Accepting the EcoStar Award

Howdy!  I made it back to the tire house yesterday.  It took a little longer than planned thanks to a few state-wide snow storms, so when I jumped into the car to go, it was -25* F (-32* C).  BRRRRRR!  Sometimes I think the cold weather brings out the greatest spirits of people around here.  I know it did at the Capitol earlier this week when I accepted the EcoStar Award – an award for businesses (like Gadanke!) who consciously choose to make green decisions.

The ceremony was held in the rotunda.  State senators and representatives were pausing from their duties to watch.  The emotion was unreal.

The governor – dressed in jeans and accompanied by his dog – posed with all the winners after his opening speech.  There were small family organic farms, state-wide chain restaurants, businesses trying to address the huge problem of trees lost to pine beetle, and the fantastic Maize of MommyTags.  (I love her famous hand-stamped jewelry and passion!)

Can you spot me?  Tall blonde girl.  Lower left, in the front.

Behind the marble staircase is a statue of my biggest hero – the first female in Congress.  I discovered Jeanette Rankin in fifth grade (even dressed up as her for some history day in school!).  She’s held a huge significance in my life ever since.

She served in the US House before women were even granted the right to vote in the US!

While in office, she also voted no to WWI and WWII because deep in her heart, she didn’t think war was right.  The ridicule she received was intense.  The pure hatred that was cast on her for being “just like a woman” was unreal.  I honestly don’t know how she kept fighting for what she believed and staying true to her heart.

Receiving the EcoStar award really feels like a recognition of something that is so true to my heart.  It’s certainly not easier to run a business with a focus on less waste and more repurposing.  But with a hero like Jeanette Rankin, how could I ever stop fighting for what I believe?