• Recession Dampens Obama Negotiator’s Climate Debut – reuters
• Could this disrupt Gov. Palin’s wolf hunting and prayer sessions?  Alaskan Volcano Erupts Twice, Sends Ash 12 Miles Up – yahoo! news
• Put down that hammer you Maryland stone crab lovers…Crabs ‘Sense and Remember Pain’ – bbc
• Everglades Land Deal May be Scaled Back - msnbc
• Why doesn’t this sound positive?  Flowing Blood Could Power iPods and Cell Phones – livescience
• Yogurt Pepsi: 14 Horrifying Soft Drinks From Around the World – cracked.com

Shouldn’t your footwear say something about you?  These green Satire sneakers – The Ryde – from Simple Shoes feature certified organic cotton uppers and lining, an orthotic recycled tire pedbed; and they ship in recycled post-consumer packaging.  All this for $60 @ simpleshoes.com

• The term ‘alternative energy’ was code for taking speed during finals.
• You recall when ‘greenhouse gas emissions’ were just a by-product of someone eating a bad burrito.
• You remember when ‘bio-fuel’ was something your neighbor Barry called his stanky homegrown weed.
• Recycle, reuse have been important to you for quite some time, as evidenced by the vintage Jordache jeans and Bananarama t-shirt you pulled out of your dresser drawer for last week’s Allman Brothers concert.
• You remember when ‘going solar’ meant George Hamilton lounging by the pool in his Speedo working on his tan.
• ‘Sustainability’ was primarily a term used to describe a man’s sexual prowess, or lack thereof.

more eco humor

Algae may ultimately provide a cheap source of bio-fuel – one that unlike corn, soy or sugarcane – doesn’t present a “food vs. fuel” conflict, but potentially, a “food and fuel” opportunity.  Algae holds great potential as a cheap fuel source as there’s no need for vast acres of farmland, fertilizers and the energy-intensive refining processes required by other bio-fuel crops, particularly corn ethanol.

At a recent demo of their harvesting process, Ohio-based, AlgaeVenture Systems, announced a technological breakthrough that significantly reduces the cost of removing water from algae. (more…)

A Tried and True, Green Product Review

There’s nothing worse than being unprepared at that time of the month.  To the rescue is TOM Kit’s emergency girl pack – smart, practical and perfect for a green teen on the go.

The naturally harvested jute cosmetic case is filled with life’s little eco necessities to help handle those uncomfortable moments.  Biodegradable pads, panty liners and cotton undies; disposable recyclable sacks, and flushable feminine wipes (made with aloe and vitamin E), all provide peace of mind.  Extra comfort is derived from a refreshing hand sanitizer and natural chocolate lip balm.  A cycle chart is also included, to help track those monthly visits and keep emergencies to a minimum.

The emergency girl pack comes in either polka dot or stripe, ($20); and refills are available ($12).  TOM Kit’s got you covered in eco style and grace. We give them a bright green thumbs up.
find @ tomkit.net.

• PC Mag has compiled an Electronics Recycling Superguide, a very comprehensive list of websites, retailers and manufacturers that can help you keep your old electronics out of the landfill.  They even list 7 sites that can get you cash-back or gift cards for doing the right thing.
• Support Repower America’s effort to keep climate change a top priority in Washington.
• Mariah Power invites you to the April 20th grand opening of the its new Windspire wind turbine manufacturing facility at MasTech Manufacturing in Manistee, Michigan.  The collaboration will create 140 alternative energy manufacturing jobs.
• Great interview with Avrim Topel, author of a new book entitled, “Green Beginnings:  The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home” on Eco-Libris.  Find out everything you always wanted to know about green homes as Avrim shares his personal experience, the costs, the benefits of green building and the importance of LEED certification.  Eco-Libris is now collaborating with the authors, Avrim and Vicki Topel, to plant trees for copies sold of the book.

Klip Biotechnologies’ founder, Joel Klippert, designs and creates these EcoTop countertops from a 50/50 blend of FSC-certified, post consumer recycled paper and renewable bamboo fiber, then binds them with a new 100% water-based system. The result is an innovative, new surface product that promotes sustainability without compromising quality or style.

Klippert, who is the original creator of Paperstone recycled paper countertops, markets EcoTop as the most durable, user-friendly green surface material available. (more…)

A Tried and True, Green Product Review:   Last weekend, I tried Arm & Hammer’s new Essentials Liquid Laundry Detergent 2X Concentrated, (Mountain Rain).  It blew my dirty socks off.

Into the wash went everything from sheets and towels to jeans, tees, socks, undies and yoga wear.  Folding four loads of wash, I had ample opportunity to get up close and personal with these freshly cleaned threads.  The smooth, silky texture was phenomenal, and everything smelled amazing.

Eco perks:  made with renewable, biodegradable plant-based soaps; no dyes, no phosphates or bleaches, no petroleum-based cleaners, safe for septic systems. Less packaging: 50 fluid ounces = 26 loads.  Because it’s 2x concentrated, you use half the usual amount, save water and less raw materials are needed to manufacture each jug (#2, HDPE plastic).  The smaller container is, of course, easier to carry, and takes up less storage space. (more…)

• When does he have time to write?  Gore to Publish New Global Warming Book in November – reuters
• If not there…where?  Battle Over Solar Power in Mojave Desert – msnbc
• Girl power!  All-Women Team Set for South Pole – bbc
• Space poop.  Stephen Colbert May be Honored With a Namesake Space Toilet – scientific american
• Komodo Dragons Maul Man to Death – guardian.co.uk
• Hero Parrot Saves Tot – ananova