Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Earth.
Theodore's Garden
I have spent the majority of my life living in urban settings. My mother would often move us from one apartment to another; it was a gypsy, nomadic lifestyle that didn't foster much in the way of nurturing roots. At one point we moved to a townhouse in Northern Virginia that had a small fenced-in backyard with raised garden beds that were completely overrun. The whole area was very run down and neglected; but my mother, who had very little energy for much other than working as a registered nurse, suddenly wanted to plant and clean up this tiny patch of earth. Our house was an utter disaster most days; but by God, that garden became an image of perfection.
By Breanna LaMonte5 years ago in Earth
Looking at the Weeds
I live in one of the flyover states, where there are more cows than people and we measure distance in miles not minutes. My commute to work is 14 miles (or 25 minutes) and I drive through one town of 500 people. I drive on highways with ditches full of weeds, grass, and mini fields of dandelions. Many of these plants are pests and get sprayed with pesticides in the summers to either kill or restrain them from spreading into fields. But where people see weeds, nuances, and annoyance, I see color, joy, surprise and life. I pick “weeds” and use them to create dyes for fabrics and yarns that I craft with. Plants are an incredible source of color for the fabrics I use when making gifts for family and friends and each piece created is truly unique.
By Liz Davelaar5 years ago in Earth
In the Garden of Succulents
From the moment I first laid eyes on them, I hated them. My mother insisted on filling our new garden with succulents. We had just moved across the world from China to California, and my casual dislike of the state soon turned to full blown disdain. At 12, I had never lived in this state, despite being born there, and being stripped of my home had started my teen angst early.
By Nami Okalu5 years ago in Earth
Paper Weaving for the Planet
Have you ever looked at a security envelope on the inside? Most of them have a sort of confetti type of pattern, either blue or black or grey. But others have intricate circular patterns or triangular shapes put together to form sweet flowery patterns. Some are green, some yellow or brighter blue. Some are purple and white striped (that’s the FedEx envelopes). If you collect them long enough, like I have, every once in awhile you will come across that rare special find, like a flowy pink and gold swirling pattern on really good paper. Who knew envelopes could be so interesting?
By Marcia Woodfield5 years ago in Earth
The Absence of Sound:
Doomsday Diary Write a short piece of dystopian fiction involving a heart-shaped locket. The Absence of Sound The absence of sound, or rather the absence of human sound, is all that's left, or all that I've found. I used to walk in the woods to get away from that sound. To have some alone time, to connect with mother earth. They used to call that "green therapy". Well, that's all there is now, at least in my neck of the woods. Literally, woods, all around, in every direction, that's all that can be seen.
By Dawna Revell5 years ago in Earth
Bonsai!!!
"Close your eyes, concentrate, think only *tree*. Make a perfect picture, down to the last pine needle. Wipe your mind clean of everything but the tree; nothing exists in the whole world, only the tree. Open your eyes, remember the picture? Make your tree like the picture."
By Bonsai love5 years ago in Earth
Kudos To Walmart For Starting The Change To Save Our Environment.
Is Walmart starting a new trend? Hopefully. After doing research on the subject for a recent challenge and learning that plastic bags can take up to 40 years, or in excess of a hundred years depending on their make-up, I was rather excited the other day when I saw a tweet indicating that Walmart would be going bagless by July 1st, 2021. This, unfortunately, was not entirely true. I would however like to commend Walmart on their stance and what would appear to be their commitment to being part of the solution.
By Jason Ray Morton 5 years ago in Earth
Recycle. Repair. Reuse. Grab your Fiskars scissors & have some upcycle fun!. Top Story - June 2021.
I have lots of tops, dresses and cushions with former lives as curtains, tablecloths and duvet covers. I love a visit to the local charity shop/thrift store followed by an evening armed with my dressmaking scissors (Fiskars are the best!), measuring tape and sewing machine to give a discarded garment a new lease of life. I find the creative process relaxing and therapeutic and it brings me happiness and joy knowing that I have contributed to the charity and helped the fabric avoid landfill that bit longer.
By Fiona Alexander5 years ago in Earth
GROW Your Happiness
The older you get the more you realize how important the early years of life are and try your hardest to cherish them, just as a child cherishes their blanket. The earliest memories I have held throughout the years involve gardening with my mother and father. Memories of mom’s are always so precious, and mine is like a pearl in the shell of an oyster, pure, patient and generous. She was my first educator, unbeknownst to me; I was about to find a true passion that I will lean on for creative expression. My father also played a role in my journey on understanding the food and homes the plants need to survive. Like a house standing firmly on the ground from root to tip, making sure what is inside is protected, my father taught me how to yield the foundation of the plant’s “house”. From horse poop, to composters, we’ve experimented with a variety of natural materials to utilize. You can have all the knowledge in the world, but in order to grow yourself a green thumb, lots of trial and error is required. However much practice that may occur, the most rewarding part is to see how your efforts have flourished into the life of a plant. As someone who has yet to have my own garden to tend to, I have learned how to use my green thumb to create homes for plants that can live in small places. The main motivation in my pursuit was to help purify the air in my home and increase the flow of oxygen from my plants. There are many different ways to receive the benefits of plants, especially in your home. I eventually wanted to take it to the next level and decided to try my “thumb” at growing herbs, fruits and vegetables. I experimented with using hydroponics and found much success! Once I master the art of plants outside of the garden, I began welcoming more and more plant friends to my home. As a regular shopper at thrift stores, I am usually on the hunt for homes for my plant friends. I discovered that I could use my passion for recycling and utilize it for my plant hobby. I have an endless list of items I am on the lookout to use such as teacups, kettles, creamer bowls, baskets and tires; I get as creative as I can! I take pleasure in finding abandoned items and then creating a new purpose for it. All the junk that our society wastes will just sit around for years to come, so we might as well reuse it and bring it back to the surface. Finding the perfect home for my plants brings me such enjoyment, almost as much as growing them and reaping their rewards. At the end of the day I have brought life to the plants, the homes that contain the plants, and to myself. So, once you have your plant picked out and a home that has been chosen for the plant (whether it is in the ground, on a roof, on a wall, in water, or simply in a pot) go forward with planting. Bathe your plant in plenty of water after transferring from the original growing pot. You may want to use a trowel to ensure a safe passage for your plant friend. As you watch your plant grow, there is usually some pruning involved. This is where you should use pruners, shears or some sort of scissors to cut the dead part off of the plant. Occasionally, grooming is required, which may involve splashing your plant with water or wiping off the leaves. Another way of collecting plants is by propagation. This involves cutting a stem off a stem from a plant you have interest in, and putting the removed stem into water until it grows roots. Once the roots are established, you may transfer the plant to its new home. There are three issues to be aware of with plants. One issue involves a collection of bugs on your plant. Aphids, spider mites and their eggs are relatively easy to get rid of with household products that are safe and non-toxic. Another issue pertains to a fungus or dry rot. When the soil is moist to the touch, but your plant seems to be off and browning, it could be dry rot. In some instances you can save the plant by removing it and placing its roots and affected areas under running water, however, you will need to use shears or scissors to trim away the affected, mushy areas. Providing fresh soil and good drainage can prevent this issue from occurring. The third issue you can come across includes discolored spots on the leaves of your plant. This observation could indicate a disease is forming. Remove the dead leaves and supply with fresh soil. Other than providing the right amount of sunlight and water your plant requires, plus speaking to your plant with love and affection, you will be able to grow your own green thumb. Bringing back childhood memories into the story, just as my parents helped me to be nourished and grow, I have flourished and bloomed into what was meant to be. I love sharing my passions with others and hope to spread those seeds of fervor to all. When you can bring out the crafter in yourself, as well as providing attention to other favorite hobbies, those collaborations can provide so much joy and happiness! I am keen on changing up the medium and becoming inspired by different objects I come across. So, go ahead, pretend you’re Arielle from “The Little Mermaid” and find those interesting trinkets and put them to use in any way, shape or form; create your happiness!
By Natalie Litz5 years ago in Earth
STS-51-L. The Day Challenger Exploded 73 Seconds after Lift-Off, Killing All Seven Crew Members
To start this article off - did you know just how many Space Shuttles were actually built and used in exploratory and experimental low Earth orbit between 1981 and 2011?
By Jonathan Townend5 years ago in Earth
Crisp Packet Project
It was back in November 2019 when I woke up in a green crisp packet.... I had been volunteers for a lovely out reach charity Surviving the streets Uk. We were allways running out of sleeping bags/ Bivi bags . The last two months I had been racking my brains on how I could help as Sts Uk was self funded.
By Pen Huston5 years ago in Earth
