Image courtesy of Earthday.org

According to the Earth Day Web site, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day has found the planet in worse shape than ever. Despite humanity’s ongoing battle with global warming, April 22 was still a day spent making changes to help the environment.

Teachers around the globe went paperless for a day this year, giving up printed tests and handouts for movies, overheads and participation grades. Some classes even learned how to recycle their old papers into new, fresh sheets. The paperless idea, a simple way to go green for a day, resulted from Earth Day’s overall hope to convert all K-12 schools to green ones, a feat they expect to accomplish within the next generation. As of March 1, 2010, according to Green School Buildings, 32 states have formed green schools caucuses or working groups in their legislatures. Only 18 more to go!

Another movement inspired by this year’s Earth Day is cutting down on red meat. College students, teachers and young adults pledged online to start reducing their intake of red meat. The Worldwatch Institute says livestock contribute 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, even higher than the GHG emissions from transportation. Included in that percentage, livestock also produce 37% methane, which has more than 20% the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.

An article from Treehugger reported that the Australian Conservation Foundation found that removing just one 150-gram serving of beef a week “would culminate in a savings of 10,000 liters of water and 300 kilograms of greenhouse gases.” Translated from the metric system, that’s about 5 oz. of meat, 2,642 gallons of water and 660 pounds of gas. I love steak just as much as the next person, but cutting it out of my diet once a week could really add up.

A final Earth Day movement that caught my eye was the eagerly awaited release of Avatar. The highest-grossing film in history appeared in stores April 22 because of shared themes between the movie and Earth Day, according to The Huffington Post. The article reported that the film inspired a world-wide tree planting campaign of about one million trees in 15 countries on what fans called “Home Tree Earth Day 2010.”

The post explains that James Cameron and Sigourney Weaver also recently returned from a trip to the Amazon rain forest and have been giving talks about the importance of preserving the environment. Next on Cameron’s agenda; the director hopes to shift the environmental focus of Avatar 2 to the oceans of Pandora as opposed to the rain forests. Hopefully the different setting will inspire an equally powerful rally of environmental action.

The Earth still needs a lot of work, but don’t be shut into a corner with all the bad news about the state of the planet. There are plenty of ways to make a difference and plenty of soon-to-be as well as currently active campaigns out there working to save our “home tree.” For ways to get involved, click here.

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It’s time to hit the beach, head camping or even get married. Unfortunately, it’s also prime season for mosquitoes. Nothing’s more irritating than red, itchy, scabby insect bites all over your limbs, but applying repellents — most which contain the chemical DEET — has become less fashionable as society’s concern for toxins in products continues to grow.

The United States Army concocted the substance in reaction to buggy jungle experiences during World War II that proved nasty and harmful to soldiers. After it was tested as a pesticide on farms and then used in Vietnam, DEET became available for consumer use in 1957.

Despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s insistence that DEET is safe for skin, many natural health circles and supporters of an organic lifestyle have turned to alternative protection against pesky bugs. If absorbing a pesticide into your skin scares you or if DEET actually does irritate your skin, give these mosquito-fighting tactics a try:

White and Thick. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing and seemingly shady foliage, so wear white or light-colored shirts and pants (try to avoid camouflage). Many mosquitoes will bite through thin, tight-fighting clothing, so throw on a big sweatshirt or a pair of jeans.

Essential Oils. Eucalyptus, cedarwood, tea tree and geranium essential oils naturally repel mosquitoes and other insects. To make an effective diluted spray, experiment with the percentages and ratios of all these oils mixed with a carrier oil (olive, sunflower, jojoba or grape seed).

Garden Girl. Mosquitoes hate the smell of marigolds and also stay clear of rosemary. Brighten up your backyard and your spice rack while you keep pests away.

Don’t Sweat It. Chemicals in perspiration and the simple increase in humidity around your body when you sweat will make you a target for mosquitoes. Don’t sit around after a hot run and rinse off every now and then at the beach. Working out also releases lactic acid from our bodies, which mosquitoes love. (Eating salty foods emits the same chemical.)

The Drier the Better. Offering a chance for reproduction and breeding, even small amounts of water will appeal to blood-suckers. Stay clear of ponds, puddles and moist plants that are havens for mosquitoes.

Breathe Easy. One way mosquitoes navigate the air to find prey is by tracking carbon dioxide as well as other gases humans and animals exhale. Since ceasing to breathe isn’t really an option, try loosely tying a bandana around your mouth.

Mosquitoes have some pretty sensitive and advanced methods for hunting their prey and are quite relentless once they find you. In addition to being extremely annoying, many breeds of mosquitoes are carriers for diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue fever, and malaria. In tropical climates and sub-Saharan Africa, malaria kills millions of people each year. Whether in your backyard or traveling in Argentina, if you can avoid being bitten, you will definitely lessen your chances for contracting mosquito-borne illness — and those irritating red marks.

photo by zaser’s photography

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If you don’t live in Southern California, where the water shortage is not only heavily publicized but also threatens to restrict, ration and even impose charges for unnecessary water usage, you may not be fully aware of the dire concern for our world’s drinkable water supply. Politicians and conservationists in other southwestern states dealing with similar drought conditions are emphasizing the impact individual consumption has on the crisis, and how small changes in the use of one of our most precious resources can save gallons of water a day.

Although the immediate attention in America is focused on our arid climate, the imminent water shortage is global and severe. As we casually water our lawns, carelessly toss half-finished bottles of water and run our dishwashers twice a day, children in Africa and other countries are dying of waterborne diseases where finding clean water is its own war. As population and overall temperatures continue to rise, many researchers estimate that by 2025 one-third of all people — including those in the U.S. — will endure desperate scarcity of clean water.

Governments, environmentalists, health organizations, corporations and even inventors are brainstorming ideas of how to cure or at least slow the earth’s hydration problems. In the meantime, here are some conservation tips we should all be considering:

Load Up. Do full loads of laundry and make sure you completely fill the dishwasher with dirty dishes before running a cycle.

Reuse. Catch the water you use to rinse vegetables and reuse it to water flowers in the garden. Use unfinished water bottles to fill your pet’s water dish.

Refuse. Ask your waiter at the restaurant not to bring you water if you know you won’t drink it. Or ask for water without ice.

Make It Quick. Shorten your shower. Turn water off while you lather or shave. You also can shut it off while you brush your teeth.

Let It Be. So your car is a little dirty…it certainly doesn’t mind. Neither will the sidewalk in front of your house, your deck or your garage door.

Ms. Fix-It. Take the time to stop that leaky faucet, toilet or hose from dribbling.

Don’t Dispose. Your sink’s garbage disposal requires a lot of water to operate properly. Try composting food waste as an alternative.

Talk About It. Create awareness in your home, at work, at school and in your community by encouraging others to conserve.

photo by joost nelissen

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We’ve all squirted a palm-full of thin, faintly bubbled liquid from the soap pump into our hands at a restaurant or gas station, making us wonder just how long it has been diluted almost to the consistency of water. Actually, the theory of this product-life-extension trick is quite economically and environmentally efficient. In the current financial climate, consumers should learn the secrets of using less and conserving more when it comes to products we regularly rely on at home.

After one month of daily application of your $12 face lotion, the last spit of thick cream spurts out. You pump or squeeze over and over to no avail, then cringe at the thought of buying a fresh bottle or tube, but toss that empty one away and head to the nearest Walgreens. Depending on your regiment, up that price to $35 and destination to any neighborhood department store. Either way, if you could get three to seven more uses out of that product before ditching it, you could plausibly go through two less bottles of lotion a year. Monetarily that adds up to $24 (or $70), and environmentally it translates to two less plastic pieces of material sitting in a landfill, spewing anti-aging chemicals into the earth. Multiply that by every product you use and save a small fortune while practically saving the world. Try these clever little tricks and keep a few extra bucks in your pocket:

Pump Products. The bottom of the bottle may not have enough lotion for the tube to suck up, but there is definitely more in there. Take the pump out and use it to scrape along the sides and bottom of the bottle.

Squeeze Products. Cut the tube in half. You will be amazed how many days worth of sunscreen, toothpaste or conditioner are hanging out along the walls and pooled in the neck.

Makeup. Use a Q-tip to scrape the corners of a powder compact, blush or eye shadow. Gather it in the middle and press into a new hunk or dot your brush into those pesky crumbs.

Shampoo. Drip a little hot water into the apparently empty bottle and swirl around. It will be a little watery but, depending on how much hair you have, you will have one to three effective washes swirling around in that bottle.

Deodorant. The plastic may be chafing your skin, but there is quite a bit of deodorant trapped in the little holes of the applicator. Use a toothpick to scrape them out and rub the deodorant on with your fingers. It really isn’t gross and still works the same.

The number one way to extend the life of your products is to use less. Do you really need that much shampoo? Are you dumping detergent into your washer without discretion? Is that mountain of toilet paper in your hand really necessary every time? Being conscious of your product intake is responsible consumption and even your wallet will take notice.

photo by questioning lovely photography

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We all know that driving SUVs and smoking cigarettes are harmful to the earth, but how many of us pass over that $20 party dress at H&M to save the environment? A cloud of black exhaust doesn’t hover over the hanger and a thin wisp of smoke doesn’t trail behind after you’ve slipped it on, but that cute little number leaves a not-so-pretty pollution footprint all the way to your closet.

For starters, let’s talk fiber. With the consumer demand for cheap, fashionable clothing on the rise, man-made fabric is once again being manufactured so the fashion industry can keep up with the latest trends at affordable prices. Polyester — the most widely used fake fiber — is made from petroleum and the process uses a lot of energy while requiring crude oil. Many textile manufacturing plants produce mass amounts of harmful emissions into the air. The by-products of production include acid gases and other virulent compounds which seep into the ground surrounding facilities and make their way into water. Workers at these plants are required to wear protective gear and sometimes end up suffering from respiratory complications.

Cotton is okay though, right? It’s natural and softer than polyester at least. Cotton may not require the manufacturing synthetic fabric does, but it certainly contributes to the deterioration of the environment. The growth of the cotton crop depends heavily on pesticides, which are sprayed into the air, contaminate the soil and not only kill insects attacking cotton plants but also non-threatening bugs beneficial to the earth. When the cotton is ready to harvest, herbicides are applied to make picking easier, exposing manual laborers to toxins that increase the risk of cancers as well as respiratory and neurological disorders. The wind carries all of these toxins to the trees and water affecting surrounding wildlife and the natural ecosystem. In the United States alone, non-organic cotton crops account for a quarter of all the pesticide used. In developing countries, where regulations on pesticides are even less strict, spraying cotton plants and other crops is often more toxic.

Fiber is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how clothing manufacturing affects the world. International outsourcing of labor to ensure lower prices in stores accounts for abusive working conditions across the globe. It also requires transcontinental shipments of goods, widening the environmental footprint of manufacturing.

Designer styles are practically disposable today — especially for women — but before you trade that Andrew Jackson for a one-time-wear outfit, consider the consequences of its creation. Swapping apparel, shopping consignment and mending clothes looks even more appealing now — thanks to the state of the economy and for the sake of the planet.

photo by taryn domingos

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What do Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney and Brad Pitt have in common? They are all ecosexuals! A new term has been coined on the West Coast that puts metrosexuality to shame, it’s called ecosexuality and describes people who look for mates that share the same environmental concern.

If you think “environmentally friendly” or “socially conscious” men are limited to the dirty hippie stereotypes, think again. Ecosexuality combines GQ sexiness with a heart for something more than just a big bank account and fancy car.

Personally, I’ve done a lot of dating over the past few years and the men who will always occupy a little part of my heart were those who were, in some way, green. Whether it was the guy who told me he once donated to PETA, who loved An Inconvenient Truth, who refused to buy farmed salmon or who made energy efficiency a bigger priority than affordability when buying a car, they all had an unforgettable effect on me.

To me, nothing is sexier that a man who has a heart for saving the environment. This doesn’t mean he has to be David Suzuki, but that he cares for it enough to make green decisions in his life, like asking for the most sustainable hard wood floor at Home Depot. It just screams compassion – and that he’ll probably be a better lover and father because of it.

Now this is not to say that there is no hope for the man you’re currently dating or interested in if he’s not green. I’ve educated many men over the past who have now become full-fledged greenies.

So what if you decide you want to date an ecosexual but don’t know where to turn? No problem! With green lifestyles becoming so chic in mainstream media lately, it’s no wonder that men’s ecosexual traits would now become dating criteria.

Dating websites are popping up at an alarming rate where one can now choose mates based on their carbon-neutral, fair-trade consumption or vegetarian lifestyles.

And if you’re not sure whether or not you qualify as an ecosexual, you can now take the fun ecosexual quiz.

So whether you prefer to love global and date local or are looking for Zero-carbon love, ecosexuality is where it’s at.

Enjoy green dating!

Hear more from the Urban Green Girl at her blog about green living solutions for urban girls.

photo by roger mateo poquet

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Roz Savage, a record-setting eco-rower, has proved that change occurs one stroke at a time. In 2005, she rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Then, in 2008, she became the first woman to row alone from California to Hawaii—the first stage of a three-leg journey geared toward raising awareness about ocean pollution.

Savage is doing this three-part adventure from California to Australia to bring attention to crises impacting the oceans. The Britain-native said it took her 99 days and 1 million strokes to make the 2008 voyage from California to Hawaii, but Savage said it takes many small steps to make a change.

“I want to be living on a comfortable and safe planet in the future,” Savage said. “I think we’ve realized we are living together on this little planet and this is all we’ve all got.”

In addition to her public speaking engagements, Savage is spreading the word about ocean pollution utilizing social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace and Youtube. When she is not blogging, she is tweeting on Twitter.

In May, the five-foot-four, 120-pound adventurer will begin the second leg of her journey to become the first woman to row solo across the Pacific. Her mission: row from Hawaii to Tuvalu, 2,620 miles of vast open water.

Using hand-held cameras, Savage will document her entire voyage through what has been dubbed by marine experts as the “garage patch” of the Pacific, or the North Pacific gyre. Plastic pollution in this area outweighs plankton 30 to 1, according to the Algalita Marine Research Foundation.

“We are just trying to figure out how to get people to care.” Savage said. “If we’ve got sick and dying oceans, we’ll have sick and dying people.”

Savage needs $25,000 in total for the next trip. And with about 60 more days to find the funds, Savage is unyieldingly optimistic. To meet her financial needs, Savage is soliciting contributions from the public at www.rozsavage.com.

“The more funds we have the more we can do with our outreach.” Savage continued, “And I really believe if I’m doing the right thing for the right reason. The money will turn up.”

The data networking technology company Brocade is Savage’s main sponsor, contributing about $100,000 for the entire Pacific row. Go Pro has donated cameras, but funding is still needed for other provisions such as freeze-dried food, among other necessities. Tech-savvy volunteers are also needed to help upload Savage’s archived blogs.

Safety is something Savage will not compromise to cut costs. She knows firsthand the dangers of the sea, as her first attempt crossing the Pacific (from California to Hawaii) ended with a U.S. Coast Guard rescue. Then on her second and final attempt rowing from California to Hawaii, Savage nearly ran out of water. She was helped by fellow seafarers and hydrated enough to complete the journey.

The launch date’s looming, but Savage has not slowed down. She will speak at the Blue Planet Summit this month along with Philippe Cousteau. “To be honest, I don’t get a kick out of the rowing, but I get a kick out of helping people,” Savage said. “I really enjoy the correspondence and I love doing the motivational talking.”

Before growing her sea legs, Savage had a lifestyle most would covet: a lucrative career, a husband, and a red sports car. Jaded about her corporate life, Savage wrote two forms of her own obituary. The exercise helped her realize her potential. Savage got a divorce and became a nomad. She has been rowing ever since.

“For many many years I had dreams, but I didn’t’ think I could do them.” Savage added, “I found since I started living life this way—life has been just brilliant.”

photos courtesy of roz savage

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The three R’s of environmental education have been etched in the minds of Americans for decades. Across the country, households reduce energy waste by turning off lights and unplugging electronics. They reuse plastic bags and take out containers for trash liners and Tupperware. And plastic, glass, and cans are instinctively deposited into recycle bins.

This environmentally conscious trio has now evolved into a potent quintet of buzz words with the addition of two new R’s. Refuse and repair arm us with new ideas to combat waste and remind us how small gestures can initiate big change.

Here are just some of the ways you can refuse instead of consume:

•        Banish unsolicited junk mail by removing your name from marketing databases and credit card companies. Call any credit card company that keeps contacting you to stop receiving unwanted offers.

•        Buy loose fruits and vegetables — not a package of three peppers or a bag of apples.

•        Don’t ask for double bagging at the grocery store. Better yet — altogether refuse a bag for just two or three items.

•        Let friends and family know you prefer donations in your name or nothing at all as opposed to unwanted gifts.

•        Pick up seasonal and local produce rather than favoring imported goods.

•        Forgo disposable products by using a rag instead of paper towels and a handkerchief instead of tissues.

•        Don’t be afraid to shy away from products made by companies who harm the environment.

•        Adopt a no gimmick policy. Not every monumental event in your life requires a “How To” book or stack of magazines.

Prepare to save some green by opting to repair instead of replacing certain items. Socks, boots, furniture, small electronics, watches and jewelry can be fixed as opposed to tossed in most cases.

Despite the ongoing encouragement to save the planet, we are constantly tempted and inclined to buy inexpensive, expendable goods that break quickly and can be replaced cheaply. Especially in this time of economic difficulty, our tight budgets favor our impulse to find ways to get the most out of the products we invest money in.

The two new R’s expect consumers will take a moment to consider their choices and make thoughtful purchases. Refuse asks us to decline convenience packaging and unnecessary products. Repair depends on consumers saving up for a sturdy kitchen table that will last a lifetime or taking the time to reupholster that comfy couch with vintage fabric instead of placing it out on the curb. Whether there are three or five R’s, taking care of the environment is ultimately our responsibility.

photo by king desmond photography

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You are probably already aware that as of February 17th, some US TV stations will switch from analog to digital broadcasting. Although the benefits are obvious in terms of better picture quality, where does this leave all the old CRT and analog TVs when e-waste is already a mounting problem in United States?

Good news, if you currently have an analog TV, do not despair as you can get a digital-to-analog converter box to watch over-the-air digital broadcasts. They will also work with subscription services to cable or satellite TV.

If you still really want to get a new digital flat screen TV, then at least recycle your old one. This will help decrease e-waste which not only overcrowds landfills with toxic waste, but is also socially unjust. Did you know that we ship our e-waste off to developing nations where it is taken apart in a toxic manner, often by young children?

Recycling your old TV has never been easier thanks to myGreenElectronics, a site operated by the Consumer Electronics Association where you can locate recycling centers by zip code. Californians can also contact YNotRecycle, who will come to your house to pick up your electronics for free or you could go to eRecycle with its list of drop off locations.

If you’re in the market for a new digital flat screen, please choose an energy-efficient TV, such as Sony’s new Bravia VE5 eco line which is not only energy efficient, but turns off if no one is watching thanks to its sensor.  Sony also has a recycling program where they will take back your old Sony TV’s, another reason to purchase a Sony.

For more information on e-waste and how it affects United States, please contact Basel Action Network

Hear more from the Urban Green Girl at her blog about green living solutions for urban girls.

photo by don fulano

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Nestled in a residential neighborhood of Sherman Oaks, CA is the newest community gem. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, M Street Coffee is already teeming with a devoted clientele. Even in a reclining economy, business owner Andrea McClain confides that the New Year is already off to a great start.

So what’s the secret? How did a 31-year-old harp player from Indiana manage to get it so right? First and foremost, she’ll admit it’s a commitment to a quality product. Offering organic fare, they also feature an exclusive custom roast of organic Indonesian and South American Beans, roasted in the nearby North Hollywood neighborhood. Dedicated to making incredible coffee it’s not unusual to catch even a Starbucks employee grabbing a cup before they head off to work.

But it’s something almost intangible that permeates from this tiny corner location. There’s a real community blossoming in this sunny café as the manager behind the counter chats with every customer and McClain interrupts our interview to greet a regular.

It probably has to do with McClain spending her childhood in a small town of less than 20,000 people. Realizing that community and business are inseparable, she has defined her space as being more than just a profit-turner. Like your favorite transformer that you secretly stole from your brother, this café morphs into many identities. Part art gallery, concert venue, and town hall, there’s a little something for everyone. Plus McClain isn’t afraid to give back either, offering her space for fundraisers such as children’s organizations, animal shelters, and a Save Darfur Charity art sale.

And don’t be worried; she doesn’t leave out Mother Earth. Doing her best to keep the shop eco-friendly, McClain has a strong recycling program, not to mention biodegradable cups and recycled paper sleeves.

Despite being the sole owner of M Street Coffee and performing every duty personally, including website design, book keeping, coffee brewing, and coordinating all the community events, Andrea is quick to admit, “It really takes a good team.” It takes all her employees to truly embrace what could be overlooked as a ‘simple’ vision of “Be[ing] a bright spot in someone’s day and to serve a great cup of coffee.”

Andrea McClain offers hope that small businesses can survive even as mega-corporations come crashing down all around us. It takes more than fancy business degrees and stock portfolios. By remaining true to herself and focusing her energies on promoting the things she loves instead of just the bottom line, Andrea has created an atmosphere that is both welcoming and familiar. As I look around and every table is occupied, including the patio tables outside, I guess she’s proof that “If you build it, they will come.”

Check her out at www.mstreetcoffee.com

photos courtesy of andrea mcclain

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