Green This Town

Can Bamboo Save the World?

2009-02-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this as CNN asks that very question.

2009-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

If you have not head of the Pickens Plan, you should take a look at this video and gather more information at http://www.pickensplan.com . In a nut shell, his plan to create more energy through underutilized technology, like wind power. With a surplus in energy natural gas power can be removed from the power grid and used to power more cars.

All Electric Prius

2008-09-30T14:02:00.001-07:00

Lucious Garage, http://www.lusciousgarage.com/, a San Francisco based company, is now converting Prius to all electric. They offer many different types of conversions, one with up to 20 MPG on all electric power.

In addition to making an impact on cars, they are also woman owned, operate in a solar powered facility, and are environmentally responsible.

I just learned about them from their front page listing on CNN. They have also been featured on the Jim Lehrer news hour. I think that they are getting "slash dotted" right now, so you might want to check them out tomorrow.

So, if you live in the bay area, let them pimp your ride.

Amazon Starts a Green Section.

2008-09-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

Amazon.com, a top online retailer, as begun a new green category to help promote better products. As we have said before, reuse is the best way to go. Have you checked out your local free cycle group, http://www.freecycle.org/ , or the free section of Craig's List http://www.craigslist.org/zip ? If you have, and you must by new, check out the new green area of Amazon. Within their green store you will find products by Seventh Generation, Sunforce batter chargers, tire gauges, Certified Organic Grocery products and Energy Star rated products.

They don't have everything, but we applaud the effort.

Green Fashionista in Black Rock City

2008-09-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

Ashley sporting one of her latest creations as she and Jesse catch some shade at Burning Man.

I'm back from the grueling heat of the Nevada desert and I've come home with more then sand in my shoes. Last week at my first Burning Man I was lucky enough to share a camp with Ashley Teifert, an up-and-coming designer who specializes in recycled apparel. Ashley has a way of fashioning old clothes and fabrics into cute contemperary dresses and comfy street wear that inspire smiles and good vibes. Ashely was sweet enough to share some yummy organic meals with me, and let me sport some of her hand made designer duds. If you love her clothes as much as I do, drop her a line at teifaleaf@aol.com.

Ashley's Latest Collection, she calls this look Tribal Couture.

Yet another 100mpg story.

2008-09-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

We recommend hiring a professional. But we also solute the do it yourself crowd. Can someone remind me again why Detroit is not pumping a comparable car out?

GrassRoutes Travel on Your Green Life!

2008-08-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

The GrassRoutes girls are at it again! Last night, GrassRoutes Travel CEO and Founder Serena
Bartlett made a debut on Your Green Life, singing the virtues of lovely Oakland. Follow Serena to the Dimond District for a bit of history, and to the best places to eat in Temescal. Serena introduces some of Oakland's coolest hang outs, proving that you don't need to go far to "get away". If you missed last nights episode, don't fret, the segment will be aired again this weekend on Saturday and Sunday at 6PM on Channel 20, Cable 13. Or you can see the show online after the weekend at www.yourtv20.com/greenlife.

Green this Pantry: Agave Nectar Banana Bread

2008-08-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Just as we treat our planet with care, we should be equally careful about the way that we treat our bodies. Sometimes in today's fast paced world, it's hard to get the right foods. Lots of us or so busy with our jobs and responsibilities, that we "take what we can get" in terms of meals, whether it be a quick dinner at the drive through or a preservative laden frozen dinner. Those of who've overeaten processed foods know that weight gain, a cold, and even acne are some of the health problems that can come as a result. Additionally the food that's better for our bodies tends to be farmed, produced and packaged in ways that are better for the planet as well.

In the spirit of good-for-you food, I'm sharing one of my favorite recipes: Agave Nectar Banana Bread! In the recipe I substitute agave nectar syrup and extra ripe bananas for sugar, and I use whole wheat flour instead of regular flour for added fiber (I also have this theory that the closer a food is to it's natural form, the better it is for you).

The syrupy consistency of the agave nectar makes breads and cakes super moist. Agave Nectar is naturally sweeter then sugar and it's lower on the glycemic index, so it won't make you crash and you can use less of it.

Whole Wheat flour adds fiber and makes the bread hearty.
These bananas will be ripe enough to use in a few days.

Recipe for Moist Agave Nectar Banana Bread

1/2 cup Agave nectar
1/3 cup grape seed oil(you can use vegetable or olive oil as a substitute)
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup Mashed very ripe bananas
1/2 Cup all purpose flour
3/4 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Optional: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or ground ginger

Preheat oven to 325
In a large bowl, beat oil, agave. Add eggs and mix well. Stir in banana's, vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Blend in chopped nuts. Spread into greased 9x5 loaf pan.
Back 55-60 minutes. Cool on wire rack 1/2 hour before slicing.

Who Needs Raid When You Have Red Wine?

2008-08-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

It seems that during certain times of the year, for those who keep a healthy stocked fruit bowl, fruit flies are unavoidable annoyance(especially if you tend to stick to organic varieties). Before you grab a bottle of Raid, I have news for you, you don't need to douse your kitchen in chemicals to run the bugs out of your kitchen. Instead set out a little saucer of red wine for a day or two. Fruit flies will go straight to the wine like moths to a bright light. This little trick also works if you have a roach problem. In that case, put a bowl of red wine(the cheap stuff of course) under your kitchen sink before bed. At night the roaches will literally drink themselves to death inside of the bowl. In the morning you will have a bowl full of roaches to dispose of, but it's better then having them in hiding in your kitchen. I don't have a trick for ants yet, but I'll be sure to report back when I do.

Pesticides in Your Produce

2008-08-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

The other day an exterminator made a visit to my apartment. Apparently of few of my neighbors had some pesty visitors, and though I have never seen a cockroach in my abode, my landlord insisted on professionally de-bugging the entire complex. I am not a fan of pests, but I am even less fond of clouds of chemicals being dusted over my belongings. I voiced my concerns to my landlord, but to no avail. On Tuesday Morning I returned to an apartment coated in pesticides. An informational sheet left behind by the exterminator told me not to be surprised if I experienced symptoms comparable to a seasonal flu. Within half an hour my nose was clogged and I had horrible sinus headache. My symptoms eventually subsided, but the whole experience made me wonder what kinds of toxins lurk in the non-organic produce I consume. As fate would have it, the universe answered my question when I stumbled onto foodnews.org, an environmental website that is completely dedicated to organic food culture. The site's opening page shows a guide that ranks the 43 fruits and vegetables according to pesticide load. Surprisingly peaches and apples carry the highest pesticide load, while onions and avocados carry the least. In addition to reaffirming my commitment to organic food, the foodnews.org guide gave me yet another reason to eat lots of guacamole.
Avocados carry a low pesticide load when compared to other non-organic fruits and veggies, perhaps it's all that thick skin!

Renu Yoga: Stylish, Earth-Friendly and 100% Breathable

2008-08-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

Renu is a green new clothing line offering stylish get-ups for yoga enthusiasts. The company is committed to using only certified organic American milled fabrics like cotton and silky bamboo. If you've ever touched a piece of material made from bamboo then you know why I am so thrilled. Fabric made from bamboo has a luxurious texture like no other material. Renu Yoga test's every piece of cloth that it gets to ensure that all products meet the companies earth friendly standards. Environmentally responsible dyes are used to add color and flair. Each piece of clothing is hand-stitched with care at Renu's LA headquarters. The result is comfy, chic, and 100% sustainable. Renu's breathable, flexible garbs make it easy to get the most out of your yoga practice. They also offer stylish tops for everyday wear. Check them out online at http://www.renuyoga.com/.

Namaste!

Ebay Takes Top OLGA Award in UK

2008-07-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

I've found another reason to go shopping today. EBay, the massive virtual flea market—where one can find anything from a used car stereo to a Pyrex casserole dish—has won first place in the OnLine Green Retail Awards(OLGA). The OLGA Awards honor online merchants that do business in the UK, with a ceremony that takes place in London. OLGA's organizer said the way eBay facilitates trade could be "seen as the ultimate in recycling". EBay provides a marketplace for users from around the world to auction new and used goods. eBayers can also sell goods by opening an online store on the companies website. In addition to creating income opportunities, eBay helps users put stuff that they don't want into the hands of happy new owners. EBay's business model relies on the principle of re-use, a rarity in today's consumer economy. The grand scale of the site makes conveniences like buyers insurance and automated payment options possible. Ebay embodies a modern day matrimony of technology and green consumerism. Speaking of sustainable shopping, I gotta go, I have a pair of almost new designer jeans to bid on.

Squeaky Green

2008-07-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

When childhood friends Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan founded Method, a line of nicely packaged environmentally friendly cleaning products, they duo sought to detoxify American homes, one product at a time. Noe Lowry and Ryan are at again, this time with a book that takes their mission one step further. In Squeaky Green, they give tips on how to curb chemical build up around the house, and some of their suggestions will surprise you. For example did you know that not making your bed and leaving an adjacent window open gives your sheets and mattresses a chance to air out some of chemicals and pesticides that lurk inside of them? Who would've known. The book is broken down into convenient sections that cover all areas of the home, and it also highlights trouble spots. There are tips for shoppers on a budget, as well as highlights explaining the importance of recycling. Squeaky Green is one stop shop for anyone looking to clean up the nasty toxins around their home, and a perfect housewarming gift to boot.

Check 'em out at www.methodhome.com

Are you Beauty Products Polluting Your Body?

2008-07-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Our skin is the largest organ in your bodies. Skin protects from us harmful UV rays and environmental pollutants. Our skin serves as a barrier against nasty viruses and bacteria that can make us sick. Skin protects our muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and everything else inside our bodies. Yet many of us who sware by organic produce and whole foods, are quick to slather our bodies in chemical laden soaps and lotions. Think about it this way, using a body product that contains harmful chemicals to nourish your skin is the equivalent of eating a big mac for good nutrition. With that said, converting to an organic beauty regimen takes a little knowledge and a lot label sleuthing.

A good rule of thumb is that if a product has too many ingredients you cannot pronounce, be wary. In addition here are some common ingredients to avoid:

Sodioum Lauryl Sulfate or SLS: Found in Shampoo’s face wash, and engine cleaner. It is an expensive and corrosive cleanser. Prolonged use and exposure can lead to skin irritation and damage.

Petroleum and Mineral Oils are cheap fillers that clogs pores, and are often synthetically manufactured.

Urea, aka Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Germall II and Germall 115. Used as preservatives to prevent bacterial growth although it is ineffective against fungi. Germall 115 may release formaldehyde, something you probably don't wan't on your skin. Urea is also known to cause contact dermatitis.

My Top Beauty Product Picks

Alba TerraGloss. This lip gloss comes in awesome colors for every skin tone and it glides on silky smooth cause it's made with Shea butter and beeswax. And, Alba Terra Lip Gloss is free of artificial colors, petrolatum, mineral oil, phthalates or parabens. My favorite color is Garnet. Retails for $5.99.

Weleda Almond Intensive Facial Cream for dry or sensitive skin. This rich moisture cream can be worn day or night and it’s super concentrated so you only need a dab. Almond oil is the main ingredient, which moisturizes fabulously and doesn't clog pores. Almond oil also helps even out complexions and it’s great for under eye circles. The lactic acid in the cream gently exfoliates to reveal a glowing complexion. Cleopatra is rumored to have bathed in curdled milk to reap lactic acids anti-aging benefits. And, did I mention all Weleda products are biodynamic! Retails for $15-$20.

ShiKai Shampoos have a low ph and are soap-free. The product uses natural shikai extracts as a cleansing agent along with moisturizing ingredients like aloe and panthenol. Retails for $6.99.

Organic Grape Seed Oil. I use this as an all-over moisturizer and I even put it in my hair. It’s much cheaper then expensive body lotions and my skin, which can get really dry, has been soft and luminous since I substituted my lotion with this light oil. Grapeseed oil absorbs easily into the skin, and it’s best used right the shower when your skin is still damp. Grape seed oil contains proanthocyanidins, which are very potent antioxidants that have the ability to fight free radicals and sun damage. You can pick up a bottle that will last you months at the grocery store for around five bucks—less then the costs of a good bottle of lotion.

California Leads the Nation as the First State to Adopt Green Building Codes

2008-07-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

The California Building Standard Commission has established a mandatory set of Green Building Codes. By 2010 all new Construction in California must abide by these rules. The standards take effect in 180 days, but adherence will be optional until the 2010 deadline. A PDF version of the press release can be found at the State's Consumer Services Agency website. Lawmakers said they set the deadline to 2010 to give companies time to adopt to the new requirements. The new standards target energy efficiency, diversion of waste from landfills, and the use of environmentally friendly materials, among other things. Check out this greenbiz article for a more detailed look at the issue.

Drum Roll Please...Oakland, California Named Fourth Greenest City in the Country

2008-07-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Oakland, California, the city where I was born and where I happily reside has somewhat of bad rep. And while it's true that you can never be too street saavy in this town, it's not all cops, robbers and gang bangers. Oakland has troves of redeeming qualities that outweigh the bad—did I mention that hot new wine bar that just opened down the street from my house! One quality that really makes Oakland unique, is a strong comittment to the environment. We have a green nail shop, ton's of recycle depots, hydrogen fuel cell buses, thrift shops, sustainable art collectives, a green travel company, a green hair salon, and I can count the number of people on one hand, whom I know who don't recycle. This is city where you won't have to look very far for a jug of organic milk, or a quiet trail to climb. This year, Popular Science Magazine named Oakland the 4th greenest city in the country. Criteria included the number of people who rely on public transit, the number of LEED buildings, and renewable energy sources. San Francisco topped Oakland at number 2, and Berkeley trailed close behind at number 7. Go Bay Area!

For a look on how this lists relates to green career opportunities check out Carol McClelland's sustainablog article.

Green Nail Bar Opens in Oakland

2008-07-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Ngyuen Yuen left a high paying job as a chemist to open a Green Nail Bar in Oakland. The new business has lucrative prospects, but Ngyuen's reasons for opening the shop were more personal then anything else. Two of her sister-in-laws, both nail technicians, fell ill from constant exposure to the chemicals involved in doing acrylic nails; one of them lost her 8 1/2 month old unborn baby. That's when Ngyuen took it upon herself to do some research about the products used in nail salons. She found that one of the largest distributors of nail care products uses formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate, chemicals so dangerous that they are banned in Europe. After learning this disturbing info, Nguyen set out to open Isabllea Nail Bar, a tranquil spa where only non-harmful products are used. In addition to providing a service that is safe from harmful chemicals, Ngyuen also takes special measures to ensure that her equipment is always sterile. She even designed her own foot tubs that flush out water—most shops just recirculate it—to lessen the risk of a nasty infection. So far Ngyuen's work as an industry pioneer has paid off, she told the Oakland Tribune that many of her customers who come from Berkeley are asking when she will open a shop in the neighboring city. Nguyen says others have asked if she plans to start her own line of products.

Isabella Nail Bar is located at 1962 Mountain Blvd. in the Montclair District of Oakland, CA. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 510-339-0100 or visit their webiste at www.isabellanailbar.com/ for more info.

Forbes Autos Releases Dirty Driving List

2008-07-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

In the market for a new car? You might want to check out ForbesAutos.com Top Ten Lists before making your selection. The website lists the top 10 polluters among new vehicles, and surprisingly the much criticized Hummer did not make #1. The site also offers roundups like: Green Speed Demons: Top Fastest Hybrid's on Sale Now, and Ten New Green Car Technologies—for those who want to stay current on green auto innovations. The site is a great resource for anyone looking to save a few bucks at the pump or make their driving habits more eco-friendly.According to Forbes Autos, the Mercedes E320 BlueTec, with it's clean diesel technology, is the most fuel efficient Luxury Car. One of these will set you back about $62,000.

Green This Vodka

2008-07-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

It’s not hard to find organic wine, lot’s of wineries are greening there ways. You may recall my post on how Boony Doon, my favorite winemaker scaled down production to become biodynamic. Nowadays, consumers have lots of options when shopping for eco-friendly wine. And while earth-friendly viticulture is in full bloom, liquor of the organic variety is much harder to come by. That’s why I was excited to learn that Square One Vodka, an artesenal start-up in Northern California is bottling up scores of ultra-premium certified organic vodka, created through an exclusive certified organic fermentation process. Square One Vodka is made from certified organic rye, which is processed using only organic, non-genetically modified yeast and nutrients. Everything that goes into making Square One Vodka is natural, and the result is delicious. Since it’s peculiarly angular bottles first hit the shelves, Square One has grown to become the industry leader of organic spirits by providing a product that not only taste great, but is also good for the planet. I’ll drink to that!

Earth Friendly Cosmo Recipe (you can make this from scratch! I substituted homemade simple syrup in place of the triple sec because organic mixers are hard to come by.)

2 Parts Square One Vodka
1 Part Simple Syrup (made from 1/2 and 1/2 solution of Organic Sugar and Hot Water)
Juice from half a lime
Splash of Organic Cranberry Juice
Optional: a Splash of organic OJ, a drop of Organic Orange Extract

Shake. Strain. Serve. Enjoy!

Cars to Display Global Warming Stickers in '09

2008-07-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Car shoppers in California will no longer have to guess how much pollution the shiny new vehicle their eying will emit. Starting next year, a California law will require all new cars to display a global warming score, ranking it against other vehicles made in the same year. The scoring system takes into account emissions made directly by the vehicle, as well as emissions created refining the fuel on which the vehicle runs. The cleanest burning cars will receive a top score of 10, with 1 being the lowest possible rank. The labels will be displayed next to the already-required smog ranking stickers.

This new law is the first of it’s kind in the US, but New York plans to follow suit and implement similar requirements by 2010. California scores will be available on the state’s DriveClean website.

Hopefully the new law will serve as an incentive for car manufacturers to clean up their act, as consumer demand for earth-friendly products peaks.

For more info on the issue check out this greenbiz article...

Green Barbeque Round-Up

2008-07-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Hot Dogs...

In the spirit of the 4th of July I've picked my brain and trolled around blog sphere for easy ways to have an earth friendly holiday.

Sharon Troy of Eat. Drink. Better. has some excellent tips on how to minimize your carbon footprint when firing up the grill. She suggests using a propane grill instead of charcoal, or purchasing cleaner burning coals like the one's available here at www.greenyour.com.

Paul Smith of Ecopreneurtist recommends ecoflame products. They make a non-toxic lighter fluid and a warming gel from sugar cane.

I suggest planning ahead and buying your fruits and veggies from the farmers market, or stores that offer locally grown produce.

Follow the same philosophy with your meat and stick to the free range organic locally farmed varieties. If your stumped for options, Nieman Ranch has great steaks and Aidells sells 3 kinds of certified organic and 10 types of antibiotic-free, all-natural sausages.

Happy Grilling!

Hot dogs and dirty dishes

2008-07-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

With the 4th upon us, thoughts of hot dogs and flags and lemonade are running in my head.

After a long day at work, I am faced with stuffing the dishwasher with a large load of dishes.

Then blamo! it hits me. It has been a long standing joke that the number of hot dogs never seem to match up with the number of buns. And it is no joke that my dishes never seem to fit into the washer just right.

How about someone come up with a great little marketing effort between a dishwasher manufacturers and a dish ware company. Or dish ware companies could outsource specialized racks that you could by after market or pick as an accessory.

Just a thought. And a late night one at that.

Have a save and green Independence day.

Truck Market Dwindles as Gas Prices Climb

2008-06-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

The Hummer: the last of a dying breed

You don't need to be an analyst or an auto industry insider to realize that the truck market is shrinking as quickly as gas prices are hiking. With fuel costs flirting at $5.00 a gallon, few people are opting for trucks and SUV's when shopping for a new car. Gas prices are also effecting the used car market, with smaller traditionally less popular vehicles pulling in a pretty penny, while trucks and SUV's are being offered for less and less. It should come as no surprise then, that the Honda Civic, a compact sedan hailed for it's reliability and fuel efficiency, is the top selling car in the US for the first time since 1992.

Petroleum-based industries have been hit hardest by the rising costs of oil. "All the factors are working against the truck market right now,” says Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with Endmunds.com per the New York Times. And as the demand for trucks shrink, companies like Ford, Chrysler and General Motors take a huge blow as they compete for sales in a dwindling market. Dealers report that the only people buying trucks are the ones who need them for work. And with skyrocketing oil prices that show no signs of dropping, we can assume this change is permanent.

Sink or Swim

For US automakers, to survive in the new market, some major adjustment is required. Automakers, whose bread and butter has traditionally been the truck and SUV sales, must switch to manufacturing fuel efficient/alternative energy vehicles if they are to survive. This task is easier said then done. Companies are losing money rapidly—GM's bank account is reportedly shrinking by 1 billion dollars a month—even as they make efforts to adjust. Skyrocketing gas prices hit manufacturers and consumers alike like a ton of bricks, and automakers are stuck with a ton of inventory that won't sell. Meanwhile alternative fuel technology lags behind demand.

General Motors announced it will shut down four plants that make trucks and alter or eliminate the gas guzzling Hummer. Chrysler announced that it will cut 12,000 jobs by the end of 2008. Ford who has already laid off thousands of union workers, is cutting another 2,100 salaried positions. The company speculates that they won't turn a profit until next year.

The near future looks dim for US automakers. Only time and money will tell which companies will dig themselves out of this rut.

On the upside, despite current economic woes, this change in the market is forcing consumers to re-examine their driving habits, and opt for more fuel efficient vehicles. At the same time car manufacturers are picking up the pace on sustainable automotive technologies—just last month Honda released the first commercially available hydrogen cell fuel vehicle—and this is something we can all look forward to.

For more information on how oil prices are effecting the automotive industry, check out these articles...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/05/business/05auto.html?ref=business
http://knowledge.emory.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1148

Schwrazzenegar Slams Offshore Drilling Efforts

2008-06-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

California's Governor may be a Republican, but he's sticking to his environmental guns. Schwarzenegger is a long-time critic of his party's stance on the environment and this week he publicly criticized the GOP-led effort to end the 27-year ban on offshore oil drilling.

Record gas prices and a sluggish economy have fueled public angst. President Bush has chosen this critical time to propose a measure that would end the long-standing federal moratorium on offshore drilling, claiming the lift would reduce America's dependency on foreign oil.

Governor Schwarzenegger was frank on his stance when he made these remarks in Miami at a Climate Change Summit, organized by Governor Charlie Crist(R), who is thought to be a potential running mate for Senator John McCain:

"Politicians have been throwing around all kinds of ideas in response to the skyrocketing energy prices, from the rethinking of nuclear power to pushing biofuels and more renewables and ending the ban on offshore drilling, it goes on and on the list," Schwarzenegger said,

"But, anyone who tells you this will lower our gas prices anytime soon is blowing smoke."

Though Schwarzenegger's views divert from his parties leaders, he was careful not to point the finger at any of them. A spokesman for the Governor said that his comments were not directed at George W. Bush, Charlie Crist, or Presidential hopeful John McCain, since none of these politicians overtly stated that offshore drilling would lower the cost of oil for consumers.

BeGreen, Saving the Planet One Dollar at a Time

2008-06-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

There are many things that money can buy: a fancy car, a Prada purse, a slimmer physique, even a more attractive partner. Now the folks at begreennow.com are claiming that they can offset your carbon footprint for the right amount of cash.

How it Works

The website features a calculator where visitors provide information about their lifestyle like the make and model of the car that they drive, and the miles they rack up annually. The calculator takes these factors into account, and estimates the tons of CO2 that the user generates in a year. After the user has determined their carbon emissions, they are given the option of purchasing "carbon offsets" from BeGreen's online store. For $56, a customer could purchase a BeGreen Driver for Compact and Small Cars, and offset 4 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions( the amount of pollution that the average compact car emits annually). BeGreen claims to offset carbon emissions by funding reforestation projects, investing in carbon-offsetting technologies, and purchasing renewable energy—think solar power and wind—credits.

Real World Results or Wolf Tickets?

BeGreen has partnered with recognized environmental protection agencies like American Forests and The Pacific Forest Trust. They also outsource an independent firm to review all of their purchases and sales. The audit report is available on their website.

And the Verdict Is...

Overall BeGreen's system seems legit. Still I would have a hard time handing over my hard-earned cash so that someone else could reduce my carbon footprint. I think my money would be better spent donating directly to non-profits that protect the environment—for one thing giving money the good old fashion way eliminates the middle man—or investing in companies that are developing new green technologies. And there's always recycling, driving less, and eating slow food. Still I have to give it up to BeGreen for facilitating innovative ways to save the planet.