Thinking Outside the Big Box

Sometimes it's difficult to know what small, green businesses are in your area. It's getting easier thanks to the Organic Consumers Associations Breaking the Chains Buying Guide. Just type in your zip code and find the little green gems hidden in your neighborhood!

Turns Out That Local is Sexy...Who Knew?

Let's face it...those of us focused on environmental issues aren't used to being on the "What's Hot This Year" lists. Well, times are changing! The National Restaurant Association conducted a survey of more than 1600 chefs to find out "What's Hot in 2009." Eco-minded readers will be pleased to know the following made it on the top-20 list - #20 free-range poultry/pork, #18 organic wine, #10 sustainable seafood, #3 organic produce and #1 locally-grown produce. How's that for a new year to look forward to?

Food Fight!!!!

Producer-Director Chris Taylor brings us Food Fight, a documentary about how American agriculture and food culture developed throughout the 20th century and the California food movement that has developed as a response. The film shares the story of the anti-corporate protesters, led by Alice Waters, who emerged in the 1960s and 1970s to create their own food chain of local, organic and sustainably-raised foods. They rejected what they saw as trading taste and nutrition for money and shelf-life. Food Fight was recently screened at the American Film Institute's AFI Fest in Los Angeles and continues to receive high praise.

On the highway of green...

Check out SustainLane, an online green directory where you can find reviews of new green products and businesses. Sign up and contribute your opinions and ideas on green products that you have tried. You can even search by location for local green listings. It's all at SustainLane!