Honoring Mother Earth this month isn't just about a fleeting observance; it's about embracing a mindset that reveres and protects our planet every day.

As we turn our attention to the month of May - a name that  traces its origins back to Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility - we're reminded of the profound interconnectedness between nature and human culture. In the same vain, the birth flower for May, the delicate Lily of the Valley, symbolizes purity, humility, and the return of happiness. But beyond its aesthetic charm, it serves as a gentle reminder of the fragility and resilience of the natural world.

Community: Kiss the Ground

Kiss the Ground is an audience-supported nonprofit promoting regeneration and healthy soil as a viable solution for our wellness, water, and climate crisis. Since 2013 they’ve inspired millions to participate in the Regenerative Movement through storytelling, education, and partnerships - because we should all be mothers to Mother Earth. 

The name “Kiss The Ground” was inspired by a quote from the 13th-century Persian poet, Rumi, who urged us to: “Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” – Rumi.  Kiss The Ground holds the vision that every person has a unique way to participate in the reverence, stewardship, and regeneration of the planet.

On Repeat: Avocado Oil 

Plant the seeds of intention this month by subscribing to sustainable, organic Avocado Oil on repeat. Our avocado oil is derived 100% from Mexican-grown ripe avocados on farms that use regenerative methods to yield more nutrient-rich, delicious, and environmentally sound food than traditional growers. Unlike the alarming 89% of avocado oils that are diluted with cheaper oils, west~bourne is 100% pure.

If you were trapped on a desert island and could only eat one thing, you’d want it to be avocados. They’re packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, avocados not only promote good cardiovascular health but also support overall well-being. Because avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, it enhances the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. The healthy fats act as carriers, helping transport these essential vitamins into your bloodstream more effectively.

Save 10% (on repeat) when you subscribe to making the swap.

Artist: Zoe Buckman

Zoë Buckman is a multi-disciplinary artist and self-proclaimed intersectional feminist - working in sculpture, installation, and photography, exploring themes of feminism, mortality, and equality. 

Now Listening: Pink Floyd's "Mother"

This iconic song off of "The Wall" album speaks to explores the relationship between a domineering mother and her son, portraying the mother as overbearing and controlling, trying to shield her child from the harsh realities of the world. With its themes of control, protection, and the struggle for independence, the song can also apply to the relationship between humanity and Mother Earth.

"Mother" can serve as a poignant reminder of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the responsibility we bear to protect and preserve it for future generations. By heeding the song's message and embracing a more respectful and sustainable approach to our relationship with Mother Earth, we can strive to nurture and protect the planet that sustains us all.

Reading: The Soil Will Save Us: How Scientists, Farmers, and Foodies Are Healing the Soil to Save the Planet

Thousands of years of poor farming and ranching practices - and, especially, modern industrial agriculture - have led to the loss of up to 80 percent of carbon from the world's soils. That carbon is now floating in the atmosphere, and even if we stopped using fossil fuels today, it would continue warming the planet. In The Soil Will Save Us, journalist and bestselling author Kristin Ohlson makes an elegantly argued, passionate case for "our great green hope"—a way in which we can not only heal the land but also turn atmospheric carbon into beneficial soil carbon—and potentially reverse global warming.

Intentional Design: Hereu 

HEREU takes its name from the Catalan word for “heir”. True to this definition, the brand has worked since 2014 to produce contemporary accessories that redefine a distinctive heritage. HEREU’s shoes, bags and small leather goods are crafted in Spain by a network of family-run manufacturers. Every HEREU garment is made from Spanish or Italian leather sourced in compliance with 'The Leather Group' ethical standards - selecting exclusively leathers that are by-products from the meat industry.

Watching: Food, Inc. 2

FOOD, INC. 2 is a timely and urgent follow-up to the Oscar-nominated documentary from directors Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo. In the sequel, Kenner and Robledo reunite with investigative authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) to take a fresh look at our vulnerable food system.

The groundbreaking FOOD, INC. ignited a cultural conversation about the multinational corporations that control our food system at enormous cost to our planet, workforce, and health. FOOD, INC. 2 comes "back for seconds" to reveal how corporate consolidation has gone unchecked by our government, leaving us with a highly efficient yet shockingly vulnerable food system dedicated only towards increasing profits. Seeking solutions, the film introduces innovative farmers, food producers, workers' rights activists, and prominent legislators such as U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Jon Tester, who are facing these companies head-on and fighting to create a more sustainable future.

Upping Our Self-Care: RANAVAT Saffron Serum

RANAVAT is redefining luxury skin and haircare by combining modern and Ayurvedic science to create all-natural and innovative formulas. This month we are replacing our Vitamin C serums with RANAVAT's Saffron Serum that uses ethically sourced, hand picked saffron from India. In Ayurveda, saffron is considered to be a miracle ingredient for the skin. It is rich with anti-oxidants and improves the look of dark spots and fine lines. 

Sustainable Home: Armadillo Rugs

Armadillo Rugs is the first Australian and American rug maker to achieve B Corp status. Since its inception in 2009, Armadillo has remained true to its mission as a purpose-led business, dedicated to making a difference not only in the sanctuary of the home but in the world around us. 

Their collections are handmade by true artisans, keeping an ancient lineage of craftsmanship alive. Each Armadillo rug is exquisite, exuding a nuance of color, texture and composition that evokes timelessness. 

Future Forward Technology: Sway Algae Packaging

Every year, over 180 billion traditional thin-film plastic polybags are used across industries. These bags are rarely recyclable, and often end up in landfills or our oceans. 

Sway works to undo the harms of plastic pollution everywhere, from the ocean to your backyard. Rather than seeing the ocean as a site of degradation, they believe an answer to our biggest climate challenges — on land and at sea — has been underwater all along: seaweed. Sway harnesses the power of seaweed to create home compostable replacements for plastic through products that mimic the compelling qualities of plastic without the downsides. 

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