The Philosopher’s Stem values

As much as possible, I strive to operate The Philosopher's Stem according to the core ethics of permaculture: earth care, people care, and fair share. Permaculture is a system of ecological design that meets human needs while also regenerating the environment around us. I particularly like Patrick Whitefield's definition of permaculture, shared with me by my teacher Starhawk: "the art of designing beneficial relationships." Here is a good resource if you’re curious and want to learn more.

I know that I, and my business, are works in progress, and far from perfect. As my business grows, I recognize that these policies will need to grow alongside it. I am committed to continue making improvements and doing better as I continue to learn. For the sake of transparency, I will be updating this page as my business commitments and policies change.

If you have suggestions for how The Philosopher’s Stem can improve in this area, please email me.

Earth care

Part of earth care is respect for our planet and all of the beings who live here. By sharing the beauty of plants through our products, I hope to inspire respect and admiration for our botanical friends.

I've chosen to fulfill print orders through a print-on-demand service, in order to minimize the waste of printing more than is needed.

I prioritize recycled, recyclable, and reusable materials for packaging original art orders, including recyclable cardboard mailers and plantable seed tags.

People care

I believe that Black lives matter. I believe that all humans should be valued and treated with respect, dignity, and compassion, regardless of race, color, gender, sexuality, religious beliefs, citizenship status, physical or mental abilities, or socioeconomic status.

It's important to me to create an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome. These are the steps I'm taking in 2022 to do this:

  • educating myself about anti-racism, prioritizing books and trainings created by BIPOC folks, and paying these educators and authors for their work

  • personally supporting BIPOC-owned businesses, as well as seeking out BIPOC-owned businesses to invest my business budget in

  • offering products at a variety of price points, as well as free content on my podcast, blog, my email list, and social media

  • including work created by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks when making recommendations or sharing resources

  • apologizing when I've caused harm personally or in my business, and taking any necessary steps to make it right

  • making my website and content as accessible as possible (read more here)

Fair share

As an individual and a business owner, I am focused on long-term sustainability over short-term gain. This means that I choose to share resources when I can.

Each quarter, I donate 5% of profits to an organization that I believe in.

Here are a few of the organizations I have donated to:

AAPI Community Fund

Center for New Americans

Buy from a Black Woman

Black Maternal Health Care Fund