No Plastic Bags In Provo!

*Using my re-suable bags while shopping in the Turks & Caicos*

One thing I hate just as much as animal and child abusers is definitely plastic bags! I really feel that there is NO more need in this world for such senseless waste that is used so mindlessly by people every single day! This year I have made an effort to pack my re-usable bags with me while going on vacation so that I can not only reduce my need for plastic but also promote the use of this easy eco-friendly habit.

I loved shopping this past week on the beautiful island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos. I bought some really cute turtle necklaces from Dive Provo and a Potcake Place t-shirt benefitting an organization that helps the stray animals of TCI. It was so funny to hear my mom say "oh no plastic bags please, we are environmentalists and have our own bags"!!! You don't understand - ever 2 years ago my mom would have said to me "oh relax Nicole! Its only one bag relax!" so it just goes to show you that persistence and speaking up for what you believe in does work out!! (even for my stubborn mom lol)

*My awesome scuba turtle necklace from Dive Provo*

If more and more people start to bring even one re-usable bag with them while on holiday it will really promote the practice to other vacationers and the local people. Think of how many plastic bags we can keep from blowing into the ocean and destroying our precious planet? If every one just took a couple extra minutes in their day to think "how can I make a difference?"

Hopefully in 2 MORE years there will be millions more converts just like my mom!! :)

xoxoxox

Nicole

A Thank You From Jamaica!

Animal-Kind International President Karen Menczer has started distributing the money I raised through my charity garage sale to the intended shelters and rescue groups around the world. I received a wonderful email this week from Deborah Binns telling me how she was going to spend the $150 USD I allocated for her amazing organization: Kingston Community Animal Welfare where Deb dedicates her days (and nights) to caring for stray animals, education the public, getting as many animals spayed & neutered as well as feed those who are dying of starvation.

From Deborah:

Hi Nicole

Thank you so much for your generous donation thru AKI. I have 2 little mutts I took out of the bushes last week, in the dead of night, in heavy rain. They were, unsuccessfully, trying their best to shelter from the wind and rain. They bawled like banshees when I grabbed them but eventually they calmed down after rubbing their ears and giving kisses to the noses! J ( that never fails!) I will be using your contribution to feed, deworm and spay and neuter them. And, I already have a home identified for them but they will remain with me for a while longer cause they are so small.

I am sending some pics of them.

Take care !

Deb

Here are the adorable pictures she shared with me:

I am so proud of all of those who donated to my garage sale and in turn helped raise close to $500!!! I have asked Deborah to name the little girl puppy "Charlotte" in honour of a great family friend of mine who is only 8 years old but is ALWAYS SO GENEROUS with all of my charity garage sales - she continuously donates her old Barbie dolls, Hannah Montana games and toys that she no longer uses. Without her help and contribution, many animals would go hungry tonight so THANK YOU CHARLOTTE!! :) You now have your own puppy in Kingston, Jamaica!!!

Aside from my donation to Deborah I also had Karen distribute the following:

$150.00 to Pilar with Helping Hands For Honduras to use as she needs

$100.00 to the Namibia SPCA to help build new pens/kennels for the dogs

$100.00 to the Bosnia Animal Foundation for their upcoming spay & neuter campaign

$50.00 to the Uganda SPCA to help spay & neuter as many dogs and cats as possible

(this fifty dollars was raised through Cash For Cartrdiges!)

xoxox

Nicole

Refuse Or Reuse Plastic! It's Our Only Option & Only Hope!

xoxox

Nicole