I just saw this trailer yesterday and I have to see this!  This looks to be sort of an eco-version of the Super Size Me documentary, yet more funny and entertaining.  (I was mostly just grossed out and horrified by the latter).  “No Impact Man” is an extreme one year project by Colin Beavan and his family, in research of his book.  I love his wife in this trailer - so real and honest and how I’m sure the majority of us would feel if our man came to us and asked us to do such a thing.  It seems a little unbelievable that anyone could have absolutely “no impact” (on the planet) in one year, but I’m sure willing to watch and find out how this family tries to do so.

Colin can be found on his blog, or at Crazy Sexy Life (founded by Kris Carr, subject of the medical journey documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer). 

With the 4th of July quickly approaching, there are some things to consider if you are hosting a holiday bash. While it may be impossible to make your celebration 100% eco-friendly this year, you can definitely make an impact with just a few simple changes to the way you eat on Independence Day. Here are some tips to lighten your footprint this 4th of July:

1.) Serve organic food. This is one simple and delicious way to “spruce up” your celebration. Here are some wonderful recipes that reduce carbon emissions (when you buy local, organic foods) while adding a healthy spin on normal Independence Day eating:

• Organic Blueberry Cobbler from Whole Foods Market or
• Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie from The Daily Green

2.) Buy local and/or organic beer or better yet - make your own organic beverages like the recipe below:

Lemonade+Mint Iced Tea Recipe:

3.) Ask Guests to bring their own cups (or better yet…their own reusable bottle!)

4.) Use washable tableware if possible, or buy recycled plates and silverware. Always recycle when you can.

Most of all - have a safe, fun and thankful celebration of our Independence Day!

If you love the outdoors it’s likely you’ve heard of the footwear brand KEEN,  known for their intensely cushioned footbeds and durable design.  I have a pair of Newport H2s that I’ve had for a couple years and they are still as comfortable and supportive as they were when I first bought them (and they’re still in good shape too).   

What I didn’t know until recently is that KEEN is dedicated to making marked improvements in their efforts to becoming more environmentally and socially responsible.  What I really admire is that they don’t claim to be perfect, but they are committed to doing better which is more than can be said for the majority of shoemakers on the planet. 

In case you’re wondering:

Q: Are KEEN products green and sustainable?

A: This is a focus for KEEN with several initiatives. We are reducing and eliminating materials containing toxins. We are reducing the amount of waste in manufacturing our products. We are harvesting our waste stream for use in new shoes and bags. Lastly, we are using materials with sustainable attributes whenever possible.

Q: Is KEEN monitoring gashouse emissions?

A: Yes, we monitor our GHG emissions. Our goal is to look beyond carbon neutrality and focus our efforts on reducing our overall GHG footprint through product innovation, use of recycled and/or natural materials and a focus on efficiency in production and transportation.

Q: Does KEEN make its products as part of a closed loop process?

A: Is it possible for KEEN and the products we offer to be “green”? What is “green”? Green can sometimes be grey. Our current options present complex choices, but our long-term goal is clear: KEEN, along with the rest of society, needs to embrace and move toward a model of product stewardship where materials circulate in closed loop cycles. A “closed loop cycle” reuses or recycles everything used to make a product.

Such lofty ideals are often elusive, but we’ve established four key initiatives as guideposts on this journey, which focus on 1) reducing and mitigating our waste, 2) integrating more materials with sustainable attributes into our products, 3) monitoring and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, and 4) optimizing our transportation of products. These initiatives will give us a better understanding of our environmental footprint – the resources used to produce and deliver our products to the end consumer. This will give us a map for the uncertain terrain ahead as we seek to minimize our impact.

Q: How can I obtain a copy of the KEEN Report Card that details their corporate responsibility activities?

A: You can email keenreportcard@keenfootwear.com or call 1.866.676.KEEN (5336). 

Q: Where can I find these cute + funky Mary Janes with a woven recycled rice bag upper and footbed made from recycled polyurethene and sustainable cork (shown above)?

A: Here. 

Need a pick-me-up, but trying to break (or not start) the coffee habit?  Yerba Mate is a great replacement and it comes with many great health benefits too.  I have a soft spot for Guayaki (Gwy-uh-Kee) Yerba Mate because the founders started the business near my hometown.    They were two Cal Poly University students who conceived the idea after their friendship was formed around sipping Yerba Mate everyday with each other.  Traditionally enjoyed by drinking out of a gourd, I prefer to brew mine in the coffee maker, but brewing in a french press is also popular.  I drink it plain, sometimes sprinkling in some Stevia Plus, but you can also add milk to make a Yerba Mate latte!  If you’re on the go or need a burst of energy in the afternoon keep a box of tea bags in your desk or in your bag. 

Yerba Mate has been found to contain a significant amount of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Each infusion of Yerba Mate contains: Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex.  Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Manganese, Phosphorus & Zinc.  Additional Compounds: Carotene, Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols, Polyphenols, Inositol, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Tannins, Pantothenic Acids and 15 Amino Acids. 

Health Benefits include:

Induces mental clarity

Sustains energy levels/reduces fatigue

Aids in weight control

Aids in elimination

Fights bad breath

Guayaki Yerba Mate is organic, rainforest grown and fair trade.  The company is fueled by solar power offsetting 55 tons of their corporate footprint locally.  Check out their corporate facility in Hopland, CA below:

Their carbon reduction efforts include:

By building an inventory of their company’s energy usage, they were able to determine that their business is responsible for an estimated 28.5 tons of CO2 each year.
 
•    By working with Green Mountain Energy they are to purchase enough Renewable Energy Credits to offset 2 years worth of company CO2 emissions from energy usage (57 tons).  
(“Energy usage” consists of electricity, natural gas & refrigerant emissions).  

•    Their source for the offsets  →  a solar facility at the Solar Living
Institute in Hopland, CA; only 40 miles from their headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA.  

•    They are purchasing, in total, roughly 175.5 MWh’s of green power from this facility.  Purchasing renewable energy helps ensure that facilities, like this one, continue to operate cost effectively and can therefore compete with other traditional sources of electricity such as fossil fuels. One key way to help build demand for renewables.

SKN organic cotton totes are just plain cool and what’s better yet is that they are not made of polyester as many of the reusable shopping bags on the market today are.  It’s great to not be using plastic bags each and every time we frequent the store, but the implications of supporting the production of polyester textiles, is anything but earth-friendly.  These totes are available in five fun & fresh designs including Carrot, Blueberry, Tomato, Lemon and Asparagus. They’ll comfortably hold up to 40 pounds and stand open for easy packing. Shoppers can fold bags flat like a traditional paper sack, and they’re machine-washable for easy upkeep.  These organic bags are made from 100%, U.S.-certified organic cotton grown without harmful chemicals, causing minimal disruption to the environment.

SKN Design was co-founded by Christopher DeGregorio and Jennifer Stevenson as a personal and home accessory design company that integrates sustainability into its fresh creations as a standard part of the design process. SKN reusable shopping totes are currently available in designer boutiques and online.  After their appearance in NY’s Fall 2008 Fashion Week, SKN totes were named the “Most Useful” reusable totes by Style.com. They’ve also been featured in national publications, including Health and Town & Country.  SKN works with the organization American Forests to plant a tree on their customers’ behalf for every order placed through getskn.com, and they invite retailers to also participate in this program.  Each SKN reusable bag saves the environment from the waste of about 330 plastic bags each year, and shoppers carrying the bags look fabulous doing it!

Get the set of 5 here or buy them individually. 

Chill out on the beach all day soaking up the rays and playing in the waves, all while keeping your cell phone, PDA, digital cam or other portable device charged even when you’re far from an electrical outlet. Made in the US, the Juice Bags Solar Tote allows you to do just that.  Just plug your device right into the bag’s universal car charger socket with your own charger. Turn sunlight into electricity!  Made of fifty-two solar cells, this seven watt solar panel is  flexible and the latest in flexible solar technology.  Military-approved, their fabrics and stitching are triple checked for quality before leaving their Texas or North Carolina warehouse.  And keep on eye on this company as they’re working on a solution to charge larger devices with the sun (like laptops for example).   And if you’re wondering how to clean it with the solar panel, no problem!  With their Reware SolarSistem, you’re able to remove the solar panel to use separately or take it out so you can clean the bag.  So pack your towel and sunscreen and head to the beach! 

Until now, there hasn’t been a channel dedicated to all things green & eco-friendly.  In collaberation with TreeHugger.com, Discovery launched Planet Green one month ago on June 4th.  On the air 24/7, you’ll find a wide variety of shows to help inspire you to live more consciously.  Offering a broad range of perspectives and ideas, all backgrounds and ages will be able to find something appealing.  

No matter what shade of green you are, learn how to reduce your carbon footprint on Wa$ted, follow the residents of Greensburg as they rebuild their town that was completely destroyed by a deadly tornado and how they are implementing eco-friendly design into their plans.  If you’re a bit (or a lot) star-struck, check out Hollywood Green as host Maria Menounos reports on how the stars are going green.  On location at Whole Foods Market, watch Emeril Lagasse whip up some healthy meals with local and organic foods on Emeril Green.  Hosted by Tom Bergeon (Dancing with the Stars host), each week Supper Club features a celebrity chef who cooks up a green meal for four green celebrity guests while they discuss latest happenings and controversies in the green movement.  If you’re into home design and renovation, tune into Renovation Nation, Greenovate or World’s Greenest Homes for some great inspiration and ideas. 

 To find out what channel it’s on in your area, click here. 

The Common Threads Garment Recycling program is a fantastic success and has received worldwide recognition, inspiring other companies to do the same and make use out of discarded goods. I encourage you to donate your old, worn-out garments. It’s easy, just wash items first and pop them in the mail to:

Patagonia Service Center
ATTN: Common Threads Recycling Program
8550 White Fir Street
Reno, NV 89523-8939

If you live near a Patagonia Retail Store then drop them off directly–ideally, while you’re running other errands, to reduce environmental impact.

The Common Threads Program accepts:
- Patagonia fleece (including Synchilla® and Regulator® insulation)
- Polartec® fleece from other manufacturers
- Capilene baselayers
- Patagonia cotton T-shirts

Please note buttons, zippers and snaps do not need to be removed in advance. They come off in the recycling process.

In 2005, Patagonia launched the world’s first garment recycling initiative. Common Threads Garment Recycling Program is a system through which customers may return worn out clothing in exchange for discounts on Patagonia products.

The worn out garments are run through an innovative recycling process in which they are repurposed into polyester, which can be used for second-generation performance wear.

The program creates a full-loop of environmental responsibility. Rather than simply selling products produced from recycled materials, Patagonia creates an infinite cycle of reuse by reabsorbing materials back into its supply chain. This cuts back on virgin oil wasted, natural resources squandered and the discarding of clothing in the landfill or incinerator.

The Women’s Capilene 1 Scoop is a popular product made from 100% post-consumer recycled Capilene through Patagonia’s Common Threads Recycling Program. According to research sponsored by Patagonia, “the environmental impact of recycling worn-out Capilene base layers into new polyester fiber is significantly lower than making that same fiber from virgin materials. Taking into account that worn-out garments are diverted from trash incinerators, making new polyester fiber from recycled garments results in an energy savings of 76% and a CO2 emissions [greenhouse gasses] reduction of 71%, versus creating that fiber from new raw material.”

When the best in natural and organic materials isn’t good enough, Patagonia gets creative. The company regularly sends design engineers to work with and help suppliers invent environmentally sound fabrics. In many cases these fabrics are made from recycled materials.

Take for example Patagonia’s signature: fleece, Capilene base layers and Regulator insulation garments. All are made from various combinations of post consumer recycled plastic soda bottles, unusable second quality fabrics and worn out garments.

Patagonia Men’s El Cap Pants are made from recycled plastic.

There are many substantial benefits to making items out of recycled materials. For one, the process curbs discards, therefore reducing toxic emissions from incinerators while preventing the continued overflow of landfills. As landfills seep, this prevents the overall contamination of air, water and soil. Most notably, recycling post consumer plastic decreases dependence on oil.