Category Archives: Eco

Crafters Take the Crap Out of Christmas!

Crafters Take the Crap Out of Christmas!

Crap plate by Vintage Silver

The following is a press release from Jen Matlack of Milly Gilly House & Garden–

 

On Sunday, December 4, from 12 to 4pm at Molten Java, 102 Greenwood Ave., in Bethel, four crafters plan to take THE CRAP OUT OF CHRISTMAS by offering their thoughtfully handmade wares in HOT CUP O’ HANDMADE, an event that will feature everything from one-of-a-kind clothes made out of clothes, cleverly recycled jewelry, and verdant terrariums made from twice-loved glass and silver.

According to Lys Guillorn, owner of Little Cowgirl, who will have a table at the event, “It’s much cooler to make stuff, or buy it from folks who made it, grew it, baked it, sewed it, upcycled it, painted it, wrote it, or micro-manufactured it.”

We couldn’t agree more! And we’d love for you to let readers know about the show.

In addition to Little Cowgirl, which features handmade buttons, jewelry and other fun and funky stuff, there will be three other artists:

* Folk Couture. A fabulous clothing line designed by Danbury resident, Grace Napoleon, who creates clothes out of well, clothes! Completely recycled, hand-stitched, and wonderful, these pieces range from sweaters to ballgowns each with its own personality. Grace sells her threads in New York, Boston, Brooklyn, and Providence. This will be her only “appearance” in Connecticut before the holidays!
* Twitch and Whiskers. Owner and elementary school teacher, Mei-Ling Uliasz, designs jewelry out of cast away vintage gems and inspiring items from the recycling bin. She loves giving new life to old objects with a twist of whimsy and humor. She offers upcycled one-of-a-kind pieces, thimbilism necklaces, and REcap bracelets. Everything is lovingly made by hand.

* Milly Gilly House & Garden. Jen Matlack repurposes vintage silverware into garden markers, garlands, and ornaments, all embellished by hand with original illustrations. A nature lover at heart (and passionate gardener) Matlack also designs terrariums using second-hand glass and silver. Additionally, she makes ribbon that you won’t feel guilty using: it’s biodegradable–food for worms! Two years ago, Matlack was featured as a seller on ETSY — too exciting!

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High School Students! Live Green & WIN Green!

High School Students! Live Green & WIN Green!

The following is information from CL&P’s website about a contest for high school students–

How “Green” is Your School?

2011-2012 “Live Green – Win Green” contest coming soon!

Click here to view 2010-2011 “Live Green – Win Green” student entries!

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High school students throughout the CL&P service area will be competing for $35,000 in prize money that they can apply to the green project they envision for their school. The grand prize winner will recieve a $20,000 grant and 3 runners-up will each be awarded $5,000 grants. It’s a simple as putting together a two-minute video and an essay telling us how your school is going green, and how the prize money can help you achieve your goals.

Thanks to all the schools that entered in the 2010-2011 Connecticut Light & Power “Live Green – Win Green” contest! We certainly hope you will be back for this year’s contest.

Contest Information

What?

Green thinking has become one of the most important and necessary lifestyle changes in the 21st century. The Live Green – Win Green competition has been put in place to build green awareness with Connecticut high school students and to reward the schools who support students making their school a greener place. Connecticut Light & Power is challenging students to tell us why and how we should help you help your school become more “green.”

Who?

Live Green – Win Green is sponsored by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P). CL&P is Connecticut’s largest utility company, supplying more than 1.2 million Connecticut residents and businesses with electricity. CL&P plays a major role in the growth and vitality of Connecticut’s economy and quality of life. They are dedicated to educating future generations about using energy more wisely and being more environmentally conscious.

How?

Each entrant (either group or individual) must submit a video and a short essay. Each entry must be made by a school administrator or faculty advisor on behalf of the students who develop the submission.

Video – Students must produce a two minute video showcasing the changes you and your fellow students are making to conserve energy and make your school environmentally friendly. Creativity counts so make sure these videos are fun and exciting. Each video must be uploaded to http://www.clpenvironments.com/LiveGreenWinGreen.php by the date specified below.

Essay – Write an essay (maximum 1000 words) telling us about other environmental and energy efficiency changes you would like to see implemented at your school, but currently lack the financial resources to accomplish. We’re looking for real commitment to effective changes that are creative and sustainable.

When?

Entries will be accepted online at http://www.clpenvironments.com/LiveGreenWinGreen.php between February 13 and February 29, 2012. Winners will be announced in April, 2012.

Where can I learn more and see last year’s entrants? Please visit http://www.clpenvironments.com and click Live Green Win Green for more info and to see all of last year’s great entrants.