Infusing local communities with our belief, knowledge, trust & honor

One of my favorite days, Earth day is coming soon, Wednesday April 22nd.

What an incredible opportunity to reflect on the wisdom of what we already do while engaging in learning new innovative healthy, sustainable and life affirming practices.

I wanted to share our 2009 company proclamation as a tribute to Earth day

Infusing local communities with our belief, knowledge, trust & honor
As we live, as we invest, so we empower…

Belief
Believing in the right of every human being to fresh, affordable, healthy food and products continues to be fundamental.
Knowledge
Awareness of how concretely the whole community benefits from each local purchase we select. Knowledge of everyplace our food is grown, processed, produced, and treated is strength.
Trust
Trust that by investing locally through the purchase of organic fruit, vegetables and locally produced products we are supporting local sustainability, a viable economic society and our extended family of growers & producers.
Honor
Honor the planet with sustainable practices, purchases and commitments. As we practice our humble respect for the land and the sea we can not help but honor ourselves, each other and our ancestors.

Unfortunately I ran out of time and energy but this week I will be adding a great inspirational interview by a young woman surfer big wave photographer and new friend of becausewesurf from the UK! Look for new listings of local farmers markets and more events for March & April, exciting things in store!!Lastly a new printable calendar and an interactive photo gallery. *wow*

What is fair trade?
Fair trade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fair trade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.
Fair trade standards comprise both minimum social, economic and environmental requirements, which producers must meet to be certified, plus progress requirements that encourage continuous improvement to develop farmers’ organizations or the situation of estate workers.

The Arden

The Arden: "10th YEAR" -->2000 (I), 2001 (II), 2002 (III), 2003 (IIII), 2004 (V), 2005 (VI) 2006 (VII) 2007 (VIII) 2007 (VIII) 2008 (IX) 2009 (X)

Arden Taylor was only 42 years old when one day he left work early due to a terrible headache. He found out shortly thereafter that he was suffering from inoperable brain tumors. News traveled fast through the surf community and when a young surfer heard about Ardens condition he instantly asked, "Is there something we could do to make him feel better?" The Akins family & the Ventura Surf Club together decided to have a surf benefit in Ardens name. The benefit is open to everyone. This is a time to help the families face the many challenges ahead of them. We want them to know that even though some of us might not have known their loved ones personally, we share in their loss and without a doubt, care. In the mid-afternoon a paddle-out ceremony is held to remember the ones who have passed and those who are less fortunate suffering from a life threatening illness. The two main reasons for our success are the participants and the supportive assistance from communities up and down the coast. Everything is donated and everyone knows that it is for a good cause. People have such big hearts and that is what makes it come together and work. For these reasons the Arden Taylor Surf Benefit has become and an annual event. I would like to thank that surfer who simply asked if there was something we could do to help. That surfer is my son, Ethan. Thank you for who you are and the answer was yes, there is something we can all do. Our goal for this event is to raise every ones spirits and to share good feelings. Please spread the word and we hope to see you there... Sincerely, Keith AkinsVentura Surf Club... click Arden for more