A Lil’ Bit Of This- A Lil’ Bit Of That

Low income families can use food stamps at some farmers’ markets- Huffington Post

Win this auction and and cop a feel at Katy Perry’s breasts- Ecorazzi

Eccollection premieres at Magic Convention- Inhabitat

5 Ballers who came up by helping the environment- EarthFirst

California may ban text messaging while driving- Metblogs

Posted by thuy

Bad Boys, Bad Boys Whatcha Gonna Do

Well I had planned on saving the previous post to this one for a rainy day. I figured I had subjected you to enough Obama hype for one day, but when I saw this latest video clip of Shepard Fairey’s account of his recent arrest at the DNC, I figured I would post them back to back. Enjoy!

Via www.imeem.com

Posted by jen

Shepard Fairey Gives Us HOPE

Please excuse the Obama overload, but hey when you’re inspired, you gotta ride the wave.

Another super inspiring boy we heart is the legendary and super-talented Shepard Fairey. His artistic portrayal of Obama through his iconic “HOPE” posters have swept the nation, and even garnered a stamp of approval from Barack himself.

We also love Shepard beacause he is a doting father of two, a devoted husband, and a ‘greenie’ who recently had an eco-friendly makeover on his daughters’ nursery, which was featured on Planet Green’s Alter Eco.

Check out the short clip above in which he talks about his involvement in the Obama Campaign. Preach Brother!!

Via hypebeast

Posted by jen

Shareen Vintage In Venice

Vintage shop-stocker extraordinaire, Shareen Mitchell, has been slanging her vintage threads in an industrial warehouse in Downtown L.A. for what seems like forever. We loved her stuff but we didn’t love the trek into the confusing and sometimes sketchy back roads of Downtown L.A.

Those of us who can’t get enough of her unique vintage picks are in luck cuz’ she just opened a second location on Abbott Kinney in Venice Beach. More of the same Shareen Vintage goodness in a new, more accessible location. Gotta love it!

N.B- Shareen Vintage also hosted the last Ladies Lotto jump-off. Girl Power!!

Via style.com

Posted by Jen

GGS Eye Candy

Posted by thuy

Breakin’ It Down: E-Waste

Electronic waste, “e-waste” or “Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment” (“WEEE“) is a waste type consisting of any broken or unwanted electrical or electronic device. Recyclable electronic waste is sometimes further categorized as a “commodity” while e-waste which cannot be reused is distinguished as “waste”. Both types of e-waste have raised concern considering that many components of such equipment are considered toxic and are not biodegradable.

Electronic waste is of concern largely due to the toxicity and carcinogenicity of some of the substances if processed improperly. Toxic substances in electronic waste may include lead, mercury and cadium.

Every time we toss out our electronics, we’re dumping on the poor. Please make an effort to recycle your gadgets, computers, televisions, ipods, etc..

wikipedia

Posted by thuy

Sole Of A Gladiator

Summer is almost over but if you live here in LA, that doesn’t mean a whole lot. Gladiators were seen everywhere this season, with lengths ranging from the ankles up to the knees, but these ones are kinda special. U Roads uses recycled tires for the soles of their handcrafted shoes for men and women. If you look closely you’ll notice they imprint a recycle symbol on the back of each shoe. The Michelin Man would be proud.

via Haute*Nature

Posted by thuy

Obama + MLK Remix ’08

After watching Obama speak at the DNC last night, My girl Anjua’s husband, Zosimo, put together this dope video called ‘Obama + MLK Remix ’08′. It’s his attempt to inspire as many people as possible to vote for change.

Yes we can!!!

Posted by jen

The Race Is On And Poppin’

We all know of Queen for their classic songs- We Are The Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody, and We Will Rock You. I found another anthem from their collection and it rocks! Bicycle Race was a hit single from their album Jazz and was written by Queen’s frontman Freddie Mercury.

To release the song, Queen staged a bicycle race with 65 naked girls. A clip from this race was used as the single cover. The video was originally banned, and had to be re-edited with colour added to censor out any offensive imagery. The song is famed for its ‘bicycle bell solo’, which fans would often replicate live at Queen concerts with their own bells. Watch it at the 1:47 mark.

I want to hear Christopher Walken say, “I gotta have more bike bell.”

Posted by thuy

Rock The Vote

Rock it proudly. I am loving this ring and the bike necklace from the line Renee Frances. Click it. Click it. Click it.

via ladies lotto

Posted by thuy

Oh Canada

Not so fast Canada, you might have to play nicely with your U.S neighbors soon. Apparently Canada’s seemingly endless water supply, might not be so abundant after all. According to Environment Canada, there is a push for the federal government to take a more significant role in managing the country’s fresh water supply.

Canada has a fifth of the world’s water supply but only 0.5% of the world’s population. The problem is only 7% of the water supply is reusable and only one percent is renewed by precipitation. In the event of a severe water deficit, there is anticipation of fighting between provinces over the supply, as well as pressure to ship water to the Southern U.S.

Hopefully this drives the message of conservation home- take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth etc… it’s common sense people!!

Via green daily

Posted by jen

David Byrne Gets Racked

In an effort to promote bike riding, New York City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) teamed up with the art gallery PaceWildenstein for the CityRacks Design Competition. Here are the 9 designs that were created by bike enthusiast and frontman of the Talking Heads, David Byrne.

Animal New York via City Room

Posted by thuy

The Best Rescue Shelter Ever

Speaking of Talking Heads…watch and listen. Lynea Lattanzio lives on six acres and runs an amazing, no cage, no kill sanctuary called Animal Kingdom The Cat House on the Kings, located 4 hours north of Los Angeles. There are hundreds of animals on her property at any given time. She claims she has cared for an estimated 16,000 animals since she opened in 1992. This is not your average crazed cat lady. Seriously, press the play button

So many people get pets not understanding that having one is a full time responsibility. Animals need love, nurturing, shelter, food and many of the same things that we do in life. It is like having a child. So, if you’re not ready to bring in a new family member, please don’t get a pet. If you do, get one from a rescue. Pet stores=Puppy mills=bad. And of course, make sure you spay and neuter your loved one.

Animal Planet

Posted by thuy

Carmen Is Ridin’ Dirty

Well if dudes (and gals… hey, nothing wrong with a good ol’ girl-crush) didn’t already have enough reasons to be feeling Carmen Electra, you can add environmentalist to the list…doing her part to save the environment by rockin’ the blinged out gold lowrider bike (or more likely she was just posing on it), but either way, it’s a good look. Holla!

Via people

Posted by jen

No More Nag Champa

If you want to get the reputation of a birkenstock-wearing, patchouli-oil smelling, treehugging hippie, all you need to do is spark up the Nag Champa incense, and you’re ready to go… Not so quick, according to a new study out of Denmark. The latest evidence shows that burning incense over long periods of time raises the risk of upper respiratory cancers. When burned, incense produces particulate matter and can contain carcinogens.

I knew there was a reason this nasty stuff had me in coughing fits, gasping for air. Not to mention, does anyone really like the smell of this stuff?? If you are trying to cover a funky smell in your apartment or house, bust out the natural cleaning products, give your crib a good scrub down and ditch the incense.

Via green daily

Posted by jen

LUSH Gets Naked… Woo Hoo!

Nudity always gets our attention and Lush stores are banking on this theory to draw attention to their “package free” concept. Over 58% of Lush’s handmade line of cosmetics and beauty products are sold without packaging including bath balls, soap bars and cakes.

On August 27th they are encouraging their employees in over 24 U.S cities to show up for work in their birthday suits (well not totally naked cuz’ that would just be weird, but sporting their work apron and nothing else).

If you are in the Los Angeles, check out the Beverly Hills store, maybe they will be part of the “Go Naked” campaign. You might not find plastic packaging on the on the products, but we’re not promising that you won’t catch a glimpse (or two) of surgically enhanced, silicone-filled body parts. Hey… this is Los Angeles after all.

Via green daily via treehugger

Posted by jen

Santogold’s Message: Lights Out

L.E.S artist, Santogold says turn out the C.F.L’s. Love it!

Posted by thuy

Haute Dog Couture

Somehow, between the wrap up of the Olympics and the anticipation of the upcoming DNC, I overlooked the 2008 Pet Fashion Week that took place in NY over the weekend. I’ve never been one to dress my dog up in clothes or ridiculous booties but with this years focus on going green and natural, I was interested in seeing what the exhibitors brought for the four legged models.

I think it’s great that there are more chemical free animal bath products coming out on the market. I’m switching up the toxic brands I’ve used on myself for natural alternatives, why wouldn’t I do the same for my dog?

Ditto with organic toys. I’ve recently started to think of what kind of scary chems are on the toys we’ve bought for Kobe over the years. Organic dog food? I’m all for it. From now on, it’s only the best for Kobe, well, except for any high end, natural fabric, pooch threads.

Thanks Angela! xx

Treehugger & RackedNY

Posted by thuy

Stella X LeSportsac

Stella McCartney for LeSportsac bags have arrived at Eco-Tobi. Made from recycled polyester and all priced under $500.00. Can I get a hallelujah?

With love from 1plus1

Posted by thuy

The Green Campaign

Big applause to the Democratic Convention for taking steps to green an event with an expected attendance of 100,000 people. Here’s a short list of how the DNC will be the most sustainable convention in modern political history.

• Freewheelin: 1,000 bikes are available free of charge to volunteers and delegates. There will be bike stations surrounding the convention as well as around key hotels.
• The buses that are assigned to transport the delegates and media to and from their hotels and the Pepsi center will run either on hybrid, alternative fuel or biodiesel.
• Free parking near the convention for all hybrids.
• There will be no fried food. Each meal will include “at least three of the following colors: red, green, yellow, blue/purple, and white.” At least 70% of ingredients will be organic or grown locally. Cups wll be made of biodegradable material.
• The Pepsi Center, where the convention is to be held, has committed to offsetting its energy use with wind power.

SmartShield To The Rescue

I have to admit, I’m not as diligent about applying sunscreen as I should be, but I always slather all of my exposed body parts when I hit my (almost) daily hikes up either Fryman or Runyon Canyon.

The problem with most sunscreens is that they contain a whole gang of chemicals that most of us can’t even pronounce. This is where my latest discovery comes in: SmartShield Sun Protection. Not only is this sunscreen oil-free, PABA-free ( an organic compound believed to increase the risk of skin cancer) and DEET-free (a controversial insect repellent ingredient), it’s also eco-friendly!!

Smart Shield is biodegradable as well as marine friendly. In other words it won’t contaminate marine life or disrupt the natural marine habitat.

Check out the other eco-friendly products that SmartShield has to offer here.

Posted by jen

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Posted by thuy

A Blog To Follow: Manifest Hope

Our boy Raymond Roker is in Denver for the DNC. I was excited to see his first post on the Manifest Hope blog today. He is the founder of Urb magazine, as well as a contributor to The Huffington Post and if you’re a friend of his on Facebook, you know from his multiple updates per day, where he’s going, what he’s doing or his thoughts on certain subjects.

If anyone should have a blog, it’s definitely Raymond. Bookmark it and get yourself a copy of the new Urb.

Below are flix from the blog showing Shepard Fairey, Sam Flores and David Choe.

Posted by thuy

Tha Carter

Born, raised and still holding it down for the South Bronx, Majora Carter believes that you shouldn’t have to move out of your neighborhood to live in a better one. Her theory is that change can start in your own backyard, even if that backyard is home to a higher concentration of power plants, sewage treatment facilities, diesel truck fleets and waste-transfer stations than any other section of the city. Out of this philosophy she created Sustainable South Bronx (SSBx), a non-profit environmental justice solutions corporation.

This girl we ♥ has far too many accolades, achievements and awards to mention, but the accomplishment she is most proud of is her B.E.S.T (Bronx Environmental Stewardship Training) program. It is one of the nation’s first urban green-collar job training and placement program.

B.E.S.T was born out of a need for urban horticulture infrastructure and a lack of skilled labor. Upon completion of this 10 week course, students are then certified to perform jobs such as riverbank restoration, green roof installation, stream bank stabilization, amongst other “greening” practices.

The program has been met with much success and many of its graduates were formerly incarcerated and all of them were on some type of public assistance.

Helping the less fortunate who live in your community as well as cleaning up the environment at the same time is definitely our idea of green grown and sexy.

Smart Cars Invade Lombard Street

Oh how I miss the Bay. A group of Smart car owners gathered for a meetup and photo shoot on Lombard Street in San Francisco and managed to pack 133 of the city cars onto the windiest street in the world.

Source: Autobloggreen

Thanks to Michael at Groovy Green for pointing out the SUV up in the mix. WTF?

Posted by thuy

Nails Did

Of course everyone is jumping on the green bandwagon. A favorite nail polish brand to many ladies, China Glaze has jumped on board too. The polish is not water based, nor is it chemical-free or green in anyway, but that didn’t stop them from coming out with an entire line of colors with titles such as Treehugger, Hybrid and Shower Together. Ok, I take that back, the box is made of recycled paper. Wow.

Flicks: all lacquered up

Posted by thuy

Breakin’ It Down:LEED

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a Green Building Rating Design system which was developed to provide a standard for environmentally sustainable construction. The rating system addresses six major issues:

-Sustainable Sites

-Water Efficiency

-Energy and Atmosphere

-Material and Resources

-Indoor Environmental Quality

-Innovation and Design Process

LEED certified buildings create healthier working and living environments as compared to those buildings that are built just to code standards. This in turn, contributes to higher productivity and improved employee health and comfort. The overall reduction in environmental impact along with the economic and occupant benefits, make a strong case for green building.

Source: wikipedia

Posted by jen

8 Robberies In The Melrose/Fairfax District

Watch your back if you’re out drinking, eating, shopping or just living near the Melrose and Fairfax District. Some knuckle heads have been robbing people (some by gunpoint) over the last two weeks. Check out the the Los Angeles Times site for the deets.

Great, this is really gonna mess with my drinking at the local joints and responsibly walking home program. Thanks lowlife, pathetic muggers…get a damn job!

Posted by thuy

Music To Our Ears

We Are The Ones by Will.I.Am featuring: Ryan Phillippe, Jon Leguizamo, Jessica Alba, George Lopez, Luis Guzman, Macy Gray, Zoe Kravitz, Adrienne Palicki, Eric Mabius, Colbie Caillat, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Tichina Arnold, Tyrese, Ben McKenzie & Tabu.

Vote Obama by Taz Arnold (aka Ti$a) of Sa-Ra featuring: Kanye West, Jay Z, Chris Brown, Travis Barker, Shepard Fairey, and Apple of The Black Eyed Peas.

American Prayer by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics featuring: Bono, Forest Whitaker, Macy Gray, Joss Stone, Whoopi Goldberg, Perez Hilton, Pamela Anderson, Cyndi Lauper, Jason Alexander, Barry Manilow, Joan Baez, Margaret Cho, and Linda Perry.

Yes We Can by Will.I.Am featuring: Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Kate Walsh, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Adam Rodriquez, Kelly Hu, Nick Cannon, Aisha Tyler, Amber Valletta, Taryn Manning, Nicole Scherzinger, and Common.

Posted by thuy

Con-VICK

Funny his name should rhyme with a four letter word in the potty mouth dictionary. Dogtown is premiering this Sunday night on Nat Geo. The episodes will show the rehabilitation of 22 dogs that belonged to Michael Vick and are now residing at Dogtown, the Best Friends animal sanctuary in Utah. Viewers follow the journeys of four of the most challenging dogs — Cherry, Meryl, Denzel, and Georgia — as Dogtown’s team of experts works to help them overcome their violent pasts and live happier, healthier lives.

Every dog has its day.

Posted by thuy

P.E.A.C.E Academy

It’s so inspirational to be surrounded by so many of our friends who are just killin’ it in the game of life…. Young, successful, driven, creative entrepreneurs! It’s even more admirable when they do their part to give back to the community.

Our good friends Greg and Keven are two such individuals. They’ve created the P.E.A.C.E Academy (Positive Education Awakens Conscious Excellence) in an effort to mentor and lead individuals of all ages and and backgrounds, to achieve optimal abundance and fulfillment in their lives.

The P.E.A.C.E Academy life coaches spread their teachings through scheduled tele-conferencing sessions as well as live appearances that include a roster of inspirational speakers.

For more information about how to get P.E.A.C.E in your life, click here.

Posted by jen

Bamboo Biking

Looking for a bicycle with the lowest carbon footprint? Well look no further. Calfee Design uses the least amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the production of their frames. I have always had a soft spot for bamboo so this was definitely love at first site. Check out their site for more details.

Also, here are some blogs for two wheeled enthusiasts.

1. Bike Girl Blog
2. Gary Rides Bikes

Bring Some Zenn To The Streets

A group spearheaded by the local automobile dealership EnVironmental Motors in Glendale, California is petitioning the Federal government to create a new vehicle classification, the Medium Speed Vehicle (MSV) Classification.

NEV’s (neighborhood electric vehicle) like the ZENN are limited by law to 25mph when they are capable of speeds of 35-40mph. You can help to create the MSV class so these cars can be driven on more roads by more people to help offset the tons of carbon released into the air by gasoline vehicles, just click here.

Posted by thuy

Dirty Never Looked So Good

Trash isn’t pretty, anyway you slice it… or so I thought, until I saw these beautiful piles of loveliness. In an effort to draw attention to the amount of trash we throw away, artist Adrian Kondratowicz is replacing standard black garbage bags with biodegradable pink ones throughout New York City. According to the artist, “We see the pile of black bags and we just walk past them”.

The citywide art intervention is called anycoloryoulike and will travel New York City streets throughout the summer of 2008. Kondratowicz encourages local residents and business owners to participate in beautifying the city while at the same time highlighting the insane amount of waste we create everyday.

Each Art Related Product (ARP) TRASH bag is 100% biodegradable and naturally scented to repel insects and vermin.

To find out more about this project and how you can get involved, click here

Posted by jen

From Here To There

Want to get a first look at the next generation of the world’s best-selling hybrid, the 2009 Toyota Prius or a 3D rendering of female auto designer Krystyne Zurian’s cocoon concept car for women? This Friday Toyota HEYA members and Quiksilver artists will unveil their art installations that explore the future of transportation. From human power to hydrogen, bicycles to rails, the transportation ideas range from common sense to fantastical.

Music for the masses will be provided by DJ Squeak E. Clean as well as a set by The SYCONS, a DJ group that runs all their equipment with portable solar power. HOLLA!

Quiksilver’s siteLA
2522 Sunset Blvd.
Silver Lake, CA

Posted by thuy

I Am Not A Handbag

I saw this image awhile back and it was shocking to say the least.. but shocking in a way that you can’t stop staring at it. I recently came across it again on Rickey Kim’s online magazine Evil Monito, and figured the imagery was too insane not to post.

The piece entitled “excessory baggage” by Meryl Smith was part of a group exhibition at the Honey Space, where curators asked artists to create sculptures that fit the measurement requirements for international carry-on luggage.

Before PETA hunts me down for glorifying this art made with some parts leather (as well as metals, papier mache etc). Let’s try to accept the message being delivered.. that pets, no matter how cute and pocket-sized, are not accessories. Paris? Britney? Are you listening??

Posted by jen

Canada Represent!

Although I’m an L.A. girl to the core, I originally hail from the Great White North… yep Canuk in tha’ hizzle. As a Canadian I feel it is my patriotic duty to throw a little love in that direction and represent for an online shopping destination out of Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Check out FashionandEarth.com, a one-stop-shop for fashionable, not to mention affordable eco-friendly clothing, launching September 2008. Prices will range from $30- $120, depending on the item and shipping on all North American orders will be free, including returns. This is essentially risk free shopping!!

The best part is that all clothing is organic and fair trade. Visit their site, sign up for the mailing list and receive a special offer of 20% off when the store opens in September.

Brigid Catiis

I’ve recently been introduced to this fabulous line, which is made from reconditioned and recycled fabrics. They produce pretty pieces all while helping to reduce the production of new textiles which means they avoid waste water from entering irrigation systems and create less carbon dioxide emissions. The company also realizes that they have a social responsibility beyond creating clothing. Brigid Catiis donates 5% of their annual earnings to several non profit organizations.

I’m all about dipping out in one of a kind pieces, made with love and good practices. Take a peek at their website for the fall line that drops September 1st, available at Planet Blue, Intuition & I Heart (NY).

Posted by thuy

Urban Gardening

My neighbor downstairs is lucky enough to have a balcony and she takes full advantage of it. She has a cute planter and just recently planted tomatoes, basil, and lettuce. I get green envy every time I pass it to walk up to my apartment. With the rising gas prices leading to a price hike in produce at the stores, maybe it’s time to to try your hand at urban gardening. Stop by Mulchmeister to get some tips and check back often, as I’ve been told it will eventually be turned into an organic gardening service.

Posted by thuy

Gisele Rocks A SIGG

Who knew the SIGG bottle could be used as a shielding device from the paparazzi’s prying lenses…

Via just jared

Posted by jen

Solar Baggage

Lately I’ve been geeking out on solar technology. Since it doesn’t look like a solar paneled house or a solar rooftop Prius is anywhere in my near future, I guess for now I’ll have to settle for a sun soaking bag. I had yet to find one that I would actually rock until I came across this one from Noon Solar. I ain’t mad at being able to charge my phone or ipod just by keeping my bag in the front seat of my car to collect some rays. This will give a new meaning to sun worshipper (don’t click that) and tanorexic (I warned you.)

The solar power is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack, weighing about 4oz. The bags are made from biodegradable materials so that the bags can skip the landfill and go directly into your backyard without hurting the earth. The bags are safe and non-toxic, and most of the materials will actually nourish the earth if buried. The other materials such as the solar panel and hardware can be removed and recycled or reused. Sold!

Posted by thuy

PETA Protects Pit Bulls

If you can get through this article without shedding a tear or at the very least getting a lump in your throat, then you are a definitely a stronger person than me. The picture alone puts me over the top, having owned a gentle, lovable, loyal pit bull myself. In a nutshell in December 2006 in Windsor, North Carolina, PETA fieldworkers were called in to investigate a report from neighbors of 3 starved pitbulls (Buck, Mylie and Roscoe).

Upon arriving at the property, PETA workers found all 3 dogs dead, still on chains, mere skeletons covered by skin. They had no bedding or body fat to cover them from the freezing winter temperatures. The dogs’ owner, Walter Overton, showed no remorse and admitted to having known the dogs were sick and suffering at least 4-5 weeks prior to their death, and not having fed them in the week leading up to their death.

PETA worked with local law enforcement to bring charges of animal cruelty against Overton. In a county that does not usually pursue such cases, Overton was convicted and was sentenced to jail time, fines, court costs and probation. The best part about the conviction is that Overton is forbidden to own or harbor animals in the future.

To get the full story as well as the sad tale of Hugo’s demise and the judge’s reaction to this case, visit the PETA website.

Posted by Jen

Let’s Beat This Bitch

Unfortunately almost everyone I know, including myself, has had a loved one affected by cancer. This is a deadly disease that needs to be banished…completely.

On Friday September 15th, in an unprecedented move, all the major networks, ABC, NBC and CBS will devote a commercial-free prime-time hour to the fight against cancer. More than a dozen of the world’s most accomplished female musicians will premiere a charity single titled “Just Stand Up” to support the “Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C)” philanthropic initiative.

The single, which will feature artists such as Ciara, Sheryl Crow, Rihanna and Fergie, amongst others, will be available to purchase exclusively on the itunes store starting September 2, 2008.

Hook your ipod up with some of this goodness and do your part in ending cancer’s reign as a leading cause of death.

Via rap-up

Posted by jen

89,459 More Single Men Than Women In Los Angeles

WTF? Can someone tell me what part of the world Cupid is living in because we need to recruit him and his bow and arrow to the city of angels STAT! Might as well send over Aphrodite, Dionysus and an industrial sized water tower, filled with a cocktail mix of Dopamine’s & Phernomes for that matter, we need all the help we can get.

Those blue dots represent the areas where single men out number single women. The largest cluster is hovering over my hood and it comes as no surprise since it always seems to be a topic of conversation within my circle of friends of both genders. The one suggestion that always seems to follow is online dating. We haven’t quite gotten to that point yet, but if you’re interested in finding a mate that shares the same beliefs/passions that you do, try some of the links below.

• green singles
• ethical singles
• green speed dating

Click on the thumbnail to see the enlarged view of the map. As soon as I hit the publish button for this post, I’ll be studying it myself to plan my move. Hmm… Ft. Worth, TX or Ft. Lauderdale, FL? Forget it. Jen, see you at my place at 8 for another marathon of Planet Earth. Don’t forget the Breyers.

Posted by thuy

Breakin’ It Down: Fair Trade

Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to empowering developing country producers and promoting sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods. It focuses in particular on exports from developing countries to developed countries, most notably handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit, and flowers.

Source: Wikipedia

Manifest Hope

Once again Shepard Fairey is putting his artistic stamp, as well as his vote of confidence behind Obama. In his latest show of support, he is hosting an artists’ showcase at the Manifest Hope Gallery in Denver, Colorado during the Democratic National Convention. The gallery will highlight the central themes of the progressive grassroots movement surrounding the Barack Obama Campaign: Hope, Change, Progress, Unity and Patriotism.

The Manifest Hope Gallery will be open to the public between Monday August, 25th, 2008- Thursday August 28th, 2008 from 10am-5pm daily.

At 6pm on Wednesday August 27th, Manifest Hope and San Francisco mayor, Gavin Newsom will host Unconventional ’08 with musical performances on an outdoor stage. Check the website for the full musical lineup, as well as other details of this monumental event.

Posted by jen

Ripple Effect

If you happen to be in St. Paul, Minnesota on Sept. 02, be sure to check out Ripple Effect. The organization is putting on a nonpartisan, progressive action-focused art and music festival focused on sustainability, outside the RNC.

There will be guest speakers as well live performances by Michael Franti (Spearhead,) Dead Prez and a main stage dj set by K-Salaam.

Posted by thuy

Future Natural Is The Future

Our new friend Anna Griffin who is a contributor to Ecorazzi and is about to launch Ecobella (an online fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine covering all things green), was kind enough to turn us onto the rad beauty shopping mecca, Future Natural.

Future Natural is basically an online Sephora but on eco-friendly steroids. If you are a beauty junkie but also care about the environment and natural beauty products, then Future Natural is about to become your shopping fantasy.

Specializing in organic and natural beauty products ranging from makeup, bath and hair products to fragrance, this site has left no stone unturned. There are even products for babies and men. Ch-ch-check it out!!

Posted by jen

Pool Shark

Who isn’t loving Michael Phelps right now? Let me not state the obvious (8 gold medals) but I just read that in his downtime, Phelps unwinds by watching the wildlife documentary series Planet Earth. His coach Bob Bowman reveals watching animals and plants enhances his performance by helping him to relax before a swim.

Wait, hear that sound? That’s my heart going pitter patter. Jen and I have had a few date nights together watching this Emmy award winning, BBC nature documentary series. It took 5 years to shoot and is the first of it’s kind to be entirely filmed in high definition. A truly inspirational view of our planet as a whole. We only have one, let’s try not to mess it up.

We still have a few more to watch and I’ll just tell you right now Jen, if you see me dreamily looking over at you one night, it’s probably because I’m picturing Phelps (shirtless of course and maybe with Johnny Depps face instead) snuggling up on the couch & watching furry animals and the deep blue seas with me. Minus the tub of ice cream and kit kat bars. Planet Earth and The Blue Planet are definitely ones to get for your collection.

Source: Treehugger

e2 Series

Are u a PBS junkie? Do u love the soothing sound of Brad Pitt’s sexy voice or Morgan Freeman’s for that matter? Do you care about the economies of being environmentally conscious? Well then the PBS e2 series might be right up your alley.

Narrated by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, these 30 minute episodes chronicle efforts to solve ecological challenges around the world. The series document innovators whose work is reducing humans’ impact on the environment.

Copies of the series are available on PBS Home Video or at e2-series.com.

Posted by jen