VivaTerra

Looking for holiday decorations or simply a one-stop shopping website for eco-goods for gifts for the holiday season? Then check out VivaTerra, a website featuring organic products, many of which are handcrafted by artisans from around the world.

Biodegradable Ribbon

Feeling guilty about wrapping all those presents? This should make you feel better - Biodegradable ribbon created by Cream City Ribbon of Milwaukee. They utilize renewable and biodegradable cotton to create their ribbons and all their inks are soy-based too.

A Holiday LED Twist

LED lights aren't just for your lamps anymore. Try LED lights for your Christmas tree or other holiday decorating needs. They are more energy efficient and will last 200 time longer than traditional lights.

Holiday Prep

Before you head to Walmart or Target for run-of-the-mill wrapping paper, try PaperMojo instead. This paper outlet website features a variety of recycled or handmade paper, which has less of an environmental impact and provides artisan jobs in disenfranchised communities. Happy wrapping!

London is a Callin'

The newest trend in the fiercely competitive world of restaurants is green - From buying local produce to powering restaurants with solar panels, owners are proudly stating their allegiance to the environment and catering to a new crowd of patrons. And if you happen to be in London, the New York Times recently featured a number of these chefs located throughout the city.

Keen Betty Bag

Ever wonder where all your recyclables go? Companies like Keen. This hand bag is made of nearly 100% recyclable materials - The polyester lining, the aluminum parts and the reclaimed material on the bottom of the bag. Wonder no more...

Carpet Recycling

With a housing and redecorating boom, comes the inevitable heaps of trash and fixtures which need to find a better home than the local landfill. So, check out the Carpet Recovery program and be a part of the solution, not the growing trash problem.

American Birding Association

Since it's back-to-school time, it seems fitting to promote a recycling backpack program - The American Birding Association utilizes donated backpacks for their scientists, who track birds around the country. Gently used, last-year fashion backpacks can be sent to: 4945 N. 30th Street, Suite 200 Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Denver Water Contributions

Planning a convention? Take a tip from the DNC and provide attendees with reusable Nalgene-esque bottles, instead of the throw-away bottles. Denver Water contributed by setting up water stations for delegates to fill up to stay hydrated at 5280.

900 Strong

Over 900 volunteers spent thousands of hours this week at the DNC, going through bins to ensure everything possible that could be recycled, was. From bottles to organic compounds, these volunteers worked tirelessly to keep unnecessary items out of Colorado landfills. Thank you volunteers!

Solar Panels for the DNC

Just in time for the Democratic National Convention, Denver International Airport installed permanent solar panels which will produce 3.5 million kilowatt hours of energy and in addition, a temporary 300 kilowatt system was installed at the Pepsi Center, home of the convention.

New Energy Station - Denver

To shine a spotlight on my hometown of Denver, all this week I'll be showcasing the myriad of green efforts at the Democratic National Convention. To kick it off, the City of Denver is hosting a New Energy Station featuring information, educational activities and hands-on booths for alternative energies at Sculpture Park, right behind the Denver Cultural Complex. If you are in town, go check it out!

OZOlife

Want to mix sustainable objectives with a flair for design? Then check out OZOlife, a new e-magazine with a healthy recipe for both. Living green doesn't mean growing all your own food and living in a cabin with no electricity to stay off the grid - Instead, it means living with intention and making smarter choices, which will eventually drive the market to produce more of those green products and options.

Even Eco-Toys...

Teaching sustainability to your kids just got a little easier with green toys from Imagiplay. This Boulder, CO-based company creates colorful and educational toys out of compressed sawdust, bamboo and rubberwood. Look for them in a Whole Foods near you.

ACORE

ACORE is a Washington DC-based non-profit which seeks to promote alternative energy, be it solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, waste or hydro energy. Check out their news page for the latest developments and accomplishments of this industry.

Transforming Receipts...

Innovation can emerge in small packages and Sunflower Markets has partnered with NCR Corp. to do just that - Receipts will now be printed on both sides, which will reduce paper consumption by nearly 40 percent.

Mounds of Trash

With the mounds of trash piling up around the world and gas prices getting just as high, there is finally an economic argument for turning trash into fuel. There are already 28 plants either in the process of being built or on the planning boards around the U.S. Learn more in this NY Times article.

Keihin Mill on Tokyo Bay

Straight from Japan - A steel-producing mill that recaptures the heat and energy usually lost at other plants and then uses it to produce 90 percent of the plant's electricity. Keihin Mill on Tokyo Bay is a model of efficiency and because they can produce their product cheaper, others should be paying attention.

Props to my Alma Mater - Bates College

The Princeton Review and ecoAmerica have named their Top Ten Green Colleges in the U.S. and Bates made the cut. Schools were judged on commitment to the environment, energy use, recycling, greenhouse gas emission reductions and campus quality of life. To read about Bates's specific initiatives, check out their website.

Project Rwanda

Most of us take our bikes for granted - Riding them to and from work or for leisure on the weekends. For entire villages in Rwanda however, a bike means economic stability for a family, a contribution to the larger community and a reprieve from political duress.

Project Rwanda is at the forefront of this effort by partnering with a variety of organizations to get bicycles to the farmers who need them. With a burgeoning coffee industry, farmers previously walked hours to carry their beans to the government-owned washing stations. Now, farmers can apply for a small micro-loan to purchase a specially-designed, cargo-carrying bike and cut that transportation time significantly.

Gibb's Farm in Tanzania

Along the slopes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, you'll find the sustainable Gibb's Farm, where 90 percent of the organic food for meals is grown on the 10-acre garden surrounding the cottages. In addition to growing nearly all their own food, and coffee, they built a water filtration system to use the gray water from the lodges for the gardens as well as the second largest installation of solar panels in the country.

Nile Safari Lodge

Another sustainable living lodge example can be found on the border of the Murchison National Park and on the mighty Nile River in Uganda. The Nile Safari Lodge powers itself with solar energy, utilizes rain water catching techniques, sources all of its building materials and skilled labor from the neighboring communities and supports an economic outreach and business development organization, EarthworkS. This program teaches vocational skills to women in community villages, so that they can support thier families.

Eco-Travel in Uganda

Looking to plan a trip to Africa, but worried about the environmental impact as you are traveling in that sensitive landscape? There are a variety of lodges popping up which make eco-traveling easier - One such retreat is Mihingo Lodge in Uganda. Situated on the edge of Lake Mburo National Park, solar power fuels all the electricity, hot water and water pumps and a majority of water is collected via a rain barrel-system.

Beads for Life

Utilizing just paper, women in Uganda are creating beaded jewelry and changing not only their families' incomes, but their communities' too. You can support their efforts by making a straight donation to Beads for Life or even by hosting a bead party at your home, and spreading the news of their work.

Green Living Project

There are times in life when you are inspired by incredible people who do great things and Green Living Project is no exception. (And on a side note of a similar nature, if you haven't read Three Cups of Tea, you need to get yourself to the nearest local bookstore for another inspiring story.)

Green Living Project is a group of photographers, writers and videographers who have traveled to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania to highlight the green sustainability projects happening there. From biking coffee farmers to gorilla education programs, they want to highlight and share the awe-inspiring projects of remote African villages and cities to prove that anybody, anywhere can make a difference. I'll be showcasing a variety of their projects this week or you can check them out in person as they tour the US this summer.

Freewheelin' Bikes Come to Denver

In an effort to promote green transportation and healthy living, the Freewheelin' Bike Sharing Program will be in town for the Democratic National Convention in August. 1,000 bikes will be offered at free, solar-powered stations around the city for anyone to check-out to run errands, glide around the city or get some exercise. You can register to use a bike and check your mileage, carbon off-set and health information - Then just return the bike to any station for someone else to use.

GreenBuild 2008

On November 19-21, an influx of building professionals will converge on Boston, MA and spend three days hearing about the latest technology and practices for environmentally-friendly construction. From over 1,400 vendors to nearly 100 workshops and a guest appearance by the inspiring Archbishop Desmond Tutu, you won't want to miss GreenBuild 2008!

C'Mon - Be Adventurous

With the backing of Wal-Mart, a newly designed milk jug has been launched across the U.S. and already the complaining has begun from the less adventurous.

This new container however, is more environmentally-friendly in a myriad of ways - Because of its shape, the labor needed to pack it into crates and onto trucks has been cut in half and trucks can be filled with more, which means less trips back and forth to stores, saving fuel as well.

So, for you complainers and stalwarts, give it a try and pat yourself on the back for being a little more green.

At Least It's a Start...

While it would just be better for the environment if there was a lot less direct mail, at least some of the biggest companies in the U.S. are making an effort to reduce their impact with this type of marketing, via the Green Marketing Coalition. Microsoft, Washington Mutual and OptimaHealth are just a few of the companies which will be trying to use more chlorine-free recycled paper, reviewing drafts of direct mail via pdf rather than hard copies and keeping better databases to reduce waste.

Another Great Reason to Plant a Tree

Did you know that you can make your air conditioner 10 percent more efficient by simply planting a tree next to it outside?

Orchard Garden Hotel

I am a strong believer in the simple economic theory of supply and demand. The theory goes something like this - If more people choose to spend money on green products or services, demand increases and more will proliferate. That choice is even made simpler with the existence of hotels like the Orchard Garden Hotel in San Francisco. Next time you are in town, check out the LEEDS certified boutique and put your money where your mouth is.

Water + Life Complex

The Water + Life Complex, outside of Los Angeles, received a platinum LEEDS certification in April for the 72,00 square foot campus. Featuring a 3,000 panel solar system, a drip-irrigation system for the gardens and radiant floor heating, this facility serves as beacon of modern and innovative design. Courtesy of Inhabitat blog.

Freecycle

While the layout is not user-friendly, the concept is at least eco-friendly. Freecycle.org is a national website in which you can post and search for free items in your community - This prevents good stuff from ending up in a landfill and instead, it ends up in a new home, starting a new lifecycle.

Bamboo Utensils

When it's picnic time and you don't want to use your silverware, try bamboo utensils instead of plastic. Bamboo grows extremely quickly and can be recycled, while most plastic ware can't be. This particular set is available at Branch Home.

Green Nest

Moving into a new home or just ready for a change in yours? Check out Green Nest - This website features environmentally-friendly and organic products for every room and redecorating project you can dream of.

Ice Machines Be Gone...

At gas stations and supermarkets across the country, ice machines are chugging along wasting energy to keep bags of ice cold for weeks or months on end. Why not cut demand, get more ice cube trays and make your own instead?

Multi-Use Cleaning...

From your mouth to your tile counter tops: When your toothbrush needs to be retired, you can use it again as a cleaning tool around the house to scrub in the cracks and get around small fixtures a sponge can't.

The Little Things

It's about paying attention to the details at work, at home or even in the middle of a mundane task like filling up your car's gas tank. Simply by making sure the cap is secured, you can prevent the gasoline from literally evaporating, thereby eliminating the 147 MILLION gallons lost each year by Americans not paying attention to the little things...

Ingeo

American entrepreneurial spirit is at work again at the Ingeo company. They have processed leftover corn stalks into hypoallergenic, biodegradable and soft fiber which can be used in linens, clothing and furniture.

Proactive vs. Reactive

Today's tip is all about the oft-forgotten notion that proactive prevention can save time, money and the environment - So, schedule a regular maintenance check-up for your furnace and air conditioner systems, instead of waiting for the painful, and expensive, melt downs. Those regular maintenance service calls keep your systems as efficient as possible and extend their life spans as well.

Weather-Stripping

During the dog days of summer, to help prevent hot air from invading your home, weather-strip your doors and windows. In addition, check your ducts and pipes for any seeping holes which can also let the cooler air in your home escape.

Ode to the Obvious

If you have any south-facing windows, make sure to pull the drapes or close your blinds on them during sunny days. This will keep your home from getting too hot, negating the need for air conditioning.

Leave it to Boulder

English Retreads is the brainchild of Boulder resident, Heather English. Local truck stops supply her with the raw material, tires, and she transforms them into handbags, dog collars, wallets and belts. Stylish and environmentally-friendly - What more can you ask for?

Coconut Charcoal BBQs

In honor of fourth of July weekend, the king of BBQ weekends, today's tip features a green BBQ. This BBQ, available at Lowe's, uses up to 75 percent less charcoal and instead, burns charcoal made from coconut shells in the Philippines. Its handles are even made from fast-growing bamboo.

LEED certified homes

The LEED certification program originated with commercial buildings, but has expanded in recent years to include schools and even residential buildings. And in a sure sign of progress, there have been 10,250 homes registered to be reviewed by the LEED Council in 2008 - Up from a total of 3,100 in 2006. Yet, only 48 of these homes have qualified for the highest rating of platinum.

Grass Roots Store

Want one stop shopping for environmentally friendly products? Try: The Grass Roots Store.

Take It Back...Flor Exchange

Like many other companies, such as Patagonia, Flor has developed a recycling program for discarded tiles - When you are ready for your next style, just give the company a call at 1.866.281.3567 and they will pay the shipping costs to take the tiles back. They then turn them into the next generation of Flor tiles.

Coir Pots

Keeping with the garden pot theme of the week, here is another eco-friendly container - The Coir Pots, also from ecosource Home & Garden. Made from coconut fiber and natural rubber.

greenPots

greenPots are just one of three lines of wares from ecosource Home & Garden which are biodegradable and actually made from rice hulls. They come in a variety of colors, include matching saucers and produce very little waste in the manufacturing process, as all materials are recycled into the next batch.

LoooLo Textiles

Made with 100 percent organic cotton and water-based inks, LoooLo Textiles's owners are creating blankets, pillows and scarves which will bio-degrade in one year when put in a landfill, if you can part with them. Tip courtesy of Real Simple Magazine.

EarthWorks Orchards

Some projects absolutely restore my faith in people's ingenuity and selflessness and EarthWorks is one such example. In addition to promoting environmental awareness in inner city schools, they are changing the face of urban landscapes by planting orchards of fruit and nut trees. These trees and shrubs not only provide shade and beautify ravaged neighborhoods, but they also provide fresh produce to community members.

Digital TV Revolution

With only 12 percent of all electronic goods being recycled, we all need to make more of an effort and Sony is leading the way with TVs. Check out Take Back My TV for places near you to safely recycle electronics as well as get political and send those other lagging manufacturers a letter.

From Worst to Best

Styrofoam peanuts - The worst! Recycling them when potting plants? Much better! In order to help plants stay hydrated, fill the bottom third of the pot with your peanuts, put in the plant and fill with dirt. This keeps plants from drowning, if you over-water them.

Ode to the Obvious

There are very few things worse than running or biking first thing in the morning and then being dowsed with a rogue sprinkler - Worse still, the water wasted flying all over the pavement, instead of the plants. Check your sprinkler system to ensure you're saving the water for your yard, not your exercising neighbors.

Eco Landscaping Association

This non-profit organization is promoting green landscaping, one yard at a time. Check out their website for mp3 podcasts and current articles written by members from around the country.

SunEdison

Introducing one of the country's largest solar energy providers - SunEdison. With large influxes of capital from investors, their business model of aggregate energy seems to be a sure, and profitable, bet.

Put the Bags Down!

Reduce trash and help protect your lawn by mulching your grass clippings instead of bagging them. This allows the organic ingredients to seep back into the grass...

Mow Down Pollution - June 14

Did you know that if you replace your old gas lawnmower with an electric one, you could prevent 70 pounds of unstable organic compounds from entering the atmosphere each year? Learn more about electric lawnmowers, chemical-free lawn products, and green landscaping businesses in Denver on June 14 from 10am-2pm at Cuernavaca Park at 200 Little Raven in Denver - Hosted by a variety of government and non-profit organizations promoting green practices.

Tubular

A big shoutout to the author of the Unclutterer blog for this next tip. Instead of dropping those paper towel cardboard tubes in the recycling, get a little extra life out of them - They make a simple holder for extension cords, making you green AND organized.

Planet Green

Instead of flipping through the channels and watching reruns of Ugly Betty, try Planet Green instead. This new TV channel promotes sustainability and cool shows to help people live green.

Green Hotels - VT and CA

Even states are starting to recognize that there is a higher demand for green practices, in all levels of business, and publicizing your leadership will lead to higher revenues - For example, when you are traveling to Vermont or California, you can check the following websites for green hotels in your locale:
www.vtgreenhotels.org

www.ciwmb.ca.gov/EPP/GreenLodging

Crown Victorias to the Prius

Here's a short salute to Metro Taxi of Denver - They have purchased 10 Toyota Prius Hybrids to replace their aging Crown Victorias and are aiming to replace their entire fleet over the next few years.

Here's hoping other taxi services take notice!

Earthworks Expo - Denver

If you are in the Denver area the weekend of June 21-22, swing on by the Merchandise Mart for EarthWorks Expo 2008. Featuring hands-on workshops and green vendors, find all your local resources for everything from energy efficient homes to edible landscaping!

Green Seal

If you are looking to be more earth-friendly, check product labels for the Green Seal. This 501(c)(3) non-profit reviews and then certifies green products, ranging from paint to coffee filters. What makes them unique is that they inspect each product's life cycle to see everything from where the ingredients came from all the way to how the item is packaged.