My interest in building better green relationships started with cannibals. Cannibals with Forks. That's a book by British sustainability consultant John Elkington. The title refers to the provocative question posed by Polish poet Stanislaw Lec who asked, "Is it progress, if a cannibal uses a fork?" The "cannibals," in this case are corporate capitalism and the tendency of corporations to "devour" their competition. The "fork" is the triple bottom line--people, planet, and profits of sustainable capitalism. Certainly I expect corporations to be mindful of social justice (people), environmental quality (planet), and economic prosperity (profits), but what about me? What is my individual responsibility? As a business owner, do I practice the triple bottom line? I must admit that green living is a challenge and does not come naturally to me or most Americans. We are consumers. Our economy depends on us to consume. So how can I promote sustainability without being considered un-American? Why has "green" gotten so partisan? How can I make a difference in a country so divided about sustainability issues?

  Then I had my "a-ha" moment. Green networking is not about "Us vs. Them." It's about you and me. Let's share our concerns for the future. Find a middle ground. Get the dialogue started on common ground. That way we keep expanding the network, instead of holding on tighter to negative, fear-based beliefs.

   Awareness of the issues and getting involved are the keys to a successful green network. Let's share our concerns about the environment and sustainability. Do you have a mission statement? Mine is: "Helping people make simple changes that will simply change their lives, in order to become healthier and eliminate toxins from their homes."

  Sustainable relationships are easier than you think. People are everywhere! Everybody knows somebody. People are an unlimited renewable resource. Certainly we are all special, but we are not an endangered species. Just make the effort to get out and meet people regularly. There are networking groups everywhere.

  When you meet someone, listen to them. Treat them with respect. As a former newspaper reporter, believe me, everyone has a story to tell. What are their interests, their special concerns? If I listen, I learn. But I must admit, I have not always followed my own advice. At times, I have gotten carried away and verbally "firehosed" people. I never heard from these people again. They seemed to have vanished. My point is, people won't care about how much you know, until they know how much you care.

  Finally, visualize your Green Network. My Green Network is my community, it is constantly expanding. I am connected to a diverse group of individuals of all ages, colors, nationalities, and lifestyles. I see infinite possibilities and hopeful new perspectives. I hope you do, too, with your green network.

  So let's get together sometime and find out more about each other.