As little girls we all wanted a Barbie Doll, as grown women we all wanted to be Barbie.  Face it, as the saying goes “the bitch has everything”, the dream house, car, and guy, not to mention she’s had every career under the sun.  Barbie’s been an astronaut, school teacher, nurse, business woman, Rock Star, and we’ve enjoyed it all and at times look forward to her latest incarnation.

The makers at Mattel have introduced a new line of clothing and accessories for our favorite “it” girl in what they call eco-friendly fashions. 

According to  Mattel: “Barbie is always a reflection of current cultural trends and issues, and girls are increasingly aware of making a green statement,” said Richard Dickson, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Media and Entertainment, Worldwide, Mattel Brands. “Barbie BCause is for eco-conscious girls who believe that being environmentally-friendly is the right thing to do, and we are thrilled to give extra meaning and extra style to what was once just extra Barbie doll fabric.”  (They are taking the scrap pieces of fabric from the other collections and making clothes for this new collection.)

 Hmmmm…okay Mattel, BUT, what about the entire doll that’s made from molded plastic, and all the plastic that is used to package it, not to mention all its other billion pvc accessories and outfits that aren’t of the new eco-friendly (i’m starting to hate this word) line.  Truly, eco-conscious girls (and parents) would not be buying Barbie to begin with me thinks !

I always try to applaud companies for at least taking small steps toward sustainability (except Walmart), but Barbie is and always will be a symbol of fun decadence, heck I say just leave her that way!  Barbie has always been marketed as the smart, intelligent girl about town, well so are we, and we see through your obvious ploy to tap into the hot green market right now.

I’ve read a lot of books and I do mean A LOT on living green, being green, and doing green; and I’ve come to the point where I’ve almost stopped reading them because after a while you realize they are quite redundant of each other.

So when Go Rich, Live Green by David Bach with Hilary Rosner showed up in my mailbox I was instantly intrigued.  There is this assumption out there that being green is costly, in fact a couple of DJs on a local radio station here in my city were joking one morning on how the grocery store chain Whole Foods should be renamed Whole Paycheck! 

 The author David Bach is no eco-guru but he does know money!  So he combined his business savvy with top environmentalist Hilary Rosner and now we have 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth (and Get Rich Trying)!  Something we tree-huggers have been trying to tell people for years.

The book is a list of easy to read tips that I will admit most eco-warriors already know and if you haven’t been living under a rock lately then you too are probably familiar with some of his ideas.  But the difference between David and Hilary’s book is that they present the what, the why, and most importantly the how!  Most books just tell you global warming is after us and go “be green” without explaining in non-scientific terms the why and the how.

I’m a fact girl – I like facts, statistics, and references and I assume most writers do too.  This book has them; that’s probably the most useful stuff I got from the book along with chapter 10, tip 43-Invest Green.

Everyone is looking for that get rich quick book , well here you go and it doesn’t hurt that you can save the planet while you’re at it!

This morning at the ECO:nomics conference being held here in California Lee Scott Jr., president and CEO of the retail giant Wal-Mart announced “We are not green”!  I shrug my shoulders and say tell me something I didn’t already know, to others this has been headline news.

I’m not a fan of the store and that is unfair to them considering I have never been inside one, but I will applaud Mr. Scott’s candor.  He freely admitted that the main reason Wal-Mart is looking to reduce it’s carbon footprint or use of plastics in products is price.  They aren’t doing all of this to save the environment per se, but more to save money.

Wal-Mart is trying to reduce waste which to them is cost, not paper, plastic or carbon!  High-five Wal-Mart, finally a company that owns up to it’s greed!  May all the other corporate giants follow your example and practice greed with a little integrity as well. Then we could stop calling shenanigans on all these “green” PR ploys.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is having a photo contest for Earth Day, April 22.  They are asking for photos in three categories:

• Enjoying the environment
• Protecting the environment
• Nature and wildlife

If you have a photo of a day you enjoyed in the woods, or a wild animal that caught your attention or your community having a “clean up” day, then send them in.

The contest is open to anyone in the world, but you must be at least 18 years old.  In order to maximize participation it is being host on Flickr.com.

• March 24 – entries due
• April 1- finalists announced public voting begins
• April 15 – voting ends
• April 22 – winners announced

Winners and finalists will be featured on the EPA website.  For more details including how to enter click here.

Good Luck!

The presidential race here in the States is really heating up!  When I’m not working I am glued to the tv watching CNN!  I think this has got to be the most exciting race since…well since who knows as this is the first time we have had a qualified female candidate and black male candidate to go with our usual white male candidates.  But who cares!  What I really want to know is who is the GREEN candidate of the bunch. 

Since our candidates have whittled down a bit I will focus on those still in the race.  Let me first fully disclose I am a registered Democrat, but in the spirit of fairness I will keep my opinions to myself and just report on the facts.  You decide!

The Democrats

Barack Obama- Senator Obama introduced an energy and climate plan in 2007. He calls for improving energy efficiency in the U.S. by 50 percent by 2030 and all new buildings in the US to be carbon neutral by 2030. He supports a phase-out of incandescent light bulbs by 2014. He proposes an increase in research and development for biofuels, renewable energy, and other clean technologies. He proposes raising fuel-economy standards for automobiles to 40 miles per gallon and light trucks to 32 mpg by 2020. He was a co-sponsor of the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act, and he calls for cutting U.S. carbon dioxide emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. He hopes to accomplish this through a cap-and-trade system that would auction off 100 percent of emissions permits, making polluters pay for the CO2 they emit.

Hillary Clinton – Senator Clinton’s campaign has been carbon neutral! She supports a goal of the US getting 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. She supports raising fuel-economy standards to 40 miles per gallon by 2020 and 55 mpg by 2030. She wants the US to cut its consumption of foreign oil by two-thirds of projected levels by 2030. She also proposes a cap and trade system similar to Senator Obama’s; to reduce U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 and would auction off 100 percent of the emission permits as well as other measures. Senator Clinton has been a huge advocate for energy independence throughout her campaign.

The Republicans

John McCain- Senator McCain has been a leader on cutting greenhouse gas emissions and is probably the greenest Republican candidate of the group! He too supports a cap and trade system for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and opposes the carbon tax. He’s against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He supports the use of nuclear power as an alternative energy source and a way to reduce carbon emissions and he wants to find a way to use our coal resources without emitting more greenhouse gases. Global warming would be a top issue for his presidency. He spoke out against the current administrations lack of action on the climate change issue! (He will be the oldest president ever, if elected.  Even older than Reagan!)

Mike Huckabee – Former Governor Huckabee is unsure if humans are responsible for climate change but supports the cutting of greenhouse gas emissions because it’s the right thing to do. He supports raising fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by the year 2020. He supports the expansion of nuclear power. He believes we have a moral and religious obligation to protect the earth and says as president he will send Congress his comprehensive plan for energy independence (yet no one knows what it is?!).

Ron Paul – Former Congressman Paul doesn’t have much to say on environmental issues at all. He thinks the free market/private companies should have more control of it and the government should stay out of it and see what happens. He supports all offshore drilling. He too doesn’t believe humans have contributed to climate change. He would end any special benefits to energy companies.

The choice is yours America, choose wisely!

The award show season is in turmoil here in the states!  It’s looking like the Golden Globes will not air due to too many actors boycotting the event because of the Writers Guild strike.  They will show instead a news conference – boo!

The People’s Choice Award has been scrapped as well!

At least we still have the Grammy’s, which I read is to be exceptionally green this year! The show is set to air on February 10, on CBS (for those in the states), and will have a backstage focus on how to reduce emissions.  Some of the measures they plan to incorporate into the event include: biodegradable dishware, hybrid vehicles for staff, and recycled products.

Despite the problems with the award shows this season; Hollywood is making an earnest effort to go green.  Last month Ed Begley Jr. headed up a Hollywood Goes Green conference.

The Independent Spirit Awards is planning on making their event this year a zero-waste one.  Some of their efforts include biodiesel fueled generators, organic food purchased from local farms, recycling food scraps, using Astroturf, printing all materials on 100% recycled paper using soy based inks, and offering carpooling for those planning to attend the event, that means celebrities too!

Former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn will join thousands of volunteers from all over the world next week in the Los Angeles area to show that energy efficiency goes hand-in-hand with cost efficiency!

Next week starting October 28 through November 2, volunteers will work together to build 30 new mulit-family homes through the Habitat For Humantiy-Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP).  All these homes will be built in an energy efficient manner because of the unique donation given to them by Dow Chemicals, even solar power is included (applause)!

Celebrities are going to be there as well as the CEO for Habitat International, Johnathan Reckford.  This is going to be a huge international event!  And speaking as a builder I must express how amazed I am at what they are going to accomplish in such a short amount of time.  I tip my hard hat to you all!

(the California fires are nowhere near the site where the volunteers will be building, nor is it expected to have any impact on this event.)

Well not exactly!  What I mean is our governor has signed legislation prohibiting the use of phthalates in child care products for those 3 years and under.  This ban has already been in place in the EU so it’s about time the USA (well at least one state) finally followed their lead.  Other states are expected to take up similar legislation.  Why can’t it just be a nationwide ban?!
 (What are phthalates?  They are plasticizers used to soften PVC.  If you want to know more ready my article here.)

 Wake Up And Smell The Planet: The Non-pompous, Non-preachy Grist Guide to Greening Your Day by Grist.org, edited by Brangien Davis

Never has a book on going green made me laugh so hard!  Last month when I flew to Michigan I used my time on the plane to read an advance copy of this book sent to me by Grist.org.  If you are not already familiar with Grist.org, they are a witty (very witty in fact) website dedicated to helping consumers go green without the pretense and smugness that is often associated with the “go green” campaign.

Wake Up And Smell The Planet is a collection of ideas, tips and advice that spans over eight years of exploring environmental issues, in a highly entertaining and informative way.  They cleverly use humor to captivate the audience, especially about a topic that is starting to feel a little backlash – green fatigue anyone?

What I like best about this book is the way the chapters are arranged.  It basically takes you through your whole day from your morning shower to the bed you sleep on at night.  Also, this book is not gender biased.  Men as well as women will find the information useful.  This is not your typical guilt guide, you’ll be folding over pages, highlighting sentences and placing sticky tabs as you read it!  I have read a mountain of books on the subject and most I would not recommend to the average consumer.  It is not because they aren’t good books, a lot of them are, but because they are almost like school textbooks, very technical and dry.  Grist took into consideration not all its readers are eco-geeks!  The artwork on the cover alone is a great indication of what you are going to find on the inside. 

One of the best things I got out of this book is the end to the big debate for new moms: cloth versus disposable diapers.  Read the whole answer on page 33, but basically it doesn’t matter….”No one any more can claim the moral high ground on nappies” says Tracey Stewart of the Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers’ Association (page 36).

With the holidays looming nearby, I think this book would make a great gift for the eco-geeks all the way to the eco-phobes in your life.  As Grist said, set an example-but in a nonpompous, nonpreachy way- by showing the people you love that living green doesn’t mean changing who you are! (page 168).

First I must fully disclose I did not come up with the list below, it was sent to me by my friends at Co-op America, but this list is too good not to share with others. It is a US based list but at least it gives everyone an idea of things that can be recycled that you probably would not have thought of before. For instance I did not know that you could recycle CFL’s at Ikea!

1. Appliances: Goodwill accepts working appliances, www.goodwill.org, or you can contact the Steel Recycling Institute to recycle them. 800/YES-1-CAN, www.recycle-steel.org.

2. Batteries: Rechargeables and single-use: Battery Solutions, 734/467-9110, www.batteryrecycling.com.

3. Cardboard boxes: Contact local nonprofits and women’s shelters to see if they can use them. Or, offer them up at your local Freecycle.org listserv or on Craigslist.org. If your workplace collects at least 100 boxes or more each month, UsedCardboardBoxes.com accepts them for resale.

4. CDs/DVDs/Game Disks: Send scratched music or computer CDs, DVDs, and PlayStation or Nintendo video game disks to AuralTech for refinishing, and they’ll work like new: 888/454-3223, www.auraltech.com.

5. Clothes: Wearable clothes can go to your local Goodwill outlet or shelter. Donate wearable women’s business clothing to Dress for Success, which gives them to low-income women as they search for jobs, 212/532-1922, www.dressforsuccess.org. Offer unwearable clothes and towels to local animal boarding and shelter facilities, which often use them as pet bedding. Consider holding a clothes swap at your office, school, faith congregation or community center. Swap clothes with friends and colleagues, save money on a new fall wardrobe and back-to-school clothes – then donate the rest.

6. Compact fluorescent bulbs: Take them to your local IKEA store for recycling: www.ikea.com.

7. Compostable bio-plastics: You probably won’t be able to compost these in your home compost bin or pile. Find a municipal composter to take them to at www.findacomposter.com.

8. Computers and electronics: Find the most responsible recyclers, local and national, at www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html

9. Exercise videos: Swap them with others at www.videofitness.com.

10. Eyeglasses: Your local Lion’s Club or eye care chain may collect these. Lenses are reground and given to people in need.

11. Foam Packing peanuts: Your local pack-and-ship store will likely accept these for reuse. Or, call the Plastic Loose Fill Producers Council to find a drop-off site: 800/828-2214. For places to drop off foam blocks for recycling, contact the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers, 410/451-8340, www.epspackaging.org/info.html

12. Ink/toner cartridges: Recycleplace.com pays $1/each.

13. Miscellaneous: Get your unwanted items into the hands of people who can use them. Offer them up on your local Freecycle.org or Craigslist.org listserv, or try giving them away at Throwplace.com or giving or selling them at iReuse.com. iReuse.com will also help you find a recycler, if possible, when your items have reached the end of their useful lifecycle.

14. Oil: Find Used Motor Oil Hotlines for each state: 202/682-8000, www.recycleoil.org.

15. Phones: Donate cell phones: Collective Good will refurbish your phone and sell it to someone in a developing country: 770/856-9021, www.collectivegood.com. Call to Protect reprograms cell phones to dial 911 and gives them to domestic violence victims: www.donateaphone.com. Recycle single-line phones: Reclamere, 814/386-2927, www.reclamere.com.

16. Sports equipment: Resell or trade it at your local Play It Again Sports outlet, 800/476-9249, www.playitagainsports.com.

17. “Technotrash”: Easily recycle all of your CDs, jewel cases, DVDs, audio and video tapes, cell phones, pagers, rechargeable and single-use batteries, PDAs, and ink/toner cartridges with GreenDisk’s Technotrash program. For $30, GreenDisk will send you a cardboard box in which you can ship them up to 70 pounds of any of the above. Your fee covers the box as well as shipping and recycling fees. 800/305-GREENDISK, www.greendisk.com.

18. Tennis shoes: Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program turns old shoes into playground and athletic flooring. www.nikereuseashoe.com. One World Running will send still-wearable shoes to athletes in need in Africa, Latin America, and Haiti. www.oneworldrunning.com.

19. Toothbrushes and razors: Buy a recycled plastic toothbrush or razor from Recycline, and the company will take it back to be recycled again into plastic lumber. Recycline products are made from used Stonyfield Farms’ yogurt cups. 888/354-7296, www.recycline.com.

20. Tyvek envelopes: Quantities less than 25: Send to Shirley Cimburke, Tyvek Recycling Specialist, 5401 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Spot 197, Room 231, Richmond, VA 23234. Quantities larger than 25, call 866/33-TYVEK.

21. Stuff you just can’t recycle: When practical, send such items back to the manufacturer and tell them they need to manufacture products that close the waste loop responsibly.