Let's Get Crack'n!

Now that the semester is over and I have turned in my students' grades, I can get back to making jewelry. Yes, I am waaayyy behind. How do entrepreneurial moms like Tamar stay so productive! I think I need someone with a bullwhip over here.

I've also been busy creating a new blog -- iParent -- which is dedicated to helping parents and kids re-connect in this high-tech world.

While EarthSurf is my hands-on creative outlet, iParent is my more "intellectual" outlet. I hope that you will come visit and contribute to the dialogs.

Now, back to the drill press.

New Favorites

EarthSurf eco-jewelry looks particularly wonderful with:

lululemon athletica - technical clothes for yoga, dancing and running

and

Eileen Fisher

and bikinis!

Exercise and Memory

I haven't been blogging or making much EarthSurf jewelry in the past couple of weeks because I've been driving the boys around so much, and because I'm on an exercise craze. My motivation to strap on my running shoes again came from photos of me in Barbados. I usually look so good in the beach. But I looked awful! Awful! Like a woman approaching mid-life who hasn't done diddley to take care of herself. So, I decided to turn things around before it's too late. EarthSurf production has faltered, and I'm really behind on my jewelry-making, but I am making progress towards better fitness.

One of the things I fear as I grow older is memory decline. I recently came across a video of a speech given by Sue Halpern, author of Can't Remember What I Forgot, about the link between improved brain function and exercise. Turns out there is a very clear, measurable relationship between exercise and the creation of new brain cells. In case I forget about it, here's the link:

Sheryl Crow Spreads the Word: It's the Environment, Guys!

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Hoda and Kathie Lee on the Today Show disclosing that they really didn't know much about the causes of breast cancer. The topic of breast cancer came up again on Aug. 1st when Sheryl Crow came to the Today Show to perform a couple of songs and to show Hoda and Kathie Lee her new clothing line. The gals were chatting about this and that, and Sheryl mentioned that she was involved in promoting legislation to research the environmental causes of breast cancer.

Cool!

Turns out that Sheryl Crow testified on May 21, 2008 in front of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s health subcommittee to support a bill funding breast cancer research. Crow emphasized that she has no family history of breast cancer, and said “I want to know what causes this disease. We need to put more resources into figuring out what the environment has to do with breast cancer.”

H.R 1157 would authorize a five-year, $40 million grant program for the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences to fund research into environmental factors that might cause breast cancer. The measure currently has 268 co-sponsors. Similar legislation (S 579) passed the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in February.

The legislation would help fund studies on the effects of Bisphenol A, a chemical added to plastics like water bottles, as well as other studies of environmental toxins and breast cancer. H.R. 117 was first introduced on February 16, 2007 by Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY). As Crow noted in her testimony, advocates of the bill have been frustrated that it has been around a long time and has much bi-partisan support, but has not been enacted.

Yes, let's get this show on the road, people!

The full text of Crow's testimony is available online here.

Sea Glass in National Geographic

The "Environment" page in the current issue of National Geographic magazine is about sea glass. Written by Margaret G. Zackowitz it reads, in part:

Blame it on plastic. Sea glass - the bright bits of old bottles scoured by sand and salt water - is getting increasingly difficult to find. "We are at the end of the sea glass window," notes Mary Beth Beuke, president of the North American Sea Glass Association. "There is less glass packaging now and more recycling. Much of the glass consigned to the waves decades ago, she says "is tumbled so tiny it's almost not worth picking up."

Of course, it started out as something not worth keeping. Trash tossed off ships or washed from dumps must spend years in the water to become good sea glass. Waves churn, shore terrain, water acidity, and the composition of the glass itself all play a part in creating the smoothed shards' characteristic matte texture.

The photo that accompanies the article features several rare pieces of sea glass including a red shooter marble, and an orange piece thought to have come from a signal light.

While it is true that jewelry-quality sea glass is becoming harder and harder to find, shards of glass from new bottles, as I mentioned yesterday, are common on Barbados beaches, signaling that new trash -- a lot of new trash -- is being dumped into the Caribbean.

The absence of sea glass in the U.S is a good thing. It is a positive sign that we are treating our oceans with better regard; a sign that fewer bottles and glass containers are being thrown into the sea; a sign that recycling has become the norm. The presence of new sea glass in the Caribbean, on the other hand, signals the opposite. Where is the new, ragged sea glass coming from? Freighters? Cruise ships? Tourist boats? Island residents? In all likelihood, it's coming from multiple sources. It is not a good thing.

Trashed Up Barbados

A couple of weeks ago, Luis and I took our annual trip to Barbados. After we got back, I thought about what we saw, and tried to figure out how to write about it. In the past, I've been really happy about our Barbados trips. But not this year.

For the past eight years, we have spent a week in July at the Almond Beach Club & Spa in St. James, just down the road from Sandy Lane. The goal has always been the same: to enjoy our time together as a couple alone, without the kids, and hunt for sea glass.

Year after year, we'd return to the same place, and would find pristine white-sand beaches, good weather, and plenty of smooth sea glass tumbled by the Caribbean.

This year was different. Something seems to be going very wrong in Barbados.

First, the sea glass. We found loads of it. Since the beaches on the Caribbean side of the island have been shifting southward, we had to look around for it, but once we found the areas dense with sea glass, we were quite amazed by just how much sea glass was lying on the beach and at the edge of the surf. Now, you might think this was good news. It wasn't. The beach glass was rough, jagged and basically worthless. It was "new" sea glass -- "commercial grade" not jewelry-grade. When sea glass is in the ocean for years and years, it becomes smooth and polished, like a gem. The sea glass we kept finding was barely polished, meaning that it had only been in the ocean for a short period of time. This suggests that much more dumping is taking place in the Caribbean. If one can measure the health of an ocean by the amount of sea glass found on the beach, I'd say that the Caribbean is in trouble. There is too much new sea glass on the beaches.

The second change we noticed was the weather. Typically, Barbados in July means sunny days with brief rain showers in the afternoon. The Bajans hold their largest festival of the year, Crop Over, at the end of July, expecting good weather. But, the weather has been changing. Hurricane-like tropical depressions have become more frequent, and are happening earlier in the year. Previously, one could expect rain and storms in September and October. Now, the storms are coming in July and August. Is this a result of global warming? Perhaps. What is true is that it's very unusual to have four named storms in July.

Luis typically goes on several scuba dives while we are in Barbados, but his dives were canceled because of the storms, so we decided one day to rent a car and drive to the eastern side of Barbados -- the Atlantic side. We wanted to see an area called Bathsheba, known for it's annual surfing contests and it's dramatic rock formations. Driving there was an adventure. (Bajans drive on the left side of the road; there are lots of round-abouts; and the roads are not well marked.) The drive was well worth it. The Atlantic side of Barbados is spectacular. It feels like a Caribbean version of the Big Sur, or Oregon's Cannon Beach. We stopped at several beaches, and because it was raining, saw few other people. One of our goals was to look for sea glass. We found very little, and what we did find was just junk. We were very troubled by how polluted the beaches were. There is plastic everywhere. Plastic bottles, bottle caps, plastic netting, torn plastic bags, teeny tiny bits of plastic. Ugh. We saw several signs posted at the entrances of the beaches asking people not to use the beach for dumping, but apparently not everyone is complying. Some areas were simply disgusting. There was trash in the brush, on the beach, and in the parking areas.

This year's trip to Barbados made me keenly aware of how much more work must be done to clean up the beaches to and to prevent further ocean pollution.

There was one other thing about our trip to Barbados this year that really bothered me. Perhaps it's related to the ocean pollution problem.

The beach where Luis and I typically hang out has always been a nice, quiet beach. It's tucked into a little bay, and because of its proximity to the ultra-expensive Sandy Lane Resort, it's usually a peaceful, relaxing beach. For years, it has been used by the catamaran cruising companies -- particularly Tiami Catamarans - as a place to bring day trippers for an hour or so of swimming after they do their snorkling. (All beaches in Barbados are open to the public, so the catamaran companies can bring their customers to any beach they chose to.) In the past, there would be maybe one or two catamarans at the beach each day, just for a few hours. 20-40 passengers would unload from the catamaran and hang out on the beach, then get back on the boat. No big deal. It often made for interesting people-watching.

But in recent years, the cruise lines have been sending more ships to Barbados. In fact, in 2006, Barbados signed a three-year agreement with Carnival Cruise Lines that guaranteed the island a minimum of 400,000 cruise ship passengers annually over the contract duration plus revenues of $156 million dollars. (On the day of the Cricket World Cup final in April 2007, cruise ships landed a whopping 20,000 passengers in Barbados, overwhelming Bridgetown.)

So, instead of one or two catamarans in the bay, there are now triple the number. And, worse, they are jam packed with people from the cruise ships. It's crazy. I can't imagine it being very fun to be on a crowded catamaran with a bunch of sweaty cruisers. It would make me want to drink. It seems that drinking is, indeed, what they mostly do.

With the increased number of gigantic catamarans in the bay, the number of Bajan entrepreneurs working the tourist scene has increased as well. The once-quiet bay periodically erupts into a frenzy of jet skis and motor boats pulling Big Bethas and banana inflatables. The fumes, the gasses, the noise. UGH!

By and large, the bay is still fairly clean. Fortunately, the people who come off the catamarans don't leave a lot of trash behind. However, as measured by the amount of glass showing up on the beaches, the amount of trash being dumped into the ocean is definitely increasing. Moreover, the increased use of the Caribbean in the Barbados area by the cruise lines is resulting in a noticeable ecological disruption.

This situation is probably going to get worse in the next ten years. The next generation of Royal Caribbean mega-cruise ships will carry 5,400+ passengers, 1200 crew and be almost 1200 feet long - and that is only one of many types of huge liners that will be coming into service in the next 5-10 years. Will they be choosing Barbados as a port of call? Bajans hope so. The cruise industry means a lot to Barbado's tourism-based economy. But ecologically, I really don't think it's a good thing.

Santa Barbara Photos

I shipped my first order to Australia yesterday. It's thrilling to know that someone will be wearing EarthSurf necklaces in Australia! I've always wanted to go there!

I thought that I would post some photos from my trip to California. The Gap Fire was just one aspect of the trip. As I mentioned yesterday, the fire really didn't effect the town of Santa Barbara where we spent some time touring around, enjoying the sites.

This is a photo of a sailboat in the ocean just in front of the Fes Parker Hotel. While in Santa Barbara, I learned that Dr. Laura has a sailboat called "Perfect" (what else?). (While she often wins her races, I'm conifdent that Luis and the K2 crew could beat her any day.) On with the tour. Mom and I visited the Santa Barbara Mission where Dad's ashes are buried. The Mission was established on the Feast of Saint Barbara, December 4, 1786 and was one of twenty-one California Missions to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans. My favorite part of the Mission is the rose garden where over a thousand different varieties bloom. Mom and I wandered around the garden, smelling the fragrant roses, pointing out our favorites to each other. It was glorious -- a perfect place to stop and thank god for all the beauty on Earth. Another place that reminded me of the bounty of blessings all around us was Glady's backyard. Apricots and oranges literally rain down from her trees. My Aunt Bev, my mom and I picked bags and bags of fruit. I had an opportunity to eat a fresh apricot right off the tree, warm and juicy. I had never had a fresh apricot before. Ohh, no words can describe it!The Santa Barbara area is a great place to spend lots of money. The hotels, restaurants, art galleries and stores are first-rate. But I have to admit that my favorite moments were when we weren't spending any money at all. Walking along the ocean, picking fruit, enjoying the rose garden, I felt completely happy, and incredibly blessed.

EarthFirst Reviews EarthSurf

Woo wee! EarthSurf was reviewed by EarthFirst yesterday.
Thanks so very much for positive review!

Lessons from the Gap Fire

Last week, I went to Goleta, California to visit my mom. My plane touched down on Tuesday, July 1st at the Santa Barbara airport at 4 pm. About a half hour later, a fire broke out in the canyons between Fairview and Patterson a few miles north of my mom's place. The fire, known as The Gap Fire, began small and turned into a gigantic monster. It was still raging when I returned to Vermont yesterday. So far, the fire has consumed over 10,000 acres. About 6,000 people have been displaced from their homes. Over 1,000 fire fighters are fighting this fire.

My mom, my aunt, cousins and other family in Goleta are all safe and fine. Although we lost power several nights, we never had to evacuate. But I learned some important lessons last week as we witnessed the fire growing in size and scope in the canyons above us.

• Your best friend in an emergency is a small, portable battery powered radio. Fortunately, my mom always has one with her, even when she travels. The Gap Fire led to a loss of power, which led to loss of TV and internet. Without the radio, we wouldn't have known which streets to her house were closed off, or whether or not we needed to evacuate. Tomorrow, I'm going to Radio Shack and getting a little radio of my own!
  
  
• National news is NOT a good sources of information in an emergency. Several national news networks reported that the Gap Fire was in Santa Barbara. It was not. The fire's location was/is Goleta, which is about 8 miles north up the coast from Santa Barbara. Both towns are in Santa Barbara County, of course, but national news anchors seemed not to know where Goleta is actually located. Does it matter? Yes! Especially to people with friends and family in Santa Barbara who heard that the fire was in SB, and to the hotels and restaurants in SB who were getting calls from people wishing to cancel their 4th of July plans. Much better was local coverage at The Santa Barbara Independent. (They have some amazing reader photos.) The Independent also used Twitter to keep people informed.
  
  
• People with older relatives living by themselves need to create evacuation plans for their family members. My mom and my aunt live in an area for retired folks, most who are fit and functional, and still drive their own cars. However, not all of the seniors in the community still drive. Many have health issues. Some can't see or hear very well. One BIG eye opener for me was learning that neither the town of Goleta, nor the senior community where my aunt lives had an evacuation plan in place for the seniors. I think that a lot of people with elderly family members just assume that neighbors will be able to take care of each other. They assume that someone will see to it that the seniors will find transportation and make it to the evacuation shelters if ordered to leave their homes. That's just wishful thinking. Everyone who has an elderly mom or dad living by themselves needs to make a plan so that if a disaster or emergency hits, the senior is not totally dependent on the kindness of strangers who may -- or may not -- be able to check in on their neighbor or take the senior to a shelter. At the minimum, the family should make sure that their seniors have emergency supply kits, and that family members have the phone numbers of the senior's 3 closest neighbors. Best is to have a plan in place to come pick up your senior in the event of an emergency, especially if they can't see or hear very well.
  
  
• An evacuation warning means that you need to put your valuables in your car and be prepared to leave your home within five minutes of receiving an evacuation order. An evacuation order means that you have to get in your car and leave immediately. So, in other words, you don't wait until you receive an evacuation order to pack up your car!
  
  
• Last, but not least, fires look worse at night than they do during the day. At night, when all around is dark, all you see are the flames, which appear to be hundreds of feet tall and right at your doorstep. It's weird and creepy. Very otherworldly. It's easy to get freaked out at night, especially if you lose power and hear sirens. That's why that little radio comes in handy!
  

Thinking About Breast Cancer

Yesterday, I wrote about the rotten link between breast cancer and environmental toxins, and the unfortunate wall of silence around the issue. I've been feeling pretty rattled since.

When my friend Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn’t know what to say, and I felt terrible about it. Not knowing what else to do, I made her a sea glass necklace.

I chose a piece of pure white glass, completely smooth all around, to symbolize hope and faith. I strung it on a pink silk cord, duh, as pink is the color associated with breast cancer awareness. I gave it to Linda and she wore it to chemo, sometimes taking it off to rub the sea glass between her thumb and fingers for comfort.

Recently, another friend received the news that she, too, has cancer. I made a necklace for her, and another for myself, to keep my fears at bay.

There are thousands of women who are going through breast cancer, asking "Why me?" and thousands of women who, while counting their blessings to be cancer-free, are trying to support their friends as they go through chemo.

You give your friend support, friendship, maybe a little gift, a talisman to ward off the bad and bring good. But what you really want, more than anything, is for more truth to be told about the environmental conditions causing cancer, more action taken to address the problems of the uninsured, and more reporting on the political influence of corporations on environmental pollution.

You want change.

A Little Chat About Breast Cancer

Just the other day, I was folding laundry for the boys. The late segment of the Today Show with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford was on the background. I love those two. They're like the two wonderful soccer moms you really love hanging out with when you are at your kids' games. So amusing, interesting, and warm. I think they bring out the best in each other.

Anyway, Hoda was talking about a breast cancer event she'd been to the night before. As a breast cancer survivor, Hoda has become a champion of breast cancer awareness, and she was telling Katie Lee about the numbers of people she met at the event who disclosed that they, too, were cancer survivors.

So, why are so many women getting breast cancer? Kathie Lee asked. Hoda said that she had no idea, and Kathie Lee shook her head, and both women looked for a moment sad and defeated.

Hey, I wanted to say, we do know what's causing the rates of breast cancer to increase. Environmental toxins. You guys need to talk about that.

Just recently Forbes -- yes, the business magazine -- reported that:

In the decades following World War II, both breast cancer rates and the use of synthetic chemicals soared in the United States -- and a new report contends there's a strong connection between the two.

Produced by the Breast Cancer Fund, a non-profit group whose mission is to identify environmental links to breast cancer, The State of the Evidence: 2008 concludes toxic chemicals in the environment, along with increased radiation exposure, are the main culprits in the sharp rise of breast cancer incidence. . .

Based on a review of more than 400 breast cancer studies, The State of the Evidence noted that more than 80,000 synthetic chemicals are currently used in the United States, although complete toxicological screening data are available for only 7 percent of them. Many of these substances are known to remain in the environment for many years and accumulate in body fat and breast tissue.

I read the Forbes article with a knot in my stomach.

Environmental factors that lead to increased cancer rates "include exposure to the petrochemical solvent benzene; organic solvents used in the computer, furniture and textile industries; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in a variety of appliances, food packages and medical products; 1,3-butadiene, a byproduct of petroleum refining and vehicle exhaust; ethylene oxide, used in medicine and some cosmetics; and aromatic amines, byproducts of manufacturing plastics and dyes. Both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation are also listed as suspected cancer-causing agents, the report stated."

People, it's everywhere.

My awareness of the impact of toxins in the environment on the human body began when I was in grad school. I wrote a paper, published in Critical Studies in Mass Communication, about how the mass media under-reports the influence of environmental toxins on fertility. (Jennifer L. Stone, "Contextualizing Biogenetic and Reproductive Technologies," Critical Studies in Mass Communication 8 (1991): 309-32.) Back then, what almost fifteen years ago, no one was really talking about the issue, and I would read the scientific and medical research in near disbelief. How could there be so many dangerous toxins in our environment? Why wasn't the issue coming to light?

Today, the problem of environmental toxins is getting more attention, but I have to say that it bothers me greatly when good people like Hoda and Kathie Lee -- compassionate, intelligent souls -- seem to think that the increased rates of breast cancer is some fluky thing that we can't explain.

At the end of 2001, Harper's magazine published a long article by Barbara Ehrenreich, noted author and breast cancer survivor. She was sharply critical of the "breast cancer movement" with it's pink ribbons, and all manner of breast cancer consumables, from made-in-China breast cancer teddy bears to t-shirts to plastic water bottles. She expressed, in no uncertain terms, her anger at her insurance company (which refused to pay the bill for her biopsy), her anger about the toxic and debilitating treatments, and her anger at the commercialization of breast cancer. In her article, and in the speeches she has given on the topic, Ehrenreich has asked, why is there so much nice, polite talk about breast cancer survival and so little discussion about causes?

It's just easier, that's why.

But did you know that some of the same cosmetics companies that participate in breast cancer awareness and fundraising are the same companies that continue to put potentially carcinogenic chemicals into their products? I think this is one of the great ironies of modern life: that you could purchase a product with a pink ribbon on the label, believing that we are all in a war against breast cancer, while the product itself, along with its packaging, could be one of the contributing causes of breast cancer.

I'm finished ranting now. 'Cause I'm off to Fletcher Allen for a chest x-ray and a colonoscopy. Yep. The devil Cancer has been lurking too close to home, and I have to get some stuff checked out. (Breasts seem to be fine, though.)

One last thing. I'm glad that EarthFirst has come along to challenge the b.s behind a lot of the green marketing that's going on. As Jonathan Baskin recently pointed out in his blog Dim Bulb, green marketing spawns a lot of dishonesty. "The branding gurus have done the polling and analyses, and told these companies that they can buy off environmental concerns with some glossy advertising," Baskin writes. "It does the agencies, consumers, and the companies no good."

I'd go further. I'd say that it actually does a lot of harm.

Jamie Lee Curtis. Woman.

So I have this odd relationship with Jamie Lee Curtis. It's not that I know her personally. But every time she appears on TV or in a magazine, I think to myself "Oh no, not Jamie Lee again," and yet I tune in, with interest, to see what she's doing. She is, without doubt, very entertaining, very colorful, and very outspoken.

Miss Jamie Lee appears on the cover of More magazine this month, in a red dress, with her hands on her hips and her big, gorgeous boobs front and center, unencumbered by any sort of bra device. The article about her begins with another boob-centric shot.
(She's grabbing the girls. )

So, what's up with the actress/children's book author who posed for More in 2002 in her underwear as protest against Photoshopped images of women?

Well, the big news is that she is going to be turning 50 in November and has decided to exercise. Anyone who saw the "now-famous" 2002 photo of Jamie Lee probably remembers her flabby arms and muffin top. And while a lot of people congratulated her for "becoming the poster girl for self-acceptance," all I could think was "Shoot, woman, get thee to the gym."

Turns out, she has. She now plays tennis, lifts weights and does Pilates. She describes herself as "fit, focused and kind of furious." Perhaps the most important change in her life, perhaps one reason why she looks so much better, is because she has embraced sobriety. In the past several years, she has freed herself of her addition to painkillers and alcohol. As she cast off her additions, she also cast off her materialism, and has pared down her wardrobe to two colors: black and white.

I finished the article with new-found appreciation for Jamie Lee Curtis. Her story reminded me that a person is never too old -- or too messed up -- to turn things around. No matter how old you are, exercise is good. Simplifying things is good.

Being true to your own weird self is also very good.

Even if you messed up in the past, even if you messed up rather publicly, there is no reason not to embrace each opportunity before you.

I was thinking about all that when I was making some EarthSurf necklaces. I was out of colored silk strands and was trying to figure out what would look good with my remaining black silk. I found a piece of green sea glass in the shape of a dented heart.

It became the Ode to Jamie Lee necklace. We may get tossed and tumbled by life, but we are stronger and more beautiful for it.

Simplicity Necklaces

Sometimes I wonder if my life could get any more complicated. Even in the summer, the season of ease and relaxation, of simple suppers, flip-flops and shorts, things can get harried from time to time.

We had a really busy week last week. So I just felt like making something totally simple and uncomplicated to remind myself of the value of pared-down basics.

I created several necklaces using one single piece of perfect sea glass strung on one single piece of silk thread. I'm calling them "Simplicity Necklaces" because, really, what could be more simple or elegant?

Nothing fussy. Nothing complicated.

Just a reminder to ah, relax.

Summer Classics: Sea Glass Necklaces & White Shirts

A crisp, clean white shirt. Perfect all year round, But especially in summer, to show off one's tan.

John Olson styled a page of beautiful summer white shirts for women for the July 2008 Town & Country. While the prices of the shirts ($298 - $950) are way, way out of my range, I was thinking how wonderful it would be to pair a crisp white shirt with a simple sea glass necklace. It would add the perfect little summer color pop to one's ensemble. So, whether you are wearing Anne Fontaine, YSL, Ralph Lauren Black Label, or Hanes this summer, don't forget your humble sea glass.

The Cost of Flying With Skis. Outragious.

Here's a troubling trend: charging people $100 each way to fly with their skis. That's what happened today when we sent Chris on United to Mt. Hood for ski camp. We had been warned that United was charging extra for a second bag checked, but, honestly, we did not expect to pay United an additional $200 for our son to travel to camp with his skis. The reason we had to pay a surcharge for the skis is because they are oversized and "require special handling."

What's going to happen this winter when the ski season kicks into gear? Is the surcharge going to affect people's decisions to travel with their skis? Will it adversely influence the ski industry? How will people -- particularly students -- afford an extra $200 to fly to with their skis? I understand completely how the increased cost of fuel is driving up costs, but the $100 each-way ski surcharge sure seems to me like highway robbery.

Renting skis would be one option, of course. But elite athletes and competitive skiers don't have that option. If this was all about passing the true costs of flying to the fliers, I wouldn't be so upset. However, it's not about sustainable economics, its about creating revenue for the airlines. According to an article on Transworld, the blog for Boardsport news, United estimates the potential revenue from their new baggage handling service fees at about $275 million a year.

Quick! Recognize an Unsung Environmental Hero!

Holy cow, Batman. This might require pulling an all-nighter. The BoatU.S Foundation is accepting nominations for their Environmental Leadership Award until, eek, June 30, 2008. (The award was announced many moons ago. I just found out about it.)

Award Criteria:
Nominees must meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Nominee has made a significant positive impact on the environment.
• Nominee has contributed towards solving an environmentally challenging aspect of boating or boat maintenance, either for boaters or marinas.
• Nominee has helped others understand the importance of clean boating.
• Nominee has enthusiastically promoted clean boating and engaged others in their efforts.

The award aims to recognize a program, group, organization, marina, company or individual that has made a significant impact advancing clean boating and educating boaters about how they can minimize their environmental impacts.

If you would like to nominate someone, and don't mind burning the midnight oil to meet the deadline, more information is available at the BoatUS Foundation website.

Interlux Waterfront Challenge

Have you and your friends ever thought, "Hey, we could really clean up our waterfront if we just had a little money?" Well, now's your chance to get in on some dough. Interlux is going to be awarding $60,000 in grants to groups that create sustainable waterfront environmental improvements in their communities. The grant amounts will range from $5,000 to $25,000 -- definitely enough $$ to do some real good.

The application deadline is November 5, 2008. Judging will take place this fall, and the winners will be announced at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2009.

Almost any type of project under the sun will be considered. It should be a brand new project, designed to make some part of the local waterfront a better place, that requires at least two days of work. Nonprofits, clubs, young sailors, surfers, or even a small family with a good idea are eligible. The awards will be spread out across seven regions from the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic Coast to the Caribbean, so lets please pass the word that the grant money is available.

More information about the Waterfront Challenge is available on their website, along with applications.

The Reason for Beachcombing

For my money, the best magazine in the world is "La Vie Claire," subtitled "Claire Murray's The Art of Living a Creative Life." It's one of the more expensive publications around. (Cover price $6.99. A four-issue yearly subscription $24.95.) The photos are exquisite, the stories are inspiring, and every issue is a keeper. What "Architectural Digest" is to upscale real estate, "La Vie Claire" is to ocean-inspired artistic entrepreneurship.

The Summer 2008 issue features an excerpt from A Beachcomber's Odyssey: Treasures From a Collected Past by S. Deacon Ritterbush, also known as Dr. Beachcomb. The excerpt is illustrated with Celia Pearson's beautiful photos. (That's one of Celia's photos above.)

With her lovely writing, Ritterbush captures the joy of beachcombing:

I believe there’s no more wonderful world than the one waiting for me out there by the sea. An hour of beachcombing, of strolling through the silky sand with the sun at my back and the endless blue horizon melting before me, calms my mind as it works my body. I always return home the better for it, with lungs full of fresh air and pockets full of interesting things. Beachcombing magic eases me through heartache, leads me to patience, and transforms my sometimes tense little life into one of beauty and hope and joy again. Sometimes, it even reminds me that the best things in life are often right there before me in the sand.

Amen.

Nautica Summer '08 Abs. I mean Ads.

This summer, Nautica's magazine ads feature a gentleman wearing a sea glass and leather necklace. While Nautica sells a huge variety of things -- from clothing to sunglasses to cologne -- they don't sell sea glass surfer necklaces.

Yet.

In the meantime, get yours here.

Too Much Mrs. Robinson?

Here's the copy I wrote this morning for a new listing on Etsy:

If I had a pool, I'd certainly have a pool boy, someone who looked like a young Brad Pitt in "Thelma & Louise," or like that young, handsome guy in Desperate Housewives.

Alas, I have no pool, only fantasies. Er, dreams.

As I was making this bracelet, I was thinking that it would make a great gift for the guy who mows your lawn, teaches your kids how to fish at summer camp, or shuttles you to your boat at the boat club. It's ruggedly handsome and yet cool. It would look great on a tanned wrist.

The bracelet features genuine black leather cord and genuine surf-tumbled sea glass from Barbados. It has adjustable sliding knots, and will fit just about any size wrist.

The sea glass is smooth all the way around. It is slightly curved inside to fit a wrist.

This is a terrific bracelet to wear at the beach since you can go in the water with it.

I know someone who would look really great in it!
For sale at EarthSurf Etsy.