The World Wildlife Fund works hard to protect endangered wildlife and wilderness around the world. You can help by adopting an animal, whether it be an African wild dog, a zebra, or some exotic creature in between.

With your donation of $25 or more, you receive an adoption certificate and photo of your animal; and by donating $50, you receive a stuffed animal to remind you of your contribution toward helping endangered critters. A great gift idea! The site is worth a visit, even if only to read the factoids on each animal available for adoption.
find more info @ worldwildlife.org

• The usual cocktail of issues. Massive Wind Farm ‘Turned Down’ – bbc
• As Supplies Dry Up, Growers Pass on Farming to Sell Water – enn
• (video) Whole Foods and The Plastic Bag Debate – reuters
• This may be a factor in next year’s ‘Fantasy’ draft. NFL’s Tony Gonzalez Goes Vegan – ecorazzi
• (video) Measuring Huge Python is Seven Person Job – breitbart
• Best Bathroom Gadgets – switched.com
• This thing looks more like a toaster oven hat. Helmet Could Turn Back Alzheimer’s – daily mail

I hesitate to add a gadget, especially a car gadget, to the glut of semi-useful stuff clogging up glove compartments and office drawers, but this one just might save you a ticket, or even an accident. If you’ve ever had to avoid a weaving cellphone yacker, you know that hands-free is a real issue. This Bluetooth, wireless speaker system from ANYCOM has noise and echo cancellation technology, a 95dB speaker and 16 bit DSP. Functions include: voice-dial, last number redial, mute, hold and three-way calling (for real phone-aholics).

Three hours of sunlight gives you 30 minutes of talk time. Conventional USB or DC charging provides up to 15 hours talk time.

$99.95 @ sharperimage.com

(via: jalopnik.com)

Whether it’s for an anniversary, a birthday or simply because you feel like it — every once in a while it’s nice to adorn oneself with new jewels. But it’s important to seek out a jeweler who’s in touch with the rhythm of our times. Melissa Jay Manning is a designer whose handcrafted finery is made in the USA and whose business practices are in tune with today’s social and eco concerns. The metals used in all of Melissa Joy Manning’s products are treated and refined in an eco sensitive manner, gold is either from post-production scrap and recycled, or sourced from environmentally friendly refineries and mines that adhere to strict guidelines related to their impact on the environment, local communities and working conditions.

MJM believes in the mystical powers of stone, designing necklaces so that the energy of the stone can come in direct contact with skin, and be absorbed by the wearer. Adorning a long list of celebs, from Aniston to Jewel to Zeta-Jones, MJM has received her share of high-profile exposure.

Organized by both collection and category, and priced from $25 for oval hoops, to $7100 limited editions and one of a kinds. You’ll find the fine array @ melissajoymanning.com

Our man Seamus says, “recycling is a critical component of any consumer lifestyle.”

Check out the National Recycling Coalition’s Top 10 Reasons to Recycle. And for God’s sake, Seamus, kick that Diet Coke habit!

• How can you determine long-term impact with short-term testing? FDA Downplays Long-term Impact of Animal Cloning – reuters
• Can the Crown Jewel of the World’s Coral Reefs Be Saved? – cs monitor
• It’s like two of those Howard Hughes seaplanes grafted together. Virgin Galactic Unveils Spaceship Designs – bbc
• (photos) Weird Amphibians Join List of At-Risk Creatures – natgeo
  
• I know the feeling. Earth Gets Soft in the Middle – livescience
• Bono does not look good sitting next to Al. Gore Says Changing Light Bulbs ‘Not Enough’ – enn
• Payback is a b*tch. (video) Amateur Bullfighters Injured – natgeo
• I think the anatomically correct ‘Gummi Heart’ is a bit much.  Top 5 Things That Shouldn’t be Gummi – yesbutnobutyes.com

Outdoor enthusiasts have classically been some of the greatest protectors of the environment, and WaveTribe continues that tradition by uniting surfers with ocean conservation. Founder and rider Derek D ensures that their sustainable surf design uses hemp, recycled plastic, organic cotton, and other innovative materials to make board bags, leashes, and apparel for beach enthusiasts everywhere. Located in Ventura, CA, WaveTribe products are also available online and to businesses at wholesale. I like Derek’s plea for $500K to setup shop here in the US to curb his carbon footprint. Check out the wet gear @ www.wavetribe.com

Hemp-related: previously on AltCon -
michael sutherland, founder of people’s hemp (9.26.07)

Two Texan mothers want to know, “How Green is your (Brown) Bag?”

Encouraged to help save the environment for their children’s futures, the entrepreneurs of Haute Market Bags founded a business based on reusable, biodegradable jute shopping bags. Sturdy, cute, roomy, and functional – Haute Market Bags gained enough credibility and buzz to be featured in an NBC interview. Plus, they are available in several eye-catching patterns @ howgreenisyourbag.com.

Form follows function — they’re the perfect size and shape for schlepping groceries!

• Whole Foods Chain to Stop Use of Plastic Bags – nytimes
• “Brownie, you’re doing a heck of a job.” EPA Staff Backed Calif. on Warming – msnbc
• Brazil Amazon Deforestation Soars – bbc
• Interesting debate. Climate Change May Reduce Number of Hurricanes Hitting U.S. – enn
• Huge Crystal Baffles Chemists – nature.com
• Climate Change ‘significantly worse’ Than Feared: Al Gore – yahoo! news
• It will be interesting to see which way this goes. (audio) Exxon’s Alaska Oil Spill Case Heads to High Court – npr
• Thieves Crash Car With Cow in Back Seat – myway