Stuff We Found Today - 07.28.09

Gisele’s alter-ego fights green crime!

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• Sunscreen series: About those mineral sunscreens... - (Enviroblog)
• Organic Kidz Stainless Baby Bottles - (Eco Child's Play) With all the stainless steel water/drinking bottles, you'd think there would be more options for baby bottles.

Food Stuff

• Nondairy Ice Cream: Is your heart's desire a dairy-free dessert? - (Ideal Bite) "Wish granted: Try a scoop of organic coconut, rice, soy, or hemp ice cream for your kiddo..." We're lovin' Blackwell's and Luna's & Larry's as they're both Fair Trade as well and organic.
• Do Hot Dogs Cause Cancer? Jersey Residents Demand Warning Labels - (Planetsave) "Just as tobacco causes lung cancer, processed meats are linked to colon cancer. Companies that sell hot dogs are well aware of the danger, and their customers deserve the same information."

Home Stuff

• Help Your Feline Friends Play Eco-Friendly Too - (EcoFriendlyDaily.com) Some eco-friendly catnip toys.

Tech & Science Stuff

• FedEx Converts Old Trucks into Hybrids - (EcoGeek)
• Harnessing Kinetic Energy from Marching Soldiers - (CleanTechinca) "...$1.5 million plan will focus on finding a way to convert human energy into usable power for military field applications. It is part of the larger “battery-free soldier” project that also includes development of solar and body heat-harvesting technologies for the military..."

Work & Business Stuff

• Freelance & Telecommuting Green Jobs - 7/27/09 - (Green Gigs)

School, College & Student Stuff

• Green College Spotlight: Colorado College - (EarthFirst)

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Gisele’s alter-ego fights green crime! - (Celebs Gone Good) Supermodel with superpowers?
• Daily Show Slams Sarah Palin On Aerial Wolf Hunting Defense - (Ecorazzi) Video in post.

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• Greenpeace Uses Design to Instigate Corporate Change. Will It Work? - (Fast Company) Worked on Apple...will it work on HP?
• Obama Declassifies Spy Satellite Images Revealing Climate Change Devastation Bush Tried to Hide - (Red, Green and Blue)

VIDEO: Truck Farm - Episode 1

Here's a interesting, funny and quirky film "about growing a little food in a big city." Hope they post follow-up episodes!

TRUCK FARM - Episode 1 from Wicked Delicate Films on Vimeo.

Quote of the Week - 07.26.09

What we see depends mainly on what we look for."

~John Lubbock

"What we see is chocolate, what we look for is Fair Trade."

~Coco-Zen

Stuff We Found This Weekend - 07.26.09

Kauai Maelstrom

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• The Nuby Teether Recall: Recalled teether photos - (Z Recommends)
  
• Teaching Kids to Reuse, The Ultimate in Recycling - (Eco Child's Play) Wonderful children's book that teaches them how to reuse and is also made sustainably - Choose to Reuse: a green touch & feel book.

Food Stuff

• One Third of Food Is Wasted - (TheDailyGreen) "Do your part and fight food waste." (video in post)
• How Much Rainforest Fits in a Coffee Cup? - (TheDailyGreen) "One cup of shade-grown coffee will preserve more than two square feet of rainforest -- and the birds that inhabit the trees."
• 7 Most Disgusting Insect Delicacies on Earth - (Environmental Graffiti) Hmmm...an alternative source of protein??? Ewwwww!!
• Whole Foods Removes GMOs from Grocery List - (Eat. Drink. Better.) Woo hoo!!

Home Stuff

• How Planting Trees Can Cut Your Energy Bills 30% - (TheDailyGreen) "Tree planting tips: How to plant a winter windbreak and summer shade trees to save money on energy bills all year long."

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Alicia Silverstone Teams With EcoTools For New Beauty Line - (Ecorazzi) Already love EcoTools makeup brushes...hoping these bags are just as good!

Tech & Science Stuff

• Honda's Sexy New CR-Z Hybrid - (TheDailyGreen) "...sleek new sports coupe..."
  
• Green Transportation: CARS - Cash for Clunkers - (Sierra Club's The Green Life) In case you're thinking of trading in that old gas guzzler.

Work & Business Stuff

• 4 Green Jobs Coming Out of Cap and Trade - (TheDailyGreen)
• Great Green Job of the Week: Corporate & Foundations Relations Manager at Global Green USA - (EarthFirst)
• More, Better, Greener Jobs Today - (Jetson Green)
• Green Job Listings - July 24, 2009 - (Green Gigs)

Nature & Environment Stuff

• 10 Magnificent Maelstroms and Destructive Whirlpools - (WebEcoist) Cool pics of nature's awesome force.
  
• 18 Natural Formations that Look Man-Made - (WebEcoist) More cool nature pics.
  
• Beautiful Life at Kuroshio Sea - (AboutMyPlanet.com) "...one of the most beautiful displays of oceanic life..." (video in post)
• It’s Time to Get Serious about Overfishing - (EcoSalon) "The most recent and widely cited report on fisheries predicts a complete global fisheries collapse by 2048 and asserts that ninety percent of large fish such as tuna and swordfish are already gone..."
• News Break: Satellite Photos Classified by Bush Administration Show Retreating Polar Ice - (Global Warming Is Real) "Satellite photos kept secret by the previous administration have just been released showing the rapid and stark retreat of the polar ice sheets."
• NASA Releases First Image of Mysterious ‘Night Clouds’ - (Planetsave) "These observations suggest a connection with global change in the lower atmosphere and could represent an early warning that our Earth environment is being changed."

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Crude: Upcoming Movie Trailer - (TakePart Social Action Network) Another great documentary to look out for!
• Ease the task of finding eco-friendly hotels with GreenLodge.org - (ecollo)

International Stuff

• Sheep Poo Canoe Headed for France… If it Doesn’t Sink First - (EarthFirst) this is kind of humorous...

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• Palin vs. the Planet - (The Daily Beast) "Congressman Ed Markey, co-author of a new energy bill in the House, fires back at the Alaska governor for her confusion, fuzzy math, and inaction on global warming."

Other Random Cool Stuff

• Top 10 Bogus Climate Denier Statements - (Twilight Earth) Video in post, too.
  
• Drinking Toilet Water and Other Solutions to U.S. Water Woes - (TheDailyGreen) "Jon Stewart tackles America's water crisis with a (humorous, of course) interview with the author of a new book on the subject."
• U.S. Emits More CO2 Than China, With Imports - (TakePart Social Action Network)
• Garbage Trucks to Troll the High Seas for Plastic Debris - (EcoWorldly)

Stuff We Found Today - 07.23.09

Whale and Dolphin Conversation Society online Blue Whale project

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• New book presents chilling evidence of corporate manipulation of children - (Culture Change) "A chilling assessment of modern commercial culture and how it distorts childhood, corrupts civic institutions, and endangers the planet."
• Kids Can Make a Difference: 2009 AFN Young Eco-Heroes Awards - (Eco Child's Play) "Children are not inconsequential. They do have the power to change the world today… and far into the future." Here, here!!
• Columbia: Air Pollutants Lower NYC Kids’ IQs - (Kid-Safe Chemicals Act Interactive Magazine) "A landmark study by Columbia University’s Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH) has found that New York City children exposed in the womb to urban air pollutants score significantly lower on intelligence tests than children of mothers who breathed cleaner air during their pregnancies."

Food Stuff

• Socially aware chocoholics rejoice as Cadbury’s Dairy Milk goes Fairtrade - (World-Biggest-New.com) Cadbury's first Fair Trade chocolate bars finally roll off the line and available in UK...how about here in the US???
  
• Chipotle’s Three Strikes - (Ecorazzi) Hmmm...maybe they're not so great afterall.
• 13 Tips to Avoid Exposure to Toxins in Common Foods - (EcoSalon)
• Horizon Organic and Silk Soymilk: Integrity of Farm Aid Sponsors Questionable - (Green Living Ideas)

Home Stuff

• Weed Killing, Naturally - (EcoSalon) For all you gardeners out there...

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Presto, Chango: It’s a Wrap! - (ecofabulous) Made from bamboo jersey, love how one piece can be worn as so many things...genius!
  
• Nike Stops Use of Amazon Leather After Damning Greenpeace Report - (Planetsave)

Tech & Science Stuff

• Mercedes Revives Gullwing for Electric Sports Car - (EcoGeek)
  
• The Open Source Hydrogen Micro-compact - (ecomii) "...the most outside-the-box concept of all is using an open source platform to build micro-compact hydrogen vehicles."
  
• Toyota's Solar Flowers - (GreenMuze) "To promote their new third generation 2010 Prius hybrid, Toyota is planting 18-foot plastic solar flowers in major cities across the USA. The plastic solar flowers provide free Wi-Fi service and the ability to charge small gadgets to anyone in the near vicinity of the flowers."

Work & Business Stuff

• “You Can’t Do Business on a Dead Planet”: Kellogg’s Martin Melaver Interview - (Chelsea Green) "Sustainability makes sense from a business and, more importantly, from a moral perspective... Would you rather get up in the morning just for the sake of a paycheck, or get up in the morning with a sense of purpose (and get a paycheck)?"
• Telecommuting & Freelance Green Jobs - 7/23/09 - (Green Gigs)
• Green Jobs at Home - July 21, 2009 - (Green Gigs)
• The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Greening Your Business - (EcoLocalizer) "Many people do not realize that going green isn’t just about replacing everything with something greener, in fact many times going green can help cut costs, save energy, and save money."

School, College & Student Stuff

• Green College Spotlight: Grinnell College - (EarthFirst)
  

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Entire Blue Whale Online - (GreenMuze) "Have you ever wondered what a Blue Whale looks like up close? A life size interactive rendition of the largest mammal on the planet is now online to raise awareness about the effects hunting, overfishing and climate change are having on these magnificent creatures." Kids will love looking at this!

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Brad Pitt - Making it Right - (CTN Green News) "Brad and Angelina - www.MakeItRightNola.org are Breaking yet more new green ground in New Orleans — Families from the Lower 9th Ward can now choose to build a duplex in the Make It Right neighborhood." (video in post)
  
• Volunteer Vacations - (Ideal Bite) "...where eco-adventure, exposure to different cultures, and doing something good for the world while you're at it, await."
• Jon Stewart’s Illustrated Guide to Cap and Trade - (EarthFirst.com) "The Daily Show was almost entirely green-themed on Tuesday night, with host Jon Stewart guiding us through the climate change bill passing through the Senate and interviewing Energy Secretary Chu." Very funny, but some very adult humor (just a warning). Video in post.
• Construction Begins On ‘The Brando’ Eco-Resort - (Ecorazzi)
• Top 5 Incredible Eco-Hotels and Hostels of the World - (Inhabitat)

Website Stuff

• Fresh & Green - Green products for the whole family - Women, Men, Kids Toys and Baby.
  
• 7 Eco-Friendly Mom Approved Websites for Kids - (Green and Clean Mom)

International Stuff

• Onion News: China Celebrates Status as #1 Air Polluter - (EarthFirst) For those of you who appreciate The Onion humor.
  

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• Tell NOAA to protect sea turtles from trawls. - (Ocean: Take Action) "Take Action to Stop Offshore Drilling! Many of our country’s trawl fisheries accidentally injure and kill endangered sea turtles by entangling them in their massive nets."
• How Much Does Your Senator Really Care About Climate Change? - (Red, Green and Blue) "The good folks at Grist put together a comprehensive analysis of the 50 Senators’ treatment of energy and climate on their interwebs pages. And the results weren’t exactly flattering."
• Green Jobs and Clean Energy: #1 Way to Lead the World - (Planetsave)

Other Random Cool Stuff

• We Want More from Our S'mores! - (Global Exchange) "This summer, the S’mores are speaking out…for Fair Trade!!! Join in the gooey, sticky, chocolatey goodness of our S’mores Action!" Live in the SF bay area?...Go check this out! If not, you can participate from home!
• Green Field Paper Company - Finest in tree free paper - Grow A Note seed embedded handmade paper, Hemp Heritage and PaperEvolution brands.
  
• 5 Smart Strategies to Save Money, Reduce Waste - (ecomii)
  

VIDEO: Captain Planet - Summit to Save Earth 2

Episode recap:
In Summit to Save Earth 2, the Planeteers have to save the Earth and Gaia from Zarm and the eco-villains. With the help of Commander Clash, can they save the day?

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."

Examiner.com Calls Coco-Zen Chocolate Body Treats "Fun"

The Spa Travel Examiner for the San Francisco edition of the Examiner.com talks up our Chocolate Body Treats. Check out the article...

Fun Stuff: New line of natural chocolate body treatments

Quote of the Week - 07.19.09

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."

~Mahatma Ghandi

"Happiness is when chocolate, planet and people are in harmony."

~Coco-Zen

Stuff We Found This Weekend - 07.19.09

Kids for Peace

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• Kids for Peace Invites You to Take the Great Kindness Challenge - (Eco Child's Play) "For one day — August 8, 2009 — children around the world are invited to perform simple, yet important, little acts of kindness. Their goal this year is to have one million children participate in the Great Kindness Challenge."

Home Stuff

• Safe disposal of household toxins - (Mother Nature Network) Toxins exist in many conventional household products. Get rid properly.

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Sandals to Tie For - (ecofabulous) Loving these sandals...especially since we think you could probably use your own ties and laces to create even more looks!

Tech & Science Stuff

• Holy $#!*! Our Next Fuel Source May Come from Our Own Waste - (Chelsea Green) "...small-scale experiments converting human waste into feed for algae, which produce a diesel-like biofuel, and help clean the wastewater in the process."
• Navy Putting $33 M Into Hybrid Destroyers - (EcoGeek)
• U.S. Wind Power Growth, Visualized [map] - (CleanTechnica) Kind of neat to see...
• Electric Commuter Bike - (GreenMuze) Interesting looking...

Work & Business Stuff

• Great Green Job of the Week: Photovoltaic Systems Engineer, SolarOne Solutions - (EarthFirst)
• Check Out These Greener Jobs - (Jetson Green)
• Eco-Friendly Jobs for Freelancers - July 17, 2009 - (Green Gigs)
• 4 Up-and-Coming Jobs in Clean Energy - (TheDailyGreen) "Retool your career with a hot new green job."

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Voyage to the Plastic Frontier: the Alguita sails the Pacific - (Culture Change) Captain Charles Moore and his findings about the Northern Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch (video in post).
• Sea Ice Images from Spy Satellites Made Public - (EarthFirst)
• Bills Gates Intends To Destroy Hurricanes, Woo Mother Nature - (Ecorazzi) "...Gates is working...on a device that would effectively break up hurricanes before they have a chance to slap places like New Orleans." Huh???
• 5 Most Incredible Waterfall Caverns - (Environmental Graffiti) Pretty pics...
• Bizarre Blob of Arctic Goo: 12 Miles Long - Visits Alaska - (EcoWorldly) "Nobody knows for sure what the gunk is..."

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Carbon-Neutral Prince Charles Gets Driven Around on Old Cooking Fat - (Gas 2.0) "...Prince Charles had his Aston Martin converted to run on bio-ethanol made from aged English wine, and his Audi, Jaguar, and Range Rover all run on what the English call old cooking fat."
• AAA to recognize eco hotels - (Mother Nature Network) "AAA's 2010 TourBook will feature a new designation for eco hotels."

Website Stuff

• Don't forget to consult your Green Map when planning your next holiday - (Ecollo) Here's a cool website and resource to check out.

International Stuff

• Ghana, an E-Waste Graveyard - (EarthFirst) "When you toss that old busted stereo or out-of-date analog television into the trash heap, where does it ultimately end up?..."

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• Urban Farming Takes Root in Surprising Ways - (Culture Change) This is an inspiring read...maybe "green collar jobs" can also include urban farming??

Other Random Cool Stuff

• Six Companies That Help Make Recycling Easier - (Ecopreneurist)
• Human Powered Monorail - (GreenMuze)
• Dow's Potent GHG Pesticide - (GreenMuze) Thinking this might not be such a good thing!
• 7 environmental stories that are free of doom and gloom - (Mother Nature Network) "From an eco-city in China to a coffee producer in Uganda to 'towers of power' in Spain and California, some good news from the green frontier."

VIDEO: Ali G - Environment

This video is from a few years ago, but we just recently came across it - thanks Sierra Club's The Greenlife blog for posting.

One of Sasha Baron Cohen's other alter egos, Ali G, talks to people about the environment, recycling, etc. Funny stuff!

Stuff We Found Today - 07.16.09

Superbugs from factory farms

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• Antibacterial Soap: An Imminent Threat to Human Health and the Environment? - (TheDailyGreen) "Arguing that the chemical commonly used to give antibacterial soap its bite "poses imminent threats to human health and the environment," two groups are petitioning the Food and Drug Administration to have triclosan banned."
  
• Honey Wear: Responsible creations, Exquisite beauty... - One of a kind hybrid baby carrier made of all organic cotton and silk, the Baby Bee Sling.
• In California, Bisphenol A Escapes Health Warning - (TheDailyGreen) "But a panel made its decision without considering the conclusions of the National Toxicology Program, which found evidence of reproductive and developmental harm."
  

Food Stuff

• Is MillerCoors the Most Environmentally Responsible Brewing Company? - (Fast Company) Who knew??
• Meat Eaters: Superbugs from Factory Farms in Your Food - (Eco Child's Play)
  
• What's On My Food? - "...a searchable database designed to make the public problem of pesticide exposure visible and more understandable... We link pesticide food residue data with the toxicology for each chemical, making this information easily searchable for the first time."
• McDonald's Chicken Cruelty - (GreenMuze) Warning...video in post is graphic depicting the reality of chicken slaughter in the US.
  
• Beef related to lower sperm counts - (Mother Nature Network) "Research shows that men whose mothers ate a lot of beef during pregnancy have lower than normal sperm counts and are also at risk for fertility problems."
  
• Turn your car into a solar oven - (Mother Nature Network) "Baking Bites shows you how to bake chocolate chip cookies in your overheated, street-parked car." Haha...just for fun!
  

Home Stuff

• Omega Center Seeks World's First Living Building Certification - (Jetson Green) "...superbugs in meat, causing dangerous and sometimes lethal viruses in the people who work in slaughterhouses and meat processing plants, and in surrounding areas... Follow these tips to help reduce your risk of exposure..."
  
• Shopping for an Energy-Efficient Appliance? Good -- But Wait to Buy - (TheDailyGreen) "Rebates for energy-efficient appliances are coming -- but the details haven't yet been published."

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Bid on recycled denim - (Mother Nature Network) "Win one of 300 limited edition box sets of Reco Jeans (the new denim brand by Woody Harrelson and Alanis Morissette), new denim fashions made with recycled materials."
• Geo Mio and Minawear - Natural, comfortable clothing for the entire family.
  

Tech & Science Stuff

• Buy an Electric Car get $10,000 - (AboutMyPlanet.com) "Major news in the electric car market today as the Ontario government is announcing big incentives for anyone purchasing an electric car (EV)...a $10,000 incentive for anyone who will purchase an electric vehicle next year."
• The Latest Medical Innovation: Recycled TVs - (The Inspired Economist) "Researchers at the University of York have recently come up with a method of recycling...discarded television screens into components for biomedicine."
  
• More Food Waste to be Turned Into Energy in California - (CleanTechnica)
  

Work & Business Stuff

• "Green-collar" defined... incorrectly. - (Green For All) "The latest edition of Merriam-Webster's Dictionary was just released, and "green-collar" is one of about 100 words that has been added to it... But there is one small problem - Merriam-Webster got the definition wrong!"
• Green Job Listings - July 16, 2009 - (Green Gigs)

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Barcoding Millions of Trees Could Relieve Global Warming - (Inhabitat)
  
• Watch: Huge changes on Earth - (Mother Nature Network) "Time + satellite photography = amazing time-lapse video of how we're changing the world."
  
• How Rising Human Population Could Impact Global Warming - (TheDailyGreen) "As developing countries continue to swell, there could be major impacts for climate change."
  
• 7 (More!) Environmental Problems That Are Worse Than We Thought - (EarthFirst)

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Matt Damon brings water online and overseas - (Celebs Gone Good) "...Matt announced that his organization, H20 Africa, has teamed up with Gary White’s WaterPartners to create a powerful new non-profit: Water.org."
  
• The Yes Men Release Toxic Bottled Water, Slam Dow Chemical - (Ecorazzi) "The Yes Men — those mischievous impersonators who expose corporate evildoers — are ramping up their efforts to draw attention Dow Chemical’s environmental greenwashing with the release of a new bottled water: B’eau-Pal." (movie trailer in post)
  
• No Impact Man hits the big screen - (Mother Nature Network) "'Proof that eco & entertainment are not mutually exclusive.' -- Variety" (movie trailer in post)
  
• 20 Hearing-Impaired Dancers Create an Amazing Visual Spectacle - (Seeing good) Seriously...this is amazing!
  

Website Stuff

• Sea Glass Organics: Green Living, Beach Style - Great site to find eco-friendly gifts and goods!
• Go ask Alice ... to buy TP - (Mother Nature Network) "A new shopping website, Alice.com, make shopping for (and not running out of) green household necessities a lot easier. "

International Stuff

• Building Relations to Build a Better World: China and the U.S. Work Together to Tackle Environmental Concerns - (EcoWorldly)
  
• Niger Delta – a Humanitarian and Environmental Catastrophe - (Red, Green and Blue) "Are oil companies causing humanitarian crises?"
  

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• Los Angeles kicks the coal habit - (Mother Nature Network) "The city of L.A. announces plans to go coal-free by 2020, causing a new plant to be scrapped."
• Listen live to California BPA hearing - (Safer States)
  
• That was Then / This is Now – 30 Yr Old Energy Speech Eerily Relevant - (Twilight Earth) Speech by then Pres. Jimmy Carter (video in post).
  
• Reinstate Congress's moratorium on offshore oil drilling in the OCS - (Oceana: Take Action) "Congress wavered in 2008, but we can get back on track toward protecting our oceans and ending climate change if you let your representatives know that you believe offshore drilling is not the answer."
• Letter from Nobel Prize winners to President Obama - (Causecast) "The following letter was sent to President Barack Obama on July 16, referencing H.R. 2454, The American Clean Energy and Security Act."

Other Random Cool Stuff

• Hybrid Squared: Ingenious Energy-Generating Bike Rental System - (Inhabitat) "...Hybrid2 system consists of a fleet of rentable bicycles that are capable of generating and storing kinetic energy, which is then used to power the city’s hybrid electric buses."
• San Francisco to Become One Big Urban Farm - (Causecast) "San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is now tasking all city departments to 'conduct an audit of unused land—including empty lots, rooftops, windowsills and median strips—that could be turned into community gardens or farms.'"
• Wal-Mart Measuring Pollution and Water Use of EVERYTHING - (EcoGeek) "Wal-Mart is now on a mission to determine the social and environmental impact of everything they sell (which is a lot of things.)" Hmmm...interesting.

VIDEO: Shift Happens

Awe inspiring film about the world and the future...

VIDEO: Captain Planet - Summit to Save Earth 1

Episode recap:
In Summit to Save Earth Part 1, the Planeteers attend the World Earth Summit. However, the eco-villains have their own plans to ruin the Earth Summit. Can the Planeteers right the villains' wrongs and save Gaia in the process?

Fair Trade the White House!

Can you imagine what it would do for the Fair Trade movement if the First Lady got behind Fair Trade like she did for organic farming?!

We recently came across Fair Trade the White House which is a grass roots campaign to "cordially invite First Lady Michelle Obama to join the fair trade movement by declaring the White House a 'Fair Trade Home'." Check out the website and add your signature to the invitation...WE DID!!

Of course, we 'd love it if she had all those candy bowls in the White House filled with Fair Trade chocolates...maybe Coco-Zen, hmmm??

Stuff We Found Today - 07.14.09

Ani Phyo's Raspberry Ganache Raw Fudge Cake

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• Are Kids Overexposed to Eco Fears? Do’s & Don’t’s of Equipping Future Stewards of the Planet - (EcoSalon) Great discussion on how to talk to kids about the environment without scaring them to death.
• Natural Insect Repellent Skin Patch: Don’t Bite Me! - (Eco Child's Play) Anyone try these?? Do they really work??
• Kids Did…Raise $10k to Eliminate Styrofoam - (Eco Child's Play) Hooray for kids creating positive change!

Food Stuff

• Temporary worker dies in US chocolate factory - (Confectionery News) Death by chocolate...for real - CRAZY!
  
• Ani Phyo’s Raw Food Desserts - (EcoStiletto) Recipe for Raspberry Ganache Raw Fudge Cake this real simple to make...and it also available in a mix!
• Public Fruit: Mapping the Windfall in Your Area - (New Dream Blog)
• Calculating your carbon food-print - (Mother Nature Network) "Read about which foods you eat travel the farthest."
• Green Smoothie Rocket Pops! - (Recycle Your Day) Great idea for the kids!

Home Stuff

• Greener shower curtains, free of phthalates - (Mother Nature Network) "Stay green while you get clean -- avoid shower curtains with PVC."

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Vivienne Westwood talks about climate change & what we can do - (EcoTube) Check out what this fashion pioneer has to say (Part 1 & Part 2)...she even tells us to buy less fashion but buy "better".
• Pure-fection! - (ecofabulous) 100% Pure has cosmetics pigmented with fruit rather than chemicals...sounds good to us!
• Mother Tongues - "Wear words, celebrate cultures!" Unique words from diverse cultures on 100% organic cotton, fair labor apparel.
• Soleil Moon Frye Launches Eco-Baby Clothing Line - (Ecorazzi) Remember Punky Brewster?
• Best Organic, Eco & Vegan Lipsticks - (EcoSalon) Great lineup of lipsticks to try without the petroleum and nasty chems.

Tech & Science Stuff

• Plug-in Vehicle Tracker Now Available - (Gas 2.0) Can't keep up with all the plug-in vehicle news? Check out this site which is "updated monthly and includes highway-capable cars and trucks, 2 and 3 wheeled and commercial vehicles."

Work & Business Stuff

• Green Jobs for Freelancers & Telecommuters 7/14/09 - (Green Gigs)

School, College & Student Stuff

• Green College Spotlight: Brandeis University - (EarthFirst.com)

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Largest Environmental Disaster in American History - (EcoMatters) Talking about the Tennessee coal ash spill.
• Prince Charles talks about the future of the world - (EcoTube) On the Richard Dimbleby Lecture (BBC) Prince Charles discusses "the challenges facing the world and its overconsumption of the planets resources."
• Carbon in Thawing Northern Permafrost Double Previous Estimates - (Global Warming Is Real) "...concern that arctic and boreal regions will become future sources of greenhouse gases as the climate continues to warm."
• Updates on the TVA coal ash spill - (Mother Nature Network) "How big of a problem is the nation's collective coal ash waste? How bad is it in Tennessee? What's going on in D.C.?"

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• The Lazy Environmentalist on Sundance Channel - Catch episodes on Tuesdays at 9pm, or see past episodes here. Josh Dorfman makes environmental action relevant, practical, and easy for all of us.
• Earth Days: The Movie - (CTN Green News) "...looksback to the dawn and development of the modern environmental movement..." See the trailer in post.
• Barbra Streisand Talks Coal, Energy Bills In New POLITICO Interview - (Ecorazzi)
• Children’s Music for the Whole Family: B is for Bob (Marley) - (Eco Child's Play) "...a collection of original Bob Marley songs re-imagined for kids and fans of all ages..." produced by son Ziggy Marley.

Website Stuff

• Sweet Organics and Naturals - Great eco gifts for everyone...from jewelry to fashions to paper goods.

International Stuff

• 7 Places climate change could spark war - (Mother Nature Network)

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• Breaths of Fresh Air: Bush-Era Pollution Waivers Rejected By Courts - (Planetsave) "...the Bush administration created rules that allowed power plants to emit uncontrolled pollution into the air in cities that already have severely polluted air..."
• Green and Behind Bars: Research and Training for Inmates - (New Dream Blog) Great inspirational video in post.
• Mob justice - (Mother Nature Network) "A Bay Area startup plays to the crowd, using masses of people to make good things happen."
• Report Links Climate Change Bill Amendments to Special Interests - (TakePart Socail Action Network) Gee...really??? (note the sarcasm)

Other Random Cool Stuff

• Could Rice Be the New Concrete? - (EcoFriendlyDaily.com) "A new way of processing rice husks for use in concrete could lead to a boom in green construction."
• Watch: Climate Change Bill ReMix Brings The Funky Beat - (Ecorazzi) Haha...funny!
• EarthTalk: Rail Travel, Climate Change and Population - (Global Warming Is Real)
• U.S. Postal Service Buys 1,600 Fuel Efficient Vehicles - (Inhabitat) "The U.S. postal service currently owns of one of the largest vehicle fleets on the planet, and they recently announced a monumental measure to replace 6,500 aging gas guzzling vehicles with more fuel efficient vehicles."
• Tap water satisfies thirst for knowledge better than bottled - (Safer States) "Water drinkers can learn much more about any contaminants present in tap water than they can bottled water..."

Coco-Zen Gifted to Madonna, Jennie Garth, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves

Exciting news!...

Coco-zen's Chocolate Body Treats were included in Earth Day gift baskets that were presented to Madonna, Jennie Garth, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves. Theses baskets were arranged and given by from Style Cafe Moms.

Read the press release - click here (download PDF)

Quote of the Week - 07.12.09

"Use your time wisely. Say beautiful things, inspire, forgive, act physically to protect and help."

~Thich Nhat Hanh

"Choose your chocolate wisely. Choose organic, choose Fair Trade, choose to help planet and people."

~Coco-Zen

Stuff We Found This Weekend - 07.12.09

The perfect book for the "eco-stressed"!

Food Stuff

• USDA Redefines “Organic” Label To Include Synthetic Materials - (EcoMatters)
• Food, Inc. The Companion Guide - (Eat. Drink. Better.) "The companion book contains 13 essays to explore the facts behind the problems we see in the news every day, issues like hunger, human rights, tainted food and pollution."

Home Stuff

• How to Build Self Watering Mini Garden - (SustainLane) Perfect little DIY gardening project...great to do with the kids too!
• Is your dog's food toxic? - (Mother Nature Network) "New study finds toxic doses of fluoride in 8 out of 10 brands."
• Ever-Green Toilet Paper Finally Eco Friendly Toilet Paper with no Plastic Packaging - (Sustainable is Good) We've been using Seventh Generation toilet paper...will have to give this one a try.

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• WEEDROBES: Clothing Made from Leaves! - (Inhabitat) Okay...so, you're not really going to wear these, but they're fun to look at!
• Alanis Morissette and Woody Harrelson Launch RECO Eco Jeans! - (Inhabitat)

Tech & Science Stuff

• Gas 2.0 Launches “EV War” Website: ElectricCarRace.org - (Gas 2.0) The race to go electric between San Francisco and Portland. (video in post)
• New Study Lifts the Curtain on Clean Coal - (CleanTechnica) "A new study from West Virginia University exposes one more dirty little secret about America’s favorite fossil fuel, coal..."
• First Ever Manned Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Takes to the Air - (Gas 2.0)
• Zipcar Launches All-Electric Car-Share Scheme - (Gas 2.0) "...featuring an all-electric Citroen C1 and a Plug-In Toyota Prius..."

Work & Business Stuff

• Great Green Job of the Week: Grant Coordinator, Green Edge Collaborative - (EarthFirst)
• Greener Jobs: Build It Green, LEED Linc, and Green Key Real Estate - (Jetson Green) Green job postings.
• Green Jobs from Home - July 12, 2009 - (Green Gigs)

School, College & Student Stuff

• Save the Earth Science Experiments: Book Review - (Eco Child's Play) Great book to get students, teachers and parents to look at our impact on the planet...perfect projects to do both in the classroom and at home.

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Dicaprio's 'fossilized sunlight' video - (Mother Nature Network) "This past Spring, Leonardo Dicaprio was awarded the Kid's Choice Award for the 'Big Green Help Award'"...for a video he created for kids that talks about global warming and our oil dependance.
• Deadly dozen: Climate change could make 12 diseases worse. - (Mother Nature Network)

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Hell Freezes Over, Pigs Fly and Bill O’Reilly Argues that Global Warming is Real - (EarthFirst) Can you believe it?? Check out the video in post!
• Ed Begley Jr Now Answering Your Burning Questions On Treehugger - (Ecorazzi) Cool!

Website Stuff

• 20 Online Acronyms All Parents Should Know - (WBAL Baltimore) Because sadly there are too many only predators out there...know what your kids are saying online!

International Stuff

• Solar-Powered Pop-Up-Shop for London Entrepreneurs - (EarthFirst) This is such a great idea...we should do it here!
• Pope Benedict Issues New Encyclical Calling for Sustainable Business, Development Models - (Sustainablog)

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• Making Heads or Tails of the G8 and the Major Economies Forum in Italy - (Global Warming Is Real)

Other Random Cool Stuff

• Bag Green Guilt and Relieve Eco-Anxiety - (ShowTheLOVE) The perfect book for all of us worrying about trying to do the "green" thing...and it written by our friend Jen Pleasants of ShowTheLOVE. Congrats Jen!!

VIDEO: Scientist Jim Hansen Talks Climate Change

"Jim Hansen has been at the center of the climate change debate since the early Eighties as both a prominent scientist and spokesman alerting the public to the threats and uncertainties of global climate change.

The head of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Hansen studies radiative transfer in planetary atmospheres related to global change on Earth."

Stuff We Found Today - 07.09.09

Beijing’s old town, bathed in smog

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• Meggie Moo's - "All natural, eco-friendly children's party supplies & gifts...for parties that don't cost the earth." Thanks to our friend Mary Wilke for telling us about this great site!
• Travel Placemats: Wrestling to minimize a big mess at restaurants? - (Ideal Bite) "Try bringing a compostable, reusable placemat to catch the crumbs and spills instead of using disposable paper ones. They can still draw on these (so you're in the clear 'til the food arrives), and you save a few trees and reduce waste."
• Kolcraft recalls one million play yards due to epic failure - (Z Recommends) There have been various issues including strangulation deaths of infants. Check to see if you have one of these playpens.
• Green Toys' Jump Rope: Doing the simple things so right - (Z Recommends) 100% cotton rope and 100% recycled plastic handles...hooray!
• Did Polluted Water Make Me Sick? Am I Living in a Cancer Cluster? - (TheDailyGreen) "The goal of a new CDC Website, the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network, is to become a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to investigate environmental causes of illness, from asthma to well water."

Food Stuff

• Eco-Friendly Protein: Edible Bugs - (WebEcoist) Pass the tarantulas, please... Think we're just a little too squeamish for these.
• Chipotle & Food, Inc.: An Ironic Pairing? - (TakePart Social Action Network)
• Lower your risk for breast and other cancers - (Mother Nature Network) "Antibiotics and hormones found in certain nonorganic dairy products may increase the risk for several types of cancer."

Home Stuff

• Solar Panel Leases: Sol(ar) Mate - (Ideal Bite) If the cost of buying solar panels is just not in the budget, consider leasing them. Several companies are sprouting up all over the US.
• Soylar Candles - Check out these handmade soy candles...love that they reuse babyfood jars for some of their packaging!

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Sports Socks - (Ideal Bite) "Are your kids' sore feet holding them back?" Here's a list of sustainable wool and cotton socks for the little ones.
• Lotus Moon: Mindful Skin Care - Eco-friendly advanced skincare line that uses natural, organic and active ingredients while incorporating aromatherapy and Ayurvedic principles...and they're paraben-free!
• $5 Off TOMS Shoes - (EcoAvenue) TOMS Shoes New Customers Get $5 off, Code "FirstTOMS".
• Handbags Born of Old Leather Jackets - (EcoSalon) reMade USA creates "one-of-a-kind stylish, sophisticated bags out of recycled leather jackets and scrap materials sourced from thrift stores and car and furniture upholstery companies. They also accept donations from anyone with unwanted leather lying around the house."

Tech & Science Stuff

• 15% off Solio solar charger - (EcoAvenue) Hot buy for July! 15% off Solio Classic Silver - coupon code July4thSolio.
• Trade In Your Old Electronics For Costco Cash - (TakePart Social Action Network)
• Innovative System Creates Drinking Water from Thin Air - (Inhabitat)
• Tires Made from Orange Oil Instead of Petroleum - (EcoGeek) "....Yokohama has begun selling a new type of tire made mainly from orange oil instead of petroleum. The substitution plus the use of natural rubber allows the tires to be 80 percent petroleum-free."

Work & Business Stuff

• 4 Hot Green Building Jobs - (TheDailyGreen)
• Two Green Gigs for Writers - July 9, 2009 - (Green Gigs)
• Two Leads for Environmental Freelancers - July 8, 2009 - (Green Gigs)

Nature & Environment Stuff

• 10 of the World's Most Vital Rivers for Survival - (WebEcoist)
• RealClimate: Climate science from climate scientists - "...a commentary site on climate science by working climate scientists for the interested public and journalists." Thanks Al Gore for tweeting about this site!
• Coal Country Film: Inside Modern Coal Mining - (Twilight Earth) "Coal Country, the new film about coal mining, could be considered kin to the film Food, Inc., covering the dirty coal energy issue instead of dirty food issues, and Big Coal probably wishes the movie would just disappear…" (trailer in post)

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Colbert Takes on Global Warming, Waxman-Markey, and the Sun - (Global Warming is Real) ...oh just a little snarky humor before the weekend...

Website Stuff

• One Village Gifts: Green & Fair Trade Goods from Around the World - Great marketplace to find eco-friendly and socially conscious gifts.
• Gifts with Humanity - (via EcoAvenueLTD on Twitter) 10% off everything with coupon code Summer. Free Ship $50+. $25 will "provide a fair wage for one person for 2 days in Kenya..."
• Gaiam - (via EcoAvenueLTD on Twitter) $20 off any order over $100. Code AFGRN7. Exp 7-31.

International Stuff

• Sun Come Up, an Intimate Look at the World's First Climate Refugees - (TheDailyGreen) "The Carteret Pacific islanders must abandon their homeland and peaceful, low-carbon way of life because of changes wrought by global warming."
• (Australian) Town Bans Bottled Water - (New Dream Blog)
• 10 Beautiful Yet Deadly Mega Metropolises - (Environmental Graffiti)

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• G8 Summit fails to Reach Agreement on Climate Change - (TakePart Social Action Network)
• Mainstreaming Fair Trade - (Shared Interest)
• Newsom Makes Eco News Again With Ambitions Sustainable Food Policy - (Eat. Drink. Better.)

Other Random Cool Stuff

• What's your Ecological Intelligence? - (Mother Nature Network) "In Ecological Intelligence, Daniel Goleman argues that knowing the impacts of what we buy can change the world." Now that's what we're talking about...

VIDEO: Hilarious green ad by Greenpeace

"Until the sun shines out of your arse - try using an energy saving light-bulb instead!"

Oh my goodness...this had as rolling on the floor! (Warning - there are naked butts in this video.)

Stuff We Found Today - 07.07.09

First Family celebrates 4th of July

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• Lead in multivitamins: Which brands are safe? - (Mother Nature Network) "Experts say many people can replace vitamins with a healthy diet, but even for those who can't, there are ways to limit lead."

Food Stuff

• Monsanto & Dole Team Up to Force-Feed Consumers Genetically Engineered Fruits & Veggies - (Organic Consumers Association) Do we really want Monsanto screwing with our broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and spinach?!!
  
• Organic standards: Now less organic than ever (but there’s hope!) - (green LA girl) "...organic standards have been under attack for quite a while, with big companies trying to bend and stretch the laws to include all manner of non-organic ingredients under the organics label."
• Confused About Which Produce Should Always Be Organic? There’s An App For That - (Eat. Drink. Better.) Is there anything the iPhone can't do these days???

Home Stuff

• Writing on the Green IdeaPaint Wall - (Jetson Green) "Paint on" a dry erase wall...this could be a great idea for a kids play room.

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Wear the Earth - Fashion Forward~Earth Friendly Organic, Sustainable & Sweatshop Free...green fashions for the whole family...and home stuff too!

Tech & Science Stuff

• Top 10 Green iPhone Apps (most are free!) - (EcoSalon) For our friends who can't seem to put their beloved iPhones down... ;)
• Solar-Powered Cargo Ship Debuts in Long Beach - (EcoGeek)
• New Definition for Biofuels: Using Urine to Produce Hydrogen - (EcoGeek) Hmmm...
• McDonald's Explores Charging Station Options - (ecoscraps) Nice idea...but how about greening up their food while they're at it.
• Burger King to Harness Kinetic Energy from Speed Bumps - (Clean Technica) Looks like BK is getting in on the "green" act too. Can anyone say organic beef...or at least organic milk for the kid's meals???
• Prius Not Your Thing? Meet The Electric Raptor - (Gas 2.0) Love the idea of putting electric motors into older/classic cars!
• Voice-Controlled Electric Car Can Be Summoned by Phone - (Gas 2.0) ...summoned by phone and allow you to control the vehicle via a set of simple voice commands. Because it would not require you to actually drive...car that would enable passengers to drink, read its flat screen display, or simply relax and watch the scenery pass by through its large, panoramic windows." Can you imagine?!!
• Greener clock powered by bugs - (Mother Nature Network) "British designers have created LCD clocks that are powered by dead bugs and mice."
• Plugging in, taking off: Eight electric vehicle startups to watch - (Mother Nature Network)

Work & Business Stuff

• Green Jobs from Home - July 7, 2009 - (Green Gigs)
• Green job of the week: Banana buyer - (Mother Nature Network) "Oke USA is seeking a person passionate about Fair Trade to fill a Banana Logistics and Sales position."

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Bowerbirds: The Casanovas of the Bird Kingdom - (Environmental Graffiti) Interesting nature stuff...

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• Green Picks from Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz - (Goop) Green books, green fashions, green gadgets...see what these green celebs are diggin' on.
  
• World Humanitarian Honor Proposed For Michael Jackson - (Ecorazzi)

Website Stuff

• Stacy Kinney's YouTube Videos - Recently met Stacy Kinney on Twitter. She post great video where she shares information about various social media applications and how to use them. Great resource!
• The Greater Green Farm & Store - Here's a green shopping website that researches & reviews every green product they sell, with great eco-resources & an eco-living blog.

International Stuff

• Sahara Solar Project Could Make Germany Masters of the Solar Race - (AboutMyPlanet.cmo)
• Japan Post Switching Fleet To EVs - (EcoGeek) Hmmm...wonder if the US Postal Service is thinking of such a move??? ...at least when more charging stations become available.
• Costa Rica Tops World as Greenest, Happiest Country - (EcoWorldly)

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• First Family Celebrate 4th of July @ the White House - (Obama Pics Daily)

Other Random Cool Stuff

• A Solar-Powered Crime Wave in Napa Valley - (EcoSalon) Solar panels being stolen from wineries...kind of sad, don't you think?
• 10 Amazing Facts about Water Use Worldwide - (EcoSalon)
• 5 More Awesomely Funny, Smart & Effective Green Ads - (EarthFirst.com) The first video in this post is hilarious (think we're going to have to post it separately in our blog)...beware, though, naked butts in the video!

VIDEO: Captain Planet - Two Futures 2

Episode recap:

In Two Futures 2, Wheeler visits Gi, Kwame, Linka and Ma-Ti in their native lands 35 years into the future. He sees how the Earth has changed and the consequences of quitting the Planeteers. Can he rejoin the team and still stop Hoggish Greedly and Dr. Blight before it's too late?

Quote of the Week - 07.05.09

"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."

~Oscar Wilde

"To love Fair Trade chocolate is the beginning of a lifelong romance."

~Coco-Zen

From Joyce's Desk: It's July, it's summer and it's party time!

Happy summer everyone...and Happy 4th of July!!

July is big month in our family, because in addition to the 4th of July festivities, we celebrate 5 birthdays and 2 anniversaries between both my husband's side and my side...yes, it gets a little hectic! And, since this is when the weather starts to really warm up, we love taking the party (er, parties) outside.

Backyard BBQs, park picnics, beach bonfires--cooking and dining al fresco with friends and family is a hallmark of summer. However, with all that celebrating, it's easy to forget about the enormous amount of waste that is often created - think single serving drinks (bottles, cans), paper plates, plastic utensils, disposable decorations, etc. Well, our friends over at Celebrate Green have put together some great ideas on keeping outdoor entertaining planet friendly. Check out their tips below. I'll definitely be using some of these tips this month.

Wishing you all happy summer celebrations!

Peace, Love & Chocolate,

Joyce


***************

Nothing says summer like red, white and green

For most Americans, July 4th marks the official start of summer and that means family and friends gathering together enjoying each other at picnics and barbecues. But all this celebrating can take a toll on the Earth (and cost a lot of green as well), so why not consider some alternatives to the ways we've traditionally celebrated summer. Here are just a few ideas:

Serve filtered tap water. It's so easy to hit one of the big box stores and pick up cartons of water if you're hosting a picnic or barbecue, but you can save money and the planet when you choose to drink and serve filtered tap water instead.

Knowing that bottled water (even by the case), is 240 to 10,000 times more expensive than tap water and that 40% of bottled water should be labeled tap water because that's what it is, you may decide that the "convenience" is simply not worth the cost. Instead, set out pitchers of iced tap water (print out this tongue-in-cheek label if you like). Ask a willing helper to keep the pitchers full.

Substitute reusables for disposables when possible. Picnics and barbecues have become synonymous with throw aways--plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths and decor. While there are more choices for disposables made from recycled and biodegradable materials, using what you already own and remains a more earth-friendly (and budget-conscions) choice.

If you don't own enough plates and glasses,why not:

• Borrow. Friends and neighbors are usually happy to contribute
• Ask everyone to bring their own place settings. That's what people used to do B.P.P. (before paper plates).
• Hit your local thrift store. You'll likely be able to pick up dozens of plates very inexpensively and when you're done, you can donate them back.

When it comes to napkins, tablecloths and decor, think outside the paper box by decorating with items you already own, like sheets. Supply guests with red, white and blue fabric markers and set them loose. You'll end up with a unique table covering that you can use over and over again.

Washcloths make great napkins and if they're stained with barbecue sauce, use them for rags.

No need to buy paper or plastic decor items when you scour your home (and ask your guests to if you like), for objects in your preferred color scheme and integrate them into the decor. If you've got scrap paper in your colors, wrap it around empty cans and fill them with flowers (cans pictured, while made for the 4th, could be used all summer). Tie napkins with bits of ribbon and stick a flower, feather or leaves under the bow. If you're in crafting mode, make banners from old pairs of blue jeans, or flatware caddies from towels like the one pictured (make extras for guests who might want to take these home--sans your silverware!--so they'll always have their flatware at the ready). Pinwheels are fun, easy-to-make and decorative and here are instructions for making the recycled Christmas bulb candleholder shown above.

Clean up.You're probably shaking your head, "Well, of course we'll clean up, duh!" If you're partying at your home, this is no doubt true, but be sure to provide bins for trash and recyclables as well as for items that can be composted, assuming these services are available in your community. Place signs on each container indicating what should be tossed in which bin and encourage everyone to use them.

And if you're watching the town parade or or enjoying an outdoor movie at a local park where recycling bins are not provided, why not carry a bag so you can bring your trash home and dispose of it properly. This includes packaging from food items, cans and paper goods. While you're at it, how about taking a bag to pick up a bit of trash left by thoughtless individuals? After all, not everyone is as conscientious as you!

Cook it green.When it comes to the environment, barbecues of all kinds are problematic. The best way to cook outside in an eco-friendly way? A solar oven. You can purchase one, but to save money, gather a bunch of kids and make your own. Choose from among dozens of configurations using everything from tires to pizza boxes to a windshielf shade. Yes, cooking with solar takes more time, but hey, it's summer! And if you're only ready for baby steps, start by cooking part of the meal via solar. Pick up some veggies at the local farmer's market and grill them up. Once you see how easy it is and how yummy and fresh everything tastes, you may wave good bye to charcoal altogether.

***************
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net

Press Release: ATTN: Chocoholics--Chocolate Body Treats…From Head to Toe

For Immediate Release

Contact

Leila Belcher

LJB Public Relations

leila@ljbpublicrelations.com

(303) 345-1805

ATTN: Chocoholics

Chocolate Body Treats…From Head to Toe

Coco-Zen, a new company specializing in gourmet, Fair Trade chocolates, also offers a very special treat for the body. Coco-Zen’s Chocolate Body Treats are all natural and made from organic and Fair Trade Certified™ ingredients.

For the true chocoholic, Coco-Zen offers the Chocolate Body Gift Set. For only $40 chocolate lovers will receive:

Chocolate Lotion in Chocolate Milkshake: Go ahead, slather rich chocolate cream on yourself, but make sure it is this non-greasy formula that contains organic jojoba oil and unrefined shea butter to leave your skin silky, smooth and smelling delicious.

Chocolate Soap in Chocolate Mint Bliss: This unique and decadent soap looks and smells like a chunk of rich, dark chocolate. Made with a variety of exotic organic oils, organic/Fair Trade cocoa butter and organic/Fair Trade cocoa powder, this Chocolate Soap has a wonderful, creamy lather and will turn your bath or shower into a truly decadent experience.

Chocolate Salt Scrub in Chocolate Brownie: Mineral-rich Dead Sea Salts help revitalize the skin, remove toxins from the body and relax sore muscles while organic almond oil and organic aloe vera work to soften skin.

Chocolate Lip Balm in Chocolate Mint Bliss: Craving chocolate but not the calories? This chocolate lip balm is flavored with real organic and Fair Trade chocolate and sweetened with a touch of Stevia. While your nose and taste buds dance in chocolate ecstasy, your lips will bathe in moisturizing organic coconut cream and extra virgin olive oil.

Chocolate Edible Lip Scrub in Chocolate Brown Sugar: Rub on and lick off! Made from organic brown sugar, organic oils, organic honey and vitamin E, this edible lip scrub will exfoliate and moisturize your lips while satisfying a chocolate craving.

A full line of truffles and chocolate body products, Coco-Zen, was founded when new mother and chocoholic, Joyce Kushner, decided to take a break from the frenetic pace of retail marketing to stay at home to care for her newborn son. Joyce quickly discovered the magical world of chocolate and soon after experimenting with different recipes in the kitchen she started Coco-Zen and happily left the corporate world behind. The philosophy that Joyce has employed throughout the company is that all of our actions not only affect ourselves but also the world around us and she stays true to that philosophy by using only organic and Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate in all Coco-Zen products.

The Coco-Zen Chocolate Body Gift Set is available for $40 at

http://www.Coco-Zen.com

###

Stuff We Found Today - 07.02.09

The Terrafugia Transition car/plane in Greenwich

Family, Kids & Health Stuff

• Doctor explores link between toxic chemicals and autism - (Safer States) "One of America’s leading pediatricians is asking whether hormone-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A, phthalates and flame retardants are to blame for the rising tide of autism."
• EWG's 2009 Sunscreen Guide - (Environmental Working Group) 'Cause it's time for summer fun in the sun!

Food Stuff

• If the U.S. won’t ban dangerous pesticides in our markets, it’s up to us to ban them from our homes - (Shine: Parenting)
• Healthier Sodas; Ready to commit to a new thirst quencher? - (Ideal Bite) "Most pop's loaded with caffeine and artificial sweeteners. These tasty drinks satisfy your kid's cola cravings in a healthier way. Yes!"
• Taco Bell goes green - (Mother Nature Network) "Could it actually be true? Taco Bell goes all out for the environment? See for yourself." Check out this funny video from The Onion News Network...yes, it's just a spoof!
• Sustainable seafood in supermarkets - (Mother Nature Network) "Greenpeace graded grocery stores on their commitment to sustainable seafood. Sadly, Trader Joe's got an F."

Home Stuff

• Little Works - These guys have gorgeous handmade greeting cards from South Africa. % of proceeds donated to Deep Roots & 1% for the Planet...love it!
• Uroko House Book Igloo is a Book Lover’s Dream Bed - (Inhabitots) How cute is this for your little bookworm?!

Beauty & Fashion Stuff

• Best Brain-Damage-Free Mascaras from Couleur Caramel, Lavera and Jane Iredale - (EcoStiletto) Great lineup of toxin free mascaras.
• www.zosimosbotanicals.com - Exclusive line of handcrafted mineral makeup and natural skincare in a 100% wind-powered workshop. Great affordable prices too!
• Simple Shoes Clearance Sale - Now 50-85% Off. - (The Good Human) A few of the styles are little too "granola" for us, but sneaks are awful cute...especially the peep toe ones!

Tech & Science Stuff

• Electric Cars Run on Coal, But are They Cleaner than Gas? - (Twilight Earth) "In order for a car to run, something has to be burned. Is it Coal, Gas or the Environment? Should we burn it under our hoods in power plants?" Hmmm...something to think about...
• Big Dreams for New Cars That Fly, Run on Air and Reinvent Internal Combustion - (TheDailyGreen) "From the Terrafugia Transition to Zero Pollution Motors and split-cycle Scuderi engines, which alternative technology has the most promise?" (video in post)
• The Solar (Geek) Vest - (GreenMuze) "The four solar panel vest lets you charge your gadgets while working or walking in the sun." More geek than chic in our opinion.

Work & Business Stuff

• Video: Van Jones on MSNBC - (Mother Nature Network) "White House special advisor and green jobs guru Van Jones discusses the president's meeting with business leaders, as well as Obama's energy reform bill."
• 10 Great, Cheap, Green Office Supplies - (Ecopreneurist)
• Green Job Listings - July 2, 2009 - (Green Gigs)
• Great Green Job of the Week: Associate Creative Director, EnviroMedia Social Marketing - (EarthFirst) "EnviroMedia Social Marketing (Austin, Texas) is seeking a rising creative leader ready to use his or her powers to do some good in the world."

Nature & Environment Stuff

• Arctic Sea Ice at Lowest Point in 800 Years - (TheDailyGreen) "With the summer melt trending toward another record-low, a new study shows how global warming has produced unprecedented conditions in the Arctic."
• Close Encounters of the Crab-Ball Kind - (Environmental Graffiti) Who knew that crabs were such creative artists?! (video in post)

Arts, Entertainment & Travel Stuff

• The Digestive Tract Hotel - (GreenMuze) Okay...this is just a little weird, huh??
• Movie Review: Food Inc. - (EcoSalon) Everyone needs to see this movie!

Website Stuff

• Oceana: Creature Corner - Have a kid who loves sea animals (dolphins and sea turtles are soooo cool)? Have you little one check out this site from Oceana.org... "The ocean is home to thousands of species, from the familiar to the bizarre. Now you can learn about the creatures of the deep in Oceana's online encyclopedia."
• FreshandGreen.com: fresh ideas for green living - One stop shop for all eco products that are good for you, your family and the environment.
• New EPA Site Lets You Investigate Your Local Environment - (Sierra Club: The Green Life) "The EPA's new MyEnvironment tool provides a great range of information about local environmental conditions, from air quality to cancer-risk levels."
• www.NubiusOrganics.com - Check out this site for a fabulous selection of innovative products, information & ideas for eco-conscious living.
• How Your Internet Searches Can Fund Forests - (EcoSalon) A search tool like Google, "Click 4 Carbon is a for-profit business based in the UK that aims to raise money for forestation projects in Asia."

Political, Social & Economy Stuff

• EPA Approves California Waiver to REgulate Tailpipe Greenhouse Gas Emissions - (Global Warming Is Real)
• Obama Administration Gives Thumbs Up To Mountaintop Removal Mining - (EcoMatters) Nooooo!!

Other Random Cool Stuff

• We Want More from Our S'mores! - (Global Exchange) "This summer, the S’mores are speaking out…for Fair Trade!!!" Check out this fun Fair Trade campaign that you can participate in no matter where you are...and invite friends...s'more to share! (Sorry, couldn't resist.)
  
• 40 Facts About Water - (GenGreenLife) Did you know... "Less than 1% of the world’s fresh water (or about 0.007% of all water on earth) is readily accessible for direct human use."
• Study Documents the Many Environmental and Health Effects of Plastics - (TheDailyGreen) "Plastics are everywhere -- literally -- from the most remote oceans to the tissues inside our bodies. A new landmark study documents the pervasive impact of the most common consumer material."
• Just one word: Plastics - (Mother Nature Network) "It's hard to know what to do with a material that at once makes our modern lives possible while at the same time polluting the bleep out of the environment."