Sierra Club

Daily Roundup

Turning The Tide: In what many are considering a surprising turnabout, Bush today became the president who initiated history’s largest marine conservation effort. Scientific American Meltdown: Yesterday in China, a coal-to-liquids plant went operational, a clear sign that China isn’t planning on going green anytime soon. Environmental Capital (WSJ) and Dot Earth (NYT) Sick Birds: A mysterious illness is afflicting pelicans throughout California; many are being found far from the ocean disoriented, injured, and dead. L.A. Times (read more)

How To Show Your Green Pride

There are flags and icons for all sorts of causes, so why not one for those who want to show their pride in their commitment to living in a way that preserves the planet? The new Green Pride Flag, designed to be the symbol of the green movement, features six stripes in different shades of green. (read more)

Green Your New Year’s Resolution: Eat Less Meat

The statistics say it all: Livestock production generates almost 20 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases — more than the entire transportation sector. If Americans reduced meat consumption by just 20 percent, it would be as if we all switched from a sedan to a hybrid. (New York Times) Factory farms pollute U.S. waterways more than all other industrial sources combined. And you’d save more water by refraining from eating a pound of beef than you would by not showering for an entire year. (E - The Environmental Magazine) Producing 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of beef emits more carbon dioxide than going for a three-hour drive while leaving all the lights on at home. (The Guardian) Those who can’t cut out meat entirely might consider deciding to be carnivorous on only one or two days of the week. (read more)

Daily Roundup

Going, going, gone… Last month, Bush paved the way for an auction of pristine stretches of Utah wilderness to oil and gas companies. CBS Or here to stay? In response, college student Tim DeChristopher derailed the auction by purposely ratcheting up bids and winning 13 parcels that he doesn’t intend to pay for. Grist (read more)

River Woes, Thanks To Domestic Oil Drilling

Concerns about freshwater supplies are rising due to the renewed fervor of domestic oil production.The Colorado River is threatened by oil operations in its proximity, while drilling in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shales is contaminating the Monongahela River. Will hunger for fossil-fuel independence overrule the thirst for safe drinking water? Let's hope not. (read more)

Green Your New Year’s Resolution: Get Unplugged

Unplug any electrical appliance you’re not using to save more than 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide – and a good chunk of cash. “Phantom” appliances that should be disconnected when not in use include phone chargers, computers, TVs, DVRs, and microwaves. (read more)

Green Your Holiday Party: Glassware

One way to avoid the waste of disposable cups and plates is to use small, removable labels for glassware. Many hosts go through three or four times the number of disposable cups as they have guests, and this is a good way to not only conserve resources, but to inspire your guests to do the same. (read more)

Test Your Green IQ

Are you a whiz when it comes to green trivia? Find out how much you know about the big environmental news stories of 2008 by taking "The Year in Green" Quiz. (read more)

Green Your Holiday Party: Drinks

Dreaming of a green Christmas? This week we'll show you ways to make your Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa party eco-friendly, from using the Sunday comics to wrap your gifts to buying LED holiday lights. Tip #1: Give and Serve Green Drinks Studies suggest that warm drinks promote good feelings, so turn up the cheer with homemade eggnog or vegan eggnog. Give premixed hot chocolate with fair trade cocoa powder and marshmallows in mason jars as a party favor. Scrap the gift wrap entirely and give gifts in reusable tote bags. Share your tips: What are your favorite holiday drink recipes? The Green Life will take a holiday break starting on Dec. 24, but we'll be back with new posts on Jan. 2. In the meantime, peruse our archives for a wealth of green-living tips. (read more)

Daily Roundup

Environmental Menace? The Sierra Club's answer guy weighs in on kitty litter and scolds the owners of outdoor cats. Hey Mr. Green Now Hear This: Scientists discover that so-called "whispering" bats aren't really whispering. They're actually shrieking. Science Daily Math Wrap: Conserve your (recycled) wrapping paper this holiday season by using "The Scientific Guide to Gift Wrapping." New Scientist On Course: After receiving a much-needed loan from the federal government, GM announced that the anticipated Chevy Volt is still on schedule for a 2010 debut. Green Tech Green Seats: Ford hopes to woo environmentally conscious consumers with car seats made of natural hemp and soybean fibers. The Green Parent (read more)