Took a stroll through the very new, and very green, High Line Park in lower Manhattan this weekend.  Shot in HD on our tiny Flip Ultra.  Here’s some of what we saw.

We love our dads.  And there are many ways to express our gratitude for all they do.  Make a play date — hike, bike, golf — or pick-up a little something that you know he’ll love.  Keep it sustainable, Fair Trade made, organic, and special.  Here are a few ideas to kick around…

Most dads could use a little more style.  Above, is some eco friendly head gear to help cut an eco stylish path whether on or off the golf course; $33 – $50 @ headchange.com.

And cool and comfy, 100-percent recyclable and biodegradable flip flips for relaxing at the pool, beach, or on the home front; in lots of colors, $29.99 @ feelgoodz.com

Spiff up his on the go gear with a handmade, Fair Trade backpack made from durable, renewable natural-dyed hemp, with No Kill leather, adjustable straps; ($60).  Or freshen up his green grooming with the organic shave and skin Mojito Man Gift Set, made with organic botanicals; ($35.30) @ earthLoverShopping.com.

Dad may not be shaking his tail feathers like he used to, but here’s a way to keep get him rockin’ again. Adirondack Rockers from recycled plastic, choice of 2 styles in 7 colors, $570 @ lolldesigns.com

If pop is a water guy, this Dirigo 106 Recycled Kayak made from 100% post industrial recycled plastic can provide precious solo cruising time, away from family responsibilities.  100% of gross sales is donated to Waterkeeper Alliance. ($749 – think:  group gift) @ oldtowncanoe.com

Another way to get papa off the couch and away from the tv — the E-Zip 2008 Trailz Hybrid Electric Bike $349 @ walmart.com

With over 100 land, sea or air adventures to choose from, let the man choose his own, via giftybox (starting at $89).

Or maybe dad just needs to chill…This Ultimate Hammock is made of recycled soda bottles, right here in the USA ($189) @ gaiam.com

Related: previously on altCon –

Eco Father’s Day Green Gifts ’08
Great Green Gifts for Father’s Day ’07

• No, this is not a photo montage of inebriated college students hanging their keisters out of a Volkswagen.  Top 10 Amazing Moon Facts – livescience
• Obama Launches Ocean Protection Plan – reuters
• Captured on TMZ…Spaniel Adopts Owl – ananova
• Didn’t Georgie fall off his big man-bike a while back?  Green Picture: George Clooney Hits Italy on His Vespa – ecorazzi
• Just saw Food, Inc. – my lunch was knee-deep in excrement in a feed pen.  Another take on cows…(pix) Swiss Cows Fight to be Queen aol news
• Maybe they liked owning a glow-in-the-dark home…EPA to Rebuild Contaminated Navajo Homes – msnbc

It’s that time of year — when we celebrate high school and college grads taking their next big step.  They notoriously need green $$, but we can also opt to pick-up something useful for them without breaking the bank.

Spurred by the needs of the grads that I know, here are a few eco minded ideas (ranging from $6 to $69) you might want to consider.  All of these items are available at socially responsible, ecoXOXO.com.

Business Card Case from reclaimed circuit boards, (above L; $32)
Rice Sack Packs, weightless travel organizers, (above R; $6/ea)

Billboard Train Case, waterproof, perfect for storing makeup and little ditties on-the-run, (above L; $14)
Men’s wallet, from recycled mountain bike innertube (above, R @ $26)

(at left), This happens to be a personal fav, especially for travel, The Banner Stylist Bag ($69).

Features smart, full-length zipper; large exterior front and back pockets with handy, open pockets inside, as well. Versatile and roomy, it’s an eco stylish, day to night workhorse.

Perfect for toting books, camera, cellphone and all manner of personal items, even a wet bathing suit and towel.  Hey, you never know what’s around the corner.

Designer, welder and recycled metalworking visionary, Joel Hester and his Dallas-based The Weld House studio, make sweet looking tables and furniture out of the junkyard remains of old Chevy’s and Fords.

Take the roof of a battered and abused blue van and repurpose it into a striking creation like the 9′ conference table (above right), or transform the weathered hood of a 64 Ford Galaxy into two side tables (below right) that would make even the most (more…)

Slapping a wind turbine on your home to cut your bloated electric bill will soon be easier.  Sometime this fall, EarthTronics, a small wind turbine maker from Michigan, will begin selling its Honeywell Wind Turbine at your local ACE Hardware store.

The new turbine, which will be designed under a brand (more…)

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

• Food, Inc. released in NY/LA/SF – love your body, feed your head.
• Eco Salon shows you how to freshen up your decor without spending a dime
• Recession Rags POP-UP Workshop, Custom tailored shorts and suspenders – Sat, Jun 13 from 1-7pm @ KAIGHT, 83 Orchard St (212 680 5630), spiked lemonade and 30% off spring threads
• Tonight, (Friday, June 12), park yourself atop New Design High @ Rooftop Films 2009 Summer Series; free beer after-party.  Saturday night, screen Persona Non Grata atop the Old American Can Factory, Park Slope; tix $9-25.  Weather-permitting; check rooftopfilms.com or call 718.417.7362
• June 11-14, Northside Festival Celebration of Music in Brooklyn
• Is that a breeze I feel?  Global Wind Day – Mon, Jun 15
• FREE Celebration of Miss Katherine Dunham’s 100th Anniversary, Symphony Space’ Peter J Sharp Theatre – next Sunday, Jun 21
• Stop ‘n Swap next Saturday, Jun 20, 11a-3p, Shabazz Center, B’way & 165th St. (more…)

Channel your eco-lovin’ inner gypsy with a carryall made from 100-percent recycled plastic. Gypsystyle’s beach and weekender bags and roomy farmer’s market and yoga totes are colorful, practical and affordable.

They make the perfect companions for travel, groceries, sport, beach, yoga, kids gear and can even serve as storage bags. So why wait? Replace those paper and plastic bags with something more spirited and eco-friendly.  (top photo – Corsica Sleepover Bag, $32)

check ‘em out @ gypsystyle.com

UPDATE: June 25 – And it’s official — our 2 winners are:  Beth O and Kim L. — congratulations, and enjoy your gifts.  Thank you to everyone for entering…now go and see the movie, Food, Inc. before your next meal:)  You can checkout our next Great Green Giveaway, listed on the top of our homepage. (original Post follows…) (more…)