxic products, cleaning supplies, painting supplies. I have a growing inventory of sustainable furnishings, decorative items. I use only non toxic water mixable oil paints in my art. I bring natural plants for staging whenever possible. I try to keep paper to a minimum in advertising, and when I do need business cards, brochures, I ensure they are printed on recycled paper.

I look forward to meeting each of you and working toward a better, cleaner and healthier future for all of our children.

Welcome and Thank You!

Well, here we are - a group of folks interested in bettering our community, increasing the health and wellness of our homes, honoring our Earth, and continuing our professional journey via education and respect!

Both Jillian and I extend our warmest thanks to all of you who are participating in this process.

Brief synopses:
1. We will meet again on Thursday July 10th in the same location from 8:30-9:30
2. Please submit requested agenda items by July 3rd to Emily
3. Please invite whomever you think is a good fit for our group
4. I will email all of you a roster list with every one's contact information
5. Meetings will be every second and fourth Thursday from 8:30-9:30

As discussed, we are asking all of you to write a brief statement about you, your business, your green practices and perhaps your green goals.

I will start:
As a mother of two young boys, it is imperative to both my husband and myself that we teach our sons to respect and honor their surroundings...to not take anything for granted...to be curious...to be aware. We do our very best to live "green" at home in a variety of ways...

When I first came to be a Realtor, my business was incongruous with my personal ethics. I had a very hard time with the carbon footprint of my industry - everything from driving, to paper (upon paper, upon paper), to new construction, etc. etc. etc. The Realtor Code of Ethics says, "They (Realtors) require.....the preservation of a healthful environment." Aha! I said to myself - Instead of being incongruous with my life, real estate could provide me with an avenue to make a difference in my own life's little puddle!

I left my business partner and now use all 100%pcc binders, paper, business cards etc. In many ways, I strive to "do good" for my business, myself, my family, my community, and my Earth.

In looking towards the future, I am eager to learn more about living well and am so excited to be working with all of you and learning from you! This partnership is sure to be an exciting adventure and opportunity for growth!

Cheers!!!
Emily