UPDATE:  It’s official! Our 3 lucky winners are:  Krystal D, Chris G and Heather G – Congratulations!  And thanks to everyone for entering.  If you’d like an opportunity to receive free green goods and try your luck again, be sure to check out our next great green giveaway. (original post follows…)

Through our Great Green Giveaways, we turn you on to products that we like … here’s an opportunity to receive beautiful aromatherapy.  Generously sponsored by California-based, Golden Earth, a total of 3 lucky readers will each receive 100-percent pure organic and wild crafted essential oil essences — special blends to help lift your spirits and balance your senses.

2 winners will each receive either Grace or Fresh, essential oil blends from the Botanical Collection (retail value $20); and 1 winner will receive Chakra 3 Self Esteem from the Chakra Wellness Collection (retail, $24).  The essential oils and crystals in the Wellness Collection work in synergy to help restore natural balance to the body.  Each essential oil has its own unique vibration to promote wellness in the body.

Gifts include free shipping to residents anywhere in the USA and Canada.

To enter, simply:

• Visit these links to learn more:

goldenearth/shop botanical collection

goldenearth/chakra wellness

• Then comment on this post – telling us know which item you like most, and why.
• Add m at alternativeconsumer.com to your address book; winners will be notified via this email address. (more…)

We’re delving deep into the novelty junkpile for this one.  This Dream Cheeky USB-powered greenhouse comes equipped with its own grow lamp (I know what your pot smokers are thinking, but this thing is pretty small) — a computer interface that monitors the plant’s condition, artificial soil and a pack of marigold seeds.

You can take a break from talking to your cat, and now talk to your new plant.

$27.87 @ (appropriately enough) Walmart

via: red ferret

A Tried and True, Green Product Review

New on the eco scene are pens made of cornstarch, which, when disposed of properly, will biodegrade within a year.  When I saw these nifty Eco Pens, I had to try one.  They’re lightweight, bright, happy pens — they make you want to jot a note to a long-lost friend, while hangin’ at the beach.

Sleekly designed with a slit in the side so you can see when the ink’s running low.  There’s also a finger-friendly grip for comfort  and a removable, clip-on tip.  How does the ink hit the page?  With a clean line, for a smooth writing experience.  According to designer Adrian Olabuenaga, the Eco pen was “the result of a long development process,” a founder of ACME Studio, “it had to measure up to the standards we set for all our pens:  superior functionality and great design.”

We give the Eco Pen an easy green thumbs up.  In either white or 12 psychedelic colors, and with black ink only, grab yours ($1.98/each) @ acmestudio.com

It’s never too late in the summer to add a little sustainable style and atmosphere to your deck, patio or garden.

These Modern Soji each feature a little solar panel and 2 amber LED bulbs.  Powered by the sun – no electrical wires or outlets needed – just add cocktails.

the 9″x9″ lanterns come in 3 patterns and go for $39.99 ea. @ allsopgarden.com

Brighten up your lunch break by packing last night’s leftovers in one of these Artist Series Snap and Shut Bowls.

Designed by Matte Stephens and Amy Ruppel, each miniature piece of art is plastered on an easy-grip, (more…)

• These guys used to be pretty good with technology…Germany Passes Plan to be Electric Car Leader – reuters
• Today’s interesting pile of words…Will ‘Walrus of Love’ Ignite Shark’s Mojo? – ananova
• You knew it had to happen…climate change crime. Seven Arrested in Suspected Carbon Tax Fraud – reuters
• Futuristic ocean fish farming images. Future Fish Farms: Giant Deep-Sea Pods – natgeo
• Pinhead-Sized Worms + Robot = New Antibiotics – sciencedaily
• Clueless or genius? Alicia Silverstone Says a Vegan Diet Will Make You More Juicy – ecorazzi

If the electric car movement is going go mainstream it’s going to need some serious infrastructure.  In that effort, Ford Motor Company has announced that it has developed an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system for its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that “talks” directly with the nation’s electric grid.

This new technology allows the vehicle operator to program when to recharge the vehicle, for how long and at what utility rate.

When plugged in, the battery systems of specially equipped plug-in hybrids can communicate directly with the electrical grid via smart meters provided by utility companies through (more…)

In Northeastern Missouri, there is a quiet—but dedicated—effort to operate a sustainable community called Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage.

Led by proprietor Alline Anderson, it’s the type of place that captures your attention at first glance (or in my case, on first click). Comprised of 36 adults, Dancing Rabbit is home to the strawbale-built Milkweed Mercantile (an online shop too), an Eco Inn, Organic Café, and plays host to a healthy round-up of retreats and seminars.

The B&B-style inn, which is set to open this Fall (reservations will be available in November), is slated to be an “entirely green alternative”—crafted from only reclaimed, recycled or sustainable materials; powered by self-generated electricity (on-site solar and wind); and completely commercial scent free. Made up of four guestrooms, all named after ecological and social hall-of-famers, the inn overlooks the rolling prairies. (Rates begin at just $65/night during the low season and include waking up to an organic, local breakfast.)

So, if you’re looking to dip a toe into the communal lifestyle pool, head toward Missouri. You can check out a list of seminars and retreats here (2010 lists will become available in late September) or get a better feel for Alline’s efforts by perusing her informational Passion for Green Business blog.

We’ve seen too many unfortunate deaths of the everyday t-shirt.  (Many in the form of “memory” quilts-gone-wrong.)

All the more reason to love this purplish-gray, feet-friendly, 100 percent recycled rug, crafted from discarded, hand-cut tees. Super soft and available in an array of sizes suitable for any room (21”x30” to 5’x8’), the rugs, by Talking Squid start at a respectable $48.

For $5 off of a $30 purchase, become a fan of TalkingSquid on Facebook and use code “Face5” when ordering through etsy.

Love the idea but not the rug? Check out this DIY project that will turn your old tees into something just as chic, but wearable. A delicate, sinewy necklace.