Let’s be clear right off the bat – this coffee tastes smooth and delicious. We taste tested Tiny Footprint’s Medium Roast and it went down smooth – not for the Starbucks-loving bitter tasting coffee lovers – this java packs easy-going, rich flavor – with no heavy aftertaste. This is not your “let’s stay up all night and do our taxes and laundry” coffee, just a perky roast with a nicely rounded, civilized flavor and fresh aroma.

Now about Tiny Footprint’s green street cred…What’s in a name? Based in Minneapolis, Tiny Footprint Coffee is making a big impact as the world’s first carbon-negative coffee roaster. This company is deeply committed to sustainability. They not only produce 100% organic and shade-grown coffee, but also add another important layer to the equation by offsetting their carbon generating footprint to such a degree it’s actually in the negative – which is of course a very good (sustainable) thing. Kind of like generating so much power from your wind turbine that you receive extra credit or are able to resell that energy back to an electric power company. (more…)

A lamp whose base is created from the reclaimed wood of printer’s blocks – an artifact from times-gone-by, when books, newspaper and publications were actually printed.

In the typical modern habitat this lamp can serve as a warm counter-balance to the cold blunt stare of a giant flat screen TV, or as an accent light to add some historical, organic context to either a den or an e-book reading nook.

Valentine’s Day. Be lighthearted. Be true. Eco ideas for all kinds of lovers:

(above) Score with this baseball bat bottle opener re-purposed from a bat that was actually used in a pro game…pick his favorite team. $85-105 at Uncommon Goods.

(above) Handmade and upcycled – Authentic Stadium Seat Cufflinx – choose from Fenway, Boston Garden, Wrigley, Yankee Stadium and more – cufflinks made from recycled seats. $150-$270;

(above) Something sleek for your geek: eco money clip – keep those discarded circuit boards out of the landfill while keeping those green bills close at hand. $15 Circuit Board Money Clip from eco-artware.

(above) Don’t let that iPad go naked – slip on this handcrafted and sturdy iPad bamboo shellcase and stand – perfect for portrait, landscape or keyboard use. $79.99 from Vers.

(above) As handsome as your guy, this eco attache holds everything and comes with adjustable straps & many handy pockets. The Bentley Luxe has a smooth recycled rubber exterior and PET interior lining available in several different colors…made by English Retreads and available at Are Naturals. $189

(above) For that ‘package’: Eco undies for uber comfort – the Bamboo Hipster in an array of colors. Free shipping worldwide from Aussie Bum $14.67

(above) Tired of corporate America? Sick of your condo association? Wear this Kiss My Ass tie to your next performance evaluation or meeting. on sale now $62.50 at Jack Spade. (100% silk, hand cut & sewn in the USA)

(above) Recycled poker chip key ring, handcrafted by designer Sass Brown. on sale, $9

(above L to R)

• ecoFlask – reusable drink vessel – double-walled food grade stainless steel, BPA-free flask – keeps beverages hot or cold up to 8 hours. Removable filter brews loose tea while on the go. $24.99
• Who doesn’t love NY? Classy I heart NY reusable ceramic cup designed by Milton Glaser. Exclusviely at MoMa $14 ($12.60 museum members)

Previously on altCon

• more eco gift ideas
• valentine’s day without breaking the bank
• valentine’s gifts: where traditional meets alternative

• If this guy didn’t mutter this type of speculation he wouldn’t have a job…Green Job Creation Risks Backfiring: Lomborg – reuters
• Put down the t-bone little Johnny…Feeding Babies Solids too Early May Create Fat Toddlers – cnn
• Too bad. At first glance I thought this was referencing a bad Hugh Jackman movie…Wolverine Population Threatened by Climate Change – sciencedaily
• Can communities maintain environmental standards when choked by giant piles of snow? Dirty Temptation to Dump Snow in Waterways – msnbc
• Three ‘Rhino Poachers’ Shot by Rangers in South Africa – bbc
• I’m just saying…Polygamous Mice are Better Breeders – livescience

As electric cars and vehicles like the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf start to snag some marketshare electric car owners will be needing charging stations to top off their batteries. Howard Nuk of San Francisco-based, frog design, in partnership with the electric transportation company ECOtality, has come up with the Blink series of gas-pump-like chargers for curbside and residential applications.

The charging stations, which are already being installed in several states, are designed to provide an intuitive user experience. (more…)

Another celeb joins the green sales bandwagon, but guess what? It’s not just greenwashing … Gisele Bündchen – supermodel, Tom Brady honey, and (since 2009) Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) – recently released a luxe line of planet- and body-friendly skincare called, Sejaa.

In Portuguese,( Gisele’s first language), Sejaa means “to be” and the name embodies the company’s philosophy: to create products that not only nourish your skin, but also your whole mind, body and soul. Formulated without testing on animals, the ingredients used are based on plants like aloe vera and jojoba mixed with shea butter and argan oils. The products are free of sunscreen (note: at a press conference she was accused of describing sunscreen as poisonous)…the line is also free of: parabens, petrochemicals, and synthetic or genetically modified ingredients.

Packaging is 100% recyclable – made of post-consumer waste paper and printed with soy based inks. Hydroelectric power and wind power generate the power used to manufacture the products. Currently, the line consists of: day cream, night cream, a mud mask, and a skincare kit.

Where to buy: Available online only (2 oz Sejaa day cream; 2-month supply $70).

Related: Gisele talks toxins at a press conference and gets grief – NY Magazine (2/7/11)

Stay motivated all year with the right workout gear. But hurry…sale ends Sunday, 2/6. Get 20% off Gaiam yoga and exercise gear…plus an additional 15% off with any minimum order of $75. Enter code 1575.

Breaking Eco Fashion News – Our friends at SheFinds got the scoop – Hermes’ Birken Bag image on the Together eco tote. We love the look and the idea, but there is such a thing as copyright infringement…let’s see where this lands. more @ shefinds.com. (comes in Red, Blue or Camel $35; shipping to start in March…couldn’t resist)

(photo credit above: highsnobette)

The designer, Giddy Spinster, states, “These upcycled stiletto heels are a visual reminder of the increasingly artificial representations of femininity in American culture.” Hmmm….

A sexy pair of reclaimed Pleaser USA black stiletto heels have been transformed into a pair of fashion-fabulous bookends. Strictly for those in search of just the right kitchy accent to top off the decor of their love pad. Or perhaps that certain football coach with a foot fetish, think: Jets; bibliophiles, sexy librarians  and shoe salesmen who take their work home with them.