BYE-BYE Reefs!

Reefs could perish by end of century, experts warn

LONDON (Reuters) - Increasingly acidic oceans and warming water temperatures due to carbon dioxide emissions could kill off the world's ocean reefs by the end of this century, scientists warned on Monday.

The experts told a meeting in London the predicted pace of emissions means a level of 450 parts per million of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere will be reached by 2050, putting corals on a path to extinction in the following decades.

The two dozen coral reef specialists and climate change exerts represented universities, government research offices and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

"The kitchen is on fire and it's spreading around the house," Alex Rogers of the Zoological Society of London and the International Program on the State of the Ocean, said in a statement.

"If we act quickly and decisively we may be able to put it out before the damage becomes irreversible."

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SIMPLE AND PATRIOTIC

We thought that the 4th of July would be the perfect time for a nudge to not only buy local but to buy American-made products whenever possible. Think of it this way: You are not only helping to boost the economy, create jobs and help local manufacturers you are also keeping that pesky carbon footprint low at the same time. From your bar-b-que to your dishes keep it US made and while your at it how about reusable too...

Here are some great red, white and blue buys:

Fiesta Ware  - yes they are still around and still USA made! 

Webber Genesis Grills need we say more?

Northwest Planks  - got to have smoky cedar plank flavor, we love this company!

Cream City Ribbons - Feeling like you need red, white and blue decorations, check'em out.

Do Your Part to Stop the Slaughter

Each year, Canada allows fur companies to brutally kill baby seals. Hundreds of thousands of precious baby seals have their skulls smashed, and their eyes, mouths, and cheeks hooked to avoid damaging the fur before they are dragged across the ice. PETA has passionately joined forces with the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee to persuade the Canadian government to end the slaughter of seals. You too can urge the Olympic Committee.

Shades of Green

Our friend and award winning documentariana - Christina DeFranco Taylor will do it again with Shades of Green. Shades of Green: New England is a weekly magazine-format show that highlights the green movement sweeping the nation. This half-hour program showcases New England companies that have an environmental mission linked with their business plan - some putting “planet” before profits; others demonstrating that being green can also be good for business.We were lucky enough to be part of the pilot episode along with a fantastic company called Eco-Fish. Have look here then pass it on! Just think, this way you can say you knew us when...

Green that Manicure

And you thought going green meant giving up the nail polish...All Hail Zoya!

Zoya non-toxic nail polish. Polishes begin at $6 and are Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor and DBP free. Zoya was voted Longest Wearing Nail Polish in Women's Health Magazine in 2008. Check out the 300 stunning shades -- including green. Available in singles or samplers. 

Dear Old Dad- this one's for you!

Dear Dad, so often you are the hardest person to shop for. I know just what to get the other treehuggers in my life, but you, you usually stump me.
But, not this year! I discovered GG2G.
In addition to the George Dopp Kit (seen above) they also carry the Norton Notebook, Foleo laptop case/portfolio protector and tool/pencil pouch. They're all one-of-a-kind (just like you) and made from recycled highway billboards- how cool is that?
Love,
Your Favorite Treehugger

Born Free USA ladies rock their Lota bags!

Monica, Sharie, Nicole, and Tracy from Born Free USA show off their stylish Lota bags!

The Greening of Dad's Day

It's perfect for him...We've just given you the perfect option for Dad's day! Our George Dopp Kit always comes out clean. Look no further in your search for manly-man green accessories.

Interior pocket, zipper closure, sturdy handle, do we hear a Booh Yah! 

Home Goods for the Homeless

New Haven Home Recovery, Inc., founded in 1990, is a non-profit agency determined to help homeless people in Greater New Haven, CT. NHHR operates emergency shelters, CareWays Shelter and Martha’s Place, provides over 100 supportive housing units, and collaborates with The Furniture Co-Op to fill empty houses with furniture and household items. New Haven Home Recovery addresses the crisis of homelessness and aggressively tries to comfort those in need.

Buy a Tote, Save an Animal

We are so excited to finally be bringing you our latest collaboration with Born Free USA, a non-profit group who's mission is is to advocate for the protection of animals from cruelty and exploitation.
To kick off the "Keep Wildlife in the Wild Week," we have made a series of limited-edition totes from their billboards that featured "Lota" the elephant. Lota suffered in chains, behind bars, and in the circus for most of her life. Lota was able to spend her last days at a sanctuary, thanks to compassionate individuals and groups that fought for her freedom, and never gave up. 15% of the sale of these bags go to Born Free USA.

CHANCEtoGIVE has also teamed up with Born Free with their new iPhone application allowing phone users to donate to US charities, all within a few clicks! iPhone users will be able to contribute to Born Free USA, thanks for CHANCEtoGIVE.

Keep Wildlife in the Wild Week is June 1 through June 7, 2009.