Coco-Zen: Stuff We Found Today

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."

Tuesday, July 21, 2009