Author: Jennifer Lance

I grew up in Columbus, Ohio and was raised to loathe the Michigan Wolverines. This longstanding football rivalry may not have been settled in a stadium but by the forces of climate change on its mascots. Buckeye trees remain in the buckeye state, but the wolverine state just lost it’s last wild wolverine. Treehugger explains:

It’s a sad day for Michigan, which lost its only known wolverine. The species has been on the decline, especially as snowpacks have shrunk. And now the wolverine state now really has no reason to call itself that. The last known wolverine – a 28-pound female that was first spotted in 2004 – was found by hikers over the weekend, dead from natural causes.

Image: FHWA

Last month on another blog, I reviewed Peeled Snacks not so favorably for their food additives. The company read my review and kindly sent me the organic version of their dried fruit. Peeled Snacks Organic Fruit Picks Variety Pack comes in five flavors: pine-4-Pineapple, Cherry-go-round, Apricot-a-lot, Apple-2-the-core, and Banan-a-peel.

Organic or 100% natural single serving snacks that you can grab-and-go! We offer eight delicious varieties, featuring large pieces of dried fruit or dry roasted nuts. Our snacks are a natural source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They have no trans fats, no hydrogenated oils, and no artificial flavors or colors. They are also cholesterol, wheat, gluten and dairy free.

Apparently Oprah has called Peeled snacks her “favorite afternoon snack”. I do like the organic varieties better than the preserved ones; however, I think that packaging is a concern. There is very little fruit in each package, as it is designed for a snack, but it seems excessive for just four pieces of dried fruit (that’s what I found in the pineapple package). One of the biggest problems I find with snack products is packaging. You are much better buying in bulk and reusing containers for snacks.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No
prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or
negative.

I am addicted to seaweed snacks, as are my kids. Sea’s Gift Korean Seaweed Snack (Kim Nori), Roasted & Sea Salted is absolutely delicious and the perfect salty snack. It melts in your mouth and it is easy to devour a whole package before you know it.

• All natural Korean seaweed snack
• Roasted in sesame oil; Lightly salted with sea salt
• Abundance of minerals & vitamins
• Low calorie; No cholesterol; Healthy Snack
• Wonderful nutty flavor

The only drawbacks to this wonderful snack is the packaging. It is heavily packaged for a little bit of seaweed, and each package comes with a “moisture absorbing packet”. I understand this is necessary, but I wish they would include more seaweed in each packet. It is also a drawback that this product is shipped the all the way from Korea, but I really do love it and forgive these faults for the occasional treat.

I love my iPhone, thus I was excited to discover a solar iPhone charger approved by Apple. The Surge Hybrid Solar Charger for iPhone 3G and 3G S uses the sun to recharge your gadget. GreenUPGRADER explains:

Unveiled about six months ago, the Surge is a lightweight, hard-shell case with an integrated solar and battery system that means you could spend a lot less time charging your iPhone and worrying about its dwindling battery life. With a two-hour sit in direct sun, the Surge will give your iPhone about 3o minutes of 3G talk time…

When fully charged, via sun or USB, the Solar Surge’s the lithium-ion polymer battery can effectively double the life of your iPhone or iPod Touch. The additional battery power adds a whole new dimension of freedom for iPhone users. As anyone who likes to run memory-sucking apps knows, iPhone battery life can evaporate right before your eyes.

I have not personally tried this solar case/charger, but I would love to. I am not sure where I would place my phone in direct sunlight to actually use the charger for two hours duration, but the concept is cool.

I have used the same funky plastic tupperware container for compost for over ten years. The plastic is stained and stinks, but I could never justify buying a new compost pail until I visited a herbalist friend of mine in Oregon. On her counter was a bright and shiny odor-free compost pail. I decided it was worth the expense.

The Odor-Free Countertop Compost Container has a replaceable filter in its lid. It is stylish and holds a lot of compost before having to make trips to the pile. It really classes up my kitchen counter, and I know it will last at least as long as my old tupperware.

Are you looking for a quality pair of eco-friendly shoes? I recently visited a friend of mine and tried on her El Naturalista shoes. I had to own a pair!

You do your part to recycle and be as earth-friendly as possible, why stop there? The inviting Iggdrasil mary jane from El Naturalista is comfortable, attractive, and just right for the environmentalist in all of us. The vegetable-tanned leather is churned with ground tree bark and river stones for weeks to make the hide resilient to dirt, water, and daily wear and tear. It features pretty contrast stitching, too.

El Naturalista takes social and environmental responsibility seriously, which I was pleased to learn after buying my shoes.

El Naturalista frog Eco Policy

El Naturalista is an international shoe brand that makes comfortable yet fashionable footwear inspired by nature and people.

Adherence to our environmental policy is a prerequisite for doing business at El Naturalista. All suppliers, factories, agents and sales personnel must be strongly committed to our earth friendly practices.

We are continually working to find even better and more eco-friendly ways to produce our shoes. Our customers are aware of our environmental policies and our increasing sales demonstrate that consumers approve and support- our efforts.

• We use natural materials and dyes
• We avoid using polluting substances and toxic products
• We seek to protect the environment
• We maximize the use of biodegradable and recyclable/recycled materials
• We pay fair compensation to providers and employees
• We promoted traditional forms of production
• We support the use of appropriate new technologies
• We operate with corporate transparency

Shoes and material

El Naturalista uses the least harmful materials in the production of our shoes. We use natural dyes. We use recycled materials as much as possible: for example, the recycled polyurethane inner liner and the recycled rubber insoles (N 096 Iggdrasil). When dyeing leather, El Naturalista uses the least harmful chrome combination for the environment. Additionally, El Naturalista has developed the “pergamino leather”, which is treated without the use of chrome.

I am very impressed with the quality and comfort of El Naturalista, and I definitely will explore other styles by this brand.

The European Union (EU) has joined a worldwide ban on Atlantic bluefin tuna because the species has been over-fished. Unfortunately for sushi lovers, especially in Japan, raw tuna may be hard to acquire and unethical to consume as a result. The Guardian explains:

Raw tuna is a key ingredient in sushi and sashimi in Japan, the world’s main purchaser of bluefin. Although the ban would not prevent the fish from being caught, it would end the trade between European fishing fleets and Japan, where about 80% of captured bluefin ends up.

“This is like telling the US to stop eating beef,” said Kimio Amano, a 36-year-old broker at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo who joined about 100 other dealers – many clad in work boots and shiny waterproof overalls – to chant slogans calling for better use of the ocean’s resources.

Amano’s analogy is flawed, since cattle are part of agribusiness and not wild creatures. I don’t support the cattle industry’s practices of inhumane treatment.  I do understand Amano is trying to make a cultural not environmental analogy; however, I would think the Japanese would also want to protect this species important to their diet. 

It’s exciting to announce the latest book in National Geographic’s True Green series: True Green Life: In 100 Everyday Ways

This colorful, practical book presents scores of completely new tips for simply yet surely transforming everything from our vacations to our health to our celebrations. Ten chapters, liberally illustrated with 100 color photographs, present a wide cross-section of useful and uncomplicated ways not only to help the environment, but also to save money through smarter use of resources. Surprising facts, easy-to-understand advice, and a dynamic presentation follow the style of the previous True Green titles: friendly, familiar, and sure to be this season’s favorite among the many readers who already know and love these books.

This title will be released next week on March 16, and we were lucky enough to receive and advance copy for review. The presentation of True Green Life: In 100 Everyday Ways is very user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. I love the information on “recycling holiday cheer” and don’t mow it away”. From light green to dark green, everyone can learn something from this resource.  The book ends with the reminder:

Treat the Earth well: it was not given to you by your parents,
it was loaned to you by your children.
We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors,
we borrow it from our children.
-Ancient proverb

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

To see if regular drivers could replicate mileage claims by Peugeot, the car company hosted a Paris to Geneva Eco Cup.  Using regular diesel models, drivers got an impressive mileage, even with larger models.  Autobloggreen explains:

Over the course of the two-day, 622-mile drive, the competitors put up some pretty impressive numbers. The top overall result came in a C-segment 308 hatchback with an overall average of 74.9 miles per gallon (U.S.). Next up was the smaller 207 HDi 90 with 72.5 mpg. Particularly impressive were the 5008 MPV with 70.6 mpg and the new 3008 crossover with 65.9 mpg. Part of the competition included a prescribed time window based on the speed limits along the route to make sure that drivers didn’t simply drive at excessively slow speeds.

Too bad these efficient models are not available in the US.  As Peugeot states, “This is a great reminder that, in this dynamic and technology-obsessed industry, genuine environmentally friendly motoring is available for the masses right now.” 

The Rabbit Hole Bake Shop makes delicious organic “oatie” cookies.

As the creators of Spilled Milk, we always choose to venture down the rabbit hole. We’re very excited to share our newest venture, Spilled Milk Oaties. Enjoy their organic and whole grain goodness and rich, comforting flavors. Take a deep breath and smile, because these cookies are brought to you from two friends who truly believe life is a little easier when you can laugh at spilled milk.

These cookies come in four flavors:

• peanut butter cocoa oatie
• apricot oatie
• chocolate chip oatie
• ginger oatie

Not only are these cookies made from organic ingredients, but the chocolate is Fair Trade certified.  I’m a big cookie fan, and these taste like cookies made at home with wholesome ingredients.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No
prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or
negative.

Rock and Roll Gourmet has several snacks that appeal to the hippie in all of us. With a slogan like “Peace, Love, & Gluten Free”, who wouldn’t want to try a flavor called “Woodstock Ranch” or “Memphis Blues Barbeque”. Hippie Chips are all natural, but they are not organic. Personally, I think the flavored varieties are overdone, but the plain “Sea of Love Salt” was tasty.

Hippie Chips are the best tasting and most unique baked potato chip in the world.

Every chip’s shape is as individual as you are. They are ultra light and low in fat and calories.

With superlative taste and exceptional texture, Hippie Chips will awaken the free spirit in you!

Don’t Worry, Be Hippie!

Rock and Roll Gourmet also make Sweet Emotions. These snacks are also baked, made from multigrains and have only 60 calories. My daughter thinks they taste “a little funny”, and I prefer simple organic chocolate when I need to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Rock & Pops is a flavored popcorn line by the company.  I just have a hard time getting behind snacks that are not organic.   

I think the gimmick of these products is cute, but in my opinion it is a little overdone. I am not sure if it is just another attempt to make money off of the 1960s or provide a healthy snack.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

The health benefits of garlic, besides warding of vampires, has long been known. New research conducted at the Ohio State University (OSU) has found “hints at garlic’s cancer-fighting potential”.

Researchers have designed a urine test that can simultaneously measure the extent of a potential carcinogenic process and a marker of garlic consumption in humans.

In a small pilot study, the test suggested that the more garlic people consumed, the lower the levels of the potential carcinogenic process were.

Good news for garlic lovers and those with cancer in their family tree!

Image: Bellybytes

According to the Mayo Clinic:

Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you’re like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.

LUSH “Fresh Handmade Cosmetics” is tackling SAD head on with fun products to lighten your mood and cheer you up!

The Comforter Bubble Bar by LUSH:

After a chilly walk home in the snow, wrap yourself up in The Comforter Bubble Bar ($8.75). A hot bath of fruity, blackcurrant bubbles provides instant warmth and comfort inside and out. Formulated with bergamot, the uplifting essential oil calms nerves and is recommended for people suffering from S.A.D. – or those with regular winter blues.

Therapy Massage Bar by LUSH:

Calm your mind and your senses so you can feel at peace during these cold winter months with Therapy Massage Bar ($8.75). This 100% organic shea and cocoa butter bar increases circulation and warms muscles. The lavender plays a major role to ease senses, calm the nervous system and relieve stress.

Happy 4 SAD Shower Gel by LUSH

Need something extra to keep spirits soaring as temperature rapidly falls? Just in time for the coldest season of the year, LUSH has brought back Happy 4 Sad ($25.95) as a Retro product! The ultra-violet colored shower gel is perfect for when the UV index is at zero. It contains neroli oil, an anti-depressant to help make it through the darkest of days. So lather up with this scent that will keep you smiling throughout the day.

I am bugged by the fact that the shower gel contains D&C Red No. 33 and FD&C Blue No.1. None of these products have been evaluated by the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetic database, but other LUSH products have received hazard scores from three to seven.

Spring may be right around the corner, but these LUSH products are fun to use in any season or mood. They smell delightful and live up to LUSH’s handmade, naked reputation.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

It’s time solar panels returned to the White House. The Carter administration installed solar panels to power the White House; however, Republican president Ronald Reagan promptly removed the panels when taking office. It’s time for Obama to restore renewable energy to the White House. Renewable Energy World writes:

I have no idea why the President has not acted to put solar back on the White House proper. The last news source I can find says he was “considering it.” Clearly, he and Energy Sec. Chu are supporters of renewable energy. Nevertheless, as Stephen Lacey noted in his excellent podcast, the German parliament’s Reichstag building now uses passive solar, solar PV, solar thermal and other RE technologies to offset almost all of its energy needs. What’s taking so long with the relatively smaller White House?

Beauty

• Get Stubborn Stuff Off Your Skin Naturally with Removeez

Business

• Organic Honest Tea Yearly Sales Match Coke’s 9 Minutes

Electric Cars

• Houston to Get EV Charging Stations Thanks to Nissan and Reliant Energy

Energy Savers

• LED vs. LCD: Save Energy with a LED TV

Fair Trade

• Organic Honest Tea Yearly Sales Match Coke’s 9 Minutes

Food

• Really Natural Cookbooks: Bob’s Red Mill Cookbook: Whole & Healthy Grains for Every Meal of the Day
• Vegan, All Natural Chocolate Pear Cabernet Sauce Made with Organic Agave Nectar
• Zero Calorie Skinny Water Uses Artificial Chemical Sweetener Splenda
• New Organic Dairy Standards Mandated 30% Grazing Diet
• Organic Honest Tea Yearly Sales Match Coke’s 9 Minutes
• New Gluten Free Crunchy Maple and Vanilla Sunrise Organic Cereal by Nature’s Path
• iPhone App Helps You Find Fruit on Public Lands
• Organic Gourmet Flavored Tortillas Made in LA by Tumaro’s
• Vertical Farming Sustainably Optimizes Growing Space
• Organic Meat Soups by Pacific Natural Foods

Health

• New Gluten Free Crunchy Maple and Vanilla Sunrise Organic Cereal by Nature’s Path

Kids

• Freaky Plush Toys Based on Endangered Species

Monthly Round-Up

• Really Natural January 2010 Monthly Round Up

Product review

• Vegan, All Natural Chocolate Pear Cabernet Sauce Made with Organic Agave Nectar
• Zero Calorie Skinny Water Uses Artificial Chemical Sweetener Splenda
• LED vs. LCD: Save Energy with a LED TV
• New Gluten Free Crunchy Maple and Vanilla Sunrise Organic Cereal by Nature’s Path
• Get Stubborn Stuff Off Your Skin Naturally with Removeez
• Freaky Plush Toys Based on Endangered Species
• Organic Gourmet Flavored Tortillas Made in LA by Tumaro’s
• Organic Meat Soups by Pacific Natural Foods

Really Natural Books

• Really Natural Cookbooks: Bob’s Red Mill Cookbook: Whole & Healthy Grains for Every Meal of the Day
• Really Natural Books: Watch This Space: Designing, Defending, and Sharing Public Spaces

Recycling

• Apple iPad: How Green is It?

environment

• UN: Electronic Waste to Increase by 500%
• Antarctic Peninsula Ice Shelves Retreating Due to Climate Change
• Desertification Threatens 38 Percent of the Globe
• Vertical Farming Sustainably Optimizes Growing Space

technology

• UN: Electronic Waste to Increase by 500%
• LED vs. LCD: Save Energy with a LED TV
• Houston to Get EV Charging Stations Thanks to Nissan and Reliant Energy
• iPhone App Helps You Find Fruit on Public Lands
• Apple iPad: How Green is It?

We’ve long been fans of Bob’s Red Mill products and were delighted to receive a copy of this great company’s cookbook.

f cooking healthier meals at home is your new resolution, look no further than Bob’s Red Mill’s extensive collection of high-quality grains, flours, and other mouth-watering products. The Bob’s Red Mill Cookbook will help introduce new whole-grain ingredients into all of your daily meals, without a huge investment in pricey, difficult-to-locate, limited products that do more to take up space than change nutrition habits. Whole-wheat flours, brown rice, whole beans, and legumes have become prevalent in supermarkets everywhere, but among the hundreds of products milled at the Bob’s Red Mill plant are also blue corn flour, quinoa, amaranth, teff, and all varieties of nuts and seeds, and they can be integrated seamlessly into any diet to delicious effect.

The unique, family-owned mill has been in the business of producing healthy whole-grain products for over 30 years, and they provide here more than 350 recipes for all sorts of everyday meals: morning food, snacks and sides, main courses, soups and stews, and sweets, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. This practical and comprehensive cookbook is an outstanding collection of reliable recipes that reflect the Bob’s Red Mill product quality, product diversity, and dedication to healthful eating. Becoming a more inventive cook is a stepping stone to a healthier outlook, incorporating better ingredients for a better life.

Bob’s Red Mill Cookbook: Whole & Healthy Grains for Every Meal of the Day includes many wholesome recipes. From zucchini chocolate muffins to wheat berry minestrone, you are sure to find many inspirations to add more whole grains into your diet. This cookbook also includes “Gluten-Free Baking Fundamentals”, as well as many recipes safe for Celiacs.

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy of this cookbook. No prior assurances were given as to the positive or negative nature of the review in exchange for the product.

Electronic waste (e-waste) is on the rise, as consumers discard older technology for the latest models. Much of this e-waste ends up in Third World countries. No matter where it ends up, the United Nations (UN) predicts e-waste to increase by 500% in the next decade and “poses a serious threat to health and the environment.” The Guardian reports:

Despite a number of conventions aimed at preventing the indiscriminate dumping of e-waste, the problem is snowballing, with billions of people now regularly using advanced electronics.

The problem is particularly acute in parts of west Africa, where ship-loads of e-waste are dumped on a daily basis and scavenged by children who break down the electronics to recover valuable metals that they can sell.

Image: Greenpeace

Watch This Space: Designing, Defending and Sharing Public Spaces is a wonderful book that teaches children (and adults) about the importance of shared, public space.

This unique and timely book introduces youth to what public space is, why it is important and how best to use it. It also underscores the need to create, preserve and protect public space. Readers will learn what makes successful public spaces work, the ins and outs of sharing and designing them, the issues surrounding teenagers in public spaces and much more.

Watch This Space answers the question, Why is public space important? It s important because this space belongs to all of us.

From a historical perspective to modern day movements like Critical Mass, this book explores many issues surrounding public spaces. Watch This Space is a great resource for educators and home school parents, and ends with the question of “How would you build it?” and ideas for “Fighting for public space”.

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy of this book. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

If you are looking for a unique gourmet spread, look no farther than A Perfect Pear from Napa Valley. Their all-natural, vegan Chocolate Pear Cabernet Sauce is sweetened with organic Agave nectar.

Made with premium Guittard chocolate, organic agave, cabernet juice and a hint of pear. Pour over a cabernet poached pear, vanilla ice cream or spread on brownies. Heat slightly and use as a fondue dipper with fresh strawberries.

I have yet to try this unique sauce heated, but it is delicious straight out of the jar. It is sort of expensive at $11 for 13 ounces, but it really does last a long time and is quite a treat. Another bonus is that a portion of profits is donated to children’s charities.

Disclosure: I was sent free samples of these products to review. No prior assurances were given as to whether the review be positive or negative.

New USGS data has discovered the southern portion of the Antarctic Peninsula is “retreating”. Science Daily reports:

Research by the U.S. Geological Survey is the first to document that every ice front in the southern part of the Antarctic Peninsula has been retreating overall from 1947 to 2009, with the most dramatic changes occurring since 1990. The USGS previously documented that the majority of ice fronts on the entire Peninsula have also retreated during the late 20th century and into the early 21st century.

This area is “rapidly changing”.  It is farthest from the South Pole; however, the southern portion has the coolest temperatures and “may be a forecast of changes in other parts of Antarctica and the world if warming continues”.