In my last post, I got pretty excited about energy efficient plasmas. Thanks to some data, and suggestions from Rob McMillin (see comments in previous posts) it is quite clear that LCDs—not plasmas—are the most energy conservative of all. Luckily I ended up choosing an LCD in the end (the LG Electronics 20LS7D 20″ LCD TV). To be honest though, I chose the LCD for the price and style—not because I knew it was more efficient than a plasma. Thanks to Rob and some heavy-duty research I now know—and understand why—LCDs are more efficient. Read more for a summary of my findings . . .

According to the Practical Home Theater guide website, plasma technology consists of thousands of individual pixel cells. Each pixel cell is essentially an individual microscopic florescent light bulb (if you squint closely at a plasma you can actually see the individual blue, red, and green pixel cells). LCDs on the other hand, use a single lamp filtered by electrically charged cells.

In a nutshell, LCDs reproduce colors through subtraction of light, while plasma create a picture through addition of light. Given that plasma’s essentially employ hundred of thousands of microscopic lights, while LCDs only one large light, it makes sense that LCDs consume less power.

Good to know!

I’m in the market for a new TV. I think I may treat myself to a plasma . . . why not? I’ve been working pretty hard, and saving up . . . well sort of.

Of course, I’m not going to even consider buying any electronics unless they’re wearing the bright blue ENERGY STAR label. No problem! There are over 100 awesome plasma and LCD ENERGY STAR options and the prices are exactly the same if not better than regular plasmas and LCDs. Best of all, I save money in the long run. By conserving energy, ENERGY STAR appliances can lower my utility bill by 30%.

Considering my room is the size of a large closet, I’ll need a small TV that also mounts on the wall. The 10-19” diagonal screen sizes are a bit too tiny, and the 30-39” a bit too big, but in the words of Goldilocks, the 20-29” ones are juuuuust right.

Now the real question . . . should I spend the extra cash for a built-in HD tuner? Or, should I save a couple of bucks and get one that’s just HD-ready?

Though I hate spending more than I absolutely have to, the built-in tuner offers the most flexibility. For example, if you don’t have a built-in tuner you can’t receive HD programming unless you purchase or rent an external receiver. This gets tricky because once you purchase or rent an external receiver most likely your cable company will make you subscribe to their HD package . . . this can get even more pricey. In addition, the nationwide switch from analog to digital TV broadcasts is scheduled to be completed in 2009—that’s soon enough.

Given the reasons above, it makes the most sense for me to just buy a TV with a built-in tuner. I’m pretty set on the LG Electronics 20″ LCD TV. With 7 reputable sellers including Circuit City, prices range from $339.98 - $479.99. According to a consumer review, the LG has, “excellent Picture quality, colors and sound.” Looks pretty sleek. I’m sold!

This week, Fisher Price and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of nearly one million toys due to possible lead contamination.

The recalled Fisher Price toys include Dora the Explorer, Sesame Street, and other children’s favorites. All contaminated products were manufactured in large factories in China. This isn’t the first time China has had issues with contaminated and toxic toys (not to mention seafood, toothpaste, dog food, and other consumer goods). In June, 1.5 Million Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends wooden railway toys were recalled due to high lead traces. The problems associated with mass production in China are another story for another time. For now I’d like to focus on lead and how it can be avoided in your children’s toys.

Lead is considered so dangerous because it is what scientists and toxicologists refer to as a, “cumulative toxin.” In other words, as time passes and a child is exposed to continuous lead contamination, the lead simply sits in the body . . . accumulating for years. Upon the first signs of lead poisoning—paralysis in hands and legs, neuropathy, and degenerative brain disease—it is already too late—the damage irreversible.

One of the best ways to avoid lead contamination is to give your children organic toys. There are so many great organic baby and children’s toys to choose from. For example, check out these adorable Organic Maple Farm Animals. They’re sweet, durable, and come in a little carrying bag . . . perfect for trips. Or what about Organic Fred, this little monkey in his funny white coat. I still can’t figure out if he is supposed to be a hippie doctor or just a monkey with style. With so many organic toy choices there’s really no reason to waste your time, money, or worry giving your child anything that could be dangerous . . . let alone toxic.

Stella McCartney has been living green since conception. Her animal-activist mother, Linda, and citizen-of-the-planet father, Sir Paul, raised Stella to be a lifelong vegetarian, animal lover, and environmental enthusiast. Today, Stella is taking her teachings and philosophies to the next level by integrating eco-ethics into her luxury brand, Stella McCartney. Aside from never ever using leather or fur in any products, Stella’s newest line, Care by Stella McCartney is certified by ECOCERT.

ECOCERT is a highly respected and trusted international organic and natural beauty products certification standard. According to ECOCERT, Care by Stella McCartney contains no endangered plants, genetically modified ingredients, petrochemicals, paraben preservatives or synthetic fragrances. In addition, Care contains 100% certified organic active ingredients.

Many people understand and practice the importance of eating organic—avoiding toxins in the body, but few have gravitated toward the concept of putting organic on the body. Why is it a good idea to put organic material on your skin? Many reasons . . . most importantly, it’s better for the environment because organic products avoid the use of harmful pesticides that disrupt ecosystems, litter the soil, and pollute water systems. Additionally, more than 50 independent international studies have compared the nutritional quality of products derived from conventional crops against those derived from organic ones. The conclusions clearly show that the organic compounds, like those used in Care by Stella McCartney, are higher in vitamin C, antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and mineral salts—all nutrients essential to cell re-growth and function.

Animals and ethics aside lets get to the real question here! How does organic skincare smell? According to McCartney, “all of the products contain 100% organic essential oils created by an organic oil perfumer.” Unconvinced, I had to take a whiff myself . . . turns out, Stella is quite right. Care products boast an airy scent reminiscent of freshly cut flowers—not composting vegetables.