Conscious Choice magazine

Founded in 1988 by Ross Thompson and Jim Slama. [http://environmentalfameconsciouschoice.blogspot.co.uk/

In May 2009 it was reported that: "Conscious Choice magazine, Chicago's pioneering eco-wellness publication, was shuttered by its corporate owner last month. But five of its former staffers didn't mourn for long. Within hours of getting the bad news, local publisher Richard McGinnis gathered his team at Andie's Restaurant in Andersonville and unveiled his vision: Mindful Metropolis, a local, independently owned healthy living magazine based on the founding principles of Conscious Choice...When the green-minded Conscious Choice was founded in 1988, it focused on "holistic health, natural living and respecting the environment," said co-founder Jim Slama. It also used local writers and highlighted like-minded businesses. But after it was sold in 2002, the magazine morphed into a national publication with cookie-cutter content that appeared in multiple markets. "It had a West Coast flavor, and Chicago is not Southern California," said Mindful Metropolis sales and marketing representative Sondra Brigandi, who joined Conscious Choice 20 years ago after reading the inaugural issue in her naprapath's office. In March, Gaiam-owned Conscious Enlightenment announced it would cease publishing Conscious Choice and four other publications in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco to focus on its interactive business. The magazines didn't fit their need and "they operate best as local magazines with local teams and local ownership," said Christopher Miglino, the CEO of Conscious Enlightenment.

"The Mindful Metropolis staff couldn't agree more. The cover of the inaugural May issue features an aerial photo of Michigan Avenue during Earth Hour. The inside content -- which includes the environment, natural health, organic and sustainable foods and personal health -- was provided mostly by Chicago-area contributors. In its lengthy mission statement, Mindful Metropolis says it will promote socially responsible businesses, non-profits and local organizations. And they promise to "think outside the box," yet remain practical. "We are low impact and high concept," McGinnis wrote. "We never forget that kindness is an environmental mission."... "

Resources and articles

Related Sourcewatch

• Seattle Conscious Choice, Editor Ritzy Ryciak - Formerly called Evergreen Monthly, Seattle Conscious Choice is interested in such subjects as developments in alternative health care, nutrition, ecology, the environment, green businesses and sustainable development, urban planning, spirituality, personal growth, social justice, progressive politics, and renewable energy.
• Andrew Harvey