In theory, canned tuna is the essence of simplicity, a quick, easy way to get a protein- and-omega-3-fatty-acids hit, all in a handy, on-the-go package.

But then there’s the mercury to worry about. Are you getting poisoned with every flakey bite? And those omega-3s; is all tuna created equal when it comes to fatty acids? And what about the dolphins, turtles and other bycatch – not to mention overfishing of the tuna itself? Are we going to run out of tuna just so that I can make a healthy, easy casserole?

Oy! Suddenly, not so much with the simplicity!

But before you throw your tuna cans in the garbage can, let’s see if we can answer some of those questions.

First off, you should know that there are actually several different species that become canned tuna. If the label reads “white tuna,” it’s albacore. If it reads “light tuna,” it’s typically skipjack, but it might also be tongol, yellowfin (ahi), or bigeye. The upside of albacore is that it tends to have more omega-3 fatty acids, healthy unsaturated fats vital for growth, development, and brain function. They also help prevent heart disease. Unfortunately, albacore also has a higher concentration of mercury. (more…)

Want to find out how big a dent in your household electric bill is your husband’s endless football-watching on your big screen TV? Devices like the Belkin Conserve Insight Energy Use Monitor (above) can let you quantify a device’s carbon footprint and energy expense (just input your cost per KW from your electric bill). now $24.95

Rejuvenating a piece of reclaimed, vintage furniture is a great way to celebrate enduring, handmade craftsmanship – ending the wasteful cycle created by the compulsion to buy everything ‘new’ – regardless of how, or where it’s made. Even if you aren’t an accomplished DIYer, you may want to consider buying classic furniture that’s been given a rebirth by craftspeople who are.

The balloon backed chairs pictured above have been re-upholstered in a variety of luxurious off-cuts and remnants from Liberty, Designers Guild, Malabar, Romo, Nina Campbell, Sanderson and Harlequin. The reclaimed chairs are painted with highly durable eco friendly paint. We discovered these at the U.K.’s Greener Abode, a new web marketplace for independent green designers.

As we so often mention, the best way to go green and save green is to:

• reduce the amount you buy
• reuse what you or others already have
• recycle everything possible, always
• recharge your batteries and spirit

Now that spring’s just about here (Sunday, March 20), it’s the perfect time to take stock of your wardrobe – discern the keepers from the pass-alongs. Make room mentally and physically for spring’s fresh starts. (more…)

Rising energy costs and the desire to be really go off-grid, make self-powered devices and energy-independent gadgets like this jWin radio and LED flashlight combo attractive. The radio features AM/FM and weather band and NOAA emergency alert system. The devices battery charges when you give it a good crank or plug it into the wall with its AC adapter.

You can also use the radio to charge other electronic devices such as cell phones, PDAs, etc, from its built–in rechargeable battery and two-way charging system.  Marked-down from $69.99 to $39.99 @ retrevo.com

Canine fashions have come a long way. These well-made designer shirts, outerwear, ties and accessories are designed for beachy hounds that want to rock a Ralph Lauren, or Newport madras vibe. A winter of endless snow and ice have made peeing on the beach a faraway dream…

Designed and created by AnneMarie Minardi and Gillian Ward for their Rover line, these items can be custom fitted for sizes xs to xxl. You can shop for them at Rover’s Supermarket online shop.

Wondering what top trends and innovations for sustainable & stylish living are in play today? According to Ann Mack, the director of trend spotting for J. Walter Thompson, even in these recessionary times, green “is still very much alive.”  Here are some highlights of JWT’s 100 Things to Watch this year:

• Bamboo is booming: touted as the sustainable building material of the future, we should expect to see bamboo everywhere from building material to bicycles, clothing, kitchenware and more.
• Biomimicry (a personal fav): biologists, engineers and designers collaborate to develop designs and processes that take inspiration from nature.
• Coming Clean With Green: Americans may see more accurate and detailed green claims when the Federal Trade Commission publishes the first update to its “Green Guidelines” in 12 years.
• Custom Printed Books: market is projected to increase from 4 to 15 percent of the total book market of the next five years.
• Digital Interventions: Concerned about several forms of digital addiction (internet, mobile phones, Facebook) people will stage interventions of family and friends, encouraging the idea of logging off for periods of time (de-teching).
• F-Commerce: more and more brands will allow Facebook visitors to shop without leaving the site (ie: Victoria’s Secret, Delta Airlines and 1-800-Flowers.com) (more…)

• Did you know Memphis is at the center of a potential earthquake zone? Japan Nuclear Woes Cast Shadow Over U.S. Energy Policy – reuters
• Japan Quake: Anxiety in Japan Grows as Rescue Workers Find More Bodies – cnn
• Most people bring a lawyer to court with them…Woman Goes to Va. Court With Tiny Monkey in Bra – myway
• Lost City of Atlantis, Swamped by Tsunami, May be Found – yahoo! news
• Peace, love and a few missing cats…San Francisco Residents Coexisting with Coyotes – msnbc
• Bummer…Non-Native Snakes are Taking a Toll on Florida’s Native Birds – sciencedaily
• Laser Scan May Reveal Stonehenge Secrets – aol news
• Corned Beef and Cabbage: Eat Green Grass Fed Beef St. Patrick’s Day – green celebrity

Strolling along the west-side of Manhattan just keeps getting better and better. If you’re planning a trip to New York City, a visit to The High Line park is really a must. Hang out above the bustling streets, and enjoy the beautiful landscape and view from this amazing “park in the sky.”

Built on the site of a former “L” elevated railway, and running from West 14th to 20th Street, Stage 1 of The High Line opened in June of 2009 and fast became an oasis for harried folks in dire need of fresh greens and a new perspective. At 30 feet above the hustle and bustle, we were inspired to make this brief High Line video.

Cut to two years later…The greenway’s highly anticipated Second Stage of development from 20th Street to 30th will open to the public in May. Thanks in large part to Friends of The High Line, as well as the NYC Department of Economic Development, Section 2 will be unveiled officially with an Opening Spring Benefit on May 16, 2011. Cocktails, tour and dinner, tickets start at $1,000. With an area designated as the Chelsea Thicket, a wildlife field with perennials blooming every few weeks, a green lawn, seating benches from reclaimed lumber, as well as a crazy new “cut out” – a steel walkway rising 8 feet above the High Line level – Section 2 includes these sleek design features and more wows … at one point along the walkway you can see clear across the island, from the Hudson to the East River.

Ultimately, upon completion of Section 3, Manhattan’s High Line will continue northward to Hell’s Kitchen. (Hard) hats off to all who are making this greenway a reality. We love it. Especially in this down economy, it’s a testament to: the power of neighborhoods working together, NYC’s greening efforts, and an incredible transformation and utilization of a once abandoned, almost forgotten site.

Related: previously on altCon
high line park – nyc rises to the occasion (6.8.09)