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

• Tonight at 7p (EST) — live Web cast from U of VA.  John Podesta, Jim Woolsey, Governor Whitman and Karen Alterman Harbert debate whether the U.S. must end its reliance on carbon-based fuels to secure our energy policy.
• check out Car and Driver’s new Hybrid Car Buying Guide
• Spring clean that wardrobe and have some fun – EcoSalon.com’s 10 Tips for a Successful Clothing Swap
• GreenFestival Chicago May 16 & 17 – be sure to visit Jute and Jackfruit and say Hi to (founder) Shana for me.
• May-June Organic Spa shows us how to Bring The Spa Home
• Volunteer to save the planet (now thru 7/22/09) @ AudubonTogetherGreen and win some cool eco prizes
• cnet tv highlights green technology (some of which has already been featured on altCon), on the green show (video)
• Rooftop Films 2009 Summer Series kick off Friday, May 15th; tix $16/each for screening of 11 short films. Weather-permitting; check rooftopfilms.com or call 718.417.7362
• May 19-20 GreenerByDesign in San Francisco; speakers to include: Peter Arnell and David de Rothschild, William McDonough and Tom Szaky
• Sustainable Brands ’09 Conference, May 31-June 4; Monterey
• Sample Sale @ ROMP Sat & Sun, May 17 & 18; 7928 West Third St, LA (323 944 0832) Complimentary cocktails, organic canapes and up to 80% off on Rock n Roll Clothing & Luggage

Italian architect, Piero Ceratti has some great design ideas.  His h_18 home is a stellar example of compact, stylish, modern habitation.

The question: Why aren’t home designs like this more popular?  Is it the fact that, in America success is defined by excess and every family member including Fluffy the Shitsu needs 1,500 square feet of living space to feel fully self-realized?  In the U.S. we’re surrounded by mile after mile of bloated subdivisions stuffed full of giant, cookie-cutter McMansions.  Someday, “smaller” will indeed be deemed “better.”

more green building posts on altcon

• But what about the stuff in the bottle?  Coke to Launch Bottle Partly Derived From Plants – reuters
• The issue – he wants to protect the environment.  Republicans Block Interior Appointee, For Now – npr
• What’s the fine for ‘space’ littering?  Space Junk Raises Risks for Hubble Repairs – myway
• Call Scotland Yard!  Penguin Kidnaps Baby of Mortal Enemy – bbc
• I always enjoy a coool glass of milk…Cow Dives in Pool for a Dip – ananova
• I love science…6 Ways They’re Turning Random Crap into Alternative Energy – cracked.com

Insulated window shades and curtains are an effective way to save on your home energy bill.  Blinds Chalet has introduced a new line of cellular window shades (honeycomb) that help eliminate the heat and energy loss associated with windows and traditional blind and shade systems.  ComforTrack Plus Energy Saving shades are designed for maximum insulation.  The shades’ energy saving Sidetrack System provides a thermal performance rating up to five times greater than a standard single pane window.  Sidetracks on each side of the shade seal the edges of the shades while a foam seal between the headrail and the top of the window frame minimize heat loss and drafts.

The ComforTrack line is certified for federal tax credit for energy efficiency, so you can save money coming and going.