TreeHugger on Martha Stewart's "Going Green Week" [Reminder]

I would love to see some Patagonia clothes.

Definitely Patagonia.

Ohhh and maybe some Teko socks. Because Teko socks rocks!

Okay so I'm lame. Try not to be as lame as me, but that would be great:)

How about the Solio?? Or maybe going a little bigger with rainwater collection systems for the garden, passive solar water heating. Examples of eco-linens and eco-furniture would be great.

I recommend sharing the idea of the 16 year old nonprofit, the Green Restaurant Association. How we are engaging consumers, building the greenest restaurants from ground up, and changing this industry. You can learn more at www.dinegreen.com or contact our office about our ten city expansion.

Michael Oshman

I don't watch Martha Stewart but if she hasn't talked about compact fluorescents very much, I would say that cfls are easily one of the most important and practical green products on the market.

Also, no-stink and compact composting systems would be a good topic.

Also, no-stink and compact composting systems would be a good topic since she does a lot of cooking on her show (from what I remember). If she used one regularly on the show it would be even better.

Wow, this is great news! So many ideas!

• Plastic bags made from vegetable oil. Everyone uses plastic bags, and even though some of us have caught on and bring our own bags to stores, we still use plastic bags for many other things, especially our kitchen garbage bins. Make viewers aware where to buy bio-degradable, vegetable-oil based plastic bags


• Eco-friendly, non chemical household cleaning products.
  Best example: 7th generation products. But also talk about how people can make the wast majority of household cleaning products themselves, with few common ingredients.


• Ditch regular paper towels - replace with reusable paper towels.
  These sponge like reusable paper towels can be used again and again, can be washed and used again...and they pick up more then the leading quicker-picker-upper! Heck I even use them to clean windows or any other glass surface with just water and I have no streaks! Bye bye windex.
  


• Composting bin products.
  For people who do not wish to build their own (or are just not handy), there are myriads of composting bins on the market, many are for appartments as well
  


• Home renovations eco products.
  Many people do some sort of renovations at home. Few know that there are starting to be products out there, that have low emmisions (paints is a good example) and are eco-friendly


• Toilet paper made from recycled paper.
  Too many city folks still think our forests are unlimitted! They should be made aware that toilet paper from recycled, not-bleached-again paper is readily available in many leading supermarkets
  


• Tip: use mason jars instead of tupperware.
  Quite a few scientific reports suggest that plastics, such as tupperware, when exposed to high heat (microwaves) or cold (freezers) gives off dangerous chemicals that leach into the food they contain. Instead, buy mason jars - they come in all sorts of sizes, are cheaper then tupperware and you can put them safely into microwaves (without the lid), freezers, fridges, dishwashers. They cost also less.
  

These are some ideas of off top of my head. I tried to mention things that would come in handy to most of the folks (and have the greatest impact on environment - simple things done by many people = great improvement). Most of these products or tips are also super cheap and would improve the health of the individuals as well, not just help the environment! Hope this is of value.

big outcome for treehugger! congrats. i think its key to have a good sense of her market/viewer base and which products will have the best response and generate the strongest green impact when her viewers embrace them. i think energy and water efficiency products that show long term cost-savings are a must. also, GreenOrder, the enviro/market research group in NYC might be able to give some impact-oriented tips.

How about reusable shopping and produce bags? Plastic bags have gotten so bad that some countries now limit their use and require shoppers to pay for them. Maybe show some organic cotten shopping bags and reusable produce bags. I use old mesh onion bags for produce and have some cotton grocery bags that I have had for years and don't show any wear at all.

Ohh yes, well I still love my Patagonia items, and Teko socks rocks.

But in all reality Compact Flourescents is a great place to start.

And showing off the Tesla as something that is just out of this world cool, could also be awesome. But might not be practicle.

Recycled office supplies; 100% PCR Paper, binders (no PVC), boxes.

Compostable Cups (bioplastics) and utensils.

Go for a theme of everyday stuff that everyone buys, such as organic clothing, linens, eco lightbulbs. That way people can see how substituting their current purchasing can make a difference, rather than having to buy something completely new to them, like solar panels (also good though).

I feel some important household issues that should be made aware to the public are:

1) in-home recycling & food composting,

2) DIY possibilities with solar energy,

3) environmentally (and health!) friendly carpets, paint, unholstry, etc.

Not sure if these are suitable for the Martha show, but they're important issues everyone should know of.

I'd love to see the menstrual cups discussed. Diva Cup or MoonCup (UK) and the Keeper (made from rubber) are 3 good examples.

Switching to the DivaCup has cut down and SO MUCH trash from my house.

Way to go Treehugger! Bringing green to the masses!

The Martha crowd might like these:

Catchall Basket- made from discarded potato chip wrappers
Lunch Sack - used billboards
Modmix - organic cocktail Mixer
Kimono Clutch - Purse made from vintage Kimonos

For Simran:
Del Forte Denim
Stewart+Brown Long Sleeve Polo
Eco-Ganik Butterfly Stamp Dress
Eco-Ganik Corduroy Blazer

Eco friendly Cleaning Products for sure

7th generation or home made cleaners

definately

Everything nikdo said, plus these:

- Eating local / organic (the triple threat: personal health + the health of the environment + energy conservation)

- Shopping at local farmers markets / supporting your area's farmers (using your reuseable shopping bags)

- Disposable utensils made of all natural plant products (you've featured tons on your site over the past few years)

- THE MAGIC, THE WONDER, OF BAMBOO (AND MAYBE SOME HEMP TOO?)

Wicked news TH, what a coup!!!

My top three would include:

1) CFLs naturally

2) Alternative cleaning tips - the value of vinegar and baking soda etc

3) Alternative shopping bags

Namaste

Al

Also I would hope a mention of Freecycle would creep in to the conversation...

Namaste

Al

My kids and I love our organic cotton PJs from Hanna Andersson.

In addition to the great comments already made, how about promoting stainless steel travel coffee mugs. Let's completely eliminate the paper (or worse, styrofoam) single-use cups from coffee shops.

Also, I would mention using stainless steel water bottles like kleen kanteen or the colorful SIGG bottles for kids. Using them would eliminate all those wasteful juice boxes and plastic water bottles.

Another worthy home product to promote is linoleum flooring instead of vinyl. Most people are completely ignorant of vinyl's negative effect on the environment. Plus, linoleum is a great flooring material. We did our kitchen floor with Forbo's marmoleum tiles and it looks great, cleans well, and feels nice underfoot.

I'd also recommend promoting water conservation by featuring an adjustable flow shower head. It is easy as pie to install and use. You can turn it on full blast for rinsing and reduce the flow the rest of the time. Save water and enjoy your shower.

I think Martha Stewart might need to do more than one show!

ProGrrl:

Of course eating organic is a huge one, and buying from local farmers as well. Why I didn't mention it is because the article seemed to ask for eco products, and it's hard to say on a national tv "buy local". People want brand names and "where" to buy and in such case you can't give out names since local farmers are of course different in every region.

But I wholeheartedly agree that that is one of the most important and responsible aspect of eco living. And if it can be talked about on the show, I would be immensely pleased. People still don't realize just how important it is to go organic: not just for their own health, but that of our planet as well.

Info on green home heating - are we getting anywhere?

Encourage smaller houses - but maybe not, Martha is building large ones down south.

Would like Martha or someone to encourage warmer colored fluorescent bulbs for table lamps, etc. The current blue-white is very cold for room lighting. They are available in long tubes now.

I think it would be easy to mention Dr. Suzuki's 10 ways to help the environment, they are inexpensive and anybody to can do them for their first step toward "Greening Themselves"

How awesome!
I definitely second the glass instead of plastic.

As far as For Simran:
www.enamore.co.uk

I think Martha's audience might dig the designer organic fabrics now available for home sewing projects...beyond beige with www.harmonyart.com.

Dog beds by www.belladogga.com would be a good product to highlight as well as www.cottonmokey.com for fun colorful organic baby bedding.

Conserveindia.org is my personal favorite for recycled materials into cool new products.

Have a great time...we'll be watching!

For the appearance on Martha's show, in addition to organic cotton clothing, don some attractive hemp clothing. Wear a solar-powered watch. Wear a solar-vest that generates electricity to power your iPod. Promote tree-free paper made from bananas, hemp, old jeans, recycled dollar bills, wheatstraw and kenaf. Kenaf and hemp are leading paper suppliers. Contact Vision Paper in Albuquerque for kenaf products. Contact Living Tree in Oregon for hemp paper products.
Gar Smith
Editor Emeritus, Earth Island Journal
(510) 843-3343 (THE-EDGE)
(510) 524-0690 (home)

Patrick, thanks for the input. I totally forgot about Suzuki's 10 ways to help the environment. That is a good suggestion.

David Suzuki is a wonderful man, he should have gotten his nobel price eons ago (he has been nominated few times, if I recall correctly). He is my role model and I admire him deeply.

1- Eating organic & local (good for health, tastes better, cheaper in-season, money stays in the region with local foods, etc)

2- Reusable grocery bags- they don't break, you don't have to store 10,000,000 of them and have them taking up room in your kitchen

3- Home improvements: CFLs- slash your energy bill; ceiling fans- reduce your AC consumption; linoleum/bamboo flooring- durable, attractive, easy to clean, less harmful outgassing; repainting (when you do so)- use casein-based paints for less of a headache, less pollution at the source, etc etc.

4- Freecyle/garage sales/estate sales/craigslist- you can often get a deal on great furniture in all these places, and even pay less for something that's better quality than the particleboard "Made-in-China" desk/entertainment center/table that you would have picked up. Oftentimes this furniture is more durable and more attractive, as well as not using up more resources. And of course, the outgassing that goes on with some particleboard is either already done with or a nonissue with reused furniture.

5- Natural/homemade cleaning products- often better, better for you (who hasn't choked up or had their eyes water when using something like Formula 409 in an enclosed space?), and often cheaper- as well as a sign of your home-making prowess.

6- Home fragrances. What do these signify, after all? That you're trying to cover something up with "Wild Spring" or somesuch nonsense? A better testament to housekeeping ability is the smell of nothing- nothing to cover up, or, if you want to think of it another way, nothing to compete with your or your guests' perfumes.

Congrats TH!

I think Simran can promote 'green' clothes by wearing something made of bamboo, organic cotton, or something made of recycled plastic.

Pick a few things, only a few things, and emphasize those. I've done enough mass communications to know that people will remember very little of what they see and hear unless it is repeated several times in different formats. Don't try to do too much. Hopefully the show will be so successful that TH will be asked back. On that note: we THers should all call or email Martha Omnimedia to say how much we really liked the show, how we learned something new about being green and where can we buy the way cool clothes that Simran was wearing?

I second KPods nomination.

So probably CFL, and the need to recycle the CFL.

Maybe some Composting, and an Inhouse garden type thing.

Then have Simran wear some nice Teko Socks, and Some Hemp, Organic Cotton Clothes. Maybe have some a Capilene Crew Shirt over (it is the fall, and closing on the winter, and rains can be cold) and mention that it protects from the cold, and is great against water, and is comfortable. Can be recycled and is made out of recylced materials.

Focus on the reusable replacements for common disposables.

Organic Cloth Diapers
Water Bottle
Handkerchief
Cutlery
Shopping Bags
etc.

I agree with KPod that you shouldn't talk about too many things. I think given the audience and its size, you should probably focus on a few things that are easy for people to do, that really make an impact that they can understand, and things that are "stylish." To me, the idea is to get a lot of people to do a little bit, which will add up to a big impact, as well as show a lot of people that doing things for the environment doesn't have to be difficult--hopefully, later on, we can get them to commit to bigger changes. Some examples that people have mentioned in this vein are CFLs and green cleaning products. You could mention for example that not only are green cleaning products better for the environment, but they're also better for the health of the person cleaning (and any young kids around). And, like the episode "Off the Grid" from 30 Days did, you could mention how much electricity would be saved if every household in America replaced just one standard lightbulb with a CFL. In addition, you can mention easy to get, inexpensive, and stylish home furnishings that are greener than the standard (an example might be PVC-free shower curtains from Ikea).

Bonnie, excellent post!

I totally agree with all your points, you explained them very nicely.

I'm here for the first time and I really love this community and the like-minded people. It really makes me feel at home, because to so many people, when mentioning eco issues and what they can do to make things better, I seem like an extremist, because 'it's too late to save eart anyways' and 'we all have to die from something sooner or later'. I rather live longer and hand a nice place to live to our children, not a wasteland.

Thanks again everyone

i suggest to introduce "effective microorganism" as a cleaner having a positive impact on the pipes too

http://www.emamerica.com/data/products/earth-shine-all-purpose-cleaner/

possible also to mention the bioremediative use of em in mold plagued buildings

http://www.emamerica.com/data/environment/soil-bioremediation/

I suggest wildlifeworks.com for organic cotton apparel and accessories for Simran.
For example:
-Wildlife Works Felines Rock tee
-Del Forte Denim Juniper Trousers
-Used Rubber USA handbag (or a gorgeous recycled aluminum tab handbag from escama.com)

wow. conrats Simran! definitely listen to Summer about clothes:p

but also what peiopel are saying about less is more... kinda true-- but i wouldn't go for an easy thing like CFL (yawn) but 1 think meaning 1 category, so here's my suggestion; do a TH Bathroom-- have those PLUSH ADORABLE amazing Ikeuchi towels, and that hott cork mosaic bathroom flooring, those cute BEE cleaning products, the lilly showerhead or better yet the Tiara-- save energy and be sexy at the same time! the C2C diapers would be a nice family touch, and you could even then toss in a simple gizmo that is easy to understand and would lead to a family of 4 saving lots of money every year, and even helpful martha-like hints (or you could toss it to her/writers) on how to care for your natural fibre showercurtain...

wow. again, congrats!

I agree that there should be a comprehensive theme as Beastie said and I quote, "Go for a theme of everyday stuff that everyone buys, such as organic clothing, linens, eco lightbulbs. That way people can see how substituting their current purchasing can make a difference, rather than having to buy something completely new to them, like solar panels (also good though)."

I think one of the most important things though is not just to make a few suggestions and leave the people stuck there. Get them engaged. Speak about possible support groups that people can join as a way of sharing ideas and continually learning and expanding their eco-horizons.

That's wonderful and I can't wait to watch!

Stewart+Brown is the best match for Martha and Simran. - especially the cashmere and surplus wool hats.

Beklina is glad to supply you with anything from our Stewart+Brown collection.

I also think Martha would adore I. Ronni Kappos German Vintage Glass necklaces! -let us know and we'd love to supply them for the show as well.

Yeah!

www.beklina.com
::your green boutique::

With regard to the mention of the Solio above - it does *not* work, and the suction cup for mounting on a window melts easily. They also do not respond to customer service emails. Very unhappy with this company.

Why not some organic lawn care products and some organic ways to get rid of pests? Sooooo many people are quick to use chemical/pesticides on their lawns and in their homes. There are safer alternatives to lawn/garden care!

I hope MSL will be willing to post on their website, timed with this show airing, links/info for purchasing the products you feature.

The whole 'shop local/organic' could really be a whole show for Martha. What foodie wouldn't want to do a whole show taped at farmers markets, with her bamboo sun hat and hemp cloth shopping bags, buying local heirloom tomatoes, organic watermelon, etc - and coming back to the studio to cook it up on stainless steel or cast iron pans. Stirring the pots with FSC-certified wood spoons. Cooking with organic US olive oil and sustainably harvested sea salt.

I could go on and on. I'll stop now.

what a great opportunity but i think you should focus more on decadent offerings like various organic gourmet foods ie. organic truffles, beautiful fasions ie. shoes from beyond skin, organic beauty/spa products and home decor. The Martha Stewart audience is not necessarily green, although hopefully some are, but focusing on the esthetically appealing might be a better way to bring them over to the "green" side

How about earth- and people-friendly home decor from Ten Thousand Villages? As fair trade products that are predominantly made from renewable resources and recycled materials, they appeal to both the heart and the eye. We are happy to supply you with any items, and particularly suggest the following for the Martha crowd:

Ugandan fruit basket, made from desi fiber and papyrus gathered from the banks of the Nile and Lake Victoria, and dyed with natural materials

Sun and moon wall hanging, crafted in Haiti from recycled oil drums

Recycled glass pitcher from Bangladesh, including natural grass wicker-work

Visit our Web site to see more eco-friendly fair trade products from around the world: tenthousandvillages.com

Colleen Owen
Ten Thousand Villages

Since so many folks view her show and we have limited air time we need to make as big of an impact as we possibly can so that we can change the masses. Since we use so many plastic and paper bags what about reusable grocery bags. Also, if everyone were to switch there light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs just think about the amount of electricity usage we could save.

Another thought is to promote the benefits of food and beverages packaged in glass. The products are as pure and fresh as the day they were packaged without any leaching. Some good examples are Jones Organics and Honest Tea.

The timing of this program seems ideal to promote the upcoming Green Festival in D.C. October 14-15.
http://greenfestivals.org/

I was just introduced to the website, and as a beginner I think it would be really cool to show practical "green living" techniques people can do at any budget. Also non-toxic furniture, playground equipment, materials used for construction that make use of recycled materials.
Have Fun!

CFLs... I have noticed they are coming down in price as I just picked up two more...
and I have also noticed FLOR carpet tiles being used in projects in Martha's magazine Blueprint, but with no mention of the "green" behind the company... just an FYI
http://www.interfaceflor.com/service/flor/environment.html

good luck, I'll be sure to tune in!!

I love the jewelry from Lucina. www.lucinacompany.com. It's great, fair trade, sustainably made, and doesn't look like hippy jewelry (no offense, bottle caps!).

Congratulations on the spot. I urge you to work w/ Martha's producers and get a regular spot each week as a special feature!

I'll be watching!
Nalini Lasiewicz

TerraCycle Plant Food is a MUST. It's an excellent and innovative product: it is made by feeding premium organic waste to millions of worms, liquefying their ‘poop’ and packaging the brew in a used soda bottle. Since the production process actually consumes waste – organic waste and used soda bottles – and since the product itself is all natural, TerraCycle’s overall environmental ‘footprint’ is nearly ‘net zero.’ The product carries the new Zerofootprint seal, which signifies that the materials and manufacturing process used to produce a product have virtually no negative environmental repercussions.
The Zerofootprint™ seal is issued through the organization's innovative offsetting program, which accounts for the environmental impact of a given product or service, seeks to reduce this impact through conservation and recycling efforts and then offsets the remaining impacts through natural resource restoration and carbon offsetting. Check out: www.zerofootprint.net and www.terracycle.com

Wear one of artist Alexandra Underhill's hot recycled tie skirts (available at the link given here; search for artisan 'Xanadu Designs' in the pulldown menu)! and a remade t-shirt by Melissa of Lekkner!

Hey everyone,
Great big heartfelt thanks for all these thoughtful suggestions for products and clothing ideas for me.
We are really excited about this oppty and you have given a great list of products & food for thought in relation to the segment.
Please watch the show and let Martha know what you think so she invites us back!
Green love,
Simran

I absolutely LOVE Del Forte Denim and their mission. I think this type of product would be very interesting to bring to the audience as it is really breaking the stereotypical "green" product image - the jeans are beatuifully made, feel amazing (very soft), and are very SEXY - this is something that just a short time ago you could not say about eco-friendly clothing :)

Sorry but I would ignore some of the suggestions here. The average Martha viewer is a NIMBY SUV driving suburbanite with more impact on the environment than a spilling oil tanker. They will want painless solutions that let them feel superior to their less-enlightened neighbors.

Basically aim for easy and trendy. CFLs are easy, affordable and very effective. Emphasize their long lives and explain the warmer colors.

Target bamboo towels are pretty easy to find everywhere.

Eco-cleaning products are easy- you wouldn't want germs to attack your children, nor would you want harsh chemicals.

You should most DEFINITELY use FLOR- MARTHA JUST SIGNED A DEAL TO DESIGN PRODUCTS FOR FLOR AVAILABLE IN 2007- google and see the press release! Plus, you can change out just a few squares for each season (very Martha) but recycle them with their return-recycle program for free (very Treehugger)

I agree with Deborah. TerraCycle Plant Food should definitely be on there. The story alone makes the product compelling. Throw in the fact that the product works great and it is a no brainer.

For the Martha Stewart Show
I think you should feature the Butterfly Pod Bag. An accessory for Simran to wear that carries an important environmental message and a tree dediction. Without trees we couln't exist.
www.butterflypod.com
These jewels for the forest look great and by purchasing one your making a difference.

I use Terracycle plant food as well. I have 3 dogs and I love the fact that their product is environmentally friendly and is not harmful for my pets. Great product!

I think you should stick mainly to non-brand specific items, such as CFL's, thinking outside of the box on recycling, such as buying used as part of the solution for keeping stuff out of the landfill. For instance vintage and antique are both things that are embraced by MS audience and how from there to buy nicely used stuff is Frugal and good for the environment. Supporting locally grown food such as Farmer's Markets as well as growing your own food. Martha as far as I know is pretty much against combining food with plastic, just doesn't even use saran wrap, but it's good to bring up again if you think it's necessary. Perhaps bringing up tiny homes would be interesting. Some of them like the Tumbleweed Tiny homes I think sort of fit the aesethetic of MS, but would be an eye opener for her audience. I think a lot of her aim even if it is towards the beugois is doing things yourself. I think energy conservation should be big on the discussion including walking and biking as meaningful forms of transportation and as a way to stay fit. Her audience you have to assume are people who likely attend or think about attending excercise classes, yoga, pilates, but probably do drive SUV's. If you can't get them to give up their expensive trophy car, perhaps you can at least get them to bike once and a while to run errands. A lot of people on this list are pushing their favorite or company products and I think maybe saying things which should be common sense but haven't been said enough, especially in America is important. Sure talk about David Suzuki, that's important most American's have no idea who he is, even though he's Canadian's favorite environmentalist. Talk about how to choose green dishwashing products, greywater systems if they are allowed in your state, geothermal heating and cooling, some of these viewers can actually afford a nice geo thermal heating and cooling system. Most importantly talk about where people can find out more, food coops etc. I think you need to definitely try to get people to find out more. Oh before I forget water filters and refillable bottles. So many of the people I know who like Martha still run around buying thousands of bottles of spring water.

Anyhow I don't think you should go on the assumption that this stuff is duh, or dull especially in America, my sister is a long time Martha Stewart watcher and it wasn't until last year that I converted her to CF's and she still doesn't recycle because many communities still charge money for the recycling. I luckily live in a enlightened community that makes curbside recycling free, but people need to also realize it's importance and push for more enlightenment in their own communities.

Organic & Fair Trade Coffee could be showcased (I'll even send you some if you'd like)...or maybe African Roobioos tea(much more sustainable than African coffee which cannot be organic or shadegrown)..and then the spent coffee/tea can be put in her lovely compost pile (she taught me how to compost!)

I'm all for:

• Reusable Mugs - with all the Starbucks being consumed, this is a biggie.


• Reusable Cloth Bags & Cloth Napkins - This, alone, saves lots of resources.


• 100% Recycled Toilet Paper - We should not use virgin paper on our bums.


• CFLs - that's just a given


• Safe Cleaning Products - Keep it simple, like borax, backing soda and vinager. You don't want to overwhelm people, but have them make small changes at first.

how about a bike blender. go to www.bikeblender.com for more info.

another idea is to talk up the Cradle to Cradle manufacturing model to encourage Martha viewers to close the materials loop.

This is a shot to reach a huge audience. Go Treehugger.

Taking a step back from the overwhelming list of green products, I’d like to propose an approach. Think of the home as a living thing--what you bring in is the food, what goes out is the waste (Lupton/Miller). Simple lessons like understanding the difference between recycling and reusing are important. (I find that the most liberal of folk still think that recycling is the greenest thing one can do.) Help the viewers to become conscious consumers, empower the viewers with knowledge. Good luck!

Seventh Generation - a conscious company w/ products that work!

Hey everyone,
Just wanted you to know the proposal is with the Martha producers and they called it "awesome." It's all because of you and your great suggests.
I can't guarantee any more ideas will make it through for this round, but keep em coming and I will compile them for the NEXT time we're on the show.
Ever hopeful,
Simran

Addition:
Buy products made as close to your home location as possible--made in US #1, #2 made in US or Mexico,

Hi. I am curious how Martha's green show will turn out! My big suggestion is that Treehugger helps promote green products that are AFFORDABLE and HIP. The biggest problem with publicity about 'going green' these days is that it ususally highlights products that are really expensive and often only for the yuppie green elite (see Time Magazine's special issue this summer on sustainbilty as the 'new luxery'- all of the products it highlighted were expensive and frivolous.) We need publicity that highlights simple, practical, everyday products that normal people can use to make a difference - CFL's, cleaning products, foods, clothes, reused and recyled products, etc. Try also to get Martha to promote REDUCING our comsumption by fixing up old items we own, rather than going up and buying new items (a la shabby chic).
That's my two cents! Thanks, Kirstin

Hello; I have invented and produce a product that saves an average family of four approximately 18,000 gallons of fresh, clean water per year. It is called "The 1 * 2 Flush Genuine Toilet Water Saver". It works with almost every single flush, gravity type toilet out there. The concept is that it will convert the single flush toilet into a dual flush(ing), water saving toilet very easily; and it is easier to operate. For a liquid waste flush, simply push the handle down, (not in)for a couple of seconds until a swirl developes in the bowl, then release for a .8-1.0 gal flush. For a solid waste flush, (full flush) push IN the handle approximately 1/4", then down in the usual fashion. If you are interested in bringing this new retrofit flushing technology to Martha's show, I will send you a DVD and the product along with some other supporting water saving data pertaining to the 1 * 2 Flush. Everybody else can e-mail me at: edwardheath1@yahoo.com Thank You.

I have been using biodegradable plastic cups at an outreach event for Hoyt Arboretum in Portland Oregon - we have had a ton of interest in them. For when you have to use disposable cups, they are great!
http://www.worldcentric.org/store/placups.htm
(I have nothing to do with the company, I'm just a customer)

I think that in instances like this where you have access to the public at large it is important to share things that can be easily incorporated into the average American's daily life. Greener household cleaning products like Seventh Generation and reusable items like dishrags instead of paper towels have been great suggestions.

Promoting fluorescent light bulbs is ALWAYS a good idea.

All this sounds new! What about letting me borrow the "Green" Dictionary and Encyclopedia,
so I can look up this please. I know I want a reliable source for price comparing and learning about the latest green! Matter of fact, I am admitting I am very un"Green" and do not want to be. Is there a Green 2-4-1
day sale yet with coupons?

Wow - such great ideas from everyone! I definintey agree that CFLs have to be stressed. And reducing waste, reusing items, and buying in bulk must be promoted as well. And yes, please mention Freecycle.org!! It is such an easy way for people to connect and reuse things instead of disposing of them!

- CFLs
- A steam cleaner (a friend just purchased one and has been raving about all the things he can clean with just water)
- Yolo Colorhouse paint (no VOCs)
- Neenah paper

Educating people on Hemp for clothing and home design would be great. Would be an opportunity to clarify truth about Hemp fabric and also show stylish clothing. Hemp fabric , cheap, durable and many uses for home(linens, curtains, wall covering)

I know there are no perfect products, but yesterday I cleaned all my out door furniture without a single chemical. I used a Magic Eraser from Arm & Hammer and water. It removed stains and mildew from my white plastic and coated steel furniture as if I had used a bucket of bleach. It also removes soap scum and hard water stains. There are a millions uses for those little erasers. I love it when I can find a chemcial free alternative when cleaning even tough jobs!!!

Surveys I have done indicate that people have no idea that common paper towel brands (Bounty, Brawny, Via, Sparkle) contain 0% recycled paper. Most people think they contain at least some recycled paper. I think Martha and her viewers use a lot of paper towels in their cooking and craft projects. It would be wonderful if you could alert them to the recycled paper content of the towels they currently use (and bleaching) and offer alternatives. If you suggest recycled content towels, make sure to mention that they may need to look in a different part of the grocery store than usual to find them.

Be concious about "leaking power". Any item that uses a remote is using power when it is off. Put some of these items on a switched outlet or a power strip with a switch. Unplug items that are not used. eg I had a clock that blinked the wrong time for months. 5 watts an hour saved can equate to 50 dollars a year.

You need to present things that are easy to accomplish, convenient and don't cost more so that everyone can do it have have no excuse to make the change. This will make an easy transition for people just starting out changing their lifestyle.
Seventh generation products for sure (or other brands of that nature). Everything from household cleaners, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene...
Biodegradeble bags for yard trimmings.
Grasscycling/mulching.
Rain barrels.
Organic, local foods.
Driving habits to reduce gas consumption and promoting alternative transport.

Many people speak about green building and using products in the home that don't off-gas and are eco-friendly (bamboo, etc.) however, in my experience, using alternative items can be prohibitively expensive. If you can provide people with affordable ideas/alternatives, they would be more willing to use it.
Promote your website, of course, as there are many wonderful ideas and it is very educational!!

We would like Treehugger to talk to Martha about greening her set for the show and about urging her to make more of her craft projects from old or used materials.
For clothing we would love to give you one of our belts, handbags or cool organic tees for Simran to wear.

Simran- you should definitely be carrying one of our "green" bags! We are a eco-conscious company that makes one-of-a-kind accessories from recycled vintage and designer fabric. We are at www.gg2g.com. Good luck on Martha- It's about time she learns that going green is "a good thing."

A few people have mentioned organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers. The do exist. Check out TerraCycle (www.terracycle.net), and entirely organic plant foos made out of garbage (!) and worm castings, and actually even packaged in re-used soda bottles to help divert plastics from the waste stream. I think it would be great to let as many people as possible know that these kinds of green products in fact exist and can be as effective as killer-chemicals.

Green product day suggestions

1. CFLs - highlight saving and different types for the household
2. Cleaning products - improve your IAQ!
3. Biodegradeable plastic bags,plates and utensils - perfect for that summer picnic for the family
3. Rainwater barrels for the garden - perfect for collecting free water for keeping the lawn that lush green.
4. Bamboo products - shirts, towels,etc - renewable source of materials to dress responsibly.
5. For the kids with electronics - charge all their gadgets with the solar back pack OR solio handheld for IPOD/cell phone users in the park or back yard.
6. High end - tesla car shows the future of driving responsibly in the future!

Green Toe footwear by Simple Shoes!!

Simple Shoes has a new collection called "Green Toe," that are made with all sustainable materials. I got mine at Whole Foods. They are comfy and cool!!!

www.simpleshoes.com

Hi, Simran:

I have just emailed you, telling you how happy I was to learn that you want to include The Keeper among the products you plan to introduce on Martha Stewart's show in early October!

I eagerly await your response to my email -- and thanks so much for writing.

You are doing absolutely wonderful work!

Julia Schopick
JuliaS1573@aol.com
for The Keeper, Inc.
www.keeper.com

BRAVO gang, amazing to see so many responses!!!

All I can say is WATCH THE SHOW and send letters to Martha if you liked it. That way we'll be doing a lot more of this sort of thing in the future!

Tipping point away!

I hope it goes well, and look forward to watching it later (I live in the UK, so will watch it from the Martha web site). I am slightly concerned that she hasn't mentioned Treehugger in the show blurb: "TV personality Mr. T talks about his new show, appropriately titled I Pity the Fool, and makes Spaghetti Carbonara. And, learn how to make unique lampshades that will brighten up your home using inexpensive cocktail umbrellas. Plus, get 12 ecofriendly tips to decorate your home. Then, Martha shares a Good Thing that can actually change the world. And, tune in for today's clue—you could win Martha's Ultimate KB Home Giveaway."

i hope it goes well, her website barely mentions the green week, and her green week coincides with the last week you can win a brand new SUV. pfft, girl is doing this cos its trendy, and i guess trendy in this case is a somewhat good thing becos it means people take notice, i just hope treehuggers appearance can change some behaviours permanantly in martha and her viewers.

The treehugger TV feature today, "How to buy a green fish" was waaay off base. There was no information at all about sustainability! Nothing about the environmental impacts of wild caught fish, nothing about the postives about some of the farmed fish, no guide about how to choose fish that's healthy for the oceans. And the comments about farmed salmon weren't even totally correct. Now I'm no fan of farmed salmon, but it's not ALL fed color pellets. A lot of farmers use shrimp shells or a natural carotenoid, derived from carrots! Treehugger, do your research before you make a piece like this. There are hundreds of organizations that could go on and on about sustainability (us, FishWise, WWF, Environmental Defense, Monterey Bay Aquarium, etc) that you didn't even talk to!

Hey all, Well hope you got to see the segment. I didn't actually pick a lot of the stuff ultimately chosen but we got to talk abt flor, denim insulation, eco-friendly furniture, bamboo clothing & tiles and cork tiles. Paint was also on the list but we didn't make it there. Thanks to all for these amazing suggests.
Sorry the direction of the show changed but hope you enjoyed and know you have given me LOTS of food for thought. And lots for the next appearance :)
Ever hopeful,
Simran

I think it's great that Martha Stewart is taking a whole week on her show to bring awareness to green issues. Shows like hers have enormous influence and to see her talking about organic foods and recycled building materials is awesome (OK - so she's also giving away suburban trucks and props to GE - but it's still a big step in the right direction). Thanks to Martha and Treehugger!

I'm glad Martha is taking a stand on green issues finally. I wish she would get her radio head daughter, Alexis, in on it too. Combined they could reach a wide spectrum of Americans through a whole bunch of different mediums/venues.
www.clovercrusade.blogspot.com

Another great site to know about is www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com. You can first choose your favorite nonprofit group to give a percent of your sale. Then pick the store you want to shop. There are lot's of green stores to choose from and lot's of environmental groups to give to so your basically hitting two birds with one stone:) Enjoy!

My friend heard that Martha Stewart does not recycle on her estate and claims to be organic when in fact she is not 100% organic. Pretty upsetting! It is wonderful that Martha promotes being green through her company, but the truth is far from what she claims.
Ralph