July 2005 | Co-op America’s Living Green
Eco-Friendly Fabrics by the Yard
Dear Co-op America, I enjoy sewing and prefer eco-friendly fabrics. Can you help me find sources of hemp, hemp-blend, and organic fabrics? — Ann Byrd, e-mail
Eco-fabrics are great for the Earth. Conventional cotton farming uses tons of toxic pesticides, whereas growing organic cotton does not. And hemp is sturdy plant that can be easily grown without pesticides. Also, by choosing eco-fabrics, you’re most likely supporting small, family farmers or farmers’ cooperatives.
You can order fabric from companies like these—or ask your local store to stock their goods:
• The Moonbath Shop (www.moonbathshop.com ) sells hemp, hemp-blend, and organic cotton fabrics.
• Heart of Vermont (www.heartofvermont.com , 802-476-3098) offers organic cotton fabrics in a variety of textures.
• If you’re into interior decorating, Greensage.com and Furnature (www.furnature.com, 800-326-4895) sell fabric for upholstery and window treatments in organic cotton.
• NearSea Naturals (www.nearseanaturals.com , 877-573-2913) specializes in organic cotton, organic wool, and hemp-wool blend fabric and notions.
• Organic Cotton Plus (www.organiccottonplus.com , 866-784-0374) lives up to its name with a variety of colors and textures.
• Earth Friendly Goods (www.earthfriendlygoods.com , 877-447-1521) offers plenty of hemp and hemp-blend fabrics.
• Wildrose Farm Organics (www.wildrosefarm.com , (218) 562-4864 not only offers organic cotton, but also fleece made from recycled soda bottles.
Volunteer Vacations for Elders
Dear Co-op America, We’re seniors interested in taking a volunteer vacation for older folks. Are there any organizations that could help us out? — Lois and John, Springfield, IL
You might want to check out Elderhostel. Started 30 years ago, Elderhostel (877-426-8056) offers educational adventures especially for people 55 and older with destinations in all 50 states and more than 90 countries. These vacations are priced as low as $500 (including lodging and meals) for a weeklong experience.
Elderhostel’s service programs, which allow you to serve the needs of a community, from helping protect endangered species to helping build affordable housing. Options this summer include a trip to the Ozarks to research heirloom vegetables and work in community gardens, or a week in Belize studying the ecological needs of bottlenose dolphins.
If you want to explore North America, you can take an education-based Elderhostel trip to delve into American history and culture, journeying along Lewis and Clark’s expedition route, to Civil War battlefields, or along New England’s coast to learn about maritime culture, for example.
For the more physically active seniors, Elderhostel’s outdoor vacation options include hiking, kayaking, biking, and more, in locations from the Netherlands to Borneo. And their Adventures Afloat tours combine learning with vacation onboard boats in the Mississippi River, the Aegean Sea, the Antarctic waters, and more.
Whatever you choose, enjoy your trip.
Living Green is brought to you by Co-op America, a national nonprofit that provides green living, purchasing, and investing tips and resources. To join Co-op America and get a free copy of the National Green Pages™ directory of green businesses, call 800/58-GREEN, www.coopamerica.org. E-mail your Living Green questions.
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