Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees For Rent

Renting a live Christmas tree for the holidays might be the perfect solution for those looking for an eco-friendly alternative.

The Original Living Christmas Tree Company began this trend in 1992, however since then companies and non-profit groups such as Adopt A Christmas Tree in San Diego, and Ever Grow Christmas Trees in Vancouver, British Columbia have begun offering this service to people in their area.

The Ever Grow Christmas Trees in Vancouver does state that this service may not be for everyone as they may not appear as "perfect" as others and do require basic cares.

Their five reasons for renting a live tree:

1. It's alive. The trees keep on growing. You can even request to have your tree back the following year. When your tree becomes too big to live in its pot, it will be planted outside where it can continue to grow, sequestering carbon and converting greenhouse gases to life-giving oxygen.
2. Ultimate convenience. Tree delivery and pick-up to and from your living room or business. It's that simple. Avoid a trip across town and the hassle of wrestling a tree to the roof of your car.
3. Locally grown. These truly are 'green' Christmas trees as minimal energy is used to bring your environmentally friendly tree to you.
4. No mess. Unlike cut trees, live trees are not a significant fire hazard. Consider them like a house plant: alive and actively transpiring. All you need to do is to make sure your tree gets water.
5. Forget that old tree stand. The sturdy pots our trees grow in negate any need for a stand or support. Your tree is ready to decorate as soon as it is set down on your living room floor.

Prices range from $80 and up and usually include deliver and pickup. There are many different types of trees to choose from that range in size from five to seven feet in height.

If the prices aren't in your price range or you don't live in the areas which offer this service, another option is to buy your own potted tree this holiday season. You can either re-plant the tree in your own backyard or donate it to your local parks department.

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Photo Credit: Ever Grow Christmas Trees

Volkswagen's Fun Theory: Recycle With The Bottle Bank

After posting the Piano staircase the other day, I thought I would include this other fun theory video from Volkswagen!

Many of us return our plastic bottles and cans. Noticeably fewer recycle their glass. Maybe that's because we don't get any money in return, as we do for cans and plastic. Can we change this attitude by making recycling glass fun to do? So you are not just rewarded with a good conscience, you also get a smile. See the results here.

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Electrolux Winner "Cocoon" Grows Meat & Fish

The Cocoon claimed first prize in the Electrolux design competition last night.

This controversial cooker "grows' meat and fish by heating muscle cells identified by radio frequency identification (RFID) signals.

The invention, called Cocoon, could develop food with the make-up and nutrients of real meat.

Mr Hederstierna, 27, said: 'This will create 100 per cent pure meat without the need for animals to be killed and with no risk of contamination. It will change everything.'

“Cocoon” is a sustainable response to the world’s growing population and its desire to consume meat and fish. Similar to heating popcorn in a microwave, Cocoon prepares genetically engineered and prepackaged meat and fish dishes by heating muscle cells identified by radio frequency identification (RFID) signals. The signals detect the specific dish and then suggest the required cooking time. This process uses science to create food, lifting a burden on the planet by reducing the need for further intensive farming and fishing. The negative effects of this process, including the mass transportation of food around the world, clearing of land and distortion of ecosystems, are then negated.

Some of the other inventions who made the finals are truly incredible! I'll be posting information on them all over the next week.

Source & Quote Electrolux

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Calista Flockhart Wants A Green Wedding

Calista Flockhart and Harrison Ford are planning on having an eco-friendly wedding according to Contactmusic.

The Indiana Jones star who proposed to Calista on Valentine's Day (February 14, 2009) said, "I haven't thought about greening my wedding. My wedding was always going to be green!"

Although he was previously reluctant in tying the knot again, Harrison decided to commit to the Ally McBeal star in order to become a better parent to her son Liam.

A source close to the couple is reported as saying," Harrison wants to give Liam his name. He adores him as though he were his own flesh and blood. Harrison is the only dad Liam has ever known."

The couple had previously discussed on having a low-key ceremony with just close friends and family in attendance.

This will be the third marriage for the actor who has four children from his previous marriages.

10 ways to incorporate green living within your family

I just posted over at Mom Spark about 10 simple ways to incorporate green living within your family!

Please feel free to stop by if you have a minute.

1000-Village Solar LED Initiative in China launched by Jet Li and Tony Blair

Tony Blair and Jet Li launch the 1000-Village Solar LED Initiative in China. The joint initiative between The Climate Group and the Jet Li One Foundation, will engage 400 villages in China in the first two years, and 600 villages in China, India and African countries on the second stage.

Jet Li said on his blog: “Because the power supply of some remote villages still isn’t connected to the country’s electricity network, using this kind of solar-powered LED light technology has become a very good idea as a substitute. Not only will this kind of technology solve lighting problems in some areas around China, it will also reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions in village areas because solar-powered LED lights is powered by the sun, a clean and unlimited source of energy.”

Bags for the People: A nonprofit organization providing free, sustainable alternatives to plastic bags

(Bags for the People from Michelle Brown on Vimeo.)

Bags for the people was created by three friends from New York City. They were tired anted to try and curb some of the waste caused by the countless plastic bags used and decided to start up this wonderful, non profit organization. Recycled materials are donated or brought in by volunteers and bags various bags are made and then given away for free!

In addition to donations, clothing and fabric, space for workshops, as well as other support, Bags for the People is helped out by various partners and sponsors.

• If you'd like to become a partner or a sponsor, please email glenn@bagsforthepeople.org.

• If you would like bags, please send a self addressed and stamped envelope to:

Bags for the People
281 South 5th St. #3
Brooklyn, NY 11211

• If you would like to give out bags at a particular location, please contact: getbags@bagsforthepeople.org

Check out Bags for the People for further information. They even have a free bag pattern for download!

Green for all: A new sound and a green economy

The dirty-energy economy has brought pollution and poverty to too many. But a clean-energy economy can bring opportunity, health, and wealth to struggling communities. Clean-energy jobs such as weatherizing homes, installing solar panels, and manufacturing wind turbines will put people to work in their own communities.

A new green economy will provide opportunity to people who have been left out of the old economy. That is the promise of Green For All.

Chemical free Natural swimming pools

Natural Swimming pool in Peloponnese, Greece, 2008

Swimming pools without the use of chlorine or alguicides? Natural swimming pools are a natural alternative to enjoying clean water without the aid of chemicals. What makes this possible is the reproduction of a micro-eco-system formed by biological agents that protect water as it does with natural lakes.

The treatment consists of organic compounds of aquatic plants and micro-organisms.

Surplus nutrients and impurities, as well as harmful bacteria, are transformed by plants and natural water organisms.

Because around half of a natural pool's space is devoted to aquatic plants, it is as much a garden feature as a pool and can be admired year round without the need to be covered at the end of summer. It is constantly alive and evolving, changing with the seasons, and even maturing over the years, allowing the plants to grow into their habitat.

Conventional swimming pools as well as natural lakes and ponds can be converted into natural swimming pools.

St John's Wood, London, 2006

Surrey, 2008

Oxfordshire, 2007

Pictures and information courtesy of Garten Art. Please check them out for further information as well as before and after photo galleries!

Baby Soy's Soybean Fiber Baby Clothes

How neat is this? The company Babysoy has created an entire collection of baby clothing using soybean protein fiber. Leftover pulp from tofu, soymilk and other soy products is used to make this incredibly soft fabric! After the protein is extracted from the leftover soybean pulp, it can be used as fertilizer. All of the soybeans used are non-GMO (genetically modified organism) beans.



Soybean Fiber: Soybean protein fiber is a sustainable and botanical textile fiber made from renewable and biodegradable natural resources - the leftover soybean pulp from tofu and soymilk production. Its 16 amino acids are healthy and nutritional for our skin. It is a green textile fiber that possesses the superiorities of many natural and synthesized fibers.



* Helping Our Environment: Babysoy’s baby and tots line are sustainable and eco-friendly. This is because soybean fiber is a textile that is made from recycled material and it does not add any extra burden to mother nature.

* Benefits of Soy: Soybean fiber is a soft, light, and smooth protein fiber. It is smoother than cashmere and has the same moisture absorption as cotton but with a better moisture transmission, making it more comfortable on the skin. It is hydroscopic, air pervious, soft, smooth, dry and has superior warmth retention that’s comparable to wool.

* Fairly Made: Babysoy puts endless efforts in offering parents an eco-friendly and affordable layettes line made by artisans who are fairly-treated in a safe working environment. Co-founders personally conducts unannounced factory inspection at least 4 times a year.

Baby Soy USA

Reynold's 100% Recycled Aluminum Foil

As more and more Americans look for simple ways to become more environmentally friendly, the kitchen truly is the easiest place to start.

With that in mind, Reynolds has introduced Reynolds Wrap® Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum – a versatile and economical tool to get the job done in the kitchen, and perfect for people looking for simple ways to show they care about the environment.

* Food-safe foil made from a mix of pre and post consumer aluminum.
* Strength and durability you’ve come to expect from Reynolds Wrap®.
* Available in Standard and Heavy Duty strengths.
* The packaging and core are made from 100% recovered paper and the inks used on the product packaging are water-based.
* Located in the foils, wraps and bags aisle at grocery and mass market retailers nationwide.

For more information or to print off a coupon for 50 cents off your purchase, please click here.