This post is Part 2 of my holiday gift to readers and to other environmental researchers and writers that spend their time trolling through the web in search of good sites.

Consumerism

GreenerChoices.org – Published by the folks who bring us Consumer Reports, GreenerChoices.org is an online initiative designed to inform, engage, and empower consumers about environmentally-friendly products and practices. The site includes product ratings, calculators, eco-label information and buying guides to help steer your eco-dollars in the right direction.

Knowmore.org – A resource for those looking for information on Ethical Consumerism. Initially compiled as a wiki by volunteers, Knowmore.org runs the “Behind the Logos” project to help consumers understand the corporate practices of the world’s most profitable companies.

The Center for a New American Dream - An organization with the mission to help Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice. The Center identifies environmental issues facing consumers and provides tools, resources and solutions to help Americans change their ways.

Directories & Guides

Local Harvest – Local Harvest is a comprehensive directory for?small farms, farmers markets, and sustainably grown foods. Whether you’re looking to find a farmer’s market where you’re going to be vacationing or are interested in learning more about CSA programs, you can find what you need by visiting the Local Harvest site.

MetaEfficient – Dubbed “the guide to highly efficient things,” MetaEfficient publishes lists of all kinds of highly efficient and green goods. From broad product categories like “Furniture,” to niche goods like earpods, MetaEfficient finds the most sustainable goods and delivers the scoop in their guides.?

The Green Guide?- Find out how to incorporate “green” into every area of your life with National Geographic’s Green Guide. The Green Guide is updated regularly with tips, products, companies, services and advice on going green, and is a reputable source of information for all things green.

Online Communities/Social Networks

Huddler’s Green Home – If you’re looking for a community full of like-minded eco-individuals, consider joining Huddler’s Green Home. You can submit product reviews, contribute to the site’s green wiki or engage in any number of green forums on this eco-focused social networking site.

MakeMeSustainable – MakeMeSustainable is an online community that provides individuals and businesses with the tools necessary to identify and accomplish their sustainable goals. Members can calculate and track their carbon emissions, encourage others to join the movement, and build a network of individuals, businesses and organizations that are committed to achieving a sustainable future.

People For Earth – People for Earth members work together to take action, learn, share, connect and collaborate on projects that promote eco-friendly living while addressing the serious issues related to the future of the planet. Community members can launch and join groups, post content, engage in debate and network with others who share their goals and ideals.

Research Resources

CorpWatch – The CorpWatch website is packed with information, links and research that citizens, journalists and organizations can use to hold corporations accountable for their actions. In an effort to aid researchers and keep an eye on big companies, CorpWatch provides news, analysis, research tools and action alerts about corporate practices around the globe.

The University of Michigan: Statistical Resources on the Environment – This no-nonsense site is a portal for statistical information related to the environment, global warming, climate change, pollution, alternative energy and other eco-topics. Use this site to find facts that back up your claims and fight propaganda and incomplete arguments with concrete data.

USGBC Green Building Links – The USGBC has compiled an extensive list of green and sustainable building resources. You can use this site to find organizations and governments that have implemented sustainable practices in the planning and development of their communities.

Think Tanks & Research Centers

RAND: Energy & Environment – RAND works to solve complex social, economic and governmental problems using scientifically-backed research and quality analysis. Drawing on multiple departments within RAND, the Energy & Environment group compiles research and works toward developing solutions that balance environmental concerns with economic development and social needs.

Union of Concerned Scientists – The Union of Concerned Scientists is a science-based alliance of citizens and scientists working together for environmental solutions and responsible change in government policy. Combining rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development, and effective citizen advocacy, the Union of Concerned Scientists strives to achieve practical environmental solutions.

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It’s possible to stay true to your eco-beliefs this holiday season by giving gifts that aren’t actually things. Instead of buying clothes or books or electronics for your loved ones, consider investing in non-profit organizations that are working to preserve, conserve, and protect open spaces, watersheds, parks and wildlife habitats across America. By giving gift memberships, having trees planted in honor of your friends, or buying from merchants who give a percentage of their profits to environmental organizations, you positively impact the environment and stand up to consumerism and excess.

There are all kinds of organizations that are committed to protecting, preserving and restoring the wildlife, forests, open spaces and bodies of water in this country. Before buying your friends and family more stuff that they may or may not need, consider giving your money to one of these organizations and using your consumer power to do good now and throughout the coming year.

For Hikers: With a mission to the preservation and management of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail’s natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources, a gift membership to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy helps provide primitive outdoor-recreation and educational opportunities for Trail visitors. Membership includes a subscription to A.T. Journeys: The Magazine of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, as well as discounts at the organization’s Trail Store and an Appalachian Trail Conservancy decal and patch.

For Bird Lovers: If you have loved ones who spend their weekends trekking through wetlands in search of elusive birds, a Gift Membership to the National Audubon Society might be the perfect gift this year. Having advocated for the preservation of natural habitats and wildlife for over a century, Audubon lobbies Congress to preserve and protect wildlife habitats, and restore already damaged ecosystems by building parks and wildlife preserves. Members receive a subscription to Audubon, the organization’s bi-monthly magazine, as well as access to Audubon sanctuaries and preserves around the country.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Founded in 1922 to save outdoor America for future generations, the Izaak Walton League is dedicated to restoring watersheds, reducing air pollution, protecting open spaces, and instilling conservation ethics in outdoor enthusiasts. Your gift of a Membership will help further clean air and energy campaigns, wilderness and public land protection programs, and efforts to save vulnerable watersheds and streams. The Izaak Walton League offers members discounts on publications and merchandise, and provides subscriptions to their quarterly publication, Outdoor America, to thank members for supporting the organization.

For Urban Adventurers: The Central Park Conservancy works to restore, preserve, and maintain Central Park as a beautiful place for leisure, recreation, and the appreciation of nature. If you’re looking for a unique way to support the organization’s objectives and beautify the city, you can purchase daffodil and tulip bulbs and have them planted in honor of those special people in your life.

For Boaters:The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is the only independent non-profit that is dedicated to saving and restoring the Bay and its tributaries, and has worked non-stop to “Save the Bay” for over 40 years. You can honor a loved one this holiday season by having a tree planted in the Bay’s watershed by donating $25 to the organization.

For Arborists: You can help protect the forests and ecosystems of America when you donate money to American Forests as this holiday season. The organization plants trees “in the right place, for the right reason,” and one tree is planted for every dollar you give. American Forests is a world leader in planting trees for environmental restoration, a pioneer in the science and practice of urban forestry, and a primary communicator of the benefits of trees and forests.

Happy Holidays!

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During the Presidential campaign, Barack Obama touted the creation of green collar jobs as one of the primary objectives of his environmental agenda. If Obama stays true to his word, and Congress works with the new President to pass his green initiatives, I would expect a plethora of new green jobs to spring up over the next few years.

Some companies have already created green collar jobs, and there are plenty of people in America doing eco-related work today. To help environmentally comitted companies connect with the next generation of green employees, green-focused job sites have sprung up all over the Internet. If you’re interested in working for a company that is passionate about environmental issues, that develops green, cleantech and renewable energy technologies, or is looing to move into the green sector, you might find your next job on one of the following sites.

Coop America’s Green Business Network is a network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses that are focused on helping businesses with deep social and environmental commitments emerge and succeed in the marketplace. In addition to offering support and information to small and medium green-growing businesses, the Green Business Network has a job board with links to green job hunting sites.

Greenbiz.com is a news site that publishes information geared toward helping companies align their environmental responsibilities with business success.TheGreenbiz.com job board is populated with job openings from companies focused on implementing and promoting green, cleantech, and sustainable business practices.

Green Business is a news and information blog that highlights current events and news as it relates to green business, and technology. A section of the site is focused on green jobs, and you can find links to green job boards in various posts.

The Green Careers Center (formerly known as the Environmental Career Center) is an eco-focused job site that promotes green employment by connecting eco-employers with like-minded job seekers. Green Careers Center has been working for the betterment of the environment for over 25 years, and their job board reflects theircommitment in the quality and diversity of available positions.

Green Careers on MonsterTrak is the first green job site that is geared toward college students and recent graduates that are interested in finding green collar work. By partnering with job-giant Monster.com, green marketing guru ecoAmerica, and the Environmental Defense Fund, Green Careers on MonsterTrak offers a comprehensive list of entry-level, part-time and internship opportunities for green job seekers looking to jump into new roles.

Idealist is a global non-profit organization that promotes dialog and action between people and businesses interested in making this world a better place. While not all of theinformation on Idealist is green-centered, they have increased their green content and seem to be focusing more on environmental issues than they had done in the past. The Job Board on Idealist includes non-profit jobs, volunteer opportunities and internships all over the world.

RenewableEnergyWorld.com is a news and information site that strives to educate and inform people and companies on all issues related to renewable energy. RenewableEnergyWorld.com has a Job Board that helps green professionals track down jobs related to the development and production of renewable energy technologies.

Sustainable Business is a news and networking organization that promotes sustainable business practices and provides resources to help companies integrate sustainability in their business practices. Sustainable Business connectseco-employers that meet their “seal of sustainability” standard, with job seekers via the Green Dream Jobs board.

TreeHugger is a mainstream media outlet that prides itself on “helping the masses get hooked on sustainability,” by providing news, information, “how to guides, and multimedia related to green living. Users can search the Green Job Board for global environmental employment, just be aware that the search functionality is limited and doesn’t let you view all of the open positions at once.

Additional Sites

ClimateChange.org Job Board

Common Good Careers

Environmental Career Opportunities

Environmental Jobs

Green Collar Economy

Grist Jobs

Just Means

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Do people who use disposable cups hate Mother Earth? And can we feel justified in stealing their lunch from the company fridge?

My company kitchen has dozens of mugs and glasses, and the higher-ups issued every employee a stainless-steel travel mug. We have both paper and styrofoam cups available, also. We are a busy office; we use a lot of paper cups.

Naturally I look down on the enemies of Mother Earth: those employees or visitors who use the disposable options because they are more convenient. I occasionally plot nefarious punishments for them.

The mugs and glasses around the office, however, are carefully washed with hot, soapy water after almost every use. And some part of me has always known that my ceramic Superman mug collection took a lot more energy to produce than a paper cup, and will one day contribute to a landfill somewhere. So should I really be hating on the styrofoam and frowning deeply at my paper cup-slurping colleagues?

Is there a chance that disposable cups are actually greener in certain circumstances?

I read several articles that explore this problem, and I learned that the energy consumed, water used, and pollution produced in manufacturing a “permanent” cup, followed by the typical ways it is packaged and shipped, housed in a warehouse, displayed in a well-lit store, wrapped in a plastic bag, purchased and driven home, and then washed and rinsed using more water and soap… well, it can all add up to a far greater burden than a paper cup, especially a reusable paper cup that comes in a light box of one thousand units shipped directly from the distributer.

In this article (and the followup), the author tries to do the math and argues that

if you use a ceramic mug 46 times, you start to pass the magic point where it becomes more environmentally friendly than a styrofoam cup.

For a stainless-steel mug, it takes 369 uses! Not a single one of the stainless steel mugs at my company have been used a hundred times, let alone 369… and some of them will be lost or thrown out before they even reach equilibrium with a paper cup, let alone surpass it.

Was that blogger crazy? Are there other studies? Another, less optimistic article talks about a study where they performed a total-life measurement of a ceramic cup’s impact versus paper or styrofoam. They use a process called Life Cycle Assessment and conclude:

“With energy you’d have to use the ceramic cup 640 times before it would equal a polystyrene cup and 294 times to equal a paper/cardboard one. With air pollution it takes 1,800 uses to beat the polystyrene and 48 to thrash the paper/cardboard. Likewise you would have to drink 126 and 99 cups respectively for the ceramic to compete with polystyrene and paper/cardboard on the waste issue. And water? Sorry, just the use of a ceramic cup totals more than the entire life cycle water consumption of the other two.”

Don’t get me wrong… when reused effectively, a permanent cup (from a green-minded manufacturer) is still the better option. But the lesson from these articles, for me? Disposable cups are not the devil.

The other fun-yet-ambiguous fact I learned is that paper cups are not necessarily more moral than styrofoam cups. Styrofoam (polystyrene) cups have been outlawed in Seattle, largely based on the fact that they take “forever” to degrade. But paper cups require more energy and produce a lot of waste in production. And to be practical about it, when buried in a typical U.S. landfill, which is deliberately anaerobic, neither one of them is going to break down. The polystyrene cups will compress better and end up taking less room in that landfill.

I’m still staying away from styrofoam as much as I can, but the lesson for me? Styrofoam cups are not the devil, either.

The overall lesson for me: I will not criticize other people’s habits when it comes to cups and glasses. There are too many lifestyle variables that effect the outcome. The best solution, of course, is to own exactly as many permanent drinking receptacles as you and your household need, reuse them as long as you can, and try to wash them in a sensible way.

Of course, that’s the best solution for clothes, furniture, and everything else, too. We need to buy green goods, buy fewer of them, reuse them, and use and maintain them responsibly. That’s why I still wear t-shirts that I’ve had since high school. (Really, that’s why. Uh-huh. Laziness and nostalgia have nothing to do with it.)

And my cubicle mate who drinks from a paper cup? I forgive him. For now.

…so long as he reuses it until the bottom falls out.

One of this country’s most amazing resources is its land – the US is comprised of approximately 3.7 million acres of mountains, plains, prairies, forests, deserts, and rain forests. The National Park Service maintains parks and forests in all 50 state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. In addition to our nationally protected lands, each state maintains a system of parks and forests that are safe from development and maintained for future generations to enjoy.

Federal, state, and local parks and forest conservation programs are not enough to protect threatened lands across this country. While land owners are required to observe federal, state, and local rules concerning land usage (such as zoning laws and building ordinances), in general, they are free to use their land as they see fit. And when land owners make the decision to sell their undeveloped lands, it’s often deep-pocketed developers who are happy to part with their cash in exchange for the next home of a big box store or strip mall.

Profit does not always win out in such matters, however, and organizations exist that promote land conservation by setting up land trusts, conservation easements, and by obtaining private lands for conservation.

Because not everyone is willing or able to simply donate large tracts of land for conservation purposes, land conservation organizations have developed a series of tools and techniques that they use to encourage land or financial donations and protection of lands in perpetuity. If you’re thinking about how to manage your land, or if you are interested in donating money to a land conservation project, check out some of the available options and organizations that are working to make land conservation possible in this country.

American Land Conservancy
American Land Conservancy is a national non-profit land conservation organization that conserves landscapes for the benefit of people and wildlife. American Land Conservancy achieves its conservation goals in three key ways: direct land purchase, conservation easements and through the acquisition of surface and sub-surface land rights. Interested land owners can work with American Land Conservancy to sell or donate their land, and American Land Conservancy acts as a partner by helping land owners determine the best agencies for managing their land, and in managing the overall transfer of the land. American Land Conservancy also has a Conservation Easement program, and they help owners maintain the right to their land while protecting it into the future from development or the removal of its resources.

Land Trust Alliance
According to their website, the Land Trust Alliance promotes voluntary private land conservation that benefits communities and natural systems, and is the national convener, strategist and representative of more than 1,600 land trusts across America. Interested parties can set up conservation easements, donate land, or donate money that is diverted to land trust purchases. The Land Trust Alliance also strives to educate people on how public policy affects land usage and conservation, and provides information on their site that discusses land conservation in the news and in public policy. They also have a Lobbying 101 page on their website, and encourage people to lobby their elected officials about land conservation policies.

The Nature Conservancy
Probably the best known of the land conservation organizations, The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The Nature Conservancy works to actively protect threatened lands from harm through a series of Conservation Initiatives. They also use a science-based philosophy to identify threatened lands and develop solutions that can be used to return those lands to conserved states, and purchases land for conservation purposes. You can also Adopt-an-Acre of a Costa Rican rain forest with a charitable gift, or specify that your donation be used to Rescue a Coral Reef.

In addition to these and other national organizations, there are numerous smaller organizations that work on the local level around the country in helping people preserve land within their communities. Trustees of Reservation in Massachusetts has an extensive Land Conservation program, and maintains over 100 properties in the state. If you are considering donating money or land to a conservation organization and want to stay local, check with one of the larger conservation organizations to find an appropriate partner. You can also a basic search and plug in your local information, or call your local government for recommendations.

Land conservation organizations have preserved over 37 million acres of land through these kinds of practices. If you can’t donate land, consider becoming a member of one of these organizations or donating money outright. While we can’t save every acre from being developed, we can actively participate in protecting fragile ecosystems, virgin forests and other vulnerable parcels from environmental ruin.

This past week I was lucky enough to see Stonyfield Farm Chairman, President, and “CE-Yo,” Gary Hirshberg, give a lecture at the RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth, NH. On my way home from an evening walk, I noticed the bookstore was filled with people and decided to stop in and see what was going on. Am I happy that I stopped! Not only is Hirshberg a fantastic speaker, but his lecture touched on all things environmental, from organic farming and foods to solid waste management and conservation at the highest levels of business.

Hirshberg has a new book, Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World, and is on an extensive book tour promoting his efforts and touting tips on how to cut your carbon emissions, use fewer resources and still turn a profit. I thought he was an extremely good speaker – his honesty and sincerity were evident from the start of his talk, and you could just tell that his passion for saving the planet is real.

In addition to letting us in on his past – from his beginnings at The New Alchemy Institute on Cape Code – to his recent conversations with CEOs of major companies including Wal-Mart, Hirshberg shared stories about how Stonyfield Farms is doing their part to be a steward to the environment by managing their externalities, reducing waste, and recycling anything that’s left over.

While I’ve not yet had a chance to purchase his book, I intend on doing so. Hirshberg uses the text in order to call on individuals and businesses:

to realize their power to effect change in the marketplace – ‘the power of one’ – while proving that environmental commitment makes for a healthier planet and a healthier bottom line.

And in listening to Hirshberg, I truly got the sense that not only does he believe in his philosophy, but that he wants to do everything possible to make his philosophy a reality for as many people as humanly possible. Part of what made his talk so compelling too, was his emphasis on the positive – he wasn’t all gloom and doom when speaking about the challenges of changing human behavior in order to save the environment. Rather, Hirshberg offered an attitude of optimism, and made me feel that all of the little things I do on my own may actually make a difference in the long run.

Hirshberg also spoke extensively about Stonyfield Farm’s non-profit foundation, Climate Counts – an organization that fosters a “collaborative effort to bring consumers and companies together in the fight against global climate change.” One of the services that Climate Counts provides is a Scorecard that grades major corporations on their environmental responsibilities. I checked out the tool and was surprised to see how poorly companies including CBS and Levi Strauss scored, and also how well Nike and IBM did on their scores.

What I found most interesting about the entire lecture however, was learning about all of Stonyfield’s environmental initiatives. At the farm, nothing is wasted, and they really strive to make green changes with every new product they create, and with all of their existing products. Additionally, Stonyfield Farm gives 10% of its profits to environmentally-friendly organizations, has its carbon emissions offset 100%, and invites their customers to return their yogurt containers to the farm so they can be recycled into spoons and other products.

Check out Stonyfield Fams if you get a chance – and by the way, their yogurt is great too!

It’s such a an obvious idea that sometimes we forget about it. If you own a dishwasher, it is always better to make sure it is completely full before running it. It takes the same amount of water to wash a half full dishwasher as it dos a full one. Why waste the water and energy on a half full cycle?

The other simple idea when it comes to this appliance is you should not rinse a dish before putting it in the dishwasher. All modern dishwashers have large disposal systems to break down waste before sending it down the pipe so you need not worry about the food going down the drain. Also, rinsing a dish before putting it in the dishwasher wastes water and is exactly what the dishwasher will do in the first cycle anyways.

Studies have shown that dishwashers use only half the energy, one-sixth of the water, and less soap than hand-washing an identical set of dirty dishes. Even the most proficient hand washers could not beat the saving of a normal dishwasher. Energy Star dishwashers use even less energy than those tested and you could qualify for a rebate if you buy one. As long as you always run the unit full and don’t pre-rinse your dishes, you can save time, money, and relieve yourself of a daily chore. You still have to put the dishes away when they are clean.