Now they’ve taken their business to the Internet, with well-known staples like Patagonia, as well as smaller, lesser-known brands such as Aventura and Indigenous Designs. Best of all, they are offering FeelgoodStyle readers 20% your entire order! To help you get started on your shopping spree, I thought I’d point out a few of my favorite things:

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Editor’s Note: Carrotmob is a form of consumer activism that invites businesses to compete in order to win a mob of customers. But everyone wins, because the extra money the winner makes goes toward things like improving their energy efficiency. Usually the business who promises the largest percentage of revenue from the event wins, but this Carrotmob was done a little differently. Each contestant explained what they’d do if they won, and what they were currently doing around sustainability, and the general public voted, actually choosing the one who had already shown the greatest commitment to sustainability. Epicenter wanted to get some feedback from the public around what type of to-go containers to use.

What is the most sustainable type of take-out packaging?

Ah yes, the burning question that keeps many an environmentalist tossing and turning well into the night. On the one hand, PLA, aka “polylactic acid” comes from plants, not petroleum, so it must be good, right? But which plants does it come from? And what part of the plant? Is it waste being upcycled? Is it replacing food crops? It must be good, right, it’s not petroleum!?

Epicenter Café, being a very conscientious Carrotmob winner, wants to be sure they make the right choice. They also want your input, sage readers. So I present to you the options, because even the Green Café Network does not take an official stance on this ever-evolving topic. There is an increasing array of options for eco to-go containers.

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With Election Day less than 24 hours away, Leo wants you to know that now is your chance to vote (the environment).

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American scientists have discovered a fungus deep in the Patagonian rainforest that makes biodiesel as part of its natural lifecycle. The fungus is the only organism that has ever been shown to produce such an important combination of fuel sources.

According to team member Prof. Gary Strobel of Montana State University, “The fungus can even make these diesel compounds from cellulose, which would make it a better source of biofuel than anything we use at the moment.”

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According to Brazilian wildlife authorities on Wednesday, penguins have been “washing up” in far greater numbers this year in areas like Rio de Janeiro, where they are common, but not normally in these numbers.

“This is unheard of. There have even been reports of penguins washing up as far as Aracaju,” said Adelson Cerqueira Silva of the federal environmental agency.

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1. Asia — United Nations Climate Change Talks: “Kyoto II” climate talks open in Bangkok

“The first formal talks in the long process of drawing up a replacement for the Kyoto climate change pact opened in Thailand on Monday with appeals to a common human purpose to defeat global warming.

‘The world is waiting for a solution that is long-term and economically viable,’ U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said in a video address to the 1,000 delegates from 190 nations gathered in Bangkok.

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]]> http://ecoworldly.com/2008/04/05/10-top-environmental-headlines-of-the-week-2/feed/ http://ecoworldly.com/2008/03/19/wild-life-in-argentinathe-cauquen-case/ http://ecoworldly.com/2008/03/19/wild-life-in-argentinathe-cauquen-case/#comments Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:53:18 +0000 Martín Cagliani http://ecoworldly.com/2008/03/19/wild-life-in-argentinathe-cauquen-case/ There are 1000 species of birds in Argentina and 120 of them are endangered according to Aves Argentinas, a non profit organization.

In Argentina one of the main factors that puts wild birds in danger is unrestricted hunting. Most Provincial Governments don’t put a limit on this. When a limit is set, there is no control over its observance.

One of the most beautiful and more threatened species is the cauquenes or kaikenes (Ruddy-headed Goose or Magellan Goose), similar in aspect to the goose.

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]]> http://ecoworldly.com/2008/03/19/wild-life-in-argentinathe-cauquen-case/feed/ http://ecoworldly.com/2008/02/26/patagonia-a-big-plastic-bag/ http://ecoworldly.com/2008/02/26/patagonia-a-big-plastic-bag/#comments Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:35:09 +0000 Martín Cagliani http://ecoworldly.com/2008/02/26/patagonia-a-big-plastic-bag/ I’m traveling trough Patagonia, Argentina, and exploring how eco-friendly the Patagonians are.

I drove through route 3. It runs across Argentina from north to south, next to the Atlantic coast. Here you can see a beautiful landscape, steppe to one side and deep blue ocean to the other.

Patagonia: it’s a land of dinosaurs, oil and strong winds. The latter is responsible for a horrifying realization–how dirty it is! The last time I visited Patagonia was six years ago, and I didn’t see the mass amount of plastic bags everywhere.

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]]> http://ecoworldly.com/2008/02/26/patagonia-a-big-plastic-bag/feed/ http://planetsave.com/blog/2007/10/22/action-round-up-and-accolades/ http://planetsave.com/blog/2007/10/22/action-round-up-and-accolades/#comments Mon, 22 Oct 2007 20:48:07 +0000 Jeff McIntire-Strasburg http://planetsave.com/blog/2007/10/22/action-round-up-and-accolades/ By: Anthony J. Gerst

From Patagonia to the not-so-frozen Russian Tundra, unto the Brazilian tropical savannahs, the planet, “she be a changing, mate.” I consider it an honor to be writing for Planetsave. It is the freedom of pure expression that is the net-gem to be found here. Normally, when writing for this page, I narrow the focus down to a singular story. Within the feature blog I often present what I refer to as an activist’s listing. Today we will post an example of this writing style; remember, several of my blog postings are written this way. In today’s hustle and bustle so many of us seldom have the time to explore various avenues of activism; even we environmentalists are usually confined to a narrow focus of work within the field. So, upon occasion, I try and present a smorgasbord of actions in one location. Enjoy!

Once described as the land of the giants by Magellan, Patagonia, one of the richest and most diverse biological wonders on the planet, is in danger. With archaeological sites dating back to the 10th century BCE, recent discoveries would claim sites now go back as far as the 13th century BCE. This sparsely populated region of South America is interlaced with bogs, wetlands, rivers and coastal fjords. Not to mention the Alerce, a coniferous tree, the second largest living tree on the planet, the cypress forest of Guaitecas, and temperate rainforest home to many species found nowhere else on the globe. For instance we have the endangered puma, the huemul, and the fjords, which are used by blue whales, humpbacks, orcas, Chilean and black dolphins.

The government of Chili is in the process of wanting to construct a series of hydroelectric dams which will destroy a 1,200-mile expanse of this pristine ecologically needed CO2-reducing ecosystem. Part of this project would be undertaken by Brookfield Consortium, a Canadian company that would clear-cut a 1,400-mile path through many areas already designated natural preserves and parks. We are literally advancing human kind unto a precipice where no retreat is possible. When will we embrace an eco-friendly life style, realizing that we can still maintain a viable technological society; while we are at it, creating a global economic boom? One of the steps along this journey is to voice your concern in an effort to stop the above atrocity: www.savebiogems.org/patagonia/takeaction.

As an environmental writer I have a few regrets. One, the paper I use is not generated from Industrial Hemp. Two, that I cannot bring to you all the information that flows to me. Three, I can’t write about everything, so often this means prioritizing: in this battle it’s almost impossible to say one issue is above another, as they are all intertwined. So, as things escape along the linear equation we call time, one does their best to advance the cause of saving a planet from ourselves.

On September 21, the initial phase of a five-step process began, which has been battled for over the last seven-years by Ocean Conservancy and its partners. This project created the marine protected areas (MPAs) along the 1,100-mile drive along the scenic coastal highway of California. This is the first of its kind in our nation: kudos to California and their diverse array of citizenry. Having driven that highway I can say, to me anyway, there appears to be three states in one. Cali, you are indeed unique. To learn more about this great project go to the Ocean Conservancy’s page of resources.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida. He recently went head to head with Rodney Barreto Chair of the Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) in an effort to block the downlisting of the manatee. One would think the Chair of the FWC would be fighting for this issue. We have so much work to undo from this current administration. Send the good Governor of Florida a message of accolades.

]]> http://planetsave.com/blog/2007/10/22/action-round-up-and-accolades/feed/ http://kellibestoliver.greenoptions.com/2007/06/19/leave-no-trace-and-no-carbon-footprint-when-backpacking/ http://kellibestoliver.greenoptions.com/2007/06/19/leave-no-trace-and-no-carbon-footprint-when-backpacking/#comments Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:02:23 +0000 Kelli Best-Oliver http://kellibestoliver.greenoptions.com/2007/06/19/leave-no-trace-and-no-carbon-footprint-when-backpacking/ It's a paradox: although backpackers, particularly those who are hardcore, are committed to "leaving no trace," and surely appreciate our natural environment, we still consume fossil fuels getting to our favorite trailheads, and damage, however minimally, the environments in which we hike. Most of us, also, are still totally into gear: backpacks, tents, and the like, which can consume resources, even petroleum, and can produce pollution through their production.

Although backpacking can be one of the most eco-friendly vacations one can take (let's face it, you're walking everywhere), can backpackers lessen their eco-footprint? Although environmentalism has always been on the radar of those who enjoy the outdoors, there are more and more options that allow backpackers and hikers to make greener choices to preserve the nature that they love getting away to.

First and foremost, getting to and from the trailhead can be a major source of carbon impact. Consider taking the train or bus instead of driving or flying. The Appalachian Trail has multiple sections that are serviced by train or bus, as does the Pacific Crest Trail, and the John Muir Trail. And if you take the train you don't have to worry about your car getting broken into while you are on the trail. If worse comes to worst, you can (gulp) offset your travel.

Second, remember to obey leave no trace principles. Sometimes, after a long day of elevation gains, unexpected rain, and blisters, you might not feel like packing out the leavings of washing dishes, or the thought of a roaring campfire trumps the knowledge that you probably shouldn't make one, or you feel like wandering off the beaten trail. It may seem like your actions don't really make a difference on your favorite trail, but according to Leave No Trace, backpackers have a significant impact on the wildlife, water sources, and vegetation of their favorite habitats.

Finally, keep an eye out for greener options when buying gear. Outside magazine recently released it's green issue and, in its yearly gear guide, included an entire section devoted to eco-friendly outdoor gear. Backpacker considers green gear when reviewing products for their magazine, and awards annual "Green Awards" for sustainable gear. Teko socks kept my feet dry and blister-free through a 21 mile overnight on the Colorado Trail, have eco-friendly packaging, and are made of recycled polyester. Patagonia has established itself as an industry leader in environmentally-friendly business practices, and much of their clothing is made of recycled materials and can be returned to the company (via a retailer or the company's website) for recycling. Chaco sandals were ubiquitous on and off the trail, and are produced using recycled rubber and water-based glues. Lafuma has a new hemp pack and a more sustainable sleeping bag, and Nau recently released its highly-anticipated line of on and off-trail clothing.

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