Hi all. This past weekend, Andrea and I had the pleasure to participate in Earth Fest 2009. The event was awesome, the weather was great, and the kids were energetic. Since this event was geared toward children, Consciously Rebuilding decided to tweak our normal learning method (video presentation) to be more interactive, creative, and artistic. The children were to collect 10 stamps from various vendors and in return receive a prize. To get a stamp from our table, the kids were to help us decorate our "tree" with leaves (very appropriate for spring). On the leaves, we asked them to draw something that they believe is both good for the earth and good for them (teaching them that the 2 are 1 in the same). To help them out, on the back of our postcards were picture clues (i.e. recycling, planting a garden, picking up trash, etc.). This event will resonate with me as some things stood out: 1- Crayons + Markers + Tape + a cardboard tree = fun for kids, 2- Many kids immediately recognized the "no smoking" sign and said they didn't like the smoke, creating some discomfort between the smoking parent and our activity, 3- The kids new a lot about recycling and the importance or cleaning up. I accredit this to parents, schooling, and the media's interest in green.
The event was successful, reaching over 230 kids and 25 adults who made their initial step toward healthier living for our bike raffle (which will be drawn this Sunday March 29, 2009).
Here are some pics, and at the end of the Earth Fest gallery are our results. Enjoy.
Yasmin
Day 1 Final Tree
EARTH FEST 2009@ AUDUBON ZOO!!!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
EARTH FEST 2009!!!!!!
My faves!!! The kids were so adorable and all of the leaves are priceless...Here are some that stood out.
The tree in the water was drawn by little boy who said it was a Cyprus Tree. Gotta love it.
Majora Carter in the Lower 9th Ward
Wednesday, March 18, 2009On Monday, March 16, 2009, I had the pleasure to be inspired by Majora Carter--philanthropist, activist, community organizer, and environmental consultant, amongst other great things. I was first introduced to her at the Green For All Conference
http://consciouslyrebuilding.blogspot.com/2008/04/dream-reborn.html
She is an inspiration to Consciously Rebuilding, as she is on her quest for environmental justice. Her presentation described the parallels between New Orleans and the Bronx, New York. It was intriguing to see similarities in demography, geography, blended cultures, and American Music (Jazz and Hip Hop). It was also interesting to be presented concrete facts on health effects that low-income, politically vulnerable, and/or communities of color endure due to their disproportionate exposure to pollution. Like Consciously Rebuilding, Majora Carter advocates for justice, environmental,and health equity for these recovering communities. The power of voice is awesome as her words resonated with me and excited me about my own journey.
Check out her newly found company
http://www.majoracartergroup.com/
The Commercial that she's featured in is also a fave!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_yQyjaVK88
Glass Recycling Drive #2
Saturday, March 14, 2009I am super excited to report that despite being rained out, 2 people came out to the Sankofa Marketplace to bring me glass goodies. I must have over 200 bottles---way more than last time. "I"ccessorize will launch their eco-friendly line in July 2009 and if this is successful, Consciously Rebuilding will officially launch the arts program fall 2009.
Until then.....save your glass and bring it to Sankofa (St.Claude and Caffin) on the 2nd Saturdays of the month.
Yasmin