Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson Unify: WeCanSolveIt.org

While watching the guilty pleasureful promising new show "Lipstick Jungle" for free streaming online at Hulu.com, which is super boss if you haven't yet checked it out, we GSpotted the most stricking commercial. Pat Robertson and Al Sharpton sitting on a couch and advocating for We Can Solve It.

Just because they could get these two very different dudes on a couch and agree on something, we checked out WeCanSolveIt.org. This is part of Al Gore's a nonprofit, nonpartisan Alliance For Climate Protection to address the climate change.

Between Pat and Al, and other action based efforts like links to green collar jobs initiatives, We Can Solve It is a bomb website.

How To Mobilize The Youth? Facebook

We were just asked to join the Facebook group 20,000,000 for lower gas prices. Since it's inception on June 2nd, this group has grown to over 170,000 members. The comment board for this group has more than 1,000 entries and some are surprising like, "should be "20,000,000 for higher gas prices." The only way to convince people to invest in alternative fuels and to conserve energy is to raise energy costs," and "There often aren't other options to using a car. I work shifts so cannot car share, and the bus takes 90 minutes to get to work, whereas a car journey takes me 15. Using public transport isn't possible for most of my shifts either."

The only logical next step is a way to vote for senators, congress people, and president on Facebook.

18-24 Year Olds Demand Green Options

"We anticipate that as time goes on, more and more boomer shoppers will simply expect brands to be eco-friendly. Rather than this being a point of brand differentiation, it will be a price of entry."
Heather Stern, director of marketing. Focalyst

According to Burst Media, US Internet users ages 18 to 24 had a greater tendency to fully integrate green behavior into their daily lifestyles than did their older counterparts.

Looks like green is a go...

GSpotting Response to NY Times "The Era of Green Noise"

Put your game face on

Yesterday's NY Times was filled with fabulous Sunday Style content, as per usual, like weddings, clothes, and even a green article. But let's go back and GSpot the latter, shall we?

Alex Williams, who has written his share of critiques of the of the eco-lifestyle movement, had an article entitled "That Buzz In Your Ear May Be Green Noise." The article speaks to the growing confusion over green products and the idea of consumers being inundated by an overkill of eco-friendly options. One example he brings up is local but traditionally grown lettuce vs. organic but well traveled produce, and which is better.

Williams' article ends by quoting Paul Hawken, the author of Natural Capitalism and a father of the modern green movement saying, “even people inside the movement have the same feeling — burnout.”

Idle hands are the Devil's playthings... Our fingers don't stop.

But here's the thing, we are not all burned out! Really!! Think about it: everyday we see new and unbelievably fresh innovation coming from unexpected and awesome places. Like Greensulate by Ecovative Design, an insulation made from mushrooms that is flame retardant and biodegradable and could technically replace Styrofoam for packing purposes. Or Cyber Rain, using automated computer technology to watering gardens with minimal water use. these are just two examples of entrepreneurs measuring success by not only the the profits they make, but also the superior products they create and the global impact they have.

Or other times, badass green mobilization comes from corporations that have SUCKED for decades regarding environmental and labor policies, but are now seeing the err of their ways. Maybe it's all the green noise, but never before have we had healthier, more sustainable products choices (hello Colorox Green Works)... even if we don't know which ones to choose. I mean, this is America: too many choices on a shelf at a store is what WHAT WE DO BEST!

As much as it is innovation of budding companies or the revamping of "the man", William's article fails recognize the power of the youth. Being young has it's advantages: we aren't too jaded and are still idealistic, we fall in love easily, we have an unlimited amount of energy, and we have great collagen in our skin. For all of us young green professionals, being part of the new green revolution is exciting and fresh, and more succinctly, the only option we have.

Paul Hawken, who G-d Bless is 62 years old, deserves to be a bit burnt out. He has carried the movement from Rachel Carson to "An Inconvenient Truth". And Alex Williams, whose age I couldn't find, is a critically thinking journalist, which is of great value to the NY Times and their readership. But perhaps his skepticism of green has something to do with burn out, too.

On the other hand, our generation of young professionals and college students entering professions in green media, alternative energy development, sustainable manufacturing, green building and design, alternative transportation and mass transit, sustainable community development, micro-financing green activity in developing countries, environmental engineering, etc, aren't even close to burn-out. In fact, we are just getting started.

An Inconvenient Truth: The Opera

Al Gore + La Scala =

This was just GSpotted in Australia, An Inconvenient Truth: The Opera. Mad funny, those damn Aussies. And it's pronounced Auzzies with a zzz sound.

Kids Like Eco Fashion, Too! Alright?! Now Where's My Juice?

Halabaloo yellow eyelet coat

These fantastic photos are currently in a slideshow in the Pulse section of the NY Times called What's a Girl to Wear? Two thumbs enthusiastically up for the photos themselves and the actual garments the little models are wearing. But, what's the point in dropping loot like that on sassy children's clothes when it isn't organic? Little bodies have little immune delicate systems that shouldn't have to deal with the nasty toxins that are used in growing traditional fibers and can be embedded in the fabric, too.

Kule cotton dress

Just a thought, but why don't all three designers featured in these pics use organic materials? For kids and babies, organic fabrication seems like a no brainer.

Kid by Phillip Lim cotton dress

For healthier clothing options that are equally hot-to-trot, check out organic kids clothiers Kiwi Industries or Speesees. Your kids will thank you.

Perez Hilton Loves The Green, TOO!

Perez Hilton

Only because I check it like 3 times a day, I must shout out the self procalimed "biggest bitch in media" Perez Hilton for his article about confronting the climate challenge.

WeCanSolveIt.org is a network of over a million people pledging to work to find viable energy and climate change solutions.

Muy bien hecho, Perez.

Slight Correction To A Previous Spotting

So this is just to correct an entry we G Spotted a few weeks ago about the Banana Republic Green Capsule Collection. As it turns out, some of the "organic" pieces have as little as 5% organic cotton in them. I mean, dayumn Banana, if ya'll are gonna do it, do it right! Sure every little bit helps, but 5%?! What's up with that.

When folks talk about "green washing", they are referring to companies that make a product or service that seems more eco-friendly than it is, either because they don't know any better or because they think it will help public perception.

Dear Mr and Mrs Republic,
Please be advised that your son, Banana, might be infected with a green wash bug that is going around school and is being sent home immediately.
Best, Nurse G.

McCain Eco Friendly Items

Republican prez candidate John McCain has an "eco-friendly line" of campaign paraphernalia. Although McCain has failed to demonstrate incredible vision regarding alternative energy policies, he does have sweet gear for sale.

The collared polos and t-shirts with his insignia on the chest are made from 70% bamboo and 30% traditional cotton. The site has reusable tote bags (not organic cotton, though) cool organic canvas hats and visors, and recycled paper notebooks all with his logo.
But, the hands down coolest item on the site would have to be the organic cotton onesie for the littlest McCain supporters. I recommend sending it to your most left-wing new mommy friend and implore her that it is organic after all... and her baby deserves the best.

Eco Rapper AND Politician

Harvey Ruvin =

Eco Emcee?

Check out this sweet YouTube video made by self-proclaimed eco candidate and incumbent for Miami-Dade Clerk of Court, Harvey Ruvin. He not only is the greenest candidate, but your boy has rhymin' skillz too. And really and truly, whoever made the beat for the track is ALL OVER IT. (Miami's finest, DJ Khaled perhaps?)

NY Times Auto Section Is Seeing Green

Today's Auto section of the NY Times has more green cars than Leonardo DiCaprio's driveway.

Smart Fortwo car

First there is an article about the Smart Fortwo car. Basically, the writer who test drove the car, admires the little beast's pickup and price ($14,000) , as well as precious-ness, but is disappointed with the actual gas mileage (30 mpg in LA proper and 34 on the highway).

Nissan Hybrid Electric prototype
Then this article about Nissan's 2010 hybrid release.

Oily Truth Cartoon from Financial Times' article

The electric/gas powered engine will help alleviate driver's heavy gas burden, as was eloquently discussed in the Financial Time's Op-Ed today by stellar columnist, Gideon Rachman.

Jessica Alba and her Prius in the movie Good Luck Chuck

Finally, an article in the Times Auto section about Hybrid cars in Hollywood. It says that movies tend to have crappy box office success rates if the main characters drive Toyota Priuses. (That sucks, 'cause we GSpotters think conspicuous green like the Toyota Prius, is bold/sexy).

Efficient cars are freaking cool, right?! I mean, with oil at $126 a barrel (it was $26 a barrel in 2003 right before the Iraq war) gas guzzling cars are just so last century.

Give Me Two Pairs: So I Can Get To Stomping In My Eco Air Force Ones

Kanye West Graduation Air Force Ones

Air Force One Matrix

Freshy Fresh White Air Force Ones With Carolina Blue

Hopefully we all remember the delightfully stupid Nelly song from about 4 years ago, "Give me two pair (said perr), I need two pair; So I can get to stomping in my Air Force Ones" all about Nike Air Force Ones. Well now we all have a reason to cop one or two pairs!

Climate Counts is an organization that ranks companies on their level of commitment to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The companies are scored based on 22 criteria regarding their transparency on climate policies, if they measure their carbon footprint, if they supported global warming legislation, and what efforts they've taken to reduce their climate impact.

Out of a score of 100, Nike got 82 points placing them at number 1 on the list. For all the companies and their rankings, check out the complete list.

Organic Peanut Butter Is Such A Swell Idea

We G Spotters dig peanut butter. Really dig peanut butter. We like it on bread, bananas, a spoon (with or without Nutella), on apples, whatever. And sometimes we feel guilty for eating such a high fat food, even though it is also high protein.

So, how awesome was it for us to come across this NY Times article about a more righteous peanut butter. The article from last year states that more acres are devoted to growing peanuts than any other fruits, vegetable or nut, according to the U.S.D.A. About 99 percent of peanut farms use conventional farming practices, including the use of fungicide to treat mold, a common problem in peanut crops.

So, switching to organic peanut butter like Arrowhead Mills or Peanut Better allows us to be support farms doing the right thing for our personal health and our planet's health. Pass the spoon; we'll dig in the jar for movement.

Green In The Mainstream

In a perfect green world, we could all buy organic caffeinated beverages in mall food courts and green beauty products in chain drug stores.

But that's not the case... or is it?

Walking down 6th Avenue in NYC, a sign in the window of Bed Bath and Beyond's Cafe Beyond caught our eye: organic coffee. Cafe Beyond is run by Blue Radish, a company that owns 5 cafes located throughout Manhattan, and it offers some organic foods including coffee! Fair trade organic coffee is actually a big deal, considering traditionally grown coffee usually involves truly crap labor standards and clear cutting harvesting techniques.

Earlier in the day down in the Lower East Side on Delancey Street and Essex, we stopped by the Duane Reade for BandAids, and were blown away to see a section with green beauty products from Avalon Organics, Alba, and Burts Bees. Unfortunately, the DuaneReade.com website doesn't list all of these green brands available for online purchase, but we GSpotted them with our own eyes. Right there on the shelf.

Between Bed Bath and Beyond and Duane Reade, what was previously a weird green trend thing is starting to feel more and more accessible and awesome. Salud to that!

Goodbye Gorgeous Pearls? Global Warming Curbs Jewelry Production

Yesterday, Gulf News reported that a gorgeous natural pearl necklace belonging to iconic Arab singer Umm Kalthoum, was up for sale at Christies for between $80,000 and $120,000. This necklace is astoundingly detailed with over 1800 pearls strung in multiple strands. Exceptional jewelry sourced from the sea begs the question, as global temperature increases and sea level rises, what will happen to oysters and pearls?

Warmer water means harmful barnacles flourish and attack the pearl producing oysters. In Mynmar, the Andaman Pearl Company lost about 90,000 oysters in 2006 as a result of the warmer water.

Myanmar possesses about 15,907 square miles of pearl-producing waters. The country produced more than 400,000 South Sea pearls in the 2006-07 financial year. The Andaman Sea temperature off the coast of Myanmar has risen to 87.7 degrees Fahrenheit in April 2007 from 84.2 degrees Fahreneheit at around the same time in 2006, according to Myanmar Atlantic figures.

Top 100 Toxic Companies

The Political Economy Research Institute released its list of the Top 100 Toxic Companies, which is awesome. Who doesn't love a good Erin Brockovich story replete with sick children due to poisoned water and air from a nearby chemical plant.

Paul Hawken's latest book and NY Times best seller, Blessed Unrest, talks extensively about the public reception of Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. When Silent Spring was released in 1962, the toxic companies tried to discredit Carson's findings regarding their dangerous and often times fatal environmental impact on the surrounding communities, and the entire world. It is interesting to see that over 46 years later, these same companies are doing such a good job covering up their mistakes and then creating positive PR that they are still able to perpetrate truly heinous eco-crimes upon the most socio-economically vulnerable members of society.

I thought GE was all about eco-innovation, and Nissan was working on all this hybrid technology. So how come they are among the top 5 worst companies?

My Candidate Is Greener Than Your Candidate

Thank goodness for the complete and well-rounded media attention focused on the 2008 presidential election because I was beginning to feel a lack of personal connection with the candidates. Almost. Courtesy of the endless one-on-one interviews, up to date campaign trail coverage, and daily nook and cranny attention to detail, we all know where the candidates stand on some of the most critical issues: favorite foods, celebrity endorsers, and traditional Somali tunic size.

Although these nuggets of personal information bring the voter closer to their candidate and in turn forge a bond and perhaps even a de facto relationship between leader and constituent, their are some equally important issues to think about which are under covered by the mainstream media.

So it is with that in mind that strongly suggest TreeHugger.com with its at a glance presidential green record. For instance, Barack Obama supports country-of-origin labels for food and has voiced support for labeling genetically modified foods. He also co-sponsored the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act, the most stringent climate bill in the Senate. Hilary Clinton calls for a Green Building Fund through which the federal government would allocate $1 billion annually to states to make grants or low-interest loans to improve energy efficiency in public buildings, such as schools, police stations, firehouses, and offices.

Tree Hugger comes through big time with this comprehensive and easy to follow break down of the candidates environmental stances.

You Are Not Alone, Governor Spitzer

Thanks to my sister, Alice, for G Spotting this great article in Tikkun Magazine by Rabbi Michael Lerner about the recent infidelity/prostitution scandal that has come to light for former NY Governor, Elliot Spitzer. In his piece, Rabbi Lerner suggests that America's obsession with sexual perversity has obscured the bigger and even more perverse issues at hand: our politicians treatment of the war in Iraq, global warming inaction, and extreme world-wide wealth disparity.

The notion that our elected officials are being unfaithful to their spouses, their constituents, and the ideals upon which our country is founded on has lead me to the following question: What am I unfaithful to in my pursuit of a conscious, sustainable life?

If you type in "eco unfaithful" into Google, a website called Cheat Neutral comes up. Unsure if this is a joke or not, Cheat Neutral offsets your cheating by funding someone else to be faithful and NOT cheat. This neutralizes the pain and leaves you with a clear conscience.

It is interesting to think of the ways in which we as consumers, cheat on our green ideals.

The Simple Things

Today's NY Times featured a Health and Fitness article touting the benefits of push-ups as one of the singular best upper body exercises a man or woman can do. Based on national averages, a 40-year-old woman should be able to do 16 push-ups and a man the same age should be able to do 27. Unfortunately, these standards aren't being met by our less than in-shape US population. Anecdotally, I witness the push-up anxiety that people experience every time I instruct a client to drop down and give me ten at the 92nd Street Y gym, where I work as a physical trainer.

This old-school exercise requires no equipment, merely your own body weight, it involves no strange yoga/pilates/zumba/nia movements, and yet it provides a workout equal or better to any new stuff the gym industry throws at us.

Indeed the notion of simplicity is quite fitting for moving our lives in a sustainable and green direction. At first, simplifying one's daily routine might seem pointless and hella frustrating But, in most instances like walking instead of driving, slowing down while you eat your food, and avoiding cleaning products which contain unpronounceable ingredients, your emotional, physical, and financial health will benefit.

Emotionally simplifying through greening your life might mean bringing your own bags to the grocery store and avoiding adding to the billions of plastic bags that are tossed out yearly, in this country alone. That experience provides a sense a pride in one's actions, and re-affirms the idea of common good. Simple enough, but important feelings for us all to regularly have.

Greening your life yields physical benefits from simple changes like walking more, biking more, turning off the power in your house (TV, computer, Wii) and going outside to garden. Check out BodyBuilder.com's great Calorie Calculator to find out how many calories are burned doing all types of daily exercises ranging from gardening to having sex.

Lastly, simplifying your life in a green way that results in healthier finance means putting your money where your mouth is. By purchasing organic beauty products, home care products, food, bedding, etc. you are investing in your own health and helping prevent future sickness and doctor's bills. Or, considering the oil prices we are currently faced with, simply not riding alone will save you a ton money of money and even strengthen your friendships. Robust finances and less pollution all achieved with simple steps.

Check out this cool article from SeattlePi.com about simplifying and greening from a "Working Dad's" perspective.