Category — Environment

Founded by leaders of the environmental movement following the first Earth Day, the League of Conservation Voters, (LCV), the political voice of the national environmental and conservation community and the only organization working full-time to educate citizens about the environmental voting records of Congress, is inviting its members to nominate Representatives and Senators to be considered for the Dirty Dozen list.
The Dirty Dozen list is a program that targets members of Congress, (regardless of party affiliation), who consistently vote against the environment. To help in making your choice, take a look at LCV National Environmental Scorecard, published since 1970. It ranks every member of Congress on his or her environmental record.
In addition to working for a new energy future, LCV spent much of 2007 building support for a science-based global warming bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 15-20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.

The Clock is Ticking

The Freecycle Network a nonprofit grassroots movement made up of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. [Read more →]

Challenging American Consumerism Just In Time For The Holidays

Last year Americans spent $456.2 billion during the holiday season, and this year sales are predicted to rise 4 percent to $474.5 billion**.

Have you ever wondered what happens to stuff from holidays past?

A new online film details costs and consequences of consumer culture
as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear. [Read more →]

Robin and Michael Mastro are the leaders in the field of Vastu Shastra. Through their vast experience, they have created a unique system that offers life-enhancing yet simple principles. This exciting technique is presented in their groundbreaking award-winning books, Altars of Power and Grace and The Way of Vastu. By following these dynamic tools anyone can transform their life and make their dreams a reality.

Robin Mastro instructs people worldwide to enhance living and working environments through Vastu Shastra . Her work in this inspiring field took her to Egypt and India, where she studied ancient concepts of sacred space and Vastu Shastra. In 1998 she received her masters in Whole Systems Design from Antioch University, combining systems theory and creative design to develop transformative tools for environmental harmony and personal growth. Robin is dedicated to adapting the wisdom of ancient systems to enhance the reality of modern life. She is the creator of AltarWear, a jewelry and clothing line based on Vedic teachings. We recently had the distinct honor and privilege to speak with Robin about the life enhancing work she and her husband have been doing in the area of Vastu.

Q: Over the past several years Vastu Shastra has become a very popular phrase, yet only a few have a true understanding of the meaning and philosophy behind it. Can you explain what the basic principles of Vastu Shastra are?

Robin: By aligning our homes and workspaces with universal energy that is alive and ever-present we experience nature’s support. The basic principles of Vastu Shastra, the science of building, are [Read more →]

Yeah, we thought that title would grab you. Although we can’t take credit for it, it’s all thanks to the kids over at Rideamigos.com. Haven’t heard of them? They’re a new carpooling website that’s all about connecting peeps, reducing pollution, and splitting rising prices between riders?

Devised by one guy whose “commute sucks” [Read more →]

I have soap on the mind. I love all health and beauty products but soap has always been my #1 most-purchased beauty product. I have favorite soaps but lately I’ve been rethinking my big box store soap purchases. I’m not entirely sure what goes in to making mass produced soap but I am realizing that organic soap seems to be made with love, passion and bicycles…what?!

Justsoap.com’s soap line

In my eternal quest for the perfect soap, I turned to the internet because I wanted to see if my old standards would come up or if I’d discover new soap companies by typing in “ECO SOAP”. Wouldn’t you know that the first link that comes up is for www.justsoap.com and their company makes soap with a bicycle! A guy literally sits on a bike and churns the ingredients to make “Lemongrass Ginger”, “Lavender Rosemary” and “Sage Fir” soap! Haute couture soaps made by a Huffy. Well, actually - the bike looks pretty complex but you have to really appreciate someone who creates delectable soaps while conducting his own spin class. The soap is $2.95 per bar, a bargain at any price… [Read more →]

Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Fair:
Hands-on, family-oriented event to educate people of all ages about sustainable living practices at the New Belgium Brewery with speakers, 150 exhibitors, a beer garden, and more.
September 15 - 16
Fort Collins, CO
sustainablelivingassociation.org

West Coast Green:
Residential building conference & expo. Speakers include: Erin Brokovich, Ed Begley, Jr., and San Francisco mayor, Gavin Newsom.
September 20 - 22
San Francisco, CA
westcoastgreen.org

Sustainable Brands ‘07:
Join industry experts for two information-packed days this September: learn how to navigate this new brand landscape and develop your own sustainable brand story.
Sept 26-28
New Orleans, LA
sustainablebrands07.com [Read more →]

Swimming is such a splendid form of exercise and so perfectly adapted to summer that the increase in swimming pools in all communities is to be welcomed.

But Chlorine used to disinfect swimming pools is a health hazard and may trigger asthma in children. Among adults it has been linked with other health problems including bladder and rectal cancer and may increase the risk for coronary heart disease. [Read more →]

One Year Countdown to Beijing Olympic Games

The Chinese capital of Beijing is adopting eco-friendly technologies in transportation, power supply, water and waste management to ensure a “green” Olympic Games, according to the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.

Beijing plans to use 100 hybrid-electric vehicles as public buses at all venues and several hundred electric vehicles will serve in the logistics departments of the Olympic Village and all stadiums while electric bicycles will be provided in the main Olympic area, according to the press release.

But the project doesn’t stop there; [Read more →]

Now you can easily do your part to help cut America’s dependence on fossil fuels, including foreign oil by choosing the type of power you purchase. In NY this can be achieved by selecting GREEN Power and WIND Power from ConEdison Solutions.

• GREEN Power is composed of 65% run-of-the-river hydro and 35% wind power(generated from regional wind and low-impact hydropower sources).
• WIND Power is composed of electricity exclusively generated from 100% wind power. [Read more →]