Category Archives: Green Daily

Eco-Beat, 6/5

Is Jim Carrey a swine rights activist? Looking for advice on where to buy your eco-skivvies? Would you consider trading in your trusty smoker for a shiny new solar cooker? Today’s Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.

Jim Carrey and Swine Flu Funnyman gone vaccination activist Jim Carrey is one of the few people who could make us laugh at a borderline pandemic. During his acceptance speech at the MTV Movie Awards, he said: “There wouldn’t be a swine flu if we treated the pigs better!”
The Naked Truth About Eco-Unmentionables I’m just guessing here, but I bet that most of us are not comfortable with buying “pre-loved” underwear off the thrift store rack. So, that leaves organic undies. Check out Grist’s guide to a reduced panty-print.
The WWF’s New Green Tech HQ With geothermal heating, a roof made of solar panels, and an organic design that features built-in nests for birds and bats, I’d say the carbon-neutral WWF headquarters in the Netherlands is just about up to my standards. It’ll do, as they say.
Hellmann’s Launches Eat Local Campaign Following the trail blazed by Lay’s potato chips, Hellmann’s Canada is now advertising itself as “real,” “local” food. As a longtime Hellmann’s addict, even I think this idea is pretty lame. Is the xantham gum, colors added, and sodium benzoate all locally produced as well?
Cooking Goes Solar? Sure, propane may be a relatively clean way to “taste the meat, not the heat,” as Hank Hill says. But, to take that philosophy a step further, you can’t beat solar cooking. Solar grills are perfect for remote areas in the developing world, or a downtown condo balcony.

Green in a Flash:

Eco-Beat, 6/5 originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST 0. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Beat the Heat Without A.C.

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You might feel like you couldn’t possibly live without air conditioning. I know the feeling — I just worked up a serious sweat walking out to get the mail. However, running the a.c. at full blast isn’t exactly the most energy efficient way to live, is it?

There are lots of ways to chill out without cranking up the air. Check out the video above for some simple tips that might surprise you (like eating spicy foods — who knew that cooled you down?), and then be sure to weigh in with a comment telling us about your favorite way to cool down when the mercury starts rising.

Beat the Heat Without A.C. originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:10:00 EST 0. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Eco-Beat, 6/4

Can you picture Cameron Diaz riding around in a mobile home? Want to turn your acid-washed jeans into sweet eco-sneakers? Why are we just now hearing about wild dogs that ride the subway? Today’s Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.

Cameron’s 5 minute movie.
The Tonys Go Green To raise eco-awareness, the Tony Awards handed out this Sunday will actually be painted green. OK, not really. In all seriousness though, the Tony Awards are upping their eco-image with renewable energy credits, recycled playbills, and even a 100% recycled red carpet.
Levi’s Turns Jeans Into Kicks The brains over at Levi’s have found something to do with all of the jeans that fall victim to ever-changing denim trends: Turn ‘em into shoes. Each unique pair is made from “pre-loved authentic Levi’s.” The only bummer is that they’re not yet available in the US.
Amazing Documentary Will Make you Homesick In the grand tradition of BBC’s Planet Earth and Disneynature’s Earth, a new brilliantly photographed film capturing nature’s threatened spaces called Home goes straight to DVD tomorrow. It looks like one part BBC doc, one part Koyaanisqatsi. Sounds awesome … and tragic.
Wild Dogs Take the Subway What? You’ve never seen a dog commuting via mass transit before? Wild dogs in Moscow have reportedly figured out what many Americans have yet to discover: Mass transit is the easiest way to beg for scraps downtown and get back to the suburbs by nightfall.

Green in a Flash:

Eco-Beat, 6/4 originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST 0. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Where is the Greenest City in the U.S.?

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(Photo by Getty Images)

I have to admit that as a resident of San Francisco, with our “no plastic bags” rule, high Prius-density, and museum with a grass covered roof, I always took our green primacy for granted.

We even have an uber-green Mayor McHottie Gavin Newsom who’s now running for Governor… Of course SF is the greenest city in the U.S.! I mean, who can challenge us besides Berkeley with their subsidized solar panels?

With this attitude, you can just imagine my surprise when I heard that Philadelphia plans to take the title of “Greenest City in America” for themselves! They want to make Philadelphia “the city of the future” with smart energy, environmental and social policies. Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter created a comprehensive plan to pursue this goal, which is managed through the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability. You can download the entire plan, or just an executive summary, from the Greenworks Philadelphia site.

You can also become a fan of the initative on Facebook, and stay up-to-date on their progress. Recent announcements include:

  • opening a biodiesel fueling station for trash, recycling and construction vehicles
  • free compost for gardeners at the Fairmount Park Organic Recycling Center
  • new zoning rules requiring businesses to have areas for bike parking spots

They’re even doing solar panel subsidies, so look out Berkeley and San Francisco!

I have to admit, I can be pretty competitive at times. But I’m so happy to hear that people outside of California are excited — proud even! — to be green, that I’ll be cheering Philadelphia every step of the way. There’s room for as many green cities as we can possibly create!

Besides, once Gavin is Governor, we’ll be able to make California the greenest state.

Where is the Greenest City in the U.S.? originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:01:00 EST 0. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Eco-Beat, 6/3

What’s naked Miranda Kerr have to do with Koalas? Do you wash your reusable grocery bags regularly? Which eco sunscreens can you trust not to fry your skin this summer? Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.

Miranda Kerr Hugs Trees in the Buff Model/activist Kerr graces the cover of the first-ever green issue of Australian Rolling Stone (set to hit shelves this month) wearing nothing but her birthday suit. According to Miranda, it’s to draw attention to Koalas. I’m guessing the motives for RS were a shade less pure.
Reusable Bags May be Killing Us? Oh crap! Maybe those cloth grocery bags aren’t really such a great idea after all. A study found that reusable bags can collect all sorts of nasty mold, yeast, and bacteria that can pose a serious threat to your health. Bottom line: wash your reusable bags regularly.
Jon Stewart and Bob Woodruff chat about the show.
Grist.
The Ins and Outs of Electronics Recycling When it’s time to get rid of a big ugly piece of has-been high tech, don’t just chunk it in the trash. Whether it’s a car phone, tape deck, answering machine or something more contemporary, it can probably be recycled. See GeekSugar’s list of accepted electronics.

Green in a Flash:

Eco-Beat, 6/3 originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST 0. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Shoe Decision Tree

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(Photo by Embodies.com)

We green, eco-friendly girls really love shoes. Back in April I wrote about a few super-cute and eco-friendly shoe options. Then last week I read a great post on the “Top 10 Eco Friendly, Socially Conscious and Vegan Shoes” by Bonny Osterhageof White Apricot, which was reposted by Veronica on the Care2 network.

Bonny found 10 fabulous flats that I would love to take home and wear out. My absolute favorite is the Form & Fauna Pleated Dove Shoe, which is so stylish and made of completely sustainable and renewable materials. Coming in a close second is the Corso Como Floral Flat, which is made of leather, which is sort of bad-in-theory, but dyed with non-toxic vegetable dyes and packaged in recycled paper.

This combination of sustainable shoes vs. eco-friendly shoes creates an interesting dillema. Now that we’ve moved past the era of eco-friendly shoes being totally ugly and “comfortable” (you know I’m right), should it be okay for anyone ever wear eco-un-friendly shoes? And what about socially responsible shoes like Tom’s, which also made Bonny’s list? If he can manage to donate a pair of shoes for everyone bought, why can’t Jessica Simpson?

I’m torn. I think we have enough options now to say, “You can find an earth-friendly shoe, put down the Louboutins made of endangered eel and dyed with mercury.” But how to define earth-friendly? Is it enough to use vegetable dyes? Or do they also need to have bamboo soles? And seriously, isn’t leather a renewable resource? We can grow more cows … even if the tanning process is singularly awful.

Too many questions for me to decide by myself. What do you think?

Sustainable vs Eco-friendly vs Socially-responsible Shoes

The Shoe Decision Tree originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:05:00 EST 0. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Psychology of Your Green Instincts

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(Photo by FT Press)

You’ve greened your diet. Your home. Your commute. Your office. But what about your interior?

Now that the benefits of green external conditions are becoming well known, it makes sense that the next “green frontier” would be the landscape of the mind. In a new book, “The Genius of Instinct: Reclaim Mother Nature’s Tools for Enhancing Your Health, Happiness, Family, and Work,”, psychologist Dr. Hendrie Weisinger explores the benefits of being “psychologically green.”

Just like so many environmental problems come from being disconnected from our surroundings and the planet, Dr. Weisinger believes that we can be more successful, happy and mentally healthy if we get back in touch with the instincts that are “hard wired” into our brains.

In the book she lists six primary instincts, and ways to get back in touch with them.

Part 1: Shelter Seek Listen To Your Emotions — Learn to hear “the voice of your instincts” and rely less on other people’s opinions. If you have a nagging feeling that something is wrong, believe it!

Part 2: Care Solicit Allow Yourself To Feel Vulnerable — Dr. Weisinger says that we are “hardwired to care-solicit-ask others for help.” Most “self-help” books today tell you to do things for yourself, and not depend on others. But in nature, asking for help when you need it is necessary to survive. Part 3: Care Give Be A Care-Giver — Another thing that we’re hardwired to do is care for other people. So many people fight the maternal or paternal instinct that makes you want to help others grow and develop. It’s important to nurture this instinct, whether you’re caring for your family, or volunteering in your community. It helps ensure the future for yourself, and for everyone else. Part 4: Beautify Look Your Personal Best — We see animals groom themselves and each other, to find mates and establish power. Dozens of studies show that “attractive” people are more successful. Even though we know it’s about more than looks, taking care of yourself helps you put yourself forward in a positive way.

Part 5: Co-op Commit to Cooperate — Cooperation brings out the best in everyone, and makes the bigger “team” more successful. Plus we need each other to survive! If you make a commitment to being cooperative, you set a great example for your kids, you create positive momentum, and it help you avoid destructive “tit for tat” situations.

Part 6: Curious Become a Curious George/Georgette — It is in our DNA to explore. Encourage kids to ask questions, try new places, keep learning. This increases your chances of finding things that will enhance your existence.

Dr. Weisinger’s idea is really interesting, and it makes a lot of sense (trust your instincts!) It’s a positive approach to areas that most of us try to improve anyway! The book came out this spring, and is published by FT Press, so you can find it online or in your local bookstore.

The Psychology of Your Green Instincts originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:22:00 EST 0. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Eco-Beat, 6/2

What’s Johnny Depp do out there on his private island? Looking for a cleaner, greener shave? What’s Amy Smart’s greatest eco sin? Today’s Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.

Johnny Depp on His Private Island Depp opened up about his little slice of private paradise to Vanity Fair: “I look forward to my kids growing up on the island … learning about sea life and how to protect sea life.” In his opinion the renewably-powered island is the ideal hideaway: “Escapism is survival to me.”
Cutting Down Your Environmental Shave-Print What’s the most environmentally sensitive way to hack away at the stubble? As it turns out, the most eco-friendly shave is also one of the most machismo: the straight razor. Yes, ladies, it’s also recommended for legs, but only for those who wanna live dangerously.
EcoStiletto.
Staying Cool and Green This Summer Keeping yourself comfortable during the scorching hot summer months doesn’t have to mean a skyrocketing energy bill. If you’re moderately handy, there are all sorts of tricks that can help you save a little energy and, of course, cash here and there.
Robo Animals Hunt Poachers In an effort to crack down on poachers, officials have turned to robotic wildlife. With these life-like replicas (combining taxidermy and robotics) the hunters become the hunted. Game wardens simply set up replicas of protected species and wait for a would-be assassin.

Green in a Flash:

Eco-Beat, 6/2 originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST 0. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Eco-Beat, 6/1

What can we learn from Will Ferrell about surviving in extreme environments? What’s greener: The cork, the cap, or boxed wine? What do Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, and Owen Wilson know about going green? Today’s Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.

Will Ferrell Goes Wild Nothing brings out Will’s wild side like eating roasted caribou brains with Bear Grylls in Sweden’s frozen north country. Watch Will learn how to survive and thrive — and cry for mama — in one of earth’s extreme climates. Check out a teaser.
Green Winos: Cork or Cap? Even though 90% of cork is produced in Europe, it’s still probably the greenest option out there. For one, using cork helps preserve Europe’s sustainable, carbon-sequestering cork forests. Second, you can reuse corks to make sweet bulletin boards.
Museum’s Cast Gives Green Tips Being star is tough when ruthless kid reporters from National Geographic Kids bombard you with questions about going green. Check out the cast of Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian as they come up with practical green tips on the fly.
Mitsubishi Truck Month + Goats! What’s Mitsubishi’s idea of an economic recovery effort? In rural New Zealand, it’s giving away a free goat with each truck. Goats, they explain, are “hardy, versatile units” like their trucks. Plus, goats are more effective weed controllers than toxic sprays. Hmmm.
Documenting the Garden Wars? These days, the popularity of urban gardening is exploding. A few years ago, however, LA led an effort to shut down a very impressive community farming effort. Luckily, filmmaker Scott Hamilton Kennedy was there to catch it all on film.

Green in a Flash:

Eco-Beat, 6/1 originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST 0. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The 3/50 Project - Support Your Local Businesses!

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(Photo by the350project.net) Local businesses need our support, but it can feel overwhelming. There are so many, and if you’re like me, you only have so much to spend. Should you blow your budget in one favorite store? Or make a tiny purchase in all of them?

The 3/50 Project breaks it down and makes it easy. The premise is that you choose three independently-owned local businesses that you would truly miss if they were no longer around. Then, shop there. Step one, check!

Each month, aim to spend $50 in these three businesses (and you can choose three new ones each month, if you like). From the 3/50 Project website: “If half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.” That’s a major impact considering you’re not being asked to spend all that much!

Wondering why it’s so important to drop your dollars locally? Chew on this (once again, straight from the 3/50 Project website): “For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that with a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.”

It’s clear to me that this is a simple way to do the right thing. After all, how much coaxing do you really need to go shopping at one of your favorite stores? And, if you decide to take part, make sure you register as a supporter and spread the word!

The 3/50 Project - Support Your Local Businesses! originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST 0. Please see our terms for use of feeds.