Duck, Duck, Tree

My friend S and her fiance set up their wedding registry at Heifer International a few months ago. It's a non-profit that is focused on providing food animals and education in developing countries. Their philosophy really connected with me. Animal recipients are educated on raising the animals they receive as well as more general topics like gender equity, etc. They are also required to pass on their gift.

Their marketing struck me as very polished. My antennae went up a bit, but I did some checking up on the usual charity websites, like CharityNavigator.org, bbb.org and give.org. They seem to use funds responsibly.

For her bridal shower, I had a lot of fun browsing. I ended up buying a few ducks, rabbits and a tree. Good thing I didn't have to gift wrap!!

I got a newsletter in the mail and read it with interest. They had a cool article on "the lifestraw." The straw filters and purifies water through active carbon, textile filters and a halogen-based resin. It removes bacteria like Salmonella, Enterrococus, Staphylococcus Aureus and E. Coli. Each straw costs $10 and last for a year.

Amazing! This is what engineering is all about!! I'm noticing that Engineers Without Borders is gaining momentum around college campuses. I hope this will attract more people to engineering.