Highest MPGs on the Market

With summer fast approaching, you can bet your booty that gas prices could reach $4 a gallon, or thereabouts. In some parts of the country, they are already there. If you are in the market for a new car, I highly recommend getting yourself an education in high fuel efficiency autos.

Rather than searching each auto maker's site individually, I did my research at GreenCars.com. They offer an excellent summary of fuel efficient vehicles, listed by price. Some models weren't included, such as Audi, Lexus and the new Saturn's but the site was chock full of info for cars priced from $15,000 to $30,000.

One standout was, of course, the Toyota Prius with efficiency around 50-60 mpg. In that department, the car is freaking awesome and untouchable. After personally test driving it, I was pleasantly surprised by the available extras such as Navigation, Bluetooth and leather, even if it wasn't a particularly powerful performance. Hey you can't have it all, not for $20 grand, anyway. Also notable was the Toyota Matrix which is a nice looking sporty wagon, and the intriguing Pontiac Vibe.

Volkswagen is now offering an impressive collection of diesel powered cars, such as the Golf, Passat and Jetta. Unfortunately due to the emissions regulations in a handful of states like New York and California, they are not offered, but they are working on it and hopefully they will offer those great fuel numbers in all 50 states.

If size doesn't matter (yeah right!), the Mini Cooper is just cool and the convertible model is pretty hot for summer.

Find the gas mileage of your dreams at http://www.greencar.com/features/features36/! Read more!

Greening the Nursery

You plan your pregnancy. (Sometimes.)

You take special vitamins and get regular check ups to make sure the baby grows healthy.

You take classes to prepare yourself for the birth.

You learn about breastfeeding and baby care.

So why would you fill your baby's room with a bunch of chemicals?

Actually, most of us are guilty of this, myself included, until I got an education in "green." Shockingly, paint, carpeting, bedding and even furniture upholstery can contain or are treated with chemicals that produce dangerous gasses that linger in your baby's room and home for months, sometimes years, and result in poor interior air quality. Is there a link here to the rise in the rates of asthma and other childhood respiratory illnesses? There are no clear studies that indicate this (of course!) but you can draw your own conclusions.

The good news is that the popularity of the green baby is surging and now there are more choices than ever. Hollywood celebrities like Julia Roberts and Halle Berry have greened their nurseries, but they spent thousands of dollars on a green interior design consultant.

Try IDOG's Green Nursery Guide! The price is right!

Step 1: Pick out your colors! When painting the baby's room, you need to use a low or better, no VOC paint. Traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds that linger in a room for long periods of time. A great no-VOC paint is the Harmony line by Sherwin Williams. It's so safe that you can paint with it by day, and move in that night. Color choices are in the hundreds.

Step 2: Many parents like carpeting in a baby's room because the baby may be crawling on the floor. True, but the bad news is that wall to wall is treated with toxic chems- even benzene and formaldehyde in some cases, as well as moth repellents, stain repellents, and dangerous adhesives that can off gas into your home for months if not years. Imagine their little faces rubbing on it! No, no, that won't do. Check out http://www.flor.com/, a very eco-conscious company that offers natural fiber rugs that come in these cool, easy to install, easy to clean carpet tiles. If a tile gets stained, you just pull it off and replace it. The tile adhesive doesn't ruin the floors underfoot either. You can use it for wall to wall, or create an area rug. For true wall-to-wall and other flooring alternatives, try http://www.greenfloors.com/. This company's products are made from recycled materials and are some of the lowest VOC carpet on the market. Or stick with wood floors, especially if allergens are an issue, but make sure they are treated with a water based sealant, not the usual oil based polyurethane.

Step 3: Buy an organic mattress and bedding. New babies spend much of their day sleeping, and it's important they are not on or close to dangerous substances. Did you know that regular mattresses are treated with a host of chemicals, including PVC, phthalates, lead, or antimicrobial biocides, pesticides and even formaldehyde? This will not do for a pure newborn! Go to http://www.babyandmeboutique.com/ and purchase a Naturepedic mattress, a company that specializes in organic baby mattresses. I also found some well priced crib sheets at http://www.babycenter.com/ in pink, blue and ivory, and check out the "Best Blanket in the World" according to Esquire Magazine, at http://www.underthenile.com/. It's organic, and super soft!

Step 4: Stock your crib with organic crib toys like this adorable crate of veggies from Under the Nile. Babies chew on everything, and it makes sense that they chew on something that is made and stuffed with organic, pesticide free cotton.

Step 5: Make sure that you keep the room well ventilated, and get fresh air circulating daily!

Last One: If you are going green all the way, then consider natural furnishing as well. http://www.downtoearthhome.com/ offer a complete line of cribs, bassinets, changing tables and rockers made from natural wood, free from all types of toxic adhesives, paints, and finishes. Most of their fabrics are primarily hemp and organic cotton. If you don't want to take it this far, the first 5 steps should serve your baby very well!

Congratulations on taking the first step to a natural, healthy baby!

Read more!

Calling All Greenies, Hippies, Enviros & Emos!

Seriously, folks, take a look at this and please help!

Climate change is an urgent issue that requires immediate solutions. That's why I've joined with Al Gore and others across the country and around the world who want to halt global warming.

We're on the verge of being over one million strong and I'm asking you to join us. Please click here today to become part of the solutions to global warming: http://wecansolveit.org/alliance

If leaders in business and government are going to make stopping climate change a priority, we need to send a loud message that we want action now. That's why I'm asking you to get involved today: http://wecansolveit.org/alliance

Together, we can stop global warming. Read more!

Great Green Gifts: Housewares by Fire & Light

For anyone looking for a unique and meaningful gift, look no further! I was recently thrilled to stumble upon a little bit of "green" heaven in a line of gifts and tablewear from a company called Fire & Light.

It all started years ago when the oldest recycling community in the nation got together to discuss ways of resolving the issue of shipping their glass for recycling, which was very expensive and cost prohibitive. After discussing their options, a solution emerged. Fire & Light was created to utilize the post consumer recycled glass and in the process, create jobs for the community. ( Who said that green business can't save our planet and our ecomony? Pishaw.) Currently, Fire&Light produces a delicious line of glass tableware, home accessories and art glass in colors that take your breath away.

Here are some of my favs.

Splash Bowl. It's shape, color and the swirls of color within it make it a true work of art. As with many of their products, it comes in a wide range of hues. And at $46, it's a deal.

The Goblets and other barware. At left. This colorful glassware make that beverage extra special, and a set of 4-8 make a eco fab gift.

Purchase their dinner plates in one color and salad plates in another. This creates wonderful contrast and texture.

Soap dish & Footed Jar w/ Lid. Add some natural lavender soap and you have yourself another special gift.

All of the Tealights. The candlelight reflects into the glass for a special effect. Love the Splash and Conch Shell in particular.

Many of the items come signed by the artisan, making it a true piece of art!

See for yourself at http://www.fireandlight.com/.

Read more!

Getting Hammered Organically

Not that we condone such behavior!

Of course, the mantra of the eco conscsious is to "reduce." So drinking in excess is clearly in violation of that mantra. However, we are human and our nature is to err, and St. Paddy's Day is around the corner, so let's be real. If you plan to cocktail it up a bit, consider some organic alternatives.

At this point in time, organic liquor, wine and beer is not found abundantly in stores, bars or restaurants. If you are headed out, an eco eatery will most likely have the largest assortment of libations from which to choose. City dwellers will have many options here. Rural/suburban dwellers should continue their "in house"drinking. These folks can either plan ahead and order online or hit the Whole Food/Wild Oats and sample some of their organic beer selections. Or call your local liquor store and see if they carry organic wine or other libations. Here are a few sites that can aid in your search:

Cocktail Organico A site that lists and discusses organic liquor in length. The owner looks like a guy who really knows his cocktails! http://www.cocktailorganico.com/

Purus Vodka This is my drink of choice. Pure, natural, and takes the edge off after only a 1 oz serving is consumed. Especially recommended for around dinner time when the kids are whining and irratating, or after a crappy day on the job. http://www.purusvodka.com/

Anheuser-Busch With the growth and popularity of organic beer, AB has jumped on the bandwagon with 2 organic beers on its product menu, Stone Mill Pale Ale and Wild Hop Lager. See their site for more details and on retail locations. http://www.anheuser-busch.com/

Valley Wines and Spirits This wine shop in New Jersey carries a large assortment of organic wines and ships direct. Ideal for East Coast wine lovers. (Ship as local as possible!) http://www.valleywinesandspirits.com/

Organic Wine Press Organic wine is getting really hot, especially on the West Coast. Here's an organic wine merchant located in Oregon. Lots to choose from and each listing has a nice description. http://www.organicwinepress.com/

The bottom line here, folks, is that its probably more important to drive less, eat less beef or to install compact fluorescent bulbs than to drink organic booze, if you are trying to save the planet. But for the eco-curious, those who care about the Earth and what you put into your bodies, or want to offset some of the damage to your liver with chem-free booze, I say "cheers!"

And a Happy St Paddy's Day to you!

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Gore Invests $35mm in the Environment - Should You?

You don't need $35 million to invest wisely.

It was recently reported that Al Gore's reported net worth is over $100 million. Back in 2000, his net worth was somewhere in the neighborhood of $800,000 to $1.9 million, according to his tax filings. Boy, he did well for himself, huh! But how?

Mr. Gore has been involved in many lucrative projects over the past 7 years, and his ties to Google and Apple are most likely primarily responsible. As the self proclaimed founder of the Internet, Mr. Gore has always been involved in technology, and his friends in Silicon Valley have kept him close during the boom years, resulting in his abundant fortune.

Now, Mr. Gore is investing $35 million with EBay billionaire and friend Jeff Skoll at his new venture, Capricorn Investment Group, which is said to invest in makers of environmentally friendly products by allocating to private partnerships such as hedge funds.

Just an opinion here, but I think he is onto something! Can we follow his investment trends and benefit? Do you believe, like Gore, that eco products and renewable energy and technology are the future? If so, check out mutual funds that are well diversified yet invest in those same technologies. I found one called the New Alternatives Fund that is all about investing in renewable energy sources, organics, recycling and more. Ask your investment advisor if these types of investments are right for you. http://newalternativesfund.com

We all know that past performance is no indicator of future results, but if Gore is in it, based on his past investment prowess, it's worth a gander.



***This is not meant to be a solicitation of any kind. Please see your investment advisor to determine if this type of investing is suitable for you.*** Read more!

Recycle your Batteries at Retailers Nationwide

Finally. I have a bag of old rechargeable batteries next to my recycling bin, but I was unsure of what to do with them. Thanks to the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, a non-profit public service organization, you can now drop off your used Energizers as well as rechargeable batteries for cameras and camcorders, portable cordless phones, power tools and laptop computers at convenient locations nationwide. They even take old cell phones too. Participating retailers include The Home Depot, Lowe's, Staples, and Target. So clean out this spring and dispose of your old batteries properly!

For more info, go to:
http://www.call2recycle.org/

toll free 877-2-recycle

USA & Canada Read more!

Boost your Kids' Immune Systems with Organic Veggies

Back in October, I wrote an article favorably reviewing Jessica Seinfeld's new cookbook Deceptively Delicious. This is the "Results" post, so to speak. In the book, Jessica describes how to puree veggies and hide them in your kid's food. While many people criticized the book saying that she copied someone else's idea, and she gave Oprah 21 pairs of Manolos Blahniks for promoting it, I say "Who gives a shit!" It works. I found it to be brilliant and implemented her, or whoever's strategies. The only difference was that I went purely organic. Now this was at a time when my daughter was NOT consuming many (or any I should say) veggies at all. She was in and out of school almost ever other week with one ailment or another, and she would take a tremendously long time to recover. After several months of constant pureeing, and a vitamin supplement to boot, the results are in. I am happy to report that she is rarely sick at all. In fact- and I hope I don't jinx myself, she hasn't been sick all year, even though stomach viruses have passed around, and the flu, and a million other weird preschool sicknesses. I am a true believer that the power of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc. from vegatables have strengthened her little growing body. ( OK now I'm really jinxing myself!) And you know what, it's really not that much extra work and I like it in my food too. We make a mean turkey, broccholi and mushroom burger!

As a side note, my daughter and myself DO NOT eat beef or beef byproducts as a result of, what I believe, is unacceptable meat processing standards and lax quality control by the USDA. The hormones, the antibiotics and heaven's knows what else. We will pass on the 'downer cow' burger, thanks!

If your kids get sick a lot, try this...it worked for me. Read more!

Save Money & Energy with Balls!

Blue balls are usually not a positive thing, if you are male anyway! In this case, it's all good.

If you must use a clothes dryer, which is hard not to, consider spending $10 on a 2 pack of these dryer balls. You use them in place of those expensive dryer sheets that have that artificial perfume scent on them. Ick. They work to fluff and soften your laundry, as well as help the heat of the dryer circulate more efficiently, which reduces drying time. Naturally. No chemicals here. The balls last for about 2 years and really work.

Less energy used, fresh laundry scent, & you save on dryer sheets. Win win win.

Find them on http://www.asseenontv.com/.

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GM's Exec Announces "Global Warming is a Crock of S*&%"

Last month, General Motors announced their worst quarter in the companies entire history. By a thread, they cling to the #1 spot as top automaker. Am I smoking crack, or why haven't they produced a fleet of hybrids or some smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles so they can turn a profit? Is it because the Vice Chairman Bob Lutz was heard saying that global warming is "a total crock of s---?" Now there's an intelligent leader! This type of stupidity is reminiscent of the leaders of the sub prime mortgage industry, who continuously insisted on making unsound, ridiculous loans even when there was clear and present danger in the marketplace. Clearly, manufacturing more efficient vehicles has been working fantastically for Toyota, the#2 automaker, in terms of increased sales revenues AND benefits for the environment as well as consumers. Why is GM so reluctant to do the obvious? And why does their website proclaim that " they are leading the way to innovative energy solutions"? Not! A follower at best, and a very sluggish one at that.

Only 11 years after Toyota introduced the Prius, GM's Saturn division came out with a small hybrid line of vehicles this year, which is better than nothing. They get something like 22 city/25 highway which is not particularly good. Another item to ponder is quality and the safety. Historically, it hasn't been great for either.

And what's with the 6,000 lb 2008 Chevy Tahoe hybrid? GM's website says this vehicle gets "up to 20 MPG." Why "up to?" When you order it without 4 wheel drive, which no one does? Making a car that size as a hybrid is incredibly foolish. Wake up Detroit! One of the 3 R's is reduce, which means smaller.

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Pump Some Green Iron!

Yes, it's shockingly true! Even while working out, you could be over consuming and contributing to global warming. Below are the keys to greening your workout.

1. Wear organic breathable cotton. During workouts, your pores are opening up and coming as close to your skin as they ever could. Cotton contains high levels of pesticides, more so than some fruits and veggies. Nike makes plenty of soy and organic cotton workout clothes. http://www.nike.com/.

2. Give Yoga a try. Finding the right balance in life can sometimes be challenging. Yoga helps you to find inner peace and tranquility in your life. Plus it will kick your ass into shape fast.

3. Consider riding your bike or walking to the gym. If time allows. You can workout less at the gym, or just go anarobic. And you reduce your carbon footprint without your auto.

4. Take a class vs. using the treadmill or other energy consuming device. Studies show that treadmills and other motorized gym equipment, plus their accompanying entertainment stations, are major energy hogs. Classes are more fun anyway and they help keep things interesting in your workout routine.

5. Use a reusable water bottle. 80% of all plastic water bottles end up at the landfill and sadly, many gyms don't even recycle. How lame is that?! Invest in a good water bottle, preferably made from stainless steel (no plastic to leach into your water.) Try a Sigg Bottle from http://www.epicoutfit.com/.

Read more!