Sustainability as Keepsakes
Sustainability as Keepsakes
by J.J. Fellows
Promoting sustainability by passing down furniture
A while back I wrote an article on how to promote sustainability in our consumer practices (to read that article, go here). I wrote that article while sitting at my grandmother's desk, one of many things in my house that belonged to someone else before it belonged to me. At first, the reason for the abundance of hand-me-down furniture that peppers my house was simple: I was a poor student. But over time, these hand-me-downs served as anchors to my family. They provided me with ways to revisit those I had lost. They allowed me to keep those I'd left behind as I moved across the country in my heart. In short, these pieces of furniture became more than simply places to sit, sleep, or work. They became keepsakes.
In conducting the research for my sustainability article, I realized that reusing old furniture and consuming less can be a way to promote sustainability. Less consumption means less production which, in turn, results in less harvesting of raw material and burning of fossil fuels. It also results in less waste in landfills. But I admit that when I look around my home, I did not reuse these pieces of furniture with any goal of sustainability in mind. I kept them because of what they do for me. These old pieces of furniture connect me to my roots, and make my house feel like a home.
Of course, this is not the only—or even most popular—way to design a home's interior, and it's entirely subjective. If you don't know the story of my grandma's desk, my father's wooden chest, or my neighbor's 
rocking chair, then you will likely not feel anchored and connected in the way I do. You may not find my home to be aesthetically pleasing at all. So, I wondered, how does my home compare to modernist aesthetic values? How does it stack up against one of the best examples of modernist interior design, the Glass House? Was I sacrificing beauty for memories? And, if so, was the cost worth it? Once again, I did some research. To read more about Modern Aesthetics and my grandma's hand-me-down desk, follow the link for A Discussion of Beauty and Comfort.
Sustainability as Keepsakes
You don't have to be Jane Goodall
You don't have to be Jane Goodall
What would it take for you to help the environment? Do you have to be someone rich, famous, devoted or smart? Of course not. You don't have to be Mother Teresa, Einstein or Jane Goodall. You don't have to be them...
See a few thoughts from our teen intern Senghee, who attends Gandhi Memorial International School in Jakarta.
You don't have to be Jane Goodall
HD Expo Las Vegas
HD Expo Las Vegas
Leaving tomorrow for the big hospitality show of the year, HD Expo in Las Vegas. I'm intrigued with the idea of marketing to high end boutique hotels. I can see my massive organic coffee tables in the lobbies of the top modern boutique hotels. - But it's just in my head at the moment. Will be walking the show again this year to see if I bump into "it".
if you will be attending the HD Expo, and would like to meet for a coffee or to talk tables, I'll only be available Tuesday May 15. You can email me if you'd like to make an appointment. robinwadefurniture@mac.com
HD Expo Las Vegas
Shoutout to J.J. Fellows
Our new contributors generally jump at the opportunity to write about subject matter that they are passionate about, but enticing them to write about themselves has been like pulling teeth. J.J's skills in thoughtful research and writing are amazing, and so appreciated. She's a wonderful role model for the future of our program. I'll be moving her bio over to a new contributor bio page soon, but for now, I just wanted to say thank you J.J.! p.s. J.J. Any chance of a video of your poi spinning??
When not glued to the keyboard, she enjoys hiking, yoga, and spinning poi. For more information visit her website at http://sites.google.com/site/jjfellows/home, or follow her on Google+.
MLK Dedication in Bordeaux
photo by by Vanessa MerinaMLK Dedication in Bordeaux
by Vanessa Merina, Bordeaux
"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
- Martin Luther King, Jr. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions and to underscore French-American relations, the city of Bordeaux recently dedicated part of its waterfront to MLK.
I arrived the afternoon of the dedication just as a crowd was gathering along the river. I recognized the mayor, Alain Juppé, along with folks from the American consulate. There were also a number of community leaders as well as people who’d wandered up, drawn by the activity.
At the appointed time, we all walked along the river and took our places beside several small tents. The ceremony was simple and moving: students from a nearby high school read parts of King’s speeches and both the mayor and a consulate rep spoke, underscoring King’s work toward equality, civil rights and diversity.
I saw a guy handing out flyers and took one. It featured a photo from March 25, 1965 of civil rights marchers massing together on the fifth day of a voter registration march. They were readying, the caption said, to start a three-mile walk to Montgomery, Alabama.
As the speakers continued, I closed my eyes and listened. I’d moved to France in January with a 1-year renewable visitor visa after my boyfriend got a postdoc in medical physics. Since arriving, I’d struggled with the competing pulls of France and home and the challenges of living in a new culture.
The more I listened, however, the more I began to feel at peace with our decision to uproot. Here was a remarkable individual—MLK—whose work was valued by two differing cultures. King, who’d gathered together a range of people to live together as brothers. King, who celebrated diversity in the midst of working toward a common good.
After the ceremony, I walked home through the streets of Bordeaux as though seeing them for the first time: their chatting residents, their crowded bakeries and shops. It was a quiet shift—to finally feel welcomed as part of my adopted city.
MLK Dedication in Bordeaux
Planing Oak Slabs today
Planing Oak Slabs today
These beautiful massive oak slabs were calling to be planed on this crisp blue sky day. The slabs were three years air drying before sent to the kiln for their final cure.
These biguns are almost too heavy to turn over for planing the second side.
Planing Oak Slabs today
It's Human Rights Day for Vietnam on May 11, 2012
http://xuandienhannom.blogspot.comIt's Human Rights Day for Vietnam on May 11, 2012
by Liz Mihaljevic, Zadar Croatia
Eighteen years ago, the United States Congress designated May 11 as Vietnam Human Rights Day to highlight our nation’s support for protecting and promoting basic freedoms in Vietnam. Despite ongoing struggles, U.S. officials routinely make the point that America supports a strong Vietnam, and that if the government in Hanoi gives a greater say to its people, it will only make the country stronger.
It's Human Rights Day for Vietnam on May 11, 2012
Nature Deficit Disorder - an article
Nature Deficit Disorder by Melissa Hawthorne
Growing up as a country girl, I had the joy of experiencing nature, in its rawest forms, outside my front door every day. In fact, I have an early memory of a snake literally falling out of a tree, landing on my very surprised dad one morning as he left the house. I spent long days of my youth in the woods, the prairie, the pasture, the creek, or the swamp. Though it was often taken for granted, I am intrigued by the idea that many people have not had this same opportunity. When I heard about Nature Deficit Disorder, I just had to write about it. I hope you enjoy! --M.H.
To view the article "Nature Deficit Disorder", click here!
Nature Deficit Disorder by Melissa Hawthorne
Life in South Africa - Urban Spaces
Life in South Africa... Where does one start?
by Lauren Kent, Johannesburg
I’d like to start with the urban spaces.
This is often the last association that people have with South Africa and the rest of the African continent. When people come to South Africa, they expect it to be a country of rolling hills and scantily clad dancers. But even South Africans can have funny views of the rest of the continent.
I spent seven months in other Southern and East African countries recently and so often my South African friends
would ask if I was going to have cell 
I think the general conclusion to this is that the idea of modern urban space is still something that people do not associate with South African and the rest of the continent. So now, I will begin to introduce you to this idea.
Welcome to Jozi (Johannesburg), city full of energy and flux, decay and rebuilding. A city many want to leave, and even more want to come to. A place of refuge from those with hardly anything; a place of nothing for those with even less. It is a city of youth, and place where slowly the young are reclaiming her space. A place of art, corporate businesspeople and contrasts. This is my space and this is where I come from.
Life in South Africa... Where does one start?
Experimenting with Amaranth
Experimenting with Amaranth
by Kristi Anderson, Biloxi
We’ve been experimenting with something new at our house this week. We discovered amaranth at the local whole foods store and decided to give it a try. I was intrigued by the tiny grains and versatility – amaranth can be ground into flour, popped, or sprouted. Since the whole crew already loves sprouts, we started there.
I’m experienced at sprouting, but found that amaranth posed a couple challenges. The tiny size causes a lot of clumping and makes it difficult to drain. I found that pouring it into a small mesh strainer and gently separating while I rinsed worked well. I also tilted the sprouting jar in a measuring cup for an hour or so after rinsing just to be sure it didn’t stay too wet.
The deep red color and amazing sweet smell of these tiny sprouts made us all eager to try them. I served them on top of our salad with dinner, but my five year old helped himself to a whole bowl of just sprouts and devoured them.
I think that amaranth will become a regular part of our diet as we try to cut out more gluten. In addition to being gluten free, it is low in fat and high in protein, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Experimenting with Amaranth
What benefits do the Wetlands Provide?
What benefits do the Wetlands Provide?
by Tavia Meares, Murphreesboro
Marshlands and wetlands may appear to serve no purpose to us, not many people live there, so why care? This could not be further from the truth. A large area of Louisiana is made up of wetlands, and this area is essential for the survival of not only Louisiana, but anyone that eats seafood here in America. There are seven main functions that the wetlands serve: culture, fisheries, habitat, navigation, oil and gas, storm protection,water quality and agriculture. All of these categories are an integrated part of the landscape of the wetlands, and one cannot be removed or damaged without effects reaching into all other areas.
Here are some quick statistics on how much we depend on this area: 25% of the seafood harvested in the United States comes from Louisiana (Louisiana’s Coast, 2012). Since there is a “dead zone” forming just off the coast, and the wetlands are being destroyed, the amount of available seafood will continue to decline rapidly. A “dead zone” is a zone where there is no oxygen in water, and therefore no life. Also, every 2.7 miles of wetland area absorbs about one foot of storm surge (Louisiana’s Coast). This is why New Orleans did not flood 200 years ago when hurricanes hit, but then it did during Hurricane Katrina. If the buffer zone had still been intact, the pressure would not have been so great on the levies, and the outcome could have been drastically different.These statistics are just a small part of the issue, and only scratch the surface of what destruction of the wetlands can result in. If Hurricane Katrina was bad, and we thought it was the end of New Orleans, just imagine what will happen 100 years from now when the entire area of protection is nonexistent.
Louisiana’s Coast.(2012). Coastal Protection and Restoration. Retrieved from http://coastal.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=112.
Lead Poisoning - The Hidden Dangers
Lead Poisoning - The Hidden Dangers
by Kristi Anderson, Biloxi
Lead Poisoning isn't one of those causes with a bumper sticker or a cute little ribbon. Despite decades of research showing that no amount of lead exposure is safe, and that irreversible damage occurs at very low blood lead levels, the dangers of lead exposure remain largely ignored. We’re exposed to lead every day. You can’t smell it, taste it, or see it, but it can be found in many common items including apple juice, lipstick, mini blinds, toys, and dishware. Even low level lead exposure has been linked to lower IQ, anemia, behavior problems, cardiovascular disease, learning difficulties, and aggression. The estimated cost benefit ratio of investing in lead prevention programs is better than that of standard vaccination programs with every dollar spent equaling $17 - $220 saved. Mounting pressure by scientists, researchers, and advocacy groups to lower the blood level of concern has been largely ignored by the CDC and this year the budget for the CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention program was cut by 94%. Lead poisoning is not reversible, but it is preventable. Having adequate calcium, iron, and vitamin C in your diet has been shown to reduce the amount of lead your body absorbs. The best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family is to become educated on this subject and do your best to minimize your exposure to lead.
Lead Poisoning - The Hidden Dangers
Going 웰빙(well-being): Vegetarianism in South Korea
A typical, traditional Korean mealGoing 웰빙(well-being): Vegetarianism in South Korea
by Jang Boo Lee (James), Seoul
Well-being, organic, slow-food. These three words are the recent 'buzzwords' in Korean food marketing. As organic slow-foods that promote the well-being of the consumers are becoming all the rage these days in Korea, the number of vegetarian options in restaurants have been steadily increasing. As a vegetarian living in Korea, that is great news for me indeed. However, while I am happy about this recent change, I believe that Korea still has a long way to go.
I decided to become vegetarian about 10 months ago, and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. However, as fellow vegetarians might know, being vegetarian isn't easy, especially in a place where vegetarianism isn't very well-known.
A typical, traditional South Korean meal usually consists of a bowl of rice, some kind of soup, and a couple side dishes, mostly vegetables - in other words, an ideal meal for us vegetarians. However, with Korea's economic growth and increased Western influence, meat has been gradually been taking the place of vegetables on dinner tables in Korea. As more people look for Western food and more meat, restaurants that serve traditional Korean food with only vegetables have become a rare sight. What's even more rare are Korean vegetarians.
The number of vegetarian Korean friends I have are countable on one hand, and the looks I get when I tell my Korean friends that I am vegetarian are always the same: surprise and worry. Many tell me that I am their first vegetarian friend, and they worry that I am not getting enough nutrients. The many myths about vegetarianism are still prevalent in Korea, and most of my friends have no idea why I would voluntarily do such a thing to myself. Even those who eat mostly plant-based food rarely declare themselves 'vegetarian', and do it only for health-related reasons.
I believe that becoming vegetarian is a great way to help the environment and speak out against the cruel practices often incorporated with meat production. Though we may have a long way to go, with proper awareness and support, I believe Korea can also become a vegetarian-friendly country.
Going 웰빙(well-being): Vegetarianism in South Korea
WWOOFing adventures with Hannah
WWOOFing adventures with Hannah
By Hannah
Hello there! My name is Hannah, and I am a guest blogger with a background in architecture and design, plus a passion for the environment, organic and local food, and naturopathic medicine, among other things.
Today I’m here to talk about my experience with an organization that has a big heart and a funny name. "WWOOF", as it is affectionately known, is an acronym for the organization called "Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms". As the name suggests, it is a worldwide network that matches organic farming opportunities with willing volunteers. As a worker, you live on the farm and eat there for free in exchange for about 4-5 hours of work per day on average, though the arrangements may vary from host to host. It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of exchange, be outside, get your hands dirty, and meet kindred spirits while learning and having lots of fun in the process. It’s also a great way to travel the world.
My WWOOFing experience led me to the magical Island of Corsica, situated in the Mediterranean Sea between France and Italy. I had two separate WWOOFing adventures, the first being a volunteer at an organic, biodynamic winery in northern Corsica. I got to be a part of each step of the winemaking process, from picking the grapes, loading them onto the tractor, watching them go through the machine that separates the fruit from the stems, and loading them into the giant 15-foot-tall vats where they undergo the fermentation process. Twice a day, we had to perform a process called "remontage du vin", which is the process of re-circulating the wine in the vat. A large hose is attached to the bottom with the other end held by a person sitting on a catwalk at the top of the vat spraying the liquid back down inside. This is important for several reasons: it aerates the wine, prevents it from drying out, and encourages the grape skins to circulate through the liquid and release more color into the wine. Our winemaking was interspersed with trips to the beach, bonfires, lazy afternoons in the sun, tending to the chickens and the garden, and visiting the nearby towns of St. Florent and Bastia. When I think about the sheer amount of things I learned, like how much my French improved, the incredible places I saw and the people I met, I can’t believe I was only there for two weeks.
The next leg of my adventure brought me south to the town of Petreto-Bicchisano, where I stayed with a lovely group of English people on a smallholding surrounded by mountains. They had an incredible garden, growing all kinds of things like tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, beets, pumpkin, zucchini, kale, broccoli, leeks, carrots, basil, sage, rosemary, thyme, and lest I forget the abundant fig trees that always served as our solution to what was for dessert. I landed in the right place at the right time, as the host family was just beginning to renovate a chalet on their property and asked me to help with the architecture. A chance to create a sustainable home, grow organic produce, cook with ingredients from the garden, and spend my days with wonderful people surrounded by scenery more beautiful than I could ever dream of? Somebody pinch me.
WWOOF is a worldwide network, so whether you live in France or Florida, you can sign up on the website of the country you wish to volunteer in and find a farm near you (or far away, if that’s what you desire)! You could spend a week’s vacation volunteering, or take a year off and WWOOF around the world. It’s all up to you, and waiting for you at www.wwoof.org.
WWOOFing adventures with Hannah
Pleasant surprises of a coffee shop connoisseur in Seoul
Pleasant surprises of a coffee shop connoisseur in Seoul
by Michael Jones, Seoul
I'm a coffee shop connoisseur. At least I like to think I am. Since moving 10 years ago from British Columbia, Canada, I've been searching for the perfect little place to sip coffee, read a book and if possible impress a date. In Korea, finding such a place has been a long time coming. During my first year here, I'll never forget the difficulty of searching to locate coffee that wasn't pre-packaged and instant.
If globalization has benefits, it is that young Korean entrepreneurs have taken flight from their native land and have drunk deeply from the cultures around the planet. Soon Nam Lee and her husband Won Min both spent several years frolicking around the cafes of Europe sipping and searching for ideas to adopt and bring home. Their overseas adventures culminated in professional barista training from the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe. The vision they returned to Korea with is the subject of this piece.
Upon entering, I was warmly welcomed. I ordered a latte and asked if I might snap some photos. After explaining that I was reporting for a online "forum", Soon Nam whipped up one of her specialties. Before me in a beautifully designed espresso cup, she placed her version of caffe con panna.
Caffe con panna (pronounced 'panya') is made by adding a cold drop of fresh whipped cream into hot espresso. Sipping the soft cool cream surrounded by hot coffee sent my senses into a whirl. It tasted like a frozen treat wrapped in a warm chocolatey bed, and was positively delightful.
Soon Nam and her husband have built a brilliant little shop. Its filled with the sorts of tiny features that suggest a careful attention to detail.
They have made it their mission to pass on the beauty of European coffee culture to their Korean fellows. Once a month they teach coffee roasting classes and offer monthly tastings. According to Soon Nam, the tastings are always very popular. She recommended that I sign up. She explained that it would make a great date. I agreed.
I love little surprises. Discovering The Republic of Coffee made my day.
People say we should experience something new each and every day. I think that is excellent advice. Sitting and enjoying The Republic of Coffee has provided me with just that: the taste of something new and a unique idea for a romantic evening.
Pleasant surprises of a coffee shop connoisseur in Seoul
Alabama is a better place thanks to Georgine
I'm so sorry to see that we lost Alabama Arts dear friend, Georgine Clarke. It's not hard to instantly move to gratitude for all the wonderful work she immersed herself in. The arts in Alabama have so much to be thankful to Georgine for. What an inspiration Georgine - is.
Summer Internship
2012 Summer Internship
We are still accepting applications for our three month summer internship. If you'd like to learn more, select the black logo to the left.
**Note; if you have applied but haven't heard back yet, don't worry. We didn't expect the amazing response we have received. Going through every application. And will reply to each one. You are welcome to send a pleasant reminder just to make sure we didn't lose you somehow.;)