July 10, 2009 10:28 AM

The Inevitable Death of Smith & Hawken

Thirty years ago, David Smith and Paul Hawken started a company to meet the needs of organic gardeners. Yesterday, the chemical and pesticide company that now owns Smith & Hawken announced that it was closing all of the garden outlet stores.

How could it be otherwise? When companies like Miracle Gro (!) believe that they can "soften their image" by perverting the original purpose of a company, consumers eventually catch up. Who needs a high priced lifestyle gardening company? Turns out, not enough people. I know a lot of really wondeful people who did great work over the years at Smith & Hawken. I am sad for them, but I know they are not surprised.

Socially minded companies need to be in it to make a difference and it is better to be more social, not less. CREDO was delighted to be one of a handful of companies described as "brave" in our social commitments, along with Patagonia, Seventh Generation, Equal Exchange, and the Body Shop. Check it out here.