Articles Written by Beth Funari

Looking for a holiday gift idea for the green guys and gals in your life? Better yet need to pass some hints re: what you'd like onto others? Add this new cookbook from the Skinny Bitch franchise to your list (I just did!) Skinny Bitch: Ultimate Everyday Cookbook: Crazy Delicious Recipes That are Good to the Earth and Great for Your Bod by Kim Barnouin is available in bookstores and online now. The lengthy book title is a mouth-full but I'm hopeful this book will live up to the hype! Check out my co-blogger with the "Skinny Bitch" in the flesh here.

Online shopping is one of my guilty pleasures. Sometimes it gets me into trouble, and sometimes it's oh so worth it. (I'm sure many can relate!) I'm smiling this cyber Monday because of the new environmentally conscious website Pure Citizen. Pure Citizen offers 24 hour sales on organic merchandise. They partner with green designers to bring consumers daily deals on quality merchandise. Their selection includes handbags, apparel, accessories, even underwear. Another reason to feel good about shopping with Pure Citizen...

Thanksgiving is all about two things: 1. Giving thanks, being grateful , reflecting on all we have. 2. The food! Let's focus on the latter for a moment, and talk about how we can celebrate this Thanksgiving's feast in truly green fashion. Here's 4 simple ways:

Wilson's Soap is an example of how one idea can morph into another and do it well. Don Wilson's initial business model was based on promoting the concept of a BioDiesel Plant in Philadelphia. But, when the economy went downhill Wilson found himself with a whole slew of equipment, and "nothing to do with it", he says. Wilson discovered that soap and BioDiesel are more similar than one would imagine. Some soap is actually a byproduct of making BioDiesel. As a man whose hobbies included soap-making starting a company where he could combine a craft and utilize his machinery seemed a natural fit. After thousands of tests to get the formulas just right Wilson's Soap Co. was born.

WHYY and The Independent Television Service in cooperation with The Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia are presenting a free showing of Deep Down on November 17th. Deep Down is a documentary exploring mountaintop removal mining in an Appalachian Kentucky town. The film depicts the struggle of two life-long friends, Beverly May and Terry Ratliffe, caught in the center of the debate dividing their town. This debate revolves around the removal mining specifically. And, in broader terms - who controls, consumes, and benefits from our planet's shrinking supply of natural resources?

Despite our very best efforts to be environmentally active sometimes it's tough to motivate. The problems can seem too big or too far away from our individual lives. Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed I look to "enviro-celebs" to inspire me... Alexandra Cousteau is one of these celebs I speak of. Cousteau is founder of Blue Legacy, a non-profit movement to bring water to the forefront of society's issues. Further, Blue Legacy aims to motivate people to act on these critical issues. Alexandra's family is rooted in environmental advocacy. She's the grand-daughter of activist and National Geography contributor Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Her parents were bringing her on expeditions when she was just a few months old.

Calling all UK Readers! These days people go through cell phones at a rapid pace. With the continuous introductions of the best.new.phone.ever. popping up every few months consumers are leaving old models behind. You've likely heard about recycling options through your cell phone provider. But, wouldn't getting paid for the act be an extra incentive? Here's where RecycleMobile.co.uk comes in!

A highlight of my week is picking up produce from my CSA share. I consider it a culinary challenge to base my meals around what's in the box each week. Furthermore, I love that the produce doesn't have to travel far to make its way to my table. But, when Fall rolls around I recognize that there is perhaps a more eco-friendly way to get my fruit - pick it.

Philly's gearing up for the big game this weekend. It'll be a particularly interesting battle as Sunday marks Donovan McNabb's return to the Linc. I could go on about what the outcome of the game means for perception and morale. But, this is an environmental blog after all. So let's talk green. Where do the Eagles stand with their eco-efforts in 2010?