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Eco-Beat, 11/20

by Josh Loposer (Subscribe to Josh Loposer's posts)
Nov 20th 2009 @ 3:00PM

Did you see Jimmy Fallon's awesome eco-jam last night? Is climate change giving a boost to the sex industry? Isn't George W. Bush getting to the green party a little too late? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Jimmy Fallown, Photo: Jason Merritt, Getty ImagesJimmy Fallon's Acoustic Eco-Medley
Who took top honors on NBC's eco-friendly comedy extravaganza? Surprisingly, I think Jimmy Fallon took home the grand prize with his eco-medley that spoofed Amy Winehouse, Justin Timberlake, Green Day, Jay-Z, etc. He really went all out. Check out the video.

Red Light District, Photo: Stuck in Customs, FlickrClimate Change Responsible for Rise in Prostitution?
Apparently, UN workers in the Philippines are concerned that changes in the local fishing or farming economy could cause more women to seek a career in the sex field. Of course, the concerns are largely speculative at this point -- but make for racy headlines.

Sea Shepherd Captain Paul Watson, Photo: Frederick M Brown, Getty ImagesJapanese Whalers Set Sail
Japanese whalers shipped out yesterday to once again declare war on one of our favorite marine mammals. The official whale warring season is now underway, with the Sea Shepherds expected to launch something called "Operation Waltzing Matilda" on December 7th.

George W Bush Library, Photo: Robert A. M. Stern ArchitectsGeorge W Bush's Super Green Presidential Center
Although few environmental activists have his poster on their wall, at least one part of W's legacy will be exceptionally green. Located on the campus of SMU, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is expected to receive platinum-level LEED certification.

thin runway model, Photo: Stefan Gosatti, Getty Images25 Reasons To Care About Climate Change
Should you ever find yourself in a situation where you need not 24, not 26, but 25 compelling reasons to care about climate change, Grist has you covered. My favorite: "Because supermodels are stripping for the cause." Wait, if we solve the crisis, will they stop stripping?
Green in a Flash:


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Tips for a Green Thanksgiving

by Cat Lincoln (Subscribe to Cat Lincoln's posts)
Nov 20th 2009 @ 12:03PM

Time for Thanksgiving Turkeys!/Photo: Tim Sloan, Getty Images

How did Thanksgiving get here already? It's right around the corner, but if you're one of the many (like me!) still putting your plans together, here are some resources from around the internet to help you make it a Green Thanksgiving!

The center of attention for most of us is the turkey. The Sierra Club recommends "heritage turkeys." Most of the turkeys you'll find in supermarkets are Broad-breasted Whites, which have been industrially bred since the '60s to produce a big breast quickly and cheaply. "Heritage turkeys" is a collective name for several breeds which take longer to raise, but are reputed to taste better. Plus the biodiversity of the breeds makes for a healthier, more environmentally-friendly bird.

If you're having a meat-free Thanksgiving, there's always a Tofurky® Roast! Created in the '90s by Turtle Island Foods in Oregon, this ingenious vegetarian dish is the graceful compromise between tradition and strong "no food with a face" beliefs.

Continue reading Tips for a Green Thanksgiving




Filed under: Food

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Eco-Beat, 11/19

by Josh Loposer (Subscribe to Josh Loposer's posts)
Nov 19th 2009 @ 3:00PM

Are you tuning in for the "green week" editions of "The Office" and "30 Rock" tonight? Why is Audi making fun of people with low-carbon commutes? Need some eco-friendly holiday tips? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Jack Donaghy Cares About the Environment
Green is universal. For proof, just look to GE's fictitious VP of East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming, Jack Donaghy. He cares about the earth so much that he has rare flowers flown in from Sri Lanka every morning to decorate his office. Now that's green.

Audi A3 TDI, Photo: Autobloggreen.comAudi Thinks Bikes Are for Suckers
Do you ride the bus to work? Or maybe you prefer to ride your bike? Either way, Audi thinks you're a tool. What's wrong with you? Can't afford a brand new clean-diesel luxury car in this tough economy? Check out their latest bike and bus bashing commercial.

purple flowers, Photo: James Jordan, FlickrBring Flowers This Thanksgiving
Showing up to Thanksgiving with an armload of flowers will always boost your status in the holiday hierarchy. However, why not turn that act of kindness into a gift that keeps on giving? A potted plant is greener than cut flowers, and it won't wilt.

Baby toy, Photo: Sean Dreilinger, FlickrHoliday Shopping Tips for Green Babies
Got a newborn on your shopping list this year? It's exciting to shop for new baby gifts, but there are infinite factors to consider these days. Grist has put together a list of tricks of the trade when it comes to finding that baby some awesome, yet eco-friendly gear.

Nau Transporter Blazer, Photo: Nau.comNau Clothing Offers Discounts to New Customers
Looking for some sustainable threads to keep you warm this winter? Nau is working to educate as many people about the true costs of making clothes the responsible way. To do this they're offering new customers a 10% discount to try out their eco-friendly styles.
Green in a Flash:


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Terracycle and Kimberly-Clark Team Up to Eliminate Plastic Wrap Guilt

by Cat Lincoln (Subscribe to Cat Lincoln's posts)
Nov 19th 2009 @ 12:02PM

TerraCycle bow made from Cliff Bar wrappers. Photo: TerraCycle.com

If you are a dedicated recycler and composter like I am, you've probably experienced the maxi-green level of waste management guilt: plastic wrap remorse.

It's what happens to The Eco People when we remove all of the recyclables and food waste from our trash. The only things left are dirty ziplock bags that no one will ever convince me to wash our and reuse, and a bunch of the flexible plastic that covers things like paper towels and toilet paper. When waste is segregated like that, you get a very visual understanding of what you use, and how much you're sending to landfill.

Kimberly-Clark (fresh from their lovefest make-up with Greenpeace) is teaming with "upcycling" geniuses TerraCycle to save us from this guilt, and more importantly, to divert all of that plastic wrap away from a pit in the ground.

Continue reading Terracycle and Kimberly-Clark Team Up to Eliminate Plastic Wrap Guilt




Filed under: Food, Gadgets and Tech, Activism

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Eco-Beat, 11/18

by Josh Loposer (Subscribe to Josh Loposer's posts)
Nov 18th 2009 @ 3:00PM

Could your office use a visit from Recyclops? Is male pee better than female pee when it comes to composting? Is Joe Biden's motorcade highlighting the safety issues between cars and pedestrians? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Rainn Wilson, Photo: Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesRecyclops Says: Recycle or be Destroyed
Yet another teaser has emerged to whet our appetite for NBC's Green Week programming. This one features the intergalactic superhero known as Recyclops, who's come here to harass the cast of "The Office" with his hilarious antics. Check out the clip.

Mannequin Pis, Photo: fmpgoh, FlickrIs Compost Sexist?
The UK's National Trust has instituted a sexist, water-saving potty policy for workers. Instead of hitting the loo, the men have been asked to tinkle outside on the compost heap. It's not about modesty; men's pee is supposedly less acidic and better for composting.

Joe Biden, Photo: Chip Somodevilla, Getty ImagesVice Presidential Motorcade Scandal
If the Vice Presidential motorcade is coming to your town, you might want to stay home. The VP's entourage has been in three accidents this week already. In one, Biden's motorcade struck and killed a pedestrian. Share the road, guys. Or better yet, take mass transit.

branch chandelier, Photo: 1stdibs.comThe DIY Branch Chandelier
Need a light fixture that's eye-catching, cheap, and goes with the rest of your home's green decor? Go outside and start gathering firewood. CasaSugar has put together this awesome idea gallery for any DIYers who want to build their own tree branch chandelier.

Samsung Flat Panel TV, Photo: StreetFly JZ, FlickrIs Your TV Illegal in California?
State legislators will vote today on whether or not to adopt the nation's first set of energy-use standards for TVs. Under the proposed law, most of the flat panel TVs on the market now could no longer be sold in California. Will it work? Will people just order TVs online?
Green in a Flash:


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10 Tips for Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

by Cat Lincoln (Subscribe to Cat Lincoln's posts)
Nov 18th 2009 @ 12:03PM

Switch your lightbulbs! Photo: AFP, Getty Images

The holiday season is just weeks away, the days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting chilly. Between wanting to save some money and trying to keep our carbon footprints in check, many of us are thinking about investing in Snuggies instead of turning up the thermostat -- blankets with arms in the name of energy-efficiency!

Keeping the thermostat low is a good place to start, and there are lots of other easy things you can do to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. Even if you've seen many of these steps, sent out by Plastics Make it Possible, it's is the perfect time for a refresher -- before the truly cold weather sets in, and all of your time gets eaten up with holiday projects.

Take a moment to look around and run through this quick list to see what DIY improvements you can make for a more energy-efficient winter!

Continue reading 10 Tips for Making Your Home More Energy Efficient




Filed under: Home

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Eco-Beat, 11/17

by Josh Loposer (Subscribe to Josh Loposer's posts)
Nov 17th 2009 @ 3:00PM

Does Reese Witherspoon need a recycling coach? Are you practicing some "pre-holiday mindfullness" by going zero-impact this week? Are wind turbines silent but deadly? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Reese Witherspoon, Photo: Larry Busacca, Getty ImagesReese Witherspoon Needs an Intervention
You'd think that most Hollywood stars have heard of recycling by now (or could at least afford a trash can that meets their garbage needs), but apparently not. On the "Tonight Show," Reese admitted to sneaking her excess trash out at night and putting it in the neighbors' can.

No Impact Man poster, Photo: Cinematical.comNo Impact Week Starts Sunday
The NRDC is sponsoring the second ever No Impact Week -- inspired by "No Impact Man" Colin Beavan, of course. If you're itching to participate, noimpactproject.org has a little how-to guide for no-impact novices. Sign up here.

Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Photo: Sachmanns.dk, FlickrWin a Free Trip to Hopenhagen
Ready to take your journalistic aspirations to the next level ... and win a free trip to the Copenhagen? Thought so. The Huffington Post and Hopenhagen.org are sending one citizen journalist to cover the UN climate talks for Huffpo. Sign the petition to enter.

cat sleeping on macbook, Photo: Michfiel, FlickrShould I Turn My Computer Off, or Hibernate?
For years, IT guys have argued that powering your computer up each morning and down each night results in extra wear and tear -- shortening the lifespan of your beloved compy and erasing the energy gains. The DOE says it's no longer true.

Is this golfer experiencing Wind Turbine Syndrome?, Photo: Justin SullivanIs Wind Turbine Syndrome for Real?
After interviewing 10 families from all over the world who live next door to wind farms, Dr. Nina Pierpont is convinced that Wind Turbine Syndrome deserves some serious research before any more turbines are built near homes or schools.
Green in a Flash:


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Green Gift Ideas: Beauty Gift Sets

by Cat Lincoln (Subscribe to Cat Lincoln's posts)
Nov 17th 2009 @ 12:04PM

Exuberance First Love Kit. Photo: Beautorium.com


There are some super-organized people out there who already have their holiday gift lists prepared and half-bought. For the rest of you (and by you I mean "us"), take a deep breath and relax: there are loads of great, green and affordable gifts out there!

One easy and always well-received present is the beauty gift set. With so many new green and eco-friendly beauty products on the market, there's always a fresh product to try out. Also, some of these lines are pricey, so gift sets let you sample without breaking the bank, plus the travel sizes let you experiment without committing to a product that could go to waste if it's not right.

You'll find some of the best product ranges and prices on the internet. Natural and organic beauty care site Beautorium carries well-loved green brands, like Dr. Hauschka, Pangea, and Juice Beauty. Some of their best gift sets include:

Continue reading Green Gift Ideas: Beauty Gift Sets




Filed under: Natural Body Care

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Eco-Beat, 11/16

by Josh Loposer (Subscribe to Josh Loposer's posts)
Nov 16th 2009 @ 3:00PM

Have you read this hilarious press release explaining how Pamela Anderson saved whale penises all over the world? Need tips on how to curb your mailbox's junk mail habit? Are you taking steps to reduce food waste during this year's over-eating season? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Pamela Anderson, Photo: Kristian Dowling, Getty ImagesPam Saves the Whales and Their Penises
Last month, Russian automaker Dartz released the most ridiculous luxury SUV ever, complete with whale penis leather interior. After angry letters from the WWF and Pamela Anderson, "DARTZ make (sic) strong decision to stop their plans regarding such interior."

Rainn Wilson, Photo: Jason Merritt, Getty ImagesMore NBC Green Week Details Leaked
Here's the latest word on what to expect from NBC's "Green Week" lineup. First, "The Biggest Loser" is going organic. On "Community," the college gets renamed "Envirodale." Lastly, Dwight from "The Office" transforms into Recyclops ... why does that seem so foreboding?

overflowing mailbox, Photo: Kim/Apps, FlickrHow Do I Stop the Junk Mail?
It's bad enough when your inbox gets infiltrated by junk mail, but there's not telling how many forests have been axed in the name of the analog version. Grist has a few tips for those who find it distasteful to find their mailbox filled unwanted offers and coupons.

Sea Captain from The Simpsons, Photo: Frenkieb, FlickrJapanese Whalers vs. the Budget Crunch
Bureaucrats in Japan are being asked to cut all non-necessary spending and it looks like the funding for the "Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Fund" may get axed. If the whalers go belly up, will the Sea Shepherds go extinct as a ripple effect?

fight food waste poster, Photo: Jbloom, FlickrYearly Food Waste Figures Will Make You Puke
Considering the fact that we're only days away from the most anticipated meal of the year here in the US, it seems appropriate that the UK has just released its food waste figures. About $20B worth of food is thrown away in UK ... I can only imagine how much we throw away.
Green in a Flash:


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Obama and World Leaders Hedge on Copenhagen Agreement

by Cat Lincoln (Subscribe to Cat Lincoln's posts)
Nov 16th 2009 @ 12:03PM

President Obama at the APEC conference. Photo: ROSLAN RAHMAN, Getty Images

Over the weekend, President Obama and other world leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in Singapore, announced that they will not be able to reach a binding agreement on stopping global warming during the the Copenhagen Climate Conference (COP15) in December.

Instead, Obama and Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that COP15 should focus on accomplishing political cohesion as the first part of a two step process. They want to use the conference to agree on a basic framework for an agreement, including how to finance carbon-reducing activity, and wait to try to create a binding commitment to global carbon caps at a later date.

So ... they want to agree to agree that they will put off doing the work until later. Which would be fine if we could put climate change on hold. Since doesn't seem to be an option, I think a lot of activists are going to be really upset that global leaders, led by Obama, are watering down the goals of the conference.

Continue reading Obama and World Leaders Hedge on Copenhagen Agreement




Filed under: Polit-eco, Climate Change

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Eco-Beat, 11/13

by Josh Loposer (Subscribe to Josh Loposer's posts)
Nov 13th 2009 @ 3:00PM

Which horribly offensive cartoon show's creators like to relax at their sustainably-built vacation palace? Wanna eat your pudding and your meat and still save the planet? Already wondering how you're going to tackle this year's Thanksgiving leftovers? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty ImagesSouth Park Creators' Green Retreat
When they're not harpooning Paul Watson in the head or defiling what you hold sacred, Matt and Trey like to get away to their sustainably-built vacation mansion in Steamboat Springs. Built with reclaimed timbers, it's pretty green ... for a vacation mega-mansion.

Al Gore, Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images30 Rock: Return of the Gore
I have it on good authority that next Thursday's episode of "30 Rock" will feature a cameo from the creator of the internet himself -- Albert Gore. Once again, Al will play himself in an episode where he helps Kenneth make a 5% reduction in "TGS" staff's carbon footprint.

steak platter, Photo: Kim Scarborough, FlickrGood News, You Don't Have to go Vegan Anymore!
You can't have any pudding if you don't eat your meat. But if you eat your meat, global warming will kill us all. It's a serious conundrum and, thankfully, now we don't have to worry about it. A Friends of the Earth report says we can have it all, provided we ditch factory farming.

man at the ATM, Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty ImagesUK Ponders Individual Carbon Allowances
According to UK politician Lord Smith, individual carbon allowances are the best way to curb global warming. Much like a bank account, you'd get an allowance each month and would pay "overdraft" fees when your account goes below zero.

Takeout box, Photo: LexnGer, FlickrTurkey Day Tip: Save Your Takeout Containers
No matter how well you calculate your Thanksgiving food-print, you're always going to have some leftovers. So, to help disperse these amongst your brethren, wash and reuse old takeout containers you took home from that new Thai place down the street.
Green in a Flash:


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The Latest and Greatest Baked Granola Bars

by Cat Lincoln (Subscribe to Cat Lincoln's posts)
Nov 13th 2009 @ 12:03PM

Honest Food baked whole food bar/Photo: Honest-Foods.com

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a charming video for Honest Foods baked whole food granola bars, created by and starring the brand's marketing manager, Mariel Shaw.

It turns out that Ms. Shaw is a quadruple threat -- in addition to being a talented singer, dancer and actress, she's a smart enough marketer to track me down and send me a few bars to try. Which were absolutely delicious, at least the one I was able to grab away from my husband, who ate one and snuck off with a second before I could catch him.

This excitement over granola bars made me examine whether we were in a granola bar rut. The Honest Foods bars were such a hit that I decided it was time for a new round of completely unscientific taste test of baked granola bars:

Continue reading The Latest and Greatest Baked Granola Bars



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Eco-Beat, 11/12

by Josh Loposer (Subscribe to Josh Loposer's posts)
Nov 12th 2009 @ 3:00PM

Why isn't Gwyneth Paltrow seeking rehab for her porn addiction? Will you be dining on a delicious free-range turkey this Thanksgiving? Are you ready for some (green) football? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Gwyneth Paltro, Photo: Pascal Le Segretain, Getty ImagesGwyneth Paltrow's Powerful Eco-Porn Addiction
Were not talking about GOOP here, were talking about the hardcore stuff. That's right, Gwyn's hooked on Isabella Rossellini's "Green Porno." Says Paltrow: "I've learned a lot more than I want to about reproduction in the animal and insect kingdoms."

fanned out gobbler, Photo: Shadarington, FlickrThe Turkey Dinner Dilemma
For those of us who think eating a factory-farmed frozen turkey is somehow contradictory to the spirit of Thanksgiving, there's a burgeoning free-range turkey market out there. To find a cruelty-free bird for your table, check out a local turkey farm.

NBC Sunday Night Football, Photo: Greenisuniversal.comNBC Launches 3rd Annual Green Week
On Sunday, NBC will kick off its third annual "Green Week," a coordinated series of attacks on pollution and waste spread throughout the network's programming. Look for green themes in shows like "SNF," "30 Rock" and "The Office," and Leno's "Green Car Challenge."

Comet Hyakutake, Photo: David Pearson, FlickrWe Almost Got Smacked by an Asteroid
One day after reassuring us that "2012" is only a movie, and that no random asteroids will end life as we know it in 2012, NASA nearly missed a massive asteroid that came within inches (astronomically speaking) of us. The rock came 30X closer than the moon.

the Brammo Enertia, Photo: Autobloggreen.comBrammo Slashes Prices for the Holidays
Just in time for holiday shopping, the first ever electric motorcycle sold at Best Buy has dropped its price by $4,000. With a range of 42 miles and a top speed over 60mph, the Brammo Enertia went from $11,995 to just $7,995 this week.
Green in a Flash:


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Kids Want Obama to go to COP15

by Cat Lincoln (Subscribe to Cat Lincoln's posts)
Nov 12th 2009 @ 12:02PM


Admit it, we're all suckers for cute, smart kids. And when they're saying things like "really cool animals like polar bears and walruses will lose their habitat" and "we have to be brave right now" -- ahem, could some pass a tissue? I think some future hope for our planet just got caught in my eye.

The World Wildlife Fund made this video, which stars the kids of WWF staffers making a personal request to President Obama to go -- and lead -- the Copenhagen Climate Conference next month.

In the video the kids review the widely acknowledged fact that climate change will have catastrophic impact on the environment, and that the effects are already being seen, with weather changes and habitat loss.

Continue reading Kids Want Obama to go to COP15




Filed under: Activism, Climate Change

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Eco-Beat, 11/11

by Josh Loposer (Subscribe to Josh Loposer's posts)
Nov 11th 2009 @ 3:00PM

Is Edward Norton still running? Thinking about hosting a tape worm party in your stomach? Are your golf balls killing the planet? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Ed Norton, Photo: Michael Loccisano, Getty ImagesEd Norton is Still Fundraising
26.2 miles just isn't quite enough for Ed. Even though he successfully raised over $750k for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust by completing the NYC Marathon a few weeks ago -- he's not content with just six figures. Norton's new goal is $1M.

Tyra Banks, Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty ImagesTyra Takes on the Tapeworm Diet
Do tapeworms make good pets? The latest dieting craze (and let me emphasize the word "craze") is swallowing a parasite so you can stuff your face and still lose weight. Honestly, is that not the most amazing waste of food? For shame!

Thanksgiving feast, Photo: Choconancy1, FlickrCalculating Your Turkey Day
On the other end of the dieting spectrum, there are people who actually conserve food by planning out their portions, thus cutting down on waste. Check out YumSugar for a quick guide to calculating exactly how much of everything you need this Thanksgiving.

golf ball warning sign, Photo: John Wesley Barker, FlickrHumanity's Signature Litter: Golf Balls
A golf ball takes 100-1,000 years to decompose naturally and, when it does, dangerous levels of heavy metals like Zinc can leech out. Over 300 million golf balls are lost each year in the US alone, (even a few on the moon) so you can imagine the magnitude of the problem.

2012 movie poster, Photo: Collider.comNASA: Don't Freak, It's Just a Movie
In case you've been taking the ominous billboards promoting Sony Pictures' apocalyptic eco-thriller "2012" seriously, NASA wants you to know that it's highly likely that the world will not end on December 21, 2012. In fact, they've yet to discover any life-ending comets, etc.
Green in a Flash:


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