In the current frenzy to be cool  “going green” in homes, schools and communities, are we teaching youngsters (and adults) global warming lies?  Schools are “green” this year and youngsters report in class discussions how their parents are practicing or not practicing energy and earth saving tactics.  (Big Brother?)

Image: sxc.hu

Do we have the correct data or simply what politicians and those making money from the big industry of environmental and global warming wants us to know?  Are scientists, who present data that disproves the theory of global warming (and this group is growing), discredited and even lose their jobs because they’re not “politically correct” in their beliefs?

Holly Fretwell, a natural resources management expert, has a well researched and documented book out there, The Sky’s Not Falling! Why It’s OK to Chill About Global Warming, that presents a common sense view, with facts, on this topic, without the scare tactics the politicians and environmental businesses are using.  She also includes “fun facts” for the youngsters reading the book.

(Holly’s most recent book - Who is Minding the Federal Estate?: Political Management of America’s Public Lands.)

Are you working on any Earth Day related projects, either quilts, fabric art, tote bags and other items?

If you’re talking about recycling and reusing fabric to make your quilts, then our ancestors of days ago were right in style as they reworked worn clothing, cutting up items they could no longer use for the original purpose.  They were into Earth Day projects and never knew it.

Image: flaivoloka

Today, quilts are made from recycled fabric and leftover scraps from other projects.  Also, quilters and fabric artists create items, such as tote bags and grocery totes with recycling and earth symbols.

Another project involves quilters each contributing a square toward an Earth Day quilt.  In this case, youngsters in grades 4-7, are entering an Earth Day quilt block into a contest.

Terri Power, at Morning Earth, has a fascinating way to create an Earth Quilt. This isn’t made of fabric, but of actual natural earth materials placed into like containers.  Then the containers are assembled into a quilt like pattern, as the youngsters learn about earth and its components.

Norma Bradley, a multi media artist, creates both fabric quilts and earth quilts.  Both of these involve nature and natural images.  Fascinating!.

Do you have any Earth Day quilting and fabric art projects under way?

While I despise the woman who slapped my hand for my lack of eco friendly totalitarianism, I still respect the movement to create a more friendly attitude and actions toward our planet. With all of the informational resources available, there is no excuse to claim ignorance on the subject matter of conservation. The “Unplugged Living” blog is the perfect place to start stock piling ideas for being an eco friendly human. It is where I started my quest for earth saving knowledge, because it gives ideas that are easy to implement. If we all commit to picking up just one new green habit, every month, to add to our practices, the earth would greatly benefit from it (and so would our electricity and water bills!) Here is the mini interview that Noel was so sweet to take part in. Read it and then head over to Unplugged Living to start living green!

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I was part of a group discussion on a parenting forum, not too long ago. We were all sharing tips and just generally gabbing for the sake of enlightenment. The subject of vehicles came up. I was asked what type of vehicle I drive. I knew that the question was a loaded one, but answered it anyway. Bracing myself for the verbal abuse I would surely receive from all of the eco friendly mamas, I answered, “A 15 passenger van.” Immediately, the rude backlash began. “Why?” “Do you really need that big of a van?” “Don’t you care about the environment?” The conversation sure does get ugly when politics, religion and Oprah are involved. Thank God I was smart enough to keep my opinions on Oprah in a quiet, inaccessible part of my mind. Otherwise, I might have been completely shredded by the pirana like chompers of the hybrid driving, Oprah loving women in the chat room.

After a long sigh, I decided to just try and laugh it off, then change the subject. I know from experience how fruitless these types of conversation can be. They are a no win situation. I wasn’t in the mood to call a draw, so I opted for the “Let’s change the subject” maneuver. One particularly opinionated hippie mom wasn’t biting. “I suppose you also buy your kids name brand clothes from Old Navy and The Gap!” She snottily chimed in. After I told her that the correct name of the store was just “Gap,” no “The” included, I asked her to elaborate. Now this lady had piqued my interest. She said that with as many little eco sucking leeches as I had, I should be trying to give back to the earth as much as possible. I should be dressing my kids in clothing made of recycled hemp. I should make them myself. I should only buy organic food, grown on farms who donate proceeds to worthy causes. I should have solar energy panels installed. I should only use recycled water outside. I should….yadda, yadda, yadda.

I heard every word that she preached, but after her reference to my spawn as “leeches,” I stopped caring. Maybe my kids do use the earth’s resources. Yes, they live off the fruits of the land. Yes, we drive a van that costs 98 dollars to fill up with fossil fuel. Yes, I shop at Old Navy and Gap. I do what I can for the environment and do not feel guilty that I am not an overzealous, tree hugging, picket organizer (no offense to all of you who are.) I barely have the time and energy to do the little things, like cooking, laundry, cleaning and nurturing my children, as it is. I’m lucky to be able to squeeze in a little tree hugging now and then, but when I do, it is done in love. This lady and her nasty name calling was just trying to piss me off and she succeeded beautifully.

“You know what?”  I asked, mounting my own pulpit. “Maybe we aren’t the most conservation minded folks, but we do what we can. The last thing I need to hear is criticism about how I’m not doing enough. Oh, and let me put this as nicely as possible…Your bitchy way of recruiting more soldiers for your cause is not a very good one. You suck at using people skills. Maybe you should spend less time with your arms wrapped around trees and a little more in charm school, you cow!” Her response was quick, “That was putting it nicely?” I laughed. “Yeah, I’m about as good at being nice as I am about saving the earth.” She was highly offended and I could care less. Let this be a lesson to all of us. When attempting to make your noble cause look worthy, refrain from likening people and their children to blood sucking invertebrates. It will never end well!