Earth Day Post

Yes I know that Earth Day was yesterday. In honor of Earth Day we watched the 11th Hour that we got from Netflix. Have you seen this movie? Truly powerful and it really makes one think about how we (every single one of us) is contributing to the global warming crisis and how we as humans have GOT to change the way we think about how we fit into the seamlessness of the earth. We are NOT separate from nature, we are a part of it and I think that so many people just forget that. We aren't here to rule nature, we are here to be a part of it - a positive part of it, not a destructive part of it.

If you are interested in supporting a more earth friendly way of life, check out this movie. I was kind of expecting it to be a bit extreme and graphic at the beginning (which I don't like because I just can't take it) but it wasn't. It was very practical and informative. I mean, some of the things we do as a species are graphic and unacceptable and it definitely addresses some of those issues - but not with too many of the graphic images that just give me total nightmares.

I am endlessly amazed and unimpressed with how people treat each other, people who are "different" from themselves, nature and the world around them. Think about what amazing examples our "leaders" could be if they would do the right thing. What would happen if Exxon/Mobil teamed up with the US leaders to decrease the procurement of oil and turn to producing renewable energy? That ONE action could drastically change the course of how we view non-renewable energy and pollution. We have got to change the way we view the world and not be so ridiculously hung up on consumerism, money and greed. Let's get back to living within the means that the earth so graciously provides for us.

All of this brings me back to the topic of this blog - knitting. By doing something as simple as knitting with natural fiber we are promoting sustainability and renewable resources. So, this morning, I put together a table about the benefits of natural fiber. Who has other things that contribute to this table? Well, I can't get the actual "table" to cut and paste so I'll just make a list. This table is actually going to become a part of the secret that everyone is guessing about. So, the table is a clue! Send me your additions or thoughts!!

Why buy natural fibers?

Natural fibers have differing properties. Not all natural fibers have all the properties listed below. Examples of some natural fibers are alpaca, llama, yak, cashmere, vicuna, wool, bamboo, cotton, hemp and corn. However, all natural fibers are naturally renewable and are naturally biodegradable if they do not have chemical additives. The blend of natural fiber you choose in your yarn will be based on the type of project you are working on and the individual properties you are interested in having.

Natural Fibers
Renewable resource
Made from natural resources and not chemicals
Keep you both warmer and cooler
Wick moisture away from the body
Naturally fire retardant
Cause less allergies and sensitivities because it is usually the chemical additives that cause allergies and not the fiber itself
Generally require natural care such as handwashing because they do not contain chemical additives
Can have an organic designation
Naturally biodegradable
Cause less water pollution
Have natural elasticity and memory

Synthetic Fibers
Non-renewable resource
Made from synthetic materials and petroleum products
No insulating factors
Hold moisture against the body because they are non-absorptive
Burn, hold heat against the body and cause severe burns
Cause more allergies and sensitivities due to the chemicals added during production
Are usually wrinkle-resistant, machine washable, stain-proof or moth proof due to chemical additives
Can never have an organic designation
Not biodegradable
Pollute water sources due to chemical disposal and run-off
Are not naturally elastic and have no memory unless they have a synthetic component such as nylon added