About Us

ABOUT US

During the spring of 2007, while working on a final independent project about consumerism for her Bachelors degree in Geography/Environmental Science, Jaimi Leigh DeFeo, CEO and Founder, came up with the idea of Terra Sage (meaning Wise Earth). Taking her four years of learning about the natural processes of the planet, as well as many of the social issues that lead us to the environmental problems of today, Jaimi hoped to be able to help educate and raise awareness about subjects not often heard or written about; subjects such as trash disposal to other countries or what it takes to make a gold ring band. The Newsletter and Sage Advice will focus on these kinds of topics because so many of our choices make a difference in how products are made and consumed and discarded. One way to begin our journey here at Terra Sage is to help people understand how what they buy effects the earth, which means their health, too, since it's all connected.

Jaimi was awarded an internship at National Geographic in Washington D.C. and after her time there, returned home to Westchester County, New York and began working on Terra Sage, Inc., also known as www.TerraSageStores.com.  Her husband, Bruce Karel, and she went to trade shows all over the country looking for products and understanding the market, all while working on an extensive business plan. Of course, the Web site is the first step in a plan that hopes to offer more solutions and options to consuming wisely and they hope to be able to expand Terra Sage shortly after launching the site.

Green living, eco-friendly, natural living, are just a few of the words that describe the movement going on today, and there is an extensive amount of information which makes it hard to know everything. So with the Web site we hope to get new comers to the idea of living green and healthy, as well as seasoned environmentalist who want to continue living that way by offering a wide variety of what you can use in your daily life that's natural, healthy and environmentally friendly.

What we put on and into our bodies is the first step to living a healthy life. Even just by going to a trade show and looking at all of the products available, Jaimi and Bruce felt invigorated by knowing and seeing the options that are available to maintain a green lifestyle, for us and the planet. We find that there are still so many people who don't understand or know about Green Living and how it can effect ones outlook on life and being part of the solution. The first step is taking care of yourself and helping to inform others.

One of the reasons Jaimi came up with the sections Ingredient Encyclopedia and The Meaning of Labels, is to help you understand what all the words floating around out there really mean. The more informed one is, the easier it is to make a decision and feel good about it.

By browsing through our Interactive and Education Center we're sure you will learn something new. For instance, did you know about the Skin Deep database by Environmental Working Group (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/) that allows you to enter your body care products ingredients and find out the toxicity levels or search by Brands for that information? Or that for a low cost, a blanket can reduce your water heater energy loss by about 20%? 

The Body Care category offers options for you to no longer absorb unhealthy products into your body through your skin just by your daily regimen. We looked for natural products that won't harm you or the environment once it's washed away, including soaps, lotions, deodorants and more. Remember, there is a beginning and end to every product and we take into consideration the full cycle of the product and the business practices of the company when we choose a line of products. This is also true for our Green Cleaning section. Doesn't using a non-toxic product just make more sense? The Books and DVDs will help you learn more, and our Gift Collection helps you to give better. Get rid of the plastic water bottles and reuse a stainless steel one that doesn't leach chemicals. And for all those moms, check out our selection of items for the little ones because we know you care. By buying products made of hemp, organic, bamboo or recycled materials you contribute to a society that doesn't condone using tons of pesticides and chemicals that find its way into our water supplies.

The Heart of Sage Program highlights companies that give to causes, use green business practices, use solar power or wind energy, and shows the programs they support. In this area, we also list some of the causes that we give financial support to and believe in. To learn more about what companies we work with, click on About Our Affiliates to read who they are and what they do. It will give you some insight into why we chose to work with them.

In short, Terra Sage sells only products that mean something. Whether they are made of recycled, hemp, bamboo or organic material,  make a social statement by being Fair Trade, or contribute to a healthy lifestyle, we offer products necessary to make a change and make a difference. Our inventory is always being updated so be sure to check in often and I guarantee you'll always find something new!

This is the thought behind Terra Sage: To help grow the ecological and sustainable consciousness for our planet, which of course is for ourselves to live from and enjoy. There's a reason why it's called Mother Earth. And once you start living green, you won't want to stop. We find it actually brings us joy, using products that are good for our families and the environment. The mission is to help others learn what we know.

We have just launched in the Spring of 2009 and know there are many opportunities to offer and share with you. Watch a video clip, try a sample, read our blog. Please keep in touch with us and let us know if there is something you would like to see us carry, or write a review or thought you have on a product. You are important to us. Click on the Contact Us page and you can reach the staff here at Terra Sage by either email, phone or snail mail if you prefer.  We'd love to hear from you and hope you will grow with us to help make Terra Sage the company we dream of being.