Spring Break in Belize
The group I was with arrived later in the afternoon by boat on the island of South Water Caye. We were tired, sticky and encrusted with salt from the boat trip, and we wanted showers. We soon found out that this was not a luxury they had. This island gets all of its power through generators and solar panels. It gets its water from rainfall and a small well under the island. The dry season in this place lasts for almost five months, and we were in it. Our showers were military style; you get in, wet your hair and body, turn off the water, scrub, turn the shower back on, rinse, turn off the water and you’re done. These showers also had nobs that you had to hold in place if you wanted more water and if you let go the water would turn off. The reason for this is because they need to reserve water for the months to come.
For energy they turn off all electricity at 10 o'clock sharp, so you have no lights and no water pressure (except the toilets and sink). The people on this island cut down on luxuries to elongate the amount of time they have water and power. Just think, if parts of the world started doing the same, how much energy and water could we save? This trip to the island taught me that not everyone is as fortunate as I and that cutting down on luxuries could help elongate our time on this planet.
Green Up Keene Day
21/04/09 19:24 Filed in: volunteering | Mina
Thanks!
I wanted to take a little time to thank everyone that has help me and the GKT team to start this club. There are so many people that helped in some many ways. So this blog is a pat on the back to them. Thank you for all you have done!
My parents are I think the most important people that have helped me personally pursue this club. They have been so supportive of me taking all these risks. They believe in me and that I’m very thankful for. They have both lent GKT money to get the fundraisers and the projects like the t-shirts going. We are keeping a tally of all that we owe them so we can pay back every cent. Without their giving-ness it would have been a lot harder to get the club started as well. My mom, Steph, has thought of many possible fundraising ideas with her creative mind. She has opened her home to all these girls to come over to her house and raid her space. But she never gets overwhelmed, and she is always ready to offer us a place to work if needed. My dad, Dan, has helped us purchase products for fundraising, and start and manage the website. Without their encouragement I don’t think I would have really had the guts to start what I did.
Barbara and Michael from 24 Carrots are still spreading the word about our team to everyone that puts a toe over their front door. They also got us an ad in the Shopper News and a contact to do a press release. I’m unbelievably happy the have them as friends and mentors - I can’t even explain it. They keep on the flow of orders for our laundry soap. The soap is currently being sold at the Farmstand. Since they are spreading the word about my club I’m trying to spread the word about their store. So if you live in the Keene area, check out there store, it is amazing!
Megan and Jennifer from Hannah Grimes have helped in many ways from having a sale in front of their store on a Saturday in early April and selling our Easter themed products in the store to advertising in their newsletter about the event and a little blurb in the Keene Sentinel on the Environmental page. They have opened the Hannah Grimes Center to supply us a meeting place in the last few months of the school year. They are so open to trying to help people to do the best they can do (like GKT)! Next time you are in downtown Keene stop by Hannah Grimes. They have products from many different artists, companies, and places in the local area. You might even find some GKT products!
As a result to all these people more and more people and groups are getting in contact with me about Green Keene Teens because they are curious about what we are up to. Campus Ecology at Keene State College has offered a place for us at their last event of their Earth Week happening this coming week. Holly Gowdy, who works for UNH and oversees the 4-H clubs in this part of the state stopped by our last to offer any help to our club that we might need or get us more information about anything we are researching on our projects. Jason Etheridge also sat in on the meeting and told us we could have articles published in one of the Keene Public Library’s Teen Advisory Council’s issues if we wanted.
The little things one person can do as I’ve said before, have made a big difference in our world. It’s amazing how one act can snowball into a bigger act or idea. If you are interested in helping or supporting Green Keene Teens please contact me at lucy@greenkeeneteens.com or talk to one of our members. We need your help to become bigger and better than ever!
Anyone who is interested in learning more about us (especially members parents) please come to an event or a meeting, grown-ups that have showed support tell me that we are well put together, mature, and motivated group. So don’t doubt what we are capable of. Because we have just gotten started!
New Members
19/04/09 19:38 Filed in: membership | Mina
GKT Meeting #5
Thanks Hannah Grimes!
13/04/09 18:35 Filed in: green people | Lucy
Before the sale, Megan and Jennifer from Hannah Grimes met with Laura, Alishia, and me, to talk about writing up a press release that would go in their newsletter and maybe even the paper informing the readers about the club and the sale. Laura and Alishia wrote a really great press release. And the day of the sale came fast.
The sale started at about 11:30 on that Saturday morning. The team was prepared for the rainy weather, setting up with a table under an umbrella. The covered table was greatly appreciated when it started to pour! But the girls stayed positive about selling, and I believe we sold at least $100 worth of goods. It ended up being a good day as the remaining members snuggled together as we tried to get rid of our cookies.
For the remainder of the days leading up to Easter, Woolly Eggs, bunnies and baskets were sold at the store. I’m very glad Hannah Grimes has opened their doors to Green Keene Teens. We appreciate all the support they have given us thus far! Please visit the Hannah Grimes website and store for great gift ideas and even GKT products that might be there in the future!
Green doesn't always mean go, go, go
For some great tips on how to save and other green news, check out:
Consumers Power
The Daily Green
Power House
Energy Refuge
Sap Gathering
04/04/09 19:47 Filed in: volunteering | Lucy
(Allie & Brea)
(Mina & Lucy & Beth)
We directed cars to the parking areas, from 8:50 to 2:00. A few of us were bucket fillers, from 12:00 to 4:00. There were hundreds of people at the event, and we were happy to be able to help out.
GKT Meeting #4
