A letter received from an OLB supporter

Anna writes:

I would like to share with you an excerpt from a email I got from the founder of the company I work for. I want you all to know that yours/our collective efforts are not in vain. YOU ARE CHANGING THE WORLD. Keep up the good work. Here is a sign that the Occupations are effective:

"Time to put our money where our mouths are and support our communities, our country, the planet and all it's occupants.

We are committed to a sustainable environment and economy. It is our goal to have our resources spent in this manner. We want to support local, green, diverse businesses which have a commitment to economic justice and equality.

Using banks that are local and either community banks or credit unions for our corporate accounts
Placing student accounts in the same.

Investing our profit sharing accounts in green investment firms that do not invest in war related companies.
buying products from vendors that are local and from conglomerate corporations who are not producing products in sweatshops or taking resources out of our country or from countries with dictatorships (In most cases this will not cost us more to accomplish, but in some cases it will).
Practicing recycling at all of our facilities
Utilizing energy efficient products (light bulbs, putting computers and other devices on timers where they turn off all night, programmed thermostats, etc)

Utilizing locally grown, organic and natural products and avoiding processed products at all our functions and supporting our students in doing the same.
Utilizing environmentally sound cleaning products and encouraging students to do the same (making sure cleaning services are doing the same). Providing only these types of products in our facilities (natural hand soaps, recycled paper products, etc)

Educating our staff and students in the understanding of all the above.
I am charging the National Office and the Program Directors with shifting us to this policy. We are already working at national to shift accounts. We can have a huge effect on the situation by our actions. Every small action builds the values that we are wanting to return to.

Personally, for the holidays this year I am either producing all my presents or buying local services (like massages, and pedicures, etc.), or buying products from local craftsmen, artists, etc. If even 10 percent of the population did this, it would shift the entire conversation and we don't have to look to the government to do it for us.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families, "

Feel free to share this with OLB. See you all on 12/12/11.

Peace and love!

Anna