Make your own snowflakes!

Celebrate Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day! We used to do this in elementary school, but this activity can provide fun for all ages.

First, you need paper. Here’s a fun twist: snowflakes you can take outside. We don’t get a lot of snow here in western Washington, so for those wishing for some of the fluffy white stuff, this option is for you. This can’t be just any paper, however. What happens when it rains (like it often does here in the Pacific Northwest)? Regular paper turns to mush and all the work and time spent crafting those snowflakes is wasted. Not if you use Rite in the Rain all-weather paper.

The RITR all-weather copy paper or loose leaf paper is perfect for this activity!

Next, find some fun-looking scissors and get to work. Fold the paper as many times as you’d like and begin cutting shapes out. They say no two snowflakes are the same, so use your creativity here.

We’d love to see what you come up with! Post your photos on here or on our Rite in the Rain Facebook page.

Happy snowflake making!

Recycle

Since 1997, Americans from coast to coast have been celebrating America Recycles Day on November 15, a day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. Recycling and sustainability go hand in hand, so it’s no surprise that the purpose of this day is to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling to encourage more people to join the movement to preserve the environment and natural resources.

Here are some interesting statistics courtesy of about.com.

In 2007, the amount of energy saved from recycling aluminum and steel cans, plastic PET and glass containers, newsprint and corrugated packaging was equivalent to:

·         The amount of electricity consumed by 17.8 million Americans in one year

·         29 percent of nuclear electricity generation in the U.S. in one year

·         7.9 percent of U.S. electricity generation from fossil fuels in one year

·         11 percent of the energy produced by coal-fired power plants in the U.S.

·         The energy supplied from 2.7 percent of imported barrels of crude oil in the U.S.

·         The amount of gasoline used in almost 11 million passenger automobiles in one year

Many events are held throughout the nation to increase awareness of recycling. To create a new event or to join an existing one, visit www.americarecycles.org for more information.

We are proud to manufacture a 100 percent recyclable product. This is what sets us apart from synthetic or poly-coated papers. Our all-weather paper stands up to the rigors of the outdoors, but also helps preserve natural resources. Our unique "Polydura" cover and reference card substrate contains post-consumer recycled materials such as recycled milk and shampoo bottles and is recyclable.

The process involved in the manufacture of Rite in the Rain paper was designed to have ultra-low impact on the environment. The water based coating process emits only steam and all mill off-cuts are recycled back into the paper-manufacturing stream. All printing plates and processing liquids are recycled. 100% of printing inks are soy based. The modern facility and equipment are designed to be energy efficient

Rite in the Rain all-weather writing paper is a patented substrate created for use in outdoor writing situations. Since this paper is designed for use in extreme conditions it is manufactured with the most durable yet recyclable components available. Recycled content pulp, as a result of the repulping & reprocessing involved in recycling, produces a "weaker" substrate due to the shortened fibers. This inherent weakness reduces the field-durability of paper and as such is not used in the manufacture of Rite in the Rain paper. It is one of the rare instances where virgin fiber adds significantly to the end-product function. Papers designed for "office or indoor" uses do not require this strength and as such can contain recycled fiber. This all being said, the wood fibers we utilize for Rite in the Rain are purchased from FSC Certified sources. By doing this it insures our product is manufactured with high environmental and social standards and practices.To learn more about recycling Rite in the Rain paper, click here.

Rainforest Day

With the amount of rain we get here in Washington, it’s no surprise our Evergreen State is home to a temperate rainforest. The Hoh Rain Forest one of the only protected temperate rain forests in the Northern Hemisphere and is found on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula where moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean brings an average of 140 inches of annual rainfall. If you are in the area, you can visit the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center for hiking and sightseeing galore. 

Are you the type that likes to record your findings from your adventures? Well, then you definitely don’t want to be without your Washington-made Rite in the Rain notebook on this Washington adventure. Check out featured user Melissa Fedrigo’s story about working in a tropical rainforest in southwest Uganda under the heading “Tropical Biomass” in our ‘Cool Stories’ section.




Photo Credit: BluePlanetBiomes.org

 

October 19^th is Rainforest Day, an annual holiday that raises awareness about the importance of rainforests around the globe and the plight they are facing. The unique ecosystem rainforests provide are critical to the balance of nature. In fact, more than 20 percent of the world’s oxygen is produced in the Amazon Rainforest. However, this natural habitat is constantly disappearing due to commercial logging and other human activities.

Here are some interesting facts:

·         Today, approximately six percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by rainforest

·         More than half the world’s animal species and plants are found in the rainforest.

Have you ever been to a rainforest or do you have plans to visit one? What did you like most/what are you most excited about?

Salute a farmer this harvest season

As harvest gets underway, we want to salute the farmers who work hard 365 days a year to ensure we have enough to eat. Their job is no small task. It usually involves getting up before the sun and not getting to sleep until the wee hours of the night. Later if the livestock get out. Unlike many other professions, business on a farm can’t just stop and resume a week later after everyone has taken a vacation, especially if there are livestock involved. Those livestock need fresh feed and water daily. Just like you do. Farmers spend a lot of time ensuring their animals are healthy. In fact, many animals see a veterinarian more than most people see a doctor.

Harvest is a special and sometimes stressful time. A farmer’s crop is a significant investment; one that is affected by the weather and other elements out of their control. The drought of 2012 devastated many family farmers, especially those without crop insurance. Farmers feed the world. This is a huge and important job.

Farmers day is October 12^th. This is an excellent time to thank your local farmers for their dedication and commitment to producing quality food each and every day for you and your family. There are many farmer bloggers online that love to talk with the general public about what they do and why they do it, including Wisconsin dairy farmer Carrie Mess and Arkansas cattleman Ryan Goodman.

When you see tractors or other farm machinery on local roads, please slow down. Farmers do not try to inconvenience anyone. They are trying to get their work done just the same as everyone else is. Most tractor drivers will pull over to the side of the road if they see a line forming behind them. Those farmers spend many, many hours out in the fields during harvest season to produce food for local families.

Better yet, tip your hat to every farmer you see. They will appreciate it!

Neither Rain Nor Snow…

Neither rain nor snow shall keep many of us from our jobs. Especially if those jobs happen to be farming, public safety, the postal service and many others.

In fact, September 7^th is ‘Neither Rain Nor Snow Day,’ which celebrates the opening of the New York Post Office building on this day in 1914. This following inscription was inscribed on the building: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Or, your mail shall arrive regardless of the weather.

While we hope it doesn’t snow or rain on this early September day, Rite in the Rain paper has you covered if it does. Whether you are delivering mail on foot, working or just enjoying some downtime in the great outdoors, you don’t want to be without Rite in the Rain.

Make sure you thank those who work around the clock in all types of weather to make your life easier.

Did it rain or snow where you are today? What Rite in the Rain product do you turn to protect your notes?

Take a moment and RELAX!

Perhaps you’ve already had some time to get away and relax this summer. Forget about work and the rest of life’s responsibilities and just unwind. If you haven’t had a chance to do this year, take a few moments today. After all, it’s National Relaxation Day.

Even if you don’t have the day off work, it is still possible to squeeze in some ‘me time.’ Maybe even take off work a little early and do something you really want to do. If you are a runner, maybe you’ve been trying to squeeze another long run in but amidst everything else haven’t had a chance. Do it today. Do whatever de-stresses you and calms you.

If you are lucky enough to have the day off, sleep in! Lounge around. Do some gardening. Just chill. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

If all else fails, it’s almost the weekend. Spend the weekend doing something relaxing.

What are you doing to unwind today?

Rain on Rain Day?

Have you ever heard of a holiday that could be unsuccessful due to weather conditions? That is the case with Rain Day. After all, Rain Day without rain is, well, not fun.

The holiday started in the late 1800s in the town of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, when a local farmer remarked that it always seemed to rain on July 29^th. This caused local William Allison to keep an annual record of the rainfall on that day. Today, media outlets from near and far flock to the Pennsylvania town to report on the latest rainfall for that late July day.

Among the activities in Waynesburg include a Miss Rain Day pageant, Rain Day scholarship and a street fair, which includes an umbrella decorating contest.

You don’t have to be in Waynesburg to celebrate this holiday, though. Did it rain where you are today?

If it did rain, hopefully you didn’t accidentally leave any paper where it can get wet. If you did, we hope you are using Rite in the Rain paper. This day seems to be made for our paper! We will definitely be celebrating. Here in western Washington, rain is a possibility many days of the year. Whether you are journaling, backpacking or working, these products can help you capture memories and record notes—rain or shine.

Did it rain where you are today? Doing anything to celebrate Rain Day? Tell us about it!

When Technology Fails…

What would you do if your phone, computer and other electronic devices all stopped working? One word comes to mind: PANIC!!

Many of us rely heavily on modern technology to make life easier. But, when that technology breaks down, this causes a lot of problems.

No amount of technology can replace good old pencil and paper. What’s even better than paper? Paper that isn’t ruined when wet. Rite in the Rain paper is exactly that. Whether you need to record animal health records on the farm or jot down notes on a rainy (or humid) hike, there’s a Rite in the Rain product perfect for you.

Today is actually simplicity day. They have a holiday for everything, don’t they? Today, let’s get back to the basics. This doesn’t have to mean banning all technological devices, but just keeping it simple. There’s just nothing like a pencil and paper.

We challenge you to keep it simple today. Do one thing that doesn’t involve modern technology.

Happy June Dairy Month

June is dairy month! Why not celebrate with a big bowl of ice cream or ice cold glass of chocolate milk?

There’s a lot more that goes into producing that glass of milk or bowl of ice cream than you may think. Dairy farmers are very attentive to their animals and monitor their health regularly. Cow comfort is a top priority, and many dairy cows sleep on sand, water mattresses and other comfortable bedding. After all, comfortable cows are healthier and produce more milk. Dairy cows also see a veterinarian and nutritionist more than most people see a doctor of dietitian. An animal nutritionist balances a scientific ration—a recipe or diet—to meet the cows’ nutritional needs. Milk production requires a lot of energy! To learn more about modern dairy farming, visit dairyfarmingtoday.org to watch videos, read factsheets and hear from actual dairy farmers.

Dairy farmers are very proud of the high-quality, nutritious and safe milk they produce, and they should be. Milk contains nine essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D and protein that healthy bodies need every day. With so many varieties of milk, cheese and yogurt available these days, there is truly something for everyone. Greek yogurt also contains more protein. Flavored milk also contains the same nine essential nutrients and is a very healthy alternative to sports drinks and soda.

What’s your favorite dairy food? Feel free to share dairy recipes too!

Take a chance

They say it’s better to regret something you did than something you didn’t do. Somtimes, we let fear hold us back from going after what we really want. What would you do if you weren’t afraid? Ask yourself, what is the worst thing that could happen? If the pros outweigh the cons, then go for it! This, however, does not mean do something insane that can cause harm to yourself or others or make your life worse. This should be a positive outcome.

Here are some examples, but feel free to leave your own in the comments box to share as well:

·         Wear mismatched socks or something out of the ordinary (provided it is appropriate for the situation)

·         Add a flavored creamer in your coffee

·         Try out the class at the gym you’ve been hesitant to join

·         Buy a new product you’ve been wondering about

·         Talk to someone new (you may end the day with new friends!)

·         Eat at a new restaurant or one you’ve been wanting to try for a while and haven’t

There’s no time like the present. What will you take a chance on today?

World Water Day

Environmental sustainability has been a hot topic the last several years. Regardless of industry and geographic location, it is important for everyone to preserve the environment and natural resources for future generations. Especially water. Most of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, so it’s not a surprise that there is a day dedicated to protecting the world’s water.

In fact, in 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22 as World Day for Water. The UN and its member nations devote this day to implementing UN recommendations and promoting concrete activities within their countries regarding the world's water resources. Each year, one of various UN agencies involved in water issues takes the lead in promoting and coordinating international activities for World Water Day. Since its inception in 2003, UN-Water has been responsible for selecting the theme, messages and lead UN agency for the World Day for Water.

This year, the theme is the International Year of Water Cooperation. The objective is to raise awareness of the challenges facing water management in light of the increase in demand for water access and allocation. You can check out some of the planned festivities here.

What are you doing today to preserve and protect the water supply? This could be as simple as turning off the water when you are brushing your teeth or as large as planning a community event to gather support. If you are planning an event, here are some resources to help. We would love to hear about your fun and unique ideas!

Old Stuff Day? Try Something New!

How often have you heard, “Same old stuff” or something similar to that in response to the question ‘What’s new or what’s happening?’ This implies life is boring and, well, that just isn’t very fun.

Today, in recognition of this all too common response, don’t do the same old stuff. Try something new and exciting! Have you always wanted to go kayaking or climb a mountain? Go for it! More often than not, trying something new or different results in a very positive experience.

If you do partake in water activities or anything that involves sweat, humidity, or anything else likely to ruin your notebook and destroy your valuable notes, you won’t want to be without your Rite in the Rain notebook. Regardless of your activity or the size of notebook you are looking for, you will surely find something on our Web site that fits your needs.

The disappointment that follows a ruined set of notes that you spent countless hours on can be avoided by choosing all-weather paper. Work or play—it’s the preferred paper of outdoor workers and enthusiasts.

What are you doing that’s new and exciting today? Don’t forget to take along your Rite in the Rain notebook!

National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day

February 11^th is national ‘Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day.’ At first glance, this can have different meanings for different people. For dairy farmers, spilled milk on the farm generally means a smaller milk check—not good when margins are already tight. For dietitians, it can mean wasted nutrition. After all, milk contains nine essential nutrients and with so many varieties of milk and dairy products, there is truly something for everyone. For the consumer, it can mean less milk for the breakfast cereal and a mess to clean up.

Regardless of the connotation, it basically means don’t worry and stress over the little things. Enjoy life to its fullest and savor each day.

Let’s get back to the literal interpretation of this holiday. Whether you spill milk, water or anything else, it usually turns into a mess. Especially if you happen to spill it on paper. It can smear the writing and ruin the paper. Not if you are using Rite in the Rain all-weather writing paper, though. Our paper is known to stand up to rain, sweat, grime and other liquids that may destroy your valuable notes. Think of it as data insurance.

So, regardless of which variety of milk you are drinking, rest assured that spilling it will not destroy your notes. Got milk?