The Daily Green's gift guide features the season's best green gifts — including many unique items made by independent artisans that you can't find in any shopping mall. Even if you've only got a few dollars to spend, you'll find incredible green gifts for under $20 that you can be proud to give. And, because we know less is more, we've highlighted creative ways to give without giving stuff at all.
Check them all our here: http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/green-gifts
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
How to Have a Eco-Friendly Halloween
(from Ecologist Website)
Creating extra waste and encouraging over-consumption; Halloween isn’t the greenest holiday. But as Ben Hudson explains, you can still have a scarily good time without it costing the planet.
With the global population set to reach seven billion on the 31st of October and no end in sight to economic and environmental turmoil, this year’s Halloween could just be the most terrifying since the Middle Ages. Once associated with mystery, magic and superstition, modern Halloween celebrations are more about dressing up, revelry and spookily shaped sweets. More than 2,000 years old, Halloween is one of the world’s oldest festivals for commemorating the dead and making the transition into winter. But commercialisation has turned this rather simplistic idea into a multibillion dollar business. Next to Christmas, more money is spent at Halloween than on any other holiday. The US spends a whopping $6.5 billion on candy, costumes and decorations.
Unfortunately, this translates into a whole lot of waste and carbon emissions. But there are ways to reduce the impact of your spooky celebrations. ‘In truth, to celebrate Halloween, you don’t need to spend a penny,’ says Lynn Colwell from US not-for-profit organisation, Green Halloween. ‘We’re not taking anything away, we’re trying to help people have a great time and that does not involve mum and dad going out and buying stuff. We promote healthy and eco alternatives so it’s good for the children and good for the planet.’ Here’s how to get involved the green way.
What to wear
Masks and costumes are an integral part of Halloween and unlike sweets, are a genuine part of Halloween. On the 31st, it was believed that the dead would return to earth and roam the streets so to avoid being recognised people would wear masks to misdirect spirits and ghosts. When Halloween reached America it became more about communal parties and festivities where it lost much of its religious and superstitious undertones. But Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without the costumes everyone from one to 100 loves to wear. After all, it’s the one night of the year where anything goes wardrobe-wise as long as you’ve got a good back story.
For most people, costumes are store-bought rather than home-made. Cheap mass-produced non-recyclable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) costumes often don’t last the night and end up littering the streets until they are committed to landfill. Rather than splashing out, get creative and make you own costume from old clothes. If you are having party, make it a rule and give prizes for the best (and worst) designs. Look through your old clothes; you’ll be surprised what you will find at the back of your wardrobe. Ask friends and family for help and if you need to buy something go to a charity shop. The same applies for make-up; Halloween is a great chance to use those odds and ends of old make-up left at the bottom of your bag. You can make a pretty convincing ghost or Greek God with an old bed-sheet and it’s just as easy to scare up a zombie costume with the right combination of ragged-clothing and make-up. If you are still struggling, you can always rent a costume or swap clothes with a friend for the rather lame ‘we’ve come as each other’ look - just don’t expect to win any prizes
Creating extra waste and encouraging over-consumption; Halloween isn’t the greenest holiday. But as Ben Hudson explains, you can still have a scarily good time without it costing the planet.
With the global population set to reach seven billion on the 31st of October and no end in sight to economic and environmental turmoil, this year’s Halloween could just be the most terrifying since the Middle Ages. Once associated with mystery, magic and superstition, modern Halloween celebrations are more about dressing up, revelry and spookily shaped sweets. More than 2,000 years old, Halloween is one of the world’s oldest festivals for commemorating the dead and making the transition into winter. But commercialisation has turned this rather simplistic idea into a multibillion dollar business. Next to Christmas, more money is spent at Halloween than on any other holiday. The US spends a whopping $6.5 billion on candy, costumes and decorations.
Unfortunately, this translates into a whole lot of waste and carbon emissions. But there are ways to reduce the impact of your spooky celebrations. ‘In truth, to celebrate Halloween, you don’t need to spend a penny,’ says Lynn Colwell from US not-for-profit organisation, Green Halloween. ‘We’re not taking anything away, we’re trying to help people have a great time and that does not involve mum and dad going out and buying stuff. We promote healthy and eco alternatives so it’s good for the children and good for the planet.’ Here’s how to get involved the green way.
What to wear
Masks and costumes are an integral part of Halloween and unlike sweets, are a genuine part of Halloween. On the 31st, it was believed that the dead would return to earth and roam the streets so to avoid being recognised people would wear masks to misdirect spirits and ghosts. When Halloween reached America it became more about communal parties and festivities where it lost much of its religious and superstitious undertones. But Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without the costumes everyone from one to 100 loves to wear. After all, it’s the one night of the year where anything goes wardrobe-wise as long as you’ve got a good back story.
For most people, costumes are store-bought rather than home-made. Cheap mass-produced non-recyclable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) costumes often don’t last the night and end up littering the streets until they are committed to landfill. Rather than splashing out, get creative and make you own costume from old clothes. If you are having party, make it a rule and give prizes for the best (and worst) designs. Look through your old clothes; you’ll be surprised what you will find at the back of your wardrobe. Ask friends and family for help and if you need to buy something go to a charity shop. The same applies for make-up; Halloween is a great chance to use those odds and ends of old make-up left at the bottom of your bag. You can make a pretty convincing ghost or Greek God with an old bed-sheet and it’s just as easy to scare up a zombie costume with the right combination of ragged-clothing and make-up. If you are still struggling, you can always rent a costume or swap clothes with a friend for the rather lame ‘we’ve come as each other’ look - just don’t expect to win any prizes
Friday, September 16, 2011
Green Expo Saturday, Sept 17.
Last weekend Huntington Beach was a hub-bub of activity. I'm sure most of you know it was the big celebration for the Ocean View Little League World Champions. It was great seeing all the local support with so many people there for the parade and the rally. If you missed it, I posted some photos: http://thelocalhb.shutterfly.com/.
This weekend also has plenty in store,,, all listed on the calendar on TheLocalHB.com. One of the highlights, however, is the Green Expo at the Pier on Saturday. It runs 9am-5pm. There will be over 50 vendors showcasing all ways to be eco-friendly. From solar companies to artificial turf to water conversing landscaping and much more,,,,there will be all ways to learn, learn, learn. Thousands are expected to show up for this event. Don't miss out.
After you are done at the expo… why not venture up to north Huntington Beach and enjoy some time at Bella Terra. The Huntington Beach Concert Band will be playing in the amphitheater (6-9pm) - free concert for all. While there, how about a bite to eat??? Check out Pizzarito (established in 1984) if you want a quick slice or other menu favorites like their mouth watering meatball Parmesan sandwich to enjoy during the concert or any night before the movies or just dine on the patio while relaxing & enjoying the fall weather and people watching all while you munch on the authentic taste and feel of New York pizza with sauce and dough made fresh daily using, of course, only the finest ingredients. By the way, they offer FREE delivery! Currently they also have a great special going on for a limited time: Mon. thru Fri. 3-6pm, buy one slice and get the second FREE. They are located in Bella Terra - 7101 Edinger Ave. (714)374-7678
Get outside and enjoy these final days of summer!
This weekend also has plenty in store,,, all listed on the calendar on TheLocalHB.com. One of the highlights, however, is the Green Expo at the Pier on Saturday. It runs 9am-5pm. There will be over 50 vendors showcasing all ways to be eco-friendly. From solar companies to artificial turf to water conversing landscaping and much more,,,,there will be all ways to learn, learn, learn. Thousands are expected to show up for this event. Don't miss out.
After you are done at the expo… why not venture up to north Huntington Beach and enjoy some time at Bella Terra. The Huntington Beach Concert Band will be playing in the amphitheater (6-9pm) - free concert for all. While there, how about a bite to eat??? Check out Pizzarito (established in 1984) if you want a quick slice or other menu favorites like their mouth watering meatball Parmesan sandwich to enjoy during the concert or any night before the movies or just dine on the patio while relaxing & enjoying the fall weather and people watching all while you munch on the authentic taste and feel of New York pizza with sauce and dough made fresh daily using, of course, only the finest ingredients. By the way, they offer FREE delivery! Currently they also have a great special going on for a limited time: Mon. thru Fri. 3-6pm, buy one slice and get the second FREE. They are located in Bella Terra - 7101 Edinger Ave. (714)374-7678
Get outside and enjoy these final days of summer!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
REALLY Go Green for St. Patricks Day with Eco-Friendly Activities
(This Article Posted by Ian Andrew on Greener Ideal)
Although it's the first thing that often comes to mind, St Patrick's day isn't all about drinking green beer. To make your St. Patrick's Day even greener than it already is, we've come up with a few eco-friendly activities that are best suited for environmentalists living a green lifestyle on St. Patrick's Day.
1. Eat Green - Bright Green Dishes
It may be the easiest way to brighten your day with the color green, but try to find some green foods to eat. Look beyond a traditional salad, and think outside the box. Mint leaves on top of a bowl of organic ice cream could be a great St. Patrick's Day treat for the kids (and be much healthier than a Shamrock Shake)!
2. Get outside and plant something green
It may not be quite warm enough to get the shovels in the ground yet, but it's starting to look and feel a lot like spring here. It might be a good time to take stock of what you plan to do in your yard this year, and if it's too cold to get outside, look at some greenery online and choose what plants and trees you want to invest in this year.
3. If you're going somewhere, use green transportation
This tip goes double-true if you're partaking in any green beer festivities, but if the weather allows it you should leave the car keys at home and join the St. Patty's Day parade on foot. A second-best alternative for green transportation on St. Patrick's Day is public transportation. Whether you're riding the subway or the bus, fewer drivers on the road means fewer carbon emissions.
4. Wear green clothes made with organic cotton
Although most people don their favourite shade of green clothes for St. Patrick's Day, be even greener and one up them with some organic cotton duds. Many retailers are now offering organic lines of clothing to appeal to their green customers, so don't be shy to ask if you find yourself at the mall tomorrow.
5. Drink Green Organic Beer
Lastly, because it can't be avoided on St. Patrick's Day, drink some green beer. While most people will throw some food colouring in their beverages (although avoid the artificial stuff), take it a step further and order something organic.
Local to Toronto, we have a great green brewery, Steam Whistle, who pride themselves on brewing with natural ingredients and taking part in other great green initiatives like packaging made from recycled materials and biodegradable cups for events.
If you're going to indulge in the green beer today, find a local brewery near you that sources natural ingredients, and make this year's St. Patrick's Day green beer extra green.
Although it's the first thing that often comes to mind, St Patrick's day isn't all about drinking green beer. To make your St. Patrick's Day even greener than it already is, we've come up with a few eco-friendly activities that are best suited for environmentalists living a green lifestyle on St. Patrick's Day.
1. Eat Green - Bright Green Dishes
It may be the easiest way to brighten your day with the color green, but try to find some green foods to eat. Look beyond a traditional salad, and think outside the box. Mint leaves on top of a bowl of organic ice cream could be a great St. Patrick's Day treat for the kids (and be much healthier than a Shamrock Shake)!
2. Get outside and plant something green
It may not be quite warm enough to get the shovels in the ground yet, but it's starting to look and feel a lot like spring here. It might be a good time to take stock of what you plan to do in your yard this year, and if it's too cold to get outside, look at some greenery online and choose what plants and trees you want to invest in this year.
3. If you're going somewhere, use green transportation
This tip goes double-true if you're partaking in any green beer festivities, but if the weather allows it you should leave the car keys at home and join the St. Patty's Day parade on foot. A second-best alternative for green transportation on St. Patrick's Day is public transportation. Whether you're riding the subway or the bus, fewer drivers on the road means fewer carbon emissions.
4. Wear green clothes made with organic cotton
Although most people don their favourite shade of green clothes for St. Patrick's Day, be even greener and one up them with some organic cotton duds. Many retailers are now offering organic lines of clothing to appeal to their green customers, so don't be shy to ask if you find yourself at the mall tomorrow.
5. Drink Green Organic Beer
Lastly, because it can't be avoided on St. Patrick's Day, drink some green beer. While most people will throw some food colouring in their beverages (although avoid the artificial stuff), take it a step further and order something organic.
Local to Toronto, we have a great green brewery, Steam Whistle, who pride themselves on brewing with natural ingredients and taking part in other great green initiatives like packaging made from recycled materials and biodegradable cups for events.
If you're going to indulge in the green beer today, find a local brewery near you that sources natural ingredients, and make this year's St. Patrick's Day green beer extra green.
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