JILLY jellybug partners with African Rainforest Conservancy!

JILLY jellybug is excited to announce it’s partnership with African Rainforest Conservancy (ARC)! ARC conserves and restores African rainforests—among the oldest and most biodiverse in the world—through grassroots conservation and community development. 

Founded in 1991, ARC works alongside its field partner the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG) to support a network of 140 villages in eight mountain and coastal regions throughout Tanzania that are protecting 250,000 acres of forest – an area 300 times the size of New York’s Central Park. Focusing on advocacy, Participatory Forest Management (PFM), environmental education, community development, and biological research, TFCG is a leader in implementing high-impact solutions to address the challenges facing Tanzania’s forests and the millions of people who depend on them.  

And to help ARC celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, JILLY jellybug has designed a special t-shirt just for ARC (and we will donate 15 percent of sales from this custom shirt to ARC!). 

To officially launch the partnership, ARC is giving away a 20th anniversary t-shirt to one of you! Visit the ARC blog this week to learn more and enter the contest!

Japan's earthquake disaster may boost rainforest logging in Borneo

Malaysian loggers say Japan's recovery from last week's devastating earthquake and tsunami will boost demand for rainforest timber, reports the Borneo Post. AmResearch, an investment research firm based in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, said logging companies that export plywood to Japan are poised to benefit from reconstruction.


Read more here: http://news.mongabay.com/2011/0313-japan_sarawak_logging.html

10 countries that will change your life

Some holiday destinations are good for just that: holidays. Getting away from it all. You turn up, have a little look around, drink a few beers, buy a few souvenirs, and go home.

It’s nice, but it’s not going to rock your world. It’s not going to change who you are, or how you look at the world.

And that’s fine. But travel can be a lot more than that. If you’re looking for a country that will change your life, then these are the places to start: Laos, Mexico, Japan, India, South Africa, Germany, Brazil, Uganda, China and Cambodia.

--Ben Groundwater
Read the full story

Chimpanzee and gorilla heads and body parts seized in Gabon

Five people were arrested for the cache which included the head and hands of an endangered gorilla, 12 chimpanzee heads and 30 chimpanzee hands. WWF called for a tough judicial approach to act as a deterrent. Africa's wildlife is often poached for the profitable bushmeat trade or for use in traditional good luck charms. Gabon's rainforests teem with wildlife, including lowland gorillas and forest elephants - and national parks make up around one tenth of the country.

Read more at BBC News Africa

Danger to Great Barrier Reef from Queensland Flooding

Marine life in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef could be at risk from the effects of intense flooding across Queensland, environmental officials stressed in a 10 January statement.

The flood waters are carrying toxic material into the Reef, and turtles and corals alike could suffer as a result.

“Toxic pollution from flooded farms and towns along the Queensland coast will have a disastrous impact on the Great Barrier Reefs corals and will likely have a significant impact on dugongs, turtles and other marine life”, the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) stated---ENVIRO NEWS' 

Orphaned gorillas find a safe haven

“Called GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education), the center’s goal is to teach orphaned gorillas how to survive in the wild as a new, self-sufficient “family,” with the longer-term goal to release them into a natural habitat in a neighboring forest in the Congo Basin.”
Read more at http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/12/17/grace.gorillas.congo/

Natural Help for Sinus and Migraine Headaches

I suffer from sinus migraines. It seems that since I moved to Florida five years ago, they have gotten worse with the additional allergens from tropical plants and trees. I take the usual over the counter pain meds, but they don't always provide relief. Last week, a friend of mine gave me a bottle of small green beads from Aromafloria. You place the beads in cheesecloth and then inhale the aroma when you feel the headache starting. I can say that today I have a migraine from the low pressure moving into Florida, but when I inhale the beads, it seems that the dagger is removed from my sinuses for a time of relief. Be sure to check out http://www.aromafloria.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=11

Mountain Gorilla Census Reveals Increase in Population

KIGALI, RWANDA - The number on one of the world’s most charismatic and endangered species is in.

The analysis of the census conducted in March and April 2010 indicates that there were a total of 480 mountain gorillas, (Gorilla beringei beringei), in 36 groups along with 14 solitary silverback males in the Virunga Massif, which includes three contiguous national parks: Parc National des Virunga in DRC, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. The only other location where mountain gorillas exist is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Along with the 302 mountain gorillas censused in Bwindi in 2006 and four orphaned mountain gorillas in a sanctuary in DRC, this brings the total world population to 786 individuals.

The last census undertaken in the Virunga Massif was in 2003, when the population was estimated at 380 individuals. The current figure represents a 26.3 % increase in the population of mountain gorillas in this area over the last seven years, which is a 3.7 % annual growth rate. This increase in the population occurred despite the killing of no less than nine mountain gorillas, in four separate incidents, during this time period.

Of the 480 mountain gorillas censused, 352 (73%) were habituated (349 in groups and three solitary males) and 128 were unhabituated (117 in groups and 11 solitary males).

"This population has made an absolutely remarkable recovery from the approximately 250 individuals that existed only three decades ago. This recovery is due to the relentless collaborative efforts of many organizations and institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda," stated Dr. Augustin Basabose, Coordinator of Species at the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), a coalition of African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Fauna & Flora International, and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Please visit http://www.awf.org to read the full story and to learn how you can help continue to save these amazing gorillas!

Baby Boat Cradle is too precious!

Hmmmm, just makes you want to have a little on to put into this amazing cradle. A true ship's tender replica. Hangs from suspension system to rock your little one to sleep. Can be removed from suspension system and put on a rocker or wagon conversion for child's older years. Boat pictured is cypress planked on a mahogany backbone with a lacewood transom. Suspension system (davits) are mahogany. Boat and davits can be custom ordered in any number of different woods. Can also be finished in several eco and child friendly ways. Boat design by Warren Jordan. BEAVERBOATWORKS

200 new species discovered in 60-day New Guinea expedition

A 2009 expedition to Papua New Guinea proves once again that the island-nation is as diverse in life as it is in human cultures. It took researchers with Conservation International (CI) and the local Institute for Biological Research (IBR) just two months to uncover a startling 200 new species: averaging more than 3 a day in the remote Nakanai Mountains and Muller Range rising from the island of New Britain, a part of Papua New Guinea. Half of the new species were spiders, but the team also found two new mammals, nine new plants, two dozen frogs, and multitude of insects. Most surprising was the discovery of at least two species so unique that they are likely to be assigned their own genus. Read more at http://news.mongabay.com/2010/1005-hance_new_png.html

Darling handmade Baby Sweaters at unbelievable prices!

Mtoto means child in Swahili. Fabulous  hand-knit children's wear from Kenya. Its more than a sweater, it's a story.

Toto Knits is a collection of hand-made creations for babies and children. Each piece is hand-knitted with love and a sense of fun and is made to last! Our inspiration comes from our surroundings here in the African bush and of course, the totos who wear them.

We are organic! We are now using super soft organic cotton from Uganda, spun here in Nairobi and using bio friendly dyes.

Our products are ethically produced in Kenya by a group of local artisans. The cotton is locally grown and spun, and the wool is hand-spun and dyed. Toto Knits provides an opportunity for Kenyan women to gain financial independence while learning new skills and working in a flexible way which fits around their commitments to their families.

Please visit this amazing site and support these women! 

http://www.totoknits.com

California's beloved sea otters in mysterious population decline

Southern sea otters, among the furriest and most beloved critters in the animal kingdom, have declined in number for the second year in a row, according to scientists who are trying to pinpoint possible causes.

Once hunted to the brink of extinction and currently listed federally as a threatened species, the charismatic otters often seen frolicking off Central California have dwindled to just 2,711 animals.

That figure, based on counts made by the U.S. Geological Survey, represents a 3.6% drop from the 2009 estimate. More alarming, scientists say the number of otter pups has decreased by 11%.

Additionally, their geographic range -- about 200 miles from Pigeon Point to Gaviota State Park -- appears to be shrinking at both ends.

"We have seen a decrease in sea otter numbers throughout most of their range, particularly in those areas where most of their reproduction occurs, while pup counts have dropped to 2003 levels," Tim Tinker, a scientist for the USGS Western Ecological Research Center, said in a news release. READ MORE . . .

by Pete Thomas, GRINDTV.com

One Scrappy Mom is a friend of JILLY jellybug

Meet Jilly!

[ 7 ]July 27, 2010 | One Scrappy Mom

I want to introduce you to quite possibly the CUTEST little critter you’ve ever seen! Meet Jilly Jellybug. Jilly was created with an idea and doodle from her creator Kathleen. She was given a home on the web. Only her story is so much deeper. See she’s on a few little missions. One of these mission is to help save rain forests. We all know that rain forests are a very important part of the environment. They do so many things for the world. They are also becoming rare. A percentage of all Jilly jellybug sales goes towards rainforest and gorilla conservation! You can help make a difference with your purchase.

Jilly Jellybug is only ONE of the neat designs available! It also comes in her friends Gracie glowworm, Pavel Pollywog and Gamba gorilla. The characters are so unique, I fell in love with them the first time I saw them. My daughter did too. She is always wearing her Jilly Jellybug shirt. I love the bright colors and it’s very appealing to the eyes. The applique is on the shirt very well and even though it has been washed 6 thousand million times times, it’s still as bright and fresh as the first time she wore it! The shirts are made from a nice soft breathable cotton. The shirts are pretty good size and I didn’t notice any shrinking, so if there was it was much to minimal to notice. The story captivated my heart and I am honored to be able to have a Jilly Jellybug in my home!!

Sea Turtles Displaced by Gulf Oil Spill Return to Sea, thanks to Sea World Orlando

On July 8, SeaWorld Orlando released five Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles – displaced by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico – into Gullivan Key near Marco Island, Fla. This particular body of water is popular habit for these endangered reptiles.

SeaWorld aquarists and veterinarians provided care for the reptilian refugees since their June 25, from the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) in Gulfport, Miss. the animals were being treated for injuries related to fishing hook sand line but need to make room for the possible arrival of animals with oil-related injuries. SeaWorld is one of the few organizations with the expertise to tend to Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles.

Unique Handbag of Recycled Ties

These beautiful and amazing handsfree bags are made by Dorothy Lewis of Grace is Enough. They are designed to be worn across the body, freeing both hands. The tie concept bag is designed for those of us that love style, sustainability, function and uniqueness. the repurposed (and sometimes vintage) nectie is used for a strap and the bag features a small pocket on the front, perfect for your cell phone. Fully lined, reclaimed zipper closure. Please visit World of Good to order yours! The cost is $35.00, with $7.00 for shipping. This purchase supports education/training and marginalized ethnic groups.

Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project

The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) is committed to creating a safer and healthier life for impoverished children and communities of South Africa, and other African nations, with a particular focus on individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Born from a partnership between Academy Award-winning actress and native South African, Charlize Theron, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), CTAOP supports organizations that understand the importance of collaboration and responding to real community needs. Partner organizations use innovative thinking and action to create and implement programs that address immediate needs and promote self-sustainability, growth and responsibility.

Please visit the site and support this organization!

Buy a Pair of Shoes and a pair is donated to a child in need!

One for One

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS One for One business model transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.

Fires in Amazon Challenge Emission Reduction Program

ScienceDaily (June 4, 2010) — Fire occurrence rates in the Amazon have increased in 59% of areas with reduced deforestation and risks cancelling part of the carbon savings achieved by UN measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and degradation. Read the full story

Organic Fresh Flowers

Organic Bouquet is the Internet’s first eco-florist. Our flowers are grown and harvested using practices that aim to improve the quality of farm working conditions, minimize damage to ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and enhance environmental quality for future generations. With each flower purchase 10% will be donated to PETA . 

Amazing Wines that help our Furry Friends!

Born Free USA is proud to partner with Humane Cellars to bring you a wonderful selection of organic, vegan friendly wines.

From the rich Cabernet Sauvignon and handcrafted Merlot to the crisp Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling White Wine with hints of pear and citrus, you'll be sure to find one or more varieties you'll enjoy.

And what a fantastic gift idea! These delicious wines make any special occasion a memorable celebration. Born Free USA receives from $7 to $32 of each purchase made.

Visit www.benefitwines.com/bornfreeusa today and place your order.