Green Patchwork

For those of you that live in Madison or surrounding areas you may be familiar with the monthly free newspaper Sustainable Times. Every month they offer articles on various topics, such as organic gardening, herbal remedies, home canning, brewing your own beer, or seasonal fruit and vegetable recipes. We read the paper every month and find the resources helpful and the advertisements useful. Jonah found his massage therapist in the paper and L’Etoile’s ad gave him the good idea of taking me out to dinner last week! Thanks Sustainable Times!

Their newspaper is free and is printed monthly. You can find the newspaper at the libraries, Willy St Co-op, Whole Foods, and probably most other places downtown. The link I attached is to their new improved website and access to their online current edition.

Last semester I took a course called History of Textiles where we studied civilizations’ earliest textiles from around the world. By the end of the semester we were looking at textile technologies and how textiles are being used in medicine, architecture, and contemporary art. We watched a video on these technologies where scientists in Europe were working on encapsulating fragrances, body lotions, or medicines into clothing fabrics. The capsules would be activated by the body’s heat and wear and the wearer would receive whatever was encapsulated. (more…)

When I was 19 I decided to stop eating meat for ethical reasons. I couldn’t stand the thought of supporting animal cruelty and factory farming so I phased out meat, then cow milk, and eventually I ate a vegan diet. When I stopped eating these foods I had to learn about other foods to eat instead and how to cook in general. (more…)

The University of Wisconsin has been incorporating sustainability into their school programs, because they are aware of the need for young people with that knowledge. Our economy cannot ignore the fact that global sustainability is an integral component in successful business. Every industry will need to adjust the way they do business to accommodate sustainabilty, and the place to start is at the college level. (more…)

I bet you’re wondering what AA stands for. It’s not what you think. As I was wandering around online I found Anti-Apathy, a London blog that promotes and supports people who take creative approaches to social and environmental issues. I like their name and their seriousness.  When you have a good chunk of time browse their site and see what they are up to.

The other day I wrote a post on fair trade businesses that work directly with artisans in communities that need an economic boost, but I forgot to add A Greater Good to that post. When I worked at Whole Foods we started selling A Greater Good products and it was the first time I had seen such a company or such products. The companies mission is to provide a fair economic outlet for otherwise marginalized producers and create market and consumer demand for ethically sourced products and supplies. Artisans from around the world create beautiful textiles, jewelry, and other small gifts while earning a fair wage for their work and you get to shop while supporting them. I love the woven scarves and the chunky beaded jewelry.

Another place in Madison where I have seen A Greater Gift products is the University Bookstore. Let me know if you have seen it anywhere else, I’d like to know.

If you have been wondering what to do with a broken umbrella or your jeans that are beyond patching then look no further, ReadyMade Magazine is packed with ideas for what to do with stuff that is broken or you just don’t know what to do with it.

Every by-monthly issue has a challenge for people to find new uses for broken or out of date stuff. Last issue’s challenge was to find a new use for broken umbrellas. Two women from Madison,Wi had the idea of creating a magazine rack out the umbrella frame and fabric. Next issue’s challenge is to find a new use for a broken suitcase.

I’ll admit, I couldn’t think of a more interesting name for this post, I just wanted to give a thumbs up to Pandora radio. If you don’t listen already you have to check it out. Its an online radio channel where you create your own stations by your favorite artists or songs. I listen to it while I’m blogging, surfing online, or doing my school work.

Listening to your music online and downloading from iTunes or Amazon is a good alternative to buying packaged music from retail store. When you buy digital copies online you get all the benefits of having great music without all the packaging and a piece of plastic that will just become clutter and collect dust. FYI- make sure you buy DRM-free copies of music so you can listen to it via your various media players.

I have been to Arizona once just to see the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, but when I think of the rest of the state I think “hot and dry”. I think of it as being a desert state and not somewhere to live, but many people do live there and they deal with the heat thanks to air conditioning and sprinkler systems.

In a climate that would otherwise be inhospitable, we have built large cities and golf courses during times of abundant rainfall. Those times are over and now the dry west is heavily reliant on rainfall and the Colorado River. Rainfall has decreased and the water level of the Colorado River is at an all time low. So what is to become of the western states and their beloved golf courses?

Water is a precious commodity in the wild dry west and water shortages have ignited tensions between urban and rural users. Read this National Geographic article and don’t forget to look at the photo gallery.

As consumers, we work a lot and spend a lot and feel as though we don’t have much time for anything else. As a student I live quite frugally, but it fits my lifestyle and gives me more time for reading, crafting, snuggling with my sweetie, blogging, or spending time outdoors. I want to live with less so I don’t have to work more and my home is clutter-free.

I found others online with similar ideas, The Frugal Life and The Cheapskate Guide. Living with less does not always equal poverty. Life can be quite full and satisfying if your basic needs are met and your soul is nurtured.