Green Options

Sam, the koala who became famous when it was saved from forest fires in Victoria’s Black Saturday bushfires and drank water from its savior while holding his hand, died this month.

Conservationists claim Australia’s iconic koala will become extinct in some areas of the country if the federal government does not take urgent action. A group of Australian scientists recently met with government officials to develop a national koala conservation strategy to keep key populations of the animals from dying out.

The small marsupials chronically suffer from the fatal Facial Tumor Disease, and without a vaccine for the cancer, scientists fear the species could be wiped out in less than 10 years.

The last hope for the species lies in the 500 breeding adult devils currently living in 18 different wildlife parks and zoos. The Taronga Zoo and Conservation Society released a plea to the public today for funding to research the disease. They hope to raise at least $250,000 to expedite the development of the vaccine.

I have always adored traditional Mayan textiles, especially huipils.  Chi Chi Amor takes huipil and corte fabric from Guatemala and repurposes it into beautiful children’s clothing. Handmade by small family groups, Chi Chi Amor’s unique clothing are perfect for eco-conscious, globally-minded families.

Chi Chi Amor was founded by two anthropologist mothers Danielle O’Connor and Shari Feldman.  “Chi Chi” refers to the town of Chichicastenango, Guatemala, where textiles are produced.  “Amor” of course means love in Spanish, and it expresses for Danielle and Sheri, “the realization of our idea, our friendship, the expression of our feelings for Guatemala and its people, and the deep love that we feel for our children and families…that’s Amor!”

I particularly love the worry doll pants. These sweet pants are made from the traditional Mayan corte skirt fabric.  Beautiful embroidered flowers adorn the pant legs, and a special surprise of worry dolls reside in the pockets.  If you are not familiar with worry dolls, they are small Guatemalan folk dolls that are used to ease children’s anxieties.  Children who have trouble going to sleep can tell the doll their worries, place them under their pillow, then rest peacefully as the doll does the worrying for them.  With all of the anxiety of childhood, having worry dolls in one’s pockets would be handy to deal with the rational and irrational fears of life.