Miley all Smileys about Prius

Miley Cyrus has been deemed the 'Tween Queen' and Disney's biggest star. She is now a shining example of how younger generations can take part in greener lifestyles. After turning sixteen, she got the keys to a Porsche and a Prius. Not wanting to come off as hypocritical, she ditched the Porsche for the Prius.

“First of all, the Porsche is really hard to drive… This thing is really huge. I’m really into the environment; I’m always telling people to get more into it and there are different ways to stay green and then I’m driving, like, this big ol’ tank and I’m like, ‘That could not be any more hypocritical.’”

Two Prominent 'Eco'Mags Go Under, Thanks to Economy

Plenty Magazine and Domino have seen their final days due to the current economy. Both magazines covered environmental news and living green.

“In making the announcement, company president/CEO Chuck Townsend said the decision was purely based on the softened economy, which has already claimed a handful of other shelter books. This year through February, Domino’s ad pages tumbled 51 percent to 22 percent, per the Mediaweek Monitor. Launched in 2005, the title achieved a rate base of 800,000. But observers have said that in addition to the hard-hit housing market, the title had some difficulty explaining its positioning in the marketplace.”

We pray that once the economy becomes stable and once again thrives that Plenty and Domino will come back in full force.

Stefani a Celebrity Mommy to Adore

We adore Gwen Stefani because not only is she a popular American recording artist and an innovative fashion designer, she is also an amazing mother and an active do-gooder.

Her family is always rocking the latest style and starting the hippest trends. That is incredible considering her son Kingston is only two years old and their newest edition Zuma is only six months old. They obviously get their good looks and fashion ideals from their mother.

Gwen recently teamed up with Handmedowns.com to auction off some of the two young gent's gently-used baby gear to raise money for a great cause. All the proceeds will benefit the Orange Wood Children’s Foundation and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

We may not all by able to become recording artists or fashion designers, but we can take a note from Gwen and actively help to reduce, re-use, and recycle our children's outgrown but still usable items.

Get to Know: Summer Rayne Oakes

Summer Rayne Oakes is a woman on a mission. She has embarked on a journey of "cause-related modeling and innovative sustainable design/development projects to push sustainability issues through fashion and media."

Oakes has made herself known as The Eco-Model. "In addition to this, Summer Rayne is now a spokesperson, resident expert, and youngest Board of Advisors for Planet Green, Discovery Network’s new eco-lifestyle network that launched June 4, 2008 to 50 million households."

Oakes can now add officially published author to her resume. She has launched her new book: Style, Naturally. The book provides insane amounts of information on ethical fashion and natural beauty. From the NY Post:

Summer describes the tome as an “irreverent, witty” guide for green virgins. And yet, for all her self-serious references to being a “sustainability strategist,” Summer is wry and savvy, admitting a desire to “obliterate” competing books because hers “looks so much better.” She also acknowledges, “Not everyone’s going to spend $20 to save a polar bear.”

Treehugger gave Ecorazzi these juicy details:

Style, Naturally is aimed at women “who love style, but may not have “environment” or “green” in their lexicon” says Summer Rayne. The approach is one of openly stylish seduction with 350 pages and 500+ images full of rich colours and beautiful images, showing how much fun we can all have with contemporary ethical fashion and beauty products.

It also goes in depth featuring interviews with industry insiders including many TreeHugger favorites such as Galahad Clark of ethical shoe brand Terra Plana, Blake Mycoskie of Toms Shoes, Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin and in the beauty section Horst Rechelbacher the founder of Aveda.

Pick up your very own copy at Barnes and Noble.

Cali Green Hot Spot

Perhaps you're in the mood for a new taste of green. Well, you won't have to travel far (at least those of you in Culver City, California).

Akasha is an ecologically correct eatery located in a historic former hospital. Keep your eye out for the servers' Levi's Eco jeans.

Check out their very impressive green facts list:

FOOD
Sources: Farms, ranches and fisheries that are guided by the principles of sustainability, local produce whenever possible.

Standards: Natural and organic ingredients with no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, trans fats, nitrates, hormones or antibiotics.

BEVVIES
Coffee & Tea: Fair trade and organic, locally-roasted.

Drinks: Many natural/organic juices and sodas.Water: In-house water purified and bottled with the Natura system.

Spirits, Wine & Beer: Many organic, sustainable and bio-dynamic selections on list.

BUILDING AND DÉCOR
Materials: American Clay, no VOC paint, sustainable insulation recycled ceiling material, reclaimed finishes, recycled glass tile, reclaimed barn wood recycled fiberglass insulation, beeswax finishes, local limestone.

Heating/Air Conditioning: Energy efficient units from Carrier, natural ventilation.

Lighting: High-efficiency choices, LEDs, metal halide, compact fluorescents.

Furniture: Organic leather, hemp fabric, sustainable wood.

Bathrooms: Reclaimed wood stalls, waterless urinals, auto shut off sinks, biodegradable soap, high post-consumer toilet paper / paper towels.

Equipment: Energy Star certified appliances.

Flooring: Natural ceramic tile made from sand.

Cleaning Products: 100% biodegradable products.

Dishwashing: 100% biodegradable products.

UNIFORMS
Jeans: Levis Eco 100% organic cotton jeans

Shirts & Tee Shirts: 100% organic cotton

Aprons: Hemp & recycled polyester

MENUS AND COLLATERAL
Menu Covers: Chip board menus designed by Taste Envy

Paper: Recycled content, post consumer waste paper from New Leaf Paper and other sustainable suppliers

PAPER GOODS
To-Go Hot Cups: : BagasseWare™ and Ecotainer™ biodegradable, compostable.

To-Go Cold Cups: NatureWorks™ PLA, biodegradable and compostable.To-Go

Cutlery: Wheatware™, biodegradable, made from wheat.Napkins/Bags: 100% recycled fiber, biodegradable and compostable.

Raw Ani Phyo

Ani Phyo is a famous raw foods chef. Why raw foods?

She says, "My belief is that illness is created by toxins we put into our bodies. Eating raw foods helps me detoxify, stay healthy, strong, fit, weigh my ideal weight, and look my best.

When I eat whole fresh organic foods, manufacturers can't sneak in chemicals, perservatives, artificial colors, flavorings, or other toxins into my food. I go straight to Mother Nature as my source for nutrient rich foods. I thrive on nutrifiying myself with the highest quality food I can get my hands on."

(It's the same with using safe organic skin care products on your body!)

Take a look at her YouTube page to learn how to 'cook' raw foods.

Tropical Green Getaway

With the cold winter weather creeping in, many of us are looking to get away somewhere more warm and sunny.

Perhaps a resort like Spice Beach? Yes, please.

This tropical hideaway earned a Green Globe benchmark certificate due to its natural composting system, non-chlorine pools, and solar heating.

More info: The resort is located on St. George's in Grenada, call 473-444-4258.

Fred Segal is Branching Out

If you haven't already you should check out Fred Segal's new online store. We here at Edelbio applaud Darrilyn Kaun, owner of Zero Minus Plus, because she has made it her mission to support individual artists, fair trade and eco products. Darrilyn is focused on putting forth the most unique and innovative products into her store.

"Zero Minus Plus is dedicated to giving you the best shopping experience possible. That is why you see the words "A Celebration of hands, hearts and minds." Zero Minus Plus is a conduit between you the consumer with the "mind"fulness to give a gift and the "hands" of the artisans that created your gift, along with the "heart"felt intent of the Zero Minus Plus shopkeepers to help you give the perfect gift."

Eco-Chic Shopping Event

On October 23rd, just about every eco-inclined shopper and green fanatic in the Bay Area will be shopping green fashion items by designers like beacauseatom and Fair Tribe, as well as looking into the wares of mineral makeup vendors, ethical jewelers, natural bath product companies, environmental media groups, vintage clothes sellers, advocacy groups, and more.

It begins promptly at 5p.m. and will only last until 9p.m.! The shopping extravaganza will be held at the Regency Center in San Francisco (1270 Sutter Street @ Van Ness). You should get there early because, the first 300 guests to walk through the doors will receive a reusable gift bag filled with green goodies like eco eye shadow, organic tea, Green Zebra guides, Bloomsberry chocolate, and other treats.

Tickets can be pre-ordered online at the two-for-one price of $15.

Eco Stiletto

Eco Stiletto is a site helping you and everyone to make their carbon foot-print the size of a Manolo Stiletto instead of a ginormous Ugg. The site offers tips and feature articles on green picks in Fashion, Beauty, and Parenting.

EcoStiletto.com was created by Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, a writer, producer, and marketing consultant who focuses on sustainable fashion, beauty, lifestyle and parenting.

She co-founded GreenGirlGuide.com in May 2007 and launched EcoStiletto.com in June 2008, retaining archived GreenGirlGuide content.

The Treehouse Green Gifts

The Treehouse Green Gifts recently just celebrated their one year anniversary!

This cute eco-store's mission is "to provide their customers with unique organic, recycled, and handmade gifts while giving back to the community and the environment."

They donate 1% of their sales to an approved environmental cause, and offset carbon emissions through Carbonfund.org. They also feature the work of local crafts people and participate in community events.

COCO ECO

The absolute latest in style-driven eco-fashion has come forth in COCO ECO, the perfect magazine for all of you green fashionistas.

It will launch late this fall. The brains behind this magazine is Anna Griffin. She has been featured and spotted on Ecorazzi as the host of some of their video highlights.

It's Time to Snuggle Up

The weather outside is slowly getting cooler and this means more layers of clothing and evenings spent cuddled up under warm blankets. Check out these organic blankets by Yumi & Laurie. They're lightweight and plush as well as 50% organic and 50% bamboo.

They offer several collections in various colors, prints, patterns, and textures. They also offer sheets, pillowcases, and towels under their Spa Collection, which will provide the perfect setting for your own mini at-home spa.

ShopLeap at Grasshopper 510

In Chicago there is a boutique that is "eco-concious without a hint of hippie." Have a look for yourself! Grasshopper 510 may not sound like a trendy eco-boutique, but it is indeed.

The name was chosen because grasshoppers symbolize prosperity, wisdom, as well as a leap of faith. The 510 at the end represents the wavelength measurement in nanometers for the color green. The name suggests an environmental movement without being obvious.

They will soon offer online shopping so until then you'll have to make a special trip to Chicago to check them out.

Ashley Watson recyled leather bags, Earthworks Products for Bath & Body, Toby Pomeroy recycled jewelry, and children's gifts from Lilipad Studio and Little Lark, are just a few of the products offered at Grasshopper 510.

Inspiring Woman: Joanna Yarrow

Joanna Yarrow is an eco-entrepreneur, TV presenter, green-lifestyle specialist and also the founder of sustainability company Beyond Green. We've mentioned her briefly before, because she wrote a book on how to be more green.

She lives in a lovely Victorian house in north London with her family, dog - and lots of worms. She admits her biggest hobby is composting, hence the many worms she lives with.

She made the point that it use to be difficult to buy nice things with a good eco-philosophy. However, she has shown that there are now better alternatives. People are able to purchase cushions made of organic alpaca, they can recycle and reuse objects in the house, and they can do it all with good credentials and feel genuinely good about it.

She says that, "Small adaptations to your lifestyle can make such a huge difference." She set up a service to assist people with a green agenda, providing audits, guidance and suppliers' contacts. The service "Bespoke Green"www.beyondgreen.co.uk

Green Glossary

I know I'm not the only one out there who isn't fully aware of all the words used in a very 'green' conversation. I try to to keep up with the events, but sometimes the green vocabulary will have me lost. I've found that The Green Glossary, provided by Life Goggles, is really helpful. It may sound silly, but it is an easy go to source to get environmental terms explained.

For example, how many of you know what blackwater is? I personally thought it was mud, but according to The Green Glossary, its the waste water generated by toilets.

There are many more terms with layman terms explanations. If you can find it you can ask for an explanation and if you know a word and don't see it you can add to their list.

Green Event Planning

It's officially summer and with summer comes the endless parties. Perhaps you're having a few parties of your own and well would rather have someone else do all the work while you relax. Sound unbelievable?

Well it might be, but check out Green Events, they offer help with eco-friendly party favors, organic beverages, sustainable decor, green transportation, green venue recommendations and more.

You'll be able to throw the est parties of the summer and not feel guilty about them at all.

Google Green Summer

Are you looking to have the greenest summer possible? Well, Google has these tips to offer:

1. Search for "environmentally friendly hotel" instead of just "hotel."
2. Switch to "Satellite" mode in the upper right for an alternate view of outdoor areas.
3. Save paper. Download Google Maps for Mobile.
4. Search for "organic spa" for spas specializing in organic products.
5. Search for "bike rentals" or "kayak rentals" in the city you're visiting to discover healthy outdoor vacation activities.
On the 'Summer of Green' page you'll see that the top destinations for summer vacations and activities are San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York. Using this page will help you find greener alternatives and activities.

If it's green color you seek, go "leafy" with Green Search.

Union Street Festival a Green Success

San Francisco held its 32nd Union Street Festival this past weekend, one of the city's largest annual free events next year in June 2009. But this time, the festival which attracts over 100,000 attendees each year, added an eco-friendly theme.

Their goal was to inspire the forward-thinking city of San Francisco to promote the value of Green thinking in all aspects of our day to day lives during this two-day weekend event. The booths and entertainment go from Gough to Steiner on Union Street and contain a showcase of local artists and farmers with an eco-friendly focus.

This year, the entrance of the festival featured an organic farmer's market, arts and crafts created with recycled and sustainable materials as well as other eco-friendly exhibits. Additionally, the Festival showcases 150 arts & crafts booths, 20 gourmet food booths, two stages of live entertainment and bistro style cafes.

A Vision of Eco Boutique Goodness

Visionary is an eco-friendly boutique that "is a place where people can come in to learn about green culture as well as be inspired to become a part of the solution." 

They carry cool, unique and eclectic items that aid in creating awareness and appreciation for our planet and all its inhabitants. They carry a variety products, from women’s fashion, jewelry, home accessories, gifts and children’s wear all with an Eco-Chic flair.

"Visionary is a combination of environmental and social consciousness without sacrificing quality or style. But not as simple as being 'organic.' Visionary is Eco-Chic, a sense of style that’s beyond mainstream fashion. It’s a frame of mind and a choice to dress and live for the planet you want."

Check them out online or in West Hollywood.

Gossip Girl Cast Member Goes Green, Thanks To Motherhood

Industry vet and Gossip Girl regular Kelly Rutherford recently told US magazine that she’s officially gone green. Kelly and her husband are building an eco-house complete with denim insulation, and earth-friendly lighting.  Her brand new 18-month-old baby inspired the change.  “You think: Wow, they come in so pure, you want to keep it that way," Kelly was reported as saying.

She's not the first celebrity to develop green baby inspiration, writes Ecorazzi. Julia Roberts and Melissa Joan Hart have also joined the ranks of the converted.

Elephant Pharm Scooter Raffle

You may already be familiar with the infamous green pharmacy and retailer: Elephant Pharm. Originating in Berkeley, CA, they have spread throughout the bay area and are reputed for their customer service and emphasis on health, wellness, and education.

They carry a wide selection of products that support a healthy lifestyle from herbal remedies to organic products to yoga gear to books. They also are one of the major pharmacies that offer free clinics and classes to educate individuals on healthy living.

AND in the spirit of everything going green, Elephant Pharm is currently raffling off a Zapino Electric Scooter (a $3195 value!) by summertime. All you have to do is sign up for Elephant & Friends, their frequent buyer's program, at any Elephant Pharm in April 2008. You'll automatically be registered for the free scooter drawing!

The scooter is the perfect vehicle to get around town as it is able to reach speeds of about 30 mph, so you can keep up with city traffic without contributing to city pollution. So hurry up and get your entry in so that you can do your part for the environment...before it's too late!

Banana Republic Goes Green

Banana Republic has hopped on the green wagon in honor of Earth Day this year. They have announced their commitment to "greening" their stores, packaging, and products.

Their stores have all been renovated with energy-saving halogen light bulbs and are trying to use recyclable paper products; they have ultimately reached an energy savings of 41%. Furthermore, the store has recently unveiled a line of Summer 2008 clothing created with completely organic cotton and other sustainable fibers.

And to take the theme just another step further, Banana Republic has decided to donate 1% of all their sales that take place during Earth Week - up to $100,000 - to conserving green city spaces. "This Earth Week initiative is the first step towards Banana Republic's 1 million dollar commitment to The Trust for Public Land. This initiative will strengthen efforts to create new parks and playgrounds for American cities," the company states.

That's an excuse for a shopping spree.

Taxes Shmaxes

It's TAX DAY! Hopefully you have all filed your taxes on time this year. But for those last minute people who are scrambling to get to a mail box, here's a tip: Do your taxes online. It's instantaneous and it's good for the environment! Instead of printing out sheets and sheets of paper to be mailed out, you can let the internet do it all for you. Plus - it'll catch your errors for you.

And if you're thinking of ways to spend that refund check. Here's a good one: buy something green! Like some organic clothing, or an energy-saving appliance.

More Green, This Time on TV

Just about everything is going green. It was just a matter of time till TV went more green too! The Sundance Channel will be premiering "the GREEN" - a regularly scheduled programming destination dedicated entirely to the environment. They are also offering eco-tips, green guide, and a greenzine! Join their eco-community and check out their blog.

If you'd much rather watch something than read something, I would recommend checking out all of the eco-videos that they have online - the first of which is called Big Ideas for a Small Planet.

Vanity Fair - 3rd Annual Green Issue!

Heads up, when you pass by just about any media stand be sure to take note of the cover of Vanity Fair. The Queen of all Controversy - Madonna, one of the most influential women of our time, graces the cover of Vanity Fair for the 3rd Annual Green Issue!

The issue not only has a full cover story on 'Madonnarama' but also covers China's plan to control the weather and a story about selling out polar bears.

Also be sure to check out Green Beat, Vanity Fair's Green Blog! Get to know David Robert, he is the guest blogger for Green Beat. His blog will cover climate and energy, focusing on the politics, policy, and technology developments involved in responding to the threat of climate change.

Whats the Deal with the Grass?

Wheatgrass energy shots and drinks seem to be popping up everywhere. But what does it actually do and do the health benefits outweigh the taste of literally drinking grass?

Wikipedia - the official source of all things wonderful - tells us that regular wheatgrass ingestion can potentially improve the digestive system, prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease, detoxify heavy metals from the bloodstream, cleanse the liver, prevent hair loss and help make menopause more manageable. That's quite an extensive list.

High in Vitamin K and Iron, wheatgrass might seem like a good thing to boost the system. But as a long-time employee and drinker of Jamba Juice, people wonder if it tastes as gross as it looks. My advice: it tastes like grass. So, if you're willing to truly become one with the earth, perhaps wheatgrass is a good option for you.

Not Just a Granola Game

It's not just "crazy hippies" that are getting into the Green movement. Apparently the trend has reached major television networks as well. The Discovery Channel has recently unveiled plans to invest $50 million dollars into creating programming that encourages sustainable living and organic lifestyle.

The Green media company Lime has prepared to debut six new web series that focus primarily on green living. They have currently partnered with Microsoft to develop more prolific advertising across green websites. "Lime is really on pace to be the destination for green living, "says CJ Kettler, the founder and CEO of Lime Communications.

Is there room for this hippie idea in the major television world? Or is it just a fad on its way out?

We Heart EcoFabulous

Zem Joaquin: the founder of EcoFabulous.com preaches a new philosophy about today's green movement. During her speech at the Teens for Safe Cosmetics Campaign 3rd Annual National Summit, Joaquin expressed that today you don't have to sacrifice style for sustainability- you can have it all.

Edelbio agrees that all products should strive to be effective, stylish and eco-friendly! Current Eco-Editor at Domino magazine, Joaquin believes that it's no longer enough to be conscious consumers - now we need to be completely conscious individuals. "We need to promote the companies that are doing things right." She mentions NBC's recent GREEN WEEK which included tips for saving water and energy and features of "How to create a Green Wedding". Joaquin is sure that this green trend will only grow throughout other media outlets. We think this focus on the environment throughout the media, new products and businesses can only help spread awareness and hopefully make the changes necessary to improve the earth for future generations.

The Going Green Scene

But what does it all mean, this “Going Green” scene? Suddenly it seems that the entire country has been sprinkled with tree leaves in a surge of environmental concern. The major commercial cities that we live in are suddenly teeming with silver Prius hybrids. People are buying Lancome beauty products to reduce their carbon foot-printing. People are living with their thermostats turned low in the middle of winter and buying only organic tomatoes in the supermarket. Are all of these rituals and decisions that we make on a daily basis going to eventually impact the world? How much does the average consumer know about the production of these products and the actual effect that their purchases will have on the environment?

Mark Lynas from UK’s "The Guardian" says that “Some in the business community argue that the whole green consumerism thing is just a passing fad, a sort of climatic version of the dotcom bubble.” Yet, it seems that this new trend is creating a positive fervor amongst the American public to start making a difference in their own lives and start holding those in power accountable. Al Gore recently announced that he has finished an all-inclusive remodel of his house in Nashville to make it more energy efficient and has been praised by a building-industry group, the US Green Building Council, that his house is one of the “nation’s most environmentally friendly.” He installed solar panels, a rainwater collection system and geothermal heating. Is this the type of life-remodeling that we all should be doing?

"You're going to have people try to attack the messenger in order to get at the message. They have not been able to succeed," he told CNN from Norway, where he picked up the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental work. ‘The only way to solve this crisis is for individuals to make changes in their own lives.’” Noble effort, Mr. Noble Peace Prize, but have consumers really developed a sudden desire to redo the years of destruction caused by previous generations, or are they just hopping on this “green” bandwagon because it is this season’s new black? Maybe only time will tell…