Hot New Green Ski Destination

For those of you who are considering a ski holiday and who care about the environment, have I got a place for you! The brand spankin' new Hotel Terra in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is where sustainable building and luxury appointments come together quite amicably. Located slope side in Teton Village, this eco luxe boutique hotel offers fine appointments such as custom made "Terra beds", organic linens and bath products, in room HiDef plasmas and IPOD docking stations, and an organic dining room and spa, just to name a few. Yet the entire project was constructed (and is maintained for that matter) sustainably, with superior interior air circulation and heating systems, water conservation systems, recycled roofing shingles, Energy Star windows, the use of wind power, chemical free cleaning and laundry products, and more. In fact, Hotel Terra is awaiting their LEED certification from the US Green Building Council as we speak, which makes it very rare indeed.

And as if this were not enough, they are offering a sweet deal starting at $303 a night for 2, with lift tickets! Hello?! Run, don't walk to the website and experience the future in sustainable vacation travel. Cut and paste this link now -www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com

I'm so there. Read more!

Recycle your Christmas Tree

Did you know that, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are between 30 and 35 million Christmas trees cut down each year? They plant another 56 million each each to make up for it, but imagine 30 million Christmas trees sitting in some landfill somewhere, taking up space and taking years to decompose. Not ideal.

The I Dream of Greenie alternative: recycling your tree, which is my plan this year. My neighboring town is offering this service. I just bring it to the designated location, and they mulch it up and use it for ground cover on city and Adopt-a-spot locations. Some municipalities actually pick up at your house- what a deal! You can also go to the National Christmas Tree Assocation and enter your zip code to find a location near you. Read more!

The Presidential Candidates on the Environment and Climate Change

There have been several televised debates as well as YouTube debates featuring the Democratic and Republican candidates. I try my best to watch them, or TIVO them, but it's difficult finding the time. Luckily, I found a great site that I would like to share with you.

The Election Guide 2008, by the New York Times in their Politics section summarizes each candidate's stance on climate change, what they would do if elected, and what their past actions have been on the issue, including Bill sponsorship and voting records. I found this tremendously helpful in determining who cares and who just pretends to care. Based on my light analysis, it seems that the Democrats care more about this issue, which isn't much of a surprise. You be the judge.

Copy and paste this text in your browser and it will take you directly to this page:

http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/issues/climate/index.html

Climate change and the environment is on my "Top 3" list of issues. It is absolutely critical that we vote someone in office that cares about this monumentally important issue. Unite greenies! Read more!

Greening Your Year End Charitable Contributions

Another year almost over. 2007. Gone. Pretty soon, the dreaded tax season will be upon us. Now is a great time to consider offsetting your tax burden by making charitable donations. If you do already, consider rearranging your allocations towards the environment. Here at IDOG, we know its a worthy cause! There are many wonderful green charities that can help us fight climate change and the challenges that face us as a result of it. Here are a few that I found worth mentioning:

Carbonfund.org. Their motto is "Reduce What You Can, Offset What You Can't." This organization, along with their partners, offers individuals and businesses alike the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing "offsets." By doing this (which is considered a tax deductible contribution of course), your dollars support carbon-reducing projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects. In fact, you get to choose which one you prefer. Offsets also make great gifts for those heavy air travelers and SUV drivers! www.Carbonfund.org

Greenpeace is not just about saving the whales anymore! They are one of the world's most effective activist groups dedicated to the issues of climate change, saving our ancient forests, defending our oceans, campaigning for sustainable agriculture, and creating a toxic free future for our planet. Go to www.Greenpeace.org.

Natural Resources Defense Council. The NRDC is an environmental action organization that utilizes science, law, and the support of 1.2 million members and online activists to protect the Earth and all living things. Worth Magazine put them on their "Top 100 Charities" list and the New York Times calls them "one of the nation's most powerful environmental groups." Check it out at NRDC.org Read more!

Al Gore in Bali - Support the Cause!

There is a lot of green talk going around. Eco this, green that...on my site, in the papers, and all over the place. The more we hear it, the more it seems like a trend of pop culture vs. an eminent threat to our planet. Not be so serious, but it kinda is. In Oslo, at the Nobel Prize Award Presentation Ceremony, Al Gore urged superpowers like the US and China to step up to the plate and stop using each other as an excuse to stalemate. Mr. Gore reminds us that it is up to this generation to solve this problem, and the future of our world depends on it. These are facts- the scientific evidence has been supported.

Right now, delegates from 190 countries are attending the UN Climate Change Summit in Bali. Help me in supporting Gore in Bali by signing the petition found at http://www.climateprotect.org/standwithal.

It's difficult for us to think that one person's purchase of organic food or compact fluorescent light bulbs will make a difference in the long run, but they will, exponentially speaking, so keep up the good work greenies, and don't lose sight of the finish line.
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Green Gift Guide - Eco Jewelry

If you are looking for a gift for your girlfriend, wife or mother, or yourself for that matter, a piece of jewelry is sure to make most women on this Earth pretty darn happy. Some like silver, some like gold, some like diamonds or other gem stones. Unfortunately, there are some serious environmental implications with mining, from the chemicals used in the mining process, to the health effect of the miners, as well as humanitarian concerns in some conflicted regions. So what's a greenie to do?

The answer is simple: REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE some of your old pieces. Before you click off this page and think its lame, hold it! Think custom made, personally designed jewelry. The only women who are able to afford these luxuries are Princess Di or Paris Hilton types! OK so here's how. Many of us have our old "kiddie jewelry"- stuff that family members or old boyfriends gave us that sits at home in the back of some drawer somewhere. I'm not sure of your experience, but mine indicates that most men have fairly terrible taste - it would be my pleasure to recycle it! Take some of those pieces and combine them to make a pretty new pendant for your chain. You may have to buy a new setting but that's nothing considering you are getting a custom design that's "minimally invasive" to the planet. If you are not creative, surf designer jewelry websites, go to a professional jeweler that you trust, or ask your spouse to design something for you. Now that's not only romantic, it's sentimental. More so than buying you the Kay Jewelers Xmas special from the mall like a million other dopey spouses. And you'll look and feel like a princess! A green one.
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Eco Xmas Tree??

I love a real Christmas tree. The fresh pine scent, the natural aura, to me it makes the holiday extra special. With my commitment to living green, however, I had to ensure that chopping down a fresh tree was in line with my eco moral code. Can a real tree be an Eco Christmas Tree? They grow them for this purpose, and replace them with new trees each season, don't they? The tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City is green, with its 30,000 LED lights and solar panels, but its a real tree. I had to weigh the options.

My original plan was to drive 65 miles one way to a Christmas tree farm and cut down my own tree, and make a nice family outing of it. Later I decided against it because of the unnecessary carbon emissions, the cost of gasoline and I wondered, "Do I really need to cut down yet another tree, when already 32 million have been harvested already for the holiday?" My eco solution was to buy from the local fire house located around the block from my home. I saved on gas, I helped our local fire department raise money, and I was feeling good. While we were packing it up on the car, I asked the tree salesman where it came from and he told me, " This tree was shipped 1200 miles from Quebec Canada." Now I am feeling even more guilty! My paltry 130 miles was nothing in comparison. Then again, it came in a truck of hundreds of trees, so maybe per tree, the carbon emissions would be neutralized somewhat. Oy. Perhaps a donation to Green Dimes might be another option (they plant trees for you).

It's so hard to make the right decision in this regard because one way or another, if you get a real tree, it had to be cut down and shipped to you, so either way you are screwed. You can buy a fake one, but it's probably made of plastic or toxic substances that can off gas in your house and help kill you over time. I'm kidding! Seriously, I haven't checked it out, but perhaps this is the sensible green solution. No chopping down of trees, no carbon emissions, maybe I can even find one made of recycled materials!

Hey don't sweat the tree thing too much. Make the greenest choice you can for your situation and enjoy the traditions of the holidays. Read more!

12 Days of Xmas Green Gifts - Part III

Here are today's green gift picks.

1. EDUN Shopping Tote. This tote bag is made from 100% organic cotton and bears their very artful logo. Use it at the market or the beach. EDUN is NUDE spelled backwards and was founded by Bono's wife, Ali Hewson. Their mission is to provide sustainable products while promoting economic development among developing nations. It's a great tote, a great company, and who doesn't love Bono? $25 at www.edunonline.com.


2.Patagonia Eco Rainshell Jacket. Patagonia is a pioneer in the area of plastics recycling and this jacket is no exception. It's 100% water and windproof and made from 100% recycled materials. You can't get much greener than that! $190 at www.patagonia.com

3.Energy Star Programmable Thermostat. This one is for Mom, Dad or Grandma. If one of your loved ones still uses those old fashioned thermostats, you can replace it with a programmable model, and Nana can save up to 33% on her home heating and cooling costs, as well as reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Installation doesn't require a professional either. About $35-40 bucks at www.homedepot.com.

Those are my fabulous green gift choices for today. I am ready to receive some feedback on my picks and/or if anyone actually has any of these products to provide reviews. Thanks greenies!
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The Green Gift Guide, Continued

I promised my loyal following a new green gift idea every day for 12 days. Well, I am feeling quite giving this holiday season and have decided to offer several gift options each day. Damn I'm good.

1. Kill a Watt Power Usage Monitor. This is another one of those cool gadgets for Dad or Uncle Bob. This monitor connects to appliances and other electronics to assess their efficiency, or inefficiency. LED screen indicates how much power is used even when equipment is turned off, helping you to save some coin, not to mention Co2 emissions. www.amazon.com.

2. Root of the Earth Basket. This handcarved basket which is made from a reclaimed Chinese fur tree, is a natural art sculpture that doubles as a beautiful fruit or citrus basket. It comes in 3 sizes. Also check out their bowls, servers or platters which also make great gifts. Go to vivaterra.com and enter "root of the earth" in their search box.

3. Eco Mule Slippers. This one is a treat for anyone on your list. These cozy, spa like slippers are made from organic cotton and hemp and alledgedly mold to your feet, are skid resistant and are super soft. At only $48 bucks, they are a good deal too. www.gaiamliving.com.


4. Organic Long Johns. For those of you living in cold climates, this is perfect. These Long Johns are made from organic cotton in a cute holiday stripe. They make these for ladies, men, kids and even babies. For adults, you can just buy the top or bottom if you want. Adorable! www.hannaandersson.com.

Happy shopping folks.
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The 12 Days of Xmas Green Gift Guide

After a brief green gift research trip, I have returned, blogging once again to my huge fan base of 3, and noticed that the holiday shopping season is officially in full swing! The concept of being green and buying frivolous gifts for one another that we don't want or need is a bit conflicting, however, it is tradition so let's not be a Grinch about it! As a result, I have compiled a small but green gift list to help you evolve into the giving greenie that you are. We are sooo Hollywood.


1. Timberland Earthkeeper Boots- for men and women. They are made with organic cotton, PET linings (plastic soda bottle material), recycled rubber and are 100% waterproof. Available in 4 rich colors for $140/$160 ladies at timberland.com. Comes with the cheesy bracelet that I don't recommend wearing!


2. Adopt a Polar Bear. Since global warming is deteriorating the environment for these creatures, shouldn't we try and save them? Yes! Adopt your very own polar bear, and for as little as $25, you will receive a photo and fact sheet about your bear, a personalized adoption certificate, and even a cuddly plush polar bear toy. I love this one. Go to www.wildlifeadoption.org today and teach your kids something for a change!


3. Aveda gifts. Aveda makes some of the most wonderful hair, body and beauty products on the market, and they are all natural. The company's manufacturing facility is powered by 100% certified wind power. Go to aveda.com, click on gifts, and find something special for both ladies and men. I like Five Paths to Peace, pictured at the top. It's kind of crunchy yet luxurious too.

4. LED Tire Air Alert. This is a cool gadget. Did you know that if your tires are running low on air that it takes more energy to power your car? Make sure your tires are at their optimal levels with Air Alert. An LED light flashes when you need more air. Smart! Find it at www.terrapass.com.

5. Buy Carbon Offsets. Looking for a gift for someone who has everything? If this person travels a lot by plane or auto, or if they simply exist on this planet and don't live in the woods like an animal, they use energy and by purchasing a TerraPass, you will be funding clean energy and carbon reduction projects across the United States. Or they can go back to the woods like Tarzan, their choice. Go to www.terrapass.com for more details.

The 12 days of Xmas will continue with another 7 gift ideas over the coming week. I know its unbearable to wait but it will be worth it. I hope you are getting my very dry sense of humor. Ciao.
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