The Alternative Consumer

2007-01-30T18:15:00.000-05:00

Sustainable Dance Club

Can dancing create green energy? Can a dance club become an electric power generator?

We've Moved...

2007-01-03T16:46:00.000-05:00

Come On Over, So You Don't Miss a Thing.

see you there,
galli galli sim sim
alternativeconsumer.com

Biomass Rather Than Fossil Fuel

2006-12-28T11:44:00.000-05:00

There are pros and cons to wood-burning stoves and fireplace inserts, but one of the most promising recent home-heating developments is the biomass stove -- a combustion device much like a pellet stove. Biomass stoves burn organic fuels: cherry pits, olive pits, sunflower seeds, corn, wheat and other cereal grains. The seeds and grains go into the hopper and out comes a slow, steady stream of fuel to the combustion chamber. These fuel sources burn cleanly and contain a huge amount of energy...how hearth and heart-warming. For more, try www.magnumHeat.com for biomass and wood stoves, www.bixbyEnergy.com for biomass stoves, or www.Tulikivi.com for soapstone masonry fireplaces. /m

For Those Who Pre-Fur Fur

2006-12-20T00:19:00.000-05:00

For all of you out there who may be overcome by the holiday compulsion to wear or display fur, here is a website suppling faux fur of only the highest quality. This fake fur will quench even the most hide-heavy holiday thirst for animal hair. /r
Visit PreFurs.com

Vinyl to Digital

2006-12-19T08:40:00.000-05:00

If you're a geezer like myself with a deep, if sordid, audio past, or a closet DJ with a pile of Queen Latifah records, you probably have some vintage vinyl lying in storage somewhere that's just begging to get on your computer. Well it just might be time to consider transferring some of your audio gold from analog to digital. If you don't have a turntable, there are several turntables on the market that can do the job via USB. We like the Ion iTTUSB Turntable with USB Recorder available at Amazon.com for $149.99, it comes with software for Mac or PC. Be prepared for this one to be back-ordered.

If you're more of an audiophile and/or have a good existing turntable, you may want to try another option, the ART USB Phono Plus USB Audio Interface, whereby many types of analog audio sources: cassette, vinyl, etc. can connect to your Mac or PC (comes with software). This device allows you to use your existing analog equipment and high-end turntable to get a better quality sound transfer. $99.95 at Amazon, or Sweetwater
g

Bill Gates May Run Out of Gas...

2006-12-18T11:04:00.000-05:00

An interesting celebrity emissions story is making the rounds. It seems Washington State is considering tightening its auto emissions standards to outlaw vehicles that produce "gross emissions". The statute would include Bill Gates' Porsche 959. (click for more)
It's ironic that Bill originally got an exemption to put the Porsche on the street from his buddy, and born-again environmentalist, Bill Clinton.
rd

Finnish-ed Design

2006-12-18T10:01:00.000-05:00

Being married to a Finn, number 6 of the New York Post's Sunday Hot List jumped out at me: "Fantastic Finns." Had to check out raminiemi.com.

Rami's a uniquely talented, Helsinki-based graphic artist with a distinct, illustrative style. Don't miss the "Smeet Mary, Mother of God," "Okay Then" and "Bay Windows Let the Sunshine In" on his The Nuggets of Manly Advice site. At left is his Happy 55th Birthday Dad -- Very Cool Stuff. /m

Dry Cleaning - Think Twice

2006-12-16T14:19:00.000-05:00

I haven't been to the dry cleaners in years. That "after-smell" on my clothes was so nauseating that I switched to a wardrobe that could be cleaned more simply. According to Greener Choices, over 80% of dry cleaners use perchloroethylene, or perc, a solvent which is associated with environmental and health risks. Perc has been classified by the EPA as both a hazardous air and water pollutant. It can potentially contaminate surface water, groundwater and drinking water, and it's known to be toxic to plants and aquatic animals. For more on this potent polluter, and to learn about dry cleaning alternatives, click here. /m

Millennia Collection - Holiday Classics

2006-12-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

Just released from Christmas Classics is the first three volumes of "The Millennia Collection," a series of Christmas music packages containing CDs of carols, songbooks, and fine art and history books -- available as a single gift set for the first time this holiday season.
Now you can actually learn the words to your favorite carols, instead of humming or mumbling along with your fellow music-lovers. Visit www.ChristmasClassics.com.
/m

Bamboo TV - in the Groove

2006-12-15T09:50:00.000-05:00

Is Santa delivering a new, wide-screen, LCD Groove Tube to anyone this year? Here's a natural beauty that's surrounded by a nice alternative to nasty plastic -- hard-as-steel, bamboo. Bamboo is our Product of the Year -- extremely durable, versatile, and best of all, a highly sustainable grass. This 19-inch-high, 9-pounder is RoHS-compliant, saves power 5 ways, and will set you back only $473.31. If only the buttons weren't plastic, maybe next year? Check it, here. /m

Nintendo's Wii Problem

2006-12-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

If you're not one of the 500,000 or so who rushed out to buy Little Johnny the new Wii, you're probably lucky. Nintendo just announced a recall on 3.2 million defective straps. The new and improved strap will have a .04 diameter instead of the current, .024 inch diameter. For more, click here.

SAX-40 The Quiet Airplane

2006-12-14T10:58:00.000-05:00

Engineers at the University of Cambridge and MIT have a concept plane that's designed to be a quiet aircraft, and burn less fuel than the current array of birds of flight. Doesn't that sound good...comprehensive coverage from the BBC News website. bon voyage. /m

Welcome to Scooter McGavin

2006-12-14T07:50:00.000-05:00

Click on my advertiser's blog (left column), Scooter McGavin's 9th Green for his insights on music, tv, politics and more...some funny, well-written stuff! /m

Blood Diamond Causes Stir & Spin

2006-12-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

If you're considering buying that diamond-encrusted tiara for your sweetie this Christmas, buyer beware. Although the diamond trade has been a hot-bed of controversy for years (excellent story here), the release of director Ed Zwick's new film, Blood Diamond, has both DeBeers' and Russell Simmons' pr machines and heads spinning. Receiving more ink, as well, is news of companies who grow their own, synthetic diamonds...such as solaura. And to top it off, also in the spotlight are companies like Brilliant Earth, who've found a higher road in high-end, bauble-making. For most, gone are the days of waltzing into Tiffany's and mindlessly picking up a dazzling carat or two...it's a minefield out there, so dig-in and get up to speed, before forking over the cash for these dazzlers. /m

Eugene's Greener Everyday

2006-12-12T08:58:00.000-05:00

With a population of 146,000 -- Eugene, Oregon has instituted a 3-pronged effort to become carbon neutral in its buildings and operations, by 2020. This city should be the "poster boy" for all cities to offset its carbon dioxide emissions through improved: conservation, energy efficiency and spending on renewable forms of energy.

Local government and voters have figured out that supporting business and the environment are not diametrically opposed notions...that in order for the community to flourish, they must continue to figure out more ways for man and nature to co-exist.

For more, check out ENN. /m

Nissan Shifts Gears

2006-12-11T21:16:00.000-05:00

In an effort to re-brand itself as green friendly, Nissan Motors has announced it's entry into the hybrid car market. LINK

Yoga, Tribe and Culture

2006-12-11T11:34:00.000-05:00

Little Guru, a line of socially conscious tees for boys and girls, are made from organic cotton with eco-friendly, low-impact dyes that are gentle on the skin. Yoga, Tribe and Culture and YouthAIDS (www.youthaids.org) have joined forces to spread the message of HIV/AIDS awareness to the world’s youth population. With the artistic talents of founder-designers James Wvinner and Carmena Su, Yoga, Tribe and Culture offers a limited edition organic cotton tank top to promote YouthAID's 'Off the Mat, Into World' program. 35% of the sale of each tank top is donated to YouthAIDS.

All of YTC's manufacturing, production and labor are done in the USA; everything is 100% fair trade, and they're diligently working to make the move to 100% organic cotton.

YTC collaborates with yoga studio biggies Yoga Works, Jiva Mukti and Exhale Spa to create custom designs for their studios and special events, and designed the tank tees for Michael Franti’s Power to the Peaceful concert held earlier this year in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

The full line of men’s, women’s and children’s wear is available online at www.yogatribeandculture.com. Or checkout the list of retail and yoga studio outlets posted on their site. Kid's tees $30; adult's tees $40; look for the 10% discount for first-time, online buyers. /m

my bella pink - just for you

2006-12-11T10:26:00.000-05:00

Celebrity and tattoo-inspired clothing is available online just in time for the rush of holiday gift-buying. Pictured here is a personal fave -- the Passport Panty. Yes, you can now protect your two most prized possessions -- your precious panties, as well as your passport as you circle the globe -- in search of tattoos, celebrities, or both.

This party-pack Passport Envelope comes with your choice of cut -- either thong or boy-short style, with towelettes and body spray. Must items for the pretty in pink gal on the go, only $18.

Visit mybellapink.com and navigate By Brand rather than By Category -- there's more of a selection. If you like boots, you'll find kooky kickers at Koolaburra. shop on. /m

charmed and dangerous baubles

2006-12-11T09:22:00.000-05:00

Having had an office in Chelsea for 15 years, I tap into Union Square's green market and annual Holiday Market regularly. There's a booth that may interest the bauble buyer or book-mark buyer in you. If you can't get to the square, the artist who designs these items also peddles her wares online. Sally Dane, the designer, has created a line of sweet-meets-hip, vintage-inspired charm necklaces and earrings using semi-precious stones and gold-filled chains, and priced most of the items in the $25-40 range.

Turns out she her husband Michael started Hookmarks, several years ago, and she just returned to her love of jewelry-making with the launch of charmed and dangerous this year.

Charmed & Dangerous will be at the Union Square Holiday Market from now, to December 24th: Mon-Fri, 11a-8p; Sat, 10a-8p; Sun, 11a-7p. The Market closes will close at 4p on Christmas Eve. Dane's creations are wildly popular, so move quickly if you don't want to be disappointed. And here's a plus -- her custom-designed gift boxes don't need to be gift wrapped. how charming and practical. /m

Vere - Good For Diabetics - Chocolate

2006-12-07T12:05:00.000-05:00

verē ("pronounced very") is the brainchild of Kathy Moskal. Kathy previously applied her innovative skills at HUE, the highly successful, leg wear company, and is now creating a luxury line of chocolates, all of which are suitable for diabetics and some of which are suitable for vegans, (soy-based, entirely egg and dairy-free).

She owns and operates her Chelsea-based chocolate factory and concocts her specialty confections from pesticide-free cocoa beans from the Ecuadorian Rainforest, certified to be sustainably-grown and responsibly harvested.

Having selected a potent Arriba, an heirloom varietal of cacao bean to form the base of her dark chocolate, she adds a proprietary blend of natural sweeteners -- which is low-glycemic, and won't cause one's blood sugar to spike. The result is slightly bitter-tasting, yet rich, decadent and delicious.

With twice the antioxidants of standard dark chocolate, vere's elegant line is both extensive -- from bars, brownies and clusters to tiles, truffles and wafers, and affordable. Dip into this guilty pleasure...this vere good, "food of the gods." Click here for availability, and don't miss the "special offer." Be on the lookout for vere good ice cream on the horizon. /m

Victoria's Secret - A Touch of Green

2006-12-07T10:06:00.000-05:00

Limited Brands, the parent company of the Victoria's Secret catalog, announced that the publishing of the sexy undies catalog will be getting a little greener. In a joint statement released with the environmental group, ForestEthics, the company has committed to using either 10 percent recycled paper or 10 percent new paper from sources certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as having been produced in an environmentally sustainable manner. Bravo

Doing A World of Good

2006-12-07T00:28:00.000-05:00

A World of Good's ethical practices abound, and in their first full year of business, they've improved the lives of more than 2500 artisans in over 31 countries. As noted on their website, they've "created employment for the disabled in Cambodia, and for HIV positive women in Swaziland....promoted anti-child-labor activism in India, provided Tsunami relief in Sri Lanka and supported educational programs in Guatemala and Nepal."

This hand-woven, rattan smoked basket was made (Fair Trade) by artisans in Cambodia ($29.95). Here's to a good, Long Life. /m

Not Buying It

2006-12-04T22:07:00.000-05:00

Just not buying this whole Consumerism-thing? Then maybe you want to go to your local public library to check out this book by Judith Levine. (To suggest that you purchase Not Buying It isn't in keeping with the premise of the book -- perhaps you steal the book, read it, and then pass it along to a friend....hmmm.)

Now seriously, Judith has done her research on this hot topic. Although much theory and data exists regarding both what people consume, and why -- very little data exists on why people choose not to purchase. Judith substantiates the premise with Thomas Princen, co-director of the Workshop on Consumption and Environment at the University of Michigan's belief, that this environment "makes the non-purchase decision a critical focus of inquiry."

With this info tucked safely in her back pocket, Judith and her live-in partner, Paul take a year-off from mass consumerism -- and purchase only life's necessities for an entire year -- chronically their experiences. It begs the question: Do you buy it? /m

for the birds

2006-12-03T08:46:00.000-05:00

Re-posting this, (from 8/22/06)...'cause these would make such wonderful gifts!
My husband is a man of action. So when he spied a hummingbird on the patio the other day he quickly decided we should have a proper feeder. As for attracting one more species of wildlife to our door, I was a bit hesitant (we are often visited by turkeys, coyote, snakes, and even a random cow), but at least hummingbirds have the good sense to feed on nectar. Rather like the gods, no?

Our search for something unusual led us to Par-A-Sol (www.parasolgarden.com) which crafts possibly the most charming bird feeders I’ve ever seen. Using recycled glass, Parasol recreates classic designs inspired by 1930’s Depression glass and early 20th century perfume bottles. Our feeder now in place, we have seen at least 4 different birds that are happily humming in the garden. And we are happily watching out the window just to get a glimpse of these wonders of nature.

To learn a bit more we consulted the Hummingbird Society and found that while hummingbirds are the world’s second largest bird family, nearly 10% of them are threatened with extinction. You can lend your support at www.hummingbirdsociety.org or at the American Bird Conservancy (www.abcbirds.org), both of which have wonderful programs to preserve bird species and their habitats. /jb

The Rap on Gift Wrap

2006-12-02T10:32:00.000-05:00

I know it's not an act relished by all, but as long as I'm not confronted by a huge pile of gifts, I actually enjoy wrapping gifts. I usually tie in the way the gift is wrapped, with the theme of the gift. It's not that difficult a thing to do, it usually just takes a few minutes of extra thought.

Instead of buying gift wrap, you can wrap gifts in all kinds of recycled materials -- from cloth (recycle that table cloth, garment or sheet/towel) to baskets, bowls, used boxes or paper bags. Most mass-produced wrapping paper you find in stores is not recyclable and ends up in landfills. Get creative -- have fun and make your own wrapping paper. You can wrap presents with a wide array of alternatives -- old maps or posters; the comics section of a newspaper; or paper bags & boxes featuring your, or your children's doodles/artwork. If every family wrapped just three holiday gifts in any of these ways, (per The Sierra Club), it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. Pass along your eco-friendly gift wrap suggestion. /m

Edward Abbey

2006-12-01T13:12:00.001-05:00

A book review in The New York Times (11/19/06) caught my eye. Its title reads, "Forest Grump" and its byline: "The collected correspondence of Edward Abbey, cranky environmentalist." How intriguing...POSTCARDS FROM ED is a collection of high-energy, previously unpublished letters (mostly postcards) by the late author of The Monkey Wrench Gang and Desert Solitaire...this new work contains his observations on a wide variety of topics -- from sex, cheerleaders and the Bond girls -- to religion and the war in Vietnam. Now here's a gift for at least one person I know. /m

Bamboo for the Bath

2006-12-01T02:19:00.000-05:00

From a highly sustainable resource that grows quickly and abundantly -- bamboo plants -- comes furniture, flooring, clothes and bath towels -- just some of the many eco-conscious items made from this highly versatile natural resource. These organic cotton and bamboo towels (sets of 2) -- range from bath-size ($69/set), to face ($32/set), to hand ($15/set); in silver, sage or ivory. silky-smooth, from Vivaterra. /m

Eco Friendly Ornaments

2006-11-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

How is this ornament eco-friendly? When you buy it, the National Wildlife Federation plants a tree...Not only does this conservation organization serve many useful purposes, but also offers many useful and reasonably-priced gifts for year-round shopping. Whether it's apparel or home decor, or garden -- there's a wide variety of quality items, many of which are nature-themed. Another plus -- just click and shop. No driving and crowd hassles. You can even make a donation to the organization in someone's name as a gift. Everybody wins -- the recipient and NWF (and you). The Plant-a-Tree ornament comes in 10 motifs, and costs only $9.95. Now maybe you won't feel so guilty about that Christmas tree. /m

Green Drinks Holiday Party in NYC

2006-11-27T23:35:00.000-05:00

Fifth Annual Big Green Holiday Party, hosted by GREEN DRINKS.
December 12
M1-5 (52 Walker Street, between Church & B'way)
7p-12midnight
$15 admission/suggested donation** -- helps keep the organization running. **If you bring your electric bill and sign up for wind power from ConEd Solutions, the admission is waived.
There'll be tunes, a special guest, organic hors d'oeuvres & cocktails, and a raffle for a wide array of very cool prizes -- tops is a 5-night stay at an eco-resort in Costa Rica. Plan to stop by if you're passionate about environmental issues, just want to meet others who are, or you'd like to make merry with some good food and drink. For more info, green-links.org Bottom's Up. /m

Skiing the Net

2006-11-26T01:23:00.000-05:00

Snow buns and buds can traverse the net for some decent deals before hitting the slopes.
snowrental.net...Reserve rooms and gear in North America or Europe, save up to 45% in over 500 shops; also offers snow reports and ski holiday packages.
ifyouski.com ... a very comprehensive site; under Resorts -- check out their reviews of resorts all over the world, and activities both on and off the slopes.
snow.com ... specializes in packages to 5 resorts: Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone and Heavenly.
ski.com ... ski packages to 75 resorts located throughout North America, South America and Europe; also offers customized holidays with concierge services for restaurant rez, child care, grocery shopping, etc.
natives.com ... ski jobs and working in resorts, plus a whole lot more about the precious white stuff.
wildsnow.com ... Lou Dawson's blog and site about the back country.
Your turn - add your fave to the list in the comment zone. And go play in that beautiful blanket of snow. /m

Skiers Looking for the Green

2006-11-25T00:09:00.000-05:00

As a ski enthusiast searching for an eco-friendly ski resort, I thought I'd pass along some info for anyone who may desire a winter vaca on the slopes...
The Green Resort Guide provides eco track-records for resorts around the world.
WhitePod, (pictured at left) Igloo-like camp, Luxury meets Back Woods, high in the Swiss Alps. Here's to a beautiful season. /m

Compact Design - Big Impact

2006-11-23T19:16:00.000-05:00

Tiny Living, a small store in the East Village, specializes in providing home-goods for small spaces. Most of their items are compact, and perform more than one task...very engaging. At left is an otto slide/sofa. The red ottomans slide out and can also serve as either additional mini seats or low-lying mini tables. Priced at $499. This nifty otto slide is also available as a single. For some fun, funky finds: 125 East 7th St, between First Ave & Avenue A, (212.228.2748). /m

LivingHomes LEEDS The Way

2006-11-21T10:09:00.000-05:00

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design awards LA-based architects, Ray Kappe and David Hertz, of LivingHomes, 91 of 108 possible points for their pre-fab, residential prototype. The LivingHomes 2500-square-foot model home is a Zero Energy, Zero Water, Zero Waste, Zero Carbon, Zero Emissions residence, whose green building features exceptional, state of the art construction, such as:
* An integrated stormwater management system which includes sub-surface irrigation and a 3500-gallon cistern and grey water recycling system
* A whole-house cooling/ventilation fan
* A 175 CFM fan in the garage tied into the garage door
automatically exhausts carbon monoxide from the garage
* Low-e Solarban60 glazing on the doors and windows and Polygal
polycarbonate glazing that has greater thermal properties than regular
glass
* Low-Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paints and stains from AFM Safecoat
* Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC) wood for the millwork, ceiling, siding, and framing
* 100% post-consumer recycled paper based countertops
* Recycled glass and recycled porcelain tiles
* Water-efficient fixtures
* Solar-powered photovoltaics & a special, 864-square-foot roof
* An energy-efficient spa by Jacuzzi
* An indoor garden that serves to filter and produce clean indoor air.

This particular model's home foundation took almost 7 months (because it's situated on a sloped site, with three different levels of foundation and underground parking). Normal foundations should take three months max. The actual pre-fab construction of this steel-framed home was accomplished in 8 hours. Fit-out can take another 3 months or so, depending of course on what that entails. According to Daniel Cunningham of LivingHomes, "Pricing is less expensive than a similarly-designed custom site-built home". So it seems there's a glimmer of hope for more green in residential construction. For details on this inspiring work, or other LivingHomes, visit LivingHomes.us. Green Home Sweet Home. /m

Avalon for the Sensitive Type

2006-11-20T22:28:00.000-05:00

If you have finicky flesh, try Avalon Organics Lavender Renewal & Vitality Daily Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. To calm the epidermis, it contains lots of certified organic ingredients -- lavender, licorice root, white tea, grape seed polyphenols (antioxidants), tumeric, arnica and calendula and other non-irritating ingredients, plus Vitamins C & E. At $15.95...a good buddy to pack in your overnight bag.

Your Avalon purchase will help support the Breast Cancer Fund; their goal is to eliminate the 50% of breast cancer cases that are not genetic. The BCF is a founding organizational member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which calls on all cosmetics and personal care companies to protect our health by phasing out the use of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other health concerns in every market they serve. Fortunately, these toxic chems do not make into the entire line of Avalon Organics Bath & Body care products. /m

Support the Green Innovators

2006-11-17T10:40:00.000-05:00

Consciously support companies that talk the talk and walk the walk. Here are a few personal faves who endeavor to shrink their ecological footprint...Dagoba Organic Chocolate is the first American manufacturer to produce only organic chocolate and to acquire its cocoa through fair-trade co-ops under conditions that preserve the rainforest.

Nature's Path, an organic breakfast food & snack-maker contributes regularly to conservationists, recycles un-usable spilled ingredients to local farmers, and powers itself partly from renewable sources. Founder Arran Stephens is working to make his company 100% waste-free by 2010 and climate-neutral by 2020...hey, these moves require time (and money).

Seeds of Change cultivates and disseminates more than 600 varieties of organic vegetable, flower and herb seeds. They also help gardeners preserve numerous plant varieties that are in danger of extinction.

To find out which manufacturers: preserve natural resources, reduce waste, conserve energy and restore the environment, check Co-Op America's Green Pages.
It's high time for all businesses to alter their manufacturing practices in order to minimize their impact on the Earth. Wield your consumer-power and reward eco-friendly product manufacturers by purchasing products from those who practice eco-friendly measures. Buy Green /m

Clothes that Just Don't Quit

2006-11-15T16:29:00.000-05:00

With its unique take on fashion, Montreal-based On & On is creating one of a kind, recycled, ready to wear, one stitch at a time. Established in 2002, this innovative and eco conscious fashion design company well-cut, hip clothes from recycled materials, just for you.

On and On also welcomes certain clothing that you may no longer want or need, giving them raw materials for more fashion-forward pieces. For specs on this contemporary fashion house, visit On & On.

If you'd like to make a clothing donation, go to their site and click Give Clothes, and feel good about extending the life of your worthy threads. /m

Green Your Soul and Your Home

2006-11-14T20:20:00.000-05:00

Check out this portable Meditation Bench. Made from sustainable beech or ash hardwood, with a durable clear coat finish and foldable legs. What a cool present -- only $67.

I was drifing from room to room while visiting greenhome, and I've uncovered 2 other must haves...a hemp and flax shawl (in bilberry, $27). Better think quick if you want this one, it's listed under clearance/special deals. And on the very boring side of life, I decided that I really need to stop procrasting and do something about cleaning my area rug and floor in the living room. They're in serious need of some TLC, and I've stumbled upon a couple of good solutions...green home.
Check out a product or two -- for you and your home, and send us your thoughts. We'd love to know what you think. /m

Fine Organic Vines and Wines

2006-11-13T00:45:00.000-05:00

Here are a few flavorful resources for researching that next organic wine purchase. Not only is organic farming better for the land and the toilers of the land, but also better for you. Without the addition of preservatives, (there are natural occurring sulphites in some organic wine) the hangover effect is usually curtailed when one sips wine made from organic grapes.
I've tried Frey (Biodynamic, from California) as well as Frog's Leap and Bonterra Chardonnays...I like the Chardonnay from Bonterra and Frog's. To top it off, our local wine shop in the Catskills stocks them...as Borat says, vedy nii-ice!.../m
Organic Wine Journal
Wine-Searcher.com
Organic Wine Company, or cleanskins.com (for organic wine links).
What's your favorite organic wine? /m

Real Green Christmas Trees

2006-11-11T00:10:00.000-05:00

In preparing for Christmas, the ritual of cutting down our own Christmas tree is one of the few activities that I actually look forward to. Having recently learned that some growers of Christmas trees use 40 different pesticides, as well as chemical colorants, (which is not only bad for the environment, but also the farm hands), I'm on a quest to find an organic tree farm in the Catskills.

Haven't found one yet, but here are a few that I've dug up so far...
pested.org

eco-businesslinks
Captain Jack's Christmas Tree Farm Network
and
Tree2MyDoor ...offers trees, and a whole lot more.

For each Christmas tree cut on tree farms, 2 or 3 new seedlings are planted.

But if cutting down and recycling a tree is not for you, you could buy a tree with roots and plant it after the holidays... American Forests provides detailed information about tree planting.

My sister simply decorates a large, potted evergreen. When the decorations are removed, the plant is rolled back to its comfy, year-round spot by the slider.

Ah, the joys of the holidays...if you know where there's an organic Christmas tree farm, we'd love to know.
(petite Santa pictured here is courtesy of lifeinmayberry)

See the Lighting Sale

2006-11-10T09:34:00.000-05:00

Sales are always a turn-on...Green Culture's Lighting products are all 30% off right now...this Gala Collection pendant chandelier is itself recyclable, and skillfully made by artists, from hand-blown glass. This sleek design is featured in a variety of colors (yellow, white, blue, green, espresso) and styles, (from single pendants, to six) and each has a satin nickel finish.

Gala Pendant Chandelier, now on sale for $375. See Green Culture for details). And be green by buying compact fluorescent light bulbs as an energy-saving alternative to the standard incandescent. /m

Discover The Find

2006-11-09T18:45:00.000-05:00

Lighten the stress of searching for this or that by tapping into thefind.com. Built-in features of this search engine allow you to send your find to a friend, or save your faves. I know, it's a Real Find. /m

Green Glassware for Holidays or Anyday

2006-11-09T12:34:00.000-05:00

A fine example of why it's worth recycling glass...Green Sage offers several collections of clear glass with frosted designs -- from tumblers to stemware, and they're all made in the USA, and dishwasher-safe.

This emerald green tumbler design carries 'Protect Our Earth' in 4 languages: English, Spanish, Afrikaans (South African) and French. (set of 4, $51.95).

To view their Peace, Aspen Harmony or Royal Nautical patterns, visit Green Sage. And check out their bed, bath and furniture options for the entire home; they also offer a new Wedding Registry if you're heading to the alter. /m

Eco-Conscious and Perky

2006-11-09T01:21:00.000-05:00

Launched in 2004, Deborah Lindquist's retro meets edgy, eco-conscious clothing line combines environmental responsibility with a uniquely stylish aesthetic. She creates her Spring 07 designs using a mix of old and new fabrications -- recycled cashmere, kimonos, saris and vintage silk scarves, and sustainable materials such as hemp, organic cotton, and organic wool. To perk up your wardrobe, click Deborah Lindquist and strike a new pose. /m

That Holiday Spirit is Swelling

2006-11-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

As you plan for December's onslaught of festive activities, consider donating some time or money to an environmental cause...help clean up a local river, the air, New Orleans...the opportunities to derive satisfaction from the act of giving are endless.

...a few ideas that may inspire...
theWildlandsProject
Sierra Club
greenpeace
the Natural Resources Defense Council
care2.com

OneSharedWorld
HealTheBay
TrueFoodNetwork
AlterNet.org
ECOSAinstitute

HonorTheEarth
AppalachianTrail.org
ecotourism.org
WorldWildlifeFund.org
TheNatureConservancy
ZeroWasteAmerica.org

Here's to a happy, healthy, green holiday season.
Let us know your worthy cause. /m

Making an Understated Eco Statement

2006-11-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

I'll be brief...hand made from organic cotton, these "Under Statement" knickers are produced in jolly ol' England.
Hop over to Greenknickers.org for details. /m

Growing Growing Gone

2006-11-07T20:15:00.000-05:00

For valuable insights on the environment, (both ecologically-speaking and stock market-wise) check out our new renter, Growing Growing Gone, by clicking the box to the left...before it's too late.
/m

What's Brewing in Tea-land

2006-11-07T18:19:00.000-05:00

There are so many tea suppliers in the world today, it's dizzying. I usually brew a small pot, using loose tea leaves. A non-tea drinker friend of mine served me a cup of tea Saturday night that was so stunning, I had to visit the producer's site to learn more.

What sets TeaForte apart is that their unique Silken-Tea-Infusers are individually hand crafted, providing "the world's finest method to brew a cup of tea". Using only exquisite whole-leaf teas and rough cut herbs...their unique "tea bag" design allows the subtle flavors of these fine teas to infuse into the water. The wrap is so delicate-looking yet functional, it's almost a work of art.

Their infusers are filled at the tea gardens in Asia, and sealed for freshness. Very fresh indeed, and an absolutely marvelous gift -- for you, or another tea lover. This may very well be your cup of tea. Pop over to their beautifully designed site to discover their delicious array of teas, both wrapped, and loose. /m

Green Globe Trotting

2006-11-07T08:32:00.000-05:00

Pictured here, courtesy of their website, is Nihiwatu; a resort with just 7 huts, on the remote island of Sumba, Indonesia. The most desirable of the list of Conde Nast Traveler magazine's annual Top Dozen Eco-friendly destinations, hotels and outfitters for 2006. For more details, visit nihiwatu.com; doubles, $390.

CNL also highlights:
Natural Habitat Adventures -- NHA offers customized trips to 30 countries, with trip leaders who are all naturalists, (who receive training by World Wildlife Federation scientists, annually). nathab.com 7-day Classic Polar Bear Excursion, $3795/pp.

Aspen Ski Company -- aspensnowmass.com lift tix, $74.
G.A.P. Adventures -- gapadventures.com 18-day Ecuador Experience trip, $645/pp
La Ruta Moskitia -- Honduras. larutomoskkitia.com 8 days, $510-595/pp
El Nido Resorts -- Phillipines. elnidoresorts.com
Tenuta di Spannocchia -- Italy. spannocchia.com
Lenox Hotel -- Boston. lenoxhotel.com doubles: $308-348.
North Island -- Seychelles. north-island.com doubles, $3430 includes meals & dives.
Grootbos Nature Reserve -- South Africa. grootbos.co.za doubles $685, includes meals.
Cruise North Expeditions -- Canada. cruisenorthexpeditions.com 8-day Baffin Adventures, $3895-$4795/pp.
Adventure Life Journeys -- tour operator. adventure-life.com 8-day Costa Rican tour, $1345/per person.

So pack up and tread lightly, as you make your way 'round Mother Earth./m

A Diet Rich in Ethics

2006-11-07T07:51:00.000-05:00

Despite carrying a rather “uneconomical” subtitle, Jay Weinstein’s newish book entitled The Ethical Gourmet is pleasantly full of great ideas and recipes for changing the way we buy and eat food. Weinstein encourages us all to reevaluate the true cost of our food citing that “4% of our national energy budget is used to grow food, while 10 to 13% is required to put it on our tables.” While mass produced food may lower costs to consumers, costs to the environment from trucking, packaging and distribution are massive. Thanks to Weinstein’s knowledge of the environment as well as fine cuisine (he’s a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America), he’s able to guide readers toward choosing foods that are environmentally friendly and ethically produced. Whet your appetite at www.randomhouse.com/author or amazon.com.

/jb

Giving Thanks

2006-11-06T00:31:00.000-05:00

Let's say that you won't be heading home for Thanksgiving, but you want to let those special folks know that you're thinking of them. Perhaps an organic bouquet, flowers cultivated without the use of poisonous pesticides, would do the trick...visit OrganicBouquet
Or how 'bout this Organic Coastal Wine and Cheese basket from DiamondOrganics.com.
Now you can have your own celebration...guilt-free! /m

Settling In...Keeping Warm

2006-11-05T10:48:00.000-05:00

For those of you in cooler climes who have been raking leaves in shorts, tank tops and sandals, or whatever it is you do to pretend winter isn’t around the corner, I offer the following suggestion: find a cozy comforter or woolen rug to keep you warm this winter. I’ve found just the place to shop as well: Nantucket Island is home to The Weaving Room owned by Swedish native Anna Lynn. In Lynn’s studio, she and her colleagues weave rugs and throws on a 12-foot wide loom using natural linen, wool and cotton. Designs are drawn from Lynn’s memories of living in Sweden and her love of nature. In mountain ranges, Lynn sees the curves for a rug design, in the moors, the rugs themselves. Her vision carries over into “wearables” and tapestries which she weaves after experimenting with watercolors for design ideas. See more of Lynn’s palette at www.nantucketweavingroom.com /jb

like a virgin

2006-11-05T00:34:00.000-05:00

Know what the 3 stages of virginity for olive oil are? All virgin olive oil contains free fatty acids -- it's the amount of acids which determines the degree of virginity...
extra = less than 1%
fine = 1 to 1.5%
ordinary virgin = 1.5 to 3.3% of these acids.
Extra virgin keeps longer than ordinary; and, unlike a fine wine -- olive oil doesn't get better with age -- younger is better.

Simple, olive oil -- how powerful a panacea for many of (wo)man's ailments: if oil is beaten with an egg yolk and applied to your face as a mask...it will nourish the driest complexion.
Oil laced with the essence of rosemary, when applied...will soothe stiff and aching muscles.
Oil and green mint rubbed on to the temples...does wonders for migraines.
Oil, drunk before a night of food and wine overindulgence...will keep your innards in prime working order, and temper the onslaught of a mean hangover.

The best quality olive oils come from the Mediterranean...Italy, followed by Spain and Greece...go for the organic, first-pressed, extra virgin olive oil whenever possible. Not surprisingly, it takes over 10 pounds of olives to produce 1 litre of olive oil.
My personal favorite these days is Bionaturae -- an organic, extra virgin olive oil from the Italian hillsides of Tuscany...light and delicate; perfect for both cooking, and salads. (store in a cool, dry place; not near the stove or oven).../m

Organic Authority

2006-11-04T19:08:00.000-05:00

Here's a great site for researching many items made, or produced, organically...like these exquisite organic white chocolate rosewater cupcakes...pass the raw milk, please.
OrganicAuthority.Com have fun.../m

Wind Power Credits

2006-11-03T12:29:00.000-05:00

Several companies, including some major organic food stores, are using wind power credits to offset their energy use. To do so, the companies buy "wind power credits" from Boulder, Colorado-based Renewable Choice Energy, which in turn pays wind farms across the country to produce electricity.

The credits and wind power created offset the actual energy the companies use. Individuals can sign up for similar plans.

Every kilowatt helps.
g

Friendly Fibers, Friendly Fashion

2006-11-02T19:47:00.000-05:00

This just in: it takes one-third of a pound of chemical pesticides to produce one conventional cotton T-shirt. Who knew? But this was enough to encourage me to seek alternatives that are both good for you and good-looking. After a decade in business, Under the Canopy, who coined the term “eco-fashion,” continues to cause a stir among its devotees who applaud their mission to “offer consumers a chance to eliminate large quantities of pesticides from their bodies, their homes, the Earth, and their children's futures.”

Turns out there’s lots to love about the company, starting with a commitment to preserving the “canopy of our planet’s ecosystem” by producing clothing, bed and bath ware, giftware, footwear and accessories made from sustainable materials. Their latest collection of organic tees, called “108,” fuses words of wisdom, colors from nature and sophisticated style. Founded by Marci Zaroff, a respected expert in the natural products industry, Under the Canopy uses smart fiber blends including organic denim, cotton angora and soy along with organic cotton grown in sage for color, clay-dyed fabrics and organic plant dyes such as oregano. What’s more, the advisory board reads like the who’s who of the natural living and wellness movement. They have much to teach us. Stay tuned for the unveiling of the fall/holiday collection at www.underthecanopy.com. /jb

Take Five

2006-11-01T09:23:00.000-05:00

November 5 & December 5... at The Paramount Hotel in the theatre district of NYC, actors can hand over a headshot and eat like a star for only $5... if you bring a friend, it's only additional $10...dining is in the Mezzanine Restaurant.

Celebrating the “Under 5 Rule” (actors whose parts are five lines or less) thespians will be treated to a special three-course menu for only $5 bucks in exchange for their "professional" headshot. Best part is, the headshots collected will be displayed in the Paramount Bar - where directors, producers, and the like hang out -- so how's your headshot?

The Paramount Hotel's prime location in Time Square is 235 West 46th Street, www.nycparamount.com and phone is 212.764.5500. check please. /m

The Search for Health in Decadence

2006-10-31T09:17:00.000-05:00

Could also be titled, 'The Tao of Will". Our new renter, has created a blog reflecting his thoughts and philosophy conveyed by his writing, poetry and music. Click on his blog's thumbnail in our sidebar to experience a taste of his refreshing, alternative, perspective.
g

An Inconvenient Truth - NYC screenings

2006-10-29T20:11:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let anyone in NYC know that Al Gore's global warming documentary is playing this week as part of the Thalia's Current Film Season. Try to catch it, if you haven't already done so...it could change your life.
Tickets $10; Members $6
Venue: Leonard Nimoy Thalia
Showtimes:
Oct 29, 2006, 3:00pm
Oct 29, 2006, 7:00pm

Oct 31, 2006, 7:00pm

Nov 5, 2006, 3:00pm
Nov 5, 2006, 7:00pm

Nov 7, 2006, 7:00pm

For the address, or to purchase tix, click here.

Throw Out Perfectionism

2006-10-28T14:49:00.000-04:00

A good friend gave me a copy of a not-yet-released book that I'd like to recommend to you: Mariel Hemingway's Healthy Living from the Inside Out. Her guidebook will be available as of January, 2007. Or you can pre-order from Amazon, right now.

Mariel offers many useful tips on how she has achieved control over the "Four Cornerstones" of her life: Food, Exercise, Home and Silence; and she proposes a 30-day program that's practical and easy to follow.

She had me at:
"Throw out perfection!...The not-perfect approach is moderate, yet still very powerful. When you approach exercise with deep, focused intention, a twenty-minute workout will be as effective as 40 minutes done with less attention. ...And you definitely don't need to do thirty minutes of sitting in silence to feel a change. Try sitting for three."

She encourages examining one's bad habits --
"The beauty of observation and self-inquiry is that when we understand the trigger, we can disarm it, and eventually forget it ever existed....Emotions, bad habits, and old patterns don't have glue; they're not taped to you, nor are they nailed to you. They're just ideas....we can decide to simply, let them go." Such wisdom comes in handy as she instructs on how to "cut the crap out" of our diets, and "clear the clutter" in our homes.

I was very impressed by Mariel's ideas and highly recommend that you give her program a try, if you're exploring new ways to alter your life. The book's January release is a mere few weeks away. /m

A Gift for Giving

2006-10-27T01:12:00.000-04:00

Fresh Unlimited showcases unique and elegant giftware items -- handcrafted, fair traded and/or made in a way that is considerate of the environment, and also offers gourmet food items -- made with the finest organic ingredients and free of genetically modified organisms (gmo) and harmful chemicals.

Besides baby threads like this sweet outfit here, their gift baskets include sumptuous selections, like: Decadent Chocolate Truffles and Sweet Confections, High Grade Coffee and Teas, Savoury Delicacies, Aromatic Cigars, Luxurious Organic Skin Care and Organic Cotton Products, Elegant and Contemporary Home Accents, Executive Gifts, Fine Stationery and Functional Art...

Their shipping case/packaging options are thoughtful and eco-friendly. You can select a stylish container which the recipient can then use as a decorative accent: round and square lidded boxes made of natural materials -- pandan, seagrass, and rattan as well as black oxidized steel and ceramic containers. More traditional baskets are also available upon request. Depending on the items selected, it may also be possible to package without a container by wrapping items in cellophane with a notecard and textured ribbon.

All packages come with a beautiful notecard describing each item and how it contributes to environmental preservation and/or the socio-economic welfare of artisans. To get a jump on Thanksgiving and December Holiday shopping, click here.

The Art of Tea (Towels)

2006-10-27T00:33:00.000-04:00

My globe-trotting mother-in-law collects tea towels from all the places she visits, so I’m surprised she hasn’t landed at the Third Drawer Down which makes truly inspired artist-designed linens that would hang perfectly on any wall in my house. The Australian company recently launched new looks in tea towels featuring designs by emerging artists. The collection includes artprons, artkerchiefs, lapkins and bubkins. Their promise? To help answer the question: what is art and where do you find it? And the philosophy? To place art in the most domestic of circumstances. And if you’re not sure how to do that, www.thirddrawerdown.com offers a whimsical list of “things to do” with your tea towel, including my favorite: get someone else to dry your dishes with it.
/jb

Tired of that Old Handbag?

2006-10-26T00:04:00.000-04:00

Created from recycled truck and tire inner tubes, fashionable Passchal bags are hand made in the USA. In order to make each bag more lightweight, the designers decided to trim each one with hand dyed leather. The most brilliant aspect to these new hotties is that Passchal handbags have a light system that illuminates the interior when the bag is opened: making finding those keys, wallet, lipstick or cell phone, a cinch.

Passchals have gotten around since the biz was launched in May of 2004 -- appearing in the 2004 Billboard Music Awards goody bag, the Call2Recyle event at Olympus Fashion Week NY in 2005, & the 2006 Extra TV Awards Lounge gift bag for The Oscar's. The collections also appeared on the Today Show and Entrepreneur Magazine in March of 2006.

Visit www.passchal.com for a look inside. Or click here for an overview of the collection. /m

Clean Up Your Act

2006-10-25T16:07:00.000-04:00

In an effort to be environmentally conscious, I’ve spent some time this morning cleaning up my desk. Ok, it took more time than I care to admit, but here’s the thing…I uncovered a little mantra that I’d been saving for awhile. And digging a little further, I found another. There must be a message in the mess, no? So here they are:

Go for long walks,
Indulge in hot baths,
Question your assumptions,
Be kind to yourself,
Live for the moment,
Loosen up, scream,
Curse the world,
Count your blessings,
Just let go,
Just be.
---From a novel by Carol Shields, a wonderful writer who passed too young

Live with intention.
Listen hard.
Walk to the edge.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Appreciate your friends.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.
--from Maryanne Radmacher-Hershey
/jb

Welcome "A Green Earth"

2006-10-25T15:53:00.000-04:00

Please click on our kindred spirit, Winsome Gunning's, thumbnail for her blog, "A Green Earth", in our sidebar. Winsome is a wonderful artist possessing a warm, loving, green perspective on our world. Do yourself a favor and visit her site.
g

A Daybook for Inspiration

2006-10-24T00:49:00.000-04:00

Written originally as a daily journal to herself, Julie Fisher-McGarry has published her thoughts in the form of a small book, "Be the Change You Want to See in the World." As each month approaches, a new theme unfolds. October's "harmonious balance" is followed by November's "appreciation" and December's "peace and reflection." Filled with women's health & household tips, vegetarian recipes, verses of poetry and green facts -- her daybook is a breezy read, filled with uplifting thoughts to help us all lead a compassionate, conscious life. As the title of her work is directly lifted from Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi, (1869 - 1948), I was a little surprised to see that she does not acknowledge this anywhere. Available in bookstores, or via Amazon. /m

Harvest Soup

2006-10-23T09:58:00.000-04:00

With autumn's chill in the air, it's time to prepare the perfect antidote...
Jamie’s Butternut Squash Soup
(adapted from Martha, of course!)
Serves 6

Olive Oil for drizzling
2 butternut squash
2 medium leeks, white and pale green parts, cut into ½ inch thick slices, well washed**
Grated zest of 1 orange (or lemon, if you don’t have an orange)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground clove
1 ½ quarts low sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat (or homemade stock)
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
Pine nuts for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 400o . Peel and cut the squash into ½ inch slices. Drizzle with olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper, then roast for 25-30 minutes, until soft but still holding its shape.

2. Drizzle pine nuts with olive oil, then toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside.

3. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, cook the leeks in 2 tablespoons of water until they soften, about 10 minutes. Add the squash, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove; cook for 2 minutes. Add 5 cups of the chicken broth, the salt, and pepper; stir to combine, and cook until the squash is tender when pierced with a knife, about 25 minutes. The squash tenderizes mostly in the roasting, so cooking time is variable here. Cook as long as needed to blend all the flavors and to heat it through.

4. Working in batches, transfer the mixture to a food processor and puree, adding milk and cream until you get the desired consistency. Return the soup to the pot; reheat, and add more chicken stock to thin if desired. Serve hot with a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts in each bowl, along with a salad and crusty bread.

** Cleaning Leeks:
Cut leeks first into the size called for in the recipe. Transfer the pieces to a large bowl of cold water, stir and let stand for 5 minutes to let dirt and sand settle to the bottom. Lift leeks out of water with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Enjoy! /jb

Nurture Nature Redux

2006-10-18T12:56:00.000-04:00

My daughter thinks she’s a fairy…or at least she wishes it so. She is not alone in this pursuit, as many of her friends believe the same. They are often seen fluttering about in the yard, spinning imaginative fairy yarns as they fly by. To indulge her fancy, we recently visited a local gardening center which hosted a reading of fairy stories by renowned author/illustrator Tracy Kane who has created a delightful collection of books and videos. Best of all the children were encouraged to bring along materials to use in building fairy houses so that wandering fairies might have a place to rest. As Kane pointed out, there are only 2 rules in fairy house architecture: use nothing man made, and use nothing living. Her goal is to remind children of the often forgotten essence of Nature. She wishes “to connect children to nature in a gentle way that inspires rather than instructs.”

With a large tree trunk for support, my daughter constructed a 3-story fairy house, complete with a swing made from a bittersweet branch, 2 bedrooms with corn stalk beds, and a lovely pathway lined with sea shells she’d collected on Cape Cod this summer. Not to be outdone, I built a thatched cottage style house, where my proper English fairies would surely be encouraged to drop in for tea. Ms. Kane stopped by every new house in the fairy community to provide food for the imminent arrival of the fairies. Since then, I’ve found several fairy houses in our garden, and grandma has spied at least one in hers. Seems the lesson has taken hold. Find out more at www.fairyhouses.com. /jb

Hot Stuff

2006-10-17T09:39:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, a nice waffle right out of the toaster...or a warm sandwich right out of the cage. This unique Combi 2+1 toaster from Dualit is for those who don't mind monitoring their toasting. Dualit is a resource for caterers and serious foodies. Earth-friendly for allowing users to heat just one area at a time, saving electricity. Depending on color (amazing variety), sells for approx. $120. Available through amazon.com or Dualit. fire it up! /m

Green Cleaning with Innovative Technology

2006-10-16T11:09:00.000-04:00

This month EM America released Earth Shine All-Purpose Cleaner, manufactured with Effective Microorganisms technology. Promoting sustainable technologies, Earth Shine is made with 5 all-natural ingredients, contains no preservatives or colorants, and is sold in fully recyclable packaging.

It really is "all-purpose" -- it can be used on all food preparation surfaces as well as floors, walls, countertops, chrome, windows, and any other surface. Their customer testimonials include: "I used it to clean grease out of grout that had not been sealed and it took it right out;" and "It takes soap films off of windows and mirrors that you wouldn’t have known were there before using it." Earth Shine comes in 3 sizes: a 16-ounce ready to use spray bottle for $6.99, a 1-quart refill for $8.99, and a 1-gallon concentrate for commercial uses for $24.99. So go out and get your shine on. /m

Welcome, Pictures of My World

2006-10-13T09:01:00.000-04:00

Click on my new renter's site (left side bar) for an amazing array of nature snaps, coupled with lots of good info about each subject. Pictures of My World (like the Chinese Lantern pic here) is brought to us by Bozette - thanks for enlightening our day.

Alec Baldwin, the Oven King

2006-10-12T20:37:00.000-04:00

Did anyone catch the debut of 30 Rock last night? The series stars, among others, Alec Baldwin & Tina Fey, of Saturday Night Live fame. Fey wrote the funny, sharp script; and Baldwin did a bang-up job of acting.

When Baldwin's character, Jack, is introduced -- he boasts of how his rise up the corporate ladder as the new Vice President of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming is due to his ultra-effective hyping of the Trivection Oven that can cook a 22 pound turkey in only 2 hours. Funny stuff.

Cut to tv commercial. Commercial hypes a real Trivection Oven by GE -- that cooks a 22 pound bird in only 2 hours.

GE owns NBC, which produces the new series, 30 Rock. So I'm thinking -- wow, Baldwin's Jack delivers real big hype for GE's new oven right in the context of the show, and then it's followed by a real, full-blown tv commercial for it...although it was beyond plain old, blatant product placement, which is usually so offensive -- I was struck by how it seemed so well done -- very clever, funny and effective.

So I was curious about the "back story" of the script development -- was this placement of the Trivection Oven a contrived, corporate move on GE's part, or the result of Tina Fey's organic, creative writing process? Tina serves up the dish here. /m

E. Coli and the "Smoking Cow"

2006-10-12T19:49:00.000-04:00

Authorities may have tracked the source of the deadly E.coli bacteria that has killed 3 people and sickened over 200, to a cattle farm in California's Salinas Valley. STORY
Further investigation is on-going. /m

Keeping You On Your Toes

2006-10-12T00:38:00.001-04:00

For some of the most comfortable yoga wear & gear, check out GaiamMindBody.com
You'll find killer Bootcut stretch pants in chocolate or black (86% organic cotton/14% spandex) on sale for $42. Eco yoga mats in wheat, tangerine or olive ($40); Cotton Towel Straps ($28) and Ballet barres ($199) to help keep you flexible, and Hinoki Bath Tea ($16) for a soothing soak, post-workout.

Featured here -- offering a seamless, non-slip sole for balance and control, these form-fitting, cotton Toe Sox are designed to wrap around each of your individual toes, ($25 for 2 pairs). No more cold feet on cold floors. /m

Double Your Digital Pleasure

2006-10-11T10:09:00.000-04:00

Go mad with Gomadic devices for the nomadic part of your life. The Dual Charger lets you divide and conquer. Plugged into your cigarette lighter, Gomadic's TipExchange Technology allows you to charge 2 devices simultaneously. You leave the charger intact and rotate the tech as needed by plugging and unplugging the removable tips that are custom-made for almost any hand held device. Now you can multi-use your cell phone, iPod, Bluetooth, video game, GPS-enabled PDA...just pick any 2 to power-on while you kick back and cruise. The dual power is all yours to enjoy.

Also available in a standard wall model to streamline counter space and minimize the messy wires that can pollute any home or work environment, the Dual Charger transmits four times the power of cheaper, single-purpose units. This means powering double the devices in half the time, rendering traditional, device-specific cables virtually obsolete. Quite the energy boost.

Visit gomadic.com for more info and more devices. It's a cool power play. /m

Not Just for Nerds

2006-10-07T09:36:00.000-04:00

Finding the best price for an item online just got a whole lot easier. Although there are others out there, this search engine for comparison shopping seems the most user-friendly. Unlike Yahoo and Google, Master Nerd only contains listings from online merchants, and it has a lot of useful features, like...

Once you find the product you're looking for you can get more details about the product and look at a range of merchants that carry the product. The links to the merchants are all on one page and you can easily see the price history of that particular item over the last six months, as well as the consumer rating for each merchant.

The ratings for the merchants are provided by storeratings.org, and they are based on feedback from satisfied and dissatisfied consumers. And the merchant ratings let you know who is the most secure, who has the fastest shipping and who has the best customer service...nice.

Further savings are also possible through coupons and rebates that are offered on the their website.

...this baby taps into over a million products...and there's a zip-code-based shipping calculator...so when you wanna compare apples to apples or costumes to costumes, don't be scared, visit masternerd.com /m

Natural Cycles, Natural Food

2006-10-06T01:09:00.000-04:00

Having recently visited the Hawthorne Valley Farm and experienced biodynamic farming for the first time, I figured I'd read up on this unusual approach to agriculture. Here's what I've dug up so far..."Based on a series of lectures given by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924, Biodynamics is a method of agriculture which seeks to actively work with the health-giving forces of nature. It is the oldest non-chemical agricultural movement, pre-dating the organic agriculture movement by some twenty years and has now spread throughout the world."

Steiner's approach is really quite fascinating -- it seems part medieval alchemy, part new-age science...for more on this unconventional method, start exploring... /m
www.biodynamics.com/
www.hawthornevalleyfarm.com/

Green Apple Cycling Tours

2006-10-06T00:46:00.000-04:00

Tour sustainability and historical sites in the East Village and Lower East Side with Green Apple Map -- explore the Garden District, greenways and riversides, composting, solar power and green buildings with special guest speakers.
Sunday, October 8
10 am for families or 2 pm for adults.
25 people maximum per tour. Each ride is 2.5 hours long. Starts & Ends at the Temperance Monument in Tompkins Square Park, near Avenue A and 9th Street.
14 and under must wear a helmet. It's a free, easy ride but it'll be cancelled if it's pouring rain. You need to RSVP -- apple@greenmap.org or call 212 674 1631
For more info hop over to their site, GreenAppleMap /m

Solar Power Blitz

2006-10-05T13:38:00.000-04:00

Beginning this Saturday, October 7th, in many states the American Solar Energy Society is sponsoring a National Solar Tour. If the US had less dependence on oil from foreign countries and more renewable energy sources, we'd be alot better off. Whether it's solar, wind, fuel cells or biomass...it's in our best interest to shift gears. For more info click here.

If you haven't switched to at least one conpact fluorescent light in your home or office yet, try to do it this weekend. Visit www.globalgreen.org for more. You've got the power, just don't abuse it. /m

Hot Deals on Meals

2006-10-05T10:03:00.000-04:00

Dining Out or Ordering In doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg...here's how to save a limb.

Diningfever.com offers deals on meals at a wide array of NYC restaurants. The site is free, easy-to-use, and dynamic -- the choice of restaurants changes almost as often as a menu's special of the day. Each restaurant offers a unique discount, and restrictions apply...but if you're flexible, you'll save some nice cash. It's hot, let's eat. /m

Lobster, Anyone?

2006-10-03T09:10:00.000-04:00

Dolling-up your Adorables for Halloween can be one of the most fun things you do all year. A hip boutique for babies & moms offers costumes like Dragonfly, Ladybug, Turtle, Grape, Poodle and Lobster (pictured at left) starting at $25.99.

Photo Bug Baby Boutique is a great resource for gifts, and the gift wrap is as cool as the gift selection (blue polka dot, court jester & cow) are just a few of their funky styles.

Click here for a rewarding shopping experience. /m

Body Sweets & Treats

2006-10-03T00:15:00.000-04:00

Looking to spice things up this fall?
Perhaps a nice Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake with a Pumpkin Spice Latte on the side or maybe a Pool Boy with a Bikini Martini chaser.
These are just a few of many irresistible new scents available for perfume, lip treats, candles, body lotions and scrubs from Body Indulgences.

Or visit The Body Bakery where you can either concoct your very own scent or choose from already-existing skin-loving confections like Key Lime Pie, Lavender Cream Puff, or White Chocolate Mousse -- moisturizer, cleanser, scrub and fragrance. Polish off the fun with The Body Bakery's utensils -- How tempting....thebodybakery.com /m

The Real Deal on Raw Milk

2006-10-02T17:27:00.000-04:00

Just in from the land of milk and honey...check out the real deal on raw milk. I'm reading that we humans can derive extremely healthy benefits from drinking raw milk. The topic is controversial. Do your due diligence before deciding if this more natural path from pasture to body is for you.

Personally, I'm on my second half-gallon of fresh, raw milk and I haven't gotten sick or dropped dead...yet. I can just feel those enzymes, vitamins and nutrients in my system doing a better job than organic pasteurized milk used to do. Raw milk really is refreshing. For more milk news, visit rawmilk.org or realmilk.com. I've also recently tried some tasty cheese that was made from raw milk...now if only I could whip up some butter that's from raw milk...any suggestions? /m

Rock Creek & Chaco Reach New Heights

2006-10-02T10:01:00.001-04:00

Long recognized as major contributors to environmental and outdoor causes, Chaco and Rock Creek Outfitters announce today that they will offer custom Chaco Performance Sandals for purchase during the 2006 Triple Crown Bouldering Series in effort to raise funds to help secure access to one of the prime bouldering areas in the Southeast. A portion of the custom sandal proceeds will be donated to the Southeastern Climbers’ Coalition to help gain permanent access to and ownership of Boat Rock, a woodland area inside the metro of Atlanta with more than a half mile of unique egg shaped granite boulders.

For every pair of custom Chacos sold, Rock Creek and Chaco will donate $20 toward the purchase of Boat Rock. The custom Chaco Sandals will be available for purchase through Rock Creek Outfitters’ website, RockCreek.com, and displayed at each venue of the Triple Crown Bouldering Series. The three-part series kicks off October 7 at Hound Ears in Boone, NC, moves on to Horse Pens-40 in Steele, AL, and concludes at The Stone Fort in Chattanooga, TN.

About Rock Creek Outfitters:
Rock/Creek Outfitters is a specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek Outfitters provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve access to the backcountry.

About Chaco:
While many businesses focus solely on profits, Chaco seeks to follow the three steppingstones to sustainability: profits, people and the planet. They strive to minimize their environmental impact, better the lives of the people with whom they work and maintain healthy profitability so they can keep their initiatives moving forward. To further support their sustainability initiatives, Chaco donates three percent of after-tax profits to organizations dedicated to caring for people and the planet. They currently support the Conservation Alliance, the Sierra Club, American Whitewater, Leave No Trace, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and many others.
Content source: company press release. It's good to see smart companies partnering on green initiatives. /m

Tots and Moms

2006-09-30T09:26:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-29T13:08:00.001-04:00

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

2006-09-28T10:57:00.001-04:00

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

2006-09-27T11:27:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-25T18:42:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-24T09:51:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-23T16:45:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-23T16:15:00.000-04:00

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...

2006-09-22T11:12:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-21T22:19:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-20T02:06:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-19T01:05:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-16T21:04:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-15T12:05:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-14T17:05:00.000-04:00

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.