If you’re looking for a cool way to contribute to a greener world, check out Earthwatch Institute’s third annual Beat the Heat Climate Change Campaign kick off in Boston this Thursday, August 13 (6:30-9:30p).

Donate an item to the silent auction, become a sponsor or simply chill out at their fabulous summer soiree.

The venue for this year’s party is the Washburn Pavilion, with striking views of the Charles River and skylines of Boston and Cambridge.

Tickets are $100/single or $175/pair in advance, or $125/each at the door.  Put on your party face and frocks — open bar, live band, food and drinks by Wolfgang Puck.

Founded in 1971, Boston-based Earthwatch Institute is currently the world’s largest environmental volunteer nonprofit organization.  With affiliate offices in the UK, Australia, and Japan, volunteers work with scientists to solve eco problems in more than 55 countries worldwide, focusing their research efforts on: climate change, endangered species and resources, marine biology and ocean conservation, and threatened traditional cultures.

Follow tweettheHeat on Twitter (they’re vying for 350 followers by Thursday).  If you’re a Facebook member, check out Beat the Heat’s event page.  Visit first wind, one of the event’s key sponsors; and learn more @ www.earthwatch.org.

Taiwan-based, Horizon Group, is developing a series of zero-emissions, solar powered boats. The first boat in the program is the stylish SunCat 23, a 23-foot, open deck catamaran. The SunCat, which will be powered by a 2.8 kilowatt electric outboard motor, is capable accommodating twelve passengers at 6 knots.

The boat’s engine will be powered by a battery bank that will be charged by 4 solar panels capable of producing 760 watts of solar energy. On a full charge, the batteries will power the boat for a typical day trip. Horizon’s next addition to the solar line will be the SunCat 46 — a small, luxury multi-hull yacht.

At a top-end cruising speed of 6 knots, the SunCat will not be pulling any water skiers. No word on how long the batteries take to fully charge in direct sunlight. You may not want to get too far out to sea.  Gilligan’s Island?

source: marine business news

Designer Andrea Ruggiero has created the conceptual ‘UFO’ plate from a composite of potato starch, guar bean gum and a seaweed-like binding agent.  The plate is coated on the bottom with bird seed (I’d suggest sunflower seeds).

The prototype picnic plate is impervious to liquids, acidic foods and is nontoxic and vegan.  Upon completing one’s meal it’s time to get all ‘frisbee’ with your plate.  Find a tree, aim the eco tableware and throw it against the tree trunk.  The plate is designed to shatter, leaving behind a nosh for local wildlife.  The solid parts biodegrade in about two weeks.

One note: you might not want to flaunt this in front of aggressive Central Park pigeons and squirrels.  They may not have the patience to wait for you to finish your repast before they dig in.

Designed for InDisposed an exhibit rethinking the nature of disposable objects.

source: cool hunting

• Britain Wants Radical Rethink on Food Production – reuters
• Out of an aquarium and onto the reef…Spreading Lionfish Invasion Threatens Bahamas – npr
• Mother Russia fights for headlines – First, gay icon Vladimir Putin photographed riding shirtless on a horse, then this…Was Kremlin Behind Twitter Attack? – cs monitor
• Fewer than Bush? Let’s not jump to conclusions…Obama’s EPA Plans Fewer Toxic Cleanups – msnbc
• Saturn to Pull Celestial Houdini Act on August 11 – sciencedaily

We just caught a Saturday matinee screening (along with 10 other intrepid souls) of THE COVE, the compelling documentary and eco-action film produced by the Ocean Preservation Society.

The doc follows the filmmakers’ journey to reveal the horror, carnage and death that takes place beginning each fall in a little cove in Japan.  The project’s spiritual catalyst is former “Flipper” trainer turned dolphin activist, Ric O’Barry.  The film found its creative spark in O’Barry’s quest to halt the exploitation and slaughter of dolphins worldwide, and more specifically, the heinous and barbaric annual bloodbath and murder of helpless dolphins in a tiny cove in the Japanese fishing village of Taiji.

Director Louis Psihoyos and producer Fisher Stevens assemble an “Oceans Eleven”-style team of world-class free divers, underwater sound and camera experts and Watergate-type adrenaline junkies to expose the horror that’s taking place under cover of night in the heavily protected and secretive cove.  The film also explores O’Barry’s personal struggle to fight the marine park industry he jump-started back in the 1960′s – which now manifests itself as the cruel capture, imprisoning and slaughter of beautiful dolphins.

As a movie going experience, THE COVE works splendidly as a real-life eco-caper movie.  The underlying themes of (more…)

There’s a growing trend in e-commerce these days.  More and more resourceful types are looking to the streets for raw materials – literally, to create useful items from discards.  In this eco friendly process, creatives make a few bucks while less waste of all kinds winds up in our ever-mounting landfills.

Here’s (above) a cute find from Off the Street.  Handmade from can pop tops and pretty ribbon, this lightweight bracelet comes with a picture and story of the individual who made it, ($5).

Chicago-based Off the Street is an off-shoot of socially responsible, Five Accessories. Helping to support under-privileged children and local artisans through their philanthropic efforts, Five Accessories features high quality and affordable, Fair Trade and handmade handbags and jewelry from around the globe.

More recession-busting, this Recycled tote (above, L) is made in Cambodia from Vietnamese rice bags, (on sale now, $30).  Or you can stash your stuff in this roomy and stylish floral Orange and Olive Tote, (above, R), with nice eco cred for using natural dyes, ($45).  I like their bamboo, shell and coconut clutches from Bali, as well.
find them all @ fiveaccessories.com Thanks for the tip, Theresa.

This past Wednesday, I had the pleasure of attending the first-ever, eco-forum, an invitation-only networking event for environmentally focused executives and business leaders.  With a sold-out attendance of 100 guests, opening remarks by Rohit Aggarwala, Director of Mayor Bloomberg’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability, and an organic cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception at Rouge Tomate, it was a lovely environment to meet and mingle with eco-preneurs and leaders in the green space.

Eco-forum founding members such as Bradford Rand and Seth Berk of Go Green Expo, Roo Rogers of OZOcar, Alex Matthiesse, president of Riverkeeper and Mara Engel, founder of Organicworks Marketing were in the networking mix.  There was a positive buzz – people were all business and excited to participate.  This wasn’t just a free booze event, everyone was really interested in learning and sharing info, insights and contacts.  It was a fun vibe, I’m glad I attended.  Shouts out to new pals Susan, Smita, Celeste, Anthony, Evan, Brad, Amy, Krissie, Allison, Steven, Alan, Krista, Joshua, Dan, Hugh, Seth and Bradford – looking forward to seeing you again, soon.

UPDATE:  August 17, 2009 — It’s official!  Our lucky winner is Rebekah B. of Virginia.  Congratulations, and enjoy the Riviera Cable!  Thanks to everyone for entering, and following our blog.  Stay tuned for our next Great Green Giveaway.

This Great Green Giveaway is generously sponsored by socially conscious apparel maker, Indigenous Designs.  Indigenous utilizes green energy to offset their carbon footprint, offers employee carpools and employee incentives to buy hybrid vehicles, and formed Green Steps – a program to offset the carbon footprint of trade shows.

Now here’s your chance to win organic, Fair Trade made, quality clothing from Indigenous.  With free shipping anywhere in the USA, one lucky reader will get to pick their favorite apparel item, (ranging from $44-$148), from the following selections for men, women or kids:

Entering is simple, here’s how to get on board: (more…)

The new Comfort Cruiser electric bike from Pedego can help you travel to your local farmer’s market or that Abnormal Psyche class on the other side of campus in power-assisted, emissions-free comfort.  The Cruiser has a top speed of 20mph and a range of 30 to 50 miles depending on how much manual pedaling you do and the number of hills you encounter.  Features: 500W motor, 36 volt lithium ion battery, 20-inch wheels, a comfy seat, hand-operated throttle and strong hill climbing capability.

$1,595 @ pedego.com via: cnet