The mi-bra

Running is a cheap and easy way for people to lose weight and improve their health; the only problem is getting started and staying motivated. The best part is you can't really hurt the planet while you're pounding the pavement, but it would be great if you're still using some environmentally friendly gear. The mi-bra, made of 90%organic cotton, is definitely something that would make a brilliant addition to your closet. A fun little bonus of the mi-bra? A handy little pocket which is big enough for your iPod, your keys, or some extra cash.

Green bookmarks by Gilbert13

Check out the adorable bookmarks by UK-based design studio Gilbert13. Called pageCUES, these are made from sustainably sourced cardboard. I use train tickets myself, but these will definitely make a cute gift.

Who was Fired?

From Anna Aurilio of Environment New York:

"New York Governor David Patterson fired the head of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Commissioner Pete Grannis, last week after a DEC memo was leaked to the public showing that Gov. Paterson's proposed budget cuts would hinder the agency's ability to keep polluters in check. If the cuts are implemented, NY-DEC will have lost nearly a quarter of its staff since 2008 -- crippling its ability to protect our environment. It's critical that our next governor gives the DEC the resources it needs to protect New York's air and water from pollution.

Join us today in calling on New York's gubernatorial candidates, Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino, to adequately fund the DEC if they're elected so that we can protect our environment. We'll copy Gov. Paterson on your e-mail to show him that deep cuts to our environmental watchdogs are unacceptable to New Yorkers.

Gov. Paterson has proposed firing more than 200 employees from the Department of Environmental Conservation. The layoffs are so severe that the DEC will have a hard time keeping environmental cops on the beat to keep polluters from running roughshod over New York. The leaked memo said:

"Many of our programs are hanging by a thread...The public would be shocked to learn how thin we are in many areas. DEC is in the weakest position that it has been since it was created 40 years ago."

It's chilling to know that our health and safety may be at risk because Gov. Paterson won't properly fund the agency that works to keep our air and water safe."

Cell phones cause cellular damage

Cell phones are a pet peeve of mine. So reading and watching this just validated my concerns. I found it on the Facebook page of Dr. Christiane Northrup. Here, Dr. Stephen Sinatra of the Heart MD Institute talks about "electropollution" and cell phone safety. Watch the video and see how Wi-fi, cellphones and other electronic gadgets are harming us on the cellular level. He lists the following tips for safe cell phone usage:

• Use a low radiation cellphone. Look up your phone on the Environmental Working Group site.
• DO NOT USE BLUETOOTH. Use the speakerphone feature, holding the phone away from you, or an airphone headset.

• If you can, text instead of calling.

• Do not use the phone if the signal is weak.
• Turn it off when not using it.
• Minimize the amount of time that you're on the cell phone.
• Use the landline as much as possible.
• Use the cellphone when on a 3G network, not an E.
  

Think twice before you Poo Poo it

PooPoo Paper? Yes indeed! It is made from elephant dung, as well as cow poo, horse poo and of course, panda poo. (Sorry I was carried away. How many chances do we get to say poo several times?) Don't worry: the paper products are odorless, and a portion of the proceeds from the sales are donated to elephant conservation programs.

So check out their Pootique today!

Green Pan

Since I renounced Teflon, I've been using stainless steel cookware. And even though I pre-treated it, food still sticks. I was excited when I saw the Greenpan on a recent episode of The Dr. Oz Show. When I looked it up, I read that it is actually PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)-free. I was a little concerned though when I heard the guest say its ceramic coating has silicone in it. The company's website however states that with their Thermolon technology, there is no silicone oil in the product. Just beware of copycats and greenwashing. Look for anodized aluminum, ceramic, glass, or cast iron products.

Green White Way

This was the Broadway Green Alliance table during the annual Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction that raises funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. It's great that most of the vendors provide reusable bags for your purchases. Most shows have their own bags, so you get a souvenir as well.
They encourage theatre fans to print their tickets at home...on recycled paper of course. Another tip is to carpool or take mass transit to go to shows.