Geo and I attended the national Slow Money Conference. Shelburne Farms in VT was a perfect setting.
The participants were an eclectic mix of organic farmers, entrepeneurs into sustainability, and socially responsible investors (and us).
The Slow Money movement is somewhat of an economic revolution to promote an alternative way to invest - not to expect a return of quick profits - but to build partnerships and alliances for a healthy environment, vibrant local communities, and strong economies.
Investing in local organic food systems is a way to start. It may be as simple as buying at local farmers markets or buying into a CSA. It may be as serious as investing a sum of money into a local food-related enterprise that needs capital to grow.
I came away from the conference examining my own value system. As one leader summed it up, "What more can I do today to live and act on what I believe?" Do I "put my money" where my values are?
So Geo and I are committing to learn more about local companies and products that help heal the environment. Tomorrow we take a trip to Hardwick, VT to meet with the owner of VT Natural Coatings, a growing company that actually makes wood stain using whey, a by-product of cheesemaking.
It was an inspiring conference. Learn more at slowmoneyalliance.org.
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