A Fair Trade

Most of us are familiar with the term "fair trade," but do you really know what it means? If you are interested in learning more about it, a great resource is Green America's Guide to Fair Trade. Do you think the fair trade label only applies to coffee? Not true...find out about the people behind fair trade chocolate, tea, fruit, sugar, fashion, jewelry, home decor and even sports equipment. Learn about what the term means and why it matters. Explore some of the places where fair trade is in action. Finally, learn about how you can get involved. It's all in Green America's Guide to Fair Trade!

With Budget Cuts I'm A-R-Y Stationary

I have a confession to make...I love paper. The eco-conscious and the paper-philes don't generally hang out in the same circles, but this year's National Stationery Show indicates that things may be changing. I did not actually attend the stationery show. Insane, I know, that with huge budget cuts and travel restrictions I was not able to convince the powers that be to allow me to travel to a trade show that has nothing to do with my job. I am fortunate that the good folks at Treehugger reported back on some of the amazing eco-friendly paper products that were showcased at the show.

Now, the stationers that made this best of the best list are doing some amazing work. We're not just talking about 10% post-consumer fiber. We're talking reclaimed cotton, carbon neutral, paper mills running on landfill gas, carbon-footprint labeled eco-friendly stationery! And it's gorgeous! The whimsical designs are matched by whimsical company names like Two Trick Pony and Fugu Fugu Press. Check out the dazzling stationery slideshow at treehugger! If you think you'll forget, just jot a note on your hydroelectric-paper-mill-made-soy-based-ink-printed notepad. Oh, you don't have one? Check out these companies and you can remedy that situation.

What's Green About eBay...Besides the "y"?

Why, the eBay Green Team, of course! What started back in 2007 with 40 people is now over 1,000-strong. Go to the eBay Green Team site for great resources on not only how to buy green, but also on selling green - from operations to shipping to marketing. The site has fun, lighthearted content like the "What's Your Green Personality?" quiz, but also more serious sections with questions to ask yourself before making purchasing decisions. You are even invited to join the eBay Green Team and share your own experiences with the green community.

Time to Address Your Drinking Habit

Interested in knowing exactly how much money you would save if you cut your consumption of bottled water? Well, the Center for a New American Dream is interested in you knowing. Check out their Bottled Water Cost Calculator to find out exactly what you spend on your habit. You'll also see how much water, oil and energy is used to get you that bottled water as well as the amount of CO2 produced. Just in case you were wondering...

A Step (In Cute Shoes) In the Right Direction

As global climate change and other environmental impacts get more attention, more companies are attempting to somehow quantify the "green-ness" of their products. One attempt to do just that worth checking out is Patagonia's Footprint Chronicles. The Chronicles track the impact of specific products from their design to their delivery. Information provided includes distance traveled, CO2 emissions, waste generated, and energy consumed. Patagonia openly points out, from the company's perspective, what is good about a particular product and its lifecycle and what could use some work. There are currently ten products for which a Footprint Chronicle exists, and Patagonia plans on adding a few new products each season. Some folks question how well various methods of "footprint reporting" actually measure ecological impact and, perhaps more important, whether this information will change consumer behavior.

Measuring Your Green-ness

Wondering how green you are? How about how green entire countries are? National Geographic wanted to know just that. Check out Greendex, a worldwide tracking survey to measure consumer progress toward environmental sustainability. The Greendex survey included 14,000 people in 14 countries. It included questions about energy use, transportation, food, green products, personal attitudes and knowledge of environmental facts. National Geographic plans to track countries' Greendex over time. Go to the Greendex site to learn about which countries rank the highest, test your environmental knowledge, and measure your own personal Greendex!