By Zem Joaquin, ecofabulous.com

We're loving the moms over at Mom Logic for giving us the heads up on the new Spring/Summer collection from LeSportsac. Vegans have always loved this mega bag maven for their fun, leather free alternatives, but now, through a partnership with one of our favorite sires of fashion, Stella McCartney, comes their premiere and truly eco-friendly line. Available on a pre-order basis only, you can be one of the first to tote (or roll) around one of these cute, yet sophisticated designs - made from entirely recycled fabrics. For the modern mom on the go, with a desire for form, function and sustainability, Stella's Sportsac's got it in the bag.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com

From Environmental Leader

The U.S. is ready to accept "binding international obligations" on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to James Connaughton and Daniel Price, environmental and economics advisers to President Bush, BBC reports. The Bush administration wants some kind of binding commitment from major developing countries such as China, India and Brazil.

"The U.S. is prepared to enter into binding international obligations to reduce greenhouse gases as part of a global agreement in which all major economies similarly undertake binding international obligations," said Price, the president's deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs.

On the heels of this announcement, EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas has traveled to the U.S. for talks on a possible binding international agreement on reducing greenhouse gases, The Australian reports.

An agreement could be announced "in conjunction" with the G8 summit of the world's must industrialized nations in Japan in July.

At the Bali conference in December, the EU wanted an agreement to require developed countries to cut their emissions by 25 to 40 percent of 1990 levels by 2020 to be included in the Bali Plan. The U.S., Japan and Canada opposed those targets. When these specific guidelines were removed from wording about future emission cuts, a compromise was reached which sets the stage for global warming negotiations that will end in 2009.

In addition to today's news concerning the U.S., major emissions news has been reported from Japan and Canada recently.

Japan is considering compulsory caps on greenhouse gas emissions and a domestic emissions trading scheme for its reluctant companies as it is expected to make tougher commitments in the post-Kyoto Protocol phase, Reuters reported last week.

British Columbia delivered a budget last week that included a carbon tax, CTV reports. On July 1, 2008, the province will begin phasing in the carbon tax, which will hit gasoline, diesel, natural gas, coal, propane, and home heating fuel. The starting rate will be based on $10 per tonne of carbon emissions, and rise $5 a year to $30 per tonne by 2012.

Environmental Leader

By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com

Tea, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love tea in every possible way imaginable. I love black tea with cream in the morning, herbal berry tea and green tea throughout the day, chamomile tea with heavy cream at night, iced herbal brewed tea in summer and rich chai tea with cream in winter. I love tea in mugs, in fancy china, served with finger sandwiches and scones, brewed in a single cup and steeped in a wide assortment of teapots. I love tea in whole leaves with silk sachets, loose leaves with herbs and flowers and cut leaves with recyclable, biodegradable paper filters.

There is something special about the simplicity of a few tea leaves and water that provides for a personal transformational experience. Drinking tea can awaken your body and soul. The ritual can expand your mind and transport you to another place where the elements of your tea grow naturally. Easy to make and easy to carry, tea is portable, predictable, perfection. I don't go anywhere without a few tea bags in my purse, just in case... And with so many organic teas available now from companies committed to environmental responsibility and sustainability, tea is good and green. Filled with antioxidants, tea is a healthy choice anytime of day. Some teas combine with herbal medicinals for health benefits such as good digestion, reducing water retention, supporting kidney function, promoting nighttime relaxation and reducing cramping.

Green tea specifically has received praise among scientists for its rich array of antioxidants that in clinical studies have proven protective against major killers such as cancer and heart disease. Chamomile, long a favorite in the alternative medicine world for its sedative properties, appears to promote restful sleep. Herbalists have long recommended ginger root tea to sooth a troubled stomach, and scientific evidence supports its use to treat nausea and morning sickness. Teas with goldenseal and echinacea help fight the colds and flu and many different teas (green, black and white) have a diuretic effect. Traditional Medicinals markets a whole line of healthful teas with an herbal medicinal theme, with benefits identified on the label. But these teas are wonderful even if you have no complaint, as a soothing beverage to help you enjoy your day.

While I've rarely met a tea I didn't like (Earl Grey - you know who you are) here are a few of my all time favorites:

- Tazi Organic Chai Tea (spicy and smooth, served with a liberal dose of organic cream)
- Harney & Sons Organic Passion Plum Tea (rich and fruity without caffeine)
- Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night Tea (ensures a good nights sleep)
- Yogi Green Tea Energy (perky and balancing, 70% organic)
- Mighty Leaf Organic Hojicha Green Tea (deep, rich and nutty)
- Davidson's Spiced Raspberry Organic Black Tea (chai tea with cinnamon and cloves)
- Numi Moonlight Orange Spice White Tea (orange, schizandra berries, lime, and spice)

One final point for all you coffee drinkers out there. Though in fairness, coffee does contain some beneficial nutrients, the strong caffeine jolt can raise blood pressure and actually bring on anxiety. Even one cup in the afternoon can disrupt sleep hours later at night. For me the choice is simple, tea wins hands down, for flavor, for variety, and for health. Put aside that cup of java and learn to cherish a robust brew of tea - green, great and good for you!

Mary Beth Gonzalez
iVillage.com
Please join my Going Green group and read my Green Blog

By Nicole Walters, GreenIsUniversal.com

I'd like to announce the launch of Unscrew America, the brainchild of An Inconvenient Truth producer Lesley Chilcott and Austin's SG&M Idea City.

The site is about getting people to Unscrew their regular light bulbs and to screw in more energy-efficient ones in the form of CFLs and LEDs. LEDs are the next big thing in lighting technology and use 97% less energy than regular lightbulbs. They're trying to share all these nifty facts with everyone, but it's evident their target audience are Millennials as the site reads more like a game and resembles something that might have come out of Napoleon Dynamite's notebook. Aside from looking cool, it's filled with tons of useful information about both types of bulbs, covering everything from disposal of your CFLs when they burn out to a highly complex mathematical algorithm about how buying more expensive bulbs now can save you money in the future. Check it out at UnscrewAmerica.org.

Nicole Walters
GreenIsUniversal.com

By ecofabulous.com

It's hard to believe that SIGG - the bearer of those beautiful, trendy, reusable bottles popping up all over the place - is celebrating a hundred years in the biz. They've no doubt made a positive impact on the more than 60 million water bottles thrown out each day (and that's just in the US!). To honor their lasting success, SIGG100 was launched on February 11th, in conjunction with Stop Global Warming, counting down the 100 days until Earth Day (April 22nd).

Each week, they're unveiling ten historical eco-moments, and users can take part and vote on the most significant for a chance to win a trip to Hawaii. But what we're really jazzed about is the opportunity to chat live with environmental activists, of which our own Zem Joaquin will be participating! Join Zem on Monday, February 25th at 2:00 pm (pst) on Sigg100.com for a Q&A. For those burning green questions you've got to ask, shoot them Zem's way during this live session. Also, be on the lookout for a chance to win one of SIGG's new gorgeous 2008 bottles, on ecofabulous.com.

By Zem Joaquin, ecofabulous.com

Spring is definitely in the air for our East Coast contributors. Or wait, is it just global warming rearing its hot head? Either way, it's got some of us planning our spring wardrobes in the middle of February. For a sure thing when it comes to organic style, we checked out Loomstate's autumn collection. It's a good thing we don't believe in all that "no white after Labor Day" nonsense, because the Flux skinny white jeans are begging to be worn once the slush ceases to overrun the streets of New York. The slouchy green parka and long peach cardigan are spring staples for a sunny afternoon to breezy evening transition. Loomstate's clothing is made with 100 percent certified organic materials, so we won't blame you for stocking up on spring styles from their line, though remember to mix it with what you already have. Barneys has many of the best Loomstate pieces, and even has some styles unavailable elsewhere, so it might be worth a visit to one of their outposts.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com

By Nicole Ohebshalom, Radiant Living Wellness

When was the last time your body received real nutrition from eating whole foods for an entire day, week, or month?

If you are like most people, you would have to honestly say it's been a while. Then there are some of you thinking, "Since I use supplements, my body receives all the nutrition it needs." So people come to the belief that they can eat anything and still function optimally. They tuck the concept, you are what you eat, way back into their brains because nothing will ever happen to them. You have your vitamins, right? People then get in the habit of eating pizza in front of the TV instead of preparing healthy meals while consciously enjoying the pleasure of their food. For a person on a pizza type of lifestyle, can a supplement be the right choice for their health? Or is it best to be nursed on more whole nutritious food? For a select few this question is a no brainer. They are clear in where they stand. But for many this is a true daily tug of war. You might be asking yourself, how can I have a healthy lifestyle with ease in this fast paced world?

When a client first comes to see me they are typically taking a box filled with vitamins because they believe the more they take the higher on the healthy scale they are and it's easier for them than eating good food. They are surprised and delighted once they discover that nutritionally filled food is a simple and straightforward choice in their busy lives. Traditional organic food has been around for thousands of years in every culture so why mess with natural science?

What do you get when you eat traditional organic (environmentally friendly) food? Food that comes from fertile soil (nutrient filled!) instead of depleted soil, and animals on the pasture instead of confinement. Good food begins with plants and animals raised in healthy ways on mineral-rich soil; and with meat, eggs, milk products, fish, grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables so that vitamins and minerals in the foods are preserved or enhanced.

Food, particularly unprocessed organic grown, meets the nutrient needs for anyone and it contains other valuable substances that is not present in supplements. I'm not saying there aren't any helpful supplements out there. There certainly are. What is becoming more apparent, however, is supplements will not help much if one does not first address the necessary basics of health and healing.

This fact has never really been questioned or argued. Everyone agrees raw honey is better for you than white sugar or that brown rice is better for you than white rice. Also, meditation and a visit to the spa supports a person's well-being more than happy hour with colleagues. Why should it be any different for supplements?

Calcium is a perfect example to find on the shelves of your local health food store. How does a nutrient dense cheese outweigh a calcium tablet?

When an individual takes a single calcium tablet then it isn't digested properly in the body. Why? Because calcium in tablet form doesn't belong to its naturally designed complex whole form. To absorb calcium in the body it needs to be digested with Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Phosphorus. When you eat a calcium rich whole food the mentioned nutrients will also be in there... just like nature intended!

I propose that you look in your kitchen and the farmers market as your new medicine cabinet. As Hippocrates said, "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food." Eat in pleasure and stick with whole traditional organic foods. Below are helpful resources to begin your journey. Once you begin your healthy journey, research supplements for extra support.

Whole Organic Food Support:
The Weston A. Price Foundation
Radiant Living Wellness
Slow Food

Nicole Ohebshalom, RN,CHHC, AADP
Radiant Living Wellness

By Rachel Gray, iVillage.com

It seems like easy, earth-friendly lifestyle alternatives are being made across all industries these days. I guess people are finally getting the message that changes have to be made if our great-grandkids want to experience things like... you know... spring and autumn.

I'm trying to do my part.

Last month I simply checked a little box on my electric bill to sign up for alternative energy - so easy! It cost about eight dollars a month more, but powering my home with clean energy from hydropower and wind makes me feel like a million bucks.

Speaking of easy ways to be more environmentally minded, I found a ton of great ideas in radio host Josh Dorfman's new book, The Lazy Environmentalist. It's an in-depth guide to living more "green" with solutions for the home that are simple, stylish and might actually save me money when I start incorporating them into lifestyle.

Apparently being "green" is all about our choices, so how about making your next decision to check out Josh's blog http://lazyenvironmentalist.com? There's no mention of patchouli oil or crystal deodorant, and I promise it will inspire you to begin a more eco-friendly existence, too.

Turning the light off when I leave the room,

Rachel Gray, Associate Producer
iVillage.com
http://housecalls.ivillage.com/home/

By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com

I have had a re-occurring nightmare since childhood where I'm foaming uncontrollably at the mouth. And then animals and people come at me with their mouths engrossed in a white foamy mess. To this day, I simply cannot watch someone brush their teeth without being overcome by a deep rooted sense of fear. After much analysis, it seems that my unusual reaction is perhaps connected to being 10 years old and chased and bitten by a potentially rabid neighborhood dog or perhaps it is a premonition of the health dangers of foaming, chemical laden Sodium Lauryl Sulfate toothpaste.

As an eco-conscious Adult, I've learned that next to eating organic foods, the second best Green thing I can do for my preventative health is to brush with natural, Fluoride-free and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate-free toothpaste.

Why avoid fluoride? Hasn't this mineral been proven to lower our risk of dental decay? Well, not exactly. In fact, when scientists have closely evaluated the epidemiological "proof," that fluoride blocks dental decay, the data seems at best sketchy, with some claiming that areas with little fluoride in the water have less decay overall than highly fluoridated regions.

Fluoride can actually be quite toxic, hence the warnings on toothpaste cartons about swallowing the stuff! It has been linked, ironically, to stained teeth, weakened bones, even, in some animal studies, cancer. So why has it been so widely promoted as the answer to dental decay? Industrial processing yields huge amounts of fluoride or fluroro silicic acid, a highly toxic substance. Chemical companies, sadly working with government officials, thought the best way to dispose of the material would be to dump it into the water supply and claim it as a gift for our health. The widespread fluoridation of water actually represents one of the greatest human pharmacological experiments ever conducted with some claiming the end result will be massive degenerative disease.

What is so bad about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)? This detergent and foaming agent is often used in personal care products to create foam to properly disperse the ingredients and ensure easy rinsing. People have been conditioned to believe that the foamy suds are part of the cleaning process. However, SLS has been linked to cancer, liver and kidney damage and cataracts. The Environmental Working Group states in their Skin Deep Report that SLS may possibly be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers 1,4-dioxane to be a probable carcinogen.

Now I'm not a scientist. I simply prefer the no risk, no cancer option of a chemical-free toothpaste to clean and protect my teeth and gums. And whenever in doubt, I'll listen to my premonition.

Best Natural Dental Care Products:

Kiss My Face: Offers fluoride-free and SLS-free products with no animal ingredients, no artificial colors or unnecessary chemicals and their products are not tested on animals.
- Wake Up: Certified Organic Aloe Vera Toothpaste, Skin Deep score: 1
- Triple Action AloeDyne Toothpaste, Skin Deep score: 1
- Whitening AloeDyne Toothpaste, Skin Deep score: 2
- AloeDyne Fresh Breath Mouthwash: Skin Deep score: 2

Jason: A Hain Celestial Group company, their natural and organic toothpastes are fluoride-free and SLS-free.
- Healthy Mouth: Tea Tree Toothpaste, Skin Deep score: 3
- Powersmile Whitening Toothpaste, Skin Deep score: 1

Auromere: Auromere provides Ayurvedic products that are pure, authentic, cruelty-free and their toothpaste contains no fluoride or SLS. I love their non-foaming, Cardamom and Fennel herbal toothpaste.

Tom's of Maine: A Colgate-Palmolive company, Tom's of Maine sits on both sides of the fence. They offer SLS and Fluoride products as well as SLS-free and fluoride-free toothpastes with glycyrrhizin, derived from licorice root, to foam and disperse ingredients. Skin Deep scores not available for these specific recommended products but other Tom's of Maine products scores range from 0-5
- Natural Clean & Gentle Care SLS-Free Antiplaque plus Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
- Natural Sensitive Care SLS-Free Toothpaste
- Naturally waxed, anti plague, unflavored, flat dental floss

Finding the right natural toothpaste for your personal needs isn't easy. I've often spent more than 30 minutes at a time in the natural beauty aisle reading the detailed toothpaste ingredients. Some "natural" products sneak SLS in as one of the last ingredients. Others list sorbitol, a sugar, as one of the first ingredients. Though sorbitol, unlike common sucrose, isn't suppose to cause dental decay, why would I want to brush my teeth and gums with sugar? Aren't I brushing to get rid of the sugar that causes tooth decay? Manufacturers add sorbitol to appeal to the sweet tooth and sugar addictions of consumers.

We can be smarter and not fall for these tricks. We can take our toothbrush into our own hands and stop foaming at the mouth.

Mary Beth Gonzalez
iVillage.com
Please join my Going Green group and read my Green Blog

By Zem Joaquin, ecofabulous.com

Though it's not available just yet, some things are too good to ignore - Karma being one of them. Slated in a Wired article to "do for the the plug-in electric what the Tesla has done for the electric car," which is make the latest in green technology smokin' hot, the Fisker Karma has lithium-ion batteries that purportedly get 50 miles of emissions-free, fully electric driving before it switches to a regular hybrid. With an $80,000 price tag, like the Tesla, it is priced to attract the eco-elite. Only 100 or so cars will be available (if all goes well) in 2009, but another 15,000 cars are supposed to go into annual production in 2010. Just a heads up in case you want to start saving. Fisker says that there are no compromises or sacrifices with this vehicle (your bank account might beg to differ). I guess karma isn't free after all.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com

By Nicole Ohebshalom, Radiant Living Wellness

Have you glanced at an atlas recently? I was playing with one this morning and I realized how massive and important the sea is for our survival. Can you believe 72 percent of our earth's surface is the sea? It leads me to think, How are we treating the sea and its garden?

If you live in the smallest village in Asia or the busy streets of NYC, the sea's garden has been an important and essential source of food for you. The manner that we, as a society, have farmed fish has been causing our society ecological damage. The fishing industry defends fish farming as a source of cheap, high-quality protein. The feedlots these fisherman use produce chemical runoff from antibiotics, pesticides, detergents, and tons of fish feces. The good news for our health and the environment is we can easily change and protect our ocean and earth's surface through purchasing sustainable, organic, and delicious seafood.

Organizations such as Blue Ocean Institute rate fish and seafood by its abundance and ecological impact of fishing methods. Check out Monterey Bay Aquarium to see what the best choice of fish is to purchase and what to avoid eating.

You have heard the caution from the news, your doctor, your friends and your mother about staying clear of the wild fish such as swordfish, shark, mackerel, and tilefish. Since they are higher up the food chain, meaning they are large carnivores fish, they contain more mercury. Mercury is an environmental pollutant that accumulates in the fish's tissue and is known to cause brain damage.

You can visit www.gotmercury.org to find out how much mercury you could have consumed. This can be some ungratifying information to digest. Here are some great and simple tips. Eat cilantro! It's that simple to release and expel the harmful toxins from your body. If you are looking to take the next step you can go on a Private Cleanse. If you do suspect mercury poisoning, you should see a doctor. All these facts have lead the FDA advising children and pregnant women not to eat large wild fish. But it's unwise to avoid fish altogether.

Why? We gain massive benefits from consuming fish. Don't fear the mercury in fish. Understand how important fish oil is for you and what's the right way to shop. Keep it simple. Avoid the big carnivorous fish and eat plenty of small, fatty ones, like the anchovy, herring and mackerel. Herbivorous farmed fish such as catfish, carp, trout, and tilapia are good choices when you want to stand clear of mercury.

Why is eating fish one of the smartest and easiest things you can do for your health? Most fish are high protein, low fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids foods. Eating fish for Omega-3 is key because our bodies don't have the ability to make this essential fatty acid and can only get it from fish. Some of the great health benefits of Omega-3 include reducing tissue inflammation, regulating blood sugar levels and fat burning, creating more happy endorphins, natal neurological development and maintaining cardiovascular health. The research linking Omega-3 fats to heart health is so strong that the American Heart Association urges healthy people to eat fish twice a week. Cold-water, oily fish like sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon, and tuna contain the most Omega-3 fats for your body. If you are not a fish eater or have an allergy, take a high-quality capsule or liquid fish oil. Consult your doctor before hand.

if you are a fish lover but not sure which fish is a good choice. Here are some healthy tips for you and the environment when selecting your fish dish.
- Herrings and Sardines contain the highest amount of Omega-3 fatty acids of all the fish.
- To get the highest amount of protein and lowest mercury when selecting a Mackerel, choose a smaller species like Atlantic, Pacific or Spanish.
- Pacific and Wild Salmon is a great choice. Alaskan Salmon is regarded as the best salmon for your health because they come from clean, well-managed fisheries
- U.S.-farmed Tilapia is a freshwater fish that is produced in less pollution compared to most foreign tilapia farms.

Am I getting you hungry? Search through some tasty recipes!
- www.eatingwell.com
- www.whfoods.com
- www.cookinglight.com

Nicole Ohebshalom, RN,CHHC, AADP
Radiant Living Wellness

By Zem Jaoquin, ecofabulous.com

Only eight more days! Whether you want to surprise your S.O. with something sexy in a box or cloaking you, nothing says happy Valentine's Day like lingerie. When the candles start flickering on the 14th (soy or beeswax preferably), Enamore's got you covered (albeit scantily so). Produced in the UK, from the finest organic hemp, soy, cotton and hand selected vintage fabrics, we think it is pretty enticing that Enamore is a steward for the planet while creating smolderingly hot garments. Additional green options for all your Valentine's Day needs can be found on our Ecofabulous Lust List. Get busy y'all.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com

By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com

Yes, please come Oil Pulling with me... what is that you ask? Oil Pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic homeopathic treatment for detoxification in which you swish a teaspoon of cold pressed, organic sesame oil in your mouth for 15 minutes first thing every morning before you've eaten and then spit it out (into the toilet, not the sink, to avoid blocking up the pipes).

This oil treatment allegedly pulls toxins out of the blood as it circulates through the thin lining of the mouth. Hundreds of websites recommend Oil Pulling as a wonder cure and hundreds de-bunk the theory. Some claim the simple technique reverses everything from constipation to heart disease to snoring to diabetes to wrinkles to cancer to insomnia to skin disorders and more. I'm not here to take sides in the debate or analyze the results of those who oil pull. But I've got 15 minutes a day to devote to science to check it out for myself.

Cancer cures aside, many of the folks who have tried Oil Pulling claim to have whiter teeth within days. Visibly whiter, clean teeth after just a few swishes!?! In a world where folks pay $600 to whiten and brighten their teeth with harsh chemicals while stuck in the dentist's chair, I figure paying $6.99 for a bottle of sesame oil fits my green lifestyle and wallet much better. Who doesn't want a safe, easy, inexpensive, non-toxic, natural, teeth whitener?

So I've asked 5 people who see me everyday to take a good long look at my teeth up close. And together we will monitor their whiteness over the next 2 weeks. I promise to stick with my typical meat and veggie diet (no blueberry pie!) and continue to use the same natural toothpaste throughout this experiment.

And I welcome you to do the same. Come take my "Oil Pulling Challenge", and we'll share our results. One small swish for science... one large leap for teeth-kind!

Mary Beth Gonzalez
iVillage.com
Please join my Going Green group and read my Green Blog

By Zem Joaquin, ecofabulous.com

It's that time of year when we use heart shaped goodies and perishable treats to express our love for friends, family, crushes and for our one and only - how about showing your love in more ways than one this year? We've scoured the greatest sustainable and seductive gifts that are floating around in cyberspace, to bring you the most ecofabulous options available (across all budgets), and hope sparks will fly as you celebrate your passion. But amid all the shopping, don't forget your mother... earth, that is.

Chocolates For Melting an Eco-Heart:

Organic Style: Nothing says Happy Valentines Day more boldly than a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Artisan Chocolates from Organic Style come from fair trade cocoa, from Costa Rica, which is what makes this 17-piece offering such a lovely gift. In this box full of love, you'll find hand-decorated, heart-shaped ganache in three delectable flavors: Bing Cherry, Madagascar Vanilla Bean and Jamaican Spice Caramels. Your sweetheart is sure to be sweet on this slight twist on tradition.

Cocoa Vino: Everyone should indulge in these lovely chocolates at some point, so why not now! These regional, sustainable and organic chocolates, made by artisanal perfection, are a simple but powerful way to show that someone special how much you care (about them and the earth). The ecofab favorite is the olive oil bonbon with hazelnut and sea salt - yum!

Theo Chocolate: Theo pioneered the organic chocolate movement, in 1994, and has been blossoming ever since. The award winning bars capture the flavors of the regions in which the beans are grown - like Madagascar and Venezuela - and are available at Whole Foods.

Eco-Flower Power:

That bouquet may be a fragrant way to show your love, but it's also, most likely, the result of unacceptable labor practices in foreign countries, where people (mostly women) are poorly paid and exposed to huge amounts of dangerous pesticides and fungicides. Make sure your next floral token carries its ethical weight.

Organic Style: Our favorite flower buys come from Organic Style. Go for the tried and true - what says "I love you, deeply" better than a velvety rich bouquet of a dozen red roses? Maybe two dozen? Organic stems are always appreciated (especially when the Rosa Parks Foundation gets a little boost from your purchase). Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, your beholder may prefer cosmopolitan lavender buds or the fresh-from-the-garden look of Aphrodite pink Roses. There are lots of colors and styles to choose from and all of their stems are Veriflora certified.

Or get really gifty and opt for a charity bouquet - in which 5% (10% in the case of the Rosa Rose) of the purchase price goes towards the organization paired with each made-to-order bouquet. To see all their Valentine's Day specials, visit organicstyle.com

Or check out Local Harvest: find sources of local organics near you.

Conflict-Free Diamonds are a Green Girl's Best Friend:

Jewelry is glamorous, however - from earth to finger - its making is not. The production of one gold ring is said to create 20 tons of mine waste! Additionally, the dirty business of where we get our rocks is getting difficult to ignore (hello Blood Diamond). Ensure the bauble on your lover's finger (or anywhere else) will not support violence, human rights violations and environmental destruction by supporting ethical jewelers like the ones below.

Brilliant Earth: A shining example of earth-loving jewelry; they go beyond just pedaling beautiful jewels... they teach about diamond-related issues, offer gorgeous solutions and give back by supporting the Diamonds for Africa Fund. Their diamonds are exclusively mined in Canada, according to strict environmental laws, and - taking it a step further - they also use reclaimed precious metals (refined to be identical in quality to newly mined metals). And if you decide to choose Valentine's Day to ask your significant other to share your life, or to just further celebrate your commitment to one another, Brilliant Earth is the chicest solution. If you're just after a fancy find, a pair of diamond studs will do the trick.

Linda Loudermilk: this faucet necklace, constructed from reclaimed silver, will drop a fashion hint about water (one worth making) - part of L.L.'s "Water is a Human Right" Collection.

Verderocks: what designer Gwendolyn Davis has termed "nouveau vintage" employs only organic, vintage, recycled and "certifiably" sustainable materials. From condom cases to crowns, and all the jewelry in between, her stuff is contemporary with an antique twist that we just love, and we're pretty sure so will YOUR queen... or king.

Verdier: handmade from components old and new, incorporating filigree, Lucite, glass and metals from the 1920s to the 1970s, these pieces are sure attract some eclectic tastes. Though the Brass Beetle pendant may not appear to be the most romantic of gestures, the right girl would be stoked to don it. If my son could afford it, he would love to make it my V-day gift (but I have a feeling I'm getting the collage card again).

Toby Pomeroy: When genius jeweler Toby asked the largest gold manufacturer to source pure gold, derived entirely from reclaimed sources, they agreed! So he and his skilled team of artisans use their Midas touch to churn out timeless, refined treasures with their brilliant Eco-Gold.

For Your Knight in Shining Amour:

CotoLuxe: any man would be lucky to don these duos - the Antler Corozo and the Indian Head Nickel Links, made from fallen rack antler horns and antique Native American nickels (respectively), and backed with corozo wafer buttons, made from South American tagua nut. And they come in the perfect gift package - a wooden box made from sustainably-managed, Canadian forests.

Citizen Eco Drive Watch: granted these watches are not made of recycled materials (which makes us unhappy) but they say goodbye to traditional batteries in favor of solar power. They come in a wide range of styles and colors, perfect for the man (or woman) in your life.

Apple iTunes Gift Certificate: we don't have to tell you why downloading your tunes is more eco-friendly than accumulating a pile of disks. Feed a music addiction with amounts ranging from $10-$200. Maybe the recipient will use it to download some of your favorite love songs. That's what we call a win-win.

For Love That's on the Rocks:

If V-day drives you to drink, seek out a Veev "Valentini" or "Love on the Rocks", which will be served at hotspots throughout LA, SF, San Diego and Miami. If you don't live in one of these Veev-friendly cities, you can still order a bottle and make these organic, luscious libations at home.

For Your Queen of Green:

Vegan Queen: this red clutch comes from V.Q.'s collection of bags which are recyclable, non-toxic, organic, cruelty free, made in the USA and ooze "eco-luxury" from the core. Crafted with materials such as monogram-embossed 100% natural rubber, nickel-free zippers, PVC-free eco-polymers, organic cotton fleece lining and recycled crest medallions, it's a hearty dose of goodness.

For the Frisky Environmentalist:

Enamore: it's a fun and flirtatious lingerie collection produced in the UK from the finest organic hemp, soy, cotton and hand-selected vintage fabrics. Hard to say who is going to enjoy this sexy, sustainable stuff more!

Urban Fox undies: recently launched, Urban Fox's handmade, eco-friendly undie sets are soft, silky and oh-so-sexy. We got to feel them over at the Eco Gift Expo, in Santa Monica, and can attest to their luxuriousness!

Eco-Boudoir: exquisitely sexy, this UK-based online boutique will take care of all of a sophisticated woman's intimate apparel needs, while engaging in environmentally responsible business practices. Eco-luxury with a conscience - now that's a gift.

Just Tell Me You Love Me:

Night Owl Paper Goods: these cute valentines are made from sustainably-harvested yellow birch, and come in five holiday designs. We're partial to the "owl love you forever" of course, but to make the message loud and clear, send out the four letter word.

Care2 e-cards: go the most environmentally-friendly route, and send out one of these e-cards, from Care2. You'll be able to find one for anybody and everybody who deserves your acknowledgment this year. The ThumbHug2 card will warm any parent's heart, believe us.

World of Good Journal: a 100% wood-free journal made from recycled cotton waste, using a chemical free, handmade process in Rajasthan (thus supporting local economy). For the person who wants to capture their poetry, or the kid who needs a journal to pine over their childhood romances, these scribbles are where the heart is.

Beeswax Candle: Made from pure cinnamon essential oil and 100% natural beeswax, bring some light to your life this Valentine's. A little ambiance goes a long way, this little candle burns for 5 hours, and is non-toxic and non-allergenic.

Sweet Thoughts Journal: this cute, little handmade journal utilizes a box of chocolate sweathearts as its cover and contains approx. 40% acid-free, recycled pages (not the most impressive of percentages, but...). Who can resist the little adages of this quintessential V-Day candy? "Be mine." "Kiss me." Carry them around in your pocket with this mini note pad.

Zem Joaquin
ecofabulous.com

By Nicole Walters, GreenIsUniversal.com

It's Super Tuesday, folks. The day on which the largest simultaneous number of state U.S. presidential primary elections will be held. The votes cast today will decide who will be running against each other in November.

It's not too late to find out where your candidate stands on green issues and to get out there and vote. Here are some sites that review where the candidates stand on environmental issues and beyond.

- Grist's "How Green Is Your Candidate?" Guide

- MSNBC: Decision 2008

- The Washington Post: Campaign 2008

- EarthTalk.org: Where do the Presidential Candidates Stand on Environmental Issues?

Nicole Walters
GreenIsUniversal.com

By Nicole Walters, GreenIsUniversal.com

This is actually the 15th year that the NFL has hosted a Super Bowl with green elements linked to the festivities, but this is the first time that 100% of the energy used for the game will come from renewable resources. That includes powering the University of Phoenix Stadium, the NFL Experience Football Theme Park and two hotels hosting guests in town for the game and other events.

Salt River Project (SRP) is the local power supplier that is selling the game its clean energy from sources like solar, wind, landfill gas, geothermal and low-head hydro through its EarthWise Energy program. In a recent press release, Lori Singleton, SRP Manager of Sustainable Initiatives and Technologies said, "The Super Bowl is a huge event for Arizona, and all eyes will be on the state. Providing green energy to the game is an excellent opportunity to showcase our state's commitment to clean energy resources and to educate the public about the importance of renewable energy." And once the game is over and gone, the SRP EarthWise Energy program will continue to be available to residential and business customers who are interested in being green and investing in clean renewable energy.

In addition to these green efforts, the National Football League and the Arizona Super Bowl XLII Host Committee will be working with local, state and national partners to plant trees on 96 acres of land devastated by recent wild fires.

The University of Phoenix Stadium is also an example of modern, green building. The stadium's sleek design is inspired by the natural form of a barrel cactus. Among some of its greener features is offering maximum sun exposure to the retractable 94,000 square foot natural grass playing field while providing maximum shade for its patrons. The 160 acres surrounding the stadium includes plenty of open space and grass for all of your tailgating needs -- just be sure to recycle all those cans and bottles!

If this hasn't gotten you pumped enough to see the greenest Super Bowl in history, take a look at the video below of some of Sundays players talking about their green efforts.

Nicole Walters
GreenIsUniversal.com