A green revolution is in full swing at many campuses as a growing number of colleges adopt Earth-friendly programs for students and staff. Eco-conscious students can join the movement by following these 10 super-simple steps to go green on campus:

• Use recycled paper and notebooks. Recycled paper costs a little more, but it saves trees, water and electricity. If your college bookstore doesn’t sell recycled paper products, you can find them at major office stores like Staples and Office Depot. A variety of “green” paper outlets also are available online.
• Ride your bike or walk to class. You can help reduce motor vehicle emissions by using pedal or foot power instead of an automobile. Many large colleges have shuttles available to take you to remote locations on campus. If you are a commuter, consider carpooling.
• Give up bottled water. Bottled water produces an estimated 1.5 million tons of plastic waste each year. Avoid the expense and the waste by buying a reusable water bottle instead. You can fill your bottle with tap water or invest in a filter pitcher to improve the taste. (more…)

Love the photo.  Designed by Zippercat, this Hungry Cat case will swallow and store any of your favorite little gadgets and gizmos. The felted wool pouch will appeal to cat lovers, anime fans and anyone looking another expression of their funky personal style. Great for packing your iPod, iPhone or digital camera…oh, one more thing – the design is inspired by Kato the Cat – pictured above.  $15 @ cargoh.com

(above) U.K.-based nonprofit, Oxfam is a global movement of people working to overcome poverty and suffering. Last year they launched the UK’s first online vintage charity shop and to help promote efforts, they just unveiled a stunning print and video ad campaign revealing the secret stories behind the vintage wear. These ads were created pro-bono by a team of top fashion creatives. Uncover eco-luxe (recycled/slightly used) designer vintage handbags, dresses and more at a fraction of their original cost; organized by category and presented by decade @ oxfam.org.

(above) Fashion scribe Eileen Conlan of shefinds.com uncovers which heavy hitters will be featured in the upcoming Runway to Green and where you’ll be able to buy these designer pieces online.

(above) Thank you, Stella McCartney! My search is over – (more…)

Last week, the Detroit Auto Show featured a bevy of leaner, greener machines, but what I enjoyed most was the upped efficiency of traditional cars. I know that it’s not purely consumer demand driving the added mileage, but governmental regulations that have automakers keeping far closer tabs on the cumulative mpg of their offerings. Hey, whatever it takes is fine by me.

A prime example is the zippy, new Chevrolet Sonic. A compact car in sedan and hatchback styles, the Sonic will become available later this year as a 2012 model. It’s biggest draw, however, is its ability to eek out 40 mpg on the highway… that’s right up there with the mile-per-gallon boasts of alternative powertrains. At a far lesser cost.

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• I had no idea there were ‘rare’ Euro hamsters…France Warned by EU Court to Increase Protection of Rare Hamsters – bbc
• This could lead to lawsuits and higher food prices…EPA to Approve E15 Gasoline for 2001-2006 Cars – reuters
• Does this constitute recycling? (video) Wild Birds Advertise With Plastic Signs – livescience
• This will be a big plus for both consumers and manufacturers…USDA Approves Green, Bio-Based Product Label – npr
• Is that the rare tufted snowy egret or an incoming rocket-fired-grenade? The Bird Man of Bagdad – scientific american
• This is just plain wrong. I feel a protest acomin’…Tuscon Restaurant to Offer African Lion Tacos – myway
• Many cities can save energy but not $$ if street lights aren’t metered…Tough Road to Getting LED Lights on the Street – natgeo

Now through Monday (1/24/11), catch Gaiam’s 20% discount on an array of eco laundry essentials and green home cleaners…direct link to discounted healthy home products @ gaiam.com.
(above – Folding Bags for Sorting Recycling; set of 3, now $12.)

There are a lot of ways to deliver a message. Can something as free and flowing as a dance performance communicate the ubiquitous, planet-choking impact of plastic in our everyday lives?

The world premiere of Plastic People of the Universe, a new work by choreographer Lynn Neuman will be performed by the Artichoke Dance Company this Saturday, January 22 at the Irondale Center, 85 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn, NY.  Tix $20-25. 7:30pm

As described by the dance company: Through movement, film, text, and design, the work addresses the exponential growth of plastics since its invention, the repercussions it is being discovered to have on the human body and cycles of creation and destruction. Recycled plastic six-pack holders serve as the base component for the costumes, by Olek, and set.

Here’s a peek at the company (above and below) performing another work, Human Mapping Project, which addresses litter on the beach: (more…)

With a nod to this weekend’s National Yoga Day, we’re highlighting eco-minded yoga company Kulae in today’s Tried and True Green Product Review. Kulae (pronounced coō’lī) graciously provided us with 3 free products — an eco-friendly yoga mat, cork block and cotton yoga strap. I put them to the test in a few yoga classes. Here’s the lowdown.

First, the all-important yoga mat … I tried the Kulae tpECOmat plus and there’s a whole lot to love. Unlike traditional mats which are made from planet-polluting polyvinyl chloride, this yoga mat is made from Thermal Plastic Elastomer (TPE), a 100% biodegradable and photodegradable, lead-free, rubber- and latex-free material. The closed cell technology construction is specially designed to resist sweat, bacteria, and fungus. Also designed to work with either side up, the blue side up was best for my Downward Dog – no sweaty hands were slipping and sliding. Plus: (more…)

Want to make a not-so-subtle fashion statement at your next eco fashion networking event? Just slip-on a pair of these cattle tag earrings and your comment on folks’ herd-like pursuit of the latest fashion trend (Crocs or Uggs anyone?) should be duly noted.

Green tid-bit: these vintage tags were never actually worn by a dairy cow.

Pick up a pair @ rock and moon’s cargoh shop