20 Great uses for Tea Tree Oil

Planet Green Sep 29, 2009

20 Great Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil

For Health

1. Use a dab to treat acne.
2. An anti-fungal for treating Athlete’s Foot, eczema, various yeast infections, etc.
3. An antiseptic to be used on cuts and burns.
4. An anti-viral: it may lessen the symptoms of colds and flu. Try using a few drops in the bath.
5. Add to a vaporizer to loosen chest congestion.
6. Add a small amount to shampoo to destroy head lice.
7. A small amount added to your bath can help with persistent body odor.
8. Treating sinus infection.
9. For dandruff and dry scalp.
10. In the form of aromatherapy, tea tree oil is used to treat colds, persistent coughs, acne, toothaches, and sunburn.

For Cleaning

11. To create an all-purpose cleaner, combine 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil in 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
12. Another version would be 14 ounces of water with 1 ounce of Murphy’s oil soap and 10 drops of tea tree oil.
13. Mix the above solution with kosher salt to scrub bathtub and bathroom tiles.
14. Add a few drops to dishwasher dispenser, then fill with a green dishwashing soap.
15. A few drops added to each load of laundry leave your clothes smelling cleaner.
16. Control mold with a tea tree oil/water spray.
17. Remove mustiness with that same tea tree oil/water spray.
18. To keep germs at bay, spray it on high chairs, car seats, and other high traffic spots.
19. 15 drops in a quart of water can be an effective insect repellent.
20. Be sure to take some with you when hiking and camping to put directly on insect bites or blisters.

New Green Hotel in London: One Aldwych

For a review on this new beauty that just opened in London, click here.

Slow: Life in a Tuscan Town

The long awaited “SLOW: Life in a Tuscan Town” will be released on September 22, 2009. This book has been long in the making, over 5 years. With photos and text by Douglas Gayeton, Preface by Carlo Petrini and Introduction by Alice Waters, you are immediately transformed into the sensual world of food as seen through the lives of the people of Tuscany. SLOW is an unprecedented photographic personal journey into the heart of hidden Tuscany that celebrates the principles that define the Slow Food movement and pays tribute to the region’s kaleidoscope of vibrant characters, whose shared culture revolves around the everyday pleasure of growing, preparing, and eating food. Click here for a peak inside the book. You can pre-order it through Amazon.com

Back to School - PVC Free Style

It's that time again....getting ready for Back to School. Here's a great article I found from the people over at care2.com:
Parents across the country are stocking up on the latest binders and lunchboxes over the next few weeks. But while it’s easy to know the healthiest foods to pack in those lunchboxes, many parents are not aware of the toxic plastic used to make them. In fact, the average child’s character-themed backpack is filled with supplies and materials made from one of the most toxic plastics, polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl). That’s why we at the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) have released our 2nd annual Back-to-School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies to help you make healthy shopping choices that are safer for your kids, your community and the environment. More>>

Botanical Spirits & Summer Farmer's Market Cocktail Event

Soon to sell out is CUESA's August 12th Event at the San Francisco's Ferry Building. Celebrate Summer's bounty of fresh fruit and produce by sipping on hand-crafted Botanical-inspired cocktails made by some of the City's best bartenders! The Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) and the San Francisco Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild will host an evening of summer farmers' market cocktails at their kitchen in the North Arcade, in front of the Ferry Building.

Bartenders from some of the City's hottest drinking spots have crafted original cocktails featuring Botanical themed spirits like gin, Chartreuse, Genever and the just-released Square One Botanical, a spirit that brings together floral and fruit flavors for a complex and delicious drink. For $30, guests will enjoy 2 full-sized cocktails-- a Blackberry Shrub and the Mountain Peach--made with Square One Botanical, along with the opportunity to sample 12 other drinks that feature different Summer produce and botanical spirits such as Beefeater 24 Gin, Bols Genever, Chartreuse, Galliano, and Plymouth Gin.

Guests will also enjoy delicious bites from local restaurants Globe, Boulevard, Chez Papa Resto, Laiola, MarketBar and TWO.

For tickets, go to: brownpapertickets.com

Popchip's Newest Popstars

Snacking this summer just go a whole lot better with the addition of popchip's newest flavors: cheddar cheese and sour cream & onion. For those of you who crave these snacking flavors, these certainly don't disappoint. Find them at your local Safeway, Andronico's or Target stores or online at Amazon.com). Also new are single serving bags of 15 chips, 100 calories with only 3.5 grams of fat. You can snack guilt-free and your waistline will thank you.

EcoMom Alliance Green Goods Back to School Shopping

EcoMom Green Goods Back to School Shopping
One Day Sale and Fundraiser Hosted By Stretch the Imagination

Saturday, August 15^th
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Stretch the Imagination
47 A Tamal Vista Blvd.
Corte Madera, CA 94925

All products and companies are environmentally friendly and promote sustainable manufacturing practices and goods. From backpacks to clothes, school supplies and even products for around the home, and some that are just for mom, shoppers will enjoy selections from upcoming collections and discounts on past season items. To learn more and preview stores, please visit the shop section at www.ecomomalliance.org or call 415 271-9603.

Lime.com's new Organic Living Blog

Lime.com launched a new Organic Living blog. Learn about what the beauty industry doesn't want you to know in "Beauty Kitchen Confidential" Enjoy!

The Plant Cafe Organic Restaurant Opens at Pier 3 in San Francisco

If watching Food, Inc. has left you yearning for something local and organic to eat, head on over to the new Plant Organic Restaurant & Cafe located on Pier 3 on the Embarcadero. Sit on the heated patio and nosh on one of their many pizzas, salads or sandwiches. With a full bar, there is a cocktail treat for everyone. For more info, go to The Plant Cafe Organic Restaurant and Cafe.

Meet Badger - Now at Saffron Rouge

Based in New Hampshire, Badger’s recipes are based on traditional New England remedies. Made with fresh, whole ingredients such as exotic butters, herbal extracts and pure essential oils, every balm and body care product is powerfully concentrated to heal and nourish.

Badger’s prices are so affordable, you can use them every day without draining your bank account. But what makes Badger truly great is that despite the low prices, the brand never resorts to low quality or impure ingredients. In fact, all of Badger’s lip and body balms are USDA Certified Organic, and every product contains a high level of certified organic ingredients.

Always On: Going Green Conference 2009 - September 14th - 16th

I went last year to this even as a member of the press and it is a fabulous conference. If you or your business is at all related to the Green tech, Clean Tech industry,this the event for you!

GoingGreen is where cutting-edge greentech CEOs meet the movers and shakers from the biggest industries on earth. Green technology innovators are transforming trillion dollar industries - and the solutions they are delivering not only promise to clean up pollution and restore ecosystems, but also to bring abundance and prosperity to everyone on earth. In fundamental areas, water, energy and land, resource abundance is just around the corner, through the power of technology and free markets. This two-and-a-half-day executive event features CEO presentations and high-level debates on the most promising emerging green technologies and new entrepreneurial opportunities. At GoingGreen, our editors will also honor the GoingGreen 100 Top Private Companies. Fifty top CEOs will also pitch their market strategies to a panel of industry experts in our "CEO Showcase." For more information and tickets, click here.

Soapopular - Wash your hands anywhere, anytime!

How many times have you used a public restroom only to learn there is no more soap at the sink? Or had to use a porta-potty with your child and the same thing, no running water and soap? Well, here's your answer!
I have been using this brand ever since I became a mother. I found those alcohol-based hand sanitizers to be stinky and drying. Soapopular® is a hand sanitizer that is alcohol free and rinse free. No more cracked/dry hands and its SAFER4KIDS. No irritation to sensitive skin, and no risk of flammability issues associated with typical, alcohol-based hand sanitizing products. Soapopular's fragrance-free, dye-free formula is applied using a convenient foaming applicator that does not leave the "sticky residue" that is common to alcohol-based products. I buy the "carry size" it by the case so I can put one in my purse, office desk drawer, kitchen counter, everywhere! It's so simple and easy! For more info, click here.

House Passes Landmark Climate Bill

House Passes Landmark Climate Bill. Stage is Set for Senate Action.

EDF President Fred Krupp released the following statement:

Today's vote is a huge achievement for the country and the climate, and we applaud Speaker Pelosi, Chairmen Waxman and Markey, and all members of the House who helped craft this landmark legislation and get it passed.

The bill that emerged from the House has the fundamental structure needed to significantly reduce carbon pollution while growing the economy. It puts strong cap on emissions and reorients the energy market to make low-carbon power the goal. It ensures that utility rates will stay affordable and a competitive playing field for U.S. companies.

Laloo's Bambinis are a hit!

We've enjoyed Laloo's goat milk ice cream for years. Now Laura, the creator of this fabulous ice cream line has surprised and delighted us with her newest creation: the Bambini ice cream sandwich. This delicious 90 calorie treat is created using Laloo's® award-winning Vanilla Snowflake ice cream in between two soft dark chocolate cookies. Best of all, Bambinis are both good for the body (nutritious and lactose-friendly) and good for the planet (goats are eco-friendly). Bambinis are the first ever ice cream sandwich made with goat's milk! Now at Northern California Costco stores: $8.50 for a box of 16 sandwiches. click here for detailed nutritional information.

Kashi Joins TerraCycle, Inc. in National Upcycling Program to Reduce Landfill Waste

TerraCycle to Repurpose Kashi Natural Foods Packaging Into Eco-Friendly, Affordable Accessories

LA JOLLA, Calif., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Kashi Company, the premier natural food company, announced that it has partnered with TerraCycle(TM), the eco-friendly pioneer, to create the Kashi Brigade(TM) a program in which Kashi fans in any city nationwide can join together to collect and mail in their used Kashi boxes and wrappers to TerraCycle, which together with other Kashi packaging will be repurposed into eco-friendly, affordable products. As part of the program, which is of no cost to consumers, fans sign up to create local Brigades. For each Kashi package returned to TerraCycle, the company will donate $.02 cents to the Brigade's charity of choice. Kashi is the largest natural food company committed to this program. Read more.

Square One Vodka Cucumber

As Summer approaches, I look to replace a glass of wine for something extra refreshing. This summer, I found just the right cocktail using the recently launched Square One Vodka Cucumber. Smooth and always 100% organic, this spirit is the perfect treat for a hot summer day. Here's a great recipe from the Square One site:

Cucumber Spajito

2 oz. Square One Cucumber

1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

1/2 oz. organic agave nectar

6 sprigs of fresh mint

Club soda or sparkling water

Ice

2-3 long, thin strips of cucumber slices

Layer cucumber slices and a couple of mint leaves with ice in a Collins glass. Muddle remaining mint lightly in a mixing glass or cocktail tin. Do not over bruise. Pour other ingredients in and shake briefly with a little ice just to blend. Strain into Collins glass and fill to desired level with soda water and stir briefly. Garnish with the remaining sprig of mint.

Rainforest Project Video

In case you haven't seen this great new video to re-launch Prince Charles' Rainforest Project, click here.

An array of celebrities have appeared alongside Prince Charles and an animated frog in a film to highlight the dangers of deforestation.

The stars, including actor Harrison Ford and football legend Pele, appear in the video to pledge their support to the Prince's Rainforest Project (PRP).

Viewers of the online 90-second film are being encouraged to sign-up to the project's "rainforest SOS" campaign.

The prince said he hoped it would build an online community calling for action.

Other famous faces appearing in the film include James Bond actor Daniel Craig, comedian Robin Williams, as well as the Prince of Wales's sons, Princes William and Harry. To read the complete story on BBC news, click here.

Drink Water, Not Sugar - Hint Water's New Flavors

When I forget my Camelbak water container and am parched, I grab a Hint water. I've been a huge fan of this water since 2006 when I first found it at a little bakery cafe in Larkspur, CA. HINT is a premium essence water with a "hint" of flavor. Their motto at HINT is simple, “Drink Water, Not Sugar”. To help you do that, HINT provides naturally flavored water with no calories, sweeteners or preservatives making this a great alternative to juices and soda. Their single flavors include Cucumber, Blackberry, Pear and Watermelon (my favorite!). Dual flavors include Hibiscus Vanilla, Mango Grapefruit, Pomegranate-Tangerine and Honeydew-Hibiscus. There are 13 fabulous flavors currently. Soon to be re-launched is Hint Kids that comes in three flavors: Tropical Punch, Strawberry-Kiwi and Watermelon and includes fluoride. You can find their products at any Whole Foods or gourmet grocery store. If not, ordering online is easy and shipping is free within the 48 states. By November 2009, their bottles will have 25% post-consumer plastic.

Larkspur, CA based Green Beans Coffee - Great coffee for a great cause!

I heard about this company years ago and finally had the time to investigate it. What a great idea! Green Beans Coffee serves military personnel in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Qatar, Djibouti, Africa and domestically at military bases across North America. The company has not only grown in locations, but also in its mission to support our men and women in uniform. You can order coffee, tea and other merchandise online or just donate as little as $2 for a "Cup of Joe" for one soldier. Either way, one or more soldiers will benefit from your generosity!

Happy Earth Day!!!

Caldrea Offers Free Shipping in Celebration of Earth Day!

There's nothing I love more than a house cleaned or my clothes washed with the gentle, beautifully scented Caldrea products. Having used their kitchen, laundry and bathroom products for years, I'm excited about their new scent: Sea Salt Neroli. Now you can try it by getting as small of an order you want with free shipping through April 22nd. Click here to start shopping!

Square One Botanical is here!

Allison Evanow has done it again! Giving her mixologists something fun to play with, she has given us, the consumer, a delicious new spirit. From the first American certified organic vodka producer, Square One Spirits, comes Square One Botanical. This bold rye spirit is infused with 8 botanicals: pear, rose, chamomile, lemon verbena, lavender, rosemary, coriander and citrus peel. There is nothing else like it on the market! Crisp, cool and delicious on its own, it also blends well with fresh fruit juice with a dash of plain soda. I'm sipping mine with a splash of Numi tea's Decaffeinated Vanilla Black tea sweetened with agave syrup. Yum! Check out where to buy and great recipe ideas by clicking here. Slightly more expensive, at $40 a bottle, than her Square One Vodka, but at 90 proof, it is well worth it! Take a break from wine and beer....discover the fun and pleasure of this new spirit. Your palate will thank you.

No More Dull Razor Blades

If you are tired of spending the money to buy blades for your razor or to buy disposable razors, look no more. Razor Mate offers a simple, efficient way to keep your razor blades sharp. Using a magnetic draw to remove the small contours in your blade, it keeps it sharp week after week. By simply placing your razor on the Razor Mate and letting the electro-magnetic pull go to work, your average blade life will increase by up to twenty times, keeping it straight and irritation free! You can save up to $120 per year in razor blades. For more information or to purchase, click here.

Marin Kids Consignment Moves To A New Location!

Now you don't have to wait for those bi-weekly sales events. You can now shop 5 days a week, Wed-Sunday from 10am - 6pm at their new location at 814 W. Francisco Blvd., in San Rafael (near Rafael Floors). With children's clothes and shoes from newborn to size 6, maternity clothes, strollers, slings and designer diaper bags there is something for every child and expecting mother! There's a nice play area to occupy your children while you shop. For more information on consigning and the store, click here.

Clorox Cleaners Takes a Bite Out of the Green Market

www.sfgate.com 10/12/08: Last winter, the Clorox Co. gambled that its famous name would translate well from the world of bleach into the world of environmentally friendly cleaning products. So far, that bet is looking like a winner. Just eight months after its introduction, Clorox's Green Works line is on track to generate first-year sales of well over $40 million. It's already outselling all other brands in the green cleaning products niche.And perhaps most significantly, Green Works seems to be luring customers away from traditional cleaning products rather than from green rivals - expanding the overall market for green cleaners. For the full article, click here.

Senate Passes Extension For Solar Tax Credit

Press Release from North Bay Business Journal

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2008 -- The U.S. Senate today passed a bill to extend and improve the federal tax incentive program for solar installations. The legislation now awaits passage by the House before it goes to the president’s desk for final approval.

A 30 percent tax credit for commercial solar installations slated to run out at the end of this year has been extended for eight more years. The amendment to the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 passed by a vote of 93 to two. 

The new legislation removes a cap of $2,000 that could be taken in tax credits for residential systems and adds an allowance for utilities to take advantage of the 30 percent commercial credits. It also allows taxpayers who meet the alternative minimum tax to take a solar credit.

A study released by Navigant Consulting Inc. projected that passage of the legislation by the House and president, which could happen this week, would stimulate $232 billion in investment in solar installations.

Tesla Motors to Open New Headquarters and Manufacturing Plant in San Jose

Barely 48 hours since San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed spoke at the opening night of the Always On Going Green event that he was working very closely with Governor Schwarzenegger in making sure that Tesla Motors stays in CA that the electric car manufacturer announces plans to move its new headquarters and manufacturing facility for its electric cars to San Jose, CA. Both will be located on about 90 acres of land adjacent to the water-treatment plant off Zanker Road near Highway 237 in North San Jose. That property is jointly owned by San Jose and Santa Clara, whose city councils still need to approve the terms of the deal which will create hundreds of new jobs and will expand the city's tax base. For Tesla, this move is integral in in achieving its goal of producing zero-emission cars in volume. For more on this story, click here.

Breaking News: Sonoma County supervisors vote to pursue financing program for energy-saving projects

SANTA ROSA, Sept. 16, 2008 – The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors this morning voted unanimously to move forward with a plan to create opt-in assessment-based financing for energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects on existing commercial and residential properties, with all the supervisors and several groups of stakeholders advocating prompt action. However, county officials warned that county finances are too tight to undertake the proposal without a more detailed business plan. For the full story, click here.

Ed Ring's Observations on Clean Technology

When asked for the Top 3 Observations in the Clean Tech Industry in the past year, Ed Ring, Editor and Founder of EcoWorld.com stated the following:

1. Biofuel Got Busted: Overreaction to biofuel technology. 1^st Generation biofuel is here, but the 2nd generation biofuel (cellulose) will give us much higher outputs with less carbon emissions and less water use.
   
2. Solar – Growth was exponential in 2007 and 2008. There is still incredible growth to be seen by leading solar companies.
   
3. Investors discovered water as an investment sector. The treatment, preservation and reuse of water is key to all human life and is now garnering the attention from the investment community.
   

Ed's 3 Predictions for the coming year:

1. (Efficient) Fossil Fuel and Nuclear Power will get a more serious look by both investors and consumers. Fossil fuel can be more efficient and clean.
2. Wind Power and Natural Gas - A natural partnership providing alternative sources of power.
3. Genomics – Overlays on all clean tech industry segments and will have a huge potential in the next year and years to come. For more information on genomics, click here.
   

Reporting from the Always On Going Green Conference in Sausalito, CA

Beginning tomorrow, I will reporting live from the 2nd Annual Always On Going Green event. For the next two days, you will get to be part of this incredible event where dozens of clean tech companies make presentations for the venture capital and private equity investment community while the press and blogging community listen in. Tonight's opening remarks were inspiring and enlightening, made by: Tony Perkins (Founder of Always On), Ed Ring (Editor of EcoWorld) and David Chen (VP & Head of Morgan Stanley's West Coast Clean Technology Investment Banking Division). Join me over the next two days in learning about how companies in California and all over the country are creating solutions that will help everyone to reduce the amount of energy and water we use, reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and use alternative building materials to build our homes and offices. Think about this fact: 70% of the energy consumed in the U.S. is for heating and cooling buildings and homes. This problem alone is what is currently spurring one of the fastest growing segments within the Clean Tech Industry: Energy Storage.
Tomorrow's topics will include: Solar Energy Breakthroughs, Abundant Clean Green Water, The Agricultural Revolution, Next Generation Biofuel, The Carbon Offset Windfall, Next Generation Fossil Fuel, The Smart Green Mega City and The New Automotive DNA. Take a break from your work day or just listen as you work, click here for a live stream and video.

Flour Chylde - Novato's Organic Bakery

Whenever I need my Parisienne croissant fix, I stop into Flour Chylde for a divine ham and cheese croissant, which, more often than not, is still hot from the oven. If you have ever eaten croissants in Paris, you will appreciate this post. I used to get my fix at Absinthe restaurant in San Francisco. Up until recently, they were the only ones in the Bay Area who could duplicate the intricate butter filled layers you get with a Parisienne croissant. But now I get my fix at Flour Chylde in Novato. Having sold their fabulous cakes, cookies and breads at the Farmer's Markets for years, the owners opened their doors to a permanent location in downtown Novato in 2006. All their products are made with organic ingredients and there are even some gluten-free and dairy-free choices. So even if you do not live in the North Bay, but travel up and down Hwy 101 on a regular basis, I highly recommend stopping by for lunch or a sweet treat.

Math Doesn't Suck

So this post has nothing to do with being "green", but everything to do with life. I always loved the challenge of math and algebra, but it was a "challenge" for me in school (funny how I work in finance full-time!). Anyway, I recently heard Danica McKellar interviewed on KFOG and was really drawn in by her approach for this book as well as the way the material is presented. Parents may not like the title. But guess what, it's not written for them, it was written for the students. So if your child wants to improve their math skills, then get the book and jump right in. However, if your child is indifferent to doing better, then get the book and put it on the family room coffee table next to your magazines. When you're not looking they will pick it up and start reading it.

Winnie from the Wonder Years has certainly grown up. As a summa cum laude graduate of UCLA with a degree in Mathematics, Danica has been honored in Britain's esteemed Journal of Physics and by the New York Times for her work in mathematics. In MATH DOESN'T SUCK, she is your child's personal tutor and coach. Even the most frustrated student will finally "get" fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, proportions, "solving for x," and more — the very concepts that, if not fully understood in middle school, have been proven to cause continued problems throughout high school and beyond. Each chapter also features:

• Easy to follow, step-by-step instruction
• Time-saving tips and tricks for homework and tests
• Illuminating practice problems with detailed solutions
• Real-world examples—from how understanding percents can make you a savvier shopper to how understanding proportions can make you a better chef!

For more info on the book and where to buy it, click here. If your child did ok with math, but is now struggling with Algebra, click here for info on "Kiss My Math", also by Danica.

Always On: GOING GREEN - Cavallo Point - September 15-17, 2008

GoingGreen is where cutting-edge greentech CEOs meet the movers and shakers from the biggest industries on earth. Green technology innovators are transforming the global energy, water, agriculture, transportation, construction, manufacturing, and resource recovery establishments. This two-and-a-half-day executive event features CEO presentations and high-level debates on the most promising emerging green technologies and new entrepreneurial opportunities. At GoingGreen our editors will also honor the GoingGreen 100 Top Private Companies.  Fifty of the top CEOs from the GoingGreen 100 will pitch their market strategies to a panel of industry experts in our “CEO Showcase.”

Who Attends
Seven hundred greentech CEOs, business development officers, eminent researchers, venture capital and private-equity investors, and leading members of the press and blogging community will attend GoingGreen Thousands of webcast viewers from over 100 countries will also tune in and interact with the program. Executives attend GoingGreen to identify and debate emerging trends, build high-level relationships and create new business opportunities. For tickets, click here.

29 Cosmetics Unveils 29 Preserves at Neiman Marcus

Get a chance to preview 29 Preserves, the grape seed extract age protecting skin care collection which is all natural, organic and paraben free. This is the second line created by 29 Cosmetics founder Lydia Mondavi. Launch dates are as follows:

~ September 5th - September 7th* New Store Launch, Topanga, California Neiman Marcus (*29's National Esthetician available for facial appointments)
~ September 9th – Neiman Marcus, Scottsdale, Arizona
~ September 10th - Neiman Marcus, San Francisco, California
~ September 12th - Neiman Marcus, Atlanta, Georgia
~ September 27th - Neiman Marcus, Newport Beach, California

Spaces are already filling up, call or email today and book your appointment. Please call 888-415-2929, or email to info@29cosmetics.com

Still Looking For That Perfect Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Bag?

Mike Chino of Inhabitat.com has put together some incredible choices. Click here for details of what they are and where to buy.

Laundry Done Right

Ever since I became a parent, I feel like my laundry loads have grown exponentially. In an attempt to be more energy efficient and cut down on dry cleaning costs, we invested in a front loading energy efficient washer and dryer (the LG set). There are lots of wonderful non-petroleum based detergents to choose from today. However, my favorites are Seventh Generation in Blue Eucalyptus and Lavender and for my work and delicate clothes, I only use the Caldrea brand. With scents like Ginger Pomelo, Sweet Pea, Citrus Mint Ylang Ylang, there is something for everyone. Their line of cleaning products are fabulous too. Seventh Generation can be found at Whole Foods and other natural stores. However, if you don't live near one, you can find them and the Caldrea products at Drugstore.com. With free shipping on orders over $50, drugstore.com is the way to go!

National Geographic's Green Guide Goes Online!

Now you can get all the great tips, updates and news from this quarterly magazine online! This Fall's edition features articles on saving energy, changing schools, water filers, carpet, cars and so much more! Click here for full access.

YOGA MADE SIMPLE

I love yoga. However, I never seen to find time to get to a yoga class. I bought some dvds, but they get old after the 50th time. The solution? A membership with Monthly Yoga DVD.

When you subscribe to MonthlyYogaDVD.com's video classes you can log on and watch the classes right here on MonthlyYogaDVD.com. Or you can download a podcast to your desktop and watch it when you’re ready. It’s simple: $16 a month or $160 a year. While the number of classes you may view online is unlimited, podcasts are limited to one download per month.

Think of the money you will save by not having to drive anywhere to catch a class. Plus, you can do this in the privacy of your own home instead of a smelly yoga room!

Peet's Coffee & Tea Awarded LEED(R) Gold Certification for Coffee Roasting Facility in Alameda

ALAMEDA, Calif., July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc., (Nasdaq: PEET), the premier specialty coffee and tea company in the U.S., today announced that its innovative new artisan roastery has been awarded LEED Gold level status by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Developed by USGBC, LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Peet's Alameda coffee roastery is the first LEED certified coffee roasting facility in the United States and the first LEED Gold certified building in the City of Alameda. Read the Full Story

SolarCraft to Help Marin Businesses Go Solar

Novato-based SolarCraft continues to establish their position as Marin County’s source for local solar energy experts to provide green, renewable energy to shopping centers, business complexes and city buildings. The venture has allowed the spread of Solar Energy in the county of Marin and has given the local stores a wonderful eco-option. SolarCraft recently completed a solar energy system at the new Hamilton Marketplace in Novato. Built on the site of the former Nave Lanes, the highly anticipated new Hamilton Marketplace will create even more excitement by powering the shopping center with clean, green, renewable energy. All commons areas, parking lots and walkway lighting will be powered by 100% solar energy. The 95,000-square-foot center is owned by Grosvenor USA Limited. Woodlands Market in Kentfield, the largest solar powered grocery store in California, was also designed and installed by SolarCraft.

SolarCraft continues to be a leader in solar installations for residential and commercial solar electric systems, as well as solar thermal pool heating and domestic hot-water systems. One can only hope that more such firms localize and intensify the use of alternate sources and allow the community to get an access to such sources of energy. Wish we had something like this in our own city to deal with constant power crisis!

source: solarcity

Back To School: How to Pack a "Waste-Free" Lunch

CAN WASTE-FREE BE HASSLE-FREE? by Paige and Joyce of Fabkins

If you aren’t already familiar with the term “waste-free” lunch, it’s likely that this back-to-school season you will be. Schools around the country are committing to helping the environment by encouraging parents, and their children, to help reduce waste on campus. One way to do this is by packing a waste-free lunch,
also referred to as a “trash-free” or “zero-waste” lunch. This means that everything in your child’s lunchbox is re-usable or consumable. For example, parents should use Tupperware-type containers instead of zip locks, reusable cutlery versus plastic disposable ones, a cloth napkin instead of a paper one, and a canteen or sippy cup instead of a juice box. Even typical lunch items like cheese sticks and “Lunchables” are discouraged because of all the packaging. Read on.

And for more tips and tricks, click here.

New "Green" Books

For Adults:

• "Big Green Purse" by Diane MacEachern
• "The Eco Chick Guide to Life: How to Be Fabulously Green" by Starre Vartan

For Children:

• "My Bag and Me" by Karen Farmer
• "Think Green" by Jeanine Behr Getz
• "William is Going Green" by James Martin II

Suki Sensitive Cleansing Bar

Made with lemongrass and shea butter. Plus, get a velvet moisturizing cream at a special price of $25. 4oz. bar is $10.95. Enter code lemongrass at check out. Offer good through August 15th.

Newsom signs strict green building codes into law

Source: Wyatt Buchanan, Chronicle Staff Writer

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

San Francisco took a major step Monday to cement its reputation as the most environmentally progressive city in the United States, as Mayor Gavin Newsom signed into law stringent green building codes for new construction and renovations of existing structures in the city. The new codes focus on water and energy conservation, recycling and reduction of carbon emissions. They apply to most buildings in the city, including residential projects of all sizes, new commercial buildings over a certain size, and renovations of large commercial spaces. By 2012, city officials estimate the new requirements will reduce carbon dioxide emissions annually by 60,000 tons and save 220,000 megawatt hours of electricity and 100 million gallons of drinking water. For the full article, click here.

Kendra Stanley of City Bag Trade

With many cities following in San Francisco's footprint of banning plastic bags, clever entrepreneurs are creating fashionable alternatives. One of the most recent eco-friendly entrepreneurs in this market is Kendra Stanley. She carefully crafts bags using old rain jackets. So not only is the bag a hip and recycled product, it is water proof! You can order a pre-made jacket from her or send her your old rain jacket and she will custom make your bag. If you can sew, you can download her pattern from her site and make your own!

Cowgirl Creamery's New Facility Opens Its Doors To The Public in Petaluma

(July 22, 2008, Leslie Harlib of the Marin IJ) When Cowgirl Creamery's new processing plant in Petaluma opened its doors to visitors last week, here's what we were greeted with: tall racks stacked with ripening Mt. Tam cheeses, air heady with the scent of fermenting cow's milk and the blast and gurgle of machinery. Click here for the full story.

Moo MiniCards

I cannot remember how I stumbled upon Moo.com, but I am SO glad I did. Not only do they make hip and creative note cards and traditional sized business cards, they also make these cute, well designed MiniCards. You can create your own MiniCards by uploading your own designs and photos or choose from their extensive choices of patterns, designs and photos. You even have the option of using up to 100 different photos or designs on these mini calling-cards. Add your own text to the reverse and use to promote your photography, your artwork, your blog, yourself! I know many moms who will be ordering some soon to give to other mothers at the park, play dates and school. To learn more about the company and how they got started, click here. Get 15% off your first order by using code 2RB2CK at checkout.

Let's Go Green Summer Sale!

Can't find what you need in the "Earth Friendly green section of your local grocery store? Check out letsgogreen.biz, an online shopping emporium for everything green for your home. Right now there have a huge summer sale going on for paper products and canvas tote bags. Use coupon code "FRIEND" at checkout to get a 25% discount. Send it to a friend to use as well! I'm putting in my order today!

Earth Friendly Pre-Fab Housing

by Chris Chino of Inhabitat:
Method Homes of Seattle, WA is now offering a modern line of factory-built green homes with a commitment to innovative design and sustainability. They chose to work with Balance Associates Architects to design their first prefabricated model dwelling, The Method Cabin.

To view the construction process for their prototype, click here. Interested in test-driving the Method Cabin? You can view their prefab vacation home rental listing on VRBO.

Countertop Controversy

NY Times: SHORTLY before Lynn Sugarman of Teaneck, N.J., bought her summer home in Lake George, N.Y., two years ago, a routine inspection revealed it had elevated levels of radon, a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. So she called a radon measurement and mitigation technician to find the source. To read the full article, click here.