Yes…
today is…
The 43rd Annual Earth Day!
Why is Earth Day so important?
On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day, I was 11 years old, in the 7th grade and lived in Denver, Colorado. My school held a “Slogan Contest”. I don’t recall the winning slogan, but I do remember the focus of Earth Day was anti-pollution. It has been 43 years and there have been many different focuses. But the idea has always remained the same; if we don’t take care of our planet there will be nothing left to pass down to the next generation. I still live this philosophy.
At my house and in my studio REcycle, REuse and REduce are a way of life. I named my company Raggz2Baggz because these ideals are my reality. I love to look into an item to find its alter-ego. My studio has racks of “fabric” I have gathered by way of trash, yard sales and thrift stores. In order to create a piece of usable fabric and findings I cannibalize an article of clothing. I take apart seams, extract buttons, zippers and such. They are going to make the most beautiful purses, totes and accessories. I do buy new fabrics and findings when needed to complete a project.
Yarn can be found in the most interesting places. Gently used blankets, clothing items can be unraveled and the yarn re-purposed. This can be tricky because yarn has a great memory and it doesn’t like to straightened out. Small bits of yarn, castaways really, are discarded into thrift store donation bins, as are UFOs. These are then put into plastic bags (often many colors, sometimes one or two) and sold inexpensively I buy these when I find them. These small bits could easily be thrown away instead they were rescued; I really like these!!!
One of my favorite crafting sites, FaveCrafts.com has many ideas and instructions on crafting with recycled items. In addition to the pages of projects they also offer a Free E-book called, Trash-to Treasure 28 Recycled Crafts, to download. Don’t forget that if you need to print up a pattern the paper can be reused once you are finished using it! The pages can be made into a note pad or cut into strips for paper mache or whatever… (use your imagination here).
In the late 1980′s I began friendships with people who introduced me to composting and earthworm farming. This was in San Diego, California. The web site and blog found at eartheasy.com offers information and links for composting, earthworm farming and many more earth friendly topics can be found.
Take the pledge to do your part on the Earth Day Network website.
Related articles
- Earth Day 2013: What You Can Do in Your Apartment Community (apartmentguide.com)
- Coming Attractions: Curious George and Daniel Tiger Celebrate Earth Day (losangelesstory.blogspot.com)
- Earth Day Is a Great Time to Save Water Outdoors (local-news.jtn-network.com)
