• No, they weren’t members of the newly founded Mexican Tea Party…Mexico Busts Gang Targeting Cancun Climate Summit – sciencedaily
• From the “not so much” file. The recessions environmental upside is limited…2009 Carbon Emissions Fall Smaller Than Expected – bbc
• Meet Valerie Putin – environmentalist…Russia Hosts ‘Tiger Summit’ – myway
• Do they lure unsuspecting kiddies into a deadly food trap? Happy Meals are More Than Just a Prize – cnn
• Needed reforms may create another bureaucracy...California Moves to Remove Toxins in Products – msnbc
• Economists Say FDA Must Take Wider Look at Genetically Modified Salmon – livescience
• Orange drinks…How About a Thanksgiving Pumpin Nog or Pumpkin Martini? – aol news

Space and energy are two commodities that will only increase, in both expensive and demand, as our population grows. This solar power concept from English designer Gurdeep Sandhu features solar panel arrays that would fold down when not in use in a saw-horse design. The system provides a space-saving, solar power source for residential and commercial consumers who have multiple uses for  their small rooftop, garden or yard.  Open it during daylight hours and fold it down at night. Need to play some soccer or sunbathe?  Just fold the panels down. I presume the installation would be easily moved or retro-fitted to rotate for maximum solar exposure.

Today’s survey of eco minded fare features a quick roundup of cool warm coats – for tyke, lady green and hip hombre:

This season, like every other, you’ll find a fabulous collection of stylish coats at Kaight’s online shop or eco boutiques in New York City. These, above, are from Seattle-based Prairie Underground; made of organic cotton or hemp/organic cotton blend, they’re tops for chic sustainable comfort. Take your pick at kaightshop.com. For 20% off, use code at checkout:  alternativeconsumer.

Who doesn’t love a winter white coat? It’s so crisp and sharp looking. In natural, this holiday hemp coat above is soft and fuzzy on the inside and brushed on the outside. Ruffled neckline for chic styling, side seam pockets for practicality and gathered at the back for a most flattering fit; ($175). There’s only one right now on Etsy’s consciousClothing site.

(above) The Down Shirt from nau is created from 100 percent recycled polyester and naturally renewable 850-fill goose down. The sleek construction features a guy’s best sustainable features; ($195).

What do you think of this adorable organic cotton hooded pea coat for your pee wee? Only $26 @ monkeyhugz.com

And that’s a wrap for now — here’s to a relaxing, low carbon impact weekend –  love what you have, and only buy what you need.

Oprah’s Favorite Things show airs today – SHEfinds provides a refresher course of her past favorites and will have the scoop later today with this year’s must-have gifts…(don’t miss the SNL segment)!

My friend just reminded me – this Sunday, November 21 11a-5p (rain date Nov 28) there’s a special FREE event happening at one of NYC’s best flea markets – Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market Gourmet Food + Holiday Bazaar. Scout your favorite vintage ware and pickup gourmet food while you scavenge. Several food trucks are rolling in to offer holiday menu specials – sounds like fun. Here’s the scoop…

WHO:
New York City debut of Lucinda Crepe Cart and favorites Frites ‘N’ Meats, Rickshaw Dumpling Truck, Krave Truck, Cinnamon Snail, among others, together with over 70 antique and vintage vendors will gather together at Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market just in time for the start of the holiday shopping season. (Don’t panic, there’s plenty of time to prepare – just enjoy.)

WHERE:
Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, West Side, NYC
On 39th Street and 9th Avenue
Subway: A, C, E to 42nd St-Port Authority

(Open every weekend from 10am to 6pm.) More @ hellskitchenfleamarket.com

Here’s how to reuse and cover yourself in luxurious cashmere without the eco guilt and stinging price tag.

Stella Neptune redesigns and hand screen prints kicky sweaters and scarves for kids and women. She also screen prints recycled cashmere appliques for you to help yourself repair your needy knits…goodbye moth holes.

Pre-Holiday Online Sale:  25% off @ stellaneptune.com Use discount code 25stella at checkout.

The good folks at Artá Tequila were gracious enough to give us a bottle of their fine Anejo tequila to check out – so we gave it our best shot.

Our dedicated, round-the-clock product testing has revealed an organically grown (organic certification is forthcoming) tequila of the finest quality. If you like your tequila neat this is the libation for you. This pesticide-free, 100% blue agave elixir is smooth on the way down with a friendly, warm afterglow - perfect for sitting poolside contemplating the vagaries of climate change, or kicking-back over a pitcher of margaritas, shots, some guacamole and a Patriot’s game (like we did).

Artá produces 3 versions of hand-crafted, eco-friendly tequila: Silver, Reposado and the top-of-the-line, Anejo.  Traditionally harvested and distilled by third generation master distillers, the Gonzalez family, the single ranch tequila is aged in 100 percent oak barrels. The company keeps things nicely green by creating their unique triangular bottle out of recycled glass, emblazoned with an ‘artistic’ label made from recycled paper, all topped-off with a cap created of sustainably produced cork.

Pure rich flavor is insured by the production of small, handcrafted batches and estate-grown organic blue agave. Artá is produced in the town of Arenal on the Baja Peninsula. Under construction is a new distillery and tasting center, intended to create a California wine country vibe and soon to become a cool destination for tequila lovers. Muy bien!

related: organic libations, beverages and such

Coming to your local Infiniti dealer next spring – the all-new 2012 Infiniti M35h. Infiniti today unveiled its first production hybrid performance luxury sedan during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Infiniti Hybrid, will be marketed as having V8 power with 4 cylinder fuel economy. Infiniti touts the sedan as the “first true luxury performance driver’s hybrid” – and the only vehicle to offer more than 350 horsepower and 30 miles per gallon fuel economy (estimated highway mpg).

via: prnewswire

Compliments of five ACCESSORIES I have in hand 3 items that were provided to us for the purposes of this review. After taking them on the road, here’s my take:

You’ll love the sleek silhouette of this sexy green bag.

Designed as an over the shoulder unisex bag, it’s perfect for knocking around with your iPad.

Under the front flap are two, see-through mesh pockets for easy access to cell phone, keys, id, business or metro cards. Inside the main compartment are two additional pockets and one zipper zone.

The pockets are designed to perfectly accommodate both the ancillary coin purse and wallet, (see below).

Voila, you’re ready to hit the road…neat, tight, coordinated.

(L to R above)  For the ladies, a coin purse with key chain and zippered wallet can be used separately or to complete the mini messenger bag package.  Toss in phone, keys, cash, id, lip gloss and you’re ready for action. For casual scooting around each has a little tab to hitch onto a carabiner.

These items are lightweight, hold their shape beautifully and designed to keep you organized while on the go. Made of recycled mosquito netting, they also have a very neat feel. Nicely lined and well made by fair trade artisans in Cambodia. A portion of each sale is donated to a local charity.

My set is black, but they come in an array of colorways – copper, gray, green and yellow; reasonably priced. They make cool gifts! find @ fiveaccessories.com