Stuff We Found Today - 07.21.09

Longest solar eclipse - July 22, 2009

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• Kids' lower IQ scores linked to prenatal pollution - (The Washington Post) "Researchers for the first time have linked air pollution exposure before birth with lower IQ scores in childhood, bolstering evidence that smog may harm the developing brain."
• Nontoxic backpacks for back to school - (Mother Nature Network) "Many backpacks contain harmful lead and phthalates. Protect your kids from these toxins with green bookbags."
• Safer cell phones: Less rad - (Mother Nature Network) "If you want to limit health risks to you and your kids, limit cell phone talk time."
• Positive, Action-Oriented Books for Kids about Environmentalism - (Eco Child's Play)

Food Stuff

• Ech2o: Filtered Water When You Don’t Have a Filter - (Lighter Footstep) This seems like a great item for hiking/camping.
• Negative Calorie Foods: Fact or Fiction? - (WebEcoist) "Some scientists say that since some foods are harder for the body to digest, the net effect of eating them creates a calorie deficit..." Hmmm...nice concept!
• Flame-retardant food? - (Mother Nature Network) "A potential neurotoxin found in flame retardants could be making its way into our food chain."

Home Stuff

• Dropps it like it's hot - (Mother Nature Network) "Earth-friendly Dropps Laundry Pacs are ideal for space-starved urbanites tired of hauling around cumbersome bottled laundry detergents."
• Tap the Air With an Atmospheric Water Generator! - (Inhabitat) "a device that taps humidity in the air to provide a steady source of clean drinking water...capable of producing enough drinking water for an entire household even in desert climates!"

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Tees for Change Sale - (via EcoAvenueLTD on Twitter) Now thru 7/24, organic cotton baby onesies and toddler t-shirt 50% off. No coupon req.
• BTC Elements Sale - (via EcoAvenueLTD on Twitter) Eco-fashion sale and free ship. Use code SEASIDE. Super cute summer fashions!

Tech & Science Stuff

• Car friendly fuel saving tips - (Mother Nature Network) "Even if you don't have a hybrid, you can still drive a greener vehicle."
• An auto club with a conscious - (Mother Nature Network) "Better World Club offers roadside emergency assistance, auto insurance, travel and eco-travel services, free maps, discounts on hotels and car rentals."

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Longest Solar Eclipse - (GreenMuze) Bummer we won't be able to see it here. (video in post)

International Stuff

• The dark side of Canada's oil boom - (Mother Nature Network) "Unbeknownst to many, Canada now produces more oil than Texas or Kuwait. A new book, Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent uncovers the dark underbelly of our northern neighbor."

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• Steven Chu Gives Me Hope - (EcoLocalizer) Video in post.
• One Small Step For DOE, One Giant Leap For Mankind - (Planetsave) "Energy Secretary Steven Chu is taking his small step into the Facebook world...set up a page that will hopefully make a huge impact on climate change... The page will high-lite some of the cutting edge research and technology that is emerging and paving the way to a clean energy future. Chu will explain how the technology will influence the “green job” economy in the future; and he will also answer questions posed by “friends” of his site. You’ll also find a look at the Obama Administration’s work at building America’s clean energy economy and confronting the global climate crisis." Cool!

Other Random Cool Stuff

• Climate killings - (Mother nature Network) "Climate change could result in 21st century witch hunts." Okay...this is kinda crazy!
• What's your water footprint? - (Mother Nature Network) "The calculator -- not just for carbon anymore."