For some time now, I’ve been warming up to the idea of only writing about animals and plants. I’ve always believed that those who like animals also enjoy flowers—even though they might find it hard to take care of one or the other, or both.

Having become an expert in raising cats (I have 43 on my resume) and having explored the cultivation of plants (I have 88 potted plants at home, a number that grows by the day), I can say that I’ve learned a few tricks.

Throw a slipcover on your sofa in order for animals and humans to live in harmony. Put a papaya on your window sill to attract thrushes. Spray water mixed with cloves on your garden to keep the dogs away. Sprinkle salt on your flowerbeds and get rid of snails. In the summer, water your Jaboticaba tree every day to get sweeter fruits. And be patient with orchids because one day they’ll start liking you and give you beautiful flowers.

These and other tricks are available on the newly launched Whiskers, Snouts and Roots blog. It was supposed to be named Whiskers, Snouts, Roots, Antennae, Paws, Feathers, Furs, Horns, Leaves, Flowers and Roots, but the marketing people said I was having delusions of grandeur and asked me to go a little less crazy.

Since I am a little disobedient, I warn you that this will be the coolest blog on animals and plants that I have ever written. And if that is not enough to convince you to check it out, let me tell you that Whiskers, Snouts and Roots, will have promotions for books, products, and related items for chlorophyll, feather or four paw-bearing species.

Check it out, will you?

Saint Eve, from Silveira Neto’s Flickr

I had the opportunity, today, of reading statement-interview, with Vilma Peramezza, trustee of the “Conjunto Nacional” (National Complex) and a pioneer in selective collection. She brings lots of sensible subjects and came, almost together with other news, published in OGlobo (newspaper), that I read in the Recycling Pages: Cetesb will count the cities that export their garbage.

On days prior to Christmas, besides the traffic that is totally crazy, life is flagged with consumption appeal. Formal workers usually get some extra money, here comes the time to fill the bottom of the tree with gifts and everybody goes to the mall.

The results of this consumption are millions of tons of… garbage. Many times, recyclable. In all of the Sao Paulo state, so tells us that article from the Recycling pages, only 5% of all garbage is recycled. In the capital, 2%. It’s worth to emphasize that the National Complex, thanks to continued education already recycles 15% of its garbage. With very little economic advantage. And, according to Cetesb, 30% or 35% of the garbage that go to embankments, is recyclable. Such precious space spent with what shouldn’t be there – and that, not to talk about the soil and spring contamination.

When you buy a gift, do you think about it? Probably not. I think you should. I’ve never hesitated in buying a book – one of the gifts that I love giving the most. But, I’ve thought it over one zillion times: the packages. I never let the store pack it, I don’t need a plastic bag – why do I have my ecobag? – and I use everything. I’ve given a present, once, rapped in newspaper with the most beautiful ribbon. A friend of mine, invented, long time ago, a very simple package, in light green silk paper (that I think is not very ecologic) with red ribbon. These simple games – and a lot more personal – make all difference.

I invite you all: what if, almost Christmas, we imagine, really, more ecologic gifts? Reminding us that the world can be sweeter, less pasteurized and better taken care of. What do you suggest?

With great joy and pride, we are part of the project Faça a sua parte (“do your share”) and we invite you to go by new-stands to buy, or at least, glance through this week’s Época magazine.

The article of the cover is about blogs: “the 80 blogs you can’t miss”, and ours, Faça a sua Parte is mentioned, with pictures of the beloved friends, that are also part of the project: The beautiful namesakes Lucia Freitas and Lucia Malla and the dearest Jorge Cordeiro..

The interview took place in São Paulo and I wasn’t able to be there. But, they did an excellent job.
Go there, read an give your opinion, ok?

Image: cover of Época magazine