• Did someone say ‘science’? Antarctic Scientists Hail President Obama – reuters
• Cops Replace Gas-Guzzlers With Greener Cruisers – msnbc
• The ends didn’t justify the means…Animal Rights Campaigners Jailed – bbc
• Let’s not lose our resolve…Prices Plummet on Carbon Market – nature news
• Another reason not to eat broccoli…Lizard Found in Broccoli – ananova

Today we can really sweet talk in a style that reflects who we are, (or wanna be).  Here are a few cool finds that have your sentimental side covered — whether retro, digital or eco.

(above) Go ahead, date yourself.  “You’re out of this world” kitschy, nostalgia cards.  This collection coincides with the first US space satellite launch of 1958.  Only $4.49 for a set of 10.
Aptly available at perpetualkid.com

(above, L) Show how love grows by giving a plant-able “post card” handmade with recycled paper embedded with wildflower seeds. Comes with an envelope and planting instructions; packaged in a biodegradable bag, and 10% of proceeds are donated to charities. 
Be Mine; I Like You; You’re Cool a set of 6 for $12 via retrowhale @ etsy. Only one set left, but she has other plantable cards in stock as well.

(above, R) Join for an annual fee of $12, and send e-cards to anyone with an email address.  Super eco-friendly (no paper, no stamps, no energy required for delivery) — you just can’t beat that! Pictured above, “bubble bath” from Jacquie Lawson animated valentine e-cards.

ok, so it wasn’t a waltz…

Didn’t you love Stephen Colbert’s t-shirt: “Yes, I Did Think I’d Live to See the Day”

If you’re one of the handful of people considering buying or leasing a new car, or you’re just doing some window shopping, you might want to consider the Jetta TDI, which was voted ‘Green Car of 2009′ by Green Car Journal.

The Jetta TDI gets a surprising 41 mpg highway and 30 mpg city, runs on low sulfur diesel that produces 97 percent less sulfur content, and features a direct injection system that reduces sooty emissions by 90 percent.

Performance-wise, the TDI packs a decent punch since the ‘T’ stands for ‘turbo.’  Lists for just over $20K.

more specs @ vw.com

• Can you feel that fresh breeze?  Washington Awakens With Inauguration Buzz – cnn
• How long will this ‘green’ party last? Green Ball: Eco-Friendly Glamour – npr
• Antarctic Ice Shelf Set to Collapse Due to Warming – reuters
• Bio-fuel gone bad…Palm Oil Frenzy Threatens to Wipe Out Orangutans – enn/abc
• EarthTalk: When is it Best to Buy a More Fuel-Efficient Car? = cs monitor
• Girls Have the Edge in New Technologies: Report – sciencedaily

Coming soon to a bike shop near you…an update on the Schwinn Tailwind.

Schwinn and Toshiba have partnered to create the Tailwind which will charge in a sizzling 30 minutes when plugged into a standard 110 volt outlet.  You can turn on and off the power assist as needed.  The Tailwind, which only charges via outlet, should be available right about now…

retails for $3,199

our previous post on the Schwinn Tailwind

Here’s a roundup of some amazing, green architectural projects that were either announced or completed this past year.

(photo above) – Bahrain World Trade Center
A landmark in green architecture, the Bahrain World Trade Center is an environmentally sophisticated commercial development that incorporates wind turbines directly into its structural design.  Sure, the skyscraper looks modernly cool, but there’s a detailed science behind the design.  The shape of the towers acts as aerofoils, accelerating wind velocity between the giant turbines.  It’s estimated to generate 11 to 15 percent of the towers’ energy needs, enough to light 300 homes for over a year.

(above) – School of Art, Design and Media
At the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, the School of Art, Design and Media utilizes green roofing in a modern way.  The green roof stretches across the five-story building, blending into its surrounding landscape, while providing several environmental advantages.  It is as visually pleasing as it is functional.  Green roofs are reported to absorb up to 70 percent of rain runoff, thereby preventing pollution of waterways.  In addition, green roofs absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to reduce carbon emissions, and also provide natural insulation for the building, reducing energy costs.  This innovative design combines modern architecture with green concepts, yielding a truly amazing setting for an art school.    (more…)

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

• Don’t miss Victoria Everman‘s exclusive GIVEAWAY of an eco chic reusable bag from Envirosax’ Botanica collection – contest ends Tuesday, 1/20.
• Green Grechen shines the spotlight on three of Portland, Oregon’s top independent and eco-friendly designers.
• Green Cotton features Print Pattern Paper’s eco-totes and art — where whimsical designs are applied to all sorts of Fair Trade and organic cotton bags, from stylish lunch totes to library and market totes.
• And in case you missed it, here’s how to protect your four-legged friend’s paws from winter’s worst: smart and comfy, biodegradable booties in natural rubber – here @ altCon.
  
  

There’s a winter sale going on at Equita, up to 70% off on many items — clothing for guys and dolls; Fair Trade and environmentally responsible Veja Grama sneakers for him; Rich Hippie Rock Star Organic Perfume; black, Biker-Inspired organic cotton jacket by Fin; and sexy, Fair Trade, handcrafted jewelry.

If you need a new pair of jeans, now’s a good time pick up a pair of designer denim in organic cotton.  You can’t beat them for comfort, and style. All of the above are regularly in the $190 range, and now reduced to about $90. find @ equita.com