Rain Or Shine!

Rain or shine we are conserving water and working to keep our local water just a little cleaner.

This past week, we had one of our many Rain Barrel Workshops with the Cumberland River Compact. We sent about twenty people home with at least one rain barrel to catch their rain water. Our goal in continuing to have these workshops to continue to remind people how easy it is to make a difference. The more people who have rain barrels, the better. I have two set up side-by-side in my back yard (right beside my compost bin, so that one overflows into the other when full.

I continue to bring in my little girl to this because we want everyone to know that kids are just as capable as we are to learn about water conservation, preservation, and enhancement.

The Cumberland River Compact

The Cumberland River Compact's goal is to "enhance the water quality" of the Cumberland River. One of the major issues that cause pollution in the Cumberland River is runoff water. This is water that is filled with dirt, debris, and other "stuff" that comes of our houses, roads and yards each time it rains. The idea behind these rain barrels is control. If we capture as much water as possible, we can use it at our disposal, and keep it from running off into our lakes, rivers, and streams.

Other Benefits

Another one of the great benefits (sort of an unexpected side-effect that's also a benefit), is a lower water bill! In the summer months when we have less rain, a rain barrel helps to have water readily available to water plants, food, and lawns. If you have not had a chance to get to one of our Rain Barrel Workshops, please try to make it out. If you live outside the area, contact your local watershed and see if they offer ways to help conserve rain water.

The Way Our Workshop Worked

Twenty people signed up for our workshop prior to the day of the workshop.

We met at Warner Park Nature Center on Highway 100 here in Nashville. Our attendees got a brief welcome from one of the Naturalists at the park.

When she was finished with her information, we headed outside for the hands-on portion of the workshop where our attendees assembled their barrels. My little one walked around and gave encouragement to people as they assembled, then loaded their barrels. The entire workshop runs about an hour.

If you've been to one of our Rain Barrel Workshops, please let us know what you thought! If not, please let us know how we could make it easier for more people to attend.

Shine Some Light

Shine the light of hope on the world around you by changing your perspective.

What is your light?

I was looking through my emails, and through a chain of links ended up on a website called BringLight.com. It got me thinking yet again about the power of positive thinking. It seems the past two weeks I've been inundated with emails from poor souls who don't have any passion in their lives, or don't know how to dream. How did we all become stuck in a world with no hope?

Do we really have no hope, or is the problem in our own perspective? Life balance is teetering on a tightrope of work, work, and more work in our society. We get caught up in doing all the time and sooner or later, the day has flown by and it's merely been a day of survival. Community gets thrown by the wayside as we hurry to get our errands run, our chores done, and the bills paid. When we get together with friends, our talks quickly go to the long list of "to-dos" and becomes a competition on who has put more hours in at work, or has the wildest child, or anything else that puts us in the martyr role.

Our tunnel of work becomes so long that all we see are the dark items on each side - we lose sight of how we can "bring light" to the end—the reasons we do what we do.

What is the goal of making money? What is the goal of buying groceries? Working? Carting kids to events? Lugging the whole family to church? Isn't it all to achieve a better, more fulfilling life? Isn't it all to embrace the "light" in all of our lives? Our children, our spouses, our friends, our parents... the music we love, the nature we relish, the time spent learning about new places, people and causes. Don't we all have something to be thankful for?

When you look outside your window this summer, and see the green leaves and the buds blooming, how can you say there is no hope? Even the plants are excited about this new day. When you are surrounded by negativity, your tunnel gets longer and longer as your bright light of hope gets muddied in the mess. But remember, no matter where you are, there are rays of sunshine peeking through, both figuratively and literally.

Take the time to notice them. Embrace each light in your life, no matter how small. You'll find the more you notice them, the brighter those lights become.

Food Allergies: Going Out To Eat

Food allergies effect more and more people. Learn some indications and signs that you or someone you know may have allergies to some foods.

Often times, having food allergies can feel extremely isolating. I have felt like I cannot go anywhere because my food allergies are so bad. Feeling like you cannot go to friends houses or out to eat feels very limiting and pulls away from relationships, but you will be surprised at how many people are accommodating. You and your children do not have to stay home just because of food allergies. Over the last few years, I have learned a great deal about ways I can be around others and not be "impaired" by my allergies.

I have actually called friends that I am to have dinner with and told them about my allergies. They made me a salad with all that I needed and a dish that had none of my allergy foods. When I go to my parents' house for supper, they know what I can and cannot eat and I usually bring side dishes of my my own. So we are taken care of when we go out to friends' houses. All you have to do is ASK!

Going to restaurants is much the same. Many restaurants these days offer Gluten-free options or menus with ingredients so you can choose exactly what you want with ease. The key point is to ASK. If the restaurant does not offer a menu, simply ask to speak with the chef and request a meal with the specifications you need. You can also call in advance to see what restaurants have to offer.

Most people are not well informed about food allergies, so some restaurants may require more explanation than others. Getting an allergy card may be helpful for restaurants, too. If they are not informed, it's important to talk to them about a few things.

Reminders To Restaurants

• Cross-Contamination
  Make sure to ask the chef or waiter to cook your food in a separate pan from foods that you are allergic to - on a clean cooking surface. Many places offer salads with croutons and mix them in a large bowl. Ask for clean mixing utensils.
  

• Sauces
  Many people do not know that things like soy sauce, bouillons, and broths have gluten. Many sauces have butter, cream or lactose in them. Make sure to ASK what is in any sauce. If you are aware, you will know what to look for.
  

Questions You Can Ask

• Does the salad come with croutons? If so, can you please leave them off?
  
• Are your salad dressings made in-house? What are the ingredients?
  
• Are your soups made in-house? What are the ingredients?
  
• Are marinades used? Are basting sauces used? Is a grilling-baste used?
  
• Are your sauces made in-house?
• Do the foods get dusted with flour prior to cooking?
  
• Is the oil used to make your fries also used for other breaded items?
  
• Do you use imitation bacon or meat substitute on anything?
  
• Are your mashed potatoes from a mix?
  
• Do you use imitation crab meat or seafood?
  
• Will the ice cream have a anything on it?
  

In The Series

Food Allergies: The Beginning For Me
Food Allergies: The INs And OUTs Of Them

Cool People In The Community: Tennessee Educates

From the classroom, into the real world - students and teachers are learning more about how we can save the world around us.

Here at CoolPeopleCare, Inc. we are always eager to see other people out there making a difference. When we met Tami from Project CENTS, we knew this was something our readers would want to hear about. Project CENTS is a Tennessee based program that seeks to educate and inform students about sustainability and conservation. Tami is the Coordinator for Project CENTS and is out there seeking to make the world a better place.

Can you tell us the story of how the Project CENTS program came to be?

Project CENTS is an inter-agency partnership between the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. C E N T S stands for Conservation Education Now for Tennessee Students. During the 1980's, and 1990's, thousands of teachers and non-formal educators were trained in environmental education materials used nationally such as Project Learning Tree, Project WILD, and Project WET. The program fell under the budget cut axes of the late 1990's.

Since 2005, with the reinstatement of Project CENTS, time tested lessons from Project Learning Tree, Project WILD and Project WET have been correlated to state curriculum standards, enabling teachers to enhance students understanding of the natural world while working within their required curriculum.

What inspired you to work with CENTS?

I came to CENTS directly from the classroom. My last assignment of my 21-year teaching career was in Biology and environmental science at Hume-Fogg Academic High School in Nashville. During that time, I realized that it was imperative to connect book learning with the real world outside the classroom, but there were lots of obstacles to doing this. I saw the Project CENTS position as an opportunity for me to work on removing some of those obstacles.

How does this program differ from other Conservation programs in the state?

Project CENTS is the only conservation education program at the Department of Education. I work directly with teachers.

How does CENTS get kids in the community involved with hands-on experiences?

Project CENTS is a program for educators. Educator workshops give teachers experience with new ideas and activities that are designed to get students outdoors.

What is the biggest shock kids have when they begin to see issues around conservation in their communities?

For most of the high school students I have known, the shock is that the adults in charge aren't doing more to protect natural resources and change policy to support sustainable practices.

How could people get more involved in helping this program?

If you are looking for ways to facilitate children's experiences in the outdoors and/or help them understand natural processes, come to a Project CENTS educator workshop. Groups of educators (formal or non-formal), can schedule a workshop specifically for their group. Workshops are appropriate for classroom teachers, scout leaders, youth leaders, after school and day care teachers - anyone who works with students ages 4-18. Tell your child's teacher or principal about Project CENTS Educator workshops. Check Environmental Education In Tennessee for Summer Workshop opportunities.

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For information about scheduling a workshop, e-mail Tamara.Coleman@state.tn.us

The Dream Hospital

How can you help give birth to dreams?

Hospitals might be the only place where life is seen in its extremes. Happiness and sadness coexist in hospitals. Deaths and births happen simultaneously. In fact, if you want a more poignant portrayal of this idea, watch Scrubs.

Helena, Arkansas is also a place where death and birth happen on nearly a daily basis. And while physical deaths and births happen here, I'm focusing more on the death and birth of dreams.

Helena is situated the 12th poorest county in the United States, as measured by a percentage of people living below the poverty line. What was once quite a town in its heyday now features a downtown that appears as though mortar shells were dropped on half of it. Once regal houses can be bought for a steal. The factories are closed and jobs are scarce, especially ones that pay a decent wage and allow someone to save some money.

This is all made more depressing by the fact that Helena sits in the shadow of Tunica, Mississippi. You drive through the gambling and casino capital of the south to get to Helena, and just after you pass the last casino, the roads get a little bit worse, the landscape is no longer dotted with new structures and flashy billboards, and just by crossing the river, it's like you're in another world entirely.

The dreams that die in Helena each day are plenty. A woman has to miss work to take care of a sick child, so she gets fired. Her dream of a better life with steady work now has to be buried. Another young woman did well in school, but soon saw no reason to go, as she lacked support from teachers. She now sells drugs. Her dream of being valued for her mind is dead. There's a man who used to work at the factory. The factory left because it was cheaper to move it, so he's jobless. His dream of a happy retired life in the same town he was born in is dead. A young man got a job at the new Wal-Mart. He doesn't have enough money to open a bank account yet, so he has to cash his check at a liquor store. The fee for that means he essentially worked one full hour last week just to have access to the money he earned. His dream of having enough money to better his own life died.

More dreams are killed everyday. Mothers' dreams for their daughters and sons are murdered when these young people see the potential income to be earned by selling crack in a small town. Racial tension kills the dream of building an equitable future in Helena. And the dream of attending college is shot down by an underfunded and inadequate public education system.

Helena's dreams are clearly on life support at best, and continue dying each and everyday. Thank God for those who are willing to come in and give birth to new dreams.

Educational options like KIPP and other organizations like New Hope and Open Hand have given birth to new dreams for countless individuals in this forgotten county. Micro-enterprise and social entrepreneurship have been introduced into the local vernacular. As such, women who once sold drugs now make earrings and realize they can earn more by diving into a passion of fashion and jewelry then they could by hustling dope. This tiny co-op of earring makers allows women to purchase the materials needed and make beautiful jewelry, which they can then sell at a profit. A percentage of the profits goes to the nonprofit organizing the endeavor, a percentage goes to the group co-op fund, and the women get the rest. Some can make as much as $20 an hour. Talk about a new dream, born and now walking, getting ready to run and grow as fast and as big as ever.

There's the manufacturing enterprise that's getting off the ground, aiming to be the only green certified maker of insulated wall panels in the Delta region. It puts people to work and is producing a usable product that is safe for the environment. There are the bookcases you can buy that will also provide for a bookshelf full of books to a needy family in order to promote literacy in the community. There are the community gardens that provide much needed organic and nutritional vegetables to those without access to proper diets.

At first glance, when you look at Helena, you'll see a lot of dreams that are dying. But if you stick around long enough, you'll see just as many dreams being born.

Food Allergies: The INs and OUTs of Them

Food allergies effect more and more people. Learn some indications and signs that you or someone you know may have allergies to some foods.

What Happens IN the Body?

An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly thinks that something (ingested) is meant to harm the body. People with allergies truly have an over-sensitive immune system. In essence, the body then releases antibodies to the food which leads to chemicals (such as histamines) being released into the blood stream.

What Happens OUTSIDE the Body?

Histamines can be seen through the eyes, nose, throat, skin, GI tract, or lungs. Sometimes only one reaction will be present; other times multiple will appear. Many people do not realize they have food allergies because they do not see the "traditional" reactions like sneezing or impaired breathing. Digestion is becoming a more and more frequent sign of allergies to foods.

Eyes

Many people experience puffy, watery eyes as a result of food allergies.

Nose, Throat, Lungs

When a food is ingested that one is allergic to, people can begin to have a stuffy nose, impaired breathing or wheezing. Personally, I have experience all of the above as a result of eating things I'm allergic to. People with severe food allergies (such as these) need always have some sort of emergency EpiPen because it could be a life or death situation.

Skin

Our skin is one of the most frequent ways for toxins and reactions to escape. Many times when I have done cleanses, my skin is the first place I see a reaction. Nonetheless, hives and other rashes are the most common expression of an allergic reaction. Itching, bumps, or redness and puffiness around the mouth and face are very common in food allergies.

Digestion

Reactions in the GI tract, or gastrointestinal system, are very common as well. Responses such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramping can occur as a result of food allergies. I have even heard of constipation problems occurring as a result of food allergies (especially to gluten).

Food Intolerance is not the same as Food Allergy. A food intolerance is the bodies inability to break down a food (such as lactose in milk), whereas a food allergy involves the immune system. Fortunately, food intolerances are not as threatening as food allergies, but it is important to note there are differences.

The easiest way to know if there is a food allergy, as opposed to a food intolerance, is the TIME it takes to appear. Food allergies appear almost instantly. My daughter has more issues with her digestion than any other reaction, which most likely means she has an intolerance, instead of an allergy. I personally say she has an allergy because I have seen it be very painful for her and want to keep her away from certain foods.

Anyone with severe allergies (that possibly experience any of these issues at once) can have a reaction called anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening reaction. I am not here to scare anyone, but if you know anyone with allergies, it is really important to know the facts so you can help if there are any issues. I carry an EpiPen with me at all times because I have had one too many scares with food allergies.

It is said that many children that have parents with allergies should be very cautious. My husband has asthma and I have sever allergies, so we are very careful with our little girl. Just as a note, here are the most COMMON food allergies:
* Cow's milk
* Eggs
(Just as a tip, the egg WHITE is said to carry more allergens then the yolk - children under 2 years could avoid the whites of eggs.)
* Peanuts
* Soy
* Wheat
* Tree Nuts
(These could include cashews or walnuts.)
* Fish
* Shell Fish
(This includes any fish with a shell, such as shrimp.)

If you notice that you or your child have adverse effects to eating certain foods, check with your medical professional. There are ways you can help be safe around food. To date, there are no known ways to prevent food allergies. Many are adivsed to AVOID foods they have allergic reactions to. Check with your doctor for the best regimen for you or your kids, as each of us is different.

Please share your experiences with food allergies. You are not alone in this sometimes frustrating ailment. Next week, we will be talking about eating out!

In The Series

Food Allergies: The Beginning For Me

Father's Thoughts

This Father's Day, learn something new about the father figure in your life. Let your Father's Day gift this year be the gift of intrigue.

Father. What is the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps it is a hairy, gorilla of a man, smelling of grilled meats, lounging on a leather couch resounding an endless array of sports statistics. Maybe an image of a small, wrinkled Mr. Magoo character comes to mind. Do you see a ghost with features not quite visible? Does the word evoke feelings of gratitude or pride or love? Does it cause you pain and regret?

As Father's Day approaches, I am amazed by the versatility of 'father.' That one word, that one identity, inspires different reactions unique to every individual. It is reflection of diversity embedded in the human race. All fathers are different and I think it is important to recognize that.

This year, instead of just grabbing that cliché gift tie or slippers for father, look at the father in your life in a different way. Have the kids ask themselves, "What makes my dad(dy) unique? Ask yourself, "What makes this man unique?" Have your children ask their father/grandfather/great-grandfather questions about their life. Find out what is important to him. Go out of you way to show your father, or whoever personifies father to you and your kids, that you are interesting in really knowing him. You might discovery someone you never knew... and a new reason to love father.

About The Author

It Matters Who You Do It With

Who's on your team? It's as important as what your team is doing.

They say you never forget your first time. I won't forget mine. I was a junior in high school. And even then, I knew that it deeply mattered who you did it with.

I'm not sure when most people do it for the first time. I'm sure there are tons of studies. But for me, I knew the time was right, and so did my partner. In fact, the idea had been there for some time, so it was almost like we couldn't not do it.

I’ve heard that some people never do it. Maybe they can't find the right person. Of course, this further cements my theory that it matters who you do it with.

And before we go any further, I should clarify. I'm not talking about sex. I'm talking about starting something.

Junior year, Jacob and I had an idea. We had a group of friends who all either went to church or school together. We wanted an authentic expression of our young faith – something that went beyond regularly scheduled church activities. We wanted something that created a venue for us – and people like us (kids our ages) – to ask deep questions, comment on our personal spiritual journeys, and enjoy the outdoors.

So, we came up with an idea to get a group of folks together to meet at a picnic shelter in the park on Saturday nights during the school year. We'd grill out on a Coleman camping grill, some people would bring burgers, some were in charge of condiments or drinks, and others simply brought some friends and themselves. We'd have a theme for discussion, sing some songs and dismiss quietly and obediently into the night.

To get it off the ground, I remember Jacob and I being so excited to start something – something that was real and needed. Something that other people wanted to be a part of. Something that had the potential to continue indefinitely.

And so, to get it launched, we talked it up. Jacob and I spread the word. I wrote letters to adults I knew and we actually raised $300 to get some of the necessary supplies to get it started. And while it was exciting, fun and important to us, through the experience, I first learned that it matters who you do it with.

For us, our Saturday night gatherings were easygoing. They were never really stressful. Above all, they were fun. Sure, there would be deadlines and a bit of pressure in coming up with the week's theme, or having to run to the grocery store at the last minute to get something we forgot, or that time I had to go back to the park close to midnight because I forgot Jacob's handmade stool at Pavilion #12. But in all that minimal amount of stress, Jacob and I were able to work together, support and encourage each other, and make sure that we kept doing what we were doing. Indeed, still to this day, I credit Jacob with being the one who has helped make me the speaker I am today. We had the kind of relationship that saw us through the organizational requirements of starting something; and we had the kind of friendship that made us better people, because what we started wouldn't be all we ever did as people.

Had I tried a similar initiative with someone else, we might have had the same results (attendance, income raised, success stories), but there could have been more stress. It might not have been as meaningful for me personally. I could have been turned off from starting anything ever again.

Fast forward nearly ten years later. After searching for nearly three years for a church to call our own in Nashville, my wife and I decided to create the community we sought. It was hard at first. After we announced that we were starting a faith community and invited people, we sometimes sat alone in our house. Sometimes only a few people came. And now, over two full years into it, we've got a group of about 12 people, who meet each week to encourage one another, speak honestly about faith and dream together about the good that can be done in the world, starting with a dozen people who dare to meet with one another for that very purpose each week.

Again, if Lynnette weren't the person to take this journey with me, I might have closed the thing down a while ago. If the person I love more than anyone else weren't the one with whom I traveled on this journey of leadership and outreach, well then, it might not even be worth it. And if our friend Mark didn't join in with us, who knows where we'd be?

And, what seems to be the epoch of my entrepreneurial life thus far, CoolPeopleCare would not be what it is today without Stephen Moseley. We wouldn't continue to operate and grow without Malinda Moseley or Michelle Andrade. For us, the team helps shape the direction of the organization. It's that important.

When things get tough, when money gets thin, when questions get asked, when horizons get bleak, when sleep gets missed, when travel gets long, when rejections get sent – what keeps us going is often each other.

In reading and learning more and more about venture capital and the world of investing, you'll quickly see that many individuals and institutions often invest in good teams. And this often means people with great track records, years of experience, and many lines and highlights in their resumes. And while that's all well and good, I don't think I'd trade CoolPeopleCare's lack of experience for a mountain of experience that could be found in some people who aren't able or willing to get in the trenches with you and sit and sulk when that time comes.

What works for Stephen and I – and what works for Lynnette, Mark and I, and what worked for Jacob and I – was a commitment to the same ideological vision. Unfortunately, this is something that isn't often discussed in many entrepreneurial circles or in startups. Because when times get tough – and they will get tough – you have to remain committed to the bigger idea, the bigger vision and values that got you to take the risk in the first place.

A few weeks ago, a close friend of mine was telling me about a business she is thinking of starting. A registered dietician with a few years of experience, she sees a great opportunity for her and her passion, especially if she couples it with another person's expertise. She and this person have thought about going into business together. However, she has one hangup: she doesn't really like the guy that much. And nether do some other people. So, she's torn: on the one hand she could be successful and make a lot of money. But, she could also not enjoy the very work that's bringing her the success.

So I told her, "It matters who you do it with. Because at the end of the day, if finances are tight, if there are disagreements, or if things aren't going as well as you hoped, you want someone on board with you who you enjoy being with. You want someone you can stand to be around when the picture isn't so rosy. You want someone who can stay true to the vision and encourage you to be the best you."

Besides, if it's as good an idea as she thinks, she'll be able to find someone who fits that bill, and she won't have to settle for someone who's not worth it.

Food Allergies: The Beginning For Me

Food Allergies affect almost 12 million Americans. Over the next few weeks, we will be talk about food allergies and how you and your family can stay cool through something that can seem very isolating.

For most of my life I have had digestive problems or pain in my abdominal area. I went to chiropractors because the pain seemed to be in my back. I went to my OBGYN because I thought I might have endometriosis. I went to my general practitioner and had test after test done. I could not figure out what was wrong with me. In January 2007, I finally went to an allergist to have testing done. As I lay on the medical chair with my face in a donut, I thought, “Oh great! This is going to be the most painful thing that has ever happened to me.” Sure, it was not something I want to repeat anytime soon, but what I learned from it was astonishing.

The insanely amount of outdoor plants, animals and other living organisms I was allergic to did not shock me nearly as much as the number of foods I had eaten my entire life that I am allergic to. I went into shock, at first, because I truly thought that everything that came up on the test would be something I had to eliminate from my diet. I went cold-turkey for about a week. I was told to slowly try to eat the foods again and see if I had problems with them. After trying small amounts of foods that were on the allergy list, I learned that I had a pretty moderate allergy to any grain but rice, eggs, dairy, soy and most nuts. OK, that sounds like a lot (and it is), but I have been able to feel somewhat normal with food.

We were already Gluten-free in our home, but I soon realized that there were more precautions I would have to take. I have read many things about the implications that cow’s milk has on allergies. Cow’s milk increases inflammation and mucus production. We decided to move to Goat milk; it is the closest thing to mother's milk. It was definitely a shock at first, but over time we have really come to enjoy all the goat products.

There are differences between intolerances and allergies, but for me it really just comes down to: What can I eat that does not make my body do weird things? The same is for my little one. When she eats certain things I can see a direct correlation in her digestion and allergies, so I am particularly cautious with her, too.

Over the next few weeks, my goal will be to talk some about food allergies, share some of my experiences with products and let you know some of the secrets I have learned. The journey through food allergies is NOT an easy one, but we need not go at it alone. Please know, I am not here to scare anyone, claim medical truths about digestion, or slash anyone else’s food choices. I am here to share my experiences, and hope that if you and your family have struggled with something similar you will feel open to share!

Cool Moms In The Community: Nashville Makes Bags

See how one Nashville mom is working to make a HUGE difference.

I found The Green Bag Lady through various online searches. When I ran across her site, I just skimmed over it briefly (not catching that she is doing what she does for free). When I initially contacted her, she was quick to let me know that she does not sell anything and that what she is doing is truly to make a difference.

The Green Bag Lady began in February of this year with a mission to save the world. When I first spoke to Teresa I felt immediatley inspired. She has set out to MAKE, that's right - she makes these FREE bags - cloth bags to encourage people to ditch the plastic ones that so many stores try to bestow upon us. So any of us can get our own free bag. As Teresa says, "There is no obligation except the promise that you will use it instead of paper or plastic!"

Here is a story of a woman who saw a need, had a little extra time and fabric, and took what she had and is saving the world!

What inspired you to start this effort? How did you decide to make bags in this way?

I have been using fabric bags for years. We've always had some in our main car. I would get on my husband if he would get plastic instead of using the fabric bags and his excuse was there were no fabric bags in the other car. So, I decided to make some. I am an avid sewer so this would be a simple task. I also have bins of fabric. I started going through all my fabric and getting out anything that I thought would make a good bag. I ended up with quite a bit. I started cutting out and sewing bags and had far too many for just our house. I started to think if I gave them to my students at Belmont University and asked them to please use them instead of paper or plastic that it would make them think about their plastic usage.

I brought a batch of bags to my upper level photography class and they were a hit. The students promised to use them. I had sewn tags in them with numbers on them with the idea that I would keep track of who I had given them to and how many I had given out. One of the students in my class suggested I start a blog. He started it for me. It has changed some along the way but the basic concept is still there.

I have also been trying to figure out a good way to combine my art with my sewing. This project does that in a very large way!

How do you teach your children about saving the world?

We recycle everything we can. We have a composter. We turn off lights and watch out water usage. I also talk a lot about what we need and what they want. My kids are three, six, and nine. When they reach their 6th birthdays they still have a party but we don't accept gifts. My oldest daughter has been collecting unwrapped gifts in lieu of presents for the Angel Tree at our church for the past four years. Her birthday is the 15th of December so it works well.

Last year, she initiated a school wide effort and had all the classes K-8 bring different items for the Angel Tree families. Some grades collected toys, others socks, others books, the older grades collected grocery store gift cards and over $200. She also has teamed up with the coordinator for the Angel Tree and helps to wrap and distribute the items as well.

My middle daughter who turned six in January wanted to give to children and babies. I contacted the local YWCA. She collected diapers, underwear, socks and toys. She went with me when we dropped off the items and the thank you letter from the YWCA came to her.

The kids get so many gifts from friends and relatives that to collect for someone else at their parties is a great way for them to give to people in need. We plan to continue this effort.

What was your favorite bag you’ve made to date?

I made six bags entirely out of scraps from my scrap bin. They were funky and kind of looked like patch work quilts. It was interesting to see who chose them. Either they were too funky or people loved them.

How would you encourage people the make a difference beyond this effort?

My favorite comment was from a woman at my bank. She said that she and her husband had been thinking of changing to fabric bags but had not yet made the commitment. She said that now that I got her started, she was going to purchase more bags at the grocery store and convert her house to fabric.

I have also had people tell me that because of this effort they either don't take a bag at all or they bring the fabric bag with them everywhere. That is the whole point of this project.

I have a woman in Maine that I have been emailing and she is semi-retired and wanted something to fill her time that she could feel good about. She said she is going to get out her sewing machine and start making bags for her family and friends too. I was so excited to hear that. I would love it if people all over the country dusted off their sewing machines, dug into that box of fabric stashed in the back of the closet and joined in the effort!

If people want to donate to your effort, how would you like them to do so? What kinds of things do you take?

Cotton fabrics that are canvas are the best but I make bags out of just about anything. Fabric that is very thick or stretchy is too hard to work with since I am making the bags quickly. People can contact me about donating fabric or to get a bag at GreenBagLady.org.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Many people ask me why I don't charge for the bags. The reason is that I want people to view the bags as a gift and not a commodity. I feel that people are more likely to be compelled to use them and think about the reason behind them if I give them away rather than sell them. Besides, I have always been better at philanthropy than business anyway!

Compost: Onto The Garden

Compost: Week Fourteen

We have been documenting my journey through the world of composting for fourteen weeks now. Although we took a few weeks off for our art contest and Memorial Day, the decomposition did not stop. Unfortunately, I had to wait a few more weeks than I wanted due to rain and cool weather. After all these weeks of decomposing in the backyard, we now have actual compost (that really smells like dirt!) for my sweet little 6' x 6' garden.

My first removal of compost

I needed to reach deep inside the pile to get the really good stuff. Some on the material on the outside was mostly leaves and not much compost.

The GOOD stuff

Into the garden... onto my tomatoes.

I only used the compost around my plants to not use all the nutrient-rich product.

And just because I am so proud of my garden - this is the FIRST time I have ever grown my own food - I wanted to show you my FIRST tomatoes of the season.

Thank you for being with us through this series. I have had such a great time sharing my first ever experience with composting. If you think you might be ready to maybe try composting, I hope this series helps to encourage you. This process, although requiring patience, has been such a learning, fun and easy process.

In the Series
Week One - Compost: Getting Started
Week Two - Compost: Winter Time
Week Three - Compost: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Week Four - Compost: Enhance Your Compost
Week Five - Compost: Enhance Your Compost II
Week Six - Compost: Couldn't Hurt
Week Seven - Compost: Crisis Control
Week Eight - Compost: The Smell Of Dirt
Week Nine - Compost: All The Extras
Week Ten - OFF
Week Eleven - Compost: Beyond Your Backyard
Week Twelve - Compost: Uses
Week Thirteen - OFF