Stepping up

This week, we are stepping up.

With all the trash being hauled out of the ocean this summer, we are thinking of ways of tacking the growing problem of waste. I will admit, this not the easiest of challenges, given that so many jobs and businesses are based entirely on the economics of consumption.

While it is easy to ride the complain train, we like to think again.

In a nod to sustainable trends, the latest in five-star tourism features off-the-grid experiences. Blockbuster movies highlighting life after we have destroyed our planet suggest we know exactly what we are doing.

At the top of the consumer food chain, luxury brands are promising simplicity and minimalist in their high-end designs as companies recognize that conspicuous consumption is giving way to more meaningful luxury experiences.

Living a sustainable lifestyle is not living a deprived life.

Traditional craftsmanship using quality materials to create products meant to last just makes sense. We’re not sure how durability came to be such a luxury.

Our ecosystem suffers at the hands of our addiction to disposable and the resulting ground zero of e-waste.

This week, I read a feature in SCMP about our friend Gary Stokes and his tireless work at Sea Shepherd Hong Kong and I wondered when it became radical to care for our environment. I welcome the day when cutting back and cleaning up is considered normal behavior.

Meanwhile, the summer of clean continues and the tips keep coming and the ideas keep flowing.

I was reminded of an idea I had in the beginning to set up a marketplace for people who care and want to be the change. The idea is to connect people looking for the latest natural options with people whose passion is offering these products and services to make a positive difference. In the face of growing discontent arising from growing awareness, the time keeps getting closer to take that first step.

I have also always wanted to make it easy for people to sell or give away second-and items and keep them out of landfills.

It suddenly dawned on me that a few things have changed since I had the idea in 2001. Little things like open source platforms and community websites and social media — and they can do more of what I began with my text-only email newsletter back then.

Over the weekend, I did a bit of quick research and bit of quick learning and came up with the new natural marketplace.

It’s empty now, but it won’t be for long. Until the end of August, it is free for you to post items for sale or advertise retail products and services. I am taking it slow while I get everything working and regularly sharing new listings with our community.

And so begins my plan to use the power of connection to disrupt the economy of consumption.

Is it possible?

Naturally,

Founder & Publisher
www.heartbeat.com.hk
natural life in the fast lane

Everything is connected.
Listen to your own heartbeat.

“The marketplace obliges men, whether they will or not, in pursuing their own selfish interests, to connect the general good with their own individual success.” Edmund Burke

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Events in Hong Kong this week

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9 (7:30pm) Madame Butterfly Private Dinner | Maya Café
9 (7:30-9:50pm) Truth or Trumpism | HK Philosophy Café
9 (8pm) Helping the Homeless – Sham Shui Po | The Guest Room
10 (8-9:30am) Qi Meditation | Metta
10 (7-8:30pm) Tin Shacks to Classrooms in Kenya | Green Drinks
11 (6:30pm) Sambal Discovery Evening | Green Queen HK
11 (7pm) EcoChic Design Award Alumni Showcase | Redress
13 (1-5pm) International Youth Day Farm Outing | HandsOn Hong Kong
13 (5-6:30pm) MeatFree Dinner Gathering | Meat Free Hong Kong
13 (9am-5pm) Awakening Awareness and Wisdom | HK Insight Meditation Society
14 (9am-12:30pm) Mindfulness for Everybody | HK Insight Meditation Society
14 (1:30-6pm) The Journey of Understanding | HK Insight Meditation Society
15 (6:15-7:15pm) Mindfulness for Beginners | IMI – Integrated Medicine Institute
15 (7:30-9:30pm) Women’s Temple | Luxe Nova Lifestyle Studio
15 (7:30pm-9:30pm) From the View of Reality | HK Insight Meditation Society
16 (6:30-8:30pm) Classical Feng Shui | All About You Wellness Centre
16 (7:30-9:30pm) Everything-Free Healthy Cooking Class | Nutri Alley

Fresh on the directory

Say hello from HK heartbeat and visit the directory for more …

Valley Veterinary Centre – Veterinarian; full medical, diagnostic and surgical facilities > details
Alicia Matzener – Nutritionist and Kinesiologist; Combining nutrition and kiniesiology > details
Grassroots Pantry – Boutique café serving homemade, plant-based world dishes > details
YogaBamBam – Boutique yoga studio offering traditional and alternative classes > details
La Crêperie – Serving authentic buckwheat flour galettes and sweet crepes > details
Nutri Alley – Catering for allergies, free of nuts, dairy, eggs and caffeine; kosher and vegan options > details
Hong Kong Helpers Cookery Classes – Healthy cooking classes for helpers > details
Save Aberdeen Harbour Alliance – Uniting people committed to sustainable solutions > details
HK’s Cleanup Crew – Relaxed group coming together once every 4-6 weeks to clean up trash > details

Fresh content and connections for conscious everyday choices since 2001

Hong Kong’s only natural network connects individuals, businesses and organizations, shares fresh content and authentic connections for clean, green, healthy living products, services and programs. With everything from acupuncture to zero-waste solutions, our members have everything you’re looking for — even when you’re not sure what you’re looking for — chemical-free health and beauty, lifestyle services, whole food, sustainable fashion, eco-style, green gadgets and more … naturally.

Photo by Kinzie

Author: love

Information and communications for transformation ... naturally. View all posts by love