A green stimulus package for your ears, eyes and mind…

• Portland, Oregon’s Fifth Annual Eco-Film Fest co-sponsored by The Corvallis Environmental Center, Northwest Earth Institute and Corvallis Odd Fellows. All films (more…)

Get off the big box merry-go-round and buy quality, handmade and thoughtful products from real people and artisans like designer and creative dynamo, Donna Halloran.  Donna, who’s always loved fabric, sells beautiful removable pillow covers and shells with kapok filling at (more…)

We spend about a third of our lives in the bedroom, we should do everything possible to make it a blissful environment.  January’s the perfect time to tap into white sales, so maybe it’s time upgrade to linens made from organic and natural fibers.  Here are a few good finds to get your green on…

• organic cotton sateen and bamboo sheets, throws, and pillow covers on sale now through Sunday, Feb1 @ gaiam.com
• hand made in India, organic cotton, pretty reversible quilt, queen: brown leaves/confetti, (photo, R) @ ploverorganic.com
• organic wool comforter, organic Egyptian cotton blanket, organic cotton/natural rubber/buckwheat hull pillow, sham, duvet cover, mattress…on sale through tomorrow, January 31 @ lifekind.
• bamboo towels, silk comforters, silk-filled pillows, bamboo quilted bedding … @ vivaterra.com

Now when you hit the sack, rest assured you’re lying amid eco friendly linens.

That bastion of alternative thought and lifestyle, Austin, TX is struggling with the proposed cost of solar energy.  As with many green energy projects that are attractive in theory, the financial reality can present some problems.  The solar project has generated concern among some of Austin’s large manufacturers, who say the plant could raise their bills substantially.  Will people pay a premium, however small, to live emission-free?  That’s a question that will face many communities in the near future.  A tough economy only makes change more daunting.

Local power company, Austin Energy, would like to build one of the world’s largest solar arrays on 300 acres it owns just outside Webberville.  The facility would be built and owned by San Francisco-based
Gemini Solar Development Company.  As the proposed project’s exclusive client, Austin Energy

(more…)

• Ford Touts $3,400 Tax Credit for New Hybrids - msnbc
• Didn’t U.N. Secretary Kofi Annan’s son get busted for kickbacks a few years ago?  Resist Industry Pressure to Dilute Green Reform: U.N. – reuters
• World’s fastest electric car coming soon…or, Do we really need to go 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds?  Who Says Green Can’t be Mean? – livescience
• Talk about a toxic cleanup… Sen. Barbara Boxer Takes on the EPA (audio) – npr
• Low-Cost LEDs May Slash Household Electric Bills Within 5 Years – sciencedaily
• Citation Given to Intoxicated Man on White Horse in Snowstorm – billings gazette

You might have caught a glimpse on HSN of supermodel turned raw enthusiast, Carol Alt, spreading the word about her new skincare line called Raw Essentials.  Likely to be, the next big thing.

What’s the RAW deal?  Carol’s line is created from one hundred percent certified raw, active ingredients derived from the Earth. Skin should love this because, “raw skin care products allow your skin to absorb all of the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that are necessary for glowing, healthy, young-looking skin.” (more…)

Charge your iPhone or iTouch while you work on that leathery, George Hamilton-like tan of yours with this compact solar charger from Sollight.  The solar panel on the back of the unit’s base charges its lithium ion battery in just 4 hours of sunshine or 1.5 hours if plugged into your iPhone charger cord.  Comes in black or white.  No funky adapters needed, just slide it on.  Can also be charged by your computer via USB or with an Apple compatible car charger.

the 1.4 oz. charger goes for $39.95 @ sollight.com

via: ilounge.com

Spring forward and make an eco-fashion statement with a new handbag from Ecoist’s Luxe collection.

Designed by Nazly Villamizar, this limited edition line is a fresh geometric take on Ecoist’s signature recycled-candy-wrapper “fabric.”  Inspired by the shapes, colors, and details of leaves, these eye-catching handbags were made using new weaving and pattern-making techniques. The recycled wooden handles were created from scraps gathered from furniture manufacturers and other sources.  Ecoist plants a tree for every bag sold.  Gotta like that it’s Fair Trade, too.

more info @ ecoist.com

A terrific article in The New York Times today talks about how President Obama is not only changing the White House in terms of policy but also in style, running things in a slightly more casual fashion than his predecessor.

The article mentions that Obama stocks his presidential fridge with Honest Tea, his favorite organic brew, and mine too! Apparently his favorite flavors are Black Forest Berry and Green Dragon. If you’ve never tried Honest Tea you should. The company is committed to social responsibility, and its products are USDA Organic Certified, Fair Trade Certified, made with just a tad bit of organic cane sugar and delicious. How refreshing!
honesttea.com

• Gore Urges Senate to Avoid Kyoto-Type Failure – npr
• Get your flag off my iceberg, Yuri.  NATO Sees Potential Security Risk in Arctic Thaw – msnbc
• New Catalyst Paves Way for Ethanol-Powered Fuel Cells – sciencedaily
• Do names like Hershey’s, Kraft and Smuckers ring a bell?  Much of High Fructose Corn Syrup Contaminated With Mercury – enn/organic consumers assoc.
• There’s plenty of it…Report to Detail, Address, Coastal Pollution in NY – yahoo! news
• My childhood home could be described in a similar fashion…Couple Turn Home Into Zoo – ananova

Love the name, love the concept.

Quicksilver’s “The Ray” is a truly eco-conscious timepiece – all materials, manufacturing, packaging and transport were planned to minimize environmental impact.  This Limited Edition watch is (more…)

Make your daily commute fun, green and emissions-free with X-treme Scooters new XM-5000Li.

The new scooter, which is capable of traveling 60 miles per hour, can reach top speed in around 6 seconds and operate for up to 90 miles on a single charge.  The 5000Li’s 21 lithium batteries have a life cycle of 7-10 years, can be recharged up to 2,000 times and don’t require daily charging.  (more…)

The green building and design movement is beginning to think bigger.  A 13-story green residential condo will soon rise in downtown Asheville, NC.

The 73 North Market Street project intends to achieve LEED certification, and set new standards for green living and the eco-friendly lifestyle.

The upscale green building will feature 10, 2300 square foot, full-floor residences, a below-ground green parking facility, Asheville’s first green roof, solar panels, water collection, low E glass, water-conserving fixtures, natural lighting, automated lighting and shading systems, and high-efficiency appliances.

Building materials are being sourced locally and the building will feature the work of local Asheville artisans. The current design includes plans for the world’s first underground parking facility designed exclusively for Smart vehicles.  Each resident will be provided with a smart fortwo vehicle for getting around Asheville’s burgeoning urban environment.  Future plans include charging electric vehicles via the condo’s rooftop solar array.

The building is being designed by architect Michael Silverman of Asheville-based Siegman Associates, Inc.

find out more @ 73 North Market Street project