Mens Holiday Green Gift Guide

Green Guide Network was asked to develop a list of sustainable green gift ideas for the holiday season.  We didn't feel that just one list would fit everyones interests, budgets or needs so we developed 4 lists; a womens list, a mens list, childrens list as well as a do-good charity list. Here is the Mens green gift guide list, we will continue to release all of the green holiday gift guides in the coming weeks. Our list includes holiday ideas that are interesting, practical and eco-friendly.

Have a happy, safe and green holiday season!

Read more here...

Hopenhagen- When People Lead, Leaders Follow

The time has come to consider the adverse affects our existence is having on the planet.  This year's United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) is asking the people to demand change, to start a grassroots movement powerful enough to influence change, and to open their minds to the possibility of change.

This December, the city of Copenhagen, Denmark, who has re-branded itself Hopenhagen for the event will play host to 192 countries who will gather together to help solve our climate crisis.

Freya Williams, Senior Partner and Planning Director for Ogilvy and Mather, NY spoke to us about OgilvyEarth's involvement in Hopenhagen.

Read more here...

Buddy can you spare a bottle?

We're gathering up all the single serving plastic bottles we can, find me and I'll come pick them up. While you're at it: organic seeds, newspaper, twine, anything...gimme.

Peace, love and earth.
-CC

The Peoples Shoe: By the People, for the People

It all started a few years ago when Anton Brandt, creator of The People's Shoe was living in Shanghai, China.  Outside his brick lane home Brandt would often mingle with local workers who would spend their day paving or digging in the nearby area.  As friendships formed stories, and styles, were often swapped and the workers shoes became a staple for Brandt.

Though unintentional, interest in the shoes grew as they went with Anton around the world.  Friends asked where they came from, and where they could buy them, "I would tell the story of how they were Chinese workers shoes, and eventually I had hundreds of people asking me to ship them," says Brandt.  "From that, The People's Shoe was born."

Read more here...

SUST: Organic Apparel for Women

Almost 30 years ago, SUST creators Tristan Gribbin and Marion McKee developed a friendship made strong by their common desire to incorporate all things organic into their lives. 

The pair, influenced by the 60's Mod lines and colors wanted to take their love of organic and apply it to clothing.

Read more here...

Green Guide Network
http://www.greenguidenetwork.com

Women's Holiday Gift Guide

Green Guide Network was asked to develop a list of sustainable green gift ideas for the holiday season.  We didn't feel that just one list would fit everyones interests, budgets or needs so we developed 4 lists; a womens list, a mens list, childrens list as well as a do-good charity list. Starting here with the womens list, we will continue to release all of the green holiday gift guides in the coming weeks. Our list includes holiday ideas that are interesting, practical and eco-friendly. Have a happy, safe and green holiday season!

Read more here...

Green Guide Network
http://www.greenguidenetwork.com

GreenStar Eco-Enterprises

GGN: What was the inspiration behind starting up GreenStar Eco-Enterprises?

GreenStar Eco-Enterprises: One of our founders often says he's been doing things green since he became an eagle scout in 1963. He was at the first Earthday in May of 1970 and taught geography and ecology for 14 years.  GreenStar Eco-Enterprises current manifestation is the result of many years of cumulative environmental and ecological work.

Read more here... 

Green Guide Network
http://www.greenguidenetwork.com

BambooSk8: 100% Bamboo Skateboards

The people at BambooSk8 know that you have to do more than walk the walk to be taken seriously in the green business world.  In 2007 when talks began to create boards using 100% bamboo the entrepreneurial Gregson family and Ron Stebenne, a family friend, knew the idea would be met with some criticism.

Despite initial scepticism the group remained optimistic and began production of both 86% hybrid skateboards as well as 100% bamboo models.  The hybrids proved unable to match the strength and consistency of 100% bamboo and by June 2008 they had pulled the plug on hybrid production and committed to being truly green with their 3-ply, 100% bamboo models, on which they based their first large-scale production.

Read more here...

Green Guide Network
http://www.greenguidenetwork.com

Largest City in Texas has Lowest Recycling Rate

With a low recycling rate of just 2.6 percent, Houston is embarrassed and has recently taken huge strides to increase that number. Though programs for recycling have been in place throughout the city there had been little push to involve its residents.

City officials promise that new partnerships and expansion of recycling programs will help encourage residents to recycle.

Houston is committed to changing its image and become known as a sustainable city. By newly partnering with RecycleBank they will be able to increase recycling and reduce the amount of material going into their landfills. Beginning on Nov. 9, RecycleBank will offer its services to 22,000 new residents who can benefit from its incentives such as coupons, gift cards and discounts that participants can earn.

The program which is already offered in 21 states has been warmly received and offers the incentives based on the amount recycled by each household.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Flaunts Green Credentials

Our oceans have suffered a lot of abuse at the hands of millions of Captain's steering ships from one port to another.  While ocean transportation was the first step in forming our global community it has also become the villain.


Transportation, whether it is land, air, or sea has long been contributing an unreasonable amount of carbon to our environments.  Ocean travel, however, has the disadvantage of consuming and pumping out tons of fuel and toxins as well as waste generated by life at sea.

It is a stigma that is hard to shake but the Oasis of the Seas, the world's newest and largest cruise ship promises to minimize waste and consume 25% less power.  It took nearly two and half years of construction and a lot of environmental consideration, but the 16-deck ship which spans 1200 feet and can accommodate 6300 passengers has been dubbed an Eco-Ship.

Read more here...

Green Guide Network
http://www.greenguidenetwork.com

China & US Group Plans to Build Texas Wind Farm

A conglomerate of American and Chinese companies have announced a joint project to build a 600 mega-watt wind farm in West Texas, using turbines made in China.
The project which is estimated to cost 1.5 billion will be largely financed by Chinese banks. The United States government has also committed loan guarantees and cash grants to the development.   Though construction and cost of the turbines seems possible because of Chinese endeavours, it is actually due to the openness of the Unites States to invest in the field of renewable energy.   The wind farm will serve as an example of the United States commitment to producing clean energy; a commitment that has advanced considerably in recent years.

Read more here...

Green Guide Network
http://www.greenguidenetwork.com/

Battle of the Bugs: Monarch Butterfly vs. the Bark Beetle

When Pangaea, the supercontinent broke apart some 250 million years ago it allowed for the creation of seven unique land masses that fostered the growth of individual species that could survive and thrive in the warm or cool climates that had become their new habitat.

As species adapted to their environments there came to be a perfect Utopia of existence uninterrupted by intruders capable of threatening the elaborate ecosystems that had developed. 

That serene image was thrown into chaos shortly after man realized wooden structures float well and could potentially take you (and other unwanted species) to far off lands.  While exploration eventually led to shipping and the profitable business of imports and exports, our boxes filled with spices and linens brought with them some unexpected surprises.  Invasive plants and insects now had easy passage to new territory where they could flourish, annoy, and in some cases, destroy native species. 

Read more here...

Green Guide Network
http://www.greenguidenetwork.com

The White House is going Green – Again!

As America's first family, the Obama's announced early that it was their intention to lead-by-example when it came to showing the world that green is easy.  The White House, which was seen expansions and new construction many times throughout its existence had made a few attempts at lower energy consumption and implementing renewable sources for heat, lights, power, and water.

Some were met with success while others ended up costing more than they ever saved in money or resources. 

The carbon footprint generated by a home consisting of 132 rooms is mammoth in proportion.  The President didn't want to re-haul the entire White House; he wanted his family to show America that it just isn't that hard.  Shortly after the Obama's moved into the White House Michelle Obama broke ground for an organic herd and vegetable garden on the South Lawn.  The Obama's also installed an environmentally friendly wooden swing set on the lawn for their children.

Read more here... 

Green Guide Network
http://www.greenguidenetwork.com

Eco – Gadgets: Water Makes the Clock Go Round

With all the alternative fuel sources out there the idea of eco-gadgets shouldn’t sound shocking. We have witnessed the awesome power of wind, water and solar energy and know that we can harvest almost any natural element and use it to power everything from our cars to our homes.
Read more here...

Calculating a New, Blue Footprint

Oil, as we all know, is usually the resource that comes to mind when global analysts talk of scarce resources on the planet. For the past fifty years, countries have battled over the supply lines of oil, and as the plentiful resource dwindles down, prices and hysteria over “black gold” continue to rise. Read more here...

Texas Headquarters announces Exxon’s Green Initiative

It has been twenty years since 10.8 million U.S. gallons of Prudhoe Bay Crude Oil poured into the waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska. The Exxon Valdez, which struck Bligh Reef on March 24th, 1989 caused one of the most widely covered environmental disasters of all time.
Read more here...

San Francisco to Make Food Scrap Composting Mandatory

Lawmakers in San Francisco recently passed an ordinance that will keep the city on the vanguard of the green movement. In an effort to rid the city landfills of waste by 2020, San Francisco will make food scrap composting mandatory, and the city will fine repeat offenders who throw their scraps into trash bins. Read more here...

Amphibian Decline Equals Deteriorating Environmental Quality

Amphibians are a diverse group of vertebrates that can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are among the oldest living things on earth, appearing over 360 million years ago during the Devonian period and have diversified into a huge number of species.
Read more here...

Bay Area Beaches Surveyed in Annual Report

The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) released its annual report last month, surveying the water quality throughout U.S. beaches. For the fourth consecutive year, over 20,000 beaches were closed around U.S. coasts, rivers and lakes.

According to the study, California ranks 22nd in beach safety, while some Bay Area counties found themselves among some of the most contaminated sites in the state.

Read more here.

Portland Truck Stop Becomes Idle Free Zone

Regardless of your location you are never far from one of the thousands of truck stops that have littered North America. With millions of products being shipped across the continent every single day truck stops have become a necessary evil.

The majority of large transfer trucks opt for Diesel fuel which is slightly better for the environment, emitting roughly 20% less carbon dioxide then petrol engines. The catch, however, is the sheer number of these trucks on our roads.

Read more here.

Support a Green Hotel: Stay at one of ten new ‘green’ hotels!

We hear about companies private companies ‘going green’ all the time, and working towards becoming more eco-responsible. Larger companies, however, especially those with locations throughout North American or abroad have been more reluctant to jump on board.

Understandably because of the cost of renovating an entire chain. This daunting task, however, has not deterred Wyndham Worldwide to accept the challenge and make a difference by focusing on a ‘greener’ business.

Read more here...

Las Vegas bets on the Environmeny

When we envision Las Vegas we tend to think, maybe unfairly, of indulgence and consumption while conservation and sustainability rarely come to mind. This is an image city officials are trying to change. Las Vegas and its famous strip have begun to model eco-friendly practices.
Read more here...

Silicon Valley’s Mount Umunhum Cleanup Approved

On Wednesday, July 22nd, the House Appropriations Committee approved a four million dollar budget to clean up the abandoned military outpost atop mount Umunhum, a nearly 3500 foot tall mountain overlooking the Silicon Valley.
Read more here...

China: The Emerging Green Energy Superpower?

China has a problem. As more and more rural Chinese are buying appliances and getting hooked up to the grid, the Chinese government is trying to figure out ways to supply power to all of its 1.3 billion-plus residents. Read more here.

‘Green’ Bullets: Tough on the Enemy, Easy on the Environment

Engaging in an afternoon at the firing range has become a poisonous pastime. While countless numbers think of the firing range as a safe environment they are actually on deadly ground. Lead is used in most ammunition, so much so that 400 to 600 tons of lead is used each day to make bullets. Read more here...

Plastic : Our problems are blowing in the Wind

Plastic bags may make up a small proportion of the worlds waste but are nevertheless a huge environmental concern. They have become an easily assessable convenience that we seem unwilling to give up. Billions of plastic bags are distributed worldwide mainly by grocery stores.
Read more here.

House Passes Climate Bill

Last Friday, the House of Representatives approved the historic American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) bill, better known as the Waxman-Markey bill. The bill, largely voted along party lines, seeks to radically transform how America creates, dispenses, and consumes energy, all the while promoting a healthier environment and creating a new economy. Read more here.

The Pacific Ocean: Home to the World’s Largest Landfill

In the broad expanse of the North Pacific Ocean there exists a slow moving, clockwise spiral of currants created by a high-pressure system of air currents known as a Gyre. The area is home to phytoplankton but no larger species of fish or mammals.
Read more here.

Pesticides Linked to Parkinson’s Disease: Is Your Home and Kitchen Safe?

A recent study released by the Annals of Neurology found a causal link between organochlorine insecticides and Parkinson’s disease. Farm workers exposed to pesticides were more prone to developing the disease and the longer the exposure the higher the risk.

Although the study did not look at low-level exposure to pesticides and the risks that may accompany it, consumers should know if the products they buy contain harmful pesticide residues that may be harmful to their health.

Read more here.

High-Altitude Wind Turbines: Harvesting the Power of the Skies.

Man has been harvesting the power of the wind for hundreds of years, originally with windmills which allow machinery to use energy directly or more recently with wind turbines which convert the wind energy to electricity.

A wind turbine works the opposite of a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, like a fan, wind turbines use wind to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity.

Read more here.

Farmers Markets for Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and New York City

Just added farmers markets to all the available cities: Farmers Markets for Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and New York City.

Shopping locally not only is easier and often times cheaper but you'll reduce your fuel costs, driving times to further markets as well as supporting local economies. You'll just feel better, just do it!

Read more here.

Green Collar Jobs to Close the Inequality Gap

Although many people are feeling the economic crunch, people of color and high school graduates are the least advantaged groups in the current labor market. As more overqualified workers are taking lower-paying jobs, people of color and high school graduates are pushed even further to the economic margins. Read more here.

Dairy Farmers Cutting Back on Cow Burps to Fight Global Warming

Seriously. As comical as it sounds, research has found that cow gas, emanating from the front and not the rear of the animals, accounts for around 4% of US greenhouse gas emissions.

And, dairy farmers in Vermont are attempting to curb their bovine burps by reintroducing more grasses into their cattle’s diets, grasses that have recently been supplanted by grain as the animals’ main food source.

Read more here.

Green Guide Network - New Cities!

Green Guide Network has just launched its Seattle, Portland, New York City and San Francisco city pages! We're on the ground and working hard to find the best green businesses and local events in your community.

If you have any suggestions, please send us your favorite green businesses or upcoming event in these cities. Also join our mailing list to receive the monthly Green Guide Network newsletter. Read more here.

Solar Energy Getting a $500 Billion Dollar Boost

Project Destertec, which is the idea of providing solar power to European, Middle Eastern, and African countries moved a little closer to reality earlier this month, due to a consortium of German businesses pledging to raise $500 billion dollars for the six-year old project.

The move by the companies, some of which are global powerhouses such as Siemens and Deutsche Bank, is an important step in getting big businesses to rally behind solar energy.

Read more here.

California Senate Looks to Ban BPA

On June 9th, the California Senate approved a proposal to ban the use of biphenol A, a ubiquitous chemical used in dental fillings, aluminum can liners, and plastic baby-bottles and food containers that has been linked to developmental disorders, diabetes, brain damage, and certain forms of cancer.

Industry leaders and manufacturers of BPA have stated that the chemical is safe, and they have defended it by citing its passing of both EU and US regulatory laws. They decry the ban as being “overblown” and being pandered by elected officials who have folded under pressure from special interest groups.

Read more here.

A Man and His Island: Creating a Self-Sufficient Paradise

One man has harvested the power of creation, making for himself an island paradise with tropical vegetation, a home and even lawn furniture made completely out of recycled material. Raishee Sowa has a dream to create a better world and has already done so with the creation of a self sufficient island made entirely of recycled materials.

It was an ambitious dream that had subjugated the mind of this artist for years before he set forth in creating his island comprised of 250,000 pop bottles used as a floating spiral surface, on which he built his home in Puerto Aventuras. The island has a two story house complete with guest room and solar cooker on the upstairs deck.

Read more here.

Recycling Electronics Becoming Easier

State and local governments are cracking down on companies, making electronic recycling all the more easier for consumers. Previously, recycling used televisions and computers usually cost a pretty penny, but now most manufacturers let you drop off your old electronic items for free.
Read more here.

Water is Newest Environmental Initiative at Bonnaroo 2009

In an effort to raise awareness of water issues facing the world, reduce waste and upgrade onsite drinking water, Global Water Challenge has teamed up with Bonnaroo and Stanley nineteen13 for its Bottle-less Water Program. Close to a billion people lack access to clean drinking water all over the world. This crisis will become even deadlier as water scarcity becomes more acute due to climate change.

But this problem can be solved.

“We believe that we have the will and the resources to solve this crisis,” said Paul Faeth, President of Global Water Challenge. “There is a solution. With increased funding and scaling simple technology, we believe we have the ability to ensure universal access to clean and safe drinking water. We are excited to partner with Bonnaroo and Stanley nineteen13 to bring attention to this crucial issue. Partnering with Bonnaroo gives us the ability to reach a whole new audience and continue to raise awareness.”

Stanley and Bonnaroo have partnered to create a limited edition reusable Bonnaroo water bottle for the program, and together they will donate one dollar per bottle sold to Global Water Challenge.

Read more here.

Taking to the Skies: A Greener Way to Fly

Aviation only accounts for 2-3% of global carbon emissions, a relatively small amount when evaluated as a single digit percentage, but aviation is the fastest growing source of CO2 with expectations of growing rapidly in the next 20 years. Read more here.

Bonnaroo Music Festival - Rock On the Green Way

Green Guide Network has been invited to attend the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee in order to capture what is necessary in order to successfully produce a sustainable music festival. From the inception, the festival has strived to make the most sustainable choices while maintaining the ultimate experience for the fan, setting the standard in sustainability and greening practices for North American festivals.

Read more here.

Biodegradable Diapers: Getting the scoop on poop!

When it comes to diapers the products are endless. While they are offered for both adults and babies the products are similar in composition and design. There are cloth diapers and disposable diapers, with disposable diapers being categorized as either absorbent or super-absorbent.

Read more here.

Green Guide Network - The Launch

Greetings!

This has been a long time coming and I'm happy to present to you all this brand new site. Fully redesigned to be able to handle many more features as well as a national expansion, this year is sure to be an interesting one as we continue to expand and listen to the communities we integrate into.

I'm looking forward to hearing your suggestions and information for us on eco/green news, events and businesses in your area so we can add them to the site. Please feel free to contact us or myself personally anytime!

Many thanks for everyone's support on this continued project and I look forward to hearing your input.

Cheers!
-Casey