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The Bottom Line The 2009 NWHM’s theme concentrates on a topic that is very near and dear to my heart, Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet. Join my 2009 write-off.  

In 2008 ten Epinions’s reviewers joined me in celebrating the contributions of women in art as part of the National Women’s History Month (NWHM) project, “Women’s Art: Women’s Vision.”  In 2009 the NWHM’s theme concentrates on a topic that is very near and dear to my heart, Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet. 

Women concerned about conditions affecting their families and environmental quality issues in their backyards (Not In My Backyard) might have been the foundation for today’s Green Movement, but there are many who have historically been and who are actively involved in important work across the planet.  Women in our communities, states, country and around the world are leading efforts with research, vision and leadership.  They are scientists, engineers, business leaders, conservationists, teachers, community organizers, religious or workplace leaders, writers, filmmakers, musicians, and yes, stay-at-home moms and volunteers. Their commitments are making small differences that add up to big changes. 

In 2009 NWHM honors a lengthy, and impressive, list of women who have actively pursued efforts for improving the quality of our lives. The featured honoree, Rachel Carson, heads a  lengthy list of other honorees that include Mary Appelhof (affectionately known as the Worm Woman), Helen Caldicott, Lynne Cherry, Mary Cleave, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Marjory  Stoneman Douglas, Jane Goodall, Roxanne Quimby (founder of Burt’s Bees), Amanda Quraishi (sustainable and eco-friendly fashion blog author), and many more. The list is lengthy but doesn’t come close to recognizing all of the women who made contributions to our futures. 

“The knowledge of women’s history provides a more expansive vision of what a woman can do. This perspective can encourage girls and women to think larger and bolder and can give boys and men a fuller understanding of the female experience.  This year’s theme recognizes the pioneering and fearless ways that women have taken the lead to save the planet.” 

Learn more about their efforts by reviewing products (like Burt’s Bees), books, music, travel destinations, or restaurants that were created by a woman (or women) for the purpose of improving the quality of our lives and our children’s lives as well as the environmental quality of our planet. Write a review and explain the connection to NWHM’s 2009 project, Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet. Your contribution does not have to come from their list. 

A local example that made a huge difference for Austin, Texas, is Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve that was founded by seven women more than 30 years ago. Several of the women remain actively involved with the preserve but their efforts helped protect more that 220 acres of land in west Austin and this preserve became part of an even larger system in Travis County. I know of many similar parks and open spaces across the country with similar histories. Mary Appelhof wrote numerous books on using worms in composting and through teaching and writing she helped launch a national movement.  Dig into your communities and libraries to locate women and projects to highlight, write about it, and submit your review to this write off. 

I’m inviting you to contribute. The rules are simple. 

Locate a product, destination, book, movie, online service, (or other) and if it’s in the database (or can be added), review it but the object of the review should focus on the contributions of the female who wrote, created, researched, developed or made it happen.

Another example, find a book that features Jane Goodall’s work or that tells about her life (biography or autobiography) review it, but be certain to highlight her contributions to conservation. You all know how to do this. 

If you find some other creative option that is available in the database that recognizes the efforts of a woman who has taken a lead in saving the planet, review it – share the information with all of us. 

As always: 
Once reviewed, send me a link to your review so I can include it on the hopefully lengthy list or leave a link in the comments. (pestyside AT gmail DOT com) 

Mention this write-off in your review.

Naturally everyone’s invited to contribute as many times as you want  beginning now and ending March 31.

Invite your friends to Epinions so they can participate. National Women’s History Month is March (every year) and ends March 31. This is a perfect way to usher in April, a month in which we acknowledge our planet through many activities including Earth Day.

For stories on the 2009 honorees, visit www.nwhp.org/whm/honorees.php. This is only a teeny list of potential artists. 

Contributions

I’m in Charge of Celebrations by Byrd Baylor, contributed by me.
Jane Goodall: The Woman Who Redefined Man by Dale Peterson, contributed by jankp 
Organization for the Rescue of Animals founded by Claudia Vecchio and Corinne Thaw, contributed by e-claire