Trick or treat

Every year, the same dilemma: What to do with all the sweets your kids got for All Hallows' Eve. Some dentists have banded together to reuse and recycle leftover candy through Halloween Candy Buyback. The sweets are then sent to American troops stationed overseas. So trick your children into doing something good for the country and their teeth, and send soldiers a treat.

Jessica Alba creates an eco-friendly home for her family

Jessica Alba is pretty well known for her support for important causes, and the environment is just one of the issues she's passionate about. In the upcoming issue of InStyle magazine, she and husband Cash Warren are showing off their eco-friendly home, which features vintage light fixtures, recycled furniture, and non-toxic paint.

Flushed away

I have a full bottle of Darvocet sitting in my medicine cabinet. My doctor said to get rid of it so nobody can accidentally get into it. We all know (everybody NOD YES) not to flush medications down the toilet because it all comes back into the waterways and drinking water supply. Aside from your local pharmacy, Department of Health or Board of Pharmacy that might have a take-back program, you can also try Earth 911 or the Starfish Project. The latter takes certain medications for distribution to the people of Africa.

We also see signs in public restrooms not to flush anything other than toilet paper. That should hold true for our own homes, too.

Travel+Leisure's green travel gadgets

Going away on holiday and want to be greener? Check out Travel+Leisure's list of eco-friendly gadgets you can take with you on your vacation, like solar-powered chargers, a biodegradable laptop, and batteries you can charge with a USB connection.

Pristine Recovery

I heard about Pristine Recovery on the Z100 morning show the other day. So I thought I'd take a page out of Carolina Bermudez's Rage Page, and feature it here before National Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends. The company was started by a young breast cancer survivor so the products are all natural, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. A portion of their proceeds go to the Young Survival Coalition and the Cancer Prevention Coalition. What could be better than shopping, staying healthy, and donating to a good cause?

Can adding this to your car make it more fuel-efficient?

Blade by Sabertec promises to increase a car's fuel efficiency and reduce the pollutants being released by the vehicle, and people don't have to do anything but attach it to their car's tailpipe. The premise sounds interesting and ridiculously simple you'd wonder why no one ever thought of developing such a product before. There's a lively discussion over at Treehugger right now regarding the truth of this product's claims. How do you weigh in on this issue? Can making cars more fuel-efficient really be as easy as this?

Take it back

If you've given up buying bottled water and started using Brita or Pur home water filters, you probably know there is no way to recycle them. Europe already has a take-back recycling program. Go to Take Back the Filter to sign a petition to Brita (which is owned by Clorox) or to send your used cartridges.

In other green news...

Houses of worship in some Massachusetts cities are going green to save some green.

More and more companies in Canada are starting to rethink business travel and trying to find ways to make it even greener.

This isn't actually green news, but it's an interesting sign of how the green bubble has grown--and weakened--on the Web. Mediaweek reports that a lot of websites focused on the environment have cropped up, but are now suffering traffic-wise, even the ones published by media giants like Hearst.

Be a Dairy Queen

I first heard about the La Leche League, an organization that advocates breast-feeding and provides support and information to nursing mothers, from Lea Salonga's blog entry. And then later on, from my friend Dawn. Aside from the oft-mentioned benefits of the babies' higher IQ, better health, and better bonding between mother and child, you save money on formula and keep formula packaging out of landfills.

If you cannot breastfeed, buy organic formula and use BPA-free bottles.

Sheepdrove Eco Conference Centre

Meetings are a real part of corporate life, and it's a good thing that nowadays, they can be a lot kinder to the environment thanks to the help of technology. Many meetings take place over the Internet, for example, so there's no need for people to rush over from one country or coast to another just to talk business and strategies with colleagues.

Conferences are a different story, though. With usually a large number of participants and all the distance traveled to reach the venue, it is not the most eco-friendly activity. People can try to reduce the environmental impact in other ways, though, like staying in a place that emphasizes the need to respect the environment and explore more healthful food options. Sheepdrove Eco Conference Center is one such venue, providing a location and rooms made with sustainable materials as well as organic meals. Owned by Peter and Juliet Kinderlsey, the conference center is part of the Sheepdrove Organic Farm, which prides itself on being one of the U.K.'s top sources of organic meats and vegetables.

LED the way

Alright, so you're already using compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFLs. What could be even better? LEDs, or light emitting diode bulbs. They use up less energy, last longer, produce more light and do not contain mercury. And in the end, bigger savings for you.

Green behind the ears

Ever gone to someone's house and saw all the lights on, no recycling going on or noticed other wasteful habits? If you have trouble talking to your friends or relatives about the importance of saving the planet and its resources, you can try bribing them. During this economic crisis, I'm sure your friends and family will appreciate saving much-needed dough when you give them so-called "green" starter kits. The Zola Goods kit includes a low-flow showerhead, low energy light bulb, and a power strip. For students, the Green Office kit contains recycled notebooks, folders and other non-toxic school supplies. Pretty soon they'll see that going green WILL save them some green.

Books for the eco-friendly homeowner

My sister mentioned Earthships a couple of days ago, something which absolutely got us hooked when we were watching a show about these homes on TV. I'd definitely love to live in one, though, ha-ha, that's not likely to happen given the cost and all the work you have to put into building one. While the rest of us may not be able to have our own Earthship, we can at least do what we can to make sure our houses are eco-friendly. Pam Robinson came up with a list of books the eco-friendly homeowner should read.

Green make-over

If you are remodelling your house, why not recycle as well? Ask your contractor if they'll do it for you. If not, you can find a recycler locally. The Construction Materials Recycling Association may be able to assist you.

Dishwashing with a Twist

A couple of weeks ago, I ended up staring at the sponge in my hand while doing the dishes, wondering about any available eco-friendly sponges out there. My sister already mentioned Natural Value before, and recently, I came across Twist sponges, which are made of cellulose from renewable tree farms and are biodegradable. I didn't think sponges ever needed to be stylish, but if you ever thought you really needed some cute ones, then Twist's products might be just right for you.

Kiss off

Can't go out without at least lipstick on? Lead, a known neurotoxin, has been found in standard lipsticks. You can try the Peacekeeper Lip Paint (the company donates its profits to international women's rights causes), Burt's Bees, Ecco bella, Aubrey Organics, or Organic Wear. And say goodbye to parabens, synthetic fragrances, petrolatum, and of course lead.

Earthships

Thanks to HGTV for featuring Earthships in one of their shows (sadly, I can't remember which one).

What is an Earthship? Wikipedia defines it as "a passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials". For more on this, check here.

If you do a search for earthships, you'll stumble upon earthships for sale. Wouldn't you want to live in such a house? I know I would. However, I don't think most people would understand the desire to live off the grid. I wonder if earthships can easily get financing?

Do some green shopping

Of course, it would be a lot greener if you didn't have to shop at all, helping you stay away from all the packaging and possible waste. But there are plenty of necessities that you just have to buy.

My Earth Too! offers eco-friendly clothes, accessories, home furnishings, and cleaning products. Right now, their online store mainly features apparel, but you can purchase their products in places like J.C. Penney and Kohl's.

Primo Soriano wants to help young girls avoid the terror of being caught having their first period without any emergency supplies with the help of the Tomkit, or the Time-of-the-Month Kit. Each kit contains organic hand sanitizers and biodegradable pads and pantyliners.

The New Zealand-based Ecostore mainly serves New Zealand and Australia, and its catalogue of products consists of skin care, laundry, and gardening items.

Ecocabs

The rickshaw, or tricycle/pedicab, is a pretty common transportation option all over the world, and the pedal-powered or battery-powered ones might just be the most eco-friendly way to get around a city. Naturally, rides on tricycles don't come for free--except in Dublin, where Ecocabs are gaining popularity.

Ecocabs provide a shuttle service around the Dublin city center on a daily basis from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., April 1 to December 31st. The three-seater cabs are mostly pedal-powered, but can also be helped along with battery power when necessary. Rides on the Ecocabs are free, thanks to the sponsors who advertise on the cabs themselves!

POPS

We've all heard how the incidence of Type II Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. Poor dietary habits and lack of exercise lead to this medical condition, but according to the 7Gen blog, new research shows that environmental chemicals maybe contributing to the problem:

"At issue are Persistent Organic Pollutants, or POPS, which are carbon-based chemicals (often containing chlorine) that resist biodegradation and build up in the environment and inside people, too. It's a complicated medical detective tale, but here's the Cliff Notes version: Our bodies manufacture an enzyme called GGT that scientists have learned is a strong indicator of diabetes. The higher your GGT levels, the more likely you are to be diabetic. Researchers have also discovered that GGT plays a big role in clearing POPs out of our cells. Putting two and two together, they wondered: Is GGT simply a marker for the true cause of this epidemic and are POPs the real culprit where diabetes is concerned?

The preliminary answer is yes. Because when this theory was explored, scientists found that people with the highest levels of POPs were found to have a rate of diabetes 38 times that of those with the lowest levels. And weight had nothing to do with it. Skinny people with high levels of POPs were likely to be diabetic. Obese people with low levels of POPs were not."

Transparency

Seventh Generation has started the Show the World What's Inside campaign to promote full disclosure of ingredients used by manufacturers of everyday household products. (Among other things, there's a label reading guide on the website that you can download to your cellphone or computer.) Tests conducted by the Environmental Working Group shows high levels of man-made chemicals and toxins in children. Protect your family and the planet. Be an informed consumer.

This is not green, but pink

Received by e-mail. Before you love others, love yourself. Read on...

"Did you know that a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the time you finish reading this email? A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 2 minutes – you can help a woman in your life by sending her the facts about breast health and an important reminder to get a check-up.

"This October, Folgers will partner with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to support breast cancer research and education for underserved women with its limited edition Pink Can, which will be available in grocery stores and convenience stores nationwide. In addition to the Pink Can, consumers will be able to visit folgers.com to send a 'wake up call' e-card to loved ones to make them aware of breast health and the importance of early detection. Please click on the image below for your wake up call.

"For additional information about the Folgers Pink Can, 'wake up call' e-card and tips on good breast health, please visit folgers.com."

It's in the blood

Watch this presentation by Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group and see if you're not shaken to the core.

Nuked produce

Another reason to buy from local farms and markets, or to go organic: An FDA ruling allowing irradiation of spinach and iceberg lettuce in order to prevent E. Coli. Zapping produce lowers its nutritional content and allows the formation of dangerous new, possibly carcinogenic compounds. Look for the Radura symbol (pictured on left) on packaging.

For more information, read the Seventh Generation newsletter.

Partying the green way

Do you live in Hollywood? If yes, did you know that a green lounge will be opening next month? It's called Ecco Ultra Lounge.



According to the Ecco website, "Ecco will set the standards for an eco-friendly nightlife experience by minimizing and neutralizing its impact on the environment, while implementing energy saving initiatives."

From what I read on the website, the good intention is there to be green. I don't think it's pursuing a LEED rating, but it's still incorporating energy-saving and green initiatives. Not bad. I do hope it'll really embrace environment-friendly practices once it opens.


Image from the Ecco Ultra Lounge website.

Payless ShoeSource plans to go green

Early next year, you will start finding green Payless shoes in stores nationwide and online.

Payless ShoeSource is teaming up with Summer Rayne Oakes, Discovery Network's Planet Green fashion and beauty expert and author of Style, Naturally: The Global Guide to Sustainable Fashion and Beauty.

The team will be using sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as organic cottons and linen, natural hemp and recycled outsoles. At the same time, they will use eco-smart packaging.

The "green" shoes will cost under $30 a pair on average. Now we wait and see.

Eco book for women out there

In case you're looking for an eco book for yourself, your friend, your sister, your mother, etc., check out The Eco Chick Guide to Life: How to Be Fabulously Green.

Planning a green Caribbean getaway?

Then you might want to check out the Dominican Republic, which is being touted as the leading destination for eco-tourism in the Caribbean. The country is rich in wildlife sanctuaries and natural parks, and Francisco Javier Garcia, the Minister of Tourism, says, "By setting aside 20 percent of our land for preservation, the DR has taken a very systematic approach to ensure our natural beauty remains unspoiled."

Kraft creates energy from cheese waste

I never thought Kraft had the most healthful food selection, but I'm at least glad to hear that they've found another use for their food waste. Two of their cheese plants are now responsible for turning whey into biogas.

"Our facilities have previously used strategies such as concentrating the whey to reduce volume and finding outlets for it to be used as animal feed, or for fertilizer on environmentally approved farm fields," said Sustainability Vice President Steve Yucknut. "Both methods required transporting the whey off-site. Now, we're reducing the associated CO2 emissions that are part of transporting waste, discharging cleaner wastewater from our on-site treatment systems, and creating enough alternative energy to heat more than 2,600 homes in the Northeast."

The best news: A treehouse for grown-ups!

When I was young, a mango tree was planted in our backyard. I envisioned its branches playing host to a really cool treehouse, but of course, by the time the tree was big enough to carry a treehouse, I was already too old for one.

But then again, is anyone really too old for a treehouse? Apparently not. Researchers from Tel Aviv University and MIT have developed a treehouse that provides plenty of shade, processes waste, and helps reduce carbon emissions.

The extraordinary structure is build from actual tree roots that are grown to be mallable and then hardened into a structure like steel girders. The houses can be equipped with solar panels and wind turbines to generate electricity and even convert human waste into valuable nutrient for the living tree.

Sounds dreamy, doesn't it? The eco-treehouse probably isn't meant for us regular people, though; at the moment, it's much too expensive to construct.

_{Photo: UK Telegraph}

Habitat for Humanity begins work on eco-friendly home

Habitat for Humanity is well known for building simple and affordable homes, but now, they're trying their hand at green building. Their first eco-friendly home is being built in Pontiac, Michigan and is aiming for a Platinum LEED certification.

It has a long list of features that will save energy, from a foam-insulated foundation to a tankless water heater. It will have floors of environmentally friendly cork or bamboo, and a sloping roof that could someday accommodate solar panels.

Gontina Building & Design, a design firm with an eye for sustainability, is responsible for the design of the home. They've designed high-end LEED-certified homes, but they also aim to show that lower-cost homes are capable of achieving a Platinum LEED rating.

Found on Etsy: The Recycling Tree

I've bought a handful of unique items from Etsy, like my Atticus Finch shirt by inexplicableconfetti and a cute purse by Funky Chic Designs. But there's also a large selection of home decorations made from recycled items. I found the Recycling Tree, a wall panel by Reincarnations.

Painted on a piece of reclaimed wood, the edges and back are left raw. Small metal leaves punched from recycled soda cans fall from the tree's shadowy branches.

"Please recycle" symbol is attached to the side of the painting. Hanger is a pop top from the soda can.

Definitely a clever and attractive use of items that would ordinarily be thrown out!

Ethan Allen goes green

Next year, furniture manufacturer Ethan Allen will release its line of eco-friendly furniture which will be dubbed either American Hardwoods or American Woods, and will feature "water-based finishes, organic bed coverings, products containing recycled materials and eco-friendly linens and upholstery fabrics."

New green computers and LCD monitors announced

Good news on the green computer front! More and more computer manufacturers are coming out with eco-friendly versions of their products.


NEC, for example, has released two new LCD monitors: the 24-inch MultiSync EA241WM widescreen monitor and 19-inch MultiSync EA191M standard display. The monitors earned a Gold and Silver EPEAT rating, respectively, and also boast NEC's ECO mode, which allows you to lower power consumption, and they also have a carbon footprint meter.


Lenovo has also released the ThinkVision 193p, which attained a Gold EPEAT rating and has plastic parts made out of post-consumer recycled materials.


Finally, we have Samsung's MV100 Tower and MZ100 Slim Tower, which both use up 60W of power when in use. No word yet on its other eco-specs, but if the 60W power consumption is one of its main selling points, then it sounds like a pretty promising start.

Sony Ericsson launches its GreenHeart phones

I'm a big fan of Sony Ericsson phones, which is why I'm pretty thrilled that they've joined the fray and come up with GreenHeart, a line of eco-friendly phones. They have yet to be produced for consumers, but I'm sure we'll see them in the market in no time.

The GreenHeart™ is a full concept with all life cycle in mind. It includes features such as bio-plastic housings, recycled plastic keypads, zero charger with 3.5mW standby power, HTML based e-manuals, a game style educational application ‘Ecomate’ and environmentally conscious packaging.

Sony Ericsson's packaging for its newer models has been shrinking, which is a positive sign, but their new approach for the GreenHeart phones, which come with HTML-based manuals to boot, is a great new step for them.

India unveils the Soleckshaw

All over the world, the rickshaw is powered in different ways. Back in the old, old days, the rickshaw was human-powered, meaning the small carriage was hoisted up by men who run through the streets to transport the passengers. Probably eco-friendly and a good source of exercise, but while rickshaws like that are still in existence, many other cities have opted to replace foot power with bicycle or engine power.

In India, the engine-powered rickshaw is more common, but they're starting to rethink this mode of transportation--and they've come up with something great. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed the Soleckshaw for New Delhi, a feat that took them all of eight months.

"The dual-powered Soleckshaw is the CSIR's solution for the dual problem of decent employment generation for the masses and mitigation of global warming," a CSIR official said.

Charging stations for the Soleckshaw have also been developed. The Soleckshaw seats three people including the driver and runs up to 15 km (9 miles) an hour.

_{Photo by AFP}

The latest green news

Jennie Garth has teamed up with GreenWorks to design a tote bag made with 100% recycled cotton. The Green Bag by Jennie Garth will sell for $10 and out of that amount, $3.65 will be donated to The Sierra Club.

All over the world, towns and cities are starting to adopt more eco-friendly ways of living. One of the latest green towns being planned will be in Nurit, Israel. The first 100 homes are set to go up by next year, and it's likely that most of its first residents are people from the big cities, who are all looking for a return to a greener, simpler way of life.

CTN Green is an all-new publication focusing on green trends and eco-friendly resources for consumers. Best of all, it's completely paperless and you can flip through its Flash-format magazine.

Knowledge is Power

I saw Matt Lauer interview Sloan Barrett on the Today show the other day. She was plugging her book, Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet It is on my must-read list. Protect you and your family from toxins and diseases.

Recycled placemats, anyone?

During lunch earlier, we talked about recyclable or recycled placemats. My sister and I had set our plates down on a couple of pieces of paper towel--which we turned into a multipurpose makeshift placemat--to soak up the sauce that had sloshed out on its way from the restaurant to our house); we tore out bits of that paper towel when we needed extra space for a piece of bread. and that prompted the discussion about placemats. So I had to look up some spiffy green placemats and here's what I found.

Ecoist has a silver placemat made from candy wrappers. The placemat comes in a set of four and sells for $68. Probably a little steeper than your average placemat, but it supports a good cause and it's eco-friendly, too! I particularly like the color and the shiny appearance of this one. Can you imagine how it would look against dark tablecloths?

CB2, Crate & Barrel's sister store, offers a recycled placemat made out of shredded juice and milk boxes, which is also water-resistant. It costs $6.95, which isn't bad at all, I reckon. The placemat also looks pretty sturdy and eye-catching. Given the materials with which it's made, I'm not surprised that each placemat has a unique appearance.

Sol Mesz created this placemat out of recycled glass, making it seem more like a tray than a placemat, plus it has a separate area for silverware. At least any soaks and spills can be easily wiped off, though. The catch? One of these placemats will cost you $42.