A few links

Sharon and I are in the U.S. through March 22 on stress leave. Haiti's still on our minds and in our hearts, and we've been particularly wrestling with the question: how can Haiti rebuild? One (simple?) way to help is through purchasing one of the few things Haiti exports:

Coffee. We all know the importance of buying fair trade, so add a bag of Haitian coffee into your rotation or get your church or workplace to use Haitian coffee for a few months instead of Folgers.

Art. Haiti exports paintings and metal art (in which artists flatten steel drums and then craft different images by hand). Haitian art fundraisers are happening all around: there's one here in PA, or you can always buy art at your local Ten Thousand Villages store.

We've been realizing more and more that trade - and not simply aid - is incredibly important for Haiti's economic future, earthquake or not. More on this subject soon.*

* A note on "more soon" alerts: Sharon still remembers that she promised details on the Haiti Response Coalition's conference. That update has been delayed because of her grandmother's death and our travel, but it's still in the works.

For fans of Simply in Season

The authors of one of the best seasonal cookbooks ever are putting together a new book that "will help readers meet the challenges facing the earth and our communities by offering realistic alternatives to many of the consumer choices they make everyday."

Simply Sustainable will feature practical tips and experiences from contributors around the world - click here to submit your ideas.

Ah, 2010 is looking better already...