SECO, the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, offers some insight into the value of various biomass crops as sources of energy and agricultural income. Texas is the number 2 agricultural-producing state and is home to a large percentage of family owned small farms to which biomass energy technology may provide welcome economic possibilities. Ethanol and biodiesel offer rural farm communities the potential for sustainable economic health. The fact that most biorefineries are located near fuel stocks and can often be co-operatively owned further adds to the dynamic economic potential.

Texas energy crops as identified by SECO:

• corn – ethanol
• switchgrass – low maintenance/high yield crop (3X corn yield) ethanol/biodiesel source
• sorgum – short rotation ethanol additive and source / less irrigation than corn
• sugarcane – ethanol source (almost 2x corn yield) currently primarily sold to sugar refineries
• canola – potential hi-yield biodiesel source
• poplar and cottonwood trees – cellulosic ethanol (a developing technology) (more…)

Give gifts to more than the gift recipient, when you buy from artisans from around the world who are destitute and struggling to survive. 300 members of the Godavari Delta Women Lace Artisans Coop in India are very poor — “sales of their lace items offer hope and a new sense of empowerment..” Pickup their lovely Rosebud Accessory Bag ($13.00), or visit agreatergift.org to choose from a wide selection of handmade gifts from around the world, and learn how you can get involved.

Save up to 22% on roses ordered for Valentine’s Day, if you order before Feb 1. Organic Bouquet has 100% certified organic treat gift baskets, as well as tulips, roses and herb wreaths — for whomever you’re sweet on this year. organicbouquet.com

Help save our natural resources one gift at a time — a GoGreenGift basket is filled with eco-friendly goodies. Right now, it’s filled with a low-flow showerhead, 2 compact fluorescent light bulbs, Jason’s shampoo and conditioner (2 oz/ea), Eco Lips Organic Lip Balm, Mama’s Magic Myrrh Salve, Mother Earth’s Eco Guide, E/The Environment Magazine, Organic Coffee & Tea, Stretch Island Organic Raspberry Fruit Leather, coupons and it all comes in their organic cotton Eco Bag for shopping. ($45.00) Check it out at gogreengift.com

The Environmental Working Group’s most recent Skin Deep study shows that none of the 25 popular brands of nail polish tested is 100% good for us, or the planet. Only 4 brands (Honeybee Gardens, PeaceKeeper, Jerrie and Visage Naturel) received a “low concern” rating, 5 received a “high concern” and 16 get a “Moderate concern” rating. Here’s a product category that’s in need of dire improvement!
Right now, our best course of action would be to stay clear of these products until their ratings improve. Which means that a “natural manicure” would be the way to go — filing, buffing and a few drops of nice olive or almond oil on our hands to soften them. If you need some extra TLC, try the most highly rated product of EWG’s study, Cuticle Rescue, from Max Green Alchemy. Be kind to your body and environment – stay off the hard stuff. ewg.org for more, and visit complaintsboard.com also.

Natural and black yoga bag — stylish, strong and flexible, for the hemp-loving yogi in you. Find it at greenhome.com and check out their natural, non-slip Harmony yoga mats while you’re there. I picked up one this weekend, and it’s great!

Green musicians everywhere should consider hanging their vintage Les Pauls from a handcrafted Splaff Flopps guitar strap made from 100% recycled bicycle inner tubes. Manufactured in a waste-free, earth-friendly fashion.

$22.95 at Natural Nirvana

In an uncharacteristically honest report, China, the world’s second-leading source of greenhouse gas emmissions, has acknowledged it is failing in its efforts to make environmental progress.

“Compared with social and economic modernisation, China’s ecological modernisation lags far behind,” said the research group’s director, He Chuanqi.
more from the BBC story

For all you writers out there with retro-style here’s a handmade bracelet constructed from the classic round keys of real typewriters from 1900 to 1950. The eleven keys are set in a stainless steel bezel joined by rhodium nickel loops.

$90 @ uncommongoods.com

Pure bamboo fiber sheets that are eco-friendly and silky smooth. Sounds like the makings of a perfect night’s sleep. From vivaterra.com