"Lower Emissions, Raise Your Voice"

More from San Francisco Greenfest:
Learned about The Alliance for Climate Education (ACE), a non-profit org "dedicated to educating America's high school students about the science behind climate change and inspiring them to do something about it—while having fun along the way."

I think their message and tips apply to all of us. I've copied some of their energy-reduction tips here:

1.Use compact florescent light bulbs - they use 1/4 the energy and last 10 times longer.
2.Unplug lamps and electronics when not in use. Even when turned off they use energy. Do this and reduce your carbon output by 1000 lbs.
3.Buy eco-friendly products.
4.Stop buying things you don't need.
5.Reuse, reuse, reuse. Shop at thrift stores, garage sales, etc.
6.Recycle.
7.Stop buying bottled water. Fill up at home and carry your own in an eco-friendly bottle made out of stainless steel.

How many of these things are you doing?

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Guide to Ocean-Friendly Seafood

Here's some info about fish I picked up at the San Francisco GreenFest this past weekend....

According to a brochure published by the Blue Ocean Institute, here are some fish you can eat w/o feeling guilty because they're abundant and the fishing and farming methods used to catch/raise them are low-impact to the environment.
-Barramundi (farmed, U.S.)
-Clams, Mussels, Oysters (farmed)
-Mackerels (beware of mercury or PCB levels)
-Mahimahi (pole- and troll-caught)
-Salmon (wild, from Alaska)
-Striped Bass (beware of mercury or PCB levels)
-Tilapia (farmed, U.S.)

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Everyone Knows It's Windy

When I think of Spain I think of paella, sangria, the Prado Museum, Goya, Velazquez, Gaudi, Picasso, Pedro Almodovar, blood red oranges, gay marriage, and now, wind power.

Here are some impressive reports:
From ecogeek--last year Bilbao's subway system was 100% powered by renewable resources.
From European Energy Future Forum --"The wind power energy market in Spain will grow this year by almost 50% in terms of sales to more than 3,100 million Euros and to an installed power of almost 16.000 megawatts (13,800 in 2007: a growth rate of 13.75%). The business in solar -photovoltaic and thermoelectric-energy will reach 470 million euros, which means an increase of 125%. In 2008, the sales of both kinds of energies will generate a business of more than 3,600 million Euros, 55% more than in 2007."

Want a job in the industry, click here.
Check out the WindPower 2010 Conference!


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San Francisco GreenFest

I was in San Francisco this week, and caught a few hours of GreenFest. I was happy to see some familiar faces and finally meet some fancy people who work for companies whose fancy green products we've reviewed on our main site, like Josh from Indigenous Designs. We love their fair trade sustainable fabric apparel and accessories (we just reviewed their fingerless urban gloves).

Here are some of the cool products I saw (and hope to review on our site this winter): elf boots made out of wool scraps, cute skirts and scarves made out of fabric leftovers, adorable organic apparel for children and toddlers, reusable lunch box kits, and an educational (but fun) eco video game for kids.

Please visit our site soon for more reviews of eco products........

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Pee for the Planet

My neighbor just emailed me a link to an article in the Telegraph (a U.K. newspaper). Apparently, peeing on your yard compost helps activate the composting process. It also saves water! Also in this article - the Brazilian government has encouraged people to pee in the shower. Ultimately, the article poses the question....."is this really a civilised way to save the planet?"

I think, "YES." Pee for the Planet!!! Next time you have to go, step outside and fertilize your flower bed!

Now, I must add a link to another Telegraph article about elimination. There's really no green connection, but the headline caught my eye.

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BYOC

We just received the coolest items to test from To-Go Ware. Two stacking stainless steel food bins, plus several smaller sized bins. You can read reviews on these items in our November issue, but for now, I'm thinking they're ideal for restaurant leftovers. The smaller bins are just the right size. I'm going to try to remember to throw them in my pockets or purse next time I go out to eat. (IE, Bring Your Own Container.)

I also plan on using them for potluck parties. The large tins for my dal, the small tins for my special sauces. More info after I've had time to test these fancy reusable containers.


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Shop Smarter

Why waste time, energy, and gasoline driving all over town trying to find what you want. Shop online and leave your weekends free to relax and spend time with friends.

I recently purchased an air cleaner and a vacuum. I knew the brands and models I wanted, so I searched the web for the best prices and shipping deals. I ended up saving $80, and it only took me 30 minutes of research. Both items arrived a few days later. I didn't have to expend any energy; neither did my car!!!

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