It’s time to take your annual family camping trip to the next level.   This Eureka Intent Tent comes with a solar LED panel that, when charged for 8 hours, will light up your tent for 8 hours, (on high). This easily assembled, 2-pole square dome tent sleeps 6 and has plenty of space with its 121 sq. ft. interior and 6′ 6″ ceiling height.  The solar LED panel, which weighs 3.4 oz, utilizes the same durable, lightweight, and flexible solar panels used on Eureka’s military tents; it’s splash-proof and has adjustable brightness settings. The solar panel can also function as AA battery charger.

Toronto based Snake Island Furniture makes unique, sustainable furniture from salvaged wood and reclaimed timber that would otherwise be wasted.  Much of the company’s wood is harvested locally by their arborist who carefully claims pieces of trees that are about to be taken down, or have been damaged by wind or time.  They also mill and dry the reclaimed timber locally to reduce transport.  Their modern furniture embodies old world craftsmanship as well as the natural character and imperfections of the original tree.

For every piece of furniture sold, a tree is planted.

Are energy efficient, hydrogen-powered cars be closer to reality than previously thought?  Mazda announced last week that it’s the first automobile manufacturer to begin commercial leasing of a hydrogen hybrid vehicle, the hydrogen rotary Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid.  The first units will be delivered to local Japanese government authorities and energy-related companies later this year. (more…)

• But what about the drink?  Pepsi Tests ‘Green’ Vending Machines – reuters
• Where’s the mining company?  UN Lauds Efforts to Reforest Appalacia’s Mountains – my way
• (nice toad video) It takes a village…‘War’ on Poisonous Australia Toad – bbc
• Will the environmental sins of her uncle hurt sales?  Lauren Bush Debuts Eco-Friendly Collection – ecorazzi
• Woman walks on water.  Far-Out Photos – aol news

I’m a sucker for gorgeous-smelling organic bars of soap wrapped in pretty paper. So, when I saw the new selection of bath soaps from Whole Foods, I just had to buy a bar—well, two bars, actually.

Available in Grapefruit Mint, Lavender, Lemon Verbena (my favorite), Linden, Pomelo and Vetiver Cedar, each bar is triple-milled in the South of France (because nobody does soap like the French) with certified organic palm and coconut oils. Scented with essential oils, they are free of phthalate and preservatives, and unlike some organic bars, these do lather, so you’ll feel nice, clean and quite tranquil after each use. Find them in the Whole Body section of your local Whole Foods.

Recapturing some of the energy going down your shower drain could save you some money.  The EcoDrain is a unique patent-pending heat exchanger which transfers heat from hot shower waste water to cold incoming water. The folks at EcoDrain estimate that this will cut water heater use by 25%-40%.  The unit is installed directly in the shower drain line and features a double wall of separation between fresh and waste water; to eliminate the possibility of mixing, it’s lined with a non-stick coating to prevent soap, hair or debris from collecting inside.The device works primarily with the shower where hot water runs uninterrupted and doesn’t work with baths or dishwashers where water flow stops and starts.  The company says the device is small, easy to install and has no moving parts.  (see diagram).

ecodrain.com

via: redferret.net

I couldn’t have said it better myself.  This charcoal and orange “Be Nice or Leave” pillow is made of 100 percent recycled felt from plastic water bottles.  Felt body with felt applique and embroidered logo.  Zipper closure.  18″x18″.  Find it at alexandraferguson’s etsy shop

My good buddy Madison (the esteemed Newfie) is having trouble getting up stairs due to hip pain.  Hip dysplasia is a painful problem for many dogs of all sizes, but particularly for larger breeds. Zukes Hip Action can help naturally lubricate a pooch’s joints for better mobility.

Each tasty treat contains 300 mg glucosamine and 50 mg chondroitin, plus other healthy stuff like whole, fresh blueberries – natural antioxidant,whole, fresh carrots – Vitamin A for healthy eyes, whole and fresh apples – to promote a healthy immune system.
The treats are also free of wheat, corn and soy and made without artificial colors, flavors or by-products.

Comes in peanut butter (our family favorite) and chicken.  A one pound bag contains approximately 60 treats ($14.95) – 6 oz. bag contains approximately 23 treats ($6.95)

@ olive green dog

use the Altcon discount code: OliveAC to get an additional 10% off

• We did it. Did you?  World Switches Off to Save Planet in Earth Hour – reuters
• This is how it’s supposed to work.  Lower Snake River Wind Projects to Generate Jobs – news tribune northwest
• I love a good superbug story…Shampoo in Water Supply Triggers Growth of Deadly Drug-Resistant Bugs – guardian.uk
• Flood Watch Along Red River – npr.org

It’s that time of year.  I’m beginning to see first sprouts, and my fingers are starting to itch.

Target is right on target this season with the introduction of an affordable, eco friendly gardening line from MIO.  Included in the collection are these handy gardening tools — trowel, cultivator and weeder, with handles made of 100 percent bamboo, and a jute twine hanger.  As of April 12, MIO will be available online @ target.com or in-store for a limited time.  ($7.99/each).  Dig in and get green.

via:  re-nest.com

I love this event.  Lights out tonight 8:30-9:30p, eastern time. Feel the energy of everyone around the world uniting to raise awareness of climate change. A mere two years ago, this call to action was ignited in just one city — Sydney, Australia, when 2.2 million people joined together to make a statement…what will you be doing during earth hour this year?  We’ll be stargazing in the Catskills.

Earth Hour via the UN (video)
Earth Hour 2009 video

Highlights of a press release and news from World Wildlife Fund…

EarthHour is a global initiative of WWF in which millions (more…)

• I’m sure that 1 mpg will stop global warming…U.S. Mileage Standards for Cars Up for First Time – reuters
• I can foresee a small problem with unions…Nanotechnology May Have Found its Henry Ford – cs monitor
• Let your fingers do the tracing…Forging a Hot Link to the Farmer Who Grows the Food – nytimes
• Through professional lenses…In Point Lobos, Where Edward Weston Saw the World Anew – nytimes
• Watch out for that overpass…Wind-Powered Car Breaks Record – bbc
• The challenge: can I get my mother-in-law to shut off the TV during tonight’s re-run of Dancing With the Stars?  Sydney First Major City to Mark Earth Hour 2009 – yahoo! news
• Elephant Angel Mystery Solved – ananova
• Today kicks off 3-day Better Living Show @ Portland Expo Center. Support Women Artists Now Sat & Sun, 1-4p.

UPDATE:  APRIL 6, 2009 – It’s official — Debbie B. and Brandi G. are our two lucky winners.  Thanks to everyone for participating. Check out our site’s right hand column, Green Giveaways to enter our most recent Giveaway!

Ladies, spring forward in eco style. Sponsored by KEDS Green Label, two lucky winners will each receive a pair of comfy classic low-tops, the Willow Lace Up.  Winners get to choose both their favorite color, and size.

Keds steps onto the green stage this week by introducing their first-ever line of eco friendly shoes.  Their green factor is high:  100 percent GOTS – certified organic cotton uppers and linings, 20 percent recycled rubber outersoles, Texon cellulose insole board made with 100 percent recycled fibers and non-toxic chemicals,shoelaces made from 100 percent recycled PET (water bottles), non-toxic, water-based cements, non-toxic inks and dyes, nickel-free hardware and are packaged in 100 percent post-consumer waste shoebox and tissue.

To Enter This Drawing, Simply:
Visit KEDS Green Label. Then enter a comment on this post telling us what you like best about this new green line.

Be sure you remember to add the following address to your email address book:
m at AlternativeConsumer.com. (*one entry per person)

Entries must be received by 6p, EST on Thursday, April 2, 2009. (USA & Canada residents only)

Winners will be selected in our Random Drawing, and notified by email on Thursday, April 2 at approximately 8p (ET). Winner has 24 hours to claim their prize, or offer is null and void. Winners’ names will be included on this post.  Prize value: $55, plus free shipping to USA & Canada only.

*EXTRA CREDIT
If you have your own blog, you can post about the giveaway with a link back to this giveaway post. To make sure we know, you can come back and leave a comment with a link to your blog post.
If you Twitter, you can tweet about the giveaway, and leave a comment linking to the status.
Or you can also receive an additional entry by signing up to receive our RSS feed via email/Feedburner (see right side bar).

Time’s ticking, so start clicking — good luck!