Blogs & Ecology

TreeHugger spares no expense or our livers in our search to find the greenest packaging for wine. After reading Ruben Anderson's article in Tyee, where he said "Do you really want to try to look your children in the eye and explain that they have to eat jellyfish gumbo because you couldn't resist that lovely imported shiraz?" I started looking for a greener, local alternative.

It’s no secret that we like Larry’s Beans. We’ve posted a few videos about the company and even included them in our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide. So when we heard the news that the company has launched biodegradable packaging for their already delicious coffee, we started searching our local spots to see where we can find it.

When I was in Japan I was appalled at the amount of waste in packaging, where things were often wrapped in three layers of plastic and paper; all magnificently designed and beautifully done, but generating a lot of garbage. Things may be changing; Ping Mag covers innovations in packaging that reduce waste significantly. Two of my favourites are the tofu packed in balloons; when you pierce it with a toothpick only a tiny bit of plastic remains. Also available with pudding....

Factory Green, a new online eco-store, run by pre-med college students Jack Short and Daniel Lyons at the University of Missouri in their “free time.” The store is full of men’s and women’s tees designed by fellow college students and geared for college students. Thanks to tipster Adam, and a recent Sprig article for passing along this fashion tidbit....

We already read the words green and charcoal in the same sentence when Jacob wrote about charcoal being the next green alternative. Now the Baja BBB Firepack could be a greener option for your upcoming summer barbecues. Designed for Lazzari by Mike and Maaike from San Francisco, this clever instant charcoal packaging is both clean and easy to use. ...

Are Producers Helping You to Stay on Budget?
USA Today recently headlined a shocking review of the big name food companies that are trying to beat rising costs by reducing package sizes. Granted, most of us could probably do with cutting our consumption of Edy's ice cream by 14% (1.75 quart containers have suddenly become 1.5 quarts), a little less Hellmann's mayo on the bread, or spreading Shedd's Country Crock a bit more thinly (32 ounce jar drops to 30, and 48 ounces shrinks to 45 ounces, respectively). But should manufacturers make this decision for us?

TH did a story about the French Rabbit a few years ago, and now Jean Charles is back preaching his innovative wine packaging to oenophiles and the masses. He is fully aware that some people in the wine industry may think he is an extraterrestrial. Even some previous TH readers said "I'll pass and stick with glass". But, certainly not Tom who is opening a wine bar in New York City....

Green Upgrader reminds us to spare the trees and sip our java from mugs.

One blogger shares tips to re-purpose morning cereal.

Rainforest biologists turn to advanced camera technology to help with protective wildlife efforts.

Ecopreneurist takes a look at the rising trend of cause-related marketing.

A bill in Hawaii is passed, requiring all new homes to install solar hot water heaters.