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a daily dose of info & resources on sustainable style
TreeHugger TV's Latest Episode: Comet Skateboards
Covering the latest in green news, views and resources, TreeHugger's weekly videos at TreeHugger TV bring a fresh look at some of the cool green things happening in our world. The latest episode focuses on the story of super-sustainable Comet Skateboards.
July 7, 2006
Covering the latest in green news, views and resources, TreeHugger's weekly videos at TreeHugger TV bring a fresh look at some of the cool green things happening in our world. The latest episode focuses on the story of super-sustainable Comet Skateboards.
Making the world a greener place with their FSC-certified boards, non-toxic resins and factory powered by a 10 KW solar array, Comet is also just as dedicated to making a positive impact on its community. In addition to raising funds and for a sustainably designed skate park in downtown Oakland CA, Comet has collaborated with others to put on Hood Games. The Games bring together a truly remarkable gathering of skateboarders, parents, and friends for a full day of music, art, and of course – ecofriendly skateboarding!
treehuggertv.com
BioWillie Hits the Road Again with New Production Facility
An update on Willie Nelson's expanding biodiesel network, BioWillie, that's making a difference in Texas. A second production facility backed by Nelson opened earlier this week; it will produce 8,000 gallons of biodiesel per day, which comes out to over 2 million gallons a year.
July 6, 2006
An update on Willie Nelson's expanding biodiesel network, BioWillie, that's making a difference in Texas. A second production facility backed by Nelson opened earlier this week; it will produce 8,000 gallons of biodiesel per day, which comes out to over 2 million gallons a year.
Willie first became interested in biodiesel when his wife bought a Volkswagen Jetta that could run on the fuel and had it shipped to their home on Maui. Now all of the couple's vehicles run on biodiesel: the original Jetta, a Mercedes diesel and a Dodge Ram at their Maui residence; an Excursion and another Jetta in California; and another Mercedes in Texas. "Don't forget the tour buses and the all the tractors in Texas," Nelson said.
nytimes.com
Dell's New Free Recycling Program: No Purchase Necessary
Dell recently announced a new recycling plan that allows consumers to recycle their Dell-branded products for free, regardless of whether or not they make a new purchase from the company. Dell will continue to recycled all electronics, Dell or otherwise, with the purchase of a new Dell.
June 30, 2006
Dell recently announced a new recycling plan that allows consumers to recycle their Dell-branded products for free, regardless of whether or not they make a new purchase from the company. Dell will continue to recycled all electronics, Dell or otherwise, with the purchase of a new Dell.
"We don't believe that consumers should have to pay for the responsible retirement of used computer products," Dell Chairman Michael Dell said. Dell customers will be able to print out a mailing label after entering their asset tag number on the Dell website, and will be responsible for packing the product and arranging for an in-home pickup time.
news.com via engadget.com
Green Building 101: A New Series from Inhabitat
A new weekly column covering the fundamentals of green building, Inhabitat's Green Building 101 series focuses on demystifying the USGBC's LEED rating system with a concentration on the LEED-H for residential homes, currently in the pilot phase.
June 29, 2006
A new weekly column covering the fundamentals of green building, Inhabitat's Green Building 101 series focuses on demystifying the USGBC's LEED rating system with a concentration on the LEED-H for residential homes, currently in the pilot phase.
The series begins with a look at "Locations & Linkages" (L&L) as a methodology for sustainable site selection and development. The USGBC has implemented L&L in hopes that it will help reduce energy consumed by Americans in pursuit of cheap land and more closet space across the (seemingly) infinite supply of pasture and native habitats.
inhabitat.com
The Keebler Elf Goes Organic
Kellogg revealed recently that a new product, Keebler Toasteds Organic Harvest Wheat Crackers, will be hitting store shelves in late June. Though this is the elf's first foray into organic foods, Kellogg reportedly has organic versions of staples like Raisin Bran, Mini-Wheats, and Rice Krispies in the works.
June 28, 2006
Kellogg revealed recently that a new product, Keebler Toasteds Organic Harvest Wheat Crackers, will be hitting store shelves in late June. Though this is the elf's first foray into organic foods, Kellogg reportedly has organic versions of staples like Raisin Bran, Mini-Wheats, and Rice Krispies in the works.
Kellogg and other major packaged foods companies like General Mills and Kraft already sell a variety of organic items, but, in most cases, these goods are sold under less-well-known labels. An organic product under the popular Keebler brand is something of a milestone. Kellogg is expected to price the organic crackers lower than other organics.
fool.com via hugg.com
Adobe Achieves USGBC-EB's LEED Platinum Status in San Jose
Adobe Systems has received the US Green Building Council's highest award for environmental efficiency. Adobe's West Tower is the first building in the country to receive LEED-EB Platinum certification since the Green Building Council's existing-building program went public in 2004.
June 27, 2006
Adobe Systems has received the US Green Building Council's highest award for environmental efficiency. Adobe's West Tower is the first building in the country to receive LEED-EB Platinum certification since the Green Building Council's existing-building program went public in 2004.
Adobe was recognized for its efforts to save water and energy, reduce waste and improve air quality in a structure built in 1996, before "green" guidelines became standardized.
mercurynews.com via hugg.com
TerraPass: 100 Million Pounds of Carbon Offsets and Counting...
TerraPass has just offset their 100 millionth pound of carbon dioxide through renewable energy investment, and that's a lot. The equivalent of 15,000 Honda Civics off the road for a year, to be exact, and though they call it "a meaningless- but-entertaining milestone," we love it. Keep up the great work!
June 26, 2006
TerraPass has just offset their 100 millionth pound of carbon dioxide through renewable energy investment, and that's a lot. The equivalent of 15,000 Honda Civics off the road for a year, to be exact, and though they call it "a meaningless- but-entertaining milestone," we love it. Keep up the great work!
terrapass.com via autobloggreen.com
Better World Club Offers Bike Insurance
The nation's first and only bicycle roadside assistance service is now available exclusively through Better World Club, who also offer discounts for hybrid drivers and donate 1% of their annual revenues toward environmental cleanup and advocacy.
June 23, 2006
The nation's first and only bicycle roadside assistance service is now available exclusively through Better World Club, who also offer discounts for hybrid drivers and donate 1% of their annual revenues toward environmental cleanup and advocacy.
The nation's only environmentally-friendly auto club also offers cool perks like eco-travel services and discounts on purchasing a hybrid car.
betterworldclub.com
Model Environmentalists: Top Spanish Fashion Designers Create Toxic-free Fashion Show
High fashion isn't normally known for being held in high regard among environmentalists. But some big names and big brands in fashion have gotten together to put on a toxics-free fashion show, further showcasing to the world that "eco-friendly" and "fashion" are no longer mutually exclusive.
June 22, 2006
High fashion isn't normally known for being held in high regard among environmentalists. But some big names and big brands in fashion have gotten together to put on a toxics-free fashion show, further showcasing to the world that "eco-friendly" and "fashion" are no longer mutually exclusive.
Sixteen top fashion designers, including Carmen March, Antonio Pernas and Jocomomola, showed that they believe in substance as well as style at a glittering "Moda sin Toxicos" catwalk show in Madrid. There they unveiled one-off creations designed to avoid the toxic chemicals widely used in clothing.
greenpeace.org via hugg.com
Umbrella Inside Out: A New Design Competition from TreeHugger and I.D. Magazine
SSF is happy to be co-sponsoring Umbrella Inside Out, the first design competition organized by TreeHugger.com in collaboration with I.D. Magazine. The competition is looking for either an innovative, Cradle-to-Cradle(R)-type umbrella design or a women's couture garment fashioned from old umbrellas.
June 21, 2006
SSF is happy to be co-sponsoring Umbrella Inside Out, the first design competition organized by TreeHugger.com in collaboration with I.D. Magazine. The competition is looking for either an innovative, Cradle-to-Cradle(R)-type umbrella design or a women's couture garment fashioned from old umbrellas.
"Umbrellas suffer from design flaws that often lead to their premature and messy deaths and unwelcome burials in landfills," says Julie Lasky, Editor-in-Chief of I.D. Magazine. One aspect of the Umbrella Inside Out Competitions asks for an umbrella designed with a Cradle to Cradle(R) sensibility. This means that the object’s entire lifecycle is considered, from its sourcing and production, to the life it leads after its current use. The second aspect of the competitions asks for a couture garment constructed from former umbrellas. "With China alone producing upwards of 18 million tons of textiles annually, we’re going to be dealing with waste for generations to come. We need to drive viable, beautiful, and efficient re-use innovation," says Kyeann Sayer of TreeHugger.
enter online at umbrella.treehugger.com
North South Project: Design and Craft Collaborations in the Developing World
Intended to be ecologically, economically, culturally and aesthetically sustainable for the long term benefit of each participating community, the North South Project spans hemispheres to bring sustainable design to the developing world and new product collections to developed markets.
June 20, 2006
Intended to be ecologically, economically, culturally and aesthetically sustainable for the long term benefit of each participating community, the North South Project spans hemispheres to bring sustainable design to the developing world and new product collections to developed markets.
Toronto-based designer Patty Johnson has worked with partners in Botswana, Africa and Guyana, South America to develop this design program. The designs are created to allow the partners to make the most of techniques and materials that are unique to their culture and their region.
northsouthproject.com
EPA's New WaterSense Program
Like EnergyStar for water efficiency, WaterSense is a new voluntary public-private partnership program sponsored by the US EPA to promote water efficiency and water-efficient products, services, and practices. The program certifies products and services that meet water-efficiency and performance specifications.
June 19, 2006
Like EnergyStar for water efficiency, WaterSense is a new voluntary public-private partnership program sponsored by the US EPA to promote water efficiency and water-efficient products, services, and practices. The program certifies products and services that meet water-efficiency and performance specifications.
WaterSense also partners with manufacturers, retailers, and utilities to bring water-efficient products to market.
epa.gov via greenbiz.com
Nest: Modern, Sustainable, Fun Products for Kids
Nest just introduced its new line of modern, environmentally friendly, children’s furnishings. They make products for eco-conscious parents who want children’s products that are well-designed and responsibly-made.
June 16, 2006
Nest just introduced its new line of modern, environmentally friendly, children’s furnishings. They make products for eco-conscious parents who want children’s products that are well-designed and responsibly-made.
The design of all Nest products emphasizes functionality and modern aesthetics with a kid-friendly twist. The production of all Nest products emphasizes social and environmental responsibility; we love to see sustainable style starting at such an early age.
nestplease.com
Ecocolo: Japanese Eco-Mag
Ecocolo is a fabulous new eco-magazine from Japan with a very refined, modern sensibility. Featuring recycled clothing and other eco-fashion, sustainable architecture and design, fun products, and vegetarian/organic food, it looks like the new place to go for sustainable style in Japan.
June 15, 2006
Ecocolo is a fabulous new eco-magazine from Japan with a very refined, modern sensibility. Featuring recycled clothing and other eco-fashion, sustainable architecture and design, fun products, and vegetarian/organic food, it looks like the new place to go for sustainable style in Japan.
ecocolo.com [Japanese] via eco-chick.com
Fetzer Vineyards Goes Solar
Fetzer Vineyards recently announced plans to install a large photovoltaic solar panel array on the roofs of the bottling facility and red wine barrel room. The system will generate 1.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, about 80 percent of the bottling plant's power or about a third of the winery's total power needs.
June 13, 2006
Fetzer Vineyards recently announced plans to install a large photovoltaic solar panel array on the roofs of the bottling facility and red wine barrel room. The system will generate 1.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, about 80 percent of the bottling plant's power or about a third of the winery's total power needs.
The solar panels will provide the most energy between noon and 6 p.m., which happens to be when the winery will need the most power during harvest season. Conveniently, it's also the time when PG&E's prices are highest. The system will be ready to use in October; when fully operational, it will offset more than 960,000 pounds of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of taking approximately 80 cars off the road for a year or planting 130 acres of trees.
siliconbeat.com via hugg.com
