Green, it's being said a lot lately, is the new red, white and blue (for those of you in the States, anyway). The fact is, a growing number of people and organizations around the globe are realizing the importance of more environmentally friendly, sustainable living, and they're launching new programs and Websites every day to help others attain that goal.
Some of the latest recruits in this green living army include:
"10 Easy Things You Can Do to Help the Earth": This guide from EcoMall offers a list of simple ways you can help promote eco-friendly living with the things you do every day. Launched in 1994, EcoMall provides links to sustainable retailers and other businesses, along with educational articles, news and action alerts.
The 48-Hour Green Home: Starting on May 1, Ontario-based TMCP Building Systems Inc., working with Steelform and other participants, will begin building a "dream green home" to be completed in 48 hours, using scrap material from two old cars. The construction method employs thin-shell, load-bearing concrete-and-steel panels to create a strong, thermally efficient and energy efficient house.
The Fairmont Eco-Meet Program: Fairmont Hotel and Resorts has now begun offering its Eco-Meet program at all its properties throughout North America. Described as a green meeting and conference planning option, Eco-Meet provides meeting planners with "disposable-free" food and beverage services, meeting room recycling stations, edible/organic or reusable centerpieces and the option for purchasing energy/emissions offsets. Other eco-friendly offerings include energy-efficient lighting and water-conserving fixtures in guest rooms, and eco-cuisine that uses local, seasonal or organically grown foods in meals whever possible.
Geofeat: Launching this spring, Geofeat aims to connect people with eco-friendly retailers and businesses, and to help individuals share resources and information with others interested in green living.
Green Dimes: Green Dimes pledges to, for a dime a day ($36 a year), help you stop 75 to 90 percent of the unwanted junk mail from coming to your home. It also will plant a tree every month on your behalf through programs taking place in North America, Central America, South America, India, Senegal and Haiti.
Green Options: Green Options says it aims to help environmentally minded Web surfers sort "the flash from the trash" and find helpful, practical information for living cost-effective and comfortable eco-friendly lives. The site includes a blog, a wiki-based guide to green living resources, discussion forums and a regularly updated Green Report on new technology and other green-oriented developments.
The Greens: This non-profit Website features an online comedy cartoon for children, along with related games, action tips, a blog, links and more. With new episodes added monthly, the broadband program is available online only, and is created by WGBH in Boston.
