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Monday, November 24, 2008

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SolarGorilla solar charger – for laptops + more


solargorilla1.jpegClimbing the Himalayas or heading to your off-the-grid chalet to write your next green how-to book?  Maybe you’ll need to keep your laptop charged.  This SolarGorilla Solar Charger will keep your iPod, laptop cell phone, PDA and handheld games powered-up no matter how far off the beaten track you get.  Clam shell design keeps your solar panels safe when traveling.  Comes with a bunch of adapters and a neoprene case.

$249.85 @ earthtechproducts.com

related: powermonkey solar charger

Note: If you’re a Mac Air, Macbook Pro or Macbook user you’ll need the Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter for another $59.

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Monday, November 24, 2008

eco chic weekly


This week’s roundup of eco chic happenings brought to you by a select group of hopelessly green galpals.

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speesees – evolution of a green brand


Grounded in earth-friendly manufacturing practices utilizing:  100% organic cotton, low-impact dyes, nickel-free snaps, and no dioxin or formaldehyde, speesees’ super soft and comfy kiddie clothes are also smartly designed to be layered and worn year-round.

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Owner and creator Rachel Pearson recently opened doors to a showroom and headquarters in San Francisco.  In addition to their established range of mix and match baby clothing, they’ll soon offer grown-ups organic bedding, pillows and curtains.  Customers can also send back their kids’ well-worn and loved speesees clothing so that it can be donated to local charity organizations.  more @ speesees.com

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a mixed bag of green news


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Greenaid reusable shopping bag


Pull the pin on this cool looking reusable shopping bag and you’ll quickly become the talk of your grocery store’s checkout line.  Created by designers lovegrove & repucci, this roomy polyester bag is handily stored in a durable, neoprene outer shell.  The eye-catching slogan on the bag will make your efforts to cut down plastic bag use a public statement.

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Make sure you use it frequently to counter balance the fossil fuel used in making the neoprene outer shell.  File under ‘doing more good than harm’ or ‘we’re not quite there yet.’

$16 @ aplusrstore.com

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Sunday, November 23, 2008

Vital Habitats in Harm’s Way


With all the glorious tasks oxygen molecules facilitate when taken in by each human breath, it’s no wonder why we praise their presence in our lives. Their presence is delivered to us in part by forests and flora, and in near equal proportions by the ocean.

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These habitats host organisms called primary producers whose main jobs are to receive light energy and carbon dioxide, and convert them into organic compounds and oxygen gas for creatures to take in. This commonly recognized process of photosynthesis is in many cases disappearing and leaving us not with a gasping planet, but with an over-heated planet due to the translation of decreasing photosynthetic processes into increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

sequoia_with_lichen.jpgWith 80% of our world’s ancient forests already gone and illegal logging accounting for 90% of total logging activities in some countries, deforestation is an issue that we consumers need to address. We can start by checking for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label that guarantees a viable source, or by utilizing a special directory that enables one to confirm a product’s sustainability before purchasing.

In our oceans, over 400 “dead zones” are present in which oxygen levels are too low to support life. These zones are created when excess nutrients from fertilizer and other industrial operations enter the water and cause algae blooms that leave no oxygen in their wake. Because these dead zones are likely to intensify with global warming, there’s a strong need for worldwide cooperation in utilizing preventative measures.  Let’s get to work.

Related:  Reforestation efforts via carbonfund.org

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Saturday, November 22, 2008

Neon Collective introduces online vegan-only fashion


What’s in-store?

Give yourself the boot with Cri de Coeur’s Linneah metal sky or Jessica’s pewter; Charmone’s Darjeeling noir or Novacas’ knee-high Pamela in brown or black.

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Step out in style with red or black Orchard, by Novacas; or strap on Olsen Haus’ Pure Navy.

Grab the right bag with — Matt & Nat’s Camden Pool and English Retread’s Clutch or Model T Tote Luxe.

nc1.jpgBased in Brighton, England, Neon Collective’s founder Clare Childs is shaping the future for like-minded vegan fashionistas. According to their online boutique, Childs has put together designers, manufacturers and customers who are interested in responsible luxury: “no animal-derived materials, no sweat-shop production and only the very highest in quality and design… with designer labels that care, (we’re) an online store providing ethically made shoes and handbags for the fashion-focused female.”

Get the scoop on each designer’s profile. And to make online purchases and receive their newsletter, simply sign up for free and become a member.  Moreover, if you’d like to suggest a brand they should stock, contact them.  We’ll be keeping more than one eye on Neon Collective.

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a mixed bag of green news


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Friday, November 21, 2008

eco friendly dog sweaters and coats


I’m not usually big on doggie fashions, (I like to air everything out when I hit the street). But, it’s getting cold out there and I understand many dog owner’s compulsion to both keep their little poochie warm and express their need to dominate the dog park with their fashion sense and good taste.  Here are three options for cold weather dog display.

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left to right above:

  • I don’t think I can pull this one off – Divine Purple Dog Sweater (w/beanie) in luxurious alpaca. $48.75 @ olivegreendog.com
  • Reversible coat made from recycled plastic (hood up or down) in blueberry/lime green. $57 @ anniessweatshop
  • My favorite.  This WagWear vest is waterproof and adjustable.  Perfect for an athlete like myself. In tasteful chocolate.
    $50 @ olivegreendog
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Top 25 Green Gifts by Gaiam