Introducing The Gen E Store

Hello Gen E Friends. 

I’m excited to introduce two new products we created for you. The decision to create Gen E tangible products was one I debated for years. I didn’t and don’t want to contribute to overconsumption and the glut of stuff. But in my personal journey of embracing the identity of modern environmentalism, I’ve come to accept two truths:

1. I will continue to need and want physical things in this life (though far less than I ever used to, and in a way that is much more intentional and intelligent than when I was younger).
2. My mere presence in public places is an opportunity to influence for good, and by wearing or carrying a pro-Earth message, I can give an outsized number of people something to consider simply by proximity. 

So over a year ago, I decided to print some of my favorite Gen E phrases on articles of clothing I owned. I mostly wear minimalist black and white, so my wardrobe is essentially a blank slate.

I began wearing these items when I left the house to run errands, go to networking events, whatever. And the result was inspiring. Every time I stepped out wearing my “WE SHOULD ALL BE ENVIRONMENTALISTS” t-shirt, at least one stranger would make a comment to me along the lines of “Love your shirt!” or “Yes, we should!”. It made my entire body light up. Just by wearing this bold message of truth in a modern way, it sparked something within other people. They noticed the message and felt compelled to agree. Out loud!

These positive outbursts happened repeatedly on the subway and on the street. It gave me hope. It also gave me evidence to support the fact that people who care deeply are out there. It may not be obvious on the surface. We look like anyone because we are everyone. 

And so, I felt compelled to make this Gen E method of spreading modern environmentalism available to more people than just me. It’s a big job, waking up the environmentalist in every human. But many more of us can do it, simply by quietly influencing people in our own daily orbits. Consider these new Gen E wearables another tool in your modern environmental toolbox. 

Back when I designed our very first product, the Gen E micro-philanthropy app, I intentionally designed it to work quietly in the background of your life. It’s not meant to demand your time or attention. Rather, it effortlessly supports your willingness and desire to help protect and heal our planet. We achieve this by giving financial aid in any amount to vetted, dedicated environmental organizations. It’s easy, seamless, and forever needed. 

These next two products, beginning with the essentials of a women’s t-shirt and a beverage bottle, share the same ethos of supporting our mission of love for Earth, but now shifting the expression from the background to the foreground. Still impactful, still effortless and still requiring no behavior change. It’s like the wearable version of our app (and on that note, we will be giving a portion of profits back to the Gen E-approved orgs, right alongside you).  

By sharing our beliefs more outwardly, we consequently welcome others who feel the same way into the larger movement of caring for this amazing planet. Our proclamation gives permission to others who may need it. This is important. When it comes to climate change, most people greatly underestimate how much other people care about it, including other people’s support of climate action. This “perception gap” is present across so many cultural topics, and it’s a problem because it spreads apathy, inaction, and dangerous misunderstanding. So the simple act of letting people know you do care can be hugely impactful. 

That’s what this is about. Word of mouth is the most powerful form of influence. We’ll call it ‘word of accessory’ here. Going forward, Gen E will create a very intentionally designed catalog of thoughtful products. To do this, we’re partnering with brands we trust that are already making things in the most responsible way while also prioritizing the integrity and longevity of beautiful, useful, and purposeful goods. We’ll do small runs to ensure we sell out and avoid overproduction. And we’ll adorn our products with timeless truths in service of Mother Earth. 

With the micro-philanthropy app we’re addressing the funding gap. With tangible goods, we’re addressing the perception gap. 

Welcome to the next chapter of modern environmentalism with Generation Environment. I can’t wait to see how we all continue to spread love for our planet and actively shape the future we want for the benefit of us all. Check out the newest products in the Gen E Store.