But according to a new report from the President’s Cancer Panel, environmental toxins also play a significant and under-recognized role in cancer, causing “grievous harm” to untold numbers of people. Environmental Working Group’s own research has found that children are born “pre-polluted” with up to 200 industrial chemicals, pesticides and contaminants that have been found to cause cancer in lab studies or in people.

Here are some simple things you can do to reduce your exposures:

1. Filter your tap water. Common carcinogens in tap water include arsenic, chromium, and chemical byproducts that form when water is disinfected. A simple carbon filter or pitcher can help reduce the levels of some of these contaminants. If your water is polluted with arsenic or chromium, a reverse osmosis filter will help. Learn about your tap water and home water filters at EWG’s National Tap Water Database.

2. Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets. Those built before 2005 are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing. Learn more from the EWG online.

3. Cut down on stain- and grease-proofing chemicals. “Fluorochemicals” related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used in stain repellents on carpets and couches and in greaseproof coatings for packaged and fast foods. Some of these chemicals cause cancer in lab studies. To avoid them, skip greasy packaged foods and say no to optional stain treatments in the home.

4. Stay safe in the sun. More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To protect your skin from the sun’s cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation, seek shade, wear protective clothing and use a safe and effective sunscreen from EWG’s sunscreen database.

5. Cut down on fatty meat and high-fat dairy products. Long-lasting cancer-causing pollutants like dioxins and PCBs accumulate in the food chain and concentrate in animal fat.

6. Eat EWG’s Clean 15. Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Eating from EWG’s Clean 15 list of the least contaminated fruits and vegetables will help cut your pesticide exposures. (And for EWG’s Dirty Dozen, buy organic.)

7. Cut your exposures to BPA. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in some hard plastic water bottles, canned infant formula, and canned foods. It may increase the risk of reproductive system cancers. To avoid it, eat fewer canned foods, breast feed your baby or use powdered formula, and choose water bottles free of BPA.

8. Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics. Use EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetic database to find products free of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer. When you’re shopping, don’t buy products that list ingredients with “PEG” or “-eth” in their name.

9. Read the warnings. Some products list warnings of cancer risks – read the label before you buy. Californians will see a “Proposition 65” warning label on products that contain chemicals the state has identified as cancer-causing.

The Seattle-based coffee chain will reward customers who use their own mug or tumbler with a complimentary cup of joe on April 15. There are several locations in the Addison area –see a map here.

The promotion is to show that BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup) is really better.

“While our cup has become an integral part of the coffeehouse experience over the years, it has also become an environmental concern,” said  Ben Packard, Starbucks vice president of Global Responsibility.

The company has “set aggressive goals to minimize cup waste” by developing cups that are recyclable, and aims to have 100 percent of its coffee cups either reusable or recyclable by 2015.

Progress is being made. In 2009, Starbucks served 26 million beverages in reusable cups in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom (a 4.4 million cup increase over 2008), keeping an estimated 1.2 million pounds of paper from landfills, the company reported.

Spurning disposable cups can also save forests. Starbucks encourages the curious to visit its Impact Calculator, powered by the Environmental Defense Fund, to see how many trees can be saved by using reusable cups. (Guess: A lot.)

“In addition to working with cup manufacturers, municipalities and recyclers to make our cups more broadly recyclable, we’re encouraging customers to think about reusable cups the way they think about reusable grocery bags,” Packard said.

Another way to help ensure that you and Starbucks are collaborating on a more eco-path: Ask for Fair Trade coffee, which is grown sustainably in conditions favorable for workers and the environment. Here are Starbucks’ notes on its Fair Trade coffee.

Target has added a recycling station to its store.

The new recycling station, located at the front of the store, offers a convenient way to recycle aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers, plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges. A full description of recyclables that are accepted is available online. Target’s Addison store is located at 3730 Belt Line Road (214-414-0025).

Target also will be celebrating Earth Month with other activities, including:

• Launching an online eco-boutique that features downloadable coupons and eco-minded brands with products such as non-toxic cleaners, energy-saving appliances and products made of recycled materials.
• A month-long “Drive Home Green” sweepstakes featuring a grand prize of a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Guests can enter online for a chance to win or by sending a text message with the keyword “green” to the short code “Target” (827438).
• Giving away with purchase, 1.5 million complimentary reusable shopping bags made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled PET bottles on Sunday, April 18, while supplies last.
• Distributing an innovative newspaper circular that allows guests the option to use a portion of the April 18 circular as an envelope to mail their plastic shopping bags to TerraCycle. In return, guests will receive a $1 coupon towards the purchase of a Target reusable bag priced at $1.49 or more.
• Continuing to encourage guests to use their reusable bags at checkout to receive a 5-cent discount off their total purchase per reusable bag.

One thing we learned in 2009 is that you can’t wait for big institutions to take the green lead. For every clean tech entrepreneur, there’s a climate change heel-dragger. You can, however, do what you can.

And in that spirit, here are 11 ways to lower your carbon footprint this New Year. Adopting even one of them can help reduce the pollution that’s leading to dire consequences. And while some New Year’s resolutions are hard, and cost you money (gym fees aren’t going down you know), these resolutions are likely to save you money, reduce your exposure to toxins and help you lead a healthier life. We’ve included only those ideas that really make a big impact, and scuttled those that we consider to be “boutique green” — those non-starter nice ideas that matter, but just a little bit.

To help make this list something you can really use, we’ve included some nifty online tools that can help you find a greener track in 2010.

(Photo: Green Right Now)

1 — Drive Less. If you live in the city, or in a small town, you can accomplish this easily. Hop on the bus. Use the corner grocery. Walk. In the suburbs, which were designed to disperse us, it’s trickier. But you can group errands, your kids may be able to walk to school. And maybe this is the year that you ask your employer about working from home one day a week, to cut your commuting costs.

Here’s some ammunition: If you work for a large company, it may soon be inventorying its greenhouse gas emissions. New EPA rules will require some 12,000 of the country’s largest emitters to inventory their GHGs in 2010, and while this mainly concerns utilities, power companies and other heavy industries, it is likely to launch a new era of transparency. Companies across the board could soon discover that a friendly work-at-home policy would cut their carbon imprint, as well as yours.

In the meantime, you can find many Ride Share programs already up and running.

Another sign that things may turn your way: Insurance companies may reward temperate driving with better rates. Check out MileMeter, a company based on giving preferential rates to those who take it easy on their wheels.

If you’re in the market for a new car, find the most economical ones at fueleconomy.gov.

Breakdown of U.S. power sources (Image: EPA)

2 — Buy Green Power. Do this and drive less and you’ll have cut a big slice out of your personal or family energy consumption total. Many power companies now offer menus where a consumer can select a green power package, or even power generated specifically by wind (especially in big wind generation states like Texas). Some companies offer cleaner power packages that focus on hydro-power — not the greenest, but better than getting your electricity from a coal-fired plant. Use the EPA’s map finder to see what’s available in Texas or go to the state’s site, Power To Choose. The EPA also puts out a Guide to Green Power.

You’ve probably heard by now that buildings — commercial and residential — account for nearly 40 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions produced in the United States. That’s largely because they use electricity produced by coal-fired plants, the most carbon polluting of all electricity sources. See the chart above, which shows that about half of our electricity is fueled by coal, the cheapest and dirtiest source of power. So hooking up with a green provider really does make a difference. You’ll reduce your personal carbon footprint, and you’ll be helping shift the market toward cleaner options that your children and grandchildren will need.

3 — Buy Local, Organic Food (when possible). Used to be that this was touted as a way to strengthen the local economy, which frankly didn’t much concern most Americans over the past few decades as groceries burst forth with more and more far-flung, highly engineered foods and treats. But rather than get started on that, let’s just say that getting back to basics can be good.

Farmers Market (Photo: Green Right Now)

There are two main points in favor of going local and organic: The first is better nutrition. Even though experts still debate whether organic produce is nutritionally superior to conventionally grown (with pesticides) food, this debate will soon go the way of the one over whether cigarettes are damaging. A 2008 review of recent studies comparing foods, found that organically grown produce and grains are indeed more “nutritionally dense” — which makes intuitive sense because organic farming doesn’t poison the soil with pesticides, allowing plants grown there to take up the full nutrient load from the ground. The study was done by the Organic Center, a group with a bent, but check out the candlepower of the experts involved and you may be swayed.

The second argument for buying local is indisputable. If you want to lower your carbon footprint, or your “foodprint” as it’s now called, buy food that comes from closer to home. It will come with fewer “food miles” and have contributed less to greenhouse gas emissions. And by the way, it will help the local economy.

4 — Reduce Harmful Chemicals. Step back from some of the toxic chemicals you buy for household use, and those you use to “treat” the lawn and you will be contributing to cleaner indoor air and healthier ground water, especially if you use no-phosphate laundry and dishwasher detergents, now widely available. Consider, too, trying Soap Nuts, the natural laundry soap that is highly concentrated and comes from, well, a nut. We also like Dropps, an eco-laundry detergent packed in individual pouches that dissolve in the wash. Presto — packaging gone!

Outside, try using corn gluten as a pre-emergent weed killer. You will be restoring life to the soil, which can then better sustain life. We won’t get into the debate about whether organic lawns look better than chemically greened turf, some do, but often they don’t have that same ethereal green glow. But a healthy organic lawn can look pretty good, and the availability of organic options in mulch, weed suppressants and other organic compounds is growing.

5 – Reduce the Personal Paper Products You Use. One word here: Forests. We need to cherish them again, not plunder them to wipe our noses. Look for personal paper goods made from recycled and unbleached paper. This simple step, if we all made a concerted effort, can go a long way toward saving forests. Even Kimberly-Clark, maker of virgin fiber Kleenex, is offering recycled tissues and paper towels and has pledged to take sustainable steps (after a three year tussle with Greenpeace). We’ve printed it before, but it’s worth mentioning here that the Natural Resources Defense Council has put together a guide to the brands using recycled paper. The list of environmentally conscientious products is growing! And one other thing, instead of even using paper towels, try a washcloth. We use one that’s made of hemp, which is naturally germ resistant.

6 — Buy in Bulk. This reduces packaging and can make shipping easier and more efficient. Look for large laundry boxes, wine in boxes and soup… in boxes. The packaging is more degradable and you can buy bigger, storable portions. Bulk products can help conserve energy in many ways, even beyond the savings in packaging. They can make shipping more efficient, and when the carton is degradable, recyclable or reusable, it can save on landfill space and pollution.

7 — Invite Wildlife into the Yard. This can be a tough concept for people who’ve spent a lot of time keeping wildlife out. And we understand. We don’t want moles or armadilloes digging up our garden either. But there are ways….set aside a brushy area in one corner of the yard to serve as a haven for small critters and birds. Plant native plants that feed butterflies and birds, and don’t forget shrubs that produce winter berries. Construct a water garden to support amphibians. The hows and whys here get pretty deep. We can recommend a book, Bringing Nature Home, for people with yards.

8 — Conserve Water. We assume you don’t let the water run when you brush your teeth or shave. This year, pledge to take shorter showers or install rain sensors for your lawn sprinkler. Set the dishwasher on economy and see if it doesn’t get the job done; wash only full loads of clothing. We found a new way to conserve this year by using waterless products to clean cars. The Baye’s High Performance Waterless Wash/Detailer produced a great shine — and used NO WATER.

9. Generate Your Own Power. This is still a pricey proposition, but the cost of residential solar installations came tumbling down this past year. And we saw neighborhoods incorporating solar power in ways that don’t even show, with tiles that mimic shingles. On-site wind is a growing option for homeowners with the space and the gusts to try it. Some wind installations have gotten more compact. And don’t count out geothermal, also available on a residential scale.

Michelle Obama oversees an education day in the White House Garden (Photo: White House Photographer Samantha Appleton)

10 . Grow Your Own Food. Take a look at your yard, it’s probably not working for you, but it could. This past year saw a boom in home gardening led by the First Family, who installed a bountiful food garden at the White House. Without the Park Service to help, you might have to run with a smaller scale project, but even if you’ve only got a condo deck or windowsill, you can grow a few herbs and tomatoes. Urban dwellers also can find a rooftop garden to help with, like Brooklyn’s Rooftop Farms for instance. Or, provide the patch of ground and hire the garden help, as detailed in this story by KGO-TV.

Copyright © 2010 Green Right Now | Distributed by Noofangle Media

The Center, working with partners across the country, released its findings in the 3rd Annual Consumer Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys at www.HealthyStuff.org. Researchers tested nearly 700 popular 2009 children’s products for lead, cadmium, arsenic, PVC, and other harmful chemicals.

According to researchers, who have tested more than 4,000 children’s products over the past three years, lead has been steadily decreasing in toys. The number of products with lead exceeding current federal standards for lead in toys (300 ppm) has decreased 67 percent since 2007. However, 32 percent of the toys tested for this holiday season still contained one or more harmful chemical including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.

In addition, 18 percent of the products tested this holiday season (119 of 669) still contained detectable lead, including the Barbie Bike Flair Accessory Kit, Dora the Explorer Activity Tote, and the Kids Poncho from WalMart. PVC, considered a “worst in class” plastic because of life cycle concerns, continues to be found in 42 percent of children’s products.

“The toxic chemicals that we find are a fraction of the thousands of chemicals that can be present in everyday products, including those intended for children,” Jeff Gearhart, the Ecology Center’s lead researcher and founder of HealthyStuff.org, said in a statement. “We need a major overhaul of our chemicals policies immediately to start phasing out these dangerous substances.”

Holiday shoppers can obtain the findings on popular toys by going to the HealthyStuff.org web site. Consumers can search for toys by product name, UPC code, product type, manufacturer, or retailer to find products that have “No, Low, Medium,” or “High” levels of toxic chemicals.

In addition to toys, HealthyStuff.org tests products such as shoes, belts, wallets, handbags and backpacks. While levels of lead in toys have declined, adult and children’s apparel continues to show high levels of lead. For instance, over half of the 100 plastic handbags tested contain more than 1,000 ppm lead.

Babies and young children are the most vulnerable to toxic chemicals since their brains and bodies are still developing and because they commonly put toys, other products, and their hands into their mouths.

However, the researchers stressed that many manufacturers are producing safe toys. Two-thirds (68 percent) of the products tested in 2009 did not contain any lead, cadmium, arsenic, or mercury, including many made in China. These results show that manufacturers can make toys free of unnecessary toxic chemicals and 58 percent of children’s products were made without PVC.

To sample the toys, HealthyStuff.org said its experts used a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer that identifies the elemental composition of materials. The device has been used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to screen packaging; the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to screen food; and many state and county health departments use this method to screen for residential lead paint.

Today, the U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works Committee is scheduled to hear testimony from three key federal agencies about the need to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) – passed in 1976 to regulate chemicals. To date, the EPA has required testing on only about 200 of the more than 80,000 chemicals that have been on the market since the law passed 33 years ago. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Representative Bobby Rush (D-IL) are expected to introduce a new bill soon to reform this outdated law.

Also today, environmental commissioners from 13 states released principles that call for updating and strengthening Act while preserving state implementation and management rights. California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington endorsed the principles, which include:

• protecting the most vulnerable including pregnant women and children
• requiring manufacturers to provide health, safety, and use data on chemicals
• demonstrating that chemicals in commerce are safe
• identifying safer alternatives to toxic chemicals in keeping with the principles of green chemistry
• assessing the safety of emerging chemicals of concern including nanoscale materials before they enter into widespread commerce

More and more electronics seem to make Americans’ Christmas lists. Unfortunately, many electronics waste energy and run up electric bills, even while you are not using them. So here’s a list of environmentally friendly, yet still savvy, electronic gifts.

HYmini can charge using solar, wind and wall outlets

The HYmini is an all-in-one solar, wind, USB and wall charger that can be used to recharge almost any 5-volt gadget. It includes a 6 watt, rechargeable Powerbank that collects energy from a built-in wind generator, a .7 watt mini solar panel, wall outlet, or your computer’s USB. The handheld, lightweight charger even fastens safely so you can charge in motion. Even better, there’s no additional software needed. The HYmini features an LED night-light and charge-in green indicator. This all-in-one charger is affordable, retailing for $49.99.

HP Elitebook 2530p rates "gold" on environmental rankings

HP Elitebook 2530p is one of a new generation of notebook computers that are more mindful of their energy footprint. This is just one example of many, but it is among the top rated with a “gold” rating from the certifier known as EPEAT, which is managed by the Green Electronics Council. EPEAT rates electronics as bronze, silver or gold level by assessing their energy consumption, life cycle plan and use of toxic materials. The criteria for EPEAT ratings is extensive. If you buy electronics with high EPEAT ratings, you’ll know that the manufacturer is not just aiming for the bottomline without paying attention to environmental issues like electricity consumption and waste.

Look also for Energy Star label, which this HP notebook computer also has earned. Energy Star and the EPEAT rankings will help you find the best laptop or desktop computer in the “green class” from manufacturers that are trying to minimize their environmental impact.

ETON Green Microlink radio

The Eton SolarLink FR 160 AM/FM weather radio can be solar powered or operated with a hand crank, so you can stay informed no matter what the weather. The radio also comes with a built-in flashlight. A great present for someone who goes off the grid or just likes to be prepared for the inevitable storm. Retails for $29.99, and is available at several stores, such as REI and Radio Shack.

NeatReceipts is a movie scanner and digital filing system for small business owners, or anyone with a hobby that involves a lot of paperwork. It helps you reduce your paper consumption by transferring receipts, business cards, and documents into a digital form; to better organize and manage your business or personal paperwork. The receipt information can be easily exported to multiple money management software programs such as Excel, Quickbooks, and Turbo Tax, and your contacts from business cards can be exported to Outlook. The product includes the necessary software, and also comes with a one year factory warranty. NeatRecipts, weighing less than one pound, can be used at home, at the office or even on the road. NeatReceipts retails for $149.99.

Samsung's Reclaim

Samsung is leading the way in green cell phones, introducing the Samsung Reclaim, the first mobile phone built using “Bio-Plastic”. The Reclaim is made of 40 percent bio-plastic, which is made from corn instead of the petroleum used in most plastics. This type of plastic is 100% biodegradable. The Reclaim also comes with an Energy-Star approved charger, and is packaged in recyclable materials. The Reclaim is more than just an environmental phone, it comes with all other things you want in a phone, advanced messaging, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 2.0 megapixel camera, full Web browser and more. The Reclaim is available in Earth Green or Ocean Blue. Sprint is the only Reclaim carrier, and depending on your phone plan, the phone could be FREE.

This Vizio Eco model's LED backlights do not utilize mercury, an environmentally harmful substance used in other backlights.

Televisions generally are regarded as energy hogs, but the VIZIO VF551XVT 55-Inch XVT-Series TruLED 240 Hz SPS HDTV consumes 50 percent less energy than current ENERGY STAR guidelines and is mercury free. Vizio’s products comply with the Europen Union’s strict RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) standard, and its LCD panel glass is halogen and arsenic free.The California-based company also prints its user manuals with vegetable based inks and its boxes are made from recycled cardboard.

Current 3.0 ENERGY STAR TV product specifications require that qualified televisions must address both active and standby power (when your TV is on and off). Vizio says its Eco HDTVs exceed the current minimum standards by at least 15 percent.

To address product life cycle, VIZIO has a partnership with Manufacturers Recycling Management Company (MRM) to assist in collection efforts within the United States. Mail-back, retail drop-off, and local events are encouraged through MRM, details can be found by visiting the MRM website directly at www.mrm.ecotakeback.com or toll free at (888) 769-0149. California customers should go to www.e-recycle.org.

Of course, the greenest home electronics item is the one you don’t buy. But if you are going to scratch that itch, or replace that blown out DVD player, check to make sure the brand and model you’re looking at are Energy Star qualified. This is not difficult, just use the Energy Star home electronics guide, which includes even the latest Blu-Ray devices and other technologically advanced equipment.

Looking for a new fridge or washer and dryer? You can check out appliances on the Energy Star pages as well.

Copyright © 2009 Green Right Now | Distributed by Noofangle Media

Let’s shop green without being obvious about it, OK? You can, you know. There are many ways to tweak the holiday list this year to skew it toward recycled, socially conscious, energy-conserving goods. With that in mind, here are a few humble suggestions for keeping it green (and affordable), subtly:

A TOASTER OVEN

Black and Decker CTO6301 Convection Toaster Oven

Mom, dad, a kid on her way to college. Lots of people can appreciate the utility and electricity savings of a toaster oven. Did you know that the average 1500 watts used by a toaster/convection oven is less than half, or even more, than that used by a full-size oven? How many times have you heated the entire oven just to warm rolls for dinner? Or to bake a couple ramekins of dessert? Or broil a tuna melt? Or brown a small brushetta?

Turn that big oven off, and use a tool that’s sized-right for the job. That’s the very sound idea behind this “smart” appliance. There are dozens to choose from. The Black & Decker one shown here is available in area stores for around $60. It gets good reviews for durability, space and function.

RECYCLED TIRE WALLET

Recycled Tire Wallet made by artisans in El Salvador

Number two on our list is black, but so very green. This completely recycled, vegan friendly wallet is made from discarded tires. But it looks so much like the standard leather version we thought it would qualify as a green gift that doesn’t stand out as different. Each 9 x 3.5 inch wallet has a slot for money and six slots for credit cards, just like you’d expect. A Fair Trade artisan group in El Salvador makes these wallets, helping provide jobs and living wages in their community. You can buy it ($30) through the GreenHeartShop in Chicago, at their online store.

Green Heart helps promote artisan craft goods, clothing and food from around the world and in the U.S.

NON ELECTRIC KITCHEN GADGETS

One sure way to think green is to consider the Old Ways. Here are two electricity-saving kitchen gadgets that would make a great little gift for someone in a new apartment or college dorm. The cook of the house might appreciate these as stocking stuffers, if they have the need.

A Mighty Juicer, built to last.

Here are just some possibilities:

The Oxo Hand Can Opener: People have raved about this on Amazon after discovering that for most everyone (save those with hand strength issues) this can opener is easier to use, works better and lasts longer than many electric can openers ($17.50).

The NorPro Egg Beater: This handy, stainless steel gadget doesn’t bowl people over like the can opener, but it gets the job done and when making an omelet, pancake batter and countless other small tasks around the kitchen, you don’t need that electric beater. We use one for omelets and — perfecto — it’s better than a whisk. The handle and gear of this model are polished aluminum and both grips are plastic (about $10.99).

The Mighty Juicer: Who said these gadgets were wimpy? This mechanical kitchen tool exerts 600 pounds of pressure on that orange half, making juice as well or better than electric juicers. Double green points for this one, because with your own juicer you won’t let borderline oranges go to waste. (we found it for $44.99 at Chefs.com.)

A BACK TO BASICS SKILLET

Lodge Logic cast iron skillet

While we’re talking getting back to basics, here’s a gift for the home chef that won’t disappoint, a Lodge Logics iron skillet. If you’ve got some seasoning on you, it’s likely you’ll remember a homemaker mom or grandparent using something like this back in the day. This updated version serves as a frying or grilling pan. The metal cooks uniformly and retains heat and is non-stick (if handled correctly). It imparts a little iron to foods, which can be good supplementation, and ….drumroll….here’s how it’s green: No Teflon coating – so no need to worry about generating dangerous fumes at searing temperatures. And it’s durable. And it’s made in the USA. (Again at Chefs.com, a 12” skillet is $39.50; other sizes available.)

A DUMP TRUCK

Every little tot needs a truck to drive around. This little Dump Truck made by Green Toys is sturdy, classic,

Dump Truck by Green Toys

non-toxic and made from 100 percent recycled plastic from milk jugs. Of course, if you want to get a proper waste management fleet going, you’d have to get the Green Toys Recycling Truck, too. Both trucks are brightly colored and nicely sized, making them competitive with less green goods. And it’s never too soon to start that consciousness-raising. (About $20, at Amazon and other outlets.)

A STURDY TENT

Big Agnes' Salt Creek 2 Tent

For the camper on your list, consider the Big Agnes Salt Creek Tent made almost entirely of recycled PET plastic, which is strong when woven into a polyester. This three-season tent won’t off-gas anything from PVC, like other tents made of that plastic, and it’s dye-free. Big Agnes promises that this tent is easy to set up, light weight and provides good ventilation. Not only is the mesh fabric recycled, so are the zippers and the fly. All the innovations, with less environmental drag; we’re guessing the naturalist in the family will like that. ($350, retail.)

Copyright © 2009 Green Right Now | Distributed by Noofangle Media

(Photo: Noofangle Media)

For this year’s WorldFest event, we wanted to give away a gift basket full of some of the best environmentally friendly products we’ve come across in recent months. So as we head into the holidays, here’s how you can re-create our special “green” gift basket:

PermaFlow P-Trap Pipe Replacement — Replace one pipe and eliminate the need for caustic drain cleaners. We were sold the minute we installed this. It’s available at The Home Depot and other home supply stores, as well as at Amazon.com.

Nicaraguan and Bolivian Coffee from Addison Coffee Roasters — Fair Trade organic coffee that smells great and helps save tropical forests. It’s available at area Central Market stores or directly from Addison Roasters at 15012 Beltway Drive in Addison (972-404-1145).

Vintage Plantations Chocolate – Dark chocolate grown to Rainforest Certification standards; good for the environment. Available online or at World Market.

Dr. Kracker Organic, Artisan-Baked Flatbread – Made in Dallas and great for you, with whole grains and no artificial preservatives. We’ve found them at Sprouts Market and Whole Foods Market.

EarthShell Dinnerware – When you need a “paper” plate, use one made of potato starch that biodegrades completely. The closest store where it’s available is an HEB at 800 N. Hwy. 77 in Waxahachie, so you might want to just order online.

BioKleen Bac-Out Bathroom Cleaner – A non-toxic, rapidly biodegradable cleaner; safe around pets and children. Find it at Kroger, Sprouts Market and at Amazon.com.

G-Wash Totally Green Car Wash and Wheel Cleaner – Wash your car without producing any toxic run off. Available at The Home Depot, True Value Hardware and Amazon.com.

Organic Green Tea from Bigelow — Save the pesticides and bring on the antioxidants. We’ve found it at most area grocery stores.

Pandanus Tote from World Market —  We wanted a basket made from renewable resources. This one is made from naturally harvested leaves from the screw pine tree. Bamboo is another great material for baskets.

There you have it — you can replicate this basket or add in your own variations. Happy gift giving!