Vote Ecologically, Organic Cotton T-Shirts From Under The Canopy

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:48:24 GMT

Women's Vote Ecologically Tee, $28. Men's Vote Ecologically Tee, $34. Both available through UndertheCanopy.com. With six weeks until Election Day, and just days before the first debates, there has never been a more crucial time to remind our politicians and fellow Americans to "Vote Ecologically." ECOFashion favorite, Under the Canopy, makes it easy and sustainably-chic to spread the good word. The label's attention-grabbing, body-hugging and 100% organic cotton, "Vote Ecologically" t-shirt reminds us to choose with a conscience; and with 2% of the proceeds donated to The Rainforest Foundation, actions speak louder than words.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Good For Green Business: Legit Survey Says Green is Not a Fad

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:27:03 GMT

The 2007 ImagePower Green Brands 2.5 Survey debuted this morning at Sustainable Life Media's Sustainable Brands '07 Conference in New Orleans. According to the report, "consumers say they expect to double their spending on green products and services in the next year, totaling a staggering $500 billion annually, or $43 billion per month."... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Back to School: Become A Green School Advocate

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:58:43 GMT

Green schools are inarguably the right decision for our children and the environment. Though up-front costs are higher, green buildings save enough in operation and maintenance expenses to pay for their original construction in a matter of months. The money saved on energy bills (the annual energy savings from a single green school is generally in the 6-digit range) can be reallocated to pay for important school initiatives, additional teachers, better computers, or thousands of textbooks. Green schools also prevent the unnecessary production of millions of tons of CO2; buildings are the largest contributors to US CO2 production, while renovations and new school erection represent the largest construction sector in the U.S.-$80 billion in 2006-2008, about 27% of the US construction market (source: McGraw-Hill). Given the enormous financial and environmental benefits, green schools seem an obvious choice, but red tape, laws, and up-front costs often prevent their construction. The highly localized nature of school budgets creates a bureaucratic disconnect between capital funds (used for construction) and operating funds (used for utility bills). The difference in funding sources makes it difficult for schools to realize the potential operating-cost savings of a green building investment. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Dicaprio's 11th Hour Features Real Environmental Superstars

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:00:39 GMT

Two weeks ago, fellow Treehugger George Spyros and I had the opportunity to catch a sneak preview of Leonardo Dicaprio's The 11th Hour. Organized by Project Greenhouse, the screening was appropriately held outdoors and under the stars at Marders, an organic nursery in Long Island. The film's mantra, "Consume Less Live More." Ironically, an adjacent shopping center blared signage for Gap, Yankee Candle Co, and T.J. Maxx. A reference to the very last moment when change is possible, The 11th Hour, explores humanity's past, present, and future: how we came to meet this desperate tipping point, how we live and impact our earth's ecosystems, and what we must do to ensure a worthwhile future. The film is a collection of vivid imagery accompanied by commentary and meditation from an impressive collection of political leaders, designers, and visionaries-a proverbial team of environmental rock stars. Cast members include former Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev, scientist Stephen Hawking, and sustainable design authority William McDonough . . . to name a few. In total, the film features 50 independent voices, bringing expertise, experience, and emotion to the crisis at hand. Their words are informative, powerful, and inspiring-perhaps some of the great quotes of our time. For more on the film, the cast of experts and their words, jump to the next page. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Must Have Guide for Any Aspiring Green Designer

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:18:24 GMT

Biodegradability . . . may lead to shorter life cycle and less durability. Dematerialization . . . may lead to fragility. Extending product life . . . may lead to future sales reduction. One of the most challenging and frustrating aspects of ecodesign is variable-weighing. Now to help designers navigate through the options and make the least environmentally taxing and most beneficial decision is the Okala Design Guide, written by ecodesign professionals and educators Philip White, Louise St. Pierre, and Steve Belletire. The Okala Design Guide is the only primer for the teaching and practice of green design. The handbook examines the basic principles of ecodesign while also providing detailed methods for life cycle and impact assessments. Especially useful are tools and tips on practical topics such as how to use biomimicry in design, plan for end-of-life disassembly, and recycling. Also included is a newly expanded set of life-cycle measurements, known as the Okala Impact Factors. These easy-to-use values calculate the ecological impact of 248 products and industrial processes ranging from materials such as ceramic, carbon fiber, tungsten and red cedar wood to a wide array of manufacturing methods. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Hastings, Nebraska: Greenest City in America?

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:42:59 GMT

As part of its "Be a Better Planet" campaign, Yahoo!, has named Hastings, Nebraska, the greenest city in America. Hastings, Nebraska . . . the birthplace of Kool-Aid? Perhaps Yahoo! is drinking too much of it's own Kool-Aid because Hastings, Nebraska--with a population of only 30,000--is already far "greener" than most US cities. Unfair advantage? Not according to Yahoo!. Ranking was based on citizen participation and environmental initiative. Hastings is a leader with such projects as: "conversion of methane to energy at its pollution control center, local production of Ethanol E85, extensive networks of parks, hiking, and biking trails, and installation of energy-efficient street lighting." ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Timberland Sets and Maintains Noteworthy Goals

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:16:55 GMT

Too often corporations disappoint us with their lack of environmental concern or disingenuous green washing. In my recent research, however, I have found one global retailer standing tall above the corporate crowd. For the record, I'm not trying to sell you anything . . . simply, I like this company's look, discovered they are environmentally conscious, and think you should know about it. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Swanky Soiree Does Good

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:23:04 GMT

Tuesday June 5th socialites, fashionites, and environmentalites alike congregated for a posh evening at Theory's flagship store in downtown New York's super-chic Meatpacking District. The event was organized by the Theory Icon Project, the Precipice Alliance, and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to "promote environmental awareness, underscore the importance of corporate responsibility" and celebrate conceptual artist Mary Ellen Caroll's environmentally-minded installation in Jersey City. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

D&A Features Green Initiative. CALL FOR APPLICANTS.

Tue, 15 May 2007 14:04:35 GMT

Designers and Agents (D&A): an international tradeshow in New York, LA, London, and Tokyo, recently launched a major initiative to promote emerging green fashion and furniture designers. D&A's NY and LA shows now feature a plentiful and diverse collection of green fashions, lifestyle goods, energy efficient products, and educational materials advancing personal wellbeing and global sustainability. If you're tired of most mainstream, sprawling, yet lackluster, tradeshows then consider applying to D&A's upcoming LA show (June 8-10). D&A is still accepting applications for green designers and educational exhibitors. This is an excellent chance to be part of a tradeshow with a point of view and gain recognition amongst trend-setting boutiques and other innovative designers. Apply on the D&A wesbite, or call 212 302 9575. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

MTV Seeks Eco - Activists Cliches: Is Casting Call for "Eco-Activists" Call for Eco-Stereotypes?

Fri, 11 May 2007 09:38:36 GMT

Wednesday, I posted a casting call for MTVs TRUE LIFE: I'm Stopping Global Warming, an episode highlighting "young environmentalists taking action" and "making change happen." But what does "taking action" really mean to MTV? One TH reader, claims she contacted MTV with her story, but was quickly dismissed for not being an "in-your-face angry-protester stereotype of environmentalists." Curious, I had to investigate and contacted MTV casting. "We want to inspire kids and students to take action," said MTV's casting researcher. "We're looking for those kids sleeping in the woods so the endangered forest doesn't get cut down." Don't get me wrong . . . it's great that MTV is drawing mainstream attention to environmental issues, but please, let's avoid these useless cliches. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

MTV Seeks Eco-Activists for TRUE LIFE Series

Wed, 09 May 2007 11:24:03 GMT

Believe it or not, MTV is seeking eco-activists for its award winning documentary series TRUE LIFE. The series is looking to cast young environmentalists taking on the issue of global climate change in their schools, towns, and greater communities. If you "appear" to be between the ages of 17 and 28, and are a passionately fighting for an environmental cause, email them at: ecoactivist@mtvstaff.com with all the details of your story, your name, location, phone number and a photo. To learn more about this and other MTV casting calls visit their casting website. Thanks for the tip, Remy C.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Legendary Interior Design Show Case Welcomes First Ever Green Room

Tue, 01 May 2007 11:38:29 GMT

For those of us who don't know, the annual Kips Bay Show House is considered the premier interior design exhibition in the world. Setting global interior design standards for years, even decades, to come, the show is visited by thousands of designers, architects, and style connoisseurs. Now, for the first time in history, the show includes a green room designed by eco and holistically focused interior designer, Cheryl Terrace of Vital Designs LTD. Terrace's space, entitled, "A Little Breathing Room" is a green oasis complete with low V.O.C. painted green walls, 2-3 million year old petrified tree-stump tables, and a sustainable sofa decorated with bamboo chintz throw-pillows. Terrace took every detail of the room's contents-location, materials, manufacturing procedures-into account. For example, the sofa starts with a sustainable-wood frame, covered with 100% organic hand-loomed (less environmental impact than power-loomed) cotton, all void of toxic stuffing, dyes, and adhesives.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

EGBNY Project Earth Day Fashion Show

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:00:58 GMT

Yellow Loyale Sundress and Ekovaruhuset's Gown, credit: Josh Wiese via eco-chick.com Eco Fashionistas united for the EGBNY Project Earth Day Fashion Show to enjoy a glamorous evening of champagne, organic hors d'oeuvres, and leggy models scantily clad in bamboo clothe, soy-fiber, and organic cotton. The event featured a student design competition and runway show of emerging professional eco-designers to raise awareness and draw attention to fashion that respects the environment, but is also glamorous, luxurious, and trendy. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

TreeHugger Welcomes Olivia Zaleski

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 01:38:54 GMT

Olivia Zaleski was born and raised in New York City. The quintessential city girl, Olivia spent more time climbing playground jungle gyms than climbing trees. It wasn't until she was 16 and shipped off to an organic farm in the middle of Nowheresville, Vermont, that she learned-for survival sake--to make friends with the outdoors. After spending 3 days alone in the woods (with nothing more than a tarp, sleeping bag, 4 bagels, and massive hunk of Cabot cheese) Olivia found her inner Thoreau. Olivia then went on to attend Dartmouth College where she majored in Art History. Always passionate about design, especially after spending two summers at Rhode Island School of Design, she took a job in fashion merchandising for a large retail corporation. While aiding in the production of thousands of cheap t-shirts and sweaters, Olivia was exposed to the to the severe environmental issues inherent in product development, supply chains, and manufacturing. The experience convinced her of the need for responsible design. Olivia is currently living in New York City, writing about her environmental epiphany for www.eco-chick.com, and taking design classes at Parsons so that she may get more involved in the green design movement.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recent Posts by TreeHugger's Olivia Zaleski, New York City, USA