Score One For The Tree Huggers and Non-Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets

As a health consultant, particularly one focused on simple and effective preventative health measures, I have the deepest and most profound respect for mosquito nets. They are the primary reason that I have never had malaria despite more than 8 years in rabidly endemic areas. Insectide treated nets are seemingly a pancea. They give pregant women and children under five the best chance for good health. And they are an incredibly marketable commodity. Check out more at WHO.

Although bed nets are altogether fantastic, mozzie nets have a new role in the Kramer/Loughran household. Kenya is joining the ranks of countries that have banned or will soon ban plastic bags. In Kenya sometime in December or January, using plastic bags will be illegal, and good for them. The ubiquitous plastic bag is a blight practically everywhere you go. They litter sidewalks and trash heaps across africa. Kenyans make thses fantastic, durable, and beautiful woven baskets out of grasses and sisal. They are way more economical and fashionable. We use reusable bags for most of our shopping. The main exception, however, was the green grocer. The shop attendants put the veggies into their individual plastic bags to make it easier to weigh them before putting them in our eco-friendly baskets. In response, my mom commissioned re-usable mesh bags out of mosquito netting. Yesterday was their first test run and they were an unmitigated success!