Green Daily

Yes, what I'm asking is if it's okay to eat a baby animal if it had a good, albeit short life?

Proponents of pasture-raised "rose veal" say that their veal is fundamentally different from the nightmarish image of animals kept in pens so small they are unable to move, and pumped full of antibiotics to stave off rampant infection, a.k.a. "white veal."

For years chefs have been complaining about the bland taste of pen-raised white veal, which are kept in crates so small they can't turn or lie down, and fed a diet of artificial milk. The main appeal, if you could get past the cruelty issue, was tenderness: you can cut it with the side of a fork. Rose veal has a more developed flavor because of a mixed diet of milk and grains, and the milk often actually comes from its mother. This kinder veal is growing in popularity with foodies, especially those who espouse whole animal, sustainable practices.

Many of our friends at PETA, and other animal-rights organizations, believe that we shouldn't be eating meat or drinking milk in the first place, but if you are, it's unspeakably cruel to take animals away from the mother at such a young age. Generally they make little or no distinction between pink and white veal.

(Photo by Greenpeace)

I'm a fan of Trader Joe's, the regional supermarket chain. Their prices are good, the eggs are cage free, and they don't carry genetically modified foods. However, according to Greenpeace, something is amiss in the fish section.

Although they claim to have stopped carrying Chilean Seabass a few years ago, according to the Greenpeace created "Traitor Joe's" website, (get it, "trader/traitor"?) you can still find "red list" fish like Orange Roughy, red snapper and monkfish in the frozen food aisle.

Trader Joe's has a pretty good reputation, so it's surprising that Greenpeace is pulling out all the stops with the big time activist parade -- the site has a karaoke contest, talking pirates and both Twitter and Facebook accounts for the campaign.

My favorite traditions for the 4th of July involve eating outdoors. Picnics, BBQs, coolers at the beach, nothing says summer holiday like the smell of sunscreen mixed with the salty goodness of a crispy hot dog.

And while I must admit a weakness for Cool Ranch Doritos, as a rule I like to keep my al fresco dining practices in line with my "regular" organic, sustainable and local habits.

One place where that's most important -- and easy -- is in the "meat/not-meat" main dish department:

(Photo by Getty Images)

One of the biggest discussions in the eco-community is about food. Choosing organic, eating vegetarian one a day week or growing vegetables on your back patio are all common changes people are making to reduce their impact and improve their health.

Just like businesses are discovering that green practices are good for the bottom line, a lot of us are learning that eating healthier is connected to making environmentally-friendly choices. A few weeks ago I wrote about Good Guide, a site that helps you figure out ingredients, environmental practices and how a product compares to similar brands. They just came out with a helpful list of 10 tips for Eating Healthier. Some of the ideas are common sense like avoiding processed foods and checking the sodium levels -- hint, lower sodium is better, even if salty = tasty!

Some of the other ideas include eating low on the food chain, which is another reminder that red meat is probably best limited to an occasional snack, and watching out for bright, artificial colors. Sure, hot pink M&Ms might be festive, but the dye that makes them so vivid might also contain some nasty compounds. In fact, Europe is considering eliminating some colors from use in foods!

With the long Memorial Day holiday weekend, summer has arrived (even if it doesn't officially begin until the solstice on June 21st) Since I'll take any excuse to go bag shopping, let's go bag shopping! Socially responsible, green bag shopping, that is.

(Photo by NY Historical Society)

NY Historical Society Bags, $35
You know those giant vinyl banners that announce exhibitions? The New York Historical Society has found a way to put them to good use once they are out of date. Working with Urban Samaritans, they're recycling them into sturdy, waterproof totes. Keep your computer or gym clothes safe, even in a summer thunderstorm!

Edun Rosetta Stone Denim Bag, $50
The casual chic of denim says, "Who me? I'm not even trying, I'm just cool." In alignment with edun's other products, this bag is made of 98% organic cotton in Tunisia. Take it to the beach, the grocery store, or on a date to a BBQ.

(Photo by Claire V)

Kelly Starfish Bag from Claire V $57.50
I love a straw bag, and I love a black straw bag even more -- it gives the summery style a little more of a city vibe than the usual, beachy beige. This one is woven from corn husks, a renewable and naturally bio-degradable resource. The perfect accessory for a rooftop fireworks party in July!

(Photo by Sephora)

I'm so excited to see so many cosmetics companies have embraced earth-friendly and sustainable practices. Clearly they finally figured out that it's a money maker -- I know I'm twice as tempted by organic eyeshadow when it's in a bamboo package!

Physicians Formula's OrganicWear line is sold in completely recyclable packaging, from the paper compact holders to the corn-based brush handles. Sephora is offering a "Pure Palette" of 95% natural ingredients, and at least 10% organic ingredients. It comes in a compact made of sustainable bamboo and recycleable metal.

The latest cosmetic temptation to catch my eye is the Mother Earth Palette from Smashbox. It's has four subtle and versatile eyeshadows that are certified-organic, as well as a peachy blush that will compliment most skin shades.

The compact is made from sustainable materials, and for each purchase Smashbox will plant a tree through Trees for the Future, a global non-profit that dedicated to sustainable agroforestry. You can take home this sweet, limited edition palette at Sephora for $45.

While you're shopping for "green" makeup, check out some other Smashbox products that have earned the Sephora natural seal, like:

• O-GLOW -- a cheek color with Goji Berry-C complex and pomegranate seed
• Bionic Mascara -- ionic mascara that contains aloe, silk and wheat proteins to make your lashes long and healthy
• Photo Finish Lipstick with Sila-Silk Technology -- super smooth, silky, long wearing and organic

(Photo by Getty Images)

For most of us, the day doesn't start until we have a cup -- or two or three! -- of rich, aromatic, eye-opening coffee.

Even if you're the kind of person who wouldn't dream of buying anything that contains high-fructose corn syrup, or your vegetables anywhere but at the farmer's market, there's a chance you're less discerning about your coffee's eco-pedigree. I know there are mornings when I'll drink anything in a mug, as long as it has caffeine!

There are a few important things for to consider when selecting our morning mocha or cappuccino. Remember to ensure that your coffee is:

• Sustainable - Coffee & Conservation offers 5 tips for identifying sustainable coffee, including making sure it has one of many certification seals, and checking to see where it's grown. Mexico and El Salvador are top shade growing coffee countries.
• Free-trade -- making sure that the people who grow the coffee are fairly compensated for their crop
• Organic -- pesticides do nothing for flavor!

And remember the cup! As I've said one million times, Starbucks hot cups are not recycleable! Find a local coffee house that serves your espresso in a demi-tasse, or a chain that has compostable cups, like Tully's. Or even better, bring your own reusable mug!

Are you looking for some sustainable beer choices for this, the greenest holiday? Look no further. Below is a gallery of tasty brews to enhance your celebrations wherever they may be. Of course, if you want to be especially kind to the environment you can always brew your own.

Don't forget that just how green your beverage ends up being has a lot to do with you. There's the obvious, like making an attempt to recycle your cans and bottles but people often overlook the fact that their compost piles would benefit from any excess beer lying around before or after its been filtered through their kidneys. Give the neighbors a show this St. Patty's Day they will not soon get over.

At last, the sustainable yoga collaboration between adidas and Rainbeau Mars is about to hit the stores. And it looks very cool!

This is good newes for all of the yoginis who want the reliability of adidas, which means you can wash your yoga pants over and over again and they won't fall down down when you're in tree post, served up with a sweet helping of environmental responsibility.

The line uses Tencel® fabric, which is made from renewable eucalyptus fibers, sourced from FSC-certified forests. Adidas also uses recycled materials for the trim, and water-based dyes for the prints, both of which reduce the production footprint.

Of course, having the endorsement of yoga guru Rainbeau Mars makes everything that much more attractive. If I get the orange top, will I be able to do that side leg out handstand?

As you walk through the malls and shop-o-plexes this week, you may not feel like you have a lot of environmentally sound options when it comes to Valentine's Day gifts. Well, before you throw in the towel and buy your loved one a houseplant, name a star after them, or something eco-friendly but boring like that -- you might want to consider giving it one more try.

Lucky for us last-minute types, you can find a cornucopia of eco-friendly V-day jewelry, sweets, etc. online. After an exhausting -- but far from exhaustive -- search of what's around, I've put together a list of a few of the more attractive, kitschy, and affordable green Valentine's gifts. Check them out in the gallery below:

Play food is one of many kids' favorite toys growing up. They can play grocery store, restaurant or just enjoy the fun of 'edible' combinations. Looolo's sustainable designs make this happy pastime more earth-friendly for your children's enjoyment. You have your choice of a PB & J, Bagel, Lox & Cream Cheese, or a Burger. Yum! Interestingly, this unique company's name is a visual representation of '100%' which symbolizes their commitment to every aspect of the design process making them an environmental leader among textile organizations. The addition of organic kid's toys is one more green example from this innovative operation.

[via Inhabitots]

When it comes to greening up the bathroom, most people's minds go straight towards things like low-flow shower heads, composting toilets, recycled TP ... that kind of stuff. And while it's true that bath mats are not usually blamed as one of the leading causes of ecological destruction in the world, they could certainly be made more sustainable. That's where this crazy bathroom accessory comes in.

How refreshing would it be to step out of a solar-heated shower onto an organic, sustainable bath mat that's actually alive? That's the idea behind designer Nguyen La Chanh's Moss Carpet. This bath mat is actually a nursery for three varieties of living moss: ball mass, island moss and forest moss -- all watered by the condensation in your bathroom and the droplets that fall from your body. Constructed of a decay-resistant foam called plastazote, this bath mat can live as long as your gardening skills allow. For me, that's about a week and a half.

[via Inhabitat]

Timberland has a pretty funny ad (above) for their new line of shoe called Earthkeepers. Obviously the Earth is a fan, but what, exactly, is it that makes the shoes environmentally sound?

According to Timberland: "Earthkeepers is a line of premium Timberland footwear and apparel product that reflects our commitment to "Make it better." Beginning in 2008 Timberland product with the Earthkeepers label must meet design criteria around recycled, organic and renewable material content, solvent-free adhesives and reduced climate impact."

Lily Lily is an online boutique founded by a woman with a penchant for travel and her heart in the right place. I'll be the first to warn you -- not all the products are organic or completely sustainable. However, some of them are, and many of them support local designers and employ natives in developing countries like Peru and Tanzania.

Before we dive right in, I have a little confession to make. I adored Jennie Garth on 90210, and EcoStiletto is one of my favorite eco-websites! So if this post sounds a little gushy, that's because it is.

Jennie recently sat down with EcoStiletto to fill them in what she's been doing lately to go green and how her kids caused her to make the big switch.