Think outside the box: We have heard this cliché hundreds of times. But our new Bat Box pop-up shop is making us think about the box itself.

The “three R’s” of reduce, reuse and recycle are often at the top of my mind, including emphasizing recycling as a tangible action we can all take to reduce waste. However, a new R has emerged: rethink.

Rethinking encourages us to examine our consumption patterns and make more sustainable choices. This includes reflecting on our daily habits, such as using reusable bags or water bottles, as well as more significant decisions, like choosing environmentally-friendly transportation or supporting companies that prioritize sustainability. By embracing the concept of “rethink,” we can substantially impact the health of our planet and future generations.

Here at the PEM Shop, we understand the importance of being mindful when it comes to our purchasing decisions. We've been actively exploring ways to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating single-use and plastic items and collaborating with vendors to promote eco-friendly materials and packaging. Our commitment to stocking products made by local artists and small-batch makers helps reduce transportation pollution and ensures transparency in our supply chain. Small changes can make a significant impact, and we're dedicated to doing our part in creating a more sustainable future for all.

We are striving to increase sustainable practices. For instance, we are transitioning to compostable jewelry boxes this year to replace our laminated ones, which take longer to decompose. However, we still have much work to do in balancing consumer goods and sustainable practices. But there's so much more that we can and should do, and that is where rethinking comes into play.

A fantastic illustration of rethinking occurred to me while I was working with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The city of Boston implemented a new bag ordinance, which included eliminating small plastic bags that end up tangled in trees or drifting in the tides when they’re accidentally released into the environment. The city also enacted a five-cent bag fee for customers – which I was initially skeptical of, since that price seems insignificant. However, I soon realized that this fee actually encouraged the concept of rethinking. It transformed our store's behavior by making us ask customers if they needed a bag instead of automatically providing one. This made customers stop and consider whether or not they truly needed a bag, and many times they declined, saying they already had a bag they could use. Witnessing rethinking in action was truly remarkable, and it exemplifies how even a simple moment of consideration can have a significant impact.