The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, lots of Lovely Links (and a most Happy Mother's Day to you-)-

Here are some of the inspiring, interesting and unique projects, businesses and links that have filled my inbox lately. Enjoy!

The good folks at Sustainlane just released a new, animated web show about environmental issues, called the Gorilla in the Greenhouse. It is an action packed show that is designed to inspire kids to take action in their own communities. The first episode is about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and it has the fearless young environmentalists tackling the problem of too many plastic bags. Kids can post their responses to the show, and what they are doing to help the environment at the site as well. This is a hip, snazzy show for kids over 4 or 5, with lots of ways to learn more, take action, connect with others, and spread the word. You can watch the show and learn all about it, here.

And for all you Mom entrepreneurs out there, here is an opportunity for funding! The Whirlpool brand is offering the Mother of Invention Grant Program, that provides seed money and guidance to help moms turn their business or service ideas into businesses. They are offering a $20,000 grant to the grand prize winner, and $24,000 for the four runners-up. They have added a new category for moms who create "environmentally friendly product/service or use natural/recycled materials to create their invention." How great is that? The contest is open until July 31, 2008, so get your thinking caps on. You can learn more on their website, here.

Look at the beautiful blankets and lovies made by Erin of Piece Textiles. She wanted to create designs that were not so cutesy but still fun for a baby, interesting to the touch and soft against a child's face, and were made of organic cotton.

And has she ever. The blankets are made from 100% American organic cotton, and they are stunning, simple and sweet.

Here is Hess Natur, a 30-year-old German sustainable clothing company that is entering the US market this July. The line was designed to be chemical free, and to help people lessen their carbon footprints through clothing choices.

Veronica at The Conservation Group states that "Hess Natur apparel consists of 100% natural fibers, including organic cotton, silk, wool and linen. While many apparel companies label their garments organic, Hess Natur is unique in utilizing ecological methods throughout their entire textile chain, from fair labor to green production. The impact of an organic manufacturing process is huge: It takes nearly a one-third pound of pesticides and fertilizers to manufacture just one of the over 2.4 billion "pure cotton" tees that are produced globally each year. "

That is enough to make you think twice about that $2.99 cotton shirt at Wal-mart.

The line also features many items for babies and toddler.

And of course, Happy Mother's Day! I will be away from my computer tomorrow, hopefully enjoying the sun, my lovely girls and family, and eating some tasty treats throughout the day. I wish all you mamas out there a restful, peaceful and wonderful day, however you would like it to be.