Meet Change Maker Monica Rodgers of Little Bits

They say having a child changes you forever, but for Monica Rodgers it did more than that: it made her want to change the world forever. In 2004, she started Little Bits, a collection of parenting necessities from car seat covers to bibs made from organic or remnant fabrics in bright prints and kid-friendly patterns. Since then, her clientele has expanded to include celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Tiger Woods, and Liv Tyler, while her personal mission has taken on a life of its own: She's determined to motivate people of all ages to do their part—no matter how small—to help the environment. Her next project is a series of books about The Earth Savers, a gang of eco-aware superheroes who are saving the planet one tree at a time.

How did you get into this line of work?

When I got pregnant, I saw a huge gulf between just becoming a parent, and parenting with a consciousness toward a healthy future and environment. I wanted to build a bridge to cross the gulf, and did so by creating a lifestyle brand called Little Bits that inspires parents and kids to think green, and to think in general about doing their little bit for the future of the planet.

What was your "a-ha" moment?

When I held my daughter in my arms for the first time. I knew I wanted a better world for her—and for myself. I wanted to stop playing small.

Who is your green hero?

Ray Anderson, CEO of Interface. He founded and created a multi-billion dollar carpeting company and had every right to retire and live it up. Instead, he had an epiphany: He realized that he had built a successful company at the expense of the planet. He called himself a "plunderer" and decided to make things right. Now Interface is on its way to becoming the first completely sustainable company, with the motto "Do no harm." Everything the company makes is free of harmful toxins and recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable. He has traveled the world inspiring other manufacturers to do the same, and his honesty and humility are refreshing and inspiring

What is your ultimate green goal?

I want to inspire children all over the world to get in touch with their own unique gift and leverage it for the betterment of the planet. I am currently raising funds to launch a storybook series called The Earth Savers Gang, which introduces six eco-minded kids who explore the impact of their choices and the roles they play on their world, planet, and universe. Through their discoveries, they become aware of the careless behavior that has brought our planet into such peril.

What is your motivation?

I think we are faced now with the opportunity to elevate our state of consciousness as it pertains to our own stuff, and that this will help us evolve as a species in harmony with the planet. I believe that the grist that is out there right now, economically and environmentally, is the sandpaper we need to access a new way of perceiving the world and our place in it. I think my unique gift is to connect people to one another, so that I am somewhat of an instrument in this process, and that makes my life very vibrant and full. We are facing a very exciting time in the history of humanity.

What is most important to you, ecologically speaking?

The majority of human beings have no real concept of how the cycles and rhythms of nature work. We have gotten so far off-track that people are completely detached from ecology. We see ourselves as separate. I think the most important thing is teaching people how to close the loop, and how to reclaim their place in the grand scheme of things so that every living organism is in a state of wellness again.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

It's the same as the most important—to break through the non-consciousness that we operate in. For some reason I always think of the zombies in Night of the Living Dead. We are so tuned out! We need to be awakened to what's going on.

What is the most rewarding?

Breaking through. Inspiring someone to think differently, to do her "little bit."

Of the people you have worked with, who impresses you most?

I am so humbled and blessed by every single person who has crossed my path and allowed my vision to impact them. These wonderful people have done everything to support me for nothing in return. They just feel the energy around the movement and they are always there to help. It blows my mind what people will do for one another out of a place of selflessness and inspiration. Every person I work with reminds me of what is possible. This is how I know that we can do it.

What green thing do you do everyday?

I am always thinking about how I can make a difference. It's my life's work, but it's a huge part of my consciousness now. As far as what I do, it's more in the "being" for me. If I can "be" conscious then I naturally make green choices.

What do you wish you could do?

I'm doing it. My life is a beautiful dream.

What is your biggest eco-sin?

I love to shop. I am the epitome of a gatherer of things. It's a disease: I love it, and I almost watch myself in horror from the sidelines. The need to consume is amazing for women, I think, and I battle this every day. I have to really evaluate the difference between want and need, and more and better.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

I would change the tone of media worldwide. I would mandate that each and every station, magazine, and major media outlet would focus on meaningful and empowering stories that inspired people and gave them something to think about, got them into conversations, and encouraged the celebration of good, instead of the meaningless crap we focus on and celebrate in the media. It's such a perfect waste of our beautiful minds and spirits.*

What is your best green advice?

Do your little bit, whatever it may be. You don't have to do everything. Just do something.

Editor's note: We hear you Monica, and will comply!