There is a quaking beneath the surface. Slowly but surely more and more bloggers are adding their voices to the chorus. And as more of us begin to share the message of environmental and social awareness, higher powers will be forced to listen. We can no longer be the silent majority, and I think it's become clear to those of us with even small concerns that we must start to speak up. And even if we are only doing what we consider "small" things, they are huge in the larger sense. For example, Eren recently posted about composting. Tash has been writing about organic gardening and natural products and recipes. Sherri has been looking for more green information as well as putting down some very good thoughts on the topic. And Julie is having a profound experience of her own, and is going to be reworking her take on food and society. There are many other blogs, such as this one and this one and this one, of lovely crafty people who are trying to find their own ways to be more "environmentally friendly". There is a definite undercurrent that is growing in strength. Is this our version of the 60's perhaps?
There are some voices that are simply more respected than us lowly bloggers, however, and Jane Goodall is one of them. Her latest book, Harvest for Hope: A Guide to Mindful Eating , is truly a masterpiece. It is an open invitation to change the world, one bite at a time. If you could only read one book on this topic, hers would be an ideal choice. She is eloquent, yet blunt and pulls no punches. She has a very graceful way of shedding light on a global problem and yet stirs up almost primal emotions. It's a definite "must read".
One of my favorite authors/experts on green living is Danny Seo. He has a new blog that promises to be just as spectacular as his books. If you are looking for ways to be a little friendlier to mama Earth, but aren't exactly able to give up the lovely modern conveniences like cars and AC, then he is the one to turn to. He has wonderful ideas for ways to make your life a little more eco-friendly without any effort. He is a refreshing and practical voice in this arena. I highly recommend checking it out.
I have gotten many emails requesting some sources for information and I promised I would try to give as many resources as possible. Danny Seo's books and blog are just the tip of the iceberg. Another excellent source is this blog, from Seventh Generation. I have also listed several other internet links in my sidebar of environmentally friendly/informative nature. Women like Mary Jane Butters are really advancing the organic movement, inspiring many of us with her natural yet beautiful lifestyle and her products. Local Harvest is making the nation's farms more accessible to us all, and promoting the "eat locally and mindfully" idea, as well as helping the small farmers who keep this way of life alive. This book has a wide range of information and ideas in it.
My own green promises have been a joy to adhere to. I have written two letters to my representatives in congress, and since this is an election year for our district, it may be very good timing! I've also stuck with the organic gardening this summer, as well as the composting and mindful consumerism. I even have some photos to share from the garden. This year brings another bumper crop of tomatoes and zucchini (zu-ku-cchini, as the kids call it!). I'll be making lots of salsa and tomato sauce, as well as freezing loaf upon loaf of zucchini bread! There are cucumbers and string beans as well, but they were too hard to photograph amongst their vines...
For those of you looking for a space-conserving, yet functional composter for your gardening needs, here is one that you may like:
It pops right off the base and rolls to wherever you want to deposit some compost. It sits on rollers and spins to mix the compost inside, and the liquid drips into the base below to be saved for a liquid plant food (highly concentrated -- don't forget to dilute it!). It is available at Gaiam. The photo below will give you a better idea of it's compact size. It's next to our small "shed" that is only big enough to hold two large garbage cans that we use to keep grass clippings in.
It's not very big at all, and it works like a charm! Such beautiful, dark, moist, rich compost comes out of it. And the kids have fun spinning it to keep the compost turned.
So I guess I got back up on the proverbial soap box again, and I know I had promised not to be all "preachy" and hippie-like about this environmental crusade I am on. Sorry! I guess I didn't realize just how deeply I felt about this. I'll try to keep this blog a little more balanced from now on, but once in a while I'll probably have to have a post like this one just to get it out of my system! Besides, I really want this low rumble from blog land to become a big booming voice for change, and in order for that to happen I'll have to do my part. I hope you all will stick with me!
Organic Housekeeping : In Which the Non-Toxic Avenger Shows You How to Improve Your Health and That of Your Family, While You Save Time, Money, and, Perhaps, Your Sanity
The Organic Food Guide : How to Shop Smarter and Eat Healthier
