The weather has finally started to take a turn towards the hot and muggy here in Washington, D.C. and that means I need to take a hard look at my knitting projects. Because let me tell you, knitting with wool or another heavy fiber when it get’s hot and humid, is not fun.
Thank goodness I’ve recently found Hope USA Cotton Organic. This organic cotton looks sturdy yet breathable, perfect for the season.
In remembrance and in honor of all that are and have served in the U.S. military on this Memorial Day, it only seemed fitting to recall knitting efforts that have taken place during war times past.
During WWI and again in WWII, women and families picked up knitting needles to help in the war effort. The American Red Cross organized many volunteer groups that knit various items for soldiers serving overseas. Socks, sweaters, helmet liners, scarfs, caps and blankets were just a few of the items that were knit up and shipped to those serving.
During WWII, the knitting effort was further encouraged and women were told to “knit for defense” and “knit for victory.” Patterns and tutorials were readily made available to those who wanted to feel like they were contributing during this trying time, even First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was seen supporting the war effort in this way.
I’m all for everyone getting a set of backyard chickens. I love mine! It’s an easy step in sustainability. Plus, it’s great to see your kiddos literally play with their food, but in a more natural setting.
However, are you just getting those cute lil fuzzy birds for your children for a holiday? No coop, a little bread, and that’s all you need?
Not so much, folks. You can pick up chicks without putting their health in jeopardy. And give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back while you do.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare disease which is currently the #1 genetic killer of children around the world. It is also 100% fatal, with no current treatment or cure available. Massachusetts-based Tracy Seckler is trying to change that. The mother of a bubbly son, Charley, Tracy has set up an organization called Charley’s Fund along with a catalogue of wearable merchandise based on the theme of belief.
Believe bracelets, believe necklaces, believe hats and clutches- every single purchase goes towards funding medical research for this disease that her son is dying of, along with so many other children all across the world.
Editor’s note: The following post was originally published on Green and Clean Mom. “Green & Clean Mom can inspire you to try a little harder, be a catalyst for change and to offer you some new tips and news on how to be the green, sexy and sassy mom…I know you are!”
I take for granted the fresh air I breathe and the fact that fresh water and trees surround me and there isn’t a smell of industry or pollution. I’m aware of how fortunate I am but I just don’t think about it everyday like I should. I remember a visit to a big city a few years back and feeling like I could not breathe. I remember the smell and not enjoying how the automobile pollution made me feel. I was told I would get used to it but I never did and when it was time to leave I couldn’t wait to be home and breathe fresh air. Not that the city wasn’t fun and exciting but the air was very different.
Planning a romantic day this Valentines? Yes? No? Well, just in case, here is our lovely green Valentine guide for the upcoming holiday:
A company in London has struck a deal with the London Fire Brigade, scoring a win-win. EaKo takes old hoses off the fire department’s hands, turns them into products — bags, wallets, place mats, belts and more — and then sells them, splitting the proceeds with the Fire Fighters Charity.EaKo’s Web site says:
EaKo is constantly thinking about waste. The instant we met the London Fire Brigade
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Oh, what to do with all those holiday cards that still deck your mantle? I mean, besides plant the ones that your greenie friends gave you. You could certainly store them away for a cool craft for next year. As in, “Collage ‘em, kids, then send off to grandma!”
But if you’re not nearly that crafty, put all your used seasons greetings to good use: recycle them. And it only takes an envelope and a few stamps, depending on how much love you’ve received lately.
On top of diverting plastic from the waste stream, the Brooklyn, NY artist aims to raise awareness about plastic’s effect on our water supply through her designs.
Every so often, I like to make a philanthropic donation to an environmental group on behalf of the writers and readers of Eco Child’s Play. This month, I have selected TreePeople for our small donation.
TreePeople is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the Los Angeles area for over three decades. Simply put, our work is about helping nature heal our cities. We offer sustainable solutions to urban ecosystem problems, focusing on three areas:
1. Training and supporting communities to plant and care for trees
2. Educating school children and adults about the environment
3. Working with government agencies on critical water issues
There are few places in the world that have not been touched in some way by the faltering global economy. A tragic side effect of this phenomenon is the increase in abandoned pets and the resulting stress it continues to place on the shelters trying to care for them.
As someone who lives in a home filled with animals it’s hard to imagine any circumstance in which I would give them up: their care is my top priority. Perhaps if circumstances became so dire that I could not afford to feed them or provide them with adequate medical care, I could see how one might have to come to such a heartbreaking decision.
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