Guster is Green

I've liked the band Guster for awhile now, but it was only today that I learned the they make a point to be more eco-friendly on their tours. Watch the fantastic video below from the Sundance Channel for info on Guster's guffly practices and some concert footage, too.




I knew they were extra special.

Why You Should Love Peace Love Earth

My usual random internet searching led me to find this great green jewelery company called Peace Love Earth. If you like letting the world know about your values or if you don't want to be like everyone else who has the same silver Tiffany's heart necklace, then these necklaces and bracelets are for you. The designer, Anna Mkhitarian, who also designs clothing and accessories, fuses her love of fashion with her passion for peacefulness, positive change, and her care for the environment.

The sterling silver designs are made with recycled, pure .925 sterling silver. The super cute pendant shown here is hand-polished, and other items in the store are hand-made in Los Angeles. I'm digging this pendant, but they also have more subtle designs, if that suits your fancy. The prices range from $60-275, which varies based upon how many charms go into each piece.

Peace Love Earth = adorable, sustainable jewelery with a great message.

Jewelery that Turns You Green

No, not cheapo jewelery that turns your skin green after wearing it. I'm talking about fine jewelery with an eco-conscious and people-friendly purpose.

There's been a lot of engagements and weddings going on around me lately. So, as with most things I don't feel like thinking about, there's been this constant stream of wedding and engagement info going on around me that I otherwise wouldn't have noticed. It always happens that way, right? I've seen TV segments on how to be a "green bride" and how to have a "green wedding," and lately I've even found some guffly engagement and wedding rings.

I found a store called greenKarat, an ecommerce jeweler of jewelery made in more ecologically responsible manner. The company has a strong philosophy and also goes deep on the issues surrounding gold and gems, like conflict diamonds and the impact of mechanized mining processes. Additionally, they go beyond taking issue with conventional practices and actually deliver alternatives. Each piece of jewelery they sell is evaluated on 8 characteristics:

1. Eco Metal: is it made of ecologically mined gold or platinum?
2. Eco Alloy: is the alloy a recycled metal?
3. Eco Findings: are the small parts of the jewelery comprised of recycled gold or platinum?
4. Eco Gems: are the gems ecologically mined?
5. Eco Other: are the other components of ecological origin?
6. Non-Eco: are there items used that are not ecologically responsible?
7. Eco Refinery: did the precious metal on the piece come from an ecologically certified refinery?
8. Eco Bench: did the jewelery maker use eco-friendly procedures in the workplace?

Using these guidelines, greenKarat gives each of its pieces a rating called a Green Assay Record. This allows the customer to view the characteristics of his or her jewelery, and understand how green it is. While they understand that each piece isn't ecologically perfect, because the system isn't yet perfect, greenKarat does pledge to be open and honest with customers about what goes into each piece of jewelery. Plus, the primary metal is every greenKarat design is recycled from another piece of jewelery.

greenKarat also has a section on their site called myKarat that allows customers to recycle their gold for store credit, to reuse their gold to make rings, or to donate their gold to benefit the environment. And with gold at premium value lately, now is the perfect time to start exchanging.

Look At That Package

I found a really helpful blog article over at "Moving at the Speed of Life" about eco-friendly packaging that I thought you might like. It's probably no surprise to you that the extra packaging that comes along with the goods we consume is taking an unnecessary toll. In fact, the EPA estimates that 1/3 of landfill waste comes from product packaging. If that doesn't scream "opportunity for improvement," I don't know what does. Though the amount of packaging that comes with the stuff we buy is not really in our direct control, we do have a great amount of control over how we recycle and reuse these things. The article goes deep on some packaging reduction initiatives being done by Dial and Deer Park bottled water. Other companies, like Method, are also known for their minimalism. Likewise, brands like Ecoist take reusing to a new (and quite fashionable) level. Know of any other brands that have cut down on the packaging they use, or have found an alternative use for excess packaging? Please let us know!

Think Outside the Space

Is anyone else tired of Myspace? I have to say that I am. I've recently noticed that Myspace doesn't add any value to my life or business. I write blog articles and post them onto my profile; and nobody reads them. In fact, most of the friends that I have don't even write in their blogs at all. I guess it's cool for the person that just wants to keep up with some old friends; but for people who actually want to educate--and be educated--there are far more effective ways to communicate online.

Take the Gaia Community for example. I also have a profile on Gaia with about seventy-five percent less friends than Myspace. Of course, I have eighty percent less page views on Gaia than I do on Myspace; but the Gaia page views are much more valuable. More people on Gaia are interested on what I'm doing; thus they leave me great feedback. I also find Gaia to be much simpler to maneuver through than Myspace.

Another useful networking site that I found is the Earth Day Network (EDN). The members of this site are dedicated to doing their part to better the world. I know that my friends on (EDN) are interested in guffly living, so I know to focus my time more on them. The functionality of (EDN) is even guffly. It was so easy to register and set up my profile. It literally took me 5 minutes to register, add photos, music, and widgets to my profile page.

The point is this: if you're trying to share knowledge with people over the Internet think about other online networks than Myspace. While Myspace is fun; there are other networks--in any area of interest--that are way better channels for transferring information.

Happy Earth Day!

My Baby Tree

Happy Erf Day!

I hope you all are enjoying today in the most earth-pleasing ways possible. On this day, 17 years ago, I received a tiny baby tree to plant in honor of earth day. I remember bringing this little plant home from school in a plastic bag and asking my parents where I should put it. I planted the little thing outside of my parents house with the help of my dad, it must have been only a foot or two tall at the time. To his and my mom's surprise, that little tree made it through that summer and winter (which was not at all my doing, because I think I forgot about it for at least 5 years). Today, my tree is bigger than my parent's house. It feels really cheesy, but when I take a moment to look at it I get a sense of satisfaction.

Eat Better

I found this guide, "Organic Foods and More: 30 Days to a Greener Diet," on The Daily Green. I like this list of simple ways to eat better because you can incorporate just a few of the tips and still be more sustainable and healthier than you were before. Instead of cramping all these tips into one month, I suggest you take one or two of the tips and just work on those those for a week or two. Then, as you progress and get used to your new habits, you can take on a few more of the tips.
The tip I'm going to start with is "Get Real with Sweeteners." When I'm at a coffee shop I usually go for the natural sweeteners, if they're available. However, not all coffee shops give you that option. So, I usually end up using 4 or 5 Splenda packets in my coffee or tea. Gross, right? Part of the reason for this is my calorie-phobia. But, I think I can commit to switching my 4 packets of Splenda for one (ok, probably two) packets of natural sugar. My plan is to keep a few on hand in case the shop I'm at doesn't have any, and to do a 100% switch to natural sugar at home.

Which tip will you work on?

Decor Freak

The thought of my big move, though still a few months in the distance, is one of the reasons why I haven't gone completely crazy lately. There's just something about starting fresh - especially when starting fresh means new, organic and natural decor for your new place.

I found some beautiful bedding at Amenity. This duvet cover is made of organically grown and processed cotton, and is printed with non-toxic, water-based dyes. Likewise, its printed and sewn in the US. The queen size duvet is $330. This isn't bad by comparison. If you look for duvets of the same size at Macy's or other department stores, you'll find that their prices range from $100-400, depending on the brand and quality. The store also offers free shipping on orders over $100, and allows returns if you contact them within 14 days of receiving your item.

Recycle Your Janky Cell Phone

My poor cell phone is on its last leg. It functions 100%, but the screen gets all weird and fuzzy sometimes and it doesn't flip open with ease as it once did. It's a sad, sad situation for all parties involved. I'm preparing for this unfortunate event by looking for electronics recycling companies. I found this article by Earth2Tech on 5 great places to send your dearly departed or obsolete gadgets.

I'm most interested in SecondRotation and BuyMyTronics.com, because I wouldn't mind getting a little money for my phone. I went through the steps at BuyMyTronics.com, which included giving information on my phone model and its condition. Their calculator estimates that I could receive $49 for my phone. Plus, they give an option to donate the money to a charity of your choice. At SecondRotation, their calculator estimated my phone's value at $41. You have to mail your gadget in yourself, of course, but both sites can send payment through Paypal for a quick, simple turnaround.

Pretty Guffly stuff.

Crotch Appeal

What area of your body needs the most organic love? Yes, the good ol' goodies. In fact, I can't think of any part that I'd want to keep further away from pesticides and chemicals. That's why I began searching for good looking organic undies. I came across a brand you should know about. They are called Green Knickers, and they are based in the UK. I like Green Knickers because they are really cute, and most of their pairs are 100% organic, and 100% fair trade. Unless you want to pay for international shipping, you can find Green Knickers on the Green Leaves portion of Figleaves.com (a webstore with all intimates). Green Knickers' various styles retail for around $28 on Fig Leaves, plus $4.50 for shipping.

Gufflebags and Belts

I found this company called Littlearth family of brands. The company is truly innovative and responsible when it comes to making their products. All of their products are made from recycled license plates, bottle caps, and car seat belts and tires.

What Littlearth does is simple: Old or obsolete license plates are donated to them; and the company transforms them into the shape of a handbag, or photo and CD holders, which are bound together by recycled automobile tire rubber. Littlearth also sells belts that are made from bottle caps and automobile seat belts, which are also donated to the company.

There are many variations of each product like Fender, Superflair, and Cyclone handbags; and you can buy a belt made from vintage soda, beer, old west, or classic soda bottle caps. You can also customize your own handbag, CD and photo holder, or belt. You can send in your own license plates--or bottle caps--and have the product of your choice made especially for you.

There is one more great thing that Littlefield does. They sell all of the products--minus the belts-- in a sports theme. You can buy the product of your choice with logo of your favorite sports team from the NHL, MLB, and NFL.

Littlearth has been in business for 15 years and is headquartered in Pittsburgh PA. According to the website, Littlearth is the company that is responsible for introducing the world to the term eco-fashion. I don't know much about that, but I do know that they have very innovative, stylish, and responsible products. And to me, that's guffly.

Today on Etsy: Hot Organic Ts

Many people know about the loveliness that is Etsy. If not, you should surely check it out. Etsy is a site for handmade crafts, sold by the crafters themselves. I found two great organic Ts, one more masculine and the other more feminine, and wanted to share them with you. If you like them, too, support the crafter and make a purchase. It's as easy as pie.

Hot T #1: Briar's Garden Organic Cotton T-shirt by Alisontauber. This shirt comes in sizes S-L and will run you $28, plus $3 for shipping anywhere in the US. It's an organic shirt made by Alternative Apparel, and printed with a water based ink. Perfect for a day in the sun.

Hot T #2: Organic Cotton Bicycle Shirt by Vital. This shirt comes in M-XXL and costs $26, plus $3.50 for shipping anywhere in the US. It's made of 100% organic cotton. Plus, what could be more sustainable than wearing this organic T-shirt while actually riding a bike? Genius.

It's in the Bag

I love handbags - especially unique, unbranded, can't-find-it-at-the-mall bags that none of my friends can find anywhere (yes, I'm a greedy style hoarder). During my searching I found a shiny needle in the haystack of handbag internet shops. Asi Crecemos is fair-trade store with unique handmade bags from Columbia. The company, whose name means "how we grow," has a meaningful mission: "to help create economic opportunities for these Columbian artisans so that they can support their families. In addition to purchasing and marketing their handmade products in America, we assist them in becoming economically self sufficient through product training, technical assistance and market access."

By checking out the site you can see that this mission is more than just words. They have pictures of the producers and the village right on the website. This village they are working with is made up of about 60 families. They believe that within 12 months they will be able to generate enough business to get the producers and their families out of poverty level. The store just began this past January, and hopes to be fair-trade certified by the end of the year.

The handbags are made from a combination of leather and a fiber called fique, which is natural and native to the Andean regions of Columbia. All of the materials in the bags, other than the zipper, are biodegradable. The bags and totes range from $65 to $75.

Won't digging through the seemingly bottomless pit of your purse be way more fun when you have a bag that is cute and good for the world? Exactly.

Eco-Tips to You

As some of you know, Guffly living is all about simplicity. If a product or practice can help us become more responsible people; and doesn't require us to drastically change the way we live, then that's Guffly. I found a service that is just that.

Ideal Bite has a service that emails their members a daily tip for becoming more eco-friendly. According to the About Us page on the site, each tip was selected because it is a "small change that adds up."

Signing up for the service took me about 25 seconds; and it was super-easy. Now I'll get a daily tip to help me on my quest in living responsibly. You should get it too.

Less Baggage is Better

Just as dating is much better with no baggage, shopping is too. So, I was happy to read over at A Greeniac's World (a blog you should indeed check out when you have the chance) that Ikea is creating less plastic bag waste. It turns out that Ikea is going all the way by completely eliminating plastic bags in their stores. Instead, customers can purchase a reusable bag for $0.59 or choose to not use a bag at all. By eliminating the plastic bag option in its US stores, Ikea is saving the world 70 million wasteful plastic bags a year. Check out the entire article here.

Smart Cooking

I was watching Detroit Fox 2 News today, and began watching a segment that was dedicated to "green" products. A woman from Sur La Table demonstrated the products, while Murray Feldman added some color commentary. During that segment, the woman described a product that caught my attention. It was an inductive cooktop, and i was impressed by it. So I did some research and found this great article discussing the pros and cons of inductive cooking.

Inductive cooktops vary in price depending on factors like the number of burners and wattage. You can purchase a basic model at Amazon; or you can get one--with all the bells and whistles-- like this one at Best Buy.

So if I buy an inductive cooktop and some new stainless steel cookware, I can do my part to in preserving precious energy. And just as important; purchasing an inductive cooktop will save me money each month on my electricity bill. That seems simple enough for me.

Smell like a Rich Hippie?

Do you smell organic?

Wait. Actually, I'm not sure if that would be a good thing. Organic-lovers have hard enough time overcoming the hemp-sack wearing, dirty-hippie stereotype. Nonetheless, smelling organic is actually a really good thing - especially if you smell like the organic scents over at Rich Hippie. Unlike your average fragrance, Rich Hippie is free from icky synthetic chemicals. Instead, their products are made only with organic natural ingredients like wine spirits and plant & flower extracts.

The company has various perfumes as well as unisex fragrances. A 1/8 ounce roll-on is $45, which is undoubtedly more expensive than your average perfume when you consider the size of the bottle. When ordering directly from Rich Hippie, shipping costs start at $14. However, one retailer who carries the product, Kaia House, sells the fragrances for the same prices and has shipping for only $7.

I Heart Free Stuff

Love free stuff? Love free stuff that also happens to be Guffly? Perfect. I have quite the opportunity for you. While browsing the web, as I so often do, I came across a great contest that may just score you some great goodies. Check out The Great Green Giveaway over at Life Goggles. You could win some of the over $3,000 in prizes. There are 5 ways to enter; subscribing to the site's weekly newsletter, leaving comments on articles, blogging about the contest on your own blog, subscribing to the RSS feed, or by answering a short survey. Some of the great prizes include a $50 gift certificate to Simple Shoes, a set of organic male grooming products from Male Organics worth $50, a gift basket full of natural household cleaning products from Green-Kit worth $85, and much more. The contest runs through the rest of this month, so go enter. And, feel free to leave my email address on the entry form...