An organization called The WaterForest Group International has developed innovative technology to harvest ‘lost’ underwater-forests around the world to provide a sustainable alternative to cutting standing, living hardwoods.

WaterForest says it is poised to become a leader in harvesting submerged standing timber from man-made lakes and (more…)

You may have smirked at the latest Volkswagen commercial that takes a stab at the less-than-fun-to-drive aspect of many whisper-quiet hybrids. (As a car lover, I admit—I’m all for the power and fuel efficiency of a Jetta TDI.) The commercial’s message is timely, as Audi (a Volkswagen company) rolls out their own campaign: Clean Diesel = Energy Independence, in favor of more carbon-conscious fuels.

According to the data, converting just one-third of our nation’s vehicles to clean diesel would save 1.5 million barrels of foreign oil per day. Per day. Narrow it down and you’ll find that one drop of diesel fuel has 12 percent more power than the same amount of gasoline. Check out the “Truth in Diesel” video here.

I’m wondering: do you still think of diesel as a dirty word? And if you had the choice, would you opt for the clean diesel that’s fun to drive or the hybrid that is working to help eliminate fuels all together?

• Now, about those security issues…Microsoft Debuts Power Conservation Website – reuters
• Who says pet ownership isn’t rewarding? Pets Pass Superbug to Humans – yahoo! news
• He moved up in the donor queue because he was almost a goner…Steve Jobs Nearly Died and Lied About It – zdnet.com
• It’s so bloated it comes with a warning…Complex Climate Bill May Freeze Your Web Browser – livescience
• No, it wasn’t an organic libation…Woman Pleads Guilty in Drunken Breast Feeding Case – myway
• For all the crap they produced, Bush/Cheney could have used a dozen…White House Building Three Kitchen-Waste Compost Bins – ecorazzi

Here’s a portable, solar, off-grid power source that can keep more than just your cellphone or iPod charged.  This 10.5 watt solar charger, power hub combo from GoBe Solar can extend your laptop’s battery life for an estimated 3 to 6 hours, or be used to charge or operate lights, small appliances and a wide array of small electronic devices.

The hub can be charged via the solar panel (10 hours of sunshine to fully charge) or wall outlet, while simultaneously powering your gadgets.  The Power Hub has AC, DC and USB outlets.

• caveats: the sturdy suitcase solar panel weighs in at around 12 lbs and the hub weighs another 9 lbs – so unless you’re Lance Armstrong, you won’t be biking around or backpacking very far with this combo.  It also costs $349 plus $45 shipping.

via: gadgets.boingboing.net

High-end sportswear maker Tehama was founded by alpha man’s-man, Clint Eastwood, and fashion designer Nancy Haley, back in the late 1990′s.  The brand’s ‘Green’ line of clothing has been created to provide golfers and sports enthusiasts a high quality, environmentally friendly, sportswear option. Tehama Green garments are made of fabrics containing: bamboo, coconut, recycled polyester, Vitamin C and organic cotton.

Above left: Tehama’s Hurricaine Engineer Stripe Polo with Vitamin C Dip.  Tehama’s Vitamin C enriched shirts promote healthy new skin by adding Vitamin C nutrients directly into the product’s fiber. Also features UPF 30 Protection and natural hydration. (I don’t know if it helps create the perfect posture and ‘V’ shaped physique pictured, $68.)  The golfer’s organic cotton/recycled polyester short, (above, in tortoise), will run you $68.

Above right:  Tehama’s woman’s Serenity Print Polo in Juniper.  Made out of an organic cotton/recycled polyester blend with a water-based print, ($64).

more info and store locator @ tehamainc.com

I love using my Pyrex flea market finds for storing foodstuffs in the fridge.  Aside from the eco upsides, I derive the added benefit of not having plastic of any sort — baggies or containers, touching, and possibly leaching into my food.  (Plastic # 7 can leach Bisphenol A — BPA, a hormone disrupter.)  Lidded glass containers such as those pictured below are especially good for salads, fruits and veggies.

A great way to be kind to your body, planet and wallet — search your mom’s upper shelves of her kitchen cupboards for reusable glass containers, or seek them out at tag sales, flea markets, e-bay or etsy.

If you happen to be looking for a nice, practical gift for an upcoming bridal shower or birthday, check out these Anchor Hocking  glass storage dish options.  Added perk — with such clarity, it’s easy to see just what’s under the lid in that fridge.  find @ freemarketorganics.com

Related: previously on altCon, 
(4.7.08)  preserve and feel good about it
(10.25.08)  the remains
(10.17.08)  healthykitchenware food carrier – no more plastic
(8.12.08)  etsy – the convertible sandwich wrap

We tried it. We liked it. TRU Organic Vodka comes in three organic flavors: straight, lemon and vanilla. Tru Vodka is distilled using only USDA certified organic ingredients including – organic, U.S. grown wheat; California lemons, Bourbon vanilla beans and vapor distilled water. It’s a smooth vodka with a bit of fiery finish, think a mellower Stoli.

Tru keeps it green by:  planting a carbon absorbing, quick-growing tree in Central America for every bottle sold; using recycled and recyclable materials and dual use packaging. They use no genetically modified ingredients, harmful synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

Tru store finder

The past four weeks of fairly steady rain getting you down?  We may not be able to chase away the clouds, but we can chase away the drab rainwear blues.

Handcrafted in France, this extensive line of rubber boots from AIGLE (meaning, “eagle” and pronounced, Eh-gleu) has you covered, no matter what the pastime — from hunting, fishing, gardening and sailing — to a walk in the park.

Most rain boots are made from PVC, polyvinyl chloride, which contains nasty toxins such as dioxin (a carcinogen) and phthalates (endocrine disrupters), but this natural-based collection is made from a renewable resource, the rubber tree.  Currently, most of Aigle’s boot linings are made of cotton, but an upcoming collection promises to have organic cotton.

With both pastel and bold solids or perky patterns, kids’ styles and prices range from $39 (Baby Flac) to $77 (Izard Kid).

Adult styles and price range begins at about $89 (Malouine).  My favs are the Bison ($110), Messina ($129), and Chantebelle ($129), @ aigleboots.com.

There’s nothing like a few sweltering days to get summer travelers dreaming of Alaska. This month, there’s another reason to start planning your trip: the opening of Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the first and only property actually located inside the Native-owned, 1,700-acre Kenai Fjords National Park (…and if you haven’t seen ‘em yet, the awe-inspiring fjords need to be added to the bucket list).

Travelers will have to hop a boat from Seward to reach Alaska Wildland Adventure’s eco-lodge, where they’ll find 16 log-style cabins and loads of outdoor activities to choose from (think kayaking among marine wildlife, glacier cruises and guided hiking). Once the sun sets, the main lodge becomes a dining room and lounge that features scenic views of Pedersen Glacier.

Choose from 2- to 4-day stays, starting at $475 per person ($425 for kids) – based on double occupancy. Meals, accommodations, activities, boat tour to and from Seward, and daily fees to Pedersen Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary included.

Read more on the lodge’s environmental commitment here.