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'CRUDE': A Documentary by Joe Berlinger


Sometimes it's easy to forget just what a dirty, messy, polluting process it is to get crude oil out of the ground so we can turn it into fuel. That's because most of the pollution takes place "somewhere else" -- in another country, in another part of the world.

The indigenous people of the Ecuadorian Amazon don't have that luxury. As we see in "CRUDE", a new documentary from award-winning filmmaker Joe Berlinger, the rainforest where they live has been polluted across an area the size of Rhode Island in an effort to extract black gold. It's an environmental disaster referred to in the film as being thirty times more devastating than the Exxon Valdez spill.

"CRUDE" is the story of the $27 billion-dollar, multi-year environmental lawsuit brought against Texaco -- now owned by Chevron -- on behalf of 30,000 rainforest dwellers. Berlinger shows both sides of the story, which is by turns sad, outrageous and inspiring, but never preachy. The filmmaker leaves conclusions up to you.

Continue reading 'CRUDE': A Documentary by Joe Berlinger

EcoUsable - Filtered Water, Wherever You Go

water bottles

Photo: EcoUsable.com

I do my best to avoid drinking bottled water, but every once in a while, I find myself someplace where the tap water just tastes (or smells, or looks) bad. But I have a solution now -- EcoUsable Ech20 filtered water bottles.

The stainless steel bottles aren't just BPA-free -- they also have a personal filtration system, so you can take icky, gross water and turn it into clean, tasty agua in seconds (seriously, I took part in a demo of this at Surf Expo and the water went from brown to crystal clear, and tasted great).

They offer multiple sizes and colors, and are priced reasonably -- the 18 oz. filtered water bottles are $34.99, and the 25 oz. version is $39.99. Replacement filters are offered on the site as well, for $24.99. Bottoms up!

Eco-Beat, 9/30

Who is Sting's latest message in a bottle addressed to? Can the First Lady bring sustainable gardening to Sesame Street? Why the heck are school kids forbidden to ride bikes to school? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Sting, credit: Michael Loccisano, Getty ImagesSting Helps Trees Send Out an SOS
The latest celebrity to join forces with Prince Charles' Rainforests Project, Sting is lending one of his most famous tunes to the cause. He hopes that leaders at the climate talks in Copenhagen get his message in a bottle. Watch Sting's latest "Message in a Bottle" video.

Michelle Obama Brings Green Thumb to Sesame St.
Want some elementary gardening tips mixed with some awesome muppetry action? The First Lady will share some of the lessons she learned in the White House veggie garden with the furry denizens of Sesame Street and you, of course.

salad onion, credit: Foonus, FlickrSalad Engineering 101
Grab some of the tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce that Michelle Obama taught you to grow on Sesame Street and get to work on a leafy masterpiece that eats like a complete meal. FitSugar has some tips to turn your low-carbon appetizer into a superfood.

no idling sign, credit: Found Drama, FlickrRefuting the Car Idling Myths
Should I warm the car up for a few minutes in winter? Are frequent starts rough on my starter? Is idling more fuel efficient than turning the engine on and back off? Or are we needlessly idling our way to a hotter dirty planet? The short answer to the last question is: Yes.

kids riding to school, credit: carfreedays, FlickrSchool District Bans Biking/Walking to School
In the middle of a child obesity epidemic, schools in Saratoga Springs, NY, have actually banned students from biking or walking to school. Why would a school district enact such a ridiculous policy? Thankfully, at least one family is standing up to the ban.
Green in a Flash:

Vaska Laundry Detergent, Good Enough for the Giants, Good Enough For All of Us

Vaska Herbatergent Credit: Vaska

Here in San Francisco we've resigned ourselves to another year of dashed World Series hopes. But we do have a baseball superlative to be proud of: The San Francisco Giants are certainly the most eco-friendly major league baseball team!

In addition to a solar powered stadium and a water-conserving irrigation system, the team uses Vaska, an all-natural, phosphate-free detergent. The company is even local, based across the bay in Berkeley, California.

Since I'm getting to be something of an expert on green laundry practices, the company contacted me and offered a sample of their herbatergent ™. Of course I said yes!

Continue reading Vaska Laundry Detergent, Good Enough for the Giants, Good Enough For All of Us

Eco-Beat, 9/29

Do you want Brad Pitt's Make it Right Foundation to build your next eco-chic house? How is a JetSki going to help the Sea Shepherds put a stop to whaling? Is it time to bust out your favorite childhood lunchbox? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Brad Pitt, credit: Mario Tama, Getty ImagesBrad Pitt Gets US Building Council Award
What's the equivalent of an Oscar for charitable, green (re)builders? I guess it's the big glass plate that Brad Pitt received from the US Green Building Council at last week's Clinton Global Initiative. So far, the Make it Right Foundation has completed 13 homes in New Orleans.

Hokusai Seadoo, credit: Mike Licht, Notions Capitol.com, FlickrSea Shepherds Construct a JetSki of Doom
Forget ramming Japanese whaling ships; that was so last year. The Sea Shepherds are working on a new toy to harass the whaling fleet: An all-black, screaming-fast attack vehicle, aka a SeaDoo on steroids. But who wants to ride a SeaDoo in the Antarctic?

Sir David Attenborough, credit: Tim Whitby, Getty ImagesWatch Sir David Attenborough's 50 Greatest Hits
You've watched "Planet Earth," "The Blue Planet," and dozens of other breathtaking documentaries narrated by this fascinating Knight of the British Empire. Now you can watch Attenborough's 50 most amazing brushes with nature online.

Ramones Lunchbox, credit: *One*, FlickrReducing Your Lunchprint
We know that going out for lunch everyday can wreak havoc on your wallet, waistline, and the planet -- so what's the best way to combat all three delicious but unwanted side effects? You guessed it; pack a lunch. It's so simple, yet so effective. Check out Grist for more tips.

W+W by Roca, credit: Roca.comNow That's Efficiency
Would you install a sleek, modern, combination sink+toilet in your water-wise bathroom? The W + W (washbasin/watercloset) by Roca is probably the most attractive bathroom fixture of its kind. Still, I think it might weird some people out.
Green in a Flash:

Monterey Bay Aquarium Celebrates Their Silver Anniversary

Jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Credit: C.Lincoln

This October the Monterey Bay Aquarium is celebrating their silver anniversary. For 25 years the aquarium, located on historic Cannery Row, has been a leader in conservation, education and environmental stewardship.

Since it opened in 1984, the aquarium has brought the life of the ocean to an adoring public. In the very first year they broke attendance records for U.S. aquariums, with almost two and a half million visitors. And for good reasons! It's always a thrill to wander through the aquarium in awe of the nearly three-story tall sea kelp forest and the ethereal jelly fish exhibit.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is renowned for several of their on-going programs and special exhibits, including:

Continue reading Monterey Bay Aquarium Celebrates Their Silver Anniversary

Eco-Beat, 9/28

Did Pamela flash the Fashion Week crowd to deflect attention away from her green clothing designs? Wanna grow a garden that even you can't mess up? Why is Toyota raising the price of the Prius during a recession? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Pamela Anderson, credit: Graham Denholm, Getty ImagesPamela Anderson Unveils Eco-Clothing, Her Butt
Skipping fashion weeks in NYC and London, Pamela waited to debut her clothing line at the most prestigious of all: New Zealand Fashion Week. Reviews were pretty harsh. On the bright side, due to a costume malfunction, the audience did get a peek at Pam's backside.

broccoli sprouts, credit: KatieL366, FlickrFive Sprouts for Kitchen Farmers
If you're looking for a way to reduce your foodprint, there's no better way that to grow a garden right where you cook. Turn your food miles into food feet (or inches) by growing sprouts on your counter. Apparently, sprouts are one of the easiest things to grow next to weeds.

window caulk, credit: Kimberlyfaye, FlickrCan Your Home be Sealed Too Tightly?
Sealing up drafty spaces around doors and windows can save you some major cha-ching on heating and cooling costs, but is it a good idea to be hermetically sealed in your home? While it's next to impossible to make a leaky home airtight, some ventilation is necessary.

toyota prius, credit: green.autoblog.comPrius Price Tag Takes a Hike
Now that the 3rd generation Prius seems to be thoroughly kicking the lower-priced Insight's butt, Toyota has decided to readjust the price to meet demand. From now on, Toyota will no longer offer the base-model and will jack up the price on all models by $400.

radiation signage, credit: Radial Monster, FlickrIs Nuclear Power Really Carbon Neutral?
Politicians often like to refer to nuclear energy as if it were carbon neutral. In reality, all energy production outputs some greenhouse gases. Despite the many downsides of nuclear, greenhouse emissions from nuclear energy are very low -- but not carbon neutral.
Green in a Flash:

October 24: International Day of Climate Action

Creative climate activist coalition 350.org has issued an invitation to everyone in the world for October 24th, "The International Day of Climate Action".

On that day they plan to conduct the "most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history" with rallies, banners on the Easter Island statues, underwater demonstrations, bike rides -- you name it, somewhere in the world someone is probably doing it on October 24th to raise awareness that we must act urgently to address the climate crisis.

The message of 350.org is that we must find ways to get the CO2 in the atmosphere down to 350 parts per million. We're hovering around 390 ppm, and scientists -- including the top NASA climate scientist James Hansen -- say that we have very little time to reduce this number.

Continue reading October 24: International Day of Climate Action

Eco-Beat, 9/25

Can Jon Stewart turn the demise of planet Earth into a belly-laughing satire? Would you trust Rush Limbaugh behind the wheel of your electric car? How many forests have you leveled in the name of super-soft toilet paper? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Jon Stewart, credit: Robyn Beck, Getty ImagesThe Daily Show Takes on Climate Change
Who better to educate us on the current state of planet Earth than America's most trusted journalist, Jon Stewart? On Wednesday, The Daily Show took a look into the viability of wind power in its "Our Dead Planet" segment. Actually, there was some interesting info.

Rush Limbaugh, credit: John M. Heller, Getty ImagesRush Limbaugh Hits Al Gore in His Electric Car
Color me surprised, Rush Limbaugh not only slammed into Al Gore in Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge last night, but he actually put his all-electric Ford Focus in reverse and backed over the cardboard cutout. On the bright side, Limbaugh said he really liked the electric car.

toilet paper guard, credit: Harvard Avenue, FlickrAre You Conscious of Your Butt-Wipe-Print?
One of the most important eco-choices you can make at home is buying toilet paper made from recycled material. Seriously. We're not talking about anything extreme, like switching to one-ply or anything. If all Americans used one less roll of virgin TP, it would save 423,900 trees.

Honda U3-X, credit: green.autoblog.comAre Personal Mobility Devices Green?
Joining both Segway and Toyota, Honda unveiled its own personal mobility unicycle-ish thing. The 22-pound U3-X can reach bone-chilling speeds of up to 4 mph. Is there anything green about an electric unicycle that prevents you from getting even the modest exercise of walking?

Five Grains You Should Get Acquainted With
If you're tired of rice and pasta, maybe it's time to get a little adventurous in the culinary department. There are a multitude of whole grains out there that are much more nutritious and, dare I say it, tastier. Check out FitSugar's guide to the lesser-known grains.
Green in a Flash:

Ladies: Have You Considered Reducing Your 'Special Lady Time' Waste?

reusable knit tampons

Knit or crochet a reusable tampon! Credit: Fern and Faerie

Okay, girls/women/wymyn, it's time to have a candid talk. Yeah, we've discussed this topic before, but my dear friend, and GreenDaily assistant editor, Kristen Seymour, sent me a link and now I can't stop asking myself: could I knit -- and use -- a reusable tampon?

There are plenty of reasons to avoid the ubiquitous "petal soft" plastic applicator Tampax. Let's start with health issues like toxic shock syndrome, not to mention whatever side-effects are caused by the chemicals used to bleach the cotton. Plus there's the issue of waste created by "feminine products" -- even those applicator-free o.b. tampons.

We all want to reduce our impact on the planet. Or at least we say we do. But are you really ready?

Continue reading Ladies: Have You Considered Reducing Your 'Special Lady Time' Waste?

Eco-Beat, 9/24

Other than slaughtering flesh-eating zombies, how did Woody Harrelson clean up "Zombieland?" Is Charlie Tune trying to kill you? Need some help in your quest to find some new(ish) sustainable furniture? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest news and tips.


Woody Harrelson, credit: Jason Merritt, Getty ImagesWoody Harrelson Greens up Zombieland
If you're a horror movie buff, you're probably excited about Woody's new flick "Zombieland." Well, here's a reason to get even more excited. Woody refused to do the film unless the director cut waste and electricity usage. Even his character's trademark hat was recycled.

runway model, credit: Scott Wintrow, Getty ImagesA New Source for Eco-Fashionistas
Looking for a place to get news about green fashion and green fashion only? Green guru Jill Fehrenbacher has launched a new website called Ecouturre, dedicated to going beyond organic tees and delving into green designers. Not that there's anything wrong with t-shirts.

all-electric NMG2, credit: autobloggreen.comWant a Cheaper Electric Car? Lose a Wheel
Myers Motors has released images of its newer, sleeker NMG (No More Gas) this week. Aside from the fact that it's only got three wheels, it actually looks pretty stylish. Not only that, but it's got a top speed of 75mph and a 60-mile range for under $30,000.

Charlie Tuna, credit: John Kratz, FlickrWill Canned Tuna Put Me in Box?
We know that tuna and most other long-living fish come with a free bonus gift in every can: Mercury. So just how much mercury does your delicious tuna melt contain? How much can I safely eat? The answer to both questions: Nobody knows. Sardines, anyone?

McCobb Planner, credit: Stewf, FlickrA Guide to Sustainable Wood Furniture
So, is wood a renewable resource or not? Yes, wood can be a sustainable option as long as it's not an old-growth hardwood cut from a endangered forest. Best case scenario: Buy high quality solid wood furniture secondhand. If your buying new, ask about the sourcing.
Green in a Flash:

It's Wolf Killing Season in the West

wolf

Credit: PETER PARKS for Getty Images

Maybe it's because they look so much like dogs (wolves and dogs do share DNA), but the idea of hunting wolves seems particularly barbarous. Remember how upset everyone was when we found out that Sarah Palin had people hunting them out of helicopters?

Once a fixture in the Rockies, gray wolves were hunted almost to extinction in parts of the West, and eliminated entirely from Yellowstone National Park. Protection from the Endangered Species Act helped their numbers climb back up. But then Bush administration took them off the endangered species list. That means the wolf hunt is back on in Montana and Idaho.

What is it with Republicans hating wolves?

Continue reading It's Wolf Killing Season in the West

Eco-Beat, 9/23

Are Harry Potter fanatics about to become eco-chic fashionistas? Will Rush Limbaugh's icy feeling towards eco-cars thaw on Leno's racetrack? How many roosters do you have in your yard? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Emma Watson, credit: Don Emmert, Getty ImagesEmma Watson's Green Fashion Line
The 19-year-old Harry Potter superstar is designing a 100% organic, Fairtrade clothing line with People Tree named "Love from Emma." Targeted at socially-conscious teens (or socially-conscious parents), proceeds from Emma's line will benefit UNICEF.

Rush Limbaugh, credit: Bill Pugliano, Getty ImagesRush Limbaugh Takes the Green Car Challenge
The always controversial (and not particularly green) talk show host will get behind the wheel of the all-electric Ford Focus on Thursday night. Will he set a new course record? Or will he intentionally run over the Al Gore and Ed Begley obstacles and wreck the prototype?

new car air freshener, credit: Dyanna, FlickrIs That New Car Smell Toxic?
If you recently took advantage of Cash for Clunkers, congratulations on your new fuel-sipper. However, while you're enjoying that "new car smell," it might be a good idea to crack the windows. That beloved odor is created by the offgassing of new plastics, adhesives, etc.

rooster, credit: *lucaNRT*, FlickrLA Limits Citizens to One Rooster per Barnyard
With the explosion of the urban farming movement, slow food, and, of course, the crushing recession, the number of people keeping chickens within the city limits is surging. Are roosters a threat to hygiene and civility, or merely annoying to listen to?

Dr. Steven Chu, credit: Ethan Miller, Getty ImagesSteven Chu Says You're Acting Like A Teenager
I agree with what the Energy Secretary is saying about energy-efficiency and conservation, but what's the deal with all the name-calling? Last week, it was Obama calling Kanye a "jackass." This week, Dr. Steven Chu is calling us "teenage kids."
Green in a Flash:

'Earth Days' - A Film by Robert Stone



I was born in 1969, so the environmental movement has always been a part of my life. Over the years I've absorbed bits and pieces of the way it started: that "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson inspired a generation of activists; that the first Earth Day was organized as a teach-in by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, on April 22, 1970, and that 20 million people participated in it.

But in general, my attention, along with most of the world, has been trained on the future of the movement, not the past.

Award-winning documentary film maker Robert Stone believes that it's also important for us to understand the history of the environmental movement. In his new film, "Earth Days", he combines archival footage and present-day interviews with nine eco-pioneers, to construct the first Genesis tale for the green movement.

Continue reading 'Earth Days' - A Film by Robert Stone

Eco-Beat, 9/22

Is Harrison Ford the new quarterback for Team Earth? Looking for an eco-friendly iPhone case? Was anybody a little bit offended by the NY Post's defeatist attitude yesterday? Today's Eco-Beat has the scoop on all the latest green news and tips.


Harrison Ford, credit: Don Emmert, Getty ImagesHarrison Ford Refrains from Waxing Chest Hair
You might remember when Indiana Jones decided to wax a portion of his chest to demonstrate deforestation. Well, Ford is back at it, but this time he's simple doing the inspiring, emotional video thing. Personally, I'm all about the gimmicks, what about you?

HP HQ, credit: David Paul Morris, Getty ImagesThe Top 5 Greenest Mega Corps
For all of you corporate cheerleaders out there wanting to know who to root for, Newsweek has ranked the S&P 500 according to their environmental impact, green policies and reputation. The top five in order: HP, Dell, Johnson & Johnson, Intel and IBM.

cardboard iphone case, credit: case-mate.comDress Up Your iPhone in Cardboard
Wanna look eco-savvy while also saving yourself the repair cost on your iPhone next time you drop it? What you need is a recession-chic cardboard iPhone case. It's only costs $.99, it's recyclable, and as a bonus, it has a built-in anti-theft fugly factor.

The Yes Men, credit: Whatleydude, FlickrThe New York Post "We're Screwed" Edition
Yesterday, thanks to The Yes Men, New Yorkers woke up to this startlingly blunt headline: "We're Screwed." The paper itself was, of course, a prank in honor of Climate Week, but all of the disturbing information about the environment is supposedly accurate.

old school thermostat, credit: Super-structure, FlickrAre You the Master of Your Climate?
Need a new, uncomfortable and energy-saving game to play with your roommate/spouse? It's called "Thermostat Chicken," and you play by challenging your opponent to see who can last longer without turning on the heat/AC. The problem: Some people prefer to lose intentionally.
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