Recyclable isn't enough!

Still reading... And I'm getting VERY annoyed with the word 'recyclable'.  What good is something that is 'recyclable' if there is no where to recycle it.  Why do we have a plethora of plastics in our packaging if only types 1 & 2 are easily recyclable?  I've been chatting with some friends in Toronto - who are in the midst of a new garbage and recycling plan - and they are having the hardest time with all of their garbage.  Its time to stand up to all those silly companies who say its 'recyclable'. If the facilities don't exist for consumers - it becomes landfill.  Just needed to say that.

Something I didn't Know

I am in the midst of reading an article about Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) - from which I gather is a chemical used extensively in the creation of water-repellant finishes on textiles.  So I found a word/element I had never heard about before - I'm sure it existed back in the days of high school chemistry - but we certainly didn't talk about it.  Ytterbium(Yb)... They are looking to use it as an alternative catalyst to create a water and oil repellant finish.  As I read through this post, the more I see that it makes no sense.  I'll read more about it and I'll try to figure out how to tell you more about it.  But enjoy the new word... Ytterbium.. 

Textile Group

So I'm always looking for groups doing something more organized about sustainability and textiles.... Well I found another one.  RITE (Reducing the Impact of Textiles on the Environment) has a mandate of exactly what their title says, and has founding members from Leeds University, Marks & Spencer, and EcoTextile News.  They are having a conference on October 7th, 2008 - which I'm pretty sure I'll be going to (wild horses couldn't keep me away).  Thanks to EcoTextile News for the info (and thank you to the UAL library for finally getting EcoTextile News in the library).

Great Postcard in the Mail

From my Lovely Jenn... I got a wonderful postcard with this image on it - and most importantly this quote....

"If I was concerned about being accepted, I would have been doing Ansel Adams lookalikes, because that was easily accepted. Everything I did was never accepted... but luckily for me, my interest in the subject and my passion of the subject took me to the point that I wasn't wounded by that, and eventually people came around to me."
Duane Michals

Digital ReadyMade

Woo-hoo to digital media!  I've been pining for my ReadyMade Mag for while (I even missed an issue now that I live on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean).  When I heard that they came out with a digital issue I nearly jumped out of my chair with happiness and joy.  Its even free this month - and its the green issue, how much better could it actually get?  Now if only Selvedge (there's a link down on the sidebar to that one) went back to the digital issue too - then I would be a happy camper - but at least I can get that one at the library now. 

Waiting for an epiphany

I'm waiting for my epiphany, its there I know it, about 5 inches to the right of my grasp.  Its wholey annoying - I know its there, something actually interesting, and hopefully new.  I'll just keep on reading and hoping something will catalyze a kick-ass concept.  I'll let you know if and when it happens.

To Read

I just want to remind myself to read this... Its Ann Thorpe on Design as activism from treehugger.  Sorry for the lack of posts - I've been out galavanting.  Read this too..