We’ve all had the experience of buying our children that one toy they begged for, only to have them use it for an hour and then never pick it up again. The best toys are the ones that are not intended for only one use, or one purpose, but instead allow the child to create, build, dream, rebuild, and recreate as many times as they possibly can. Tegu toys are exactly the kind of toys that can be played with [...]]]>

We’ve all had the experience of buying our children that one toy they begged for, only to have them use it for an hour and then never pick it up again. The best toys are the ones that are not intended for only one use, or one purpose, but instead allow the child to create, build, dream, rebuild, and recreate as many times as they possibly can. Tegu toys are exactly the kind of toys that can be played with over and over again and grow as your child grows, so they will never lay forgotten in that dark corner of the toy box. Plus, all of Tegu’s non-toxic toys are sustainably made in their company-owned factory, located in Honduras. As an added bonus, the purchase of a Tegu toy allows forests to grow and children to attend school.

How does a successful toy company build a business from the ground up in Honduras? In 2006, Tegu co-founder Chris Haughey made a trip to Honduras, a country with an unstable economy and widespread deforestation. He left with the idea to form a company that could provide positive social, economic and environmental impact within Honduras while turning a profit. Together, Chris and his brother Bill began to put their idea into action, from finding a location in Honduras’s capital city, Tegucigalpa, to testing toy ideas in kindergarten classrooms in San Francisco. It seems that the combination of native Honduran hardwood blocks plus a secret magnet hidden inside that allowed children to build up, out, over and around was their key to success. Soon the toys were so popular that their factory briefly had a waiting list of over 2,000 orders!

In basic terms, Tegu toys are blocks, one of the most fundamental childhood tools for teaching imaginative play and creative thinking, not to mention hand-eye coordination, math concepts and storytelling. But Tegu blocks are not just any block. First, Tegu blocks are constructed out of native Honduran mahogany or Huesito woods, neither of which are endangered. Within each block are hidden magnets that are not accessible by kids, but make the experience of building with Tegu blocks a completely different experience than simply stacking one block upon the other. Instead, kids are able to create whatever their imagination can conceive: a horse and rider, a castle, a bird, vehicles, or anything their imagination can dream up, since they no longer need to worry about gravity wiping out their creation with one misplaced block.

Tegu encourages children and families to send photos of their creations to Tegu, and the website has a show ‘n’ tell page simply for this purpose. In doing this, Tegu has created a space for customers to share ideas and draw inspiration from other Tegu users, plus designs are entered into contests and giveaways and even provide the basis for future Tegu toys! Tegu offers many different sets of Tegu toys, from small travel sets in environmentally friendly travel cases, to the 52-block original set in a variety of colors that are non-toxic and safe– in case little kids are more interested in putting the blocks in their mouth. Also available for purchase are wooden block car kits with magnetic wheels.

Since giving back was always in the company’s plan, they quickly found a way to help both the environment and the native Honduran people. Although Tegu sources and uses their wood responsibly, they still wanted to create something better for Honduras, and that meant planting trees. They partnered with a non-governmental organization that plants trees in Honduras. So far, they have planted 34,512 trees thanks to the purchase of Tegu toys. Another issue that Tegu found was the lack of available education for some native Tegucigalpa children. Over two hundred children come from families that work at the municipal trash dump outside the capital city. The kids often help work alongside their parents instead of attending school and are lucky to earn $0.80 for a day’s efforts. Tegu offers customers the chance to purchase school days for these children so that they can get the education that would otherwise be out of reach. Tegu’s efforts have funded 3,326 days of school so far.

Tegu toys inspire imagination and provide the basis for that most critical component of childhood: play. While your child is building a spaceship or creating a city, trees are planted, children are learning, and the native people of Honduras are making a living wage building the toy your child will love to build with.

For people that are careful about choosing foods to eat, whether it is for personal, medical or lifestyle reasons, food labels can be a minefield. Products that are touted as healthy, organic, or all-natural may not uphold their claims in the fine print or in the all-important ingredient list. “Healthy” foods can be filled with sugar, contain trans fat or be loaded with artificial ingredients. The makers of NuGo Nutrition Bars understand how hard it is to find the right [...]]]>

For people that are careful about choosing foods to eat, whether it is for personal, medical or lifestyle reasons, food labels can be a minefield. Products that are touted as healthy, organic, or all-natural may not uphold their claims in the fine print or in the all-important ingredient list. “Healthy” foods can be filled with sugar, contain trans fat or be loaded with artificial ingredients. The makers of NuGo Nutrition Bars understand how hard it is to find the right kinds of snacks for yourself and your family. Along with their delicious and healthy nutrition bars, they provide solid nutrition on their website to help you wade through and weed out the claims, the marketing tactics and the downright deceitful practices. NuGo helps arm their customers with the real information that can help them make better choices for themselves and their families.

NuGo makes thirteen different kinds of nutrition bars with flavors and formulations designed to offer a snacking solution for everyone, no matter what nutrition needs they may have. Whether your diet is kosher, vegan, or organic; sugar-, gluten-, soy- or dairy-free, NuGo offers a high protein bar that will fit your diet and is, above all, tasty. Because what is the point of a healthy snack if it isn’t satisfying or yummy? NuGo bars are made from whole grains and all natural ingredients while leaving out the sneaky hidden ingredients found in many other “health” foods. A healthy snack loses its appeal when you discover it contains hydrogenated oils, vegetable fats or other highly processed ingredients. In fact, NuGo wants their customers to know exactly what their bars are made with so they can feel good about using NuGo to fuel their bodies!

For example, many of NuGo’s bars contain real dark chocolate. It is important for NuGo to stress the “real” in real chocolate. Why? NuGo wants to educate customers on the benefits of eating real chocolate, made from unsweetened chocolate, sugar and cocoa butter, and how to figure out if the product you choose contains real chocolate instead of chocolate flavored vegetable fat. That’s right, many products that contain dark “chocolate” coating or bits don’t actually contain chocolate at all.  Just check the ingredient label…chances are that if the label lists palm, palm kernel, or cottonseed oil, then the product doesn’t contain real dark chocolate. It’s just one of the ways companies try to save time and money and produce a product that is more shelf stable. It also means that, unless you know what to look for on the label, you would be in the dark about this dark chocolate deception.

NuGo bars aren’t just for chocolate lovers. Other bars feature yogurt, nuts, fruits or peanut butter. NuGo’s specialty bars include NuGo Slim, with no malitol or artificial sweetners yet only 2 grams of sugar, Smarte Carb bars for low carb or diabetic eaters, NuGo Dark for dairy-free or vegan eaters, NuGo Organic, and NuGo Free for people with wheat, dairy, or soy sensitivities or celiac disease. Customers who wish to “try before they buy” can order a flavor sample pack on the NuGo website and taste the difference that using real, natural ingredients can make.

The company also donates a portion of their profits to a charity that is near and dear to their hearts: the Children’s Alopecia Project, or CAP. This organization is dedicated specifically to supporting children who lose their hair, and was adopted by NuGo as a cause after the company learned one of their employee’s children suffered from the condition.

All natural, real ingredients make a difference to your body and your taste buds. A nutrition bar should be, above all, nutritious! NuGo fulfills their promise to make snack foods that are better for you and better tasting.

The Earth Day Network (EDN) is striving to reach their goal of “A Billion Acts of Green” in advance of the UN global Earth Summit being held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012.  The organization, which has been designated as a four star charity by Charity Navigator, is within reach of this lofty goal as we celebrate Earth Day 2012. Since it’s beginning back on the first Earth day, April 22, 1970, this day has grown to become the world’s largest civic observance [...]]]>

The Earth Day Network (EDN) is striving to reach their goal of “A Billion Acts of Green” in advance of the UN global Earth Summit being held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012.  The organization, which has been designated as a four star charity by Charity Navigator, is within reach of this lofty goal as we celebrate Earth Day 2012. Since it’s beginning back on the first Earth day, April 22, 1970, this day has grown to become the world’s largest civic observance with more than a billion people across the world now participating in Earth Day activities each year.

The Earth Day Network is supported by 22,000 partners in 192 countries with the goal to mobilize the environmental movement.  In fact, this year’s theme is “Mobilize the Earth”.  The “Billion Acts of Green” campaign is the largest environmental service campaign in the world. The campaign enables individuals or organizatons to register their pledges to perform a green act by utilizing an easy-to-use online regitration tool.

EDN is recognized as a leader in creating innovative programs that enable partners outside of the environmental movement to contribute to helping solve a number of issues.  Over the last 40 years, EDN has managed successful campaigns on issues such as climate change, clean water, animal protection and voter registration.  Today, the organization is guided by core principles that are focused on green education in our schools (Green Schools Campaign and Educators’ Network) and helping to accelerate the global green economy (Global Day of Conversation, Creating Climate Wealth Conference, and their latest WAGE – Women and the Green Economy).

This Earth Day, navigate to the Earth Day Network website and become educated and involved.  Perhaps you’ll become inspired to join the millions that have pledged an Act of Green which at the time of this posting totals 997, 890,595.

Every workout enthusiast looks for ways to get more from a workout. But what if getting more meant something entirely different from burning fat or strengthening muscles? At The Green Microgym, members can improve their body and fitness while generating enough power to offset 36% of the gym’s electricity, save 37,000 Kilowatt hours and lower the utility costs and carbon emissions of the gym. Can your workout do that? It can if you join The Green Microgym and power up [...]]]>

Every workout enthusiast looks for ways to get more from a workout. But what if getting more meant something entirely different from burning fat or strengthening muscles? At The Green Microgym, members can improve their body and fitness while generating enough power to offset 36% of the gym’s electricity, save 37,000 Kilowatt hours and lower the utility costs and carbon emissions of the gym. Can your workout do that? It can if you join The Green Microgym and power up your workout on an electricity generating machine!

The concept for The Green Microgym came from founder Adam Boesel’s commitment to bringing an offbeat idea out to the public in hopes the electricity generating idea would capture their attention. Since 2007, Adam has worked to find the best equipment, combine it with the most comfortable gym atmosphere and help the idea spread far and wide through the constant refining of the concept at the first Green Microgym location in Portland, Oregon. It allowed two important ideas, fitness and environmental awareness, to come together for people. Now thanks to the electricity generating fitness concept, people can do twice the good during one workout.

The Green Microgym works so well because it is a combination of careful environmental planning on many levels. It’s not just having people pedal a fitness bike to power a percentage of the electricity of the gym. It’s providing a space for those who care about health and the environment a space that is made just for them. It also treats environmental responsibility as a core concept rather than an afterthought. The gym is small and does not include the energy draining features of some bigger gym complexes like saunas, pools and even vending machines. The Microgym does not have vending machines and does not sell bottled water simply because those ideas counter the intent of the concept. Instead, members are encouraged to bring or purchase refillable stainless steel drink holders.

Sustainability is a big part of The Green Microgym, too. Members can control the lights, TV’s and fans. Products used at the gym are either eco-friendly, such as cleaning supplies, or from recycled paper. Building materials and fixtures are eco-friendly, energy efficient or recycled. The Microgym even makes use of exterior solar panels. Not only do these important sustainable practices show that the Microgym practices what it preaches, but they also help create a gym that has less carbon emissions than other gyms.

Even though The Green Microgym is small in size, it has all the features a member might need in a gym. The exercise bikes and elliptical machines “plug out” to a wall outlet and the power generated goes toward the building’s appliances and electrical systems. There are treadmills, but they are special models that use 30% less electricity. The gym provides space for exercise classes such as yoga and aerobics, plus all the weight equipment anyone would need to strengthen those muscles. There are LCD televisions on the wall and iPads on the elliptical machines so those energy burning and generating workouts are sure to pass quickly!

The Green Microgym currently has locations in Portland, Oregon but there are plans for franchising in other states. In fact, people interested in a franchise are encouraged to apply through The Green Microgym website. Those simply needing a fun, comfortable place to achieve a healthier body and state of mind while also harnessing that energy for a good purpose can look into a membership at The Green Microgym’s locations throughout Portland, where you can set up a single or couples month-to-month membership. Your body and the planet will thank you!

The new year is once again upon us! Naturally many people begin to think about their New Year’s resolutions as we wait for the ball to drop and ring in 2012. Some people resolve to break a bad habit, start a new routine or change something in their lives that isn’t working. Unfortunately, many resolutions fall by the wayside before January is even over. There is a way to make a resolution that will stick for 2012, and it will [...]]]>

The new year is once again upon us! Naturally many people begin to think about their New Year’s resolutions as we wait for the ball to drop and ring in 2012. Some people resolve to break a bad habit, start a new routine or change something in their lives that isn’t working. Unfortunately, many resolutions fall by the wayside before January is even over. There is a way to make a resolution that will stick for 2012, and it will help make our planet even greener in the new year. Make a resolution to give to worthy charities in the new year. This is one way that you can feel good knowing your resolution doesn’t just benefit you and your family… it may benefit the future of the entire planet.

Here are five organizations that can create a brighter, greener 2012 with your charitable donation.

1. The Rainforest Alliance A donation to the Rainforest Alliance will help their mission of protecting the rainforests through protecting wildlife, keeping forests intact, dealing with climate change and working to support local businesses and people. The Rainforest Alliance is providing a special opportunity to donors until January 6, 2012 with their 2011 Matching Challenge. All donations will be matched 2-to1, which means your donation will have triple the power to help.

2. Kiva provides “loans that can change lives.” In some parts of the globe, a loan of $25 may mean all the difference in the world. Kiva works with microfinance institutions around the world to give loans to people who would otherwise not have the chance to borrow money toward better opportunities. The best part is that with Kiva’s lending system, 100% of your donation is used for funding loans. The borrower pays back the loan, which is credited back to you, where you can donate it or fund another loan, making it the gift that truly keeps on giving.

3. World Wildlife Fund Giving to the WWF benefits endangered species all over the globe, and the giving process is easy and safe. The WWF puts 85 cents of every donated dollar toward conservation efforts, earning the organization 4 stars from Charity Navigator and helping it meet all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability with the Better Business Bureau. One great way to donate is through their symbolic species adoption. You can adopt an animal with your donation, with choices ranging from tigers to polar bears to pandas; over 100 species in all. You will receive an adoption kit that includes a plush stuffed version of your chosen species along with an adoption certificate and photo. It’s a great way to help a great organization and also provide a concrete representation of the spirit of giving and conservation to a special child in your life.

4. The Environmental Defense Fund This organization is also giving you the chance to make your donated dollar go further with their year-end match offer. For every dollar you give until December 31, 2011, another donor has pledged to match it with two dollars. This means that more work can be done in the organization’s focus areas of climate, oceans, ecosystems and health across the country and around the world.

5. The Sierra Club Since 1892, this organization has worked to protect communities, natural resources and the planet by providing ways for people to connect, learn and help. Joining the club brings you membership benefits such as discounts and the club’s magazine. You can also donate without joining, knowing that 85 cents of every dollar donated goes toward conservation programs. The Sierra Club is also providing a matching gift challenge for all donations.

Investigate how your contribution is helping these green-minded organizations by visiting their websites and learning about each group’s mission and new initiatives:

http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/

http://www.kiva.org/

http://www.worldwildlife.org/

http://www.edf.org/

http://www.sierraclub.org/

There’s no doubt that there’s something special about this time of year. No matter how you choose to celebrate, the family connections, traditions and good spirit that abound in December make the holiday season a joyful time for many. With all the holiday travel, shopping, wrapping, cooking and making sure your home is lit up like a . . . well, Christmas tree, don’t forget that it’s easy to think green during this season. The good news is that in [...]]]>

There’s no doubt that there’s something special about this time of year. No matter how you choose to celebrate, the family connections, traditions and good spirit that abound in December make the holiday season a joyful time for many. With all the holiday travel, shopping, wrapping, cooking and making sure your home is lit up like a . . . well, Christmas tree, don’t forget that it’s easy to think green during this season. The good news is that in the process of greening up your Christmas, you may have the chance to relax and enjoy this holiday season more than ever before. Here are some Christmas traditions that are as green as they are festive.

1. Live trees (and other decorations). Having a beautiful Christmas tree is a tradition that is a must for many families, and many have a strong preference for either a live or a fake tree. For those that prefer a fake tree, the ease of having a no-mess tree that can be used again and again is quite convincing. The problem is that a fake tree is often made of PVC plastic and when people throw them away because they show signs of wear and tear, they simply end up in landfills, possibly forever.

Your best option is to choose a live tree and give some thought to what will happen when Christmas Day is done. Consider making your tree a potted one (Norfolk Pines are a good choice for this), retaining the root ball so the tree can be planted outside, or turning the tree to mulch at the end of the season. This way your family can enjoy the beauty and scent of a real tree, support local tree farmers, and make use of the tree when the season is done.

Other decorations that bring a festive touch to your home naturally include other types of greenery, pinecones, and cranberries.

2. Responsible lighting. Is your home visible on night time satellite pictures? Maybe it’s time to reconsider that outdoor lighting. New lighting options make it possible to have an energy conscious display. A small lighting display will still have an impact on viewers and it will have a positive impact on the electric bill and our energy resources. If you still want a large light display, consider using LED lights, which use up to 95% less energy than traditional light sets. Plus, when one LED light goes out, the rest of the strand will stay on. Some companies also offer solar LED lights, which provide the perfect eco-friendly solution.

3. Eco-packages. Packages, boxes and bags are fun and festive until they are stuffed into a trash bag after the unwrapping is finished. There are several ways to have beautifully wrapped presents without a lot of extra waste. You might buy environmentally friendly paper, recycled paper, or make your own wrapping paper. Saving used wrapping paper is a great way to reduce waste, and can be fairly easy if you choose to use ribbon or string to wrap instead of tape. Keep or recycle packing materials to further reduce the four million tons of bags and wrapping material sent to landfills every year.

4. Green gifting. Sustainable gifts are trendy! Whether it is homemade by you, locally made by an artisan or a product made with recycled parts or packaging, giving responsible gifts can be a great way you show your care for the recipient and the environment.

 5. Festive feasts. Even though your Thanksgiving meal is a not-so-distant memory, it is traditional for many families to enjoy a large feast on Christmas Day. This meal can be delicious, healthy and eco-friendly with a little planning ahead. Shop at local merchants for organic, locally grown food. If you enjoy a turkey or ham, look for a local farm that raises free-range turkeys or produces organic ham. Or you can break tradition and offer a delicious vegetarian dish. Food is also a great gift. Your friends and family might love a jar of homemade jam or jelly, fresh baked bread or an assortment of cookies.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the season, it’s easy to see that the most wonderful time of the year is also the greenest time of year. Sometimes a green holiday takes planning ahead, but you may be surprised to find at the end of the season that a greener Christmas is a happy and relaxed Christmas. We wish you and yours a merry and bright (green) holiday season!

Inspiration for these holiday tips were found at:

http://eartheasy.com/give_sustainchristmas.htm

http://www.sierraclub.org/tips/holidays.aspx

For many people, November and December mark their favorite time of year. Spending time with family, good cheer and great food all combine to make the holidays something to look forward to. Keeping green is a snap, too. Just follow some of these tips to have a green Thanksgiving that is festive, fun and focused on being environmentally friendly.

The Turkey

It’s hard to think about Thanksgiving without thinking about the turkey. Whether you love turkey or are happy to find a [...]]]>

For many people, November and December mark their favorite time of year. Spending time with family, good cheer and great food all combine to make the holidays something to look forward to. Keeping green is a snap, too. Just follow some of these tips to have a green Thanksgiving that is festive, fun and focused on being environmentally friendly.

The Turkey

It’s hard to think about Thanksgiving without thinking about the turkey. Whether you love turkey or are happy to find a new alternative, there is a way to serve an environmentally friendly centerpiece. The best option for serving turkey is to locate a seller who specializes in organic turkeys or to locate a heritage breed, according to Treehugger.com. Other ideas for a great main dish include serving a turkey alternative, including a vegetarian casserole, or serving another type of meat. Don’t forget to shop local for your feast. Local farmer’s markets and local organically grown items can provide your family with a delicious feast and buying local can help support your town’s economy during this busy shopping season.

The “Fixins”

A great Thanksgiving meal can be remembered for years to come. Serving locally grown, in-season produce is a tasty way to put together a great meal. Sometimes the best items come right out of your own garden. Did you harvest a great sweet potato crop this year? Have some canned items that would make great side dishes or desserts? Using great fall produce such as squash, pumpkin, apples, cauliflower or figs will create hearty delicious dishes to add to your menu. You can also spend a few extra minutes making homemade rolls or bread that can outshine anything bought in a store. If the adults at your table enjoy wine or beer with their meal, visit a local vineyard or brewery to pick up a great tasting organic wine or brew.

Decorating With Green In Mind

You can have a beautifully decorated home and table using recycled, reused or natural items. If you have kids who are eager to help prepare for the big feast, you can enlist them to create place mats, napkin holders, place cards or decorations using items already in your home. Paper plates, bags, paper and cardboard can be used to create great decorations along with natural items such as feathers, pine cones or greens. If you are looking for elegant decorating ideas, using natural candles of beeswax or soy and sparkling crystal pieces creates a beautiful look. If you love decorating with a wreath or bouquets of flowers or greens, locate organic sellers or bring in some of the items growing in your own backyard. This is also the time to bring out your best linens and serving pieces. Those great dishes and tablecloths are meant to be used and it’s much better for the environment than anything disposable!

Being Thankful

One of the best parts about the Thanksgiving holiday is the chance to reflect on all the things you are thankful for. It’s even better to hear what your family and friends are thankful for, and gathering together over a healthy, hearty meal is the perfect chance to give family and friends the opportunity to discuss the good things in their lives. You might provide a Thankful Jar that guests can place their written thoughts in. These thankful thoughts can be read at dinner and later turned into a keepsake. Another idea is to provide a book or place for guests to sign and write down their thankful ideas, and reuse the book each year as new guests arrive and new things to be thankful for are remembered.

Green Your Leftovers

After the meal and the football, there might be a little cleanup. Kids love to sort, so you might have them gather together all the empty bottles for recycling. If you compost, make sure to toss your food scraps into your compost bins. And as for those leftovers? You may want to send some home with your guests. Also, there are some great recipes available using Thanksgiving leftovers that turn out just as delicious as the original meal.

Going green at Thanksgiving makes this special holiday even better. Celebrate with healthy, local, organic food; great friends and family and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can add a healthier planet to your list of things to be thankful for this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Some green Thanksgiving ideas for this blog from: http://www.treehugger.com, http://ecofabulous.com, http://earthfirst.com/10-tips-for-a-green-thanksgiving/

Sometimes, fashion really does make a statement. When you wear a t-shirt from Revenge Is…, the statement you make is that it’s possible to be stylish and Eco-conscious at the same time. Regular folks and some of Hollywood’s stylish celebrities are sporting these super soft, trendy t-shirts made from…bottles? That’s right! All of the clothing made by Revenge Is… are produced using organic cotton and what the company refers to as “bionic yarn,” a fiber made using recycled plastic bottles. [...]]]>

Sometimes, fashion really does make a statement. When you wear a t-shirt from Revenge Is…, the statement you make is that it’s possible to be stylish and Eco-conscious at the same time. Regular folks and some of Hollywood’s stylish celebrities are sporting these super soft, trendy t-shirts made from…bottles? That’s right! All of the clothing made by Revenge Is… are produced using organic cotton and what the company refers to as “bionic yarn,” a fiber made using recycled plastic bottles. And, if that wasn’t enough, the company that’s committed to being Eco-friendly is also committed to giving back, with 5% of every purchase donated to charities that help support endangered animals, promote healthy eating and more.

Even though cotton is used in everything from shirts to sheets, not all cotton is created equal. In fact, most cotton is produced in mass quantities and sprayed with harmful chemicals, causing sickness to cotton farm workers and even people who live near cotton farms. In order to help build a healthier planet and healthier people, Revenge Is… only uses cotton that is 100% organic and free of harmful substances. That’s just half the story. The other half is the bionic yarn used in creating those t-shirts. Each t-shirt contains the equivalent of three to five recycled bottles, reducing the amount that end up in landfills. The yarn is also manufactured in a way that reduces emissions and produces less contaminants. The result is a t-shirt that was as green to produce as it is to wear.

If you’re the type of person that likes to make a statement with your t-shirts, Revenge Is… can help you speak your message loud and clear. The good news is, all of the messages are positive. From promoting love, to helping animals to living healthy lives, these t-shirts carry slogans anyone would be proud to display. If you’re not into message tees, Revenge Is… also features colorful shirts with beautiful graphic images. The company uses soy-based ink on most of their products, and their cute line of children’s shirts featuring fun graphics are made with a special ink free of harmful chemicals. As an added bonus, the special yarn blend used in the shirts makes them easy to care for. Shirts can be washed over and over with no fading or shrinking. In addition to t-shirts, Revenge Is… also offers reusable drink containers and their reusable branded “tuck away” bag. All products that are shipped are sent in environmentally friendly Tyvek bags that can be reused or recycled and have no plastic tags.

It really is true that what you wear can speak volumes. When you choose to wear clothing that is made sustainably of long-lasting quality materials and contributes to causes that matter, you are helping to keep the planet green in a simple way that can have a lasting impact. Revenge Is… has made it easy for you to look good while feeling good about the clothing you wear.

Where can you go for green fun for the whole family? If you are in San Francisco, make plans to attend the Green Festival™ on November 12 & 13 at the Concourse Exhibition Center. This festival is scheduled several times per year in cities across the country, and is hosted by two non-profit organizations, Green America and Global Exchange, who are dedicated to promoting a greener, more socially aware world. The Green Festival, which is the largest sustainability event in [...]]]>

Where can you go for green fun for the whole family? If you are in San Francisco, make plans to attend the Green Festival™ on November 12 & 13 at the Concourse Exhibition Center. This festival is scheduled several times per year in cities across the country, and is hosted by two non-profit organizations, Green America and Global Exchange, who are dedicated to promoting a greener, more socially aware world. The Green Festival, which is the largest sustainability event in the world, features speakers, exhibitors, entertainment, a Green Kids’ Zone and, of course, delicious food. You will have the opportunity to learn about the latest and most innovative green ideas from across the globe in a fun atmosphere, and also be able to bring home amazing tips, ideas and products that can help your family live a greener life.

Green Learning

One of the best ways to learn about all of the newest green ideas, issues and sustainability information is to attend one of the many workshops and speaker events scheduled during the Green Festival. A line-up of green experts, in many different areas ranging from organic foods to global sustainability issues to climate change, are ready to share their knowledge and ideas with conference attendees.

While some of the topic matter is heavy, the intent is to provide necessary information and then highlight people and organizations that are making a difference in these important areas. In addition, awards will be given out to the “Green Business of the Year,” and to the recipient of the “Lifetime Achievement Award.”

 Green Products, Services and Fun

From the latest green gadgets to the softest organic clothing to the most delicious Fair Trade chocolate, green products abound at the San Francisco Green Festival. Festival goers will have ample time to browse exhibits, see demonstrations and taste samples from companies dedicated to producing the best eco-friendly products around. Kids will love the festival because the Green Kids’ Zone is just for them. Your kids might want to participate in fun science experiments, do eco-art projects and watch some of the great green-themed performances featured during the two-day festival. And don’t forget the food! The whole family will be able to indulge in free samples of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, sample Fair Trade goodies and taste many different organic offerings. Adults might appreciate the beer and wine offerings. Whatever your taste, as long as it’s green, it’s featured at the Festival!

Green Festival’s Story

Featured in cities around the country throughout the year in addition to San Francisco, including New York, Seattle and Chicago, the Green Festival not only provides people with the opportunity to learn about green companies, ideas and issues from experts, but they also strive to produce festivals that are as sustainable as the ideas they present. Guests of the festival are encouraged to bike or use public transportation. In fact, bikers who park at the festival’s bike valet will receive free festival admission. The festival hosts and volunteers, partnered with green event experts Seven-Star, Inc., make every effort to manage waste responsibly and are coming close to being a zero-waste event through recycling, offsetting energy use and composting. All vendors and exhibitors are asked to adhere to the festival’s green practices, including using biodegradable utensils and recycling all materials used. In fact, before exhibitors are allowed to participate, they are screened according to their adherence to sustainable business practices.

In order to attend San Francisco’s Green Festival, you can order tickets online or purchase All-Access Passes at the door. Several groups, including kids under 18 and seniors, are eligible to receive free passes, and those interested can check the Green Festival website for details. You can also visit the website, www.greenfestivals.org, for featured speakers, exhibitors and other festival information.

The greenest Land Rover to date is making its debut this fall in 160 countries around the world, thanks to a grant given to Land Rover from the UK government for their Halewood manufacturing facility. What started out as the Land Rover LRX, a concept vehicle designed in part to address reduced CO2 emissions requirements that was debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is now the Range Rover Evoque. Already the winner of the 2011 [...]]]>

The greenest Land Rover to date is making its debut this fall in 160 countries around the world, thanks to a grant given to Land Rover from the UK government for their Halewood manufacturing facility. What started out as the Land Rover LRX, a concept vehicle designed in part to address reduced CO2 emissions requirements that was debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is now the Range Rover Evoque. Already the winner of the 2011 Auto Express Car of the Year and 2010 Best Production Car awards, the Evoque is meant to be a perfect blend of Land Rover capabilities, stylish form and the newest sustainable technologies.

 Sleek and Stylish Design is Faithful to LRX Concept

The Range Rover Evoque is a completely new interpretation of the traditional Range Rover vehicle, with all of the interior luxury, performance and all-terrain capability owners of the Land Rover brand have come to expect. The most noticeable visual difference as compared to the traditional Land Rover is the lowered roofline, which gives the Evoque an entirely new look. In fact, this is one feature that also helps the Evoque earn its green label, as the loss of those nine inches mean a more compact, lighter vehicle. Other big design changes include pushing the wheels out to the corners of the vehicle, a tapered roofline and distinctive headlamps and grille. The Evoque is one of the few vehicles on the market that stayed completely true to its concept vehicle, and will be available in the Pure, Prestige or Dynamic personalization packages.

An Interior That is Airy and Luxurious

The Range Rover Evoque’s interior is redesigned as well, featuring leather seats, floating interior LCD lighting and an iPhone docking center console that runs the length of the cabin. Storage needs are addressed with under-seat and under-floor storage, as well as folding rear seats that create more space for large items such as bicycles or luggage. Optional amenities include Bluetooth, a surround camera system or a full-sized glass panoramic roof.

 A Peek Under the Hood

Looking under the hood of the Evoque reveals a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic all-wheel drive that will get 19 mph city and 28 mph on the highway.  Most reviews of the Evoque state that it is easy and fun to drive both on and off road, has great handling and is remarkably quiet. The design includes a state-of-the-art power train with direct injection. Also, the design team worked with sustainability in mind and incorporated several low CO2 technologies including regenerative charging, electric power assisted steering (EPAS), and optimized transmissions.

 Eco-Minded Vehicle from a Company Focused on Sustainability

Land Rover has been criticized in the past from ecogroups for the impact its large luxury vehicles have on the environment. With a host of sustainability features and technologies, the Evoque addresses these concerns head on. The Evoque is the smallest, lightest, most efficient vehicle Land Rover has ever built, and the company’s focus is on producing vehicles that are recoverable and reusable. For the Evoque, this means the leather interior is chromium-free and therefore recyclable, the use of aluminum throughout the vehicle is lightweight and makes recycling parts easier, the carpeting is made from sustainable sources, and the “suede” door inserts and headliner is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Overall, each new Evoque uses about 35 pounds of recycled plastic and 46 pounds of natural or renewable materials. Another offer Land Rover is making to help offset the impact of the vehicle, even though the CO2 emissions have been reduced to at least 199g/km, is to help Evoque owners offset their carbon usage for the first 45,000 miles.

 The Range Rover Evoque is available in the U.S. this fall, with packages starting at $43,995.  Check one out at a Land Rover dealership near you.