News — Environmentally friendly gifts and tips

Seriously, not a big Valentine's Day fan.  Ten years ago, on a cold, snowy Feb 14th I signed the first of many divorce papers.  But something happened this year- perhaps its the almost 2 years of Covid craziness but I felt the need to send a bit of love out into the universe.

I decided to make my own Valentines.  I put on some music, found some old magazines, a glue stick and random bits of paper.  Just like a 12 year old working on a fun school project I had a blast.  

You don't have to make cards.  Buying cards from local artist is a great way to support talent.  There are so many cute small batch cards.

Of course, you don't need to make "Valentine" cards.  It's always appropriate to send a message of cheer to a family member or friend.  I love to send and receive mail.  It's so much fun to open your mail box and instead of a bill or letter from the IRS, there's a card from a friend.

XXOO

We all have sweaters with holes in them.  Instead of throwing them up turn them into wearable art using the simple buttonhole stitch to mend and strengthen any holes or tears.  We take you step by step through the buttonhole stitch as well as how to use it for mending. Happy mending!!!!

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Welcome to mending.  This week we are looking at the basics and starting your very first mend.  Learn how to choose a spot to mend, cutting a patch, as well as the simple but definitely not basic running stitch.  Have fun and happy stitching!!!!

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What a long strange trip it's been lately with the Covid-19 virus, stay at home orders and a whole lot of stress.

But somehow life still goes on and it's the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.  Our original plan was to do some trash picking up, a recycle drop off, community connections and prizes.  Instead we are offering Earth Day Bingo.

Earth Day Bingo is fun, creative and you can win prizes while making connections.  Plus you can help out small businesses.  Each square is open ended and allows for creativity.  Everyone's situation is different.  At first, I had "take a walk" but realized not everyone was living the rural life.  If you are in a city taking a walk is so different than my reality.  We share big ideas and common feelings but each of us has our own reality.

There are nine squares to fill in.  The center- Planet Earth is the free square.

The most important square is Be Registered to VOTE.  Each state differs but don't wait if you are not registered.  A great site for info is The Environmental Voter Project. 

Donate- donate time, blood, money, items.  There are so many community and grass root initiatives that it can be hard to choose.  Here in Maine since the outbreak of Covid-19 and the lack of PPE safety equipement a drive was created to sew fabric masks for essential workers in retirement homes, public safety, grocery stores and more.  Check out Sewing Masks for Maine. 

Shop Small- this is more important now than ever.  If you value community, innovation and just plain old spunk please use some of your purchasing power to support small businesses.  Green America has a great blog about the power of voting with your money.  

Plant Something- focus on a bit of green.  Start some seedlings.  Repot a house plant.  Get some seeds sprouting in the kitchen.

Make Less Trash- This might be the hardest square to fill in during the quarantine because it's so limiting what you can purchase at the store for food.  One big change for me was to shop from our local farm and buying my milk in glass jars.

Notice Nature- If you are stuck inside look out your window- chances are a bird is tweeting.  If you are lucky enough to walk or hike safely be grateful- nature is a gift to treasure.

Repair or mend- clothes, furniture, a relationship.....  Our recent blog The Joys of Slow Stitching has ideas for using a needle, sewing or knitting to help reduce Covid stress.

Share an Eco Tip- we'd love to hear about your experience with zero waste, being mindful, voting with your money and any tips or strategies to help make staying home a community and growing experience.

We are offering prizes!  3 in a row gives you a code for $5 off our website.  You can only use the code one time per order.  If you fill the cardin share with us to be entered into our Eco Extravaganza Bundle- cool stuff from our downeast shop which is currently closed.

Come on and play some bingo!

 

 

Going Zero Waste during any holiday is tricky but Halloween is especially challenging.  The fun quickly turns into trash.

Here are some simple tricks to help reduce waste but don't procrastinate, DIY takes time.

COSTUMES-

• Organize a costume swap.   Costumes are typically worn just a few times and not made of sturdy material.  Extending the life of a costume keeps it out of the landfill.
• Use your imagination and the recycle bin for any cardboard based costumes.  
• Visit a thrift store for inspiration.  A prom dress can become a princess gown.  A bathrobe a super hero cape.
• A glue gun will become your new BFF.

DECORATIONS

This is the easy part.  Fall is the harvest season filled with natural beauty.  Pumpkins, corn stalks, gourds.  If you want a bit more, invest in quality items including wreaths, bunting and treat bags that can be used for years.  My best advice is to have a Halloween box filled with reusable decorations, favorite books and most importantly memories.  

TRICK OR TREATS

It's helpful to limit the number of houses you visit.  Planning an after party can help with the transition.  The after event can be a special video or family game with a big bowl of popcorn and fresh cider.  Instead of playing "Old Maid" switch it up to a Halloween theme.  Have your family make the cards together.  A fun memory is to use old Halloween photos for the pairs.  Yes, this takes time but if you have your Halloween box it's worth it and your deck can grow each year.  

REFUSE

Simply refuse some items including all cheap plastic ones that have an interest span of seconds but a life span of centuries.  

Pass out natural items.  A bowl of polished stones, rocks or shells is exciting.  Coloring sheets, puzzles or candy packaged in cardboard including Dots or boxes of raisins.

You need to start early for your DIY Zero Waste Halloween celebration.  It takes time to collect materials and craft.  You might also need time to set and manage your children's expectations.  

Let's take the truly scary out of Halloween- the trash and still have fun.