Recycling old/worn CDs/CDRs/DVDs/DVDRs?

If you're a big music geek like me, and you happen to use a lot of CDRs/DVDRs, you may wonder how much environmental damage you're doing by using/trashing them. I certainly do.
Or alternately, if you work at a business where large numbers of CD or DVD discs (instructional, training videos, etc.) are often thrown in the garbage, you may be able to help to keep these out of landfills. This site, which I noticed linked from respected underground/experimental music site Brainwashed, is one possible solution: CD Recycling Center

Check it out and see if you may be able to help.

FREE green product coupons!

Is there a natural foods, green living, or health & wellness store near you? If so, you would do well to have a look at this site, which offers a variety of free coupons towards some good things -- money saved is, well, money put towards something else! I've used many of their coupons, and have absolutely no regrets. Visit their website here and sign up for your free coupons...or pick up the new coupon book FREE at your local natural foods store...

Mambo Sprouts website

Arm & Hammer Essentials natural deodorant

Ah, "greenwashing". This is a pretty new-ish term to describe advertising or product labeling that, in some way, misleads the public into believing that it's all "environmentally-friendly". Sometimes, products are really, truly eco-conscious, and others make no bones about being "dangerous" or hazardous. Nowadays, as the greening of America gets deeper and more mainstream, some manufacturers are making misleading claims or packaging. I recently found that my Arm & Hammer "Essentials Natural Deodorant", which the front packaging claims to be "Natural protection, aluminum-free, paraben-free". Yup, check. No problem there. But listed in the ingredients is the potentially-harmful antibacterial agent Triclosan (present in many hand (and body) washing products). Not that it's something that really matters a whole lot, but it DOES contribute to the algaefication of our natural bodies of water, and can potentially usher in new, super-viruses that are resistant to our antibodies. So, in effect, as much as I love Arm & Hammer baking soda (and many of their products), this deodorant isn't all it's cracked up to be. It does seem relatively effective in keeping my odors at bay, for what it's worth.

The Age Of Stupid trailer

News of this film just came in. And another upside? Thom Yorke of Radiohead has apparently contributed a theme song of some sort. I guess it didn't make the proposed March 2009 release date, though?

Morningstar Farms Corn Dogs follow-up

It's been noted that on the Morningstar Farms website, there are now absolutely no mention at all of the Veggie/Corn Dogs...as if they don't exist and are being re-written out of existence!

Clarification arrived today, as a rep for the company responded to my inquiry as follows:

"We are experiencing a temporary out of stock situation with all of our veggie dog varieties due to supply issues with our co-manufacturer which has delayed production. We apologize that you won't be able to enjoy one of your favorite products for the near future. As of this time, we do not have a specific start ship date for the veggie dogs to return to your local stores.

We appreciate your purchase of our products and hope to have this product available again soon for you to enjoy.

Thank you and your friends for your loyalty!"



So, I look forward to finding these on shelves again in the future. In the meantime, if you haven't tried Morningstar's new Maple-flavored veggie sausage patties, they are delicious.

Cheekwood Art & Gardens, Nashville, TN

If you're looking for a fascinating attraction, and you're near Nashville, Tennessee, there's a really fun place to see some amazing botanical gardens, on beautiful grounds. It's called Cheekwood Art & Gardens, and in the middle of an affluent part of Nashville, you can see this and snap some superb photos. Visit the Cheekwood Mansion, too, which is an old plantation house with spectacular architecture (but don't take any photos inside! Hah!). If you're into enjoying a little bit of nature, as I am, this is a wonderful day-trip get-a-way, with plenty of space for little hikes in a romantic, flowery setting. And the wildlife? Birdwatchers, this is a must. I saw several species I'd never seen before. Delightful, and recommended!



Cheekwood website

Fresh seafood choices

As a consumer and enjoyer of good seafood (despite my vegetarian-leaning intentions), I am quite concerned about the oceans, and the growing problem with overfishing. Some popular species of fish are really in danger, as production/overharvesting continues to increase to keep up with demand. It would truly be a sad day if we had no more salmon for my delicious salmon patties, for example. Not to mention the damage to delicate ecosystems that would result from the loss of even a single species in a specific region. Think about the bears and other animals that rely on fish for their sustenance.

With that in mind, it is possible to find eco-conscious seafood for your consumption. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) labels their approved products, so there is a choice.

I am especially fond of the inexpensive single-serve salmon portions from Ocean Market, available sometimes in my local Schnuck's groceries for a buck! $1! Makes a superb sandwich (on whole grain bread, of course).

For more info, check this site:

Marine Stewardship Council, with a list of products and availability