Tots and Moms

Joli Bébé Boutique provides you with the best quality organic cotton baby clothing and organic nursing wear, updating their organic cotton baby apparel each season. Right now, they've placed nice discounts on all their pink and blue items...

2% of the proceeds from each sale are donated to the World Wildlife Fund to adopt the animal supported by each product line. More details are on their WWF Animal Adoptions page.

They have lovely and well-constructed items for nursing moms, like the Transition Crossover Top and Milkdudz...just click here. /m

Eco-Products Under One Roof

Lots of useful products made from recycled plastic and other materials can be purchased at ecoproducts.com From composite decking and outdoor furniture to bamboo flooring, biodegradable cups, and recycled paper products...for good value and good use of recycled materials, check it out here.

The Good & The Bad Top 12

The Environmental Working Group has produced a wallet size Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce that you can download from the FoodNews.org site. You'll also find the latest on pesticides. In light of the recent E.Coli breakout, it may be time for a refresher on the good & the bad, so it doesn't get ugly. Stay Clean and Green /m
Here's their re-cap...

LOWEST LEVELS of pesticides:
These 12 popular fresh fruits and vegetables consistently have the lowest levels of pesticides.

• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Corn (sweet - frozen)
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Onions
• Papaya
• Pineapples
• Peas (sweet)


HIGHEST LEVELS of pesticides:
12 popular fresh fruits and vegetables that are consistently the most contaminated with pesticides — BUY THESE ORGANIC whenever possible.
• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Grapes (imported)
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Strawberries

Swap O Rama, Sew Fabulous - Oct 8 in nyc

Recycling, fashion, supporting local artists, do-it-yourself crafting, and having a good time come together for Swap-O-Rama-Rama, happening in Brooklyn on October 8. This special event is a seasonal clothing swap and series of do-it-yourself workshops in which a community explores creative reuse through the recycling of used clothing.

It's a Give and Take: bring at least one bag of your unwanted clothing and a $10.00 donation to 3rd Ward, 195 Morgan Ave in Brooklyn and dive in to find your next fave from the pile; take as little or as much clothing from this pile as you like. There are also DIY workshops by local artists who are there to teach reconstruction/deconstruction sewing and crafting. Hey, there's plenty of potential Halloween Prep here.

Sept 30 there's a Swap-O-Rama-Rama in Vancouver, BC and others are getting underway in cities throughout the country, from Seattle to Atlanta; check the list (on the Swap-O-Rama-Rama site, above) to find one near you. Fashioning a thing or two from recycled materials...a sure sign of the times. /m

Welcome Forever 17

Check out Forever 17 - Gaby from Mexico, just click the renter box in the left column for a nice visit ... Thanks for your support, Gaby. best wishes, g

Nifty Giftybox, A New Experience

Gift giving can be quite a chore, especially if you're a thoughtful gift-giver.

Giftybox is the first and only national guidebook and gift pass combo on the market today that lets the recipient choose "an experience" gift. Gift options include ... yoga or pottery-making classes, winery tours, outdoor adventures, dining experiences and much more, for kids and adults alike.

Each theme-driven Giftybox features a guidebook describing a selection of different experiences plus an all-inclusive pass for the experience of the recipient’s choice, presented together in an attractive box. It gives its holder the opportunity to choose from among a variety of experiences or products: gift recipients select the experience they like most and redeem their all-inclusive pass for the experience or product of their choice. Unlike gift certificates or gift cards, there is no dollar value attached to the gift since each Giftybox is "experience driven" and all-inclusive.

Check out the ideas for kids...Basketball Superstars, Family Swim Time, Theater Arts, All Dolled Up...visit giftybox.com for all the details. A great way to put the fun back in gift-giving, whether it's for your child's school friend, a family member or work colleague -- don't you think?

Cent-a-meter Is 4 Inches of Power

The Cent-a-meter™ is an easy-to-use, wireless monitor that displays your home or office's total energy consumption in real time.

When an appliance, air conditioner or even a light bulb is turned on, the Cent-a-meter™ immediately senses the increased energy load and displays in real-time the resulting cost and kilowatts per hour being consumed. It even displays the amount of green house gas that is attributed to the current energy consumption.

This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, monitor and conserve electricity, and save money...just make sure you have a qualified, professional electrician install it for you, as the manufacturer advises.

The cent-a-meter™ is available for $179.99. Before you buy, get more info by visiting their U.S. distributor at www.cenergies.com /m

Desktop PC's - Green Machines

Feeling the strains of computer use, I'm realizing just how important Ergonomic Keyboards really are. We've all heard they can help prevent RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and even allow for more accurate and faster typing...but computer strain doesn't necessarily end there.

If you're chemically sensitive, noise sensitive, or feel that electromagnetic radiation from your PC is making you tired, here's a computer solution you may want to consider:
GreenMachineShop.com -- "Healthy Computing Through Environmental Responsibility -- is
a computer manufacturer and marketer bringing the highest quality and most ergonomic green PC solutions to computer users who care about their health, productivity and the environment."

According to their president, Thomas Schramm, "Notebooks are great for people who need mobile computing, but too many people use them all the time, even when sitting at their desks. The higher heat shortens the lifetime of electronics and battery. The higher noise level and the unergonomic setup can reduce productivity and cause health issues. Using a desktop computer whenever possible and a laptop only when necessary is the best solution."

Be sure to check out their Top 14 Reasons for a Green Computer when you visit their site. Now about my mac.../m

Hawthorne Valley Farm

Escaping to the Catskills on weekends inevitably involves answering the all-important question: "where will we shop for our provisions this weekend?" As there isn't an organic shop near our home, it always seem to be a quest that involves a combination of fun and frustration. So when a pal mentioned a special place in Columbia County called Hawthorne Valley Farm, which takes us a few minutes off-course, I figured I gotta check this out. Incredibly, HVF also sells some of their goods at Union Square's Green Market in Manhattan, twice a week. There are many aspects to the 400-acre Demeter-certified biodynamic farm --
HVF produce (in season)
HVF dairy products and baked goods
organic and Biodynamic® meats and poultry
certified organic beef and pork
local products featured
health and beauty aids
books and gifts
deli with light fare for take-out...ice cream (and non-dairy frozen treats); they have a huge selection of bins filled with beans, pastas, grains, and nuts. Spices and herbs are sold both pre-bottled and in bulk. They also stock pet food and paper, cleaning, and household products...one-stop shopping, which is such a rare find in the hills of upstate NY. Needless to say, I'm ecstatic.

Their store is an example of doing it right -- from the inside out. Built of sustainable materials, and a heating system that's energy efficient in frosty upstate NY, an impressive feat.
Open 7 Days:
Monday - Sat. 7:30am - 7:00pm
Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Call the Store at 518.672.7500 (option 7) or visit the site for directions, etc.

Flowers Light In the Dark

Need to spice up that garden or patio for nocturnal activities? Fiber optic strands and white LED lights are solar-charged by day, and automatically light up after dusk. Birds of Paradise, Daisies, Roses, Peonies, Poinsetta, Sunflowers and Daylilies... weather-resistant beauties to illuminate your evenings outdoors.

On sale for $28.99/each at Earthtech, a company with solid environmental values and lots of great solar lighting options. Some of their other outdoor options feature sensors and task lighting, so get ready for those trick or treaters! /m

Good Interview on Hybrids...

There was a good interview with Bradley Berman, editor of hybridcars.com, over at TreeHugger. Check out the latest news at the hybrid cars website including where to buy 'em, classified for hybrids, fuel consumption numbers and just about anything else you need to know about greener cars. Bradley points out that traffic fluctuates on his website with the ebb and flow of gas prices. Makes cents...
rd

Grass-Fed Beef and Dairy

My neighbor and I were discussing the health benefits of organic food, and she mentioned that grass-fed beef and dairy products were actually better for us than simply "organic." I'll be doing some research on this over the next few days, but in the interim, I'd like to pass along the results of a study that was done by the Union of Concerned Scientists (March 7, 2006). Stay tuned, and if you have any insights on this, please leave a comment. /m

Top 5 Hit the Road Travel Kits

In honor of my returning renter Texas RV, I've rounded up some of my favorite On the Road product sample kits. Click on RV's ad in the left side bar, pick up a kit or two, and hit the road.

BlueQ has an enormous array of brands and products, with all types of "personalities" like Dirty Girl...I love this line, check out DG's Foot Kit for $19.99
You can polish with cold-pressed tea tree oil, scrub with walnut shell, scruff with a pink pumice, polish with Classic Pink, and cream those toes with eucalyptus/oat.

Throw blueq's Hot & Flashy Power Energy Kit in your overnight bag. You won't want to leave town without it if you're going through some changes, if you know what I mean. The kit contains pear lip balm with SPF 18, vitamin E enriched shower gel, lemongrass hand and body cream with aloe extract and shea butter, and a rectangular pill case designed with a striking Art Deco motif that id's the brand.

When you need to clean that moop of hair, grab Aveda’s Love To Go travel set fixes you up head to hand and toe with shampoo, conditioner, lip balm, hand cream, and foot cream.

Terranova is a small skincare company that hails from the Bay Area, offering a wide range of products with organic ingredients. The Organic Oasis Essentials Spa Tote contains six mini bottles are packaged in a mesh mini-tote. Two irresistibles are: Green Coffee and Yerba Maté Stimulating Body Scrub, and Tiare Flower and White Tea Rejuvenating Body Lotion.

The mate and coffee combo make for an excellent body scrub because of their one-two ability against cellulite. The tiare flower extract and coconut oil are key moisturizing ingredients in the silky lotion. But the shea butter in the Therapeutic Miracle Cream packs the most powerful punch for healing dry skin.

And as every dirty boy and girl knows...road trips can be fun but messy, so don't forget the clean up kit...The Laundress kit includes a laundry bag and four products Crease Release removes wrinkles while the Classic Scent freshens clothes with the musk and woodsy notes. The Stain Solution can be used to pre-treat clothes before you clean them with the Delicate Wash. With hotel bedbugs on the rise, the Fabric Fresh rids bed sheets of smells and bacteria, which just might come in handy.
Sooo enjoy the sights, and stay stylishly pampered. /m

Geox Keeps Those Tootsies Dry

Shoes with holes in the soles ... to keep your feet dry. Whether your feet sweat or your step in a puddle, your feet stay dry. Sounds good.

The technology -- the Geox Rubber Breathes patented system draws moisture away from the foot and out through the pores in the sole of the shoe. The foot breathes by passing its moisture through a layer of material that acts like a breathable membrane and then out through the leather sole. Micro-holes in the rubber outsole let perspiration from the feet out of the shoes, the protective breathable membrane keeps water out and the feet dry.

Looks comfortable. I may have to paddle over in the rain tomorrow to the flagship on Madison Ave. & 57th, and take a pair of these Italians for a dry run.
For More, click here.

Nature Girl Beauty Finds

Nature Girl is a California-based, organic cosmetics company that produces Eco Chic Eucalyptus Leaf salt scrub, Groovy Locks shampoo, and lots more healthy stuff for face, body and bath. I have sensitive skin so I decided to give the Super Sensitive Skin Face Lotion a try...there are No fragrances in it, which is great, because as you know it's usually the fragrance in a product that will cause an allergic reaction, or breakout...it does contain olive extract and safflower oil which probably contribute to its extra-smooth texture. Their ingredients and essential oils are wildcrafted from small organic farms. www.nature-girl.com is all about peace, love and harmony..and oh yea, looking & feeling good. /m

Riding Maine's Green Wave

For every surfboard they build, 10 trees are planted, that's the policy of surfing's dynamic duo Mike LaVecchia and Rich Blundell. These business partners carve waves full-time and wooden boards in their spare time at York Beach, in Maine. Their tiny operation began when they made the hollow wooden surfboards for themselves, and then started making them for others.

If used every day for 10 years, a wooden board can last about 10 years, and bio-degrade in about 20 years. A foam surfboard may last about 3-5 years, and take 150 years to bio-degrade. What's more, they say that it's a really smooth ride, a lot more so than foam boards. cutting edge stuff. Surf's Up! They'll carve your own smooth board, for about $1500, visit www.grainsurfboards.com for more.

Eco-Lip Service, It's the Balm

At least twice a day my lips need moisturizing, so you could say I've become a lip balm junkie. Using healing organic herbs and moisturizing organic vegetable oils, (rather than petroleum-based stuff), I've discovered that Eco Lips can provide lasting protection -- softening and moisturizing.

This natural-based lip line protects from sun, wind and cold, and has an amazing selection of unusual flavors and accessories...Pictured is a group of goodies that's available for under $25. on their site...it includes: 1 Hemp, 1 Berry, 1 Sport, 1 Mint, 1 Bee Free, 1 Medicinal, 1 Energy, 1 Gold lip balm as well as an assortment of paraphernalia (I like that word): 1 Lanyard, 1 Clip, 1 Leash, and 1 Key Ring.

There's a caffein formula available ($2.99), and even offer an herbal blend that's over 95% Organic, which can "heal cold sores the natural way, with the powerful effects of tea tree oil, camphor, lemon balm and L-Lysine," for $4.99 Right now shipping is free with orders of $15 or more.
For more lip-smacking coverage, www.ecolips.com or call 1-866-ECO-LIPS.

Urban Cowgirl Steers Clear

We all know how The Teen Years can wreak havoc on skin. For a flawless complexion Urban Cowgirl has concocted Tea Tree Oil Foundation, which battles breakouts, heals trouble spots, and glides on with a natural feel ($27.50).

Her Flirtsticks are a collection of sheer, cream color in a stick to be used as a blush, a contour stick, a touch of color on the eyelids and on the lips, and tossed in your saddle pocket for a touch-up while on-the-dusty trail, $25.90

Yes, her tag line is Giddi-Up. Available in stores out west, naturally, and at www.urbancowgirl.com Grab your lasso, Dale, and round up the goods...yee-ha. /m

The Charming Madame Fortuna

I ducked into a gem of a shop yesterday and discovered some charming neckwear...these necklaces can be custom-made by Madame Fortuna. To create your unique, utterly alluring bling, contact the designer via her site or head to Christopher Street, where there are lots of other funky finds.
ALBERTINE
13 Christopher Street
212.924.8515
call for store hours. /m

A Fresh Outlook

I'm having a serious Fall Clean Fest, beginning with the apartment windows. It's a huge chore, but I prepared my window areas for "the window cleaner" this morning, and now that he's come and gone, those windows sparkle. Weird as it sounds, it seems like I'm thinking more clearly...what's up with that?

4-Letter Word...

SALE...catch the bargains at shopbop.com
Dress pictured, "Rachel Pally Oversized Collar Dress with Pencil S" is 70% off.
/m

Bare Necessities

This is such a great place to shop for those bare necessities. They carry the basics, for both men and women, as well as loungewear, bridal specialties and gift ideas. You can always find great stuff on sale, get free shipping with $75 or more in purchases, and keep those dainty duds fresh as a daisy with non-toxic and biodegradable, Forever Now. /m

Bluetooth on Your Wrist

It's not solar-powered, and it does take 3 hours to re-charge, but this outstanding Citizen watch does some cool stuff. Get set for more.

Healthy Home Work

The idea of creating a non-toxic home can be overwhelming. Where do I begin? How much will it cost? What steps do I take?

"The Healthy Home Workbook" comes from Kimberly Rider, a popular guest star of HGTV's "Curb Appeal." This resource contains tabbed sections for easy reference. And the material is laid out Room by Room, which makes it seem as though this personal quest "to clean up my act" may actually be possible.

She covers useful topics, ranging from -- how to combat noise pollution, identify and replace harmful cleaning products, care for your pets, choose furniture and flooring made with sustainable materials to -- how to remove mold in the bathroom, electromagnetic fields in your home office and de-clutter (my fave)...without breaking the bank.

The photography is clean and elegant, making "The Healthy Home Workbook" a true inspiration and handy reference guide for creating a fresh and healthy home. Kids have their homework, and now I have mine -- one room at a time. /m

Five Years After

Since 2001, September 11 should be a day that allows for some quiet contemplation. Although it includes celebrating my niece's birthday, a colleague's wedding anniversary, we must never forget those who lost their lives -- senselessly.
peace/m

Place of the Great Spirit

One of America's great industrial designers Russel Wright (1904-1976), purchased about 80 acres on the east side of the Hudson River near Garrison, NY in 1942, and called it Manitoga which translated from Algonquin, means "Place of the Great Spirit." Russel and his wife Mary made Manitoga their home, transforming what was once a quarry into a beautifully landscaped treasure, almost four miles of a "garden of woodland paths." Manitoga is the only 20th-century modern home site open to the public in New York. Note: Manitoga tours are NOT year-round.

As part of the Hudson River Ramble this weekend, you can take a guided hike through Manitoga's artfully designed trails to Lost Pond.
September 17, Sunday, 2pm - 4pm
Advance reservation is strongly suggested.

There are special events scheduled for Saturday, October 14 and 21 as well. These events require reservations, so call ahead to schedule. This fall, treat yourself to this very special place. Catch all the details at russelwrightcenter.org

Over the years, I've collected a few of Wright's ceramic pieces, a small creamer happens to be one of my favorites. The center also sells books and very cool note cards, and offers Camp Sessions to children during the summer. What a treat that would be.

Green Toe, A Shoe In

As some of you may know, I have a Big Thing for shoes. I have shoes from 20 years ago that I still wear. Not every day, of course, but if they're designed and manufactured well enough, they really hold up if worn solely "on special occasions."

Aside from style and seasonal needs, my purchases today are oftentimes decided upon by how items are manufactured. Here's a footwear company that's concerned about it's ecological footprint...offering styles for both men and women, and free shipping with orders of $75 or more. The loafers pictured here are about $80. Green Toe has some cool, casual styles, and more than one toe in the green landscape -- they also sell "gear." simpleshoes.com for more. /m

Good Taste in Shoes?

Straight from the website...I couldn't make this up...a new food group for the Vegan Diet: Footwear...lots of choices: sandals, clogs, boots...! They look a little crazy, but comfy. Thought you might want to check out some new footwear at veganshoes.us.

What are Vegan shoes?
Vegan shoes are a special assortment of shoes that are made out of synthetic materials, which means that no animals were used or injured in making these shoes. Vegan shoes are made from man made, synthetic or natural non-animal products. Shoes and clothing need not have animal products to be well made, comfortable, stylish and affordable.

I don’t eat meat, does that make me a vegan?
To our knowledge, that isn’t quite correct. Vegetarians don’t eat meat, fish, and poultry, but they still might use animal products or by-products from animals. Vegans do not eat any animal products at all including: eggs, honey, and dairy products. They also don’t wear leather, fur, silk, or wool. Vegans also don’t purchase cosmetics and soaps made from animal products."

Saturday, Sept. 9 Free Grass Seminar

Have you ever seen a row of tall, ornamental grasses swaying gently in the breeze? It looks so beautiful and can be so calming. And, there are so many varieties of grass from which you can choose.

Ornamental grasses are easy to plant, easy to maintain, and they can enhance your landscape year-round. Even in winter, if you haven't trimmed them before snow fall, some look like stalks of wheat shooting through a white blanket, casting long, strong shadows on the snow.

Tomorrow, Saturday morning, landscape designer Owen Wormser highlights some of the best native grasses available, and instructs how to use them in the landscape.

Here are the details:
NASAMI FARM FREE SEMINARS
128 North Street, Whately, MA,
Saturday, 11am and 1pm

Visit Nasami Farm Native Plant Nursery and learn from the pros. Free lectures and demonstrations are held on Saturdays in September during fall sales days. No preregistration is required. What's your favorite grass -- and I don't mean the kind you smoke.

Soleri's Arcosanti Dances to a Different Beat

Being a "dance enthusiast," a friend from Phoenix turned me on to an event that's taking place at Arcosanti, a place that seems "other-worldly." You can take a tour, have dinner and then experience a modern dance performance for only $30. Or you can simply attend the performance for $15, $10 if you're a student ... very cool.

Back in the late 1940's Paolo Soleri (pic, left) began designing spaces with a revolutionary approach, "arcology." The website shows what Soleri has envisioned for the new World Trade Center (including slides that allow for people to slide down the outside of the building), and also what he has in mind for a Francis Coppola film production.

Soleri's also developing a project that's based on "the lean alternative" -- a design philosophy that, in a nut-shell, impacts urban sprawl. According to the website, "The current Master Plan, Arcosanti 5000, features layers of super structures soaring over the existing site and provides the facilities to support a population of 5,000."

Cooper-Hewitt's National Design Awards just announced that Paolo Soleri is the recipient of their 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award; the gala will be in NYC on October 18. He'll also be discussing The Lean Alternative on Friday, October 20, 6:30pm at Parsons, www.parsons.edu/architecture for details.

Has anyone been to Arcosanti, about an hour north of Phoenix?
Their website provides a comprehensive overview of a profoundly inspiring and innovative scene. Soleri is a true visionary; so ahead of the curve, he IS the curve.

Wild Center In the Woods

I hope to get up to the Adirondacks sometime this fall, my favorite time of year. Part of the reason is to visit the new Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks in Tupper Lake, which opened July 4th weekend (June 30 post).

I came across this article the other day, which provides some great first-hand insights.

Moral Fervor's Unique Fiber

"Combining clothing with art and a deep concern for humanity, Moral Fervor is blurring the lines between fashion, fine art and technology, to create 'Necessary Fiber.' We want our work and our art to reflect our values." Direct from their mission statement...how could you not support two designers who've put their heart, soul, mind and morals into their threads?

Their upcoming line of t-shirts will be manufactured with Ingeo, a new fiber that's made from renewable corn, unlike nylon or polyester, which are petroleum-based. Their issue-related designs have included genetically modified food and electronic waste...They can even design something that's created exclusively for you. To catch the fervor, more.

From Current TV, EcoVillage Training

Take a 12-minute tour of The Farm in Tennessee where Albert Bates, the Director of the Global Village Institute for Appropriate Technology, offers training on how to create an Ecovillage. Since 1994, Bates has taught sustainable design, natural building, permaculture and restoration ecology to students from more than 50 nations.

Bates is scheduled to be with Just Food in NYC on October 21 and 28, discussing Urban permaculture. He's one of the original hippies, and has a lot of smart ideas to share.

Go GREEN

Please click on GREEN (see my New Renter, left side bar). From Bristol, England, Rache says that she's an easy going person who likes a good rant now and then. All the best to you, and thanks for your support.

Yurts All Around

The freedom to roam, and stay so close to nature really appeals to me. A few years ago my good friend in Oregon bought 100 acres of mountaintop land and placed a yurt on it...she and her family liked the shelter so much, they now have 3 on the property. These circular structures, like the originals in Central Asia, are designed to be warm in winter and cool in summer. Check 'em out:

"affordable, comfortable and environmentally friendly"...visit www.yurts.com

"environmentally friendly...designed and built to be the best"...RainierYurts.com

The Colorado Yurt Company: tipis, tents & yurts, since 1976...coloradoyurt.com

Bank-rolling Hybrids

We're on a roll to better gas mileage and less air pollution. Bank of America doles out $3000 to employees in Charlotte, Boston and LA who buy a hybrid car. Timberland pays $3000 to employees who drive a hybrid. And Google pays $5000 to employees who buy any vehicle that gets 45mph or more per gallon. Here's to more companies bank-rolling conservation with incentives.

Habitat Suites Offers Sweet Green Deals

When in the Austin area, check out the Keep Austin Weird stuff around town, the music strip, and try the Habitat Suites if you're looking for an eco-friendly place to lay your head. We stayed there a few years ago, and it was fine...nothing fancy -- friendly staff, clean suites, and moderately priced. Surprisingly this is not a chain hotel, it's a one and only.

As their site states: "...Our guests enjoy our low rates ($79-$179) because we don’t want them paying more, and so that we can do the right thing. We are also helping to support small businesses, many of them local, which provide the environmentally-friendly products that we use. Habitat Suites Hotel for details.

Dig In for Local Good Eats

In this day or conservation, lots of folks are reconsidering just what should be planted in their gardens and lawns. With tons of water consumed by "watering the lawn", many are now watering their organic, edible landscapes. With guidance by Edibleestates.org, you can transform your yard or urban rooftop garden into your own private produce market. From pitchfork to table fork, that's low carbon emission eating!

Green-ify Your Urban Landscape

Frustrated by your grey, urban landscape? If you need inspiration and info on how to help transform it into a greener environment, Edenslostandfound.org has helped cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, LA and Seattle clean up rivers, install public art and build parks. With a PBS series, dvd, books and website supporting their efforts, you can uncover the natural attributes that made your city so desirable way back when, and enjoy your surroundings once again.

Home Fashion Forward

Multi-media in your home, circa 2050. OK, don't hold your breath, but houses could have glowing, fabricated igloos that generate light and sound shows, as conceived by French, industrial designer Matali Crasset. For a glimpse of Crasset's vision, visit NYC's beautiful Cooper-Hewitt, now through September 24th. C-H is located at 2 East 91st St. For more info, www.cooperhewitt.org /m

Organic New Threads

Weather-wise, it's feeling like summer's shades are drawing to a close. Did someone say clothes? For some of us, shopping for new threads is delightful, and for others, it is most dreaded. There's the slight pang of guilt that creeps into my consciousness -- do I really need a new pair of jeans or shoes? You know what I mean...

When the answer is Yes -- be informed about what it is you're buying. loomstate promotes the use of organic cotton when manufacturing clothing, click here for a comprehensive laundry list of reasons why we should support organic cotton manufacturing. Next time you need to replace that shirt, pair of pants, etc...hopefully, you'll seek out the organic label...As I've said before, organic cotton not only feels superb, but you'll be defending our natural resources as well.

Al Gore Was the Biggest Hit...

.. on MTV's VMA show last night. The rest of the program was overly-staged, shameless, self-promotion. From Jack Black's ridiculous hosting to all the filler in-between. Gore's got it goin' on, and I'm glad he was able to reach millions who were watching. If you haven't seen An Inconvenient Truth in book or movie form, (I've seen both, and recommend the movie over the book)...get thee to the cinema. A (moving) picture's still worth a thousand words. /m

Burning Man, Very Cool

I've been intrigued by the Burning Man Art Fest for the past year or so, and was happy to see that there's now a green aspect to the effort, Coolingman.org.

The Nevada fest starts on Monday, visit The San Francisco Chronicle for the story.