Archive for November, 2008

It’s that time of year.  Each of our contributors will be posting their own Green Holiday Gift Guide.  Here are some great ideas from our London-based writer, the fabulously green, Carrie.

For Men

The new MacBook Pro—More energy efficient and highly recyclable
Sigg Water Bottle—the gift I gave to my brother last year. A safe, long-lasting aluminum water [...]

Whittle hand-carved busts of your family and friends out of found lumber. Not only will the DIY works of art be an attractive addition to any living room or mantle, but when times get really tough, the sculptures can be thrown in the fireplace or wood stove to heat one’s home.
Give both Mother Earth and [...]

Buying stuff just because you can, or just because it’s on sale is not eco-friendly.  That mindless practice oftentimes can be simply thoughtless and inane. But there are times when you really need to buy stuff, and when you do — be conscious about what you’re doing and why.
If you’re in the market for any [...]

U.N. Urges Climate Cash Boost to Poorest - reuters
Nature’s finest…Zoo Creates Ornaments From Reindeer Droppings - myway
(audio) Turkey Dinner’s Carbon Footprint - npr
Green Taxes Need Explaining or Risk Backlash - enn/reuters
Diet is important…Did Vegetarian Diet Kill Off Giant Cave Bears? - msnbc

December 5, 2008 UPDATE:  It’s official — our two lucky winners are Ronda G. and Joanne S.  Thanks to all for participating.  Everyone can be a winner at Blue Avocado when you use their special discount code: blogluv5 to receive a 5% discount on orders over $60.
The Blue Avocado Giveaway is Closed, but be [...]

The ubiquitous cordless phone just got a teensy-bit greener. 

Motorola just announced the introduction of its new D10 and D11 cordless phones.  The eco-friendly handsets are designed to look great and consume less energy.  The phones’ ‘eco-mode’ (the variations of features with ‘eco’ in the name is getting ridiculous) reduces energy consumption while increasing talk [...]

We’ve run our New York City tap water through this filter and darned if it doesn’t work! The Z-Pitcher has a filter on top that that you pour your tap water through to clean it up.  The filter features five different filtration stages to eliminate organic, inorganic and radiological contaminants–lead, chromium, mercury, hydrogen sulfide and [...]

I was hanging around the Thanksgiving dinner table and the ensuing Tryptophan hangover I got as a result of my looking both cute and hungry has me wiped out, so I’ll keep this one short.  Pictured above is a classy collar created out of the recycled leather scraps of designer handbags.  For all you fancy [...]

Focus on all that we have, rather than that which we may not have. Gratitude to those who have been there for us in good times and bad.  Replace fear with hope.  Happy Thanksgiving!
This post is from the archives, originally posted by Molly - Nov 19, 2007.

1) Invite your friends

Send cards from Charity Cards, and [...]

U.S. Ready to Climb into Hot Seat on Climate Change - yahoo! news
Shocking! White House Turkey Pardoning Scandal? - abc news
Insurance companies never have a problem not paying claims…Trees to Fight Warming? Insurers Ponder Risks - reuters
President Obama Plans to Green the White House - ecorazzi
5 Most Insane Versions of Thanksgiving Around the World - [...]

UPDATE December 3, 2008:  It’s official.  Congratulations to Burt N., whose name was selected at random as our Giveaway Winner.  Thanks to everyone for participating.  Although this giveaway is closed, be sure to check out our current Great Green Giveaways listed on the right hand column of our page.
Looking for a smart and useful [...]

Please don’t hurt yourself rushing to buy this piece of crappy Chinese solar technology.

This collapsible traffic cone presumably fits in one’s trunk. The little built-in solar panel charges a rechargeable battery that powers red LED bulbs.  Add some reflective ‘material’ and you have a supposedly green highway safety gadget.
No info on how a it gets solar-charged [...]

Bask in the intrinsic character and beauty of reclaimed wood flooring while doing your part to conserve our trees and forests.  Deforestation and logging of old growth forests are a threat to ecosystems worldwide, why not do your bit for the planet while imbuing your home or office with the natural richness and warmth reclaimed [...]

Stop the insanity…Democrats Brace for ‘Midnight Rules’ From Bush - cs monitor
This mystery still isn’t solved…Honey Bee Crisis Threatens English Fruit Farmers - reuters
How Geothermal Heat Pumps Could Power the Future - livescience
We may have to re-think this whole ‘green’ thing…Corey Feldman Wants You to Create a Music Video for His New Eco Tune - [...]

Ladies, it’s cold outside; so let’s put a lid on it!  Here are some personal faves that may suit your eco friendly fancy. Remember, style can be had at any price.

Above, L to R from Urban Outfitters
wool leopard cocktail hat ($28).  applique cloche ($34).  fedora ($34).
Below, L to R
BTC Elements, london cap ($56) hand-knit in [...]