Green Daily

(Photo by Annie\'s Homegrown)

This has been a week full of rough news, from dogfighting to the Great Barrier Reef dying to poisoned dolphins, so I found some happy news for us: there are actually places giving out scholarship money to students studying environmental topics. Isn't that uplifting and hopeful?

The Mother Nature Network put together a list of the top ten scholarship programs for eco-studies like botany, environmental health, sustainable agriculture, and more. Some highlights include:

• Annie's Homegrown -- the yummy mac and cheese folks -- awards $2,500 and $10,000 scholarships to to students in food and agriculture programs.

Tissues are really not the best things for the planet, and yet, they can be so hard to resist. They seem so clean, sterile, and convenient, and a nice big box of Kleenex or Puffs seems to become the only friend willing to cuddle with you on the couch when you're sick.

Fortunately, if you are concerned about the environmental impact of your sniffles, there are several alternatives, as well as some eco-friendly tissue choices.

When choosing toilet paper, tissue or paper towels, look for brands made with 100% post-consumer product. If this is nowhere to be found, check to see if any come from forests that are certified to be sustainable. At the very least, steer clear of the super soft and fluffy toilet papers.

If you choose to try out handkerchiefs, Green LA Girl has an excellent guide to purchasing them, from plain to cute to downright fancy, and Super Eco has great tips to help you care for them.

If you are trying to educate the little ones about the spread of germs and proper procedure, something like Sniffle Sleeve might be right up your alley! Of course, in a pinch, tying a hankie around your child's arm would do the trick.

Finally, if you're interested in preventing the sniffles, why not purchase a neti pot?

Professor Byron Reeves of Stanford University has some interesting ideas about how to get people "going green" in a virtual world. He believes that if "green" actions were incorporated into game mechanics so that they were necessary to progress and gain points and standing on a leaderboard, the behavior would carry over into one's life.

He pitched his idea to the radio show Living on Earth, pointing out that the system would be competitive and that the "goal here is to align entertainment and fun with utility and community value."

I can see this easily being implemented into a game like Sims 2, where everyday actions are simulated. While you can choose to be more environmentally conscious, turning it into a theme with a focus would definitely appeal to people. After all, if they are willing to buy the expansion pack, Apartment Life, just to simulate living in an apartment, then "green" living can't be far behind.

Nintendo would also be a promising choice for design and development. Not only does the Wii appeal to everyone, they have already had success designing games that teach new languages, encourage fitness, and keep your brain sharp.

I recently stumbled upon a question on some private message boards that not only got me thinking, but prompted me to examine my own behavior.

Do you feel a sense of etiquette when it comes to putting your reusable shopping bags to good use? Can you comfortably bring your Store A brand bags into Store B, or do you feel rude or tacky?

Before reusable bags were popular, my housemate and I used to walk downtown with our backpacks when we needed to buy food, carrying any overflow in plastic bags with our hands. Although this would still be a viable option, as many students know, store employees will shoot you funny looks for bringing in a backpack, if they allow it at all.

Personally, I don't like to use the reusable bags that I do own. They don't match, they look tacky, I hate the fact that they're made partly of plastics, and I don't much like carrying around anything with a store logo. Part of my New Year's Resolution this year will be to find a set of bags that I would use, and then get into the habit.

This question of etiquette will be weighing on my mind when I begin my selections.

A woman's menstrual cycle is a very personal thing. I don't mean to say that it is taboo. In fact, many women are perfectly comfortable talking about it. It is simply that each woman experiences her cycle somewhat differently.

Symptoms can range from none to nausea, back pain, and crankiness. The options for flow control are many, sporting wings, cardboard or plastic applicators, no applicators, liners, barriers and differently woven strings. Most of us become fairly specific about what works for us, and what we simply don't like.

Mentioning the possibility of using reusable pads is probably going to drum up the most variety in reactions. Many women don't even use pads to begin with, and the idea of somehow carrying the used ones around school or the office until you get home seems daunting.

Personally, I just don't think I could do it. On that note, if I had to switch, I'd definitely choose Moonpads. They're colorful and stylish, which is a total plus, considering its usage will make you fast friends. They also look bizarrely comfortable, and their "wing" system actually looks like it would work.

When it comes to packed lunches, there are so many details that require attention. Whether you're worried about keeping your drink cold and your sandwich meat fresh and safe to eat, or you're wondering just how much lead or PVC is in that bag that you hand to your child each morning, there is much to think about.

Enter Harold the Lunch Monster from Ones and Zeros Fashion. He was born to munch up lunches and keep them safe and organized for everyone. In fact, there's a whole story behind his birth.

Each one is handmade from 100% organic cotton, and comes in a variety of colors. Organic cotton means pesticide and chemical-free. Remember to always wash your fruits and veggies diligently to keep them up to the same standards!

Packed lunches have the potential to reduce an awful lot of waste, and usually result in better eating habits. You also have more control over what your children eat, as well as self control. Grocery store and takeout goodies can seem all too tempting when you're hungry and pressed for time at noon.

Harold is very stylish and fun. My favorite part has to be the way that he opens. It actually looks like he's opening his mouth! Harold is also quite subtle, which means that he can be enjoyed by children, teens, college students, and even adults.

When composing your Christmas gift list, chances are, jewelry is written somewhere next to at least one of those names. It is a popular, classic gift that can be personal and very meaningful. Unfortunately, it can also be costly, and not everyone's tastes suit those of your local jeweler.

Fortunately, there are handmade alternatives that can be easier on a budget, eco-friendly, and personalized. Many recipients will feel extra special owning an original piece that was created by you, or a gifted artisan.

If you don't think you have it in you to make something yourself, why not browse the jewelry category of Etsy? Each item is handmade, and you won't believe the unique designs you'll find.

Ready to make your own? Hop on through the break! Many of these projects make ideal gifts for students, and range from beginner to expert.

The holiday season is a time for celebration; the type that is full of sugary treats and alcoholic drinks. As enjoyable as this is, you probably won't be singing Christmas carols in the morning.

Luckily, there are some eco-friendly remedies that you can find at any grocery store. In fact, you can probably already find most of them in your kitchen. Consider stocking up with these organic and fair trade certified items for the holidays.

Many of these remedies would also make ideal stocking stuffers for your son or daughter home from college for the winter break.

In an effort to "go green," many schools are implementing incentives for students to travel to and from classes in an eco-friendly manner.

Let's take a look at some of the benefits that colleges across America are offering:

Hybrids to the front: At San Diego City College, 33 sought-after parking spaces will be reserved for hybrid vehicles, as well as other highly fuel-efficient options.

School pays you: At many schools, students are earning monetary rewards for leaving their cars at home, or even for carpooling. Stanford University will pay you up to $282 per year to do this.

Free stuff: Freshmen at Ripon College in Wisconsin were given a free Trek mountain bike, complete with helmet and lock, for agreeing not to drive to school. This is over $450 worth of of free stuff!

Gaming is an international pass-time. I have been doing it as far back as I can remember, and my father has done it most of his life. My friends and coworkers game, and students make up a healthy proportion of the gaming community.

Unfortunately, this industry has been somewhat slow to green itself. While the major companies like Sony and Nintendo are taking steps, we're a long way from a guilt-free gaming experience. We are moving towards a greener gaming future.

Let's take a look at some of the impact that gaming has on the environment, and what you can do about it.

Graduate students, faculty and staff at Harvard are getting some new, LEED certified digs. The 115,000 sq. foot, 215 bed 10 Akron Street project using a host of eco-friendly materials inside and features energy conserving systems within its infrastructure.

The building is not just about things like bamboo floors and energy-efficient heating though. Architect Kyu Song Woo worked hard to incorporate the building into its surroundings. Upper levels are cantilevered over the street level to preserve river views for Cambridge residents.

The river facing side of the building blends well with its neighbors and the street side of the building is low and made to blend well into the street scape. An interior courtyard provides a pleasant gateway into the Harvard campus for those passing by.

Inside the space features well planned and pleasant common areas designed to bring the residents together. Harvard has a University-wide commitment to sustainable building and campus operations.

[Via Green Building Elements]

If you know anyone coming out of the military looking to go back to school GreenCollar Vets is an awesome resource. The site is compiling a database of green technology training programs that are accepted by the GI Bill.

The site also lists green collar jobs, though mainly in Texas at this point. Education and training programs are from all over the country. Topics include wind energy technology, green construction, fuel cell technology and solar technology.

Don't know any veterans? Anyone looking to go back to school (or just go for the first time) and learn some green work skills could benefit by looking through the list of training and education options. These might be the next hot job skills.

Chalk is a thing of the past in school. The majority of schools have installed dry erase boards for teachers to use, replacing chalk boards. Even my nephew, who is only in first grade, is required to bring dry erase markers to school to practice his writing skills on a mini dry erase board.

AusPen is working to help reduce the amount of waste and toxins in the average school. AusPen dry erase markers are better for the Earth in a variety of ways.

• The marker bodies are made from easily recycled aluminum instead of plastic.
  
• The markers are refillable - the six marker kit with refills is equal to 246 disposable markers.
  
• The markers tips are reversible so even if one end wears out you can keep using the marker.
  
• The ink is non-toxic and almost odor free.
  

The $69.95 price tag for the six marker kit may seem expensive until you think about how long that kit will last. AS a former high school teacher, I know I had to buy more markers at least once per semester. Some would run out, others would grow legs and walk away and others would dry out when the cap wasn't replaced quite right. A 10 pack of markers is anywhere from $8 to $11. That means you could spend up to $250 on the same amount of disposable markers. In that case it's a great deal. I would just make sure to keep a very close eye on them in my classroom!

Unlike some of the items featured on eBay Green, this item is legitimately eco-friendly, although it might not look it. The Bart Simpson soapstone sculpture is made and packaged in Kenya, conserving energy and economically empowering the people.

The process and materials used are true to African traditions, and the whole partnership is fair trade certified.

You might remember a few weeks back when I featured the Homer Simpson reusable shopping bag. When I found this sculpture, I knew I had to do a follow-up post. After all, if you feel the need to decorate your home and person in The Simpsons-inspired items, then this is a must-have.

After all, the soapstone sculptures of the majestic orca, the mighty polar bear, or the delicate doe can't hold a green candle to a Bart Simpson head on your mantel!

Amidst all of the campaigns encouraging you to vote, the heated debates going on around you, and the mixed messages from the media, it can be difficult for some students to rise to the voting occasion.

Forgetting the "I'll be just like Jessica Alba" and "because Ellen thinks its cool," and even "the chicks will dig it" messages for one moment, here are five practical reasons to hit the polls this autumn:

1. Learning about the issues and casting a vote is a very empowering experience. It helps to shape your character, affirm your identity, and build self-respect. Even if you don't end up feeling savvy enough to debate the tough stuff with the people that live and breathe that sort of thing, you'll be able to follow it and think critically.
   
2. On the day that the new President or Prime Minister is sworn in, you will know more about what the future holds. What will happen to your taxes, to tuition, to pollution laws? Are green technologies going to flourish, will gas prices rise, and will the troops come home? What was promised, and what are you going to do about it next election?
   
3. Speaking of the next election, if you decide this year that you don't have the time, haven't been following the debates, or that your vote does not count anyway, you will have to wait four years before you have the opportunity that you have right now. That is a lot of time to grow, to reflect, and to have regrets.
   
4. The chicks really will dig it. So will future employers, coworkers, peers, professors, and just about anyone else. People will pick up on the fact that you choose to educate yourself, to exercise your rights, and to care about what is going on in the world.
5. You will get to join the unofficial elitist club of 'I voted so I get to complain.' If you know what we are supposed to be getting from each candidate, and pay attention to what they give, you have armed yourself appropriately. There will be no more listening to the 'he said, she said, they did not, look at what they approved' bull commercials.