Green This Town

Are you Beauty Products Polluting Your Body?

2008-07-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Our skin is the largest organ in your bodies. Skin protects from us harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants. Our skin serves as a barrier against nasty viruses and bacteria that can make us sick. Skin protects our muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and everything else inside our bodies. Yet many of us who sware by organic produce and whole foods, are quick to slather our bodies in chemical laden soaps and lotions. Think about it this way, using a body product that contains harmful chemicals to nourish your skin is the equivalent of eating a big mac for good nutrition. With that said, converting to an organic beauty regimen takes a little knowledge and a lot label sleuthing.

A good rule of thumb is that if a product has too many ingredients you cannot pronounce, be wary. In addition here are some common ingredients to avoid:

Sodioum Lauryl Sulfate or SLS: Found in Shampoo’s face wash, and engine cleaner. It is an expensive and corrosive cleanser. Prolonged use and exposure can lead to skin irritation and damage.

Petroleum and Mineral Oils are cheap fillers that clogs pores, and are often synthetically manufactured.

Urea, aka Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Germall II and Germall 115. Used as preservatives to prevent bacterial growth although it is ineffective against fungi. Germall 115 may release formaldehyde, something you probably don't wan't on your skin. Urea is also known to cause contact dermatitis.

My Top Beauty Product Picks

Alba TerraGloss. This lip gloss comes in awesome colors for every skin tone and it glides on silky smooth cause it's made with Shea butter and beeswax. And, Alba Terra Lip Gloss is free of artificial colors, petrolatum, mineral oil, phthalates or parabens. My favorite color is Garnet. Retails for $5.99.

Weleda Almond Intensive Facial Cream for dry or sensitive skin. This rich moisture cream can be worn day or night and it’s super concentrated so you only need a dab. Almond oil is the main ingredient, which moisturizes fabulously and doesn't clog pores. Almond oil also helps even out complexions and it’s great for under eye circles. The lactic acid in the cream gently exfoliates to reveal a glowing complexion. Cleopatra is rumored to have bathed in curdled milk to reap lactic acids anti-aging benefits. And, did I mention all Weleda products are biodynamic! Retails for $15-$20.

ShiKai Shampoos have a low ph and are soap-free. The product uses natural shikai extracts as a cleansing agent along with moisturizing ingredients like aloe and panthenol. Retails for $6.99.

Organic Grape Seed Oil. I use this as an all-over moisturizer and I even put it in my hair. It’s much cheaper then expensive body lotions and my skin, which can get really dry, has been soft and luminous since I substituted my lotion with this light oil. Grapeseed oil absorbs easily into the skin, and it’s best used right the shower when your skin is still damp. Grape seed oil contains proanthocyanidins, which are very potent antioxidants that have the ability to fight free radicals and sun damage. You can pick up a bottle that will last you months at the grocery store for around five bucks—less then the costs of a good bottle of lotion.

California Leads the Nation as the First State to Adopt Green Building Codes

2008-07-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

The California Building Standard Commission has established a mandatory set of Green Building Codes. By 2010 all new Construction in California must abide by these rules. The standards take effect in 180 days, but adherence will be optional until the 2010 deadline. A PDF version of the press release can be found at the State's Consumer Services Agency website. Lawmakers said they set the deadline to 2010 to give companies time to adopt to the new requirements. The new standards target energy efficiency, diversion of waste from landfills, and the use of environmentally friendly materials, among other things. Check out this greenbiz article for a more detailed look at the issue.

Drum Roll Please...Oakland, California Named Fourth Greenest City in the Country

2008-07-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Oakland, California, the city where I was born and where I happily reside has somewhat of bad rep. And while it's true that you can never be too street saavy in this town, it's not all cops, robbers and gang bangers. Oakland has troves of redeeming qualities that outweigh the bad—did I mention that hot new wine bar that just opened down the street from my house! One quality that really makes Oakland unique, is a strong comittment to the environment. We have a green nail shop, ton's of recycle depots, hydrogen fuel cell buses, thrift shops, sustainable art collectives, a green travel company, a green hair salon, and I can count the number of people on one hand, whom I know who don't recycle. This is city where you won't have to look very far for a jug of organic milk, or a quiet trail to climb. This year, Popular Science Magazine named Oakland the 4th greenest city in the country. Criteria included the number of people who rely on public transit, the number of LEED buildings, and renewable energy sources. San Francisco topped Oakland at number 2, and Berkeley trailed close behind at number 7. Go Bay Area!

For a look on how this lists relates to green career opportunities check out Carol McClelland's sustainablog article.

Green Nail Bar Opens in Oakland

2008-07-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Ngyuen Yuen left a high paying job as a chemist to open a Green Nail Bar in Oakland. The new business has lucrative prospects, but Ngyuen's reasons for opening the shop were more personal then anything else. Two of her sister-in-laws, both nail technicians, fell ill from constant exposure to the chemicals involved in doing acrylic nails; one of them lost her 8 1/2 month old unborn baby. That's when Ngyuen took it upon herself to do some research about the products used in nail salons. She found that one of the largest distributors of nail care products uses formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate, chemicals so dangerous that they are banned in Europe. After learning this disturbing info, Nguyen set out to open Isabllea Nail Bar, a tranquil spa where only non-harmful products are used. In addition to providing a service that is safe from harmful chemicals, Ngyuen also takes special measures to ensure that her equipment is always sterile. She even designed her own foot tubs that flush out water—most shops just recirculate it—to lessen the risk of a nasty infection. So far Ngyuen's work as an industry pioneer has paid off, she told the Oakland Tribune that many of her customers who come from Berkeley are asking when she will open a shop in the neighboring city. Nguyen says others have asked if she plans to start her own line of products.

Isabella Nail Bar is located at 1962 Mountain Blvd. in the Montclair District of Oakland, CA. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 510-339-0100 or visit their webiste at www.isabellanailbar.com/ for more info.

Forbes Autos Releases Dirty Driving List

2008-07-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

In the market for a new car? You might want to check out ForbesAutos.com Top Ten Lists before making your selection. The website lists the top 10 polluters among new vehicles, and surprisingly the much criticized Hummer did not make #1. The site also offers roundups like: Green Speed Demons: Top Fastest Hybrid's on Sale Now, and Ten New Green Car Technologies—for those who want to stay current on green auto innovations. The site is a great resource for anyone looking to save a few bucks at the pump or make their driving habits more eco-friendly.According to Forbes Autos, the Mercedes E320 BlueTec, with it's clean diesel technology, is the most fuel efficient Luxury Car. One of these will set you back about $62,000.

Green This Vodka

2008-07-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

It’s not hard to find organic wine, lot’s of wineries are greening there ways. You may recall my post on how Boony Doon, my favorite winemaker scaled down production to become biodynamic. Nowadays, consumers have lots of options when shopping for eco-friendly wine. And while earth-friendly viticulture is in full bloom, liquor of the organic variety is much harder to come by. That’s why I was excited to learn that Square One Vodka, an artesenal start-up in Northern California is bottling up scores of ultra-premium certified organic vodka, created through an exclusive certified organic fermentation process. Square One Vodka is made from certified organic rye, which is processed using only organic, non-genetically modified yeast and nutrients. Everything that goes into making Square One Vodka is natural, and the result is delicious. Since it’s peculiarly angular bottles first hit the shelves, Square One has grown to become the industry leader of organic spirits by providing a product that not only taste great, but is also good for the planet. I’ll drink to that!

Earth Friendly Cosmo Recipe (you can make this from scratch! I substituted homemade simple syrup in place of the triple sec because organic mixers are hard to come by.)

2 Parts Square One Vodka
1 Part Simple Syrup (made from 1/2 and 1/2 solution of Organic Sugar and Hot Water)
Juice from half a lime
Splash of Organic Cranberry Juice
Optional: a Splash of organic OJ, a drop of Organic Orange Extract

Shake. Strain. Serve. Enjoy!

Cars to Display Global Warming Stickers in '09

2008-07-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Car shoppers in California will no longer have to guess how much pollution the shiny new vehicle their eying will emit. Starting next year, a California law will require all new cars to display a global warming score, ranking it against other vehicles made in the same year. The scoring system takes into account emissions made directly by the vehicle, as well as emissions created refining the fuel on which the vehicle runs. The cleanest burning cars will receive a top score of 10, with 1 being the lowest possible rank. The labels will be displayed next to the already-required smog ranking stickers.

This new law is the first of it’s kind in the US, but New York plans to follow suit and implement similar requirements by 2010. California scores will be available on the state’s DriveClean website.

Hopefully the new law will serve as an incentive for car manufacturers to clean up their act, as consumer demand for earth-friendly products peaks.

For more info on the issue check out this greenbiz article...

Green Barbeque Round-Up

2008-07-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Hot Dogs...

In the spirit of the 4th of July I've picked my brain and trolled around blog sphere for easy ways to have an earth friendly holiday.

Sharon Troy of Eat. Drink. Better. has some excellent tips on how to minimize your carbon footprint when firing up the grill. She suggests using a propane grill instead of charcoal, or purchasing cleaner burning coals like the one's available here at www.greenyour.com.

Paul Smith of Ecopreneurtist recommends ecoflame products. They make a non-toxic lighter fluid and a warming gel from sugar cane.

I suggest planning ahead and buying your fruits and veggies from the farmers market, or stores that offer locally grown produce.

Follow the same philosophy with your meat and stick to the free range organic locally farmed varieties. If your stumped for options, Nieman Ranch has great steaks and Aidells sells 3 kinds of certified organic and 10 types of antibiotic-free, all-natural sausages.

Happy Grilling!

Hot dogs and dirty dishes

2008-07-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

With the 4th upon us, thoughts of hot dogs and flags and lemonade are running in my head.

After a long day at work, I am faced with stuffing the dishwasher with a large load of dishes.

Then blamo! it hits me. It has been a long standing joke that the number of hot dogs never seem to match up with the number of buns. And it is no joke that my dishes never seem to fit into the washer just right.

How about someone come up with a great little marketing effort between a dishwasher manufacturers and a dish ware company. Or dish ware companies could outsource specialized racks that you could by after market or pick as an accessory.

Just a thought. And a late night one at that.

Have a save and green Independence day.

Truck Market Dwindles as Gas Prices Climb

2008-06-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

The Hummer: the last of a dying breed

You don't need to be an analyst or an auto industry insider to realize that the truck market is shrinking as quickly as gas prices are hiking. With fuel costs flirting at $5.00 a gallon, few people are opting for trucks and SUV's when shopping for a new car. Gas prices are also effecting the used car market, with smaller traditionally less popular vehicles pulling in a pretty penny, while trucks and SUV's are being offered for less and less. It should come as no surprise then, that the Honda Civic, a compact sedan hailed for it's reliability and fuel efficiency, is the top selling car in the US for the first time since 1992.

Petroleum-based industries have been hit hardest by the rising costs of oil. "All the factors are working against the truck market right now,” says Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with Endmunds.com per the New York Times. And as the demand for trucks shrink, companies like Ford, Chrysler and General Motors take a huge blow as they compete for sales in a dwindling market. Dealers report that the only people buying trucks are the ones who need them for work. And with skyrocketing oil prices that show no signs of dropping, we can assume this change is permanent.

Sink or Swim

For US automakers, to survive in the new market, some major adjustment is required. Automakers, whose bread and butter has traditionally been the truck and SUV sales, must switch to manufacturing fuel efficient/alternative energy vehicles if they are to survive. This task is easier said then done. Companies are losing money rapidly—GM's bank account is reportedly shrinking by 1 billion dollars a month—even as they make efforts to adjust. Skyrocketing gas prices hit manufacturers and consumers alike like a ton of bricks, and automakers are stuck with a ton of inventory that won't sell. Meanwhile alternative fuel technology lags behind demand.

General Motors announced it will shut down four plants that make trucks and alter or eliminate the gas guzzling Hummer. Chrysler announced that it will cut 12,000 jobs by the end of 2008. Ford who has already laid off thousands of union workers, is cutting another 2,100 salaried positions. The company speculates that they won't turn a profit until next year.

The near future looks dim for US automakers. Only time and money will tell which companies will dig themselves out of this rut.

On the upside, despite current economic woes, this change in the market is forcing consumers to re-examine their driving habits, and opt for more fuel efficient vehicles. At the same time car manufacturers are picking up the pace on sustainable automotive technologies—just last month Honda released the first commercially available hydrogen cell fuel vehicle—and this is something we can all look forward to.

For more information on how oil prices are effecting the automotive industry, check out these articles...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/business/05auto.html?ref=business
http://knowledge.emory.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1148

Schwrazzenegar Slams Offshore Drilling Efforts

2008-06-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

California's Governor may be a Republican, but he's sticking to his environmental guns. Schwarzenegger is a long-time critic of his party's stance on the environment and this week he publicly criticized the GOP-led effort to end the 27-year ban on offshore oil drilling.

Record gas prices and a sluggish economy have fueled public angst. President Bush has chosen this critical time to propose a measure that would end the long-standing federal moratorium on offshore drilling, claiming the lift would reduce America's dependency on foreign oil.

Governor Schwarzenegger was frank on his stance when he made these remarks in Miami at a Climate Change Summit, organized by Governor Charlie Crist(R), who is thought to be a potential running mate for Senator John McCain:

"Politicians have been throwing around all kinds of ideas in response to the skyrocketing energy prices, from the rethinking of nuclear power to pushing biofuels and more renewables and ending the ban on offshore drilling, it goes on and on the list," Schwarzenegger said,

"But, anyone who tells you this will lower our gas prices anytime soon is blowing smoke."

Though Schwarzenegger's views divert from his parties leaders, he was careful not to point the finger at any of them. A spokesman for the Governor said that his comments were not directed at George W. Bush, Charlie Crist, or Presidential hopeful John McCain, since none of these politicians overtly stated that offshore drilling would lower the cost of oil for consumers.

BeGreen, Saving the Planet One Dollar at a Time

2008-06-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

There are many things that money can buy: a fancy car, a Prada purse, a slimmer physique, even a more attractive partner. Now the folks at begreennow.com are claiming that they can offset your carbon footprint for the right amount of cash.

How it Works

The website features a calculator where visitors provide information about their lifestyle like the make and model of the car that they drive, and the miles they rack up annually. The calculator takes these factors into account, and estimates the tons of CO2 that the user generates in a year. After the user has determined their carbon emissions, they are given the option of purchasing "carbon offsets" from BeGreen's online store. For $56, a customer could purchase a BeGreen Driver for Compact and Small Cars, and offset 4 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions( the amount of pollution that the average compact car emits annually). BeGreen claims to offset carbon emissions by funding reforestation projects, investing in carbon-offsetting technologies, and purchasing renewable energy—think solar power and wind—credits.

Real World Results or Wolf Tickets?

BeGreen has partnered with recognized environmental protection agencies like American Forests and The Pacific Forest Trust. They also outsource an independent firm to review all of their purchases and sales. The audit report is available on their website.

And the Verdict Is...

Overall BeGreen's system seems legit. Still I would have a hard time handing over my hard-earned cash so that someone else could reduce my carbon footprint. I think my money would be better spent donating directly to non-profits that protect the environment—for one thing giving money the good old fashion way eliminates the middle man—or investing in companies that are developing new green technologies. And there's always recycling, driving less, and eating slow food. Still I have to give it up to BeGreen for facilitating innovative ways to save the planet.

Simply Sustainable

2008-06-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

I first got wind of Simple shoes as an akward eighth grader. Black eye liner, oversized jeans that could easily fit an over weight man, and skate boarding shoes(even though I didn't own a skateboard), were my must-have wardrobe items. Fast foward 14 years, and I can't help but laugh everytime I see a snapshot of my budding teenage self, glaring back at the camera with independence and angst. Over the years my temperment has softened and I now where clothes that fit me, yet despite growing up, I still have a soft spot for Simple shoes.

Maybe it's because Simple's line of shoes is the most sustainable footwear out there. You won't hear whispers about Simple shoes being made in a swatshop, because they're not. And you won't have to compromise your standards for your style, when you purchase a pair of these kicks, because each shoe is made using environmentally friendly materials. Old tires are saved from an eternity in a landfill, when they are broken down to construct the shoe's outer souls. Recycled plastics are used to construct the footbeds and shoe laces. Bamboo and organic cotton, two very sustainable crops, are some other popular ingredients that go into making these eco- friendly shoes. They come in casual and dressy styles to suit a range of tastes, and can be purchased for less then the cost of a new pair of Nikes.

If your local shoe store doesn't carry them don't fret, Simple offers free ground shipping on online orders, and accepts returns on unworn items, in case you change your mind.
The green toe logo represents shoes made using the best possible effort towards making things better for the planet.

Roughnecking on the high seas!

2008-06-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

President Bush has called for increased drilling in our fine country. The White House issues this press release, http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/whoismms/whatsocs.html . The OCS , Outer Continental Shelf, are the seas and submerged lands around our country. What all this boils down to is drilling for more oil off the shores of our country.

As the hike in oil prices is driving prices higher all around us, we need to be clear and wise about he choices we make. I firmly say "No to increased off shore drilling" and yes to technology, regulations and ingenuity. Technology to make this stronger and more efficient. Regulations to force industries to clean up and improve things. Ingenuity to solve issues in ways that no one has thought of yet.

Move closer to work so that you can walk or bike to work. Shop locally! Recycle, Reduce, Reuse.

Solar powered Booze?

2008-06-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

Well not quite. CNN is running an article about Square One Vodka. Neat. A bit of Yahoo'n and Google'n didn't turn up any organic bourbons. I did find one gin at Blue Coat , however, not sure if they are 100% organic, but their juniper berries seem to be. A good selection of wine can be found at http://www.theorganicwinecompany.com/ or our bay area site Vinfolio

Honda Debuts The Clarity FCX, The First Hydrogen Powered Car

2008-06-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

Clarity has arrived! This week Honda announced the debut of it’s first hydrogen full-cell vehicle. Honda will be sending a few dozen of the cars to Southern California, where a select group of A-listers and high profile customers, will be the first to take the Clarity on the road. As nice as it is for Honda to have stars like Jamie Curtis—she is one of the first scheduled to receive a car—zipping around town in their latest green invention, the Clarity is being sent to the LA-area for more then just celebrity power; Southern California is one of the few areas in the country that has enough hydrogen fuel stations to support the vehicles.

As gas prices reach record highs, and consumers look for alternatives, the clean-burning car couldn’t have come at a better time. According to Honda’s website, the Clarity, which uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to create electricity, is the first car that produces no pollution whatsoever. Honda plans to release 200 more of the cars next year, when more refueling stations become available.

The Happening

2008-06-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know, some of you are probably thinking that an environmental blog isn't the best place to review a film, but The Happening, which was written produced and directed by M. Night Shyamalan's isn't your typical horror flick. The psychological doomsday thriller could have easily carried the title When Plants Attack, in fact, the first draft of the script was appropriately titled, The Green Effect. At times funny, at others gruesomely dark, The Happening is an unofficial warning against environmental degradation. The film is centered in the Northeast, where a pandemic is spreading. It stops it victims dead in their tracks, where they quickly become disillusioned and instaniously commit suicide. One man feeds himself to a tiger, in another scene, construction workers throw themeselves from the roof tops, like apples fall from a tree. Initially bioterrorist are blamed for all the self-inflicted killings. But, a sweeping rate of infection suggests that something else is going on. Without giving too much away, we learn that the source of all the mayhem is much greener then anyone could have ever imagined.

Shyamalan compares this film to such classics as Alfred Hitchcock's The Bird's. I enjoyed how The Happening was undeniably frightening without relying on too much gore or special effects; in that respect it is much like the classics Shyamalan sought to emulate. Robert Ebert praised the film with a four out of five star rating, and the New York Times applauded Mark Wahlberg's performance. Despite these rave reviews, most mainstream critics haven't been so generous. On rottentomatoes.com, which compiles reviews from top critics, the film has a lowly 11% rating. I'm glad I saw, the movie, which I thoroughly enjoyed, before checking out what the critics had to say.

Airlines Find New Ways to Cut Corners as the Price of Fuel Climbs

2008-06-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

Drivers aren't the only ones burdened by skyrocketing fuel costs. Price hikes are hitting the airline industry hard. In light of rising oil and jet fuel prices, airlines are finding new ways to cut corners.

The days of the complimentary airline meal are long gone; American Airlines has even started charging for snacks. But it's going to take more then cutting back on a few peanuts to even put a dent in rising fuel costs. Gas prices have risen nearly 85% in the last year, and fuel costs now account for about 40% of ticket prices; a stark hike from 15% just eight years ago.

To save money airlines are looking to lighter building materials, limiting the amount of passenger baggage, and charging for checked in luggage. On Jet Blue flights, maintenance workers are dumping water and waste from the airplane restrooms, each time the plane stops, rather then waiting until the aircrafts reach their final destinations. American Airlines no longer fills it’s water tank completely. Delta Airlines has removed the phones from the coach class seating, and eliminated most of the on-flight microwaves, since hot meals are less frequently served. And these are just some of the ways airlines are watching their weight.

Lightening the load is a big part of cutting costs. According to Tim McGraw, director of corporate environmental and safety programs for Northwest, for every 40 pounds eliminated, the airline saves $440,000 annually.

Some of the major airlines are already trading in gas guzzling planes for newer fuel-efficient models, but others can’t afford to do so. Airlines are even losing pricing power in this bleak economy. When airfares go up, ticket sales drop. The current predicament is sure to push some existing carriers out of business. American West Airlines, which merged with US Airways, is slowing flight speed to maximize fuel efficiency.

In the meantime consumers can expect to see less frequent flights and suspended services as airlines cut back to stay abreast.

For more info check out...

www.greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/11/airlines-analyze-operations-save-fuel

Seafood Watch

2008-06-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

Fish is generally believed to be a healthy alternative to red meat and poultry. But the farming and fishing techniques involved in capturing certain types of seafood wreaks havoc on the delicate eco-system in the ocean. What's worse is that high levels of mercury found in certain fish can lead to cancer and birth defects. This news doesn't mean you need to write-off tuna melts and salmon dinners, but it does mean that you should be an informed consumer. The Monterey Bay Aquarium publishes a West Coast seafood guide which outlines eco-friendly options, as well as fish to avoid. Check out their website at www.seafoodwatch.org before your next trip to the seafood market or a trip to your favorite sushi bar. The choices we make as consumers effects demand, which ultimately effects fishing techniques. The best options are fish that are abundant in the ocean, and that are captured--whether wild or farmed-- in environmentally friendly ways.

Quick list of some common no-no's: Farmed Salmon, Imported Shrimp(farmed or wild), Imported Mahi Mahi, Imported King Crab, and Tuna that is captured using longline fishing techniques.

Betters options: Farmed US Talapia, Wild Alaskan Salmon, US Mahi Mahi, US Shrimp(farmed or wild), Tuna that is captured using troll/pole fishing techniques, Dungeness Crab, Alaskan Snow Crab, and Imitation Crab(Dog Fish)

Smart Grocery Store Shopping

2008-06-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows it's best to shop organic, and unprocessed foods are much better then their shiny-packaged, over-processed alternatives. But soaring grocery prices and junk food cravings make it hard to stick to your guns when making your way through the grocery store. Follow the tips below to eat a healthy diet that benefits your body and the planet.

1. Buy organic fruits and vegetables. They might cost a little more, but your body and the planet will thank you for saying no to foods that are slathered in chemicals and pesticides. If organic groceries are putting too much of a dent in your wallet, it's worth noting that some foods maintain much higher levels of pesticide residue then others after washing. Fruits and vegetables with thin skin--like bell peppers, strawberries and leafy green--are more likely to soak up chemicals then those with thicker skin--like asparagus and bananas. A list of must-buy organic foods, known as the dirty dozen is a great resource.

2. Buy organic beef and dairy if you can. On average organic beef costs twice as much as regular meat, but when you buy organic beef and dairy, you say goodbye to all of the hormones and antibiotics that are pumped into your average cow. Not to mention that animals raised on organic farms are generally treated more humanely. In addition, the risk of developing illnesses like mad cow disease pretty much disappears when you buy organic beef--due to the higher quality of diet that organic cows are fed.

3. Buy organic poultry and organic, cage free, certified humane eggs. Free range means that chickens have the option to leave their cage because the door was briefly opened, but it doesn't guarantee that they actually got a chance to roam. A certified humane label guarantees a higher level of treatment. An organic label means that chickens were fed a diet free of pesticides, sewage, animal by-products, and genetically modified feed. U.S. poultry is prohibited from containing hormones so never pay more for a product simply because it boosts a label that says hormone-free.

4. Stick to the parameters of the grocery store. Sugary, starchy, refined goodies are usually found in the center of the grocery story, whereas fruits vegetables and dairy can be found around the edges. If you buy the bulk of your groceries on the outer edges of the store, you are probably maintaining a diet that consists largely of whole foods.

Green TV Network to Launch in 3 days

2008-05-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

Over the past few years the green industry has exploded. Green cars are selling in record numbers, green housing projects are erecting all over the country, in grocery stores, organic variations of household favorites fill the shelves. Now, there's a television network exclusively dedicated to green living. I guess it was only a matter of time. As I talked about in a previous blog, despite a sluggish economy the green marketplace is flourishing. Consumers are demanding earth friendly products, and corporations and eco-minded entrepreneurs are eager to fill the niche.

Green is the new black, and the Discovery Network, the creator of Planet Green is banking on the trend. On Planet Green's website a clock counts down the hours, minutes, and seconds to launch time; in three days Planet Green will debut, with plenty of star power behind it. Chef Emeril, Tommy Lee and Ludacris are some of the stars who already have shows. Emeril Lagase--a celebrity chef who has inspired countless viewers to explore in the kitchen will host,"Emeril Green". The show, which will focus on healthy recipes with sustainable ingredients is set in a Whole Foods Market. In Battleground Earth, project Planet's most buzzed about series, rapper Ludacris, and rocker Tommy Lee, compete on a crusade to save the planet.

Only time will tell if the Planet Green will be hit or bust. In either case, I'll be sure to tune in and report back on it.

Chic Moderne: Pure Pampering

2008-05-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Who knew recycled leather could be so fabulous! Patti Tang, the fashonista behind the Chic Moderne has found a way to convert unused Italian leather scraps into stylish business accessories in vibrant hues that are sure to catch your eye. The collections cosmopolitan pieces are a quintessential pairing of style and sustainability. At affordable prices, Chic Moderne offers designs and colors that fit nicely into any wardrobe. And the company doesn't stop with accessories. Equally tempting are Chic Moderne's Austrian palm oil candles, which come in tempting colors like firecracker red and lavender violet. Their soft lines and avante garde designs seep romance and European flair. The collection also includes Triple Milled Soaps, which are infused with creamy Shea butter and imported directly from Provence France. Stop by their website to pick up a gift, or to pamper yourself with one of there wonderfully natural products.

Website: www.chicmoderne.com

Project Planet Facilitates Green Hospitality

2008-05-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Project Planet, an envronmental program that promotes conservation in the hospitlality industry, is greening the way hotels do business one towel at a time. The concept in simple, most people don't wash their linens every night, and lots of people use their towels more then once before throwing them in the hamper; yet when we lodge, hotels and inn's typically replace our towels and linens nightly. Project Planet cuts down the water and energy waste caused by too much laundering by facilitating communication between hotels and environmentally concious guests.

How it Works

Hotels that participate in the program are given brochures and placards to place in guests quarters. The brochures outline the program, and the placards allow guests to alert hotel staff when they want their linens and towels washed. Guests who want to participate in the program, and who are staying for multiple nights, have their linens and towels changed every third day. If they would like them washed sooner, they can place a placard on their door to alert room service. Participation is optional, and guests can opt out by hanging a placard on their door to alert hotel staff.

Program Saves the Environment and Money

Hotels who participate in the program report thousands of dollars of savings in energy costs. The Executive West Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky estimates that they saved $132,000 in their first year of implementing the program. The best thing about project planet is that it enpowers guests, by giving them the option to excercise conservationism away from home.

Project Planet also offers industry specific programs that utilize the same core philosophies: Carribean Cares, for business clients in the Carribean, and Conserve for Tommorow, a program designed excelusively for Intercontinental Hotels.

Resources:

www.projectplantcorps.com

Switch Grass: The Future of Biofuels

2008-05-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

Recently ethanol has been getting a lot of heat. In March, Time Magazine ran, The Trouble with Biofuels, an article that suggest that ethanol isn't a cure-all substitute for petroleum, and may even exacerbate global warming. Time isn't the only source skeptical of the ethanol boom. A slew of journalists and experts are saying the same thing: the commercial production of ethanol is a factor in rising food costs, deforestation and increased hunger worldwide. Perhaps the most ironic pitfall of mass ethanol production is that right now, corn ethanol is appears to be leaving a bigger carbon footprint then oil. Once hailed as a miracle substitute for petroleum, ethanol's manufacturing may prove to be more trouble then it's worth.

The Trouble With Corn

Corn, soybean and sugar cane are among the most popular ethanol crops. To make ethanol, sugar is extracted from these plants and converted into alcohol (ethanol). Corn is a choice crop because of its high sugar content as is sugar cane. To meet the increased demand for ethanol—both the US and the EU have 'clean fuel mandates—farmers are clear cutting virgin land to grow ethanol crops. Increased demand has also driven up the price of food staples like corn, soy and sugar.

Even when you ignore the ethical question that making fuel from food poses, from a strictly practical standpoint, growing corn and soy to make ethanol on a large scale just isn't practical. Both corn and soybean require extensive amounts of energy and water to farm and refine. By the time they have been harvested and processed, the resources expended through production and transportation are greater then the energy yielded from the ethanol produced.

Government and Market Forces are Fueling the Corn Ethanol Production

A market demand for green fuel is driving the ethanol production. People want to drive 'green' cars, and businesses are trying to reduce their carbon footprint as well with alternative energy. The federal government has caught onto the trend by mandating alternative energy production, which in turn has boosted corn based ethanol manufacturing. In 2006, thanks in part to strong lobbyist; corn ethanol subsidies totaled 7 billion dollars. This year corn prices peaked, causing poor people in Mexico and India to protests because they can no longer afford food.

Switch Grass May be the Solution

Switchgrass, a plant native to the American prairie, may be the answer to the ethanol dilemma. Switch grass grows quickly and is an extremely adaptable plant, able to survive in most climates. The resourceful perennial digs deep into the soil to utilize any water around. switchgrass requires significantly less energy to farm, when compared to corn and soybeans.

The plant grows wild and utilizes solar energy to produce large amounts cellulose. To make ethanol, cellulose is converted into sugar, which in turn is converted into alcohol (ethanol). Though Switchgrass is easier to farm and doesn't affect food costs, as of now, converting it into ethanol is more expensive then corn. The enzyme required to breakdown corn into sugar is cheap, at around 3 per gallon. The enzyme required to break down cellulose ranges anywhere from 30 to 50 cents per gallon. Though switchgrass requires a more complicated process to refine, it is worth the investment. According to an article in Scientific American Magazine, switchgrass produces 540% more energy then the amount consumed growing it. Scientists are working hard to refine cellulose ethanol production, with corporate and government dollars behind them. The US Department of Energy is largely funding six new cellulose bio-refineries, estimated to cost 1.2 billion dollars. Two weeks ago Du Pont and biotech firm Danisco’s Genencor division committed 140 million dollars, in a joint venture to develop and sale cellulose ethanol technology. "There is nothing in the last several decades that has generated such private sector enthusiasm and investment,” said Keith Collins, the Agriculture Department’s chief economist.

Resources:

Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS

Shop Sustainable at the Farmers Market

2008-05-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

It's springtime and farmers markets are showcasing an abundance of blossoming flowers, vibrant beets, crisp greens and various veggies. Buying locally grown produce from small scale farms is the best way to support sustainable agriculture. A trip to the farmers market beats a trip to the grocery store, and it's a great way to enjoy the sunny weather. Grab a grocery bag—the reusable kind if you have one—and see what your farmer neighbors have to offer. If you don't know where to find a farmers market in your area, locate one using www.farmersmarket.com.

Buying directly from the people who cultivate the land and care for the crops strengthens community, plus it's is an easy and fun way to support the local economy. Buying local is a also great way to eat in unison with the seasons, learn about the natural world and become better acquainted with your neighbors. As Summer nears, fruit trees produce an abundance of peaches and cherries. Wild berries also abound. Take the opportunity to eat them fresh or bake them into pies; can them to enjoy in the winter months.