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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Eco-Friendly Holiday Cards

Seasons Greetings! Once again, its the time of year to spread glad tidings and holiday cheer to all of our friends and loved ones. Holiday cards reach out to those that we see often, and those we don't. But while we are spreading the love, shouldn't we keep things green? Well, my little greenies, of course we should, and I have the solution that will appease your green consciences.

Check out HolidayClassics.com, an online card shop that offers a lovely selection of holiday cards, including the card in the adjacent photo. These "greenings" are made from 100% recycled materials.



If you are looking for something that makes even more of a statement, consider a plantable holiday card from BotanicalPaperworks.com. Not only is it a beautiful handmade card, and made from recycled pulp, but you can drop it in a pot or in your yard and watch it grow into wildflowers! Incredible! Here's a sample on the right.

Many card and gift shops now carry lines of recycled gift cards, so now you can conserve our natural resources AND make a statement about your beliefs, if you dare!
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Turn Black Friday GREEN

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

So tomorrow is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. Thanks to the sub prime mortgage market crisis, the slump in housing, and poor retail sales figures thus far, retailers are scrambling to offer you something special to get you out the door. Their idea of an incentive? Opening their doors at unspeakable hours - midnight tonight, 4am, 5am and 6am tomorrow, in order to entice you to beat the crowds and load up on merchandise. Call me crazy but the idea of waking up in the middle of the night to walk around some department store with a bunch of psychotic shoppers is not my idea of a productive or enjoyable day off.

My green suggestion is to completely skip Black Friday. Instead, go for a jog. Talk a walk around your neighborhood with your family. Clean out your closets and donate your old clothes to the needy. Play a game of scrabble. Skip the madness and enjoy life!
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Does Your Child Drink their Bath Water?

I hope not, but mine does, and it drives me crazy! She acts like it's delicious but I think she just likes to irritate me (probably the latter.)Initially, my negativism was directed towards the dirt and germs that were washed off her and were now floating in the water. But then I started wondering about the cleanser used to clean the tub too. This is where the real harm is, and it became clear that an all-natural solution had to be found.

Lately, you can find a plethora of natural cleaning products and laundry detergents on the market, such as Method, and Seventh Generation. Or you may opt for the old fashioned method that is effective and economical, by using baking soda, vinegar, and lemons. I like using them in certain areas of the house like the kitchen, but in others, I feel like I need to bring in the big guns, so to speak. That's why I was so excited to find this revolutionary product called the Lotus Sanitizing System.

I first saw this product on "The Big Idea by Donny Deutsch." Essentially, this machine turns ordinary tap water into a chemical free sanitizer that kills microbes and removes toxins by super oxygenating it. It has several attachments, so your can either sanitize water for cleaning, or you can clean fruits and veggies from germs and surface pesticides, while increasing their shelf life. Additionally, there is a baby bottle attachment for sterilization, using the same process that hospitals use. During demonstrations, I have witnessed the removal of 10 year old carpet stains in seconds and the sterilization of counter tops after chopping raw poultry. Time Magazine awarded it 2006 Best Invention Award and sales are going through the roof.( Can I buy the stock?) This product retails somewhere around $149 and $199 depending on attachments and can be found online and through retailers like GaiamLiving.com.

This one is a great gift for a family with kids! Me likey!
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Reduce Your Junk Mail for Free

Are you receiving a lot of unwanted catalogs that clog your mailbox? If you are like me, you dispose of 90% of them without even opening them. Sometimes I save my favorites, pretending that I'll have 5 minutes of free time to sit down in peace with a cup of coffee and meander through them. Hey I can dream, can't I? They end up right in recycling. What a waste of a tree.

The fact is, it takes approximately 53 million trees to produce the 19 billion catalogs that are sent out to homeowners annually. That's a lot of green. If you would like to join 165,000 other consumers and simply opt out, now you can. A coalition of environmental groups has introduced a free Web site, called CalalogChoice.org that allows people to decline delivery of over 1,000 catalogs. Unlike GreenDimes.com, or 41 Pounds.org that charge for this service, CatalogChoice.org is free and encourages consumers to reduce their catalog consumption, not to eliminate it completely.

This morning, I tested this service. After logging in, I opted out of 44 catalogs that I know that I receive but never look at. CatalogChoice takes you through an alphabetized list, and you can choose each vendor one by one. This task took a total of 10 minutes. Then you can review what you have done, and opt back in if you made an error. CatalogChoice also allows you to invite friends, which I highly recommend. Who WOULDN'T want less crap in your mail??

Within 10 weeks, your mailbox should be free of that unwanted junk mail and together, we will have saved a tree or two, million.
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How Many Pesticides Make it to Your Thanksgiving Table?

Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday, and not just because it's a day of fabulous food, friends and family, but it's a great time for reflection. This year in particular, I will be giving thanks for my new found commitment to green living. After years of living blindly to the dangers that lurk in our food, our homes and the Earth, I finally realize that it is so important to the health of our families. Duh. I guess better late than never.

This year, we will be hosting the 1st Annual All Natural Organic Thanksgiving! Here are a few ideas for you to keep it chem-free.

Step 1: Order an Organic Bird. This can be done at a quality butcher shop, or even a local farm. If you want a really good one, based on a test of 9 turkeys conducted for the New York Times, buy an Eberley (also labeled D'Artagnan) certified organic or an Eberley (D'Artagnan) natural, which is similar except it's not fed organic grain. In taste tests, these turkeys ranked #1 and #2 hands down respectively vs. the other 7, which included a Butterball, a Bell and Evans, a kosher turkey and several wild birds. To order one, call 800-327-8246 and they will ship it right to you. It costs more than store bought, but this is one day to splurge. Or try IGourmet.com; they also offer organic turkeys.

Did you know the world famous Butterball brand is injected with the following: vegetable oil, water, salt, emulsifiers (mono- and diglycerides), sodium phosphate, annato color and artificial flavor. Is this supposed to be Thanksgiving or a high school chemistry experiment??

Not that I'm Giada de Laurentiis or anything, but I do highly recommend brining the bird the night before in a salt water mixture. This helps the turkey retain its moisture and tenderness. You can find many recipes using this technique at www.epicurious.com.

STEP 2: Organic Bread Stuffing. This is an easy one. Buy a few loaves of organic wheat bread ( or mixed varieties) and let them go stale. Not rock hard, just day old. Then cut off the crust and chop into bread cubes, add poultry seasoning, onions, celery, milk, stock or whatever you fancy and voila, fresh and natural dressing.

STEP 3: Haul yourself to the best organic market in your area or the local farmers market, if available. In my area, that is going to be Whole Foods. They have a wonderful selection of produce, and organic potatoes, both sweet and regular, should be on your list. Contrary to my own incorrect assumption, and according to the Environmental Working Group, 81% of potatoes were shown to have contained harmful pesticides, after peeling and washing. Here is a list of other Thanksgiving favorites, with the percentage of the sample that contained known pesticides, according to a study by the EWG:

Celery 94%
Carrots 81.7%
Green Beans 67.6%
Winter Squash 41%
Sweet Potatoes 58.4%
Cauliflower 84.6%
Spinach 70%
Lettuce 68.2%
Broccoli 28%
Frozen Peas- 23%

Not all veggies made it to the list, like my beloved brussel sprouts. But this list is fairly comprehensive. So shop accordingly.


Step 4: Dessert. I haven't found results on pumpkin, but I am confident that you can find a can of organic pumpkin puree at a good market, or use your old pumpkin off your stoop and hope it won't kill you. Based on the fact that you are only using the inner scrapings, my guess is that its not bad at all. Apples for that cobbler has a high concentration of pesticides also- 94%, and peaches 96%, strawberries 92% - but blueberries seem to be the big winner at 27%. Go figure. Or find an organic bakery and let them do some of the work!

I hope you found this information helpful. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and be thankful for YOU- for putting out such a healthy and delicious meal!

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Eco Cosmetics: GREEN is Beautiful

When I think of chemicals in my home, or how to avoid them, my first thought is of my home cleaning products. We all know they are so toxic that we have to lock them in a cabinet or sequester them to a far reaching dark corner, far far away from the kids. ( More on this soon!) Yet on a daily basis, ladies and gents, we come into contact with up to 200 chemicals, and we rub them all over our skin! The average person uses up to 25 cosmetic and personal care products per day, exposing themselves to many harmful ingredients. For example, some mascaras contain a preservative called thimersol, a derivative of mercury. Certain fragrances in creams cover up phlalates, which can disrupt thryoid function. And formaldehyde has been found in foundation makeup, for freshness.(No wonder some women look like mummies!) A general review of the products in your medicine cabinet will most likely locate these and many more.

Luckily, we don't have to revert back to Elizabethean times and resort to beet juice and vegetable dyes. A few interesting products have emerged that I felt were worth sharing.

JOSIE MARAN COSMETICS. Other than being the first person to be kicked off "Dancing with the Stars" this season, I had no idea who this person was. Nevertheless, she has done well by creating a full line of cosmetics that are responsibly developed, free from parabens, petrochemicals, and toxins. Most of the packaging is biodegradable and they list every ingredient in each product on their website, at www.josiemarancosmetics.com. You can also see her products exclusively at Barney's NY. It's worth a look.

SAFFRON ROUGE. This website is like an online Sephora, with lots of makeup to choose from, and a plethora of personal care products. A visit to their site reveals that most of their products are from overseas. Apparently, Britain, Germany and other nations have been busy working on products like this since they have known for years what I am telling you today. Duh- we're a little slow here in the US...

ORIGINS ORGANICS. This is a new line of personal care products most of which are certified organic by the USDA. Origins features shampoos and conditioner, body soap, moisterizers, toners, lip balm, and massage oils. They are blended with essential oils and smell sooo wonderful. www.origins.com.

100PERCENTPURE. These cosmetics and other products are made with 100% natural ingredients, many which contain a healthy shot of anti-oxidants as well as organic fruit. This company has been featured on QVC network, and their body scrubs and shower gels look simply delicious! Also, check out their Elizabethean-esque lip glosses and cheek tints that contain pure fruit pigments, patent pending. Maybe they did have the right idea back then?!

TOM'S OF MAINE. This is not a cosmetics company, but I feel so strongly about the quality of their products and the quality of the company that I feel compelled to plug them again. Tom's puts out superior toothpastes, deoderants, and mouthwash products and I would especially recommend the natural flouride Children's toothpaste, since traditional children's toothpaste is loaded with mysterious flavoring and artificial coloring (and Lord knows what else).

Go through your makeup bag, throw out that mascara that's been in there for 6 months, and buy the eco version. Going green has never been so beautiful, naturally.

If you are interested in more details about the chemicals found in your cosmetics, check out www.thegreenguide.com and www.safecosmetics.org.

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Fashionistas Frolic for Eco Designs

Thanks to a global marketplace, US consumers are able to buy mass quantities of goods at bottom of the barrel prices. During a trip to the local superstore, I marveled at the ridiculously low prices for children's clothing, and happily snapped up a thing or two for myself. After donning my trophy outfits, I came to the realization that they are simply cheap crap that don't wash particularly well. Not to mention that some of those "easy care" products contain formaldehyde, which is linked to several diseases and even cancer. So the affordability of the global economy is a mixed blessing. On one hand, cheap goods help our dollars stretch further. On the other hand, the availability of these products is a great detriment to our planet because of the resources that are utilized to both manufacture and ship these products to our local stores. We're talking major CO2 emissions folks.

Another fashion trend has come forth, as reported in Vogue magazine's latest issue. Minimalism is back. Less is more. It's about quality not quantity. The message is if you invest in quality pieces and stick with a look that suits your body type and your style, you will benefit and so will the planet.

This is the way I like to live, but at some point, you still have to shop. Here are a few noted brands that have emerged as major eco designers:


EDUN at their latest NY Show

EDUN. This is an Irish based company founded by Ali Hewson, Bono's wife. ( Love him!) Their fashions are made in Africa and other developing nations with "green" in mind- the fabrics are organic and the products are made by local groups in order to provide them with a trade in which to grow their economy by. Their motto is "trade not aid." I think the concept is brilliant and certainly worth supporting. Clothing can be found at major retailers, including Nordstrom.


A Design by Linda Loudermilk

LINDA LOUDERMILK. This LA based designer has been fitting eco conscious Hollywood stars for years, beginning in 2002 when she started to experiment with fabrics. Known for her "Luxury Eco by Linda Loudermilk" label, she designs everything from jeans to haute couture, and the October W magazine named her one of the most influential people in 2007. Her eco designs are found in dozens of stores around the world. Find her at www.lindaloudermilk.com.


A Model in Deborah Lindquist

DEBORAH LINDQUIST. Another LA designer to the stars (are you noticing a trend here?) is Deborah, who uses recycled, re purposed and vintage clothing in her eco designs, as well as hemp and organic fabrics. The fine details of her work are astonishing, and Deborah also features environmentally conscious wedding dresses! She can be found at www.deborahlindquist.com.

Eco Fashion is not just for Hollywood or the wealthy. This movement has made it to the mainstream, and can be found at the houses of Patagonia, Timberland, and Hanna Andersson childrens clothing. Even the Gap has a line of Men's Organic cotton T's as well as an Organic Layette line. ( I feel that Organic Baby clothes, especially layette, are a must! Also, check out www.bestbabyorganics.com for some great options). And organic doesn't just stop at clothing. Ralph Lauren has an Organic Bed and Bath collection, and Pottery Barn features Organic bedding. I could go on and on...

Good news: many options are emerging for us greenies! Read more!

Hot Hybrids for Today and Beyond

If you have filled up at the gas pumps lately, you have noticed that we are again over the $3.00 per gallon mark, at least in my neck of the woods. According to news reports, and my wallet, this is unseasonably high. Typically gas prices jump before the summer months, so OPEC and the oil companies can rip us off right before that long family road trip or trek to summer camps. Another big thank you to George W!

I have been looking into getting a new car once my lease is up, and I seriously need to consider vehicles with higher fuel efficiencies. My current vehicle gets 15city/20 highway which sucks and it costs $75 a week to fuel. That is absurd, and the carbon emissions are horrible too. So what are the choices? I am leaning clearly towards a hybrid or electric car, but there are not that many to choose from, yet. And wait a minute here, what about the luxurious appointments, the satellite radio and the Corinthian leather? Do I have to give up all the goodies to be green?

Well, if money is no object, and you are childless or drive solo, then the answer is no, you don't have to give up the goodies. Enter the Tesla Roadster. This is a smokin' hot car; George Clooney is on the waiting list, naturally. The lines on this car are simply beautiful (even as a chick I have to admire it), and allegedly, this car is about performance, not just looks. This baby goes 0 to 60 in 4 seconds, rivaling even the highest performing sports cars on the market. And the beauty of it is this: zero emissions! It's 100% electric...hopefully the batteries work right? Actually, production is delayed partly due to this very reason. Tesla does plan to come out with 2 lower priced models, one in the $50,000 range and one below that somewhere. Check out the specs at the above link.

Given my familial status, that one doesn't work, plus its too expensive anyway. Other options? The Chevrolet Volt. Its a concept car at this point, and is a combo hybrid and electric, and its a really nice looking too. Unlike every other car Chevy makes, they finally figured out that we consumers want something that doesn't look like a tin can on wheels. This vehicle is due out in 2010, if it ever makes it to production. I like it, and you can find it at http://www.chevrolet.com/electriccar/.

As far as vehicles you could buy today, there is a "decent" selection. Honda offers the Accord and Civic hybrids, Saturn's Aura is on the market, Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUV's are available (Bill Clinton opts for the Mercury), and Toyota seems like the most comprehensive dealer with the Camry, the Highlander and the good 'ole Prius. I have heard that the tax credits have expired on the Toyota models, but check this out before buying. And also, Lexus offers an SUV and the luxury LS600 hL too. In my opinion, they offer the goodies but the fuel efficiency is subpar and the emissions are too high. So what's the point?

Another one I don't get is the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban Hybrid. Those monsters get only about the 15/20 mpg that I get already with a regular car, and the emissions are just a bad! What is the point, Chevrolet?

Enough whining and complaining-I feel much better now. It seems to me that you might be giving up some goodies if you buy an alternative fuel vehicle in 2007 although the Prius does offer leather, satellite radio, GPS and a few other bells and whistles, so it's not impossible. Do you homework, and don't forget the tax credit piece of it which is important. Lease a car for 36 months and by the end of the term, you will have serious options. A JD Power and Associates report claims that US hybrid-electric car demand will see a 247% rise from 2007-2011, so if US auto markers want to start making money, they will have to show us the goods. Can't wait. Read more!

The Facts about Tap vs. Bottled Water

Like many other Moms out there, I have taken pride in the fact that my child has never drank regular tap water. Providing her spring water was "the only option" because it was simply the best, purest and most natural. In fact, my whole family has exclusively drank spring water for at least the past 10 years, maybe more, and I'm sure many of you have a similar history. Recently, I started wondering if it was as pure and natural as I always thought it was. So I did a little digging around. Eat your heart out, Erin Brockovich.

Ironically, the entire marketing strategy for bottled water companies is to promote the health benefits, yet there are no strict standards to enforce their purity. A test conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that after testing more than 1,000 bottles, about one fourth of the bottled water brands (23 of 103 waters, or 22 percent) were contaminated at levels violating strict enforceable state (California) limits for the state in which they were purchased, in at least one sample. Hmmm, that doesn't sound right, 25% contaminated? Here are a few more discoveries I made:

1. The EPA sets standards for tap water; and the FDA sets standards for bottled water. According to the NDRC, the FDA standards were very weak and needed significant reform.

2. At least 25% (and up to 40%) of all bottled water in this country is actually bottled tap water, some filtered additionally, and some not.

3. Big city tap water must be disinfected, tested for e coli and fecal coliform, Crypto-sporidium, Giardia, viruses and organic chemicals such as benzene. Bottled waters, seltzers and carbonated waters are not, at all!

4. The Pacific Institute estimates that it takes approx. 17 million barrels of oil to produce the amount of plastic bottles we need to meet US bottled water consumption annually.

5. The amount of energy used to make the plastic water bottle, fill it at the "source", transport it to US cities and finally to our homes, and deal with the waste accounted for 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, in 2006.

6. Americans buy 28 billion water bottles a year, and 80% of it goes back to the dump! Worldwide, recycling rates are even lower, closer to 90% to the landfill.

7. Bottled water is in a plastic bottle, and usually comes with an expiration date. A plastic container may leak chemicals such as phthalates or Bisphenol A into the bottled water, even if the water itself is pure. Storage in cool and dark places helps reduce leaching of these chemicals. All those half full water bottles in your car that heat up in the sun, throw them out now!

8. The NDRC study found that overall, most waters were safe, but some were not. I think we all take for granted that if the water is in a bottle, its 100% safe, and that is not the case.

Shocking, huh?

Here we are spending thousands of dollars a year on water that may or may not be better for us than actual tap water, because of the health implications that are programmed into our brains. In fact, much of it is tap water! Then we learn that the plastic may leach into it, and on top of it all, its causing unnecessary carbon emissions into the atmosphere. OK, so what are the options?

Well, the first thing you can do is to get a report from your local water company and see what the quality of your water actually is. If you enjoy good water quality like most of us in the US, you are all set. If not, you can opt for a filtration system like Brita, Culligan or PUR. The links are attached in the side column for your convenience. You must be vigilant to change the filters on these systems to really see the benefits. Or you could stick with bottled water and be more serious with the recycling, if you are not already, if you must! Maybe just reduce your consumption of it. Also, reusable bottles are a nice alternative for those trips in the car or to the gym. Check out www.filterforgood.com, where a portion of your purchase is donated to the Blue Planet Run Foundation, a water centered non-profit group.

I know, I know, the thought of drinking tap water is really freaking me out too. You feel that you must drink from the pure and natural spring next to a serene mountain or on a tropical island somewhere! It will definitely take some deprogramming in our sales & marketing saturated brains. But take my comments, get your water report, do some due diligence online, and make an educated decision.

Look at the bright side- you could afford to buy all organic food with the money you save on water! :) Read more!

Carbon Contributors to Climate Change

As most of us already know, unless we have been living under a rock, global warming is a direct result of overpopulation and over industrialization. Our world simply has too many people in it, and our increasing demand for more goods and services creates by-products called waste. Whether it be the packaging a product comes in, the output of carbon from our car, or the energy it took to make millions of mass marketed goods from our local superstore, it is a contributor of climate change. In fact, 75% of carbon output is a direct result of human use; the other 25% is primarily from the change in land use, principally deforestation. According to the Earth Policy Institute, here is a breakdown of that 75%:

42% is from the use of electricity, in which we burn fossil fuels.
24% is from transportation, in which we burn fossil fuels.
20% is from industrial use, in which we use electric, that burns fossil fuels.
The balance is from residential and commercial use, that burns fossil fuels.

No wonder those Saudis are so rich!

Obviously, necessities like vehicles and electric are not going away anytime soon. We can be more efficient, however, and utilize existing technologies that will significantly decrease the amount of carbon that is borne into our atmosphere each day. Solar, wind and geothermal power are becoming more and more efficient and with subsidies from state and federal government, more financially feasible as well. Auto makers have started to answer the call on reducing fuel consumption. According to JD Power and Associates, the US hybrid/electric vehicle market will see a 247% rise in sales volume from 2007-2011, and US and world auto makers are working on developing these autos as we speak. And in January 2006, the US Department of Energy increased its standards of new appliance efficiency, requiring manufacturers to make big improvements.

So it seems that things are starting to head in the right direction, but there is more work to be done. Additional lobbying is needed to improve tax credits for all things environmentally responsible, from cars to solar panels. Consumers need to shop at stores that are socially responsible, support our local businesses and make a statement each day at the cash register by purchasing something that is good for you, and the planet.

Here are a few suggestions to reduce your carbon output and get you on the green train:
1. Plan your schedule and run errands in the same vicinity to conserve on gas.
2. Buy power strip cords and install them on your audio/video and computer equipment. Those 10 cords plugged into the wall are still drawing tons of power, even when off, but if you turn of the power strip, it stops the flow of electric.
3. Unplug all cell phone and Blackberry chargers when not in use.
4. Use Compact Fluorescent light bulbs and conserve a ton of energy.
5. Buy from your local hardware store and local market whenever possible rather than hauling it to the giant superstore.
6. Less is more. Do you really need that sweater or knickknack? The less you consume, the better so make your purchases count.
7. Go au naturale. Buy organic whenever possible, and cut back on anything artificial or processed.
8. Recycle. Reuse. Reduce. Rrr.

Interested in finding green merchants and products that you can feel good about? Need some new boots or a new sofa? IDOG is planning a resource guide to arm you with consumer information to help you make the smart choice. Subscribe to our regular email and be sure not to miss it! Read more!

Oil at Record Levels, Homeowners Seek Options

Unfortunately, many of us rely on oil to heat our homes during the winter season. Not only is this a major contributor of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, but it's also quite expensive. Especially now. On Monday, crude oil futures closed at $93.53 a barrel, approaching the inflation adjusted high of $101.70 in 1980. Today, prices dropped $3 a barrel on profit taking, but we might not necessarily be out of the woods quite yet. Traders and analysts alike are trying to find fundamental reasons why oil prices are peaking, yet there are few rational reasons. Tensions brewing in the Middle East with Turkey and Iraq raise a few brows, as well as the drop in Mexican production, but the bottom line is that this news combined with supply and demand and the drop in the US dollar just isn't enough to justify it. Call it irrational exuberance if you will, and anything can happen next.

As a result, homeowners all over the country are panicked, according to several oil companies we spoke with today. Many are locking into contracts that allows them to hold a fixed price for one year. Others are taking contracts with a price cap, while floating their price to the downside for a year. I personally decided on a fixed rate contract, but don't let that sway you! Both of these are good options for those who believe we may hit a new record.

Also, I noticed that prices were erratic and very different from company to company. My due diligence resulted in a price range of $0.50, which was huge. I highly recommend shopping around for price.

Besides an oil contract, homeowners can do several other things to reduce their oil bills and overall consumption.

1. Add insulation to the attic if need be, and try weatherstripping around your windows and doors.

2. Schedule a maintenance service call on your oil burner so that it's running clean and burning efficiently.

3. Set a timer on your thermostat to lower your heat when you are not at home or sleeping. Older thermostats need to be upgraded to the newer varieties.

4. Turn the temperature down! Learn to layer your clothes like the San Franciscans do. By reducing the temperature by 2 degrees in the winter and higher by 2 degrees in the summer, you can reduce carbon emissions by 2,000 lbs!

5. Research alternative heating/cooling sources. Geothermal technology is once again starting to reemerge as a viable option. For more info, Geocomfort.com explains how this process works.

Hopefully, if we do all these things, we will be utilizing our fuel in the most efficient way possible and getting the most bang for our buck. Stay tuned on Halloween Day for the results of the Federal Reserve's meeting at 2pm EST. A 25 bps rate cut is expected, so if it doesn't happen, consider calling that oil company to talk. Read more!

How to Winterize your Organic Garden

I DO NOT have a green thumb in the least. Every houseplant that I have ever owned has struggled for survival, albeit my somewhat timely care. When I decided to grow an organic veggie garden this year, I was very concerned that just by my mere involvement that it would become an overgrown jungle of weeds. Oh contrare! With careful planning, I was able to start and maintain a delightfully plenteous patch in our yard. I will save discussing the success of this endeavor until springtime, so that you can all mimic my efforts and produce your own 50-75 lbs of tomatoes from 2 plants! I regret to even say it, but the upside of global warming in the Northeast region of the country has been red,ripe tomatoes on your dinner table on Halloween and beyond. This is clearly an anomaly, but I can't deny the sheer joy of harvesting this late in the season. How selfish and un- green of me! Anyway, let's focus on how to properly "close down" the garden until 2008.

After consulting with several experts in the field, I have learned that you need to complete the following steps:

1. Once the temperature has dipped to 30-low 40 degrees F. in the evening, it is time to remove all remaining annuals or weeds that are dying, dead or just limp. This weekend, we removed our peppers, zucchinis and cherry tomatoes, but we left the eggplants and a few tomatoes plants in case of a miracle. Some plants like eggplant,beets, and carrots are hardy and can survive a few weeks later in the season, but with climate change, all the rules are out the window.

2. Rototill or turn over the soil to aerate and mix in any remaining organic matter. This will save time in the spring as well as lessen the effects of erosion. An alternative is to plant a cover crop to protect soil, like rye, buckwheat or winter wheat. Although some experts might adhere to this approach, I dismiss this method as simply too much work for busy people like us.

3.Treat the soil to a 1-2 inch layer of organic mulch, such as dried leaves, pine needles, shredded bark, or pine boughs. This will provide an adequate layer of protection, break down nicely in the soil and provide nutrients for next year.

4. For herbs, cover with mulch after the first major frost. This should be a few weeks after Step 3.

That's it. Considering the bounty that will follow next year, its 60 minutes well spent. Read more!

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs: Save Money, Save the Planet

So everyone is talking about these new light bulbs that are good for the environment. I'm sure you've heard of them by now. Compact flourescent bulbs or CFLs to us greenies, not only look a lot different than your average bulb, but offer significant advantages to those boring old fashioned ones. These alternative bulbs are supposed to reduce your power usage by 75% as compared to incandescent bulbs. Also, they last up to 10 times longer. And if you replaced all the bulbs in your home, you could effectively reduce your electric bill significantly. Could one little bulb do so much good?

Yes!

There has been some resistance and confusion about this bulb. Here are the major objections that I have heard, with my response indicating that they are rubbish.

1. They are expensive. This was true, but the prices are coming down significantly. One bulb was said to have cost between $3-$10, but if you factor in an average life of up to ten times the incandescent, it still costs you less. I was recently able to purchase a four pack at Home Depot for $11, which was a bit less expensive. Also, I found that sellers anxiously await your purchase on EBAY, where they are selling them for @ $2 or less in many cases. A reputable seller that I would recommend is Rob, Seller id 6801goodbuy.

2. They cast an cool, unfriendly light. In my experience, I have not found this to be true. And as a young woman who is gracefully maturing, I certainly know about the necessity of good lighting! Seriously, manufacturers have improved on this from the original prototypes. I suggest those who still believe this one to be true, that they purchase these bulbs for outdoor, basement, hallway, garages and other nooks and crannies. You can still benefit, people!

3. They contain hazardous mercury vapor. Ironically, compact fluorescent bulbs are responsible for less mercury contamination than the incandescent bulbs they replaced, even though incandescents don't contain any mercury. The highest source of mercury in America’s air and water results from the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, at utilities that supply electricity. Since a compact fluorescent bulb uses 75 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb, and lasts up to ten times longer, it is responsible for far less mercury pollution in the long run. A coal-burning power plant will emit four times more mercury to produce the electricity for an incandescent bulb than for a compact fluorescent.

The bottom line is that if every American family switched to CFLs, we could save 31.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity every year - enough to light about one third of all U.S. households for an entire year! But every little bit helps, so pony up a few bucks now and count your rewards later. Read more!