Who we are and what we value determines the path we take in life.
Let me paint a picture of my personal vision and how it aligns with the vendor, Shaklee Corporation, with whom we associate.
My personal vision is to teach individuals and families across North America that there is a better way of life than what they currently have. Through our seminars we teach people how to be smart about their nutrition and lifestyles in an effort to point them in the direction of optimal health. We teach them how to be smart about the environment and be a part of the solution rather than the problem. During my 15 years of teaching, I was amazed at how often my 3rd and 4th graders asked me: “What do you think our purpose is while we’re here on earth? “ Talk about a profound question! I always gave the same response. “I believe the one thing we all must strive for in our life is to leave the world a little bit better place because we were here. “
My business, Fuzzy Slippers Forever, and my profession as a teacher have both been vehicles to help me fulfill that purpose.
It was imperative to me that I align myself with a company that shared my values. It was not a decision I made lightly. I discovered that Shaklee Corporation is a company with a heart and vision that matches mine.
Shaklee: History and Philosophy
Shaklee Corporation was founded in 1956 by Dr. Forrest Shaklee. Dr. Shaklee was a leader in the Environmental Products movement creating products "in harmony with nature." I think the following quotes from Dr. Shaklee very clearly illustrate his philosophy.
“I have spent my life studying the ways and secrets of Nature. She is a wise and noble teacher. Humbly trying to learn and follow her truths has made my life, rich, fulfilling and exciting. I hope that some of the thoughts and products I have developed in my half century of study will be of meaning and value to you and those you care about.”
“Recognize that you are a product of Nature and that your very existence depends upon other products of Nature. Everything is placed on this earth for a specific purpose. Are you fulfilling your purpose?”
“I never belittle the medical profession, but we are two separate fields of endeavor. They are trained to treat disease. I’m interested in building health”
“All my life I’ve endeavored to use science to understand the meaning of nature.”
“You should take all the nutrients Nature supplies and take them as close to their natural state as possible.”
Dr. Shaklee's name has appeared in such publications as Who's Who in the West, Who's Who in America , Who's Who in the World and the International Register of Profiles. Today, Shaklee stands as a monument to the vision, the genius and the conviction of Dr. Shaklee. Through his vision he has enriched the lives and improved the health of thousands of people throughout the world.
Click here for a short history of Dr. Shaklee’s life.
The company has been a leader in product safety and efficacy since 1956. Their products do what they claim and they can prove it. I knew if I was going to recommend a brand of products to people, they had to be effective, safe, and based on sound science.
Integrity was a huge issue. Would the company put the health of their consumers in front of the almighty dollar? Not an easy thing to find in today’s world. Time and time again this corporation has proven that integrity is more important than financial gain.
Click here are some examples that proved to me this was a company with integrity.
As well, Shaklee distinguishes itself by what it DOES NOT sell. In May of 2004 there was a Consumer Report of Dangerous Ingredients in Supplements at http://www.defeatdiabetes.org/dirty_dozen_supplements.htm.
Shaklee was the only company who has never sold products with any of these ingredients. Unfortunately many companies are more interested in taking advantage of a hot fad than doing what is safe.
Another thing I admire about Shaklee is that not only are the products safe and effective, the company truly makes a difference in the world through their commitment to core values. They've been awarded multiple Environmental Leadership Awards and give millions of dollars of aid to humanitarian organizations and groups around the world. The company truly focuses on growing by giving.
Some notable awards include:
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2004 IntegriTREE Award presented by New Leaf Paper
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2003 Nutritional Business Journal "Gold" Award for Environment & Sustainability
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2003 National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) National Environmental Excellence Award, Environmental Stewardship category
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2002 Environmental Stewardship (International) Award from Social Accountability International
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2002 Facility of the Year Award from the Environmental Protection Magazine
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US EPA 2002 International Climate Protection Award from the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA)
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California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (CCEEB) - Edmund G. "Pat" Brown Award for 2001
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2001 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award - Certificate of Recognition for the California Environmental Protection Agency
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Earth Day 2000 New York - Environmental Business Leadership Award
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April 2000 Became the nation’s 1st Climate Neutral Certified enterprise by completely offsetting its greenhouse gas emissions, meaning tat the company has achieved a net zero impact on global warming
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Bay Area Action/Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation, 2000 Business Environmental Award
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Family Circle magazine, 1990 Green Chip Award: one of the nation's ten most environmentally conscious companies
Shaklee Cares
In 1992, in the aftermath of the devastation left by Hurricane Andrew, Shaklee Corporation formed Shaklee Cares, a publicly supported non-profit organization that was dedicated to providing aid to victims of disasters wherever they might occur across the country.
Shaklee Cares Relief Pack
In the wake of the 2004 Asian Tsunami disaster, Shaklee mobilized it's efforts by providing the Shaklee Cares Relief Pack for sale to it's members, employees and non-members. For the special relief effort, Shaklee partnered with the non-profit organization, Feed the Children. Shaklee Care’s is currently focused on helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Feed The Children is a well-respected non-profit relief organization, endorsed in both President George Bush's and former President Bill Clinton's nationwide appeals for tsunami aid. Feed The Children has a grass-roots, hands-on approach in communities where these products are needed most. Shaklee Cares Relief Packs will be utilized to offer a clean, sanitary environment at schools, hospitals, orphanages, and homes to help in the rebuilding efforts.
"We are so grateful to everyone at Shaklee and Shaklee Cares for joining Feed The Children's relief efforts in South East Asia . The cleaning supplies you have donated will be an essential part of the next phase of relief efforts in the area - rebuilding the region's decimated infrastructure. Thank you again for taking a stand on behalf of the millions of children and families still in need because of this terrible tragedy." - Larry Jones, Founder and President, Feed The Children
