Going green has gained enormous support and popularity around the world so what comes next?  An environmental film festival… Duh! On June 5-6, the Ketelhuis Cinema in Amsterdam will offer environmental films, interviews with directors, and world premieres for the eco-minded.  Strawberry Earth is the host and Green Choice will be using green power for the entire event.  The film festival is donating funds to make the location a greener environment.  The Ketelhuis Cinema will also contribute funds to Greenpeace for the next ten years! “Besides getting an eco-education, your money also supports a really cool local project.” (Treehugger.com)  Learn more about this film festival.

– Brittany, KIWI intern and cinema addict

The rain outside is another reminder that April has arrived. It’s the week of Passover and Easter and all I can think about is planning my Earth Day celebrations. Last April 22nd we celebrated Earth Day with our list of top 22 fun ways to celebrate our planet.

This year, celebrate Earth Day by volunteering at a local, organic farm or donating to an environmental organization. KIWI will be attending the 1st Annual Earth Day Festival at Carusi Middle School located at 315 Roosevelt Drive in Cherry Hill, NJ on Saturday, April 18th from 11am – 3pm. On April 22nd we’ll be digging in the dirt at Mill Creek Farm located at 49th and Brown in Philadelphia, PA.

What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day?  Tell us by posting a comment below

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of Mother Earth

An article in yesterday morning’s paper reported that this year, thrift store sales have skyrocketed.  Considering the current state of the economy, as well as the ever-growing movement to reduce, reuse, and recycling, this comes as no surprise.  Whether it’s out of concern for the planet or simply an effort to save some money doesn’t make much difference to me–people are consuming less, and that translates to less focus on the material, as well as less junk in our landfills.

While people are embracing the awesomeness that is second-hand (where else can you find a perfectly worn-in pair of Gap jeans for $6?), however, the article also reported that thrift store donations are way down.  Clearly there’s an imbalance here, and it needs to be fixed!

March is the perfect month to take on some spring cleaning.  While it’s tempting to make a little extra money by selling your unwanted goods at a garage sale or consignment shop, think about organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army who could really use them.  And remember, these places don’t just take clothes–thrift stores will happily accept your old linens, cookware, toys, furniture, and even electronics.

Marygrace, KIWI intern and thrift store junkie