Space Tourism Lifts Off: 2012 Space Resort Launch

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Photo via Exclusive Lifestyle. Artist's rendering of the Galactic Suite Space Resort. You think you'd find the Galactic Suite Space Resort in a cartoon, comic strip or kitschy hotel in Disney World, right? Wrong. Whether you like it or not, it's real, and plans to open its super-future-like doors to paying guests in 2012. Don't confuse this hotel however, with Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic project, which plans to propel tourists into suborbital space at $200,000 a ride. Galactic Suite Ltd, the company behind the resort, has bigger, more "bling" plans in mind--a veritable space playground for the rich and famous. A three night stay comes at a pretty 4.4 million dollar price tag and begs to question: at what cost for the environment?... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The World's Second Largest Tropical Rainforest

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Me, pictured center, with just one of six million indigenous Mayans living in the Maya Forest. Why I didn't know much about Mesoamerica's Maya Forest (or 'Selva Maya' in Spanish), I'm not sure (and yes, am admittedly embarrassed). My guess is that since the Amazon takes the gold for being the largest rainforest, it receives the most attention. (A quick search on TreeHugger results in pages upon pages of Amazon news and you guessed it, close to zilch on the Maya Forest). Luckily, a pre-arranged meeting with Ann Snook, The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) Mayan Forest Program Manager (a Planet Green non-profit partner) and Victoria Santos Jimenez, the Technical Director of the Organization of Forestry Producer Ejidos (OEPF), during my green get-away in Mexico's Mayan Riviera, would open my eyes to its importance. It also presented me with the perfect opportunity to blog about it--giving it its deserved slice of the TreeHugger limelight.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Beyond Cancun: Discovering a Deeper Green Get-Away at CESiaK

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:46:00 GMT

Photo credit: Jessica Root When my boyfriend had surprised me with two round-trip tickets to Cancun for my birthday, let's just say I was surprised. He's in school for a Masters of Science in Environmental Management. I like to wax poetic about the benefits of ecotourism. Cancun, the infamous Spring break destination (thanks, MTV!) known for over-developed hotel strips, excessive water usage and lackadaisical waste management hardly makes it to any greenie's get-away list. Little did I know that Cancun, home to the Yucatan Peninsula's main airport, would merely serve as our portal to the peninsula's off-the-beaten track beauty and tropical paradise like that discovered within Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an (CESiaK). ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Planet Green and hessnatur's Eco T-shirt Design Challenge! The Official Call for Entries

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:10:00 GMT

Update: Here's a gentle reminder to all aspiring designers. Keep the entries coming -- deadline is September 1! It was only a matter of time before we'd sync up with sustainable fashion brand, hessnatur. We've been writing about the German-born company for a while now, gushing about their commitment to organic and natural clothing. Now, designers, fashionistas, and those talented in the creation of all-thing-pretty department (we have a feeling more than a few of you, dear readers, fall into this category) have the chance to enter Planet Green and hessnatur's first-ever collaborative labor of love and freshest new contest: The Eco T-Shirt Design Challenge. You submit your most criminally good looking T-shirt print idea. We reward you with a potentially life- career- and world-changing prize. Not too shabby, right? Read on for prize, entry, and contest details-plus our all-star judging panel. Then enter today!... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Catch Tonight's TV Premiere of The Lazy Environmentalist on Sundance Channel

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:25:00 GMT

Most of us know Josh Dorfman for being lazy. I didn't say it, he did-having dubbed himself 'The Lazy Environmentalist' in his book, blog and podcast. Now, the eco-entrepreneur is taking his lackadaisical ways to the small screen, hosting a seven-part original series called, you guessed it: The Lazy Environmentalist. Premiering tonight, June 16, at 9pm ET/PT on Sundance Channel's THE GREEN, the show follows Josh on his quest to drive his green message home to those less than eco-zealous. His philosophy being that you can be green in the most minimal, easy and cost-friendly way and still make a big, positive difference in the world. Check out clips from the show after the jump!... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Father's Day Green Gift Guide: 10 Presents Dad Will Adore

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:41:00 GMT

We love dad (or hubby or grandpa--insert your preferred Papa Bear-figure here) and know that he deserves the best. So why not choose a gift that reflects style, substance, sophistication, and sustainability? Make him swoon with a dashing gift that's delectably green in obvious ways (a beginner's beekeeping kit, a deluxe bike bag system) or one that's secretly sustainable (all-natural BBQ charcoal, an energy-efficient iPod clock radio). Wherever your dude falls on the green spectrum, this guide will help you do your part for Dad on Father's Day. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Great Outdoors Project Gives $50,000 Grant to Nature-Oriented Non-Profit: Vote Today!

Wed, 27 May 2009 15:39:00 GMT

If you don't have the dough to support your preferred non-profit, there are other ways to help. One super easy one involves one minute out of your day and one click of your mouse (or thumb). It's the Redwook Creek Wines and Planet Green sponsored Greater Outdoors Project, forking over a $50,000 grant to the nature-oriented non-profit chosen by you! As Jaymi mentioned, our very own Graham Hill helped whittle down the entrants to the select top few including Friends of New Orleans City Park, the National Forest Foundation, WildEarth Guardians, Arizona Trail, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey. But now the grand prize winner lays our text-messaging hands. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Planet Green's Ultimate Green Wedding Guide

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:26:00 GMT

Photo via: SimonShaw/Flickr Whether you're the romantic, three-tiered cake type-or the "let's hitched at a civil court and call it a day" sort of guy or gal...there's something for everyone in Planet Green's fresh off-the-blog Ultimate Green Wedding Guide. (Plus, -tis the season of non-stop wedding invites, and if you won't be getting married anytime soon, you'll likely be obliged to attend one.) The feature offers tips on choosing the perfect eco-friendly wedding dress, low-impact gift ideas, DIY wedding favors, green honeymoon escapes and tons more. More than that, it offers a nice dose of humor. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Discovery Communications Founder John Hendricks Elected New Chairman of the National Forest Foundation

Thu, 14 May 2009 15:56:00 GMT

John Hendricks, the NFF's Chief Kimbell and Secretary Tom Vilsack. Photo courtesy Discovery Communications. Discovery Communications is loaded with tons of talented, bright minds (wink, wink) so it's no surprise really that its founding father and chairman, John Hendricks, was recently elected Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Forest Foundation (NFF). As if charging up the Discovery empire-the world's number one non-fiction media company wasn't impressive enough...... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Gift Guide: Globetrotters

Tue, 05 May 2009 10:49:42 GMT

Whether the person on your list travels for business or for pleasure, make life a little easier with packable gear, eco-friendly luggage, indispensable gadgets, and in-depth travel guides that any green jetsetter should never leave home without.

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Greensburg is Back! Tune Into the Second Season

Fri, 01 May 2009 16:21:00 GMT

If the Midwestern, small city charm and uplifting sustainable story behind Greensburg Kansas' green, post-tornado makeover moved you to happy tears-or action-there's reason to rejoice. Planet Green has picked up the Greensburg series for another season-long run, continuing the story of a community's plight to rebuild their city green after the devastating 2007 twister (that was an estimated 1.7 miles wide!) wiped it out. So what's in store this new season? ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Gift Guide for Mother's Day

Fri, 01 May 2009 11:16:00 GMT

Not sure what to get mom this year? Or grandma or your expecting wife? If you're looking for a little something you can wrap up and hand her alongside that "I love you," a laid-back day spent together, and a delicious local and organic breakfast in bed, here are eight mom-approved options. Each was selected to help celebrate mom healthy planet-style, with gifts that tread lightly on the mother ship-planet earth.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Consumer Scoop on SunChips' 100 Percent Compostable Packaging

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:25:00 GMT

Here on TreeHugger, there's been tons of mention about Ingeo-the renewable material being used in products like high-end clothing, pens, lipstick tubes, computers and other electronics. Some companies are dabbling with the idea and others are taking it full throttle-like the snack brand, SunChips-who has teamed up NatureWorks, a company creating Ingeo products-to create 100 percent compostable packaging by 2010. So what exactly is Ingeo? And is it really any good? Read ahead to get the dirt from NatureWorks' Director of Communications, Steve Davies-who tells us what Ingeo packaging means for us hungry consumers in this exclusive interview. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Seventh Generation CEO Jeffrey Hollender on "Big Green Lies" and Earth Day

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:39:00 GMT

Seventh Generation's President Jeffrey Hollender. Photo courtesy of Andrew Walker/Getty Images. This past Tuesday, I had the fortune of attending a premiere party hosted by my favorite green cleaning brand, Seventh Generation. Partying in the penthouse suite of Tribeca's newly famed Riverhouse luxury eco-condominium; we mingled sipping on organic, biodynamic wines from Lapostolle. But the penthouse views weren't the only things worth celebrating; we were there to preview and applaud the next big thing from the squeaky clean and green company-a pilot television show called Big Green Lies airing this Earth Day. I had the chance to get the dirt directly from the head honcho himself, Seventh Generation's President, Jeffrey Hollender. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Best of Green: Fashion + Beauty (Slideshow)

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:39:00 GMT

Update: Vote now for Best of Show!

Now that the initial voting period has ended, it's time to vote for the 'Best in Show' -- check out the category winners in the Best in Show slideshow, and then click over to Planet Green to View & Vote for your favorites. Voting ends at midnight on April 30, 2009. The Best of Green in Fashion and Beauty Sometimes sustainable fashion and beauty products get lost amidst the tizzy of sleek, green cars, smart architecture and alternative energy here on TreeHugger. We get it--we're not a bunch of superficial divas. But most of us do care about feeling good and making a good first impression. Think back to that first date, job interview or public talk. Or the way you feel in those perfect-fitting jeans. After years of reviewing countless numbers of eco-friendly beauty brands, clothing lines, style tools and resources right here on TreeHugger, we've sifted away the eco-gems from the downright diamonds. From best green shoes to casual brand for guys, perfume, haircare, beauty blogs and more-find out which designers, companies and fashion-istas are giving sustainability the sexy name we've always aspired to create. To view our picks, click on the slideshow button below or on the image above. And check back for the winners in our other six categories, which will be launched throughout the week. Agree or disagree with our choices? Let us know in the forums. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

10 Tasty Ways to Enjoy Fake Meat (Slideshow)

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:39:00 GMT

Not all mock meat needs to taste like shoe. Image by Jamil Nasir/iStock. I once brought my meat-lovin' grandma to famed New York City vegetarian restaurant Zen Palate. Since I knew the establishment well, she entrusted me to order something I thought she'd like. With steak being one of her faves, I ordered her some sort of crispy nut and mushroom based steak and barely heard a peep from her as she unknowingly enjoyed her meal. It was a victorious moment for someone who had dealt with grandma's snarky remarks about my and my mom's attempts at vegan/vegetarian recipes. Though I definitely have to agree with Kelly on the less than healthy nature of some over-processed mock meats, there is something satisfying about tricking a hard-core meat eater into eating something flesh-free that they actually enjoy. This April Fool's Day, pull out the pranks with these 10 Mock Meats. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

10 Tasty Ways to Enjoy Fake Meat

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:30:00 GMT

Tofu is a more obvious meatless go-to but its feathery texture doesn't always suffice for most meat-lovers. Better ways to serve the weary include deep frying it so it gets the golden, crispy skin akin to these delicious Thai-inspired chicken-less satay sticks.

Photo by Tupporn Sirichoo/iStock

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Apple Festival and Planet Green Launch Online Volunteer Sign-Up for Earth Day

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:33:00 GMT

Earth Day -09. It's just around the bend and yet, for many enviros the term is so-not-music to the ears. After all, every day is earth day, right? But are we really always giving our best or giving back to our communities? If we're going to be honest, er, ok-if I'm going to be honest-not really. If you're like me, time intensive eco-volunteer work, though the thought so sweet, usually feels like it'll have to take a backseat-until I hit retirement-or the jackpot. That's why I think even Earth Day haters will simply love this year's refreshingly different Obama-inspired call to volunteer-ism action being made by Green Apple Festival and Planet Green. Why? It's easy, time manageable and it might just make a difference. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Seven Ways to Eat Green (and Inadvertently Lose Weight)

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:15:59 GMT

Photo via: MarinaAvila/Flickr With the U.S. ranking as the fattest country in the world and therefore home to most of the world's weight conscious, I've often marveled over the fact that the emerging green food movement is never touted as a diet-even though the planet-friendly food choices we make are often the most waistline-friendly. Here are seven reasons why greens eaters have a leg up when it comes to losing weight--whether they're aware of it or not:... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Five Scary Fall New York Fashion Week Faux Pas

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

What not to wear. Photo via: styleserver/Flickr We usually don't like to point out the negative aspects of things here on TreeHugger, but when it comes to New York's just ended Fall Fashion Week, I am forced to ask, "Wha' happened?" Maybe my expectations were too high thanks to last year's kickin' green fall fashion goods-from the famous designer displays at the FutureFashion show to the slew of eco-designers who strutted their sustainable stuff (Stella McCartney, Ali Hewson and Hessnatur). Or maybe I was just plain wrong when it came to thinking that the sucky economy would actually effect the runways for the better. Whatever the case, one thing is for sure-we wish the tents at Bryant Park could've heeded Blythe's advice. Read on for the five things we definitely wish we didn't see at this year's fall fashion week. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Five Eco-Luxe Lipsticks for Puckering Up on Valentine's Day

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:13:00 GMT

Photo via Digital Sophia/Flickr Lipstick or gloss is a cosmetic dream for minimalist green girls. Who needs a heavily makeup-caked face, when all it takes is swab of gloss to feel sexy and put together? Unfortunately, our most simple sidekick-the trusty lipstick-can be laden with chemical nasties and in some cases, lead. Before you lube up your lips to pucker up this Valentine's Day, safeguard yourself-and your kissable companion-by glossing on an eco-chic lipstick. These five lip-smacking sticks might not be perfectly green (mineral-based makeup has been show to be questionable and I haven't pulled a Pablo, crunching carbon footprint numbers), but most come pretty close to being a bit more petroleum, paraben and toxin-free than the conventional beauty aisle brands. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

New York Fashion Week: Designers Get Thrifty

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:55:00 GMT

Red Bull Wedge Shoe by Marc Jabobs. Photo credit: coda/Flickr As we prepare our eco-fashion coverage for New York Fashion Week and peek at some of the trend forecasts, one thing is clear: the recession is making its mark on fashion week's big-name designers. According to New York Magazine's the Cut, designer's guest lists are being dwindled to half. Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, and Marc Jacobs canceled their after parties. And the infamously extravagant Vera Wang and Betsey Johnson are skipping out on Bryant Park altogether and opting for quiet, more low key affairs. Is it just me, or is the sucky economy exactly the kick in the pants that fashion week needed? ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Make This Valentine's Day Sustainable, Not Scary

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:53:00 GMT

An image more frightening than the new blockbuster, My Bloody Valentine 3D. Photo courtesy of Clean Wal-Mart via Flickr. If you love Valentine's Day, but not all of the plastic and paper junk that comes with it, you're in luck. TreeHugger's 2009 Valentine's Gift Guide is hot off the press, offering up eco-alternatives to standard swoon-inducing gifts like chocolate, greeting cards and flowers. Not only are the gifts green but refreshingly un-conventional. Snuggle up in front of a wildlife documentary after you've fed each other a romantic dish of Lemon Pepper Pasta. Or give your lover a rub down with a petroleum-free massage candle. Want more? Indulge in TreeHugger's holiday page. We've rounded up some of our sexiest Valentine's Day ideas and tips from the archive. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Eight Exotically Green Sushi Options (Slideshow)

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:43:00 GMT

Image courtesy of Bloggyboulga via Flickr With overfishing and increased mercury levels, it seems like no fish is safe fish these days. For these reasons, I barely indulge myself in my favorite of all ocean-borne culinary delights: the sushi bar. I usually feel OK about this since the greenest option of all is to skip the fish and its hefty carbon footprint. But-for those rare occasions when I do find myself caving into a sushi craving (I admit, I'm guilty) or under the sway of a friend who wants to meet over sake, there are some lesser-known eco-options in addition to my go-to veggie rolls. They're all listed under The Seafood WATCH's sushi guide's "Best Choices" column--meaning that the fish are a bit more abundant than their threatened counterparts and caught or farmed in eco-friendlier ways. Check them out here! ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Eight Exotically Green Sushi Options

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:11:00 GMT

Gindara/Sablefish: Tastes buttery and smooth. Long-lined and trap-caught from Alaska and British Columbia is the eco-friendliest choice.

Courtesy of: sustainablesushi.net 2008

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Five Sensational Eco-Fashion Sales Happening Now!

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:46:00 GMT

Image credit: Flickr/jbcurio If there's one thing an eco-savvy shopper knows-it's that post-holiday, mid-season quiet periods are the perfect time for scoring the hottest deals on otherwise high-priced items. And for those of us experiencing winter weather at its most brutal, it's a good time to take stock of what you have, don't have and need. Whether you've shivered your way throughout winter without one warm, decent sweater or skidded over sidewalks without snow-appropriate boots, here are the five best sustainable clothing sales happening right now. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Couture Recycle Runway Collection by Nancy Judd (Slideshow)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:34:00 GMT

Image credit: Sandrine Hahn Michelle Obama could wear one of these green gowns to the Inaugural Ball or she can really make a statement wearing one of Nancy Judd's dresses from the Recycle Runway Collection. Judd, a Santa Fe-based artist, has spent the last seven years transforming trash into treasure by hand sewing elegant garments from garbage. Her work has exhibited in airports across the US and will also appear at the The Green Inaugural Ball taking place in D.C. tomorrow (Jan. 17). If you can't check out her wacky yet utterly inspiring work in person, take a peek at our Couture Recycle Runway Collection slideshow to see a cocktail dress made out of Obama campaign yard signs, a bikini made out of plastic detergent bottles and more! ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Couture Recycle Runway Collection by Nancy Judd (Slideshow)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:11:00 GMT

A vintage bathing suit gets a colorful makeover with the help of number 2 HDPE post-consumer plastic detergent bottles.

Recycle Runway/Photo by Sandrine Hahn

... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Xeriscaping, Healthy Bean Stew and Cooler Showers

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:18:00 GMT

:: Kick your healthy dinner routine back into gear with Braised White Beans with Chard. :: Get the scoop on xeriscaping--what it means and why it's important. :: Brave a cold shower to benefit your beauty routine and your bank account.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

DIY Mittens, Deliciously Cheap Dinner Recipes and Post-Holiday E-Waste Tips

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:31:00 GMT

:: Not sure what to do with that really embarrassing reindeer sweater from Aunt Susan? Make mittens! :: Ring in the New Year with the best of Kelly's easy, economical and eco-friendly dinner recipes from 2008. :: Consult the consumer guides for e-cycling tips before you give your old gadgets the boot.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recent Posts by TreeHugger's Jessica Root - Brooklyn, NY

Space Tourism Lifts Off: 2012 Space Resort Launch

The World's Second Largest Tropical Rainforest

Beyond Cancun: Discovering a Deeper Green Get-Away at CESiaK

Planet Green and hessnatur's Eco T-shirt Design Challenge! The Official Call for Entries

Catch Tonight's TV Premiere of The Lazy Environmentalist on Sundance Channel

Father's Day Green Gift Guide: 10 Presents Dad Will Adore

Great Outdoors Project Gives $50,000 Grant to Nature-Oriented Non-Profit: Vote Today!

Planet Green's Ultimate Green Wedding Guide

Discovery Communications Founder John Hendricks Elected New Chairman of the National Forest Foundation

Green Gift Guide: Globetrotters

Greensburg is Back! Tune Into the Second Season

Green Gift Guide for Mother's Day

The Consumer Scoop on SunChips' 100 Percent Compostable Packaging

Seventh Generation CEO Jeffrey Hollender on "Big Green Lies" and Earth Day

Best of Green: Fashion + Beauty (Slideshow)

Update: Vote now for Best of Show!

10 Tasty Ways to Enjoy Fake Meat (Slideshow)

10 Tasty Ways to Enjoy Fake Meat

Green Apple Festival and Planet Green Launch Online Volunteer Sign-Up for Earth Day

Seven Ways to Eat Green (and Inadvertently Lose Weight)

Five Scary Fall New York Fashion Week Faux Pas

Five Eco-Luxe Lipsticks for Puckering Up on Valentine's Day

New York Fashion Week: Designers Get Thrifty

Make This Valentine's Day Sustainable, Not Scary

Eight Exotically Green Sushi Options (Slideshow)

Eight Exotically Green Sushi Options

Five Sensational Eco-Fashion Sales Happening Now!

Couture Recycle Runway Collection by Nancy Judd (Slideshow)

Couture Recycle Runway Collection by Nancy Judd (Slideshow)

Xeriscaping, Healthy Bean Stew and Cooler Showers

DIY Mittens, Deliciously Cheap Dinner Recipes and Post-Holiday E-Waste Tips