Today I am contemplating the quality of the materials I am going to use for my products in the Magical Treasure Boxes. I am looking at my stock of beeswax. This is such an interesting material; by choosing this for some of the items, I support the bees and the people who take care of them. The question I am asking myself is: ‘Can I avoid the use of lesser quality materials such as palm oil?’ The demand for palmoil is one of  the reasons why big companies are cutting down rain forests and cause gorilla’s to loose their natural habitat.

The choice of materials is a delicate balance between availability, quality and price. But it is also a statement. If it is true that big companies are overtaking the power of governments, then you vote as a consumer in the supermarket, with your wallet: instead of at the elections. This is something I am very conscious about.

I think the temples should pay attentention to environmental issues because we work with nature symbolism. We read about the ancient methods of producing products where spirituality and sustainability was an integrated part of the production of goods: Ora et Labora, pray and work at the same time.

Yes we can use the cheep paraffin tealights in our ceremonies, they also produce beautiful light. But where and when is it possible to make better choices? Maybe we need to do this step by step, research what the better choice is, and if affordable make the nature friendly choice.

So I decided to approach this issue with a little affirmation in my head:

I MAKE THE BEST POSSIBLE CHOICE
UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES I AM IN,
AND TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE

I am very curious to hear from you if you recognize this dilemma in your life and how you deal with it?