Made in the USA

Sustainably Sadie

Made in the USA

As we celebrate this week, I think one of the greatest ways we practice sustainably is by buying American.  I love seeing that Made in the USA sticker on the products I buy.  A close second would be Made in Canada, and then maybe Hecho en Mexico, but I fear that products that come from developing countries were created in sweat shop conditions.   But Made in the USA, can’t beat it…except for our televisions and computers. 

The best quality electronics may come from Asia, but I am so sick and tired of seeing ‘from China’ on the bottles of apple juice I buy for my children.  I pay twice as much for 100% American apples!  I don’t want Chinese apples—I’m sure they’re delicious but I live thousands of miles from China.  How long ago were those apples picked?  And by whom?  Are we shipping American apples to China to be processed and then shipping the juice in plastic containers back to the states?  I just want Washington apples, just a few hundred miles away, but I have to pay top dollar for that luxury. 

Look around your home and pat yourself on the back for each Made in the USA sticker you spot.  Your patriotic contribution may be larger than you imagine.  And you may be surprised by some of the products that are made in the good ol’ U S of A.  Check out the products you purchase the most.  Where is your toothpaste manufactured?  Your beer?  Your coffee?  So much is outsourced these days.  When you have a chance to buy close to home, do it!  Support your local community, support your country and Buy American!

Twin Bits

The GRVCCA monthly meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday July 10^th, Noon at RVNB due to the holiday. 

The Twin Bridges Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday 9 am to Noon.  The Hutterites will return Saturday July 7^th and, for the rest of the summer, will be at every TB Farmer’s Market.  

 Coree Martin has stepped down as Twin Bridges Farmer’s Market “Market Master.”  In the interim, the TBCA is looking for TBCA members, as well as nonmembers to "adopt a market day".  Duties would include: putting out signage on Friday afternoon, being at Main Street Park at 8 am, on Saturday, to greet vendors, help with set up, document vendors, collect fees, & to help with break down at noon. The task is relatively simple but as there is not one person to do it all, we would greatly appreciate a donated Saturday.
Volunteers are needed for the following dates:
July 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th (4Fs)
August 4th, 11th (Fair), 18th, 25th
September 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd. 29th
If you are interested in hosting a particular date, please contact Paula Kinoshita, at The Old Hotel (684-5959) ASAP, as we would like to get the rest of the season sorted out.
In addition, we are looking for a new Market Master for Summer Season 2013. If you or anyone you know might be interested, please contact me for further details.

Jackson’s Garden in Sheridan has a new VISTA summer associate who is coordinating activities at the Garden including Volunteer work days, the Kids’ Club program and the Thursday night Farmer’s Market.  Volunteer work days are Tuesdays and Saturdays, 8 am to 1 pm.  Thursday Farmer’s Market is 5 pm to 7 pm at the Main Street Park, corner of Main Street and Mill.  Jackson's Garden is sponsoring a summer Kid's Club, a youth led organization open to all kids of the Ruby Valley, ages 6 to 12 years old.  The Kid's Club will plant, tend and harvest vegetables from their own plot as well as experience preparing and tasting healthy foods.  Art projects and having fun at the Garden are also planned. 

The Kid's Club will meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 10am to 12pm at the Garden.  July 11 is the date of next Kids’ Club.  Snacks will be served and parents are encouraged to attend. Please contact Janet Marsh at 842-5888 for more information or Check out Jackson’s Garden website, https://sites.google.com/site/jacksonsgardeninc/home and *Like* them on Facebook. 

Sheridan Festival & Car Show is Saturday July 28 and Sunday July 29.  Activities include BBQ, art show, great music and more!

Floating Flotillas and Fish Fantasies in Twin Bridges is Saturday July 28.  Activities include 3 on 3 basketball tournament, River Parade, Kids Games, BBQ and more! 

River’s Edge Gallery hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday thru Saturday. 

Plastic Recycling at the TB Landfill first Saturday of the month—July 7^th is the next date to bring your Number 1 and Number 2 (look on the bottom of the container, the tiny number inside the recycling symbol) up to the landfill. 

I’m here to help promote Ruby Valley events and spread community information.  Post comments at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com, email sustainablysadie@hotmail.com, call 406-531-1422 and send snail mail to P.O. Box 491, TB  59754.  Thanks for reading and sharing, Sarah Miller.