By Moe Lastfogel Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer So what is your definition of “green”? We are familiar with the Green Movement, green appliances and the greening of America. These are just a few of the many terms we hear in the media these days. I grew up with Kermit the Frog being green, Green Eggs and Ham and the Emerald City (also green). “Green” was a much easier concept to understand back then, before it took on the many forms and concepts we are exposed to today. I believe in living the green life at home and in the workplace environment. I recycle as much as I can, I telecommute and internet shop when at all possible. That’s considered green. I feel green is a way of thinking, being and doing that chooses to care for our earth and the preservation of the environment, not only for ourselves and our children, but for the generations to come. No matter what the product, the cause or the reason, more and more people and companies are adding green practices to what they do — green construction, green design and green living. It’s time to ask yourself where you stand on this issue. The question remains, how can you be green in ways within your own control? What can you do each day to make a difference? It’s not what you say but what you do and how you do it that matters. Making even a small change is better than nothing at all. I challenge all of you to just do it and become green, act green and live green in some aspect of your lives. The Retail Observer is one of the only green magazines in the Industry. We use post-consumer recycled paper, go through a monthly SFI Certified Chain of Custody process and special print heat processes with soy-based inks and special cut sizing to get these certifications that very few magazines use. This said there is still a way to be even greener, that would be to go digital. Our digital issue comes out the first of every month and allows you to take advantage of the links we provide and the video assets we offer. Another way to be greener would be to see how many people in your company receive the print issue and maybe cut down to one shared copy for all. This can be accomplished at www.retailobserver.com/subscribe. So again, ask yourself the question, “What does green mean to me?” Happy Green Retailing, Moe Lastfogel moe@retailobserver.com
0 Comments
By Moe Lastfogel Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer As we grow older and time moves forward, we come to appreciate the special individuals that helped shape our lives. We are also reminded of our own mortality as those loved ones pass from our lives. On January 15th, 2008, my mother passed away, having lived a long and diverse life that influenced so many others. She was born in Germany in 1921 and as a holocaust survivor, she endured with the resilience of a very strong woman. Are we born with that kind of strength? In my mother’s case I would say yes, evidently. What does it take to endure that kind of history? She never spoke of what happened there, except through an occasional slip that made me understand a little, but not all, of the full story. My mother’s strength often causes me to reflect upon my own life—where I’ve been, what I’ve done and how her experiences helped formulate my own strengths. I remember my life as a child and how she was always there to protect me from getting hurt or patching me up when I did. When I started school, she was there to make sure I had the materials necessary to get ahead. During my teen years I was well versed in what I should do and shouldn’t do. I went to college and was fully supported in my desire to learn and given the guidance needed to grow. Life moved fast after my formal education concluded, bringing marriage, children and varied career pursuits. No matter what I did, no matter how I did it and no matter why I did it, my mother was behind me. With 28 years of retailing and publishing experience under my belt and 3 children and 6 grandchildren, one factor had remained consistent—a solid set of values— compliments of my mother. Those values allowed me to move forward and push through the challenges that life presents with integrity and wisdom. Throughout the 58 years of my life, my mother had always been there and continues to be there in spirit. Although I have lost a friend, a confidant and my biggest cheerleader, her influence will be reflected in my day-to-day life and in the ethics with which I deal in business. As Mother’s Day approaches, let the teachings that our role models instilled in us be prevalent in our actions, not to be forgotten or taken for granted. Treat others today as you want to be treated tomorrow, love today as you want to be loved tomorrow and respect others today as you want to be respected forever. Happy Mother’s Day, Moe Lastfogel moe@retailobserver.com |
CategoriesArchives
December 2021
|