Fishing in Lake Valdez

Saving the Planet with itsy bitsy BIKINIS

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:15:00 +0000

A necklace of fabrics barely cover the breasts

This past weekend, I was prepared to do battle to fight off the head cold that would prevent me from attending THE event in July. Swim Week in Miami. So this beleaguered body took a three hour nap, ingested a handful of echinacea vitamins and drank green tea until I regained my strength. A big night lay ahead. It's about saving the planet, one itsy bitsy bikini at a time. No super powers required.

As a local blogger, I received an "invite-only" to attend Haute Natured at the swanky Setai hotel in South Beach. The event touched on three cornerstones--fashion, drilling down to bathing suits and incorporated eco sensitivity. Haute Natured is the first annual sustainable swimwear show featuring innovative swimwear collections ranging from recycled and repurposed fabrics to solar-powered bikinis—all to benefit the Seakeeper’s Society and raise environmental awareness. They thought of everything!

Outdoor courtyard dotted with palm trees.

Over 500 of Miami’s A-List and eco-conscious influencers were in attendance for the carbon-neutral event, as well as executives representing top environmental lifestyle brands and media.

As one of the first guests or media to arrive, I was escorted to the "green" carpet for my photo opp. (What on "earth" am I wearing? Dull and boring--sorry the cough medicine drowned by fashion brain cells. But at least I wore all black for the slim look).

Christine with Miss Earth Florida

Christine meets other attendees

Then I sashayed over to the courtyard where a 50 foot “walk-on-water” runway shone a spotlight on designs made from recycled bottles, upcycled fabrics and repurposed military parachutes. What stood out? They trend is "transparency". Not the bathing suits but the caftan and leg coverups.

Fabulous use of repurposed parachute material

Eco designers shared that using sustainable materials poses a lot of challenges. In fact, according to Jenni Saylor, from Eco Swim, she thinks it’s impossible to make a suit that will appeal to women without at least a little spandex, AKA lycra, which is the stuff that makes a suit cling in the right places.
However her swimwear line is breaking the barriers.

“Eco-cell’’ foam bra cups, made with biodegradable plant oil, are one of Eco Swim’s big features. The suits are made from recycled nylon, polyester and cotton. Saylor stressed fabric isn’t picked from old clothes bins but comes fully processed and cleaned from manufacturers.

Bathings suits are typically constructed of man-made materials specifically designed to dry quickly or hold shape. That often means they contain chemicals and are nearly impervious to the forces of a compost heap. Polyester is actually made from the same stuff as many plastic bottles, polyethylene terephthalate.

Designer Linda Loudermilk (from Luxury Eco) debuted what she billed as the world’s first fully compostable bathing suit. It’s fashioned from a plant starch, she said, that has been turned into a fabric so new she just got her hands on it five days before the event. She said the suit won’t dissolve on a woman’s body, but bury it under dirt, like in a land fill, and it would break down within 180 days — leaving not a single spandex strap, blot of chemical dye or foam bra cup insert behind.
The show signaled a shift from the hippie era where the cluncky Birkenstock sandal defined environmental fashion. The swimsuits covered the gamut of a modest 50's one- piece polka dot suit, to the traditional two piece to Miami risque.

Below are the highlights of the more ecclectic and risque swimsuits plus my favorite.

The first one is the barely-there loin cloth and cut out triangles covering the nipples. I call it the "Jane has Jungle Fever" bathing suit. Will add this to my "when I'm stranded on deserted island" survival kit along with my eyelash curler and ziploc bags (Hey if I want to be rescued I better look decent!).

Jane has Jungle Fever; Wants Tarzan!

The unrecycled trash that hurts the ecosystem is used instead as decorative hardware. Below is a bathing suit adorned with plastic bottle caps and the plastic liner that holds a six-pack.

Now at my grocery store they offer suggestions on how to reuse the plastic grocery bags. They need to add one more usage. See below.

Bathing suit made of plastic bags

You can't have a fashion forward show about the earth without one gesture of anti-fur.

Unfortunately I could not read the "fine print" on those bottoms nor did I try.

Designers from Eco Swim, Luxury Eco, Meadow and MAE

So which was my favorite? The olive green number below but with the accessories! But is the jewelry sweat proof? Ocean proof? Who cares! It looks great!

The eco-couture lifestyle is for women who want to balance health and sustainable living and redefine luxury. These designers are answering the demand of women who want a lifestyle choice they can be proud of when choosing what to wear.

So now are you convinced that Going Green can be SEXY? Share your comments below by clicking on "Comments".

To view videos of other brands and runway models at the main hotel, The Raleigh, click here.

Runway Photos are courtesy of Mogul PR. All material is copyrighted.

Biodegradable fishing line is next in Green Fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:29:00 +0000

Summer is in full swing so that means fishing season. Well in Florida it's always fishing season I suppose. What type of fish is your preferred catch? Bass, trout, kingfish, catfish?

Whatever your fish fancy, one thing I remember in my fishing outings with Dad, the fishing lines I found tangled in seaweed and underwater brush or mangroves. My fishing was straightforward cast the line and reel in. Nothing complicated.

Now news of a biodegradable fishing line is reaching tackle shops across the US. According to a recent article in the Dallas News:

Because monofilament, the dominant line used for nearly 70 years, stays around a long time. Fishing line is tangled in brush beneath the water's surface and in trees along the river bank. It's a hazard to boat propellers, birds and other animals.

If fishing lines are breaking, then what about the hooks and worm weights that drown in fishing waters? Are they green too? Most worm weights were made of lead. But according to the same article:

Bass anglers like David O'Keeffe are willing to pay premium prices for tungsten weights, but it's not because of the green bandwagon.

"I catch more fish using tungsten sinkers," O'Keeffe said. "Tungsten is denser than lead, so you get a smaller profile. When a bass tries to eat a soft plastic bait, the fish gets the whole bait, sinker and all, in its mouth. The hook set is a lot more effective when you're jerking a small, hard sinker out of the fish's mouth rather than a larger, soft lead sinker."

Fly fishermen are considered stewards of the environment. Not only did they pioneer the barbless hook so fish could be released with less stress but also set the example of cleaning up after their day of fishing, ensuring no trash, or plastics are left floating in the waters and surrounding landscape.

Would you agree? Which sport do you think is most green? Share your comments below!

Chef Charges $5 for Tap Water

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:54:00 +0000

Just from reading the title, and before I even read the Reuters article, I knew the point and the ensuing outrage.

An Australian chef started charging $5 (Australian Dollars) for a glass of tap water? Why so much?
Well to quote the article:

"Mark Best, chef and owner of Marque Restaurant in Sydney, turned years of environmental consciousness into action by splashing out on a $6,000 Italian-made water system that filters, chills and carbonates tap water, the first of its kind in an Australian restaurant.

He now charges A$5 (3.3 pounds) for water -- but this includes unlimited refills. He previously charged A$10 for 500 ml of boutique bottled water.

Not only did the move lighten his carbon impact by cutting down on refrigeration and transport needs for the bottled water, it also helps reduce the amount of plastic bottles clogging up landfills, he said."

Initially I can understand why consumers may be upset. But once they learn the investment to filter, chill and refrigerate the tap water, then perhaps they'll realize it's a repackaged water--but even better with a system that requires less space in the kitchen. More importantly, it means less plastic bottles filling up our landfills. I say BRILLIANT Chef Best!

If customers pay money for bottled water, why not for better water?

This confirms that most people still do not know that bottled water is often no cleaner, better than tap water. Obviously they haven't read my posting, Is Bottled Water Really Tap Water?

CLICK HERE for the complete article.

S'well Bottle

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sun, 22 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

S'well Bottle
(photo provided by S'well. Copying not permitted)

I came across this company by accident and it immediately caught my "green" eye.

First, it saved me time from the homework of researching the number of plastic bottles in the ocean, hurting our ecosystem--that number is 88 billion bottles. That's Billion with a "B"! Just their homepage photo is captivating. Who would want to destroy our clean source of water by purchasing PLASTIC bottles?

What are they selling? The S'well Bottle is both functional and stylish, and well insulated that holds temperatures both hot and cold for long periods. The site encourages us to reuse our bottle instead of picking up a billionth plastic bottle of water.

Another description to quote the website:

"Your camping canteen went to the big city, and got a serious makeover. S’well bottles are elegant and useful. Portable and chic. Double walled, vacuum insulated construction allows beverages stay hot or cold for a long time."

S'well has thought of everything and partnered with WaterAid to help families in developing countries receive clean water. Often family members travel for miles to obtain a small bucket of clean water that serves for cooking, a washcloth bath, and little else.

Next time you're shopping around for that new favorite "cup" to hold your Starbucks coffee, cool, clean TAP water, or even some warm soup, try S'well!

Earth Day 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:13:00 +0000

Earth Day is here which is resembling more like a green Christmas with businesses giving away items, admission and contests to educate residents of the need to recycle and keep our earth and ecosystem clean and free from toxic plastic and other trash and to promote other green habits.

In Miami for example, the Fairchild Tropical Garden is offering free admission to the public along with a galore of activities for both adults and kids. Earth Day Yoga, Everglades Poetry Reading, free native plants and interactive discovery stations are just a few slated activities for adults. Kids can learn about the people of the rainforest and participate in the Recycle Relay and make a pledge to mother earth. Good habits start early!

If you know of any offers or contest related to Earth Day--please share it in the comments section below.

(Reminder: comments must be approved by moderator before they appear live)

Just a few celebratory offerings nationwide include:

At participating Starbucks, you can bring in a reusable mug on Friday April 22 to get free brewed coffee or tea.

Lowe's is giving away one million trees on April 23.

Origins is offering a trade-in program on Earth Day. Receive a free full-size face cleanser when you bring one of your empty skin-care bottles (from any brand) to an Origins retail store or department-store counter for recycling. Choose from A Perfect World Antioxidant Cleanser With White Tea or Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash.

Evos is giving away free organic milkshakes on Earth Day. The healthy fast-food chain has locations in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

At the Disney Store, you can trade in five disposable plastic bags for recycling and receive a free reusable shopping bag on April 22.

Kmart is offering discounts on everything from air conditioners to TVs on April 22.

Drugstore.com is giving up to 60% off on green and natural products through April 22.

All 394 U.S. national parks have free admission now through Sunday, April 24.

Travelocity has green hotels on sale for up to 40% off. You can also enter to win two round-trip Virgin America tickets and a couple of nights at an eco-friendly hotel.

The Yoga Journal offers a free digital download of the May issue.

The Sierra Club's Earth Day contest gives a chance to win a trip for two to Vieques Island in the Caribbean -- you just add a green pledge to the map.

On Target's website, you can enter the Refresh Your Nest sweepstakes through the end of the month. The grand prize is a home makeover that's valued at up to $50,000. You can also win a trip to Napa Valley, a Nikon camera, products from Burt's Bees or Tom's of Maine, and more.

Feel free to share your green habits, and efforts to champion the cause.

Doggy Business Bags

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:10:00 +0000

When's it's time for Zeus, Fluffy or Phee Phee to do their business, you can help Mother Earth by picking up with a completely biodegradable green doggy business bags by Bambeco.

Known for "Cool Style for a Hot Planet", Bambeco also guarantees the best prices, easy returns and 100% satisfaction. Check out their other cool items.

Love that doggy bachelor pad and the food placemats--the entire Pet section!

Have fun eco shopping!

Is Bottled Water just Tap Water?

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 03:21:00 +0000

As both a health-conscious individual and marketing professional, the growing bottled water industry continues to amaze me.

Since health comes first in my book, I wanted to know if bottled water was safer or better for the human body. It turns out that the inferred claim that bottled water is cleaner or purer is still the biggest hoax today. According to the NRDC, " an estimated 25 percent or more of bottled water is really just tap water in a bottle -- sometimes further treated, sometimes not. "

In an article today by Lori Bongiorno, environmental journalist, she writes that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed 173 bottled water products and that "...more than half of the bottled water products surveyed failed EWG's transparency test --18 percent didn't say where their water comes from, and another 32 percent did not disclose any information on treatment or purity of water."

Even popular name brands like Zephyrhills and Acquafina received a "D" rating for transparency. What do they have to hide? Yet in 2003 Americans spent $10 billion on bottled water.

Not much has changed since I've been following this trend in the year 2000. Shockingly, people still buy it! Have the slick, advertising campaigns drowned the common sense part of the brain of mass consumers? Or is it more about vanity and carrying a stylish bottle with eye-catching font than about protecting the earth? Don't be fooled by the recycle symbol on the box. According to the NRDC, "Most bottled water comes in recyclable PET plastic bottles, but only about 13 percent of the bottles we use get recycled. In 2005, 2 million tons of plastic water bottles ended up clogging landfills instead of getting recycled."

I recall one weekday in 2009 being home sick and watching Oprah and the Ellen deGeneres shows back to back. That day happened to be Earth Day. Oprah's segment focused entirely on the damaging effects of the plastic bottles on our earth and ecosystem. I had no idea how devasting it was to those cute sea creatures much less our landfills and earth. I was overwhelmed.

In her usual upbeat style, Ellen also educated her audience and viewers how are daily habits were hurting the earth and shared fun ways to convert those habits into golden rules.

If clean, pure water is a concern, invest in a filter. Be sure to do some research on certified filters that remove certain contaminants.

Here's your health and our mother earth.

NY Woman Converts to Green, Cashes In

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 16:34:00 +0000

The following is an interview of a New York woman named Nancy who gradually made changes in her daily habits, routine, shopping and consumption. Through it all she not only has achieved a life of sustainability with damaging effects on mother earth, she has also managed to save $10,000. Below is her story.

What inspired you to make so many "green" changes in your life? My doctoral studies were in MindBody medicine and holistic healing...which led directly to my first change: become a vegetarian(1991)—which reversed bone loss. In the intervening years I continued to study, teach courses, and give lectures and workshops on holistic healing and spirituality. My studies and workshop presentations expanded in 2005 after I learned about the known health risks associated with land fills at a meeting of the local chapter for the League of Women Voters. The local land fill had expanded despite opposition and was (and is again) asking to expand.

Troubled by the evidence, I began reading about recycling, which led me to studies about plastics, cleaning agents, bath and body care, cosmetics, and, surprisingly, food safety and how they affected human health and the environment. The readily available evidence was, and remains, shocking and deeply distressing. I believe that all of us need to be more conscious of the factors which affect our health and over which we can chose to have control, with our voices, pocket book, and votes. As a person living with a life-long disability I felt that, based on this new learning, I had a responsibility to act on it by making conscious choices about my life and health as I move toward retirement and continued aging!

That led to my second change: I became a vegan, eating only organic foods at home, and have reaped more health benefits than I imagined possible. No more antibiotics and hormones I didn’t chose, need or want; no more insecticides and pesticides bred into Genetically Engineered foods—as far as I can determine and choose; reading labels to avoid corn derivatives and high fructose.

All of this learning, alongside continued growth and new learning in my spirituality and prayer life, led me to my third change: a decision to become conscious and present to the world and nature around me, as well as to family, friends, and neighbors. All of life breathes the same air, is exposed to the same water, and shares the consequences of toxins in the land fill. The very least I could do was to avoid adding toxic, disposable, meaningless stuff or organic garbage, leading to my fourth change: changing my patterns of consumption, understanding the what and why of every purchase. Suddenly you see the stuff that clutters home, office, car and life. Stuff that wastes financial resources and generally obscures the meaning or purpose of one’s life. De-cluttering is a lesson in letting go and led to my fifth change, saving money as my shopping habits changed.

Are your choices for you alone or for a household? I live alone but children and grandchildren visit often. They know the routine -- I have posted a list of what items go in the paper basket, the compost pail, the small garbage basket, the shredder and the recycling can (in kitchen). The cleaning woman, handy man, and lawn person know what goes where in garage containers each week.
What was harder than you thought? Eating out with NO dairy products. My experience has been that the majority of restaurants, chefs, and cooks in small cities are not well-informed or prepared to serve vegetarians and vegans.

What was easier? The absolute easiest thing was simply adding each new change as I came to it and then living into it. I have a savings account for my ‘annual savings,’ which I use for life-giving organic foods, addressing needs (recreation, retreat, play) instead of wants, and enjoying a healthier and more purposeful life!
What's next? These changes are part of a spiritual journey that I hope will continue to evolve and deepen. I hope my example or words will save at least one person and one child from the toxic effects known to exist in our environment, water, food, and products we consume or purchase in blind faith. My greatest hope is that in the near future, Americans will take to the streets and demand accountability of corporations and government agencies for safe food and water, and non-toxic, renewable and sustainable products. If we dream GREEN, we will become GREEN!

Nancy's Green practices explained with savings:
Switch to natural cleaning agents - saving $800-900/yr. By natural, I mean: vinegar, baking soda, lemons, castile or natural soaps, peroxide, salt.NO BLEACH.
Create zero waste - saving $180/yr. The zero-waste effort led to canceling my trash service. In addition to a monthly fee, they charged per bag beyond 2 bags, which can happen if your put leaves and grass clippings out. All organics, wet garbage, yard waste, and shredded paper, compostable picnic table ware (rare) go into compost. I have two piles so one is in use while second matures and gets used up. I use the simple layer method which Cornell advocates. I take my recycling to the municipal solid waste transfer station every 3 months. I also take one (1) $3.50 large plastic bag with non recyclable, non compostable garbage once a year.

Drink and carry tap water - saving $500+ annually. I don’t want plastic toxins leaching every minute into my water. Plus, I want to eliminate CO2 emissions and costs of plastic bottles and transporting water world wide, often at the expense of poor people with little or no access to their own water supplies .In addition to saving money, I am expressing my personal values and beliefs in the face of big corporations that bottle and sell for profit water at the expense of poor people whose right to it has been stolen. (Here are some reusable bottle options.)

Buy $.99 reusable grocery bags, eliminating real costs of using and disposing of plastic bags - savings $100/yr. These bags are also often used for giving small gifts rather than purchasing gift bags or wrapping paper, tape, ribbon, bows.

Limit gift giving - saving $500. My gift giving is generally limited to a small gift to open and a donation for relief of poverty in some way (e.g. mosquito nets; poultry to raise, feed, sustain income for a family; building a school in Sudan; and now, for Haiti.) There's no over-spending for “just one more gift.” No environmental costs.

Drive fuel-efficient car less - saving an average of $100-$150/month, or $1200 - $1800/yr. As often as possible, I plan errands, appointments, and work travel so I can drive in a circle and save extra trips to buy food. There are always the unexpected trips but planning cuts down on fuel costs. If I need something at the home improvement store/mall I wait, if possible, until I have a list of everything I need from stores in that area (12 miles away). This has cut shopping trips to the mall area to 4 or less per year. I generally work from a home office which also cuts fuel consumption.

Buy no fragrances: no perfume, scented candles, or air-freshners - saving $500+ annually. I open windows or doors; use all natural cosmetics, limited to foundation & rouge (see Cosmetics Database). Bath and body products are w/o fragrance and generally cost less. The health benefits are related to avoiding carcinogens, nano particles, phthalates, and asthma-causing ingredients.

Avoid plastic wrap -- saving $150 annually. I use brown wax paper in microwave (limited use) and re-useable plastic bowl covers or lids for food storage in glass kitchen ware. I never purchase plastic food containers.

Minimize paper -- saving $300. I use compostable picnic ware for those few times I am unable to use washable ware. I read newspapers online. When purchasing subscriptions to journals or placing catalog orders I request my contact info not be rented or sold. I am registered on the Mail Preferencing services and have a note on my credit records. This effort dramatically reduces junk mail and the amount of recycling I need to do. All loose paper goes through my shredder and is added to compost pile. Magazines and journals are generally saved or shared.

Use compact light bulbs & other efficient appliances - saving $200/yr. CFLs, which last 708 years and use less electricity, power all light fixtures. I replaced my old refrigerator 4 years ago and purchased an energy-saving dishwasher recently. I turn off my computer when away from my desk for more than two (2) hours and overnight. I turn off and unplug all electronics not in use, including the flat screen TV. I only turn on lights in rooms being occupied by a person and have attractive night lights in rooms which we may need to visit briefly after dark. My TV use is limited to evening news and occasionally a PBS special.

Buy used, refurbished goods - saving $2,000/yr, plus gas, energy and time to shop. My purchases, beyond health and house maintenance, are generally confined to gently used, repurposed, or refurbished items.

Grow own food -- saving $450-$500 on food, garden chemicals. I have two “square foot garden” boxes in which I grow organic produce every year, and share with a daughter and family. I figure I save $700.00, of which I use $350.00 for a CSA share for fruits, potatoes, and other or, unusual, vegetables I don’t grow.

Conserve water -- saving $100/yr. I installed two free rain barrels, offered by our county storm water management for attending a course on storm water. The rain barrels collect roof water run off, which I use to water front and back, including vegetable, gardens. I have a small home but collected enough water to keep both barrels full all but a few days last summer, watering daily.

Installed gravel driveway -- saving $4,000. My paved driveway was torn up to install a dry ditch four years ago (for run off from a side hill). Hard surfaces cause storm water flooding and permit toxins to reach water supplies. Without hard surfaces, ground water is filtered by soil before it reaches water supplies. Consequently I choose not to repave the drive and instead have crushed stone. (I live in a traditional, residential neighborhood.)

Feeling inspired? Get started here!

Going Green the Wong Way (Miami)

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:41:00 +0000

A special event to happen, Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m.

Join members of the Green Room Society for pre-show drinks at the Bombay Sapphire Lounge before the World Premiere of Going Green the Wong Way, created and starring Kristina Wong. Performance art meets stand-up comedy as Mad Cat Theatre presents the irreverent West Coast theater artist who recounts her life-long attempt at sustainable living and the challenges and triumphs of being eco-friendly. Show starts at 8pm, followed by a meet and greet with Wong. The show continues through Saturday. Click here.

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Carnival Studio Theater, Ziff Ballet Opera House
1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami
305-949-6722

Shopping Green for Everyday Staples

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 02:21:00 +0000

Shopping green is becoming increasingly fun. Whether it's for everyday staples, like coffee, or even color makeup palettes, shopping for accessories and doing good by Mother Earth just got easier.

NESPRESSO
The chocolate- turned- coffee experts, Nestle, have developed a coffee machine and program that promotes "ecolaboration" on all fronts. Nestled has partnered with the Rainforest Alliance with a commitment to help coffee farmers grow high quality coffee, earn more income and respecting the earth at the same time. Their nespresso machines now featured an automatic standby feature to consume less energy. Their green research is continuous to keep evolving more efficient, greener processes. The "capsules" that contain the finest coffee grounds are hermetically sealed, hence there's no oxidation and preserves the richness and freshness of the ground coffee. And now, you can return those "used capsules" to designated Espresso stores where organic and inorganic waste, are recycled.

In Miami, just head to the one in South Beach at 1111 Lincoln Road. Visit http://www.nespresso.com/

ORIGINS
Empty lipstick tubes, blush compacts and deodorant sticks are all fodder for Origins cosmetic-centered recycling program. Be a part of Return to Origins Recycling Program’s 10 year- and 16,000-pounds-of-recycling experience when you bring empty cosmetic containers (from any brand) to an Origins store. You’ll score a free sample of your choice for your green good deed.

Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 2061, Aventura, 305.933.4776 and The Falls, 8888 S.W. 136th St., Miami, 305.253.9992, http://www.origins.com/.

Fires, Floods, Heat: Is it Climate Change

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:38:00 +0000

Recognizing there is skepticism about global warming, one thing is abundantly clear, the climate is changing. Every year, the winters get colder and the summers are hotter. Just this past week, major flooding in Pakistan and hectares of land burned from wildfires in Russian are not just a portent of things to come, but that climate change is here!

A Green Barbecue

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:05:00 +0000

The aroma of burning briquets entertwined with grilled beefy hot dogs, the checkered white and red table cloth, matching red plates and giant marshmallows are inherent of the great American cookout. But is it possible to go green and still evoke the American outdoor picnic? You decide.

1. Beef. Let's face it. Americans love traditional raised beef for its full flavor. The eco-friendly version: grass fed beef.

2. Hot Dogs. Oscar Meyer still is king but the Applegate Frams grass-fed beef hot dogs are nitrate and preservative free.

3. The Plates. Spill-proof, bendable-proof, tear proof. No one wants to pile up their plate and have it tear, bend or spill. The VerTerra plates are made from fallen palm leaves. A pack of eight costs about $5--twice as much as plastic ones.

4. S'Mores. Brand names like Honey Maid graham crackers, Kraft marshmallows and Hershey bars can be replaced by all organic ingredients.

5. Tablecloth. If you're not hung up on colors, replace the classic red and whie checker one ($3.29) with maybe a cotton one. For colorful recycle paper tablecloths try greenpartygoods.com

The whole ethos of the barbecue is the relaxation, less work (why wash when you can toss [disposable plates]) and low cost. The bottomline, you get the first two out of three benefits by going green. With mainstream stores like Walmart selling recycled aluminum foil, lightweight bamboo items at Target, and additive-free charcoal briquets at Costco--it's getting easier.

Celebrity Actor Has Solution for BP Oil Spill

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 01:59:00 +0000

Who knew that celebrity actor, Kevin Costner, is founder and investor in a technology that claims to separate oil from water. BP officials are finally listening. The company is called Ocean Therapy Solutions which Costner started with his brother, a scientist, a decade ago.

Costner recounts difficulty in selling the technology to oil companies and foreign countries since he admits the machine is not 100% perfect or that it leaves small traces of oil.

Unfortunately it took a major disaster to get these naysayers to reconsider his technology.

For the full story, click here.

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Skip the Styrofoam

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:26:00 +0000

Avoid polystyrene (commonly known as the brand Styrofoam) for cups, plates, carry-out containers and anything else that might touch consumables.

Any green worth his or her salt knows that polystyrene is bad for the environment: but also know that it isn't so great for your health either. Plastics marked with the recycling code 6, for polystyrene, can be fashioned into soft or rigid foams, and are in common use. Not only do they require petroleum to make, but they take eons to break down in the environment.

But what you might not know is that polystyrene can also release potentially toxic breakdown products (including styrene), particularly when heated! If you don't want harmful chemicals leaching into your food or drink, even at low concentrations, choose ceramic, glass (recycled), paper or safer plastics like numbers 1, 2 or 5.

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Are you High or Low Maintenance?

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:32:00 +0000

Do you know the size of your ecological footprint? Are you high or low maintenance for Mother Earth? Well you can find out by taking this quiz by the Center for Sustainable Economy.

Alicia and I took the quiz and it really makes you aware of your habits. We're too embarrassed to show our results. Let's say it would take more than one Earth planet to support our habits if everyone lived the way we do. But we're honest and always looking to improve.

Take the Ecological Quiz and find out your results based on your country's average. CLICK HERE to begin the assessment. You can choose to do it in your language as well!

Feel free to share your experience by clicking on "Comments" below.

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Cash for Clunker Appliances Kicks off in FLORIDA

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:46:00 +0000

Today, April 16, 2010, at precisely 11am, the Cash for Clunker Appliances program kicks off in Florida.

Officially called the Florida ENERGY STAR APPLIANCE Rebate Program, it can be applied to new energy efficient refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, room air conditioners and gas tankless water heaters. Stoves, ovens and clothes dryers are not covered.

But we strongly urge you to go today or this weekend because the State of Florida is distributing a limited number of rebates, approximately 66,000. It plans to distribute these rebates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Doing your homework first is a good idea. First visit the website to learn the application process. Also ask about the store's return policy for the appliance, in case the rebates run out, and you decide to return the appliance. This could be a hassle especially if delivery is only during days/times you work and there is a restocking fee. Looking on the bright side, you are getting an energy efficient appliance which will save you money in the long run and reduce your carbon footprint!

After purchasing the appliance, a Priority Number can be registered online. Once you get a number, the system will tell you if there is a rebate available for you. If there is a rebate available (that's why you want to head to stores this weekend), a completed rebate application form along with the original sales receipt must be submitted by mail.

WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU RECEIVE?
If the rebate is available, you will receive an American Express prepaid card which can be used for purchases or converted to cash. There's also a $75 bonus if you send your old appliance to the landfill for recycling.

The key is to look for "ENERGY STAR" labeled appliances!

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EarthFest 2010--Key Biscayne, April 18

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 13:40:00 +0000

In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, Miami-Dade Parks, Earth Learning, and Expand the Love present the annual EarthFest 2010, an annual festival promoting all things ecologically sustainable, on Sunday, April 18, noon - 6 p.m., at Crandon Park Visitor and Nature Center, located at the north beach entrance of Crandon Park, 6767 Crandon Blvd., in Key Biscayne.

The free, day-long annual event will feature the very best vegetarian and vegan foods, live performances, workshops, "green" vendors offering earth-friendly products, an electronics recycling center, environmental educational organizations, and much more. The Miami-Dade Parks EcoAdventures™ staff of naturalists will provide Eco Tram tours of the Bear Cut preserve and guided nature walks through the coastal hardwood hammocks of Crandon Park.

Workshops will be going on from noon to 5 p.m. on various topics including:

* Raised bed organic gardening
* Raw foods preparation
* Introduction to permaculture design
* Retrofitting your home for greater efficiency
* Growing a food forest in your backyard
* Qigong and Yoga
* Every child outside
* World Café
* Deep ecology, and more

Earthfest will also feature musical and artistic performances by groups including Heavy Pets, Teri Catlin, Sosos, PHIsonica with Kavayah Amn and Xavier Hawk, Soulflower, Jai (formerly Soul Temple), Jude Papaloko, and Lucho performing an Earth healing ceremony hosted by Val Silidker. Performances are presented by Expand the Love.

There will also be a community drum circle and patrons are encouraged to bring a drum or other percussion instruments to participate.

Admission to Earthfest 2010 is free. There is a $6 per car parking fee. For more information on Earthfest 2010, please visit the website at EARTHFEST 2010, or call the Crandon Park Visitor and Nature Center at 305-361-6767, ext. 112.

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CVS Green Bag Tag

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 09:22:00 +0000

If you enjoy rewards or loyalty programs and clipping coupons while going green, then this CVS program is for you.

Receive an Extra CVS Buck every fourth visit with your green bag tag. Click here to find out more!

CVS/pharmacy will donate 5 cents to World Wildlife Fund** for every Green Bag Tag™ sold between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011. To learn more about WWF, visit worldwildlife.org.

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Miami Goin Green--April 24, a free event

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 04:15:00 +0000

Here's another reason to visit Florida aside from the sun and sand and warm beaches.

In celebration of Earth Day, MIAMI GOIN GREEN is a free event to all on Saturday, April 24 at the Bayfront Park near downtown Miami.

Reduce your carbon foot print that day and ride the bus or metrorail or your bike to the event! If you choose the latter, get that extra treatment and valet your bicycle!

Are you a fashionista who's trying to go green? Need to spiffy your wardrobe or need a change? Bring your clothes and swap it with other attendees! It's a free swap!

Electronic games are still the rage. Checkout the solar-powered Wii. Have fun while doing your part to protect mother earth.

Speaking of electronics, do you need to dispose of an older television or printer? Electronic Recycling Center will be there to the rescue!

Kids will love the mad scientist lab at the Miami Science Museum equipped with interactive experiments.

With over 100 exhibits, seminars and workshops, there's something for everyone to learn, participate and protect our precious earth.

Go Green!

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Yesterday's News Do-Good Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:55:00 +0000

If you're creative, care about protecting our earth, AND have a cat, then this contest is for you!

The maker's of cat litter made from recycled materials, Yesterday's News, is showing that going green is fashionable! With their "design a handbag" contest using elements from the cat litter bag, you could win a trip to NYC and walk the Green Catwalk and be featured as the Green Fashion Designer of the season!

They made it simple. Just click on this link for more information!

We're definitely going for it!

Alicia & Christine

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Earth Hour Reaches Record Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:16:00 +0000

Toronto's Earth Hour 2008

Landmarks across the globe cut off power as the Eiffel Tower and Arch de Triomphe (Paris), the Empire State building (New York City), the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Trevi Fountain (Italy), the Sydney Opera House, Bejing's Forbidden City, and countless others went dark for a complete hour in a global effort to highlight environmental concerns.

Even in my own backyard, the Freedom Tower and City Hall in Miami went dark, a rare sight of black gaps in a blanket of glittering lights from my towering condo view on the 40th floor. A gorgeous Miami night, this meant candlelight dinner on my balcony, after I used my oven and stove to prepare the food.

This morning it was reported that millions participated in the fourth annual event. Some 4,000 cities in more than 120 countries — starting with the remote Chatham Islands off the coast of New Zealand— voluntarily switched off Saturday to reduce energy consumption, though traffic lights and other safety features were unaffected, organizers said.

For a slide show of the landmarks going dark but lit by residents holding candles, click here.

Tell us what you did during Earth Hour? Something fun, creative? Click on Comments below to share your story!

Christine

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Earth Hour, March 27, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Tonight, the last Saturday in March, individuals, families, cities, governments around the world are reminded to turn off all lights and appliances for one hour, between 8pm-9pm their time.

The concept was born in Sydney, Australia in 2004 as a campaign of hope instead of fear for residents of the world to get involved in protecting the planet. The idea is simple and spread around the globe at lightning speed before Al Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth was released.

For the complete historical timeline of the Earth Hour, click here.

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Alcatraz Going Green with Solar Panels

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:48:00 +0000

First the Vatican and now Alcatraz is going green with plans to add 1,000 solar panels. The cost (not given in news report) will be paid by President Obama's stimulus package. Once installed, the diesel power will be turned off.

Below is the link to the video news report by CBS San Francisco.

http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/alcatraz-going-green-with-solar-power-18511899

Everything You Wanted to Know About Composting

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:03:00 +0000

One of our readers is also a blogger dedicated to a centuries-old practice that makes a difference in the quality of the land, soil, the trees and flowers and their fruits and blooms--the highly specialized field of composting!

Everything you wanted to know about composting, and then some, may be found on this website. Start with basics in building a compost bin. Don't have a house with backyard? No worries. Composting has advanced. Learn about "vessel composting" to create one to sit in the corner of your condo balcony.

Now we move onto the different types of composting. There's "earthworm composting" (the red wrigglers are born for this job), then (you knew it was coming) "manure composting". What follows? What else? Learn about composting toilets! Aaah, now we really have your attention.

Well you heard of aerobic activity for exercising. Well there's a difference between aerobic vs. anaerobic composting. The latter emits foul-smelling gases from products such as meat and dairy products and egg yolks while the former avoids those items and incorporates vegetable peelings, cooked rice, pasta, old bread and other kitchen scraps. The result--no bad odor. Want aromatic?

If you want to get fancy, try this recipe for creating a mushroom compost with a sweet odor.

The words "fancy" and "recipe" triggered a thought. Surely Martha Stewart has enlightened her audiences on the benefits of composting. Let's see what a quick search on her website reveals.

As expected Martha has covered this topic from the basics to specialized "tea composting" or "seed composting".

According to the EPA, yard waste and food scraps make up 24 percent of U.S.municipal waste, which ends up in landfills.

Share your composting practices and techniques, what works, or doesn't work by clicking on "Comments" below. If you have photos, please email them to blog.sisters@yahoo.com

Red Crates for Moving Green

noreply@blogger.com (Blog Sisters) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:55:00 +0000

People move on average every five years. If you are on a tight budget for moving expenses or are a single person with one-bedroom furnishings, then it's highly probable you'll do your own packing. Even if your office moves from one building to another or moving around within the office, the packaging adds up! Imagine all those boxes, bubble wrap and moving wrapping paper filling up landfills?

Companies, such as Arthur Werner, specialize in recycled moving boxes that have a lifespan of 100 movings. Their boxes are sturdier than regular cardboard boxes and when you finish, moving, Arthur Werner cleans and reconverts them again for durable moving boxes. So they are not immediately recycled into trash, but recycled several times for MOVING! What a concept!

Here are a few more green moving companies:

Earth Friendly Moving

Green Movers USA

Movers, Not Shakers

Moving Green

Moving Box Delivery

FrontDoor

Click on this LINK to view the news video by Good Morning America on ABC News to see the actual red crates for green moving by Arthur Werner.