Ecoliteracy and Visionarianism for the Holidays

I have to share this site with you because I love it so much.  Even before I had my own child, I have been fascinated with what growing food can do for children and adults.  How it has the power to revolutionize our schools and schoolchildren EXCITES me! 

I've always loved Alice Waters' story, each time I've caught a little promo in a magazine or a book over the years, I relish her vision and the results of her tenacious journey into this territory.

As my baby gets older and I move out of the mama cave and into the world with him, I find that I'm thinking more and more about health and of our impact on his world. 

This year, we have declared and committed ourselves, through the inspiration of friends and our own hearts yearnings, to a "No Made in China and No Plastic" holiday celebration.  It is another step on the path of awareness of our consumption and responsibility for what turns up in landfills.  I will very soon have some lovely alternatives here to share with you.

I do realize that I have effectively not tied the ideas in this post together but am going to just leave it alone this time.

Comments

[wendy]

I can't wait to read more...you've picked TWO very tedious quests. I've been doing a little poking around myself and it seems nearly everything is made in china...including the Melissa & Doug line that we all know and love. And as for the plastic...good lawd it's everywhere, even in toilet paper. http://plasticfree.blogspot.com/2007/05/plastic-free-toilet-paper.html

We too have made a decision to ween toward a greener nest. We've converted to Sigg bottles and the next step...we're looking at greener shower curtains. All the research is pointing towards nylon, not sustainable yet, but LONG lasting, washable and doesn't mildew. We also started making active plastic choices concerning our food purchases with this hand guide from the Green Guide http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/108/plastic
Step by step as funds allow...a greener nest is in the offing.

Hey! I have these little reusable foodsavers that look like shower caps that I've had a zillion years...does anyone know where to buy more? I can't find them. There are thick, unlike seran wrap and make a tighter seal than foil.

[wendy]

pardon the typos...coffee in one hand, tot in the other

[penelope]

Dude, I'm so with you. I've started a "nothing made in china" thing too (not easy to do!). Have you heard of this book? http://www.amazon.com/Year-Without-Made-China-Adventure/dp/0470116137

Also, I watched Scorsese's Kundun (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119485/) last night and found it to be wonderful. Not related to the ecological reason of nothing from china, but a reminder of political reasons perhaps.

anyway, happy day to you and yours. :) xo