This is part nine of a 10-part series on how changing ones eating habits may be the most accessible and impactful way to improve the world.

Over the past several decades, a rope comprised of various food regulations has been formed and subjected to a continuous game of tug-of-war between money-hungry corporations and green-guided activists. Three regulated issues currently experiencing nausea from the persistent side-to-side motion include: genetically modified organisms (GMOs), food irradiation, and an international code called “Codex Alimentarius.” Because most are now familiar with the dangers of GMOs, I will briefly concentrate on the latter subjects.

If irradiation’s a word you’re familiar with, it’s likely due to the process’s recent portrayal as a “cure” for the e-coli contamination appearing within our food supply.  Less publicized, however, are its potential side-effects on our (and the environment’s) health, as well as the underlying vectors that have guided the dangerous bacteria to so many of our plates in the first place – the unsanitary conditions through which animals are raised and processed. (more…)

Obama’s making green energy a priority.  As part of his proposed three-year economic stimulus plan, $20 billion in energy tax credit will go to the renewable energy sector.  Federal funds will further the development of solar and wind industries, consumers and small businesses will benefit from tax breaks, and many domestic jobs will be created in the process.  In creating a compromise bill Congress kept much of the green energy funding in the original bill.

The plan is estimated to double renewable energy production and to produce 460,000 new job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.  By 2025, 25 percent of US electricity is anticipated to derive solely from renewable energy sources.

Some green energy highlights:

No word on if this inflatable Chimney Pillow will be covered in the about-to-be-signed economic stimulus package which contains roughly $5 billion in home weatherization assistance. When inflated this funky little heat saving device will reduce the amount of heat lost up a dormant chimney.  If your Uncle Earl forgets the Pillow is installed and tries to light a fire, the Pillow does shrivel when heated.
in the U.S. @ chimneyballon.us and sold in the U.K. @ nigel’s eco store via: envirogadet

NICHE environmentally smart design group has created their Shape collection of bar stools, tables and benches with a minimum of 75% recycled or reclaimed content.

The series features reclaimed solid walnut and eco-friendly concrete options (cherry, oak and black locust are also available) with stainless steel frames, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, residential and commercial applications.  The bar stools are featured at the Gansevoort South Hotel in South Beach Miami.
via: igreenspot

• Many non-necessities suck up energy.  Digital Frames Have Environmental Cost – npr
• Is a fog lifting? U.S. Eyes Mercury Pact, Reversing Bush Policy – msnbc
• We tend to think only in the now…Tree Rings Tell of Killer Droughts – reuters
• Are cellphones a threat to modern civilization? Cell Phone Projectors by 2010? – cs monitor
• No comment. Salma Hayek Donates Breastmilk – ecorazzi
• Anyone remember ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’?  Heart Pill to Banish Bad Memories – bbc
• How many people will read this story for the pictures? Bikinis Make Men See Women as Objects – natgeo

A few days ago, eco model turned author Summer Rayne Oakes launched Style, Naturally – the savvy shopping guide to sustainable fashion and beauty with a chic kick off party and book signing at Stella McCartney’s NYC showroom.  Lucky me, I was invited.

The green celebratory vibe was palpable as a confluence of media and fashion guests joined the guest of honor to toast and taste in hip organic style. Abuzz with refreshing organic acai VeeV cocktails and delectable vegetarian hors d’oeuvres from Daniel Boulud, I chatted with sweet Summer, made merry with new pals, (above R), and meandered home with a good energy vibe, (not to mention an armload of sustainable swag).  (more…)

A Tried and True Green Product Review
Our panel of 6 discriminating coffee hounds concur… man, that’s a good cup of coffee!

We had to ask ourselves — aside from micro roasting beans with a sexy Petrocini roaster on Salt Spring Island, (just east of Vancouver Island), what makes this great tasting brand of brew such a standout?

Their social and eco cred. Salt Spring Coffee has been Fair Trade and organic since 1996.  A newcomer to the US, it looks like they’re well on their way to becoming the world’s most sustainable coffee company. This past December the David Suzuki Foundation recognized Salt Spring Coffee Company as the world’s first, carbon neutral coffee roaster.

Each blend is one hundred percent certified organic, Fair Trade and shade grown, guaranteeing that laborers and land are treated with the utmost respect.  They utilize fuel-efficient cars and bio diesel in their delivery trucks, promote the use of (more…)

This week’s quick wrapup of eco chic happenings brought to you by a select few, hopelessly green gal pals.

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• Green Cotton hits the eco trail with a spotlight on cutting edge END Footwear, made with soy, rice, bamboo and PET.
• Green Girls Global invites you to celebrate the upcoming, UK-based, Fabulous Fairtrade Fashion Show Fortnight 2009.
• Fashion, Evolved features Terra Plana’s new line of eco friendly “Barefoot” Shoes.
• And in case you missed it – we bring you ZAUM‘s new eco savvy line of beautifully handmade purses, totes, messenger bags and iphone cases.

If your nose and ear-hair tend to go all ‘Grizzly Adams’ this product may be for you.  Amazon.com has announced that the 2008 Christmas season was its busiest ever and there was a surprising sales leader in the health & personal care category, the GROOM MATE Platinum XL . This simple fur-trimming gizmo was first intro’d in 1991.  Manually twisting the lower portion of the trimmer rotates the upper blades – no batteries or electricity required.  I guess being featured on a couple CNBC holiday gift shows energized sales. The eco friendly little gadget comes with a lifetime guarantee and is marketed as “the incredibly gentle nosehair trimmer”.
$19.89 @ amazon.com