Dear Co-op America, I enjoy sewing and prefer to use eco-friendly fabrics. Can you help me find sources of hemp, hemp-blend, and organic fabrics by the yard?
— Ann Byrd, e-mail
OF COURSE! Conventional cotton farming uses tons of toxic pesticides, which are not employed when growing organic cotton. And hemp can be easily grown without pesticides. Also, by choosing eco-fabrics, you’re most likely supporting small, family farmers or farmers’ cooperatives.
You can order fabric from companies like these — or ask your local store to stock their goods:
The Moonbath Shop, www.moon bathshop.com, sells hemp, hemp-blend, and organic cotton fabrics.
Heart of Vermont, 802-476-3098, www.heartofvermont.com, offers organic cotton fabrics in a variety of textures.
If you’re into interior decorating, Furnature, www.furnature.com, 800-326-4895, and www.Greensage.com
sell fabric for upholstery and window treatments in organic cotton. Greensage.com also offers hemp, hemp-blend, and other natural fibers.
If you need fabrics for formalwear, www.Organicweddings.com offers beautiful hemp, hemp-silk blends, and silk.
NearSea Naturals, 877-573-2913, www.nearseanaturals.com, specializes in organic cotton, organic wool, and hemp-wool blend fabric and notions.
Organic Cotton Plus, 866-784-0374, www.organiccottonplus.com, lives up to its name with a variety of colors and textures.
Find plenty of hemp and hemp-blend fabrics at Earth Friendly Goods, 877-447-1521, www.earthfriendlygoods.com.
Wildrose Farm Organics, 218-562-4864, www.wildrosefarm.com, not only offers organic cotton, but also fleece made from recycled soda bottles.
DEAR CO-OP AMERICA, We’re seniors who are interested in taking a volunteer vacation especially for older folks. Do you know of any organizations that could help us out?
— Lois and John in Springfield, Ill.
YOU MIGHT want to check out the organization Elderhostel. Started 30 years ago, Elderhostel (877-426-8056) offers educational adventures especially for people 55 and older with destinations in all 50 states and more than 90 countries. These vacations are priced as low as $500 (including lodging and meals) for a weeklong experience.
You two might be most interested in Elderhostel’s service programs, which allow you to serve the needs of a community. Options this summer include a trip to the Ozarks to research heirloom vegetables, or a week in Belize studying the ecological needs of bottlenose dolphins.
If you want to explore North America, you can take an education-based Elderhostel trip to delve into American history and culture.
If you want family members to join you, consider an Elderhostel intergenerational tour. Options this summer include a bicycle tour across Arizona.
For the more physically active seniors, Elderhostel’s outdoor vacation options include hiking, kayaking, biking, and more. And their Adventures Afloat tours combine learning with vacation aboard boats.
Living Green is brought to you by Co-op America, a DC-based nonprofit that provides green living, purchasing, and investing tips and resources. To join Co-op America and get a free copy of the National Green Pages™ directory of green businesses, contact 800-58-GREEN, www.coopamerica.org. If you have a question for Living Green, e-mail [click to e-mail].