Green

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  • GM to sell “Bullfrog Edition” of Chevy Volt, a $198 upgrade offering 2 years of green-certified electricity

    Clean Break
    Tyler
    5 Feb 2012 | 10:01 pm
    Toronto-based green energy retailer Bullfrog Power is teaming up with General Motors Canada to offer what Bullfrog CEO Tom Heintzman is calling a “Bullfrog Edition” Chevy Volt. This edition of the Volt would be available via all GM dealerships across Canada and would come at a $198 premium. In return, the customer gets a Bullfrog Edition plaque on the vehicle and two years of green (incl. nuke-free) electricity from Bullfrog, based on average customer electricity consumption. “It’s really trying to get people aware of the fact that just because you’re plugging…

  • US licenses first nuclear reactors since 1978

    msnbc.com: Environment
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:54 am
    It's been 34 years -- and several nuclear accidents later -- but a divided federal panel on Thursday licensed a utility to build nuclear reactors in the U.S. for the first time since 1978.

  • How can I reuse or recycle a whole kitchen?

    How can I recycle this?
    louisa
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:08 am
    I’m back post-lurgy and I thought I’d post this great question from James – asking how to recycle a whole kitchen: We shall be replacing our kitchen in the next few months. The present one is 15 years old and is perfectly serviceable. I don’t want to “skip” it. Any suggestion as to how I can recycle it? My first suggestion would be to try to pass it on – lots of people would love a kitchen revamp but can’t afford to go the whole hog so just replace cabinet doors etc. I regularly see sets of door & drawer fronts offered up on eBay, Gumtree…

  • How can I reuse/use up really, really old coffee beans?

    How can I recycle this?
    louisa
    1 Feb 2012 | 4:48 am
    I mentioned in passing on my simple/frugal living blog that we’re having our kitchen ceiling replastered at the moment. Ahead of the plasterer starting on Monday, we had to tidy off all the work surfaces and tops of cupboards – quite a challenge for hoarders like us with many, many culinary hobbies! Anyway, among our tidying, I found a couple of half-used bags of coffee beans in an old biscuit tin. My boyfriend John bought them from an expensive coffee bean shop but didn’t really like them – he couldn’t bring himself to throw them away though, better to keep them…

  • Killer whales denied anti-slavery protection

    msnbc.com: Environment
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:33 am
    A judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to give killer whales at SeaWorld constitutional rights.
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    Gardening Nude Recent Posts

  • Wordless Wednesday - My Front Lawn View in February (Will It Ever End?)

    Shawna Coronado
    8 Feb 2012 | 7:57 am
    www.shawnacoronado.com

  • Jungle Segway Tour in Mexico - an Eco-Hula Women Empowerment Eco-Adventure - Part 6

    Shawna Coronado
    6 Feb 2012 | 7:49 am
    Want to try a remarkably fun and low carbon way to get around while you are touring on an eco-vacation? Here my team and I were able to zip all over the Grand Palladium White Sands – an awesome eco-resort near Playa Del Carmen, Mexico – using segways. Watch as we learn how to use the segways and explore the region. “G”, our very cool segway guide, had us up and zooming across the beach and jungle paths in no time. The resort hosts amazing views, a saltwater swimming pool, incredible sand, and the best Mai-tai’s in Mexico! While on the tour we saw crocodiles, pink flamingos,…

  • Balls of Happiness - Brought To You By Mother Nature!

    Shawna Coronado
    30 Jan 2012 | 7:26 am
    Life is filled with moments in time. This photo is one of those moments that I was thinking about on this cold January morning. My team and I had spent a long day filming eco-adventures in Mexico, we awoke at 5 AM to spend the day hiking and snorkeling. Sore-muscle-tired, we were in Akumal Bay considering a margarita and guacamole at the local beach front restaurant, the Lol-Ha, when I looked down and saw this interesting sand sculpture. I like to call it, “Balls of Happiness”. It made me think that we all need to touch nature. Humans find it impossible not to play with nature. We sit…

  • Recycle Oil - Save The Environment; Do Not Be A Dumper!

    Shawna Coronado
    23 Jan 2012 | 7:01 am
    Ground water and ocean water is being contaminated by oil. Change it - recycle oil and make a difference. Most repair facilities, service stations, and quick lubes will accept used oil without charge. Check with your local government for procedures and collection services in your area. It is important to store your used motor oil in a container that will not leak like an old milk jug with a secure cap, for instance, until you can get it to a recycling facility. Oil is poisonous and flammable, so store it away from children and sources of ignition. Do not mix other chemicals like antifreeze…

  • You Can Make A Difference For Our Environment

    Shawna Coronado
    20 Jan 2012 | 12:42 pm
    This is one of the first videos I ever made. While a few things have changed since I made the video, the premise is the same - YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!! It only takes a little effort to help our environment. Please get out there and help! www.shawnacoronado.com
 
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    Switchboard, from NRDC

  • Coal Industry Attempts to Justify Pollution...again

    Adrianna Quintero
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:14 pm
    Adrianna Quintero, Senior Attorney, Director, La Onda Verde de NRDC, San Francisco A study released today by the coal industry attempts to justify dirty energy and life-threatening pollution by claiming that Hispanics and blacks will be hit hardest by energy price increases.  The study by the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity looked at 2010 data and concluded that due to income inequalities, Hispanic households must be more impacted by rising energy costs. This extrapolation is not substantiated by facts and ignores the reality that due to the pollution caused by coal,…

  • Another Reason Congress Must Reject the House Transportation Bill

    Deron Lovaas
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:20 pm
    Deron Lovaas, Federal Transportation Policy Director, Washington, D.C. Citizens across the country are calling Congress right now, urging them to deep-six the ill-conceived transportation bill cobbled together by House Republican Leadership. There's even a handy toll-free number -- just dial 1-877-573-7693. There are a number of reasons to do so, as the New York Times noted today. There's also a lot of dissembling from backers of the bill, including six whoppers described by streetsblog. And the funding is clearly just a shell game. First, it was drilling. Then, it was evisceration of…

  • Unfounded Attacks on Electric Cars Endanger American Jobs

    Max Baumhefner
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:13 am
    Max Baumhefner, Sustainable Energy Fellow, San Francisco Congressman Issa recently called a hearing to accuse the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) of a cover up related to its now closed investigation into the post-crash fire risk posed by the Chevy Volt’s lithium-ion batteries.  Issa’s theatrics only revealed that such batteries have caused zero real world vehicle fires (a regrettably common occurrence for gasoline vehicles), and that both NHTSA and the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety intend to retain their highest…

  • Call on Congress to Kill House Transportation Bill

    Rob Perks
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:15 am
    Rob Perks, Transportation Advocacy Director, Washington, D.C. Today NRDC joins a broad swath of organizations united in opposition to the House transportation bill (HR. 7) to encourage our supporters to participate in a "national call-in day" to Congress. Please take a moment to call 1-877-573-7693 and urge your representative to vote NO on the bill. The bill is expected to come to the House floor for action next week, so please make your voice heard now. When you dial the number, you'll hear a brief pre-recorded message about the bill. Then you'll punch in your…

  • In Patagonia: Chile's Glaciers Melt While Renewable Energy Resources Remain Untapped

    Peter Lehner
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:49 am
    Peter Lehner, Executive Director, New York City It would be hard to find a country with more abundant and accessible renewable energy resources--and  a greater need to tap into them--than Chile. I spent nine days in this beautiful country last month, where NRDC is working with government and local citizens to encourage Chile to develop its clean energy resources. With its high, sunny deserts, windy plains and seismic corridor, Chile has solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy resources that other countries can only dream about. Yet the country is trapped in the era of dinosaur…
 
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    The Green Skeptic

  • Is Global Warming Dead? The Green Skeptic on FOX Business

    Scott Edward Anderson
    31 Jan 2012 | 5:27 pm
    I sat down to do a "lightning round" on environmental issues with Stuart Varney on FOX Business this morning. We talked about global warming, car emissions, and green jobs. According to Stuart, I took two out of three -- although I think it may be more like 3-0 -- and I got the last laugh! Here's the video: Watch the latest video at <a href="http://video.foxbusiness.com">video.foxbusiness.com</a> And in case your browser doesn't support the format, here is a link: The Green Skeptic on FOX Business

  • The Future of Biofuels: What's Hot, Hype, and Possible

    Scott Edward Anderson
    27 Jan 2012 | 7:55 am
    Renmatix Super Converter What is the future of BioFuels? From algae to switchgrass and wood waste to sewer grease, many advances in next generation biofuels are being made today. But what is realistic and how do you cut through the hope and hype to get at viable solutions? The US military is one of the largest investors in advanced biofuels development and is in a position to make the market ripe for commercialization on a massive scale. Can it do for biofuels what it did for GPS and the Internet? I'll be moderating an informative and lively dialogue with industry experts, entrepreneurs and…

  • Cleanweb Hackathon Focuses on Killer Apps Built in a Day...or Two

    Scott Edward Anderson
    23 Jan 2012 | 11:40 am
    Hackers hacking at Cleanweb Hackathon, NYC. What if you put a bunch of developers in the room, gave them access to datasets and APIs and set them loose on the planet's resource problems over a weekend? Well, the folks behind Cleanweb Hackathon did just that on Saturday and Sunday in New York City. The result may just be the start of a revolution in cleanweb solutions. The cleanweb, as defined by the hackathon's organizers, uses information technology, the Internet, and social media to address the issues of energy, transportation, and smart grid. "Information technology is the most powerful…

  • Tar Sands, Pipelines and Nukes: The Green Skeptic on FOX Business

    Scott Edward Anderson
    20 Jan 2012 | 12:18 pm
    This morning I sat down with Charles Payne on FOX Business's Varney & Co to talk tar sands, the Keystone XL pipeline, and environmental victories. My opinions shouldn't surprise you if you're a regular reader of The Green Skeptic. Here's the video: Watch the latest video at &amp;lt;a href="http://video.foxbusiness.com"&amp;gt;video.foxbusiness.com&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; And here is a link in the event that your browser doesn't accept the format: The Green Skeptic on FOX Business

  • The Green Skeptic Goes Black to Protest #SOPA and #PIPA

    Scott Edward Anderson
    18 Jan 2012 | 7:57 am
    …
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    msnbc.com: Environment

  • Rhino dies in anti-poaching demo by conservationists

    9 Feb 2012 | 1:33 pm
    A conservation group demonstrating an anti-poaching method for reporters in South Africa accidentally killed the rhinoceros they were using in the demonstration.

  • US licenses first nuclear reactors since 1978

    9 Feb 2012 | 11:54 am
    It's been 34 years -- and several nuclear accidents later -- but a divided federal panel on Thursday licensed a utility to build nuclear reactors in the U.S. for the first time since 1978.

  • Killer whales denied anti-slavery protection

    9 Feb 2012 | 8:33 am
    A judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to give killer whales at SeaWorld constitutional rights.

  • WWF: Toilet paper destroys tiger, elephant habitat

    8 Feb 2012 | 5:12 pm
    Is your toilet paper wiping out forests used by tigers, elephants, orangutans and other wildlife? The World Wildlife Fund alleged that a major paper supplier is clearcutting in Indonesia.

  • Satellites show how our icy world is melting

    8 Feb 2012 | 1:47 pm
    The melt-off from the world's ice sheets, ice caps and glaciers over eight years of the past decade would have been enough to cover the United States in about 18 inches (46 centimeters) of water, according to new research based on the most-comprehensive analysis of satellite data yet.
 
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    TheGreenGirls

  • (Video) DIY Valentine Hair

    9 Feb 2012 | 9:52 am
    This is such a cute style for your little one on Valentine's Day! If styling on a school day, make sure you to give yourself an extra 15 minutes in the morning.  

  • (Video) Green Your School w/ Olivia Munn & DoSomething.org

    7 Feb 2012 | 1:26 pm
    The Green Your School Challenge is a student led movement to shrink the carbon footprint of US schools. Teens rally their school community and lead projects to reduce waste, save energy, promote green agriculture and more. Participating students browse and select projects needed in their school and we provide action guides and one-on-one support to help.     Schools that make the biggest impact on their school win grants and prizes including: A $5000 grant to the biggest impact on recycling, powered by Nestlé Waters. A $5000 grant to the biggest impact on energy conservation,…

  • (Video) EarthSpark Lights Up Haiti for Women and Girls

    7 Feb 2012 | 9:50 am
    In June 2010 TheGreenGirls.com & TheClimateCommunity.com produced an event to help women and girls in Haiti with renewable energy. The Anniversary Bash & Eco Fashion Show raised $5,000 for the cause - just a small portion of out-pouring support EarthSpark International has received for this project.    We are so grateful for EarthSpark's work and excited to share this video of EarthSpark International distributing over 8,000 solar lights to women and their families in camps throughout Port-au-Prince and other affected areas. Within weeks of the earthquake that…

  • 10 #Free #Business Kindle eBooks

    6 Feb 2012 | 12:01 pm
      Enjoy! Success Is Not an Accident How To Start A Non Profit Organization Make Millions and Make Change! Make More Sales Online Using Social Media For Internet Marketers The Secrets of Success; A Young Man's Journey (Power Principles) How To Start An Online Business - And Get It Up & Running In The Fastest & Easiest Way How to Grow Rich with The Millionaire Mind Script How to easily do SEO for your business (Best Way to do SEO) Lead with LUV: A Different Way to Create Real Success Sell on Amazon: A Guide to Amazon's Marketplace, Seller Central, and Fulfillment by Amazon…

  • 10 Super Food Ideas For Your #SuperBowl Party!

    4 Feb 2012 | 2:08 pm
    Planning your party for the big game? We know this day is all about junk food and easy to grab appetizers, but if you're looking to add some healthy & nutritional hors d'oeuvre in the mix -- We got you covered! Here is a mix of 10 healthy & delish finger foods. Tuna Salad with seaweed squares This dish is great with seaweed squares. Just make a giant bowl and have your guests scoop a spoonful into a seaweed square and you've got instant vegan tuna wrap! Avocado Crostinis These are super simple & easy to make, giving you more time entertaining friends & fam and…
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    Do Your Part

  • Do Your Part: Don’t Waste Food Scraps

    Megan M.
    6 Feb 2012 | 10:01 am
    Think composting is too complicated? Let Terri show you her tricks to getting started composting at home.

  • Surprising Steals at Goodwill

    DoYourPart
    3 Feb 2012 | 4:45 pm
    It’s not your grandparents’ goodwill anymore! Terri show you some surprising finds at one retail store.

  • Sleek & Stylish Composters

    DoYourPart
    1 Feb 2012 | 4:00 am
    For the month of February, we're partnering with Ucan to give away two modern composting bins. Not only are they stylish, they make composting easy. Two randomly selected winners will receive a Ucan Untrash can and a box of compostable garbage bags - each worth a total of $35.

  • Top 7 Ways to Be Less Trashy

    DoYourPart
    31 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am
    Who really wants to contribute to our growing landfills? There are easy ways to reduce the amount of stuff you trash, increase what you recycle, and even shop smarter.

  • A Wind Farm Without The Blades

    Megan M.
    24 Jan 2012 | 10:02 am
    A wind farm with no blades? Here's how it could work.
 
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    The Alternative Consumer

  • could sulfate particles be used to reverse climate change?

    Cassandra Galentine
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:02 am
    Change is always most effective and least damaging as a gradual process. Take the environment for example. Rapid, unexpected changes in the climate can cause the endangerment and extinction of unprepared, vulnerable species of organisms. Life on Earth has been honed for billions of years via the process of evolution and has adapted to very specific conditions. Change those conditions suddenly and all hell breaks loose. The effects of the current global climate change are certainly harmful and must be addressed, but some of the remedies may only add to the problem. One of these so called…

  • earth blocks – the greener legos

    Ross Dulmaine
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:01 am
    Looking for an alternative to plastic LEGOS? Look no further than Earth Blocks, the more organic building block. The blocks, which snap together like traditional LEGOS, are made from a variety of natural and recycled materials, including the bark of the cedar tree, compressed dust from sawn cedar logs, and coffee beans. Due to their organic content the blocks are slightly softer than traditional LEGOS, though much… much greener. Created by Colors Tokyo. $30 a set @ the guggenheim online store via: designboom

  • recycled sterling silver bark ring – it’s personal

    Maureen O'Connor
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:36 pm
    Rustic chic. Allison Cecil makes these woodsy, personalized bark rings out of 100% recycled sterling silver. Depending on your ‘crunchy’ quotient they could even serve quite nicely as wedding bands. $104 (one ring) @ themonkeysalwayslook Etsy shop

  • HotLips Soda creates another hit

    Maureen O'Connor
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:59 am
    HotLips is a hot soda pop brand, family-run and located in Portland, Oregon. They’ve been concocting fruit-based batches of refreshing bubbly since 2005 – sourcing locally grown fruit, refining the processing & manufacturing, rolling out new flavors, expanding distribution, and listening to customer’s requests for “less tiny seeds in the strawberry, please.” We recently had the opportunity to test their latest handcrafted flavor, Cranberry – it’s a hit in our book. How do they do it? Fresh batches of Stevens and Yellow River varieties of…

  • today’s mixed bag of green news

    Ross Dulmaine
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:03 am
    Oh the irony… Iran Says to Go Green as Oil Sanctions Tighten – reuters Sharks aren’t getting any hungrier – people are just getting in the way… Shark Attack Deaths See Spike in 2011 – livescience Headline of the day… Bahama’s Blue Holes Harbor Strange Lifeforms – enn (video) Company aims to convert solar energy into new fuels and remove greenhouse gas from the atmosphere… Converting Solar Energy into New Fuels -bbc Methane leaks may offset climate benefits of natural gas… Air Sampling Reveals High Emissions From Natural Gas…
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    Environmental News Network

  • German-Saudi Partnership to Build Polysilicon Plant in Red Sea City

    9 Feb 2012 | 7:49 am
    Germany's Centrotherm Photovoltaics, the world's second-largest manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment, has signed an agreement with IDEA Polysilicon to construct a polysilicon solar PV manufacturing facility in the Saudi Arabian Red Coast city of Yanbu, according to a Reuters News report. The agreement aims to provide IDEA the technology and know-how it needs to become a market force in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region, a market that's attracting more and more interest from industry players globally.

  • Hertz First To Trial Wireless EV Recharging

    9 Feb 2012 | 5:17 am
    The Hertz Corporation and Hertz Global EV are implementing the first wireless charging system for electric vehicles (EVs) in the car rental industry. Hertz has the most diverse fleet of EVs for both rental and carshare. "Hertz is committed to its Global EV program, introducing electric vehicles into our rental fleet on three continents – North America, Asia and Europe," commented Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We're excited to participate in Plugless Power’s pilot program so that we can be on the ground floor of this new technology; learning key findings…

  • Scotland releases blueprint for offshore renewable energy roll-out

    8 Feb 2012 | 11:52 am
    A blueprint to streamline the scoping, planning and consenting of offshore renewables developments has been published by the Scottish Government today. The report, prepared by a task force comprising Marine Scotland, environmental regulators, renewable developers and The Crown Estate, was welcomed by Alex Salmond as he co-chaired the first 2012 meeting of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board (SEAB).

  • Tree Rings and Volcanic Eruptions

    8 Feb 2012 | 10:28 am
    Counting the number of tree rings and observing the relative growth for each ting can give an age for when something happened. However, it may not be that simple. Some climate cooling caused by past volcanic eruptions may not be evident in tree-ring reconstructions of temperature change, because large enough temperature drops lead to greatly shortened or even absent growing seasons, according to climate researchers who compared tree-ring temperature reconstructions with model simulations of past temperature changes.

  • Housecats Susceptible to Wild Feline Disease

    8 Feb 2012 | 9:13 am
    There are really two types of cats out there: the cute and cuddly house cat and the vicious predator wildcats. However, for bacteria and viruses, there is no difference. The domestic cats are equally vulnerable to the same diseases that afflict wild bobcats, cougars, and others. A new study led by Colorado State University found that all cats living in the same area share the same diseases. In fact, domestic cats can act as a bridge to spread feline diseases to human households.
 
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    Cool Green Science: The Conservation Blog of The Nature Conservancy

  • Cool Green Morning: Thursday, February 9

    Brad Parker
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    Looking for the worst possible Valentine’s Day present? It might be that new flower. The global ice melt from the past decade would flood the entire U.S.  (TreeHugger) Wild salmon are not holding up a new study suggests.  (Green) A newly discovered relative of the ‘corpse flower,’ smells like …  (National Geographic) The Americas are on a collisions course with Eurasia, will create next supercontinent.  (NPR) Do we finally know why zebras evolved their black and white stripes?  (BBC)

  • Cool Green Morning: Wednesday, February 8

    Nicole Levins
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:17 am
    If it can snow in one of the world’s hottest places, why can’t we get a few flurries here in DC? How’s this for wacky weather?  It snowed in Libya.  (Green) Ratu, one of the last remaining Sumatran rhinos, is in her 11th month of pregnancy.  Only five more months to go!  (Mongabay) Yesterday, one of the world’s most climate-conscious leaders was forced to resign in a coup d’état.  (Grist) At least in California, green jobs weathered the recession much better than conventional jobs.  (GreenBiz) What are the greenest cars on the market today? …

  • Cool Green Morning: Tuesday, February 7

    Madeline Breen
    7 Feb 2012 | 8:49 am
    This just in: sand castles might make beach-goers sick. The EPA warns beach sand may contain illness-inducing bacteria. (TreeHugger) Two teenagers are helping Girl Scouts end deforestation. (Grist) Will global warming ruin football in the southern US? (Climate Progress) Electric bicycles take on San Francisco’s famous hills. (Green) Teaching students about climate change proves to be tricky for teachers. (Dot Earth)

  • Dispatch from the Field: Palau

    Stephanie Wear
    6 Feb 2012 | 4:08 pm
    Stephanie Wear, The Nature Conservancy’s director of coral reef conservation, is spending a week in Palau, visiting with locals and learning about what makes their reefs so resilient. Follow her journey here on Cool Green Science, on stephwear.com and on Twitter at @stephwear. February 8, 2012:  A Sea That Unites Us Here on Palau, I am just back from our first day of a learning exchange between several communities spread across the Hawaiian Islands, the country of Palau, and the territory of American Samoa.  Today we went to Palau’s Capitol Building, which was modeled after the U.S.

  • Cool Green Morning: Monday, February 6

    Madeline Breen
    6 Feb 2012 | 8:26 am
    It doesn’t matter if you’re a Giants or Patriots fan, we can all appreciate a few great green news stories. Our oceans got some love in this 30-second Super Bowl ad. (Care2) Puerto Rico adds non-native iguanas to their menus. (Washington Post) The Olympics bring Britain their biggest urban park. (Guardian) We heart TreeHugger’s new Valentine’s Day green gift guide. (TreeHugger) A warming ocean actually boasts some coral reef growth. (Huffington Post)
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    The Oil Drum - Discussions about Energy and Our Future

  • After The Gold Rush: A Perspective on Future U.S. Natural Gas Supply and Price

    aeberman
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:05 am
    On January 23, 2012, Chesapeake Energy announced that it would curtail drilling in shale gas plays in the United States. Subsequently, other operators have followed suit. While the outcome of this announcement is unclear, it is a signal that the industry is in distress. One can argue that this distress stems from a lack of discipline as market price began to decline. After gas prices collapsed in mid-2008, U.S. operators continued to drill as if price did not matter. Many reasons were given to justify the economics of ongoing activity including to hold acreage by production, to fulfill…

  • TheOilDrum.com Archive 2005-2011

    Admin
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    During the past seven years, TheOilDrum.com has hosted analysis and discussion surrounding the possibility and implications of a near term peak in global oil production and importance of energy to society in general. Out of the ~8,500 articles posted here (all searchable by keyword in upper left), the list below comprises what each author considered some of their most relevant content. The list is in alphabetical order, by last name of Oil Drum contributor. Click on the author's name to go to their list of selected articles. At the end of each section, a link is given to the complete list of…

  • Drumbeat: February 8, 2012

    Leanan
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:34 am
    Oil, Food, Water: Is Everything Past Its Peak? An unprecedented crisis faced America. Oil production was going to peak in just three to five years, resulting in foreign oil addiction and economic calamity. The scientist responsible for slapping the nation into consciousness implored industry and government to act: "The smug complacency that habitually blinds the American public must be torn," wrote David White, chief geologist of the U.S. Geological Survey. It was 1920. More than 90 years later, tempers still flare over the prospect of global "peak oil." Last week a commentary in the…

  • Gas Boom Goes Bust

    Jonathan Callahan
    6 Feb 2012 | 8:15 am
    The current boom in drilling for ‘unconventional’ gas has helped raise US production to levels not seen since the early 1970′s. This has been an incredible boon to consumers and has kept spot prices contained below $5 per million BTU for the past year, recently dropping below $3/mmbtu. Unfortunately, this price is below the cost of production for many of these new wells. When the flood of investment currently pouring into natural gas drilling operations dries up, the inevitable bust will be as scary as the boom was exciting. The Problem A well written and realistic overview…

  • Tech Talk - Oil and Natural Gas in Eastern Siberia

    Heading Out
    5 Feb 2012 | 5:05 am
    In the last post on Russian oil production, I discussed the amounts of oil produced from Western Siberia, the region with the highest current production, which in its prime contained the second largest producing oilfield in the world at Samotlor. Those fields are now in decline, and while modern technology is seeking to retain as much production as possible, Russian investment is moving further East to the region known as Eastern Siberia. It is not the most hospitable of places, even when compared with Western Siberia. The cold is staggering, even for Siberia: winter temperatures can fall to…
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    EcoSalon | Conscious Culture and Fashion

  • EcoSalon at NYFW: Gretchen Jones

    Jessica Marati
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:59 am
    A scene inspired by a midnight desert, a Warhol muse, and personal tragedy at Gretchen Jones’ Fall/Winter 2012 presentation. Outside it was snowing, but inside Chelsea’s Root Drive-In, a desert had been realized. This wasn’t your sun-kissed, white linen and turquoise desert, though. This was darker, more melancholy – the desert at midnight. The room was pitch black, save for small spotlights trained on the models, who stood on wooden platforms arranged in a circular pattern among sand and stones. In one corner, a smoke machine created a haze. In the other, the Gang Gang Dance’s…

  • Choosing the Right Vegetables to Grow in Your Urban Garden

    Mike Lieberman
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:47 am
    VideoTomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash or all of the above? We have the basics of apartment gardening down and still need to decide what to grow. When most people start their urban garden, they have visions of growing tomatoes, cucumbers and so many other vegetables. Then the reality sets in when tomatoes start dying and cucumbers shrivel up. Not to worry. I’ll help you to figure out which vegetables to choose. For instance, one of the biggest mistakes that people make is planting a vegetable such as tomatoes in a spot that doesn’t get enough sunlight for them to grow. In this…

  • heARTbeat: Jenine Shereos Weaves Leaves From Human Hair

    Dominique Pacheco
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:52 am
    ColumnThe significance of our locks. Throughout history, humans have imbued hair with meaning. Take for instance a superstitious Picasso who is said to have kept all his hair cuttings (and nails) to protect him from witchcraft. In an era when women were still property, Victorians’ long tresses could increase a dowry. Urban myth or not, Samson may indeed have lost his virility when Delilah cut his locks. Hair continues to be a symbol, and its presence or absence is a powerful marker across cultures. In her work, Jenine Shereos, a sculptor and installation artist specializing in fiber and…

  • EcoSalon at NYFW: ORGANIC by John Patrick

    Jessica Marati
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:21 pm
    ORGANIC by John Patrick gives us his “beautiful vision” of sustainable fashion. To the toe-tapping tunes of The Beatles, designer John Patrick debuted his Fall 2012 ORGANIC collection at a boutique event space in the Garment District for New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Under the heading “A Beautiful Vision,” the show featured a romantic collection inspired by a Julia Margaret Cameron photograph called A Beautiful Vision, Julia Duckworth, taken of Cameron’s niece (and future mother of painter Vanessa Bell and writer Virginia Woolf) in 1872.

  • Just 1 Super Bowl Ad Could Give 140,000 People Water for Life

    Anna Brones
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:06 pm
    Really. With population growth, industrialization and limited resources, access to freshwater has become a crisis. 1.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water – that’s more than one out of six people. Every 20 seconds a child dies from a water-related illness. Water is such an issue that it is a key component in achieving the United Nation’s Millenium Development Goals. These statistics are hard to grapple with, but for perspective, consider that this past weekend, a 30-second advertising spot during the Super Bowl ran for $3.5 million. According to Water.org, the…
 
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    Yale Environment 360

  • World’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm Opens Off British Coast

    Yale Environment 360
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:04 am
    A coalition of European companies today opened a 367-megawatt wind farm off the British coast, a massive project that developers say will power as many as 320,000 households annually and is the world’s largest offshore wind project to date. The Walney Wind Farm, located nine miles (15 kilometers) off Cumbria in the Irish Sea, is comprised of 102 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 3.6 megawatts. The £1 billion ($1.58 billion) project was developed by some European utility giants — including British power company SSE and Denmark’s Dong Energy — and financial service companies.

  • On the Road Back to Rio, Green Direction Has Been Lost

    Yale Environment 360
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:28 am
    Twenty years ago, an historic environmental summit in Rio de Janeiro produced groundbreaking treaties and high hopes that pressing issues would be addressed. But as organizers prepare for the Rio+20 conference in June, there is little on the agenda to suggest any substantive action will be taken. BY FRED PEARCE

  • Glaciers, Ice Caps Losing 150 Billion Tons of Ice Annually

    Yale Environment 360
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:06 am
    A new analysis of global satellite data has found that the world’s glaciers and ice caps — excluding Antarctica and Greenland — lost about 150 billion tons of ice per year between 2003 and 2010, adding about 0.4 millimeters to global sea rise annually. Using data from the twin Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites, researchers at the University of Colorado-Boulder compiled what they say is the most comprehensive data on planetary ice loss. The satellites, which are part of a joint project between NASA and Germany, travel around Earth in tandem 16 times a day and are…

  • Louisiana Report Urges State to Brace for 3 Feet of Sea Level Rise

    Yale Environment 360
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:21 am
    A new report released by the administration of Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal projects that the state’s already vulnerable coastline could face 3 feet of sea level rise by the end of the century. Based on current sea rise models, a science panel with the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority suggests that rising seas and coastal land changes will increasingly expose lowlands to storm surges, with some regions facing as many as 4 feet of sea level rise. Their report, part of ongoing efforts to guide coastal zone management, urges state officials to integrate the latest data on…

  • Russian Scientists Confirm They Have Reached Ancient Antarctic Lake

    Yale Environment 360
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:51 am
    Russian researchers say they have drilled through more than 2 miles of ice on Antarctica’s polar plateau and reached an ancient subglacial lake that has been sealed off for as many as 15 million years. Reaching the lake caps a two-decade drilling effort at Russia’s Vostok Station in Antarctica, which in 1982 recorded Earth’s coldest temperature of -129 degrees F. The chief of the Vostok Station, A.M. Yelagin, confirmed in a statement that Russia’s drilling team had reached the lake on Sunday, when water shot up from 12,365 feet below the surface and froze as it reached the -67 degree…
 
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    Reuters: Environment

  • NRC approves first new nuclear plant in a generation

    9 Feb 2012 | 12:26 pm
    ROCKVILLE, Maryland (Reuters) - Regulators on Thursday approved plans to build the first new nuclear power plant in more than 30 years in spite of objections of the panel's chairman who cited safety concerns stemming from Japan's disastrous 2011 Fukushima disaster.

  • Bungled conservation effort kills South African rhino

    9 Feb 2012 | 11:58 am
    JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - A group of animal conservationists in South Africa accidentally killed a rhinoceros they were attempting to make safe from poachers in a botched public relations event.

  • Insight: Poland's shale gas play takes on Russian power

    9 Feb 2012 | 11:29 am
    LESNIOWICE, Poland (Reuters) - When Wieslaw Radzieciak took office as the mayor of Lesniowice in the gently-rolling farmland of southeastern Poland 26 years ago, the Soviet garrisons that dotted the county were a stark reminder of which superpower was in control.

  • Britain to urge green accounting at Rio+20 summit

    9 Feb 2012 | 10:57 am
    LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will urge businesses and governments to start accounting for natural capital as an additional way of measuring economic activity at a U.N. sustainability summit in June, its environment minister said on Thursday.

  • Inspector: no improper influence on Keystone line

    9 Feb 2012 | 10:44 am
    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The State Department Inspector General issued a review on Thursday that found "no evidence" the company that wants to build the Canada-to-Texas Keystone XL crude oil pipeline had improperly influenced on a contractor that performed the environmental review of the project.
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    Great Green Goods - Shopping the Eco-friendly Way!

  • Recycled Felted Wool Hearts

    green
    5 Feb 2012 | 6:08 pm
    Take one part recycled wool sweater and add two parts of beads, buttons and embroidery embellishments and then dump a whole lot of colorful creativity on top and you get these cute little heart pins ready for anything. Prices range from $5.00 to $10.00 perfect for your little valentines from SueandSew’s Etsy Shop Pin It

  • Recycled Copper Hearts

    green
    4 Feb 2012 | 6:03 pm
    Created from repurposed recycled vintage copper roofing shingles, cute hearts, that are hand cut and hammered with a true artisan one-of-a-kind look. They are lightweight and inscribed with the words LOVE/YA. On top of it all they are adorned with itsy bitsy silver tin hearts. Check out Ruddle Cottage Etsy shop there are several variations. $18.00 at Ruddle Cottage Pin It

  • Upcycled Fabric Felt Art Hearts

    green
    27 Jan 2012 | 9:38 pm
    You don’t need to pollute the planet to prove your love…try one of these adorable heart pins made from random bits of fabric scraps. $16.00 at TresArty’s Etsy Shop Pin It

  • Recycled Hearts

    green
    15 Jan 2012 | 5:49 pm
    There is no end to the good vibes that you get with this pretty “heart” platter. Each plate is cut from glass that would otherwise go to waste and end up in the land-fill which is a tragedy since it is perfectly good glass!! It is categorized as pre-consumer/ post-industrial. The design on the plates is hand screened. With each purchase, $2 is donated to benefit Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity, which brings community volunteers together to build affordable housing for low-income families….and a little certificate describing the donation is included with the plate. It is…

  • Recycled T Shirts

    green
    28 Dec 2011 | 3:37 pm
    We’re all spent from the holiday and now need to regroup and make something beautiful for ourselves that doesn’t cost a lot of money! Everyone has a spare T-shirt hanging around. Check out the beautiful ideas:     This neckware is created by Etsy seller Johnny Vegas Originals. Lots of different colors and styles available for sale in his Etsy shop. Can you imagine anything more comfortable to wear?     This creative craftster cut up her t-shirts and made yarn out of it which she then knitted to make dishtowels. I’m sure they are nice and soft and…
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    Latest News

  • Giant Solar Power Towers Sprout Like Weeds

    James Gerken
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:54 pm
    From EarthTechling's Pete Danko: The question might not be if an insanely tall solar updraft tower gets built, but whose insanely tall solar updraft tower gets built first. And where. EnviroMission, the Australian company aiming to use the greenhouse effect and thermal dynamics to produce electricity in the Arizona desert, is apparently not alone in its ambition. Turns out another Australian concern is working to build a very similar power plant. The second team's project is targeted for the outback of Western Australia, where a key function would be to provide power to the extensive mining…

  • PHOTOS: Europe's Big Freeze

    Carrie Niland
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:40 pm
    The big freeze continues to overwhelm many parts of Europe as the cold snap shows no signs of stopping. To see more great photography visit HuffPost Exposure.

  • Judge Removes Hurdle To 'Drastically Expand' Montana Coal Production

    AP
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:23 pm
    BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A judge has rejected a lawsuit challenging the state Land Board's lease of 587 million tons of publicly owned coal in southeastern Montana, removing a hurdle to a proposed mine with that could drastically expand the state's coal production. Conservation groups had argued that further environmental studies were needed and that the lease sale would make mining inevitable if allowed to stand. But District Judge Joe Hegel says the state did not give up its discretion to halt or modify mining plans at a later date when it leased the coal to St. Louis-based Arch Coal Inc.

  • Republican Bashes 'Stasi Troop' Lightbulb Regulations

    Elise Foley
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:17 pm
    WASHINGTON -- Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) said Thursday that Democrats are taking away liberty and freedom with overreaching policies, like pushing for fewer calories in food marketed toward children and energy-efficient shower heads, toilets and lightbulbs. Children "were raised as feeders," so they will reach for another candy bar if the calories are eliminated from the food they are given, he said at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington. "See what I'm up against? This is on a daily basis," he said. The idea that obesity needs to be ended so the country's military can…

  • Pennsylvania House Sends Major Gas-Drilling Bill To Governor

    AP
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:52 am
    HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Corbett is expected to sign a sweeping bill that could force Pennsylvania's booming natural gas industry to help pay for a wide range of state and local government programs, toughen safety standards and limit the ability of local officials to keep drilling out of their towns. The state House of Representatives' vote came more than three years after the exploration industry, armed with new technology, descended on Pennsylvania and began pouring billions of dollars into tapping the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation, the nation's largest-known natural gas…
 
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    The Blog

  • Tammy Gold: Safe Spring Cleaning in 2012

    Tammy Gold
    9 Feb 2012 | 2:03 pm
    Most think of spring cleaning as a time to sweep away the dirt and clutter that made its way inside during winter, but what most people don't realize is that by cleaning with harsh chemical-based products, they can do more harm than good, especially for parents-to-be and growing families. By cleaning items that are constantly in your children's hands and mouths with regular household cleaners, you risk exposing your child to toxic chemicals that can end in health risks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 150 chemicals most commonly found in homes have been linked to…

  • Terry Tamminen: The United States of India

    Terry Tamminen
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:24 pm
    After numerous trips to India and discussions with the leaders of many businesses (large and small), two things are clear. There is already a U.S.-sized market here and it's very green. India's population of about 1.2 billion includes roughly the same number of people in various socio-economic levels as the U.S. The obvious difference is that India also has another 800 million people living in various stages of urban or rural poverty. A less apparent difference is that 65 pecent of India's population is under the age of 35. And because Indians have always had to do more with less, they are…

  • Kip Pastor: In Organic We Trust

    Kip Pastor
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:20 pm
    An observant cynic once wrote, "Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket." The organic food movement is certainly a great cause and it has definitely become big business. Now the only question is whether we will allow this well-intentioned movement, started by farmers who strived to be stewards of the land, to completely degenerate into a meaningless food trend. The organic food crusade began as a grassroots movement for small-scale, locally sourced, sustainable agriculture. Most consumers still associate organic products with those…

  • Rose Marie Berger: The Plot Thickens: Far-Right Group Joins Chorus for Keystone XL

    Rose Marie Berger
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:44 pm
    Last week Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) introduced a bill (S. 2041) that would give Congress the authority to approve the controversial transcontinental Keystone XL pipeline, without the President's approval. Forty-four Republicans and three Democrats signed on as co-sponsors. According to MapLight, which analyzes industry campaign contributions to members of Congress, one of the top 12 funders supporting Hoeven's bill is the John Birch Society, a conspiracy-minded network that led Red-baiting campaigns in the 1950s, organized against the civil rights movement in the 1960s, and recently has raised…

  • John C.K. Daly: Petrobras Strikes Oil in Western Brazil -- Bye Bye Amazon?

    John C.K. Daly
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:47 am
    It depends how one defines "good" news. Last week Brazilian state-controlled oil company Petrobras announced that it had struck good-quality light oil in its Amazonas state's Solimoes Basin SOL-T-171 concession block, which it owns 100 percent. In a market filing Petrobras reported that the onshore discovery in the Jurua Formation could produce 1,400 barrels per day (bpd) of light weight, 41-degree API oil, as well as 45,000 cubic meters per day (tcmpd) of natural gas. The discovery occurred at the drilling of Petrobras' well 1-BRSA-961-AM, unofficially known as Igarape Chibata Leste. Located…
 
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    ScienceDaily: Earth & Climate News

  • How the zebra got its stripes

    9 Feb 2012 | 9:17 am
    Horseflies are unpleasant insects that deliver powerful bites and now it seems that zebras evolved their stripes to avoid attracting the unpleasant pests. New research show that zebras have the least attractive hides for horseflies.

  • Amazing skin gives sharks a push

    9 Feb 2012 | 9:17 am
    Shark skin has long been known to improve the fish's swimming performance by reducing drag, but now a new study show that in addition, the skin generates thrust, giving the fish an extra boost. The duo also discovered that Speedo's shark skin-inspired Fastskin® FS II fabric surface does not improve swimming speed, although they point out that the figure hugging costumes probably enhance performance in other ways.

  • Global sea level rise: NASA mission takes stock of Earth's melting land ice

    9 Feb 2012 | 9:05 am
    In the first comprehensive satellite study of its kind, researchers have used NASA data to calculate how much Earth's melting land ice is adding to global sea level rise. Using satellite measurements from the NASA/German Aerospace Center Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), the researchers measured ice loss in all of Earth's land ice between 2003 and 2010, with particular emphasis on glaciers and ice caps outside of Greenland and Antarctica. The total global ice mass lost from Greenland, Antarctica and Earth's glaciers and ice caps during the study period was about 4.3 trillion…

  • January 2012 fourth warmest for contiguous United States, but Alaska extremely cold

    8 Feb 2012 | 2:34 pm
    During January, warmer-than-average conditions enveloped most of the contiguous United States, with widespread below-average precipitation. The overall weather pattern for the month was reflected in the lack of snow for much of the Northern Plains, Midwest, and Northeast. This scenario was in stark contrast to Alaska where several towns had their coldest January on record.

  • Report on Texas fire urges firefighters to consider wind effects

    8 Feb 2012 | 12:28 pm
    Wind conditions at a fire scene can make a critical difference on the behavior of the blaze and the safety of firefighters, even indoors, according to a new report.
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    GoodGuide Blog

  • What Makes “Good” Chocolate?

    Mia Gralla
    8 Feb 2012 | 7:25 pm
    Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it’s pretty hard to resist the temptation of chocolate, whether you receive it as a gift or enjoy it as an indulgence for yourself. In fact, over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for this holiday. We may view it as a sinful sweet treat, but is all chocolate bad for you? Chocolate actually starts off across the globe, since cacao trees grow best in countries with tropical climate like West Africa, Central and South America, and parts of Asia. This is where chocolate can leave a bad taste. There are many labor issues with harvesting…

  • Rumblings Of A Retail Revolution

    Mia Gralla
    3 Feb 2012 | 5:04 pm
    The retail industry has the largest energy bills and the second largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the commercial sector of the U.S economy, according to the EPA. If retailers made even small adjustments to their practices, wouldn’t this have a profound impact on the welfare of our environment? In an attempt to give an extra push in the right direction, the Retail Industry Leader’s Association (RILA) released the first ever Retail Sustainability Report earlier this week. Businesses can now see how their sustainability efforts stack up, and generate new ideas based off…

  • The Folly of Faux Meat

    Sheila Viswanathan
    2 Feb 2012 | 11:20 am
    There are lots of reasons to make more of your meals meatless. The primary reason is the significant body of public health research indicates diets high in meat and animal products (specifically red meat) are associated with higher rates of chronic disease. However, “going meatless” to be healthier is getting more complicated. In a simple world, being vegetarian means replacing fleshy foods with more fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Some people don’t take this route with vegetarianism though, and instead opt to replace meat with “meat substitutes,” a growing…

  • January Good News Roundup

    Mia Gralla
    31 Jan 2012 | 5:57 pm
    GoodGuide kicked 2012 off to a great, healthy start and we are confident it is indicative of even better things to come. The media has been predicting that the rise of the sustainable shopper will be a major trend this year and we couldn’t agree more. Additionally, a multitude of publications including the New York Times predicted that with smart phone apps such as GoodGuide, the need for marketing terms and certifications on packages will become obsolete. Check our media highlights from the month of January: New York Times “Deciphering 2 Embedded Signs of Our…

  • A Healthy Game Plan

    Mia Gralla
    30 Jan 2012 | 6:31 pm
    Super Bowl Sunday might be the second largest day of food consumption (aside from Thanksgiving), but that doesn’t mean you have to throw your health game plan out the window. Armed with the GoodGuide app on your smartphone, you can easily tackle the super market without any fumbles. So how are we watching the Super Bowl here at GoodGuide? More pizza and chicken wings are consumed on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day. It’s fine to splurge, but go the extra yard by making your own so you can control the cheese, toppings and grease. You can make your own snacks also. By preparing…
 
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    Forbes - Energy

  • Understanding the Global Warming Debate

    Warren Meyer
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:57 am
    Likely you have heard the sound bite that "97% of climate scientists" accept the global warming "consensus".  Which is what gives global warming advocates the confidence to call climate skeptics "deniers," hoping to evoke a parallel with "Holocaust Deniers," a case where most of us would agree that a small

  • 2 Solyndras For The Price Of 1? A123 Hurt By Fisker's Woes

    Eric Savitz
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:52 am
    Shares of electric- and hybrid-car battery maker A123 Systems are getting crushed Thursday by the unfolding financial woes of electric luxury car maker Fisker Automotive.

  • The Cluster Effect

    Rebecca O. Bagley
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:43 am
    When you’re a small technology company trying to grow your business, you’re looking for every possible opportunity to succeed. The pressure from stakeholders to find capital or strategic partners to accelerate your business can sometimes be overwhelming.  

  • Shale Game

    Christopher Helman
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:00 pm
    BHP Billiton Chief Marius Kloppers just placed a $20 billion bet on U.S. natural gas. That's pretty risky, even for him.

  • More Hot Air Than Greenhouse Gas At Davos: Emissions Fell During Elite Confab

    Todd Woody
    8 Feb 2012 | 12:53 pm
    This article appeared in the February 27, 2012 issue of Forbes Magazine.
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    The Good Human

  • You Are Not Allowed To Line Dry Your Clothes.

    david
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Has anyone ever told you that it was illegal to be line drying your clothes outside? If you live in the United States, you may be one of the millions of citizens living in communities which have made it against the law to do so. Outside of the U.S., line drying your clothes is the norm; most people don’t even own dryers. But here in the States, towns, cities, and HOA’s have set up laws making the act of line drying your own clothing illegal. So what gives? Turns out, lawmakers and those snobby neighbors of ours don’t like the idea of residents being allowed to hang out their…

  • Revenge of the Electric Car Available on Netflix Instant

    david
    7 Feb 2012 | 4:55 pm
    If you are a fan of electric cars and the future of transportation, and have a Netflix Watch Instantly subscription, I have the perfect documentary for you to check out. Revenge of the Electric Car is the follow-up to Who Killed the Electric Car?, and is presented 12 years after General Motors killed their EV1 electric car project. The film covers the explosive growth in the electric car industry, as companies ranging from the guy making EV conversions in his garage, to the truly innovative upstarts (Tesla Motors), and to the massive (GM and Nissan), compete to release an affordable EV for…

  • Set-Top TV Boxes use Equivalent Energy Output of Six Coal-Fired Power Plants.

    david
    5 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Q: Is it true that cable and other pay TV boxes that sit atop television sets consume massive amounts of energy, in part because they are always on, even when the TV is off? We hear a lot about how much energy modern day flat screen TV sets consume, but the innocuous set-top boxes that drive them, along with their built-in digital video recorders, may be even more to blame. A recent analysis conducted by the consulting firm Ecos on behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that “the average new cable high-definition digital video recorder (HD-DVR) consumes more than half…

  • Treat a Cold the Natural Way

    david
    4 Feb 2012 | 2:29 pm
    If it’s wintertime where you live, then you know what that means – it’s time to bring out the supplies needed to treat a cold! Cold and flu season brings on all sorts of maladies, from the sniffles all the way to the flu and pneumonia. But the most common aiment people come down with is the common cold, and thankfully there are ways to treat a cold without resorting to all sorts of pills and cover-ups. Here are the most popular ways you can naturally treat a cold this season. Blow Your Nose – Blowing your nose regularly throughout the day is one of the best ways to…
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    green.tv

  • Ep.7 Extreme Weather with Vestas

    8 Feb 2012 | 6:00 pm
    Floods and droughts hit Australia, temperatures plunge to record lows in Eastern Europe, South Africa is pounded by tropical cyclones and we take a look at how to predict extreme weather events. Tell us about your extreme weather experiences on twitter with hash tags ExtremeWeather and Green_TV. Weather data from Vestas.

  • Saidi's Cows

    7 Feb 2012 | 6:00 pm
    Through selling fair trade, Saidi has been paid a fair price for the vanilla he's produced. This has enabled him to buy cows and goats for milk and to grow crops. Take a trip down Saidi's farm and watch Chris Bashinelli give milking a go.

  • Mr Scruff and the Whale

    7 Feb 2012 | 6:00 pm
    With as few as 130 whales, the western grey whale teeters on the edge of extinction. Their critical feeding ground off the coast of Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East, is now under threat. WWF, with help from Mr. Scruff, have stepped in to help them.

  • Green Revolution - Discovery

    6 Feb 2012 | 6:00 pm
    A trip to Snowy River, a bright white crystalline formation found deep within Fort Stanton Cave in New Mexico, reveals a lot about life and energy in unexpected places. Host Lisa Van Pay meets Diana Northup and Monica Moya, researchers who study life in caves. As they explore the cave they ask questions, together science and engineering have resulted in advancements that have changed our lives dramatically. Now more than ever, the boundaries between science, technology and engineering blur together to extend our knowledge even further - but where does something completely new begin?

  • The Valentine's show from GREEN.TV

    2 Feb 2012 | 6:00 pm
    Is Valentine's Day full of hidden evil? We take a look at the issues behind flowers, chocolates and diamonds and find out how to buy ethically this Valentine's Day. Visit facebook.com/greentv for your chance to win sustainably-grown flowers from www.tom-flowers, fair-trade and organic chocolate from www.chocolatatoi.com and a diamond discount at www.ingleandrhode.co.uk. Happy Valentine's!
 
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    DeSmogBlog

  • The Business of Risk – Insuring Against Climate Change

    Farron Cousins
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:28 pm
    Insurance_Photo.jpg When it comes to assessing risk, the insurance industry is one of the leaders in the field. Whether it is health insurance, car insurance, or homeowner’s insurance, the industry is forced to analyze every possible scenario for a given person or structure, and impose a fee based on the likelihood of events for the situation. So when an entire industry that bases their profitability on reducing risk starts factoring climate change into their equations, it's probably a good idea to pay attention. Earlier this month, insurance commissioners in three separate U.S.

  • Santorum Calls Global Warming a “Hoax,” Suggesting a Full-Fledged Climate Conspiracy Theory

    Chris Mooney
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:19 am
    501px-Rick_Santorum_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg Conservatism is a political philosophy that is, at its most fundamental, about resisting change. So perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that an outrageous and absurd line uttered about global warming in 2003—Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe’s assertion that it is the “greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people”—has not, nearly a decade later, been discredited on the right. Instead, this idea has persisted. Indeed, the “hoax” charge was recently reiterated by Rick…

  • China Looks To Stephen Harper For Lessons In Dirty Energy Exploitation

    Farron Cousins
    7 Feb 2012 | 11:14 pm
    oilyleaf.jpg Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in China this week to meet with Chinese leaders about how both countries can profit big by exploiting China’s shale gas reserves, as well as by importing Canadian tar sands oil. Harper is scheduled to meet with both Chinese officials, as well as heads of oil and gas companies during his four-day visit to the country. More on the specifics of who will be attending these meetings, from Reuters Canada: During his trip Harper will meet President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao as well as two important regional players - Chongqing…

  • Here We Go Again – Republican Attacks On EPA Kick Off 2012 Agenda

    Farron Cousins
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:56 am
    business-anti-environment.jpg With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set to finally enact stricter air pollution standards in accordance with the Clean Air Act and two subsequent U.S. Supreme Court decisions requiring them to do so, powerful Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are working to make sure that the new standards never see the light of day. The specific measures being targeted are the EPA’s new standards for carbon emissions from power plant smoke stacks. Fred Upton (R-MI), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, along with Republicans…

  • A Conservative Ignores the Science on Why…Conservatives Ignore the Science

    Chris Mooney
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:38 am
    discoveryGlobeHeader.jpg David Klinghoffer, of the anti-evolutionist Discovery Institute, has a revealing article in the conservative American Spectator entitled: “Republicans and Science (as opposed to liberals and the science they’ve politicized).” Why “revealing”? Klinghoffer seeks to explain the real reason why conservatives like himself resist certain scientific findings. But in the process, he shows a surprising, er, inattentiveness to the scientific research on this very topic. At the same time, Klinghoffer also strikingly affirms the results of…
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    How can I recycle this?

  • How can I reuse or recycle a whole kitchen?

    louisa
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:08 am
    I’m back post-lurgy and I thought I’d post this great question from James – asking how to recycle a whole kitchen: We shall be replacing our kitchen in the next few months. The present one is 15 years old and is perfectly serviceable. I don’t want to “skip” it. Any suggestion as to how I can recycle it? My first suggestion would be to try to pass it on – lots of people would love a kitchen revamp but can’t afford to go the whole hog so just replace cabinet doors etc. I regularly see sets of door & drawer fronts offered up on eBay, Gumtree…

  • How can I reuse or recycle margarine tub lids/cream cheese tub lids?

    louisa
    3 Feb 2012 | 4:17 am
    Whitney has emailed us, asking about margarine tub lids: i’m trying to do my part and make sure that i recycle everything that i can, or at least find a way to reuse it. i recycle my #5 containers of cream cheese, margarine, etc, but have nothing to do with the lids, which even if they are also #5 they are not accepted in my recycling. any ideas of what i can do with them? typically i just put them under plant pots, but i can only have so many plants. and i thought about making coasters, but i don’t really use coasters, so i’m open to some new ideas! When we get this type of…

  • Listed buildings & green issues: what are your thoughts?

    louisa
    2 Feb 2012 | 10:36 am
    (This isn’t strictly a recycling issue but I was thinking about it the other day and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter!) A few miles down the road from me is a village called Saltaire. It is a Victorian model village founded by a local mill owner (Sir Titus Salt) so his employees had somewhere nice to live compared to the slums around mills in the rest of Bradford. It’s still a nice place to live – rows upon rows of well built Yorkshire-stone houses, with a lovely park, a very pretty church, lots of independent shops and the old mill, which is now home to an…

  • How can I reuse/use up really, really old coffee beans?

    louisa
    1 Feb 2012 | 4:48 am
    I mentioned in passing on my simple/frugal living blog that we’re having our kitchen ceiling replastered at the moment. Ahead of the plasterer starting on Monday, we had to tidy off all the work surfaces and tops of cupboards – quite a challenge for hoarders like us with many, many culinary hobbies! Anyway, among our tidying, I found a couple of half-used bags of coffee beans in an old biscuit tin. My boyfriend John bought them from an expensive coffee bean shop but didn’t really like them – he couldn’t bring himself to throw them away though, better to keep them…

  • How can I reuse or recycle plastic handicap car parking tags?

    louisa
    30 Jan 2012 | 7:57 am
    Ages and ages ago on the Suggest An Item page, Carolyn asked about reusing handicap parking tags – but I missed it until Raynor recently comment last week. Sorry – not sure how it slipped by me! Anyway, better late than never, Carolyn asked: Every two years my husband’s blue handicap tags for the vehicles expire. The county gives him new ones at no cost. What can we do with the expired tags, made of heavy but flexible plastic? They are about 3.5″ x 6.75″ plus another 2.5″ for the hook at the top. Raynor suggested cutting them into strips and using them as plant markers in…
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    UrbanWorkbench

  • Be Thankful

    Mike Thomas
    6 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Over Christmas my family and I traveled back to Australia for the first time in five years. There had been several reasons for our not returning sooner, high on our list was the cost, and a close second was the actual ability to take a month off to make the trip worthwhile. In a new job, with a gracious boss, I was able to take this time off over the holiday season, swapping rainboots for flipflops and skis for a beach towel. Having been heavily involved in the sustainability scene over the past 5 years, I know full well the environmental consequences of our decision to travel, (just…

  • Happy New Year!

    Mike Thomas
    30 Dec 2011 | 10:46 pm
    Wishing all of our readers a happy new year. Things have been a little slower around the site than planned for 2011, but we will still be writing into 2012. We’ve moved closer to the action of the lower mainland, and miss some of the luxuries of login in the Kootenays, as well as friends there.But wherever you live there are adventures to be had and new friends to be made! Guest articles will be considered, as well as suggestions for topics of interest. Thanks for reading, and best wishes to you and your families. This post was written by Mike Thomas for UrbanWorkbench.com…

  • Anatomy of a Skyscraper

    Mike Thomas
    28 Nov 2011 | 8:00 am
    Educational engineering books that are fun to read and informative are sadly few and far between. A new release from Kate Ascher, the author of The Works: Anatomy of a City, called The Heights – Anatomy of a Skyscraper provides a detailed insight into the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of these most urban of structures. From the table of contents, (which starts at the bottom of the page and goes up), this book succeeds in getting you to think about the thousands of individual decisions that make up the design of a skyscraper, and how all of the pieces are put…

  • Small Towns – Big Appetites

    Mike Thomas
    14 Nov 2011 | 10:00 am
    While listening to this podcast, I was struck by how similar the discussion sounded to what I had experienced while living in Castlegar, a town of around 7,500 in rural BC. The Pending Financial Implosion of Small Town America – StrongTowns Podcast. (link to site here). Strongtowns is a blog and podcast that has packaged a couple of core themes together in the hopes that the discussion on the web and in communities will move towards a greater understanding of the flaws in the current models of community planning and development, and some of the answers to our predicaments of…

  • We Remember

    Mike Thomas
    10 Nov 2011 | 10:00 am
    If nothing else, this Remembrance Day, take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, for the hope of peace, and the security of future generations. Or brave the weather on Friday and show your support in your local community. This image is where we’ll be, at the newly dedicated Cenotaph in downtown Langley. This post was written by Mike Thomas for UrbanWorkbench.com ©2010.Originally posted as We Remember Technorati Tags: Langley, Remembrance Day, Veteran's Day Share/Bookmark
 
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    Environmental Health News

  • Nuclear commission expected to vote on new reactors.

    jpmyers@ehsic.org
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    For the first time in over three decades, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is expected to decide to grant a license to build a nuclear reactor — a milestone for an industry whose long-hoped-for renaissance is smaller and later than anticipated.

  • City-center growth plan targets air pollution goals.

    jpmyers@ehsic.org
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    A new development plan rolling out this week in a series of public meeting looks inward for areas of growth in San Joaquin County, focusing on places near city centers and transportation hubs instead of sprawling into the countryside.

  • Ice caps not shrinking as much as once thought, new data show.

    jpmyers@ehsic.org
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Mountain glaciers and ice caps around the globe collectively lost 148 billion tons of ice a year, according to new satellite measurements. The rate is 30 percent lower than scientists thought.

  • Billions of tons of water lost from world's glaciers, satellite reveals.

    jpmyers@ehsic.org
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    The total volume of water that has melted from all of the world's polar ice sheets, ice caps and mountain glaciers over the past decade would repeatedly fill Britain's largest lake, Windemere, more than 13,000 times, according to one of the most comprehensive studies of the Earth's frozen "cryosphere".

  • Oil and gas boom lifts US economy.

    jpmyers@ehsic.org
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    An energy boom is revving up the U.S. economy. New drilling techniques to tap oil and gas in shale rocks far underground has helped add about 158,500 new oil and gas jobs over the past five years. Though the energy boom looks like a road to prosperity, it may be a bumpy one.
 
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    Green Car Congress

  • Evonik presents electric Elise weighing less than 1,000 kg

    Mike Millikin
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:02 pm
    Evonik Industries is presenting the lightweight battery-electric Elise-E at the Car Symposium in Bochum. The vehicle weighs 950 kg (2,094 lb), has a power of 150 kW, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed limited to 200 km/h (124 mph). The purpose of exhibiting the vehicle is to show the automotive industry what can be achieved with our expertise in chemicals.—Klaus Hedrich, Head of the Evonik Automotive Industry Team The vehicle is a combination of automotive components made with the specialty chemical components of the Essen-based Evonik and the automotive…

  • NRC vote clears way for issuance of two Combined Licenses for new nuclear reactors at Vogtle

    Mike Millikin
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:51 pm
    In a 4-1 vote, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) found NRC staff’s review adequate to make necessary regulatory safety and environmental findings on Southern Nuclear Operating Company’s (SNC) application for two Combined Licenses (COL) at the Vogtle site in Georgia. This decision clears the way for the NRC’s Office of New Reactors to issue the COLs. (Earlier post.) The Commission imposed a condition on the COLs requiring inspection and testing of squib valves, important components of the new reactors’ passive cooling system. In February 2010, President Obama announced that the…

  • Researchers propose low-temperature SOFC unit for reducing NOx and oxidizing HCs in lean-burn engine exhaust

    Mike Millikin
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:10 pm
    Concept of the SOFC emissions control system. Credit: ACS, Huang et al. Click to enlarge. A team from National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan, reports that a low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) emissions control system for lean-burn engines can simultaneously reduce the high concentrations of NOx and oxidize hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. A paper on their work is published in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology. Their SOFC system can be operated without consuming the anode fuel (a reductant) at temperatures near that of the engine exhaust to eliminate the need for reductant…

  • DoD and EPA sign energy partnership agreement

    Mike Millikin
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:18 am
    Dorothy Robyn, deputy under secretary of defense for installations and environment, and Paul Anastas, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assistant administrator, signed an agreement that formalizes the partnership between the US Department of Defense (DoD) and EPA to develop and implement technologies that will help create sustainable American military bases all over the world. Under this memorandum of understanding (MOU), DoD and the EPA’s Office of Research and Development will collaborate in the development of innovative technologies to help create sustainable and resilient…

  • University of Texas and Oak Ridge Lab teaming to bid for DOE Batteries and Energy Storage Energy Innovation Hub

    Mike Millikin
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:11 am
    Statesman. The University of Texas is teaming with Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee in a joint bid for the newly announced US Department of Energy (DOE) Batteries and Energy Storage Energy Innovation Hub. (Earlier post.) The goal of the Batteries and Energy Storage Hub is to accelerate the discovery of new electrochemical energy storage concepts and incorporate these into new prototypes for storing energy in a reliable, economic, and efficient manner. Rather than initially focusing on a single technology or incremental improvements to current technologies, the Hub is to deliver…
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    Ecofriend

  • Fifth grader creates unique molecule that could better energy storage

    Dattatreya Mandal
    9 Feb 2012 | 5:31 am
    Dattatreya Mandal: The world can surely be a much interesting, fantastic yet a bit eccentric place when unintentional gamma blasts turn scientists into robust green monsters or when scrawny teenagers get bitten by spiders to turn into wall crawling mutants. But, that only happens in the realm of Hollywood, comics and fiction pieces, right? Wrong, in a curious twist of destiny, it was a 10 year old girl who accidentally discovered a molecule, which can be potentially explosive in nature. 10-year-old student accidentally discovers explosive new molecule Picture Gallery 10-year-old student…

  • Best recycled furniture units for sustainable homes

    Garima Goel
    9 Feb 2012 | 5:20 am
    Garima Goel: The eco conscious homeowner of today has a number of options to go green, and one of the best ways to do the same is by opting for the recycled furniture units. Trash is becoming trendy nowadays, and designers and furniture makers from around the globe are using reclaimed materials to make beautiful and creative furniture designs for modern green homes. By choosing stylish eco friendly furniture units, the homeowners can not only add zing to their space, but can also do their bit to save the environment.

  • Magnetic levitation growing into the next big thing in green transport

    Sonia Renthlei
    9 Feb 2012 | 4:40 am
    Sonia Renthlei: Magnetic levitation Thanks to advances in aviation technology, we’re able to travel great distances and cross oceans in a matter of hours. But as we all know, traveling by air is both expensive and emission intensive. Since fossil fuels are no longer in great abundance, which air planes need for their operation, we must have an alternative. This is where magnetic levitation comes in, offering us an alternative to conventional transport at a fast speed. Linimo line The term magnetic levitation is simply a technology that utilizes the principles of electromagnets to guide…

  • Futuristic highways could recharge EVs on the move

    Rahul Gupta
    9 Feb 2012 | 4:18 am
    Rahul Gupta: The greatest problem related to an electric vehicle is its limited range. A team of researchers at the Stanford University recently made an important discovery in wireless charging technology. This technology can effectively solve the problem of limited range and increase the use of electric vehicles when in full bloom. Wireless EV Charging Researchers have established that the concept of magnetic resonance coupling will form the base for the wireless transfer technology. Two copper coils placed at a distance from one another, will be tuned to resonate at the same frequency. One…

  • Best solar powered generators for home use

    Sonia Renthlei
    9 Feb 2012 | 3:03 am
    Sonia Renthlei: Pollution levels have reached an all time high as more factories and plants dot our landscape. Factories aren’t the only places that need to change their mode of operations, however; residential houses also need to contribute to lowering the pollution levels and conserving natural resources, else all efforts would be redundant. One way we can do this is to switch to solar powered generators for home use. Since they run on the sun’s energy, they don’t emit pollutants and help conserve fossil fuels.
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    Consumer Reports News

  • Builders' Show: Owens Corning shingles for the hail belt

    Consumer Reports News
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm
    Owens Corning announced three varieties of its TruDefinition Duration roofing-shingle line at the 2012 International Builders’ Show, including an especially impact-resistant series intended for homes in the nation’s so-called hail belt. All three products offer wind-warranty coverage to 130 miles per hour, a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturer defects, and, in two series, a new technology—called SureNail—that’s intended to ease installation. Included in both the standard TruDefinition Duration and Duration Designer Colors Collection shingles, SureNail…

  • Builders' Show: Marvin's child-safety window latches

    Consumer Reports News
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm
    Marvin Windows made a number of additions to its existing lines at the 2012 International Builders’ Show, but one in particular came to address what too often has been missing in residential windows: a child-safety latch. The new option comes in response to Laela's Law, named for a Minneapolis girl injured in a fall several years ago. That Minnesota law requires the installation of fall-prevention devices on new or replacement windows above the first story in most multi-unit dwellings. It also prompted the development of a nationwide ASTM standard that would prevent a child from opening…

  • Recall: Tassimo coffeemakers for burn hazard

    Consumer Reports News
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am
    Nearly 2 million Tassimo coffeemakers are being recalled in North America according to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission and its Canadian counterpart, Health Canada. The Tassimo Single-Cup Brewers from BSH Home Appliances can burst during brewing and spray hot water and coffee grounds or tea leaves onto consumers, posing a burn danger. There have been 140 reports of cases where the Tassimo machines have burned consumers during the beverage brewing process. In 37 of the incidents, victims received second degree burns. And in one case, a 10-year old Minnesota girl had to be…

  • Builders' Show: Top 10 residential housing markets

    Consumer Reports News
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am
    The Patriots didn't win the Super Bowl, but Bostonians can take comfort in the fact that they've got one of the most vital residential housing markets in the country, according to new data released today at the International Builders' Show. Dallas, Seattle and Washington D.C. joined Boston at the top of the list, which was developed by Jonathan Smoke, executive director of research at Hanley Wood. Smoke's second-tier picks include Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Portland, and his third-tier selections are Phoenix and Charlotte. Smoke pointed to several positive signs with the overall…

  • Builders' Show: Sherwin-Williams launches online color tool

    Consumer Reports News
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:30 am
    Apps and online tools for picking paint colors are a dime a dozen, but Chip It, the latest offering from Sherwin-Williams, offers a clever twist. Being launched at the Builders' Show, the free, web-based tool lets you select any image on the internet—say from your favorite design site or a downloaded picture you snapped on vacation—and instantly identify the colors contained within it. "We know that finding the right color is often one of the biggest challenges when tackling the painting aspect of a project," says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams.
 
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    Sustainable Industries: All Content

  • Getting to zero

    Bill Roth
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:03 am
    DuPont’s Building Innovations business unit, maker of Corian and Tyvek, has successfully cut its annual landfill waste stream from 81 million pounds to zero.Dave Walter, America Business Manager and a Six Sigma black belt, led the team that created this result. Walter explains, "DuPont’s Building Innovations moving to zero landfill waste was accomplished through committed people working together effectively enabled by Six Sigma process methodologies."The following outlines six best practices cited by Walter that enabled DuPont's success in achieving zero landfill…

  • Experiencing emerging markets inspires innovation

    By Amanda MacArthur, Vice President, CDC Development Solutions
    6 Feb 2012 | 10:48 pm
    In the 21st century marketplace, innovation and the need to constantly seek out new ideas is critical – as we’ve seen across industry sectors, stagnation is the one of the fastest ways to lose customers and forgo potential profit. This is true in the mature markets for that require either completely new products or adaptation of existing ones to meet emerging consumer demand – whether it’s repackaging products to reach the market at the base of the pyramid or it’s redesigning a battery to withstand power surges and disruptions. Consumers in emerging markets…

  • LEEDing your office

    6 Feb 2012 | 12:25 pm
    This article is part of the Building a Sustainable Business series about starting and running a sustainable business. Read all the articles hereOnce again, the San Francisco Bay Area LEEDs the way to greener, healthier living, this time in your office. Too many workspaces are sick-making with their sealed windows, release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, low volumes of air return, and wimpy filters. We’ve all experienced this in airplanes and we’ve all heard about sick-building syndrome. But the bad stuff is invisible so it’s hard to know how healthy a…

  • Sustainability in UK retail

    Sustainable Industries
    3 Feb 2012 | 5:58 pm
    After a conspicuous burst of high profile investment in 2006/7 the so-called “revolution in green consumption” has failed to materialise. The obvious reason is the credit crunch, recession and prolonged downturn. Sustainability in many cases has been redefined as short term survival not long term success.The majority of retailers have improved their sustainability operations to a greater or lesser extent but have not fully exploited this investment with the consumer. M&S stands in front of the pack being the only retailer to coordinate and monetarise its sustainability…

  • Online onslaught

    Raz Godelnik
    3 Feb 2012 | 2:30 pm
    If you wonder what happened to the OWS movement and are worried that the protest against the 1% has died, you can relax. The protest is not dead. It just moved from Zuccotti Park to websites like change.org and SumOfUs, where OWSers channel their energy into writing and promoting petitions against corporations that misbehave. It started with petitions against Bank of America, $5 fee on debit cards and Target’s plan to open at midnight on Black Friday, and moved to a protest against Coca Cola’s intervention with a plastic bottle ban in national parks, and now it reached Apple.Yes,…
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    Matter Network - Clean Technology, Sustainable Business and Green News

  • Fresh Cut Flower Alternatives for Your Sweetheart

    9 Feb 2012 | 12:14 am
    by Vivian Nelson Melle Sure it may be easy to stop by the local grocery store for a bouquet of blooms, but do you know from where they came? Are they organic? Were the workers who cared for them and cut them treated and paid fairly? Worry not a moment longer about the ethics of the floral world. Here are some fresh cut flower alternatives for enchanting your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. Potted Flowers and Plants A bouquet of fresh cut flowers are fun to receive and beautiful to look at, for a few days at least. Even the sturdier varieties can only last a week or so then…

  • Volkswagen's Chattanooga Plant Gets LEED-Platinum Certification

    8 Feb 2012 | 11:49 pm
    Volkswagen's Chattanooga, Tennessee facility has achieved the world's first LEED-Platinum green building certification for an automotive manufacturing plant. The $1 billion production facility makes the 2012 Passat. The plant earned 52 of a possible 69 points to earn the Platinum designation, the highest in the LEED rating system. Green Features include: - Certification of the paint shop facility. Previous assembly plants have excluded their paint shop in the LEED certification process because of the complexity of the manufacturing process and…

  • Solar Space Tugboat Considered by NASA Crowd

    7 Feb 2012 | 11:44 pm
    by Steve Duda We recently reported on Elon Musk’s (of Tesla Motors fame) and his commercial rocket/space vehicle company’s use of solar power in its spacecraft. That mission, which used solar panels and battery storage to power parts of the craft, had full NASA backing. Now, we learn that NASA’s commitment to the use of solar as an important source of power while in space is strengthening. The space agency recently put out a request for proposals looking for a company to prepare a high-power solar electric propulsion flight system technology for NASA deep space and human…

  • Wind Power: Putting the Wind in the Sails of Peace

    7 Feb 2012 | 11:38 pm
    by Michael Shank and Melissa Powell With last month’s climate talks in South Africa postponing specific carbon cuts until 2020, it is clear that something more than mere nation-state commitments will be needed to counter climate change and reduce global warming. With nations reluctant to recommit to another climate treaty, replete with binding targets and a global trading scheme for carbon emissions, it will be up to the private sector to pick up the slack. Thankfully, it seems up for the challenge. WindMade: A New Consumer Label Supporting Wind Energy Take, for instance, WindMade. This…

  • German-Saudi Partnership to Build Polysilicon Plant in Red Sea City

    7 Feb 2012 | 11:31 pm
    by Andrew Burger Germany’s Centrotherm Photovoltaics, the world’s second-largest manufacturer of solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment, has signed an agreement with IDEA Polysilicon to construct a polysilicon solar PV manufacturing facility in the Saudi Arabian Red Coast city of Yanbu, according to a Reuters News report. The agreement aims to provide IDEA the technology and know-how it needs to become a market force in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region, a market that’s attracting more and more interest from industry players globally. The value of the contract…
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    Climate 411 - Environmental Defense Fund

  • Our Newest Clean Air Ally – Actress Julianne Moore

    Sharyn Stein
    1 Feb 2012 | 6:06 pm
    By Sharyn SteinThose of us following the debate over clean air regulations are used to hearing frequent comments from key players – power plant executives, politicians, environmentalists, doctors. But every once in a while, we get a truly original point of view. Like today – in this animated video from actress Julianne Moore. Moore taped the video for Moms Clean Air Force (MCAF), a nonpartisan group of moms (and dads, and grandparents, and others) who want cleaner and healthier air for their kids.  Moore is a well-known actress, children’s book author, and activist for a variety of…

  • Revenge of the Climate Scientists: 38 Experts Set the WSJ Straight

    Steven Hamburg
    1 Feb 2012 | 5:26 pm
    By Steven HamburgTwo days ago, I wrote about a flawed global warming analysis in the Wall Street Journal. The paper published an opinion piece, No Need to Panic About Global Warming, written by a small group of scientists and engineers who are global warming skeptics. Today, the other side was heard from. The Wall Street Journal published a sharp rebuttal from 38 experts – all of them respected climatologists — who call the authors of the first piece: [T]he climate-science equivalent of dentists practicing cardiology. Today's piece points out that most of the authors of the…

  • A Flawed Global Warming Analysis in the Wall Street Journal

    Steven Hamburg
    30 Jan 2012 | 1:15 pm
    By Steven HamburgLast week, The Wall Street Journal published an opinion piece by a few scientists and engineers who believe man-made climate change will have less impact on the environment than the vast majority of the scientific community has concluded it will. Debate is normal and necessary in science — it occurred even on such questions as whether smoking causes lung cancer — so this disagreement is part of the process. However, people considering this issue should not lose sight of the fact that thousands of scientists studying decades of data have established an extremely…

  • State of the Union Address: A Nation "Built to Last" on Clean Energy

    Fred Krupp
    25 Jan 2012 | 1:45 pm
    By Fred KruppPresident Obama delivered his State of the Union Address last night, and energy issues played a starring role in the speech.  Here are some of the comments that caught my attention:  The President drew some firm lines in the sand. The address was a strong defense of the importance of clean energyto America’s long-term economic prosperity. The President said:  “I will not walk away from the promise of clean energy." In the speech, the President called for Congress to pass a clean energy standard and extend clean energy tax credits, while ending a century of tax…

  • New Website Lets You Find the Largest Sources of Climate Pollution in Your Area

    Peter Zalzal
    11 Jan 2012 | 12:11 pm
    By Peter ZalzalI’m very excited about a brand new website that will let me – and all Americans – learn about sources of climate pollution in my community and across America. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the website today. The consumer-friendly web platform has new greenhouse gas emissions data that will help Americans work together to develop innovative ways to reduce climate pollution. The public availability of this data means that Americans now, for the first time, have access to accurate information about the heat-trapping greenhouse gases emitted by large…
 
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    GreenMonk: the blog

  • Tendril courting developers for its cloud-delivered energy app platform

    tom@redmonk.com (Tom Raftery)
    26 Jan 2012 | 1:26 pm
    Green Carrot energy usage app Last August Tendril, a US-based energy platform company, announced that they were opening their API’s and launching an energy application developer program. The idea is to allow developers to build on Tendril’s cloud platform and to deploy the developed applications on Tendril’s Tendril Connect cloud platform. For developers this is an opportunity to develop applications addressing the energy challenge and have them deployed in a ready-made marketplace of up-to 70 million addressable households. Similar to the Apple App store, Tendril offers…

  • Is Cloud Computing Green?

    tom@redmonk.com (Tom Raftery)
    9 Jan 2012 | 6:35 am
    I gave the keynote address at the Digital Trends 2011 event organised by HePIS and CEPIS in Athens recently. My talk was on Cloud Computing’s Green Potential and in my presentation, I claimed that Cloud Computing is NOT Green. I started the talk by explaining what Cloud Computing is and the many advantages it can bring to companies. However, because none of the Cloud providers are publishing energy figures around Cloud computing, we can’t say whether or not Cloud computing is energy efficient. I went on to point out that even if Cloud is energy efficient (and we have no proof that…

  • Don’t forget – where your cloud apps are hosted helps determine their carbon footprint

    tom@redmonk.com (Tom Raftery)
    20 Dec 2011 | 10:44 am
    Back in July of this year (2011), the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), in conjunction with Verdantix, released a report titled Cloud Computing – The IT Solution for the 21st Century [PDF warning] which erroneously claims Cloud Computing is Green. Shortly after it was released, I wrote a long post outlining exactly where the report was flawed. I also contacted the CDP directly outlining my concerns to them and pointing them to the blog post. Then, a couple of weeks back, when preparing my slides for my Cloud Computing’s Green Potential talk for the Cepis and Hepis Green IT…

  • Facebook hires Google’s former Green Energy Czar Bill Weihl, and increases its commitment to renewables

    tom@redmonk.com (Tom Raftery)
    19 Dec 2011 | 12:42 pm
    Google has had an impressive record in renewable energy. They invested over $850m dollars in renewable energy projects to do with geothermal, solar and wind energy. They entered into 20 year power purchase agreements with wind farm producers guaranteeing to buy their energy at an agreed price for twenty years giving the wind farms an income stream with which to approach investors about further investment and giving Google certainty about the price of their energy for the next twenty years – a definite win-win. Google also set up RE < C – an ambitious research project looking at…

  • GreenMonk TV talks flywheel UPS’s with Active Power

    tom@redmonk.com (Tom Raftery)
    16 Dec 2011 | 8:02 am
    I attended the 2011 DataCenterDynamics Converged conference in London recently and at it I chatted to a number of people in the data center industry about where the industry is going. One of these was Active Power‘s Graham Evans. Active Power make flywheel UPS’s so we talked about the technology behind these and how they are now becoming a more mainstream option for data centers. Tom Raftery: Hi everyone, welcome to GreenMonk TV, we are at the DCD Converge Conference in London and with me I have Graham Evans from Active Power. Graham you guys, you make the spinning UPSs. Graham…
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    The Green Mom Review™

  • GLOB Natural Non-Toxic Paints

    Janet
    2 Feb 2012 | 6:44 pm
    What: All natural, non-toxic paint Features: Water-soluble, botanically crafted paints made from fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices with natural food-grade ingredients and organic extracts.  Similar to watercolors, GLOB paints can be used for a variety of arts and crafts activities. Green Factor: Inexplicably, in the US, synthetic pigments that have never been tested for toxicity can be labeled “non-toxic ” simply because there is no data to prove otherwise. GLOB paints are free of the petrochemicals, formaldehyde and heavy metals like lead and cadmium that are found in many…

  • Glassen Insulated Reusable Travel Mug

    Janet
    3 Jan 2012 | 1:25 pm
    What: Grosche Glassen insulated glass travel mug Features: This 12oz  travel mug is handmade of double-walled glass which helps keep your beverages hot. It has no metal or plastic parts and is a better fit for car drink holders than a standard coffee mug. Green Factor: It’s made of glass so there is no leaching of chemicals into your beverages and the lid and grip are made of food-safe silicone. Since it’s reusable, you can also forgo the yucky styrofoam poison cups. Bonus: Right now they’re 40% off at Amazon.com. Editors Note: I got one of these for Christmas and I…

  • Great Gifts: Eco-Friendly Dump Truck Toy

    Janet
    14 Dec 2011 | 11:36 am
    What: Green Toys Dump Truck Features: This award-winning, eco-designed toy truck has no metal axles and a workable dumper that encourages motor skill development. Green Factor: Made from 100 percent recycled plastic milk containers Bonus: Made in the USA Find It Here: Amazon.com The Green Mom Review™..

  • Great Gifts: 50% Off Sale at Pure and Little

    Janet
    2 Dec 2011 | 1:09 pm
    Pure and Little, purveyors of organic baby and toddler gear are having a SITEWIDE 50% off sale. It runs through Sunday, December 4th. Score some awesome (and affordable) holiday gifts and if you have any baby showers coming up, this is a great time to pick up something fabulous for the mama-to-be! Find It Here: Pure and Little The Green Mom Review™..

  • Great Gifts: Zoe Organic Wrap Dress

    Janet
    15 Nov 2011 | 1:30 pm
    What: Cotton wrap dress Features: This flirty wrap dress is sewn and dyed by a women’s fair trade collective in Nepal. Green Factor: Made of certified organic cotton and 100% natural dyes made from bark, roots, and the leaves of plants native to Nepal. Bonus: Get free shipping and a free scarf with your $100 order from Nancy’s Gone Green Find It Here: Nancy’s Gone Green The Green Mom Review™..
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    GreenPacks.org

  • Toyota Prius C Could Be Yours for Just Under $20k

    Siyahi
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:19 am
    With the base model priced at just below the $19K limit, Toyota has fulfilled the word it gave to the people all over the world. It has been quite a saga for Toyota to launch a smaller but worthier product, Prius C, under the Prius line of cars and with efficient mileage. The Prius C is, for sure, going to be a blast. While nowhere near as cool as the Prius C concept from last year’sDetroitshow, the production C isn’t half bad-looking. The hatchback has clean styling punctuated by interesting details like the tall vertical taillights, and its aggressive grille treatment manages to avoid…

  • Nissan Invitation Concept Heads for Geneva Show

    Alex Ion
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:11 am
    It looks like Nissan wants to change customers’ perspective regarding small cars.  They are planning to do that with their newest B segment car that they call Invitation. The Invitation is a concept set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The show will preview the upcoming subcompact from the automaker packed with cutting edge technology to assist in both avoiding accidents and mitigating their effects. Nissan says the production Invitation hatchback will be sold alongside the Micra city car and the Juke crossover. Many publications are speculating that the production version of…

  • Cleanweb Hackathon in New York Proves to be a Milestone Event

    Alex Ion
    8 Feb 2012 | 7:49 am
    In New York City, there took place a Cleanweb Hackathon on January 25th. The event saw over a 100 environment-conscious app developers taking part. It was a competition conducted to show how IT can help people and businesses minimize their energy use and carbon impact. A hackathon, to be more precise, is an event where programmers meet to do collaborative computer programming. The spirit of a hackathon is to collaboratively build programs and applications. Hackathons are typically between several days and a week in length. A hackathon refers not simply to one time hacks, but to a specific…

  • 80th Le Mans will see Hybrid Drives from Audi

    Siyahi
    8 Feb 2012 | 7:44 am
    A look at racing history would reveal that Audi has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans a total of ten times since 2000 and is, as a result, the most successful brand in the recent history of the race. Audi competes in the 80th running of the 24 Hours ofLe Manson June 16 and 17, 2012 with a total of four LMP1 sports cars. Two of the four cars in action will be equipped with hybrid drive for the first time. Audi Sport Team Joest also follows this two-pronged approach in the newly created FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) during the 2012 season. At the 80th running of the French endurance classic,…

  • From the BPA Files: How Bad Are Paper Receipts For Us?

    Amy Vernon
    7 Feb 2012 | 12:38 pm
    We’ve been bombarded over the past few years with news about the dangers of BPA (Bisphenol-A), a suspected toxic chemical in many plastics. Almost every plastic item these days has a label declaring it to be BPA-free and all healthy and good for the environment – as good as plastic can be, I suppose. But many of us were surprised by the news a couple years back that cash register receipts had even more BPA than many plastic bottles and the like. It never gained as much traction, I suppose, because receipts aren’t as sexy to write about as baby bottles. So the New York Times…
 
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    AutoblogGreen

  • Mindset E-Motion re-emerges with doubly-dense battery claim

    Domenick Yoney
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:56 pm
    Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Lightweight, Europe/EU Remember the Mindset E-Motion? When last we had news of this Murat Günak creation, the folks behind it (Spirt Avert AG, now known as Mindset Holding AG) were seeking 152 million development dollars at a time when many of the world's major economies were sitting on their posteriors, looking up at the cliff from which they'd fallen. Well, the effort survived that turmoil and recently re-emerged boasting a battery tech that claims an energy density that's twice that used in other electric vehicles. Developed by inventor…

  • Penn Gilette tweets about his new love: the Nissan Leaf

    Sebastian Blanco
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:50 am
    Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Nissan On February 6, Penn Jillette - also known as "more than 1/2 (by weight) of Penn & Teller," the comedy duo, got himself a Nissan Leaf. He announced to the world, "Here I am with the first Nissan leaf in all of Vegas. It is mine! I'm all hydro electric." Since then, he's been tweeting up a storm about the all-electric car. The main message? He loves it but don't you dare call him a greenie. For example, the prolific Tweeter, who usually replies to any of his 1.7 million followers who contact him, Tweeted: "Can't answer everyone right now, but…

  • House panel blocks sale of E15

    Zach Bowman
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:57 am
    Filed under: Ethanol, Legislation and Policy, USA The Science Committee in the House of Representatives has a approved a bill that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from allowing the use of gasoline with a higher ethanol content without additional study. According to The Detroit News, the bill was sponsored by Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wisconsin and passed 19-7 along party lines after numerous groups spoke out against E15. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the American Petroleum Institute, the Friends of the Earth, the Milk Producers Council, the American Bakers…

  • U.S. electric-vehicle adoption rate isn't slow, it's typical

    Danny King
    9 Feb 2012 | 6:59 am
    Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in We've all heard the doom and gloom about the failure of plug-in cars, right? It is true that plug-in vehicles will account for substantially less than one percent of new cars sold in the U.S. this year, but that doesn't mean electric-drive vehicle advocates should fret. Not when you look at a bigger picture. That's what speakers from companies such as Ford, Dow Kokam and Gartner were saying last week at the Automotive Megatrends USA 2012 conference in Dearborn, MI, according to MLive.com, a website about news in Michigan. The condensed gist: since EVs represent…

  • 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

    Damon Lavrinc
    8 Feb 2012 | 7:01 pm
    Filed under: Hybrid, VolkswagenMild-Mannered Fun At 45 mpg The world doesn't need another automaker claiming to have cracked the code for a fun-to-drive hybrid. The concept hasn't worked particularly well in any application. Just ask Lexus. And Honda. Twice. Granted, we don't know how Volkswagen plans to pitch the 2013 Jetta Hybrid when it goes on sale this fall. We didn't get a two-hour long marketing presentation and associated PowerPoint. Instead, we snagged the keys while an executive-level engineer droned on about next-gen modular EGR systems and EU4-compliant oxidation catalytic…
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    Awake at the Wheel

  • From Festive to Feedstock, San Franciscans “Treecycle”

    propel
    13 Jan 2012 | 7:24 pm
    In many American cities, nothing quite marks the end of the holiday season (or the beginning of the New Year) like gutters strewn with discarded Christmas trees. But for the past 25 years, the city of San Francisco has been … Continue reading →

  • Propel Fuels Partners with Econation Green Transportation Service in California

    propel
    6 Jan 2012 | 11:45 am
    Just in time for the New Year, Propel is making new friends in the fleet world, including our latest fleet customer, Econation – a global ground transportation company that exclusively employs the use of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles in its … Continue reading →

  • 2012 VW Passat TDI ranks #1 for fuel economy over hybrids

    propel
    18 Nov 2011 | 4:40 pm
    Consumers don’t often consider full-size options when on the hunt for fuel efficient vehicles; however, there is a new class of roomy sedans boasting better fuel economy than previous generations. Motor Trend put three of these super efficient sedans in a … Continue reading →

  • Major Commercial Airlines Launch Biofuels Flights

    propel
    7 Nov 2011 | 1:28 pm
    Two commercial airlines are taking biofuels to the skies, and with a bit of competition in the air, biofuels for aviation are becoming a reality. Just this morning, United Airlines launched the first commercial US flight operated by biofuels. Powered … Continue reading →

  • Propel’s gone mobile!

    propel
    3 Nov 2011 | 5:39 pm
    We are happy to announce the launch of Propel Mobile. Visit propelfuels.com from your smart phone to get started. The new Propel Fuels mobile site has everything you need to find and fill with Propel renewable fuels. In addition to … Continue reading →
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    Green

  • On Our Radar: The Danube Ices Over

    By THE NEW YORK TIMES
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:52 pm
    The river is partly or totally blocked from Austria to the Black Sea, crippling transport.

  • More Gyrations in the Price of Food

    By JUSTIN GILLIS
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:38 am
    Global food prices have taken their first monthly jump since July, and a big one.

  • A Nuclear Milestone?

    By THE NEW YORK TIMES
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:29 am
    The Southern Company hopes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will greenlight a $14 billion construction project at an existing nuclear plant in Waynesboro, Ga.

  • Debating a Resort for the Adirondacks

    By THE NEW YORK TIMES
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:12 am
    A state park agency has approved a sprawling resort project that could help revive the limping economy of Tupper Lake. Environmentalists fear that it will set a dangerous precedent and jeopardize the area's natural riches.

  • Finding Energy Advantages Six Feet Under

    By MATTHEW L. WALD
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:44 am
    Ball State University says its ground source heat pump system will soon be the largest installation of its kind in the country.
 
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    EcoGeek

  • Gowanus Canal to Become "Sponge Park" for Storm Water Runoff

    8 Feb 2012 | 2:42 pm
    As the EPA begins its decades-long superfund clean-up of the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, NY, a landscape architect has plans to make the area a beautiful, natural sponge for storm water runoff. The designs for creating the Sponge Park out of the 1.8-mile long canal was just approved by the city's Design Commission on January 30. The first phase of the park has begun, which will include a series of bioswales leading up to a bioretention basin at the end of Second Street. These initial natural elements will allow the park to absorb 4,500 cubic feet of water from Second Street on a rainy day,…

  • Solar Panel Startup Achieves Amazing 33.9% Efficiency

    7 Feb 2012 | 2:12 pm
    Semprius, a startup company manufacturing tiny concentrated solar cells that forgo any cooling systems has achieved a truly amazing leap in solar cell efficiency. The company was able to hit 33.9 percent efficiency with their solar panel, the first time a commercially-viable solar technology has passed the one-third mark. Semprius's solar cells use gallium arsenide, rather than silicon, which is able to absorb sunlight and dissipate heat far better. The solar panel that scored this major efficiency record is made up of hundreds of these tiny cells that are about the width of a pen-drawn line.

  • Wireless EV Charging Could Be Embedded in Highways

    6 Feb 2012 | 2:56 pm
    Stanford University researchers are working on a wireless EV charging technology that could eventually lead to highways that automatically charge vehicles as they drive over them. Such a technology could lead to a basically infinite range for EVs. The wireless power transfer that the scientists are working on uses magnetic resonance coupling. Two copper coils are placed a few feet apart and tuned to resonate at the same frequency. One coil is connected to an electric current that generates a magnetic field that causes the other coil to resonate. This process leads to an electric current being…

  • Nissan Builds Energy-Efficient Car Transport Ship

    2 Feb 2012 | 8:12 am
    Nissan has unveiled a new energy-efficient cargo ship for carrying its cars around the world. The Nichioh Maru features solar panels for powering the ships LED lighting system, a low-friction coating on the hull and an electronically-controlled diesel engine that optimizes fuel consumption. Compared to a conventional car carrier of its size, the Nichioh Maru will save 1,400 tons of fuel and prevent the emission of 4,200 tons of CO2 each year. The Nichioh Maru is the first Japanese cargo ship to be outfitted with solar panels. The ship's deck is covered by 281 panels for powering the LED…

  • Warmer Temperatures Will Slash Wheat Yields

    31 Jan 2012 | 1:29 pm
    Rising temperatures around the world are affecting many food crops and according to a new study done by a Stanford University scientist, wheat will be particularly vulnerable. David Lobell looked at nine years-worth of images captured by the MODIS Earth-observation satellite to analyze the growing season of wheat in the Ganges plain of India.  What he found was that in the years with higher average temperatures, the wheat fields turned brown earlier meaning that they were no longer growing. Previous studies have predicted that wheat yields would fall by about 30 percent by 2050 in places…
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    Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

  • London Designer Creates a Super Futuristic Solar-Powered Concept Car

    Marc Carter
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:16 pm
    London designer Omer Sagiv created this solar-powered concept car that looks like it’s straight out of the latest sci-fi movie. The concept car is referred to as the SPV (Solar Power Vehicle) and Sagiv states that it’s made of aluminum with flexible thin modules fixed to it and that the shaft in the center of the SPV functions as an in-built cooling system. The aerodynamic shape of the concept allows it to collect energy in any sunny environment. Even better, the concept can also use the extra energy that it collects from its solar panels to power its owner’s house! Read the…

  • San Francisco To Expand Ban on Plastic Bags

    Mark Boyer
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:03 pm
    Almost five years ago, San Francisco became the first American city to ban plastic shopping bags from supermarkets and chain pharmacies. Now the city is poised to expand that ban to all retail stores and restaurants within the city limits. Only certain products, like newspapers, fish, poultry, fresh flowers, and bulk goods are exempted from the ban. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to expand the ban, and it’s expected to be officially approved next week. Read the rest of San Francisco To Expand Ban on Plastic Bags Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags:…

  • National Sweater Day is Today!

    Yuka Yoneda
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:35 am
    Today is National Sweater Day! Are you wearing your sweater to keep warm instead of turning up the heat? If not, head over to the WWF’s call center to give yourself or a friend a call from a sweet old grannie to remind you to turn down your heat and pop on a few layers. READ MORE > Permalink | Add to del.icio.us | digg Post tags: "World Wildlife Fund", canada, eco-fashion, energy conservation, Ethical Fashion, green fashion, National Sweater Day, Sustainable Fashion, sustainable style, wwf

  • Win a Business of Being Born DVD Prize Pack Worth $109!

    Yuka Yoneda
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:10 am
    If you know someone who’s about to welcome a new bundle of joy – or maybe you are yourself – don’t miss a chance to win this amazing prize package for expectant parents (worth $109). We’re giving away this incredible package (appropriately called the Mother Lode) to celebrate the release of “More Business of Being Born,” the follow-up DVD to Ricki Lake’s popular “Business of Being Born,” which explored the different options women have for giving birth. The new DVD takes a closer look at doulas, midwives, birthing options and VBACs…

  • Accounting Giant KPMG’s New Headquarters Balances Its Energy Budget To Almost Zero

    Bridgette Meinhold
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:43 am
    Global accounting firm KPMG recently moved into its new headquarters in Frederiksberg, Denmark. Designed by talented Copenhagen firm 3XN, the building’s form and sustainability strategies work to minimize energy use and maximize the power of the sun resulting in an energy balance close to zero. The office building completes an active area of town and is situated directly adjacent to a metro station. In addition, 3XN’s design features a series of discreet meeting rooms to provide a high level of privacy for their clients. Read the rest of Accounting Giant KPMG’s New…
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    Green Tech

  • Solar tower will power Las Vegas at night

    Martin LaMonica
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    SolarReserve hits a milestone on a 110-megawatt solar power plant that will have between 10 and 15 hours of energy storage in tanks of molten salt for supplying Nevada. Originally posted at News - Cutting Edge

  • NASA mission calculates global ice melt and rising sea levels

    Dara Kerr
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:10 pm
    Over seven years, scientists used data from NASA satellites to measure global ice melt and the effect on sea level rise. Now, a new study shows that during that time, the world's water mass grew by half an inch.

  • Google and Stanford early adopters of Honda Fit EV

    Liane Yvkoff
    8 Feb 2012 | 6:44 pm
    The Honda Fit EV debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011, and it's expected to be available for lease this summer. However, Google and Stanford University got a special delivery of the tiny EV this week. Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

  • Nest vows to fight Honeywell thermostat suit

    Martin LaMonica
    8 Feb 2012 | 6:24 pm
    Nest Labs barks back after being slapped with a patent infringement lawsuit and accuses Honeywell of trying to stifle innovation in smart thermostats with its "patent-attack strategy." Originally posted at News - Cutting Edge

  • Portable camping stove charges gadgets

    Christopher MacManus
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:03 pm
    By converting heat from the fire into usable electricity, the stoves recharge smartphones, lights, and other gadgets while you cook your hot dogs and baked beans. Originally posted at Crave
 
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    Clean Break

  • GM to sell “Bullfrog Edition” of Chevy Volt, a $198 upgrade offering 2 years of green-certified electricity

    Tyler
    5 Feb 2012 | 10:01 pm
    Toronto-based green energy retailer Bullfrog Power is teaming up with General Motors Canada to offer what Bullfrog CEO Tom Heintzman is calling a “Bullfrog Edition” Chevy Volt. This edition of the Volt would be available via all GM dealerships across Canada and would come at a $198 premium. In return, the customer gets a Bullfrog Edition plaque on the vehicle and two years of green (incl. nuke-free) electricity from Bullfrog, based on average customer electricity consumption. “It’s really trying to get people aware of the fact that just because you’re plugging…

  • Siemens to acquire Canada’s RuggedCom for $382 million, a 50% premium to Belden’s hostile offer

    Tyler
    30 Jan 2012 | 10:54 am
    Good news for shareholders of Toronto-based RuggedCom, one of the world’s leading makers of ruggedized networking gear for the smart grid. Facing a hostile takeover from St. Louis-based Belden Inc., RuggedCom has found a white knight in Siemens Canada Ltd., the Canadian subsidiary of German industrial giant Siemens AG. Siemens has agreed to purchase RuggedCom for $382 million or $33 a share, compared to the $272.4 million or $22 a share offer from Beldon. It represents a 50% premium on a per-share basis and, quite frankly, Siemens is a better fit for RuggedCom and for keeping innovation…

  • Boomers get boost as high-end bicycle tour company embraces electric bikes

    Tyler
    28 Jan 2012 | 12:55 pm
    My Clean Break column today takes a look at how Toronto-based Butterfield & Robinson, the high-end travel company, has slowly started to add electric bicycles to its fleet as a way to accommodate aging boomers and people of different fitness levels. Replacing regular bikes with e-bikes on a tour isn’t really an environmental story, for obvious reasons, but this is a positive health story if it means getting more people out and exercising. And in a broader sense, e-bikes could encourage more people to get out of their cars. In that sense there are environmental benefits to this tech.

  • U.S. venture capital firm SAIL Venture Partners goes on hunt for Canadian cleantech, plans to establish Canadian-focused fund

    Tyler
    27 Jan 2012 | 8:59 am
    This is an encouraging sign for the Canadian clean technology sector. SAIL Venture Partners, the early-stage venture arm of SAIL Capital Partners, said today it is partnering up with the Canadian subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. to create a joint venture and fund that would tap into Canadian cleantech opportunities. Specifically, the fund would invest in early stage cleantech companies in Canada that have ready-for-market products. “SAIL’s expansion into Canada represents a tremendous vote of confidence in the quality of Canada’s cleantech sector,” according to…

  • Hamilton consortium puts pressure on Ontario government to lift moratorium on offshore wind in the Great Lakes

    Tyler
    26 Jan 2012 | 1:50 pm
    For a year now there has been a moratorium on the development of offshore wind projects in the Great Lakes. The Ontario government issued the ban because it said more study was needed to make sure the projects can be developed safety and responsibly, even though such studies were supposedly already done when the previous moratorium was lifted in January 2008. It’s more than likely that the latest ban was politically motivated, which is why a consortium of companies stretching from Kingston to Niagara Region has high hopes of changing the government’s mind. The consortium, calling…
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    My Plastic-Free Life

  • Give-Away: Sullie Saves the Seas, a story for children and adults

    Beth Terry
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:54 pm
    Ocean lover Goffinet McLaren has just released a new book for kids–as well as adults–about a seagull named Sullie who organizes all his marine animal friends to combat plastic pollution.  I asked Goffinet to tell her story of how she came to love the sea and to write Sullie Saves the Seas. Read her story and see details below for how to enter the drawing to win a copy of the book. Goffinet McLaren’s story I was born and grew up in the small historic town of Carrickfergus, on the water`s edge of Northern Ireland.  Surrounded by the sea, I became aware at a very early age of…

  • Plastic-free Toys from Dress Me Up Organic Give-Away

    Beth Terry
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:24 pm
    A few nights ago, while in the throes of editing my book, I received an email from Jen Williams of Dress Me Up Organic asking if I would review her natural, organic baby products that she packages and ships without any plastic. I took a quick look at the site and was blown away by how cute the toys are–I love the designs–but at the time, I was scrambling to get my book edits done, didn’t have time to do a review, and don’t have kids to test the products on anyway.  So I asked Jen if she would write up her story, how she became interested in environmental issues,…

  • Zero Waste “Jug Sunday” at Sutton Cellars Winery in San Francisco

    Beth Terry
    24 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    It should go without saying that I choose wines bottled in glass rather than the new plastic-coated aseptic cartons that are growing in popularity. But glass has its drawbacks too. And wine-related plastic is about more than just the container. Not only do I have to look for wines with natural cork stoppers–as opposed to plastic “corks” or screw caps that are lined inside with plastic–I also have to consider the capsule–that antiquated wrapper around the neck and over the top of the cork. Historically, capsules were made from lead. Nowadays, they are made from…

  • Homemade Plastic-free Vegetable Broth from The Plastic-free Chef

    Beth Terry
    19 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    The following is a guest post from 17-year old Mary Katherine from Mountain View, CA who has been participating in the Show Your Plastic Trash Challenge since October of last year and has done an incredible job reducing her plastic waste.  See her trash challenge posts here.  Recently, she started her own blog called The Plastic-free Chef to share her strategies for cooking with less plastic.   My name is Mary Katherine and I’m 17. I love to cook. I love everything about it (except cleaning). I do most of the cooking in my house. My quest to banish disposable plastic from my life began…

  • Bittman’s Recipes for the Semi-Vegan — Plastic-free Style

    Beth Terry
    16 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    Two weeks ago, food columnist Mark Bittman published ten Recipes for the Semi-Vegan in The New York Times Magazine along with photos that left many of us salivating. What a great source of inspiration, I thought, for those of us who aspire to eat more plants and fewer animal products.   I, in particular, need help.  See, in May 2010, after reading Jonathan Safran Foer’s book Eating Animals,I resolved to stop eating meat. My reasons were personal. (You can read them here.) And I kept my resolution until the end of February 2011. Then my mom died. After the memorial service, my sister…
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    Clean Energy Stocks -News and Commentary in Cleantech Investing

  • Solar News: GM (NYSE:GM) China Headquarters Installs Sunlogics (18L1:GR) GreenZone® Solar Charging Station

    9 Feb 2012 | 11:34 am
    Solar News: GM (NYSE:GM) China Headquarters Installs Sunlogics (18L1:GR) GreenZone® Solar Charging Station Sunlogics PLC (18L1:GR) ,GM (NYSE:GM) SHANGHAI, China – (Investorideas.com renewable energy newswire ) General Motors (NYSE:GM) China has completed the installation of the first Sunlogics (18L1:GR) GreenZone® Solar Charging Station at its Shanghai headquarters. Sunlogics, a GM Ventures equity partner, created the GreenZone to be installed at GM’s various facilities and dealerships around the world to support the introduction of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle and…

  • Solar Stock on the Move: Suntech (NYSE:STP) Follows Yesterday’s Gains; Up over 11%

    9 Feb 2012 | 11:32 am
    Solar Stock on the Move: Suntech (NYSE:STP) Follows Yesterday’s Gains; Up over 11% New York, NY, - February 9, 2012 – (Investorideas.com renewable energy/green newswire) Investorideas.com, a leader in renewable energy stock research for independent investors, issues an investor alert for, Suntech Power Holdings Co., LTD (NYSE :STP) , trading up at $4.27, up 0.42(10.91%) 12:23PM EST, with a high of $4.37. The stock was one of the top NYSE advancers in yesterday’s trading session. About Suntech Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) produces industry-leading solar products for…

  • Solar Stock Alert: Suntech Power (NYSE :STP) Trades up over 8%: Solar Industry Shifts to China and U.S.

    8 Feb 2012 | 3:06 pm
    New York, NY, - February 8, 2012  – (Investorideas.com renewable energy/green newswire) Investorideas.com, a leader in renewable energy stock research for independent investors, issues an investor alert for, Suntech Power Holdings Co., LTD (NYSE :STP) , trading up at $3.8998, up 0.2998(8.33%) 3:17PM EST. Several of the Chinese solar stocks were stronger on today’s trading session as reports on the solar sector show a shift to China and US, away from Europe.     About Suntech Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP ) produces industry-leading solar products for…

  • Renewable Energy Stock Alert: FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NasdaqGM: FCEL) Trades up Over 6%

    8 Feb 2012 | 12:21 pm
    New York, NY, - February 8, 2012  – (Investorideas.com renewable energy/green newswire) Investorideas.com, a leader in renewable energy stock research for independent investors, issues an investor alert for, FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NasdaqGM :FCEL) , trading up at 1.19, up 0.07(6.26%) 12:55pm with a high of $1.24. The last news from the Company in January reported it reached a significant milestone with one billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of ultra-clean and renewable electricity produced by Direct FuelCell(R) (DFC) (R) power plants since 2003. One billion kWh of electricity can power more…

  • First Stop Loss Point Triggered for 2012 Solar Stocks Portfolio; Yingli Green Energy Holding (NYSE:YGE)

    3 Feb 2012 | 12:47 pm
    New York, New York- February 3, 2012- Investorideas.com, a leader in renewable energy stock research for independent investors releases solar stocks commentary from solar expert, J Peter Lynch.  Mr. Lynch discusses the first stop loss order for his 2012 solar stocks portfolio, Yingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE Solar Stocks Commentary with J Peter Lynch at Investorideas.com http://www.investorideas.com/PL/ Our first stop loss point for our 2012 Solar Portfolio was triggered this morning with YGE trading below $4.20. We did not question our system; we simply follow it and sold the position…
 
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    Cleantech Blog

  • Energy and Cleantech – It’s not a Zero Sum Game Guys

    cleantechorg
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:28 am
    By Neal Dikeman A quote in a recent Wired article claiming cleantech is getting pounded epitomizes the zero sum mentality prevalent in the renewable energy and cleantech discussion. ‘Even solar’s biggest allies on Capitol Hill — people such as Edward J Markey, a top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee — fear the [...]

  • Tesla to Ship 5,000 Model S in 2012

    John Addison
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:03 am
    from original post at Clean Fleet Report I’m sitting behind the wheel of this new Tesla Model S wishing that I could drive it away. I can’t. This prototype does not have a drive system. It is on display at the Clean-Tech Investor Summit, getting serious interest from attending CEOs and venture capitalists that can [...]

  • Concentrating (on) Utility-Scale Solar Energy

    Richard T. Stuebi
    7 Feb 2012 | 5:47 am
    Last week, at the invitation of organizer Green Power Conferences, I attended their Solar Power Generation USA conference in Las Vegas. Of course, there are innumerable events pertaining to the solar energy space, and each needs its own niche of differentiation.  This conference pertained solely to utility-scale solar power projects.  In other words, this is [...]

  • Deep Pu

    Richard T. Stuebi
    30 Jan 2012 | 9:01 am
    The USA Today recently ran an uncommonly in-depth article about the massive efforts to clean-up the decommissioned and horribly contaminated Hanford nuclear site in rural Washington state. A relic of the Manhattan Project and the Cold War, Hanford was the primary site for the production and refinement of plutonium (atomic symbol Pu) for the U.S. arsenal of [...]

  • Electric Car and Hybrid Car Sales will Triple in Next Six Years

    John Addison
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:19 pm
    from original post at Clean Fleet Report Pike Research’s John Gartner forecasts that global sales of hybrid and electric cars will grow from 995,000 in 2011 to 2,870,000 in 2017. Half the hybrid cars and all of the EVs will use lithium battery packs by 2017. In fact, the latest hybrid cars from Ford, Buick, [...]
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    Greentech Media: Cleantech Investing

  • Large Corporates and Family Offices: A Need to Connect

    info@greentechmedia.com
    30 Jan 2012 | 1:41 pm
    One thing many cleantech VCs are good at is connecting with large corporations' strategy and venture groups. They regularly chat to compare notes, discuss market trends, share investment perspectives, identify areas of needed investment, opportunities to work with the VCs' portfolio companies, etc. It's a win-win. I was surprised upon joining the family office community to discover that these groups are (with some definite exceptions) not as good at this. There are probably several reasons: 1) family offices are often already affiliated with some companies that the family owns,…

  • “How Do I Get a Job in Cleantech Venture Capital?”

    info@greentechmedia.com
    10 Jan 2012 | 5:38 pm
    Around this time of year, the amount of inbound requests for coffees and "picking your brain" chats is always pretty overwhelming, as business school students and others start thinking about how they would love to be a cleantech venture capital investor. I wanted to write down a few thoughts for such folks in case they would be helpful. Unfortunately, much of what I have to give is simply tough love. Because it's very, very hard to break into cleantech venture capital. When you account for the few specialist teams out there still actively investing in the sector, and then…

  • 12 Predictions for ‘12

    info@greentechmedia.com
    28 Dec 2011 | 2:52 pm
    'Tis the season for making year-end predictions, and even though I'm clearly not very good at it, I got dragged into doing them a while back. So here are some for 2012. Enjoy these with the appropriately sized grain of sodium chloride. 1. Both dollar totals and deal totals for U.S. cleantech venture capital will be up more than 20% over 2011. I'm basing this on the hope of a bit more economic stabilization, allowing some of the currently fundraising venture funds in the sector to successfully close and start writing checks. Furthermore, more and more corporate and other large…

  • Looking Back on 2011 Cleantech Investing Predictions

    info@greentechmedia.com
    27 Dec 2011 | 12:30 pm
    It's been a tumultuous year for a whole lot of folks, and the cleantech market has been no exception. As we near the end of 2011, I thought it would be good to look back on how our predictions from a year ago turned out.   Here's what I predicted last December: 1. The cleantech venture capital shakeout will become more obvious. I'd say this has been true. At least to entrepreneurs seeking financing, especially early stage. A few of us in Boston were recently trying to figure out who's still actively investing in the sector in this region -- and it was a shockingly short…

  • Quick Hits: Boston’s Super-Angels, Nordan’s Smart Thoughts, and More

    info@greentechmedia.com
    15 Dec 2011 | 7:06 am
    Been caught up in a number of year-end projects and thus am way behind on topics I've wanted to write about, so here's a quick set of thoughts on a few unrelated topics, Peter King "Monday Morning Quarterback" style: Had dinner last night with several of Boston's most active cleantech angel investors (thanks to Bic Stevens for the invite).  No, none of this went on -- just some thought-provoking conversation over a great Italian meal. One thing that struck me, though, was hearing that Boston-area cleantech VCs are now doing only around three or four Series A rounds…
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    Gil Friend

  • The Top Sustainability Stories of 2012

    Gil Friend
    2 Feb 2012 | 12:30 pm
    Last month I offered my picks for the Top Sustainability Stories of 2011. Here are my predictions for the Top Sustainability Stories of 2012. (It's a rugged mix of bad news and good.) Climate heats up and hides out The sheer pressure of the hard-to-escape evidence -- more record-breaking temperatures, more disastrous weather events, big supply chain disruptions, ever-rising insurance payments -- will drive more businesses to take global warming seriously as a business risk, even as The Economist and others blast the journalistic malpractice that leaves "climate" out of the weather disaster…

  • Top Sustainability Stories of 2011 -- AND 2012

    Gil Friend
    11 Jan 2012 | 1:53 pm
    This is the time of year when people assemble their top 10 lists for 2011 -- movies, restaurants, etc, -- and top sustainability stories and trends. Here are mine -- not ranked, not complete, quite subjective, and hopefully rich food for thought for you. (Next time: my predictions for 2012!) Green China? Not quite (actually, not by a long shot), but China maintains strong investment in renewable energy and clean tech, even as US energy & climate policy remain mired in, well politics. Not much talked about: China's Circular Economy Law. Its significance depends of course on how seriously it's…

  • To Understand is to Perceive Patterns

    Gil Friend
    3 Jan 2012 | 8:24 pm
    I've long felt than one of the big differences (chasms) is between people who look at the world and see things, and people who look at the world and see pattern. Here's a beautiful exploration of that idea. "To Understand is to Perceive Patterns" on Vimeo

  • "In Defense of the Plastic Bag" -- Useful provocation, but asks the wrong questions

    Gil Friend
    27 Dec 2011 | 5:13 pm
    Marc Gunther seems to be relishing his role as green curmudgeon (or at least provocateur) over at GreenBiz.com. To judge by the comment stream, he hit a nerve with his recent "In Defense of the Plastic Bag." Here's my response: It may seem complicated, Marc, but perhaps it doesn't have to be -- if we ask the right questions. "Paper or plastic?" (or "this plastic or that plastic?") aren't the right questions. Nor is "Should we tax or ban all plastics because some end up as litter?" No, I don't want to "impose my beliefs on others," but I do want everyone to bear the full costs of their…

  • In love with WalMart?

    Gil Friend
    5 Dec 2011 | 9:39 pm
    In his latest blog post, veteran journalist Marc Gunther asks Have I fallen in love with Walmart? It's a long, thougthtful piece, responding to an even longer piece in Grist. "I’ve written dozens of stories about the retail giant, Gunther writes. "...I’ve been critical at times...but most of my coverage of the company’s sustainability effort has been laundatory [sic]." Now here comes Stacy Mitchell, a smart reporter, with a six-part series in Grist called Walmart’s Greenwash: Why the retail giant is still unsustainable. She assails Walmart for promoting suburban sprawl, making…
 
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    The BiOH Experience

  • Selling Sleep to the Sleep Deprived

    Kelsey Ness
    2 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm
    These days we are so used to being tired, that most of us hardly remember what it felt like be well rested! Demands on our time – from shift work and family obligations to jet lag and 24-hour business cycles – cut short our sleeping hours. And our stress levels prevent us from enjoying a good quality of sleep once we do finally crawl into bed. It’s no wonder that U.S. retail coffee sales rose 19 percent last year! We are all battling to stay awake. Jessa Gamble, an award-winning writer and expert on our internal body clocks’ struggle against our urban schedules, describes an…

  • What to expect at this year’s Las Vegas Market

    Kelsey Ness
    16 Jan 2012 | 1:00 pm
    We are so excited about attending this year’s Las Vegas Market, January 30-February 3 at the huge World Market Center. Each year, there are always plenty of new and exciting things to see and do, so even if you have attended in the past, you’ll want to spend time planning out this year’s adventure. On opening day, make the First Look Exhibit in the Building B lobby one of your first stops. You will be able to pick up a copy of the First Look Book (limited quantities available) and see a showcase of the new product trends to be discovered at the show. Speaking of trendy, we’re looking…

  • Make zero-energy furniture one of your 2012 resolutions

    Kelsey Ness
    4 Jan 2012 | 1:53 pm
    Companies are making it easier than ever for Americans to embrace the concept of sustainability and energy conservation. The selection of products and services has never been greater – and it just keeps expanding! One of the newest initiatives is Zero Energy America, a project focused on using eco-friendly materials and new building techniques to design Zero Energy Homes. A Zero Energy Home is one in which the net average energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emission, are both zero over the course of a year. In the U.S. and Europe, our homes account for about 40 percent of the total…

  • Building green/living green: smart trends in green furnishings, part 2

    Kelsey Ness
    21 Dec 2011 | 10:45 am
    Smart interior design can also have low environmental impact. From window shades and blinds to floor coverings, there are many products today made with recycled or sustainable materials. Here are some of our favorite tips to pass along to customers. • Certified fair-trade goods: Many are produced by independent worker cooperatives. The emphasis is respect for the environment, gender equity and fair working conditions. You might be surprised to see what can be made from recycled phone books! • Think durability. Products that last a long time means that fewer will wind up in landfills. •…

  • Building green/living green: smart trends in green furnishings

    Kelsey Ness
    14 Dec 2011 | 10:42 am
    Consumer demand for resource-efficient homes is on the rise. As people remodel, or move into new homes, they also are likely to need furnishings to complete their new space. This is the ideal time to help these environmentally conscious buyers think “eco-friendly” while decorating their homes. Consider how to complement green home construction Green builders try to minimize the environmental impact of a home by considering environmental factors as well as resource efficiency. Practical homeowners embrace green construction because it helps them cope with increasing energy prices as well…
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    Environmental Management & Energy News

  • Kmart, Supervalu, 6 Other Supermarkets Drop APP Toilet Paper over Forest Concerns

    Environmental Leader
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:33 am
    Kmart, Kroger, BI-LO, Harris Teeter, Supervalu, Weis Markets, Brookshire Grocery Company and Delhaize Group (owner of Food Lion) have all decided to stop carrying tissue products made with fiber from Asia Pulp & Paper, the World Wildlife Fund says in a new report. Don’t Flush Tiger Forests: Toilet Paper, U.S. Supermarkets, and the Destruction of [...]

  • Windows 8 Targets Application Efficiency

    Environmental Leader
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:08 am
    Microsoft’s Windows 8 (pictured) will increase energy efficiency in the operating system’s applications, according to two of the product’s developers. One example of this new drive for efficiency, described in a blog post by lead program managers Sharif Farag and Ben Srour, is Windows 8′s background tasks infrastructure. The infrastructure enables developers to code applications in [...]

  • Carbon Positive Launches Energy Management for Ports

    Environmental Leader
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:06 am
    Carbon Positive has launched what it calls the first program specifically to help ports adopt long-term strategies for energy and carbon management. The maritime consultancy launched the Carbon Positive Programme for Ports, which it says will help ports manage their energy and natural resource requirements and reduce their carbon footprint, ultimately contributing to carbon emissions [...]

  • Tesco Tackles Food Waste with Ethylene-Absorbing Strips

    Environmental Leader
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:41 am
    Tesco is trialing a packaging strip developed by It’sFresh! Ltd. in an effort to make food last longer and prevent waste. The U.K. supermarket giant will be the first retailer to test the packaging on tomatoes and avocados, which are the food items that go to waste most often, The Guardian reports. The company says the [...]

  • Lighting Brief: Soraa, Cree and Marvell

    Environmental Leader
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:38 am
    California-based lighting startup Soraa has launched an LED lamp that it says emits more light per LED material and can handle more electric current per area than its competitors products. The Soraa LED MR16 lamp is the first LED bulb that rivals the light performance of a 50W halogen lamp, Soraa says. Cree has introduced [...]
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    Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) International - RSS News Feed

  • Ecological Restoration for Protected Areas – Comments Invited

    25 Jan 2012 | 4:23 pm
    SER, in partnership with Parks Canada and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas is pleased to invite you to comment on the draft document Ecological Restoration for Protected Areas: Principles, guidelines and best practice. This consultation draft, which has been prepared&nbsp;by a 23-member Task Force with input from many other experts around the world, is&nbsp;intended to guide the efforts of protected area managers and their partners in restoring ecological, cultural and other important values of protected areas.

  • SER Seeks Two Interns

    10 Jan 2012 | 9:53 am
    SER is currently seeking two interns to start on February 1, 2012! Click here to read about the Indigenous Peoples' Restoration Network (IPRN)&nbsp;Internship which will focus on updating and improving the IPRN. Click here for details on the SER Office Internship which will mainly provide administrative and general support to SER.

  • SER Partners with the Satoyama Initiative at CBD SBSTTA15

    5 Jan 2012 | 7:49 am
    Restoring Life Challenges and Hopes in Ecosystem Restoration and Potential Role of the CBD was co-hosted by&nbsp;the CBD Secretariat, the Ministry of the Environment of Japan, and the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) on 8 November 2011. Click here to view the presentations&nbsp;on the restoration of rice paddies and biodiversity after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, as well as various unique ecosystem restoration activities in Canada, followed by a remark on the role for the CBD in addressing challenges in ecosystem restoration.

  • SER is Currently Seeking an Executive Director

    28 Nov 2011 | 9:54 am
    The Society for Ecological Restoration in Washington, D.C. is currently seeking an Executive Director. Click here to view the detailed job description.

  • SER Endorses the Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration Strategy

    10 Nov 2011 | 9:18 am
    SER supports the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force's efforts to engage stakeholders throughout the Gulf region, incorporate science-based adaptive management and monitoring into its strategy, and formalize long-term intergovernmental partnerships. The Task Force will release the final version of its Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration Strategy in December 2011. Click here&nbsp;to view SER's endorsement.
 
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    Sustainable Brands

  • Walmart Creates New Label for Healthier Food Choices

    Bart King
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:39 am
    Walmart, the nation’s largest food retailer, introduced a new front-of-the-pack label this week to indicate which of its food products are healthier for consumers. February 9, 2012 read more

  • A True Leader Creates Leaders

    Gil Friend
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:25 pm
    There’s something odd about the notion of “sustainability leadership.” Perhaps it’s that “sustainability” underwhelms. As Michael Braungart reminds us, “Sustainability is boring. How would you characterise your relationship with your spouse? As sustainable? If this is the bigger goal – sustainability – then I feel really sorry because it doesn’t celebrate human creativity and human nature.” February 8, 2012 read more

  • 50 Fastest Growing Brands Serve a ‘Higher Purpose’

    Bart King
    7 Feb 2012 | 2:45 pm
    New research on the world’s 50 fastest growing brands found a cause-and-effect relationship between a brand’s ability to serve a higher purpose and its financial performance. February 7, 2012 read more

  • United By Blue and Method Turn Ocean Plastic Into a Resource

    Alli Blum
    6 Feb 2012 | 6:09 pm
    United By Blue is an ocean-friendly brand of apparel. For every product we sell, we remove 1 pound of trash from oceans and waterways around the world through company organized and hosted cleanups. In other words, we sell clothes, pick up trash, and do our own dirty work. February 6, 2012 read more

  • Clarifying the Business Case for Sustainability and CSR

    Mark McElroy
    6 Feb 2012 | 1:04 pm
    Michael Porter and Mark Kramer once wrote: “No business can solve all of society’s problems or bear the cost of doing so.”  Striking a similar chord, Aneel Karnani later said: “…the idea that companies have a responsibility to act in the public interest and will profit from doing so is fundamentally flawed.” February 6, 2012 read more
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    Sustainablog

  • Edible Weeds: 7 Recipes for Dandelion

    Jeff McIntire-Strasburg
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:30 pm
    Maybe it’s the way-too-early Spring warmth we’ve been experiencing, but I’ve got greens on the brain lately… particularly the kind you can pick right from the ground. I took a look at stinging nettle a couple of weeks ago, and while I do want to try some of those recipes, a little research shows me that dandelion (which we get regularly in the yard) is even more versatile. Like nettle, you can use dandelion greens in place of many more common foods, like spinach; however, you can also cook the roots and the flowers of the dandelion plant. So, there’s lots of…

  • Global Water Resources: Where We Get It & What We Do With It (Infographic)

    Jeff McIntire-Strasburg
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:43 pm
    I’ve got the plumber coming over today for a small job, and it occurred to me that we’ll probably have to turn off the water supply for a short time. That always freaks me out a little, because I realize quickly how dependent we are on that water coming into the house… shoot, they shut down schools for the day if they water’s out. Now, imagine having it turned off for a week… or having your town or city’s water supply interrupted for that long. That’s really scary. And yet we still use the stuff as if it’ll never run out. Where do we get our…

  • Hix Island House: Puerto Rico Eco Lodge Combines Style and Sustainability

    Guest Author
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:40 am
    The tourism department for Puerto Rico claims that the ex-military base for the US turned tourist destination Vieques offers visitors a eco-island experience. They may claim this status as a whole; however, we had to search pretty diligently to find anything authentically eco friendly. Our diligence paid off with a visit to the muy verde Hix Island House. Our timing couldn’t have been better as the hillside eco resort recently opened a new additional called Casa Solaris. We see many lodges called “eco lodges,” but Hix Island House offers a true and tranquil eco-villa experience.

  • 5 Reasons We Should be Concerned about Fracking (Film)

    SnagFilms
    7 Feb 2012 | 10:55 am
    We all know that the affordability, efficiency, and sustainability of cleaner, greener energy will be a major challenge for this century. Some have called natural gas a better and cleaner energy source; yet, even if we set aside this hot air, the process of extracting the gas (called hydraulic fracturing or fracking) proves problematic for both environmentalists as well as those in proximity to the wells. This article will cover five major problems with fracking; it is based on two SnagFilms from the After the Goldrushseries (which are embedded below). 1. Water Pollution The fracking process…

  • Practicing Mindfulness and Living Sustainably

    Guest Author
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:07 am
    Working to create a sustainable world hasn’t been easy. One reason for this is that people are highly capable of knowing something but acting as if they didn’t. It is epitomized by the attitude, “I know I should, but I don’t.” We know we should eat local, bike more, etc. etc., but so few of us actually live up to what we know. In Buddhism, there is a huge emphasis on the different between knowing something intellectually and having the kind of understanding that leads to insight and transformation. Once we have that insight, we are changed by it and there is no…
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    Earth & Economy

  • Environment Champions

    Earth & Economy
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:26 am
    Friends of the Earth fights to defend the environment and create a more healthy and just world. Their current campaigns focus on promoting clean energy...

  • Sector Transformation

    Earth & Economy
    7 Feb 2012 | 12:41 am
    Architecture 2030 was established in response to the climate change crisis by architect Edward Mazria in 2002. Their goal is to achieve a reduction in...

  • Market Humanization

    Earth & Economy
    5 Feb 2012 | 12:15 pm
    Published four times per year, Corporate Knights Magazine informs people about the environmental and social impacts of marketplace decisions. They also showcase leaders and innovators,...

  • Sustainability Network

    Earth & Economy
    31 Jan 2012 | 12:54 am
    Wizness, powered by Enablon, is an online network dedicated to Sustainability Professionals. It features services that help professionals promote their expertise and share best practices...

  • Carbon Finance

    Earth & Economy
    28 Jan 2012 | 12:16 am
    Climate Change Capital Ltd is an investment manager and advisor specializing in the opportunities created by the global transition to a low carbon economy. CCC...
 
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    Earth Blog

  • EARTH MEANDERS: On Violence and Earth Revolution

    31 Jan 2012 | 5:46 am
    Imagining the human family coming together to take well considered, decisive, and minimally or non-violent action to sustain global ecology By Dr. Glen Barry, Ecological Internet Earth Meanders come from Earth's Newsdesk Human Family’s Ecocidal Death Wish The ecological foundation of being is unraveling before our very eyes. Without ecosystems there is no life. Fiercely loving Earth is the answer. Let's sustain global ecology together like our shared survival and abundance depends upon it. And while we set out using classic civil disobedience tactics, let’s not dismiss out of hand any…

  • ALERT! Stop Peru's Road to Rainforest Ecocide and Genocide of Uncontacted Indigenous Tribes

    25 Jan 2012 | 10:13 am
    By Ecological Internet's Rainforest Portal TAKE ACTION HERE NOW! Plans are to build a highway through Alto Purus - Peru’s largest national park – comprised of vital intact Amazonian rainforest ecosystems and inhabited by at least two 'uncontacted' indigenous tribes [search]. The Alto Purus protected rainforest in south-east Peru is an area of incredible biodiversity covering some of the most pristine forests in the southwestern Amazon and home to jaguars, monkeys and pink dolphins. To cut it with a road would compromise the integrity of the entire Amazonion basin and trigger the swift…

  • ALERT! NAMING NAMES: UN REDD+ Forest Carbon Fund to Log Primary Forests with Corporate NGO Greenwash Support

    3 Jan 2012 | 1:07 pm
    By Ecological Internet's Rainforest Portal and ClimateArk TAKE ACTION HERE NOW! Earth is facing the twin global ecological emergencies of abrupt climate change and land being scoured of natural ecosystems. Sadly, corporate American NGOs and the United Nations are responding to these crises by further promoting logging ancient forests. The United Nations REDD+ program to protect primary and old growth forests as a climate change and deforestation solution has been hi-jacked by logging interests [search] and their big pro-logging NGO friends, and will instead subsidize primary forest logging…

  • ALERT! Brazilian Forest Code Revisions Threaten Amazon Rainforest, National Advancement, and Ecological Sustainability

    22 Dec 2011 | 1:14 pm
    By Ecological Internet's Rainforest Portal TAKE ACTION HERE NOW! Brazil's industrial agriculture lobby has forced through their Congress changes to the forest code [search], the primary legal instrument related to Amazon rainforest protections. It has been done without any scientific inputs, and in a way that will greatly expand industrial agriculture by reducing ecological protections. Newly elected President Dilma Rousseff must be encouraged to veto the bill, something she promised to do during the election. Efforts to address forest code deficiencies must recommence in a manner that…

  • RAINFOREST ALERT! Protest Belize National Park Being Opened by Corrupt U.S. Oil Exploration to Illegal Logging

    13 Dec 2011 | 9:00 pm
    By Ecological Internet's Rainforest Portal TAKE ACTION HERE NOW! Belize’s renowned rainforests [search], beaches, and Mayan homelands are threatened with a resource rampage by a corrupt government confronted with massive foreign debt. With the Prime Minister's permission, Colorado-based oil company US Capital Energy is drilling seismic testing lines through the ecologically spectacular Sarstoon-Temash national park - against international treaty commitments and a Belizean Supreme Court ruling. These cleared lines are now being used by poachers to ransack the rainforest, with stolen timbers…
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    Mom Goes Green

  • Do you remember your PLUs?

    Doreen
    31 Jan 2012 | 9:44 am
    About a year ago I ran a post about PLUs.  These are the numbers listed on the little stickers of the produce we purchase.  Did you remember that PLUs (“Product {or Price} Look-Up” labels) actually mean something?… they aren’t just random numbers. I have them in long-term memory but I was reminded about them during my recent grocery store trip when I realized (while standing in line, of course!) that I had forgotten to purchase tomatoes.  I asked my 10-year old to run back to the produce section and bring back three tomatoes.  I did, however, forget to be specific… ugh-oh. …

  • The A to Z Guide for a Green 2012!

    Doreen
    6 Jan 2012 | 8:34 am
    Well, Hello 2012! For some of us, you couldn’t have come soon enough! It’s a new year with a new chance to make a new beginning… our chance to make a real difference! If you’ve been “putting off your greening”, I’m going to give you the A to Z list to get the ball rolling. (I think I’ve put together quite the extraordinary list, if I do say so myself!  Be sure to click on the orange links to learn more!) Hold onto your “green” party hats, and let’s go!… A – Appliances, Animals – Buy energy efficient appliances when you need to make a replacement.  If you’re…

  • Mountain Dew vs. Mouse…

    Doreen
    4 Jan 2012 | 11:28 pm
    Why Mom Goes Green rejects “pop”, “soda” and/or any carbonated beverages in her menu of ‘approved family consumables’. Read the news article… View the news video… Enough said.    

  • 8 THINGS you should do after the holidays!

    Doreen
    28 Dec 2011 | 9:40 am
    Finally… we’ve stopping scurrying around in preparation for the holidays, but now we’re all liking looking around and seeing plenty yet to be done in the wake of a hectic season. The tree, the lights, the presents, the boxes, the bags and bows, the piles of Christmas cards!… WHAT to do now? Well, let me help… Here is a very simple list of things you can do to curb the waste, make the most of the season and keep it green!: The Christmas tree – if you had a live-cut Christmas tree, check out Earth911 to find a drop-off so it can be turned into mulch or composted (if your community…

  • From the Mom Goes Green Family to yours!!!

    Doreen
    23 Dec 2011 | 4:07 pm
    If there is no joyous way to give a festive gift, give love away. — Unknown This Christmas we want to wish you all of the things that bring you happiness.  Enjoy memories of the past, live in the moment, and have hope for the future.  May your New Year be filled with everything wonderful — health, happiness, laughter and especially love! – xoxo, Mom Goes Green —
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    EcoEarth.Info Environment RSS Newsfeed

  • More Gyrations in the Price of Food

    9 Feb 2012 | 11:57 am
    New York Times: Global food prices had been falling for months. However, hopes that the decline would continue, easing the price run-up of recent years, were dashed on Thursday. An index that tracks food prices around the world has taken its first monthly jump since July, and a big one. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported that food prices rose about 2 percent from December to January, although the preceding months-long decline still leaves them 7 percent below the levels of January...

  • World’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm Opens Off British Coast

    9 Feb 2012 | 11:31 am
    Yale Environment 360: A coalition of European companies today opened a 367-megawatt wind farm off the British coast, a massive project that developers say will power as many as 320,000 households annually and is the world’s largest offshore wind project to date. The Walney Wind Farm, located nine miles (15 kilometers) off Cumbria in the Irish Sea, is comprised of 102 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 3.6 megawatts. The £1 billion ($1.58 billion) project was developed by some European utility giants -- including British...

  • Damage from tropical cyclones 'set to soar'

    9 Feb 2012 | 11:21 am
    SciDev.Net: Tropical cyclone damage costs will increase four-fold to US$109 billion a year across the world by 2100, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change last week (1 February). Predicted increases in population and economic activity by 2100 will increase cyclone damage costs to US$56 billion a year -- more than double the current figure of US$26 billion. And more frequent and stronger cyclones as a result of climate change are expected to add a further US$53 billion a year to the bill,...

  • Britain to urge green accounting at Rio+20 summit

    9 Feb 2012 | 10:58 am
    Reuters: Britain will urge businesses and governments to start accounting for natural capital as an additional way of measuring economic activity at a U.N. sustainability summit in June, its environment minister said on Thursday. This could mean moving towards a concept of GDP+, or measuring the use or loss of natural resources like water, agriculture and forests to gauge economic activity, in addition to relying solely on economic output. "A snapshot of the state of economies based on GDP (gross domestic...

  • Study: GOP votes drive public opinion on climate change

    9 Feb 2012 | 10:42 am
    Washington Post: You might think opinions on climate change are driven by news stories, or extreme weather events, or, if you're really optimistic, publicly available scientific research. But it turns out that politicians affect the way that Americans view the issue more than almost anything else, The researchers behind the study created a "Climate Change Threat Index' to gauge how the public views the impact of climate change over a nine-year period, and they conclude that GOP votes on environmental legislation...
 
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    Blue Marble Feed | Mother Jones

  • Energy Reboot

    Julia Whitty
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:36 pm
        A cute British appeal to get off dirty energy and dump their big six energy companies. (Although here in the US—for me at least—the video also evokes memories of other falling towers.)     

  • Al Qaeda and The Whales

    Asawin Suebsaeng
    9 Feb 2012 | 6:57 am
    Did whales benefit from the 9/11 terrorist attacks? Turns out that question isn't as boneheaded as it sounds. In July 2001, scientists from the New England Aquarium began a study of right whales in the Bay of Fundy in the Gulf of Maine, testing whale excrement for "hormone-related chemicals" that indicated the animals' stress levels. And when the September 11 attacks happened, a window of opportunity was suddenly open for examining whether sound pollution was a major cause of stress for these whales. AFP has the story: The steady drone of motors along busy commercial shipping lanes not only…

  • How to Cook After a Catastrophe

    James West
    9 Feb 2012 | 5:00 am
    A weather presenter and a celebrity chef walk into a kitchen…that was the novel hook for this cooking class (and, hell, it's not often Climate Desk gets to film a cooking show). This is about as far away from the dry, cracked soil of a Texas cattle ranch as it gets: Fifth Avenue, New York City. At a seminar that cost $225 a head, a small selection of guests learned about the impact of 2011's record number of billion dollar disasters—there were 12, including the ongoing drought in Texas—and how to cook around them using substitute ingredients. While author and restaurateur…

  • Birds Near Fukushima Hit Harder Than at Chernobyl

    Julia Whitty
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:03 pm
    Bird populations in Japan's Fukushima Prefecture appear to be more whacked by the effects of low-level radiation than expected—based on responses by the same species around Chernobyl after that nuclear power plant disaster. This according to a new paper in the science journal Environmental Pollution.   Last July, four months after the earthquake and tsunami, a team of European, Japanese, and American researchers identified and counted birds at 300 locations in Fukushima prefecture between 15 and 30 miles (25 and 48 km)  from the nuclear complex. Most of these…

  • Maldives Political Turmoil Ousts Leading Voice on Climate Change

    Kate Sheppard
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:25 am
    The president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, resigned on Tuesday amid what has been described in some press accounts as a coup. There are plenty of questions about the circumstances of his departure from power, but what is clear is that it means the loss of one of the most powerful and visible international leaders on climate change. Nasheed told reporters on Wednesday he was forced to resign at gunpoint, after what appeared to be a mutiny by police officers and protesters. From Reuters: "Yes, I was forced to resign at gunpoint," Nasheed told reporters after his party meeting a day after…
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    All MNN Content

  • Do you have tips on leash-pulling, potty training and other behavior problems?

    Morieka Johnson
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:28 pm
    Q: I just adopted a new dog and want to start things off on the right foot. We're still getting to know each other, and while I haven't noticed any behavior issues I want to be ready in case something comes up.

  • Buying a used car? Look out for water damage

    amyfeinstein
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:27 pm
    When considering the purchase of a used car, what is your biggest fear? Is it that the car has been in a wreck? That it was not properly maintained? Or, have you considered that your potential purchase could have been water or flood damaged, or have survived a tropical storm or even a hurricane? There are more of these vehicles out there than you think, and they are not just being sold by individuals in classified ads.

  • PETA's porn site now accepting signups

    Michael d'Estries
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:27 pm
    PETA's announcement late last summer that it was reserving one of the new .xxx domain extensions was met with both scorn and amusement.

  • Recycled paper napkins

    lbellows
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:23 pm
    Eco-conscious consumers have long known that the greenest napkin option out there is a good old-fashioned linen one that would make grandma proud. When a guest list is long (hello, birthday parties and backyard barbecues), however, common sense dictates a paper option is the most stress-free choice for post-party cleanup. With the proliferation of recycled paper napkins on the market now, environmental consciousness and a 21st-century love for convenience needn’t be at odds.

  • Girl's night in for Valentine's Day

    Starre Vartan
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:21 pm
    The best thing about Valentine's Day is that it really can mean whatever you want it to. Like most women, I've spent many a V-day single, and plenty as part of a couple. And I've had great (and not-great) experiences whether I was with someone or not. In fact, some of my fondest memories are Valentine's Days spent with the women who were in my life at the time.
 
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    Greentech Media: All Content

  • A Day in the Life of the Grid With Jon Wellinghoff, FERC Chairman

    info@greentechmedia.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:59 pm
    PALM SPRINGS, California --- Reporting from the Clean-Tech Investor Summit. Jon Wellinghoff, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, gave one of the conference's more exciting smart grid presentations during his keynote on electricity pricing, demand response, and making the electrical grid a more responsive and efficient machine. It was the first time this presentation, "A Day in the Life of the Grid," had been revealed to the world. We'll get into some of the details, but in summary, it shows that the FERC commissioners get the smart grid and the necessity…

  • World’s Tallest CSP Solar Power Tower Completed

    info@greentechmedia.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:30 am
    Construction has been completed on the world's tallest solar power tower by SolarReserve, a utility-scale solar thermal developer. The 540-foot structure stands in Tonopah, Nevada at the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Power Plant. Construction began in September 2011 and the process has been operating 24/7 in the last few months in order to get the tower completed before winter. I spoke with CEO Kevin Smith this morning. The project will eventually use 10,000 "billboard-size" mirrors, called heliostats, to focus sunlight at a boiler, which will work in conjunction with a molten…

  • What Does a Renewable Energy Developer Owe the Community?

    info@greentechmedia.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:00 am
    From the moment a renewable energy developer selects a site for a utility-scale solar or wind project, be it Nantucket Sound or the Mojave Desert, the conflict begins. A site with a rich renewable resource offers a developer the prospect of doing well by doing good, of opening up a front in the fight against climate change and the traditional polluting sources of electricity generation. But there is a cost to the communities into which such a project intrudes. Reactions vary widely. Wind Capital Group’s Tom Carnahan built the 150-megawatt Lost Creek project by demonstrating to rural…

  • ThinkEco Thinks Beyond the Smart Plug

    info@greentechmedia.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    For a smart plug, ThinkEco’s Modlet is a bit of a celebrity. It has rubbed elbows with the likes of Martha Stewart and the team at NBC’s Today Show.   But for the New York-based company, the Modlet might be just the first act. The company is currently selling the Modlet at Best Buy and directly to customers in its own online storefront and has done a pilot with Consolidated Edison to control window AC units during summer peak. ThinkEco will continue to work with Con Edison and other utilities, but it is also going to start working with original equipment manufacturers and…

  • The Home Energy Doctor Goes Mobile and Connected

    info@greentechmedia.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    North American utilities are spending about $6 billion per year to try to get their customers to stop wasting energy, a tab that includes everything from fluorescent light bulb giveaways to whole-home retrofit rebates. But the biggest energy saving projects also tend to be the most expensive -- and require the most hands-on work. We’re talking about “building shell” improvements like insulation and windows, as well as the systems that heat and cool the building. Before that happens, somebody -- a utility worker, an energy auditor, a contractor, or the like -- will have to…
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    Practical Environmentalist

  • Party Time! Here Are Some Eco Friendly Party Ideas

    Jill
    20 Jan 2012 | 3:56 pm
    Save CC flickr photo courtesy of JAGwired You can carry over your eco-friendly living ideas into any type of party — from lavish holiday dinners to children’s birthday parties. With just a little planning, you can find green solutions to almost any party need. Here are a few tips to help you get started planning your next big event. Don’t use Throwaways Throwaway plates and cups make clean up easier, but are hard on the environment. If you must use throwaways, choose paper over Styrofoam, and look for ones that are made from recycled materials and are BPA-free. Better yet, buy…

  • Eco-Friendly Hotels: What to Look For

    Jill
    16 Jan 2012 | 2:47 pm
    Save Orchard Garden Hotel - CC flickr photo by DoNotLick Choosing an eco-friendly hotel when you travel is a natural extension of your environmental commitment at home. Whether you incorporate eco-friendly products into your life because they are healthier for you and your family, because you are concerned for the environment, or both, supporting green hotels just makes sense. What Makes a Hotel Eco-Friendly? At first thought, you may wonder what kinds of things to look for when choosing the best eco-friendly hotels. Ideally, eco-friendly hotels should use some form of sustainable energy,…

  • How to Buy Eco Friendly Paint

    Jill
    9 Dec 2011 | 12:21 pm
    Save CC flickr photo courtesy of ewan and donabel Painting the interior of your home should be a wonderful experience. It makes everything look new again, brightens up a room, and helps you create the ambiance you envision. Common commercial paints can do all that, but at the same time cause dangerous problems from fumes that can harm both you and the environment. What Is Eco-Friendly Paint? Eco-friendly paints are specifically designed to do everything those other paints do, but without the toxic fumes. The most common fumes, known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), are not only present…

  • Eco Friendly Furniture Options

    Jill
    3 Dec 2011 | 2:05 pm
    Save CC flickr photo courtesy of David Stanley There are few things as satisfying as furnishing a new home, or choosing new furniture to update a home.  The items we choose to make a place feel like a home do so by creating a feeling, and by reflecting our own unique style. Home is sanctuary.  And the furniture options we have to choose from are almost limitless. However, furniture production is resource-intensive and can involve chemicals that are bad for your health.  Seeking out eco-friendly furniture can be a great way to make a difference without any sacrifice of comfort or style.

  • Eco Friendly Flooring Options

    Jill
    2 Dec 2011 | 2:04 pm
    Save Bamboo floor - CC flickr photo by anathea There are two main reasons to choose eco-friendly flooring when looking for materials to renovate old surfaces or create new structures. The first reason is your family’s health. Many of today’s flooring options off-gas harmful chemicals and negatively affect your home’s indoor air quality. The second reason to choose eco-friendly flooring for your home is to reduce the impact on the environment. Most carpet and vinyl production is energy-intensive and uses up our petroleum reserves. The dyes, adhesives, sealants, etc. used in…
 
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    No Impact Man

  • NASA says 2011 is the ninth warmest year on record

    Colin Beavan aka No Impact Man
    19 Jan 2012 | 2:32 pm
        Why were we born? What is really important in life? Are we living in line with that? Or are we distracted from the point of our existence? Is there a way to get people to wake up and ask these crucial questions? Is there a way to get governments to do so? Because if we are wrecking the place in fulfillment of our human purpose, then so be it. But if we are wrecking the place while sleepwalking our way from birth to death? Living unconsciously and wrecking the place in that process? That seems like such a terrible tragedy. How can we wake up? God bless us. Kwan Seum Bosal. PS…

  • A mom and dad who should be proud

    Colin Beavan aka No Impact Man
    8 Dec 2011 | 3:56 pm
    Dear Mr and Mrs Borah, I am writing to tell you that you should be so incredibly proud of your amazing daughter. This is what I read about her in today's New York Times: [The American climate envoy’s] statement to delegates from more than 190 nations at the annual climate conference was disrupted by a 21-year-old Middlebury College junior, Abigail Borah, who told the assembly that she would speak for the United States because Mr. Stern had forfeited the right to do so. “I am speaking on behalf of the United States of America because my negotiators cannot,” said Ms. Borah, who is…

  • Raucously fun holiday No Impact fund-raiser--Please Come!!!

    Colin Beavan aka No Impact Man
    1 Dec 2011 | 1:54 pm
    Hi Friend--Please consider this your invitation (on December 14, see below) to what promises to be a wicked fun time. The cost will benefit our charitable effort  the No Impact Project and help get thousands of citizens to begin taking charge of the destiny of this habitat we all share and depend on. Indeed, not only will be the dinner by fun, it's an investment in a world worth living in!! Please come! And bring friends (and grandparents and cousins)!Also, we need to give the restaurant numbers very soon, so it would be a great help if you could purchase your tickets this…

  • To find world peace

    Colin Beavan aka No Impact Man
    28 Nov 2011 | 10:30 am
    A monk asked a master, "I just became a monk and would like to know how to enter Buddhahood." The master said, "Do you hear the waterfall?"   "Yes I do" replied the monk.   The Master said, "Enter there."

  • Ever wanted kids but decided not to have them?

    Colin Beavan aka No Impact Man
    8 Nov 2011 | 10:12 pm
    I am curious about people who wanted to have a child or children but decided to have none or fewer because of concerns over population growth. I'm *not* interested in hearing from people who condemn the choice to have chidren but rather from people actually feel and understand the tug towards parenthood but have chosen not to. Have you had feelings of loss? What ways have you found to satisfy the tug without actually having children? I'm asking because there obviously needs to be a real cultural conversation about population growth and how many kids we should all have. But I don't…
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    Pumps

  • $4 By May

    Pump Girl
    7 Feb 2012 | 6:15 pm
    Unleaded gas averages 3.48/gal these days and is likely to be going up. We all know the refineries have to switch from the winter blend to the more expensive seasonal stuff to meet environmental standards. This tacks on a good 15 cents/gal. Crude prices have gone down to $98/barrel, but those pesky tensions in the Middle East are heating up again. Energy analyst Patrick DeHaan of price tracker Gasbuddy.com expects prices to rise to about $3.55 a gallon by the end of February and peak around $4 by Memorial Day weekend. “You could see prices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington…

  • Spring Is Coming

    Pump Girl
    20 Jan 2012 | 8:47 am
    And so apparently is $4 gas. Fred Rozell of OPIS sees $4-$4.25 gas sometime between April and early May. Patrick DeHaan of gasbuddy.com predicts $3.75 to $4.15 by May. Look out Chicago! DeHaan predicts $4.60-$4.95/gal. LA: mid-to-upper $4.00. “Bigger cities will always have higher prices due to higher gas taxes and the cost of doing business,” DeHaan said. Could be worse. Despite the possibility of record high gas prices this spring, Rozell says things could be worse. “Over the last 10 years, we have tended to see a 75% increase in prices from the winter low to the spring…

  • Gas Prices in 2012?

    Pump Girl
    5 Jan 2012 | 6:17 pm
    Oh dear, things don’t look so pleasant. Gas prices in Texas are already up six cents a gallon to $3.12. They only paid $2.90 or so last year. Here are some forecasts for the coming year: Head of commodities research at Citigroup Global Markets Inc. says gas may rise over $4 next summer Tom Kloza at OPIS says prices could rise a high as $3.75-$4.50. The federal EIA is a little more optimistic, predicting more like $3.45.

  • EU Reaches Agreement on New Iran Sanctions

    Guy in a Suit
    5 Jan 2012 | 2:39 pm
    Oil prices rose today on the news that European diplomats had reached a preliminary agreement to issue new economic sanctions on Iran. Progress on sanctions had been held up by the envoys from Greece, who have now dropped their objections. While debate on the specifics of the sanctions is ongoing, all countries in the EU are resolved to proceed. Two weeks ago, debate over these new sanctions on Iranian oil prompted to government in Tehran to threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz. The threat was promptly backed up by a 10-day series of war games and the tests of some new weapons system. The…

  • Fresh Threats from Iran

    Guy in a Suit
    3 Jan 2012 | 12:25 pm
    After the US Navy removed an air craft carrier from the Persian Gulf, the Iranian military warned Washington not to redeploy it to the area. This news comes in the midst ongoing war games in the Strait of Hormuz, accompanied by tests of new land-to-water cruise missiles. Despite this, the US military remains unfazed. An official statement from the Pentagon today stated: “These are regularly scheduled movements in accordance with our longstanding commitments to the security and stability of the region and in support of ongoing operations.” The escalating tensions in Iran have led directly…
 
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    Triple Pundit: People, Planet, Profit

  • Shareholders Press Oil & Gas Companies on Fracking, Climate Change, Labor, Environment, Labor, Community

    Andrew Burger
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:49 am
    Investor groups, coordinated by Ceres, announced they've filed shareholder resolutions with Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, ConocoPhillips and 14 other oil and gas companies, "pressing them to disclose their plans for managing environmental and workplace challenges such as hydraulic fracturing, greenhouse gas emissions and woker safety."

  • How to Engage Sustainability Natives

    CSRHUB
    9 Feb 2012 | 4:15 am
    As future generations take the lead in determining our sustainable future and responsible business, how will their innate conceptions and expectations for a responsible economy inform our challenges and solutions?

  • Jeffrey Hollender’s Recipe for a Better (European Style) Future

    Raz Godelnik
    9 Feb 2012 | 4:08 am
    Jeffrey Hollender’s talk on Tuesday at NYU wasn’t probably listed on Time Out NY, but nevertheless it was one of the best shows the city provided that night. Hollender, an almost impossible combination of a CEO and a rebel, is never boring no matter how many times you get to hear him. Combining gloomy economic and social observations with funny anecdotes, he managed to charm the dozens of students that packed the room, sending them home afterwards with his innovative ideas (some would say 'European') on how to get the U.S. economy back on the track towards a sustainable future.

  • The Wall Street Journal and Climate Change Denial

    Gina-Marie Cheeseman
    9 Feb 2012 | 4:05 am
    A January 27 op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal contains the usual drivel about climate change denial. Signed by 16 scientists, the op-ed piece claims that the number of “scientific heretics” continues to grow every year. A cursory glance at the exact field of the 16 scientists is very telling. Only a couple of [...]

  • 5% of California’s Energy Comes From Wind Power

    Akhila Vijayaraghavan
    9 Feb 2012 | 4:04 am
    California is probably one of the most environmentally progressive states in the U.S. It is also the country’s most populous state and according to LA Times, the state now derives 5 percent of its total electricity needs from wind energy. This powers about 400,000 households and now generates a total of 4,000 MW through renewable wind [...]
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    Green Parent Chicago

  • "Windfall" Documentary Explores Controversy Behind U.S. Wind Farms

    Christine Escobar
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:57 am
    Directed by Laura Israel, and screening this week in Chicago at Facets Cinematheque, "Windfall" tells the story of residents of Meredeth, NY, a town of approximately 1500, many of whom are organic farmers and excited about the prospect of contributing to the proliferation of clean energy. The residents agree to have wind turbines installed on their land, but soon learn that industrial wind farms have been associated with "health problems, accidents and damage to local ecosystems and wildlife." Adding to the residents' individual struggles, the existence of the turbines…

  • Taste and Learn at Garfield Park Conservatory's Tropical Treat Nights

    Christine Escobar
    3 Feb 2012 | 8:26 pm
    For two evenings this month, the Garfield Park Conservatory will welcome visitors to taste and learn about the naturally sweet tropical plants that have given us history's favorite flavors. On Wednesday, February 8 and Wednesday, February 15 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. fact and flavor stations will be staffed by educators throughout the Conservatory featuring displays about chocolate, chicle, vanilla, cinnamon, chewing gum, banana and more. Additional activities for kids include:•Interactive Tropical Tunes by children's music performer Sandy Lucas. Sandy will lead an interactive…

  • Kids Eating Green - 6 Veggie Tomato Sauce

    Christine Escobar
    20 Jan 2012 | 6:57 pm
    We all know it can be difficult getting kids to eat their vegetables, especially the leafy green kind that are so good for us. But with a little creative preparation, I believe any vegetable can be turned into something kids will find delicious and be excited to eat. Take pasta with tomato sauce for example, a quick, go to meal that many families eat on a regular basis. A meal, I might add, that most kids absolutely love. The tomato sauce can be a vehicle for serving a whole bunch of vegetables to picky to eaters without them even knowing it. For this recipe, I use kale or collard greens from…

  • EarthTalk: Should You Take Echinacea For Your Cold?

    Christine Escobar
    11 Jan 2012 | 12:05 pm
    Dear EarthTalk: What’s the story with Echinacea? Many herb teas contain it, and many people swear by it as a cold remedy. But I’ve also seen headlines saying that the herb has no medicinal value whatsoever. Can you set the record straight? -- Arlene Hixson, Portland, ME Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, has gained popularity in recent years as a nutritional supplement that proponents believe is helpful in staving off the common cold and shortening its duration. But given the variation between dosages and formulations—such herbs are not regulated as medical drugs by the U.S…

  • Goodwill to All...

    Christine Escobar
    24 Dec 2011 | 6:00 am
      -credit: Bludgeoner86, flickr
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    Max Gladwell

  • SoLoMo: The New Way to Understand Location

    Max Gladwell
    12 Jan 2012 | 3:49 pm
    As the technology space evolves, so does the terminology In 2009, we added the term “geolocation” to this blog as one of its primary topics. We marked this with a post stating that geolocation would be a major trend in 2010. This echoed much of what other blogs were writing at the time. Geolocation was the buzz term. We followed up several months later with one one of our distributed blog posts entitled “10 Ways Geolocation is Changing the World.” It’s about this time, however, that the terminology shifted and we began to refer to this as location-based services…

  • The SoLoMo Manifesto: Social + Local + Mobile

    Max Gladwell
    6 Jan 2012 | 11:43 am
    The SoLoMo Manifesto: Just About Everything Marketers Need to Know about the Convergence of Social, Local, and Mobile We invite you to download the most recent whitepaper from MomentFeed: The SoLoMo Manifesto  The SoLoMo Manifesto explores the mega-markets of social, local, and mobile as a cohesive ecosystem of marketing technologies. Driven by the rapid adoption of smartphones and the global network of connected consumers, the SoLoMo space can be uniquely understood through MomentFeed’s “Location-Based Engagement Stack.” This is the central premise to the paper and…

  • Take Green Marketing to the Next Level with Geolocation & Location Aware Content

    lornali
    28 Jan 2011 | 6:30 am
    Guest post by Lorna Li, founder of a green marketing blog for green entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs. Visit Green Marketing 2.0 for more great tips on how to use social media for green business. A new tool allows green business owners to take their marketing to the next level – geolocation. This inexpensive marketing medium allows green business owners to not only attract more customers, but also to learn more about current customers. What is Geolocation? Geolocation software has a variety of applications for small business owners. The most popular geolocation software is available in…

  • Location-Based Analytics: MomentFeed Launches in Beta

    Max Gladwell
    13 Jan 2011 | 6:08 pm
    If your company or client has multiple locations, such as a restaurant or retail chain, then you need a location-based monitoring and analytics solution. An interview with MomentFeed founder Rob Reed. First, we wrote that geolocation would be the trend for 2010. Next, we added geolocation as a fundamental topic, alongside social media and green living. Most recently, we cross-posted 10 Ways Geolocation is Changing the World on more than 100 blogs (Guy Kawasaki re-posted it just yesterday). All of which is culminating with the launch of MomentFeed, a first-of-its-kind analytics solution…

  • Four Reasons to Invest in Location-Based Services

    Rob Reed
    17 Nov 2010 | 1:37 pm
    On the question of why to check-in, most are still at a loss. We try to clear it up with four good reasons. When I talk to non-LBS folks about services like Foursquare, Whrrl, and Gowalla, the typical response is, “Why the hell would I do that?” In other words, why invest the time to check-in? Why bother? What do I have to gain from sharing my location and volunteering this personal information? What’s the pay-off? The most basic reason for checking in—letting your friends know where you are—is pretty obvious, yet most people don’t see this as having a lot…
 
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    Environment, Organics, Fair Trade & Recycling at Big Green Purse

  • Think Twice Before You Buy Hershey's Kisses for Your Valentine

    Diane MacEachern
    7 Feb 2012 | 11:59 am
    This Valentine's Day, before you cover your sweetheart with Hershey’s kisses, or toss a few of those treats into your kids’ lunch box, consider the alternative: organic, fair trade, bite-size bars made from cocoa produced by companies that care about people and the planet. Why not Hershey’s? The company has been under fire for years from international organizations that monitor child welfare. Most of the world’s cocoa is produced in West Africa, where cocoa farmers typically live in poverty and where forced labor, especially among children, and human trafficking, are tragically…

  • What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You, Warns "The Non-Toxic Avenger"

    Diane MacEachern
    2 Feb 2012 | 2:50 pm
    Is there a direct link between cancer, autism and all the toxins in our environment? Deanna Duke, author of the new must-buy book, The Non-Toxic Avenger: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You, believes there is. And with good reason: In 2007, Deanna's husband Hank, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable, extremely life-shortening form of leukemia. That news on its own would have been devastating enough; but it came in the same week that her son Henry was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism. Though both cancer and autism have genetic links, Deanna, who…

  • Energy-efficient Fusion debuts at North American Auto Show

    Diane MacEachern
    17 Jan 2012 | 1:26 pm
    If you're in the market for a new family car that gets good gas mileage, easily carries 5 passengers, and has room in the trunk for your junk, several of the new models that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week could be exactly what you're looking for. For now, let's take a look at the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Ford Fusion Hybrid created some of the biggest buzz at the show, and for good reason. It's a roomy, family-size car but with snazzy style and a regenerative braking system and electric battery that help it get 36 mpg in the city, 41…

  • Do You Have a BHAGG for 2012?

    Diane MacEachern
    2 Jan 2012 | 4:27 pm
    You can't buy it. You can't make it. And you probably shouldn't eat it - unless it's organic. You can, however, achieve it - because it's a goal... a Big Hairy Audacious Green Goal, exactly the kind of goal we need if we're serious about protecting the planet, our health, and the health and safety of our families. You notice a BHAGG is not a "resolution," as in the well-meaning but easy-to-break promise you might make to yourself in the new year. Nope, a BHAGG is a specific challenge you strive to achieve, knowing full well it may not be easy to reach - but…

  • Avoid Post-Christmas Clutter: 15 Things You Can Easily Recycle After Christmas

    Diane MacEachern
    14 Dec 2011 | 5:07 pm
    Now's the time to think ahead to the day after Christmas -- and all the stuff you may want or need to throw away. Instead of trashing it, here's a list of what you should easily be able to recycle: 1) Wrapping paper and ribbon (keep a paper bag or box handy when you're unwrapping presents to make the job easy and efficient) - Shred paper to use as packing material, put aside for your kids' art projects, or recycle with the weekly newspapers and junk mail. 2) Cardboard and paper boxes - Line smaller boxes with soft towels to create a new bed for a cat or small dog; flatten any…
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    Non-Toxic Kids

  • New Post at Moms Clean Air Force: State of the Union (mercury, moms and hope)

    Katy Farber
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Woodle from the State of the Union 2012Did you watch the State of the Union? I sat there, computer by my side, tweeting with people from all over the country about the speech. Using Twitter, it is fun to feel connected to a wider conversation, especially when you live out in the woods on a stormy Vermont night, feeling isolated.Two parts of President Obama’s State of the Union speech stuck out for me as great progress in the area of keeping kids safe from industrial pollutants and chemicals. I’ve been watching State of the Union speeches my whole adult life, and I have never heard…

  • 6 Ways to Get Your Family Eating more Veggies

    Katy Farber
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:00 pm
    Oh, the constant battle of getting kids to eat healthy food!  For my oldest, she'll eat any leafy green.  Not my youngest, no sir. She loves the crunchy, salty treats, and the sweet stuff.  Loves. It. So, I've devised a few ways to get her eating more vegetables.  I'll tell you my secrets, then you tell me yours!1.  Show more.  Always present vegetables, taking up at least 1/4 of the plate.  In different forms, colors, with dressing, without, just so they are always available and always interesting. Even though many of them may end up in the compost, at…

  • 3 Books to Promote Healthy Eating

    Katy Farber
    7 Feb 2012 | 9:16 pm
    (Originally posted at Almost the Truth)There are so many mixed messages out there that our children see and hear about food. They are bombarded with messages about their bodies, food, and values by the media, schools, family, and books. Just take these few examples as message that maybe be confusing to kids, and undermine the goal of eating healthy, whole, and nutritious foods: *A sleeper with cupcakes all over it (in the design, not crumbs...).  * Toys in fast food!  Message:  This food must be good for me, it comes with a toy and has cartoons on the box.  *Well meaning…

  • Fired for Being Pregnant?

    Katy Farber
    4 Feb 2012 | 7:31 am
    Being pregnant and working full time is no picnic. I remember the frequent bathroom breaks (which were hard to find time and coverage for as a teacher!) and at the end, the need to sit down. Teachers are constantly on the floor, working with students, and on their feet, teaching and assisting students. In the final weeks, though, I needed to sit and have students come to me. I stopped lifting heavy classroom materials and was a bit slower on recess duty. Not all pregnant women have that luxury, and surprisingly, pregnant women are not protected in their employment by law, according to this…

  • Sh*t Crunchy Mamas Say (can you relate?)

    Katy Farber
    1 Feb 2012 | 3:56 pm
    This is so funny.  How many of these phrases have you said recently?  Or are topics I have written about here at Non-Toxic Kids in the last 4 years? Many!  People talk like this all the time in Vermont. The sound of the pump cracked me up.  I'll never forget that sound.  And doing in a public bathroom, while sitting on the floor, while leading a field trip.  I held the door closed with my foot for privacy.  Fun stuff!Which comment did you relate to or made you laugh out loud?  Or, what would you add to the video?Thanks to Green Child magazine for…
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    Crunchy Chicken

  • NTA Book Club: Part 1 - Laying It All Out

    Crunchy Chicken
    6 Feb 2012 | 2:00 am
    Welcome to the first book club post for my book, The Non-Toxic Avenger: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You! This is the first of seven posts and will cover Part 1 of the book, Laying It all Out. The format will be the same for each Monday's postings: review followed by discussion questions. If you have questions from the section outside what I'm mentioning here, feel free to ask! I'm splitting the

  • How to make maple brown sugar cured bacon

    Crunchy Chicken
    2 Feb 2012 | 2:00 am
    Tuesday night I prepared the pork belly that we got as part of our pig share using a maple brown sugar cure as described in The Urban Farmer Handbook. It went as such: 1. Rinse and pat dry pork belly 2. Mix equal parts coarse kosher salt, dark brown sugar and maple syrup (in this case I had 8.3 pounds of pork belly so I used 1/2 cup of each ingredient) 3. Rub mix all over pork belly 4. Place

  • Going in on a pig share

    Crunchy Chicken
    1 Feb 2012 | 2:00 am
    Monday night our pig farmer was kind enough to pick up our half of a pig share from the butcher and deliver it to our front door. I ended up sharing a whole hog with Annette Cottrell from Sustainable Eats and the author of The Urban Farm Handbook after she hooked me up with Luke Conyac of Conyac Brothers' Farmstead. I had gone up to visit their farm a few weeks earlier to watch the hog

  • Defending Your Chickens Against the HOA

    Crunchy Chicken
    31 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am
    The following is a guest post from Shannon Boling. Shannon was raised in the country and now lives in the city. An aspiring urban homesteader, she spends her time planning events for teachers across California when she's not gardening, canning, crafting, cooking or chasing her chickens, dog and cats. Shannon writes at the blog, Where is Shannon? Make sure you check it out! And, thanks to Shannon

  • Products mentioned in The Non-Toxic Avenger

    Crunchy Chicken
    28 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm
    I've made a new page, that is available from under the banner above by clicking the tab "Products from the NTA Book", where I list many of the products that I mention in my book, The Non-Toxic Avenger: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You. The list includes links to the products. You can check it out here: Products Mentioned in The Non-Toxic Avenger. These are many of the products we have switched
 
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    Nature Moms Blog

  • Harmful Effects Of Chlorine And What You Can Do About It

    Tiffany
    8 Feb 2012 | 12:05 pm
    Studies show that water containing chlorine is hazardous to your health. When chlorine is added to water supplies it mixes with other chemicals in the water and and forms compounds that can trigger free radicals and cause a number of health problems. Many people are concerned about drinking chlorinated water due to these health concerns and they filter their drinking water accordingly or they buy bottled, thinking it is “cleaner”. Yet they overlook one important area of chlorine exposure. The simple truth is that showering/bathing with chlorinated water may be an even bigger…

  • TGIF! A Goddess Road Map, Resolutions, and Going Braless

    Tiffany
    3 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm
    It’s a wrap! Time for some weekly updates and awesome links. I chose the photo above for this post because I have been channeling my innermost Groovy Green Goddess lately. I have been feeling nothing less than amazing and ethereal lately. My general happiness with every moment of life and my gratitude has skyrocketed. I have no “special” circumstances in my life that make this nirvana easier to understand so I think I am just doing something really right with my diet and health of late. The winter blues that sucked me into a black hole of depression every year for the past…

  • Buddha Chocolate Review

    Tiffany
    2 Feb 2012 | 9:20 am
    As I mentioned in my Valentine’s post I am declaring Buddha Chocolate a new fave around here. I have always adored raw chocolate but since going Paleo late last year I am craving chocolate more than ever. Not the milk chocolate you find at most grocery stores either. I only want super dark chocolate, which is harder to find unless I drive to a health foods store. Not sure why I am experiencing these cravings but I feel comfortable just going with it. Buddha Chocolate sent me some of their offerings to review and I shared them with the husband this week. We both curled up on the couch…

  • Ideas for Date Night and Greener Sex

    Tiffany
    1 Feb 2012 | 2:17 pm
    In the spirit of Valentine’s Day I thought I would highlight some ways to keep date night a green affair. Date night is something I hope that all couples are able to take advantage of at least once a month. It is so easy to lose your identity as a lover and partner when you have kids, home, work, bills, and all that other stuff that takes over our lives. I know I certainly let myself forget how important it was to stay connected to my husband over the years. Heck we didn’t even celebrate our anniversaries anymore. My husband and I have always been best friends but we had lost…

  • Eco Valentine’s Day Ideas

    Tiffany
    31 Jan 2012 | 7:57 pm
    Feel that love in the air? Yes, Valentine’s Day is around the corner. After Halloween I think Valentine’s is my fave holiday because it’s all about ooey gooey love in all its forms. This could be love for your partner, love for your kids, love for your extended family, or love for your friends. We don’t celebrate love enough in my opinion so heaven forbid we let the official love holiday pass us by without celebration. This of course does not mean we have to give in to the mainstream and rather commercial version of the holiday. We can choose to go minimalist and keep…
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    The Green Phone Booth

  • The Best Time to Try Cloth Diapers

    Betsy (Eco-Novice)
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:45 pm
    My 5-day-old baby in a fitted cloth diaper.Eco-novice urges you to consider cloth.Even if you use disposables for the remainder of your child's diapering months, I would encourage anyone who is even remotely interested in cloth diapering to consider using cloth for the first six months of your baby's life.Here's why:1. If you are a bit concerned about all the toxic chemicals in your child's world, then both the known ingredients and the undisclosed ingredients (such as the components of the fragrance) of disposable diapers will give you pause. If you are going to pay attention to the…

  • Do you have any coupons?

    Laura
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:30 am
    From the laundry basket of the Homegrown MamaRemember back when the rest of the Boothers and I shared our Eco-resolutions for 2012?  It was my goal to actually get my act together and bring my reusable bags to the grocery store.  I don't go to many places when I grocery shop.  Kroger, the butcher and a local country market.  I always remember to take my insulated bags to the butcher shop.  Even now, when it's cold out, I like to have my own bag with me because I can really stuff it full and even just toss it into the fridge when I get home knowing everything…

  • EcoRico: Arroz con Pollo

    Lisa Sharp
    7 Feb 2012 | 5:54 pm
    Today has been crazy and right now I'm trying to get dinner on the table so for my post today I'm going to share a video/recipe from EcoRico, an eco-friendly cooking show on YouTube. I have not made this recipe but I've made Arroz con Pollo before and it's quite good and this one looks even better.If you enjoyed this episode be sure to check out more of EcoRico.

  • February 14 is approaching...again...

    Jenn the Greenmom
    6 Feb 2012 | 1:42 pm
    A suburban greenmom goes on her annual Valentine's Day rant...With Valentine’s Day approaching, I guess it’stime for the annual questions and reminders about the scary labor conditionssurrounding the production of chocolate, flowers, and jewelry…this holiday has always kind of bugged me, but pretty much any holiday that's primarily about "showing how much you care by buying a lot of stuff" bugs me.There have been a few posts on the Boothsurrounding these issues—Idid one two years ago on Valentine’s Day, and I just discovered Green Bean’swonderfulpost about her antique store…

  • Shadows and Light

    Robbie
    4 Feb 2012 | 7:20 am
    The Booth welcomes guest poter Kenna Lee.Truth is, disconnected from mainstream media as I am, Groundhog Day doesn’t usually cross my radar. Most years, I don’t notice that January is over until Groundhog Day has come and gone. But this year, my son hand-drew a calendar as a school project and so I occasionally look at it. And this week I had one of those V-8 moments: staring at the February 2 square, hand slapping my own forehead, exclaiming, “I could have had a metaphor.”As February begins, the days are finally noticeably longer, as evidenced by the fact that if I serve supper at…
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    Green and Clean Mom ™

  • Rainforest Alliance’s Green Guide to Valentine’s Day

    Haley
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:00 am
    I would like to share another Valentine’s Day post with you that was distributed by the Rainforst Alliance. Green and Clean Mom has promoted the practices of the Rainforest Alliance in the past and still do today. The Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land. They are devoted to keeping the [...]Post from: Green and Clean Mom (TM) all rights reserved.Rainforest Alliance’s Green Guide to Valentine’s Day

  • Valentine’s Day the Right Way

    Haley
    8 Feb 2012 | 7:00 am
    It’s almost February, do you know what that means? Yup, Valentine’s Day. So what does Valentine’s mean to you? According to Wikipedia, Valentine’s is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. In our family Valentine’s Day isn’t just a tribute to our intimate partner but to everyone that [...]Post from: Green and Clean Mom (TM) all rights reserved.Valentine’s Day the Right Way

  • A Healthy Mealtime Makeover with e-mealz

    greenandcleanmom
    7 Feb 2012 | 7:00 am
    Eating healthy and not breaking the budget can certainly seem impossible – especially if your choice is organic all the time with no exceptions. I’ve share some simple coupon tips to help you save dollars at the register but I’m learning that e-mealz offers menu planning with your life style choices {low calorie, low fat, [...]Post from: Green and Clean Mom (TM) all rights reserved.A Healthy Mealtime Makeover with e-mealz

  • Preparing for a Vacation with eBay

    greenandcleanmom
    6 Feb 2012 | 7:00 am
    No I’m not going on vacation with eBay – literally {I wish}! Instead I’ve been preparing for our family vacation and a business trip with the help of eBay.  Instead of rushing to the store at the last minute and paying full price for new items and then trying to figure out how to pay [...]Post from: Green and Clean Mom (TM) all rights reserved.Preparing for a Vacation with eBay

  • 7 Healthy Green Reads

    greenandcleanmom
    2 Feb 2012 | 7:00 am
    It’s been awhile since I shared with you some of what I read online and give some props to some amazing bloggers and online pals. Here are some great reads that I’m certain will not disappoint you: A year of juicing with none other than Esther Crawford who I know you’ll love to pieces! Go [...]Post from: Green and Clean Mom (TM) all rights reserved.7 Healthy Green Reads
 
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    GreenStyleMom

  • Breakfast Cookies

    Greenstylemom
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:30 am
    My kids declared me the "Best Mom in the World" this morning for serving them "cookies" for breakfast. There were guilty giggles all around - the kids because the were eating dessert for breakfast and me because I knew how healthy the cookies are.I woke up (sans alarm!) at about 6am and was perusing the Internet while icing my ankle (more on that when I come to terms with it). I was on Pinterest and saw a recipe for breakfast cookies pinned by my friend Andrea (the pin doesn't link to a website so I don't know where to give credit for the recipe). I made them immediately with just a few…

  • WIP Wednesday

    Greenstylemom
    8 Feb 2012 | 7:00 am
    I'm really trying to make this list smaller and smaller. And I'm really, really trying to not start anything new, but I'm just dying to get started on a couple of projects. If I can get 2-3 more quilts basted and quilted (my goal over the next 2-3 weeks), I'll let myself start something new.I'm not really happy with some of my WIPs and unsure why I'm proceeding with any project I don't like. I'm so happy with my decision to switch up the Facade Quilt into something different and so excited about the new project that I'm thinking I might do the same with a few other quilt tops. Going to do…

  • Daybook 2.6.12

    Greenstylemom
    6 Feb 2012 | 2:36 pm
    FOR TODAYOutside my window... cool and overcast. Clouds covered the mountains earlier, but it looks like they are breaking up now.I am thinking... about all the tasks on my to-do list that I am currently ignoringI am thankful for... hot tubs!From the kitchen... not sure yet. Something with potatoes!I am wearing... blue jeans, my tennis top and new slippers (I had to give up my favorite slippers and switch to a pair with a harder, more supportive sole)I am creating... trying to get a few valentine decorations done. I also want to pull out my yarn for some new crochet…

  • Running Log

    Greenstylemom
    5 Feb 2012 | 9:05 pm
    I got a bit lazy at the end of this week. Can I use the "blizzard" and the whole inch of snow we got as an excuse? I will use the no school/snow day on Friday as an excuse! I actually intended to run on the treadmill Friday, but I got busy with the kids and just forgot. I am happy with the runs I remembered. I felt great on my tempo run and really good on my long run today. Two weeks until my half marathon. Just need to stay healthy.Running Miles: 19Hiking Miles: 0Swimming Miles: 0Biking Miles: 0Tennis Hours: 5 Skiing Hours: 0 (Boys' weekend... I stayed home with the kids)This Week's…

  • 40 for 40 Update #1

    Greenstylemom
    1 Feb 2012 | 7:43 am
    I think I'm making good progress...1. Ski a mogul run - DONE!2. Attempt to donate blood3. Join the bone marrow donation registry - DONE!4. Sponsor a child5. Go cross country skiing6. Go snowshoeing7. Make cinnamon rolls8. Make 40 new recipes (I need to keep better track of this! I know I've tried at least 2 so far.)9. Complete a quilt each for Kate & Jack (in progress)10. Complete a quilt for my bed11. Learn to play 4 Christmas carols on the piano12. Get chickens13. Learn to fold 40 origami projects14. Document a day-in-our life 40 times (that's 3-4 /month) - done 115. Run 1000 miles…
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    Green Talk®

  • Find Nearest Public Restroom. Use SitorSquat App.

    Anna@Green Talk
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:07 pm
    View of SitorSquat Application How many of you have to “hold it” until you get home because you can’t find a bathroom or you refuse to use a public bathroom?  Personally, I am a “got to go girl.” After 4 kids I am ready for adult underpants.  Well, the Sit and Squat Mobile App and website is a dream come true for us frequent bathroom users and parents with small children. This application is available all over the world through the website but is dependent on users to rate and add public restrooms to the site. The only bad thing about this app is it is now only…

  • Toyota’s Prius Line Expands. Next, Hydrogen Fuel Cell

    Anna@Green Talk
    7 Feb 2012 | 11:05 am
    Toyota Prius Plug-in While attending the International Auto Show, I made a bee-line to Toyota to view their new roomier Prius.  When I got to their booth, my eyes quickly shifted to the Company’s eye candy Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car. Sexy, Sleek and boosting impressive gas-less miles without the “electric plug-in anxiety.” I was smitten.  I highly encourage you to listen to my interview with  Jana Hartline, the Environmental Communication Manager for Toyota Motor Sales about their 2013 line-up.  (It is 11 minutes.)   Bear in mind, I remain cool through the interview but…

  • MSG: The Dirty Secret Hidden in Your Foods, Could Cause Obesity.

    Anna@Green Talk
    5 Feb 2012 | 2:44 pm
    Could MSG Be Lurking in Your Doritos & Soup? Innocently, I started writing an article about using old chicken bones to make chicken stock to avoid sodium, BPA, and MSG.  The more I delved into the the MSG subject, it became apparent how evasive MSG has become in our food.  The more I researched the angrier I got.  I too, “Ms. health Nut,” had been duped.  Simply looking for MSG as an ingredient wasn’t enough.  Worse yet, MSG can lead to obesity. I have Been Duped to Believe I am Eating MSG Free Maybe you are like me. You tell restaurants no MSG when they…

  • How to Recycle Your Old Panty Hose Article Link

    Anna@Green Talk
    3 Feb 2012 | 11:17 pm
    What Do You Do With Your Old Panty Hose? Green Talk is getting a lot of interest from Jezebel’s article. “I Sold My Panties Online and My Mom Found Out.”  I swear I never wrote an underwear recycling article, although it would be interesting.  It took awhile for me to figure out why everyone was coming to the site from the Panty article.  So, if you are reading this article, you are looking for How to reuse your old panty hose article. Check out the link above directing you to the right page and leave a comment on how you reuse your panty hose.  While you are here check…

  • ioby’s Co-Founder is a Green Gal Next Door. Inspiring Local Change

    Anna@Green Talk
    30 Jan 2012 | 9:16 pm
    One of ioby's local green projects Erin Barnes is a green gal next door.  What is a green gal, you might ask?  She is someone who is simply an ordinary woman who is creating much needed change in the world.  This green gal rolled up her sleeves and set out to change the world one block at a time.   How so?  Barnes is the co- founder and executive director of ioby, a local fundraising platform where local projects are funded by neighbors.  But it isn’t just about the project. It is about bringing neighbors together. Ioby stands for “in our backyard ”  currently…
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    Mindful Momma

  • The Reveal: Our Green Bathroom Design

    Micaela
    8 Feb 2012 | 12:23 pm
    It's been a long time since I've done a remodeling update here on the blog. Things took a lot longer than expected, life got a bit crazy...you know how it goes! Last time I wrote, I had picked out the eco-friendly materials for the bathroom but the actual work hadn't yet started. Now the project is complete (well, 90% complete anyway) so I can finally share... The shower is tiled with natural, travertine stone and a border of recycled glass tiles called Blazestone from a small biz in Seattle. We ordered a sustainably produced vanity from our local green home store, Natural Built Home. It is…

  • Today's Birkenstocks: Hip, Not Hippie

    Micaela
    6 Feb 2012 | 3:49 pm
    Hippie shoes. That's what I remember thinking about Birkenstocks back when I was in college. Many of my friends had them, but I was never quite on board with the style. But when Planet Shoes recently asked me to review a pair of the infamous hippie shoes, I decided to take a second look. Eco Strengths Birkenstocks have been around for well over 200 years and environmental sensibility has been at the core of their business. Sustainable materials - Footbed made from a base of renewable cork, along with jute and natural latex. Low waste production - Excess production materials are repurposed and…

  • Eco-Friendly Stain Removers

    Micaela
    2 Feb 2012 | 12:45 pm
    With two boys in the house, we get a lot of stains on clothing - grass stains, pen and markers, dirt, blood....you name it! So having an arsenal of stain removal stuff is pretty important to me. Still, I like to spend as little time as possible doing laundry so I appreciate products that are easy to use. Here are a few that I have tried: Stain Removal Products Vaska SpotOff - A spray-on spot remover made with botanical surfactants that will not harm fabric. Thumbs up: Just grab and spray - it's so easy! Free of NPEs, chlorine, phosphates and optical brighteners. Biodegradable and color safe.

  • Random Acts of Sweetitude

    Micaela
    1 Feb 2012 | 11:54 am
    Have you ever had someone go out of their way to open up a door for you, surprise you by picking up the tab for lunch, leave a bouquet of flowers on your doorstep....or something equally unexpected?  If you have, then you've experienced a random act of sweetitude.  What is Sweetitude? According to Stonyfield Organic, Sweetitude is: "A naturally sweet act or attitude. A pleasant disposition brought about by a non-artificial act of sweetness." Stonyfield has a fun promotion going on right now encouraging people to spread the sweetness by sharing their favorite acts of Sweetitude. Visit…

  • Power Bites: A Healthy & Sustainable Snack

    Micaela
    31 Jan 2012 | 1:13 pm
    There are quite a few reasons why I hardly ever buy energy bars. First of all, they are expensive. Second, I'm not always thrilled with the ingredients. Third, I don't like all the wasteful packaging. Still, I love the idea of a nutrition-packed snack to get me through the afternoon or to send with the kids to school or sports. So I created my own recipe for what I call Power Bites. They are most similar to Lara Bars, which contain minimal ingredients and no GMOs. Power Bites pack a punch of nutrition, are inexpensive to make and involve no wasteful packaging. What's not to love? Power Bites…
 
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    organicmania.com

  • My Cinchspiration: 4 Weeks, 8 Pounds Gone!

    Lynn
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:24 pm
    Exactly a month ago, I blogged – yet again – about my new year’s resolution to lose weight. I’m happy to report that I’ve lost eight pounds in the past four weeks — a healthy rate of weight loss – thanks to the Shaklee Cinch weight loss product line and the constant support of Sommer [...] Related posts:Blogging Break is Over, New Year Seems Full of Possibilities! I’m soooo glad I took a long blogging break to... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

  • RIP Susan Niebur aka @WhyMommy

    Lynn
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:48 pm
    Four and a half years ago, I started this blog with a dedication to Susan Niebur, an incredibly inspiring, brave, brilliant, funny, compassionate woman whose many wonderful posts about life with kids in DC introduced me to the world of blogging. Sadly, over time, there were more posts about fighting Inflammatory Breast Cancer than about [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

  • Resolving to Make a Difference: Fighting Climate Change

    Lynn
    22 Jan 2012 | 10:56 pm
    At the time, it seemed like a long-shot. A carefully staged group of protests in front of the White House, designed to pressure President Obama into fighting the Keystone Pipeline and to build public awareness of the dangers of the pipeline. But as stood in front of the White House and watched my “green mom” [...] Related posts:Green Mom Activism: Does It Matter Anymore? They  say bad things come in threes. So here are... Blogging Break is Over, New Year Seems Full of Possibilities! I’m soooo glad I took a long blogging break to... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another…

  • Blogging Break is Over, New Year Seems Full of Possibilities!

    Lynn
    8 Jan 2012 | 10:14 pm
    I’m soooo glad I took a long blogging break to enjoy Advent and the full twelve days of Christmas. We just wrapped up the holiday season yesterday – yes, that’s right, not until Saturday, 7th January …with a trip to see “Merry Madagascar” topped off by a Three Kings Day party with some old friends. [...] Related posts:A Valentine’s Ode: The State of My Love Affair with Blogging This Valentine’s Day, the @GreenMoms of the Green Moms Carnival... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

  • Oh no! My Son’s Growing Up and Changing our Family Traditions!

    Lynn
    31 Dec 2011 | 8:23 am
    In years past, I’ve blogged about the beauty of the Advent season  and taking time during the frenetic holiday season to Slow Down and Relax. This year, I took my own advice, and did less blogging – and working – and more cookie baking!  But we still practiced – or tried to practice – the [...] Related posts:How to be a Green Consumer: First, Ignore Black Friday! (At least on Thanksgiving!) Forget the over commercialization of Christmas. That battle is lost.... The Great Green Halloween Grinch Now that Halloween is over, I’ll confess.  For the past... Related posts brought…
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    greenUPGRADER

  • An Upcycled Valentine: Plantable Pansy in a Newspaper Pot!

    Karen Riley
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:25 pm
    What is black, white and read (or red) all over? This sweet and earthy Valentine! Using my PotMaker and a new batch of pansies, I rolled 3.5" x 10" strips of newspaper to form the pots and popped a singular, cheerful viola inside each one. A few scraps of lace, ribbon and a sticker embellish this gift. There is no glue involved, just twisting and tying! Pansies are perfect cool-weather flowers with their velvety, heart-shaped petals. When Valentine's day is over, your sweetie can transplant the flower; recycle, compost, or even reuse the newspaper; and reuse the embellishments on her next…

  • Craft Recycled: Upcycled Lamp from a Wire Waste Basket

    Becky Striepe
    8 Feb 2012 | 6:00 am
    For folks who are into cross-stitch or weaving, the texture of a wire waste basket begs to be fancied up with stitched or woven fiber, and Poppytalk did an awesome job transforming a wire waste basket into a lamp! They used strips of fabric, but you could also use yarn or grouped strands of embroidery thread - this is a great project for busting that fiber stash. You can check out the full instructions on how to do it over on Poppytalk! The folks at Poppytalk used a new waste basket, but you can hunt at thrift stores for a second hand one to make this an upcycled project! The trick is…

  • 10 Awesome Wine Cork Craft Projects

    Becky Striepe
    6 Feb 2012 | 6:00 am
    If you know me, you know I like a glass of red wine on a chilly winter evening. After quite a few chilly winter evenings, though, what I have is a big bowl full of wine corks. Don't judge. Let's get crafty instead! There are companies that will take your corks back to recycle them, and if you're not feeling crafty that's a great way to make sure your wine corks don't end up in the landfill, but before recycling, they get shipped to some central location, and you have to consider the carbon footprint that comes with all of that transportation. With a little crafty love, you can transform your…

  • Make Your Printer Ink Last Longer

    Becky Striepe
    3 Feb 2012 | 6:00 am
    If you're trying to live a greener lifestyle, chances are you avoid printing at all costs. Between the energy, the paper, and the ink, printing is not the most eco-friendly thing you can do. Sometimes, though, there are things we have to print out. Maybe it's paperwork for our taxes or something for work where an electronic document just won't do the trick. If you do have to print, stretching your resources is a great way to green up that process. You probably already know to print on both sides of your paper or maybe you even fish junk mail out of the bin and print on the back of that. But…

  • Craft Reycled: Vintage Book Page Heart Garland

    Becky Striepe
    1 Feb 2012 | 6:00 am
    If you're a regular around here, you know that I love a handmade holiday, and Valentine's Day is no exception! I'm loving this sweet heart garland that I ran across on Pinterest. The Pinterest user who shared this photo didn't include instructions or a link to where you can buy your own, but this would be super simple to make yourself! Here's how. Materials Scrap paper. You can use book pages, junk mail, or any other scrap paper that you like! Scissors Stapler Embroidery thread and a needle Twine Ribbon Directions Cut out 3 strips of paper that are 1/2" wide in varying lengths. Try 9", 10"…
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    Best Of Mother Earth

  • Gotta “LOVE” Those Heart Health Numbers

    Karen Hanrahan
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:53 am
    You go to the doctor and they say that your blood pressure is high or your cholesterol numbers could be better. What is the standard? People are always asking me … The American Heart Association states: Total Cholesterol – less than 200 HDL - The Good Cholesterol – woman 50 mg or higher, men 40 mg or higher LDL – The Bad Cholesterol – depends on your level of risk Very High – 70 High – 100 Intermediate – 130 Low - 160 Triglycerides – less than 150 Blood Pressure 120/80 Where are your heart health numbers??  

  • Comprehensive Non Medical Approach To Lowering Cholesterol

    Karen Hanrahan
    7 Feb 2012 | 10:35 am
    Following a good prevention program of exercise, a diet high in fiber, low in fat, and keeping our cholesterol level at 180 or below, one can significantly reduce heart health risks. Include 6 to 9 fresh vegetables (in soups and salads) every day … this is nature’s primary source of vitamins and minerals, especially antioxidants. These are essential for heart health. Following a high quality nutritional supplements may also help: Our Daily Strip: (30-day supply of 6 tablets a day) This product provides 80 essential nutrients that support the heart, immune system, digestive tract,…

  • Child Obesity And The Heart

    Karen Hanrahan
    4 Feb 2012 | 10:07 am
    Kids are taking high blood pressure and cholesterol medication. What’s THAT About? The World Health Organization offers these statistics:  Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese.  The key causes are increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats and sugars, and reduced physical activity. Further commentary states:  Obesity and overweight pose a major risk for serious diet-related chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, and certain forms of cancer. The…

  • Do You Really Want To Take That Statin Drug?

    Karen Hanrahan
    2 Feb 2012 | 12:44 am
    It is reported that 86% of Americans over the age of 65 are taking statins.   YIKES! Your heart health and those of whom you know and/or care about is very important to me. The benefits of nutrition for the heart are remarkable.   The non-drug approaches to reducing risk factors for heart disease are possible with the right nutritional supplement program. Do you really want to take that Cholesterol Lowering Drug Lipitor? Did you know that the design of the cholesterol lowering drug Lipitor is for those who can’t lower their cholesterol with diet and exercise alone?? Yet, often when…

  • Our Improved CoQ10 Just For The Heart Of It

    Karen Hanrahan
    2 Feb 2012 | 12:28 am
    Our company has announced an improved CoQ10 just for the heart of it!  This nutrient is impressive for the health of the heart and in all that it does for the energy of each and every cell in our body.  It is of particular significance if someone is medicating with Lipitor.  Lipitor and other statin medications deplete CoQ10 by up to 50%! The Center For Nutrition shares why statin users should know about CoQ10
 
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    Go Green Travel Green

  • 10 Best Natural and Green Baby Toys

    Kimberly
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:51 am
    It’s a scary world out there for parents. All of the BPA (a hormone disrupter), toxic paints, and phthalates (endocrine disrupters) in pacifiers, teethers, and toys is enough to make a mama want to give up toys altogether.Fortunately, there is an abundance of safe, green toys — from wood trucks and rattles to toys made from silicone, rubber, and recycled plastic — online and in natural toy stores across the country. Here are some of our favorites.Wooden Puzzle Stacker by P’Kolino – $34The puzzle stacker is brightly colored and its rings are easy for little…

  • Our 4th Anniversary: Looking Back and What’s Ahead

    Kimberly
    28 Jan 2012 | 5:31 am
    When we launched Go Green Travel Green four years ago today, our goal was to make sustainable travel and living accessible to everyone. We wrote about our travels to Argentina and Belize, the steps we were taking to reduce our environmental impact, and tips for making travel easier and cheaper.We shared tips about finding cheap plane tickets, bidding on Priceline, and learning a language for free. We created guides to help you choose a healthy water bottle, stainless steel cookware, and travel sandals and walking shoes.Our 25 Days to Green Travel took readers through sustainable travel basics…

  • Write for Us: We’re Hiring

    Elizabeth
    6 Jan 2012 | 8:26 pm
    Go Green Travel Green is growing and we’re thrilled to announce a job opening for a Travel Writer. If you’re an excellent writer with a travel for passion and environmentalism, we’d love to have you join our team. The job description is below and at http://gogreentravelgreen.com/jobs/.Travel Writer with Environmental FocusDeadline: 1/31/12 or until filledGo Green Travel Green (GGTG) is a leading travel website dedicated to making sustainable travel accessible for everyone. We’re growing and looking for a stellar writer to contribute 4-8 blog posts per month. Each post…

  • How to Prevent Bedbugs While Traveling: In 3 Easy Steps

    Elizabeth
    27 Dec 2011 | 9:23 am
    Don’t let bedbugs keep you down during your New Years’ Travel.  Nothing will make you lose sleep faster than wondering if the bed you are sleeping in is secretly harboring creepy crawly blood-sucking bedbugs. Protect your peace of mind by being prepared, taking the proper precautions, and using preventative measures to make sure you don’t inadvertently bring a few unwanted visitors back home with you. Even though the bedbug infestation is widespread, you can travel safely by following a few simple rules at each step of your trip. We put together this helpful checklist so you can sleep…

  • Ten Tips for Using Priceline for Car Rentals

    Elizabeth
    20 Dec 2011 | 9:30 am
    You are in the midst of making all the arrangements for your next great adventure and it’s time to finalize your transportation and arrange for a rental car. Although people have been using Priceline’s Name Your Own Price function for years to find great deals on flights, many of us don’t think to do the same for our car rental reservations or don’t feel confident that we can name our own price without missing something and ending up with a non-refundable reservation that isn’t what we needed.Because the discounts Priceline offers through this program can result in a significant…
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    The Greenists

  • Do we really understand what it means to be green?

    The Modern Gal
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:47 am
    A few days ago, I noticed a discussion on another website about a real estate survey published by Yahoo! back in December. That survey asked 1,500 current and aspiring homeowners to choose the features that their dream home would include. Lo and behold, “green or energy efficient” was the top vote-getting quality after being chosen by 58 percent of the poll’s respondents. My knee-jerk reaction was, “Great! Our fellow Americans are finally getting it! Taking a green-minded approach with our homes IS important.” But then I read a bit farther into the poll’s…

  • Easy Steps to Make Your Home Green

    Courtney
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:00 am
    Please welcome today’s guest poster, Izzy. Everybody needs to do their bit when it comes to protecting the environment, and there are so many ways you can make a difference. Your home should be the first place to start when it comes to lowering your carbon footprint, and there are a number of simple ways you can create a green home with minimum effort. Equipping your home with things like an all-natural bed or an open log fire is a great start. Buying only organic food to stock your kitchen is also a move in the right direction. But to really make your home as eco-friendly as it can…

  • Things I’ve Learned from The Greenists

    Howling Hill
    7 Feb 2012 | 3:33 am
    Here at The Greenists, we don’t just inform you of green changes you can make to your lifestyle, we make those same changes too. Here are some of the changes I’ve made at Howling Hill which I learned of here. I stopped using shampoo and conditioner in 2008. Allie was the one I got the idea from. Last year I stopped using deodorant. Allie was the inspiration for this also. Conserving water is another change we’ve made around here, especially after our well went dry a couple years ago. It’s not something we want to go through again. I wrote a round up here. House…

  • Meatless Monday: Bring On The Mushrooms!

    Dianne
    6 Feb 2012 | 4:00 am
    A lot of people wonder when going meatless where to start. Mushrooms are a great place to begin! You can do all sorts of things with mushrooms, things you might not even suspect, and you can easily substitute them in recipes that call for meat. Mushrooms add a hearty, “meaty” addition to many dishes. One of my all time favorite things to do with mushrooms is simply roast them. This makes a fabulous side dish, or even main course, that is savory and satisfying, all while being very healthy. You can also spice or season up basic mushrooms to give them a kick, such as these Balsamic…

  • What’s Going On

    Allie
    3 Feb 2012 | 7:45 am
    Grist helps a reader figure out why her CFL bulbs don’t last very long. INHABITAT has instructions for building a stool out of recycled cardboard, and the most adorable clothespin cake topper. GreenUPGRADER shows us how to make a heart garland out of old books.  Or, you know, you could use magazine, because I bet the author of said book was probably hoping it would last forever, telling the story to the ages and . . . sigh. The Good Human can help you save 70% at the Reusables Warehouse Sale! Rob’s World has a way to reuse spent gift cards. Crafting a Green World is upcycling…
 
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    Mommy Brain Reports

  • Valentine’s Deals at Walmart

    Monica
    7 Feb 2012 | 10:19 pm
    Valentine’s Day is coming up fast! Have you decided what you’re going to get your sweet heart yet? If not, I may be able to help! Walmart asked me to tell my readers about some of the great deals they have in stores right now! Whether you’re looking for something cute, or even something home [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Take the Scare Out of the Dental Chair!

    Monica
    7 Feb 2012 | 9:30 am
    My second post in this series about National Children’s Dental Health Month is all about easing your children’s minds about going to the dentist! Did you know that having issues with your teeth can actually lead to other health issues around your body?? Keeping your teeth healthy and clean is a large part of preventative [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • Bumbleride Recalls Indie and Indie Twin Strollers Due to Fall Hazard

    Monica
    4 Feb 2012 | 4:04 pm
    The front wheel can break at the axle hub, causing the stroller to tip and posing a fall hazard. Go to Source [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • It’s never too early to plan a gift!

    Monica
    4 Feb 2012 | 3:56 pm
    So, I wanted to tell you about a couple of new products that I’ve recently had the chance to try out. I thought they were pretty neat, and could very well work for a gift for Mom, or Sister, or whoever you’re looking for something unique and fun to give a gift to. First up [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

  • February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

    Monica
    4 Feb 2012 | 3:44 pm
    This month, The American Dental Association is marking the 10th anniversary of its Give Kids A Smile program. This program offers free dental care and education for children in need. Did you know that approximately 80 percent of tooth decay in the U.S. is suffered by 25 percent of the country’s children, according to the National [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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    Green (Living) Review

  • Fernwood's Spring Garden Symposium

    Veshengro
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:17 pm
    Designs with Purpose: The People and Plants Behind Them Saturday, March 24, 8:15 am to 3:30 pm Niles, Mich, February 09, 2012 : Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve announces the line-up of award-winning speakers and authors for its Annual Spring Garden Symposium on Saturday, March 24. These speakers show us how they use their artistic instincts, environmental consciousness, and knowledge of great plants to create garden designs with social significance. Janet Marinelli is the principal of her own firm, Blue Crocus Consulting, a consultant to public gardens around the globe, and a…

  • Farm and Food Security Coalition Raises Concerns Over House Hearing

    Veshengro
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:12 pm
    Save America’s Food and Economy (SAFE) advocates want Congress to focus on passing market-based approach now. A growing number in Congress are beginning to recognize what we in agriculture already know: E-Verify without a workable, economical way to ensure a legal agricultural workforce will be a disaster for American agriculture. Washington, DC, February 09, 2012  : Save America’s Food and Economy, otherwise known as SAFE (http://www.saveamericasfood.org), today expressed concern over a House Judiciary Committee hearing scheduled later today to discuss the current farm labor…

  • Advancing Compassion Project Launches New Model of Charitable Giving

    Veshengro
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:06 pm
    California-based nonprofit fosters innovation within community-based organizations and enables donors to play a more active role in promoting change. Most people want to make a difference in their communities and appreciate the need to 'think globally and act locally.' By bringing hearts and minds together for change, Advancing Compassion Project helps put those words into action. San Diego, CA February 09, 2012 : Advancing Compassion Project (ACP) announces the launch of "ProPhilanthropy," an initiative designed to raise awareness and support for innovative projects addressing…

  • UK’s world-leading small wind industry endangered following suggested feed-in tariff cuts

    Veshengro
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:53 pm
    Greg Barker admits ‘dramatic reduction’ in support for small scale wind Hundreds of high-tech UK manufacturing jobs at risk Development rights for small wind urgently needed to bring down costs for consumers RenewableUK, the trade association for the wind, wave & tidal industry, has expressed high levels of concern over the Government’s proposed new levels for feed-in tariffs for small wind turbines. Household-scale wind turbines have had their tariffs slashed by over 40%, while farm and small business-scale turbines have seen cuts of over a quarter. These reductions have been…

  • WESTERN GRAY WHALE SPOTTED ON THAMES

    Veshengro
    8 Feb 2012 | 12:46 pm
    WWF launches campaign to help protect critically endangered whales WWF floated an 11 metre whale down the River Thames in London on Tuesday, January 7, 2012, to highlight the plight faced by one of the world’s most endangered whales. With as few as 130 whales, including only 26 breeding females thought to remain, the western gray whale is teetering on the edge of extinction and their critical feeding ground off the coast of Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East, is now under threat. Two drilling platforms already exist next to the key feeding ground as part of the Sakhalin II oil and gas…
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    TerraCurve.com - Go beyond green.

  • Ethical Outdoor Gear – a look at the raw materials

    Alex Narracott
    30 Jan 2012 | 8:42 am
    In part 2 of his ten part odyssey to uncover the truth and deconstruct the myths of greening our outdoor gear, Ed explores raw materials and looks at who is putting in more than they should be. Let’s be clear, ethical adventure clothing does not need to be about hippies dancing in circles and weaving reeds to make a hat. The adventure wear community is instead talking about ‘Input Stream Management’. Its cold, its real, and you’d better believe it’s calculated. The goal is to produce uncompromisingly high performance gear that uses raw materials that are produced with the lowest…

  • Saving a Species from Extinction

    Katie Howe
    24 Jan 2012 | 9:28 am
    Is it possible to turn back the clock and save a species from extinction? Is it possible to successfully navigate a project so ambitious, that its aim is to return a once ‘critically endangered’ species to its natural habitat? The Begawan Foundation’s Bali Starling Project began with this premise – and a passionate belief that that they could achieve these goals. After all, a species that becomes extinct in its own natural habitat is gone forever, leaving later generations to mourn its loss and wonder why it exists only in cages or zoos. The official mascot of Bali, the Bali Starling…

  • A global standard for eco-travel is finally recognized

    Joe Ascanio
    23 Jan 2012 | 9:21 am
    Last week, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council officially recognized Sustainable Travel International’s (STI) “STEP” certification program as the industry standard of sustainability in the tourism sector. STEP – which has been designed to assist tourism businesses assess their operations and identify industry best practices – aims to mitigate harmful impacts while emphasizing positive returns. “We’re very excited that STEP is among the first global standards to be recognized by the GSTC,” said Bobby Chappell, STI’s Director of Standards and Certification. “As we…

  • Responsible Tourism in Rural Northeast Thailand

    Charn Cole
    12 Jan 2012 | 6:42 am
    Whilst Thailand is known globally for its jet-setting beach destinations such as Phuket, its teeming metropolis of Bangkok, and crowded resorts along the coast, the rural plateau of northeast Thailand, known by the locals as Isan, has remained a region seldom frequented by overseas visitors. Comprised of provinces generally dedicated to rice farming and agriculture, it is quilted by verdant rice fields and dotted with villages that have changed little over the past decades. Here, enterprising locals have found a niche in small-scale, responsible tourism in the area, with a focus on the…

  • One Laptop per Child: Consumerism for…good?

    Joe Ascanio
    10 Jan 2012 | 8:05 am
    Can it be? Last week, I tweeted briefly on the rampant excess of supposed “eco” blogs pushing more and more needless “product” down the throats of consumers; a disconcerting trend that has seemingly taken over the “green” blogosphere perhaps due to there being little-else to talk about. In this accusation I cannot exempt myself, either. TerraCurve.com has, on occasion, promoted and/or reviewed it products and other services that – when viewed objectively – can also be tossed into this category. But every now and then, something inspiring comes about. Most recently, the…
 
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    Solar Feeds

  • Greenhouse Emissions Capped for Largest Companies in South Korea

    tessant
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:19 pm
    South Korean lawmakers passed legislation to create a cap-and-trade program in 2015, and voted to begin capping greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of its largest companies this year, reports Bloomberg. A special committee of the National Assembly voted in favor of the legislation against industry opposition. The bill now goes through its final steps – through [...] Related posts:South Korea Embraces 2020 Emissions Cap Todaywe hop over the... go to solarfeeds for the rest of this story>>>>>

  • The New California Solar Laws

    tessant
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:14 pm
    The California Legislature recently passed several laws that will help clear a path for further renewable energy projects that will help keep the state at the forefront of renewable energy innovation. Large-scale solar projects have been allowed to proceed without disturbing species or sensitive lands under Senate Bill 168. The bill provides solar developers incentives [...] Related posts:Senator Introduces California Desert Protection Act Sen.... go to solarfeeds for the rest of this story>>>>>

  • In Focus: Magnetic Levitation (MAGLEV)

    tessant
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:20 pm
    Thanks to advances in aviation technology, we’re able to travel great distances and cross oceans in a matter of hours. But as we all know, traveling by air is both expensive and emission intensive. Since fossil fuels are no longer in great abundance, which air planes need for their operation, we must have an alternative. [...] Related posts:FUTUREWATCH: Maglev Trains Transportation management is always a debatable topic among the... go to solarfeeds for the rest of this story>>>>>

  • 15 Ways to Green Your Home

    tessant
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:13 pm
    Whether you are looking to save money or simply have a positive impact on the environment, making your home “green” can help. There are several ways that you can go green with you home that can leave you with cash in your pocket while reducing your footprint on the earth.  Take advantage of the 15 [...] Related posts:10 Ways to Prep Your Home for Solar Once you’ve set your mind on going solar, it’s a...5 Ways to Green your Rooftop... go to solarfeeds for the rest of this story>>>>>

  • OOPS! Romney Confuses Solyndra and Keystone Pipeline

    tessant
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:10 pm
    Perhaps a bit flustered from losing three primary races a day earlier to fellow GOP presidential contender Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney got his energy talking points confused at a campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday. Speaking about his plan to encourage domestic energy production, Romney got the solar company Solyndra and the Keystone tar [...] Related posts:President Obama and the Fate of the Keystone XL Pipeline President Obama has... go to solarfeeds for the rest of this story>>>>>
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    Green Your Decor

  • My To-Do (& Honey-Do) Lists

    jennae
    2 Feb 2012 | 12:07 pm
    It’s February, and FINALLY, I’m feeling somewhat like myself again. It felt like I started 2012 trying to wade through quicksand — just not getting anywhere and getting mired deeper and deeper into the muck with every step. So something had to give, and unfortunately, for the past month, that something was Green Your Decor. But I’ve never been one to give up that easy, so I figure the best way to get myself back on track is to find something — anything — to do around my home to build some inspiration. Even my husband has said “you need a project.” But once…

  • If Nothing Else, at Least I Get a Good Night’s Sleep

    jennae
    13 Jan 2012 | 3:22 pm
    It’s probably seemed quiet around here for the past few weeks. That’s because I have hit what I call my after-Christmas crash. Basically, the month of December is one of my busiest, meaning that I’m usually going and going, right up until Christmas. Or until I just can’t go any more. So instead of starting the new year full of energy and resolve to make this year better than last, I started it exhausted and unable to focus. However, I promise this is only temporary, and I’ll be back to “myself” in time. In all of this, though, the one thing I’ve…

  • Green Gift Giveaway: Jo Totes Vegan Camera Bag

    jennae
    20 Dec 2011 | 11:00 am
    I had to save the best for (almost) last. I have had my eye on Jo Totes for a long time. If you (or a woman you know) own a DSLR camera, or really any quality camera that you use all the time, you will L-O-V-E these bags. I’ve had my Nikon D40 for a few years now, and I learn something new about it every day. Wen I bought it, I also bought an ugly, but functional, boxy Nikon camera bag. I hate it. It is big and clunky, and I only use it for storage or traveling when absolutely necessary. Most of the time, I just stick my DSLR in my purse. But it’s not a very good idea to have an…

  • Green Gift Giveaway: “Chopped” Table Runner from Home Sweet

    jennae
    20 Dec 2011 | 9:00 am
    I always have the best intentions when it comes to setting my table. I will pin photos of lavish table settings on Pinterest, and promise myself that for the next holiday, I’ll make my table look just like them — or better. Needless to say, it usually doesn’t work out that way. After spending all day in the kitchen on Thanksgiving or Christmas or whatever, the last thing I’m interested in doing in making the table look great. Jennifer Nelson of Home Sweet understands that, and she has created a product that will let you give your table a little something extra without all…

  • Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas & Free Printable Gift Tags

    jennae
    19 Dec 2011 | 4:49 pm
    I’ve been a little lazy with my gift wrapping this year, and I’ve used more paper than I’d like. So for the rest of my wrapping, I’m determined to get creative and reuse gift bags, boxes, fabric and anything else I can find. Here are some of my favorite green gift wrapping ideas: Use boxes and bags from last year My family has been reusing the same gift bags and boxes for years now. As we unwrap (or inbox or unbag) gifts on Christmas morning, I neatly fold them up and put them in a stack. I also save bags and boxes from birthdays, Valentine’s Day, etc., all in my…
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    Jetson Green

  • Aktiv Prefab by Ideabox and IKEA Portland

    Preston
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:25 pm
    In addition to the Minibox, Oregon-based Ideabox is readying a new prefab in collaboration with IKEA Portland for the Portland Home & Garden Show slotted for February 22-26, 2012. Called “Aktiv,” the home is a new design centered around IKEA products, such as their kitchens, lights, furniture, and other materials. The intent is a cost effective home with great open spaces, soaring vaulted ceilings, and clean modern lines. The exterior features a combination of fiber-cement siding, corrugated metal, and a standing-seam metal roof.  The interior will have a Kohler Persuade…

  • The New American Home at IBS 2012

    Preston
    7 Feb 2012 | 11:46 pm
    This is The New American Home — a project built every year in conjunction with the NAHB’s International Builders’ Show — in Orlando, Florida.  The 4,000 square-foot home collected eight green building certifications, including LEED Platinum and NAHB Emerald, and is expected to consume 52% less energy than a standard home of similar size.  Plus, a 4.0 kW solar array provides about 18% of annual energy needs. For the record, TNAH received or qualified for NAHB Emerald, LEED-H Platinum, Energy Star, Indoor airPlus, Florida Green Building Coalition Platinum, Florida…

  • Reclaimed Art with Old Doors and Lath

    Preston
    7 Feb 2012 | 12:54 am
    Reader Randall Otulakowski walks around town in Toronto scavenging for gems thrown away by others in the community.  He then takes that stuff to his 747 square-foot home and forms it into furniture and art — like the lath pieces here.  Randall told me in an email he’s been getting good feedback on his reclaimed art made with hollow core doors and a lath patchwork.  I think the feedback is right on; these are rich and full of statement. If you like what Randall’s making, check out 747 Square Feet. Credits: Randall Otulakowski. Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:FSC…

  • WaterSense Bath Rehab on HouseLogic

    Preston
    6 Feb 2012 | 10:00 am
    Today, part three in a water-wise bathroom project that I’m blogging is live on HouseLogic.  If you’re just catching up, I have an old 1958 bathroom that I’m remodeling while incorporating new WaterSense fixtures.  The whole process is shared and documented in partnership with HouseLogic; plus, with each article each week, HouseLogic is offering commenters a chance to win $100 (check their rules). In part three, I talk about installing the toilet, vanity, sink, and lighting fixture, and I also share some tips for shopping online for new materials.  Needless to say, I had…

  • Energy Data at the Click of a Green Button

    William
    6 Feb 2012 | 7:30 am
    The Green Button initiative, which gives customers access to their energy consumption data, is gathering steam as three California utilities announced in January they are offering the standardized energy use data to more than 10 million customers.  The initial announcement by San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and Pacific Gas & Electric was followed by Glendale Power and Water, and Pepco Holdings, Inc., which said it will provide the streamlined data by summer of 2012 as it continues to deploy smart meters in its service area. Green Button is a voluntary program…
 
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    gbNYC Real Estate Group | Green Building in New York City

  • After $50M Acquisition, Joint Venture to Pursue LEED Label for 200 Lafayette Street in SoHo

    Stephen Del Percio
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:37 pm
    A joint venture between the Kushner Companies and Los Angeles-based CIM Group recently closed on the $50 million acquisition of 200 Lafayette Street. The seven-story, former manufacturing building is located at the northwest corner of Broome and Lafayette Streets and was included in the recent expansion of SoHo’s Cast Iron District. 200 Lafayette Street, which dates from the early 1900s, is currently vacant (other than a Capital One Bank that occupies approximately 4500 square feet of ground-floor retail). The joint venture intends to spend $20 million upgrading the building and to seek…

  • SiriusXM Renews Lease at LEED-EB-Certified 1221 Avenue of the Americas

    Stephen Del Percio
    6 Feb 2012 | 8:00 pm
    The satellite radio provider SiriusXM recently renewed its 130,000-square-foot lease on the 19th, 36th, and 37th floors of 1221 Avenue of the Americas (the McGraw-Hill Building), where its headquarters and broadcasting facility are located. (In a separate, but simultaneous, deal, SiriusXM also renewed an 85,000-square-foot lease on the 11th and 22nd floors of Five Penn Plaza). Asking rents for the Penn Plaza space were in the high $40s per square foot; those at 1221 were higher, but not disclosed. Each building has a rooftop antenna that permits SiriusXM to send its programming signals into…

  • In California, LEED Consulting Firm Files Unfair Competition Suit Against Former Employees

    Stephen Del Percio
    3 Feb 2012 | 8:29 am
    *This article originally appeared at our sister publication, the Green Real Estate Law Journal. There’s quite a bit of value in LEED consulting these days; take Thornton-Tomasetti’s recent acquisition of Portland, Maine-based green building consultants Fore Solutions, for example. But a recent lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of California’s Central Division in San Diego paints a darker underbelly of the green building consulting business. For participants in the booming LEED certification market, the suit emphasizes the importance of diligently managing business risks,…

  • The Largest LEED Platinum Renovation, Ever, Is Midtown’s 270 Park Avenue

    Stephen Del Percio
    31 Jan 2012 | 9:51 pm
    270 Park Avenue – the headquarters of JPMorgan Chase, between East 47th and 48th Streets in Midtown – recently became the largest renovation project to date to earn a LEED Platinum rating from USGBC. The renovation (which earned the designation under LEED for New Construction Version 2.2) should cut 270 Park’s overall energy consumption in half and save over one million gallons of water annually. The renovation was performed while the building remained in operation. In order to minimize disruptions to employees and building systems, 400 construction workers completed the…

  • In Midtown, DAS USA Business Furniture Showroom Opens in Pursuit of LEED-CI

    Brian Wennersten
    29 Jan 2012 | 9:49 pm
    DAS and SKYed are delighted to invite visitors to an Open House and Tour of the DAS LEED-Registered Showroom this Wednesday, February 1st, 2012 from 5pm to 8pm at 875 Sixth Avenue.  Please RSVP to events@skyedeco.com.  Click here for more information. UK-based DAS Business Furniture is one of the largest trading desk manufacturers in the world.  Recently, the company opened its state-of-the-art DAS USA Showroom at 875 Avenue of the Americas in the landmarked Greeley Square Building (Sixth Avenue at West 31st Street).  The space was designed by DAS’s in-house architect Joshua Hannum;…
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    The Green Parent

  • Wednesday Win: EcoSalon Green Mom Box

    Jenn
    1 Feb 2012 | 7:22 am
    What’s better than a box full of eco friendly products for you and your baby? Our friends at EcoSalon, the web’s go-to place for eco-savvy culture and fashion publication, have handpicked the best of the best in eco and sustainable Mom and Baby products that are good for the little ones and the environment, and we’re lucky enough to be giving one away!  It’s time to think about the non-toxic building blocks of not just ours but our children’s lives in the New Year with some recycled Green Toys Stacking Cups, some Zoe Organics: Baby Massage Oil to keep the…

  • Not Quite Wordless Wednesday

    Jenn
    25 Jan 2012 | 12:59 pm
      This week’s Wordless Wednesday is not quite wordless, but I think in this case you don’t even need the words to understand the point that’s being made…

  • My New Year’s Resolutions for 2012

    Jenn
    22 Jan 2012 | 7:31 pm
    Green moms meetup at Ford NAIAS: Diane MacEachern, Anna Hackman, me, Tifany Washko, and Stephanie Moram I’ve had these resolutions knocking around in my head since we first rang in 2012 a few weeks ago.  I decided to follow my own advice and write them down so that I can make sure they actually happen.  So without further ado, here are my top resolutions for 2012. 1. Spend more time on Facebook: I know most people head into the new year with aspirations to spend less time on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.  But this year, I’m actually vowing to spend more time on…

  • Wordless Funnies?

    Jenn
    19 Jan 2012 | 9:40 am
    Wordless Wednesday had to be postponed yesterday as this site went dark in support of the Stop SOPA movement. And since the kids are off from school tomorrow (teacher workday,) I thought I would give you your Wordless Wednesday and Friday Funny post all rolled into one neat little package.  Enjoy and have a great weekend!

  • Monday Meditation: MLK

    Jenn
    16 Jan 2012 | 6:32 am
    Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial I’ve decided to launch a new series on this site entitled Monday Meditations. The idea is to take a minute before diving into the week to reflect on a quote, story, poem, or photo.  And what better Monday to start such an endeavor than this Monday – Martin Luther Kinh, Jr. Day.  There was no shortage of quotes to choose from for today’s meditation.  In fact, the really hard part was in finding just one quote to reflect on today. But after careful consideration, I think this one is a winner:   “History will have to record that…
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    Leafygreen.info

  • Serenity Light

    Courtney
    16 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    The serenity light is a great eco-friendly way to display a remembrance item. It is made from plastic, which does seem a bit fragile and prone to cracking. Yet has not cracked or broke yet. I have placed it in my garden, to light the area at night. It is a subtle glow reflected upon [...]Check out the review @ Serenity Light

  • Melvita Face Scrub

    Courtney
    13 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am
    Melvita face scrub is a product that I was very excited to try out. Unfortunately I became less excited once I actually used it. My usual face scrub is much more course and the type of product that I can feel working and removing dead skin. Melvita is a very fine Italian face scrub which [...]Check out the review @ Melvita Face Scrub

  • Ome Omy- The Wet Bag and The Sweaty Bag

    Anita
    9 Dec 2011 | 9:00 am
    Ever find that after a great workout at the gym, a super sweaty yoga class, or a swim at the pool you are scrounging around for a bag to put your sweaty or wet clothes in so they won’t ruin your gym bag or contaminate the rest of your stuff with that um, less than [...]Check out the review @ Ome Omy- The Wet Bag and The Sweaty Bag

  • Grower’s Secret

    Mike L
    23 Nov 2011 | 9:00 am
            Grower’s Secret recently introduced their Grow Big 521. It is a lavender scented fish emulsion that is used to help your garden grow faster and healthier without the use of synthetic chemicals. It’s simple to use and just have to add a cap full of the emulsion to a gallon of [...]Check out the review @ Grower’s Secret

  • Bug Bandit

    Keri
    26 Sep 2011 | 9:00 am
    Why risk possible skin inflammation or worse from insecticides and manmade chemicals such as DEET when Fairy Tales Bug Bandit offers a better option? Infused with earthy, aromatic scents such as eucalyptus, lemongrass, citronella and rosemary, Bug Bandit is a non toxic, chemical and deet free alternative with undertones of cinnamon, peppermint and cedar bark. [...]Check out the review @ Bug Bandit
 
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    Renewable Energy News - RenewableEnergyWorld.com

  • Optimizing Solar Projects to Maximize Return on Investment (ROI)

    9 Feb 2012 | 10:45 am
    The solar industry is facing new realities as the economics of solar are changing. Predicting photovoltaic (PV) panel pricing is 'iffy' at best. The US Treasury 1603 cash grants are history. Optimizing the energy produced and making the most of available land have become increasingly important as investors and project developers look for a viable economic model to maximize ROI. With fossil fuel energy prices on the rise, government incentives for solar wavering, and a solar trade war being waged over the price of Chinese solar panels – delivering innovative, high-performing solar power…

  • Solar Panels From Grass Clippings: Researchers Make Progress on "Biophotovoltaics"

    9 Feb 2012 | 9:57 am
    It's chore day. You've raked the leaves, taken out the recycling, and emptied out the old junk in your garage. But wait — don't toss it all out! You have all the ingredients for your very own homemade solar system.

  • Ontario Post Election: Is the Financing Market Ready?

    9 Feb 2012 | 9:36 am
    On October 6, 2011 the Ontario Liberals were re-elected paving the way for a continuation of the Green Energy Act. Shortly after that several announcements were made indicating that banks would be financing Feed-in Tariff (FIT) projects in Ontario.

  • Aviation and Military Biofuels: New Thinking on Finance, Fuels

    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    While most of the United States was focused on the 2012 Super Bowl, the CSPAN television network snuck a revealing interview from Brian Lamb with Secretary of the Navy, former Mississippi governor (and ambassador to Saudi Arabia) Ray Mabus, onto the airwaves last Sunday night.

  • Wind Historian Says: Build New Wind Farms Farther From Neighbors

    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Windfall: Wind Energy in America Today, by historian Robert Righter, was recently published by University of Oklahoma Press; it's a follow-up to his 1996 book, a history of the industry through its first commercial boom. As a hearty advocate of wind energy and continued rapid growth of the industry, Righter may surprise some with his strong call for more sensitivity to quality of life concerns of rural residents. He spends chunks of three chapters addressing the increasing problems caused by wind farm noise in rural communities, chides developers for not building farther from unwilling…
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    Green-Trust.Org

  • The Green Trust Water Purifier in Anguilla

    Steve Spence
    4 Feb 2012 | 8:17 pm
    We just heard from one of our customers in Anguilla (eastern Caribbean) and she included a picture of her Green Trust Berkey Water Purifier. She bought one of our kits and built the unit from the ebook and video we include. You can learn more about our water purifier at http://www.green-trust.org/wordpress/2011/08/06/how-to-obtain-clean-drinking-water/ ©2012 Green-Trust.Org. All Rights Reserved..

  • Survival Communications: Ham Radio

    Steve Spence
    3 Feb 2012 | 4:09 pm
    Next weekend I’m off to Columbia SC to get my Ham License. No, this isn’t permission to eat pork, this is my ticket to broadcast on Ham (Amateur) Radio frequencies. Now what does this have to do with survival? Ham Radio has the ability to reach around the world. You can talk to folks in a variety of situations, and stay informed about what’s really happening. You have the ability to call for help, or provide help to others in bad situations when land and cell lines aren’t available. In times of crisis and natural disasters, amateur radio is often used as a means of…

  • Composting Disposable Hot Drink Cups

    Steve Spence
    2 Feb 2012 | 7:25 am
    Here’s a message to all you fast food places that send hot drinks on the go. Your styrofoam cups and plastic sippy lids are passe! There’s a new sheriff in town, and he’s compostable! These cups (including the lids) are made of plant based materials, and are completely bio-degradable. They are printed with soy based inks, and do not use chlorine in the manufacturing process. I use these cups, and recommend them! The insulated technology keeps hot beverages warmer for longer, and prevents heat from escaping the cup, protecting the user and creating a more comfortable feel…

  • What is the Battery of the Future?

    Steve Spence
    25 Jan 2012 | 11:57 am
    Or, what is the future of the Battery? Battery technology seems to move at a snails pace. We want fast charging, non-toxic, long life, and light weight, but can we have it all? There are a lot of different technologies available, some at different levels of development and maturity, and some still on the drawing board. From light weight Lithium Polymer and long lasting Nickel Iron, to the old standby Lead Acid, and Flow batteries, the future is murky. “As a storage device for energy, a battery is notoriously inefficient,” notes Johan de Nysschen, the president of Audi of America, though…

  • Sugar & Fat Bad, Fiber Good?

    Steve Spence
    19 Jan 2012 | 8:30 am
    We have all heard that sugar is bad for us, fat is bad for us, and fiber is very good for us. Is it that simple? No, not really. There are different types of sugars & fats, of which some are necessary, and some are to be avoided. Fructose (found in white sugar and HFCS) is bad, unless paired with fiber, because you can eat lots of fructose, but without the fiber, the body doesn’t know that you are getting filled up. The short answer is “eat fruit, don’t drink soft drink”. For a more complete explanation of the roles that sugar, fat, cholestoral and fiber play in…
 
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    greenstrides

  • First Buildings, Now Landscapes becoming Certified Sustainable

    Joyce Benson
    7 Feb 2012 | 9:23 am
    For years the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has been certifying buildings under its highly esteemed Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) rating program.  It’s about time our landscapes, with or without buildings, are recognized when outstanding environmentally-sound designs are implemented. The Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™) is a partnership between the American Society [...] [[ Please visit GreenStrides.com for the full post, links, and more information. ]]

  • Manure Converted to Clean Energy?!

    Joyce Benson
    6 Feb 2012 | 5:30 pm
    It’s true!   North Carolina is not only known for its Carolina blue skies, but also for its humongous hog farms.  Typically all the waste produced by thousands and thousands of hogs fills stinky lagoons, and sometimes overflows onto the surrounding landscape. The hog waste produces methane and ammonia which, thanks to Duke University, Duke Energy [...] [[ Please visit GreenStrides.com for the full post, links, and more information. ]]

  • Reclaimed Lumber for Home Improvement Projects

    Joyce Benson
    17 Jan 2012 | 8:29 am
    Whether you need wood for flooring, millwork, furniture, fireplace mantels or exposed beams, you can add instant character to your home by installing reclaimed and restored lumber.  These antique pieces of wood, some species no longer available, are very strong and stable.  This wood is typically sourced from historic buildings, barns, factories and mills. We [...] [[ Please visit GreenStrides.com for the full post, links, and more information. ]]

  • Improve the Efficiency of Radiators

    Joyce Benson
    10 Jan 2012 | 1:57 pm
    If you’re lucky enough to have hot water radiators, the most comfortable and least allergen-producing heating system, you may be wondering how to increase their efficiency this winter.  Here are some tips to help save money on your heating bills: Place a radiant screen, made of reflective insulation, behind the radiator to direct more heat [...] [[ Please visit GreenStrides.com for the full post, links, and more information. ]]

  • Warm up Your Home with these Green Winter Tips, Part I

    Joyce Benson
    6 Jan 2012 | 8:54 am
    Want to create a cozy retreat for those cold, wintry days and nights?  There are many things you can do to make your home feel warmer, improve its efficiency and lower energy bills.  In this post I’ll focus on ideas for drafty windows and doors. ADD THERMAL DRAPES OR ADD CURTAIN LINERS to your regular [...] [[ Please visit GreenStrides.com for the full post, links, and more information. ]]
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    Cooking Up a Story » Food News

  • Alan Kapuler: Man of Science, Ideas, and Humanity part 4 (video)

    Cooking Up a Story
    24 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am
    The garden is not just a garden. The garden is a metaphor for having a place to develop an ethical way to understand life, and to make a life that is ethical. —Alan KapulerIf there were an intergalactic spacecraft capable of carrying but one life safely in search of contact with other sentient beings, my vote would be for Alan Kapuler to be humanity’s ambassador to the cosmos. Leading a lifetime of work devoted to organic gardening and open pollinated plant breeding in the public interest, Kapuler, a molecular biologist by training, poetically expresses his reverence for all living…

  • David Korten: Capitalism’s Threat to Democracy, part 2 (video)

    Cooking Up a Story
    25 Oct 2011 | 6:00 am
    In part 2, David Korten, noted author, and co-founder of Yes! magazine shares his views on the importance of building local, community-based economies, in which sustainable agriculture has a key role to play.Korten explains that our existing industrial agriculture system receives essential public subsidies (and tax supports) that offset the real costs of energy, and food production. Without these supports, the global food system would no longer be economically viable. Who are the true beneficiaries of a food system that separates the eater from the source of their food? The large agribusiness…

  • David Korten: Capitalism’s Threat to Democracy (video)

    Cooking Up a Story
    3 Oct 2011 | 12:43 pm
    What if we had to make a choice between two quintessential American beliefs: Capitalism and Democracy?As a society, we may well ask ourselves, what is the ultimate purpose of money, if it is not to satisfy human need, and reduce human suffering? Is it possible to make large amounts of money but not create real wealth? What is the difference between our present form of capitalism and a true, self-regulating market economy?In this frank interview with noted author, and visionary David Korten, he minces no words about the dangers our current capitalist system poses to democracy, and how Wall…

  • Farmer Jane: Women Changing the Way We Eat (video)

    Cooking Up a Story
    13 Sep 2011 | 6:00 am
    For sustainable food activist Temra Costa, women rarely get their proper due in agriculture. As Costa notes in the introduction in her book, Farmer Jane: Woman Changing the Way We Eat:“They are our heroes of today through their everyday acts of living, by becoming the fastest growing number of diversified farmers in the country, controlling the majority of household spending, dominating nonprofits dedicated to shifting the balance from conventional to sustainable foods, and through the creation of menus and businesses that reflect their socio-environmental values”.And so, her book…

  • Oregon Food Bank: Hunger & Food Insecurity In Epic Proportions-2 (video)

    Cooking Up a Story
    12 Jul 2011 | 6:00 am
    EditorialIf America is the greatest nation in the world—and there are many who feel we may justifiably consider ourselves so—why can’t we eliminate (or significantly reduce) hunger and food insecurity in this country?We would do well to listen to what Rachel Bristol, longtime CEO of the Oregon Food Bank has to say on this subject. Bristol has 30 years experience on the frontlines working with people in poverty, and she knows the terrible truth.It is our society that is largely to blame for the huge numbers of people living in poverty, and unable to properly feed themselves and their…
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    5 Minutes For Going Green

  • 10 Steps to a Green Wedding

    Guest Contributor
    3 Feb 2012 | 10:05 pm
    Going green is definitely the new trend, be it redecorating your house, making a fashion statement or even planning a wedding. Eco-weddings have gained huge popularity over the last couple of years and with more and more couples opting for an environment friendly wedding, the practice is only gaining more leverage and improving awareness. Having your dream wedding with an eco friendly theme in mind is easy. Listed below are 10 steps to go green on your wedding day. 1. Venue One way to go green is to select the venue wisely. Go for an outdoor location which would match the theme perfectly…

  • Green Beginnings with Sustainable Wood

    Guest Contributor
    12 Aug 2011 | 7:00 am
    Guest contributor Joanna joins us this week to talk about the option of sustainable wood for baby furniture. Beauty and earth-friendly all in one. Babies need furniture! If you’re looking for alternative materials for baby furniture other than plastic, then wood can be an appealing option. However, when you’re purchasing wood furniture it’s best to look for sustainable wood to avoid deforestation for furniture production. Try your best to stay away from slow growing trees such as oak, redwood, beech and Colorado spruce. Look for medium growth rate trees such as red oak, birch and…

  • 7 Eco-Friendly Tips to Redecorate Your Living Room

    Guest Contributor
    4 Aug 2011 | 11:45 am
    Does your living room need some help? Guest contributor Joanna shares some eco-friendly tips on redecorating your living room. Change of slipcovers and pillow covers Easy touches like changing your sofa and pillow covers makes a big difference in your living room. The best thing is you can have multiple options throughout the year to change the look and wash the old covers in the mean time. Slip covers are one of the few accessories that doesn’t cost a fortune to give your room a complete face lift. The best options are always organic cotton covers as they are softer and contains no…

  • Eco-friendly Strollers

    Guest Contributor
    29 Jul 2011 | 9:14 am
    As new age parents learn about supporting the environment when purchasing household items, it has sparked the trend of Eco friendly strollers. There’s not as vast of a selection as there should be, but a few companies are emerging as leaders in producing non-toxic strollers for babies and toddlers. These two companies are recognizable for their quality product as well as their initiative in providing a toxic free environment for your baby. Strollers are going green Maclaren Strollers This international company is dedicated to their corporate social policy (CSR), as one of their major…

  • Green Inconvenience

    Amber
    10 Nov 2010 | 11:02 am
    I do a lot of the “usual” green things. I recycle. I compost. I shop second-hand. I carry reusable grocery bags and a stainless steel water bottle. I walk my daughter to kindergarten and back every day. I turn down my thermostat and put on a sweater. But there is an obstacle to my green efforts – much of the time, I don’t want to be inconvenienced by going green. I bring my reusable grocery bags when I go grocery shopping, but if I occasionally forget, I don’t sweat it. I drink tap water, but when I forget my water bottle at home, I sometimes buy water in a…
 
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    Reuters Video: Environment

  • Etna spews lava into air

    9 Feb 2012 | 9:24 am
    Feb. 9 - Mount Etna, Europe's only volcano, erupts, sending fountains of red-hot lava into the air. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

  • Russia drills into ancient subglacial Lake Vostok

    8 Feb 2012 | 4:01 pm
    Feb. 8 - Russia has announced that a team of scientists has reached the waters of Antarctica's subglacial Lake Vostok, located deep beneath the continent's glacial crust. The announcement has set the stage for a new era of discovery, with Britain and the United States racing to catch up. Rob Muir reports.

  • Cold snap grips Europe

    8 Feb 2012 | 8:36 am
    Feb. 8 - Amsterdam is a skater's paradise, while Parisians shiver for a fifth consecutive day as a European cold spell persists. Travis Brecher reports.

  • Blizzards pound Japan

    8 Feb 2012 | 7:16 am
    Feb. 8 - Blizzards spell trouble for Japan, as a cold snap sweeping the island nation brings more record snowfall. Travis Brecher reports.

  • Rising waters inundate Australia

    8 Feb 2012 | 7:07 am
    Feb. 8 - Residents in the flooded Australian town of St. George worry about rising waters, as flooding continues to inundate homes. Travis Brecher reports.
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    Sustainable Industries: All Content

  • Getting to zero

    Bill Roth
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:03 am
    DuPont’s Building Innovations business unit, maker of Corian and Tyvek, has successfully cut its annual landfill waste stream from 81 million pounds to zero.Dave Walter, America Business Manager and a Six Sigma black belt, led the team that created this result. Walter explains, "DuPont’s Building Innovations moving to zero landfill waste was accomplished through committed people working together effectively enabled by Six Sigma process methodologies."The following outlines six best practices cited by Walter that enabled DuPont's success in achieving zero landfill…

  • Experiencing emerging markets inspires innovation

    By Amanda MacArthur, Vice President, CDC Development Solutions
    6 Feb 2012 | 10:48 pm
    In the 21st century marketplace, innovation and the need to constantly seek out new ideas is critical – as we’ve seen across industry sectors, stagnation is the one of the fastest ways to lose customers and forgo potential profit. This is true in the mature markets for that require either completely new products or adaptation of existing ones to meet emerging consumer demand – whether it’s repackaging products to reach the market at the base of the pyramid or it’s redesigning a battery to withstand power surges and disruptions. Consumers in emerging markets…

  • LEEDing your office

    6 Feb 2012 | 12:25 pm
    This article is part of the Building a Sustainable Business series about starting and running a sustainable business. Read all the articles hereOnce again, the San Francisco Bay Area LEEDs the way to greener, healthier living, this time in your office. Too many workspaces are sick-making with their sealed windows, release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, low volumes of air return, and wimpy filters. We’ve all experienced this in airplanes and we’ve all heard about sick-building syndrome. But the bad stuff is invisible so it’s hard to know how healthy a…

  • Sustainability in UK retail

    Sustainable Industries
    3 Feb 2012 | 5:58 pm
    After a conspicuous burst of high profile investment in 2006/7 the so-called “revolution in green consumption” has failed to materialise. The obvious reason is the credit crunch, recession and prolonged downturn. Sustainability in many cases has been redefined as short term survival not long term success.The majority of retailers have improved their sustainability operations to a greater or lesser extent but have not fully exploited this investment with the consumer. M&S stands in front of the pack being the only retailer to coordinate and monetarise its sustainability…

  • Online onslaught

    Raz Godelnik
    3 Feb 2012 | 2:30 pm
    If you wonder what happened to the OWS movement and are worried that the protest against the 1% has died, you can relax. The protest is not dead. It just moved from Zuccotti Park to websites like change.org and SumOfUs, where OWSers channel their energy into writing and promoting petitions against corporations that misbehave. It started with petitions against Bank of America, $5 fee on debit cards and Target’s plan to open at midnight on Black Friday, and moved to a protest against Coca Cola’s intervention with a plastic bottle ban in national parks, and now it reached Apple.Yes,…
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    INHABITAT

  • London Designer Creates a Super Futuristic Solar-Powered Concept Car

    Marc Carter
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:16 pm
    London designer Omer Sagiv created this solar-powered concept car that looks like it’s straight out of the latest sci-fi movie. The concept car is referred to as the SPV (Solar Power Vehicle) and Sagiv states that it’s made of aluminum with flexible thin modules fixed to it and that the shaft in the center of the SPV functions as an in-built cooling system. The aerodynamic shape of the concept allows it to collect energy in any sunny environment. Even better, the concept can also use the extra energy that it collects from its solar panels to power its owner’s house!

  • San Francisco To Expand Ban on Plastic Bags

    Mark Boyer
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:03 pm
    Almost five years ago, San Francisco became the first American city to ban plastic shopping bags from supermarkets and chain pharmacies. Now the city is poised to expand that ban to all retail stores and restaurants within the city limits. Only certain products, like newspapers, fish, poultry, fresh flowers, and bulk goods are exempted from the ban. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to expand the ban, and it’s expected to be officially approved next week. Every year, roughly 100 billion plastic shopping bags are handed out in the US, and only a tiny fraction of…

  • National Sweater Day is Today!

    Yuka Yoneda
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:35 am
    Today is National Sweater Day! Are you wearing your sweater to keep warm instead of turning up the heat? If not, head over to the WWF’s call center to give yourself or a friend a call from a sweet old grannie to remind you to turn down your heat and pop on a few layers. READ MORE >

  • Win a Business of Being Born DVD Prize Pack Worth $109!

    Yuka Yoneda
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:10 am
    If you know someone who’s about to welcome a new bundle of joy – or maybe you are yourself – don’t miss a chance to win this amazing prize package for expectant parents (worth $109). We’re giving away this incredible package (appropriately called the Mother Lode) to celebrate the release of “More Business of Being Born,” the follow-up DVD to Ricki Lake’s popular “Business of Being Born,” which explored the different options women have for giving birth. The new DVD takes a closer look at doulas, midwives, birthing options and VBACs…

  • Accounting Giant KPMG’s New Headquarters Balances Its Energy Budget To Almost Zero

    Bridgette Meinhold
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:43 am
    Global accounting firm KPMG recently moved into its new headquarters in Frederiksberg, Denmark. Designed by talented Copenhagen firm 3XN, the building’s form and sustainability strategies work to minimize energy use and maximize the power of the sun resulting in an energy balance close to zero. The office building completes an active area of town and is situated directly adjacent to a metro station. In addition, 3XN’s design features a series of discreet meeting rooms to provide a high level of privacy for their clients. KPMG‘s new headquarters is located on the…
 
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    Eco-Office Gals

  • Six Things to Look for When Scouting for Green Office Space

    Jen
    1 Feb 2012 | 2:53 pm
    If you’re looking to start a service-based business and have a mind for both energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, then near the top of your list of priorities should be securing green office space. While we’re mostly familiar with the dead giveaways when it comes to evaluating the greenness of a particular space, there are subtle indicators of a property’s green status relative to other options. If you aren’t sure what to look for when scouting for green office space, use the following as a guide: Windows that open: A common feature of modern office environments has…

  • Eco-Friendly Flooring Options for the Office

    Guest Post
    1 Feb 2012 | 10:32 am
    Most of us make an effort to be eco-friendly at home—recycling, not wasting water, and getting rid of toxic cleaners are all pretty well known ways to go green. But what you might not have considered is that there are opportunities to be just as eco-friendly at work as you are at home. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to make businesses more eco-friendly. Take these tips back to work with you and implement them in your office to help make a lighter impact on our environment! 1. Go Digital – Printing wastes paper, so try to do so as little as possible. Send documents via email…

  • Grab StudioPress Savings While They Last!

    Jen
    26 Jan 2012 | 8:39 pm
    Until Monday, you can get all 44 StudioPress child themes, plus every child theme design they make in the future, for only $299.95 with the StudioPress Pro Plus All-Theme Package. That’s a savings of $887.80 off the price of buying everything separately. Of course, they didn’t want to let the price increase without one last deal… For a very short time discount code TEN will give you and extra 10% off your Pro Plus purchase! On Tuesday January 31, 2012, the price goes up so don’t miss out. You know how much we love StudioPress at Eco-Office Gals and now you can have them all!

  • Use Online Calculators to Reduce Emissions and Save Energy

    Guest Post
    23 Jan 2012 | 10:49 pm
    Going green isn’t exactly easy to do by your lonesome. Few of us are experts in the fields of energy innovation, nor do we have the skills to assess our individual circumstances and lifestyles and come to practical conclusions about how to save energy. Sure we can make the switch to CFLs, carpool three days out of the week, and properly insulate our homes, but in many cases the biggest contributors to our carbon footprint are ignored in favor of these more apparent and easier issue to tackle. The result is a whole lot of good intentions that unfortunately do not equate to a whole lot of…

  • SOPA: It only went as far as we let it!

    Jen
    20 Jan 2012 | 7:54 pm
    We made noise and they listened! “On January 18th, 13 million of us took the time to tell Congress to protect free speech rights on the internet. Hundreds of millions, maybe a billion, people all around the world saw what we did on Wednesday.” This was unprecedented. Your activism may have changed the way people fight for the public interest and basic rights forever. The MPAA (the lobby for big movie studios which created these terrible bills) was shocked and seemingly humbled.  “‘This was a whole new different game all of a sudden,’ MPAA Chairman and former Senator Chris…
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    Green Updates

  • Tote Story

    Green Somethings
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:19 am
    You say no to plastics and are searching for a practical and unique co-friendly alternative, what would be your options? Of course, you can get cloth bags stitched by your tailor. You have something... Don't miss the latest Green updates from Green Somethings

  • Villa of Crafts

    Green Somethings
    17 Nov 2011 | 12:42 am
    Everyone wants to shine at parties. Your dress is important. However, the accessories you wear can turn a simple outfit into a party wear. Do you want to know how?On this Diwali, I received a set of... Don't miss the latest Green updates from Green Somethings

  • Red Bugs to Buy

    Green Somethings
    12 May 2011 | 12:12 am
    Schools are closed and keeping children occupied is a challenge for mothers. Would you like to introduce them to traditional Indian crafts? It is easy with Kreative kits from Red Bug Store.... Don't miss the latest Green updates from Green Somethings
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    Get Eco Now

  • Lamp Made From Jam Jars Wins Design Prize in Sweden

    9 Feb 2012 | 10:32 am
    The future of recycling never looked so bright. More:  Lamp Made From Jam Jars Wins Design Prize in Sweden

  • How to Break the Grip of Fossil Fuels (Video)

    9 Feb 2012 | 8:35 am
    I stopped by MSNBC’s the Dylan Ratigan Show for the launch of the Defense Energy Project, and we discussed how to break the grip of Big Oil and unleash American innovation in the cleantech sector. Wath: See the original post here:  How to Break the Grip of Fossil Fuels (Video)

  • How to Break the Grip of Fossil Fuels (Video)

    9 Feb 2012 | 8:35 am
    I stopped by MSNBC’s the Dylan Ratigan Show for the launch of the Defense Energy Project, and we discussed how to break the grip of Big Oil and unleash American innovation in the cleantech sector. Wath: Read the original here:  How to Break the Grip of Fossil Fuels (Video)

  • Electric Bike RV is Tiny House on Wheels

    EcoGreenBags
    9 Feb 2012 | 5:35 am
    A DIY electric bike/quadricycle doubles as a temporary home for one San Francisco surfer. Excerpt from:  Electric Bike RV is Tiny House on Wheels

  • Last Decade’s Ice Melt Would Flood the United States

    8 Feb 2012 | 10:45 pm
    A new study on global ice loss puts the scale of melt off in terms that are bound to make more than a few folks feel a bit wet under the collar. See the original post: Last Decade’s Ice Melt Would Flood the United States
 
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    TheCityFix

  • New Competition: Encouraging Youth to Rethink Public Transportation

    Itir Sonuparlak
    8 Feb 2012 | 4:54 pm
    Youth for Public Transport (Y4PT) and the European Bus System of the Future (EBSF) are launching the caPTureldeo contest to help younger generations rethink public transportation. The contest also aims to give youth the opportunity to participate in the International Association of Public Transport’s (UITP) strategy to double the market share of public transportation by 2025 (2025=PTx2). The first phase of the contest is the KalideoBUS photo competition. In order to join, participants are encouraged to take pictures of urban buses, add in a dose of creativity and send it in…

  • Paris to Allow Cyclists to Run Red Lights

    Itir Sonuparlak
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    "Griller le feu rouge!" Photo by Vladimir Zlokazov. Councilors in Paris, France approved a new rule that would allow bicyclists to run red lights. A result of a three-year campaign by cyclists’ associations, the rule comes after road safety experts deemed it a good measure to cut road crashes. The idea of allowing cyclists to run red lights to decrease road crashes may seem ironic, but Paris municipal authorities believe that it will be an important step in helping to ease bicycle congestion. “It makes cycle traffic more fluid and avoids bunching up cyclists when the traffic…

  • Research Recap, February 6: Urban Happiness, Electric Highways, Cooperative ITS

    Jeffrey Riecke
    7 Feb 2012 | 1:23 pm
    Boulder, Colo. is the U.S. metropolitan area with the happiest residents, according to a 2010 Gallup and Healthways survey. Photo by Shihmei Barger. Welcome to “Research Recap,” our series highlighting recent reports, studies and other findings in sustainable transportation policy and practice, in case you missed it. Designing Urban Happiness The design and condition of cities are associated with the happiness of residents, a recent study concludes. Conducted by a joint research team from the University of South Carolina and West Virginia University, the study examined 10 urban areas to…

  • Living Without a Car in Bogotá: Day 12

    Dario Hidalgo
    6 Feb 2012 | 4:04 pm
    Public transit buses, taxis and bikers take over the streets on car-free day. Photo by Carlos Felipe Pardo. Bogotá, Colombia, home of TransMilenio and Ciclovia, celebrated the 13th annual “Car-Free Day,” proving that life is possible without cars in a big city. Congestion was slightly relieved and air quality somewhat improved, as it is every year. Some people changed their schedules, and taxi cabs had the best day of the year. Bike parking at some universities were packed, and life continued without much trouble—so little trouble, in fact, that Mayor Gustavo Petro celebrated the…

  • TheCityFix Picks, February 3: Brazilian BRT, Seaweed Biofuel, Electric Taxis in Bogota

    Jeffrey Riecke
    3 Feb 2012 | 3:57 pm
    Rio de Janeiro unveiled the first station of its forthcoming bus rapid transit system, which conntects Barra da Tijuca (pictured above) to other city neighborhoods. Photo by Rodrigo Soldon. Welcome back to TheCityFix Picks, our series highlighting the newsy and noteworthy of the past week. Each Friday, we’ll run down the headlines falling under TheCityFix’s five themes: integrated transport, urban development and accessibility, air quality and climate change, health and road safety, and communications and marketing. Integrated Transport The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro unveiled the…
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    Cleantech

  • Consumers want better language, design, & layout for energy info

    Chris King, eMeter
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:49 pm
    Energy usage and tariff information generally isn’t easy to understand. To get input on how to solve this problem, U.K. energy regulator Ofgem has been conducting workshops with consumers across Great Britain. The new Consumer First Panel Report lists suggestions from consumers to help them better understand and engage with the electricity and gas market. The workshops had 110 total participants in six locations across Great Britain last fall, with the goals of: Identify energy information needed to equip customers to make an informed decision. Establish the communication channels through…

  • SolarReserve constructs 540-foot solar power tower [photos, video]

    Katie Fehrenbacher
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:50 am
    Despite that some solar thermal projects — which use the sun’s heat instead of solar panels — are getting replaced with cheaper solar panels, some developers are still moving forward on massive solar thermal plants in the deserts of the U.S. Developer SolarReserve announced on Thursday that it’s finished building the 540-foot solar power tower that will make up the centerpiece of its 110 MW project in Nevada. The plant is called the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Plant and SolarReserve says it’ll be “the largest power plant of its kind in the world.”…

  • 3 key differences between Tesla and Fisker

    Katie Fehrenbacher
    9 Feb 2012 | 2:00 am
    Tesla Roadsters lined up outside of the Model S Beta Customer event This week two Valley-backed and government-supported electric car companies — Tesla and Fisker — have been taking two very different paths: one up and one down. As you read this, I’ll shortly be heading down to Tesla’s design studio to attend the company’s Model X electric SUV launch event. The Model X is the company’s third electric car — which will be one of the first electric SUVs ever in the world — and Tesla could start selling the first Model X cars by the end of 2013. By…

  • Nest to Honeywell: We will vigorously defend ourselves

    Katie Fehrenbacher
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:52 pm
    Smart thermostat startup Nest has finally publicly commented on thermostat giant Honeywell slapping it with a patent infringement lawsuit. Nest says it will “vigorously defend itself,” against Honeywell’s lawsuit, and says it has “the resources, support and conviction to do so.” Here’s the full comment: We at Nest are proud of creating products that bring true innovation to home efficiency and we are continuing to innovate and bring products to market. The Nest Learning Thermostat is already making a difference, saving customers energy and money. Nest will vigorously defend itself…

  • Why we are buying paidContent

    Om Malik
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:05 pm
    First the news: Yes, the rumors are true. We are indeed buying the assets of ContentNext Media from Guardian News & Media Limited. And no, we are not disclosing the terms of the deal, except that we are buying the entire group of properties — paidContent.org, mocoNews.net, contentSutra and paidContent:UK and that a representative of Guardian News & Media will join our board of directors as an observer. A few weeks ago when Paul Walborsky, CEO of GigaOM, came to the board and suggested that we should try and acquire paidContent, my fellow board members — Jon Callaghan (True…
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    The Chic Ecologist

  • Microfinance Loans and Microcredit – Kiva

    Jean-Paul
    23 Jan 2012 | 12:48 pm
    I am still a big proponent of investing in and own several mutual funds and stocks in green technologies and companies, but I often wonder “will that actually affect the biggest change?” Most investments now days have been marred by scandals. The stock market was hit with internet bubble stocks, declining bank stocks, failing financial [...] Related posts: Tools for Sustainable Investing

  • Saving Energy Helps You Lose Weight

    Jean-Paul
    4 Jan 2012 | 2:55 pm
    Please excuse the sensationalist title, but it was just too good to pass up, and oddly true at the same time. Research into the links between the increase in weight and the warming temperature of our homes has resulted in some startling news- Warmer homes contribute to weight gain. Now before you turn your house [...] Related posts: Ecobee Energy Efficient WiFi Programable Thermostat Intelligent Auto Learning Thermostat – NEST Winterize your Home for Energy Efficiency Google Spooks you into Saving Energy Energy Active Eco Home- Taking Energy Efficiency Positive

  • Top 7 Green Gadgets and Innovations of 2011

    Jean-Paul
    1 Jan 2012 | 2:04 pm
    2011 has been a great year for green innovations and products and we here at The Chic Ecologist would like to share some of our favorites. This years list includes green electronics, biodegradable stickers and eco-friendly designs all which present innovative solutions to simple environmental problems. You can also find last year’s most popular posts [...] Related posts: Sustainable Sushi in Seattle – Mashiko Go Green Seattle 2011 Conference Seattle Green Festival 2011 Earth Day 2011 Events and Ideas Eco-Friendly Friday – Sustainable Sushi n Rice + Tshirts

  • Vegucated Documentary Film Review

    Jean-Paul
    26 Dec 2011 | 1:01 pm
    Going vegetarian or vegan can be quite a commitment, so how do you decide and more importantly, how do you maintain your momentum during the shaky transition period? Vegucated explores the world of beginner veganism from the perspective of 3 different individuals from New York, all with different reasons. While the producer herself is along [...] Related posts: The Pipe Documentary Film Review For the Dolphins – The Cove Movie Review Sharkwater Movie Review

  • Green Holiday Preparation – More than Just the Tree!

    j_anne
    1 Dec 2011 | 1:36 pm
    Green Holiday Preparation – More than Just the Tree! Besides the fact that green is basically one of only two colors we have to think about for an entire month and your home is probably about to get be-decked in greenery from pine trees and boughs and wreaths galore, not a lot of us (surely not [...] Related posts: Christmas Tree Recycling Disposal Plyboo Bamboo Plywood and Durapalm Palm Tree Sustainable Flooring Make Black Friday a Little Greener – Green Holiday Gifts Save Trees and Read Green with a Kindle Green On The Go
 
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    Do The Green Thing: The Green Thing blog

  • Be a dear and put on a sweater

    ewycherley
    9 Feb 2012 | 3:06 am
    When you are feeling cold and are reaching to turn on the heating take a minute and call WWF's Granny Call Centre. This adorable service provides you with with a personal call from the granny of your choice who will urge you to "Turn down the heat and put on that sweater" in order to crank up the Human Heat. Granny's the world over provide their families with warm woollies for the winter and today, on National Sweater Day, they are telling you all to don these snug jumpers and turn down the heating. You'll be so cosy and will look so well put together too! Book a call for yourself…

  • Write your way to romance

    jocorrall
    9 Feb 2012 | 3:00 am
    (Image: Katee) Fancy a little Plugged Out gift for Valentine's Day? Then head along to ANDOR Bureau this Sunday 12th between 5-7pm. The romantic guys at the cafe have decided to host a love letter writing evening. With tea, sandwiches and cakes for sale and a BYOB policy to help loosen your tongue (£3 corkage charge), they'll help you get in the mood to tell that special someone exactly how you feel. So forget flown-in flowers and banish impersonal balloons. Buy Nothing for your loved one this year, just grab a pen and be the most romantic person in…

  • Get tweets from your birdhouse

    jocorrall
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:06 am
    Birdwatching can be a fairly time consuming activity that we don't all have the time for. This DIY birdhouse that tweets you when you have a winged visitor is perfect for those of us who cant spend hours staring out the window. (Image: Screengrab from B-Squares) Using the very clever B-Squares, modular components that let you build and power almost any small gadget you can think of, you can hack your birdhouse to send you a tweet when a bird enters. As the bird peeks his head into the box, it breaks the sensor and wirelessly transmits this information to your computer. Plus it's all…

  • Bikes from broken trees

    ewycherley
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:02 am
    (Image: woodbicycle.com) Masterworks Woodworking are the creative behind this awesome bicycle. Not only do they have rad designs but they handcraft each piece from condemned city trees that would otherwise just be chipped, making them one of our favourite and All Consuming ways to Pedal-the-pedals. For another wooden wonder check out the walnut bike. (Spotted on Treehugger)

  • A dozen upcycled roses

    ewycherley
    7 Feb 2012 | 2:30 am
    Julliet told us that 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet'. And we feel that a rose made from any upcycled materials would be just as awesome and lovely and even better than a real one! So as it is Rose Day, and not long until Valentine's Day, we shall woo with with a dozen upcycled roses. (Image: Instructables) First, may we present some duct tape roses. (Image: cosaverde) Then from some scrap paper we give you a beautiful paper rose. (Image: Whathappensnext) Third, we hope to make you smile with this awfully pretty spare fabric rose. (Image: Christine Eige) And when we have…
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    FabianPattberg.com

  • CSR in Germany – 2012 Update

    Fabian
    7 Feb 2012 | 8:09 am
    I am German and I now also live in Germany having moved from the UK back to my home country. CSR in Germany generally therefore is and has always been important to me. Having lived abroad for nearly half of my life I am also very critical of what the German CSR field has to [...]

  • Keep it simple and direct when promoting CSR / Sustainability

    Fabian
    4 Feb 2012 | 10:47 am
    When successfully communicating and promoting a certain product or cause, I learnt over the years that you need to keep it simple. Not overly simple but simple enough to let your audience know what you want to tell at a moments notice and with a tone they understand. This simplicity but also directness is not [...]

  • Is Facebook mutating into a money-making machine?

    Fabian
    1 Feb 2012 | 5:31 pm
    I just heard about the upcoming Facebook IPO via mashable and needed to write a quick post about it as I feel that this development has a significant CSR angle to it. The CSR angle of the Facebook IPO The big problem I see is that Facebook is getting to powerful and influential due to its extreme [...]

  • Video: Hedonistic Sustainability by Bjarke Ingels

    Fabian
    31 Jan 2012 | 2:02 pm
    In today’s post I wanted to share another very interesting TED video relating to Sustainability and sustainable design. This time from TEDxEast. In this video Bjarke Ingels talks about “Hedonistic Sustainability”. What this exactly means will be explained in the video of course. Scandinavia and Sustainable Design / Architecture Bjarke Ingels is from Scandinavia. For some [...]

  • Twitter is the most popular Sustainability / CSR Social Media channel

    Fabian
    29 Jan 2012 | 9:33 am
    Last week I conducted a poll aimed at identifying the most popular Social Media channel for your Sustainability / CSR topics. The result was unambiguous really. Twitter is the most popular Social Media channel for Sustainability / CSR topics. These are the results in numbers: Twitter with 73% (40 votes) Facebook with 11% (6 votes) Google+ [...]
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    ecomii simple living blog

  • 7 Reasons to Love Chocolate This Valentine’s Day

    Green Diva Meg
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:27 pm
    Why Should We Care? by Green Diva Meg These posts explore a myriad of topics relating to green, sustainable and healthy living and offer simple and clear information from the fun and quirky point of view of the Green Divas. Each post provides practical, no nonsense information on What Can We Do to make a difference. I [...]

  • Urban Beekeeping

    Kirsten Dirksen
    6 Feb 2012 | 7:00 am
    Bryon Waibel runs what he believes is the world’s only urban beekeeping store. It’s called  Her Majesty’s Secret Beekeeper and Waibel, who uses the handle 006, does seem to believe that he/ the store/ urban beekeepers are serving a cause. “It would not surprise me at all if the future of the honeybee itself is [...]

  • Why Not Choose Renewable Energy? It Is Easier Than You Think

    Green Diva Meg
    1 Feb 2012 | 4:23 pm
    Why Should We Care? by Green Diva Meg These posts explore a myriad of topics relating to green, sustainable and healthy living and offer simple and clear information from the fun and quirky point of view of the Green Divas. Each post provides practical, no nonsense information on What Can We Do to make a difference. WHY [...]

  • DIY Treehouse Inventor Creates Ewok World in Rural Oregon

    Kirsten Dirksen
    31 Jan 2012 | 9:49 am
    In 1974, fresh out of the army (as a Green Beret medic), Michael Garnier went to rural Oregon to try to make a living off the woods. He tried making furniture, fences, pole barns and selling organic, psychedelic picture propellers (to see Fantasy Flakes), but finally it was a treehouse that got him all the [...]

  • The Big Plastic Bummer: Don’t Want to Live With it. Can’t Live Without It

    Green Diva Meg
    25 Jan 2012 | 8:00 pm
    Why Should We Care? by Green Diva Meg These posts explore a myriad of topics relating to green, sustainable and healthy living and offer simple and clear information from the fun and quirky point of view of the Green Divas. Each post provides practical, no nonsense information on What Can We Do to make a difference. WHY [...]
 
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    Chelsea Green

  • 10 Reasons for Financial Optimism (If You Invest Locally)

    jmcdougall@chelseagreen.com (Chelsea Green Publishing)
    9 Feb 2012 | 5:35 am
    Reposted from LivingEconomies.org, by Michael Shuman Even though these are tough times for tens of millions of Americans, there’s reason for hope.  That’s the message of my new book from Chelsea Green, Local Dollars, Local Sense:  How to Shift Your Money from Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperity, which [...]

  • Peer 2 Peer University: The Latest in Do-it-Yourself Higher Education!

    jmcdougall@chelseagreen.com (Chelsea Green Publishing)
    8 Feb 2012 | 6:24 am
    Check out this exciting new venture from Anya Kamenetz, author of DIY U: Edupunks, Edupreneurs, and the Future of Higher Education! The Peer 2 Peer University is a grassroots open education project that organizes learning outside of institutional walls and gives learners recognition for their achievements. P2PU creates a model for lifelong learning alongside traditional [...]

  • Get to Work With Our Weekend Project Special!

    jmcdougall@chelseagreen.com (Chelsea Green Publishing)
    8 Feb 2012 | 6:15 am
    Looking for something to do? We have some of our favorite ‘how to’ projects — building a cold frame, growing mushrooms in your home, making your fridge carbon-free, or cooking kale and apples — ready for reading and viewing on our website. We hope these projects will inspire you as they have thousands of others. And, [...]

  • New Videos from Chef Didi Emmons

    jmcdougall@chelseagreen.com (Chelsea Green Publishing)
    6 Feb 2012 | 6:02 am
    Didi Emmons, chef and author of Wild Flavors: One Chef’s Transformative Year Cooking from Eva’s Farm shows you how to prepare two healthy and scrumptious dishes in these new videos from How2Heroes! How2Heroes is a how-to online video destination that celebrates people’s passion for food – the flavors, the presentation, the secrets to success, [...]

  • Now Available: Local Dollars, Local Sense!

    jmcdougall@chelseagreen.com (Chelsea Green Publishing)
    3 Feb 2012 | 4:46 am
    “Michael Shuman answers a lot of questions I’ve always wondered about, and in the process paints a practical vision of exactly where we need to be headed in this country. Consider this book an excellent investment!”—Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth and The End of Nature We’re very excited to announce that Local Dollars, Local [...]
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    Smart Green Tips

  • Nordic Naturals What’s Essential Contest

    Beth
    7 Feb 2012 | 9:30 am
    Nordic Naturals, provider of omega oils for adults and children, wants to know “What’s Essential?” to you. To enter the contest, visit the website, What’s Essential, or the Nordic Naturals Facebook page. There, you’ll submit your description (in 200 words or less) of what’s essential to you. Upload a photo to go with your essay & you’re all set. Prizes will be awarded to the best 19 entries. Grand Prize Winner: One winner will receive a trip for two to Santa Cruz, California with all the trimmings, including airfare, car rental, hotel, spending…

  • Where to Start with Going Green

    Beth
    10 Nov 2011 | 10:32 am
    It’s easy to become overwhelmed while adopting a greener lifestyle. For one, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there. And, two, it can feel like you need to change EVERYTHING about your life in order save the planet and your own health. It’s hard to know where to begin. Here at Smart Green Tips, the focus is on saving the planet and saving money. Most importantly, when we do those things, we also save ourselves. Generally, what’s good for the planet is also good for us. But that philosophy uses a wide brush. I’d like to help you narrow it down, help…

  • Socially Responsible Deals

    Beth
    21 Feb 2011 | 6:49 am
    I recently discovered Roozt.com, which operates a lot like Groupon, except that it promotes only socially responsible companies. And, 1% of every purchase (that’s purchase, not profit) goes to charity. From their website: All daily deals will be featured in limited quantities for 48 hours only, so when you sign up and get a deal alert you’re interested in, make sure you get ‘em while they’re hot because deals tend to sell out quickly! All of our featured products are from inspiring socially responsible companies that have been thoroughly vetted by our experienced…

  • Love Drop: Featured Do-Gooder

    Beth
    11 Feb 2011 | 8:51 am
    I’m pleased to introduce Love Drop as a new featured do-gooder here on Smart Green Tips. Love Drop is a micro-giving network of people who unite as a community to make a difference in the lives of one person or family a month. By giving just $1.00, they make it easy for their members to change lives in a fun and super easy way. At the end of every month, Nate and J$ (that’s J-Money) show up in the town the families live in and present them with everything the team raised — all the money, the gifts, whatever the community was able to contribute. It’s all on film, and…

  • Reuse: Antique Silver is Green (and Beautiful)

    Beth
    7 Feb 2011 | 5:00 am
    Today, I have the pleasure of sharing a guest post written by Nancy Stuckwisch of Silver Magpies. Nancy helps people find silver they love and can use (rather than just polish). Why buy new when there is so much beautiful silver already out there? You can read more about Nancy, her background, and her business at the end of the post. Sterling silver Two words that often strike dread into the hearts of busy people. Sterling silver has unfairly acquired a reputation for being delicate and high maintenance. Nothing could be further from the truth. Somewhere along the line, sterling has come to…
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    Everyone's Blog Posts - GreenITers

  • Save Papers

    hashmi
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:30 am

  • THE ENVIRONEMT AND YOU

    hashmi
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:35 am
    THE ENVIRONMENT AND YOU The air we now breathe contains invisible substances that attack our health and well-being. Air pollutants found in the atmosphere are harmful substances known as the “Total Suspended Particles or TSP” such as smoke, dust, soot, cinders, fly ash, gases, chemical mist, steam and even radioactive particles which are five (5) times the acceptable levels and this is more susceptible to highly urbanize areas. Long term exposure to TSP that exceeds to its levels absolutely had adverse impacts on health of the public and properties. Studies show that the incidence of…

  • Y do we nid 2 plant 3s ?

    hashmi
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm
    Y do we nid 2 plant 3s ? Tree planting is one of the most indispensable activities worldwide. It becomes part of our societal program activities as it deemed necessary because of the alarming environmental problems like water, air and soil pollutions in which we are absolutely affected, as well as the effect of the ozone and global warming that we are extremely experiencing these days. In less wealthy nations, governments have staged nationwide campaigns and required all concerned institutions to involve tree planting in their plan program activities to help protect the environment against…

  • Carbon dioxide emissions rebound quickly after global financial crisis

    George Mattathil
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am
    http://wp.me/pNLb5-5uU R&D Mag – In 2010, emissions reached an all-time high of 9.1 billion tons of carbon, compared with 8.6 billion tons in 2009. The downturn was also followed by milestone carbon dioxide emissions from the developing world’s emerging economies. In developing countries, consumption-based emissions, or those emissions associated with the consumption of goods and services, increased 6.1% over 2009 and 2010. more> http://tinyurl.com/7gl62bh

  • The problems with emissions trading

    George Mattathil
    7 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am
    http://wp.me/pNLb5-5qP By Hannah Hoag – What are the problems with the credit methods? Lax verification for carbon-offset projects has been a problem for several schemes. For the credit-creating projects to be effective at reducing overall greenhouse-gas emissions, the scheme operators are supposed to approve only projects that would otherwise not have gone ahead. The auditor-general criticized the Alberta Department of Environment and Water for allowing carbon credits for emissions-reducing activities that have become common practice. more> http://is.gd/Iq2iuE
 
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    elephant journal

  • One Night Standing Pose.

    Waylon Lewis
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:53 pm
    The Adventures of Eco Boy vs. Yoga Girl & the Entering of the Dark Forest of Olde Magic & Young Love that will F**k You Up. He was climbing up the old tree and the hobbits were running around, or now they were Ewoks, and he was sitting on a tree limb and people were [...]

  • Is it Time to Free Orcas from Slavery? ~ Olga Feingold

    elephantjournal.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:17 pm
    “There is more to life than just yourself, your own family, and your own kind.” ~ Anthony Lawrence A friend of a friend of a friend posted on facebook: “I was raised vegetarian and have been a wavering vegetarian all my life. But what always brings me back is this thought: that if, as we [...]

  • Goal of Life in Maximum Security: Meet your new teacher.

    Anneke Lucas
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:11 pm
    "I’ve discovered that the energy of devotion is the same as the energy of gratitude. ... Even here in a place like this it is easy to find gratitude for many things, like having yard every day, for having programs so we can rehabilitate ourselves, for having many like-minded people I can talk to, for getting three meals a day, for the sunshine…”

  • Soy! Friend, or Foe?

    Dr. John Douillard, DC
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:44 am
    By now we have all been sufficiently confused about the merits and dangers of soy. Ancient writings from China suggest that the soybean was traditionally considered unfit for human consumption. The reason may be that the soybean is uniquely endowed with certain toxic anti-nutrients that are now being linked to breast cancer, thyroid disease, menstrual [...]

  • The Answer to All Your Questions…the First Four Words You See Describe You.

    Shawna Turner
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:05 am
    Scan this happy face. It may take a while for the words to reveal themselves. Be patient and see what comes up.
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    Earth Matters News

  • Don't miss this Mars, moon rendezvous

    Super Admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:05 am
    Late on the night of Feb. 9, 2012, skywatchers who cast a glance toward the waning gibbous moon in the eastern sky will also notice the presence of a very bright, yellow-orange "star" shining with a steady glow hovering a bit above and to the moon's right.   That's no star, though.

  • Lions adapt to winter at Canada safari park

    Super Admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:05 am
    A white lion slips on ice while playing with a plastic drum like a kitten with a ball of yarn, but the big cat quickly regains its footing.   The African carnivore has adapted well to Canada's cold winters.   In a neighboring paddock, a spotted hyena struggles to climb atop a wooden podium covered in ice and snow to reach her dinner — a slab of meat.   The 1,000-acre Safari Park about 43 miles south of

  • BP wins exclusion of damaging emails from oil spill trial

    Super Admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:52 am
    BP Plc won a court order keeping several potentially damaging emails out of a scheduled trial to determine responsibility for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.   Wednesday's ruling by U.S.

  • Mars-bound penny will keep things in perspective for Rover

    Super Admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:36 am
    A penny in today's economy does not go very far, but that has not stopped NASA from making a 1-cent piece stretch all the way to another planet: Mars.   The copper coin is attached to a smartphone-size plaque at the end of the robotic arm on Curiosity, NASA's Mars Science Laboratory car-size rover.

  • Russia reaches Lake Vostok

    Super Admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:13 am
    Russian scientists announced they had drilled deep through Antartica's icesheet to reach a pristine lake untouched for tens of thousands of years.   "A small window has opened into the unknown world of Lake Vostok," Russia's Arctic and Antarctic Institute said in the first official confirmation of the breakthrough.   "For
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    All MNN Content

  • Do you have tips on leash-pulling, potty training and other behavior problems?

    Morieka Johnson
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:28 pm
    Q: I just adopted a new dog and want to start things off on the right foot. We're still getting to know each other, and while I haven't noticed any behavior issues I want to be ready in case something comes up.

  • Buying a used car? Look out for water damage

    amyfeinstein
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:27 pm
    When considering the purchase of a used car, what is your biggest fear? Is it that the car has been in a wreck? That it was not properly maintained? Or, have you considered that your potential purchase could have been water or flood damaged, or have survived a tropical storm or even a hurricane? There are more of these vehicles out there than you think, and they are not just being sold by individuals in classified ads.

  • PETA's porn site now accepting signups

    Michael d'Estries
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:27 pm
    PETA's announcement late last summer that it was reserving one of the new .xxx domain extensions was met with both scorn and amusement.

  • Recycled paper napkins

    lbellows
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:23 pm
    Eco-conscious consumers have long known that the greenest napkin option out there is a good old-fashioned linen one that would make grandma proud. When a guest list is long (hello, birthday parties and backyard barbecues), however, common sense dictates a paper option is the most stress-free choice for post-party cleanup. With the proliferation of recycled paper napkins on the market now, environmental consciousness and a 21st-century love for convenience needn’t be at odds.

  • Girl's night in for Valentine's Day

    Starre Vartan
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:21 pm
    The best thing about Valentine's Day is that it really can mean whatever you want it to. Like most women, I've spent many a V-day single, and plenty as part of a couple. And I've had great (and not-great) experiences whether I was with someone or not. In fact, some of my fondest memories are Valentine's Days spent with the women who were in my life at the time.
 
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    Green Tech News

  • 'We want Apple to be better': Petitions push for labor reform

    Super Admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:34 am
    The exhaustively discussed labor practices of Apple's overseas contractors, especially Foxconn in China, have prompted about 250,000 people to petition for reform. On Feb. 9, organizers in at least five cities — New York, Washington, San Francisco, Sydney and Bangalore, at last count — will deliver to Apple stores a petition opposing the workers' factory conditions in China.   But don't expect this to be "Occupy Apple."   "This is not a rally.

  • Deep brain stimulation enhances memory

    Super Admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:02 am
    CHICAGO - Lightly shocking a person's brain just before they learned a new task appeared to strengthen memory in a handful of patients with epilepsy, a tantalizing result that could have implications for Alzheimer's disease, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday.   Pacemaker devices known as deep brain stimulators made by Medtronic and

  • Mitsubishi i-MIEV is the greenest car of 2012

    Melissa Hincha-Ownby
    8 Feb 2012 | 7:03 pm
    The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has published its 14th annual Greenest Cars List and for the first time an electric vehicle takes the number one spot.

  • Pig Chase: European farmers playing video games with their pigs

    Shea Gunther
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:29 pm
    Mother Jones has a really interesting story up about researchers at a Dutch university who are working to develop a video game called "Pig Chase" that is playable by both farmers and their pigs. The game allows human players to control lights on a large touchscreen set in the pig pens that can be chased and touched by pigs themselves.

  • Tough Guy Challenge, wolf pups and a wall of wigs: Best photos of the week

    Caitlin Leary
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:10 pm
    The best environmental photos of the week.
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    All MNN Content

  • Do you have tips on leash-pulling, potty training and other behavior problems?

    Morieka Johnson
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:28 pm
    Q: I just adopted a new dog and want to start things off on the right foot. We're still getting to know each other, and while I haven't noticed any behavior issues I want to be ready in case something comes up.

  • Buying a used car? Look out for water damage

    amyfeinstein
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:27 pm
    When considering the purchase of a used car, what is your biggest fear? Is it that the car has been in a wreck? That it was not properly maintained? Or, have you considered that your potential purchase could have been water or flood damaged, or have survived a tropical storm or even a hurricane? There are more of these vehicles out there than you think, and they are not just being sold by individuals in classified ads.

  • PETA's porn site now accepting signups

    Michael d'Estries
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:27 pm
    PETA's announcement late last summer that it was reserving one of the new .xxx domain extensions was met with both scorn and amusement.

  • Recycled paper napkins

    lbellows
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:23 pm
    Eco-conscious consumers have long known that the greenest napkin option out there is a good old-fashioned linen one that would make grandma proud. When a guest list is long (hello, birthday parties and backyard barbecues), however, common sense dictates a paper option is the most stress-free choice for post-party cleanup. With the proliferation of recycled paper napkins on the market now, environmental consciousness and a 21st-century love for convenience needn’t be at odds.

  • Girl's night in for Valentine's Day

    Starre Vartan
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:21 pm
    The best thing about Valentine's Day is that it really can mean whatever you want it to. Like most women, I've spent many a V-day single, and plenty as part of a couple. And I've had great (and not-great) experiences whether I was with someone or not. In fact, some of my fondest memories are Valentine's Days spent with the women who were in my life at the time.
 
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    Lifestyle News

  • PETA's porn site now accepting signups

    Michael d'Estries
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:27 pm
    PETA's announcement late last summer that it was reserving one of the new .xxx domain extensions was met with both scorn and amusement.

  • Girl's night in for Valentine's Day

    Starre Vartan
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:21 pm
    The best thing about Valentine's Day is that it really can mean whatever you want it to. Like most women, I've spent many a V-day single, and plenty as part of a couple. And I've had great (and not-great) experiences whether I was with someone or not. In fact, some of my fondest memories are Valentine's Days spent with the women who were in my life at the time.

  • Was the Komen flip-flop ethical?

    Super Admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:58 pm
    Whether you call it saving face, flip-flopping or making a U-turn on a issue, changing your mind frequently has a negative backlash associated with it. Those who need proof can look to two examples in the past week that confirm just how much the public dislikes the act of flip-flopping. The question is…is it ethical to change your stance on an issue if you stand to gain from the outcome?   The question came to the fore this week when the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, changed its position on funding Planned Parenthood.

  • 'Concordia' documentary to hit Nat Geo first

    Michael d'Estries
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:54 am
    In the race to air documentaries about nearly every major disaster that befalls the world, the Discovery Channel has generally been the lone competitor. This week, it discovered yet another network willing to dive into the fray; as the National Geographic Channel announced it would be the first to air an "exclusive" special on the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster.    “Just announced! National Geographic Channel to air first U.S.

  • Valentine Romance Gift Lounge: Raphael Sbarge, Karina Smirnoff & more

    Gerri Miller
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:40 am
      The Fourth Annual Valentine Romance Oscar Lounge & Party at Café la Boheme in West Hollywood drew scores of celebrities eager to sample gourmet food, drinks and freebies from a wide variety of vendors offering clothing, jewelry and accessories while giving back by donating clothing to the homeless aid non-profit Operation Dress Up!
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    Earth Matters - Shea Gunther

  • Pig Chase: European farmers playing video games with their pigs

    Shea Gunther
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:29 pm
    Mother Jones has a really interesting story up about researchers at a Dutch university who are working to develop a video game called "Pig Chase" that is playable by both farmers and their pigs. The game allows human players to control lights on a large touchscreen set in the pig pens that can be chased and touched by pigs themselves.

  • Satellite photo shows stricken cruise ship Costa Concordia lying off Italian coast

    Shea Gunther
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:58 am
    This amazing satellite photograph shows the magnitude of the disaster that struck the cruise ship Costa Concordia after it ran aground on Jan. 13 of this year. Fifteen people are known to have died in the accident as of the time of this publishing but 17 people are still missing.

  • We must stay vigilant: SOPA and PIPA might be dead, but more internet-killing bills are on the way

    Shea Gunther
    6 Feb 2012 | 10:20 pm
    If you're a fairly regular user of the interwebs, it's likely you've heard about SOPA and PIPA, the anti-piracy legislation that was being pushed through Congress by politicians in the pockets of large media companies and organizations like the anti-consumer Motion Picture Association of America (whose President and chief lobbyist, retired U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd, was the proposed bills biggest promoter).

  • Fox News: Keystone XL will create 2,000, 85,000, one million jobs

    Shea Gunther
    6 Feb 2012 | 10:06 pm
    Media Matters put together a great compilation of Fox News anchors and commentators stating wildly disparate numbers when citing the number of jobs that will be created by the Keystone XL pipeline project that was recently delayed after the Obama administration denied a key permit.

  • Maine governor Paul LePage calls on invisible sky wizard to save him

    Shea Gunther
    6 Feb 2012 | 10:03 pm
    It's been hard to be a Mainer ever since Teabagger Paul LePage snatched the job of governor with 38% of the vote in a three-way race against a Democrat and an Independent. There doesn't seem to be a week that goes by without some news of him embarrassing the pine tree state by doing something either stupid and/or offensive. He told President Obama to "go to hell" and the NAACP to "kiss his butt".
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    Your Home - Matt Hickman

  • Earth Blocks: Not your chip off the old, LEGO-esque building block

    Matt Hickman
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:21 pm
    Today, I depart from the world of green building to the world of green building blocks for a quick look at a (mostly) non-plastic LEGO alternative from Japan sure to appeal to pint-sized aspiring eco-architects and/or housebound-in-the-winter folks in desperate need of a stack-and-lock-based distraction.   Called Earth Blocks, the Colors Tokyo-designed building blocks are made

  • Behold, the New American Home 2012

    Matt Hickman
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:18 pm
    Today, the National Association of Homebuilders’ annual hoedown, the International Builders’ Show, kicked off in Orlando and, with that, the doors were also opened to the event’s official show home, the New American Home 2012.   I haven’t been entirely fond of past New Ame

  • The V-Spot: Lovey-dovey home design

    Matt Hickman
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:57 pm
    Screen-printed Organic Cotton Anatomically Correct Heart Flour Sack Towel by Oh, Little Rabbit @

  • '16 Dollar House' squatter gets the boot

    Matt Hickman
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:38 pm
    Things you can buy for $16: A monthly subscription to Netflix (one DVD at a time and streaming); a ticket (senior, non-peak) to see “Hugo” at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood; an 8.4-ounce bottle of Kiehl’s miracle-working Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion; a set of five, super-cute handmade Valentine’s Day cards from Etsy; a little less than 4.5 gallons of regular gasoline in Georgia; and in the ritzy Dallas suburb of Flower Mound, a 3,200-square-foot McMansion complete with a backyard

  • One home to rule them all

    Matt Hickman
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:07 pm
    I’m not a Tolkien disciple — or a fanboy of any stripe, really — but I did enjoy Peter Jackson’s "Lord of the Rings" films. One small, Middle Earth-related gripe, though: I could have done with fewer clamorous, protracted monster vs. good guy showdowns and more Better Homes & Gardens-esque tours of the Shire. Those charming, carved-into-the-hillside “Hobbit-holes” with the tiny round windows get my vote for best eco-friendly fantasy dwelling, hands down.
 
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    Money - Melissa Hincha Ownby

  • Weight loss: A possible benefit of the recession?

    Melissa Hincha-Ownby
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:19 am
    This week’s episode of Freakonomics on NPR’s Marketplace discussed a possible benefit to The Great Recession. Yes, I said a benefit to the recession. Evidently there is some evidence pointing towards a link between an economic recession and weight loss.

  • Is a student loan debt crisis brewing?

    Melissa Hincha-Ownby
    8 Feb 2012 | 6:26 pm
    When the housing bubble burst, the nation’s economy went into a tailspin. While we are still slowly recovering from the affects of the housing crisis, another financial crisis may be brewing.

  • Driving the 2012 Toyota Prius c

    Melissa Hincha-Ownby
    7 Feb 2012 | 10:03 pm
    The Prius family is about to grow once again with the March 2012 release of the new Toyota Prius c, a compact Prius designed with the city in mind. Although the new Prius c (the c stands for city) won’t be available until next month, I had the opportunity to take it for a spin in San Diego last week.   Once again, I had my trusted Toyota test drive partner, Osha Gray Davidson, at my side.

  • Watch: CNN interviews Foxconn worker

    Melissa Hincha-Ownby
    7 Feb 2012 | 5:03 pm
    Foxconn manufactures products for Apple, Microsoft and other tech companies.

  • Walmart launches 'Great For You' food label

    Melissa Hincha-Ownby
    7 Feb 2012 | 1:07 pm
    If you shop at Walmart, prepare yourself for the appearance of another food label, this time a private label exclusive. Today, Walmart Stores unveiled the new “Great For You” label that will appear on Walmart brand food items that are healthier choices for consumers. The label can also be found on fresh fruits and vegetables.   I admit, when I first heard that there would be yet another “healthy” brand used to guide consumer choices, I was a bit skeptical.
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    Family - Jenn Savedge

  • Study: New kids' books lack connection to nature

    Jenn Savedge
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:20 pm
    Take a minute to think about your favorite book from childhood. Do you envision lots of furry animals? A wise old tree? Kids in the forest? With environmental issues so prominent in the American mindset, one would think that the natural environment would play a larger role now in children's books than it did several decades ago.

  • Sarah Palin: Raising a special needs child

    Jenn Savedge
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:38 am
    I feel the need to state from the get-go that I am not the parent of a special needs child. But I have been so touched by two posts I've read recently on the topic that I felt I absolutely had to share them here.

  • Technology in the classroom: How much is enough?

    Jenn Savedge
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:43 pm
    Where is the future of education headed? Our kids are connected to gadgets and plugged into technology at earlier and earlier ages to the point where many find their use inevitable and even critical to a child's education. But interestingly, a strange trend has emerged amongst those tasked with creating all of this technology. They're sending their kids to schools that don't use any gadgets — no iPads, no computers — no screens of any kind. And they're keeping their kids away from gadgets at home, too.

  • White House introduces plan to promote STEM subjects in education

    Jenn Savedge
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    Yesterday, President Barack Obama hosted the second White House Science Fair, honoring more than 100 student winners from a broad range of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions from across the country.

  • How to set up parental controls for your kid's computer

    Jenn Savedge
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:28 am
    Fresh on the heels of yesterday's post on technology in the classroom, I thought it would be appropriate to write about the parental controls you can use to keep kids safe on the technology they use at home.  We jumped on the fast-moving technology train at our house around the holidays when an iPhone, a netbook, and two Kindles suddenly came into our lives, leaving me scrambling to ensure that my kids are getting the best of their access to the Internet without exposing them to the unsavory side of the World Wide Web.
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    MNN Green News Roundup

  • Give the gift of roaches for Valentine's Day

    Russell McLendon
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:20 pm
    Still struggling to think of a good Valentine's Day gift? Sure, you could buy chocolates and flowers, but those usually end up devoured and droopy by Presidents Day.

  • Happy Tu Bishvat, the new year for trees

    Russell McLendon
    7 Feb 2012 | 6:44 pm
    This spring will mark the 140th anniversary of Arbor Day, founded in April 1872 as a time to "plant, nurture and celebrate trees."   But long before that, another tree-centric holiday had already been promoting arboreal appreciation for centuries.

  • What are superbugs doing in Antarctica?

    Russell McLendon
    6 Feb 2012 | 4:18 pm
    Escherichia coli bacteria, better-known as E. coli, are common in the lower intestines of humans. That means they go everywhere people go — even Antarctica.   Many strains of E.

  • Watch: 'Sheep cyclone' traps car

    Russell McLendon
    5 Feb 2012 | 4:40 pm
    UPDATE: The video was removed under YouTube's "harmful activities" policy. Another copy is available here; see for yourself if it seems like the sheep are being harmed.    

  • Watch: Porcupine picks Super Bowl winner

    Russell McLendon
    4 Feb 2012 | 12:24 am
    The Patriots may be a slight favorite in Sunday's Super Bowl, but that's not stopping one prominent Dallas fan from defiantly picking his Cowboys' archrival Giants.   "Teddy Bear" is an 8-year-old porcupine at Zooniversity in Dallas, where he spends his time eating corn and watching enough football to recognize a good pass rush. And since it's early February, when
 
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    Green Tech - Karl Burkart

  • TV weatherman caught promoting false information about climate change

    Karl Burkart
    24 Jan 2012 | 12:10 am
    2011 broke nearly every storm record there was to be broken, and it was the first time in recorded history we've had two years in a row with more than 18 storms in the hurricane season. But if you were to listen to the TV weather reports of Justin Berk of WMAR-TV in Baltimore, or Bob Breck of WVUE-TV New Orleans, or Dave Dahl of KSTP-TV Minneapolis you would think this was nothing to be alarmed about.   These and dozens of other weatherman across the nation do not believe in climate change.

  • Fortune 500 companies gather for green 'brainstorm'

    Karl Burkart
    17 Jan 2012 | 10:52 am
    It's a gorgeous 90-degree day here at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, and Fortune magazine (spearheaded by Marc Gunther) has assembled the world's top business and technology leaders here for a second annual green "brainstorm."   Marriott, Walmart, IBM, Starbucks, Ford, McDonalds, Dell, Toyota, HP, Microsoft and GE a

  • Sharks become supermodels in new TV show

    Karl Burkart
    13 Dec 2011 | 2:36 pm
    One of the greatest challenges for any fashion photographer is getting the personality and soul of a model to shine during a photo shoot. But one celebrity photographer, Mike Muller, is taking on a far greater challenge — capturing the personality and soul of wild sharks.    A new show on the Travel Channel is airing this Sunday (Dec. 18) at 9 p.m. EST and it has a novel premise: send a team of high-end Hollywood photographers to a series of remote locations and recreate a professional photography studio underwater.

  • U.S. climate negotiators confront growing opposition in Durban

    Karl Burkart
    8 Dec 2011 | 10:08 am
    There are some slopes that are just too steep to go down safely, and that holds true whether you are skiiing, driving or negotiating the decarbonization of the global economy.   Now entering their second week, the UN climate talks in Durban may be putting the world on a precipitous course indeed, with U.S.

  • Leaked report confirms climate change and extreme weather connection

    Karl Burkart
    6 Dec 2011 | 2:34 pm
    UPDATE: The SREX report is now published in full on the UNFCCC website.   As much as climate skeptics would all like us to believe that scientists have been cooking the books to make climate change look worse than it actually is, it turns out quite the opposite is true -- scientists have been downplaying the most extreme impacts.
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    Food - Robin Shreeves

  • More Americans using mobile devices at grocery store

    Robin Shreeves
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:27 pm
     

  • Mindful eating in a house full of boys

    Robin Shreeves
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:40 am
     

  • Van Gogh exhibit is about nature as he saw it

    Robin Shreeves
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:09 pm
    "Van Gogh's paintings make me want to go outside."   That's what I told my husband when he asked why I'm so fond of Vincent Van Gogh's art and why I was looking forward to seeing the "Van Gogh Up Close" exhibit that opened at the Philadelphia Museum of Art last week.   My knowledge of Van Gogh going into this exhibit was not extensive. I knew the stories of his mangled ear and his suicide.

  • In the social media age, offense spreads quickly

    Robin Shreeves
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:04 am
    If I could have another job besides the one I have, I think I might like to be a social media expert. Not a social media advisor who teaches people and companies how to use new media to their advantage, but someone who studies how social media is changing our culture and the way people learn information and form opinions.   I’m especially intrigued by how social media can give a loud voice to people whose causes would most likely not have been widely noticed in the past.

  • Schools need to add MyPlate to nutrition curriculum

    Robin Shreeves
    7 Feb 2012 | 9:49 am
     
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    Transportation - Jim Motavalli

  • Crazy car crash scenes: Real or fake?

    Jim Motavalli
    8 Feb 2012 | 12:11 pm
    Quick, click on this link to see some of the craziest car accidents ever! What, you say that somebody already emailed those pictures to you? It’s part of a venerable series of gag email strings crowding your inbox, along with the bizarre animal shots?

  • Neil Young, Steve Jobs, Bill Ford ... and high-end car audio

    Jim Motavalli
    3 Feb 2012 | 11:12 am
    Bill Ford, the scion of the Ford Motor Company, the former CEO and currently the executive chairman, had an unexpected visitor.

  • Driven to distraction by rock and rap

    Jim Motavalli
    3 Feb 2012 | 8:22 am
    Did you know that aggressive rock and rap has the power to make you drive badly? It’s true, according to a new paper from Israeli researchers. In response, they developed their own mellow-sounding “alternative in-car music background” and tested it out on some listeners.

  • Obama's Chrysler is yours for a cool $1 million

    Jim Motavalli
    2 Feb 2012 | 2:49 pm
    When he was an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama drove a car appropriate to the office — a Hemi-powered ’05 Chrysler 300C. The car was leased, and in 2007 when he turned it in (for a Ford Escape Hybrid, following ribbing about driving a gas guzzler) it got snapped up as a presidential collectible. And now it’s for sale on eBay for no less than $1 million.

  • Meet the king of million-mile cars

    Jim Motavalli
    25 Jan 2012 | 4:08 pm
    Do you have an old beater, a station car, a piece of junk that really should be in a scrap yard — but it just keeps running and running? Maybe you should hold on to it — it might be valuable someday as a million-mile record car. I don’t think anybody in the world can beat Long Island’s Irv Gordon, who has put nearly 3 million miles on a 1966 Volvo, but others have come surprisingly close, and with all kinds of cars and trucks.
 
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    Peter Dykstra's Columns

  • Green States: Changing the course of mighty rivers

    Peter Dykstra
    17 Jan 2012 | 10:44 am
      Editor's note: At the bottom of this article, Peter Dykstra explains why this is his final column for MNN.   Every once in a while, humanity manages to do something so sublimely awful that all we can do is laugh.

  • Ten steps toward a happier 2009

    Peter Dykstra
    24 Jun 2011 | 1:35 pm
     

  • Green States: The kids in the hall

    Peter Dykstra
    26 May 2011 | 4:06 pm
    "I am in this race to tell the corporate lobbyists that their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over.

  • Green States: Pink slips at green groups

    Peter Dykstra
    26 May 2011 | 4:03 pm
    Nonprofit groups function a little differently than the rest of the business world. Salaries tend to be a bit lower; passions about the mission of the place you work for a bit higher.

  • Green States: A planet for all seasons

    Peter Dykstra
    26 May 2011 | 4:01 pm
    Nature has a great way of giving clues to the clueless. When spring arrives a little earlier, and fall stays a bit later, it’s not necessarily a good thing.   Phenology is the study of how climate impacts the blooming of plants in the spring, their dying back in the fall, and the migratory and feeding habits of animals.
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    Compass

  • Stop the Sweetheart Deal to Big Oil

    Heather Moyer
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:16 am
    Just in time for Valentine's Day, House Republicans are rushing ahead with a "transportation" bill only Big Oil could love. Once upon a time the Bridge to Nowhere came to represent the most wasteful spending and earmarks in transportation.  While earmarks targeting federal dollars for specific projects are gone, the House republicans have bested the bridge to nowhere with a so-called transportation bill that is good for Big Oil.The bill mixes terrible transportation policy with Big Oil’s wish list: opening fragile and protected areas like the Arctic National Wildlife…

  • The Natural Gas Industry Finds another Loophole in Pennsylvania

    Heather Moyer
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:53 am
    Pennsylvania Chapter Director Jeff Schmidt speaks at a rally urging state leaders to protect our water, air and communities from fracking. If you live in Pennsylvania, yesterday the State House voted through a bill that allows natural gas companies to drill only 300 feet from your house, your child’s school, the hospital, and sensitive natural areas.This dangerous pro-fracking bill is disguised as an "impact fee" bill, but it provided many more loopholes the natural gas industry can exploit. This bill will now go to Governor Corbett's desk to be signed.The bill, HB 1950…

  • Mitt and Fred's Busy Schedules Always Have Room for the "Planet's Worst Enemies"

    Heather Moyer
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:28 am
    Wednesday was a busy day for both Mitt Romney and his newest supporter, Michigan Congressman Fred Upton. Early yesterday morning, Upton held a closed-door fundraiser with the Washington lobbyists from some of our nation's biggest polluters. There, he collected checks from the very people whose job it is to oppose the safeguards that keep the air we breathe clean from the toxic mercury and lead that cause cancer, asthma, and heart disease. Then, just an hour later, Congress' Energy and Commerce Committee – for which Upton is the Chairman – began the first of two…

  • All My Friends Drive on Low Carbon

    The Sierra Club
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:52 pm
    Wouldn't it be nice if every time you did something for the planet, someone kept a tally? Well, for electric vehicle drivers, there's an app for that. The latest cool thing to come out of the "Car 2.0 era" was unveiled last week from the makers of PlugShare, which is a program that acts as a social network of EV-charger locations. They have designed and released an app called GreenCharge, which calculates how much oil, and how many dollars, you save with each mile you drive your EV. And like other EV apps, it will monitor the car's remaining charge and driving range. But…

  • Climate on Steroids

    The Sierra Club
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:28 am
    (via ThinkProgress.)
 
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    The Green Life

  • Green Your Valentine's Day: Caring Cards

    The Sierra Club
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:01 am
    On Valentine's Day, don't forget to extend your love to Mother Earth. This week's tips should help you do just that, even as you celebrate the biggest Hallmark holiday there is. Tip #4: Go for greener greetings.  When you consider all that's needed to manufacture Valentine's Day cards — trees, water, bleach, dye, transportation, and shipping — and the fact that many of them ultimately end up in the landfill, making your own cards and envelopes and buying recycled (Papyrus and Hallmark have both made strides toward this) start to sound like pretty good…

  • Name Toronto Zoo's Newest Polar Bear Cub

    Green Life
    8 Feb 2012 | 7:26 pm
    The Toronto Zoo's absurdly cute three-month-old polar bear cub needs a name — and you could choose the critter's moniker. On March 31, zoo officials will give the naming rights to one lucky and creative contestant. There's no cash associated with the prize, but at least you could brag about having some kind of tangential parental role in this epic little fur ball's life — priceless.  The zoo will accept entries until March 16.  --Ryan Jacobs/image courtesy of Toronto Zoo 

  • Green Your Valentine's Day: The Sweet Stuff

    The Sierra Club
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:01 am
    On Valentine's Day, don't forget to extend your love to Mother Earth. This week's tips should help you do just that, even as you celebrate the biggest Hallmark holiday there is. Tip #3: Choose Conscientious Cocoa What's Valentine's Day without chocolate? When choosing sweets for your sweetheart, look for brands that are organic, local, and shade-grown. Why organic? Of all crops, cocoa takes second plase for using the most pesticides (number one is cotton); when producers stop using planet-harming chemicals, chocolate tastes better. As for shade-grown, that…

  • High-Efficiency Suds

    Bob Schildgen
    7 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm
    Hey Mr. Green, We just bought a high-efficiency washer.  The instructions say to use a "HE" detergent. What should I look for in these detergents and what brands do you recommend? —Michael, in Nevada City, California First, read the label carefully to make darn sure you’re getting an authentic HE detergent. Some companies claim that their product is “HE Compatible,” when it’s just an ordinary detergent, warns the American Cleaning Institute. HE detergent is a must for an HE machine because regular detergents are so sudsy that they interfere with the machine’s…

  • Green Your Valentine's Day: Date Ideas

    The Sierra Club
    7 Feb 2012 | 8:01 am
    On Valentine's Day, don't forget to extend your love to Mother Earth. This week's tips should help you do just that, even as you celebrate the biggest Hallmark holiday there is. Tip #2: Plan a great date.  Research shows that giving an experience, not a thing, makes people happier in the long run. Good thing that's the greener way to go too: A hike, a treatment at an organic spa, or a local camping trip won't create nearly as much waste as some objects (producing one gold ring can generate 20 tons of mining waste). When making restaurant reservations, look for an…
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    DeSmogBlog

  • The Business of Risk – Insuring Against Climate Change

    Farron Cousins
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:28 pm
    Insurance_Photo.jpg When it comes to assessing risk, the insurance industry is one of the leaders in the field. Whether it is health insurance, car insurance, or homeowner’s insurance, the industry is forced to analyze every possible scenario for a given person or structure, and impose a fee based on the likelihood of events for the situation. So when an entire industry that bases their profitability on reducing risk starts factoring climate change into their equations, it's probably a good idea to pay attention. Earlier this month, insurance commissioners in three separate U.S.

  • Santorum Calls Global Warming a “Hoax,” Suggesting a Full-Fledged Climate Conspiracy Theory

    Chris Mooney
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:19 am
    501px-Rick_Santorum_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg Conservatism is a political philosophy that is, at its most fundamental, about resisting change. So perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that an outrageous and absurd line uttered about global warming in 2003—Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe’s assertion that it is the “greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people”—has not, nearly a decade later, been discredited on the right. Instead, this idea has persisted. Indeed, the “hoax” charge was recently reiterated by Rick…

  • China Looks To Stephen Harper For Lessons In Dirty Energy Exploitation

    Farron Cousins
    7 Feb 2012 | 11:14 pm
    oilyleaf.jpg Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in China this week to meet with Chinese leaders about how both countries can profit big by exploiting China’s shale gas reserves, as well as by importing Canadian tar sands oil. Harper is scheduled to meet with both Chinese officials, as well as heads of oil and gas companies during his four-day visit to the country. More on the specifics of who will be attending these meetings, from Reuters Canada: During his trip Harper will meet President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao as well as two important regional players - Chongqing…

  • Here We Go Again – Republican Attacks On EPA Kick Off 2012 Agenda

    Farron Cousins
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:56 am
    business-anti-environment.jpg With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set to finally enact stricter air pollution standards in accordance with the Clean Air Act and two subsequent U.S. Supreme Court decisions requiring them to do so, powerful Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are working to make sure that the new standards never see the light of day. The specific measures being targeted are the EPA’s new standards for carbon emissions from power plant smoke stacks. Fred Upton (R-MI), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, along with Republicans…

  • A Conservative Ignores the Science on Why…Conservatives Ignore the Science

    Chris Mooney
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:38 am
    discoveryGlobeHeader.jpg David Klinghoffer, of the anti-evolutionist Discovery Institute, has a revealing article in the conservative American Spectator entitled: “Republicans and Science (as opposed to liberals and the science they’ve politicized).” Why “revealing”? Klinghoffer seeks to explain the real reason why conservatives like himself resist certain scientific findings. But in the process, he shows a surprising, er, inattentiveness to the scientific research on this very topic. At the same time, Klinghoffer also strikingly affirms the results of…
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    Celebrate Green Blog

  • Corey’s Green Home Project: The Floors (part #3)

    Corey
    9 Feb 2012 | 5:55 am
    Corey choice for healthy/sustainable flooring for her laundry and utility room.

  • 5 ways to say “I love you” with a Valentine breakfast

    Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson
    7 Feb 2012 | 6:05 am
    by Lynn and Corey We’ve always been a lover of hearts in any form and nothing says “love” more than combining hearts with a made-for-you special breakfast on Valentine’s Day. Here are some fun heart shaped wake-up ideas you might want to try this February 14th. (Be sure to use local, organic ingredients when available.) [...]

  • Craft: Girly girl iPad case

    Lynn
    6 Feb 2012 | 5:55 am
    Lynn make a cute ipad case.

  • Homemade Pasta Sauce

    Kia
    6 Feb 2012 | 2:01 am
    by Kia One of our favorite meals is pasta with a homemade tomato and zucchini sauce. The sauce is really easy to make and carries a ton of flavor. There’s no need to add any extra sweeteners because the zucchini gets so sweet when it’s cooked. Here’s the recipe – I hope you enjoy it! [...]

  • Top 10 (Real-Food) Valentine’s Day Treats

    Corey
    4 Feb 2012 | 6:09 am
    Lynn & Corey's Top 10 list for Valentines' Day treats. All good for people & planet.
 
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    Tiny Choices

  • Traveling Choices

    Karina
    6 Feb 2012 | 5:37 am
    I flew out to San Diego last week for a conference on Sustainable Remediation. It was great! I love this group of experts who are so committed and engaged in implementing sustainable protocols and methodologies into remediation projects. I had a few observations while I was traveling and thought I would share them with you all! Firstly, San Diego is beautiful. It was in the 70s during the day and in the 40s and 50s at night. Sunny every single day! It’s hard to believe that EVERYONE doesn’t live there. I guess it’s good that they don’t, though, because it is a desert…

  • Our New Furnace

    Karina
    30 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am
    We have finally gotten a new furnace installed! For the record, this is a photograph of our old furnace. Scary, right? We’ve been meaning to do this for AGES. We were heating our house with fuel oil, which was expensive and dirty, plus, it’s super smelly and actually exactly the same thing as diesel fuel, really. Every year the furnace would need service because of sludge clogging the lines (algae grows in the fuel oil because of the low sulfur formulation – which is good for emissions! but was a real hassle every year when we had to replace the filter). The furnace was old,…

  • Repurpose! Jars Edition!

    tinychoices
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:13 pm
    Let’s take a quick internet tour of some interesting repurpose projects. Maybe y’all will find some weekend project inspiration! We love JARS. glass jars! they’re hefty and heavy, sure, but they are super durable and you can be positive that the jar itself (though perhaps not the cap) is chemical-free. How can we keep showing jars the love after we’ve exhausted their original contents? Here are some neat ideas from the internet! Over here at Team Tiny Choices, we’ve used them to pack waste-free lunches and to fill with delicious beverages (cold OR hot, thanks to a tiny…

  • New Shower Curtains!

    Karina
    23 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am
    It’s no secret that for several years I have struggled with unsightly shower curtains. In my last apartment the curtain was in tatters by the time I moved away but I didn’t want to buy a new one! The house I live in now requires two shower curtains – one to protect the unfinished window sills in the tub, and one to protect the rest of the bathroom from the shower splatter – and they were also both held together with duct tape and getting incredibly disgusting with mold and soap scum. The last time we washed the curtains they started to split, so they were also held…

  • Easy Peasy Tip: Remake It

    tinychoices
    21 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am
    Sometimes by changing something small, we can get a second life out of things we already own: Love the pendant but hate the necklace?  Buy new cord and restring it… Love the yarn but hate the sweater?  Unravel it, find a pattern you love, and knit up something new… Perfectly good greens and beans but unimpressive soup?  Cook it down, spice it up, add some tofu and make a new dish… Don’t need the backyard doghouse any longer?  Take it apart and use the wood to build a compost bin… Love the fabric but hate the bedspread/blanket/shirt?  Make pillows… Have…
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    Eco-Chick

  • Escapes Giveaway! Gorgeous, Recycled Plastic Heys Suitcase

    Starre Vartan
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:30 pm
    Heys has long been known for producing quality suitcases and travel gear. And now their new eco-friendly line, EcoCase (they are made from 100% recycled plastic) proves they are conscious too. (And I think the hard-case style is pretty cool.) So naturally, we are giving one away to Eco Chick and Eco Chick Escapes readers! (Heys does make a soft fabric suitcase, also made from recycled polyester fabric, as well.) The giveaway would be for ONE Turquoise EcoCase carry-on piece, pictured above. To win: You have the chance to win the prize. How? Simply like the Heys Facebook page and Eco Chick…

  • Heroines for the Planet: Anna Getty

    Lindsay E. Brown
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:10 am
    One could peg Anna Getty any number of titles — holistic lifestyle expert, author, entrepreneur, yoga teacher, heiress, and environmental activist among them. But each come in a distant second to her most cherished roles, that of mother and wife. What I found infinitely charming about Anna is that she doesn’t care how she’s labeled. Her main objective is to be of service to others and the planet, and so long as she’s doing just that, she’s at peace. I asked Anna about her latest endeavors, how she helps others live more consciously, and whether being an heiress…

  • Party Planner Extraordinaire Brian Worley’s Girl’s-Only Valentine’s Day Fiesta

    Starre Vartan
    2 Feb 2012 | 12:40 pm
    Ed Note: Brian Worley, an LA-based party planner who was most recently featured in People Magazine, and he’s shared some of his great ideas with Eco Chick (see below)! For the girls who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their friends and have a fun night in, I have included a party plan to help celebrate a holiday that is notoriously for couples, in a way that celebrates their independence and zest for life! Decorate with Orange and Turquoise, rather than Pink and Red, or any other colors that make you happy and enjoy a night of gal-pal bonding! For starters, here are two…

  • Heroines for the Planet: Jill Danyelle, Eco Interior Designer

    Lindsay E. Brown
    31 Jan 2012 | 9:08 am
    Jill Danyelle is, quite simply, too talented to fail.  Her artistic prowess, indomitable desire to evolve, and adoration of nature led her to recently launch the interior design business she was always meant to create. She has triumphed as a therapist, eco-fashion designer and green fashion writer, and with hobbies that include art, photography and travel, it seems apropos that interior design would transform into her next business venture. Jill recently found some time in her busy schedule to share with us how she incorporates sustainability into her projects, the challenges she’s…

  • Eco Designer Carrie Parry Wins the Green Fashion Competition at Amsterdam Fashion Week

    Starre Vartan
    30 Jan 2012 | 5:35 pm
    Eco-Chick fave Carrie Parry (check out Haley’s coverage of her F/W 2011 collection here) has just won the 15,000 Euro prize at Amsterdam Fashion Week for her latest collection. Congratulations Carrie! “It feels amazing to be honored by such a prestigious group whose goals in advancing sustainable fashion are so matched with my own,” says Parry. According to a press release: “Counting previous posts at Jonathan Saunders, Marc Jacobs, Norma Kamali, and fashion’s leading environmental non-profit Earth Pledge FutureFashion, Carrie Parry brings something totally new…
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    SC for Green

  • BRIEF CONSIDERATION ON AIR TRAINING IN DALLAS

    maureen
    7 Feb 2012 | 12:40 am
    Dallas, one of the quickest increasing urban places is in Arizona a lower condition of the US. Like other lower places, this town too experiences a hot and moist summer time season otherwise it’s one of the best positions to reside in. In summer time, heat variety can arrive at a typical high of 91°F and low of 73°F making the town unpleasant. Speaking about AC in Facilities, it is one fundamental product in every family. Therefore, air conditioning assistance in Facilities is one increasing need of people. The fast paced and fast speed world of these days makes our life powerful only…

  • THE OLYMPIC ARMCHAIR: DESIGNER FURNITURE FOR THE ‘SUMMER OF SPORT’

    maureen
    31 Jan 2012 | 9:37 am
    So here we are in January; a month that will forever be the realm of overdue credit-card statements, ‘How to Stop Smoking’ adverts, and half-hearted sessions at the gym. Summer feels so far away that it’s in danger of disappearing completely from the calendar, and your living room is somewhere to hide away in, rather than to show off. Yet, in many ways, 2012 is set to be a landmark year for the UK, and this summer’s London Olympics could prove to be the year’s defining moment. For those who plan to enjoy the games from home, there is a great deal of contemporary designer furniture…

  • INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE 2009

    maureen
    19 Jan 2012 | 7:27 am
    As of International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC), a commercial and residential buildings that R1 occupancy containing more than 75 meters from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access is required, the following components of your system, emergency exits with Photo luminescent exit provide tags: handrails and railing extensions, some parts of the door areas, obstacles, landing, stairs and certain parts of the ground surface. International Building Code 2009 regulates the release of security updates in the construction of all 50 states has been adopted, while…

  • SOLAR ENERGY HELP YOU COOKING MEALS AT HOME

    maureen
    2 Jan 2012 | 3:49 am
    Solar power has several distinct beneficial apps like the hybrid cars which might be becoming manufactured by simply auto organizations and also which can be arranged to succeed in the market by simply 2012. Solar energy may also be used for home apps including home heating swimming h2o, asking batteries, or even strength lighting. Photo voltaic goods like solar power tubular skylights and also solar attic room supporters may also be useful to have built in your home since these have extended life-span and demand hardly any routine maintenance. You may also make use of a solar operated cooker…

  • SOLAR POWER – THE FUTURE OF ENERGY PRODUCTION?

    maureen
    24 Dec 2011 | 10:23 pm
    Energy prices are increasing incredibly rapidly. While this is partially due to inflation, a major contributing factor to the price rises is the fact that fossil fuels are running out. This has led many people to wonder what we will use to generate energy in the future. Solar power is an excellent source of renewable energy and it has been adopted in many homes around the country. But is solar the future of energy production? Fossil fuels are not going to be around forever, for this reason, many scientist are looking into alternative ways to generate energy. Solar power is one such energy…
 
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    Deep Climate

  • Open Thread, February 2012

    Deep Climate
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:44 am
    Here are a couple of items currently in the news. Fallout from the Wall Street Journal 16 op-ed continues. The Journal printed a response from actual climate scientists, apparently drafted by NCAR scientists Kevin Trenberth. Meanwhile Patrick Michaels weighs in at Forbes. There are many other takedowns of the WSJ 16 piece out there; here is one from Media Matters. There has also been a ragged rollout of the plan for a more rigourous oil sands monitoring program, with attendant confusion about whether there will be independent governance. As far as I can tell, Alberta is willing to go along…

  • Joe Oliver recycles debunked EthicalOil.org talking points on oilsands emissions, refuses to accept climate science

    Deep Climate
    31 Jan 2012 | 10:30 pm
    Recently I noted that planned expansion of  the Alberta oil sands can not possibly be reconciled with the Harper government’s promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions  over the next few decades. (And Simon Fraser climate policy researcher Mark Jaccard apparently agrees). And I also exposed the ever mounting number of evident links between the Conservative government, including Natural Resources Minister  Joe Oliver, and the pro-oilsands EthicalOil.org PR group (a.k.a the Ethical Oil Institute). From: Quesnel Cariboo-Sentinel Now Oliver has upped the ante on both contentions…

  • Mark Jaccard calls out Stephen Harper on oil sands

    Deep Climate
    26 Jan 2012 | 3:46 pm
    Mark Jaccard is arguably Canada’s foremost climate policy researcher. He was a key architect of British Columbia premier Gordon Campbell’s landmark climate change program, featuring North America’s first comprehensive escalating carbon tax. And he led  a comprehensive 2007 modeling study, Climate Leadership, Economic Prosperity that  detailed the path for Canada to meet, or even exceed, its GHG emissions target for 2020. So when Jaccard has something to say, politicians and interested citizens on all sides of the climate policy debate generally listen. And Jaccard is…

  • Open Thread, January 2012

    Deep Climate
    19 Jan 2012 | 2:37 pm
    A couple of timely topics suggest themselves: 1) The Keystone XL application has been turned down by the Obama administration, but the applicant Trans Canada has been invited to reapply and will do so. In other words, a final decision has been delayed until 2013, which was the situation before the Republicans tried to force the issue. 2) Hansen et al have released their  2011 review, “Global Temperature in 2011, Trends, and Prospects”.

  • Ethical Oil political connections, part 1: Conservatives “Go Newclear”

    Deep Climate
    13 Jan 2012 | 11:27 am
    As a once in a generation Canadian pipeline review process gets underway, the rhetoric around the massive Northern Gateway project has heated up noticeably. The Conservative government and the Ethical Oil pro-industry group seemed to take turns ratcheting up attacks on environmental groups opposing the project almost daily. Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver may have set a new low in his recent attacks on those who would  “hijack our regulatory system to achieve their radical ideological agenda”, backed by “foreign special interest groups”, not to mention…
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    Green Living

  • Green Buildings Need Green Tenants

    azawadzka
    7 Feb 2012 | 11:36 am
    By Ashley Halligan Photo credit:  iStockphoto.com/sjlocke Environmental performance has, perhaps, become the biggest trend in building design and modification. read more

  • Your Nose Knows When Your Home is Sick

    azawadzka
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:44 pm
    Is your home causing you health problems? Article provided by YellowBlue Designs. Photo credit:  iStockphoto.com/Ekspansio Is your home causing you health problems? read more

  • Health of our Water

    azawadzka
    27 Jan 2012 | 1:26 pm
    Learn about the future of water with Waterlution Green Living editors Photo credit:  iStockphoto.com/bibikoff read more

  • Events: February-March 2012

    GreenLiving
    27 Jan 2012 | 12:36 pm
    read more

  • PURE GREEN: Inspiration for living a stylish green lifestyle

    azawadzka
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:03 am
    By Celine MacKay Photo credit:  ©Pure Green Magazine, photographed by Ever Images What motivates you to live green? Is it your health, core values or current trends? read more
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    Mommy Goes Green

  • Where To Find Me

    Tiffany
    15 Jan 2012 | 5:41 pm
    I may not be writing here regularly but you can find me contributing every month at Simple Organic and The Creative Mama.  I also post interesting articles and tips on the Mommy Goes Green Facebook .  Please stop by for a visit!

  • Keeping Your Whites, WHITE

    Tiffany
    12 Oct 2010 | 10:19 pm
    When we had our oldest, I used our rocking chair incessantly.  It was cream colored and after several years of use, it was stained in so many places.  It was a good quality chair and I didn’t want to toss it so I decided to have a slipcover made for it.  I chose white fabric – I know, white in a kid’s room - but I just love how crisp, clean and classic white is.  I’ve used the chair for 10 months now, snuggling up with my baby before bedtime.  Last week I noticed the cover had a few stains on it so it was time to peel it off and wash it.  Not only did it have…

  • Free Energy Saving Workshops at The Home Depot

    Tiffany
    12 Oct 2010 | 5:55 pm
    Over the next three weekends in October, The Home Depot is hosting FREE Energy Saving workshops.  On Saturday, Oct 16, 23 and 30, the workshop will be held from 1-2 pm at your local store.  Topics include: • Identify several exclusive Eco Options and Energy Star rated products that can help you start saving on energy costs in the Fall • Begin weatherizing your home with a range of low-cost sealants and insulation that make your home more comfortable and save you money • Learn about other easy to install products that help you get the most electricity and water bills

  • Friday Linky Love

    Tiffany
    8 Oct 2010 | 2:09 am
    Simple Organic shares 5 Simple Home Remedies That Really Work.  Skip the Tums and try peppermint essential oil in water or DIY chest rub for those winter colds.  Many great ideas you can put together yourself – saving you money at the drugstore and using natural ingredients. Group buying is the thing now and I’ve gotten some great deals on the sites.  Groupon, Living Social – you’ve heard of them and they all have similar deals that are 50% or more off products and services. In fact, I often find the same deal on Groupon one day and then on Mobba the next.  But…

  • Recycle Your Old Blue Jeans at Gap

    Tiffany
    8 Oct 2010 | 1:09 am
    Need some new jeans?  Take an old pair to Gap and get 30% off a new pair of Gap 1969 jeans.  The Gapwill take your old jeans and use them to create eco-friendly insulation.  If you have a Facebook account, “Like” Gap and get 40% off a new pair! In March, Gap participated in this event recycling over 270,000 pairs of jeans.  The jeans were recycled into insulation for 500 homes in under served communities and for special projects, including Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts. It only runs through October 20! I’m all over this – I so need a new pair of jeans!
 
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    Free Utility & Energy Magazines and Downloads from alltop.tradepub.com

  • Offshore

    2 Feb 2012 | 3:50 pm
    Offshore provides a rich editorial blend of international news and technology for marine/offshore operations around the world. Topics covered include seismic services, exploration, drilling, production, processing, pipelining, operating problems and design solutions.Request Free!

  • Renewable Energy World North America

    27 Jan 2012 | 7:50 pm
    Every issue examines major trends that are driving wind, hydropower, solar, geothermal and biomass adoption and integration by utilities across North America. Look to each issue for analysis of the financial trends affecting the renewable energy industry.Request Free!

  • Upstream Pumping Solutions

    17 Jan 2012 | 11:50 am
    Maintenance and troubleshooting tips, technical primers and case studies make Upstream Pumping Solutions an indispensible guide for approaching pumping problems onshore and offshore. An expert editorial advisory board featuring prominent upstream professionals offers input on topics including mud pumps, pressure pumping, frac pumping, artificial lift, multiphase pumping and related technologies.Request Free!

  • POWER

    13 Jan 2012 | 5:20 pm
    Published since 1882 and read by managers and engineers, POWER is the oldest and most trusted source of information in the energy industry. Coverage includes boilers and combustion systems, environmental management; instrumentation, controls, computers, and software; information technologies; natural gas, oil, coal, and renewable fuels; nuclear power; pumps, compressors, valves, and piping; turbines, engines, and generators; water treatment.Request Free!

  • Compliance and Beyond: Toward a Consensus on Identity Management Best Practices

    12 Jan 2012 | 6:50 pm
    For more than a decade, government and industry bodies around the world have issued a growing number of regulations for the energy industry designed -- in whole or in part -- to ensure the security, integrity and confidentiality of personal and corporate data. Combined, these individual regulatory guidelines outline what constitutes best practices in identity management and IT security. This white paper explores these compliance-driven best practices, how Imprivata® OneSign® solutions support them, and how prioritizing their implementation makes good business sense beyond the fulfillment of…
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    EcoGreenHotel

  • Are Millions of Dollars Hiding in Your Hotels? What You Need to Know about the Energy Policy Act – Section 179D Tax Deductions

    Parisiscott
    2 Feb 2012 | 3:37 am
    Have you recently done energy efficiency upgrades, or are you planning to do some this year? If so, are you aware of the EPAct, section 179D tax deduction and how it can possibly save you hundreds of thousands of dollars? As a hospitality resource, it is important to EcoGreenHotel to provide education on the ways [...]

  • Electric Vehicle Charging Station Now Available at Knoxville Hotels

    Parisiscott
    11 Jan 2012 | 12:34 am
    Knoxville, Tennessee – January 10, 2011 – Out of town visitors and local travelers in the Knoxville area now have more fueling options for their Electric Vehicles (EV). Four Knoxville area green hotels operated by Kana Hotel Group are doing their part to help to build the EV Charging network.  Eight charging stations positioned in preferred parking [...]

  • LEDs Have a Bright Future

    Parisiscott
    4 Jan 2012 | 5:44 am
    LEDs give off a very bright, crystal clear light. For those looking to save money and be more environmentally conscience, however, these innovative products emit all green. Because of the high expense associated with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the past, very few people considered them for most everyday use. With recent changes in semiconductor technology [...]

  • Super 8 – Ukiah, CA Awarded EPA’s Energy Star Label!

    Parisiscott
    18 Nov 2011 | 5:40 am
    The Super 8 Ukiah, CA has just been awarded the Energy Star label for achieving the stringent standards set forth by the federal government. Ranking in at least the top 25th percentile of energy efficient hotels in the country, the Super 8’s Energy Star label is truly outside validation for the sustainability efforts it has [...]

  • EcoGreenHotel Congratulates The Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia on Their Latest Achievement – Having Won Best Hotel in Columbia by Destination Guide!

    Parisiscott
    15 Nov 2011 | 6:51 am
    The Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia, SC won the 2011 “Best Hotel in Columbia” designation from Destination Guide. The achievement was awarded due to the hotel’s consistent quality and the commitment to the community by operating an environment friendly hotel. The Holiday Inn is an EcoRoom certified property, Fresh Stay participant, and currently in the [...]
 
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    Green Idea

  • Make Money Learning A New Skill

    David Smithson
    22 Jan 2012 | 6:24 am
    For plenty of people who have just been made redundant or are looking to modify career paths, the solar panel industry offers up many moneymaking career pathways. This is thanks to the fact that getting into the industry isn't that tough and you also have at your command a lot of options; you can either become a solar panel manufacturer, distributor or installer.
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    GoodGuide Blog

  • What Makes “Good” Chocolate?

    Mia Gralla
    8 Feb 2012 | 7:25 pm
    Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it’s pretty hard to resist the temptation of chocolate, whether you receive it as a gift or enjoy it as an indulgence for yourself. In fact, over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for this holiday. We may view it as a sinful sweet treat, but is all chocolate bad for you? Chocolate actually starts off across the globe, since cacao trees grow best in countries with tropical climate like West Africa, Central and South America, and parts of Asia. This is where chocolate can leave a bad taste. There are many labor issues with harvesting…

  • Rumblings Of A Retail Revolution

    Mia Gralla
    3 Feb 2012 | 5:04 pm
    The retail industry has the largest energy bills and the second largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the commercial sector of the U.S economy, according to the EPA. If retailers made even small adjustments to their practices, wouldn’t this have a profound impact on the welfare of our environment? In an attempt to give an extra push in the right direction, the Retail Industry Leader’s Association (RILA) released the first ever Retail Sustainability Report earlier this week. Businesses can now see how their sustainability efforts stack up, and generate new ideas based off…

  • The Folly of Faux Meat

    Sheila Viswanathan
    2 Feb 2012 | 11:20 am
    There are lots of reasons to make more of your meals meatless. The primary reason is the significant body of public health research indicates diets high in meat and animal products (specifically red meat) are associated with higher rates of chronic disease. However, “going meatless” to be healthier is getting more complicated. In a simple world, being vegetarian means replacing fleshy foods with more fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Some people don’t take this route with vegetarianism though, and instead opt to replace meat with “meat substitutes,” a growing…

  • January Good News Roundup

    Mia Gralla
    31 Jan 2012 | 5:57 pm
    GoodGuide kicked 2012 off to a great, healthy start and we are confident it is indicative of even better things to come. The media has been predicting that the rise of the sustainable shopper will be a major trend this year and we couldn’t agree more. Additionally, a multitude of publications including the New York Times predicted that with smart phone apps such as GoodGuide, the need for marketing terms and certifications on packages will become obsolete. Check our media highlights from the month of January: New York Times “Deciphering 2 Embedded Signs of Our…

  • A Healthy Game Plan

    Mia Gralla
    30 Jan 2012 | 6:31 pm
    Super Bowl Sunday might be the second largest day of food consumption (aside from Thanksgiving), but that doesn’t mean you have to throw your health game plan out the window. Armed with the GoodGuide app on your smartphone, you can easily tackle the super market without any fumbles. So how are we watching the Super Bowl here at GoodGuide? More pizza and chicken wings are consumed on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day. It’s fine to splurge, but go the extra yard by making your own so you can control the cheese, toppings and grease. You can make your own snacks also. By preparing…
 
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    EcoCentric Blog

  • Our Hero: Carole Baker of the Alliance for Water Efficiency

    admin@ecocentricblog.org (GRACE)
    9 Feb 2012 | 6:06 am
    Texas has been in the grip of a severe statewide drought since 2010. Recent heavy rains in parts of the state have helped take some cities out of drought status, but much of state remains dry and water levels remain low, prompting many in the state to strengthen their push for water conservation and efficiency. Working tirelessly in this endeavor is Carole Baker. Known at the Texas Capitol and around the state as the “Queen of Water Conservation,” Carole Baker was the 2011 recipient of the Gregg A. Cooke Memorial Award for Exceptional Environmental Excellence. For more than fifteen years…

  • Show Some Love with Ecocentric Valentine’s Day E-cards

    admin@ecocentricblog.org (GRACE)
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:35 am
    Valentine’s Day is all about love – for our partners, lovers, teachers, families, friends – you might even show some love for your co-workers (note to my fellow Ecocentric bloggers: I’ll take some cookies!) on February 14th. But you know who doesn’t get much love on Valentine’s Day? Mother Earth. Most Valentine’s Day gifts aren’t created with sustainability in mind. Valentine’s Day is second behind Christmas in card sending, close to a billion globally. Those heart shaped cardboard boxes filled with chocolates number in the tens of millions. The chocolate, flowers,…

  • Hydrokinetic Power: The Next Wave in Renewable Energy?

    admin@ecocentricblog.org (GRACE)
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:03 am
    What could be more dependable than the tides?  They sweep in and out once or twice a day, depending on the location, and you can find their precise timing and height in any newspaper in America.  Or tide app, for the tech-savvy mariner. For decades, cutting-edge renewable energy companies have been experimenting with the best ways to tap the massive power of tides and waves, and now it looks like the industry is finally set to have its first mainstream success in the United States. Two weeks ago, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission awarded the first commercial license for tidal power…

  • Bringing New Agency to Food Safety

    admin@ecocentricblog.org (GRACE)
    7 Feb 2012 | 12:04 pm
    Could a more unified food safety system be in our future? The Obama Administration may be poised to act on a decade-long recommendation to create a single federal food safety agency, according to The Hagstorm Report. A consumer advocate told Hagstorm that the food safety merger would likely occur after proposed changes to other overlapping agencies, provided Obama is granted permission to do so by Congress. Currently, responsibilities for food safety (including regulation, inspection, enforcement and more) are split among a whopping 15 government agencies, with at least 30 different laws used…

  • A Bird’s Eye View on Mountaintop Removal Mining: The Photography of J. Henry Fair

    admin@ecocentricblog.org (GRACE)
    3 Feb 2012 | 6:07 am
    Imagine a beautiful, idyllic mountain top, covered in trees, creeks and rivers running through it and woodland creatures flying and hopping all around it. Now imagine that the mountain top has been blown up. Why? To get to the coal that lies underground, and the remaining rocks, dead trees and dirt are dumped into the valleys, clogging up those creeks and rivers. Now imagine that it happens on such a large scale that a single human seems tiny compared to the whole operation. Thanks to a fantastic new photo exhibit by J. Henry Fair at the Forward Thinking Museum, you don’t have to imagine…
 
 
 
 
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    Green

  • On Our Radar: The Danube Ices Over

    By THE NEW YORK TIMES
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:52 pm
    The river is partly or totally blocked from Austria to the Black Sea, crippling transport.

  • More Gyrations in the Price of Food

    By JUSTIN GILLIS
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:38 am
    Global food prices have taken their first monthly jump since July, and a big one.

  • A Nuclear Milestone?

    By THE NEW YORK TIMES
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:29 am
    The Southern Company hopes the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will greenlight a $14 billion construction project at an existing nuclear plant in Waynesboro, Ga.

  • Debating a Resort for the Adirondacks

    By THE NEW YORK TIMES
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:12 am
    A state park agency has approved a sprawling resort project that could help revive the limping economy of Tupper Lake. Environmentalists fear that it will set a dangerous precedent and jeopardize the area's natural riches.

  • Finding Energy Advantages Six Feet Under

    By MATTHEW L. WALD
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:44 am
    Ball State University says its ground source heat pump system will soon be the largest installation of its kind in the country.
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    SocialEarth

  • seToolbelt Resource of the Week: Root Cause Analysis

    Lindsay Miller
    7 Feb 2012 | 9:11 pm
    You can think of social problems like an onion—peel back layer upon layer and eventually you get at the heart of the matter. This kind of problem analysis, also called [...]

  • An Argument for Playing Hooky

    Ashley
    6 Feb 2012 | 10:46 pm
    I’m given a lot of freedom as a teacher in my English as a Second Language classes, but there are some words and expressions I’m not allowed to teach. Sometimes [...]

  • Digitizing Good

    Robin Canfield - Curator_of_Good
    4 Feb 2012 | 5:43 am
    Right now I'm on the ground in Thailand with Actuality Media, working with crews on short films. I've met a lot of locals from Southeast Asia so far – in [...]

  • The #Globallove Campaign #SocEnt

    Tarini
    3 Feb 2012 | 3:15 am
    Retail shelves are already lined with a sea of red and pink, hearts and chocolates, stuffed teddy bears and any other consumer product that will make some lucky person`s heart [...]

  • seToolbelt Resource of the Week: Demonstrating Value

    Lindsay Miller
    2 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Talk to any social entrepreneur and they’ll probably tell you that one of their greatest challenges is demonstrating the impact of their work. While it’s one thing to “just know” [...]
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    Green Tech

  • Solar tower will power Las Vegas at night

    Martin LaMonica
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    SolarReserve hits a milestone on a 110-megawatt solar power plant that will have between 10 and 15 hours of energy storage in tanks of molten salt for supplying Nevada. Originally posted at News - Cutting Edge

  • NASA mission calculates global ice melt and rising sea levels

    Dara Kerr
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:10 pm
    Over seven years, scientists used data from NASA satellites to measure global ice melt and the effect on sea level rise. Now, a new study shows that during that time, the world's water mass grew by half an inch.

  • Google and Stanford early adopters of Honda Fit EV

    Liane Yvkoff
    8 Feb 2012 | 6:44 pm
    The Honda Fit EV debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011, and it's expected to be available for lease this summer. However, Google and Stanford University got a special delivery of the tiny EV this week. Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

  • Nest vows to fight Honeywell thermostat suit

    Martin LaMonica
    8 Feb 2012 | 6:24 pm
    Nest Labs barks back after being slapped with a patent infringement lawsuit and accuses Honeywell of trying to stifle innovation in smart thermostats with its "patent-attack strategy." Originally posted at News - Cutting Edge

  • Portable camping stove charges gadgets

    Christopher MacManus
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:03 pm
    By converting heat from the fire into usable electricity, the stoves recharge smartphones, lights, and other gadgets while you cook your hot dogs and baked beans. Originally posted at Crave
 
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    Energy Circle

  • ReCircle: The Rebound Effect, Smart Homes, Energy Monitoring, Spray Foam Insulation and more!

    Will
    13 Jan 2012 | 2:54 pm
    Why the “Rebound Effect” is Overblown. The Rebound Effect, also known as the Jevons Paradox, has been touted as a reason that we shouldn’t invest in energy efficiency. Here, once again, that theory is debunked. (From Cleantechnica) Smart Homes Becoming a Reality? The “smart house” at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show has caused quite a buzz for the high-tech gizmos it’s showing off (including automatically unlocking locks, remote controlled HVAC systems and shades, and appliances programmed to save energy, among other things). Is this, as…

  • Around the Web: Energy Circle's Hand-Picked Links, Chosen Especially for Energy Efficiency Pros.

    Will
    13 Jan 2012 | 2:47 pm
    From Energy Circle: Why Home Performance Pros Should Blog. Blogging can help establish your credibility, improve your site’s search engine rankings, help drive the industry, and get you new customers. Read on for more info. Curated Links from the Web: How to Become a Successful Home Energy Pro. So you wanna be a home energy professioanl? It’s gonna take a lot more than a BPI certificate or a can of caulk. Allison Bailes lays out his top 9 tips for people trying to break into the business successfully. (From Energy Vanuard) Licenses, Enforcers, and Doing the Right Thing. One…

  • 4 Reasons Home Performance Pros Should Blog.

    Will
    13 Jan 2012 | 10:35 am
    We’ve repeatedly stressed the importance of blogging for up-and-coming Home Performance businesses. In our webinars, blog posts, white papers, emails or conversations you may have heard us stress the importance of “fresh content” for your website, and how blogging is a great way to get fresh content on your site. You may be thinking, “what?,” and that’s fair. So we thought it would be worthwhile to give a quick rundown of the top reasons we think it’s worthwhile for you home performance contractors to at least dip a toe into the blogging world. Just…

  • ReCircle: Energy Monitoring, Remodeling Project Value, Energy Predictions for 2012, and more!

    Will
    6 Jan 2012 | 3:18 pm
    From Energy Circle: Why You Should Start Monitoring Your Electricity Usage This Year. Did your New Year’s Resolution involve saving money, or reducing your impact on the environment? Energy monitoring is a good way to do both, with real and measurable results. Curated Links from the Web: A Remodeling Project Cost vs. Value Report. A new report compares the cost of 35 popular remodeling upgrades to the value they fetch at resale time. Insulation and air sealing didn’t make the list... think they should have? (From Remodeling) Energy Price Predictions for 2012. The Energy Job Blog…

  • Around the Web: Energy Circle's Hand-Picked Links, Chosen Especially for Energy Efficiency Pros.

    Will
    6 Jan 2012 | 2:57 pm
    Do We Need Nutrition Facts Labels for Building Products? Building Green points out that nutrition facts labels allow shoppers to compare two bags of chips, and asks whether a similar label for building products wouldn’t be beneficial to homebuilders and homebuyers. (From Building Green) Truth, Lies, and Online Reviews. Online reviews are send an increasingly powerful signal to potential customers about the quality and integrity of your business. But what happens when things get shady in the online review world? (From Daily5Remodel) Getting to Know You: The Importance of Company Videos.
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    Green Event Connection

  • Juliet Schor: Jobs, Markets, and True Wealth

    Michael Green
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:15 am
    Join Illahee for the second lecture in the 2012 Illahee Lecture Series: Sacred Cows. Increasingly Americans are giving up more and more of their time to the market. We talk about job creation and economic growth in terms of living to work, rather than working to live. Juliet Schor is Professor of Sociology at Boston College. Schor’s research over the last ten years has focused on issues pertaining to trends in work and leisure, consumerism, the relationship between work and family, women’s issues, and economic justice. Her latest book, Plenitude: The New Economics of True Wealth,…

  • 4-H Sustainable Schools Gathering

    Michael Green
    27 Jan 2012 | 5:43 pm
    Title: 4-H Sustainable Schools Gathering Location: Portland, Oregon Link out: Click here Description: Please join Alameda School parents and volunteers for a 4-H Sustainable Schools Gathering. This is our 3rd 4-H Sustainable Schools Gathering for the 2011-12 school year. We will be rotating these gatherings to different schools throughout the year so we can share and learn. Alameda School has been a 4-H Member school since 2011. Alameda’s garden is new and in just one year they have accomplished a great deal!. The garden was built during the late winter/spring and dedicated on Earth Day…

  • Berkeley Vegan Earth Day

    Michael Green
    26 Jan 2012 | 12:47 pm
    Title: Berkeley Vegan Earth Day Location: UC Berkeley Campus, Wurster Hall Link out: Click here Description: The phenomenal response to last year’s event has spawned a new tradition in the community! We’re very excited to announce the Second Annual Berkeley Vegan Earth Day will happen Sunday April 22, 2012. It has grown from an evening to an all-day extravaganza that will include films, workshops, panel discussions, and an exciting array of speakers. Area businesses will be on-site with products to sample and buy, while non-profit groups will be there with a wealth of information about…

  • Green Transportation Conference

    Michael Green
    9 Jan 2012 | 1:17 pm
    Title: Green Transportation Conference Location: Salem, Oregon Link out: Click here Description: This conference on green transportation will include hands-on information on transportation electrification, natural gas and propane vehicles and infrastructure, as well as information on grants, tax credits and financing. Attend for hands on information from policy makers and manufacturers, including Freightliner, Eaton, and others. Drive Oregon staff will be participating in a panel discussion and Drive Oregon members have special opportunities to participate. Where: Salem Conference Center 200…

  • SVForum’s Clean Technology Conference: Sustainability

    Michael Green
    14 Dec 2011 | 10:05 am
    Title: SVForum’s Clean Technology Conference: Sustainability Location: Palo alto, CA Link out: Click here Description: Come hear from key leaders and industry influencers about innovative business models and technologies that are addressing global concerns around sustainability and climate change. Please visit our website www.svforum.org/clean-tech-conference for more info including a list of confirmed speakers Early Bird Discount through Dec. 16: $130 Non-members, $110 members, $60 Platinum Pass; $65 Students Online Price through Jan. 19: $150 Non-members, $130 members, $80 Platinum…
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    Go Green: DIYs, How-tos and Recipes - Editorial Staff Picks - SustainLane

  • Recipe for Simple Rice Pudding

    SustainLane
    2 Feb 2012 | 2:45 pm
    You're a few minutes of stirring away from the ultimate rice pudding. No eggs, and no baking - just combine milk, a little sugar, and some short-grain rice for this simple, stovetop dessert. Active Time: 10 minutesTotal Time: 40 minutes (with some stirring)Ingredients1 quart milk (part-skim works very well)1/3 - 1/2 cup sugar1 fresh vanilla bean (or just half if it's very plump)3/4 cup short-grain white riceDirectionsCombine the milk and sugar in a heavy-bottomed pot.Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean lengthwise, and use the dull side of the blade to scrape the seeds.Add the seeds…

  • Why do some people never get depressed?

    SustainLane
    31 Jan 2012 | 12:47 pm
    Confronted with some of life's upsetting experiences - marriage breakdown, unemployment, bereavement, failure of any kind - many people become depressed. But others don't. Why is this? by Geoff Watts, BBC World ServiceA person who goes through experiences like that and does not get depressed has a measure of what in the psychiatric trade is known as "resilience".According to Manchester University psychologist Dr Rebecca Elliott, we are all situated somewhere on a sliding scale."At one end you have people who are very vulnerable. In the face of quite low stress, or none at all,…

  • Make Your Own Homemade Deodorant - Stop the Odor Naturally

    SustainLane
    15 Nov 2011 | 3:41 pm
    Very simple and affordable recipe for natural deodorant that really works! Stop the odor and eliminate toxins. Active Time: 15 min.Total Time: 30 min.Ingredients1. baking soda (anti-odor); 2. cornstarch (for dryness); 3. coconut oil (antibacterial); 4. a few drops of essential oil (for additional fragrance).DirectionsMix the baking soda with equal amount of cornstarch. If you have a very sensitive skin, adjust the proportions of baking soda to cornstarch as of 1:3.Add the coconut oil and mash it with a fork together with the baking soda and cornstarch. Use as much coconut oil as you achieve…
 
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    Green Ad Bonus

  • Environmental impacts of electronic invoicing

    nickyurchenko
    5 Feb 2012 | 2:14 am
    Asa Moberg, Clara Borggren, Goran Finnveden, Sara Tyskeng. 2010. Environmental impactsof electronic invoicing Progress in Industrial Ecology 7, 93 - 113The aim of this article is to increase current knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of the possible total transition from all paper invoicing to all electronic invoicing in Sweden. Screening life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed as life cycle perspective should preferably be used when considering environmental impacts of products. The results of the study show that there are benefits from transition to electronic invoices…

  • Ethiopia, Stop Forcing People Off Their Land!

    nickyurchenko
    3 Feb 2012 | 1:10 am
    Thousands of people are being forced out of their homes to make way forcommercial agriculture. They receive little or no compensation forthe loss of their land and homes, and are forced into villages without the basic facilities for new people. Sign petition here

  • Animal faces with the stunning 3D effect

    nickyurchenko
    25 Jan 2012 | 9:11 am
    Find more infor here

  • The Mountain: America's Greenest T-Shirt Company

    nickyurchenko
    25 Jan 2012 | 8:35 am
    Thanks to the special dyeing and printing processes, carbon footprintof The Mountain T-Shirt Company is much smaller thancarbon ootprints of the most companies overseas. Find more info here...

  • International Green Week Berlin 20-29 January 2012: The world's biggest fair for food, agriculture and horticulture

    nickyurchenko
    25 Jan 2012 | 1:41 am
    The International Green Week (IGW) is an international exhibitionfor the food, agricultural and horticultural industries.Established in 1926, it will take place for the 77th time in 2012.Producers from all over the world use the IGW to test-market food and luxuryitems establishing brand images. Right in line with consumer trends, theIGW also includes direct agricultural sales and the BIO MARKT organic products section.
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    Sweet Greens | Your Earth Friendly Guide to All Things Green + Eco Friendly

  • Sweet Greens is on Pinterest - Join Me!

    Sweet Greens
    9 Feb 2012 | 5:42 am
    Hello, Friends. Are you on Pinterest? If so, you already know how addicting it can be. I have been busy pinning some of my favorite green things. Here are some of my green boards that you may enjoy: Recycling at It's Finest, Terrarium Love, Let's Throw a Green Party, She's Crafty, She's Got the Moves, I live by the Ocean, and Dogs are Love. I will be adding more pins and boards every day, I

  • HOW TO: Make Recycled Bottle Cap Valentine Magnets

    Sweet Greens
    6 Feb 2012 | 1:24 pm
    Valentine's Day is right around the corner and one of the sweetest parts of the holiday is making do-it-yourself cards with your children. The very idea behind giving Valentine's Day cards is to tell your friends how much you like them and it's a holiday where creativity always shines through. And making unique do-it-yourself Valentine's using recycled items is super easy, affordable and

  • Bannor Toys | Non-Toxic, Sustainable Wooden Toy Gift Set Giveaway

    Sweet Greens
    3 Feb 2012 | 12:20 pm
    Today's giveaway is sponsored by Bannor Toys, they are offering your choice of natural baby toy gift set! Wouldn't this make a fantastic Valentine's Day gift for your little one? Or, a great surprise for an expecting friend or sister? Each set comes with a sustainable, non-toxic, organic wooden animal rattle, a wooden teether, soft rattle balls and classic ring rattle - a $45 value! Not

  • Science Fair Project: Will a Plant Grow Faster on a Certain Type of Liquid?

    Sweet Greens
    2 Feb 2012 | 9:26 am
    I was going through my photos when I came across Eben's science fair project. He chose to find out whether a plant will grow faster on a certain type of liquid. Can you image my delight when he came home to say that he was doing his science fair project on organic gardening? Be still my heart! His hypothesis was that a plant watered with organic fertilizer would grow the

  • Happy Groundhog Day + Ways to Celebrate with Your Kids

    Sweet Greens
    2 Feb 2012 | 8:42 am
    Hello, Friends. Happy Groundhog Day! According to North American folklore, on February 2nd, Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow to predict the upcoming weather. If the groundhog comes out of his burrow on a cloudy day, he will leave the burrow signaling that spring is almost here. But if he sees his shadow and retreats back into his burrow, the legend says we can
 
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    Newsy Headlines

  • Report: Israel Trained Iranian Assassins

    9 Feb 2012 | 1:26 pm
    Watch Video (Image source: Ynetnews) BY BLAKE HANSON U.S. officials say Israel financed, trained and equipped a terror group that killed an Iranian nuclear scientist. NBC News broke the story, writing... “Two senior U.S. officials confirmed for NBC News  the [People’s Mujahedin of Iran’s] role in the assassinations, with one senior official saying, ‘All your inclinations are correct.’ A third official would not confirm or deny the relationship, saying only, ‘It hasn’t been clearly confirmed yet.’  All the officials denied any U.S.

  • Washington State Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

    9 Feb 2012 | 1:20 pm
    Watch Video (Image source: WLUK)   BY KEVIN DUBOUIS   ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY   Just a day after California struck down the state’s ban on gay marriage, Washington state lawmakers voted Wednesday to approve same-sex nuptials. WLUK reports the 55-43 vote in the House.   “Mr. Speaker there are 55 yeas, 43 nays, 0 excuse for not voting. Having received a constitutional majority in gross substitute Senate Bill 6239 is declared passed.”   Washington would become the seventh state in the nation to allow gay people to wed. Gov. Christine Gregoire is expected to…

  • Barack Obama Launches Fashion Line, GOP Responds

    9 Feb 2012 | 1:18 pm
    Watch Video (Image source: Obama for America)   BY KERRY LEARY   ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY President Barack Obama is planning on running his re-election campaign in style... and we’re not just talking about his personal style. The President’s campaign launched a fashion line called “Runway to Win,” complete with designer totes, t-shirts and pins. Scarlett Johanssen, Anna Wintour and Tory Burch were just a few of the 23 designers that showed up to the event which coincided with a GOP caucus primary night. CNN reports, the event was more than just a gathering of…

  • Groupon Posts Q4 Loss

    9 Feb 2012 | 12:26 pm
    Watch Video (Image source: The Telegraph)   BY EVAN THOMAS AND CHRISTINA HARTMAN ANCHOR JIM FLINK Groupon had its first earnings call earlier this week. Did the biggest tech IPO of last year hold up? Not really. The daily deal deliverer reported a $42 million loss for the 4th quarter of 2011. Bloomberg says the company’s massive marketing budget didn’t help. “They got a lot of criticism about having super-high marketing costs. …  When a company would spend $224m in a 13-week period for marketing, you say ‘wow, that’s a really expensive business…

  • Ellen DeGeneres Fires Back at J.C. Penney Protesters

    9 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm
    Watch Video   (Image Source: Ellen) BY LAUREN ZIMA Ellen DeGeneres took to her talk show to fire back at the group One Million Moms — a group that is protesting J.C. Penney making DeGeneres its new spokesperson. E! Online has the group’s statement. “‘By jumping on the pro-gay bandwagon, JCPenney is attempting to gain a new target market and in the process will lose customers with traditional values that have been faithful to them over all these years,’ among other things.” And here’s the response from DeGeneres. “Being gay or pro gay is not…
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    Japan for Sustainability

  • Various Innovations Enable Solar Power to be Installed in Condominium Buildings

    8 Feb 2012 | 3:00 pm
    Image by Japan for Sustainability On August 29, 2011, Takara Leben Co., a Japanese real estate company, announced the completion and installation of the first solar power system in Japan for condominium buildings, with individual storage batteries that enable the sale of generated electricity. The system will be installed in their condominiums as needed. Six solar panels per condo supply 1.26 kilowatt of electricity produced by solar power.

  • Japan Maintains World's Highest PET Bottle Collection Rate in 2010

    7 Feb 2012 | 3:00 pm
    (Blue: Plastic production and Sales/Recycling rate of plastic bottles in Japan; Red: Sales/Recycling rate of plastic bottles in U.S.; Green: Sales/Recycling rate of plastic bottles in Europe)Copyright Council for PET Bottle Recycling On November 22, 2011, the Council for PET Bottle Recycling released the 2011 PET bottle recycling report. According to the report, Japan collected PET bottles at the rate of 72.1 percent in 2010, again higher than Europe (48.3 percent) and the US (29.1 percent).

  • City Project Tests Microbes to Maximize Decomposition of Organic Waste

    6 Feb 2012 | 3:00 pm
    Copyright Mitsuke City The city of Mitsuke, Niigata Prefecture, in northwestern Japan, conducted a demonstration test to decompose organic waste through fermentation using microbes, from July 20 to August 31, 2011.

  • Toyota Home to Release Smart House, Collaboration between House and Vehicle

    5 Feb 2012 | 3:00 pm
    Copyright Toyota Housing Corporation Toyota Housing Corporation (Toyota Home), a home builder in the Toyota Group that engages in car manufacturing, environmental business and information technology, announced on November 2, 2011, the release of "since asuie", an exclusive smart house that aims to realize the future home. The smart house incorporates Toyota's proprietary smart house technology, which allows the user to spend more time with their family, a popular trend since the 2011 earthquake. Toyota's smart house technology includes the nation's first attempt at energy collaboration…

  • New Facility Opens for Testing Air-Conditioning System that Uses Groundwater, Heat Pumps

    4 Feb 2012 | 3:00 pm
    The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) announced on November 15, 2011, that Shinshu University and Shimizu Corp., a major Japanese construction company, completed construction and started operation of demonstration facilities for testing a high-efficiency heat-pump system that uses groundwater as a heat source. The new facilities are part of a larger NEDO project focusing on next-generation heat-pump research and development. The new system is expected to demonstrate higher efficiency than conventional "multi-type" air-conditioning systems used in buildings.
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    Raising Them Green

  • First Drive: 2012 Toyota Prius c

    Melissa
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:08 pm
    My review of the all new 2012 Toyota Prius c is now up on the Mother Nature Network. Here is an excerpt for your reading pleasure: While the Prius c performed well from a handling perspective, the main draw for many consumers will be the vehicle’s superior fuel efficiency. Achieving optimal fuel efficiency is made easier by the 3.5” color TFT Multi-Information Display embedded in the dashboard. Read the entire review: Driving the 2012 Toyota Prius c.

  • Sneak Peek: Toyota Prius c

    Melissa
    5 Feb 2012 | 11:02 am
    Last week I attended the Toyota Prius c Media Preview event in La Jolla, California and although I can’t yet share with you my thoughts about the car, I can share pictures from my day of fun driving around San Diego. My review of the new Prius c, which will be available nationwide next month, will be published on the Mother Nature Network on Wednesday, February 8. « previous | start | stop | next »« previous | start | stop | next »

  • Alex is Getting Bit by the Photography Bug

    Melissa
    24 Jan 2012 | 2:57 pm
    Alex has shown a growing interest in photography over the past couple of months. A couple of weeks ago I took him and my nephew to a local urban park, Veteran’s Oasis Park, to take some pictures at sunset. This is one of the photos he took – I loved the perspective from his spot sitting down on the edge of the lake.

  • Help Me Plan My Yellowstone Trip

    Melissa
    18 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am
    We are taking a family trip to Yellowstone National Park in June and I’m asking you to help me plan my trip. Yes, I want your input for my big trip. I’m reaching out to the public because I’ve quickly discovered that there is just so much to do in and around Yellowstone that we will not be able to pack it into a single trip. So, I want to fill this trip – everyone’s first trip to the park – with the best of the best. We already have our hotel rooms booked and our airline tickets purchased. We are flying in to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and spending one night…

  • Alexander Watching a Gorgeous Arizona Sunset

    Melissa
    15 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am
    Sunsets in the Arizona desert are simply gorgeous. On Friday night I took my son and my oldest nephew to a local urban park, Veteran’s Oasis Park, to take pictures for the park’s photo contest. Alexander took a break to sit down on the ledge of a bridge overlooking a waterfall (running thanks to a reclaimed water system) and watch the sun as it dipped beneath the horizon. He looked so serene so I grabbed my new Canon EOS 7D and snapped this shot.
 
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    ecopolitology

  • Why the Energy Industry Is So Invested In Climate Change Denial

    The Guardian
    8 Feb 2012 | 4:01 am
    by Bill McKibben for TomDispatch, part of the Guardian Comment Network If we could see the world with a particularly illuminating set of spectacles, one of its most prominent features at the moment would be a giant carbon bubble, whose bursting someday will make the housing bubble of 2007 look like a lark. As yet – as we shall see – it's unfortunately largely invisible to us. In compensation, though, we have some truly beautiful images made possible by new technology. Last month, for instance, Nasa updated the most iconic photograph in our civilization's gallery: "Blue Marble", originally…

  • Greenhouse Gases Are the Steroids of the Climate System

    Timothy Hurst
    7 Feb 2012 | 1:08 pm
    What does baseball have to do with climate change? Well, in the short term, not much really. But some people have used the analogy comparing the effects of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to the effects of steroids in a baseball player.  National Center for Atmospheric Research Scientist Gerald "Jerry" Meehl lays out the analogy in this lighthearted short produced for Atmos News. Related posts:Greenhouse Gases Continue to Rise Despite Economic Slump Power Plants Emit 72% of US Greenhouse Gases by Stationary Sources New Mexico Quietly Adopts Country’s Most Comprehensive Greenhouse Gas…

  • On Eve of EU-China Summit, China Forbids Airlines from Paying EU Carbon Tax

    Timothy Hurst
    6 Feb 2012 | 1:16 pm
    With a major EU-China summit scheduled for next week, the Chinese government on Monday banned the country's airlines from taking part in a European Union carbon-emissions scheme that levees a fee on all airlines flying into or out of EU airports. In a decision posted on the China central government website on Monday, the Chinese government said all airlines were barred from taking part in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme ETS.L - unless they received government approval to do so. The Chinese government has both forbid China's airlines from paying a tax on carbon emissions for planes flying in…

  • US Opens Offshore Wind Energy ‘Sweet Spots’

    Timothy Hurst
    3 Feb 2012 | 5:04 am
    Some of the most promising areas for offshore wind energy development in the United States moved closer to seeing the installation of wind turbines on Thursday as the Obama administration released results of an environmental impact study and announced the beginning of the lease process. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Tommy P. Beaudrea announced on Thursday that an environmental assessment found that there would be "no significant environmental or socioeconomic impacts from wind energy development" on the Outer Continental Shelf off the…

  • How the Stimulus Revived the Electric Car

    ProPublica
    3 Feb 2012 | 4:58 am
    by Michael Grabell, ProPublica A common criticism of President Obama's $800 billion stimulus package has been that it failed to produce anything – that while the New Deal built bridges and dams, all the stimulus did was fill some potholes and create temporary jobs. Don't tell that to Annette Herrera. She was 50 when the auto supplier she worked for in Westland, Mich., closed its factory and moved the work to Mexico. Then, after being unemployed for 2½ years, she got a job in October 2010 with A123 Systems, which had received $250 million in stimulus money to help open a new lithium-ion…
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    About.com Environmental Issues

  • Have Environmental Concerns Changed Your Eating Habits?

    29 Jan 2012 | 11:08 pm
    If you're concerned about specific environmental issues, you're probably trying to do something about them. Some of those actions may extend to what you put on your dinner plate. See how other readers of this website are changing their diets and eating habits to address their environmental concerns and reflect their environmental commitment--and join the discussion.

  • Who Created the EPA Seal?

    27 Jan 2012 | 11:04 pm
    You've seen it a hundred times and probably never given it a second thought -- the offical seal of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Follow the link to see the seal again and to find out how it came to be.

  • How Much Radiation is Safe?

    26 Jan 2012 | 10:55 pm
    Every time we are exposed to radiation, whether from a medical X-ray or a nuclear accident, government officials quickly reassure us that the amount of radiation we are likely to receive is perfectly safe....Read Full Post

  • Obama Calls for End to Oil Subsidies

    24 Jan 2012 | 10:44 pm
    In his third State of the Union this month, President Barack Obama again called on Congress to end federal subsidies and tax breaks for big oil companies. Obama said the money would be better spent developing clean, renewable energy that could one day replace oil and help make the United States energy-independent....Read Full Post

  • Got 30 Minutes? Why Not Save the Planet?

    22 Jan 2012 | 10:52 pm
    If you had only half an hour to do something to protect and preserve the environment, how would you spend it? Learn how you can make a difference in 30 minutes or less each day.
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    1-800-Recycling

  • Think Sustainable Vosges Haut-Chocolat for Valentine’s

    Kara DiCamillo
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:04 pm
    After reading article after article about Valentine’s Day, one thing is clear: People either love it or hate it. Those that celebrate feel it is a nice excuse to do something special with their significant other, while those that feel it is a pointless holiday gripe about it being a scam. Vosges' Organic Wink of the Rabbit chocolates in recycled packaging. Image courtesy of Vosges. Nevertheless, there will always be Valentine’s Day, which means there will always be some sort of resource consumption due to it as well. As much as we cringe about the waste that is hitting the landfill on…

  • Sustainable Choice: Furnish Your Home with Reclaimed Hardwoods

    Tyler Farmer
    8 Feb 2012 | 12:04 pm
    When the calendar turns to a new year, it is almost inevitably chalk full of improvement projects. Many people target bettering themselves physically, while others focus on their surroundings by sprucing up the home. Renovations offer nearly limitless projects to undertake, and those with a sustainable slant might want to start from the ground up (literally) by concentrating on the booming usage of reclaimed wood flooring. Fitting snuggly into the “reuse” column of the Three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), reclaimed wood offers the option of a beautiful and earth-friendly way to update a…

  • Label Popper’s Steve Nazarian: Conserve Paper While Recycling Cans

    1-800-RECYCLING
    7 Feb 2012 | 12:17 pm
    By a show of hands, who among us would like to help save a million trees a year? What if I told you that saving those million trees could also eliminate the CO2 from 10,000 average American cars? Do I have your attention? The good news is that both of these goals are easily achievable with a tiny addition to your recycling routine. The bad news is, hardly anyone knows about it. We are talking about what happens to the labels from steel (tin) cans. Americans recycle 65% of the 30 billion cans used every year. That’s nearly 20 billion cans recycled, and that’s pretty good. The problem is…

  • Samsung Blue Earth: Everything an Eco-Friendly Phone Should Be

    Beth Buczynski
    6 Feb 2012 | 3:46 pm
    When it comes to electronics, especially those that are so widely used and needed like mobile phones, it’s essential that shoppers do their homework. Taking the time to consider the product’s full impact as well as the company’s efforts to manufacture it in an environmentally sensitive manner will help you to make the best decision possible. If you (or your loved ones) are looking for a new phone, the Samsung Blue Earth is definitely worth an extra look. Launched in late 2009, the Samsung Blue Earth is still one of the most eco-friendly smartphones on the market, and came in first place…

  • DonQ Rum’s Roberto Serrallés, Ph.D., and O.N.E. Drinks’ Rodrigo Veloso

    GreenIsGood.fm
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:43 am
    Roberto Serrallés, Ph.D., Vice President of Business Development, DonQ Rum Roberto Serrallés, Ph.D., is a sixth-generation rummaker and the Vice President of Business Development for Puerto Rico-based DonQ Rum. Dr. Serrallés, who joined the family business seven years ago after studying and teaching in the States, immediately became concerned with the product’s wastewater levels and vowed to make a change. Today, the company displaces nearly 50% of the oil used in its boiler with a “bio-gas” byproduct from its wastewater. Sourcing local power is a big plus for the brand, but the…
 
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    Greendiary

  • Top 10 stylish wind turbines

    Rahul Iyer
    8 Feb 2012 | 12:03 am
    Rahul Iyer: Wind energy is one of the most sought for renewable source of energy. Wind farms can be seen almost everywhere now - from the beaches to the highlands. A usual complaint of wind farms was that they were an eyesore and posed a danger to the birds. But with the new-age creative designs of wind farms, both of these concerns can be put to rest. Besides, these innovative machines can also attract tourism besides being environmentally friendly. The volume of electrical energy that can be generated by these wind farms is a lot more than conventional expectation; as a result, it promotes…

  • Let your kitchen go green

    Tayan Chakraborty
    3 Feb 2012 | 1:35 am
    Tayan Chakraborty: Health starts from your kitchen. The kitchen is a very important part of human’s life. Just a green meal doesn’t make you Eco-friendly. Probably the most ideal and the best way to make the kitchen Eco friendly is by adopting energy efficient food preparation methods, sustainable equipment, zero toxic chemicals and most importantly proper cleaning. Here are a few very simple suggestions to make your kitchen green. A greener kitchen 1. Materials used: Choice of an appropriate cooking material is very much necessary. Though it is not very cheap, but its good to use…

  • Art Fund Pavilion's amazing shell

    Sukirti Negi
    25 Jan 2012 | 1:03 am
    Sukirti Negi: Art fund Pavilion in London, UK has brought a multi-use shell pavilion that has its own excellence. The structure is challenging in its own terms. The overall frame is an embellishment of wooden work with the sprinkle of scientific work in it. The shell is multipurpose which can be used for a number of activities like exhibition, presentation and for party as well. The shell is weatherproof and therefore has the capability to protect the exhibits and people lodging in it. Dynamic Art Pavillion Picture Gallery Art Fund Pavilion The shell, constructed from timber, allows for…

  • Five creative sculptures designed to run on wind power

    Kanwaljit Singh
    25 Jan 2012 | 12:45 am
    Kanwaljit Singh: Although wind power is a well-known source of green energy, it is not that popular among general public. However, now some artists and engineers, with intent to promote wind energy, have designed and built a number of creative sculptures that generate useful energy. Here is a description of five such creative sculptures designed to run on wind power.

  • Reclaimed radiance

    Guneet Kaur
    14 Jan 2012 | 6:33 am
    Guneet Kaur: Pallet generally refers to a flat transport structure which ensures firm support for handling and storage activities. Pallets are a wonderful recycling option, be it solid wood, plastic, steel, metal or even paper. Paper among them is the most versatile and fluid material. We have seen chairs, furniture and variety of tables being made out of used pallets lately, though a very unique piece of home decor is doing the rounds in the market of late. Pallet lamps are the latest rage in the pallet recycling category. Some of the creative and ingenious lamps made out of pallet paper by…
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    Pure Natural Diva

  • Simple Steps to a Green Valentines

    Tania
    6 Feb 2012 | 7:30 am
    Make this Year a Green Valentines  Valentine’s Day is the  time we celebrate the love in our life PND sat down with Janice Croze from 5 Minutes for Mom to share some great greens valentines... Whole living for the diva in all of us. What fabulous change can you make today? Visit Pure Natural Diva for a few ideas.

  • Sharing My First Job for #vlogmoms

    Tania
    3 Feb 2012 | 1:31 am
    Remember Your First Job? I Share My First Job for #vlogmoms This week on #vlogmoms I share my unique first job, along with a little insight into my upbringing.  The video froze while I while was... Whole living for the diva in all of us. What fabulous change can you make today? Visit Pure Natural Diva for a few ideas.

  • 8 Simple Tips For Hosting a Healthier Superbowl Party

    Tania
    30 Jan 2012 | 3:30 pm
    Superbowl… quite possibly THE party of the year in many homes across the country.  Not exactly a time most people pick to be healthier or greener for that matter, but why not?  Why not host a... Whole living for the diva in all of us. What fabulous change can you make today? Visit Pure Natural Diva for a few ideas.

  • New Years Resolutions: Progress Report

    Tania
    27 Jan 2012 | 2:22 am
    Progress Report:  How are You Doing with Your New Years Resolutions?  I have become a part of #VlogMoms.  Every week one of our members will select a topic.  Coincidentally, the... Whole living for the diva in all of us. What fabulous change can you make today? Visit Pure Natural Diva for a few ideas.

  • New Years Resolutions

    Tania
    16 Jan 2012 | 6:30 am
    Do You Make New Years Resolutions?  The beginning of the year is the perfect time to evaluate where you are and focus on changes you might want to make. I’d love to hear about your New Years... Whole living for the diva in all of us. What fabulous change can you make today? Visit Pure Natural Diva for a few ideas.
 
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    Everyone's Blog Posts - GreenITers

  • Save Papers

    hashmi
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:30 am

  • THE ENVIRONEMT AND YOU

    hashmi
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:35 am
    THE ENVIRONMENT AND YOU The air we now breathe contains invisible substances that attack our health and well-being. Air pollutants found in the atmosphere are harmful substances known as the “Total Suspended Particles or TSP” such as smoke, dust, soot, cinders, fly ash, gases, chemical mist, steam and even radioactive particles which are five (5) times the acceptable levels and this is more susceptible to highly urbanize areas. Long term exposure to TSP that exceeds to its levels absolutely had adverse impacts on health of the public and properties. Studies show that the incidence of…

  • Y do we nid 2 plant 3s ?

    hashmi
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm
    Y do we nid 2 plant 3s ? Tree planting is one of the most indispensable activities worldwide. It becomes part of our societal program activities as it deemed necessary because of the alarming environmental problems like water, air and soil pollutions in which we are absolutely affected, as well as the effect of the ozone and global warming that we are extremely experiencing these days. In less wealthy nations, governments have staged nationwide campaigns and required all concerned institutions to involve tree planting in their plan program activities to help protect the environment against…

  • Carbon dioxide emissions rebound quickly after global financial crisis

    George Mattathil
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am
    http://wp.me/pNLb5-5uU R&D Mag – In 2010, emissions reached an all-time high of 9.1 billion tons of carbon, compared with 8.6 billion tons in 2009. The downturn was also followed by milestone carbon dioxide emissions from the developing world’s emerging economies. In developing countries, consumption-based emissions, or those emissions associated with the consumption of goods and services, increased 6.1% over 2009 and 2010. more> http://tinyurl.com/7gl62bh

  • The problems with emissions trading

    George Mattathil
    7 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am
    http://wp.me/pNLb5-5qP By Hannah Hoag – What are the problems with the credit methods? Lax verification for carbon-offset projects has been a problem for several schemes. For the credit-creating projects to be effective at reducing overall greenhouse-gas emissions, the scheme operators are supposed to approve only projects that would otherwise not have gone ahead. The auditor-general criticized the Alberta Department of Environment and Water for allowing carbon credits for emissions-reducing activities that have become common practice. more> http://is.gd/Iq2iuE
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    Eat Drink Better

  • How Clean Is Your Chicken?

    Jessi Stafford
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:00 am
    Gross. One more knock against the chicken industry, it came out in Meatingplace magazine that 80 percent of poultry growers NEVER sanitize their crates. Ever. First, I take issue with the fancy wordplay calling those who pump millions of chickens through the factory farm system “poultry growers,” though that’s a common PR move. Those are live chickens, not crops. Back to cleaning crates. Imagine the carrier you use to transport your dog to and from the vet. Then imagine never, ever washing it. Not after he uses the bathroom, not after he vomits a little antibiotic, not after…

  • Food Fact: Orthorexia is an eating disorder first identified in 1997 that describes a pathological obsession with healthy eating, to the point where it disrupts a person’s daily life and damages their health.

    Food Facts
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:44 am
    Source: Yahoo! News Special thanks to Jeannie Moulton for the tip!

  • Update on Farmers v Monsanto: OSGATA Oral Arguments Heard in Court

    Urban Artichoke
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:00 am
    Oral Arguments Were Heard in the Federal Courthouse in Manhattan I’ve been following this critically important lawsuit, and here’s the latest update for you: On Tuesday, January 31,  Judge Naomi Buchwald heard oral arguments in the case against Monsanto brought by a consortium of organic farmers. This is the landmark organic community lawsuit known as OSGATA et al v Monsanto. In the press release, farmer and OSGATA president, Jim Gerritsen, reported that there was standing room only in the courtroom with over 55 of the plaintiffs in attendance representing at least 21 states. The…

  • Is Europe Becoming GMO-Free? BASF and Monsanto Pull GMO Crops from Europe

    Heather Carr
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:00 am
    BASF and Monsanto pulled GMO crops from Europe and have announced they will only sell them in the United States and Asia. BASF got approval from the European Commission for their Amflora potato, a genetically modified potato, in 2010. The European Commission then began pushing for EU member countries to grow the Amflora potato and other genetically modified crops. Amflora Potato The Amflora potato has been genetically modified so that its starch is 100% amylopectin, instead of the 80% amylopectin/20% amylose combination found in conventionally bred potatoes. Other food crops that naturally…

  • Greenwash Alert: Frito-Lay’s SunChips and Tostitos Are Not So All-Natural

    Jennifer Kaplan
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:00 am
    According to BakeryAndSnacks.com Frito-Lay is accused of deception in a second lawsuit on all-natural claims. The site asserts that PepsiCo’s snacks business Frito-Lay has again been accused of deceiving consumers in a second lawsuit by making all-natural claims on its products which also contain genetically modified corn and vegetable oils. Frito-Lay, which launched their “all-natural” line last Spring,  joins a long list of mainstream companies, like that Fortune Brands (Skinny Girls Cocktails) and ConAgra (Wesson Oil), that call products all natural – even though…
 
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    Planetsave

  • Al Gore DIDN’T Polarize Global Warming Debate (+ Media & Obama Dropping the Ball)

    Zachary Shahan
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    For anyone still confused about this, here’s a great post by Joe Romm of Climate Progress reposted in full below. The post, based on a new study, also tackles other common myths the global-warming-denial contrarians love to spread and many greens will even parrot. Other big points are that Obama’s silence on global warming is [...]

  • Climate Scientists Pushing for Large-Scale Geoengineering Funded by Bill Gates

    Shellee Tyler
    9 Feb 2012 | 6:30 am
    The earth is in a tail spin when it comes to climate change and finding an effective solution, unfortunately this is not an easy task. Emission control is one way, but effectively implementing it on a global scale takes quite some time. Also getting all countries on board, well that’s another problem. Now a handful of billionaires, including Bill Gates are funding some of the leading scientists to lobby governments and international bodies to back experiments into manipulating the climate on a global scale to help prevent climate change.

  • Greenpeace and the True Story Behind the Film Big Miracle

    Cynthia Shahan
    9 Feb 2012 | 6:00 am
    “A truly joint effort” Campbell Plowden describes “one of the craziest weeks in his 14 years with Greenpeace” in The Story Behind the Big Miracle: Operation Breakthrough. He shares with us his work contributing to the meeting of synchronized forces as they merge in a pragmatic action successfully. “In the end, [...]

  • El Niño and La Niña to Incresingly Dominate New Zealand Climate

    Joshua S Hill
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:06 pm
    A new study has revealed the effect that El Niño and La Niña are likely to have on the New Zealand climate in the coming decades with a continuation in the global climate change. “As the world continues to warm New Zealand is likely to experience the impacts of El Niño and La Niño events [...]

  • Rhino Crisis Round Up: Four Arrested in Nepal, Sumatran Rhino Pregnancy & More

    Rhishja Cota-Larson
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:47 pm
    Photo © International Rhino Foundation This week, authorities in Nepal confiscated a rhino horn and arrested four people, including three policemen. The Himalayan Times identified the suspects as Constable Dambar Bahadur Tamang, Head Constable Bhupal Thapa, Constable Bishnu Subedi and Solti Gurung. It was noted that Thapa and Subedi had [...]
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    Sustainablog

  • Edible Weeds: 7 Recipes for Dandelion

    Jeff McIntire-Strasburg
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:30 pm
    Maybe it’s the way-too-early Spring warmth we’ve been experiencing, but I’ve got greens on the brain lately… particularly the kind you can pick right from the ground. I took a look at stinging nettle a couple of weeks ago, and while I do want to try some of those recipes, a little research shows me that dandelion (which we get regularly in the yard) is even more versatile. Like nettle, you can use dandelion greens in place of many more common foods, like spinach; however, you can also cook the roots and the flowers of the dandelion plant. So, there’s lots of…

  • Global Water Resources: Where We Get It & What We Do With It (Infographic)

    Jeff McIntire-Strasburg
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:43 pm
    I’ve got the plumber coming over today for a small job, and it occurred to me that we’ll probably have to turn off the water supply for a short time. That always freaks me out a little, because I realize quickly how dependent we are on that water coming into the house… shoot, they shut down schools for the day if they water’s out. Now, imagine having it turned off for a week… or having your town or city’s water supply interrupted for that long. That’s really scary. And yet we still use the stuff as if it’ll never run out. Where do we get our…

  • Hix Island House: Puerto Rico Eco Lodge Combines Style and Sustainability

    Guest Author
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:40 am
    The tourism department for Puerto Rico claims that the ex-military base for the US turned tourist destination Vieques offers visitors a eco-island experience. They may claim this status as a whole; however, we had to search pretty diligently to find anything authentically eco friendly. Our diligence paid off with a visit to the muy verde Hix Island House. Our timing couldn’t have been better as the hillside eco resort recently opened a new additional called Casa Solaris. We see many lodges called “eco lodges,” but Hix Island House offers a true and tranquil eco-villa experience.

  • 5 Reasons We Should be Concerned about Fracking (Film)

    SnagFilms
    7 Feb 2012 | 10:55 am
    We all know that the affordability, efficiency, and sustainability of cleaner, greener energy will be a major challenge for this century. Some have called natural gas a better and cleaner energy source; yet, even if we set aside this hot air, the process of extracting the gas (called hydraulic fracturing or fracking) proves problematic for both environmentalists as well as those in proximity to the wells. This article will cover five major problems with fracking; it is based on two SnagFilms from the After the Goldrushseries (which are embedded below). 1. Water Pollution The fracking process…

  • Practicing Mindfulness and Living Sustainably

    Guest Author
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:07 am
    Working to create a sustainable world hasn’t been easy. One reason for this is that people are highly capable of knowing something but acting as if they didn’t. It is epitomized by the attitude, “I know I should, but I don’t.” We know we should eat local, bike more, etc. etc., but so few of us actually live up to what we know. In Buddhism, there is a huge emphasis on the different between knowing something intellectually and having the kind of understanding that leads to insight and transformation. Once we have that insight, we are changed by it and there is no…
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    Eco Child's Play

  • Vegan Family: Vicki’s Vegan Kitchen Cookbook & Cinnamon Raisin Muffin Recipe

    Jennifer Lance
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:14 am
    For the record, we are not a vegan family, and only the females are vegetarian in our family.  They boys eat organic meat.  I have been a vegan, but my pregnant body demanded more, so dairy reentered my diet ten years ago.  Even though we are not strict vegans, we incorporate many vegan recipes and meals into our daily life. Vicki’s Vegan Kitchen: Eating With Sanity, Compassion & Taste is full of delicious recipes and instructions. These nutritionally balanced meals sometimes try to imitate meat dishes, like “Vegan ‘Chopped Liver’”, whereas others simply…

  • 5 Green Products: ReUseThisBag, Naturopathica, Farmer Jason, Baby Gourmet, Attached

    Jennifer Lance
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:48 am
    1. ReUseThisBag.com I am finally in the habit of taking my reusable bags in every store, not just the grocery store! It was one of my “eco-sins” for awhile, as I could never remember them, but I finally have a system. They key to remembering to use reusable bags is to have plenty of them! We were just sent a great bag by ReUseThisBag.com . The bag is very sturdy and washable. Here’s my system for remembering my bags: Keep plenty of bags in the car at all times. If you forget to bring a bag in a store, you either have to go back to the car or simply carry your goods out in…

  • Valentine’s Day at 40: Money Can’t Buy Me Love

    Jennifer Lance
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:20 am
    .bobby /Free Photos I have been in a relationship with the same person since I was 20-years-old. I am thankful for this.  Of course, it has had its ups and downs, but we have endured.  We have two beautiful children. Do we really need to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Recently, two of my good friends have ended marriages and found new “soulmates”. They are both very happy.  They have chosen a different path for their families, a path I am all too familiar with from my youth.  It is not a path I would choose willingly, nor did they lightly, but it seems that turning…

  • Hank D and the Bee: Wendy Welcomes “Augie” the Goat

    Joe Mohr
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:13 am
    Thanks to all of the people who suggested new characters and voted! Goat barely edged out the Black Eyed Susan, and the love interest for bee–don’t worry, I think we’ll see those two someday (the BES is actually next to goat in the title panel). Congrats and thanks to Jan Steinman for suggesting the goat! I’m not yet sure where I’ll go with her personality, but she’ll definitely be nicer than Wendy… More on Backyard Goats From Treehugger: Milking Backyard Goats in Urban San Francisco (Video) From HuffPo: The Campaign to Bring Goats to Your Backyard…

  • Traveling with Kids and Gadgets: KidZ Gear Headphones for Kids

    Jennifer Lance
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:42 am
    I am not one of those parents that restrict their children on media.  We have empowered our children to make choices, and they have surprisingly reacted with maturity.  They never abuse their free access to TV, Wii, or iPad/iPods.  In fact, my son with special needs uses his iPad 2 as an AAC device One area I do place strict limits on is headphones.  NO EARBUDS!  I don’t want to damage my children’s hearing. This fear was installed up on me when I got my first Sony Walkman. This clunky thing was a godsend for my parents on our annual cross country drive to go skiing in…
 
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    Crafting a Green World

  • 5 Recycled Crafts for Valentine’s Day!

    Bonnie Getchell
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:30 am
    Do you like to decorate your home for Valentine’s Day? Well, we have 5 incredible recycled craft projects that will add a lot of sparkle and pizazz to your everyday decor! 1. Birds on a Wire Art by Sweet Verbena Sweet Verbena took a thrift store frame, an old dictionary, and a bit of paint to create this adorable art! Although it doesn’t necessarily “scream” Valentine’s day, that’s what I love about it! Plus, it’s so simple and you could keep it up year-round. Better yet, you could make this as a gift for a friend or your loved one! Remember, though,…

  • What does green crafting mean to you?

    Becky Striepe
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:30 am
    I’ve had a few conversations recently about eco-friendly crafts and supplies that have made it really clear to me that green crafting is not a black and white thing. Like so many other things, there’s definitely a continuum with green crafting, and lately I’ve started to wonder how “green” a project needs to be for it to be an eco craft. This is something I touched on on my personal site when I got into what upcycling really means, but upcycling and green crafting aren’t always the same. For me, I think green crafting includes projects that do one or more…

  • Giveaway: Win a Copy of The Christmas Guide to Upcycling, by Mahe Zehra Husain

    Julie Finn
    7 Feb 2012 | 9:30 am
    Mahe Zehra Husain is an artist who makes magic out of aluminum cans and plastic packaging. Yesterday on CAGW, I reviewed her e-book Crafty Cans and Perplexing Plastic, in which she offers tutorials for using die-cutters and embossing tools to upcycle soda cans and plastic packaging into jewelry, bookmarks, scrapbook embellishments, and more. This week, Mahe is giving away 25 copies of her e-book The Christmas Guide to Upcycling. For this giveaway, you may use as many or as few of the following points of entry as you’d like: Comment once on this post, telling us your favorite material…

  • Green Crafter Book Review: Crafty Cans and Perplexing Plastic, by Mahe Zehra Husain

    Julie Finn
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:27 am
    At CAGW, we embrace the DIY mindset in all its forms, from sewing your own underwear to starting your own indie craft fair to publishing your own DIY handbook. Sure, we love DIY books from big authors and major publishing houses, too, but in my opinion there’s nothing better than a crafty crafter discovering some brand-new methods to work with the same old materials, and getting the world out all by herself by publishing her very own e-book. That’s why I think you’re really going to like the e-book Crafty Cans and Perplexing Plastic, by Mahe Zehra Husain. If you’re a…

  • 4 DIY Valentine’s Day Decorations

    Becky Striepe
    4 Feb 2012 | 9:30 am
    Between gifts and a night out on the town, Valentine’s day can get pretty pricey, but it doesn’t have to be! Instead of heading out to dinner this year, why not whip up a romantic meal for two and transform your living- or dining-room into a perfect Valentine’s day date spot? Of course, romance is all about ambiance, so here are a few tips to up the lovey-dovey factor: Low lighting is sexy. Turn off the overheads and go for a combination of lamp and candle-light instead. Music sets the scene. Some quiet music can really give your Valentine’s day date some ambiance. It…
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    Earthgarage Blog

  • Diesels Global Stars; U.S. Shrugs, Steps on the Gas

    Jim Henderson
    8 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm
    Diesel engines are a bit like soccer. Soccer is the most popular game in the world. But the prospect of Monday Night Football stepping aside for men in shorts is about as likely as U.S. auto companies ever replacing their gasoline engines with diesels. The soccer thing is a matter of taste. But diesels offer clear benefits over gasoline. So at a time when automakers have to gear up for stringent fuel-economy rules — and clean-diesel technology has cleaned up diesel emissions — you might think that diesel’s moment has come. And, in fact, a few more diesels appear to be headed…

  • How to Keep Drivers Safer and Cities Happier

    Matthew Zwiebel
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:41 pm
    City driving is frustrating to put it simply; stop and go traffic every other block, pedestrians walking in front of cars without regard for safety, even cars weaving in and out of lanes as if they own the road. These annoyances can turn into increased stress for drivers on the road today and a major factor in causing that stress might just be the city they’re driving in. Part of the issue with added stress while driving is found within the actual design of a city. Picture yourself driving through New York City fighting against traffic and pedestrians at every intersection. It’s…

  • Be Cost Effective and Come to the Wall Street Green Summit XI

    Bob Leonard
    6 Feb 2012 | 4:39 pm
    Why go to five conferences when one conference combines the latest in renewables, cleantech, the smart grid, green hedge funds and more in just two days? The Wall Street Green Summit XI continues to be a one stop shop for the latest information and networking opportunities in environmental financial markets, an area which is continuing to grow The continuing financial crisis has changed the green business model. Innovative approaches in renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon reductions are being spurred by the necessity of doing more with less. The Summit brings together the leading…

  • Movement to Banish Copper From Brake Pads Gains Momentum

    Jim Henderson
    6 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm
    Earthgarage CEO, Bob Leonard, is featured in the following New York Times Wheels Blog article discussing efforts to eliminate copper from brake pads. Government at the state and federal levels has been preoccupied with improving the fuel economy of the nation’s fleet. Smaller environmental causes are also in the mix, including mercury in car switches and lead weights used to balance auto wheels. Add to these copper brake pads, which produce metal dust that environmental advocates say reaches waterways a nd harms aquatic life. The issue has gained traction in the legislatures of California…

  • Brake Pads and the Environment: The Effects of Copper on You

    Greg
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:46 am
    You’re driving a car.  You come to a stop.  You accelerate the car, only to come to a stop again.  Stop-and-go is a normal part of driving. But did you know that every time you step on the brakes, you release toxic chemicals into the air? When the brake pads squeeze your wheel, asbestos, copper and much more is released from the brake pad onto the road.  Copper sounds harmless, but that’s when it’s a penny or helping you light your house. But when you breathe it or eat it, it can be deadly. The copper dust that’s released embeds itself in the crevices of the road.
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    Elliott's Thoughts

  • Touche Amore

    Elliott
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:55 pm
    The first time I heard this song I was hooked. Touche Amore based out of Los Angeles, CA has a raw sound and lyrics that pic at the fundamental fragments of life. Clayton and Nick drive the songs with pounding guitar riffs and Jeremy pulls it all together with his vocals that will have you habituated craving for more. If you get the chance to listen to the full album you won’t be disappointed. Some of the songs seem similar but the screaming lyrics change the emotional tones. I’m excited to hear these guy’s next album and I hope they explore out of their comfort zone. They have a sound…

  • Metal Scrap Art

    Elliott
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:20 pm
    Metal work is always captivating to me especially when artist deconstruct something that everyone can easily recognize and make it into something completely new. Robert Jefferson Travis Pond of Steel Pond Studios take materials from all kinds items to build their amazing sculptures.

  • Become an astronaut. It’s your only chance.

    Elliott
    24 Jan 2012 | 5:54 pm

  • NFC breeding a new class of “tangible” applications

    Elliott
    18 Jan 2012 | 3:04 pm
    The past couple of weeks we’ve released a variety of scenarios on how NFC can be used. Today I wanted to show some examples beyond mobile payments where you can see NFC in action.   Instead of just looking at a small screen and pressing buttons, NFC is breeding a new class of “tangible” mobile games that let you have fun — naturally — in the real world with physical objects, just as you would when playing traditional family and party games.  Previously I posted on how NFC mobile gaming makes simple real-life games interactive explaining how restaurants…

  • How to use NFC and 2dbarcodes for Events

    Elliott
    21 Dec 2011 | 1:54 pm
    Earlier I posted on the possibilities of NFC and today we’ve got the first of five examples of how NFC can be used in a real-life campaign. One of the great ways to leverage NFC and 2D barcode technology is to pair them together and provide your customers with a frictionless mobile experience. Today we are going to cover tradeshows, but check back for other great scenarios and suggestions for reaching your customers. Tradeshows have a number of bottlenecks that can be alleviated through paperless processing. Implementing a digital experience can streamline your attendees experience through…
 
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    Greenfudge.org

  • What’s causing the Deadly Cold in Europe?

    Murielle
    9 Feb 2012 | 2:34 am
    By Andrew Freedman Image courtesy of ClimateCentral.org The weather pattern responsible for bringing frigid air to Europe, like this heavy snow fall on the Colosseum in Rome, is driven in part by a naturally-occurring pattern known as the Arctic Oscillation. While the U.S. cruises through winter with a snow drought and above-average temperatures, much of Europe and Eurasia are locked in the grips of a deadly cold air outbreak, with more than 300 people reported dead so far. According to news reports, entire communities in Italy, Bosnia, and Romania have become inaccessible due to heavy…

  • Rare lizard survives long-haul flight and machine wash

    Graham_Land
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:10 am
    photo by Ingo Wölbern (public domain) A rare Chioninia lizard from Cape Verde climbed into a tourist’s luggage before she boarded her flight from the African islands to the UK. The lizard survived a 3,000-mile (5,000 km) flight in a cold luggage hold, followed by a machine wash cycle at the tourist’s home in Somerset, UK. Sue Banwell-Moore found the lizard after removing her washing from the machine. She assumed it was dead until it surprisingly recovered.   From the Guardian: I was hanging out the washing on the clothes dryer and I looked down and there was this lizard there. I…

  • How to keep drivers Safer and cities Happier

    Murielle
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:13 am
    Image by Alvimann (source: morguefile) City driving is frustrating to put it simply; stop and go traffic every other block, pedestrians walking in front of cars without regard for safety, even cars weaving in and out of lanes as if they own the road. These annoyances can turn into increased stress for drivers on the road today and a major factor in causing that stress might just be the city they’re driving in. Part of the issue with added stress while driving is found within the actual design of a city. Picture yourself driving through New York City fighting against traffic and pedestrians…

  • UK emissions up 3.1% in 2010

    Graham_Land
    7 Feb 2012 | 8:10 am
    photo by eskimo_jo (Flickr CC) Though the economic recession caused UK greenhouse gas emissions to fall in 2009 (8.7% from 2008 levels), in 2010 they climbed back up by 3.1%, according to a new government report. This is the first rise in emissions since 2003 and can be attributed to the unusually cold winter of 2010. Power generation used more fossil fuels during the year. An article in the Guardian associates the rise in emissions with the economic recovery after the recession (has there been an ‘after the recession?’) though it also states that industries such as business, agriculture…

  • European climate chief: Change growth model or crisis will go global

    Graham_Land
    6 Feb 2012 | 8:17 am
    photo by Hector Garcia (Flickr CC) Europe’s commissioner for climate action, Connie Hedegaard, has stated that the current model for economic growth is not sustainable and could result in a global economic crisis if continued. Hedegaard equated the current Eurozone crisis with a future one of global scale. She said that economic models based solely on production and consumption are a recipe for failure and only serves to encourage overconsumption. Furthermore, the environment must be taken into account and these issues must be comprehensively addressed at the upcoming summit in Rio de…
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    The Green Blog Network

  • Super Bowl MADONNA in BULGARI

    Green Blog Network
    6 Feb 2012 | 2:36 am
    MADONNA wearing BULGARI earrings at the SUPER BOWL. Photo credit GETTY images.February 5, 2012 Indianapolis, IN -  Madonna wore Bulgari earrings during her half time performance at the Super Bowl.  The earrings (Ref. E1433 / 3421) are from Bulgari’s High Jewelry Collection, and are made of white gold and diamonds (19.6 cts).  Question of the day: who can tell us if the diamonds and gold are ethically sourced? Posted via email from The Green Blog Network

  • Merry Christmas And Happy New Year!

    Green Blog Network
    21 Dec 2011 | 2:31 pm
    Eco Consulting * Eco Media * Green Blog Network * Greening Hollywood * * Greening Beauty * Greening Paris  * Greening Vancouver Like Us on FB! Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice! Posted via email from The Green Blog Network

  • California Gov. Brown's Conference on Extreme Climate Risks Says Agriculture, Including Wine Will Be Affected

    Green Blog Network
    15 Dec 2011 | 3:04 pm
    At today's Conference on Extreme Climate Risks and California's Future put on by Gov. Jerry Brown featuring speakers: Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sir Richard Branson, Nancy Sutley and many more, it was widely acknowledged that with the combination of environmental factors of climate change and rising sea levels, California's agricultural industry will be negatively impacted, including its multi-billion dollar wine industry. Follow the Green Blog Network for full report and analysis. Green Blog Network * Greening Hollywood * Greening Beauty  Greening…

  • Sustainable, Edible Holiday House

    Green Blog Network
    10 Dec 2011 | 11:26 am
    “Not one piece of our structure will end up in landfill,” says Smallworks president, Jake Fry. The gingerbread dwelling is fully sustainable and environmentally responsible with net zero impact on anything aside from your belly. “Every peppermint swirl, candy corn, and multi-coloured jujube will be stuffed into someone’s gob, probably at the end of a huge holiday dinner.” Who hasn’t decorated their dining table or sideboard during the festive period and wanted to fit in an extra miniature Christmas tree, shiny bauble, or even one…

  • Wine And Climate Change In The International Herald Tribune

    Green Blog Network
    23 Nov 2011 | 6:19 am
    Dear Readers, Wine Lovers and Environmentalists: Please have a look at my recent article which originally appeared in the International Herald Tribune. It is also online at NYTimes.com with full LINK HERE. by Paige Donner Green Blog Network * Greening Hollywood * Greening Beauty  Greening Paris * Greening Vancouver   Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice!    Eco Consulting * Eco Media Posted via email from The Green Blog Network
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    Free Energy

  • Knowledge Left Behind

    Jim
    9 Feb 2012 | 6:43 am
    An overview of ancients?

  • Einstein Questioned

    Jim
    4 Feb 2012 | 7:19 am
    Our thanks to Shafiq Kahn for this interesting short missive. Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies Is Unity speaking similarly? Not from a viewpoint of fudging the math(s) but it almost seems like the great man had no peers and looked for someone to speak with on his own level. Alas, they were all trying to figure [...]

  • Liberty In USA

    Jim
    1 Feb 2012 | 4:58 am
    Again, I say, I’m Canadian, not American although North American, emphasis, north. I wanted the good consequences of America and several times tried to become an American. Lately I wonder. Why did I never succeed. I am now a citizen of Canada, Hong Kong and an endless visitor to Thailand, citizenship is not so easy [...]

  • Strange Sounds Worldwide

    Jim
    31 Jan 2012 | 9:44 am
    Some of this sounds like the earth needs a Tums.

  • Baap! Break’s Over

    Jim
    31 Jan 2012 | 8:36 am
    Ok, coffee break’s over, back on your heads. That’s the punchline to a hell joke. We are looking for a way out of this mire. I think and I think and it always comes up, lose combustion, embrace gravity control. Of course, gravity control. Suddenly all the the explosions from bombs and warfare and jet [...]
 
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    Energy Bulletin -

  • Uneconomics: a challenge to the power of the economics profession

    kristinsponsler
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:08 am
    When economists Lucas Papademos and Mario Monti were parachuted in as Prime Ministers of Greece and Italy respectively in November of last year, this heralded a new era in the power of the economics profession. With questions still being asked about the failings of economics and economists in the build-up to the financial crisis, this technocratic rebuke to democracy was further evidence that this crisis is entrenching existing elite power, rather than weakening it. Not that you would hear any of this being discussed in an economics classroom. read more

  • Get on my land! New report shows thousands benefit from community farming

    kristinsponsler
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:49 am
    ‘The Impact of Community Supported Agriculture’– has found that CSA schemes are providing multiple benefits to thousands of members, their communities, local economies and the environment. CSA offers an innovative approach to reconnecting people with their food, and helps to build strong partnerships between communities and farmers. read more

  • Experiencing an energy audit

    kristinsponsler
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:40 am
    Last week, I had an audit of our house's energy use done and I wanted to share a few impressions of the process. Partly I hope to inspire a few readers to do the same, and partly I figure some of my readers know a lot more about this than me and can answer some of my questions.  The audit was performed by Jon Harrod of Snug Planet, a local energy efficiency firm here in the Ithaca area of upstate New York. read more

  • Wee shall overcome: Tiny houses, big plans

    kristinsponsler
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:06 am
    Americans live in a country in which bigger is often supposed to be better. Perhaps this is why our homes, like our food portions, waistlines, and debt, continue to expand...But the rise of the McMansion--and its attendant conspicuous consumption--has also helped to create the burgeoning tiny house movement, which extols the virtues of living smaller. Like Henry David Thoreau, who built his own 150 square-foot cabin on Walden Pond in the 1840s, most tiny house aficionados cite the sheer satisfaction of paring down to the basics, choosing, as he put it, "to front only the essential facts of…

  • Saving food from the fridge

    kristinsponsler
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:46 am
    Korean artist Jihyun Ryou, a graduate of the Dutch Design Academy Eindhoven, translates traditional knowledge on food storage into contemporary design. She found the inspiration for her wall-mounted storage units while listening to the advice of her grandmother, a former apple grower, and other elderly. Her mission: storing food outside the refrigerator. read more
 
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    Green-Buildings.com

  • Second Glass: Recycled Glass Products

    clairemolo
    7 Feb 2012 | 2:23 pm
    Product Summary:  Second Glass recycles glass from used windshields to create walls, lighting, partitions, shower enclosures, decorative items and more. Based in Portland, Oregon, Second Glass recovers damaged and junk windshields and remanufactures them into glass products, such as walls, dividers, partitions, lighting, shower enclosures, and decorative items. Benefits of Recycled Glass from Windshields Recycling glass saves energy from manufacturing, transportation and mining. This reduces the Second Glass products’ carbon footprint and emissions. Also, recovering used windshields…

  • Breathe Living Wall from DIRTT

    clairemolo
    7 Feb 2012 | 12:24 pm
    Product Summary:  DIRTT offers Breathe Living Walls, which is a wall of plants that is shown to improve indoor air quality and occupant well-being. DIRTT, a company perhaps best known for its Breathe Living Wall products, specializes in modern and sustainable movable walls. Breathe Living Walls, simply put, are walls of plants. The plants mount to the tile layer of the wall - either existing DIRTT tiles, new DIRTT tiles, or other vertical surfaces made of gypsum, concrete, stone, etc. whyleed:  According to DIRTT, Breathe Living Wall has helped LEED projects to earn Innovation in…

  • Green Jobs: NY and Oregon Fund Energy Efficiency Retrofits

    clairemolo
    7 Feb 2012 | 10:05 am
    Energy Audits in Oregon Schools According to a recent article in The Republic, Oregon is offering low-interest loans to the state's schools for energy efficiency improvements. The retrofits would cost about $40 million in total, and would save the schools $3.6 million a year. These retrofits would most likely create 400 to 600 direct jobs, according to the governor's aide, Scott Nelson. NYSERDA: Energy Efficiency Funding Summary of News:  The state of Oregon and NYSERDA are funding energy efficiency retrofits, creating green jobs for energy auditors. Expert:  Claire Moloney, LEED…

  • TimberSIL from Timber Treatment Technologies

    clairemolo
    7 Feb 2012 | 7:40 am
    Product Summary:  TimberSIL is wood treated with sodium silicate, which protects it from common wood problems with limited impact to the environment. Alex Wilson, founder of Environmental Building News, said in an interview with ecohome that TimberSIL is one of his favorite green building products for 2012. TimberSIL is a unique wood product that combines wood with an amorphous glass barrier made of sodium silicate. This protects the wood from common problems, such as insects and microbes. whyleed:  TimberSIL can potentially contribute to the following LEED credits in LEED for New…

  • Department of Defense Invests in Green Energy and Creates Green Jobs

    clairemolo
    6 Feb 2012 | 3:02 pm
    In a recent KCET article, “10 Technologies Helping the Military Go Green”, Brian Frank described 10 examples of the military’s sustainability efforts. These included solar power shades, microgrids, hybrid-electric ships and biofuel-powered aircrafts. Summary of News:  The military's investments in green technologies, especially in renewable energy and energy efficiency, could create green jobs. Expert:  Claire Moloney, LEED Green Associate Related Advice:  Growth of Fuel Cells in California, U.S. Military Could Create Green Jobs Diesel Technology Forum: EPA Grants…
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    Green Antilles

  • Anguillan Clarissa Lloyd selected for Conservation Leadership training

    Thérèse
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:15 pm
    Clarissa Lloyd of the Anguilla National Trust will be the Caribbean representative in the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders class of 2012-2013. According to a post on the Trust’s Facebook page: Earlier this year, Clarissa Lloyd, ANT Terrestrial and Wetlands Conservation Officer, submitted an application to the Caribbean Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (C-EWCL) initiative. The C-EWCL is an opportunity for young up-and-coming conservation professionals to gain skills and experience working with other conservation leaders. It is a two-year programme and involves two major…

  • Renewable energy development in Cuba

    Thérèse
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:13 am
    An article from the Inter Press Service about renewable energy development in Cuba: More than a decade ago, solar electricity changed the lives of several mountain communities in Cuba. Now this and other renewable power sources are emerging as the best options available to develop sustainable energy across the island. “If the world’s clean energy potential exceeds our consumption needs, why do we insist on using the polluting kind?” asked Luis Bérriz, head of the Cuban Society for the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and Respect for the Environment (CUBASOLAR), a non-…

  • Pilot wind power project for Eleuthera in The Bahamas

    Thérèse
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:11 am
    From the Bahamas, news of a wind power project coming to the island of Eleuthera: A RENEWABLE energy provider is looking to “commission” its Eleuthera wind farm by early 2013, having invested $250,000 in completing the first project phase involving the construction of a Meteorological tower. Thomas Schneider, president of Schneider Power, which together with Bahamian firm, WINSO Company, has formed the Eleuthera Wind Power entity to supply renewable energy to the Tarpum Bay reverse osmosis plant, said the project was intended to be “a fantastic concept showcase” to…

  • Video: The Central Mangroves in Grand Cayman

    Thérèse
    6 Feb 2012 | 2:17 pm
    Grand Cayman hosts the largest contiguous mangrove wetlands in the Caribbean, the Central Mangroves. Over 8,000 acres in total the mangroves are almost completely unprotected, despite their being the “heart of Grand Cayman”

  • The EPIC Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles

    Thérèse
    6 Feb 2012 | 1:16 pm
    Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), a conservation organisation based in St. Maarten recently published a Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles: Documenting new seabird-colony Important Bird Areas, finding previously undocumented colonies and colonies thought to be extirpated: these are just some of the exciting discoveries reported within Environmental Protection in the Caribbean’s (EPIC’s) ground-breaking Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles. Stretching in an arc from Anguilla to Grenada, the Lesser Antilles are the final frontier between the Caribbean Sea…
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    Green Eco Blog

  • 1962 Dodge Dart Limo

    admin
    1 Feb 2012 | 1:35 am
    Who, I want this!  Dodge Dart was the bomb!

  • Most Biodegradable Car Ever

    admin
    1 Jan 2012 | 12:07 am
    This car is not only super eco-friendly but tasty also!

  • New Way to Add Greenery

    admin
    1 Dec 2011 | 12:27 am
    I love street art!

  • Green Car Journal – 5 Green Car Finalists

    admin
    1 Nov 2011 | 1:35 am
    The Green Car Journal, in announcing the five finalists for the 2012 Green Car of the Year award, has revealed a wider focus for the award. Now in its seventh year, the Green Car of the Year designation honors environmental automotive leadership and the winner will be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 17. This year, the online magazine is looking at five finalists including the new Ford Focus Electric, Honda Civic Natural Gas, Mitsubishi i, Toyota Prius v and Volkswagen Passat TDI. That includes two all-electrics, a CNG vehicle, one hybrid and a diesel-powered car. Read the full…

  • Barrier for Consumers to Switch to Green Cars

    admin
    3 Oct 2011 | 10:29 am
    I really love this editorial on how consumers are leaning towards green cars but need some more incentives to go over the edge.  More and more people are opting to embrace the green lifestyle in the face of the horrendous effects of climate change. Global market realities, principally high oil prices, are also compelling governments to look for non-traditional, environment-friendly fuel to run vehicles, power industries, and energize communities to achieve sustainable national development. But any drastic or “cold turkey” approach to a switch to alternative fuels or energy sources…
 
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    The Green Samaritan

  • What’s Essential in Your Life?

    Jeanne
    7 Feb 2012 | 7:48 am
    Have you asked yourself lately what’s essential in your life?  Nordic Naturals wants to know and is sponsoring the What’s Essential contest to get people like you and me to share what’s... See the full post and more at www.TheGreenSamaritan.com

  • 4 Ways to Clear Out Those Catalogs from Your Mailbox

    Jeanne
    30 Jan 2012 | 10:21 am
    Are you basking in the afterglow of catalogs as a result of your online holiday shopping?  Or for whatever reason, you are still getting unwanted junk mail and catalogs?  I’ve said before... See the full post and more at www.TheGreenSamaritan.com

  • Product Review: Glass Dharma – The Original Glass Straw

    Jeanne
    10 Jan 2012 | 8:08 am
    If moving from disposable to reusable is on your list of resolutions this year, cutting out the use of plastic straws is an easy start.  We used to buy bags of straws for the drinks and smoothies in... See the full post and more at www.TheGreenSamaritan.com

  • The Organic Essential Shopping Guide + More Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips from Sara Snow

    Jeanne
    3 Jan 2012 | 10:50 am
    Wouldn’t it be great to know exactly what foods are most important to buy organic, especially during the winter months as well as year round too? To help protect you and your family this winter... See the full post and more at www.TheGreenSamaritan.com

  • Reduce-Reuse-Recycle that Holiday Waste

    Jeanne
    26 Dec 2011 | 11:48 am
      Whew! With households generating an additional 25% in waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, that another 6 million tons of trash floating around.  Here are a few quick tips to help... See the full post and more at www.TheGreenSamaritan.com
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    Our Daily Green

  • 3 Easy Ways to Put More Organic Food on Your Plate (guest post)

    7 Feb 2012 | 7:20 am
    Adam Green is a freelance writer and organic food enthusiast. He contributed this post on behalf of Full Circle, an organic produce delivery service in Washington State. With consumer demand for organic food on the rise, it's great that supermarkets are stocking more organic items. But supermarkets still don't always carry local, organic varieties of your favorite foods. What's more, the markup at supermarkets often makes organic items prohibitively expensive. If you're looking for alternatives to the supermarket – alternatives that could provide more selection and greater value – here…

  • Score a Food Safety Touchdown at Your Super Bowl XLVI Party | USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

    3 Feb 2012 | 8:07 am
    Score a Food Safety Touchdown at Your Super Bowl XLVI Party | USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Score a Food Safety Touchdown at Your Super Bowl XLVI Party Free Publication from USDA Catherine Cochran (202) 690-0428 WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2012-As both the New England Patriots and New York Giants know, you win with defense. When it comes to planning a Super Bowl XLVI party, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) wants football fans to know how to play defense against potential foodborne illness. "Great food, large groups of friends and cheering on your team are what make Super…

  • Office Green

    2 Feb 2012 | 7:38 am
    Easy Tips You Can Use to Make Your Office Greener (this article is reposted under Creative Commons 1.0 license) by Cheryl Roberts If you're one of the more than 50 million Americans who work in an office, it may surprise you to learn how great an impact we office workers have on the environment. Whether your office is large or small, whether it's in a large corporation or at a local community group, school, or church, there are plenty of ways you can help the environment in the choices you and your co-workers make every day. Each day, office workers consume approximately 145 million gallons…

  • Staying Home

    1 Feb 2012 | 7:17 am
    Guest post of the week by Brittany Booker I knew I needed to Compare Electricity Providers in our new area once we moved in but there were so many other things on my mind. I know there's something wonderful about being part of a big move like this one but I think it's crazy imagining what things will be like in a few weeks when we get everything all tied down. I love our new house and though things aren't exactly good yet I did remember to compare electricity providers and I also figured out everything about the cable and the security and the lawn maintenance and all that. I can't believe…

  • A Clean Green New Year

    31 Jan 2012 | 10:39 am
    WE HAVE A WINNER!  Comment #5, belonging to Bell! You have 48 hours to respond with your information to the email.  If we've not heard back from you by then, we will select another winner. Congratulations and thank you everyone for your interest. Please return for our next giveaway.  A few weeks ago, Our Daily Green was invited to participate in a panel survey about favorite green cleaning products. Circle of Moms chose our answer in their year-end column. I was so excited to have my answer chosen that I contacted the company. As a result, they have offered to sponsor…
 
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    ForceChange

  • Protect the Environment: Enforce Strict Regulations on Oil Companies

    Nanette Curtis
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:04 pm
    Currently there is poor enforcement of federal regulations regarding oil and gas companies drilling on public lands. Mistakes by oil companies result in oil spills that damage the environment, yet little punishment is handed down for violations of safety regulations. Protect the environment by urging strict enforcement of regulations regarding oil and gas drilling.

  • Support Colorado Legislature’s Efforts to Improve School Food

    Sara Stavile
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:45 am
    The Colorado State Legislature is proposing a law to ban trans saturated fats from all food served in Colorado public schools--including lunches, breakfasts, snacks, and vending machine items in order to combat childhood obesity. Show your support for this law which would greatly improve children’s health.

  • Protect Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park From Destructive Strip Coal Mine

    Lindsey Powers
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:16 am
    The U.S. government is about to allow the expansion of a damaging strip coal mine in Utah, adjacent to Bryce Canyon National Park. The negative effects will threaten the quality and tranquility of the national park, as well as harming surrounding areas. In order to protect the well-being of the national park and its neighboring communities, the government must oppose this destructive Big Coal plan.

  • Require Labels on Cosmetic Products Containing Nanoparticles

    Nanette Curtis
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:08 am
    Many cosmetic products are now containing super tiny nanoparticles, yet little research has been conducted to confirm their safety. In fact, some studies indicate they may be dangerous to human health. Urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to protect public health by requiring companies to label cosmetics that contain nanoparticles.

  • Hold Texas Coal And Power Plants Accountable For Their Pollution

    Kara Foran
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:53 am
    Tell the EPA not to override Texas's Regional Haze Rule by making the state's coal and power plants exempt from air clean-up. Texas has a haze of pollution so thick that it even obstructs the visibility of national parks. Coal and power plants must be held to clean standards in order to allow the air to recover from years of dirty emissions.
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    Women Of Green

  • UN panel says only Sustainable Development can create a ‘Resilient Planet’

    Carolyn
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    From Environment News Service ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, A panel of current and former heads of government, ministers and lawmakers Monday launched a plan for world leaders to propel an “ever-green” energy revolution that could wean the world off fossil fuels, when they meet in Brazil later this year. The report of the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability links the United Nations’ goals of reducing poverty and inequality to promoting the use of wind, solar and other renewable energy sources to power the economies of rich and poor nations alike. The report, “Resilient…

  • What’s in your sushi these days

    Carolyn
    6 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Recent studies estimate that fish off the West Coast ingest over 12,000 ton of plastic a year. How many plastic water, soda, juice bottles and plastic bags did you toss last year? Say NO to plastic. It’s choking the ocean. And you.

  • Can Facebook create a healthier, more just world?

    Carolyn
    4 Feb 2012 | 1:11 pm
    Facebook is about to go public. Founder, Mark Zuckerberg stated in a letter to its shareholders, “Facebook was not originally created to be a company. It was built to accomplish a social mission – to make the world more open and connected. We think it’s important that everyone who invests in Facebook understands what this mission means to us, how we make decisions and why we do the things we do. We think a more open and connected world will help create a stronger economy with more authentic businesses that build better products and services.” OK, so Facebook’s…

  • The Lorax has gone Hollywood. And so has its environmental message.

    Carolyn
    25 Jan 2012 | 12:16 pm
    From Mother Jones If you read this blog regularly, it’s likely that you were a fan of The Lorax, Dr. Seuss’ cherished 1971 classic. It’s a story about a little orange guy devoted to protecting the Truffula trees, but it speaks more broadly to the threat that industry poses to the natural world. Now The Lorax has gone Hollywood, with a new film version from Universal Pictures due out on March 2. And it appears that fans of Seuss’ environmental message aren’t very excited about the release. The trailer for the film prompted the students of Ted Wells’ 4th…

  • Conventional and GM Crop Growers Get a Taste of Their Own Legal Medicine

    Carolyn
    20 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am
    From Natural News Purveyors of conventional and genetically-modified (GM) crops — and the pesticides and herbicides that accompany them — are finally getting a taste of their own legal medicine. Minnesota’s Star Tribune has reported that the Minnesota Court of Appeals recently ruled that a large organic farm surrounded by chemical-laden conventional farms can seek damages for lost crops, as well as lost profits, caused by the illegal trespassing of pesticides and herbicides on its property. Oluf and Debra Johnson’s 1,500-acre organic farm in Stearns County, Minn., has…
 
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    Living Green and Saving Energy

  • Three Green Habits That Also Reduce Cancer Risk

    greenwise
    8 Feb 2012 | 4:55 pm
    An article about ways to reduce cancer risk caught my attention today (Hat Tip to self.com). Presented as a slide show, there is a lot of great information on easy ways to reduce cancer. Interestingly, two of the tips for warding off cancer are also good tips for greener living. 1) When you order take-out, [...]

  • Kids Sue US Government To Force Action on Global Warming

    greenwise
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:44 am
    Kids Sue US Government To Force Action on Global Warming

  • Unity College Sets the Standard for Passive Living

    Chris Keenan
    1 Feb 2012 | 3:16 am
    You thought the potato-powered light bulb and solar-powered garage door were innovative and cool, but you haven’t seen anything yet! Maine’s Unity College is setting a new standard for eco-friendliness on its campus. This fall 10 students moved into Unity’s TerraHaus, the first Passive House certified residence on a U.S. college campus. The strict Passive [...]

  • Make a Greener Weekly Shopping List

    Tom Cranford
    30 Jan 2012 | 8:53 am
    Add these items to this week’s shopping list and you will be well on your way to shopping and living greener: Baking Soda: You can easily make an eco-friendly bathroom cleanser using sodium bicarbonate. Add one cup to about a teaspoon of soap (liquid) and a few drops each of water and antibacterial essential oil [...]

  • Lead Still in Aviation Fuel

    Chris Keenan
    18 Jan 2012 | 3:18 am
    Lead can wreak havoc with the human body. To begin with, it can result in cardiovascular and brain damage. Studies have revealed that kids who are exposed to even minor levels of lead are likely to have a lower IQ than children who are not. Therefore, it’s obvious why health and environmental groups are constantly [...]
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    Almost All The Truth

  • Pollution: some interesting facts about our contaminated world.

    Brenna @ Almost All The Truth
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:26 am
    Do any of these facts on air pollution surprise you? I have to admit that I was surprised about the CO2 emissions for the top family vehicles… May be time to cut back our driving even more! Infographic credit   Pollution: some interesting facts about our contaminated world. is a copyrighted post from: Almost All The Truth - Exploring how to improve and protect the health of our children and their world through living, learning, and parenting… Come join the conversation (I love your comments!) on Almost All The Truth, and connect further on Facebook, and twitter!

  • Top Ten: Ways Monsanto and Big Ag are Killing You – And the Planet

    Brenna @ Almost All The Truth
    7 Feb 2012 | 5:44 am
    Monsanto and Big Agriculture – Partners in Destruction? photo credit: flickr Monsanto and Big Ag are not working in harmony with the land to “produce more with less” as the argument goes, but are by their very nature destroying our small farmers and organic and sustainable farms, both in the U.S. and globally. The reliance on increasing the herbicides needed to grow GMO crops is too energy-intensive and harmful to our health to let continue on such a destructive path! The industrial farm practices are proving to be increasingly more harmful to human health and quickly…

  • Curious Critters – Fun With Nature. {Giveaway}

    Brenna @ Almost All The Truth
    6 Feb 2012 | 5:02 am
    Curious Critters – Teaching Kids to Love Nature I adore unusual animals. My absolute favorite animal is the blue whale, in part because it is the largest known animal to have ever existed and they are rarely seen. I have a strange fascination with the colossal squid because of this too. If you can’t go big, go home. You won’t be finding a blue whale (or a colossal squid) in Curious Critters, the fabulous book by David FitzSimmons, but you will find the amazing creatures that live all around us, some even in our own backyards! Luckily they all agreed very politely to pose.

  • The Super Bowl is Going Green Through Renewable Energy!

    Brenna @ Almost All The Truth
    5 Feb 2012 | 3:57 pm
    I am pleased to see some steps in the right direction for such a huge event. The NFL is working closely with Green Mountain Energy to provide renewable energy certificates. Now if the NFL is doing this out of a sense of corporate responsibility, can we expect the same respect from fans? If you plan to watch the game, what are you doing today to minimize your environmental impact? We are staying home, so not using the car. We (well the husband) walked to the store for refreshments and sore throat cures. We plan to consume only what we need from as much organic and local resources we can. Being…

  • Fracking Activist and Journalist Arrested – Violation of First Amendment

    Brenna @ Almost All The Truth
    2 Feb 2012 | 4:12 pm
    Gasland Filmmaker Josh Fox Arrested At House Committee Hearing on Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) Yesterday, certain members of the GOP – particularly Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), who has been an advocate for fracking and has strong financial ties to the natural gas industry and and Committee Chairman Ralph M. Hall (R-Texas) – prompted the arrest of the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Josh Fox for daring to attempt to exercise his First Amendment right to film what has been a long process to actually get science back into the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
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    InterfaceFLOR Cut The Fluff

  • Efficiency targets should be absolute

    Ramon Arratia
    6 Feb 2012 | 3:20 am
    The beauty about full product transparency is that it gives you the real impact of products on absolute terms, rather than using clever metrics in the denominator. For example, both a small TV and a big TV should report their kgCO2, despite than a big TV is bigger. Legislation based on full product transparency should also be on absolutes. For example, legislating energy efficiency in TVs should be by absolute kgCO2 or kwh consumption instead of diving that by the size or other metric. The Germans proposed a scheme to divide the gCO2 of the cars by the weight of the cars. That’s wrong.

  • European Commission publishes report showing going for 30% makes economic sense

    Ramon Arratia
    3 Feb 2012 | 8:15 am
    DG Klima has published a report about the analysis of options beyond 20% GHG emission reductions. Some extracts: By depressing the carbon price, the fall in emissions in the ETS has paradoxically increased the risk of Europe getting locked into too high-carbon investment. Carbon-intensive investments today would lead to higher mitigation costs after 2020 For the EU as a whole, moving to a 25%  domestic reduction in 2020 would save an average of €20 billion in fuel costs each year If the 30% target in the ETS would be implemented by a reduction in auctioned  allowances, it is estimated…

  • Report from McKinsey: resource revolution

    Ramon Arratia
    2 Feb 2012 | 12:30 pm
    This report from McKinsey gives a clear indication of what is going with global commodities and resources globally. Here are some extracts. 80% rise in steel demand projected from 2010 to 2030. 147% increase in real commodity prices since the turn of the century. Up to $1.1 trillion spent annually on resource subsidies $2.9 trillion of savings in 2030 from capturing the resource productivity potential $3.7 trillion if carbon is priced at $30 per tonne, subsidies on water, energy, and agriculture are eliminated, and energy taxes are removed 70% of productivity opportunities have an internal…

  • Dont drop the requirement of BREEAM on schools

    Ramon Arratia
    24 Jan 2012 | 12:41 pm
    The UK State Secretary for Education is thinking of dropping the requirement of all new schools to be built to  be BREEAM. I am not the biggest supporter of BREEAM,  I prefer fully harmonised European  EPDs instead of paying country by country a fee for getting the products certified by a different national standard. But I think in this occassion, the government should maintain the requirement. BREEAM is well understood and used in the UK. The valid concerns about bureacracy should not be the excuse to throw the baby out of the water. There are ways around them.

  • The green deal will reduce support for loft and cavity wall insulation

    Ramon Arratia
    23 Jan 2012 | 4:26 am
    According to a study commissioned by Knauf insulation, the green deal will stop the current support to loft and cavity wall insulation and focus on solid wall insulation. These are some of the figures raised by the report £5bn lost to UK economy 14m tonnes of CO2 emissions created 2,500 job cuts in insulation industry
 
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    Green Marketing TV

  • How to Assess the Green-ness of Your Green Printing Company

    info@greenmarketing.tv
    3 Feb 2012 | 12:40 pm
    With the transition to digital media being the norm, these days, one has to wonder if printed promotional campaigns can ever be green? Marrying tried-and-tested marketing methods with the responsibility of being a greener business can seem like a difficult task, particularly at a time when many companies are feeling the strain financially. One of the oldest tools used by companies to promote their products and services are leaflets and brochures, but in a world where sustainability is becoming a key consideration, does the printed promotion still have its place? In addition to being…

  • Social Enterprises Provide Employment through Crowdfunding

    info@greenmarketing.tv
    31 Jan 2012 | 9:30 am
    If traditional jobs are few and far between, why not find a way to employ people in unconventional ways? That’s what these social enterprises are doing – using creative solutions to provide direct funding for worthy projects. Whether they’re art groups, community organizations, or local charities, the point of these social enterprises is to put people to work in meaningful ways using funds raised by communities. Microgrants Fund Creative Projects in Cities through Social Enterprise This innovative micro-funding idea helps to generate money for creative projects in the city of Detroit…

  • Want to Be Featured in the Ethical EcoBiz Toolkit?

    info@greenmarketing.tv
    30 Jan 2012 | 8:51 pm
    Calling All Eco Entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneurs, Sustainability Consultants, Green Businesses Owners Do you want to help me co-create the Ethical EcoBiz Toolkit? Not only will you get a chance to be featured in my upcoming book, you’ll get a chance to be featured in the Entrepreneurs for a Change podcast, which is awesome publicity. More importantly, your story will serve to inspire thousands of aspiring social entrepreneurs. The Ethical EcoBiz Toolkit will be released with the launch of the Green Business Entrepreneurs Success Summit, this Earth Week 2012 – that is April…

  • From Niche Market Research to Green Product Design – Clearly Filtered

    info@greenmarketing.tv
    26 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am
    Some entrepreneurs create a business around their passion.  They firmly believe if they follow their passion, the money will follow. Other entrepreneurs research the market, then create a business based on a gap, or need in the market. IMHO, these guys are the truly savvy entrepreneurs. Because they’re not personally attached to their business idea, and they’re not going to spend tons of time and money to create a product that they HOPE people will buy. So here’s an awesome story from Zack Kalter, whom I met at Think Tank, the most awesome affiliate marketing conference…

  • Green Businesses Using RFID Tags to Help the Environment

    info@greenmarketing.tv
    24 Jan 2012 | 9:30 am
    Technology has often posed problems for the environment, especially when it comes to its disposal. But technology can also be a boon for the environment, helping to conserve and protect. These green business ideas use RFID tags – radio frequency identification tags – to reduce environmental destruction and make waste disposal more eco-friendly, too. Using RFIDs to Stop Illegal Logging Can technology make illegal logging a thing of the past? The Forestry Department in Malaysia hopes so. They are currently trialing RFID technology as part of their anti-illegal logging campaign, according to…
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    Rob Madden's blog

  • Proposed Arizona Legislation to Protect Sellers in a Short Sale

    Rob Madden
    6 Feb 2012 | 12:31 pm
    Arizona State Legislature is considering HB2584, legislation that would give homeowners considering short sales the same legal protection provided to those facing foreclosure. HB2584 would guarantee that homeowners would no longer be forced to negotiate with lenders to absolve them of financial responsibility for any shortfall between the amount paid for a short sale property and the amount owed on the mortgage at the time the short sale transaction is competed. read more

  • Phoenix foreclosure and real estate update for February 1, 2012

    Rob Madden
    1 Feb 2012 | 2:51 pm
    The competition is fierce in the Phoenix real estate market.  It is becoming all too familiar to see listings with multiple offers, above asking offers, and investors throwing their cash around like it is Monopoly money.  Remind you of 2005?  Here are the numbers for January 2012: read more

  • Are you considering downsizing your Phoenix home?

    Rob Madden
    30 Jan 2012 | 1:28 pm
    Are you considering downsizing your Phoenix home? Well, you’re not alone! According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 60% of homebuyers are considering downsizing to smaller, more efficient homes.  The economy is playing a significant role in this decision but, for the most part, our society is full of Baby Boomers who don’t quite need the space that they once did. read more

  • Inside Look at Phoenix Foreclosure Sales in December

    Rob Madden
    24 Jan 2012 | 3:21 pm
    Sales continued the same trend line as the previous months prior to December 2011, though the tighter supply of homes for sale is having an impact on the availability of good quality foreclosures.   read more

  • 5 Secrets to Buying the Best House For Your Money

    Rob Madden
    9 Jan 2012 | 11:52 am
    1. Get "Pre-Approved" - Not "Pre-Qualified!" read more
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    The Official All Green Electronics Recycling Blog

  • Singing Cards Bad for Environment

    Amy Erickson
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:59 pm
    Is it just me, or are electronic greeting cards taking over the card aisle at the store? The singing or the lights are cute for half a second, but after that, they are just plain annoying. Not only are these … Continue reading →

  • Anaheim Named Most Sustainable City in Orange County

    Amy Erickson
    6 Feb 2012 | 7:52 pm
    Anaheim has been named the top “Eco City” in Orange County, according to the Orange County Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. The top three cities were Anaheim, Huntington Beach, and Irvine. Other cities that made the top ten … Continue reading →

  • E-Waste Upcycled Into Table and Chairs

    Amy Erickson
    31 Jan 2012 | 8:13 pm
    People have turned e-waste into fish tanks, shoes, sculptures… but how about something a bit more practical? Chilean designer Rodrigo Alonso designed some interesting table and chair sets made from pieces of old electronics. According to C-Net News, the stools … Continue reading →

  • 10 “Smartest” Cities on the Planet

    Amy Erickson
    26 Jan 2012 | 7:50 pm
    So we’ve written about the 15 greenest U.S. states, the top 10 eco-friendly world countries, and the top 10 U.S. cities/metro areas for public transportation. Here’s yet another list for you! Climate strategist Boyd Cohen from the blog Co.Exist came … Continue reading →

  • 2012 State of the Union: Energy Recap

    Amy Erickson
    25 Jan 2012 | 5:59 pm
    At his State of the Union address last night, President Barack Obama devoted a portion of his speech to energy. Here are some of the highlights: Right now, American oil production is the highest that it’s been in eight years. … Continue reading →
 
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    Talking About Green

  • Fun Facts On Solar Power

    Tushar Mathur
    6 Feb 2012 | 8:41 am
    This post was originally posted here: Fun Facts On Solar Power For generations, fossil fuels have generated the electricity required which enables us to turn on the TV, press play on the stereo, pull a cold beer from the fridge, jump in the shower, surf the internet, and do a hundred and other one things we take for granted in a world governed by convenience and technology. However, the traditional sources which have supplied the energy we consume daily at an alarming rate are dying out and something more environmentally friendly and cost-effective is slowly but surely taking its place…

  • Is The Mercury In CFL Light Bulbs Poisoning The Environment?

    Tushar Mathur
    3 Feb 2012 | 10:58 pm
    This post was originally posted here: Is The Mercury In CFL Light Bulbs Poisoning The Environment? Every compact fluorescent light bulb contains mercury. Some more than others but on average, there are 4 milligrams of mercury in every bulb. Without the mercury, the bulbs would not be able to operate efficiently. So is the trade-off worth it? Let’s take a closer look at the facts to see if releasing mercury into the environment worth the energy savings? How Can Mercury Harm Humans Have you ever heard of the term, “mad as a hatter”? The origins of the saying come from mercury poisoning.

  • How You And Your Family Can Use Eco Products To Benefit The Environment

    Tushar Mathur
    3 Feb 2012 | 10:56 pm
    This post was originally posted here: How You And Your Family Can Use Eco Products To Benefit The Environment More families than ever are becoming eco conscious.  There are many reasons for this however few feelings can rival that of having had a positive impact for the future of the Earth. Why eco products? As a global community we are being asked and told more and more that we must secure the future of our planet now.  For governments, scientists and businesses around the world, climate and the environment is a bigger issue than it has ever been before.  Damage that has already been done…

  • Green Habits that Cost Nothing

    Tushar Mathur
    3 Feb 2012 | 10:54 pm
    This post was originally posted here: Green Habits that Cost Nothing It’s incredibly important to green your lifestyle and lower your personal impact on the environment. Unfortunately, many of the best ways to do this can be expensive, such as purchasing more energy-efficient appliances or purchasing sustainable materials and organic products. If you want to be more eco-friendly, it is possible to do so without even touching your bank account. Here are some simple green habits that cost you nothing. Launder Differently Your clothes washer and dryer use a great deal of electricity to run.

  • Why Ecotourism Works

    Tushar Mathur
    3 Feb 2012 | 10:53 pm
    This post was originally posted here: Why Ecotourism Works You’d think that even the staunchest environmentalist would be excited that ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry.  After all, individuals should be lauded for wanting to spend their hard earned money on a vacation that is sustainable and low impact.  Many ecotourism trips involve volunteering to help restore or preserve fragile environments, and they often include interactions with the local communities.  Thus, ecotourism involves not just positive encounters with pristine and unspoiled…
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    ecoINSITE

  • Green IT: Nicira intros network virtualization tech, EMC follows flash startups

    Pedro Hernandez
    7 Feb 2012 | 4:21 pm
    Not that I planned it this way, but yesterday I wrote two articles for the IT Business Edge network, each with a neat little Green IT component. The first is about Nicira, a startup that emerged from stealth this week despite offering a product that’s been commercially available since July 2011. But let’s not get hung up on technicalities and instead focus on the neat stuff: its virtual networking tech. The company’s subscription-based software effectively de-couples virtual machines from the underlying physical network. That not only means truly elastic IT — workloads…

  • Nokia puts suppliers on notice with anti-conflict mineral policy

    Pedro Hernandez
    4 Feb 2012 | 4:39 pm
    Rare earth mining and its associated trade bankrolls a lot of the violence that’s gripping the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). And given the convoluted supply chains that have become a hallmark of today’s global economy, these “conflict minerals” can wind up in your electronics. That’s a problem. Nokia has taken an official stance on conflict minerals. In short, it will do everything in its power to make sure that those metals never end up in any of its products. This new policy emphasizes ‘traceability’ and effectively puts its suppliers and…

  • SeaMicro looks beyond Atom for more server sales

    Pedro Hernandez
    3 Feb 2012 | 11:36 pm
    This is an interesting turn of events. Lately, startups like Calxeda and SeaMicro have been making waves by enticing data center operators with the promise of potent yet power-sipping servers using low-watt processors that are decidedly non-standard on servers. Namely, ARM- and Intel Atom-based chips, respectively. Now it turns out that SeaMicro sees some value, or at least expanded market opportunities, in that old server stand-by, the Xeon. Hence the SM10000-XE, a server containing 64, quad-core Sandy Bridge-based Xeons at 2.4 GHz. The point, according to this HPCwire piece, is to make…

  • iPad EMR startup DrChrono attracts $2.8M

    Pedro Hernandez
    26 Jan 2012 | 2:47 pm
    This is awesome. NYT Bits Blog has a story today on Silicon Valley startup DrChrono and how it raised $2.8 million from Yuri Milner, in addition to the $1.3 million funded by Y-Combinator and 500 Startups, among others. DrChrono is an electronic medical record (EMR) platform that’s taking advantage of the growing popularity of iPads in medical offices. …DrChrono is steadily gaining traction among doctors and patients since it was founded in April 2010. The company says that more than 50,000 doctors and 400,000 patients have registered with the service. Impressive for such a young…

  • Infographic: Spotlight on conflict minerals

    Pedro Hernandez
    26 Jan 2012 | 1:37 pm
    Venkel Ltd., a producer of electronics components headquartered in Austin, Texas, has released an infographic that explores the sources of four conflict minerals, coined 3TG (tungsten, tantalum, tin and gold). This comes as the SEC finds itself embroiled in a clash over conflict mineral provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act. Conflict minerals describe earth metals that come from the war-ravaged Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Though the DRC is a relatively small producer in terms of the world market, its mining operations are inextricably tied to the violence that grips the country,…
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    Wild Wire

  • Update from the Lemonade Stand Crew

    admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:40 am
    A lot can change in a year; we get older, a little taller, start a new school year and maybe even make some new friends. But sometimes the best things stay the same year after year, like Kathleen and her friends helping to Bring Back the Wild™! We first met the lemonade stand crew last summer, when they sent us a letter about spending a sunny day at the cottage raising money and awareness to help protect the Grizzly bear. A year later we received another letter telling us that the crew was back in action offering lemonade and some baked treats to anyone willing to help protect the Jefferson…

  • Patrick Chan is Bringing Back the Wild!

    admin
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:47 am
    What do you call a world champion figure skater with a soft spot for the largest land mammal in North America? Well…you call him Patrick Chan! This Sportsnet’s 2011 Canadian Athlete of the Year holds three Guinness World Records and has even been to the Olympics! Just a few weeks ago Patrick Chan competed against some of the country’s top talent in the Canadian Figure Skating Championship, taking gold for the FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW! We could keep listing all of the amazing things that this young athlete has accomplished but we’re making Patrick blush. Besides, there is more to this…

  • Let’s Meet Lewa!

    admin
    1 Feb 2012 | 7:19 am
    The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy protects animals, offering a home for critically endangered species and providing a space for biodiversity to thrive. Lewa has been around since 1995 and it covers 62,000 acres of land in northern Kenya. Lewa also supports the local community, working on programs to educate neighbouring areas about the value of wildlife. Who lives at Lewa? Black Rhino. Photo Credit: Edwin Kisio This conservation area is home to 11% of Kenya’s black rhinos and 14% of the white rhinos. Lewa also has one of the largest populations of the endangered Grevy’s zebra as well as wild…

  • WCS and the Woodland Caribou

    admin
    1 Feb 2012 | 7:16 am
    The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS Canada) works to save wildlife and wild lands all across Canada. Since 2004, WCS Canada has been researching how species are threatened by conducting field studies and gathering all kinds of important information that is used to help us better protect the environment. What can I do? Earth Rangers and WCS Canada have been teaming up to protect the Woodland caribou. When kids, just like you, started a Bring Back the Wild™ campaign for the Woodland caribou, 50% of the funds raised supported Earth Rangers’ education programs and 50% went to help WCS…

  • World Plumbing Day

    admin
    31 Jan 2012 | 2:58 pm
    One of the planet’s most precious resources is water. Sure, it might not seem that hard for you to get water, just turn on the tap, but have you ever stopped to think about how that clean water finds its way to your kitchen sink? From the time it is collected and brought into your home, to when you dump it down the drain, water is on a long journey. This amazing traveling water doesn’t happen automatically. There’s a whole team of people whose job it is to take care of water. Green Plumber? An important member of this H20 team is the plumber. They work hard every day to keep our water…
 
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    emPivot: Featured videos

  • John Salley on Not Eating Animals

    9 Feb 2012 | 3:30 pm
    Most animals are raised under cruel conditions and fed a diet of antibiotics and corn. Learn more from John Sally about the food you eat. http://www.takepart.com/foodinc Author: TakePart Keywords: John Salley on Not Eating Animals Added: January 1, 1970

  • RozCast for July 30, 2009 - Solo Pacific Row, Stage 2, Week 10

    9 Feb 2012 | 3:30 pm
    Roz Savage is rowing solo across the Pacific Ocean in 3 stages. She completed Stage 1 in 2008, becoming the first woman ever to row solo from California to Hawaii. Stage 2 launched on May 24, 2009, and will take her from Hawaii down into the South Pacific. Stage 3 will take place in 2010, ending in Australia. If successful she will be the first woman ever to row solo across the Pacific. In this week\s video she talks about audio entertainment, and provides an update on her progress.This video was filmed by Roz Savage and edited by Dawn…

  • Beaver Dam Clean up 2009

    9 Feb 2012 | 3:30 pm
    Beaverdam Creek subwatershed is an incredibly unique area of primarily publicly owned forest and agricultural land in the middle of the Washington Metropolitan Area. The headwaters of the Anacostia River are found in this subwatershed. Beaverdam Creek subwatershed is an area of unique beauty in the midst of suburban development, it is also home to a number of problems ranging from uncontrolled stormwater runoff, trash and eroding streambanks. In addition, the best and healthiest portion of the subwatershed is under constant pressure from various development…

  • Food, Inc Trailer

    9 Feb 2012 | 3:30 pm
    http://www.takepart.com/foodincIn Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation\s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government\s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation\s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens,…

  • Food Security Project is a New Model for Self-Sufficiency for Orphans in Conflict-Torn Regions

    9 Feb 2012 | 3:30 pm
    Chido Govero, a dynamic 23-year old woman from rural Zimbabwe, is training her fellow orphan girls to grow critically-needed food – using little more than coffee pulp and grass clippings – and receiving vital support from California-based artisan coffee company, Equator Coffees, and the ZERI Foundation, which specializes in international sustainable development. Zimbabwe, a landlocked southern African nation roughly the size of Montana, has been besieged in recent years by a controversial land redistribution…
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    Green Car Reports

  • Fuel Cell Research Continues: DoE Seeks Viability Feedback

    9 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm
    Like many of the paths towards improving the ways in which we use energy and reducing our dependency on oil, hydrogen fuel cells have their plus and minus points. To find out just how feasible fuel cells are, the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has issued a request for information (RFI) to seek feedback into the commercial readiness of fuel cell...

  • Drive a Solar-Charged Electric Car, Save $263,000 On Fuel Over 50 Years?

    9 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm
    Critics of plug-in cars like the 2012 Nissan Leaf and 2012 Mitsubishi i often say their high sticker prices are just too expensive to make a sound economic case for making the switch from gasoline to electric. Not so, says electric car advocate and BMW ActiveE driver Peder Norby. In fact, Norby argues, driving nothing but electric cars for 50...

  • 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Will Be U.S. Made, Says Toyota

    9 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am
    Buy a gasoline 2012 Toyota Highlander crossover in the U.S., and the chances are it will have been made at Toyota’s Princetown factory in Indiana. Opt for the more fuel efficient 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid model, and your car will have been made a third of the way around the world in Japan. Not for much longer, says Toyota Motor North...

  • Friendly Fire: Chevrolet's Cruze Stunting Volt Sales?

    9 Feb 2012 | 10:00 am
    Is the Chevrolet Volt being outshone by its own little brother? The Wall Street Journal suggests that - just like millions of Americans - the Volt is a victim of some good, old-fashioned sibling rivalry - at the hands of the Chevrolet Cruze. On the face of it, there's not a lot of reason that the two cars might compete. One is a regular compact...

  • 2015 Acura NSX Hybrid Super Bowl Ad So Popular, It Crashed Acura’s Website

    9 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    The chances are by now that even if you didn’t watch Super Bowl XLVI, you’ve watched all of the new TV ads which aired during the event last Sunday. That means you’ll also have seen the hilarious debut advert for Acura’s 2015 NSX Hybrid, staring Jerry Seinfield and Jay Leno. But while the Japanese automaker is still three...
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    Natural as Possible Mom

  • Plastic and the Ocean: A Surfrider Foundation Interview

    kb
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:27 am
    What's in that gulp of ocean water you just swallowed? This, unfortunately.   One of the things I am most proud of is our household ban on plastic. We don’t use plastic if we can help it. I take reusable bags on shopping trips to the supermarket and the mall, and we recycle any plastic that does come into our home. Every bread bag, every piece of packaging, every toilet paper or paper towel wrapping, every piece of bubblewrap, every dry cleaning bag, shrink wrap — it all goes into a big bag that is then recycled at our local Lowe’s. (You can read more about it…

  • The Bathroom Key: A Strong Pelvic Floor

    kb
    2 Feb 2012 | 11:40 am
    I just got a review copy of The Bathroom Key, written by Kim Perelli and Kathryn Kassai, a doctor/patient team. Great book, and one that could probably help millions of women. It reminded me of my own experiences. (And made me wonder why I didn’t co-write something like this years ago!) I’ve been a freelance writer for about a dozen years and have written for pretty much every women’s magazine out there. Before kids, I used to write a lot for Marie Claire. I pitched every one of my stories — that is, I came up with the idea, wrote it up, and it was approved and…

  • Booster Seats Matter

    kb
    30 Jan 2012 | 7:21 am
    I am on a hunt for a new car. If it wasn’t for my kids, I’d be fine with my current car. After all, it’s a hybrid, it runs, and it’s paid for, but unfortunately, the backseat isn’t big enough to fit more than two booster seats and that’s a problem. Right now, I’ve got both my girls in Britax Frontier 85s, convertible boosters that can be used with a 5-point harness or with the regular seat belt. They are great, but big, so whenever I try and add a third kid back there, I am at a loss. I have two options: shoehorning the kid in between the two boosters…

  • Mean Teacher: What’s Your Problem?

    kb
    25 Jan 2012 | 12:38 pm
    I snuck out of work this morning, hitting the gym at 9:30 instead of my office chair. My husband is going out tonight. I knew I needed a spin class, but I didn’t want to dump the girls in childcare from 7 until 8 p.m., especially since the little one’s bedtime is 7:15. After dropping the little one at school, I arrived at the class and (once again) marveled at how many people are at the gym during the day. The parking lot was packed, and a good portion of the almost 50 bikes were taken. Snapping on my spin shoes (yes, I finally got spin shoes!), I got right into the class. The…

  • Recycling Cords, Cards, and Consumer Electronics at Best Buy

    kb
    20 Jan 2012 | 2:45 pm
    I finally found a place for all the clutter -- at Best Buy! We are big tech people. I can’t count how many servers, workstations, gaming consoles, and pieces of consumer electronics that we’ve purchased since we’ve been married. I’ve been recycling the big stuff — computers, laptops, monitors, and televisions — for a while now, but it’s been more difficult to figure out what to do with all the cords, remotes, and other electronic-related items that were left over. Oh, and I can’t forget the plastic gift cards that we used to purchase them. They…
 
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    Green Home Guide General Feed

  • How much energy is saved by turning down a thermostat even by 1 degree? Is there a statistic available?

    8 Feb 2012 | 7:28 pm
    We are trying to motivate our retirement community to lower their apartment temperatures. The average apt. is 1500 sq. ft. Gerry this is actually a great question but the whole responsible answer is more complicated. Let's start with industry figures. For every degree you turn down your thermostat (and leave it there)...

  • We are looking at carpet. I hear Smartstrand is a good choice. Would you concur?

    8 Feb 2012 | 1:22 pm
    We're very concerned about VOCs and can't afford wool. We also have pets and would like a durable carpet. Dear Nancy, There are several factors to consider when selecting environmentally friendly carpeting. Manufacturing: Are the raw materials that go into the product environmentally beneficial or at the very least neutral? Is production...

  • What installation method is recommended for strand bamboo? What are the pros/cons of each option?

    8 Feb 2012 | 1:13 pm
    We are considering installing Morning Star 5/8" x 3-3/4" Strand Natural Bamboo and need some feedback regarding the best installation method - glue, nail or floating? Also, how would this type of flooring be installed on a set of stairs? Is it typical to cover the whole stair or only the step? Thanks!!! Tasha, Your question is more of a DIY remodeling question rather than the type of question we generally answer here at the Green Home Guide. We typically offer information on the environmental attributes...

  • What are the downsides of Advanced Framing Techniques in custom home construction?

    6 Feb 2012 | 4:43 pm
    I am a custom home designer. A client has requested utilizing the advanced framing techniques and details in the future construction documents. In a true custon home that is not a simple rectangle can a custom home really be constructed to obtain substantial savings? Dear Michael, We have used Advanced Framing Techniques (Optimum Value Engineering) quite a few times and haven't gotten too many complaints from builders. For those that don't know about Advanced Framing, the...

  • I cannot live in my house due to offgassing from paints and primer applied over a year ago.

    6 Feb 2012 | 4:27 pm
    The painters sprayed my plaster walls (instead) of rolling. The first paint began the midddle of Dec. 2010. The house is 940 sq. feet. They STATE they used Dunn Edwards primer. Painted with Behr Ultra Premium Satin, latex, and semi gloss latex. They said they had to use oil base to cover the wooden doors in the house. The house was painted during very cold wet days and probably did not completely dry. The off gassing and odor was terrible. The air testing shows ACETONE. The second Paint began the last of Feb. 2011. They stated they used Kilz odorless oil base primer. The painters did not let…
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    The Energy Collective - The world's best thinkers on energy & climate

  • Cockroach Fuel Cell: Our New Energy Frontier?

    namarchetti
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am
    As if we didn’t have enough phobias about creepy crawly cockroaches, now they’re generating energy thanks to scientist Daniel Scherson and his colleagues. No, this is not preparation for a sci-fi movie where cockroach robots build a new society; it’s a quest for renewable energy wherever it may be.

  • Weather on Juice?

    DanHuber
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:41 am
    A common analogy to explain the link between climate change and extreme weather is gambling with “loaded dice.” For people who aren’t the gambling type but love America’s pastime, perhaps Barry Bonds’ homerun statistics would be more enlightening, or at least more entertaining. A new video from the National Center for Atmospheric Research draws an analogy between a batter on steroids and the “doping” of the atmosphere with manmade CO2. 

  • California’s Green Economy Doubled Performance of Total Economy During Downturn

    JosephRomm
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:12 am
    When times get tough, companies often fall back on an old familiar phrase: “we just need to do more with less.” That usually applies to human resources. But it’s equally important with natural resources. As it turns out, “green” companies in California that do more with fewer natural resources fared much better than companies in other sectors during the worst of America’s economic troubles — more than doubling the performance of the broader economy.

  • House Transportation Bill is Fiscally Reckless

    DeronLovaas
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:10 am
    This week we have confirmation that the Republican Leadership has hijacked the transportation bill, with Congressman LaTourette of Ohio confirming that the bill was written by Speaker John Boehner (although LaTourette himself, along with many others, doesn’t support it).

  • Should the U.S. government play a role in American energy use?

    JoshFreed
    8 Feb 2012 | 2:27 pm
    One of the big questions on the campaign trail today is whether there should be a government role in America's use of energy.
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    Green Stay at Home Mom

  • Is Your Community Walkable?

    Stephanie
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:46 am
    One of the easiest ways to get some exercise is to take a walk. All you really need are your feet and a place to walk. Sadly, a good place to walk isn’t something all communities provide, as many were designed more with driving in mind. Some neighborhoods don’t even have sidewalks, so people who [...]

  • Are the New Rules for School Lunches Enough?

    Stephanie
    2 Feb 2012 | 11:16 am
    The first big change to school lunch nutrition standards was released last week. The goal is to provide healthier lunches for children at school, a major meal for many school age children. The change means more fruits and vegetables in school lunches, and smaller portion sizes. But are these changes enough? There’s a lot good [...]

  • Start Planning Your Garden Now

    Stephanie
    23 Jan 2012 | 11:43 am
    It may be winter, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be planning your garden already. It takes time to figure out what you want to grow this year, get the seeds and get things moving. A little extra time means you’ll be ready when it’s the right time to start planting in your area. In [...]

  • 4 Ways to Cut Back on Your Meat Consumption

    Stephanie
    19 Jan 2012 | 11:40 am
    Most Americans eat too much meat. It’s a big part of the standard American diet, bigger than it needs to be. There are a lot of good reasons to cut back on meat, including consuming less saturated fat, health concerns, decreasing your environmental impact, and cost. The hard part is actually doing so. Today I’d [...]

  • Use Blackout Curtains to Cut Your Power Bill

    Stephanie
    16 Jan 2012 | 11:13 am
    Whether it’s the cold of winter or the heat of summer, your windows are a major energy leak for your home. Having double paned windows can help quite a bit, but good quality blackout curtains can help you save energy as well. Quality matters with blackout curtains. If you check the reviews on Amazon, you [...]
 
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    LEEDdaily

  • Greenville Technical College Recognized Nationally as an Innovator in Sustainability Education

    admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:16 am
    Greenville Technical College has been recognized nationally as an innovator in sustainability education by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and its Sustainability Education and Economic Development (SEED) Center. This puts the college in the company of 22 colleges across the country that are leaders in green/sustainable programming. “Being recognized for sustainability is important to us because protecting resources matters,” said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Tech. “Sustainability is being able to last and flourish.  AsGreenville…

  • Greensboro hopes eco-friendly building gets recognized

    admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:15 am
    The dainty green and maroon succulents and sedums poked up from the flower bed. They were only a few inches tall. But they packed a visual wallop, painting a warm glow through the concrete-and-glass landscape of the Greensboro Transit Authority’s new maintenance and operations building. Welcome to the city of Greensboro’s new green roof. The 16,500-square-foot garden is just one of the items city officials hope will help earn the $18 million facility a U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, gold certification.  

  • GREEN BUILDING: Real estate leaders are working together to make it easier for people to buy and sell green homes

    admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:14 am
    Buying a new home can be confusing, especially when you throw in terms like energy star and sustainable. As more new and existing homes are built to a green code, leaders in the industry are working together to help homeowners figure out the business of buying a green certified home. Matt Connolly with Generation Green Builders is working on his second green certified home. He says, “What makes it green is starting with the basement. We are guarding from radon with a passive radon system.” Connolly says the techniques he uses improves indoor air quality, saves water, saves energy…

  • ADIB awarded Green Building Certification

    admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:13 am
    Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) announced today that it had been awarded the LEED Pre-Certification for Gold Rating from the US Green Building Council for its proposed new headquarters on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi.   The under construction building will be ready by 2013 and become first to have received such a certification in the UAE. The new ADIB HQ building has applied best practice design principles. It has concentrated on minimizing energy and water intake and waste output, maximizing recycling and environmental quality. Energy efficiency measures have resulted in cost savings of…

  • Tech Vault’s Data Centre Receives LEED Silver Certification

    admin
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:12 am
    Tech Vault, a supplier of hosting, collocation, and related services is the first commercial-grade data center in Vermont to be distinguished with LEED certification. Tech Vault’s remarkable data center has been designed by the renowned Leading Edge Design Group. Recognized as the most efficient data center in New England, the Tech Vault data center characterizes a 4,000 square-foot server area and a separate 2,500 square-foot area to accommodate the electrical and mechanical equipments. Benefitting from Vermont’s Champlain Valley climate, Tech Vault utilized water-side economization with…
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    Cool Eco News, Gadgets, and Innovation: Hippie Magazine

  • Blade Tailpipe Emissions Filter: Stick This On Your Tailpipe! (And It Will Smoke a Lot Less!)

    HippieMagazine
    6 Feb 2012 | 2:26 pm
    So you can’t afford to go out and buy one of the new eco-friendly electric cars, and biking just isn’t cutting it? Well, this new gadget might be just the answer for you. It’s called Blade,  from EcoOptimized, and it’s a relatively inexpensive way to decrease carbon dioxide emissions on your existing car. How does it work? The device attaches to your car’s exhaust pipe (you’ll need to pay someone to install it) and acts as a filtration system for all the junk that comes out of your car. Manufacturers claim that it will drastically reduce particle emissions…

  • Why Window Tinting Is The “In” Way for Going Green in 2012

    HippieMagazine
    4 Feb 2012 | 4:30 pm
    Guest Post by Jared Diamond As the world economy continues to lag, cost cutting, more than a trendy activity, is an emerging necessity for most.  When one considers the expenses of homeownership, the expenditures mercilessly pile.  From mortgages, property tax, maintenance and bills, any sort of expense reduction measure is a highly welcomed dose of relief.  What many are unaware is that one of the best-kept secrets in cost reduction happens to be the “in” way for going green in 2012.  Consider the climate that will surely accompany the upcoming year and this reality grows ever…

  • The Value of Integrating Solar Panels into Your Home’s Design

    HippieMagazine
    24 Jan 2012 | 2:05 pm
    Guest Post by Madeline Binder Solar energy is rapidly being integrated into American culture as an accessible source of low cost electricity. However, many people are intimidated about converting their homes to a solar energy home. There are two problem that really are keeping people from converting to solar energy, (1) ignorance about the process and (2) concerns about the aesthetics of the panels. Getting to Know Solar Energy The first problem that is keeping Americans from converting en mass to solar energy is a simple lack of common knowledge about solar energy. People are concerned about…

  • EarthTalk: The Scoop on Home Energy Audits

    HippieMagazine
    17 Jan 2012 | 1:10 pm
    EarthTalk® is a weekly environmental column made available to our readers from the editors of E/The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalkThere are a number of companies out there now doing “energy audits” for the home, after which they try to sell you attic insulation and other products and services. Is this just a scam or would it be wise for me to look into this?  – Bill Richards., New York, NY For the most part, companies offering energy audits are reputable and legitimate and will help you both save money and reduce your carbon footprint if you follow their advice in regard to…

  • Going Green in Your Plumbing

    HippieMagazine
    27 Dec 2011 | 6:54 pm
    Guest post by John Tarantino Who would have ever guessed that a person could go green in so many different aspects of our lives? If the recent recession has taught us anything, it taught us that we can be green and save money by consuming less and becoming more efficient with what we have. This rule of thumb definitely applies to our plumbing systems in our homes. Conserving water not only saves on water bills, but also reduces the impacts of major environmental issues such as protection of drinking water resources and protection of aquatic life. Conserving water also simultaneously reduces…
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    All about the Planet - YES! magazine

  • My Prices Are Not Too High: A Farmer Fires Back

    Shannon Hayes
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:41 pm
    Shannon Hayes: Why are my prices higher than those at the supermarket? Glad you asked.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yes/planet/~4/sF5VJ8JFdT0" height="1" width="1"/>

  • Book Review: Urban Homesteading

    Oliver Lazenby
    7 Feb 2012 | 1:32 pm
    Heirloom skills for sustainable living.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yes/planet/~4/ODlVrNoXqEM" height="1" width="1"/>

  • Farmers Go Wild

    Abby Quillen
    6 Feb 2012 | 6:48 pm
    Going beyond organic, a new generation of farmers is nurturing nature as well as crops.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yes/planet/~4/NaMULdZpsp4" height="1" width="1"/>

  • Vandana Shiva: Teachers for a Living World

    Madhu Suri Prakash
    28 Jan 2012 | 5:20 pm
    While Ivy League schools marvel at India’s economic growth, Vandana Shiva’s University of the Seed looks to the earth—and Gandhi—for guidance.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yes/planet/~4/c1qdB4tB3cY" height="1" width="1"/>

  • Beyond “Free” or “Fair” Trade: Mexican Farmers Go Local

    Mike Wold
    25 Jan 2012 | 6:41 pm
    We usually think of the demand for local, organic foods as coming from the North. But in southern Mexico, the growing localist movement is a strategy for survival.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/yes/planet/~4/Ecc_bGcoZvc" height="1" width="1"/>
 
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    GoGreenNation.org

  • Aurora Australis Time Lapse Captured By Amateur Astronomer Alex Cherney (VIDEO)

    Trish Riley
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:47 am
    “We are but a speck…” After two years of trying to track it down, amateur astronomer Alex Cherney has captured the unadulterated color and beauty of Aurora Australis, also know as the Southern Lights. Red Aurora Australis from Alex Cherney on Vimeo. On his Vimeo page, Cherney explains that the red color captured in this time lapse "is caused by the charged particles from the sun exciting oxygen atoms high in the Earth’s atmosphere." The incredible scene was captured from Australia’s Mornington Peninsula, just outside of Melbourne. via Aurora Australis…

  • Tropical vegetation stores more carbon than thought – The Times of India

    Trish Riley
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:36 am
    WASHINGTON: The first ever “wall-to-wall” map of carbon storage of tropical vegetation in Africa, Asia and South America has shown that it stores 21 percent more carbon than estimated. Scientists from Woods Hole Research Centre ( WHRC), Boston University, and the University of Maryland produced the map using a combination of remote sensing and field data. Reliable estimates of carbon storage are critical to understanding the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere by changes in land cover and land use, the journal Nature Climate Change reports. Tropical deforestation in many…

  • Arctic climate change ‘to spark domino effect’

    Trish Riley
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:33 am
    WA-based scientists have warned of "dire consequences" to the human race after detecting the first signs of dangerous climate change in the Arctic. The scientists, from the University of WA, claim the region is fast approaching a series of imminent “tipping points” which could trigger a domino effect of large-scale climate change across the entire planet. In a paper published in the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences’ journal AMBIO and Nature Climate Change, the lead author and director of UWA’s Oceans Institute, Winthrop Professor Carlos Duarte, said the…

  • The Fracking Industry Buys Congress

    Christine
    7 Feb 2012 | 7:20 pm
    Sharon Guynup reports for Blue Ridge Press. Find out how much your own U.S. Senator/House members have received from the fracking industry by Googling: http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=7868571  A natural gas drilling rush is on in rural North Dakota. And with it, residents are reporting growing numbers of respiratory ailments, skin lesions, blood oozing from eyes, and the deaths of livestock and pets. Elsewhere, Wyoming and Pennsylvania residents who thought they’d hit the lottery by signing gas drilling leases have watched their drinking water turn noxious:…

  • John-Paul Maxfield aims to put nutrients from food waste back into the soil – CSMonitor.com

    Trish Riley
    7 Feb 2012 | 8:24 am
    The United States has a topsoil problem. About 75 percent of it is gone, primarily because the large, single-crop farms that dominate American agriculture rely on chemicals and synthetic fertilizers to produce their harvests, depleting natural soil systems in the process. John-Paul Maxfield thinks compost can help solve this problem. Environmentalists love compost for several reasons, including that it helps divert waste from landfills – the world’s largest source of human-produced methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. But for Maxfield, composting organic…
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    simple.green.organic.happy.

  • How Gatorade & Top Ramen Move Through Your Body (Video)

    robin elton
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:20 am
    What is food to one man may be fierce poison to others. -Lucretius   So, this is fascinating and gross, one of my favorite combinations. It’s a video Stefani Bardin created for TEDxManhattan. Subjects first swallowed devices dubbed ‘SmartPill’ and ‘M2A’ (that’s ‘Mouth to Anus’ and don’t you forget it). One then ate a meal comprised of blue Gatorade, a bowl of Top Ramen and some gummy bears. The other ate noodles that were homemade, gummy bears made from pomegranate juice, washed down by hibiscus juice. Both meals sound pretty nasty to…

  • What’s Essential? Nordic Naturals Wants to Know

    robin elton
    8 Feb 2012 | 12:42 am
    On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur. L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux. One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye. -Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince   What is essential to your life? Beyond the obvious: food, shelter, air to breathe. Companionship. What could you not go without? For me, it is the quiet moments with my kids, especially out in nature and in our home. Places that nourish and join our spirits beyond our blood ties. These are the times that they will carry within them forever. They will remember the silly, loud,…

  • Fatal Attraction: Cosmetics and Chemicals

    robin elton
    6 Feb 2012 | 4:40 pm
    What’s in that lotion you’re slathering all over your newborn’s delicate skin? How about in that mascara which comes in contact with your eyes? It’s important to think about what’s in your beauty products— because this is is stuff you put on your skin (your largest organ) over and over again to be absorbed into your body. What might be the long-term effects of that exposure? It could be ugly. To see how your fave products stack up, search for them on EWG’s Skin Deep Database or on the Good Guide. (Download the Good Guide app and you can just scan a…
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    Dystopian Present

  • Paging Tomorrow’s Heroes

    costrike
    5 Feb 2012 | 11:17 pm
    I have a guest post up on Whitney Johnson's Dare to Dream, a blog that "encourages women to dream, and then to act on their dreams." Please head over there and give it a look.

  • Support The Urban Canopy Rooftop Farm! (Kickstarter Project)

    costrike
    5 Feb 2012 | 9:57 pm
    Quick post tonight to share a neat opportunity. Alex Poltorak runs a rooftop farm in Chicago, Illinois (The Urban Canopy), which he is looking to expand this year. I learned of Alex's farm from a recent issue of Yes! Magazine which featured DIY opportunities created by entrepreneurs who eschewed corporate work.

  • Bernie Calls for the End of Fossil Fuel Subsidies

    costrike
    24 Jan 2012 | 10:37 pm
    <img src="http://dystopianpresent.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/aj-ght7cmaelqx1.png" alt="I And then he did this.

  • Free Climate Science 101 Class

    costrike
    21 Jan 2012 | 10:57 pm
    The University of Chicago has a Climate Science 101 class available for free online. Check out the intro lecture below (11 mins), and then click on the following link to sign up if you feel so inclined.

  • Give Them Liberty?

    costrike
    19 Jan 2012 | 11:12 pm
    This post is a smattering of ideas presented in my not-yet-famous “stream of unconsciousness” format.  Hope you find something of value… Libertarianism I had an interesting discussion on Twitter earlier this week, which got me thinking about Libertarianism.  I thought I’d share my thoughts on an ideology which I consider a logical house of cards.  It’s [...]
 
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    GreenXC - Making travel cheap, convenient and green for everyone

  • Sustainable Airports: A Travel Trend We’d Love to See “Take Off”

    Bridget Thoreson
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:48 am
    Of all the green initiatives started in 2011-both within the travel industry and without—perhaps one of the biggest and most forward-moving steps came from the green makeover given to San Francisco International Airport. SFO was awarded the LEED-Gold certification, making it the firstairport in the United States, and only the second in the world, to [...]

  • Top 8 Places to Explore Nature and the Great Outdoors in Newport Beach, California

    Stephanie Rosalie
    3 Feb 2012 | 6:00 am
    Newport Beach offers some of the most beautiful ecological landscapes, wildlife and marine habitat in Southern California. To ensure that the natural beauty of the destination from the parks to the oceans and the ecologically important Back Bay Preserve, the city continues to establish programs to sustain the destination’s natural beauty for all to enjoy [...]

  • Transportation Wednesdays: An Interview with the Motorcoach Marketing Council

    Polina Raygorodskaya
    1 Feb 2012 | 9:20 am
    This week we are happy to feature a new national public awareness campaign,  Bus & Coach. The Smart Move. GoMotorcoach.org, launched by a not-for-profit organization known as the Motorcoach Marketing Council, is an operator-driven coalition of motorcoach companies, coach manufacturers, suppliers, vendors, industry associations, and travel/tourism partners all working together to build awareness.  Motorcoach Council [...]

  • And the winner is…

    Polina Raygorodskaya
    31 Jan 2012 | 8:28 am
    The winner for the Orlando Getaway is: Margarita Daniuk Congratulations Margarita! Didn’t win this time around? Don’t worry, we have regular giveaways on Mondays. Check back in the future for the next one!  

  • Exploring the World on a Budget

    Igor Bratnikov
    26 Jan 2012 | 6:25 am
    Everyone has a budget it’s just a question of size. And it’s not just about how much you plan to spend it’s also about how you plan to use that other vital resource for travelers – your time. Not many travelers are lucky enough to have unlimited supplies of both time and cash so budget [...]
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    Green Sheet

  • This State Has The Greenest Buildings In America

    Matthew Kassel
    31 Jan 2012 | 5:11 pm
    Measuring your carbon footprint is one way to find out your level of greenness. But it isn't the only way. Using U.S. 2010-Census information, the U.S. Green Building Council has compiled a list of the top green states in the country, factoring in LEED-certified buildings per capita (via Curbed). Developed by the USGBC, LEED "provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions," the organization writes on its website. We've rounded up the top-scoring…

  • WORLDHAUS: Idealab Invents Super-Cheap House That Could Shelter 1.5 Billion Of The World's Poor

    Henry Blodget
    26 Jan 2012 | 11:11 am
    One of the latest projects for Bill Gross and idealab, an incubator run by Gross and his wife Marcia Goodstein, is affordable housing. As in $1,500 per house. The new Idealab company is called WorldHaus. WorldHaus has designed a 20-square meter house (220-square feet) built of interlocking compressed earth-bricks, steel and polystyrene roof panels, and concrete. Most of the materials are assembled on site, and the house can be built for $1,500 in 10 days. The houses come in 1, 2, and 3-room models, with optional toilets, LED-TV screens, solar cooling and heating, and cook-stoves.  They…

  • They've Finally Invented A Bedbug Trap...

    Henry Blodget
    22 Jan 2012 | 12:09 pm
    The bedbug plague continues to gain momentum, with New York having been overrun and other cities gradually succumbing. But, at last, there's hope. It's not a new insecticide. The new breed of bedbug is now resistant to that. It's a trap. It turns out that bedbugs are nuts about the smell of their own crap. They defecate all over their hiding places, and the smell helps them find their way home after nights of blood-sucking. And now, reports the Economist, scientists at the London School of Hygiene have isolated the exact chemical in the crap-smell that the bedbugs are crazy about. And the…

  • This Incredible Map Shows Every Tree In America

    Julie Zeveloff
    19 Jan 2012 | 9:30 am
    In an effort to better understand how trees in the U.S. store carbon, a group of environmental scientists has created what seems to be a comprehensive map of every tree in the country. It took scientists from Woods Hole Research Center, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Geological Survey six years to assemble the national forest map from space-based radar, satellite sensors, computer models, and ground-based data, according to NASA's Earth Observatory (via Gizmodo). By taking inventory of the nation's trees, scientists hope to better understand the effects of deforestation. The map below…

  • The Inside Story Of Germany's Incredible Green Power Revolution

    Nick Jardine and Adam Taylor
    5 Jan 2012 | 9:00 pm
    Following the disaster at Japan's Fukushima nuclear facility in March, the quickest European nation to react was Germany, suspending the operation of some of its oldest nuclear facilities before eventually announcing plans for an energy revolution. The vision? A future without nuclear power made possible by a heavier reliance on natural gas from Russia and sustainable energy sources such as wind farms. Much of Germany's reaction to events in Japan can be explained by the country's history with nuclear energy. The turn of this century saw the country attempt to introduce plans to abandon…
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    Alternative Energy

  • Post Carbon Cities—Planning for Energy & Climate Uncertainty

    Gedeon Embaye
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:45 pm
    Peak Moment 73: Smart municipalities are planning and preparing for energy vulnerability and climate change. Daniel Lerch, manager of the Post Carbon Cities project, has prepared a guidebook including case studies of cities large and small planning how to maintain essential services in the face of energy and climate uncertainty. [www.postcarboncities.net]Video Rating: 4 / 5

  • Makani Power, Autonomous Power Generation, July 8, 2011

    Gedeon Embaye
    9 Feb 2012 | 3:46 am
    The Makani team has achieved a significant milestone in the pursuit of inexpensive renewable energy during a recent flight of its latest prototype, Wing 7. Wing 7 has a wing span of 8 meters, weighs 58.4 kg and has a rated power of 20 kW. This was the first flight of its kind to demonstrate both power generation and the autonomous flight…

  • Urban Agriculture Blooms

    Gedeon Embaye
    7 Feb 2012 | 9:44 am
    Discovery-News.com: Produce is being grown in the most unlikely place. Discovery News’ Matt Danzico takes a tour through New York City’s sustainable agriculture barge. Check out more science news at www.discovery-news.comVideo Rating: 4 / 5

  • New Edison Energy, Vertical Axis Wind Turbines, VAWT, Renewable Energy Technology

    Gedeon Embaye
    6 Feb 2012 | 7:31 pm
    The ideal choice for urban installations, vertical axis wind turbines are relatively compact and visually appealing. They are designed to allow for wind to be caught at any angle or direction. The vertical design lends itself to areas with higher degrees of wind turbulence, such as buildings or trees. Unlike horizontal axis wind turbines, VAWTs do not…

  • President Obama leaves event promoting clean energy in a motorcade of 22 fossil-fueled vehicles

    Gedeon Embaye
    6 Feb 2012 | 1:53 am
    On January 26, 2012, President Obama visited a Las Vegas UPS plant. Stimulus subsidy for said UPS plant to purchase natural-gas-powered trucks: 5.6 million dollars. Stimulus subsidy for North Las Vegas green energy plant that laid off 200 workers yesterday: 5.9 million dollars. Using taxpayer dollars to leave an event promoting clean-energy vehicles in a motorcade of twenty-two fossil-fueled vehicles: Priceless. It’s time to…
 
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    Everblue blogs

  • GI Bill Reimbursement for BPI Exams

    Peter@Everblue
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:16 am
    Everblue is excited to announce GI Bill payment for BPI certification exams. The regional Veterans Affairs bureau has approved GI Bill reimbursement for veterans who have completed a BPI certification exam, or who plan to take an exam this year. The skills attained through service, including technical skills and commitment to quality, are highly valued in the home performance industry. BPI certifications offer numerous benefits to veterans, including:read more

  • Does NATE Certification Increase My Pay?

    Lesley@Everblue2
    3 Feb 2012 | 6:15 am
    If you are an HVAC professional, you may be debating whether it is worth it for you to achieve an HVAC certification, such as NATE. Because HVAC work primarily focuses on the health and safety of citizens, education and experience are critical characteristics for any HVAC technician. A technician who has pursued NATE Certification, therefore, demonstrates a serious commitment to the industry and will likely receive a greater salary than a regular HVAC technician.read more

  • Understanding Municipal Sustainability

    Lesley@Everblue2
    31 Jan 2012 | 6:29 am
    President Obama’s State of the Union address last week charged individuals and federal agencies to work toward energy independence and clean energy. Municipal governments have responded to such charges by developing their own sustainability plans. Community leaders have taken on the responsibility and aim to reevaluate procedures that negatively contribute to climate change.read more

  • Obama on U.S. Energy Independence

    Peter@Everblue
    26 Jan 2012 | 9:16 am
    During the State of the Union address Tuesday, President Obama outlined plans to create a nation that’s “built to last,” underlining many key energy policies that will assist in energy independence. One of the primary aspects of his speech involved decreasing investments on foreign oil, not only from a sustainability standpoint, but also in terms of increasing our national security. The increased tensions in the Middle East coupled with continued economic reliance on foreign oil has created a real threat to the stability of America’s energy needs.read more

  • BPI vs NATE Certification

    Lesley@Everblue2
    23 Jan 2012 | 7:43 am
    Are you an HVAC professional looking for an industry certification? Not sure whether you should take HVAC training in the form of BPI Certification or NATE Certification? Let us briefly explain the similarities and differences between these two certifications, so you can get the specialized training you seek and also enhance your career.read more
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    Green Prophet

  • New Israeli Railway Line Approved Between Tel Aviv and Eilat

    Karen Chernick
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm
    Eco-tourists may be able to get to see these underwater creatures in Eilat faster due to the construction of a railway line from Tel Aviv. Eilat, located at the southern tip of Israel, draws both local and international tourists year-round due to its warm weather and marine biodiversity.  Though not equipped with an international airport, it does receive domestic flights since the only alternatives are to drive yourself (which takes about six hours from Tel Aviv) or take a public bus (which takes even longer). The Israeli Cabinet is hoping to improve public transportation to this popular…

  • Reporters Notebook: The Ethical Aspects Of Islamic Banking

    Arwa Aburawa
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:08 am
    Are Islamic banks anti-war? Islamic banks discourage investment in the arms and military industry as well as speculation and taking excessive risks A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by a fantastic organisation to look into Islamic banking and how ethical it really is. Whilst I learnt that most Islamic banks may not have the best environmental record, I did discover that they do have some distinct ethical selling points. One of which is their reluctance to invest in the arms industry as well as an aversion to speculation and excessive risks which can destabilize the market. At a time when…

  • Dubai Breaks its Own Record for the World’s Tallest Hotel

    Tafline Laylin
    9 Feb 2012 | 4:36 am
    When it is complete, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel will be the world’s tallest. Never mind that scientists have discovered giant plumes of methane that could speed up global-warming, which could contribute to even higher temperatures in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other countries. Pay no attention to the fact that hundreds of partially unoccupied towers already line the Gulf shoreline: JW Marriott is building the world’s newest tallest hotel in Dubai. 72 Stories tall, the Rose Reyhaan Rotana on Sheikh Zayed Road currently holds the record as the world’s tallest hotel, but it…

  • Akrya Resort for Japanese Sensibility on Koh Samui, Thailand

    Karin Kloosterman
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:28 am
    An excellent time to get away from the cold weather, Thailand can easily become the Cancun or Ibiza for the Middle East. This week I’ve landed at the Japanese-influenced resort called Akyra. And while it is not a certified eco-hotel, which I am going to seek out and review later, there are a few elements of the resort that are in line with some of the values we might be looking for when looking to tread lighter on the planet. Of course sleeping on a beach bungalow without air-con is the best option for eco-travel in Thailand and something I do in Sinai. But not for me at this point in my…

  • Palestinians Attempt to Build Secret Renewable Energy Plants

    Tafline Laylin
    8 Feb 2012 | 6:28 pm
    Palestinians living in Masafer Yatta who do not have access to the electrical grid have been developing home grown renewable energy plants. Palestinians living in the Masafer Yatta village have been secretly pursuing wind and solar energy projects in order to mitigate a serious shortfall of energy in the village. But the 150,000 residents that live in Area C, which has been under Israeli control since 1993, live in constant fear that Israeli authorities will demolish their projects. Why? Because Israelis are opposed to any new infrastructure projects that are built outside of construction and…
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    Baltidome Blog | Baltimore Green News

  • Buy Organic Bulk And Benefit A Baltimore Community Garden

    Administrator
    7 Feb 2012 | 8:26 am
    Buy Bulk Organic And Benefit A Baltimore Community Garden From Aliza Ess (BaltimoreDIY) at Boone Street Garden: This month, you can place an order through Boone Street Garden for foods delivered from Frankferd Farms, an organic foods distributor. You willl pre-pay for a group order to be delivered at the end of February. If you add an extra amount on to your order total, a donation will go to the Boone Street Garden. The food will be delivered to the house of Aliza Ess in Remington, and the pickup day will be in early March. Frankferd Farms offers organic beverages, snacks, bulk grains,…

  • Greenpeace And The Rainbow Warrior Are Coming To The Inner Harbor

    Administrator
    30 Jan 2012 | 9:04 pm
    Greenpeace And The Rainbow Warrior Are Coming To The Inner Harbor Greenpeace is happy to announce the maiden U.S. tour of the NEW Rainbow Warrior, our very first custom-built “green” campaigning vessel. The Rainbow Warrior is doing a tour of the east coast in February. The US tour will provide an opportunity for Greenpeace supporters, volunteers and the general public to meet the newest member of the Greenpeace ship fleet, learn about our various campaigns and help celebrate Greenpeace’s 40th anniversary. As part of the US tour, the ship will be stopping in Baltimore! The Rainbow…

  • Jobs At Real Food Farm

    Administrator
    28 Jan 2012 | 7:00 pm
    Jobs At Real Food Farm From Real Food Farm: Real Food Farm is currently accepting applications for a Mobile Market Coordinator and a Agricultural Projects Coordinator. Both positions will begin in March 2012 and run through October 2012. 40 hours per week.  Pay will be a modest bi-weekly Americorps stipend and an education award upon completion of the term. Americorps enrollment is not required to apply. Email cover letter and resume to realfoodfarm@civicworks.com with the specific job title in the subject line. Applications due February 10, 2012 for a March start date. To learn more, CLICK…

  • 2 For 1 Eco-Ball Ticket Special!

    Administrator
    28 Jan 2012 | 5:49 pm
    2 For 1 Eco-Ball Ticket Special! Tuesday, February 14, 2012 – Last Day to Get 2 for 1 EcoBall Ticket Discount! Baltimore Green Works hosts the 4th Annual EcoBall Gala on Friday, March 16th, 7-11 p.m.  Baltimore’s Stratford University culinary students compete in a Top Chef style food competition using local ingredients where you get to be the judge!  Live band and gratis beer and wine.  For more information and to purchase your tickets today, go to: http://baltimoregreenworks.com/ecoball/

  • Lecture: Our Ecological Crisis, Political And Ethical Debate

    Administrator
    28 Jan 2012 | 4:31 pm
    Lecture: Our Ecological Crisis, Political And Ethical Debate ‘A Fable for Tomorrow’: Imagining Ecological Crisis 50 Years After Silent Spring Thursday, February 9, 2012 Speaker: Jesse Taylor, PhD Time: 12:00 – 1:15 pm Location: Room W4030 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD MAP IT
 
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    Green Abode

  • 19 Bike Stores with Cycling Promotional Codes and 2012 February Deals

    Chris King
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    Cycling in the UK is going through somewhat of a revolution with it’s popular increasingly growing. We’ve checked the web and found these amazing promotional code and deals in February 2012. Check back as we will be keeping it updated as and when new offers appear. Hargroves Cycles Merlin Cycles - 1 Voucher Code Wiggle Chain Reaction Cycles Amazon Evans Cycles - 8 Voucher Codes Cycle Surgery Pro Bike Kit - 1 Voucher Code Argos Halfords Cycle Store Buy Buy Bicycles Asda Direct ebay Rutland Cycling Bike Fusion British Cycling And Dutch AW Cycles Hargroves Cycles Hargroves cycles has an…

  • 35 Cheaper Ways to Tour Britain By Train with Rail Rover Tickets

    Chris King
    25 Jan 2012 | 7:49 pm
    Touring by rail is one of the best ways to travel for your holidays and breaks. Many of us have been lucky to experience a train adventure abroad but did you know that you can tour Britain with rail Rover tickets. We’ve found 35 ways that UK residents can get unlimited train travel. It’s great value and even cheaper as you can get 1/3 OFF with a Railcard. A family of four can travel by train for two weeks in Devon and Cornwall for less than £100. Or, a couple can get unlimited rail travel in Scotland for four days in eight for £170 (including ferries). Sit back, relax and let…

  • Where to get Carnet tickets for discounts on peak rail fares

    Chris King
    13 Jan 2012 | 5:00 pm
    Carnet tickets are perfect if you make regular peak anytime journey between two train stations two to three times a week. They’re not easy to find, however, we have found every Carnet ticket available in the UK. All of them work in the same way and give you FREE journeys if you buy 10 or 12. They are perfect if you don’t need a season ticket but need to travel at anytime. Carnets are also available for off-peak journeys but you may find Railcards a better option. Only some rail companies offer Carnets, and we found that others don’t know whether they have them or not. Whether…

  • 20 Railcards For Cheaper Trains and Railcard Promotional Code Offers

    Chris King
    6 Jan 2012 | 5:13 am
    Train travel can be a pricey option, however, savings of 34% (and more) are available from 20 Railcards available in Britain. What’s more, you can save even more money when buying a card with a Railcard promotional code. Railcards provide great value for at least 12 months, why pay full fare when it’s so easy to get hold of one. Railcards will pay for themselves within 3 to 5 journeys with minimum discounts of 34% (up to 50% and even higher for some kids fares). We’ve put together a list of ALL the Railcards available in Britain so you can travel cheaper as well as greener.

  • Get Safe and Save Money with Solar Security Lights

    Chris King
    8 Dec 2011 | 3:16 am
    If you haven’t already got them, solar security lights are a must-have item for your home or garden. Cheap, easy to install and virtually maintenance free, solar security lights tick all the right boxes for hassle-free peace of mind: security around your house, garden or mobile home motion sensors detect movement within range self powering with no electricity costs good for the environment great value self-contained with no wiring easy to install waterproof and usable in any location flexible as many double as shed lights Solar security lights use ‘passive infra red’ sensors…
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    Sustainable Cities Collective - The world's best thinkers on the urban future

  • Is the era of American McMansions over?

    KaidBenfield
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:30 am
     

  • Principle and Power in Federal Transportation

    DUrbanism
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:17 am
    The Republican majority in the federal House of Representatives laid down the gauntlet last week in what is shaping up to be a dramatic fight over the future of transportation in the United States. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed their bill along partisan lines, while the House Ways and Means Committee ousted transit funding entirely from the Highway Trust Fund.

  • Interview with Robert Hammond, Co-Founder of the High Line

    The Dirt
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:04 am

  • The Battle Over Agriculture

    zrhirsch
    9 Feb 2012 | 6:55 am
    Our age demands a paradigm shift, which can be characterized in a number of different ways - sustainability, green, the 99%, #occupy, human rights, human inequality, social innovation (...and the list goes on). These social expressions, in turn, create battlegrounds for the "future" in the form of industries, systems, and paradigms that must be altered or entirely revolutionized. These 'battlegrounds' offer the opportunity for social entrepreneurs, critics, and revolutionary thinkers to challenge the status quo to change a system they deem unequal, unfair, inefficient, or inhumane.

  • Is LEED Construction Less Safe Than Traditional Construction?

    reiserlegal
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:01 pm
    Just how much safer is this flat roof v. your new living roof? A new study tells you
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    Nokero | The World's Only Solar Light Bulb

  • Typhoon survivors in the Philippines receive Nokero solar lights

    Darien
    18 Jan 2012 | 10:54 am
    One month ago, a typhoon hit the Philippines taking more than a thousand lives, affecting more than 300,000 people and damaging over 10,000 homes. Our friends Claire MY Lee from Solutions Using Renewable Energy Inc. and Dante & Ma’An Briones of Sasonbisolar, Inc. donated Nokero lights to the survivors. Claire shares her story of helping survivors to recover from the devastation. “On December 17, 2011, residents of the provinces of Cagayan De Oro and Iligan in Mindanao, Philippines were awakened from their sleep by the sound of rushing water. Within minutes, raging muds rose more…

  • Deep in the field, OMPT finds a rugged solar solution in Nokero Power Panels

    Tom
    26 Dec 2011 | 10:33 am
    As a communications guy, I understand the power of audio/video to share information. It’s one thing to try and explain to someone how to increase their farm’s efficiency or prepare for drought – it’s another thing to be able to SHOW them via video. That’s why we’re proud to be working with a group called “One Media Player Per Teacher” (OMPT) which works to enhance education around the globe with the use of modern A/V technology. Video Instruction Goes Off-the-Grid in Orissa, India w/ One Media Player per Teacher (OMPT) from Jim Mikles on Vimeo.

  • A personal story takes the stage at TedX

    Tom
    21 Dec 2011 | 11:46 am
    It feels like Nokero was just a brand-new babe when we first met Leah Quintal, Kurt Mann and the folks at American Green … and I guess we were. Our N200 was just coming out into the world. Wide-eyed and full of hope, we put everything we had into this small little solar package and hoped for the best. Leah and Kurt were among the first to realize the power of our small-scale, portable, and durable light. They took our N200 bulb into Haiti to see what it could do – and they were the first to show us how powerful our little solar light bulb can be. Through the magic of Kurt’s…

  • Linkin Park supports Nokero’s efforts in Haiti

    Darien
    9 Dec 2011 | 2:49 pm
    Linkin Park with Nokero N200 bulbs The fact that over 1.3 billion people worldwide live without access to electricity has inspired Grammy Award-winning rock band Linkin Park to launch a solar lighting campaign in support of the United Nations’ 2012 Year of Sustainable Energy. Linkin Park is asking supporters to donate $10 at Power the World to give a renewable, clean, solar light bulb, made by Nokero, to families without access to electricity in Haiti. Power the World is a pledge to help 1 million families gain access to sustainable energy solutions by the end of 2012. Last month, Linkin…

  • Eneji Pwop ‘fills the house’ in Haiti

    Darien
    2 Dec 2011 | 4:32 pm
    A poster from Earthspark's Piri Piti Plen Kay Moden campaign. The Nokero N200 has been re-branded as the "Eneji Pwop" bulb and colored orange by Earthspark. What is very small, fills a house, and is modern? Earthspark International, a social enterprise working to eradicate energy poverty in Haiti, has just received a shipment of Nokero N200 solar light bulbs. Earthspark has branded the Nokero N200s as part of their Haitian “Enèji Pwòp” (“Clean Energy”) brand for small-scale clean energy products. Allison Archambault of Earthspark tells us that in Haiti, storytellers…
 
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    Cloth Diapers, Green Living and Going Green with Kids - The Eco Chic

  • 5 Things I’m Looking Forward to at Blissdom 2012

    Calley
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:28 pm
     In just a few short weeks I’ll be boarding a plane and heading North to Nashville for my second Blissdom conference.  Last year I decided on a whim to go and it was the best decision I made all year.  I actually learned so many valuable lessons last year that I can hardly wait to see what I will learn this year.  I’m excited to see that they have revamped their schedule this year too.  For those who have never been to Blissdom or for those who may be going for the first time here are a few things I’m really looking forward to… 5 Things I’m Looking Forward…

  • 5 Ways to Use Baking Soda for Babies

    Calley
    2 Feb 2012 | 10:00 am
    Many parents don’t start looking for environmentally friendly options in their lives until after they have babies.  We want only the most natural of items to touch those precious little babies and all of their baby parts.  We clean their clothes in gentle detergent.  We wash their skin in sensitive soaps.  We put the softest diapers on their little bums.  Here are a few ways you can use that little yellow box of Baking Soda – for your baby! 5 Ways to Use Baking Soda for Babies Stain remover – add 1/2 cup of baking soda with your favorite detergent to remove those pesky…

  • #Febphotoaday Challenge on Instagram with @FatMumSlim

    Calley
    1 Feb 2012 | 2:25 pm
    I don’t do well at challenges so I’m challenging myself to do more challenges!  Last month (#JanPhotoaDay) I started a few days late and failed miserably at the end.  It’s a new month and a new chance for me to actually finish something I started…we’ll see how it works out! What is #FebPhotoADay?  You can read all about it on the Fat Mum Slim blog. To follow my photo stream on Instagram simply like me on Twitter @TheEcoChic and watch for my #FebPhotoaDay post.  If you are already on Instagram be sure to “Follow Me” there.  Beware – I have…

  • Shaklee Kids Vitamins & Supplements Review

    Calley
    31 Jan 2012 | 3:58 pm
    Do your kids take vitamins and mineral supplements?  I’ve never been that great at remembering to take vitamins myself.  My husband is much better at that type of stuff.  I can’t even remember to take my daily medication.  My children have both become quite fond of taking their vitamins though thanks to Shaklee Kids Incredibites and Mighty Smart supplements. Both my 8yr old and my 3yr old ask for their vitamins every morning while they are getting ready for school.  It’s (finally) become part of our morning routine.  This is the season in Florida when vitamins can be…

  • News & Updates from Around the Cloth Diapering Community

    Calley
    27 Jan 2012 | 10:39 pm
    Would you like to know the very latest happenings around the cloth diapering community?  I thought so! For starters, let me say that while I may not get my blog updated as much as I like I am still very active in the community.  You can find me most days on Facebook where I moderate several cloth diapering community pages including my own.  I can also be found blogging for other companies and appear as a guest of a few blogs as well.  I’ll try to do better with cross posting here so you don’t miss a single article from me. News from this week: Wednesday night Kim Rosas from…
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    TheCityFix

  • New Competition: Encouraging Youth to Rethink Public Transportation

    Itir Sonuparlak
    8 Feb 2012 | 4:54 pm
    Youth for Public Transport (Y4PT) and the European Bus System of the Future (EBSF) are launching the caPTureldeo contest to help younger generations rethink public transportation. The contest also aims to give youth the opportunity to participate in the International Association of Public Transport’s (UITP) strategy to double the market share of public transportation by 2025 (2025=PTx2). The first phase of the contest is the KalideoBUS photo competition. In order to join, participants are encouraged to take pictures of urban buses, add in a dose of creativity and send it in…

  • Paris to Allow Cyclists to Run Red Lights

    Itir Sonuparlak
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    "Griller le feu rouge!" Photo by Vladimir Zlokazov. Councilors in Paris, France approved a new rule that would allow bicyclists to run red lights. A result of a three-year campaign by cyclists’ associations, the rule comes after road safety experts deemed it a good measure to cut road crashes. The idea of allowing cyclists to run red lights to decrease road crashes may seem ironic, but Paris municipal authorities believe that it will be an important step in helping to ease bicycle congestion. “It makes cycle traffic more fluid and avoids bunching up cyclists when the traffic…

  • Research Recap, February 6: Urban Happiness, Electric Highways, Cooperative ITS

    Jeffrey Riecke
    7 Feb 2012 | 1:23 pm
    Boulder, Colo. is the U.S. metropolitan area with the happiest residents, according to a 2010 Gallup and Healthways survey. Photo by Shihmei Barger. Welcome to “Research Recap,” our series highlighting recent reports, studies and other findings in sustainable transportation policy and practice, in case you missed it. Designing Urban Happiness The design and condition of cities are associated with the happiness of residents, a recent study concludes. Conducted by a joint research team from the University of South Carolina and West Virginia University, the study examined 10 urban areas to…

  • Living Without a Car in Bogotá: Day 12

    Dario Hidalgo
    6 Feb 2012 | 4:04 pm
    Public transit buses, taxis and bikers take over the streets on car-free day. Photo by Carlos Felipe Pardo. Bogotá, Colombia, home of TransMilenio and Ciclovia, celebrated the 13th annual “Car-Free Day,” proving that life is possible without cars in a big city. Congestion was slightly relieved and air quality somewhat improved, as it is every year. Some people changed their schedules, and taxi cabs had the best day of the year. Bike parking at some universities were packed, and life continued without much trouble—so little trouble, in fact, that Mayor Gustavo Petro celebrated the…

  • TheCityFix Picks, February 3: Brazilian BRT, Seaweed Biofuel, Electric Taxis in Bogota

    Jeffrey Riecke
    3 Feb 2012 | 3:57 pm
    Rio de Janeiro unveiled the first station of its forthcoming bus rapid transit system, which conntects Barra da Tijuca (pictured above) to other city neighborhoods. Photo by Rodrigo Soldon. Welcome back to TheCityFix Picks, our series highlighting the newsy and noteworthy of the past week. Each Friday, we’ll run down the headlines falling under TheCityFix’s five themes: integrated transport, urban development and accessibility, air quality and climate change, health and road safety, and communications and marketing. Integrated Transport The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro unveiled the…
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    EarthTechling

  • Google Rules Greenpeace Cool IT Leaderboard

    Kristy Hessman
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm
    By advocating for renewable energy and adding it into its business infrastrucure, search engine giant Google was able to overtake Cisco atop Greenpeace’s Cool IT Leaderboard 5. The environmental organization’s assessment of tech companies measures their clean-energy innovation and actions to combat climate change. In 2010, the top spot went to Cisco.Google scored particularly well for its political advocacy work and for sourcing renewable energy to its infrastructure, according to Greenpeace. The Cool IT Leaderboard evaluates global IT companies on their leadership in the fight to…

  • 2014 Tesla Model X: Mysterious “Falcon Doors” May Lift Up, Fold

    Green Car Reports
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm
    Editor’s Note: EarthTechling, always looking to bring you interesting cleantech reading, is proud to repost this article courtesy of Green Car Reports. Author credit goes to Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield.Over the past few months, we’ve started to hear more and more about Tesla’s 2014 Model X — the all-electric crossover SUV that will follow the 2012 Model S into production in year’s time.So far, everything has been positively enigmatic, but now clean tech specialist Theo O’Neill has shed more light on what financial analysts from Barclays called the Model X’s “falcon…

  • Valentine’s Day Green Gifts For Gals And Guys

    Laura Caseley
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am
    You might be seeing pink and red everywhere as Valentine’s Day rolls around, but the color we’re focusing on for our loved ones this year is (surprise!) green. We’ve compiled a list of some of green gifts for your sweetie that are non-tech in nature. From the sexy to the geeky to the downright weird, there’s something for everyone. What’s even better, everything on this list is under $40, so you can express your love for your significant other and the environment without breaking the bank.For Her:1. Cheeky undies by Devil-May-WearImage via…

  • Pedal To Charge The Battery, Not Move The Bike

    Steve Duda
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:00 am
    Designer Marcus Martinez has just introduced his brand new electric vehicle concept, the Kinesis, which Martinez explains is based upon kinetics. If you weren’t paying attention in physics class, kinetic energy of an object is the energy it possesses due to its motion. That means you must use a certain amount of energy to accelerate an object at rest to a certain velocity. Having gained this energy during acceleration, the body maintains this kinetic energy unless its speed changes.For Martinez and his new vehicle concept, the idea of kinesis means he’s created a three-wheel trike powered…

  • Biodiesel Needs Tax Credit To Grease Production

    Lauren Craig
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    In the U.S., biodiesel is the only fuel currently produced at a commercial scale that meets the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) definition of an “advanced biofuel.” Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel substitute that meets strict fuel specifications and can be burned in existing diesel engines. It is also produced in nearly every state in the country, and can be made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as agricultural oils, recycled cooking oil and animal fats.These factors enabled the U.S. biodiesel industry to produce 1.1 billion gallons of fuel in…
 
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    Cree LED Revolution Blog

  • City of Asheville: Successfully Driving the Adoption of Street Lights in North Carolina

    Nikki Rogan
    23 Jan 2012 | 8:34 am
    Being a leader can be exhilarating. Take Cree, for example. We love leading the LED Lighting Revolution. You could even say we find it electrifying. So when we hear US cities, like Asheville, are implementing LED lighting, it pumps us up! The City of Asheville has initiated North Carolina’s first large-scale deployment of LED street lights. This large-scale deployment, made possible through a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, allows Asheville to take the necessary steps to improve energy efficiency and reduce its overall carbon footprint. In the initial phase of the…

  • November LED lighting contest winner plans to transform family room

    Ginny Skalski
    12 Jan 2012 | 7:45 am
    When Colleen Locchi began planning lighting for her kitchen, she thought she would go with CFLs. But the more investigating she did, the more she realized that mercury-containing CFLs likely weren’t the energy-efficient solution she wanted. “Initially I was all about CFLs,” Colleen wrote me, “but the more research I did, the less enchanted I have become. LEDs seem to be the way to go. I did incorporate some into my new kitchen and find I now prefer them over my incandescent lamps.” Once Colleen got a taste of LED lighting, she wanted more. So she entered (and won) our November LED…

  • SLM IP66 Wins Building Operating Management Top Products Award

    Nikki Rogan
    6 Jan 2012 | 7:21 am
    Cree is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of the Building Operating Management magazine’s Top Products awards. The Top Products Awards recognize the most popular manufacturers and suppliers of the year. The award was given to Cree for the SLM™ IP66 area luminaire featuring BetaLED® technology. Building and facility executives participated in a national survey and chose the winners from 557 possible products, making this award a veritable popularity contest. Readers were asked to select their choices for Top Products awards that met the criteria of innovation…

  • High Maintenance Lighting? I’ll Pass

    Nikki Rogan
    15 Dec 2011 | 8:23 am
    Being called “high maintenance” is probably something most of us would rather avoid, but compared to LED luminaires that’s exactly how High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting solutions could be described. Unlike LED luminaires that can provide more than a decade of near maintenance-free sustained illumination, HID systems require much more maintenance over such time frames. The main reason for the differing maintenance needs between the two technologies is differences in the rate of lumen depreciation or the rate at which a light source loses light output over time. While LED luminaires…

  • Trust, but verify: Reducing Risk Prior to LED Implementation

    Nikki Rogan
    5 Dec 2011 | 9:38 am
    Those old enough to remember the 1980s may recall then President Ronald Reagan’s, “Trust, but verify” messaging as part of the United State’s Cold War negotiations with the former Soviet Union. While evaluating LED luminaires may not seem as important as dealing with a nuclear arms race, the same “Trust, but verify” philosophy should be used to reduce risk prior to any large scale implementation of LED products. But what should you verify? To better limit risk it’s important to understand where risk resides. Some typical questions could include: • How do I know I’ll get the…
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    Green Earth News

  • Bamboo Park: Green Gold In India

    Stacey Irwin
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Swing sets, slides and jungle gyms – all typical things to find in a park but this bamboo park is no typical park.  The first bamboo park to open in India is in the state of Tripura and comes with a price tag of $7 million.  But Indian officials aren’t worried about the cost as they see the value in the growing industry of bamboo products. From clothing to flooring to phones, bamboo is proving to be a versatile, sustainable and sturdy raw material for many countries.  In fact, the United States, in areas of waning economies like the Delta, would be wise to investigate the potential of…

  • Super Bowl 2012: Upsets And Carbon Offsets

    Stacey Irwin
    6 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Okay, so it was a minor upset but the Patriots did have a slight edge going into last night’s game.  I won’t bore you with any more news, analysis, breakdowns or talk of the slightly disappointing crop of Super Bowl ads.  Instead, let’s take a look at how Super Bowl XLVI tried to reduce the environmental impact of such a waste-laden event like the Big Game. According to a press release sent from the Super Bowl XLVI host committee:  “The NFL Environmental Program, now in its 18th year, develops projects each year to address solid waste, food waste, material reuse, the needs for…

  • First Bamboo Phone Joins Wide Array Of Bamboo Products

    Stacey Irwin
    3 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    The consumer market has already seen a wide variety of iPhone cases and technological accessories made out of bamboo, but now a 23 year-old Middlesex University student named Kieron-Scott Woodhouse has taken the trend a step farther by designing the first smart phone with an all-bamboo casing. Woodhouse was commissioned to design the new phone for a company called ADzero.  He reports that the external material was not a primary aspect of the design, and that the choice of bamboo grew out of the process of deciding what would be best for the product and the company.  Two considerations led…

  • Vegetable, Bamboo And Tofu Stir-fry Recipe

    Stacey Irwin
    1 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Vegetarianism is a lifestyle choice for many Americans.  And while I don’t think that my household will go 100% vegetarian, there are certainly plenty of benefits in trying.  A vegetarian diet helps ward off coronary artery disease, helps with dieting and maintaining a healthy weight and, according to some proponents, will help people live longer.  From an environmental standpoint, the EPA estimates that chemical and waste runoff from factory farms is responsible for 173,000 miles of polluted rivers and streams.  So, in a nod to a diet that fights both disease and pollution, here is a…

  • Republican Tax Policy: Consequences For Taxpayers And Mother Earth

    Edward Carney
    30 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am
    Every one of the remaining GOP presidential candidates utilizes national debt rhetoric as a way of decrying government spending, but paradoxically each one of them champions extensive tax cuts for the wealthy that can only serve to worsen the debt even in the event of a commitment to powerful austerity.  The necessary consequences of an insistence on both debt reduction and the preservation or extension of needlessly low tax rates for the upper class are drastic sets of spending cuts and the virtual inability to invest in the emerging needs of the future. Talk of financial responsibility…
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    Intercon

  • Sobering Fact: US Offshore Wind Potential is 4x Our Total Power Capacity

    T. Caine
    6 Feb 2012 | 7:26 am
    A new report has been issued buy Wind Powering America, a Department of Energy initiative, that attempts to calculate the total potential energy to be captured off our nation’s coastlines via offshore wind farms. While erecting turbines out away from land has gathered significant support in parts of Europe, America has yet to construct a utility scale offshore wind farm despite a number of proposals remaining in the pipeline such as Cape Wind in Massachusetts. According to the report there is 4,150 MW of generating capacity potential for offshore wind in U.S. waters. If we grouped…

  • An American in an Average European Town

    T. Caine
    24 Jan 2012 | 11:34 am
    As I move through my European vacation, the inclination to look for evidence of sustainability (or its absence) is all but reflexive. Years ago I wrote about European standards in sustainability being naturally higher than ours in America after I spent a week in London. With the opportunity to venture across the Atlantic again I was eager to see if my second experience would uphold my first impressions. Though my trip is comprised of a few different stops across the continent, the place where I am spending the most time is Perpignan, France. Located in the south of the country, the small city…

  • Philadelphia Wants a High Line

    T. Caine
    9 Jan 2012 | 1:33 pm
    A growing contingent of Philadelphia locals are trying to raise a cry for transforming a retired, elevated viaduct into a gardened, pedestrian thoroughfare. Being almost universally regarded as a success, New York City’s High Line is the obvious case study for how the re-purposing of old, industrial relics can transform them into unique, local icons ingrained with authenticity. With clear sustainable advantages pointing to reuse rather than demolition, the urban proposal has important differences from one of New York’s most treasured parks that could make the road to realization…

  • New York Offers Zoning Changes for Greener Buildings

    T. Caine
    30 Dec 2011 | 11:36 am
    When asked, “When should sustainability be integrated into the design process?” most green designers would dutifully say at the very beginning of the project. A better answer is: before the project even starts. Each city has a framework of regulation that may not dictate, but certainly guides the course of development within its limits, managing things like density, occupancy types and height. If building codes wind up at odds with green building efforts then the entire process becomes harder even for the most diligent practitioners. Addressing sustainability at the code level is…

  • How Many Politicians Does it Take to NOT Screw in a Light Bulb?

    T. Caine
    27 Dec 2011 | 9:19 am
    The signing of the federal budget for 2012 marked the latest effort by Republicans to forestall the coming legislation that will begin the phase out of the traditional incandescent bulb. The time and energy spent on debating a law that was signed into being 4 years ago under a Republican President exemplifies the misdirected focus of our elected officials not to mention their blatant disregard (or ignorance) of efficiency’s importance. Thankfully, their tribulations are unlikely to have any material effect on the movement that the forces of American capitalism have been welling behind for…
 
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    ecolissa

  • Item of the Day: Green Tree Jewelry Circles Overlapped Earrings

    Melissa Dion
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:02 am
    The Green Tree Jewelry Circles Overlapped Earrings are laser cut and made from a very thin strong multi-layered sustainable wood. The coloring is stained into the wood with a non-toxic natural dye. All earring findings are silver-plated surgical steel and nickel-free for sensitive ears. Made in the USA. Size: 1.85" x 2.45". Available in Cherry Red (as shown). $12.Ecolissa.com carries the hottest eco friendly and vegan fashions!

  • Designer Spotlight: Threads 4 Thought

    Melissa Dion
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:26 am
    (From threadsforthought.com) Our Story… I grew up the son of an apparel industry executive, and while I had not exactly planned on following in his footsteps as a career, I was certainly familiar with the industry. Leigh and I met in high school and from the very beginning of our relationship I was acutely aware of her compassion and humanitarian principles. Throughout our college years, Leigh and I became increasingly aware of the inherent obligation each of us have to be citizens of the world.... and both Leigh and I were concerned citizens. The meaningless loss of life in Darfur,…

  • Last Chance Accessories - Only 1 Left!

    Melissa Dion
    7 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Don't miss out!Indigenous Artisan ScarfProject Have Hope Extra Large Bead Necklace - Pale PinkSmartglass Open Tassel EarringsEda & Betty Classic Waterfall Necklace - Evil EyeChunky Infinity Scarf - CamelProject Have Hope Extra Large Bead Necklace - GreenIndigenous Twisted ScarfKris Nations Large Owl NecklaceWinter Flower Headband - YamEda & Betty Cameo Necklace - SilverGG2G Gyoza Snap ClutchGreen Tree Jewelry Large Scroll EarringsEda & Betty Chandelier Crystal Necklace - BlackSmartglass Rectangle Bottle EarringsProject Have Hope Extra Large Bead Necklace - BlueSmartglass Open…

  • Last Chance Items - Only 1 Left!

    Melissa Dion
    6 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    Get them while they last!Size MediumSize MediumSize M/LSize X-SmallSize LargeSize X-SmallSize LargeSize X-SmallSize LargeEcolissa.com carries the hottest eco friendly and vegan fashions!

  • February Newsletter + 30% OFF All Jewelry!

    Melissa Dion
    3 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    View the Newsletter Here
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    Eco Friendly Living Advice

  • 8 Ways To Wash Your Clothes In A More Eco Friendly Way

    Richard
    20 Jan 2012 | 5:09 am
    photo credit: Magic Madzik Cleaning our clothes, while necessary, is a potential mine-field for the environmentally-aware individual. From the water and power that we use to the chemicals we flush into the water system there are a huge number of improvements that can be made to the “standard” way of washing your clothes to make the whole process more sustainable. We’ve come up with eight different ways to make your laundry more eco friendly but we’d love to hear your ideas in the comments section below so please leave your feedback at the end so we can be constantly…

  • 10 Ways To Reduce The Costs Of Eco Travel

    Richard
    10 Dec 2011 | 1:15 pm
    photo credit: Kıvanç Niş When you consider the average person’s carbon footprint one of the most obvious ways to become significantly more eco friendly is to consider how you travel around. Driving a car around on your own is second-only to jetting off on vacation  for carbon emissions but one common complaint against using public transport is just how expensive it can be. In many circumstances this can be true which is sad for everyone. But there are a number of ways that can make using public transport and eco-friendly transportation in general far more cost effective. Make…

  • 4 Ways To Heat Your Home More Efficiently This Winter

    Richard
    14 Nov 2011 | 6:28 am
    photo credit: el diablo robotico As summer draws to a close it’s natural that we start to think of the cold weather coming our way over the next few months. Gone will be the flip flops and shorts and out will come the coats and jumpers. It’ll only be so long until you put your heating on for the first time since last winter but we all know that heating your home can not only be expensive for your pocket but also for the environment. In an ideal world we’d all heat out homes using air source heat pumps, solar power and wind turbines but for many people installing these…

  • Free Seeds: How To Grow Your Own Vegetables For Free

    Richard
    16 Oct 2011 | 4:41 pm
    photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography Growing your own food can not only help you to significantly reduce your carbon footprint and save quite a bit of money each year but can also be great fun. Equally, especially if you’re starting out with an allotment or decent-sized vegetable garden, you’ll probably be needing a surprising number of seeds to offer as much variety in your diet and year-round food as possible. Even if you don’t mind all that initial investment it’s always nice to get something for free and so today we’re going to look at ways in which you can…

  • Earthway 2150 Broadcast Spreader Review

    Richard
    12 Oct 2011 | 4:39 pm
    If you want to maintain your garden – and especially your lawn – in tiptop condition then it’s essential that you’re adding nutrients in the form of fertilizer. Whether you opt for an eco friendly fertilizer or not the fact remains that the average garden is going to need a decent amount applied to it on a regular basis yet fertilizers are, on the whole, tremendously heavy. Couple that with the impracticality of trying to carry round a bag and evenly scattering the fertilizer on your lawn/soil and it’s clear why a good-quality garden spreader can come in so…
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    The Conversation - Environment + Energy

  • More animal abuse revelations – is it fair play?

    Clive Phillips, Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics at University of Queensland
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:26 pm
    We have entered a new, digital, era in animal protection, yet one in which a legislative backlash against video exposes is stirring in parts of the US. Last week brought another revelation of animal cruelty, this time concerning intensively-reared pigs in Oklahoma, organised by the Humane Society of the United States. In the video footage viewers see sows confined in small cages with a variety of behaviour and health problems. As with last year’s revelations of Australian animals being slaughtered in Indonesia, video footage of the pigs was quickly shared worldwide with the worlds’…

  • Green cars? Electric vehicles are marketing a myth

    Catherine Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Science Communication at Macquarie University
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:38 pm
    “What is the value of zero?” asks the seductive commercial for the new Nissan Leaf (due to launch in Australia in April). Set against a montage of natural and man-made images of “0”, the Leaf advert asks its audience to: “Imagine zero dependency on foreign oil, zero pollutants in our environment, zero depletion of the ozone … zero gas and 100% electric Nissan Leaf, innovation for the planet and innovation for all”. Despite its name, is the Leaf really that great for the environment? Electric vehicles and low-emission cars like the VW Bluemotion or the hybrid Toyota Prius are…

  • Power prices will be the real test of the carbon tax

    Gujji Muthuswamy, Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Business and Economics at Monash University
    7 Feb 2012 | 9:29 pm
    The first real test of whether the public will accept Australia’s carbon tax will be when electricity bills start landing in peoples’ mailboxes after 1 July 2012. The main issue is that while the carbon tax is set at $23/tonne for 2012-13, the actual carbon tax embedded in the electricity bills will vary from customer to customer. This is the inevitable result of how electricity is produced and brought to the customer’s property, as well as retailers’ buying decisions in the wholesale electricity market. The way the carbon tax is passed on to electricity customers is likely to be more…

  • See you in court: solving aviation emissions is an international mess

    David Hodgkinson, Associate Professor, Law School at University of Western Australia
    7 Feb 2012 | 1:03 pm
    Aviation is a growing source of emissions. Emissions from aviation are increasing against a background of decreasing emissions from many other industry sectors. Airlines – with their international reach – are facing a confusing welter of regulation that makes emissions reduction difficult. Worldwide, there are piecemeal moves to address the problem. Yet the UN has, since 1994, failed to reach any kind of consensus on a comprehensive approach to aviation and climate change. The failure is all the greater when one considers that, based on IPCC calculations, aviation’s contribution to…

  • Bachelor’s paradise: how will sea turtles cope with climate change?

    Mariana Fuentes, ARC Super Science Fellow at James Cook University
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:18 pm
    Many species have dubious futures in the face of climate change. But sea turtles have a particularly pressing problem: their sex is determined by temperature. Australia has ecologically and culturally significant populations of sea turtles, that also have value to the tourism industry. Some of them live out their lives in Australia, while others just nest here. Some of the nesting sea turtle populations in Australia are globally significant. These populations are among the largest in the world. Climate change is expected to affect turtles in multiple ways and at all life stages. The most…
 
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    EcoAppsFree » EcoAppsFree

  • Speedtrap Detector USA

    admin
    8 Feb 2012 | 4:35 pm
    Featured as ‘What’s New’ by Apple. This is a double! app. In one hand you have a fully featured radar warning system. In the other hand you have a fully featured speed limit system. The app have a complete database with more than 7.000 points of interest including Speedtrap Radars, Mobile Radars, Red Light Radars and Black Points. It is eco because replace the need to buy a radar or other devices in your car.
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    Fresh Fuzz

  • Organic Body Lotion to Soothe Your Winter Itch

    Angela
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:22 pm
    With the winter’s chill comes the uncomfortable feeling of tight, itchy skin. But keeping dry skin at bay doesn’t require reaching for the chemical-laden commercial lotion. There are a number of quality organic lotions that can rehydrate your skin using natural ingredients instead. Take, for example, Pangea’s French Chamomile with Sweet Orange and Lavender body lotion, which won Natural Solutions Magazine’s Beauty with a Conscience Award in 2008. The chamomile soothes, calms and relaxes, while the sweet orange is rich in vitamins to balance and strengthen skin and the…

  • The EPA Using Lorax Seuss Character to Promote Energy Efficiency

    Angela
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:50 pm
    Click here to view the embedded video. Universal Pictures is taking a unique approach in promoting their upcoming animated film, The Lorax, based on the Dr. Seuss tale by the same name. Instead of the usual cheap plastic Happy Meal toys, the film, which features an environmental message at its core, will be built up through a number of tie-ins with environmentally-friendly products and services, including low-power appliances, green household products and even eco-tourism. The Environmental Protection Agency will use the main character to feature appliances which carry the Energy Star label,…

  • Organic Bedding for a Cleaner, Greener Bedroom

    Angela
    7 Feb 2012 | 1:55 pm
    Photo By Rawganique Sleep soundly with a clean conscience by making the switch to organic bedding. Organic sheet sets may cost a little more than their department store counterparts, but they’re beneficial both to your health and to the environment. One of the most affordable and accessible eco-friendly options is organic cotton. Make sure the sheets use only 100% certified organic cotton and are sweatshop-free. To avoid exposure to excessive chemicals, you can opt for unbleached and undyed sheets in natural colours. Different weaves and thread counts can vastly change the feel of…

  • Green Cleanup for 2012 London Olympics Has Ups and Downs

    Angela
    6 Feb 2012 | 4:25 pm
    Photo by Martin Morris: Flickr With the 2012 summer Olympics approaching, London is going for gold in greening up the future site of the games. According to the U.K.’s Environmental Agency, clean up of the massive area has now been completed and construction can begin. Getting the site ready for use was no small feat, especially considering that much of the land was previously used for industry, chemical storage and factories, leaving the area polluted and contaminated. Working with the Olympic Delivery Authority and the London Development Agency, the Environmental Agency used five…

  • Greening Up Your Valentine’s Day Gifts

    Angela
    5 Feb 2012 | 8:12 am
    Photo by John Loo: Flickr Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, something the women of the world know and the men will only vaguely start to recollect as the sun goes down on February 13. For you guys and gals who have the gift of forethought, consider green and organic alternatives to the usual Valentine’s Day schlock. Cocoa, the base ingredient for chocolate, is often grown in conditions unfair to the farmers and, in the case of Burkina Faso and other countries, even using child labour. If you would like to keep child labour out of your gift to your Valentine’s Day sweetie,…
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    Sustainability Articles | Green News and Articles | Green Conduct

  • I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

    Molly Scott Cato
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:40 am
    You may have noticed a similarity between my last few articles, which are focusing on the failure of aggregate demand in our economy, and strategies for addressing this. Last time around the strategies focused on throwing money into the economy, reducing the quality of products, and, perhaps the strategy that has been most successful, changing the social hierarchy so that it relies on consumption rather than moral quality or personal charm.

  • The Fallacy of Greening

    John R. Ehrenfeld
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:53 am
    The blogosphere has been humming for the past week or so with responses to an article about energy efficiency published in the WSJ. David Owen, author of a book and other articles on the subject, argues that energy efficiency is not going to move the world toward solving our environmental dilemma, particularly climate change.

  • BHT: The Secret in Your Cereal

    Megan Stilley
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:04 am
    I was browsing the cereal aisle recently and looking at a non-organic cereal (bad I know). While scanning the ingredient list (something you must always do!) I noticed an ingredient I had not heard of- BHT. I was really curious what it was so I decided to do some research.

  • Stop Digging

    Molly Scott Cato
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:56 am
    Although we seem to be living in an era of forgetfulness when it comes to the insights of John Maynard Keynes, to my mind we should characterise the disastrous economic situation of the late-phrase capitalist economies in terms of a chronic failure of aggregate demand. In a famous passage in the General Theory Keynes describes how different cultures have dealt with the problem of insufficient demand.

  • From melon to haircuts, prices rise for Nigerians

    Armsfree Onomo Ajanaku
    8 Feb 2012 | 9:55 am
    Improvised kerosene lamps made from tin light up the night. Trading spills over from the rows of shops and wooden kiosks, displaying clothes, kitchen utensils, fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, which line Market Road. There’s no room for cars, with only rickshaws and bikes able to weave through the maze.
 
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    Energy Savers Blog

  • Oh, the (Energy-Related) Stories I Have Heard...

    Energy Savers
    7 Feb 2012 | 9:19 am
    I don't have an interesting tidbit, video, or page to link to today, so I thought I would share a few things I've heard people say about saving energy. I'd call them "stories," except I'm paraphrasing and summarizing so much that it's more like random advice that I've heard people give. I think they're kind of fun reminders that, well, we are all pretty energy-savvy here, but there's still a lot of education that needs to be done. Let's get this started! Once upon a time, I knew someone who was sure that it would cost less to use a gas fireplace to heat their living room than it would to let…

  • Light My Fire...Or Yours

    Energy Savers
    6 Feb 2012 | 12:15 pm
    It comes as no surprise that 9-out-of-10 American homes burned wood for heat a little more than a century ago. Likewise, it's also probably not news that the number dwindled to less than 1% by the 1970s. After all, who wants to chop and stack cordwood when you can set the thermostat to be comfortable? Perhaps that's why Paul Bunyan is so rarely spotted around town these days. Still, there is something irresistible about the warmth of a crackling fire. That appeal probably explains why fireplaces and wood-burning heating stoves haven't disappeared in many communities, and that upgrades such as…

  • This Month on Energy Savers: January 2012

    Energy Savers
    2 Feb 2012 | 8:31 am
    In the coldest parts of winter, we've turned our thoughts toward the best seasonal tips, conservation of water and lighting power, and what's new in 2012. If you've missed any of January's posts, here's a recap. What's New in 2012 Are you looking for an easy way to save energy in your home quickly? Learn about the New Lighting Facts Label to compare efficient light bulb choices and determine which ones may be best for your home. Learn about electric vehicles in DOE's new Electic Vehicle 101 Video and connect with a handy listing of calculators, fueling station finders, and financial…

  • Green Up Your Next Movie Night!

    Energy Savers
    1 Feb 2012 | 7:30 am
    Winter. For many of us, the season means hot chocolate, winter sports, exercise indoors, and the classic American pastime—movie night. So, if you find yourself caught in a chilly day, and are in the mood for popcorn and a good flick at home, check out the following movies that have environmental or clean energy innuendoes/themes: Back to the Future—In parts II and III of the popular series, the DeLorean time machine was powered by the Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor. In the end of the first movie, we see Dr. Emmett Brown putting a banana peel, beer (and the can), and other waste…

  • Be a Lean, Mean, Green Eating Machine

    Energy Savers
    31 Jan 2012 | 2:53 pm
    Like most Americans, I watched the State of the Union to hear President Obama outline his goals for the year ahead, to understand his energy outlook and plans, and of course, to see what Michelle would be wearing (a stunning royal blue, of course). When listening to the President highlight his administration’s clean energy initiatives, I couldn’t help but remember the First Family's goals to reduce childhood obesity in America. By no surprise, the link between nationwide health improvement and energy efficiency efforts is strong. By reducing our demand for processed and imported…
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    Green-Change.com

  • Pig Trotters In Sweet Vinegar

    Darren
    9 Feb 2012 | 5:53 am
    I’ve had the trotters (and heads!) of our pigs in the freezer for a while now, waiting for the opportunity to cook something nice with them. I came across this recipe for Stewed Pork Trotters in Sweet Vinegar, and knew I had to give it a go: (that’s Shu Han’s photo, not mine!) The first step was to blanch the trotters (boil them) for about 15 minutes and clean them up a bit: I didn’t have the Chinese black vinegar specified by the recipe, but a quick bit of web searching told me that apple cider vinegar would be a good substitute. And apple goes well with pork, right?

  • Dehydrating Zucchini

    Darren
    25 Jan 2012 | 5:15 am
    Like Ally and Rich, we’re currently swimming in zucchini! I mentioned in my comment on their post that we’ve been dehydrating ours, so I thought I should post some photos. We’re currently getting up to 5 zucchini every day: Little wonder that our fridge’s crisper looks like this, then: So, on to the dehydrating. First, I cut the zucchini into slices about 5mm thick. It’s fairly important to get the thickness uniform, so the slices will dehydrate at the same rate. A mandolin slicer is very handy for this, but be careful! I cut my finger quite badly a few weeks ago…

  • A More Secure Chicken Pen

    Darren
    23 Jan 2012 | 1:00 am
    You might remember the trouble I had with foxes last July. We lost our whole flock of chickens (20+), as well as our two Indian Runner ducks, in a single night. I’ve held off on getting more chickens until I could secure the pen – obviously I never want something like that to happen again. We did get some ducks along the way, but I’ve been locking them up in the shed at night and letting them out into the pen each morning. We also got a dog not long after that attack, and I’ve been placing her droppings around the perimeter of the pen to ward off predators. It’s…

  • Willie Wagtail Chicks

    Darren
    10 Jan 2012 | 8:17 pm
    Lately, whenever I approach our composting area I get chittered at and swooped by a pair of willie wagtails. This almost always means they’ve built a nest nearby, so I spent a bit of time with the kids looking for it. We eventually found the nest fairly low in a gum tree. It contains two cute little chicks: Willie wagtails are great birds to have in the garden, so we’re happy to leave them in peace to raise their babies. Adult Willie Wagtail (CC BY 3.0 image courtesy Duncan McCaskill) These little guys are insectivorous, so hopefully they’re enjoying a diet rich in cabbage…

  • Digging Up Potatoes

    Darren
    12 Dec 2011 | 6:21 am
    Whenever we have potatoes sprout in the cupboard, we plant them out in a spare garden bed. It costs nothing, and you typically get back about 5-10 times as many potatoes as you plant! Potatoes are also amazing for establishing new garden beds. They break up the ground, attract lots of worms, and leave a lovely rich soil behind. I use the standard potato-growing technique – dig a fairly deep trench (up to a foot deep), put the seed potatoes in the bottom, and cover them with an inch or so of dirt. As the shoots start coming through, keep backfilling the dirt around them. Keep hilling and…
 
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    Do The Green Thing: The Green Thing blog

  • Be a dear and put on a sweater

    ewycherley
    9 Feb 2012 | 3:06 am
    When you are feeling cold and are reaching to turn on the heating take a minute and call WWF's Granny Call Centre. This adorable service provides you with with a personal call from the granny of your choice who will urge you to "Turn down the heat and put on that sweater" in order to crank up the Human Heat. Granny's the world over provide their families with warm woollies for the winter and today, on National Sweater Day, they are telling you all to don these snug jumpers and turn down the heating. You'll be so cosy and will look so well put together too! Book a call for yourself…

  • Write your way to romance

    jocorrall
    9 Feb 2012 | 3:00 am
    (Image: Katee) Fancy a little Plugged Out gift for Valentine's Day? Then head along to ANDOR Bureau this Sunday 12th between 5-7pm. The romantic guys at the cafe have decided to host a love letter writing evening. With tea, sandwiches and cakes for sale and a BYOB policy to help loosen your tongue (£3 corkage charge), they'll help you get in the mood to tell that special someone exactly how you feel. So forget flown-in flowers and banish impersonal balloons. Buy Nothing for your loved one this year, just grab a pen and be the most romantic person in…

  • Get tweets from your birdhouse

    jocorrall
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:06 am
    Birdwatching can be a fairly time consuming activity that we don't all have the time for. This DIY birdhouse that tweets you when you have a winged visitor is perfect for those of us who cant spend hours staring out the window. (Image: Screengrab from B-Squares) Using the very clever B-Squares, modular components that let you build and power almost any small gadget you can think of, you can hack your birdhouse to send you a tweet when a bird enters. As the bird peeks his head into the box, it breaks the sensor and wirelessly transmits this information to your computer. Plus it's all…

  • Bikes from broken trees

    ewycherley
    8 Feb 2012 | 3:02 am
    (Image: woodbicycle.com) Masterworks Woodworking are the creative behind this awesome bicycle. Not only do they have rad designs but they handcraft each piece from condemned city trees that would otherwise just be chipped, making them one of our favourite and All Consuming ways to Pedal-the-pedals. For another wooden wonder check out the walnut bike. (Spotted on Treehugger)

  • A dozen upcycled roses

    ewycherley
    7 Feb 2012 | 2:30 am
    Julliet told us that 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet'. And we feel that a rose made from any upcycled materials would be just as awesome and lovely and even better than a real one! So as it is Rose Day, and not long until Valentine's Day, we shall woo with with a dozen upcycled roses. (Image: Instructables) First, may we present some duct tape roses. (Image: cosaverde) Then from some scrap paper we give you a beautiful paper rose. (Image: Whathappensnext) Third, we hope to make you smile with this awfully pretty spare fabric rose. (Image: Christine Eige) And when we have…
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    The Art of Meaningful Celebrations and Eco-friendly Gift Giving | Green Gifts Guide

  • Green Valentine’s Day Gifts for Nature Lovers

    Amity Hook-Sopko
    9 Feb 2012 | 7:40 am
    Know we how we love gifts that aren’t stuff?  Well, here’s one we fell “Otterly In Love With.” The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) offers a year round line of Green Gifts that are easy to give and can make a real difference. This line is perfect for Valentine’s Day because gifts start as low as $10. It’s tough to choose a favorite, but my husband and I are both fascinated by otters… river, ocean, doesn’t matter.  They always look like they’re having fun together. Marine reserves help protect vital habitat for sea otters and…

  • BottlesUp For An Eco Valentine’s Day – A Sweet Gift That Gives Back

    Amity Hook-Sopko
    1 Feb 2012 | 7:11 am
    Glass Water Bottle in Pink by BottlesUp   If you’re not a fan of the commercialism of Valentine’s Day – BUT you still need to get a gift for someone – consider giving a gift that’s not only useful but also gives back. A water bottle might not be the most romantic gift, but it surely is useful! And with all the confusion about BPA and the other toxins found in both disposable and some reusable water bottles, or trying to tell the difference between aluminum and stainless steel… it’s no wonder old-fashioned glass has made a big comeback in the…

  • Sweet Love Cake Truffles for Valentine’s Day

    Amity Hook-Sopko
    30 Jan 2012 | 4:45 am
    Sweet Love Cake Truffle Collection Is there a better way to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” than by sending Red Velvet, Chocolate Strawberry, Triple Chocolate, and Raspberry Champagne cake truffles to your sweetheart? These edible delights found at Abe’s Market are a decadent way to make sure your Valentine’s Day gift never goes to waste.  In fact, they wouldn’t last a week around here! {cacao}’s gourmet Cake Truffles are a sophisticated, rich, and decadent bon-bon-like treat that are moist and creamy on the inside and enrobed with luscious chocolate on…

  • Give Eco Jewelry This Valentine’s Day

    Amity Hook-Sopko
    29 Jan 2012 | 8:40 am
      Eco Friendly Keychain / Purse Charm by Irma Guzman You’ve read all about how to celebrate a Greener, Sweeter Valentine’s Day,  so if you’re looking for the most sustainable gift ideas, these pieces by Eco Designer Irma Guzman are sure to make your green Valentine smile. Today we’re sharing a few of her designs, but if you’d like to see more, you’ll find her complete collection here. What’s more important than the beauty of her designs, is the thought that goes into every business decision she makes: “When you buy our pieces you are…

  • Eco Stylish Wedding Gift Wrap

    Amity Hook-Sopko
    24 Jan 2012 | 5:25 am
    Fabric gift wraps from Chewing the Cud It’s no secret that I adore fabric gift wrap.  So when I saw this collection of fabric wraps from Chewing the Cud, I knew it would fit right into our Eco Stylish Wedding Series. Whether you’re a bride looking for a unique way to wrap your attendant gifts, or wedding guest who doesn’t like the waste of wrapping paper and tissue paper… these prints are elegant (and neutral) enough to work for any bridal event.  Wrapping gifts with fabric is a lot easier than it looks.  You’ll find a tutorial in our Wrap It Green section.
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    Almost All The Truth

  • Pollution: some interesting facts about our contaminated world.

    Brenna @ Almost All The Truth
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:26 am
    Do any of these facts on air pollution surprise you? I have to admit that I was surprised about the CO2 emissions for the top family vehicles… May be time to cut back our driving even more! Infographic credit   Pollution: some interesting facts about our contaminated world. is a copyrighted post from: Almost All The Truth - Exploring how to improve and protect the health of our children and their world through living, learning, and parenting… Come join the conversation (I love your comments!) on Almost All The Truth, and connect further on Facebook, and twitter!

  • Top Ten: Ways Monsanto and Big Ag are Killing You – And the Planet

    Brenna @ Almost All The Truth
    7 Feb 2012 | 5:44 am
    Monsanto and Big Agriculture – Partners in Destruction? photo credit: flickr Monsanto and Big Ag are not working in harmony with the land to “produce more with less” as the argument goes, but are by their very nature destroying our small farmers and organic and sustainable farms, both in the U.S. and globally. The reliance on increasing the herbicides needed to grow GMO crops is too energy-intensive and harmful to our health to let continue on such a destructive path! The industrial farm practices are proving to be increasingly more harmful to human health and quickly…

  • Curious Critters – Fun With Nature. {Giveaway}

    Brenna @ Almost All The Truth
    6 Feb 2012 | 5:02 am
    Curious Critters – Teaching Kids to Love Nature I adore unusual animals. My absolute favorite animal is the blue whale, in part because it is the largest known animal to have ever existed and they are rarely seen. I have a strange fascination with the colossal squid because of this too. If you can’t go big, go home. You won’t be finding a blue whale (or a colossal squid) in Curious Critters, the fabulous book by David FitzSimmons, but you will find the amazing creatures that live all around us, some even in our own backyards! Luckily they all agreed very politely to pose.

  • The Super Bowl is Going Green Through Renewable Energy!

    Brenna @ Almost All The Truth
    5 Feb 2012 | 3:57 pm
    I am pleased to see some steps in the right direction for such a huge event. The NFL is working closely with Green Mountain Energy to provide renewable energy certificates. Now if the NFL is doing this out of a sense of corporate responsibility, can we expect the same respect from fans? If you plan to watch the game, what are you doing today to minimize your environmental impact? We are staying home, so not using the car. We (well the husband) walked to the store for refreshments and sore throat cures. We plan to consume only what we need from as much organic and local resources we can. Being…

  • Fracking Activist and Journalist Arrested – Violation of First Amendment

    Brenna @ Almost All The Truth
    2 Feb 2012 | 4:12 pm
    Gasland Filmmaker Josh Fox Arrested At House Committee Hearing on Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) Yesterday, certain members of the GOP – particularly Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), who has been an advocate for fracking and has strong financial ties to the natural gas industry and and Committee Chairman Ralph M. Hall (R-Texas) – prompted the arrest of the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Josh Fox for daring to attempt to exercise his First Amendment right to film what has been a long process to actually get science back into the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
 
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    DC Bureau » Natural Resources News Service

  • Spencer Abraham Cashes In

    Joseph Trento
    2 Feb 2012 | 3:43 pm
    January 30 was former U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham’s last day as the non-executive chairman of Areva Enterprises Inc, the French atomic power firm’s American operation. This marked the end of a very lucrative arrangement for both Abraham and the French government own nuclear company – mostly at U.S. taxpayers’ expense. It all began in the 1990s when the United States’ response to disposing of 34 metric tons of plutonium from shuttered nuclear weapons programs was a proposed mixed oxide (MOX) fuel fabrication facility at the Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, South…

  • N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo Sidesteps Natural Gas Hydrofracking Controversies

    Peter Mantius
    11 Jan 2012 | 9:46 am
    ALBANY, N.Y. — Ignoring taunts from anti-hydrofracking protestors marching outside, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered a nearly hour-long State of the State address to lawmakers Jan. 4 without mentioning the hot-button gas drilling technique. In his speech, the governor skipped over a section of his prepared remarks that had promised to deliver in 2012 both the state’s final rules for new gas well permits and recommendations from his own gas drilling advisory panel. Asked about the omission, Cuomo spokesman Matt Wing said of his boss’ hydrofracking policy: “We are still waiting…

  • Parched for Water — Controversial Southern California Desalination Pilot Projects

    David Rosenfeld
    4 Jan 2012 | 12:37 pm
    King Harbor Marina in Redondo Beach, California. Tucked behind the northeast corner of King Harbor Marina in Redondo Beach, California, there is a $10 million experiment taking place over how best to turn the salt water of the Pacific Ocean into drinkable tap water. The demo plant here represents the second of two pilot projects – the other one previously in El Segundo began 10 years ago and has since been concluded. The two pilots have cost at least $18 million. A review of board meeting documents by the nonprofit Desal Response Group reveal more than $23 million in construction and…

  • Uranium Mining – The Virginia Battleground – Environmental Concerns vs. Corporate Interests Part Three

    Rose Ellen O'Connor
    30 Nov 2011 | 7:15 pm
    Chatham Courthouse Frank’s Pizza and Subs is in an area known as Tightsqueeze, named after a narrow dirt road 120 years ago. It is just outside the town of Chatham, seat of government for Pittsylvania County, in south central Virginia, an area known as Southside. Frank’s is especially popular for pizza and steak-and-cheese and boasts a loyal following. There is nothing fancy here. Customers drink out of hard blue plastic cups that advertise a variety of businesses: a towing company, O.K. Mobile Home Park, Virginia Uranium, Inc. Virginia Uranium has left nothing to chance in its quest to…

  • Uranium Mining – The Virginia Battleground – Environmental Concerns vs. Corporate Interests Part Two

    Rose Ellen O'Connor
    23 Nov 2011 | 5:53 am
    Virginia is the home of many historic Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields. But today, conflicts are being fought in a different forum. The question of whether to lift Virginia’s moratorium on uranium mining is shaping up to be one of the biggest battles in the General Assembly next year. Virginia Uranium, Inc. wants to mine a 119-pound uranium ore deposit called Coles Hill. It is in Pittsylvania County in south central Virginia, often referred to as Southside. The company, flush with Canadian investments, has hired 15 lobbyists to push their cause in Richmond. It has also contributed…
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    EarthTechling

  • Google Rules Greenpeace Cool IT Leaderboard

    Kristy Hessman
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:00 pm
    By advocating for renewable energy and adding it into its business infrastrucure, search engine giant Google was able to overtake Cisco atop Greenpeace’s Cool IT Leaderboard 5. The environmental organization’s assessment of tech companies measures their clean-energy innovation and actions to combat climate change. In 2010, the top spot went to Cisco.Google scored particularly well for its political advocacy work and for sourcing renewable energy to its infrastructure, according to Greenpeace. The Cool IT Leaderboard evaluates global IT companies on their leadership in the fight to…

  • 2014 Tesla Model X: Mysterious “Falcon Doors” May Lift Up, Fold

    Green Car Reports
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:00 pm
    Editor’s Note: EarthTechling, always looking to bring you interesting cleantech reading, is proud to repost this article courtesy of Green Car Reports. Author credit goes to Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield.Over the past few months, we’ve started to hear more and more about Tesla’s 2014 Model X — the all-electric crossover SUV that will follow the 2012 Model S into production in year’s time.So far, everything has been positively enigmatic, but now clean tech specialist Theo O’Neill has shed more light on what financial analysts from Barclays called the Model X’s “falcon…

  • Valentine’s Day Green Gifts For Gals And Guys

    Laura Caseley
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:00 am
    You might be seeing pink and red everywhere as Valentine’s Day rolls around, but the color we’re focusing on for our loved ones this year is (surprise!) green. We’ve compiled a list of some of green gifts for your sweetie that are non-tech in nature. From the sexy to the geeky to the downright weird, there’s something for everyone. What’s even better, everything on this list is under $40, so you can express your love for your significant other and the environment without breaking the bank.For Her:1. Cheeky undies by Devil-May-WearImage via…

  • Pedal To Charge The Battery, Not Move The Bike

    Steve Duda
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:00 am
    Designer Marcus Martinez has just introduced his brand new electric vehicle concept, the Kinesis, which Martinez explains is based upon kinetics. If you weren’t paying attention in physics class, kinetic energy of an object is the energy it possesses due to its motion. That means you must use a certain amount of energy to accelerate an object at rest to a certain velocity. Having gained this energy during acceleration, the body maintains this kinetic energy unless its speed changes.For Martinez and his new vehicle concept, the idea of kinesis means he’s created a three-wheel trike powered…

  • Biodiesel Needs Tax Credit To Grease Production

    Lauren Craig
    9 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    In the U.S., biodiesel is the only fuel currently produced at a commercial scale that meets the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) definition of an “advanced biofuel.” Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel substitute that meets strict fuel specifications and can be burned in existing diesel engines. It is also produced in nearly every state in the country, and can be made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as agricultural oils, recycled cooking oil and animal fats.These factors enabled the U.S. biodiesel industry to produce 1.1 billion gallons of fuel in…
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    Moms Going Green Blog

  • Meatless Monday: Daphne Oz’s Veggie Chili

    Moms_GoingGreen
    6 Feb 2012 | 8:25 am
    We tested this recipe Super bowl Sunday and everyone LOVED. Even the kids gave it two-thumbs up! Reheating to enjoy again tonight. Ingredients  2 tablespoons Canola Oil 4 smashed Cloves of Garlic 1 large Yellow Onion (chopped) 1 bag Corn (frozen or fresh) 2 medium Zucchinis (sliced and diced) 1 16 oz can of Roasted Tomatoes (chopped) and juice from can 2 cans Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed) 1 can Black Beans (drained and rinsed) 1 bottle Beer 1 cup Vegetable Stock 4 tablespoons Chili Powder 2-3 tablespoons Cumin 2-3 Bay Leaves 2 tablespoon Oregano 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2-3 Chipotle…

  • 30-Day Vegan Challenge: Week One

    Moms_GoingGreen
    6 Feb 2012 | 7:23 am
    On  January 30th, I started a 30-day vegan challenge. That means no meat, dairy, or eggs. Here is my recap of the first week: I started each day with a smoothie consisting of protein powder, greens powder, almond milk and fruit. I’m eating loads of vegetables, grains, beans and a wider variety. I love dairy and was not sure I would like the vegan alternatives for coffee creamer or yogurt. I was pleasantly surprised how good coconut milk creamer and organic soy yogurt could be. However I am not liking cheese substitutes. I’d rather go without. Same with fake meat. I’m reading labels and…

  • Going Green Locally: Stay Cool, Wear Bamboo!

    Moms_GoingGreen
    5 Feb 2012 | 8:25 pm
    Cariloha Bamboo 435 J street San Diego, CA 92101 Cariloha, the successful ALL-bamboo store with locations in 9 countries, has just opened in San Diego. Cariloha is the only retailer in the world to provide an entire store experience that’s completely outfitted with merchandise made of bamboo. What you should know this is San Diego’s ONLY all bamboo store the entire store is made of bamboo, which grows up to 4 feet per day if you thought bamboo was just for pandas, think again:  Cariloha sells (and I can testify to this) the softest bedding, sheets, and clothing you’ve likely…

  • Seven ways to green the big game

    Moms_GoingGreen
    2 Feb 2012 | 8:22 am
    Shown: Biodegradable party supplies This weekend is Super Bowl XLVI and it’s a great opportunity to hang out with family and friends. My favorite part is seeing the half time show and commercials. If you’re entertaining here are a few ideas on how to make your day a little less commercial and more eco-friendly. You can also save these ideas for making any event a little more green. 1. Online Party Planning At sites like Punchbowl not only can you design your own invitation, you can use your Facebook and Twitter accounts to notify your guests. And most importantly, you’re not wasting…

  • Meatless Monday: Italian rotini pasta with chickpea and kale

    Moms_GoingGreen
    30 Jan 2012 | 9:55 am
    Italian rotini pasta with chickpea and kale The easiest way to wilt the kale for this dish is to dunk it into the pasta cooking water just before you are ready to drain the pasta. Then drain the pasta and kale together. Add any kind of fresh greens you like. Vegans can simply leave out the parmesan in this dish. One 14 oz box of whole grain pasta (Barilla whole grain rotini is a good one) 12 large leaves Tuscan kale or any other variety of Kale, about 2 cups when shredded. 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, diced Crushed red peppers, to taste 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced 2…
 
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    CleanTechies Blog - CleanTechies.com

  • DOE Requests Information on Commercial Readiness of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies

    EnergyRefuge.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 12:30 pm
    The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Program has issued an RFI (Request for Information) seeking feedback from stakeholders regarding the commercial readiness of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies. DOE is interested in industry information about transportation electrification using fuel cells, specifically on board refrigeration auxiliary power for heavy duty road vehicles, fuel cell rechargers for battery electric vehicles used for transporting cargo or passengers, and technology deployment opportunities for other on- or off-road transportation markets. The…

  • Opportunities for Energy Innovators

    Elisa Wood
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:00 am
    For a long time ‘clean’ and ‘green’ marked the forward trend in the energy industry. Then came the quest for ‘smart’ energy. And now ‘innovation’ is the buzzword. It’s easy to see why. As Americans, we believe our ability to innovate sets us apart in today’s international market. Sure China can manufacture computers and cell phones more quickly and cheaply, but we came up with Google and iPhones in the first place. The energy industry offers a lot of opportunity for US innovators, given our aging grid, quest for alternatives to fossil fuels, and our glimpse into the…

  • California’s Car Rules Help Remake U.S. Auto Industry

    Yale Environment 360
    9 Feb 2012 | 8:00 am
    With the passage of strict new auto emission and air pollution standards, California has again demonstrated its role as the U.S.’s environmental pacesetter. In an interview with Yale Environment 360, Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, explains how her state is helping drive a clean-car revolution. How likely is it that your next vehicle might be an electric car? California just increased the odds. On Jan. 27, the California Air Resources Board, a powerful state agency with a history of setting first-in-the-nation clean air and climate regulations, voted 9-0 on a…

  • Community Solar – Trending in 2012

    The Vote Solar Initiative
    9 Feb 2012 | 6:00 am
    As the home of some pioneering community solar projects, Maryland’s clean energy champions are seeking to establish a platform on which these renewable energy arrangements can flourish. Recently introduced as Senate Bill 595, state lawmakers will be considering a proposal that would enable Maryland residents and small-businesses to join together in sharing the costs and benefits of renewable energy. Most commonly conceived as a single renewable energy system in which individuals can invest in a portion of a facility’s clean generating potential, these arrangements offer a direct…

  • Making Waves in Renewable Energy: The AWS Wave Swing III

    CleanTechies Guest Author
    9 Feb 2012 | 4:00 am
    Alstom and SSE Renewables have signed a new joint venture agreement to co-develop the world’s largest wave farm in the Costa Head Wave Project, off the coast of Orkney, Scotland. The farm will deliver up to 200 Megawatts of renewable energy utilizing AWS Ocean Energy Ltd’s (AWS) Archimedes Wave Swing III technology (AWS-III). AWS is based in Inverness, Scotland, and the company’s stated purpose is to develop and deliver the technology of choice for utility scale generation of offshore wave power. AWS-III is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0185721, entitled…
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    OrganicAuthority RSS feed

  • Taco Bell Salmonella Outbreak Spiced with Secrecy

    9 Feb 2012 | 2:00 am
    Taco Bell has been named as the source of a Salmonella outbreak that affected individuals in ten states including Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio and Michigan, and reportedly sickened nearly 70 people.

  • Is It Safe to Munch On A Mouthful of Sprouts

    9 Feb 2012 | 1:22 am
    Bean sprouts have long had a reputation as being easy to contaminate, but are they any less safe than other pre-washed vegetables that we regularly consume? Read more...

  • Formaldehyde On Your Face? Most Likely

    8 Feb 2012 | 6:24 pm
    When you think of formaldehyde, it may conjure up images of frogs floating in jars from your high school biology classroom. The truth is, however, that many of your personal care products contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and you may not even know it. And believe me, that is creepy! Read more...

  • Pickle This! Lacto-Fermented Watermelon Radishes

    8 Feb 2012 | 6:07 pm
    Lacto-fermentation is one of history’s most traditional ways of preserving food. Using naturally-occuring bacteria that are present in every living thing, this method of pickling things is also one of the healthiest. Made without added sugars, vinegars, or additives, just sea salt and water are all you need to get started. In this seasonal late winter recipe, I’ve fermented watermelon radishes. See how it’s done! Read more...

  • We Love Our Sponsors!

    8 Feb 2012 | 2:14 pm
    Ah, the Interwebs. Our online home may be technically virtual, but it is a very real place to all of us here at OrganicAuthority.com! Our incredible writing team and you, our awesome reader community, keeps us so inspired and excited every day! And there's another super team member near and dear to our hearts: Our sponsors. They help to keep our LED lights on, help us to pay our paperless e-bills, allow us to continue to produce Laura's amazing cooking videos, and support us so that we can chat with you in the Twittersphere, Facebook and beyond about the latest and greatest in sustainable…
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    Planet Forward

  • Green News Weekly – The World’s First Sustainable City, Grand Canyon Banning Bottled Water and Kraft Achieves Zero Waste at 36 Plants

    Planet Forward
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:15 pm
    Welcome back to the Planet Forward blog for another edition of our weekly green news highlights. This week: Masdar, the World’s First Sustainable city in United Arab Emirates, located seventeen kilometres from Abu Dhabi; the Grand Canyon is cleaning up and banning bottled water in favour of reusable bottles at refill stations; and Kraft accomplishes zero waste at 36 plants. Just click on the links to learn more. (Image Credit: LAVA) Let’s begin with Masdar: The World’s First Sustainable City.  The first sustainable city called Masdar, which in Arabic translates as ‘the Source’…

  • Betty Crocker’s Win One Give One CSR Initiative Benefits Kids in Africa

    Planet Forward
    7 Feb 2012 | 11:01 pm
    A tenant of having a successful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative is to somehow link your product with a cause that is associated with your field. Education and children’s snacks have proven to be a link that many companies have used when designing such campaigns. There are many examples of this working such as Box Tops For Education or Campbell’s Labels for Education campaign. These initiatives have created a joint fundraising promotion between the company involved and its consumers, which uses either special labels or UPC codes that makes the donations possible. Betty…

  • Top 10 Green Power Purchasers Ranked by the EPA

    Planet Forward
    6 Feb 2012 | 11:01 pm
    (Image Credit: newsusa24.com) The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a green power partnership program that promotes green energy solutions and highlights leading organizations. Green power purchases “help reduce the environmental impacts of electricity use and support the development of new renewable generation capacity nationwide. The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that supports the organizational procurement of green power by offering expert advice, technical support, tools and resources. Partnering with EPA can help [an] organization lower the transaction costs…

  • Meatless Monday with Spaghetti with Pecorino Romano and Black Pepper

    Planet Forward
    5 Feb 2012 | 11:01 pm
    Sometimes the simplest of meals are the hardest to prepare, because they make the most of just a few key ingredients. We have taken the pledge to abstain from eating meat once a week as part of the Meatless Monday movement. Making a meatless dish should be easy and convenient that’s why we’ve found this recipe for you to make for dinner tonight. Spaghetti pecorino romano and black pepper (cacio e pepe) is a simple and delicious rustic Italian meal that you can serve to perfection with these easy steps. This is one meal that you can whip up easily as everything you need you can kept on…

  • Valentine’s Day Heart Garland Eco-friendly Craft for Kids

    Planet Forward
    2 Feb 2012 | 11:01 pm
    Welcome back to the Planet Forward blog, today we are getting ready for Valentine’s Day with a fun eco-friendly craft for kids and adults. We’ll be making a Valentine’s Day heart garland, which is inspired by the paper chain garlands that we made for Christmas. This craft is the perfect way to decorate your home, a classroom or even a Valentine’s Day party. The Valentine’s Day heart garland is an inexpensive way to celebrate the holiday. Our craft today comes courtesy of Martha Stewart Living Television. Let’s get crafting. Tools and Materials: • Heart garland…
 
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    Christine Sculati's blog

  • Sierra Nevada foothills community rallies to save South Yuba River State Park

    christine
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:24 am
    South Yuba River State Park waterfall A patchwork of lands along the South Yuba River, considered among some of the Sierra Nevada’s most pristine, joined the state park system in 1997 after community activists fought to preserve the wild and scenic river for 14 years. In 2002 the South Yuba River Citizens League and the Trust for Public Land, negotiated the purchase of an additional 731 acres along the South Yuba River for $3.4 million and gave the property to the state to expand the 2,261-acre

  • What is the funding model for nonprofits hoping to save state parks?

    christine
    5 Feb 2012 | 3:40 pm
    "Grace Quan" sails out of China Camp, where past and future may be on a collision course. Photo by Glenn Brank of NorCal Yak. Click the image for the full story. In a Foundation Center podcast, Peter Kim of the nonprofit Bridgespan Group cautions that it takes three to five years for a nonprofit to put a strong funding model in place. If an organization is under immediate financial distress, then “they have bigger priorities to deal with then stepping back to develop a strategic funding model.” “Immediate financial distress” is how I would characterize our…

  • Nine state parks saved of 70, others deserted

    christine
    23 Jan 2012 | 12:33 am
    “California state parks belong to you, but not for long.” That is the message of the California State Parks Foundation, a nonprofit supporting organization to California State Parks (Department of Parks and Recreation). On January 10, 2012, the foundation launched a public awareness campaign titled “Defend What’s Yours” with new videos. Six months from now, at least 61 of California’s 278 state parks will close – from historic museums to lands that protect sensitive wildlife habitats and prehistoric Native Californian sites. Some parks saved, others…

  • Dreaming big, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    christine
    16 Jan 2012 | 5:31 pm
    Today, I honor one of the greatest visionary leaders of all time: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King demonstrated for us that well communicated ideas change the world. His 17-minute “I Have a Dream” speech delivered on August 28, 1963 was a defining moment of the American civil rights movement. In a book, titled “Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences”, Nancy Duarte uses Dr. King’s powerful I Have a Dream speech as a case study for how to create compelling and persuasive communications. She describes the speech’s “sparkline”…

  • Time is running out for endangered California parks. Are state park closures legally defensible?

    christine
    9 Jan 2012 | 1:22 am
    China Camp State Park On January 1, 2012, hundreds of people celebrated New Years Day along the scenic bluffs and hillsides of China Camp State Park located on the shores of San Pablo Bay north of San Francisco. Visitors from Bay Area cities to Hong Kong wrote, “Save this Park” in the guest book of the park’s historical Chinese fishing village. China Camp, located in Marin County, is among 18 state parks in the Bay Area and 70 across the state identified in May 2011 for closure by the California Department of Parks and Recreation by July 1, 2012 due to a state budget crisis.
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    Architecture & Design | Arquitectura y diseño

  • Earthship: soil and trash for eco-houses | Earthship: tierra y desechos para eco-casas

    recyecology
    6 Feb 2012 | 2:30 am
    An Earthship is a radically sustainable house made out of natural (soil…) and recycled (bottles, cans, pneumatics…) materials. They are passive houses, in the mayor part self-sufficient, first thought by the American architect Michael Reynolds and designed by Earthship Biotecture enterprise in Taos (New México).   These eco-houses take the most of local resources as sun to use renewable energies trying to maintain a low price. The final goal is to integrate the building into the ecosystem, more or less alike bioclimatic architecture. The houses have to respond to…

  • Interview to Elías Cuadrado | Entrevista con Elías Cuadrado, diseñador industrial

    recyecology
    30 Jan 2012 | 2:22 am
    Some days ago, Elías Cuadrado, a sustainable Spanish artist, contacts us through our Twitter account. Elías Cuadrado scores scrapyards searching for unusable engines and other rusty car-pieces to transform them into furniture (tables and chairs) and sculptures. To know better his work, we ask him some questions. Hace tan sólo unos días, Elías Cuadrado, un artista sostenible madrileño de adopción, se puso en contacto con nosotros a través de nuestro Twitter. Elías Cuadrado surca los desguaces en busca de motores en desuso u otras piezas de coches oxidadas para transformarlas en…

  • Interview to Javier Argota | Entrevista a Javier Argota

    recyecology
    24 Jan 2012 | 2:24 am
    During Cosentino's show cooking, we had the chance to interview Javier Argota. Discover what are the dreams of a young architect. Durante en show cooking de Cosentino, tuvimos la suerte de entrevistar a Javier Argota. Descubre los sueños de un joven arquitecto.

  • Architecture and happiness | Arquitectura y felicidad

    recyecology
    23 Jan 2012 | 2:23 am
    Japan recognized the importance of an architecture focused on people awarding, last October, the “Praemium Imperale” to Mexican architect Lagorreta. After the tragedy of last March 11th, Japanese were more sensitive to an architecture which would make people happy. Japón reconoció la importancia de una arquitectura enfocada a la gente premiando, al final del mes pasado, al arquitecto mexicano Lagorreta con el “Praemium Imperale”. Después de la tragedia del pasado 11 de marzo, parece que los japoneses valoraron la necesidad de una arquitectura que haga feliz a la gente.

  • Jacobo Pérez-Enciso's art on your table | El arte de Jacobo Pérez-Enciso en la mesa

    recyecology
    17 Jan 2012 | 10:11 am
    On last Thursday, January 12th, we asisted to Sergio Pérez's show-cooking. As we ate in Jacobo Pérez-Enciso's plates, we interviewed the artist for you. El pasado jueves 12 de enero, asistimos al show cooking del chef Sergio Pérez. Como comimos en los platos de Jacbo Pérez-Enciso, decidimos entrevistar al artista para ti.
 
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    MightyNest

  • Any Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness?

    Tracy
    9 Feb 2012 | 5:14 pm
    I’m pale. I randomly stop talking mid-sentence. I’m the first to leave meetings and the last to arrive. I’ve been known to walk away mid-conversation. You might find me sitting at my desk with my head down.  Yep, I’m 12 weeks pregnant and feeling as nauseous as ever! I thought I knew what I was in for having done this once already. But this time its worse – much, much worse. Not only did my morning sickness start earlier (at 5 weeks as opposed to 8) but it's also much stronger.  And we’re not just talking about mild nausea here but vomiting…as in everyday, sometimes…

  • BVO: Cloudy Chemical Used in Citrus Soft Drinks

    annie
    6 Feb 2012 | 3:57 pm
    Last spring we wrote about the maddening report regarding the unnecessary use of food dyes sold in the US. The double standard is that the same products sold overseas are made with natural alternatives like plant extracts. How did this come to be? Because the consumers demanded it! Now, another relatively unknown and unnecessary chemical called BVO (Brominated vegetable oil) has resurfaced as a suspect additive, as reported by Environmental Health News (EHN) and Scientific American. The chemical is used in citrus sodas and some sports drinks as an emulsifier, to help citrus flavors stay…

  • Natural Cold Remedies for Babies + Kids

    annie
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:11 am
    We know the heart wrenching, exhausting and often frustrating feeling of caring for a child, sick with a cold. As parents, we're focused on figuring out a remedy that will provide some relief, and hopefully, help speed up the process of recovery. We also know that there are loads of medications to reach for when your child has a cold, and when you're feeling desperate, they feel like shortcuts to some relief. But what if you're looking to combat the stuffiness au natural? Treating a cold naturally is especially necessary when your child is under the age of 2 when the use…

  • Reformulating a Product and the Presence of Preservatives

    annie
    24 Jan 2012 | 11:29 am
    There's been an interesting dialogue swirling around about the company California Baby, who recently reformulated some of their products but forgot to mention the change to their loyal customer base. OOPS! Why they weren't above board about changing their formulas is anyone's guess but why make the change in the first place? What was there to gain when they already had a front and center spot on health food (and large chain!) shelves? Stephanie Greenwood founder of Bubble and Bee Organics has first hand insight owning a small USDA certified organic skincare company. She's made terrific…

  • Lunchbots Stainless Steel Food Containers: New Styles and Colors! And a Giveaway!

    annie
    23 Jan 2012 | 10:36 am
    Lunchbots, the fabulous makers of ideal reusable lunch containers has thankfully expanded their line yet again! Sure to make many loyal followers happy with their favorite colors and compartment selection... Why choose stainless steel? Safe: Food-grade 18/8 stainless steel (an alloy made of naturally occuring elements) is the safest material other than glass to store food. There is no need to have a lining which means there is no chance of toxins leaching into the healthy food you've packed. Durable: Made to last a lifetime with the highest quality stainless steel. Unable to rust or stain and…
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    Eco Friendly Home Furniture Design Ideas

  • Reducing Electricity Use in Your Home

    Sarah W. Clarke
    30 Jan 2012 | 2:22 pm
    With a stagnant economy and a difficult job market out there, money is tight for many families this winter. For those of us in this situation, we are constantly looking to eliminate unnecessary expenses and cut costs when it comes to those core items and services that we need to buy. We reduce the number of meals we eat at restaurants, we take public transit more and buy gas less, and we decide to postpone a planned trip or vacation. But savings can just as easily begin at home, as we’ve noted in two recent articles that deal with heat use and water consumption. Now, let’s take a look at…

  • Is it More Eco-Friendly to Wash Dishes by Hand?

    Sarah W. Clarke
    27 Jan 2012 | 3:36 pm
    Changing our habits to save the environment is an everyday challenge that needs to be met! One topic up for debate is washing dishes by hand versus using a dishwasher to wash dishes. One solution shows washing dishes in a dishwasher are better because it uses less water than washing by hand. However dishwashers are energy efficient appliances when the rack is full of dishes, dishes not cleaned in advance, using less heat and having a newer model. The other solution shows washing dishes by hand are better than a dishwasher because people use the dishwasher for a handful of dishes and it may…

  • Keeping the Heat Inside Your Home in Winter

    Sarah W. Clarke
    18 Jan 2012 | 4:19 pm
    Heating costs can be a major problem for a variety of people in the winter. With the rising prices of gasoline and other methods of heating, it is important to understand how to maximize the heating efficiency of your home. There are many different methods available that you should consider and implement whenever possible. * Install Energy Efficient Windows Energy efficient windows are designed to absorb as much energy and heat as possible while letting out as little as possible. They are a little more expensive than normal windows but can trap heat in your home much more efficiently. Install…

  • Tips for Lowering Water Usage in the Home

    Sarah W. Clarke
    14 Jan 2012 | 1:48 pm
    Water is a limited resource that must be conserved as much as possible. There are many different ways that you can lower the water usage in your home. Consider all of these tips before implementing any of them. It may be worth your time and money to implement all of these tips as they may end up saving you hundreds of dollars. * Check for Drips and Leaks Leaks in pipes and drips in the faucet can add up to an incredible amount of water waste. Every faucet or pipe that even drips lightly every few seconds can lose up to 20 gallons of water per day. Even larger leaks can cause hundreds of…

  • Which Hardwood Flooring is Most Eco-Friendly?

    Sarah W. Clarke
    13 Jan 2012 | 12:04 pm
    Building new homes is always going to be a relatively carbon- and energy-heavy endeavor. One of the most important steps in building a new home with an eco-friendly plan in mind, is if you want to have hardwood flooring, and next, what eco-friendly hardwood flooring is the best. These are very important questions to keep in mind as you plan your next home or remodeling event. One of the absolute best options is reclaimed hardwood flooring. This is reducing, reusing, and recycling at its best. Reclaimed flooring can come from a vast array of sources. Every day, wooden buildings and structures…
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    altenergyshift.com

  • Concentrated Solar 10 cents per kilowatt-hour

    9 Feb 2012 | 2:49 am
    The small factory that Semprius plans to open this summer will have the capacity to produce 30 megawatts of solar panels a year. Semprius expects panels produced there to be cost-competitive for some applications, Carr says. Increasing production to 100 megawatts would bring down costs enough for the technology to compete with cheap solar panels made in China. Ultimately, the cost per kilowatt-hour for solar power depends on a number of factors, such as financing costs, the cost of land, how close transmission lines are, local labor rates, and so on. But Carr thinks Semprius can generate…

  • Not Just Any Plane – It’s A Solar Ship !

    8 Feb 2012 | 9:24 pm
    The phone began ringing just after 1 AM January 13, 2010. My husband rolled over and looked at the caller ID. It’s Marcy he said, as he pressed the answer button and held the phone up so we both could hear at the same time. Guys, I need your help, were the first breathless words we heard. Dr. Marcy and I had been best friends for over thirty years. We had met in Laboratory Technology School in Fort Lauderdale. I was a single mother with two small boys, she a lone free spirit on her way to becoming a pediatrician whose life mission would become serving the poorest children in the United…

  • Health: a cheaper, faster, and more sensitive m...

    7 Feb 2012 | 6:28 pm
    Many diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and infections, alter the body's metabolism in distinctive ways. The new work shows that these biochemical changes can be detected much sooner than typical symptoms would appear — even within a few hours — offering hope of early disease detection and diagnosis. One advantage of the approach is that it surveys the workings of the entire body with a single measure. In addition to simplifying diagnosis, it could also provide rapid feedback about the effectiveness of treatments. The technology relies on the fact that the body uses different sources…

  • Secretary Salazar answers your questions about...

    6 Feb 2012 | 5:04 pm
    From: E3 Wise February 6th 2012. Received announcement today (02/06/2012) by email from Department of Interior 4:30 PM. Forwarding To: Any Interested Members of Alt Energy Shift.com, E3Wise conservation partnership groups and the public. Subject: The following is a FREE live chat announced by the Secretary of Interior Salazar to host a live chat discussion on the subject conservation and outdoor recreation. We are passing this information on to all interested parties. The following is a copy of the email and the government links to submit questions early and participate in the live chat.

  • Dutch Kids Pedal Their Own Bus To School

    6 Feb 2012 | 4:57 pm
    The Dutch are bicycle fanatics. Almost half of daily travel in the Netherlands is by bicycle, while the country’s bike fleet comfortably outnumbers its 16 million people. Devotees of the national obsession have taken the next logical step by launching what is likely the first bicycle school bus. Built by Tolkamp Metaalspecials, and sold by the De Cafe Racer company, the bicycle school bus (BCO in Dutch) is powered entirely by children and the one adult driver (although there is an electric motor for tough hills). Its simple design has eight sets of pedals for the kids (ages 4 to 12), a…
 
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    Charging Stations

  • Would A Republican President Be a Setback For Electric Vehicles?

    Chad
    8 Feb 2012 | 10:35 am
    The upcoming presidential elections have electric vehicle fans wondering what would happen if a Republican candidate wins. Are more conservative politicians against electric vehicles? Would certain candidates do more for EV manufacture and distribution? There is a long-standing belief that conservative Republicans are funded in large part by “big oil” money and that they prefer to keep America on the “status quo” of gasoline-powered vehicles. While there is some basis for this feeling, the facts do not entirely bear it out. Many Republicans and independents, as well as many Democrats,…

  • Top 7 Cities Leading the Way With Public Charging Stations

    Chad
    1 Feb 2012 | 10:30 am
    Many major cities are beginning to recognize the need for charging stations for EVs. Some cities have relied on federal grant money to install numerous charging stations, while others have allowed private companies to install these refueling points. Here is a list of the top seven major cities with numerous charging stations for EVs: 1) Miami. While tooling down the beach highways has always called up nostalgia of famous gas-powered cars, more and more EVs are finding their way to the nation’s shorelines. In Miami, a city noted for its cosmopolitan flavor and huge use of private vehicles,…

  • When Will There Be More Electric Vehicles on the Road Than Gas-Powered Cars?

    Chad
    25 Jan 2012 | 10:37 am
    Many people see the enormous advantages in electrically-powered vehicles, and lament the fact that there are relatively few of them in operation. With the technology in place to convert to an “on-grid” system of transportation, how long will it be before electric vehicles dominate the scene? In order to answer this question, it is important to look at all facets of the problem. If we simply focus on the benefits of EVs, the resulting lack of enthusiasm for them and consequent low sales figures does not make sense. There are other factors which are contributing to the slow growth of EVs…

  • Why Buses Are Starting to Convert to Electric Vehicles

    Chad
    18 Jan 2012 | 10:33 am
    One type of vehicle which has enjoyed a change for the better with the advent of new EV technologies is public buses. Gasoline-powered buses, in general, get very low gas mileage, due to their size and, in cities, their constant “start and stop” patterns of driving. By converting to EVs, these vehicles save tremendously in fuel consumption and dangerous emissions. The first attempts at an EV bus met with little success, due to the immense amounts of power needed to run large buses. This situation continued until dual-battery systems were designed. In a dual-battery system, sodium halide…

  • Top 5 Reasons You Need a Home Charging Unit for Your EV

    Chad
    11 Jan 2012 | 10:14 am
    If you are considering purchasing an electric vehicle, or if you already have one, one of the biggest concerns you will have is how to charge your EV. While public charging stations are becoming more prevalent, they are far from universal and most people cannot depend upon public charging alone to keep their EVs running. Therefore, a home charging station is not just a convenience but a necessity for most EV owners. Many EV drivers are installing home-based charging systems in their own garages and carports to ensure ease of access to charging power as needed. There are several advantages to…
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    New Energy Watcher

  • What’s next for the feed in tariff……

    newenergyadmin
    31 Jan 2012 | 11:52 am
    Now that the Government has lost their appeal regarding changes to the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) appeal it has been confirmed that they are seeking permission to take their appeal to the Supreme Court. Now this is a time consuming and drawn out process where current and potential customers will be facing uncertainty. So in order to help out we have had a wee look at the potential time scales involved and what could be a likely future for the FIT. The DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change) has a full 28 days to apply for an appeal to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court then has 8 weeks to…

  • Big Energy Week 2012 with SSE

    newenergyadmin
    17 Jan 2012 | 5:32 am
    Big Energy Week kicked off yesterday with events in Cardiff, Edinburgh and London. The event has gathered a great deal of support from some big companies and consumer groups; Consumer Focus, Which? Energy UK, energy companies, charities, Ofgem and the Government. The event has been created in response to the massive increase of people visiting Citizens Advice for help with their fuel bills. In November 2011 8 times as many people went to the Citizens Advice website for advice on cutting their fuel bills down. Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said: “We know that a lot of…

  • Top tips for keeping the winter warm….

    newenergyadmin
    15 Dec 2011 | 2:44 am
    Ok, so the winter party season is upon us and we all know there’s not going to be much partying if all your money has been spent on heating your home. So to help out our faithful readership we’ve combined our favourite energy saving tips to try and keep your energy costs down as low as possible. • You need to layer up. Rather than whack the heating up high why not try putting on more layers. You’re actually better with more thin layers on than one thick layer. I would also invest in either some blankets for sitting around watching TV or better yet a Snuggie. • Hot water bottles –…

  • Green energy struggling to compete with gas….

    newenergyadmin
    7 Dec 2011 | 5:55 am
    The UK’s green energy juggernaut may be grinding to a halt, with reports that the big six are now involved in a gas race and are not focusing so much on the construction of green energy facilities. Fears are growing that this change in policy could put the current climate change targets beyond the UK’s capabilities. This new direction also means that British households will continue paying a higher rate for their bills. For an indication as to how much the UK industry has slowed, only half of the amount of wind turbines built last year have been built this year. Throughout last year there…

  • SSE – Still the customers choice

    newenergyadmin
    16 Nov 2011 | 9:05 am
    This year’s Energy Customer Satisfaction Awards held no real surprises with all of the ‘big six’ experiencing an overall drop in their customer satisfaction ratings. However this is almost certainly to be expected given that the year has been punctuated by rising energy costs and a number of fines for various incidents. That being said out of all the companies SSE should still be extremely happy after coming top in no less than 8 out of 11 categories. Not to mention winning the coveted Overall Satisfaction Award for the 8th time in a row. Eon managed to walk away with two of the awards:…
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    The Sustainable Attorney

  • Soap v. Detergent

    Adam Prochaska
    1 Feb 2012 | 12:01 am
    Most people use the words soap and detergent interchangeably.  I was guilty of this practice, until I wrote about phosphates in dishwashing detergent.  In doing the research for that post, I learned a fair amount about about the differences between soap and detergent.  These differences are significant, which is why from this point forward I [...]

  • Our beautiful Earth

    Adam Prochaska
    27 Jan 2012 | 11:36 pm
    The December 7, 1972 image taken by the crew of Apollo 17 is one of the most recognized photographs of our planet.  The photo, called “Blue Marble”, was taken around 28,000 miles above the Earth’s surface.  The crew member (believed to be Harrison “Jack” Schmitt) used a 70-mm Hasselblad camera with an 80-mm lens.  You’ve seen it [...]

  • I’ll have the detergent. Hold the phosphates.

    Adam Prochaska
    17 Jan 2012 | 11:54 pm
    Have your parents ever told you: “They don’t make things like they used to?”  Well, sometimes it’s actually true.  Prior to July 1, 2010, most dishwashing detergents contained phosphates – some up to 8%.  After July 1, 2010, regulations in 16 states mandated that detergents contain not more than 0.5%.  The impact of this regulation [...]

  • Something More

    Adam Prochaska
    11 Jan 2012 | 10:39 pm
    Columbus native Max Wohlegemuth explores local food and sustainable agriculture in this 17 minute documentary.  His quest to understand where his food comes from includes interviewes with a couple of my favorites - the Old Cheney Farmers Market and Branched Oak Farm.  He also highlights a few farms and farmers that I’m not as familiar with  - Ross Brockley, Common [...]

  • BabyWorks

    Adam Prochaska
    29 Dec 2011 | 11:40 pm
    This is the fourth of four posts written in celebration of MilkWorks’ 10 year anniversary.  MilkWorks is a non-profit community breastfeeding center in Lincoln, Nebraska that helps mothers, newborns, and families regardless of their socioeconomic status.  Copies of the MilkWorks 10 year report are available at 5930 South 58th Street.  Donations can be made through [...]
 
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    Seedstock

  • University of Florida Researcher Stumbles Upon New “Green” Pesticide with Potential to Protect State’s Citrus

    Noelle Swan
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:27 pm
    What if agricultural pests could be managed by an essential nutrient, found in all proteins, that poses no environmental threat, naturally biodegrades, and potentially could be beneficial to plants? Physiology and genomics professor, Bruce Stevens from the University of Florida thinks he just may have stumbled onto the future of green pesticides. It turns out when applied to the leaves Continue reading

  • In Partnership with NYC High School, Cornell U. Builds and Enhances Sustainable Agriculture Technology

    Jessica Vernabe
    8 Feb 2012 | 1:45 pm
    Students at culinary arts-focused Food and Finance High School in New York City learn more than just how to cook up a good fish fillet—they also learn how to grow the fish along with other foods using real-time, applied science and Cornell University technologies. The high school is home to the Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CUCE), New York City Hydroponics, Continue reading

  • International Research Team Shows Worldwide Honey Bee Colony Losses Continue

    seedstock
    8 Feb 2012 | 8:49 am
    IBRA Press Release - Since 2006 there has been concern worldwide about losses of honey bee colonies, especially the phenomenon of “Colony Collapse Disorder” in the USA. Information about the extent of these losses has,to date, been patchy, unsystematic and difficult to compare year on year and from country to country. Today, for the first time, the results of systematic surveys Continue reading

  • From Film to Action, Greenhorns Org. Inspires Young People to Farm for Sustainable Future

    Kelly Hatton
    7 Feb 2012 | 12:27 pm
    The Greenhorns, a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote, recruit and support a new generation of farmers, began in 2007, when founder and director Severine von Tscharner Fleming decided to make a film. The idea sprouted while Fleming was helping organize a film festival at UC Berkley. The lineup of documentaries at the festival highlighted the gloomy realities of Continue reading

  • Wyoming Hydroponic Tower Co. Seeks to Facilitate Sustainable Food Production and Make Farming Less Expensive

    Matt Wilhalme
    6 Feb 2012 | 1:29 pm
    Nate Storey and business partner Paul Bennick want to make farming more efficient, sustainable and affordable for the private and commercial greenhouse grower. To do so, the partners founded Bright AgroTech, LLC, a mission driven company that develops modular hydroponic production towers to not only increase production in hydroponic and aquaponic systems, but also facilitate sustainable food production. “We got Continue reading
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    GREENandSAVE.com Green News and Entertainment

  • Your Utility Can Help Lighten the Load

    cszoradi
    23 Jan 2012 | 9:47 am
    Did you know that the average American small business could save as much as $5,000 per year by becoming 25 percent more energy efficient? That’s what a study by the National Small Business Association discovered. It also found that if all small businesses made this effort, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 259 million tons -- or the equivalent of 51 coal-fired power plants! read more

  • Reduce Energy Usage in Your Home - Cool Your Home Naturally

    cszoradi
    23 Jan 2012 | 9:13 am
    Everyone benefits from people using less energy (besides the utility company’s bottom line), people benefit by reducing their utility cost & the earth and all its inhabitants benefit by having a multitude of positive happenings by reducing our usage. read more

  • Economics of Lighting

    cszoradi
    6 Jan 2012 | 8:22 am
    Today there are more and more businesses switching to energy efficient lighting. Examples of major companies making that change are Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Caesars Entertainment, The Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco, Home Depot, etc. So, why the sudden surge in energy efficient lighting retrofits?read more

  • Anti-Environmental Budget Riders

    cszoradi
    6 Jan 2012 | 7:49 am
    A significant assault on health and environmental protection is underway in Congress.read more

  • Stay Toasty and Save Energy This Winter

    cszoradi
    7 Dec 2011 | 3:07 pm
    Winter is my favorite season, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy being cold. I appreciate a well-heated home -- and I’m definitely not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills, with half of it going towards heating.read more
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    Green Abode

  • 19 Bike Stores with Cycling Promotional Codes and 2012 February Deals

    Chris King
    6 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    Cycling in the UK is going through somewhat of a revolution with it’s popular increasingly growing. We’ve checked the web and found these amazing promotional code and deals in February 2012. Check back as we will be keeping it updated as and when new offers appear. Hargroves Cycles Merlin Cycles - 1 Voucher Code Wiggle Chain Reaction Cycles Amazon Evans Cycles - 8 Voucher Codes Cycle Surgery Pro Bike Kit - 1 Voucher Code Argos Halfords Cycle Store Buy Buy Bicycles Asda Direct ebay Rutland Cycling Bike Fusion British Cycling And Dutch AW Cycles Hargroves Cycles Hargroves cycles has an…

  • 35 Cheaper Ways to Tour Britain By Train with Rail Rover Tickets

    Chris King
    25 Jan 2012 | 7:49 pm
    Touring by rail is one of the best ways to travel for your holidays and breaks. Many of us have been lucky to experience a train adventure abroad but did you know that you can tour Britain with rail Rover tickets. We’ve found 35 ways that UK residents can get unlimited train travel. It’s great value and even cheaper as you can get 1/3 OFF with a Railcard. A family of four can travel by train for two weeks in Devon and Cornwall for less than £100. Or, a couple can get unlimited rail travel in Scotland for four days in eight for £170 (including ferries). Sit back, relax and let…

  • Where to get Carnet tickets for discounts on peak rail fares

    Chris King
    13 Jan 2012 | 5:00 pm
    Carnet tickets are perfect if you make regular peak anytime journey between two train stations two to three times a week. They’re not easy to find, however, we have found every Carnet ticket available in the UK. All of them work in the same way and give you FREE journeys if you buy 10 or 12. They are perfect if you don’t need a season ticket but need to travel at anytime. Carnets are also available for off-peak journeys but you may find Railcards a better option. Only some rail companies offer Carnets, and we found that others don’t know whether they have them or not. Whether…

  • 20 Railcards For Cheaper Trains and Railcard Promotional Code Offers

    Chris King
    6 Jan 2012 | 5:13 am
    Train travel can be a pricey option, however, savings of 34% (and more) are available from 20 Railcards available in Britain. What’s more, you can save even more money when buying a card with a Railcard promotional code. Railcards provide great value for at least 12 months, why pay full fare when it’s so easy to get hold of one. Railcards will pay for themselves within 3 to 5 journeys with minimum discounts of 34% (up to 50% and even higher for some kids fares). We’ve put together a list of ALL the Railcards available in Britain so you can travel cheaper as well as greener.

  • Get Safe and Save Money with Solar Security Lights

    Chris King
    8 Dec 2011 | 3:16 am
    If you haven’t already got them, solar security lights are a must-have item for your home or garden. Cheap, easy to install and virtually maintenance free, solar security lights tick all the right boxes for hassle-free peace of mind: security around your house, garden or mobile home motion sensors detect movement within range self powering with no electricity costs good for the environment great value self-contained with no wiring easy to install waterproof and usable in any location flexible as many double as shed lights Solar security lights use ‘passive infra red’ sensors…
 
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    HeatSpring Magazine

  • HS TV Ep 8: 1/2 the Drilling Depth, 1/3 the Footprint, SCW vs. Closed Loop Geothermal Systems

    Chris Williams
    7 Feb 2012 | 10:03 am
    Standing column well geothermal projects have significant advantages over closed geothermal projects in certain circumstances. Standing column wells typically need half the amount of drilling then traditional closed systems, because they can transfer heat so much faster. Also, they be installed in places with extremely limited space, in cities for example. Lastly, they can be used in rural areas in conjunction with potable water wells. The problem is that because even closed loop geothermal systems are foreign to many HVAC and drilling contractors, standing column well systems seem like…

  • [Free Tool] Geothermal Site Visit Checklist for Better Designs, Sales and Profit

    Chris Williams
    6 Feb 2012 | 7:59 am
    Why create a checklist to help with Geothermal System Design? The site visit is place that can be a geothermal companies greatest asset or greatest liability. It will be an asset if it can be done efficiently, if it collects standardized and if the proper information is gathered that can be used for accurately quoting jobs and creating compelling sales proposals that meet each clients specific needs. Site visits will be a company’s greatest liability if it creates incorrect designs that do not work, if it leads projects that can not be installed profitability, or if it doesn’t a poor job…

  • [Video Lesson] How to Select Solar Hot Water Components and System Types

    Brian Hayden
    5 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am
    In this video, author and ISPQ Certified Master Trainer Bob Ramlow provides a detailed outline of common components found in solar thermal systems, and the four most common types of systems.

  • [Video Lesson] What Does it Take to Run Your Own Manual J Heating Load Calculations?

    Brian Hayden
    1 Feb 2012 | 12:39 pm
    HVAC contractors that don’t do full heating and cooling load calculations when sizing HVAC equipment are finding it harder to get access to utility rebates and renewable energy incentives.  So what does it take to do it right?  This video gives you a quick look at one piece of the process – gathering inputs for the software program.  This is just a quick preview to get you thinking about what it takes and determine whether you want to add this to your business.

  • [Video Lesson] EXACTLY How Can I Estimate Operating Costs for Geothermal Heat Pump Equipment?

    Brian Hayden
    1 Feb 2012 | 12:24 pm
    In this video, IGSHPA co-author Ryan Carda demonstrates how to use publicly available bin data in combination with equipment specs  to calculate annual run times for a geothermal heat pump.  You can use this information to calculate annual operating costs.  There’s software out there to do this for you, but this is great for people who like to know how stuff really works.
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    Spit That Out: The Blog

  • Donate Your Recycling Rewards Points to Green Local Schools

    paigewolf
    7 Feb 2012 | 10:20 am
    The bad news: My favorite Kashi and Happy Baby coupons seemed to have disappeared from the Recycle Bank rewards program. The good news: I realized I could make even better use of my points by donating them to local schools through the Green Schools Program! For every 250 Recycling Rewards points you donate, Recycle Bank will give $1 toward your selected school’s green plan. When the schools reach their goals, they’ll implement projects like community gardens, land beautification, and recycling programs. Call me a bleeding heart, but this kind of stuff makes me even more excited…

  • Weather-Obsessed Philly Gets Real About Climate Change

    paigewolf
    3 Feb 2012 | 9:26 am
    For all those people who have said things like, “Dude, I’m really digging this global warming. 60 degrees in February!” Philadelphia Magazine has an interesting article this month about climate change from the perspective of how it is directly affecting Philadelphia. It takes into account the effects on everything from energy use to mental state – and is particularly poignant to for a city that is so strangely weather-obsessed. “All in all, we’ve seen so much weather weirdness that our weather-obsessed city—which generally holds its meteorologists more…

  • Hybrid Taxis (Finally) Drive Into Philly

    paigewolf
    1 Feb 2012 | 10:39 am
    I love that Philly is finally seeing its fair share of hybrid taxis. I mean, what cars spend more time on the road than cabs? I also love that they are Nissans, as I myself love my Nissan Altima Hybrid, which is sadly no longer being produced. Read more in this Philadelphia Business Journal article.

  • Cool Upcycling Idea of the Day – What to Do with Mint Containers

    paigewolf
    30 Jan 2012 | 10:07 am
    Mint containers make excellent snack packs. Toddlers get great satisfaction out of opening and closing these things. When my husband was a kid he used to use empty Sucrets containers as police badges. Since I’ve gotten hooked on Vermints as a healthier alternative to Altoids, we’ll have plenty of these for creative upcycling!

  • Honest Company Launch: Celebrity Green Mom Makes Good with Better Diapers

    paigewolf
    25 Jan 2012 | 9:02 am
    Last week I had the privilege of attending a launch party for The HONEST Company, an eco-friendly line of family essentials offered through a monthly subscription service at Honest.com. Created for parents by parents, The Honest Company founders say they are committed to making safe, sustainable products more convenient, beautiful, and affordable. Former Healthy Child Healthy World executive director Christopher Gavigan and actress Jessica Alba have found a great way to bring safer, greener products to a broader audience of moms – making them convenient, affordable, and cute. It’s…
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    I Prefer Organic

  • Homemade Deodorant Recipe Without Baking Soda – Refreshing, Soothing and Safe

    Nadia
    3 Feb 2012 | 7:18 pm
    The Alternative Homemade Deodorant I fell in love with this homemade deodorant from the first time I made it. I especially enjoy the bouquet of aromas from the essential oils. This homemade deodorant soothes the skin and eliminates the armpit odor. I usually apply it right after bath for maximum effect. The added values are: there are no deodorant crumbs to fall on the floor, which usually happens with my baking soda deodorant; no rashes – I used to have them due to the baking soda, especially if my armpits are just shaved. no stains on the clothes, at least till now. Too good to be…

  • 4 Sore Throat Cures – How to Treat a Sore Throat Naturally

    Nadia
    26 Jan 2012 | 8:09 am
     Here are my 4 tried-and-true natural sore throat cures that keep me away from medicines and most importantly – from antibiotics. I have also found out that whatever home remedy for sore throat I use, if I start early enough I get positive results faster. Whatever remedies for sore throat you pick, there are always about 2 days till you start feeling better. My 4 Sore Throat Cures (1) You may be expect to start with a recipe of a herbal potion, but I will disappoint you. Ice-cream. Yes, that’s right! Have you tried healing your sore throat with ice-cream? Non-sense?! No,…

  • What to Buy Organic at All Costs | Can We Clean The Pesticides from The ‘Dirty Dozen’ Fruits and Veggies

    Nadia
    20 Jan 2012 | 8:33 pm
    I want to eat apples not pesticides! Does an Apple a Day Really Keep the Doctor Away? As an obsessed-with-healthful-food mom of a toddler I was freaked out to find that 6 of the most ‘dirty’ foods are my son’s favorite fruits: apples, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, grapes and plums. The ‘Dirty Dozen’ produce list of EWG (Environmental Working Group) enumerates all the fruits and veggies that are treated the most with pesticides and that should be avoided at all costs. Quick Facts: peaches are usually treated with a cocktail of up to 57 different pesticides,…

  • 5 Oil Infusion Recipes to Heal and Pamper your Skin | How to Make Infused Oils at Home

    Nadia
    16 Jan 2012 | 11:34 am
    My husband used to have an itching eczema on the neck. For several years, we tried quite a few over-the-counter ointments, but without success. Two years ago, we heard about the oil infusion recipes and decided to experiment. And YES, after so many years, we found the magic potion. The eczema was gone and we were hooked. We have found something that had no chemicals, was easy to prepare and very effective. Here are 5 oil infusion recipes with herbs, flowers, carrots and vanilla that we make for different purposes – wounds, rashes, irritations, sunburns, fungal infections….and home…

  • Natural Remedies for Coughs – 9 Tested Home Remedies that Stop Coughs

    Nadia
    10 Jan 2012 | 6:40 pm
    Do you believe in natural remedies? I remember when I was a kid, I hated them. When I was in my 20s, I neglected them. Now, I love them, especially when they are simple, easy to prepare and WORK. The recipes here are natural remedies for coughs. When there is a need, I usually prepare a couple of them for me, my toddler or my husband. The rest are taken from my grandmother or other family members (some of them have never ever bought a medicine for coughs). All these natural remedies for coughs are tested and have proven their positive results.  In most cases, they are even tasty or at least…
 
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    mybigearth

  • Congress OKs 30,000 flying drones spying on Americans across U.S. cities

    myBIGearth.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:12 am
    It’s the most benign thing in the world. In fact, it’s a concept whose time has come and it will only help protect us and keep us safe. Naturally, there’s nothing to worry about because there won’t be any abuse of the technology. After all, spy drones are already being used around the U.S.; what’s the problem with adding tens of thousands more? In case you didn’t know it – and you probably didn’t – Congress, with little fanfare, passed an FAA reauthorization bill last week President Obama is expected to sign into law that will make it much…

  • California Energy Commission Approves $800K in four regional grants to prepare for electric vehicles

    myBIGearth.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 11:04 am
    The California Energy Commission’s (CEC) Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) approved four regional planning grants to prepare for electric vehicles. The grants were awarded to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG); the Ventura County Air Quality Management District; the Bay Area Air Quality Management District; and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments. These areas of the state are expected to experience heavy electric vehicle use within the next ten years. The CEC proposed awarding nine grants this year under this particular program…

  • Beauty Redefined … Decisions for your Inner and Outer Self to Shine

    myBIGearth.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:56 am
    We are a culture obsessed with beauty and youth, yet many of us create an environment within our bodies that is counterproductive to achieving healthy beauty. To achieve beauty, you must first define what it means to you. One definition is the combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight as well as a combination of qualities that pleases the intellect or moral senses.  My definition of beauty is an energy around someone that naturally draws in others. This comes from self-confidence, but it also comes from a lightness of…

  • Making Waves in Renewable Energy: The AWS Wave Swing III

    myBIGearth.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:45 am
    Alstom and SSE Renewables have signed a new joint venture agreement to co-develop the world’s largest wave farm in the Costa Head Wave Project, off the coast of Orkney, Scotland. The farm will deliver up to 200 Megawatts of renewable energy utilizing AWS Ocean Energy Ltd’s (AWS) Archimedes Wave Swing III technology (AWS-III). AWS is based in Inverness, Scotland, and the company’s stated purpose is to develop and deliver the technology of choice for utility scale generation of offshore wave power. AWS-III is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0185721, entitled…

  • What Happens In Your Body When You Eat Ramen And Gatorate

    myBIGearth.com
    9 Feb 2012 | 10:36 am
    Most of the time, we hear about avoiding processed foods because they’ll make us fat. But a new video of what happens in your body when you eat Top Ramen and Gatorade vs. homemade noodles and drinks gives us a whole new reason to avoid it: We can’t even digest it properly. TEDxManhattan 2011 Fellow Stefani Bardin‘s video, below, shows what happens in your body when you eat processed foods vs. homemade versions of similar foods, using a tiny “M2A” (that stands for Mouth to Anus, and it’s trademarked, mind you) LED/camera capsule. The project looks at two subjects eating two similar…
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    All MNN Content

  • Do you have tips on leash-pulling, potty training and other behavior problems?

    Morieka Johnson
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:28 pm
    Q: I just adopted a new dog and want to start things off on the right foot. We're still getting to know each other, and while I haven't noticed any behavior issues I want to be ready in case something comes up.

  • Buying a used car? Look out for water damage

    amyfeinstein
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:27 pm
    When considering the purchase of a used car, what is your biggest fear? Is it that the car has been in a wreck? That it was not properly maintained? Or, have you considered that your potential purchase could have been water or flood damaged, or have survived a tropical storm or even a hurricane? There are more of these vehicles out there than you think, and they are not just being sold by individuals in classified ads.

  • PETA's porn site now accepting signups

    Michael d'Estries
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:27 pm
    PETA's announcement late last summer that it was reserving one of the new .xxx domain extensions was met with both scorn and amusement.

  • Recycled paper napkins

    lbellows
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:23 pm
    Eco-conscious consumers have long known that the greenest napkin option out there is a good old-fashioned linen one that would make grandma proud. When a guest list is long (hello, birthday parties and backyard barbecues), however, common sense dictates a paper option is the most stress-free choice for post-party cleanup. With the proliferation of recycled paper napkins on the market now, environmental consciousness and a 21st-century love for convenience needn’t be at odds.

  • Girl's night in for Valentine's Day

    Starre Vartan
    9 Feb 2012 | 1:21 pm
    The best thing about Valentine's Day is that it really can mean whatever you want it to. Like most women, I've spent many a V-day single, and plenty as part of a couple. And I've had great (and not-great) experiences whether I was with someone or not. In fact, some of my fondest memories are Valentine's Days spent with the women who were in my life at the time.
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    Greener Ideal

  • Global Warming – What’s Causing it & How YOU Can Help

    Connie Prescott
    9 Feb 2012 | 6:15 am
    Greener Ideal   Most people know about the issues of global warming and climate change due to their pervasiveness in the news media outlets. Both global warming and climate change are essentially interchangeable terms used to describe the effects that different pollutants have in the atmosphere, but climate change is preferred in some circles. The reason the [...]Global Warming – What’s Causing it & How YOU Can Help Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this

  • 6 Small Businesses That Help The Planet in Big Ways

    Ben Lee
    9 Feb 2012 | 6:15 am
    Greener Ideal Small businesses are changing the way we view corporate responsibility. For some companies, it isn’t enough to simply turn a profit: that profit has to be made in a sustainable way. It isn’t the largest companies setting an example of sustainable business practices, but the small and medium-sized employers that are really pushing the boundaries. [...]6 Small Businesses That Help The Planet in Big Ways Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this

  • 15 Ways to Upgrade your Home to be a Green Building

    Kiya
    9 Feb 2012 | 5:55 am
    Greener Ideal   Whether you are looking to save money or simply have a positive impact on the environment, making your home “green” can help. There are several ways that you can go green with you home that can leave you with cash in your pocket while reducing your footprint on the earth.  Take advantage of the [...]15 Ways to Upgrade your Home to be a Green Building Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this

  • Green is the New Black: Recycled Furniture and Sustainable Living

    Polina G
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:59 am
    Greener Ideal As society’s focus turns toward individual responsibility for the environment more and more people are looking to recycled furniture as a stylish way to furnish their homes.  Recycled furniture isn’t solely an ethical stance anymore, but it has become increasingly fashionable.  Below are a few interesting innovative recycling products, which might inspire you to do [...]Green is the New Black: Recycled Furniture and Sustainable Living Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this

  • Greener Washing: Why regular clothes washing is helping no one

    Emma Waight
    8 Feb 2012 | 5:55 am
    Greener Ideal   The average modern family has a very close relationship with their washing machine, piling it with clothes loads throughout the week. It may lead to clean clothes for minimal effort, but what about the numerous negative factors linked to this practice. Using the washing machine uses electricity which not only costs money, but is [...]Greener Washing: Why regular clothes washing is helping no one Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this
 
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    Bambooki Inc

  • Bambooki Supports Panda Preservation With Pandas International Sponsorship

    caitlinself
    8 Feb 2012 | 12:35 pm
    Committed to the preservation of the Giant Panda, Pandas International gets a special nonprofit spotlight here on the Bambooki.com blog. In accordance with our 1% For the Planet membership, we’ve chosen Pandas International as one of our sponsorship recipients in an effort to help fund the care of this beloved endangered species. This international organization, based in Colorado,  is devoted exclusively to the preservation and propagation of the Giant Panda through public awareness, education, research funding, providing critical medical and veterinary equipment and supplies, and habitat…

  • ADzero’s Bamboo Clad Android Phone

    rachelkaplan
    7 Feb 2012 | 6:08 pm
    For those of you who like to be on the cutting edge of the green movement without compromising your tech savvy and sense of style may be happy to learn of the new Android phone made entirely of a single piece of bamboo. The AdZero phone, a brainchild of Middlesex University student Kieron-Scott Woodhouse, is made of bamboo grown and cut in such a way as to rival most plastic phones in strength and durability and joins the ever-growing market aimed at making tech products more environmentally friendly. The timeline from concept to actual development is still to be determined but when the phone…

  • Is the Super Bowl Destroying Our Planet?

    caitlinself
    3 Feb 2012 | 2:05 pm
    When we’re mesmerized by outrageous commercials, godlike plays, and sky-high ticket prices, it’s easy to get distracted from the environmental costs of the largest sporting event of the year. From light use to litter, the Super Bowl, at first glance, seems like one big environmental disaster. Literally, tons of garbage are accumulated at an event like this, the energy used could probably power your home for several years, and the excess water needed is too much to even calculate. Garbage While it’s not easy to document the specifics, tons of solid and food waste are generated at the…

  • Bambooki Supports San Diego’s Waters Through SD Coastkeeper

    caitlinself
    1 Feb 2012 | 7:22 am
    It is hard not to be an environmentalist when living in sunny San Diego. With 70-degree days in every season, clear blue skies, and less than a dozen rainy days a year, it’s easy to appreciate Mother Nature on the regular. With that in mind, there are plenty of organizations to help you give a little back. Consider San Diego Coastkeeper, one of our sponsored nonprofits through 1% For the Planet. They have a mission to protect the area’s inland and coastal waters by blending education, community empowerment, and advocacy. The wildlife that depends on these waters for survival can’t fight…

  • 50% off Premium Bamboo Products On Blissmo!

    caitlinself
    30 Jan 2012 | 8:50 am
    Get 50% more with Bambooki’s blissmo deal this Monday, January 30th! Most of us are familiar with the popular daily deals site called Groupon. Once they carved a niche and shot to the top, thousands of competitors started popping up left, right, and center. We’re pleased to announce that on Monday, January 3oth, Bambooki will be a part of the greener version of the old favorite: blissmo! What is blissmo? Blissmo does things a little differently by offering deals on products and services that are eco-friendly. When evaluating a product, they look at the chemical/toxin content, organic…
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    Our Take on Green

  • 3 Easy Ways to Recycle Your Light Bulbs

    everlightschicago
    7 Feb 2012 | 3:37 pm
    It’s no secret that fluorescent light bulbs should be handled with care and recycled according to regulations put in place by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We have discussed this issue in detail in the past, and even supplied you with a step-by-step process to help get the ball rolling. Now that you have decided to follow those 7 steps, we want to give you a better idea of what your options are for recycling Mail-In Recycling Program (EverMail) Our most popular recycling option, used by businesses of all sizes, is our mail-in program, EverMail. To begin using this…

  • 19 Things Your Company Should Be Recycling

    everlightschicago
    2 Feb 2012 | 2:38 pm
    These days it seems like every company is trying to go green, and we’ll be the first to back those efforts up. To prove how supportive we are, we decided to bring back our “Green Office Tip of the Week” segment this week to offer up our thoughts on how your company can improve its recycling efforts. In order to do so, we’ve compiled a list of 19 things that your office can, and should, recycle. Recycling is the easiest way to go green. There are businesses around the country that will take pretty much any material from you, and some of them will even pay you for…

  • How to Recycle Your E-Waste

    everlightschicago
    31 Jan 2012 | 3:12 pm
    Here’s the situation. You’ve read our previous posts about e-waste recycling, or heard about the new laws from other sources, and you decided it’s time to get serious about recycling your old electronics. Now the question is, how do you do it? Well you’re in luck, because we have all the answers to your problems. One of the many services EverLights offers to its customers is e-waste recycling. That should come as no surprise, considering how much we talk about it. We strive to make this entire process as easy on our customers as possible. This starts from the very…

  • How Much E-Waste Do You Produce Each Year?

    everlightschicago
    26 Jan 2012 | 2:22 pm
    The answer is 11.5 pounds per person each year, which comes out to 80 billion pounds total. This week’s top green news stories include mind-blowing facts about e-waste disposal, mercury’s effect on wildlife, and a college spending over $9 million on its sustainability efforts. Click any of the headlines to read the entire story. 1. Mercury’s Harmful Reach Has Grown In a recent article published by The New York Times, the author discusses the less-publicized benefits of the new mercury standards put in place by the EPA. The dangers of mercury to human health are widely known,…

  • Where Do Electronics Go When They Die?

    everlightschicago
    24 Jan 2012 | 12:17 pm
    It’s no secret that the fastest growing type of waste is electronic equipment (e-waste), growing by nearly 5 percent every year. Technology is constantly improving, and people want the latest and greatest that these companies have to offer. As a result, more e-waste is being disposed of, most of which ends up in the wrong places. We thought it would be a great idea to share some statistics about how much e-waste is generated, thrown away and recycled to give you a better idea of how important recycling is. How Often is Electronic Equipment Replaced? The rate at which we go through…
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    Minus One Project

  • The Green Man

    minusoneproject
    13 Jan 2012 | 5:38 am
    One of the most fascinating aspects of early Northern European mythology is the concept of The Green Man. He appears as a face on many of the medieval churches, cathedrals and great architecture across Northern Europe. A Green Man is a sculpture, drawing, or other representation of a face surrounded by or made from leaves. Branches or vines may sprout from the nose, mouth, nostrils or other parts of the face and these shoots may bear flowers or fruit.     The Foliate Head – completely covered in green leaves The Disgorging Head – spews vegetation from its mouth The…

  • The green side of consumerism

    minusoneproject
    3 Jan 2012 | 7:34 am
    In a world swamped with ill effects of conspicuous consumerism, eco consumerism is the new reality of our times. Eco consumerism is about making ethical choices and ensuring the balance of resources on earth is protected. This is what drives the adoption of hybrid cars, organic foods and shunning plastic bags. More and more brands are also looking at recycling the packaging material, using more recycled stuff etc. Yet, there are issues with the whole eco consumer movement. It has been removed on the fringe and has failed to become main-stream. Consumers are less likely to choose a brand on…

  • Will technology usher a paperless era?

    minusoneproject
    27 Dec 2011 | 12:07 pm
    Two decades ago, when PC and internet joined hands, many thought that these machines will render paper useless. But today, more than ever, paper remains the dominant and essential vehicle of modern communications. The world’s paper renaissance extends to both new and traditional uses. Inexpensive computer printers, for example, have encouraged home paper use. Likewise, offices also continue to rely on paper for files and records; just 10 percent of office documentation is in digital form. Paper continues to dominate the publishing industry with Electronic publications accounting for…

  • Gaia's Wrath

    minusoneproject
    21 Dec 2011 | 7:05 am
    James Lovelock, renowned environmentalist,futurologist and inventor 92 Years old James Lovelock is an independent scientist, environmentalist and futurologist. Born in a working-class. British family, Lovelock has created and developed many scientific instruments in NASA for their program of planetary exploration. He is also credited with the invention of the Electron Capture Detector, which ultimately assisted in discoveries about the persistence of CFC and their role in stratospheric ozone depletion. However, he is most widely known for his development of the Gaia Hypothesis. Gaia was the…

  • The Clock is Ticking

    minusoneproject
    20 Dec 2011 | 11:45 am
    Everything in this world is inter-linked. Our world follows an order where every element helps each other to survive and evolve. Each element plays an important role and if even a single one of them is altered, it disrupts the lucidity of the order. Man has been altering this order by exploiting an important constituent, forests. Forests provide raw materials for every purpose imaginable. Once abundant, forests are fast disappearing. Rainforests that covered 14% of the earth’s land surface; now have been reduced to a mere 6% and experts estimate that the last remaining rainforests could…
 
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    Wilderness News Online

  • Oberholtzer Foundation Wins Grant

    cmahler
    8 Feb 2012 | 11:23 am
    The Ernest Oberholtzer Foundation recently received a Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society for restoration work at the late wilderness advocate’s Mallard Island residence. The International Falls Journal has the full story HERE. The $48,822 grant, one of 59 made by the Minnesota Historical Society, will support the restoration of Oberholtzer’s drum room fireplace and chimney. The grants’ funding came from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, appropriated to the Minnesota…

  • Exemption Could Avoid Clear Air Retro-Fit

    cmahler
    3 Feb 2012 | 1:44 pm
    A proposed exemption in the Clean Air Act could allow Minnesota’s largest coal-fired power plant to avoid a costly retro-fit to reduce the haze over the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park. The Pioneer Press has the full story HERE. Xcel Energy’s Sherco power plant in Becker, MN burns 30,000 tons of coal a day, which environmental advocates claim is the main cause of haze over the BWCAW and Voyageurs National Park. A retro-fit to bring the plant into strict compliance could cost between $50-million and several hundred million dollars, according to…

  • Snow Allows Moose Survey to Begin

    cmahler
    1 Feb 2012 | 11:29 am
    Recent snowfall in the Quetico Superior region is finally allowing Minnesota Department of Natural Resources researchers to survey the moose population in northeastern Minnesota. Minnesota Public Radio has the story HERE. The aerial survey was to begin three weeks ago, but researchers needed to wait for an eight-inch snow cover to allow them to count moose in dense vegetation.  The survey, conducted annually since 1960, provides important information on the status of the animal. The northeastern Minnesota moose population, which was estimated at 8,000 just six years ago, was thought to…

  • Arrowhead 135 pits racers against the elements

    ajohnson
    30 Jan 2012 | 4:07 pm
    About 135 hardy individuals set out from International Falls this morning, expected to arrive at Fortune Bay near Tower, Minnesota by Wednesday of this week. They’re taking part in the Arrowhead 135, one of Minnesota’s most extreme silent sport races. Participants ski, bike or run through the middle of the night and subzero temperatures for 135 miles. Last year, temps reached minus 25, and the year before that, minus 35. Add the isolation, frost bite and sleep deprivation (some racers sleep only a couple of hours a night), and it’s an event only Minnesotans could pull off…

  • Rep. Chip Cravaak Speaks in Favor of Mining, Polymet Project

    ajohnson
    26 Jan 2012 | 10:59 am
    In an exclusive to the Duluth News Tribune, U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaak writes about environmentally sound mining as a vital part of a healthy economy. “There is consensus among the PolyMet advisory panel I assembled: Mining without harm is the only way to build a sustainable, responsible minerals-exploration industry in northern Minnesota,” he writes. Read his full article on the Duluth News Tribune, HERE.
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    Green Traveler Guides

  • Berkeley’s Gather: greenest restaurant in the whole Bay Area?

    GTG Staff
    3 Feb 2012 | 3:35 pm
    | Deliciously Sustainable | Whenever possible. As in those two weasel words on a restaurant menu: we use organic, seasonal and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. They promise so much … they give a kitchen so much wiggle room. Imagine if an organic farmer said: we won’t use toxic chemicals on our crops whenever possible. Well, [...]Berkeley’s Gather: greenest restaurant in the whole Bay Area? is a post from: Green Traveler Guides

  • U.K.’s most sustainable restaurants honored

    GTG Staff
    31 Jan 2012 | 12:44 pm
    Ode, a small, family-run restaurant in the picturesque coastal village of Shaldon in Devon, is the most sustainable in the U.K. So says the kingdom's Sustainable Restaurant Association U.K.’s most sustainable restaurants honored is a post from: Green Traveler Guides

  • Sonoma’s J Vineyards: now certified sustainable

    GTG Staff
    24 Jan 2012 | 10:22 am
    | Green Wine News | Sonoma County just got a little greener.  J Vineyards & Winery, in Russian River Valley, has achieved certified sustainable status through the California Sustainable Winegrowers Alliance (CSWA). The sustainable certification covers all vineyard and winery operations. J Vineyards & Winery, located just south of Healdsburg, is independently owned and has [...]Sonoma’s J Vineyards: now certified sustainable is a post from: Green Traveler Guides

  • No more shark fin at Hong Kong resort chain

    GTG Staff
    19 Jan 2012 | 10:57 am
    Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ new sustainable seafood policy bans shark fin from the menu in all its restaurants and banquets. The Hong Kong-based hotelier also pledged to stop serving endangered bluefin tuna and Chilean sea bass. No more shark fin at Hong Kong resort chain is a post from: Green Traveler Guides

  • Cruise ships: the good, the bad, the Concordia

    GTG Staff
    17 Jan 2012 | 6:58 pm
    The human tragedy of the Concordia shipwreck is now largely known, but a possible marine tragedy is yet to unfold. Only time will tell whether one of the worst cruise liner accidents in Italian history will also lead to one of the worst environmental disasters.Cruise ships: the good, the bad, the Concordia is a post from: Green Traveler Guides
 
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