I Was, Too.

Here's My Story:

Hi. I'm Dan Maher

Founder/Owner/Operator of Sustainable Exchange

And a few years ago, I was in a tough spot.

I was nearing the end of a long stretch of college-level research and teaching focused on science communication, environmental science, and sustainability, and feeling chronically stressed about my consumption habits—what I bought, how I used things—and how it was not aligning with who I wanted to be.

Despite what I knew about related issues, I felt for a long time trapped in cycles of consumption decisions that I didn’t fully understand, but knew were damaging our ecosystems and every living thing in them, including us.

Somedays I’d wake up exhausted, mentally worn from worrying about how we were constantly scrolling through online stores, buying products that we thought would effectively and efficiently satisfy our needs, only to have them make us feel worse when they broke and/or turned out to be wasteful.

That’s when I started thinking about opening a store that didn't just focus on selling things, but was genuinely invested in curating products that are kinder to the planet and more thoughtfully produced.

So, I researched, sourced, and tried out a few simple items—a recycled notebook, an ethically sourced bag—and instantly, something shifted. 

I started becoming more mindful, choosing items that were functional but also told a story. Slowly, the clutter in my home reduced, and with it, so did the clutter in my mind. My purchases became intentional, less frequent, and more meaningful.

 

Then it hit me: I wasn't only finding better products; I was finding a better version of myself, one that prioritized longevity, both for my personal happiness and the environment.

Want to join me on this journey out of our unsustainable ways?

CLICK HERE

TO CHECK OUT JUST A SAMPLE OF WHAT WE HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU!!