Summer Budget Travel Tips from Gadling

This or That?

CFLs or LEDs?

Read More

Nuclear Energy, the New Green Hope?

Exelon Byron Nuclear Generating Stations, IL

Exelon Byron Nuclear Generating Stations, IL. Photo: JEFF HAYNES, Getty Images

Back in the 70s, I remember nuclear energy being discussed in the same breath as geothermal and solar power. But then the partial core meltdown happened at Three Mile Island in 1979, giving the American public a huge scare about the safety of nuclear reactors.

It didn't help matters when the film "Silkwood", starring Meryl Streep, came out in 1983, showing how workers who were exposed to plutonium had to be literally scrubbed raw -- those decontamination showers are burned into the brains of a generation!

But the climate crisis has created the urgent need for a power source that doesn't produce CO2. There are already several nuclear power-plants online in the U.S. In 31 states there are 104 reactors, which provide about 20% of our energy -- and 70% of our emission-free energy.

Continue reading Nuclear Energy, the New Green Hope?

Eco-Beat, 10/29

Why did Michael Jackson listen to audio recordings of distressed chimpanzees? Need a strategy to cut down on your child's snack time food waste? Why is everybody talking about "Super Freakonomics? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Michael Jackson, photo: MJ Kim, Getty ImagesMichael Jackson: Behind the Music
Did you know that MJ's song "Heal the World" was inspired by the plight of African chimpanzees? It's true. Apparently, Michael met with chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall and their exchange inspired the song, although it never specifically mentions chimps.

picky eater, photo: All in green, FlickrWanna Reduce Your Kid's Foodprint?
Kids can be pretty fussy when it comes to eating. OK, a lot fussy. No matter how many times you tell them to clean their plate, you're going to end up shoveling some food into the trash (or better yet compost bin). Check out LilSugar's tips for maximizing your grocery budget.

Al Gore flashing the peace sign, photo: Juan Mabromata, Getty ImagesAl Gore on David Letterman
Now that the controversy set off by "An Inconvenient Truth" has mostly subsided, Al Gore has written a second book "Our Choice" with the hope of depoliticizing the climate change debate ... good luck with that. Check him out on "The Late Show" next Tuesday.

Jon Stewart, photo: Jason Merritt, Getty ImagesJon Stewart Talks Geo-Engineering and Freakonomics
Author Steve Levitt's latest book "Super Freakonomics" has drawn a lot of fire from environmentalists, and Jon Stewart doesn't quite understand why. Check out this video of Jon and Steve discussing the controversial schemes to cool the planet with climate engineering.

yard sale, photo: Daftgirly, FlickrStart Planning for "Give Your Stuff Away Day"
Formerly known as "Curb Day," enthusiasts are working to raise awareness for America's national day of hauling unwanted stuff (not junk) to the curb to give away. Planners are hoping to inspire block parties, etc. It's set for May 15th, so you've got plenty of time to plan.
Green in a Flash:

The Green Halloween Movement

pumpkins for halloween

Halloween pumpkins! Photo: Getty Images JEWEL SAMAD/Staff

I'm not the only one who thinks traditional Halloween candy is more trick than treat. There is an actual grass roots movement called Green Halloween, started by Seattle-area mom Corey Colwell-Lipson in 2007.

A few years ago, while taking her then six- and two-year-olds out trick or treating, Colwell-Lipson was impressed and inspired by the houses that provided treats like bubbles and stickers as an alternative to candy. She thought it would be great if there was a way -- like a sign -- for parents to know which houses had healthy treats, so they could steer their children accordingly.

As she talked to other parents about the idea, it grew into a whole program. In addition to parents, local merchants started to ask for a "Green Halloween" logo to show that they supported the initiative. Soon everyone involved decided to make a local non-profit the beneficiary of their efforts.

Continue reading The Green Halloween Movement

Edward Norton Running NYC Marathon for a Cause

edward norton

Photo: Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust

You already know Edward Norton is a darn cool guy. After all, who else could have made "The Hulk" even greener? But now, he's doing more than just speaking out. He's even going beyond putting his money where his mouth is. Norton is running a marathon!

Though he might have occasional super powers on-screen, it turns out that, when it comes to running, he's just like everybody else and is experiencing common running ailments. But there's no way he'll quit -- he's running for a cause.

Norton is running the New York Marathon to benefit Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, an organization that seeks to protect the ecosystem in the area with which he became acquainted with 10 years ago on a trip to Kenya. His 30-person team is an eclectic mix of celebrities (Alanis Morrisette, David Blaine) and Maasai warriors (some of whom are still deciding whether to run in shoes or sandals.

To learn more about the cause and Norton's commitment to the race, check out the exclusive interview at AOL Health!

Eco-Beat, 10/28

Did the Governator send a piece of brilliantly-crafted, obscenity-laced, water reform poetry to the California Legislature? How could I have missed the Climate Action Day supermodel striptease? Could handing out green treats actually increase the size of your Halloween-print? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, photo: John Moore, Getty ImagesArnold Might be a Water Reform Poet
Apparently, Governor Schwarzenegger is really ticked off at the state legislature for not tackling water reform in the session that just ended. Upon closer examination, his letter to legislators appears to have a hidden message that starts with "F" and ends with "U."

thin runway model, Stefan Gosatti, Getty ImagesSupermodels Perform the Part Per Million Striptease
Taking a page out of PETA's playbook, 350.org hired a group of models to grab our attention by stripping down. It totally worked (of course), but near the end of the video I started thinking: "Geez, these models are scary thin." For me, it sent kinda mixed signals.

Leonardo DiCaprio, photo: Larry Busacca, Getty ImagesLeo and Ellen Page Go Eco House Hunting
They're not moving in together or anything. At least, I don't think they are. Leonardo brought the co-star of his new film "Inception" to inspect the earth-friendly features of LA's Evo South condos. Leo's becoming quite the green real estate tycoon.

toilet paper house, photo: Cycrolu, FlickrMore Eco-Friendly Halloween Tips
Your green Halloween efforts may have unintended side effects. For example, Grist suggests that you hand out "non-treats" like acorns, polished rocks, etc. While that is green advice, you might be inadvertently creating waste by encouraging kids to TP your house.

the junk food aisle, photo: Cthoyes, FlickrJunk Food is as Addictive as Heroin
Not only does junk food make you fat, provide little or no nourishment, and come with a heavy carbon footprint, now researchers have found that it actually produces a similar neurobiological reaction to heroin -- which explains why I'm eating Hot Fries right now.
Green in a Flash:

Global Green Challenge: Car Racing Gone Green in Australia


If you're into cars that run on alternative fuels, then this is your lucky week. The Global Green Challenge is a 3,000 kilometer race through the center of Australia that starts in Darwin in the north, finishes in Adelaide in the south, and takes the participants through desert, rainforest and coastal plains.

The race, which began as the World Solar Challenge in 1987, is held every two years. Teams come from around the world to race their kooky looking solar-powered cars that resemble space ships. Most of the teams are made up of engineering students, and the competition is quite earnest.

This year, in addition to the solar concept car competition, there will be a second race called The Eco Challenge, which will include alternative fuel cars that are actually in production around the world.

Continue reading Global Green Challenge: Car Racing Gone Green in Australia

Eco-Beat, 10/27

When was the last time you saw Madonna holding a shovel? Will Japanese whalers kill Kenny? Are you handing out carbon offset stickers instead of candy this Halloween? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Madonna planting a tree, credit: AFP, Getty ImagesMadonna Plants a Tree in Malawi
The Queen of Pop returned to her favorite developing country yesterday to break ground on her $15M girls school in the village of Chinkhota. She wasn't just there to cut ribbons and dig holes, she also planted a Moringa tree (aka a "miracle tree") in the future school yard.

South Park, credit: Amazon.comSouth Park Spoofs Whale Wars
Who better to explore the ethical and cultural implications of "The Cove" and "Whale Wars" than Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and, of course, Kenny. Tomorrow night, South Park's highly inappropriate satire meisters take on whale hunters and the people who hunt them.

jackolantern, credit: Euart, FlickrFive Tips for a Greener Halloween
Going green this Halloween doesn't mean you have to be the weird house on the block who gives out organic apples instead of candy. You could promote green power by turning your yard into a haunted wind farm. Or you could check out Inhabitat's green Halloween tips.

clothesline, credit: Grant MacDonald, Getty ImagesDo You Use a Clothesline?
Good news! By doing nothing particularly drastic, Americans could cut our collective carbon footprint by about the size of France's total output. All we have to do is to take 17 steps, the most drastic of which is to end our love affair with dryers. Can we live without dryers?

blue ice cream, credit: WintrHawk, Getty ImagesKnow Your Senate Climate Bills
According to Grist, Senate climate legislation is kinda like Baskin-Robins, except there are more than 31 flavors. If you wanna learn about all of the crazy concoctions that legislators have mixed up, grab one of those little tester spoons and sample Grist's flavor guide.
Green in a Flash:

Chris Jordan Photographs Plastic Inside Dead Birds


Photojournalist Chris Jordan's latest stunning/sobering project, called "Midway, Message from the Gyre," is a series of photos of dead birds, stuffed full of plastic trash.

No, it's not some kind of post-modern statement about man's relationship with nature and consumption, although it does deliver a pretty strong message on that topic.

The Midway Journey is a project Jordan undertook with four other media artists to document the effect of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch on the birds of the Midway Atoll in the Pacific, 2,000 miles away from the nearest continent.

Continue reading Chris Jordan Photographs Plastic Inside Dead Birds

Eco-Beat, 10/26

Wanna support green charities while also supporting Jack Johnson's relaxing, harmonious grooves? Will PETA turn Elvis' ranch into a vegetarian education center? Which veggies are the most eco-friendly: Frozen or canned? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Jack Johnson, credit: Lucas Dawson, Getty ImagesJack Johnson Green Tour, Now with Eco-DVD Footage
Not only has was Jack Johnson's "Sleep Through the Static" tour carbon-offset and biodiesel-powered, everyone who buys the DVD will be supporting green charities. Johnson's "En Concert" video features concert footage, interviews and a positive environmental impact.

old fashioned theater, credit: gail548, FlickrAnd the Oscar for First LEED Movie Theater Goes To ...
Chattanooga? It kinda blows my mind that there isn't already a green movie house somewhere in the US, but with its solar panels and recycled building materials, the Carmike Majestic 12-plex in Chattanooga will set the standard for eco-friendly movie watching.

Elvis and Priscilla Presley, credit: Keyston, Getty ImagesPETA Leasing Elvis Ranch?
The oft-naked animal rights groups has reportedly made an offer to lease the historic, 155-acre cattle ranch where The King took Priscilla on the couple's honeymoon. Apparently, the ranchers aren't interested in becoming landlords, but they've offered to sell for a cool $6.5M.

frozen veggies, credit: Stevendepolo, FlickrCanned vs. Frozen Veggies
Let's face it, the vast majority of us don't have the ability to get all of our produce from the farmers market. When it comes to veggies with a longer shelf life, which is a more eco-friendly: cans or frozen? Check out Grist's breakdown of the nutritional and environmental angles.

350.org demonstration, credit: 350.org, FlickrInternational Day of Climate Action in Pictures
In case you missed it, Saturday was Climate Action Day. Were you holding a "350" sign at one of the planet's 4,000+ mass gatherings? If so, you might have gotten your picture on the 350.org's photostream on Flickr. It's like the Rolling Stone cover for eco-activists.
Green in a Flash:

Honest Foods: An Upbeat Way to Promote a Natural Food Item

Sometimes the whole conversation about eating natural foods can get strident and scary. From "Fast Food Nation" to "Food Inc.," there are loads of people ready and willing to terrify you into putting down the french fries.

The other day this video for Honest Foods bars turned up in my email. It's charming, and light-hearted, and gets the message across about choosing natural, wholesome foods.

What a concept! A happy natural food ad! In addition to making me hungry, and want to go out dancing, the Honest Foods video got me thinking about how rare it is to have fun singing and dancing in commercials for wholesome things.

Continue reading Honest Foods: An Upbeat Way to Promote a Natural Food Item

Eco-Beat, 10/23

Wanna watch vegetarian Natalie Portman torture prospective Top Chefs in a world renown steakhouse? Should we feed dogs and cats a pet shop version of Soylent Green? Are you green enough to let your kid poop on the floor just to avoid using a diaper? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Natalie Portman, credit: Jason Merritt, Getty ImagesNatalie Portman on Top Chef
To commemorate Vegetarian Awareness Month (I assume) "Top Chef" has taken contestants to a world renown steak house, given them free reign over the marvelous meat selection, and instructed them to cook for Natalie Portman, a vegan. Check out the teaser.

Dog and kitten, credit: Yukaj*, FlickrDo You Know Your Pet-Print?
An eco-minded New Zealand couple has written a book in which they estimate that the average dog's eco-paw print is greater than the impact of driving an SUV 10,000 kilometers. Crazy. Their recommendation: recycle deceased pets as dog and cat food.

Mayim Bialik, credit: Michael Buckner, Getty ImagesMayim Bialik Goes Diaper-Free for the Planet
Bialik (aka Blossom) is potty training her 14-month-old son with a holistic technique called "elimination communication," which entails reading a child's signals to know when they've gotta go potty -- no diapers. And you thought you were hardcore.

fresh produce, credit: Flow Photography, Flickr10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green
Not all that glitters is green. Just because it has the words "eco-friendly" on the package doesn't mean it's worth the extra cash. SavvySugar has put together some awesome tips for how to maximize your resources while minimizing your eco-footprint.

Playmobile Shell Station, credit: mwboeckmann, FlickrShell Sponsors Green Alternative Vehicle Challenge
Oil giant Shell is the official sponsor of something called the Eco-marathon, a contest to design the world's most energy-efficient, gasoline-hating vehicle with the lowest emissions. Kinda ironic for a company that depends on both fuel consumption and emissions, right?
Green in a Flash:

It's Finally Almost International Day of Climate Action!


Tomorrow is the big day! International Day of Climate Action Day, when activists around the world are staging major protests to send a message to world leaders about climate change.

What do we want? Less CO2! When do want it? ASAP, preferably before the glaciers melt, the rain forests burn down and civilization as we know it collapses!

Greenpeace and 350.org are helping to organize the protests, demonstrations and "actions," which will probably involve at least two out of the following list of protest activities:

Continue reading It's Finally Almost International Day of Climate Action!

Eco-Beat, 10/22

If a university was to award Woody Harrelson an honorary doctorate, would that make you more or less likely to apply for admission? Would you brush your teeth with dollar bills, in this economy? Are you on high alert for vampires this season? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Woody Harrelson, credit: Kevin Winter, Getty ImagesDr. Woody Harrelson, Courtesy of York University
For his steadfast dedication to recycled headgear, organic toothbrushes, and making awesome zombie movies, York University in Toronto has elected to bestow its greatest honor upon Woody this Saturday: An honorary PhD. I'll spare you the Canadian jokes.

Source toothbrush, credit: Radiustoothbrush.comSpeaking of Hippie Toothbrushes
The Source toothbrush cuts down on 4/5 of your teeth-brushing waste by offering replaceable heads and a permanent handles. Handles are made of either recycled wood, recycled flax, or even recycled dollar bills -- yes, recycled U.S. Dollars.

Kyoto protestor, credit: Cpt. Obvious, FlickrTips for a Totally Awesome Climate Action Day
Saturday is going to be huge, and not just for college football fans. It's Climate Action Day on planet Earth and Grist has put together a guide on how to make your day as revolutionary and civilly disobedient as possible. l'm going with mud stencils, because I hate handcuffs.

vampire lady, credit: Christopher S Penn, FlickrSlaying Vampires in the Home
In honor of it being Halloween season and all, it's time to have a serious chat about vampires ... energy vampires, that is. GeekSugar has put together a list of the top 10 vampires you should be looking out for this season, where they live, and how you can stop the sucking.

Joe Biden, credit: Alex Wong, Getty ImagesNo Money Down, No Payment Solar
Joe Biden is working on a plan to make solar roofs available to virtually all homeowners for a down payment of $0. The plan will offer loans that attach to your property taxes, replacing part or all of your electricity bill with an equal charge added onto your taxes.
Green in a Flash:

Eco-Friendly Halloween Costumes

Halloween costumes

Ghost costumes are easy! Photo: Getty Images/TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/Staff

So what's your Halloween costume this year? Oh, you don't have one? That's okay, we have some eco-friendly and oh-so-clever ideas for you!

Being sustainable doesn't mean you have to wear an unimaginative, boring, hemp bag. Just the opposite, unless you're going as a Wet Blanket Environmentalist.

Get out your creativity, roll up your sleeves, and prepare ready to wow your friends and neighbors with these environmentally smart Halloween costumes.

Continue reading Eco-Friendly Halloween Costumes

Eco-Beat, 10/21

What could be tastier than a burger made from beef-fed beef? Do you have a life-saving Survivaball in your closet? Do you have plans for the International Day of Climate Action? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Simpsons Poster, credit: Hollywood North ReportThe Simpsons Poke Fun at Big Food
If you missed The Simpsons' annual Halloween special, you missed one of the show's most hilarious swipes at the beef industry yet. One of the segments revolved around the new Krusty Burger², made from beef-fed cows. Don't worry, you can still catch it on Hulu.

Captain Paul Watson, credit: Frederick M Brown, Getty ImagesAustralia Gives Captain Watson a Visa
After a few weeks of red tape, Australian officials granted Sea Shepherd Paul Watson permission to come aboard ... their continent. Immigration officials insist that the delays were completely routine, but Captain Watson says they were bowing to pressure from Japan.

the Yes Men will survive, credit: Theyesmen.orgMore Yes Men Hijinks
Continuing their relentless onslaught of hilarious pranks, the Yes Men took the the Capitol steps yesterday -- decked out in Survivaballs -- to heckle Sen. Arlen Specter for his "wishy-washy" stance on climate legislation. All of this is just a buildup to Saturday's main event.

mud stencil, credit: Jesse GravesEco-Conscious Graffiti
Wanna be a part of this weekend's civil disobedience but you can't quite bring yourself to go full rampaging vandal? Try vandalism-lite with mud stencil graffiti. Mud stencils make a statement, then slowly wash away, keeping your protest-print small.

Chipotle Burrito, credit: Yummiec00kies, FlickrChipotle Burritos, Now with Less Guilt
Next time you find yourself chewing on one of Chipotle's iconic burritos the size of you head, don't feel bad about your over-consumption, you're investing in a green company. Chipotle is about to become the leading renewable energy producer in the restaurant industry.
Green in a Flash:

Green Daily Video

Green Daily Series

Tip of the Day

Resist the stacks of napkins given from fast-food joints and eateries.

Celebrity and Entertainment
Celebrities (715)
Movies, TV and Books (343)
News and Politics
Activism (640)
Climate Change (582)
News (1494)
Plants and Wildlife (396)
Polit-eco (579)
Home, Health and Fashion
Fashion (487)
Fitness (117)
Food (991)
Health (634)
Home (1527)
Kids and Parenting (442)
Natural Body Care (205)
Gadgets, Tech and Transportation
Alternative Energy (651)
Cars and Transportation (818)
Gadgets and Tech (585)
Travel and Vacation (219)
Tips and Advice
Green on Campus (74)
Reference/Green 101 (93)
Shopping Guide (495)
This or That (58)
Tip of the Day (288)
Tips (439)

Green Daily bloggers (30 days)

#BloggerPostsCmts
1Cat Lincoln220
2Josh Loposer210
3Kristen Seymour10

Most Commented On (7 days)

Sites We Love