Green Daily

Just in time for my trip to NYC, the folks at Greenopia have come up with a New York City handbook. These useful little green consumer guides point out the earth-friendliest ways to shop the city. San Fran and L.A. have their own handbooks and more cities will eventually get covered.

So you're thinking, "what's so special about another green guide?". Well this isn't just a list of companies that pay to get on a directory. These little books (printed on chlorine-free, recycled paper, of course) have been compiled by actual researchers wandering New York streets.

You'll get details on everything from tree-free party invitations to silk made from free-range silkworms (which I didn't even know existed). To reduce carbon emissions, researchers even took bicycles and public transportation to research the greenest offerings in the city.

I know where to get organic ice cream where I live, but this guide will point out the fair trade coffee and locally-produced goodies I should try in between museum visits. Getting some fancy, planet-friendly threads will be way easier with Greenopia's list of eco sample sales and shoe stores that offer animal cruelty-free foot wear.
The guide, which can be purchased through the Greenopia web site, will set you back $17.95 which is more than I would usually pay for a green guide (yeah, I'm eco-conscious and cheap). But even without the physical handbook, the Greenopia web site is pretty comprehensive and offers a business search, complete with the same rating system contained in the handbook (eco-friendly services are rated from one to four green leaves).

I'll probably get the Greenopia's physical guide before I pack. It may be the easiest way to get some locally produced, cruelty-free bacon and eggs for the inevitable hang-over. Hey, it's not all museums and Law and Order tours.