Yay – it’s here, Memorial Day weekend! We’re highlighting a collection of sustainable style that’s both casual and born in the USA. Fly that flag, celebrate & honor all the heroes who’ve kept our shores safe over the years.

(above) Not just another tee … from NYC-based artist Kristen Terrano, here’s Cloud Gatherer, a limited-edition, organic cotton tee whose design is inspired by clouds crying on New Mexico’s open landscape. Find via Kil Apparel, an eco friendly clothing company encouraging NYC artists to submit work as part of their curated creative network. $40; slim fit

(above) Eco chic beach bums will bliss out on California made Surfmonk threads … a little luxe for the entire laid back clan, from double-sided bamboo beach/spa/yoga wear to totes, beach blankets, jewelry and more … heaven on earth. (more…)

Today’s cutting-edge fashion and jewelry designers are increasingly using vintage and upcycled materials as key components of their creative designs. One such designer, Victoria Tane, creates her limited edition Cleopatra necklaces from 1960′s vintage pencil eraser tops, recycled chandelier crystals and glass beads … an attractive twist on sustainable bling.

Today, Rachel Carson would have turned 104 years old – we honor her memory and all that she accomplished in the name of conservation.

Golden Globe award winning actress and activist Sigourney Weaver and artist Maya Lin were named winners of the 2011 Rachel Carson Awards at the recent The National Audubon Society’s Women in Conservation event at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. A key speaker at the ceremony, Weaver praised Rachel Carson, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the great biologist and author. Noting that women play a central role in the environment, the alien-hunting actress urged that all women “kick some ass” for Mother Earth.

The Audubon Society praised Weaver for her role as Primatologist Dian Fossey in Gorillas in the Mist, her narration of the Planet Earth series, as well the environmental documentary, Acid Test. She is also a noted activist on many issues, ranging from the Gulf oil spill and Amazon rainforest exploitation, to global reproductive health and birth control for all women. (more…)

• There may be bipartisan support for funding electric car technology and infrastructure…Lawmakers May Back Electric Car Bill – reuters
• Prices at the pump make getting places pricey…Memorial Day Driving by the  Numbers – americanprogress.org
• How to Survive a Tornado: Plan Ahead, Avoid Debris – npr
• These colorful Himalayan imports cause trouble…UK: Parakeets Guilty of Intimidating Native Garden Birds – bbc nature
• Experts Spar Over Gulf Spill Methane Fate – cosmic log msnbc
• Political games: Why is science under attack? Scientists Cry Foul Over Report Criticizing National Science Foundation – livescience
• Good news for meat-eaters ‘downunder’…Australia’s Burping Cows More Climate Friendly Than Thought – enn.com
• Home Deconstruction: Can an Entire House be Recycled? cs monitor