If you’re looking to start a service-based business and have a mind for both energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, then near the top of your list of priorities should be securing green office space. While we’re mostly familiar with the dead giveaways when it comes to evaluating the greenness of a particular space, there are subtle indicators of a property’s green status relative to other options. If you aren’t sure what to look for when scouting for green office space, use the following as a guide: Windows that open: A common feature of modern office environments has…
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Most Topular Stories
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Six Things to Look for When Scouting for Green Office Space
Eco-Office Gals1 Feb 2012 | 12:53 pm -
Bear and wolf, friends for life [video]
Holy Kaw!9 Feb 2012 | 2:12 pmAll too often we lose track of our friends from childhood, but this bear and wolf appear to be BFFs despite the differences. Full story at YouTube via io9. Can’t we all just get along? Permalink | Leave a comment » -
Study: New kids' books lack connection to nature
Family - Jenn Savedge9 Feb 2012 | 10:20 amTake a minute to think about your favorite book from childhood. Do you envision lots of furry animals? A wise old tree? Kids in the forest? With environmental issues so prominent in the American mindset, one would think that the natural environment would play a larger role now in children's books than it did several decades ago. -
10 Steps to a Green Wedding
5 Minutes For Going Green3 Feb 2012 | 8:05 pmGoing green is definitely the new trend, be it redecorating your house, making a fashion statement or even planning a wedding. Eco-weddings have gained huge popularity over the last couple of years and with more and more couples opting for an environment friendly wedding, the practice is only gaining more leverage and improving awareness. Having your dream wedding with an eco friendly theme in mind is easy. Listed below are 10 steps to go green on your wedding day. 1. Venue One way to go green is to select the venue wisely. Go for an outdoor location which would match the theme perfectly… -
Wednesday Win: EcoSalon Green Mom Box
The Green Parent1 Feb 2012 | 5:22 amWhat’s better than a box full of eco friendly products for you and your baby? Our friends at EcoSalon, the web’s go-to place for eco-savvy culture and fashion publication, have handpicked the best of the best in eco and sustainable Mom and Baby products that are good for the little ones and the environment, and we’re lucky enough to be giving one away! It’s time to think about the non-toxic building blocks of not just ours but our children’s lives in the New Year with some recycled Green Toys Stacking Cups, some Zoe Organics: Baby Massage Oil to keep the…
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Eco-Office Gals
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Six Things to Look for When Scouting for Green Office Space
1 Feb 2012 | 12:53 pmIf you’re looking to start a service-based business and have a mind for both energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, then near the top of your list of priorities should be securing green office space. While we’re mostly familiar with the dead giveaways when it comes to evaluating the greenness of a particular space, there are subtle indicators of a property’s green status relative to other options. If you aren’t sure what to look for when scouting for green office space, use the following as a guide: Windows that open: A common feature of modern office environments has… -
Eco-Friendly Flooring Options for the Office
1 Feb 2012 | 8:32 amMost of us make an effort to be eco-friendly at home—recycling, not wasting water, and getting rid of toxic cleaners are all pretty well known ways to go green. But what you might not have considered is that there are opportunities to be just as eco-friendly at work as you are at home. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to make businesses more eco-friendly. Take these tips back to work with you and implement them in your office to help make a lighter impact on our environment! 1. Go Digital – Printing wastes paper, so try to do so as little as possible. Send documents via email… -
Grab StudioPress Savings While They Last!
26 Jan 2012 | 6:39 pmUntil Monday, you can get all 44 StudioPress child themes, plus every child theme design they make in the future, for only $299.95 with the StudioPress Pro Plus All-Theme Package. That’s a savings of $887.80 off the price of buying everything separately. Of course, they didn’t want to let the price increase without one last deal… For a very short time discount code TEN will give you and extra 10% off your Pro Plus purchase! On Tuesday January 31, 2012, the price goes up so don’t miss out. You know how much we love StudioPress at Eco-Office Gals and now you can have them all! -
Use Online Calculators to Reduce Emissions and Save Energy
23 Jan 2012 | 8:49 pmGoing green isn’t exactly easy to do by your lonesome. Few of us are experts in the fields of energy innovation, nor do we have the skills to assess our individual circumstances and lifestyles and come to practical conclusions about how to save energy. Sure we can make the switch to CFLs, carpool three days out of the week, and properly insulate our homes, but in many cases the biggest contributors to our carbon footprint are ignored in favor of these more apparent and easier issue to tackle. The result is a whole lot of good intentions that unfortunately do not equate to a whole lot of… -
SOPA: It only went as far as we let it!
20 Jan 2012 | 5:54 pmWe made noise and they listened! “On January 18th, 13 million of us took the time to tell Congress to protect free speech rights on the internet. Hundreds of millions, maybe a billion, people all around the world saw what we did on Wednesday.” This was unprecedented. Your activism may have changed the way people fight for the public interest and basic rights forever. The MPAA (the lobby for big movie studios which created these terrible bills) was shocked and seemingly humbled. “‘This was a whole new different game all of a sudden,’ MPAA Chairman and former Senator Chris…
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Holy Kaw!
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Bear and wolf, friends for life [video]
9 Feb 2012 | 2:12 pmAll too often we lose track of our friends from childhood, but this bear and wolf appear to be BFFs despite the differences. Full story at YouTube via io9. Can’t we all just get along? Permalink | Leave a comment » -
Can dessert for breakfast help you lose weight?
9 Feb 2012 | 1:39 pmNew research suggests that, in the early morning, you can have your cake and shed pounds too A new study from Tel Aviv University finds that eating a small dessert as part of a balanced breakfast can actually help you shed unwanted pounds. Staying skinny and eating chocolate? Here, a brief guide to what sounds, frankly, impossible: Full story at The Week. Photo: CC by ::paqman:: All the top stories from The Week. Permalink | Leave a comment » -
Romance survey [infographic]
9 Feb 2012 | 12:02 pmVia Hotels.com. Infographics to put you in the mood. Permalink | Leave a comment » -
Do aliens go invisible by 'going green'?
9 Feb 2012 | 11:24 amAs we discover more and more planets around other stars, the Fermi Paradox is becoming, well, more paradoxical. The Fermi Paradox simply asks the question "where are they?" Our Milky Way galaxy is so big and so old -- and we are estimated to be accompanied by at least 100 billion planets -- that aliens should have visited us by now. Instead, when we peruse the heavens, we are faced with the Great Silence, which is one of the biggest challenges to modern astronomy. Full story at Discovery News. More news from Discovery Communications. Photo credit: Fotolia Permalink | Leave a… -
Mysterious sounds reported around the world
9 Feb 2012 | 11:23 amPeople around the world have reported hearing strange sounds from the skies over the past month. Sometimes they describe it as a hum or low rumble; other times it’s a whine, thump, or even a melody. Often the sounds have been recorded and posted online, fueling rumors and conspiracy theories. One blogger wrote, "either the world is ending, aliens are landing or everyone is getting hoaxed. Or, possibly, there’s an actual scientific explanation for the mass amount of YouTube videos capturing bizarre sounds that are being heard around the globe. Are we witnessing the beginning of a…
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Family - Jenn Savedge
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Study: New kids' books lack connection to nature
9 Feb 2012 | 10:20 amTake a minute to think about your favorite book from childhood. Do you envision lots of furry animals? A wise old tree? Kids in the forest? With environmental issues so prominent in the American mindset, one would think that the natural environment would play a larger role now in children's books than it did several decades ago. -
Sarah Palin: Raising a special needs child
9 Feb 2012 | 9:38 amI feel the need to state from the get-go that I am not the parent of a special needs child. But I have been so touched by two posts I've read recently on the topic that I felt I absolutely had to share them here. -
Technology in the classroom: How much is enough?
8 Feb 2012 | 1:43 pmWhere is the future of education headed? Our kids are connected to gadgets and plugged into technology at earlier and earlier ages to the point where many find their use inevitable and even critical to a child's education. But interestingly, a strange trend has emerged amongst those tasked with creating all of this technology. They're sending their kids to schools that don't use any gadgets — no iPads, no computers — no screens of any kind. And they're keeping their kids away from gadgets at home, too. -
White House introduces plan to promote STEM subjects in education
8 Feb 2012 | 7:00 amYesterday, President Barack Obama hosted the second White House Science Fair, honoring more than 100 student winners from a broad range of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions from across the country. -
How to set up parental controls for your kid's computer
8 Feb 2012 | 3:28 amFresh on the heels of yesterday's post on technology in the classroom, I thought it would be appropriate to write about the parental controls you can use to keep kids safe on the technology they use at home. We jumped on the fast-moving technology train at our house around the holidays when an iPhone, a netbook, and two Kindles suddenly came into our lives, leaving me scrambling to ensure that my kids are getting the best of their access to the Internet without exposing them to the unsavory side of the World Wide Web.
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5 Minutes For Going Green
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10 Steps to a Green Wedding
3 Feb 2012 | 8:05 pmGoing green is definitely the new trend, be it redecorating your house, making a fashion statement or even planning a wedding. Eco-weddings have gained huge popularity over the last couple of years and with more and more couples opting for an environment friendly wedding, the practice is only gaining more leverage and improving awareness. Having your dream wedding with an eco friendly theme in mind is easy. Listed below are 10 steps to go green on your wedding day. 1. Venue One way to go green is to select the venue wisely. Go for an outdoor location which would match the theme perfectly… -
Green Beginnings with Sustainable Wood
12 Aug 2011 | 5:00 amGuest contributor Joanna joins us this week to talk about the option of sustainable wood for baby furniture. Beauty and earth-friendly all in one. Babies need furniture! If you’re looking for alternative materials for baby furniture other than plastic, then wood can be an appealing option. However, when you’re purchasing wood furniture it’s best to look for sustainable wood to avoid deforestation for furniture production. Try your best to stay away from slow growing trees such as oak, redwood, beech and Colorado spruce. Look for medium growth rate trees such as red oak, birch and… -
7 Eco-Friendly Tips to Redecorate Your Living Room
4 Aug 2011 | 9:45 amDoes your living room need some help? Guest contributor Joanna shares some eco-friendly tips on redecorating your living room. Change of slipcovers and pillow covers Easy touches like changing your sofa and pillow covers makes a big difference in your living room. The best thing is you can have multiple options throughout the year to change the look and wash the old covers in the mean time. Slip covers are one of the few accessories that doesn’t cost a fortune to give your room a complete face lift. The best options are always organic cotton covers as they are softer and contains no… -
Eco-friendly Strollers
29 Jul 2011 | 7:14 amAs new age parents learn about supporting the environment when purchasing household items, it has sparked the trend of Eco friendly strollers. There’s not as vast of a selection as there should be, but a few companies are emerging as leaders in producing non-toxic strollers for babies and toddlers. These two companies are recognizable for their quality product as well as their initiative in providing a toxic free environment for your baby. Strollers are going green Maclaren Strollers This international company is dedicated to their corporate social policy (CSR), as one of their major… -
Green Inconvenience
10 Nov 2010 | 9:02 amI do a lot of the “usual” green things. I recycle. I compost. I shop second-hand. I carry reusable grocery bags and a stainless steel water bottle. I walk my daughter to kindergarten and back every day. I turn down my thermostat and put on a sweater. But there is an obstacle to my green efforts – much of the time, I don’t want to be inconvenienced by going green. I bring my reusable grocery bags when I go grocery shopping, but if I occasionally forget, I don’t sweat it. I drink tap water, but when I forget my water bottle at home, I sometimes buy water in a…
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The Green Parent
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Wednesday Win: EcoSalon Green Mom Box
1 Feb 2012 | 5:22 amWhat’s better than a box full of eco friendly products for you and your baby? Our friends at EcoSalon, the web’s go-to place for eco-savvy culture and fashion publication, have handpicked the best of the best in eco and sustainable Mom and Baby products that are good for the little ones and the environment, and we’re lucky enough to be giving one away! It’s time to think about the non-toxic building blocks of not just ours but our children’s lives in the New Year with some recycled Green Toys Stacking Cups, some Zoe Organics: Baby Massage Oil to keep the… -
Not Quite Wordless Wednesday
25 Jan 2012 | 10:59 amThis week’s Wordless Wednesday is not quite wordless, but I think in this case you don’t even need the words to understand the point that’s being made… -
My New Year’s Resolutions for 2012
22 Jan 2012 | 5:31 pmGreen moms meetup at Ford NAIAS: Diane MacEachern, Anna Hackman, me, Tifany Washko, and Stephanie Moram I’ve had these resolutions knocking around in my head since we first rang in 2012 a few weeks ago. I decided to follow my own advice and write them down so that I can make sure they actually happen. So without further ado, here are my top resolutions for 2012. 1. Spend more time on Facebook: I know most people head into the new year with aspirations to spend less time on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. But this year, I’m actually vowing to spend more time on… -
Wordless Funnies?
19 Jan 2012 | 7:40 amWordless Wednesday had to be postponed yesterday as this site went dark in support of the Stop SOPA movement. And since the kids are off from school tomorrow (teacher workday,) I thought I would give you your Wordless Wednesday and Friday Funny post all rolled into one neat little package. Enjoy and have a great weekend! -
Monday Meditation: MLK
16 Jan 2012 | 4:32 amMartin Luther King, Jr. Memorial I’ve decided to launch a new series on this site entitled Monday Meditations. The idea is to take a minute before diving into the week to reflect on a quote, story, poem, or photo. And what better Monday to start such an endeavor than this Monday – Martin Luther Kinh, Jr. Day. There was no shortage of quotes to choose from for today’s meditation. In fact, the really hard part was in finding just one quote to reflect on today. But after careful consideration, I think this one is a winner: “History will have to record that…
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Green Your Decor
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My To-Do (& Honey-Do) Lists
2 Feb 2012 | 10:07 amIt’s February, and FINALLY, I’m feeling somewhat like myself again. It felt like I started 2012 trying to wade through quicksand — just not getting anywhere and getting mired deeper and deeper into the muck with every step. So something had to give, and unfortunately, for the past month, that something was Green Your Decor. But I’ve never been one to give up that easy, so I figure the best way to get myself back on track is to find something — anything — to do around my home to build some inspiration. Even my husband has said “you need a project.” But once… -
If Nothing Else, at Least I Get a Good Night’s Sleep
13 Jan 2012 | 1:22 pmIt’s probably seemed quiet around here for the past few weeks. That’s because I have hit what I call my after-Christmas crash. Basically, the month of December is one of my busiest, meaning that I’m usually going and going, right up until Christmas. Or until I just can’t go any more. So instead of starting the new year full of energy and resolve to make this year better than last, I started it exhausted and unable to focus. However, I promise this is only temporary, and I’ll be back to “myself” in time. In all of this, though, the one thing I’ve… -
Green Gift Giveaway: Jo Totes Vegan Camera Bag
20 Dec 2011 | 9:00 amI had to save the best for (almost) last. I have had my eye on Jo Totes for a long time. If you (or a woman you know) own a DSLR camera, or really any quality camera that you use all the time, you will L-O-V-E these bags. I’ve had my Nikon D40 for a few years now, and I learn something new about it every day. Wen I bought it, I also bought an ugly, but functional, boxy Nikon camera bag. I hate it. It is big and clunky, and I only use it for storage or traveling when absolutely necessary. Most of the time, I just stick my DSLR in my purse. But it’s not a very good idea to have an… -
Green Gift Giveaway: “Chopped” Table Runner from Home Sweet
20 Dec 2011 | 7:00 amI always have the best intentions when it comes to setting my table. I will pin photos of lavish table settings on Pinterest, and promise myself that for the next holiday, I’ll make my table look just like them — or better. Needless to say, it usually doesn’t work out that way. After spending all day in the kitchen on Thanksgiving or Christmas or whatever, the last thing I’m interested in doing in making the table look great. Jennifer Nelson of Home Sweet understands that, and she has created a product that will let you give your table a little something extra without all… -
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas & Free Printable Gift Tags
19 Dec 2011 | 2:49 pmI’ve been a little lazy with my gift wrapping this year, and I’ve used more paper than I’d like. So for the rest of my wrapping, I’m determined to get creative and reuse gift bags, boxes, fabric and anything else I can find. Here are some of my favorite green gift wrapping ideas: Use boxes and bags from last year My family has been reusing the same gift bags and boxes for years now. As we unwrap (or inbox or unbag) gifts on Christmas morning, I neatly fold them up and put them in a stack. I also save bags and boxes from birthdays, Valentine’s Day, etc., all in my…
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The Greenists
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Do we really understand what it means to be green?
9 Feb 2012 | 5:47 amA few days ago, I noticed a discussion on another website about a real estate survey published by Yahoo! back in December. That survey asked 1,500 current and aspiring homeowners to choose the features that their dream home would include. Lo and behold, “green or energy efficient” was the top vote-getting quality after being chosen by 58 percent of the poll’s respondents. My knee-jerk reaction was, “Great! Our fellow Americans are finally getting it! Taking a green-minded approach with our homes IS important.” But then I read a bit farther into the poll’s… -
Easy Steps to Make Your Home Green
8 Feb 2012 | 12:00 amPlease welcome today’s guest poster, Izzy. Everybody needs to do their bit when it comes to protecting the environment, and there are so many ways you can make a difference. Your home should be the first place to start when it comes to lowering your carbon footprint, and there are a number of simple ways you can create a green home with minimum effort. Equipping your home with things like an all-natural bed or an open log fire is a great start. Buying only organic food to stock your kitchen is also a move in the right direction. But to really make your home as eco-friendly as it can… -
Things I’ve Learned from The Greenists
7 Feb 2012 | 1:33 amHere at The Greenists, we don’t just inform you of green changes you can make to your lifestyle, we make those same changes too. Here are some of the changes I’ve made at Howling Hill which I learned of here. I stopped using shampoo and conditioner in 2008. Allie was the one I got the idea from. Last year I stopped using deodorant. Allie was the inspiration for this also. Conserving water is another change we’ve made around here, especially after our well went dry a couple years ago. It’s not something we want to go through again. I wrote a round up here. House… -
Meatless Monday: Bring On The Mushrooms!
6 Feb 2012 | 2:00 amA lot of people wonder when going meatless where to start. Mushrooms are a great place to begin! You can do all sorts of things with mushrooms, things you might not even suspect, and you can easily substitute them in recipes that call for meat. Mushrooms add a hearty, “meaty” addition to many dishes. One of my all time favorite things to do with mushrooms is simply roast them. This makes a fabulous side dish, or even main course, that is savory and satisfying, all while being very healthy. You can also spice or season up basic mushrooms to give them a kick, such as these Balsamic… -
What’s Going On
3 Feb 2012 | 5:45 amGrist helps a reader figure out why her CFL bulbs don’t last very long. INHABITAT has instructions for building a stool out of recycled cardboard, and the most adorable clothespin cake topper. GreenUPGRADER shows us how to make a heart garland out of old books. Or, you know, you could use magazine, because I bet the author of said book was probably hoping it would last forever, telling the story to the ages and . . . sigh. The Good Human can help you save 70% at the Reusables Warehouse Sale! Rob’s World has a way to reuse spent gift cards. Crafting a Green World is upcycling…
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Green and Clean Mom ™
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Rainforest Alliance’s Green Guide to Valentine’s Day
9 Feb 2012 | 5:00 amI would like to share another Valentine’s Day post with you that was distributed by the Rainforst Alliance. Green and Clean Mom has promoted the practices of the Rainforest Alliance in the past and still do today. The Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land. They are devoted to keeping the [...]Post from: Green and Clean Mom (TM) all rights reserved.Rainforest Alliance’s Green Guide to Valentine’s Day -
Valentine’s Day the Right Way
8 Feb 2012 | 5:00 amIt’s almost February, do you know what that means? Yup, Valentine’s Day. So what does Valentine’s mean to you? According to Wikipedia, Valentine’s is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. In our family Valentine’s Day isn’t just a tribute to our intimate partner but to everyone that [...]Post from: Green and Clean Mom (TM) all rights reserved.Valentine’s Day the Right Way -
A Healthy Mealtime Makeover with e-mealz
7 Feb 2012 | 5:00 amEating healthy and not breaking the budget can certainly seem impossible – especially if your choice is organic all the time with no exceptions. I’ve share some simple coupon tips to help you save dollars at the register but I’m learning that e-mealz offers menu planning with your life style choices {low calorie, low fat, [...]Post from: Green and Clean Mom (TM) all rights reserved.A Healthy Mealtime Makeover with e-mealz -
Preparing for a Vacation with eBay
6 Feb 2012 | 5:00 amNo I’m not going on vacation with eBay – literally {I wish}! Instead I’ve been preparing for our family vacation and a business trip with the help of eBay. Instead of rushing to the store at the last minute and paying full price for new items and then trying to figure out how to pay [...]Post from: Green and Clean Mom (TM) all rights reserved.Preparing for a Vacation with eBay -
7 Healthy Green Reads
2 Feb 2012 | 5:00 amIt’s been awhile since I shared with you some of what I read online and give some props to some amazing bloggers and online pals. Here are some great reads that I’m certain will not disappoint you: A year of juicing with none other than Esther Crawford who I know you’ll love to pieces! Go [...]Post from: Green and Clean Mom (TM) all rights reserved.7 Healthy Green Reads
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The Green Mom Review™
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GLOB Natural Non-Toxic Paints
2 Feb 2012 | 4:44 pmWhat: All natural, non-toxic paint Features: Water-soluble, botanically crafted paints made from fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices with natural food-grade ingredients and organic extracts. Similar to watercolors, GLOB paints can be used for a variety of arts and crafts activities. Green Factor: Inexplicably, in the US, synthetic pigments that have never been tested for toxicity can be labeled “non-toxic ” simply because there is no data to prove otherwise. GLOB paints are free of the petrochemicals, formaldehyde and heavy metals like lead and cadmium that are found in many… -
Glassen Insulated Reusable Travel Mug
3 Jan 2012 | 11:25 amWhat: Grosche Glassen insulated glass travel mug Features: This 12oz travel mug is handmade of double-walled glass which helps keep your beverages hot. It has no metal or plastic parts and is a better fit for car drink holders than a standard coffee mug. Green Factor: It’s made of glass so there is no leaching of chemicals into your beverages and the lid and grip are made of food-safe silicone. Since it’s reusable, you can also forgo the yucky styrofoam poison cups. Bonus: Right now they’re 40% off at Amazon.com. Editors Note: I got one of these for Christmas and I… -
Great Gifts: Eco-Friendly Dump Truck Toy
14 Dec 2011 | 9:36 amWhat: Green Toys Dump Truck Features: This award-winning, eco-designed toy truck has no metal axles and a workable dumper that encourages motor skill development. Green Factor: Made from 100 percent recycled plastic milk containers Bonus: Made in the USA Find It Here: Amazon.com The Green Mom Review™.. -
Great Gifts: 50% Off Sale at Pure and Little
2 Dec 2011 | 11:09 amPure and Little, purveyors of organic baby and toddler gear are having a SITEWIDE 50% off sale. It runs through Sunday, December 4th. Score some awesome (and affordable) holiday gifts and if you have any baby showers coming up, this is a great time to pick up something fabulous for the mama-to-be! Find It Here: Pure and Little The Green Mom Review™.. -
Great Gifts: Zoe Organic Wrap Dress
15 Nov 2011 | 11:30 amWhat: Cotton wrap dress Features: This flirty wrap dress is sewn and dyed by a women’s fair trade collective in Nepal. Green Factor: Made of certified organic cotton and 100% natural dyes made from bark, roots, and the leaves of plants native to Nepal. Bonus: Get free shipping and a free scarf with your $100 order from Nancy’s Gone Green Find It Here: Nancy’s Gone Green The Green Mom Review™..
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How can I recycle this?
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How can I reuse or recycle a whole kitchen?
9 Feb 2012 | 6:08 amI’m back post-lurgy and I thought I’d post this great question from James – asking how to recycle a whole kitchen: We shall be replacing our kitchen in the next few months. The present one is 15 years old and is perfectly serviceable. I don’t want to “skip” it. Any suggestion as to how I can recycle it? My first suggestion would be to try to pass it on – lots of people would love a kitchen revamp but can’t afford to go the whole hog so just replace cabinet doors etc. I regularly see sets of door & drawer fronts offered up on eBay, Gumtree… -
How can I reuse or recycle margarine tub lids/cream cheese tub lids?
3 Feb 2012 | 2:17 amWhitney has emailed us, asking about margarine tub lids: i’m trying to do my part and make sure that i recycle everything that i can, or at least find a way to reuse it. i recycle my #5 containers of cream cheese, margarine, etc, but have nothing to do with the lids, which even if they are also #5 they are not accepted in my recycling. any ideas of what i can do with them? typically i just put them under plant pots, but i can only have so many plants. and i thought about making coasters, but i don’t really use coasters, so i’m open to some new ideas! When we get this type of… -
Listed buildings & green issues: what are your thoughts?
2 Feb 2012 | 8:36 am(This isn’t strictly a recycling issue but I was thinking about it the other day and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter!) A few miles down the road from me is a village called Saltaire. It is a Victorian model village founded by a local mill owner (Sir Titus Salt) so his employees had somewhere nice to live compared to the slums around mills in the rest of Bradford. It’s still a nice place to live – rows upon rows of well built Yorkshire-stone houses, with a lovely park, a very pretty church, lots of independent shops and the old mill, which is now home to an… -
How can I reuse/use up really, really old coffee beans?
1 Feb 2012 | 2:48 amI mentioned in passing on my simple/frugal living blog that we’re having our kitchen ceiling replastered at the moment. Ahead of the plasterer starting on Monday, we had to tidy off all the work surfaces and tops of cupboards – quite a challenge for hoarders like us with many, many culinary hobbies! Anyway, among our tidying, I found a couple of half-used bags of coffee beans in an old biscuit tin. My boyfriend John bought them from an expensive coffee bean shop but didn’t really like them – he couldn’t bring himself to throw them away though, better to keep them… -
How can I reuse or recycle plastic handicap car parking tags?
30 Jan 2012 | 5:57 amAges and ages ago on the Suggest An Item page, Carolyn asked about reusing handicap parking tags – but I missed it until Raynor recently comment last week. Sorry – not sure how it slipped by me! Anyway, better late than never, Carolyn asked: Every two years my husband’s blue handicap tags for the vehicles expire. The county gives him new ones at no cost. What can we do with the expired tags, made of heavy but flexible plastic? They are about 3.5″ x 6.75″ plus another 2.5″ for the hook at the top. Raynor suggested cutting them into strips and using them as plant markers in…
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GreenBiz.com Green and Sustainable Business News
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5 Lessons in Futureproofing Products from Brown Toilet Paper
9 Feb 2012 | 8:07 amInnovations -- even ones leading to the most sustainable products of their fields, like Cascades' new Moka recycled TP -- sometimes fail not because of any inherent fault of their own, but because they're launched at the wrong time. -
Inside the Killer App for Buildings & Energy Management
9 Feb 2012 | 4:45 amFault detection and diagnostics are at the core of the killer app in today’s building automation and building energy management industry. -
The Next Smart Sustainability Idea: A Net Positive Impact Business
9 Feb 2012 | 4:45 amGoing beyond what is currently the leading edge of sustainability to a strategy that puts people and the planet at the heart of operations is going to be the key to survival in the 21st century, and a few smart companies are leading the pack. -
Organic Valley Turns to Solar Windows for Green Power, Energy Savings
9 Feb 2012 | 4:44 amThe co-op that brought sustainable farming to the dairy industry has adopted the latest twist in solar technology: windows embedded with solar cells that generate electricity and save energy by boosting the benefits of daylighting. -
As Biotech Debate Rages on, More GMOs Get Planted
8 Feb 2012 | 12:46 pmEven as both sides continue to wage a battle around whether or not genetically modified organisms are good for the planet and its people, new data show that ever-larger swaths of land are being planted in biotech crops.
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EcoSalon | Conscious Culture and Fashion
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Olfactory Heaven: Nectar Essences Debuts Organic Perfumes
9 Feb 2012 | 3:36 pmToday’s conscious perfume lover can now find beauty in a nature-based signature scent. When Coco Chanel famously said, “Wear perfume wherever you want to be kissed,” she was no doubt planning herself a romantic February 14th. Sales of perfume always go up dramatically around Valentine’s Day, but beyond our desire to feel more attractive to others, why do we “wear” perfume? Like our choice to wear certain clothes, we simply want to carry around something beautiful that reflects how we feel inside. Today’s conscious consumer, increasingly aware of the benefits… -
Get an Exclusive EcoSalon Heart Mug by Laura Cooke Ceramics
9 Feb 2012 | 12:41 pmAn exclusive handmade EcoSalon mug. Hearts represent a lot of things: love, friendship, caring… all things we at EcoSalon believe in strongly. So to celebrate the month of February, we’re partnering with one of our favorite independent artists, Laura Cooke, to bring you an exclusive EcoSalon heart mug. Based in Portland, Oregon, Cooke loves clean and simple design and intends her pottery for everyday use. This functional piece is just as usable as it is beautiful. Use it for your morning coffee, your midday chai latte and your evening tea. You won’t be able to stop using… -
EcoSalon at NYFW: Gretchen Jones
9 Feb 2012 | 9:59 amA scene inspired by a midnight desert, a Warhol muse, and personal tragedy at Gretchen Jones’ Fall/Winter 2012 presentation. Outside it was snowing, but inside Chelsea’s Root Drive-In, a desert had been realized. This wasn’t your sun-kissed, white linen and turquoise desert, though. This was darker, more melancholy – the desert at midnight. The room was pitch black, save for small spotlights trained on the models, who stood on wooden platforms arranged in a circular pattern among sand and stones. In one corner, a smoke machine created a haze. In the other, the Gang Gang Dance’s… -
Choosing the Right Vegetables to Grow in Your Urban Garden
9 Feb 2012 | 8:47 amVideoTomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash or all of the above? We have the basics of apartment gardening down and still need to decide what to grow. When most people start their urban garden, they have visions of growing tomatoes, cucumbers and so many other vegetables. Then the reality sets in when tomatoes start dying and cucumbers shrivel up. Not to worry. I’ll help you to figure out which vegetables to choose. For instance, one of the biggest mistakes that people make is planting a vegetable such as tomatoes in a spot that doesn’t get enough sunlight for them to grow. In this… -
heARTbeat: Jenine Shereos Weaves Leaves From Human Hair
9 Feb 2012 | 6:52 amColumnThe significance of our locks. Throughout history, humans have imbued hair with meaning. Take for instance a superstitious Picasso who is said to have kept all his hair cuttings (and nails) to protect him from witchcraft. In an era when women were still property, Victorians’ long tresses could increase a dowry. Urban myth or not, Samson may indeed have lost his virility when Delilah cut his locks. Hair continues to be a symbol, and its presence or absence is a powerful marker across cultures. In her work, Jenine Shereos, a sculptor and installation artist specializing in fiber and…
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thedailygreen.com article feed
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Doctor Prescribes Preventive Medicine for Shale Gas
5 Feb 2012 | 6:07 amAs Gasland director Josh Fox's arrest stole the attention, politicians heard important testimony about fracking. -
How to Win Friends, Influence People, and Bury Nuclear Waste
28 Jan 2012 | 11:37 pmThe decades-long stalemate on where to store U.S. nuclear waste could be ending. -
Latest Toxic Toy Recalls: Lead and Cadmium in Toys and Jewelry
28 Jan 2012 | 7:40 amFind details about the latest children's product recall: Action figures. -
The Downs and Ups of Gas Prices
22 Jan 2012 | 6:58 amGas exports could drive up gas prices. -
The Record-Breaking 14 Billion-Dollar Weather Disasters of 2011
20 Jan 2012 | 11:09 pm2011 has broken the record for the most billion-dollar weather disasters.
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msnbc.com: Environment
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Rhino dies in anti-poaching demo by conservationists
9 Feb 2012 | 11:33 amA conservation group demonstrating an anti-poaching method for reporters in South Africa accidentally killed the rhinoceros they were using in the demonstration. -
US licenses first nuclear reactors since 1978
9 Feb 2012 | 9:54 amIt's been 34 years -- and several nuclear accidents later -- but a divided federal panel on Thursday licensed a utility to build nuclear reactors in the U.S. for the first time since 1978. -
Killer whales denied anti-slavery protection
9 Feb 2012 | 6:33 amA judge dismissed a lawsuit that sought to give killer whales at SeaWorld constitutional rights. -
WWF: Toilet paper destroys tiger, elephant habitat
8 Feb 2012 | 3:12 pmIs your toilet paper wiping out forests used by tigers, elephants, orangutans and other wildlife? The World Wildlife Fund alleged that a major paper supplier is clearcutting in Indonesia. -
Satellites show how our icy world is melting
8 Feb 2012 | 11:47 amThe melt-off from the world's ice sheets, ice caps and glaciers over eight years of the past decade would have been enough to cover the United States in about 18 inches (46 centimeters) of water, according to new research based on the most-comprehensive analysis of satellite data yet.
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Great Green Goods - Shopping the Eco-friendly Way!
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Recycled Felted Wool Hearts
5 Feb 2012 | 4:08 pmTake one part recycled wool sweater and add two parts of beads, buttons and embroidery embellishments and then dump a whole lot of colorful creativity on top and you get these cute little heart pins ready for anything. Prices range from $5.00 to $10.00 perfect for your little valentines from SueandSew’s Etsy Shop Pin It -
Recycled Copper Hearts
4 Feb 2012 | 4:03 pmCreated from repurposed recycled vintage copper roofing shingles, cute hearts, that are hand cut and hammered with a true artisan one-of-a-kind look. They are lightweight and inscribed with the words LOVE/YA. On top of it all they are adorned with itsy bitsy silver tin hearts. Check out Ruddle Cottage Etsy shop there are several variations. $18.00 at Ruddle Cottage Pin It -
Upcycled Fabric Felt Art Hearts
27 Jan 2012 | 7:38 pmYou don’t need to pollute the planet to prove your love…try one of these adorable heart pins made from random bits of fabric scraps. $16.00 at TresArty’s Etsy Shop Pin It -
Recycled Hearts
15 Jan 2012 | 3:49 pmThere is no end to the good vibes that you get with this pretty “heart” platter. Each plate is cut from glass that would otherwise go to waste and end up in the land-fill which is a tragedy since it is perfectly good glass!! It is categorized as pre-consumer/ post-industrial. The design on the plates is hand screened. With each purchase, $2 is donated to benefit Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity, which brings community volunteers together to build affordable housing for low-income families….and a little certificate describing the donation is included with the plate. It is… -
Recycled T Shirts
28 Dec 2011 | 1:37 pmWe’re all spent from the holiday and now need to regroup and make something beautiful for ourselves that doesn’t cost a lot of money! Everyone has a spare T-shirt hanging around. Check out the beautiful ideas: This neckware is created by Etsy seller Johnny Vegas Originals. Lots of different colors and styles available for sale in his Etsy shop. Can you imagine anything more comfortable to wear? This creative craftster cut up her t-shirts and made yarn out of it which she then knitted to make dishtowels. I’m sure they are nice and soft and…
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GoodGuide Blog
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What Makes “Good” Chocolate?
8 Feb 2012 | 5:25 pmValentine’s Day is right around the corner and it’s pretty hard to resist the temptation of chocolate, whether you receive it as a gift or enjoy it as an indulgence for yourself. In fact, over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for this holiday. We may view it as a sinful sweet treat, but is all chocolate bad for you? Chocolate actually starts off across the globe, since cacao trees grow best in countries with tropical climate like West Africa, Central and South America, and parts of Asia. This is where chocolate can leave a bad taste. There are many labor issues with harvesting… -
Rumblings Of A Retail Revolution
3 Feb 2012 | 3:04 pmThe retail industry has the largest energy bills and the second largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the commercial sector of the U.S economy, according to the EPA. If retailers made even small adjustments to their practices, wouldn’t this have a profound impact on the welfare of our environment? In an attempt to give an extra push in the right direction, the Retail Industry Leader’s Association (RILA) released the first ever Retail Sustainability Report earlier this week. Businesses can now see how their sustainability efforts stack up, and generate new ideas based off… -
The Folly of Faux Meat
2 Feb 2012 | 9:20 amThere are lots of reasons to make more of your meals meatless. The primary reason is the significant body of public health research indicates diets high in meat and animal products (specifically red meat) are associated with higher rates of chronic disease. However, “going meatless” to be healthier is getting more complicated. In a simple world, being vegetarian means replacing fleshy foods with more fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Some people don’t take this route with vegetarianism though, and instead opt to replace meat with “meat substitutes,” a growing… -
January Good News Roundup
31 Jan 2012 | 3:57 pmGoodGuide kicked 2012 off to a great, healthy start and we are confident it is indicative of even better things to come. The media has been predicting that the rise of the sustainable shopper will be a major trend this year and we couldn’t agree more. Additionally, a multitude of publications including the New York Times predicted that with smart phone apps such as GoodGuide, the need for marketing terms and certifications on packages will become obsolete. Check our media highlights from the month of January: New York Times “Deciphering 2 Embedded Signs of Our… -
A Healthy Game Plan
30 Jan 2012 | 4:31 pmSuper Bowl Sunday might be the second largest day of food consumption (aside from Thanksgiving), but that doesn’t mean you have to throw your health game plan out the window. Armed with the GoodGuide app on your smartphone, you can easily tackle the super market without any fumbles. So how are we watching the Super Bowl here at GoodGuide? More pizza and chicken wings are consumed on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day. It’s fine to splurge, but go the extra yard by making your own so you can control the cheese, toppings and grease. You can make your own snacks also. By preparing…
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The Good Human
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You Are Not Allowed To Line Dry Your Clothes.
9 Feb 2012 | 6:00 amHas anyone ever told you that it was illegal to be line drying your clothes outside? If you live in the United States, you may be one of the millions of citizens living in communities which have made it against the law to do so. Outside of the U.S., line drying your clothes is the norm; most people don’t even own dryers. But here in the States, towns, cities, and HOA’s have set up laws making the act of line drying your own clothing illegal. So what gives? Turns out, lawmakers and those snobby neighbors of ours don’t like the idea of residents being allowed to hang out their… -
Revenge of the Electric Car Available on Netflix Instant
7 Feb 2012 | 2:55 pmIf you are a fan of electric cars and the future of transportation, and have a Netflix Watch Instantly subscription, I have the perfect documentary for you to check out. Revenge of the Electric Car is the follow-up to Who Killed the Electric Car?, and is presented 12 years after General Motors killed their EV1 electric car project. The film covers the explosive growth in the electric car industry, as companies ranging from the guy making EV conversions in his garage, to the truly innovative upstarts (Tesla Motors), and to the massive (GM and Nissan), compete to release an affordable EV for… -
Set-Top TV Boxes use Equivalent Energy Output of Six Coal-Fired Power Plants.
5 Feb 2012 | 6:00 amQ: Is it true that cable and other pay TV boxes that sit atop television sets consume massive amounts of energy, in part because they are always on, even when the TV is off? We hear a lot about how much energy modern day flat screen TV sets consume, but the innocuous set-top boxes that drive them, along with their built-in digital video recorders, may be even more to blame. A recent analysis conducted by the consulting firm Ecos on behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that “the average new cable high-definition digital video recorder (HD-DVR) consumes more than half… -
Treat a Cold the Natural Way
4 Feb 2012 | 12:29 pmIf it’s wintertime where you live, then you know what that means – it’s time to bring out the supplies needed to treat a cold! Cold and flu season brings on all sorts of maladies, from the sniffles all the way to the flu and pneumonia. But the most common aiment people come down with is the common cold, and thankfully there are ways to treat a cold without resorting to all sorts of pills and cover-ups. Here are the most popular ways you can naturally treat a cold this season. Blow Your Nose – Blowing your nose regularly throughout the day is one of the best ways to…
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My Plastic-Free Life
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Give-Away: Sullie Saves the Seas, a story for children and adults
8 Feb 2012 | 1:54 pmOcean lover Goffinet McLaren has just released a new book for kids–as well as adults–about a seagull named Sullie who organizes all his marine animal friends to combat plastic pollution. I asked Goffinet to tell her story of how she came to love the sea and to write Sullie Saves the Seas. Read her story and see details below for how to enter the drawing to win a copy of the book. Goffinet McLaren’s story I was born and grew up in the small historic town of Carrickfergus, on the water`s edge of Northern Ireland. Surrounded by the sea, I became aware at a very early age of… -
Plastic-free Toys from Dress Me Up Organic Give-Away
27 Jan 2012 | 11:24 amA few nights ago, while in the throes of editing my book, I received an email from Jen Williams of Dress Me Up Organic asking if I would review her natural, organic baby products that she packages and ships without any plastic. I took a quick look at the site and was blown away by how cute the toys are–I love the designs–but at the time, I was scrambling to get my book edits done, didn’t have time to do a review, and don’t have kids to test the products on anyway. So I asked Jen if she would write up her story, how she became interested in environmental issues,… -
Zero Waste “Jug Sunday” at Sutton Cellars Winery in San Francisco
24 Jan 2012 | 7:00 amIt should go without saying that I choose wines bottled in glass rather than the new plastic-coated aseptic cartons that are growing in popularity. But glass has its drawbacks too. And wine-related plastic is about more than just the container. Not only do I have to look for wines with natural cork stoppers–as opposed to plastic “corks” or screw caps that are lined inside with plastic–I also have to consider the capsule–that antiquated wrapper around the neck and over the top of the cork. Historically, capsules were made from lead. Nowadays, they are made from… -
Homemade Plastic-free Vegetable Broth from The Plastic-free Chef
19 Jan 2012 | 7:00 amThe following is a guest post from 17-year old Mary Katherine from Mountain View, CA who has been participating in the Show Your Plastic Trash Challenge since October of last year and has done an incredible job reducing her plastic waste. See her trash challenge posts here. Recently, she started her own blog called The Plastic-free Chef to share her strategies for cooking with less plastic. My name is Mary Katherine and I’m 17. I love to cook. I love everything about it (except cleaning). I do most of the cooking in my house. My quest to banish disposable plastic from my life began… -
Bittman’s Recipes for the Semi-Vegan — Plastic-free Style
16 Jan 2012 | 7:00 amTwo weeks ago, food columnist Mark Bittman published ten Recipes for the Semi-Vegan in The New York Times Magazine along with photos that left many of us salivating. What a great source of inspiration, I thought, for those of us who aspire to eat more plants and fewer animal products. I, in particular, need help. See, in May 2010, after reading Jonathan Safran Foer’s book Eating Animals,I resolved to stop eating meat. My reasons were personal. (You can read them here.) And I kept my resolution until the end of February 2011. Then my mom died. After the memorial service, my sister…
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Sustainablog
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Edible Weeds: 7 Recipes for Dandelion
9 Feb 2012 | 11:30 amMaybe it’s the way-too-early Spring warmth we’ve been experiencing, but I’ve got greens on the brain lately… particularly the kind you can pick right from the ground. I took a look at stinging nettle a couple of weeks ago, and while I do want to try some of those recipes, a little research shows me that dandelion (which we get regularly in the yard) is even more versatile. Like nettle, you can use dandelion greens in place of many more common foods, like spinach; however, you can also cook the roots and the flowers of the dandelion plant. So, there’s lots of… -
Global Water Resources: Where We Get It & What We Do With It (Infographic)
8 Feb 2012 | 11:43 amI’ve got the plumber coming over today for a small job, and it occurred to me that we’ll probably have to turn off the water supply for a short time. That always freaks me out a little, because I realize quickly how dependent we are on that water coming into the house… shoot, they shut down schools for the day if they water’s out. Now, imagine having it turned off for a week… or having your town or city’s water supply interrupted for that long. That’s really scary. And yet we still use the stuff as if it’ll never run out. Where do we get our… -
Hix Island House: Puerto Rico Eco Lodge Combines Style and Sustainability
8 Feb 2012 | 8:40 amThe tourism department for Puerto Rico claims that the ex-military base for the US turned tourist destination Vieques offers visitors a eco-island experience. They may claim this status as a whole; however, we had to search pretty diligently to find anything authentically eco friendly. Our diligence paid off with a visit to the muy verde Hix Island House. Our timing couldn’t have been better as the hillside eco resort recently opened a new additional called Casa Solaris. We see many lodges called “eco lodges,” but Hix Island House offers a true and tranquil eco-villa experience. -
5 Reasons We Should be Concerned about Fracking (Film)
7 Feb 2012 | 8:55 amWe all know that the affordability, efficiency, and sustainability of cleaner, greener energy will be a major challenge for this century. Some have called natural gas a better and cleaner energy source; yet, even if we set aside this hot air, the process of extracting the gas (called hydraulic fracturing or fracking) proves problematic for both environmentalists as well as those in proximity to the wells. This article will cover five major problems with fracking; it is based on two SnagFilms from the After the Goldrushseries (which are embedded below). 1. Water Pollution The fracking process… -
Practicing Mindfulness and Living Sustainably
6 Feb 2012 | 9:07 amWorking to create a sustainable world hasn’t been easy. One reason for this is that people are highly capable of knowing something but acting as if they didn’t. It is epitomized by the attitude, “I know I should, but I don’t.” We know we should eat local, bike more, etc. etc., but so few of us actually live up to what we know. In Buddhism, there is a huge emphasis on the different between knowing something intellectually and having the kind of understanding that leads to insight and transformation. Once we have that insight, we are changed by it and there is no…
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All MNN Content
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David Pogue wants an electric car, hosts PBS special 'Hunting the Elements'
9 Feb 2012 | 1:28 pmNew York Times technology columnist and host of Nova’s “Making Stuff” miniseries David Pogue is pretty clued in to the latest innovations, but that’s not the only reason he’s interested in getting an electric car. -
5 ways to make public transit awesome
9 Feb 2012 | 1:19 pmIn my last post, I promised to provide an overview of Awesome Transit the world over. It’s a phrase that I’m sure inspires eyerolls, a textbook oxymoron. Transit is a utilitarian thing. A tool of necessity, not a celebration of mobility, certainly not the cornerstone of a community. Right? Well, certainly many North American cities have long treated transit this way. -
5 sweet Valentine's Day songs
9 Feb 2012 | 1:18 pmAhh, Valentine’s Day. -
7 drool-worthy designer doghouses
9 Feb 2012 | 1:12 pmAfter taking a good look at the competition showing at the 2011 Barkitecture doghouse design-off in Austin, Texas, we got around to thinking: What other doggy domiciles out there give new meaning to the phrase “creature comforts?” Turns out, there are plenty. -
Avoiding contractor rip offs
9 Feb 2012 | 12:33 pmA recent poll on the website Angie’s List found that 16 percent of people sampled did not take the time to read home improvement contracts before having work done on their property. “The contract is the most important thing,” says Cheryl Reed, director of communications for the site, which charges users a subscription fee for independent reviews on local contractors across the United States. But reading isn’t enough.
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Environment, Organics, Fair Trade & Recycling at Big Green Purse
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Think Twice Before You Buy Hershey's Kisses for Your Valentine
7 Feb 2012 | 9:59 amThis Valentine's Day, before you cover your sweetheart with Hershey’s kisses, or toss a few of those treats into your kids’ lunch box, consider the alternative: organic, fair trade, bite-size bars made from cocoa produced by companies that care about people and the planet. Why not Hershey’s? The company has been under fire for years from international organizations that monitor child welfare. Most of the world’s cocoa is produced in West Africa, where cocoa farmers typically live in poverty and where forced labor, especially among children, and human trafficking, are tragically… -
What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You, Warns "The Non-Toxic Avenger"
2 Feb 2012 | 12:50 pmIs there a direct link between cancer, autism and all the toxins in our environment? Deanna Duke, author of the new must-buy book, The Non-Toxic Avenger: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You, believes there is. And with good reason: In 2007, Deanna's husband Hank, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable, extremely life-shortening form of leukemia. That news on its own would have been devastating enough; but it came in the same week that her son Henry was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism. Though both cancer and autism have genetic links, Deanna, who… -
Energy-efficient Fusion debuts at North American Auto Show
17 Jan 2012 | 11:26 amIf you're in the market for a new family car that gets good gas mileage, easily carries 5 passengers, and has room in the trunk for your junk, several of the new models that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week could be exactly what you're looking for. For now, let's take a look at the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Ford Fusion Hybrid created some of the biggest buzz at the show, and for good reason. It's a roomy, family-size car but with snazzy style and a regenerative braking system and electric battery that help it get 36 mpg in the city, 41… -
Do You Have a BHAGG for 2012?
2 Jan 2012 | 2:27 pmYou can't buy it. You can't make it. And you probably shouldn't eat it - unless it's organic. You can, however, achieve it - because it's a goal... a Big Hairy Audacious Green Goal, exactly the kind of goal we need if we're serious about protecting the planet, our health, and the health and safety of our families. You notice a BHAGG is not a "resolution," as in the well-meaning but easy-to-break promise you might make to yourself in the new year. Nope, a BHAGG is a specific challenge you strive to achieve, knowing full well it may not be easy to reach - but… -
Avoid Post-Christmas Clutter: 15 Things You Can Easily Recycle After Christmas
14 Dec 2011 | 3:07 pmNow's the time to think ahead to the day after Christmas -- and all the stuff you may want or need to throw away. Instead of trashing it, here's a list of what you should easily be able to recycle: 1) Wrapping paper and ribbon (keep a paper bag or box handy when you're unwrapping presents to make the job easy and efficient) - Shred paper to use as packing material, put aside for your kids' art projects, or recycle with the weekly newspapers and junk mail. 2) Cardboard and paper boxes - Line smaller boxes with soft towels to create a new bed for a cat or small dog; flatten any…
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organicmania.com
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My Cinchspiration: 4 Weeks, 8 Pounds Gone!
8 Feb 2012 | 9:24 pmExactly a month ago, I blogged – yet again – about my new year’s resolution to lose weight. I’m happy to report that I’ve lost eight pounds in the past four weeks — a healthy rate of weight loss – thanks to the Shaklee Cinch weight loss product line and the constant support of Sommer [...] Related posts:Blogging Break is Over, New Year Seems Full of Possibilities! I’m soooo glad I took a long blogging break to... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. -
RIP Susan Niebur aka @WhyMommy
6 Feb 2012 | 7:48 pmFour and a half years ago, I started this blog with a dedication to Susan Niebur, an incredibly inspiring, brave, brilliant, funny, compassionate woman whose many wonderful posts about life with kids in DC introduced me to the world of blogging. Sadly, over time, there were more posts about fighting Inflammatory Breast Cancer than about [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. -
Resolving to Make a Difference: Fighting Climate Change
22 Jan 2012 | 8:56 pmAt the time, it seemed like a long-shot. A carefully staged group of protests in front of the White House, designed to pressure President Obama into fighting the Keystone Pipeline and to build public awareness of the dangers of the pipeline. But as stood in front of the White House and watched my “green mom” [...] Related posts:Green Mom Activism: Does It Matter Anymore? They say bad things come in threes. So here are... Blogging Break is Over, New Year Seems Full of Possibilities! I’m soooo glad I took a long blogging break to... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another… -
Blogging Break is Over, New Year Seems Full of Possibilities!
8 Jan 2012 | 8:14 pmI’m soooo glad I took a long blogging break to enjoy Advent and the full twelve days of Christmas. We just wrapped up the holiday season yesterday – yes, that’s right, not until Saturday, 7th January …with a trip to see “Merry Madagascar” topped off by a Three Kings Day party with some old friends. [...] Related posts:A Valentine’s Ode: The State of My Love Affair with Blogging This Valentine’s Day, the @GreenMoms of the Green Moms Carnival... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. -
Oh no! My Son’s Growing Up and Changing our Family Traditions!
31 Dec 2011 | 6:23 amIn years past, I’ve blogged about the beauty of the Advent season and taking time during the frenetic holiday season to Slow Down and Relax. This year, I took my own advice, and did less blogging – and working – and more cookie baking! But we still practiced – or tried to practice – the [...] Related posts:How to be a Green Consumer: First, Ignore Black Friday! (At least on Thanksgiving!) Forget the over commercialization of Christmas. That battle is lost.... The Great Green Halloween Grinch Now that Halloween is over, I’ll confess. For the past... Related posts brought…
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Eco-Chick
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Escapes Giveaway! Gorgeous, Recycled Plastic Heys Suitcase
6 Feb 2012 | 9:30 pmHeys has long been known for producing quality suitcases and travel gear. And now their new eco-friendly line, EcoCase (they are made from 100% recycled plastic) proves they are conscious too. (And I think the hard-case style is pretty cool.) So naturally, we are giving one away to Eco Chick and Eco Chick Escapes readers! (Heys does make a soft fabric suitcase, also made from recycled polyester fabric, as well.) The giveaway would be for ONE Turquoise EcoCase carry-on piece, pictured above. To win: You have the chance to win the prize. How? Simply like the Heys Facebook page and Eco Chick… -
Heroines for the Planet: Anna Getty
6 Feb 2012 | 9:10 amOne could peg Anna Getty any number of titles — holistic lifestyle expert, author, entrepreneur, yoga teacher, heiress, and environmental activist among them. But each come in a distant second to her most cherished roles, that of mother and wife. What I found infinitely charming about Anna is that she doesn’t care how she’s labeled. Her main objective is to be of service to others and the planet, and so long as she’s doing just that, she’s at peace. I asked Anna about her latest endeavors, how she helps others live more consciously, and whether being an heiress… -
Party Planner Extraordinaire Brian Worley’s Girl’s-Only Valentine’s Day Fiesta
2 Feb 2012 | 10:40 amEd Note: Brian Worley, an LA-based party planner who was most recently featured in People Magazine, and he’s shared some of his great ideas with Eco Chick (see below)! For the girls who want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their friends and have a fun night in, I have included a party plan to help celebrate a holiday that is notoriously for couples, in a way that celebrates their independence and zest for life! Decorate with Orange and Turquoise, rather than Pink and Red, or any other colors that make you happy and enjoy a night of gal-pal bonding! For starters, here are two… -
Heroines for the Planet: Jill Danyelle, Eco Interior Designer
31 Jan 2012 | 7:08 amJill Danyelle is, quite simply, too talented to fail. Her artistic prowess, indomitable desire to evolve, and adoration of nature led her to recently launch the interior design business she was always meant to create. She has triumphed as a therapist, eco-fashion designer and green fashion writer, and with hobbies that include art, photography and travel, it seems apropos that interior design would transform into her next business venture. Jill recently found some time in her busy schedule to share with us how she incorporates sustainability into her projects, the challenges she’s… -
Eco Designer Carrie Parry Wins the Green Fashion Competition at Amsterdam Fashion Week
30 Jan 2012 | 3:35 pmEco-Chick fave Carrie Parry (check out Haley’s coverage of her F/W 2011 collection here) has just won the 15,000 Euro prize at Amsterdam Fashion Week for her latest collection. Congratulations Carrie! “It feels amazing to be honored by such a prestigious group whose goals in advancing sustainable fashion are so matched with my own,” says Parry. According to a press release: “Counting previous posts at Jonathan Saunders, Marc Jacobs, Norma Kamali, and fashion’s leading environmental non-profit Earth Pledge FutureFashion, Carrie Parry brings something totally new…
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Sustainablog
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Edible Weeds: 7 Recipes for Dandelion
9 Feb 2012 | 11:30 amMaybe it’s the way-too-early Spring warmth we’ve been experiencing, but I’ve got greens on the brain lately… particularly the kind you can pick right from the ground. I took a look at stinging nettle a couple of weeks ago, and while I do want to try some of those recipes, a little research shows me that dandelion (which we get regularly in the yard) is even more versatile. Like nettle, you can use dandelion greens in place of many more common foods, like spinach; however, you can also cook the roots and the flowers of the dandelion plant. So, there’s lots of… -
Global Water Resources: Where We Get It & What We Do With It (Infographic)
8 Feb 2012 | 11:43 amI’ve got the plumber coming over today for a small job, and it occurred to me that we’ll probably have to turn off the water supply for a short time. That always freaks me out a little, because I realize quickly how dependent we are on that water coming into the house… shoot, they shut down schools for the day if they water’s out. Now, imagine having it turned off for a week… or having your town or city’s water supply interrupted for that long. That’s really scary. And yet we still use the stuff as if it’ll never run out. Where do we get our… -
Hix Island House: Puerto Rico Eco Lodge Combines Style and Sustainability
8 Feb 2012 | 8:40 amThe tourism department for Puerto Rico claims that the ex-military base for the US turned tourist destination Vieques offers visitors a eco-island experience. They may claim this status as a whole; however, we had to search pretty diligently to find anything authentically eco friendly. Our diligence paid off with a visit to the muy verde Hix Island House. Our timing couldn’t have been better as the hillside eco resort recently opened a new additional called Casa Solaris. We see many lodges called “eco lodges,” but Hix Island House offers a true and tranquil eco-villa experience. -
5 Reasons We Should be Concerned about Fracking (Film)
7 Feb 2012 | 8:55 amWe all know that the affordability, efficiency, and sustainability of cleaner, greener energy will be a major challenge for this century. Some have called natural gas a better and cleaner energy source; yet, even if we set aside this hot air, the process of extracting the gas (called hydraulic fracturing or fracking) proves problematic for both environmentalists as well as those in proximity to the wells. This article will cover five major problems with fracking; it is based on two SnagFilms from the After the Goldrushseries (which are embedded below). 1. Water Pollution The fracking process… -
Practicing Mindfulness and Living Sustainably
6 Feb 2012 | 9:07 amWorking to create a sustainable world hasn’t been easy. One reason for this is that people are highly capable of knowing something but acting as if they didn’t. It is epitomized by the attitude, “I know I should, but I don’t.” We know we should eat local, bike more, etc. etc., but so few of us actually live up to what we know. In Buddhism, there is a huge emphasis on the different between knowing something intellectually and having the kind of understanding that leads to insight and transformation. Once we have that insight, we are changed by it and there is no…
