Going green doesn't mean depriving yourself

I was thinking yesterday about the implications of a transition to a green lifestyle for the average person. The traditional first step in the 3 R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) is to only buy what you actually need-- not a bunch of junk to satisfy a momentary want or desire that later ends up in a landfill. For Americans especially, I think this is going to be a hard nut to crack. We Americans love our stuff, and we love showing it off. I would venture to say that we get more pleasure out of the actual buying of the stuff than the stuff itself. Many of us build larger houses than we need just so we can house our stuff. Anyway, you get my point.
The idea I'd like to posit is that I do believe it's possible to continue to get pleasure out of material objects--objects that may serve no purpose other than decorative-- and still be "green." The way to do that is to purchase items that were crafted with care and regard for where the materials came from, who made them, and what those objects' eventual future on the Earth will be. At Green Home Headquarters, I plan to make available objects that can fill that role. I hope to offer attractive and eco-friendly kitchen items, children's toys and games, decorative and soft furnishings for the home, and unique gifts. For example, take a look at this bowl made from discarded food wrappers (which are non-biodegradable). It was crafted by workers in Nepal via a non-profit humanitarian organization. When you shop at our store, you will feel confident that any item you choose will enhance the health of your home. Mentally, I think that has a huge impact on your health, as well. If you're buying a gift, it will be an object you feel good about buying and the recipient feels good about receiving.
Pretty soon, you'll start to think about each and every object you buy with a new perspective-- one that makes you feel good about the dollars you spend and the new item that will soon occupy precious space in your home. Now that is shopping at its best!