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When I spotted "Confessions of an Eco-Sinner" at the local library, I was wary of a green-washing book However, I skimmed the brief summary and gave this book a read - I'm quite glad I did! Although my friends & family may be sick of me continuously spouting things I learned, I can't get enough. Fred Pearce is a British author who decided to track down where various items he uses originate, how they're created and what the impact is on both the local inhabits & environment. For example, he follows the birth of his wedding band into the gold mines of Witwatersrand, Africa (by Johannesburg). He checks to see if his 'Fair Trade" Coffee and cotton are actually "fair trade" - (which is quite complex). Here are just a few fascinating takeaways I learned:

Yesterday the Philadelphia Streets Department announced the launch of UnLitter Us- a sustained initiative and movement to rid Philadelphia of litter and create clean, beautiful and safe blocks. “With UnLitter Us, we are addressing the problem of litter head-on,” said Streets Commissioner Clarena I.W. Tolson. “Through the use of spoken word artists and comprehensive community programs, we aim to inspire pride and action in all Philadelphians to join the movement for a litter free city.” The spoken word artists perform original poems that express their frustration with litter and their dream of seeing it stopped. Their words are featured in UnLitter Us messages on TV, radio, web and public transit that debuted across the city March 29th. The Philadelphia Streets Department will work closely with community leaders to bring UnLitter Us to the ground level, showing Philadelphia residents how they can help tackle the city’s litter problem Planned programs include:

Bottled water tastes SO much  better than tap. It’s cleaner, comes from mountains (aka the heavens) and is bottled up by major manufactures (such as Coca-cola, Fiji and many others – even supermarket brands) delivered to you, tasting better than water you...

Guest Blogger Clay‘s Recommendation: Rocky Mountain Institute Founded in the 1980s by brothers Amory and Hunter Lovins, The Rocky Mountain Institute has since become a global thought leader in the efficient and restorative use of resources.  RMI prides itself on...

56% of women use disposable razors, according to Gillette. Don't do it! But just because you're green doesn't mean you have to stop shaving. Here's greener alternatives:

You feel good about carrying reusable bags, drinking out of your SIGG and cleaning with homemade eco-friendly products . Making sustainable, smart choices in your daily habits can go a long way. What about less frequently marketed ‘green’ products? Here’s two daily items you may not have considered – yet :

Moore College of Art & Design continues to set a green example in the college community. Furthering their commitment to be more eco-friendly, they've replaced the majority of paper products in student dining halls with plates made from tempered glass, reusable plastic cups and silverware. (The glassware is more environmentally friendly than chinaware because it is more durable and can be recycled if damaged or flawed in the production process.) This recyclable dishware movement came about in part from an Environmental Task Force at the College comprised of students, staff and faculty, promoting responsible eco-friendly practices at the College through educational programs and sustainable building initiatives. Since 2007, Moore has implemented other eco-friendly measures, including:

Who would have guessed she has a "Big Love" for the environment too? "Being eco-friendly makes you feel good about yourself. Who cares if people call you a hippie?" -Chloë Sevigny, of Big Love Fame That's not all - she lists her green habits as...

Warm weather's outside, Spring's in the air... which means insect season will soon be in full swing. Although insects & bugs are happy outside, they can be pests in the home or outside a BBQ/picnic. Rather than using dangerous sprays or traps, EcoSMART offers organic pesticide & insect repellents. Made from essential oils, they're non-toxic - making them kid & pet-friendly. This may seem like an oxymoron- How can you have a safe and non-toxic pesticide?