Let’s talk household paper products.  I consider good old bath tissue, (toilet paper), an essential household item. However, as you may already know, I’m just an occasional user of paper paper towels and paper napkins.  I make a concerted effort to use cloth for most household cleaning, drying pots and pans, and napkins at mealtime.  But there are greasy spills that call for paper, so I do use paper towels — sparingly and conservatively.

Interestingly enough, I recently tried SCOTT Naturals paper towels and bath tissue, and then, coincidentally, the company asked me to do a review.  I also noticed that they offer print your own coupons on their site, so wanted to make sure that you were aware of how to save some nice green cash @ scottnaturals.com/special-offers — whereby twice a month, you can print coupons and replenish some of those vital household products.

Here’s my take on SCOTT Naturals paper towels and bath tissue; as well as the manufacturer, Kimberly-Clark’s, official word on this line.

The paper towels are durable and they do a very good job.  They’re made of 60 percent recycled fiber, and the ridge-like design allows for fast absorption of spills.

The bath tissue is made of 40 percent recycled fiber; it’s 2-ply, and also has a small ridge-like design.  It felt pretty soft and it performed adequately.

Kimberly Clark touts that their Natural “outperforms 100 percent branded recycled fiber paper towels products.”  I’ll leave it up to you — which is more important, a better-performing paper product or one made of 100 percent recycled content?

The company also points out that their “Choose a Size sheets help eliminate waste by allowing consumers to select the right amount to clean-up spills.”  And both the bath tissue and paper towels are “available in long-lasting rolls that minimize packaging materials and shipping impacts.”  Good eco credibility there, right?

And “finally, the bath tissue and towels’ outer packaging is made from 20 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and the cardboard cores are made from 100 percent recycled fiber.”  Packaging-wise — it may not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.

The company also offer napkins and flushable wipes, which I haven’t tried.  The napkins are made of 80 percent recycled fiber.  The “Scott Naturals flushable wipes are made of 100 percent of fibers derived from sustainable resources and natural Aloe Vera.”

For more info visit scottnaturals.com and kimberly-clark.com.

Cruising, as most of us will readily admit, is hardly green in nature.  Yet amid the fleet of behemoth ships, there are smaller, more intimate cruising experiences that offer up an educational, environmentally considerate itineraries, floating through a number of biodiverse regions.  Alaska is just one example. Recently chosen as the world’s greatest cruise destination, the 49th state is a rugged space teeming with wildlife and natural wonders (hello, glaciers!).

Some parts of it, oddly enough, aren’t even accessible by road–making cruise or flight the only method of entry.  But however you must arrive, find a way. Alaska, I can say from experience, is simply a must-do when it comes to lifetime goals.

When I traveled the southeast tip of the state, trekking Tongass National Rainforest, I’d often find myself face-to-face with Cruise West’s small ships when we ambled into port cities.  Carting roughly 100 people aboard their small ships, the cruise operator hosts naturalist guides, glides into ports too small for larger cruise ships, and typically features a slightly less political array of day trip opportunities, having maintained relationships with local tour operators.  (They’re also the largest American-owned cruise line and a second gen family business, and committed to environmental stewardship too.)

From whale-watching and kayaking glacial lakes, to eagle spotting and rainforest trekking, Alaska is a destination that’s just as beautiful from the vantage point of a sea deck or the floor of a forest.  No matter where you look, it’s a pulsing, breathing land that’s very much alive.

Here’s some interesting news regarding one of our favorite intimates — Ecoland’s organic cotton, wireless bra.

As of April 1, online etailer, Faeries Dance doesn’t want to bring other etailers down, (literally), so as requested, they will be charging about 10 percent more for our favorite bra from Ecoland…but no worries.  For the next couple of weeks, you can still get ultra comfy support with the Wireless soft cup bra, (95% organic cotton/5% Spandex) and snag one for just $21.50 @ FaeriesDance.com

A wi-fi electric bicycle — is the next step in ebike evolution operating your bike, telepathically?  I guess we may be getting ahead of ourselves.

Anyhow, the Shadow Ebike has taken a fresh approach to electric bike design.  The Shadow features a Daymak Drive controller with wireless support.  The controller talks directly to the throttle, brake lever and pedal assist. The controller, which is said to be the first of its kind, features  — more torque, better battery management, regenerative brakes, and dual motor support.

The average electric bike has 40-feet of unappealing exposed wire on its frame.  The Shadow Ebike has no exposed wires.  Through its proprietary rim design, it has neatly integrated the battery and controller all into one unit.

Brake and throttle controls work just like a conventional ebike -press the lever and the bike responds – via wireless connection.

The bike also features a USB/110V Plug so the rim and battery can be charged directly from an external power source and used as a power generator, so you can power your phone, notebook, or other small electronics via the bike.

Now what if your wireless signal gets interrupted while you’re running a red light?…just asking. via: prweb

related: Schwinn’s fast charging Tailwind e-bike /  eZee Torq electric bike

Rainy weather and spring muck can combine to create one stinky dog.  Get the family pooch smelling and looking his best for Saint Paddy’s Day with this Spa Gift Set from Olive Green Dog.  As you probably know by now, I’m Seamus the Famous Eco Boston Terrier, (with a bit of the Irish in me).  And truth be told, I have a serious crush on Olive — she happens to make the best pet products around.

In this goody bag (above) — all the soap contains natural flea repellent; everything contains only natural scents and oils, no phthalates, parabens, artificial dyes or preservatives. All the products are biodegradable and the bottles are recyclable. My favorite feature: This stuff has been tested on humans! Comes in a nice muslin bag with the Olive logo.

Now available on our new OpenSky eco boutique.

Surveying the ecosphere this week, here’s our small, edited collection of eco conscious, stylish threads and accessories…

You can’t beat eco designer, Bahar Shaphar for eco savviness – loving these sweet things for spring, on sale @ envi (L to R, above $92 and $98).

(above L to R) – From online boutique, Azalea – Prairie Underground’s 3/4 sleeve eco stylish hoodie in organic cotton, deep blue; on sale, reduced from $198 to $139.

How cute is this sporty, 100% organic cotton rib tank, racerback dress, in navy – reduced from $108 to $54 @ shopEnvi.com

(above L to R) – Perfect for stepping out day or night, Gaiam’s Convertible Sweater, (blend of organic cotton/rayon from bamboo) in flax, dewberry, (shown here) or black; @ $99.

Need to cinch that waist?  Check out Bellabuckles online shop for vegan, vintage, recycled or upcycled, one of a kind belt buckles.  Each unique design comes with a vintage / recycled snap-on belt.

That’s a wrap for this week — remember to buy only what you need, and keep it people and planet-friendly.

We’ve got water on our minds…

• Imagine their protest when there are no more bluefins…Japan Protest Over Proposed Bluefin Tuna Trade Ban – bbc
• Nothing hurts beachfront property values more than this…Aquatic ‘Dead Zones’ Contributing to Climate Change – sciencedaily
• I know this cove…Rescuers Try to Save Dolphins on Cape Cod – myway
• video: Once Submerged Town Rises Again – msnbc
• Let the poor little guy do the dirty work…Global Trade’s Dirty Secret: Outsourced Emissions – enn/triple pundit
• This could explain a few things…Satan is in the Vatican, Catholic Exorcist Says – aol news

Novothink Solar Surge is now available for all you iPod Touch and iPhone 3G users.  The solar-powered Surge, the only Apple-certified solar charging case, can double the battery life of Apple iPhone and iPod Touch via solar energy.  Surge combines a state-of-the art solar panel with a lithium ion battery into a soft touch, non-slip finish case to provide energy needy consumers with a great battery backup solution for every day use.

• Novothink’s solar technology provides about 30 minutes of talk time on a 3G network or 60 minutes on 2G from a mere 2 hours of direct sunlight.  Novothink also includes USB cable to charge Surge on a rainy day.
• Surge’s lithium-ion polymer battery (1500mAH for iPodTouch and 1320mAH for iPhone) more than doubles the battery capacity through a highly efficient charger and its smart charging technology automatically sends a charge whenever it needs juice and there is sufficient power reserved.  There are no switches to worry about, it will know precisely when to stop and start charging.  There’s also an integrated thermal sensor to prevent potential overheating if its environment becomes too hot.
• Surge includes a cutout for wrist straps and smaller carabiners making it ideally suited for traveling, hiking, biking, trips to the beach, and camping.
• 4 built-in LED lights let you know if you have a sufficiently powerful light source in addition to how much charge remains in the battery.
• Novothink developed a free Solar Planner App that provides an estimate of how much sun exposure is necessary to maintain the battery level of your iPod Touch or iPhone based on your everyday usage and the current weather forecast.

related: novothink surge

Innovative Spanish design studio, bel&bel, created its handsomely retro SEAT 600 Sofa from the remains of a couple of classic Spanish cars.  The frame and bed consist of recycled materials and the rear of the piece sports an upcycled mini-bar.  The piece also packs a 160 watt amp, speakers and jack for your iPod.  Quite the eco meets retro home entertainment center.

The sofa features working headlights and directional signals just in case your next cocktail party takes an unexpected turn.