Stuff We Found This Weekend - 11.30.08

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• 90% of U.S. Infant Formula May Be Contaminated with Melamine: FDA Declares Chemical Safe For Babies - (post from The Good Human) Seriously, what's with the FDA these days? More posted at Eco Child's Play blog.
  

Food Stuff

• Chernobyl Salad - (post from GreenMuze) Good or bad? Better just to stick with organic.
  

Home Stuff

• Eco Timber Offers Comprehensive Online Green Flooring Guide - (post from Green Building Elements)
• New Equipment Provides Heat AND Electricity - (post from Green Building Elements) "...homeowners can expect to save between $500 and $1,000 per year on their power bills."

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Eco-Fashion Score! Organic Cotton Turtleneck Dress for Under $50 - (post from Jolly Green Girl) Great fall/winter layer piece.
  

School, College & Student Stuff

• Real Food Challenge: Uniting Students for Just and Sustainable Food - (post from EarthFirst) "College students across the nation are coming together to demand ‘real food’ – local, organic, fair trade food via college farms, farm-to-cafeteria programs and other initiatives."

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Beach Erosion Threatens American Coastlines - (post from TheDailyGreen)
• The Devastating Impact of Rainforest Deforestation - (post from WebEcoist)
• More Pine Forests Succumbing to Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation - (post from EarthFirst)
  

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• 20 Artistic Architectural Optical Illusions - (post from WebUrbanist) Very cool images.
• Eco Art Activism: Melting Man Challenges Climate Change - (post from Inhabitat) You have to take a look at this.
• Dunst No Dunce - (post from showtheLOVE) Nice job Kristen.
  

Gift-Giving & Holiday Stuff

• 6 Gifts That Make a Difference - (post from Eco Child's Play)
• Blue Planet Run Encourages Group Holiday Gift of Water - (post from Planetsave) What a great alternative to the office holiday gift exchange.
  

Other Random Cool Stuff

• How to Stop Getting Wasteful Phonebooks - (post from TheDailyGreen) Seriously...how many people use phonebooks anymore?
• Feeding Humgry Children: One Man's Mission - (post from Eco Child's Play)
• Green Efforts Reach Out to Low Income Neighborhoods - (post from Whole Travel Blog)
  

Free Chico Bags from Coco-Zen (in chocolate brown, of course!)

The holiday shopping season has begun, and a gazillion shopping bags will be given out and thrown away in the next couple of months (don't forget about all the post-holiday shopping that goes into January).

Well, to help get more people to remember to bring their own bag when out shopping, we're giving away a FREE ChicoBag (in chocolate brown, of course) with any purchase at www.Coco-Zen.com during the month of December - no coupon code needed.

The ChicoBag is by far our favorite reusable shopping bag out there.

Here's why...

• Ultra-lightweight
• Folds into an integrated pouch
• Easily fits in your pocket, purse or glove box
• Hook it onto your key chain, belt loop or backpack
• Made of strong and washable nylon - really holds a lot!
  

Dimensions:
Expanded: 18" W x 14.5" H (approx.)
Pouch Size: 3" x 4"

What Makes This Product Sustainable:
ChicoBags are another tool to help you cut down on disposable plastic & paper bags. Made to last and designed to be reused over and over, using them can help eliminate thousands of throwaway bags over the course of their lifetime. Plus, these innovative bags compress down to a tiny size for easy storage and portability so it's easy to always have them handy. After all, a reusable shopping bag is not very sustainable if you don't bring it with you!

Cool Facts:

• Using ChicoBags can save the average American 300 to 700 plastic shopping bags per year, which will save 3 to 7 gallons of crude oil.
• That really adds up! A population of 100,000 people can save up to 14,000 barrels of oil per year using reusable bags.

Quote of the Week - 11.30.08

"If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves."

~Thomas Edison

******

"If we all bought Fair Trade chocolate, we would astound everyone."

~Coco-Zen

Stuff We Found Today - 11.28.08

Food Stuff

• The Day After Easy Mexican Turkey Soup - (post from EcoSalon) Mmmm, mmmm...perfect to come home to after a day at the mall.
  

Home Stuff

• Flushable Doggie Bags Make Sense - (post from TheDailyGreen) Hey all you dog owners out there - check these out!!
• Small Budget, Big Style - (post from EcoSalon) We're lovin' the couch from Urban Outfitters.
  

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Green With Glamour - (post from showtheLOVE) Los Angeles shopping event featuring eco-luxury designers at 20% off.
  

Tech & Science Stuff

• Solar-Powered Robot Will Guard Your Home, Fertilize Your Lawn - (post from CleanTechnica)
• Urine Recycler Finally Passes Astronauts' Test - (post from EarthFirst)
  

Work & Business Stuff

• Great Green Job of the Week: Engineer of Mechanical Systems at Vestas Wind Technology - (post from EarthFirst)

School, College & Student Stuff

• Environmentally Friendly Colleges: Environmentally Friendly Students? - (post from Red, Green and Blue)

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Clock's Ticking: Most Amazing 10 Creatures Doomed by Global Warming - (post from Sprig) Seriously...we're the ones causing this!
• Leaves that Literally Move by Themselves - (post from Environmental Graffiti) Cool bug photos.
• Bizarre Alien-Like Elbowed Squid Filmed at Oil Drilling Site - (post from EarthFirst)
  

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• 5 Amazing Cardboard Artists and Their Sculptures - (post from WebUrbanist) Pretty impressive.
• Super Model - (post from showtheLOVE) Cindy Crawford helps out at the L.A. Mission on Thanksgiving.
• This Week in Celebs - (post from Sprig)
• Recycled Subway Cars Turned into Studios in London - (post from Inhabitat)
• Gorgeous & Green Party to Feature Sexy Stars, Eco Fashion Show and So Much More - (post from Feelgood Style) Gonna be in the San Francisco area next Tuesday and wanna hobnob with some celebs?
• The Looming Deluge of Eco-Disaster Flicks - (post from EarthFirst) Eco-awareness through entertainment? Why not, as long as everyday Americans get the message.
  

Website Stuff

• Greenwala - New social networking site for greenies "where you can learn and brag about being green, read articles, write blogs, post classifieds, enter, vote and participate in campaigns, and more."
• DoSomething.org - Targeted towards youth, this site provides the information and tools teens need to take action on the causes that matter to them. By leveraging communications technologies and on the ground resources, DoSomething.org enable teens to convert their ideas and energy into positive action.
• Huddler - An online community that helps you sort out what's really green from greenwashing. Eco-friendly consumers "come together, learn from one another, and share their knowledge with the world." Learn more about Huddler.
  

Political & Social Stuff

• Tesla Says Money Shouldn't be Diverted to Bailout Car Makers - (post from Gas 2.0)

Gift-Giving & Holiday Stuff

• Greenopia's 2008 Holiday Gift Guide - Includes everything from clothing, to electronics, to food, to toys, to...
• Cool Mom Picks Safer Toy Guide 2008 - Find toys that are handcrafted, locally made, organic, fair trade, or simply safer alternatives.

Other Random Cool Stuff

• Reaction Housing Emergency Shelters - (post from Inhabitat)
• Coats for a Cause - (post from green LA girl) Donate your old coats to someone who needs it...here are a few great organizations seeking pre-loved coats.
• Plastic Clothes that Turn Into Water - (post from Environmental Graffiti)
  

VIDEO: Nuclear Neighborhoods - ZapRoot

Lastest from ZapRoot...

VIDEO: Ep.4 - Vast Food Nation: Now For a Beef Intermission

*NOT FOR KIDS - adult humor.



Stay tuned for the next episode of this thrilling drama...

Stuff We Found Today - 11.26.08

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!! We're taking the day off tomorrow and will post again on Friday.


Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Sassy Shampoo - A line of "natural beauty products created to help tweens feel beautiful inside and out." In addition to using organic ingredients, "Sassy shares Beatuy Power Tips on every bottle and online to help create a positive and healthy life."
• Step Lightly with Eco-Friendly Footwear - (post from Green Living Ideas)
• Of the Earth: Trouser Jeans - (post from Sprig) Designer jeans that are Fair Trade, organic cotton, company donates 10% of profits to humanitarian and environmental causes...and they're under $100 - cool!
• Artevist - Submit, review, and vote on T-shirt designs with activist messages, bringing together designers and fashionistas who want to use the T-shirt as a platform to spur people to action.

Tech & Science Stuff

• The Kit That Turns Gas Guzzlers into Plug-In Hybrids - (post from TheDailyGreen) Wonder if this will catch on?
• An Ode to the Fading Eye of the Hubble Telescope - (post from Environemntal Graffiti) Amazing images of space from the Hubble Space Telescope that is set to be decommissioned in 2010.
• The LA Auto Show's 5 Most Exciting Green Cars - (post from EcoGeek)
  

Work & Business Stuff

• Japanese Workders Forsake Cubicles, Embrace Outdoors - (post from EcoGeek) This is truly awesome!
  

Nature & Environment Stuff

• 15 Mind-Boggling Green Facts & Enviro-Stats - (post from WebEcoist) Everyone and their mother should read this.
• Oceans Feeling the Heat at an Alarming Rate - (post from Red, Green and Blue) Ocean acidification...it's happening now. More info posted on Global Warmind is Real.
• Global Warming Will Cause Malaria Epidemic in Australia and Pacific Islands - (post from EarthFirst)
  

Website Stuff

• Green Youth Movement (GYM) - Started by a high school junior in Los Angeles, GYM is dedicated to raising awareness among teens about what they can do to combat global warming.

Political & Social Stuff

• So Far, Al Gore Is Terrible At Twitter - (post from Ecorazzi) Come on Al, you've got 20,000+ followers...we want to hear what you have to say.
• Barack Obama Making Plans To Green The White House - (post form Ecorazzi)
• Inside the Tranisiton: Energy and Enivronment Policy Team - (post from The Inspired Economist)
• California Cities Considering Alternatives to Grass - (post from EarthFirst) Joyce is hoping her little community here in Pacifica plans on doing the same!
  

Gift-Giving & Holiday Stuff

• Bumble Ink - If your still sending paper cards this holiday season, check these out. They're filled with cheeky humor and printed on recycled paper (newer designs are printed on 100% post consumer waste cardstock) Get 25% off the entire site by entering code DCDEALHOL2008 at checkout.
• Paperless Post - Planning a holiday get together? Tryout this new online invitation service that similar to Evite, but with a more classic, upscale look of engraved stationary.
• GreenGiftGuide.com - Launced by the California Department of Conservation (DOC), the site features a catalog of green website to find eco-friendly gifts, offers green holiday tips, and includes a blog offering additional ideas.
• Handmade Gift: Vegan Cookie Mix - (post from Crafting Green World) What a great holiday gift idea. Use this recipe, or just jar the dry ingredients to your favorite cookie recipe.
• The Gift Card that (Literally) Keeps on Giving: TisBest - (post from Sustainablog) Perfect for the person who already has everything - or, even better, a great way to introduce your kids to the act of giving.
  

Other Random Cool Stuff

• 15 Specatcular Stairs and Staircase Designs - (post from WebUrbanist) Just 'cause these are pretty cool to look at.
• Great Deals for Black Friday - (post from Green Your Decor) All kinds of deals for clothing, kids, home, office, etc.
  

VIDEO: Don't Mess With Karma - Punch Bowl

Thought this would be appropriate as we head into the start of holiday festivities.

Stuff We Found Today - 11.25.08

Food Stuff

• 5 Delicious Recipes for Holiday Leftovers - (post from TheDailyGreen) We're loving the idea of Turkey Curry.
  

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• DIY Recipes for Natural Beauty Products - (post from TheDailyGreen) For those of you who want to cook up your own natural beauty products - a sure way to stay clear of all those nasty chemicals.
• 11 Toxic Cosmetic Ingredients You Must Avoid - (post form EcoSalon)
• My Little Pakora - (post from ecofabulous) More than just cute eco-friendly fashions for kids, "My Little Pakora features helpful educational material on how to live more healthfully, incorporating local and organic nutrition, yoga, and natural remedies into your routine as part of pregnancy and parenting."

Tech & Science Stuff

• Wind-Up iPHone Chargers Make Awesome Holiday Gifts - (post from CleanTechnica)
• Li-Ion Battery Runs For 180K and Keeps On Going - (post from EcoGeek)
  

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Everest and Himalaya Glaciers Could Vanish By 2035, Imperiling a Billion People - (post from TreeHugger)
• The Fallout from Climate Change Could Mean a $300M+ Annual Price Tag for California - (post from The Inspired Economist)
• Climate Concerns, Treadmill Make Athletic Shrimp A Star - (post from The Huffington Post)
  

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• New Documentary Tackles Water Crisis - (post from TheDailyGreen) If you haven't already heard about "Flow", read this post and check out the trailer.
• Green Clubbin' - (post from The Green Life)
• e2 Transports: City travel made sustainable - (post from green LA girl) From PBS, "...the new season of e2 transport — a six-episode enviro-series narrated by Brad Pitt — to find out what cities are doing today to green our day to day travels."
• Robert Redford Speaks Out On Bush's Utah Drilling Plans - (post from Ecorazzi)
  

Political & Social Stuff

• Sign The Petition to Repower America - Hey all you Facebook users (uh, addicts), tell President-elect Obama and Congress we support them in the bold action needed to Repower America.
• Los Angeles Unveils World's Large Solar Plan - (post from CleanTechnica)
• Foam Food Container Ban Proposed in California - (post from GreenBiz.com)
• U.S. Intelligence Reports Warn of Global Warming Consequences - (post from EarthFirst)
  

Gift-Giving & Holiday Stuff

• BOBO: Wrapping Scarves - (post from Sprig) We've seen other reusable fabric gift wraps before (and think they're a great idea), but these go a green step further by being made from already existing fabric.
  

Other Random Cool Stuff

• The Global Warming Swimming Pool - (post from Environmental Graffiti)
• Amtrak Sticks it to Exxon - (post from TheDailyGreen)
• Electronic TakeBack Coalition Urges Panasonic to Recycle on Panasonic Jumbotron - (post from CleanTechnica)

VIDEO: Ep.3 - Vast Food Nation: Kidnapatorious

*NOT FOR KIDS - adult humor.




Stay tuned for the next episode of this thrilling drama...

Stuff We Found Today - 11.24.08

Home Stuff

• EcoRock: Sustainable Drywall will Rock your Green World - (post from Inhabitat)
• Recycled Aluminum Passes the Bar - (post from EcoSalon) Cool looking barstools made from recycled aluminum.
  

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Top Things off with an Organic Tee - (post from Chartreuse Chic) Love these Vintage Blue graphic tees.
• Bam-Beautiful - (post from ecofabulous) These eco-friendy makeup brushes are not only affordable, but easy to find in many mainstream retailers like Walgreens and Duane Reade.
• The Final Lowdown on Stopping Stink Naturally - (post from Eco-Chick)
  

Tech & Science Stuff

• Greenpeace Releases Tenth Guide to Greener Electronics - (psot from CleanTechnica)
• Music Fan Charges iPod With an Onion - (post from CleanTechnica) Yes...an onion.
  

School, College & Student Stuff

• Harvard's Green Graduate Student Residence - (post from Inhabitat)
• Green College Spotlight: Portland State University - (post from EarthFirst)
  

Nature & Environment Stuff

• 42 Most Exotic and Amazing Animal Species - (post from WebEcoist)
• New Documentary Tackles Ocean Acidification - (post from TheDailyGreen)
  

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Bruce Munro's Brilliant Fiber Optic Fields of Light - (post from Inhabitat)
• Swiss Company to Launch Solar Powered Submarine - (post from CleanTechnica) And it's going to be a tourist attraction!
• When It Comes to Airlines, the Greener, the Better - (post from Ecopreneurist) See who's at the top of the green flight list.
• Green Films at Earth Cinema Circle - (post from EcoSalon) Kind of like Netflix for green films, except you get to keep the DVDs!
• Angelina Jolie Wants Brad Pitt to Sell Art Collection for Charity - (post from Ecorazzi) Hmmmm, wonder what he'll do.
• John Travolta Donates $10,000 Thanks to Good Mood - (post from Ecorazzi)
  

Website Stuff

• 3 Ways to Give to Charity While Online Shopping - (post from TheDailyGreen)
• EcoHomeResource - A site dedicated to helping people create and maintain a healthy home and work environment."

Gift-Giving & Holiday Stuff

• Rent a Living Xmas Tree to Replant in San Francisco - (post from Inhabitat) Now here's a great new green tradition to start.
  

VIDEO: Don't Mess With Karma - Bus Stop

Stuff We Found This Weekend - 11.23.08

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• New Study Suggests Link Between Hairspray Exposure and Genital Birth Defect - (post from Eco Child's Play)

Food Stuff

• Cinnamon Raisin Breakfast Bread - (recipe from Eat. Drink. Better) This recipe is vegan, but you'd never know it.
• Eight Foods for Healthy Skin Year Round - (post from Eat. Drink. Better)
• Austrian Government Sudy Confirms Genetical Modified Crops Threaten Human Fertility and Health - (post from The Good Human)
  

Home Stuff

• Dual System Toilet - (post from EcoGeek) Here's great way to also save space in a super small bathroom.
  

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Dockers Organic Cotton Henley, $24.99 - (post from Sprig) Now here's an affordable organic cotton shirt that any guy (green or not) can wear.
• Organic T-shirt Design Contest - (post from TheDailyGreen) Enter your designs, vote on a design, or buy a t-shirt...25% of profits benefit animal rescue organizations.

Tech & Science Stuff

• 14 Ingenious Solar Power Design and Innovations - (post from WebEcoist) While the solar powered bras might be a bit unusual, we think the "School Powering Solar Shade System" is pretty cool.
• Nissan Stealthily on Track for Electric Car World Domination - (post from Gax 2.0)
• Michigan Students Set World Record for Longest Flight by Fuel Cell Powered Plane - (post from Gas 2.0)
• How the Chevy Volt Could Get 100mpg - (post from EarthFirst)
  

School, College & Student Stuff

• How To Start an Environmental Club: Resources for Students an Teachers - (post from TheDailyGreen)

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Lethal Mercury Pollution - (post from GreenMuze) Deadly mercury emmisions from coal-fired power plants in our air.
• 8 Exotic and Beautiful Endangered Bird Species - (post from WebEcoist)
  

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Eco-Cabins - (post from Whole Travel Blog) "...what a way to experience local culture and appreciate all that nature has to offer!"
• New Climate Change Exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History - (post from EarthFirst)
• Omi International Art Center Grows Greener - (post from Inhabitat)
  

Website Stuff

• Compost This - Ever wonder whether or not something is okay to throw into the compost bin? Here's a website that can help you out - from food items, to household waste, to kitchen waste.

Political & Social Stuff

• 'Inconvenient Youth' Organize to Tackle Global Warming - (post from TheDailyGreen) We so admire this generation of youth that are organizing and acting to solve today's and tomorrow problems. The Inconvenient Youth website is currently under reconstruction and will open again in Jan 2009.
• The Future of the Republican Party - (post from TheDailyGreen) We look forward to a new generation of Republicans who understand that environmenta stewardship is not a liberal platform, but a human platform that we all need to get onboard with.
  

Gift-Giving & Holiday Stuff

• Start Scouting for a Natural Christmas Tree - (post from Lighter Footstep) Tips for finding a local tree.
• Greencard Designs - If your planning on sending paper cards this season, check these guys out. Not only are the cards fashioned from earth-friendly materials, they're handmade and come in quite a few cheeky designs (just up our alley).
  

Other Random Cool Stuff

• 24 Fantastic Future wonders of Green Designs - (post from WebUrbanist)
  

Quote of the Week - 11.23.08

"The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook."

~William James

******

"The art of being wise is knowing
which non-Fair Trade chocolate to overlook."

~Coco-Zen

VIDEO: Tom Hanks on Letterman - Electric Car

This Letterman segment is from a couple of years ago, but with the recent announcement of California's huge investment into an electric vehicle infrastructure, we thought this relevant.

Plus, we love Tom's lighthearted, yet snarky, humor...

Stuff We Found Today - 11.21.08

Food Stuff

• 15 Deliscious Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes - (post from WebEcoist) We think we might have to try the Pumpkin Tortilla Soup and the Vegetarian Shepard's Pie.
• Today's Corn Isn't What It Used to Be - (post from EcoSalon)
• Me and Goji Custom Cereal - (post from Sustainable is Good) Cool! Your own custom cereal where you can choose from five different cereal bases and more than thirty individual ingredients to add in. Then it's shipped directly to you.
  

Home Stuff

• Tina Spies: Cork Furniture - (post from EcoSalon) Not super cheap, but definitely super cool.
  

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Rogan Design Eco-Friendly Target Line - (post from Sprig) We loved the line this past summer and can't wait to see the new line next year.
• G=9.8: Cross OVer Dress - (post from Sprig) Simple and sexy...and made from recycled pine fiber? Cool.
• When Less is More: Max Green Alchemy - (post from Feelgood Style) Although touted as affordable, this natural/organic personal care line is still on the pricier side, but it seems to get rave reviews. Most of its products also rate very low (which is good, high is bad) on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database.
• TOMS Shoes pop-up store open in Venice - (post from green LA girl) That's Venice Beach, CA. Wonder when are they're going to open up shop in the SF area?
  

Tech & Science Stuff

• Mitsubishi Partnering with California and Oregon to Bring Electric Cars to Market - (post from Gas 2.0)
• Toshiba Demonstrates Quick-Charging Electric Bid - (post from CleanTechnica) Price is a little steep, but sure would be cool for us lazy bikers.
  

Work & Business Stuff

• EcoPaper - Tree-free paper products made out of agro-industrial fibres (the waste created by processing agricultural products) from banana, coffee, and tobacco plants.
• Great Green Job of the Week: Chesapeake Bay Conservation Project Manager - (post from EarthFirst)
  

School, College & Student Stuff

• Prizes Awarded For Student Teams That Solve Environmental Problems - (post from TheDailyGreen) Because kids often have the most creative minds.
• Four eco-tips for the frugal student - (post from green LA girl) Love the additional tips on how to get school adnminstration to adopt green policies and pratices.
  

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Knight Rider's KITT is a Hydrogen Electric Hybrid - (post from 2.0) Have to say, though, no one can really ever replace Hasselhoff as Michael Knight.
• Ben Affleck Continues Work In Congo With Recent Trip - (post from Ecorazzi) Celeb stuff...
• Daryl Hannah Joins Sea Shepherd Crew To Fight Japanese Whaling Fleet - (post from Ecorazzi) More celeb stuff... Anyone watch Animal Planet's Whale Wars?
  

Website Stuff

• HEMA - Okay, this Dutch department store has to be THE COOLEST online site we have ever seen. You have to check them out, but don't click on any of the products pictured - just wait and see what happens...and have your sound turned up.

Political & Social Stuff

• Barack Obama has made America cool again - (post from Elephant Journal)
• Washington DC hearts Californians - (post from green LA girl)
• George W. Bush Ruins Planet In Last Hours of Presidency - (post from Ecorazzi) Seriously, can he PLEEEASE go now?!
• Green Building Market Still Growing Despite Weak Economy - (post from EarthFirst) Yea green industry and business!
• San Francisco to Detroit: Go electric - (post from Green Wombat)
  

Gift-Giving & Holiday Stuff

• The Ultimate Green Gift Guide: 50 Presents for Under $100 - (post from Sprig)

Other Random Cool Stuff

• Organic Architecture: 12 Beautifully Curved Buildings - (post from WebUrbanist)
• Hammearby: Swedish Eco-Suburb of the Future - (post from Sustainable is Good)
  

VIDEO: Ep.2 - Vast Food Nation: The "Fun" in Funeral

Here's the second episode. Stay tuned for the next installment...

Stuff We Found Today - 11.20.08

Food Stuff

• Thanksgiving Recipes from Gwyneth Paltrow - (post from Goop) Gwyneth offers 3 different Thanksgiving meals depending upon how large your party will be: big group, small gathering, dinner for two. Just remember to make the turkey organic!
  
• Green Drinks: Remixing 10 Classic Cocktails - (post from WebEcoist) For a little green cheer this holiday season.
• California Wineries Go Organic En Masse - Chaos Ensues - (post from Global Warming is Real) Sounds like a caption from The Onion (it's not).
• Eye Candy for Gourmet Foodies - (post from EcoSalon) A new site for green foodies.
• How Corn Changed the Cattle Industry - (post from EcoSalon)
  

Home Stuff

• Illuminating Solar Blinds Turn the Lights On - (post from Inhabitat) So cool! We've never seen anything like this before. Take a look!
• The Next-Best Thing: Leasing Solar Panels - (post from Green Living Ideas) Would like to put solar on your roof, but don't have the cash to buy? Now, you can lease.
• Green Roof Craze Strikes America - (post from Environmental Graffiti) Cool, but what are you supposed to do if you have a traditional slanted roof?
  

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• T-Shirts Aim to Inspire People to "Be Greater Than" Problems - (post from TheDailyGreen).
• Under the Nile: Adult Long Johns - (post from Sprig) Matching PJs for the whole family, what could be more cozy and cheerful? Plus, they're made from 100% organic cotton.
• VivaTerra: Slit-Sleeve Kimono Robe - (post from Sprig) We think this robe is sexy and sophisticated, perfect for lounging around in.
• Sale Alert - (post from Chartreuse Chic) Some great deals and discounts here.
• Inexpensive, Stylish and Organic! - (post from showtheLOVE) LOVE this top!
  

Tech & Science Stuff

• Electric Car Infrastructure Announced for California - (post from EcoLocalizer) Can it be true?!!! This is big news for Californians - read more from International Herald Tribune, CNET News, Gas 2.0, Better Place press release. Check out the new model electric vehicle named the Better Place Rogue that will be part of the infrastructure.
• UbiGreen Cell Pone App Keeps Track of Your Carbon Footprint - (post from CleanTechnica)
  

Nature & Environment Stuff

• The Strangest Camouflage in the World - (post from Environmental Graffiti) Ah, nature...
  

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Dre Wapenaar's Raindrop Shaped Treetents - (post from Inhabitat) What a fun way to go camping.
• A Really, Really Good Hotel in San Francisco - (post from EcoSalon) Claiming to be "the first hotel with a conscience", Good Hotel in SF may be the greenest hotel of them all. Check out what they're doing.
• Cameron Diaz Tours New Orleans, Talks Green Architecture - (post from Ecorazzi) Oh how we love our celebrities...
• National Geographic Gets Into Games - (post from EcoGeek) That's video games...wonder if these will catch on?
  

Website Stuff

• Databases Track Renewable Energy Incentives - (post from EcoGeek) "Now, no matter where you live, you can find out exactly what kind of incentive you're entitled to if you're using renewable energy or planning on doing so in the future."
• Zite Fight - (post from Eco-chick) "...a website that lets people like you and me go head-to-head by submitting photos and letting the rest of the world decide which is better. There have been many zite fight contests, but this week they are launching an ECO FASHION FIGHT!
• White Apricot: Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle for the Eco & Socially Conscious - Not only do they have great tips, finds and articles, they've always got tons of discounts and exclusive offers. Sign up for their newsletter!
  

Political & Social Stuff

• Strategies for the Green Economy: Opportunities and Challenges in the New World of Business - (book) Read a review from Eco-Libris.
• Bush Administration Departing Proposal Slammed As "Fire Sale" for Oil and Gas Industry - (post from EarthFirst) Can he just go already?
• Obama Energy & Environment Team Gets Busy - (post from EarthFirst)
  

Gift-Giving & Holiday Stuff

• What's Santa Bringing: The Perfect Stocking Stuffers - (post from Eco Child's Play) A few "small, fun, and purposeful" gift ideas for those holiday stockings.
• Don't Be a Turkey: Entertain Greenly this Holiday Season - (post from ecofabulous)
  

Other Random Cool Stuff

• Amazon Debuts Frustration-Free Packaging - (post from Inhabitat) Yea!!!!
• If Chevron Stopped Greenwashing, These Would Be Their Ads - (post from Planetsave)
• Former Mailman in Federal Court Gets Probation for Refusing to Deliver Junk Mail - (post from EcoScraps) We just found this amusing...plus, we HATE junk mail.
• Self Propelling Fish Farms - (post from Clean Technology) Can fish farming become sustainable?
• 3 Finalists For Crazy Green Idea - (post form EcoGeek) Check out the finalist of the X Prize competition.
  

VIDEO: Prescott Oil Loves the Earth

Stephen Colbert goes after oil company greenwashing...remind you of any ads you've recently seen??

VIDEO: Don't Mess With Karma - Orange Juice

VIDEO: ZapRoot - Vampires Suck

Here's the latest...

Stuff We Found Today - 11.19.08

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• Save Money and the Earth With these Toys - (post from showtheLOVE) Babyplays.com is a place where you can rent toys for a monthly fee. "Think NetFlix for toys."

Food Stuff

• Do One Thing: Use Reusable Coffee Filters - (post from The Good Human)
• Sprig's Celebrity Recipe Smackdown - (post from Sprig) Think we have to go with Gwyneth's Banana Nut Muffins.
• Genetically Engineered Meat - (post from GreenMuze) Hmmmm...
• Corn: It's What for Dinner (and Lunch, and Breakfast) - (post from EcoSalon) Interesting and disturbing.
  

Home Stuff

• 10 Green Laundry Detergents That Really Work - (post from Sprig) We can personally vouch for Ecos Laundry Detergent. Heck, you can even buy it at Costco!
• Natural Building 101: How To Make and Apply Earthen Plaster Finishes - (post from Green Building Elements) For all you eco-DIY types. It is kinda cool looking.
• A Very Fetching Greenrrroof - (post from EcoSalon) Now this has to be the coolest dog house we've ever seen. Man's best friend now has his own green building.
  

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Sale Alert: Fashion Ethic and Greenloop - (post from Chartreuse Chic)
  

Tech & Science Stuff

• Michigan Governor Looking for a A Better Detroit - (post Earth2Tech) While US automakers maybe scoffing at Shai Agassi's Better Place, Michigan's governor seems to understand the bigger picture.
• Nissan & Oregon Team Up to Bring Electric Cars to the Masses - (post from Gas 2.0) Announced today at the L.A. Auto Show...
• Despite Gloom. L.A. Auto Show Looks to the Future - (post from Wired.com)
• Why We Must Upgrade to a Smart Grid - (post from TheDailyGreen)
• Free Solar-Powered WiFi Coming to a Town Near You - (post from CleanTechnica)
  

Nature & Environment Stuff

• 70 Extremely Exotic Plants, Flowers, Forests & Trees - (post from WebEcoists)
• 5 Reasons to Be Hopeful About Global Warming - (post from TheDailyGreen) Yea!
• Thought Extinct, Pygmy Tasier Re-Discovered - (post from TheDailyGreen) This little guy looks like a gremlin!
• Protecting Storm Swept Coastlines With Oyster Shell Seawalls - (post from Inhabitat) Cool!
• The Amazing Technicolored Coat of the Caddisfly - (post from Environmental Graffiti) Now this is one stylin' bug.
  

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Amazing Uncle Sam Sculpture Made Entirely From Cardboard - (post from TheDailyGreen)
• New Zealand's Whimsical Yellow Treehouse Restaurant - (post from Inhabitat) If your ever in New Zealand...
• Alicia Silverstone Set to Release a New "Kind" of Vegan Diet Book - (post from Ecorazzi) Wonder if it will help us look as gorgeous as her.
• Nigel Barker Helps HSUS End Canadian Seal Hunt with New Documentary - (post from Ecorazzi) This is for all you "Top Model" fans.
  

Website Stuff

• Plus 3 Network - "...a mobile, GPS-enhanced social network that connects people with corporate sponsors and worthwhile causes on a lasting journey of personal fitness and charitable giving." Have a cause you want to raise money for? Check this site out!
• Woogi World - Kids watching too much TV or spending too much time online? This ingenious site teaches kids to become "responsible Internet users and goodwill ambassadors, learning and implementing the character traits that are helping them be good influences in their homes, schools, and communities..." Read more about Woogi World.
  

Political & Social Stuff

• A Resounding Vote for Open Space - (post from NYTimes.com)
• Obama's a Video Guest at Arnold's Climate Summit - (post from Sprig)
• Van Jones' Ecopreneurial Vision - (post from Ecopreneurist) Author of The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems.
• Nike, Starbucks Demand Congress To Act On Climate Change - (post from Red, Green and Blue) Although we're not the biggest fans of these two companies (they've been guilty of some not so planet & people friendly practices), it's heartening to see business lobbying Congress on behalf of the planet.
  

Gift-Giving & Holiday Stuff

• Green Holiday Gifts for Babies and Kids, Under $100 (+ One Slight Splurge) - (post from Sprig)
• Top 5 Eco-Friendly Holiday Trends - (post from Green Your Decor)
• Better Holiday Card Options: Grow A Note - (post from Eco Child's Play) ...and of course, you could always go with an e-card. Check out the holiday e-cards at iomoi - several styles can be personalized with a photo.
  

Other Random Cool Stuff

• As Seen on TV: Cash for Trash Recycling - (post from ABCNews)
• PlayStation 3 Costs 5 times as Much to Operate as the Wii - (post from TheDailyGreen) However, all game consoles waste tons of energy when left on while not being used.
• Hand-Powered Penguin Eco-Light - (post from Inhabitat) Great for the kids!
• Beer and Alligators: Ten Anheuser-Busch Facilities also Serve as Wildlife Habitat - (post from The Inspired Economist) Who knew??
  

Stuff We Found Today - 11.18.08

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• Wintertime Baby Wearing: Fleece Peedary Keeps Baby Warm - (post from Eco Child's Play) Joyce wishes she had one of these when Max was an infant.
  

Food Stuff

• FDA Is Going To Approve Genetically Engineered Animals For Our Food Chain - (post from The Good Human) How many of you think this is not such a good idea??
  

Home Stuff

• Nellie's Dryer Balls - (post from Sprig) We heard about these...thinking of giving them a try. Anyone out there use these? Tell us what you think!
• Brita to recycle its filters with Preserve - (post from green LA girl) More info on the Brita recycling program to start next year.
  

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Toggery: Meredith Top - (post from Sprig) We love the feminine look of this organic cotton cowl neck.
  

Tech & Science Stuff

• Amazon Launches Buy One Get One XO Laptop Campaign - (post from The Inspired Economist)
• Fuel Cell Powered iPods? myFC Develops Fuel Cell Technology for Mobile Electronics - (post from CleanTechnica)
• Verdiem Launch Free Software to Slash PC Power Use Up to 80 Percent - (post from CleanTechnica)
  

Nature & Environment Stuff

• 6 of the Most Innocent-Looking Animal Assassins - (post from WebEcoist)
• 7 Depressing Environmental Stories - (post from TheDailyGreen) "The following stories aren't getting front-page treatment in the nation's major newspapers, but they are arguably among the most important - and depressing - of the day."
• 10 Most Alien-like Insects on Earth - (post from Environmental Graffiti)
  

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Carbon Nation - (post from GreenMuze) "... a hot new documentary – so hot it is still in the works – is taking a different approach to the whole global warming genre. Carbon Nation is a self-described climate change solutions' documentary."
• Shannon Elizabeth is an Animal Avenger - (post from Ecorazzi)
• Environmental Media Awards: The Good, The Bad, and The WTF - (post from Ecorazzi) More from the EMAs.
  

Gift-Giving & Holiday Stuff

• Your Best Thanksgiving Ever: The Ultimate Guide to Gobble Up - (post from Sprig) Some great recipes and tips to help green your Thanksgiving.
  

Other Random Cool Stuff

• BambooSK8 Eco Friendly Skateboards - (post from Inhabitat) Hey all you skaters, here's little food for thought - "according to the Science Channel, skateboards have replaced furniture as the leading contributor to maple deforestation." So, try one of these.
• Inntrax: Twig Crayons - (post from Sprig) These cool looking crayons would make great gifts for budding young artists.
• ComputerGear: Chocolate Bar Calculator - (post from Sprig) Looks like chocolate, solar powered, what more could we want?
• Sony's Travelling Electronics Recycling Program - (post from EcoLocalizer)
• U.S. Army Bases Going Green to Save Money - (post from EarthFirst) The men in green, going green.
  

VIDEO: A New Chapter on Climate Change

President-elect Obama recorded a message for the Global Climate Summit, promising "a new chapter of American leadership on climate change."

VIDEO: Ep.1 - Vast Food Nation: The Green Death

Love the this spoof of recognizable food icons. Stay tuned as we post follow-up episodes of "Vast Food Nation"...

Stuff We Found Today - 11.17.08

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• 'Microwave Safe' Plastics Leach Bisphenol A - (post from TheDailyGreen) Avoid microwaving food in plastic!
  

Food Stuff

• Organic Delicious Sustainable Food on Wheels - (post from EcoSalon) We love that they can be located via GPS.
  

Home Stuff

• Simply Neutral: Safe, Smart, Earth Friendly Products for Your Home - (post from Eco Child's Play) And check out their super cool biodegradable wipes!!
  

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Ocean Minded: Cute eco-friendly flip flops and casual footwear - (post from green LA girl).
• Handmade One of a Kind Finds for Less Than $25 - (post from EcoSalon) We love "remade" vintage.
• Brad Pitt is Showering with Kiehl's and Angelina is Happy About It! - (post from ecofabulous) "In partnership with Pitt, Kiehl’s just introduced its first Cradle to Cradle Certified product."
• Start your week off with some sales - (post from Chartruese Chic)
  

Tech & Science Stuff

• Solar iPhone Chargers - From Solar Arcadia, there are a few different styles and colors to choose from, and they function as a case as well.
• Solar-Powered Plane to Perform Test Flight - (post from CleanTechnica)
• iPhone Rideshare App To Cut 73.6 M Tons of CO2 Annually - (post from CleanTechnica)
• Dell Continues to Rack Up Green Points - (post form Clean Technology)
  

School, College & Student Stuff

• Green College Spotlight: Univeristy of California at Santa Cruz - (post from EarthFirst)

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Radical Surfing Rodents - (post from Environmental Graffiti) For your entertainment.
  

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• The Floating Aerohotel: A Modern Aquatecture Marvel - (post from Inhabitat) How'd you like to stay in this hotel?!
• The Eco Traveler Exploring Wild and Wonderful Cornwall - (post from EcoSalon) Hmmm...maybe our next vacation.
  

Green Political Stuff

• California Ups Renewable Energy Mandate to 33% by 2020 - (post from Red, Green and Blue) We think that we may actually be in love with our Governor (gasp!).
• Barack Obama Discusses the Dangers of Modern Factory Agriculture - (post from Ecorazzi)
  

Other Random Cool Stuff

• Atlanta Neighborhood Certified as Country's First Carbon Neutral Zone - (post from EcoLocalizer) Congrats!!
• Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year: Hypermiling - (Gas 2.0)
  

From Joyce's Desk: Fun at SF Green Festival

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to exhibit Coco-Zen at this year's Green Festival in San Francisco, but I did get to spend a couple hours Friday afternoon checking it out with Max and saying hi to a few new friends. Here's a little photo recap of our visit (some of the pics were taken on my Blackberry, so not the greatest quality - sorry!).

With my little guy in tow, I donned my vegan shoes from Bamboo and my ReBagz sling bag and headed out to the SF Concourse over by the Gift Mart.



Once we got there, we stopped by the Coop America (soon to be Green America) member booth and got our pass for the day. Into the main hall we were immediately distracted by ALL the Clif Bar samples for the tasting. I didn't know they had sooooo many flavors! I discovered "Carrot Cake" (yummy!), while Max seemed to enjoy the "Peanut Butter & Jelly". Next we walked by the Manitoba Harvest booth selling hemp seed nuts. I figured I had to try them - tasted kind of like raw walnuts (interesting).



As we headed deeper into the halls, there was an amazing number of people (got a little too hard to take pictures while maneuvering Max in his stroller). I have to say, it was interesting to see that the Green Festival has become quite "main stream" as the number of folks in t-shirts, jeans and baseball hats far outnumbered those in dreadlocks and hemp clothing.

We took a little break from the crowds and headed into the "dining" area, where a cool band was playing. Max decided he needed to get up and do a little dance - I think he was trying to impress that cute little girl in the pink dress.



As we strolled around the food court, I quickly spotted the Organic Beer & Wine Garden...yes!! Max, however, happily settled for some refreshing organic lemonade.



There was also lots of yummy food to be had. I was especially amazed at how gorgeous the raw foods looked...and NOT just salads! Too bad we already had lunch - so many things I wanted to try. Of course, there's always room for a little Fair Trade chocolate tasting.



Before leaving, we wanted to make sure we said hi to a few new friends. Over at WorldOfGood.com, Alan posed for some pictures with Max. I ended up doing a quick little video interview as one of their sellers (scary...wondering if they will really post it on their blog), while Max scored some chocolate bars. In the booth next door was TransfairUSA (yeah Fair Trade!!!) We stopped to say hi and drop off a few Coco-Zen brochures.



Finally, it was time to head back home. On the way out, we stopped by Pangea Organics and picked up a couple of soap samples (the cinnamon with cloves is scrumptious smelling, and I love their packaging). Outside, the Drink No Evil bus eerily sat in the moonlight - almost like a last minute warning as you leave the festival.