A green stimulus package of a different sort – our latest roundup up of earth-minded news & upcoming special events.

• October marks National Energy Awareness Month – find out about available tax rebates and incentives by state, county and city governments @ DSIREUSA.org.
• Eco-fashion Alert in Vancouver, BC: Sneak peek at Spring/Summer 2012 sustainable style – catch all the action October 5-7, 2011 Storyeum, 142 Water St, Gastown Tix: $25 at door, less if you buy online. details @ ecofashion-week.com.
• Beginning today and through October 13 join Wood Walk – a 136-mile walk from San Diego to L.A. designed to help families in Kenya, sponsored by The Paradigm Project.
• Just for fun – enter our latest Great Green Giveaway sponsored by Kia for your chance to win a $100 Gift Card to Gaiam.
• Geothermal Energy Expo 2011 takes place October 23-26 in San Diego. Expo floor is sold out, $50 registration fee per day.
• Attn NYC Residents: Grab your bike – Green City Challenge Race takes place October 23 from 11a-6p at Union Square Park. Ten teams compete with brains and brawn. FREE event, learn more @ greencitychallenge.org.
• Adrian Grenier and Peter Glatzer of SHFT to accept Eco-Maverick Award at Opportunity Green 2011 (Nov 10-11) in L.A. Get 30% off with code OGL30 via online registration.
• Check out Toxic Free Talk Radio, hosted by Debra Lynn Dadd, author of Toxic Free with guest Steve Skurnac, President of Sims Recycling Solutions, the world’s largest electronics recycler. They discuss e-waste and safe ways to dispose of electronic scrap.
• November 15, 2011 is America Recycles Day; see how you can get involved and remember to reduce, reuse and recycle – in that order.

UPDATE: Thanks to Kia and everyone for participating. There were many worthy entries, but after much debate over who left the best Top 3 Green Tips, we have our official winner — Geoff K of New Hampshire. Congratulations and enjoy your Gaiam Gift Card! (original post follows)…

Want to win a $100 Gaiam Gift Card? Here’s how to enter this giveaway, sponsored by Kia.

As you may already know, we’ve been committed to becoming more sustainable and greening our lifestyles for the past several years. If you drive, one of the most effective ways you can reduce your carbon footprint is to opt for a hybrid car. Kia’s all-new Optima Hybrid is one a cool ride — save money by filling up less at the pump, and save the planet by using less non-renewable energy and causing less air pollution. A sporty sedan, it’s priced to sell (in the mid-$20,000s).

To enter this contest, simply complete the following:

• check out the lifestyle videos @ kia.com and learn about the design, technology & value of the 2011 Optima Hybrid
• then leave a comment on this post telling us how you optimize your green lifestyle with your Top 3 Essential Green Tips for those who are just starting to become “green”
• check out the Official Rules – (they may look a little intimidating but no need for concern – no waiver needs to be signed, and no likeness of you will be used – promise!)
• be sure to add m @ alternativeconsumer.com to your email address book – winner will be notified via email

A $100 gift card will be awarded to the person who we deem to be the most worthy. So give it your best. Generously sponsored by Kia, the $100 Gift Card is from one of our favorite green emporiums: gaiam.com.

Hurry, contest ends Monday, October 17, 2011, 11:59pm, EST.  NOTE: Contest is open to USA residents only. One entry per person. As always, we will not share your contact info or email address with anyone.

It’s getting chilly out there – time to think sweater. (above) This fashion-forward handmade sweater is knitted from brown tweed yarn — a blend of renewable alpaca and wool, with a touch of acrylic. With great style and details, this warm woolie has a lot going on.

$110 @ iLE AiYE’s Etsy shop