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Klean Kanteen is the original BPA-free stainless steel water bottle. Be among the first to hear about their new product line!

Klean Kanteen and Greenfeet go together like, well, beer and chocolate. We're proud to support this local Chico business, and excited to launch their latest design! Dori and Val talk to KK's Peter Melton about plans for the future and pose a few listener questions along the way. Also, the Hipsters congratulate the Grand Prize Winner for the MHTH 4th Anniversary Quiz: James from Erie, PA!

Beer: The first of many from Val's Pacific Northwest beer run is Samuel Smith Organic Strawberry Ale. The delightfully sweet, fresh flavor of real fruit makes it a winner. Val and Rob picked up this bottle at Saraveza, a hip bottle shop in Portland, OR. (Many strawberries were harmed in the making of this ale.)

Chocolate: Oh my! Val also brought back a naughty cream-filled confection from Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland. By the way, if putting bacon on a maple bar is wrong, we don't wanna be right.

Finds:

• Novel ideal. Love your Kindle, but miss the scent of fresh ink on a page? Spray on the Smell of Books! At home or on the road, you can always get a lungful of literature. (Thanks Anne!)
• Greenbacks. Take your money out of your mattress and invest it in the some of the Top Sustainable Stocks, chosen by Sustainable Business.com. Stimulus is a 2-way street, ya know!

• ACES high. The American Clean Energy and Security Act squeaked through the House of Representatives last week. But the landmark climate change bill faces a tough fight in the Senate.
• Sun of a beach. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signed an order that set aside 676,000 acres of federal land out west for the possibility of developing solar projects. Looks like Ken blew his chance at the Rubber Dodo Award.

Planning a 4th of July party? Get out the compostable plates, cups and utensils. Fill up the reusable bottles. Set out a recycling can. Declare your independence from waste!

Klean Kanteen makes the original BPA-free stainless steel water bottle, and they're based right here in Chico. We brought in Awareness Representative Peter Melton to field some listener questions, talk about the new line of bottles launching this month and discuss the company's fundraising program. He also managed to swipe Dori's naughty doughnut.

• Healthy. Klean Kanteens are routinely tested to ensure your safety. The bottles are NSF certified and CPSIA compliant.
• Fresh. A new line of wide-mouth bottles debuts this month! Coming soon: 5 oz. and 9 oz. bottles for little ones, plus new double-wall Classic bottles.
• Responsible. Klean Kanteen partners with NatureBridge and the Breast Cancer Fund, and they're a member of 1% for the Planet.
• Aware. Raise money for your school or non-profit organization, or just help your company go green with Klean Kanteen. Ask them about co-branding. Here's a great example!

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and naughty doughnut photos at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Erin in Washington is a fan of Silkies! These luxurious chickens lay light brown eggs and have black skin and bones. We think they're hottie hens.
• Jeanne in Kentucky found a substitute for fake maple syrup. Golden Eagle keeps her hubby happy.
• Trystan at Yahoo! Green calls out a greenwasher. Beer in a pouch? Really?
• Tamar in Israel reports that the Dead Sea is, in fact, on its deathbed. RIP.
• Sandy in New Jersey gives us another good reason to avoid artificial sweeteners. Turns out, they're "sweetening' the water supply.
• Shout-out! Thanks to Lynn for mentioning us in her blog, the Actors Diet!

*FREE SHIPPING on your $75 order at Greenfeet thru July 6, 2009!*Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Independence Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Independence Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

"Our Renewable Nation" comes to Chico, as Colin and Carrick McCullough make a stop on their cross-country eco-video tour!

The Hipsters celebrate 4 years of beer, chocolate and chat...apart. Dori feels like Kate Gosselin, ditched by vacationing Val on their big day! So, this show features a pre-taped interview with long-time listener Colin and his 10-year old son Carrick. The McCulloughs are halfway through a 2-month trek across the US, so they share the highlights and the challenges with us. They also drop names. (Did Ed Begley Jr. remember us?) Also, while Val searches for the elusive moose, Dori presents the More Hip Than Hippie 4th Anniversary Quiz! Mwah-hah-hah...

Mead: Colin and his buddy Alex brewed up a batch of delicious cranberry mead. Colin saved his last precious bottle for us. What a honey!

Chocolate: We share some sweet gooey anniversary goodness in the form of Godiva Chocoiste Dark Chocolate filled with Raspberry.

Colin is a Charter Hipster who has taken his passion for the environment to a whole new level! He and his son Carrick produce videos about eco-awareness, from a kid's perspective. Now they've loaded up the family in their Yellow Veggie Beetle for a cross-country eco-video trek called Our Renewable Nation. Among their 35 green destinations: More Hip HQ in Chico, CA. We interviewed dad and son, who then turned the tables and interviewed us for their documentary series!

• The Project. They plan to produce a 5 minute DVD for each stop on the trip. You can view these on their YouTube channel in a few months.
• The Subjects. Some of the highlights include the Biomimicry Institute, the Solar Living Institute and the Roscoe Wind Council.
• The Roadster. Carrick's favorite stop so far: Tesla Motors, where he felt the need for speed!
• The Inspiration. Colin hatched the idea for the trip after reading "Earth: The Sequel".
• The Winner. Carrick's Reel Mower video won the MSN/Live Earth Video Contest in 2007.
• The Star. Check out Carrick's appearance on the Bonnie Hunt Show!
• The Song. Colin's friend Greg Hare wrote "Tin Can" about the McCullough family's trip, so he asked us to close this show with the song. Done!

OK Hipsters! Test your knowledge of the last year's worth of shows. The first correct e-mail submission wins the Grand Prize Pack of goodies from Greenfeet! All other correct submissions received will go into a drawing for 2 more Greenfeet prize packs. Each Bonus Question answered correctly will replace a wrong answer in the Quiz, so take a shot! Submit your answers to us at hip@greenfeet.com no later than June 30, 2009 at 11:59 PM to qualify for a prize pack. Good luck! *Hint: all the answers are in the show notes!*

1. What 2 organizations formed an alliance called "Together Green" to advance conservation leadership?
2. _____ is recycled in the US more than aluminum, glass, paper and plastic combined.
3. The average American throws away 68 lbs. of what every year?
• a. burrito wrappers
• b. lottery tickets
• c. clothing
• d. cat litter
4. Match the guest with their company or website:
   • a. Sommer Poquette
   • b. Trystan Bass
   • c. Andy Keller
   • d. Shawna Lee Coronado
   • e. Ken Grossman
   • f. Tiffany Threadgould
   • g. Vipe Desai
   • h. Jeff Delkin
   • 1. RePlayGround
   • 2. ChicoBag
   • 3. Yahoo! Green
   • 4. Project Blue
   • 5. Green and Clean Mom
   • 6. bambu
   • 7. The Casual Gardener
   • 8. Sierra Nevada Brewery
5. What common anti-bacterial ingredient is associated with "Superbugs"?
6. What might you accessorize with a hollow tube or a ferrite bead?
   • a. poncho
   • b. cell phone
   • c. car engine
   • d. fingernails
7. _____ is a gelling agent made from the cell walls of plants, NOT from horse hooves!
8. What ingredient in Oreos and Girl Scout cookies is linked to rainforest destruction?
9. Dori and Val test drove which electric car?
   • a. GEM
   • b. Volt
   • c. Smart Car
   • d. ZENN
10. Name 3 of Val's Favorite Things.
11. What organization is behind television ads touting High Fructose Corn Syrup as "natural"?
12. The world's largest deposit of lithium lies in _____.
13. Which of the following does Dori NOT despise?
    • a. Seafood
    • b. Worms
    • c. Nuts
    • d. John Cusack
14. What does OLED stand for?
15. Water from the bath, shower, washing machine, and bathroom sink are the sources of _____.
16. Name your favorite Greenfeet April Fool's Day product!
17. The Order of Patrons of Husbandry is also known as what?
    • OPRAH
    • Mother Nature Network
    • Grange
    • Mondegreen
18. Name 3 ideas for Gifting the Meanie.
19. Eco-model Summer Rayne Oakes has a line of shoes at Payless called _____.
20. The word "Vegetannual" comes from what beloved book?
21. Who said, "Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy."?

Each Bonus Question you answer correctly can be used to replace an incorrect answer in the Quiz. However, all Quiz questions must be answered for these to count!

• Listener Steve suggests a delightful cocktail of raspberry beer and Hoegaarden ale, appropriately called a _________.
• According to listener Roger, what are the 2 dirtiest animals in the barnyard?
• Name our favorite town in Idaho.

What can we say? It's been our pleasure to bring you this show for the past 4 years! Thank you for listening and for spreading the word to family and friends. An extra big THANK YOU to those who have contributed, whether you sent chocolate, beer, e-mails, links or bottle caps. And since podcasters don't have term limits, we'd like to keep MHTH going for at least 4 more years! Who's with us? We love you man!

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and anniversary wishes at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Canada Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

If you enjoy hiking, exploring, art and a good treasure hunt, you should give Letterboxing a try!

It dates back to 1854, but the Old World activity known as Letterboxing is very much alive today. Combining navigation with puzzle-solving, participants use online clues to make their way to hidden boxes in scenic spots and collect ink stamps, while leaving their own behind. The Hipsters delve into this world of old-fashioned fun with tips to get you started! Also, Val visits a Frugal Home and Dori holds her RunPee.

Beer: It may have been brewed by Val's cousin's son, but the Acai Wheat Berry Ale from Eel River Brewing Co. was a bit light for our liking. Things are gonna get ugly at the family reunion.

Chocolate: A big thanks to our new Favorite Listener, Tiffany in Michigan! She sent a yummy bar of El Rey Apamate Carenero Superior Venezuelan Single Origin Dark Chocolate. Keep the beer caps coming too!

Finds:

• Love ewe. C'mon, you know you want to wrap your arms around the Hugging Sheep! Eco-friendly, sustainably made, and when its cotton coat gets dirty, you just take it off and toss it in the wash. Not baaaad!
• Eater's digest. Robert Kenner's new film Food, Inc. "lifts the veil on our nation's food industry". Catch it at a theater near you...if you've got a strong stomach.

• Slick and tired. Exxon Mobil Corp. has to pay $507.5 million in punitive damages for the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. A federal appeals court upheld the original judgment, adding 13 years worth of interest at 5.9%. Good thing Exxon made a few bucks last year.
• Ono you didn't! Famed vegetarian Paul McCartney teams up with Yoko Ono to launch "meat-free Mondays" in Britain. Should we just split some beetles?

Our stamp of approval! Now that you know the basics of letterboxing, give it a try! Find boxes near you and start with something easy. Let us know how it goes!

Letterboxing is a family-friendly treasure hunt! Like geocaching, the object is to follow directions to a box hidden in a scenic spot. However, letterboxing also incorporates puzzles, clues and a bit of artistic flair. With a minor investment in some low-tech gear, you and your family can join the growing ranks of letterboxers.

• England is where the sport originated, but an article in Smithsonian magazine popularized it outside the UK.
• Personal stamp. Create your own signature stamp by carving a Factis white vinyl eraser or a carving block. Express yourself!
• Log book. Collect letterbox stamps in a high quality book with acid-free paper. Look in an art supply store.
• Compass. Get an inexpensive baseplate swivel compass and learn to use it!
• Reference. One handy guide is "The Letterboxer's Companion" by Randy Hall. Covers all the basics, including etiquette, navigation and clues.
• Subscribe to the NewBoxers Group on Yahoo! where no question is a dumb question.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and letterbox clues at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Michelle in Rhode Island wants some ideas to keep the CRRA Garbage Museum from closing. Help a Hipster out!
• Jaimelee in Kentucky is flushed with excitement about the Toilet Rebate program. Maybe that's because her hubby brews beer at home.
• Jenny sounds the alarm about alternative medicine. She shares an article and refers us to Quackwatch.
• Kristin alerts us to a proposed excise tax that could spell doom for small breweries.
• Bonnie in Maine (ayuh!) found the ultimate repurposed item: the Bra Purse.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Father's Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Many of the world's vacation destinations are disappearing.

Global warming and human activity take a heavy toll on some of our most popular tourist attractions. Some endangered sites may be gone before we have a chance to see them. Should we travel to these fragile places, or will that make the problem worse? The Hipsters examine a few of these destinations and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of tourism.

Beer: There's caffeine in our beer! The latest release from MateVeza is the flavorful, full-bodied Organic Yerba Mate IPA. Stimulating, to say the least. Want to go for a jog?

Chocolate: Fonda in Missouri reclaims her title as Our Favorite Listener by sending a delicious Art Bar Dark Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs. They give 10% of their profits to art education, thereby offsetting our negative cultural impact.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Now that her son is becoming a vegetarian, Val is getting a lot of use out of her Tortilla Press. Wholesome homemade corn tortillas wrap around those beans and veggies for an easy meal on-the-go, and clean-up is a snap.
• Jam session. San Francisco's Yes, We Can is a community canning project preserving the flavors of summer. Try it in your area...we hope you're jammin' too!

• License to ill. A quarter of "natural" supplements are not living up to their labels, according to ConsumerLab. If you've been buying Hoodia, you may be Scroodia!
• Who gnu? Large animal migrations in Africa are on the decline. Researchers say human development is to blame.

Book 'em! The next time you're purging books from your shelves, consider donating them to a prison. Their libraries are grossly under-inventoried and they can always use textbooks or any other educational material. The book most requested by inmates? A dictionary!

Some of the world's most glorious sights may not survive through this century. Should you travel to see them while you still can, or will that just worsen their plight? Learn about some of these endangered destinations and how to minimize your impact.

• Global warming has left few places untouched. Glacier National Park, the Great Barrier Reef, Venice and the Maldives are among its victims.
• Human activity such as mining and development has taken a toll on the Everglades, Appalachia and Las Vegas.
• Tourism is damaging fragile sites like China's Great Wall, Namibia's Red Sand Dunes and the Dead Sea.
• Stay or Go? Only you can decide. The Independent Traveler has some eco-friendly tips.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and vacation photos at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Jeanne in Kentucky is a new Facebook friend living on 130 green acres with 53 chickens!
• Fonda in Missouri praises Green America for their member support. We praise Fonda for the chocolate she sent.
• Liz in New York loves her bamboo veggie steamer, and now wants to try tie-dying without the toxic chemicals. Simply Spray is a safe option.
• Sara in Virginia recommends Books on CD if you're too busy to read. She's currently listening to Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.
• Jenn in North Carolina wants to keep it green while shopping for a car. Think gas mileage and durability in a vehicle that fits your lifestyle. If you're looking at a used car, get the Carfax!
• Chris in Montana sends congrats ahead of our 4th anniversary. He interviewed us in 2006 for Podcast User magazine and still thinks we're rock stars after all these years!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Graduation Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Project Blue is the brainchild of marketing guru Vipe Desai, who parlayed his love of surfing and the ocean into a clever green fundraising initiative.

Blue is the new green! Vipe Desai brought together well-known companies to produce co-branded, limited edition surf and beach products. A portion of the proceeds goes to protect the world's oceans, waves and beaches. Vipe talks to the Hipsters about his background as a surf-shop owner, his Project Blue partners and an exciting contest that's underway. Also, Val's dog eats her homework and Dori speaks whale!

Beer: Good ol' Deschutes Brewery comes through again with Buzzsaw Brown Ale, a tasty tribute to Oregon's lumberyards of yore.

Chocolate: Our new favorite listener is Alanna in Boston, who sent a tres bon sampler from A La Mere de Famille chocolatier in Paris. Merci! We love your Tactile Travel tours too!

Finds:

• Or are they Twees? The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) will plant one tree for every new Twitter follower until June 5th, which is World Environment Day. Follow UNEPandYou now!
• Bamboo-tiful. Looking for lovely eco-friendly fashions with a vintage touch? Ruche offers affordable gear for green gals.
• Turn the page. The Summer Reading program at Barnes and Noble is underway. If your kid reads 8 books by Sept. 7th, B&N will hand over a coupon for a free book. Check to see if your local bookstores have a similar program.

• Year of the Tote. It's been a year since China enacted a ban on plastic bags. Results? 40 billion fewer plastic bags were used, with no adverse effect on retail sales. Was that so tough?
• Cue the orca-stra. Experts confirm the presence of singing blue whales 70 miles off the coast of New York. They were reportedly auditioning for The Little Mermaid.
• $1 per sip. With only 1,515 bottles of Moorilla's Moo Brew 2008 Vintage Stout available, you'd better take out a loan and grab a case! (Yeah, it's $20 a bottle.)

The heat is on! Now is the time to call your energy company and ask for a home energy audit. They'll send someone out to assess the efficiency of your house and make suggestions for improvements, at no cost to you. Don't want a stranger in your pad? Audit thyself!

Blue is the new green! Project Blue is the brainchild of marketing guru Vipe Desai, who parlayed his love of surfing and the ocean into a clever green fundraising initiative. Vipe brought together well-known companies to produce co-branded, limited edition surf and beach products. A portion of the proceeds goes to protect the world's oceans, waves and beaches. Vipe talks to the Hipsters about his background as a surf-shop owner, his Project Blue partners and an exciting contest that's underway. He also reveals his deplorable taste in chocolate.

• Learn about Project Blue. It's not a charity, it's a plan of action.
• Partners in the project include Billabong, DAKINE, Electric, Nixon, Famous Wax, O'Neill and Reef.
• Contribute to the non-profit Surfrider Foundation with your purchases.
• Look for the co-branded products in your state, or shop online.
• Vote the Ocean. Check out non-partisan Ocean Champions.
• Win cool stuff! Show Us Your Blue!

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and surf reports at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Shout-Out! A big thanks to Miranda Fern for the kind words in her blog!
• Melissa really wanted to recommend Barbara Kingsolver's book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle but we beat her to it. OMIGOD!
• Doug is a LEED Accredited Professional and the newest member of Boston Green Realty. Wicked pissa!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Graduation Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

Summertime is the season for fun. Whether you hit the road or hang out at home, you can leave a lighter footprint.

Here comes the heat! There are plenty of eco-friendly ways to celebrate the sunny season. The Hipsters looks at ways to work with the sun, not against it. Listen for tips about summer food, drinks, clothing and fun! Also, Val blogs about her latest social faux pas while Dori defends Green Day.

Beer: Another cool label for Val's collection! Coney Island Lager from Shmaltz Brewing Co. boasts 8 malts, 6 hops and an intriguing amber hue. Delightfully hefty, as lagers go.

Chocolate: Even Dagoba falls a little short sometimes. Their New Moon 74% Rich Dark Chocolate got a big "meh" from Val, while Dori is unable to taste anything but nasal fluids.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Why pay $3-$4 a box for sugary popsicles this summer? Cool down your body and your wallet with the Frozen Ice Pop Maker. Add chunks of fresh fruit to healthy juice and freeze a little fun!
• Lettuce begin. No space for a garden? With a few seeds and a little water, you can grow your salad greens in a reusable tote. We like produce that bags itself.
• Pandasonic. A compostable bamboo cell phone? Will it grow new cell phones?

• Green house effect. President Obama's plans to renovate public housing will create green jobs in those communities.
• Letter rip! Our friends at Green America want you to send this letter to Exxon, asking them to please spend more of their record profits on renewable energy and less on greenwashing.
• Know Your Enemy. That's the new song by Green Day. Wal-Mart believes you shouldn't hear it, so they won't sell it.

As the bounty of summer fills the stalls of your farmer's market, make it a point to try something new. Choose something that looks interesting and ask the vendor how to prepare it. If it's fresh, local and seasonal, it can't be all bad, right?

Green Summer

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is in the headlights. You already know the basic moves to save water and energy. Now, with a little help from Planet Green, the Hipsters take you to the next level with ideas for a cool green summer to remember!

• Grill. Cook outside to save energy, using propane or natural briquettes. Serve those summer meals on compostable dishes. Clean the grill with an eco-friendly cleanser like Bon Ami.
• Skill. Learn how to prepare raw foods. Work them into your diet for maximum nutrition with minimal electricity. Eat smaller meals several times a day.
• Chill. Wear lightweight cotton or linen fabric like seersucker or madras. Splash water on your pulse points. Munch on spicy foods containing capsaicin; your body will sweat to cool itself, without raising your core temperature.
• Kill bacteria and mold in wet laundry with the natural bleaching power of the sun. Good ol' Sol can also charge your gadgets and brew up delicious tea.
• Fill your free time with green volunteer opportunities. Plan day trips to local attractions and events, but don't overbook yourself! Leave time to relax with family and friends.

• Carolyn in Melbourne, Australia wants to know why we think the Canadian seal hunt is cruel. Good question! The HSUS has the answer.
• Alisha in Virginia found a study calling reuseable bags a public safety hazard. (Sponsor: Plastics industry!) She also has a new "bamboo management program"...Freecycle.
• Trystan at Yahoo! Green shares new uses for plastic bottles, reveals how fresh air is killing us and wonders if she should compost despite having no plants. We say yes, if only to further horrify your neighbors!

Realtor Scott Wolf shares tips for buying or selling a green home in the current market.

"Homes that are healthier for those who live in them, more resource-efficient, and/or better for the environment than their conventional counterparts." That's how Chico Eco-Broker Scott Wolf defines a green home. He tells the Hipsters about the best upgrades to make to your dwelling, and why a home is only as green as its location location location! Also, Dori plants a garden, Val proposes a gift for the show's upcoming 4th anniversary and the Snot Sisters make their debut.

Beer: We loved the label and the cap on our big-ass bottle of Wychwood Scarecrow Golden Pale Ale. However, the flavor of this organic brew was less than bewitching.

Chocolate: Reliably yummy Dagoba Conacado 73% Dominican Republic origin dark chocolate is Fair Trade Certified and Hipster Approved.

Finds:

• Solid grounds. National Geographic has partnered with Cafe Bom Dia to produce Terra Firma Fair Trade Certified Gourmet Coffee. Proceeds benefit NatGeo's international programs.

• Smiles per gallon. President Obama announced new rules to cut vehicle emissions, bringing together environmentalists and the auto industry.
• The ranger's not gonna like this! A couple of seasonal employees at Yellowstone National Park were fired after a live webcam caught them peeing into the Old Faithful geyser. Is that why it's Yellowstone?

Green Realtor Scott Wolf says we should think of our homes as a "system", made up of the building, the heating and cooling unit, the water unit, the lighting and the appliances. You can't make changes to one part without affecting the rest. Take the time to evaluate the efficiency of your system, whether you live in a house, apartment, condo, cabin or yurt!

Our friend Scott Wolf is a realtor and Certified Eco-Broker specializing in green homes here in Chico. He explains what makes a house green, which upgrades are a worthwhile investment and what to look for if you're buying or selling a home these days. He also explains why solar is sexy, and bravely tackles a few questions from listeners along the way.

• What is a green home? Scott talks about resources, health and environmental considerations.
• How do you know if you're buying a green home? Invest in an energy audit.
• When should you upgrade to green? Look for tax credits and incentives in your area.
• Where can you make inexpensive changes in your home? Start with eco-friendly paint and carpet, or water-saving aerators.
• Why go green at home? Because programs like Regreen are making it easier than ever.
• Who can help you find a green home? A Certified Eco-Broker and/or LEED Accredited Professional, like Scott Wolf!

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and real estate listings at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Lisa in Minnesota found "functional funky stuff" for Hipsters at Maruja Fuentes. Check out the Green Pockets.
• Bruce Lee in Texas shares more info on the evils of the NAIS. Keep your damn dirty hands off Dori's goats!
• Gayla in South Carolina discovered an easy way to honor Organic Heroes by purchasing Nature's Path and Organic Valley products.
• Amanda in Tennessee is ready to shake her ass in hemp jeans, but can't find any in Nashville! Try here.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Graduation Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

Shawna Lee Coronado, author of Gardening Nude, believes that getting in touch with nature provides the key to healthy bodies, minds and communities, as well as a healthy planet.

After years of chronic bad health, Shawna began digging into the earth and found a whole new lifestyle. She's now an author, blogger, speaker and activist, as well as a wife and mom. She called the Hipsters from her home in Chicago, where she took time out from shooting a local TV feature to share her passion for gardens, people, community, naked clowns and buffalo poop! Also this week, Dori goes to the movies and Val gets Topsy Turvy.

Beer: We enjoyed a big-ass bottle of Hefeweizen from Cica's Blue Frog Grog, just a hop away in Fairfield, CA. Nice and light for a summer's day, though Dori found the flavor "frog-gettable". (sorry!)

Chocolate: Wow, a surprisingly tasty Mocha Milk Chocolate from Newman's Own Organics. Normally we'd scoff at a measly 34% cocoa, but Nell and "Pa" packed a lot of luscious into this bar. RIP, Blue Eyes!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Here it is, a garden hose that's tough, kink resistant and eco-friendly. The GatorHyde Recycled Garden Hose replaces all those flimsy hoses that break every year, and the water that comes out the nickel-plated nozzle is actually safe to drink! (No gators were harmed in the making of this hose.)
• Waterworld. After the smashing success of "Earth", Disneynature is diving into the Oceans for Earth Day 2010. You've got to sea it to believe it!
• Pucker up. May is National Vinegar Month, so get your Heinz in gear with these useful tips for the inexpensive elixir.

• Polarizing issue. The Obama administration says the Endangered Species Act is not the right tool to control global warming, so polar bears will receive no special protection under the Act. Sarah Palin is gassing up her helicopter.
• Pick your poison. Good news for those of us who like to eat food: the EPA is banning the use of the pesticide carbofuran on food crops. A few million dead migratory birds can't be wrong!
• Free range beef. A black heifer named Molly could find sanctuary after escaping from a New York City slaughterhouse. Start spreadin' the mooos...

Mother knows best! Pick up a copy of the Mother Earth News Guide to Living on Less. The issue is part of their Wiser Living Series, and features articles on saving energy, starting a garden, building a home, preserving food, raising backyard chickens, even brewing your own beer. It's so full of great ideas, we couldn't pick just one!

The Casual Gardener, Shawna Lee Coronado, believes gardening gives life not only to plants, but also to those tending them. After years of chronic bad health, Shawna began digging into the earth and found a whole new lifestyle! She's now an author, blogger, speaker and activist, as well as a wife and mom. She called the Hipsters from her home in Chicago, where she took time out from shooting a local TV feature to share her passion for gardens, people, community, naked clowns and buffalo poop.

• Blog. The 2009 Casual Gardener Get It Garden Challenge is on! Create a garden that makes a difference in your life and your community.
• Garden. As a member of the Garden Writer's Association, Shawna encourages you to Plant a Row for the Hungry.
• Book. You can leave your clothes on while you read Gardening Nude, Shawna's story of how getting back to nature saved her health.
• NSFW. Or, if you'd rather take your clothes off, mark your calendar for World Naked Gardening Day on May 2nd.
• Calendar. One thing that never goes out of season: Naked Clowns. For a good cause, of course.
• Buffalo. Something about their poop makes Shawna giddy with pleasure.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and nude gardening photos at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Melinda in South Carolina shares a story about Konarka, a solar company that plans to fit transparent solar cells into windows.
• Rick in Virginia wants us to read The End of Overeating, an important new book by Dr. David Kessler.
• Diane in San Diego is excited about a beer and chocolate event hosted by Chuao. Hey, we love your Yard Fairy blog!
• Sean in Roseville, CA recommends the tasty brews at Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB), Portland's first eco-brewpub. We'll add it to the list.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Graduation Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

Flea and tick control usually involves toxic pesticides. Natural alternatives protect you, your pet and your home.

More than 65% of American homes include a family pet. Your fur-bearing friends are likely to attract unwanted visitors: fleas and ticks. Which powders and pills are safe and effective? The Hipsters jump in with the latest info, plus healthy options and preventive measures. Also, Dori manages to finish a book and Val takes on Taz.

Beer: It's a fine day indeed when Chico's Sierra Nevada Brewery launches a new beverage. Kellerweis Hefeweizen is an old-school brew with surprising notes of banana and cloves. So light and delicious, even your wine-cooler friends will love it!

Chocolate: We weren't expecting good things from our beer and chocolate combo this week, but Lindt Excellence Intense Mint scored remarkably well with the fruity brew. The silky chocolate infused with peppermint struck just the right balance for our picky palates!

Finds:

• Vegetannual? It's not a gruesome GMO hybrid! Author Barbara Kingsolver created this seasonal growth chart for her 2007 book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Dori loved this readable and inspiring ode to local food.
• How Suite It Is! Before you book your summer vacation, consult the GreenHotels Directory. It's the first online reservation system for travelers seeking eco-friendly accomodations.

• Unfurgettable. The European Union has closed its borders to products from Canada's cruel commercial seal slaughters. "Soon seals will be worth more alive than dead."
• Sicken of the Sea. Tuna is getting more toxic, according to a new federal study. Mercury levels are up 30% from 1990, and still rising. Sorry, Charlie.

Armed and Hammered! Now that it's time to clean out the fireplace or woodstove, how do you keep the house from smelling like soot? Just fill a pie tin with baking soda, then set it in the fireplace to absorb lingering odors. Way to kick some ash!

Fleas and Ticks Suck!

Flea and tick season is officially underway. By understanding how they live and die, you can keep these unhealthy pests at bay without toxic chemicals. Learn why flea collars are bad, pills are good and cleanliness is your best bet against an infestation.

• Fleas spend their short lives biting mammals and laying eggs. Clean them out.
• Ticks are big disease carriers, most often associated with Lyme Disease. Search and destroy.
• Pet collars are indeed harmful to everyone's health, according to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
• Toxic products to avoid list propoxur, tetrachlorvinphos or amitraz as active ingredients.
• Safer products include Program, Capstar and Biolar. Check this product guide for more info.
• Natural products are not always best. Here are options from Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. Greenfeet carries a diatomaceous earth product.
• Sign this petition requesting that the EPA ban toxic pesticides from pet products.

• Michelle in Queens, NY is impressed with the geniuses who turned wombat poop into handmade paper. No, not toilet paper.
• Maggie in Spain (si!) educates us on the many uses of cherry and olive pits, and manages to squeeze in a funny green one-liner. Nice!
• Chris in Minnesota believes the Kindle DX is the book format of the future. Val is on board.
• Hilary in Kentucky makes the case for having one's knives professionally sharpened. She brought backup.
• Erin in New York had an amazing Earth Day with her 3rd grade class. Thanks for checking in on our Facebook page!
• Rick in Virginia sees evidence that more people are growing their own food, for good reason. Tune in next week for our interview with The Casual Gardener, Shawna Coronado!

Mother Nature Network blogger Robin Shreeves shares information about preventing the spread of swine flu among families and communities.

The outbreak of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is growing every day. But don't hit the panic button! Dori and Val root around inside the media coverage and find the basic facts you need to know, with help from hip blogger Robin Shreeves. Learn about symptoms, prevention, travel, news, numbers and rumors that are spreading faster than the flu! Also, the Hipsters report from ChicoFest and snort along with Snoutbreak '09.

Beer: We're filling our sails with Widmer Bros. Drifter Pale Ale. 'Tis a nice hoppy brew for a day on the boat or the beach.

Chocolate: Our new favorite listener is Lena, who sent a local North Carolina favorite: the Beaufort Bar by Escazu. That mix of dark chocolate and sea salt paired perfectly with the pale ale. Thanks again for the t-shirts Lena!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! As a cherry lover, Val is all too aware of the mess involved in the pitting process. That's why she's loving the Deluxe Cherry Stoner. Just pour in a pile of cherries, push the plunger and enjoy fruity flesh that's ready to bake, can, freeze, dehydrate or eat on the spot! (cuz you might have the munchies...heh heh)
• Dreaming of electric sheep? Now your PC can get a good night's sleep. Somniloquy is a plug-in system that lets your computer transmit and receive while in sleep mode, saving energy.

• Please don't eat the poppies! Afghanistan celebrated Earth Day by designating its first national park. Band-e-Amir is a series of six deep blue lakes separated by natural dams made of travertine, a rare mineral deposit.

Ya gotta glove it! Now that we've pretty much lost the frost, put one of those mateless mittens to use. Slip your sunglasses inside to keep them stylishly safe and scratch-free through summer!

Swine Flu & You

The outbreak of this new influenza virus in humans continues to grow in the US and abroad. Should we panic? Put on masks? Throw out our bacon? Mother Nature Network Blogger Robin Shreeves shares information about how to keep yourself and your family safe, while not overreacting to the onslaught of media coverage.

• Pork is not the enemy! Robin's blog on the Mother Nature Network covers the basics we all need to know about the epidemic.
• Updates from reputable sources like the CDC and WHO will keep you informed without scaring your socks off.
• Travel to Mexico is not advised unless it's an emergency. Check with your airline before you fly to see if your plans are affected.
• Ground Zero for the outbreak is thought by some to be an industrial pork plant owned by Smithfield Farms.
• Google has a handy map to help you track the spread of the virus.
• Twitter provides up-to-the-minute news in 140 characters or less! Follow @CDCemergency and @Veratect.

• Kate shares an article from Mother Earth News about turning grain bins into houses. Cool!
• Melinda wonders if Glade's new soy candles are just greenwashing. Well, consider the source.
• Ali is a new listener bursting with questions! She reminds us that fish tank water is excellent fertilizer for plants and shrubbery. But keep the fish poop off the edibles.
• Kevin shares a great resource: the Green Parents Network. We signed up!
• Tamilyn sent along her recipe for a rib rub that combines coffee and cocoa nibs. Ribgasm.

Eco-Model and Planet Green spokesperson Summer Rayne Oakes makes a fashion statement about sustainability.

She's only 24 years old, but Summer Rayne Oakes is already an accomplished author/speaker/blogger/TV personality/fashionista. She's also an educated scientist and dedicated bug-lover. In her passion to spread the word about the environment, the self-styled "Eco-Model" is taking her message to the mall with a new line of shoes and accessories. She took a break during her book tour to talk with Dori and Val about her work, her freaky pets and her name (it's real!). Also, a couple of fellow Hipsters hit the airwaves, but Uncle Sam forgets Earth Day!

Beer: Val is on the mend, so we shared a big ass bottle of Mammoth Brewing Co.'s IPA 395. The brew is named for the desert highway running along the Eastern Sierra Nevada, and its big hoppy flavor is worth a road trip!

Chocolate: Boy, do we love Dagoba. Their Beaucoup Berries 74% Organic Chocolate is lightly molested with cranberries and cherries, plus a hint of vanilla. To quote the wrapper: "You can deprive the body but the soul needs chocolate." We concur.

Finds:

• Planet Hollywood. Disneynature's "Earth" hits theaters today, and every ticket sold equals a tree planted in the Amazon rainforest. Polar bears, elephants, whales, oh my!
• Lights! Camera! Activism! Disney and Al Gore aren't the only ones making compelling environmental documentaries.
• Pool of tears. Is your swimming pool drowning in chemicals? Try SeaKlear, Nature2 or Ecosmarte to keep it clean and "green" this summer.

• Right on track. President Obama unveiled plans for a new high-speed rail system in the US. We're on board.
• Will he get Royalties? Prince Charles plans to release a book and film about the environmental impact of big businesses. He'll donate the proceeds from the Harmony project to charity.

It's easy to keep your copper bird feeders and patio ornaments looking like new. Just mix a little lemon juice with rock salt, and lightly rub it on the surface. Shines like a new penny, and costs just a few!

She's only 24 years old, but Summer Rayne Oakes is already an accomplished author/speaker/blogger/TV personality/fashionista. She's also an educated scientist and dedicated bug-lover. In her passion to spread the word about the environment, the self-styled "Eco-Model" is taking her message to the mall with a new line of shoes and accessories. She took a break during her book tour to talk about her work, her pets and her name (it's real!).

• Fashion. Summer consulted with Payless Shoes for their zoe&zac collection of sustainable shoes. Payless donates $1 from every sale to the Nature Conservancy's Plant A Billion Trees campaign.
• Television. Summer's on the Board of Advisors for Discovery's Planet Green, where she's a spokesperson on the air. Check out her advice column, Ask Summer Rayne.
• Book. She's in the middle of an international tour for Style, Naturally, which addresses environmentalism through fashion.
• Blog. Summer is a regular contributor at TreeHugger too. You know, in her spare time.

   

  Listener E-mails

  Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and Earth Day accomplishments at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

  • Gayla in South Carolina enjoys making an impact at Everywun.com, where you earn credits to spend making the world a better place.
  • Rick in Virginia loves his new GreenPan collection. They're PFOA-free non-stick pans at a reasonable price.
  • Hilary in Kentucky takes issue with the NAIS because it could hurt small farms. She also shares a report about the failure of genetic engineering, and casts a vote in favor of Dori's chicken adventure.
  • Brock in Illinois hopes to keep hungry bunnies out his garden by planting marigolds. Good luck!
  • Sandy in New York is campaigning with his son to ban styrofoam in his town, and they're making progress! Next project: plastic water bottles.
  • Cassi wants us to vote for her 16-year old son Dillon, who has entered this video in an EPA contest. Go Dillon!

  *****TV Alert! Hipster kid Carrick McCollough appears on the Bonnie Hunt Show this week! Hipster Tiffany Threadgould appears on Garbage Moguls this week!***** Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace! Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

   

Everyday is Earth Day when you're environmentally aware and active. Make April 22nd special by volunteering to make the world a better place.

In the US, 109 million adults and 13 million teens volunteer every year; their labor is worth an estimated $225 billion. Giving your time and talent to a worthy cause benefits the economy, your community, even your health! The Hipsters volunteer ideas to get you started on the path to participation. Along the way, they reveal their Drag Queen names and get a giggle from a little red muppet.

Beer: As Val continues to drown in her own fluids, Dori bears the burden of drinking all the beer. To be fair, we got out a brew we've already tried: Grand Teton Brewing Co.'s Au Naturale Organic Blonde Ale.

Chocolate: Um, Dori forgot it. D'oh!

Finds:

• Val Favorite Thing! This year's must-have kitchen accessory is the Cork Cutting Board from bambu. Available in 3 sizes, these boards are easy on your knives and easy on the planet. When cork tree bark is sustainably harvested every 10-12 years, it actually improves the health of the tree. Lightweight, durable, naturally anti-fungal...Cork Cutting Boards are a slice of heaven!
• Tickled green. Kermit's not the only green muppet these days. Elmo and Abby have an eco-adventure in Sesame Street: Being Green. The DVD comes out April 20th, but here's a preview of Paul Rudd as Mr. Earth!

• Star light, star bright. Solar power beamed down from space? It could become a reality soon in California, if PG&E and Solaren Corp. have their way.
• Zit happens. The bacteria that causes acne is increasingly resistant to the drugs commonly used to treat it. Gosh, nobody saw this coming!
• Wag the dog. Political intrigue surrounds the adoption of the Obama family's new puppy, Bo. Yo, haters, put a muzzle on it!

Absorbent and yellow and porous is he! Here's a new use for the handy household sponge: toss a few into the veggie drawer in your fridge to keep your produce fresh. They'll absorb excess moisture, slowing spoilage. Aye-aye Captain!

Earth Day is the perfect time for environmentalists to move from awareness to action. Whether you want to clean up your own corner of the world or work to save the planet, volunteer opportunities abound. We found some great tips from Planet Green to get you started!

• Who will make the best use of your time and talents? Find a good cause by networking. Try online forums, or a social group like Green Drinks.
• What inspires you? You'll be most effective working toward a cause you believe in. VolunteerMatch gets you connected.
• When should you start? How about National Volunteer Week? This year it's April 19th-25th.
• Where in the world is your help needed? If you're ready to travel, let IVPA point you in the right direction.
• How can you volunteer when you just don't have time? Let your money serve others. The Grameen Foundation and Kiva use microloans to ease poverty around the world.
• Why volunteer? You just might get back more than you give.

   

  Listener E-mails

  Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and Earth Day ideas at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

  • Lisa in Minnesota wonders if it's greener to put meeting materials on a thumb drive or on recycled paper. We choose C) none of the above. Why not just use e-mail?
  • Melinda in South Carolina found an iPhone app for eco-minded shoppers. 3rdWhale finds green businesses and lets you rate them. And yes, it's free!
  • Katie in Canada (eh!) is joining the Walk for MS. Make a pledge, or walk in your town.
  • Michelle in Oregon knows lavender-lover Val would enjoy the Sequim Lavender Festival. The fragrant festivities begin on July 16th.

  Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

April is Grange Month, celebrating the nation's oldest national agricultural organization.

Also known as the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, the Grange has given a voice to farm families and communities for 142 years. So how come nobody knows about it? The Hipsters dig into the roots of the organization, and local Grange Chick Kristen del Real talks about its resurgence as a center for sustainable agriculture. Also, Dori's daughter lends a hand as Val coughs, sneezes and sniffles her way through the show!

Beer: As Val sips her herbal tea, Dori takes one for the team. Serious Madness Winter Seasonal Black Ale from Mad River Brewing Co satisfies on a blustery day.

Chocolate: Val's BFF Stacy bestowed a bag of assorted Cailler chocolate eggs from her home in Switzerland. Creamy milk chocolate...but beware of NUTS!

Finds:

• ILVTOFU A vegan's touching tribute to soybeans, or an obscene declaration? You decide.
• Grow, Groove and Give. New Yorkers can celebrate Earth Week with a 2-day event organized by Global Giving Circle. Plant trees and party for the planet!
• You liter up my life. Those clear plastic soda bottles can light up a room. This video shows you how.

• H2OMG! According to a new report, two of America's "most endangered" waterways are right here in California. We'll just drink beer instead.
• PET Project. Struggling Sears plans to launch a line of eco-friendly men's suits made from recycled PET bottles. Probably fashioned by a DieHard Craftsman.

April 22nd is Earth Day! Let us know what you think are the most effective ways to spread the message about "green" living. Go to our Facebook page, or send an e-mail. We'll read your ideas on the next show!

The Grange has been around since 1867, yet few understand its history or its role in society. Did you know it was one of the first organizations to give male and female members an equal vote? Our local Granger Kristen del Real talks about where the Grange has been and why it's relevant today.

• National Grange is a grassroots volunteer organization looking out for the interests of America's farm population, while supporting environmental stewardship.
• Community is at the core of Grange activities, including youth programs, scholarships and classes open to the public.
• Partnership. The National Grange and the America the Beautiful Fund present The Seed Project, a new outreach program to provide free garden seeds to local Granges.
• Grange Month offers a great opportunity to get to know your local organization and get a discount on membership fees. National Grange Master Ed Luttrell tells you more.
• Membership has its privileges! With 300,000 members in 3,600 communities nationwide, you can find a Grange near you.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and Earth Day ideas at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Jaimelee in Kentucky found a greener Wipes Warmer for her toddler's bum. Congrats on your upcoming Teenie Weenie Greenie!
• Gayla in South Carolina found a CD/DVD called Schoolhouse Rock - Earth, an update of the classic series featuring 10 planet-friendly tunes.
• Michelle in Queens, NY discovered WattzOn, a site that lets you estimate your energy footprint and gives you tips to reduce it. Have your utility bill handy.
• Craig in South Africa is impressed with the environmental efforts of Woolworth's stores in his country.
• Melinda in South Carolina is freaked out to learn that strawberry farmers gas the dirt in their fields. Yep, grow your own.
• Dr. Rebecca in Oregon is ready for a Hipster Meet-up at the Organic BrewFest in Portland. Clear your schedule for the last weekend in June!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

Greenfeet is on the leading edge of providing eco-friendly products to their loyal customers.

After exhaustive research, Val and the crew at Greenfeet believe they've found the most exciting new innovations coming to the green marketplace. Be among the first to experience these goods with an exclusive preview on today's show! Also, Dori celebrates a milestone and Val reveals a way to get free donuts.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Sasquatch invades the More Hip studio! Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale is a fresh flavorful brew for those occasions that call for 9.6% alcohol. That's why Val and her hubby call it "night-night juice".

Chocolate: Another little piece of Italy from listener Trystan's trip abroad. Domori Single Origins E Blend Dark Chocolate is a creamy delight. Molto bene!

Finds:

• Lights out! Earth Hour had Hipsters buzzing across the blogosphere. Thanks to your posts on Facebook and Twitter, we're able to share some of the things you chose to do...in the dark! Mwah hah hah hah!

• Driving force. President Obama signed legislation raising the fuel efficiency standards for new vehicles , starting with the 2011 model year.
• Pols Gone Wild! Congress passed a bipartisan bill creating 2 million new acres of protected wilderness in nine states. It also ensures over 1,100 miles of rivers will never be blocked by dam politicians.

Stock exchange. Listener Emmms in London suggests saving the water from boiled or steamed veggies, to make nutritious soup stock. She also finds that pasta and potato water work wonders for making bread. Learn more in her blog.

Favorite Things

Greenfeet celebrates the season with a host of exciting new products! Be the first to own these revolutionary eco-friendly finds, available only at Greenfeet.com!

• Solar Powered Microwave saves money and energy. Just 15 minutes in the sun produces a full 30 seconds of cook time!
• Bio-Rings begin to deteriorate at the same rate as your marriage. When the ring breaks, it's time to call it quits.
• Tree Hugging Jacket features reinforced sleeves and sides to protect you from rough bark. Use the special grommets to chain yourself to trees with ease.
• Cricket Composter produces rich compost with the power of a thousand thundering crickets. Doubles as a white noise machine.
• Premium Recycled Air Balloon shrinks your carbon footprint by capturing nasty respiratory discharge. Perfect for Earth Day parties.
• Electric Pet Cruiser sends Fluffy and Fido into the great outdoors so you can have some peace and quiet! Charges in any home outlet.
• PEU Sunless Tanner gives you that nitrogen-rich glow that could only come from elephant poo. Paint it on head-to-toe, scrape it off 8 hours later for a smooth brown patina and natural scent that is straight out of Africa.
• Belly Button DIY Lint Kit lets you fashion fabulous crafts using an abudant renewable material. Includes tools and guidebook for harvesting lint from unsuspecting middle-aged male sources.

• Michelle in New York used to make Christmas trees out of her old phone books, but thinks this looks more useful!
• Alisha in Virginia can't afford a panda, so she needs another way to get rid of invasive bamboo. The panda option is looking better and better.
• Tamilyn in Ohio wants to ditch the plastic trash bags in her kitchen. Biobag is now available in a 10-gallon size, and you can get them in bulk. Sweet!
• Miles in Ontario (eh!) is making the big move into the city and wants to keep it green. Try packing with newsprint or natural peanuts. Send us beer and chocolate from Toronto!
• Sydney in New York likes Veggie Trader, a cool site for swapping excess produce from your garden or CSA box.
• Meaghan in Canada (eh!) is in love with a Smart Car. We hope you'll be very happy together.
• Charlotte in Massachusetts got us all excited about a Green Leadership Forum in Boston...til we figured out it was a different John Cusack scheduled to speak! D'oh!

Frugal living has its roots in the Great Depression, but makes sense today as we look for ways to save money and energy. Budgeting for a sustainable future creates opportunity, not sacrifice.

The United States is home to 5% of the world's population, but we consume 30% of its resources. To be green, we must spend and use less in our lives. Dori and Val discuss the merits of frugal living, which is more a creative opportunity than a state of deprivation! Listen for tips to help you make the shift to thrift. Also, the Hipsters reveal their (Facebook) "hippy names" and give you the BitchBuzz on Coors beer.

Cider: We start off Spring with a big-ass bottle of light, refreshing Ace Perry Cider from the California Cider Co. in Sonoma County. Homegirl Val approves.

Chocolate: Listener Trystan brought us goodies from her trip to Europe! Amedei La Tavoletta Toscano Black is as rich and tempting as Italy itself. Grazie!

Finds: >

• Val's Favorite Thing! A sweet summertime essential is the new Smooshed Ice Cream Set. Mix your favorite treats into ice cream just like they do at expensive creameries. You'd better stock up on cones!
• Bud wiser. Become a Citizen Scientist with Project BudBurst. Record your observations about the onset of Spring in your area. Researchers use the data to get a clear picture of the effects of our warming climate.

• Crude awakening. Twenty years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, researchers find toxic impacts of oil persisting in Prince William Sound. Oh, and Exxon still owes $92 million for cleanup. Wasn't that, like, 3 tanks of gas last summer?
• Gimme 5! Governors of CA, OR and WA are working together to turn Interstate 5 into the nation's first green freeway. Let's see if they can clean the rest stop bathrooms next.
• The truthiness is out there. Congrats to Stephen Colbert! He handily won NASA's contest to name a new room at the international space station. The agency reserves the right to choose a name other than "Colbert" when it makes a final decision next month. If they do, they're dead to us.

Would you, could you in the dark? More than 2,000 cities around the world will power down this Saturday, March 28th for Earth Hour. Join the fun from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, then let us know how you spent the time!

Contrary to what we've been told for eight years, we can't spend our way out of our economic woes. Smart consumers are borrowing a page from Grandma's playbook: frugal living. You can create a satisfying, substantial life for yourself and your family while shrinking your carbon footprint.

• Frugal Living. It's not about deprivation, it's about creativity! Here are some tips to get you started.
• Budget. Living smarter means knowing how much you can and cannot spend.
• Stock up. Shopping less frequently cuts down on waste. Try to buy groceries once every 2 weeks.
• Invest. Purchasing high-quality goods can be more expensive up front, but you'll save money on repair and replacement.
• Fiscal Fast. Learn to consume less by going on a spending detox for a week or more each year.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and Earth Hour stories at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Kristi in Minneapolis (dontcha know) is awash in green cleaners! We recommend trying small batches of each and logging the results. Let us know which is best, would ya?
• Kat in Atlanta has a great idea: compost the leftovers from your local smoothie shop! Here's a list of green colleges for you...be sure to note #8.
• Chris in Montana points out the hazards of carpet in landfills. Keep your rug out of the rubbish pile with CARE, and make more sustainable choices.
• Trystan at Yahoo! Green tried to keep it green during her world travels. Thanks again for the chocolate, and for pointing out that beer has a much smaller water footprint than wine. Happy World Water Day!

***Free Shipping! Get in on it at Greenfeet, for a limited time!***Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

Dunkin' Donuts and Transfair USA work together to promote Fair Trade practices in the coffee industry.

For over 50 years, Dunkies has provided millions of us with our daily cuppa joe. Since 2003, they've used only Fair Trade Certified coffee beans in their espresso drinks. In an effort to educate their employees and the public, the company hired Tommy Maples of Evolve Media to produce a video explaining the benefits of that program. Tommy happens to be a Hipster homie, so he chats with Dori and Val about the project. This show was recorded on St. Patrick's Day, so get ready for tragic tales of green eggs and something called Shamrock Shake Syndrome.

Beer: Well here's a no-brainer! Guinness Extra Stout is the official beer of St. Patrick's Day and resides in the Hipster Hall of Fame.

Chocolate: Another fine treat from listener Fonda in Missouri. Chocolatier Hachez Cocoa D'Arriba Orange paired nicely with the stout. We loved the subtle citrus flavor and velvety mouth feel.

Finds:

• Spit happens. A designing mom came up with eco-friendly Pukies bibs, whose patterns mimic baby food stains. We suggest a line for adults, patterned like corned beef and cabbage.
• Seal the deal. The folks at Good Housekeeping are adding a Green Seal of Approval to their quality-assurance arsenal. The evaluation will look at a product's content, packaging, manufacture, health value and toxicity.
• Africa hot. Coming soon: Hippo Sweat Sunscreen. Scientists think the amazing secretion would make a terrific antiseptic insect-repellant sunscreen for pink hairless humans. What's next, Rhino Glow?

• Bovine intervention. The Obama administration has permanently banned downer cows from our food supply. Still no ban on lame bull.
• Unamerican Idol. Singer Carrie Underwood will give a portion of the profits from her new song to the Humane Society. That makes her a domestic terrorist.

>Metal health. If you've been driving on salted roads all winter, take time to thoroughly inspect the chassis for rust. A small spot can spread all over the car in just a few months. Keep those floormats dry too. You don't want to drive a Rustang!

Purchasing Fair Trade Certified products helps to make a real difference in the lives of farmers and families in developing countries. Tommy Maples talks about his new video project with Dunkin' Donuts, which chronicles the benefits of Fair Trade for a group of Colombian coffee producers.

• Video. The project, entitled Fair Trade and Dunkin' Donuts, started as a teaching tool for Dunkies employees. Have a tissue handy.
• Coffee. It's true: Dunkin' Donuts only uses Fair Trade Certified coffee beans in their espresso-based drinks.
• Evolve. Tommy Maples is owner and founder of Evolve Media, a production company based in San Francisco. He's also great fun at a dinner party.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and naughty limericks at our MHTH forum!

• Michelle in Pennsylvania thinks Hipsters should support these bills banning BPA from food and drink containers. Contact your Senators and Reps.
• Kristin in Washington warns against purchasing invasive English Ivy for your home or garden. She's tired of chopping it down!
• Jenn in North Carolina discovered Skin Deep. No, it's not a porn site, it's a cosmetics safety database full of useful info.
• Patrick shares a story about recycling efforts at Starbucks. And yes, we've watched Idiocracy, while eating EXTRA BIG ASS FRIES!

***Free Shipping! Get in on it at Greenfeet, for a limited time!***Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

Jeff Delkin, co-founder of bambu, shares his philosophy for a successful sustainable business.

There's much to admire in the way bambu does business. From sustainably harvested materials to socially responsible production, Jeff Delkin and Rachel Speth have created a successful model for green businesses everywhere. Jeff drops by for beer and banter with the Hipsters, revealing his company's latest endeavors and a doozy of a porn star name! Also, as Dori and Val struggle to adjust to the time change, they share their deep thoughts about Dr. Phil and OctoMom.

Beer: Our friends at Lagunitas Brewing Co. pay tribute (again!) to Frank Zappa with limited-edition Ruben & the Jets, a BoppaDooAyDoo-style ale. This thick, dark brew in a big-ass twist-off bottle is meant to be sipped and savored.

Chocolate: Our new favorite listener is Melissa in Pittsburgh, PA, who sent along a delightful tin of treats from Pretty Mean Snacks (yes, PMS). These chick-themed chocolates feature creamy fillings with delicate flavors, perfect for relieving homicidal rages.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Finally, an outdoor compost bin for lazy people! The ThermoQuick Easy Use Composter has side air vents so you don't have to turn your scraps. Just dump the stuff in the top chamber and wait for nutritious compost to appear in the bottom chamber. The 100% recycled plastic bin is available in 2 sizes.
• Green Gossip! The people have spoken: Madonna tops PETA's Worst-Dressed List for her numerous fashion fur-pas. Other fur fiends include Kanye West, Kate Moss and the Olsen twins.

• Kickin' Mass. Americans are feeling the love for mass transit. According to industry figures, about 4% more of us got out of our cars and hopped a bus or train last year.
• Kickin' Ash. In the aftermath of that huge coal ash spill in Tennessee, the EPA will begin the process of regulating the country's waste ponds.

Seams sew easy! If you can make small sewing repairs, you can make your own small sewing kit. Place a few needles, pins and buttons in an empty tin or film canister. Now make a spool for thread: cut a small rectangle from scrap cardboard, put 3 tiny notches in each of the short ends, then wrap different colored thread around each pair of notches. Now you're good to sew!

Jeff Delkin and Rachel Speth started their business to spread the word about sustainability. Eight years later, bambu is a success story on a global scale. With their emphasis on environmental responsibility, the Delkins provide a profitable model of ethics and accountability for all green businesses.

• About. The story of bambu is told in photos and in a video featuring Jeff and Rachel.
• Cork. New this year: bambu bowls, trays and cutting boards in sustainable cork from China.
• Green. Jeff and Rachel donate a portion of their sales to non-profit 1% For The Planet, which supports environmental organizations worldwide.
• Outreach. Your purchase of bambu products helps support microfinance programs through the Grameen Foundation.
• Shop. The entire line of kitchenware and decor is available in the bambu Boutique.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and Dr. Phil quotes at our MHTH forum!

• Emmms in London is happy to find that Cadbury Dairy Milk will become Fair Trade certified by the end of August. We hope the Creme Egg is next, cuz we heart the goo.
• Kristin in New Hampshire (live free or die!) hopes to breathe in chocolaty goodness from Lindt, courtesy of her local electric company.
• Michelle in New York found Pepsi Natural, made with sparkling water and real sugar (no HFCS). After drinking it, make sure you gargle with Greenwash.
• Melanie in Illinois wonders why companies like Heinz use real sugar in their products overseas, but stick Americans with HFCS. Tip: Heinz Organic has the real stuff, but costs more.
• Angela in Connecticut shares a bunch more ways to reuse and repurpose those pesky toilet paper rolls. Meanwhile, this blog finally wipes out the TP Over vs. Under debate. And there was peace across the land.

***Free Shipping! Get in on it at Greenfeet, for a limited time!***Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Common houseplants provide a natural and inexpensive solution to indoor air pollution.

We spend about 90% of our time indoors, breathing in a variety of potentially harmful air pollutants. But before you run out and buy a HEPA filter, consider stocking up on nature's best air purifiers: houseplants! The Hipsters dig into the research to find the finest foliage for filtering formaldehyde, among other toxins. You'll also learn which plants won't kill your pets, which plants might survive in Dori's house and which plant makes Val blush!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Like the volcanic glass for which it's named, Obsidian Stout from Deschutes Brewery is dark, smooth and a bit sharp. It's also quite a gem!

Chocolate: We liked, but didn't love, the Belgian Dark Chocolate with Raspberry Truffle Filling from Joseph Schmidt Confections. But we did have fun saying Schmidt.

Finds:

• News you can use. Recycle those want-ads into handy starter pots for seedlings. The Newspaper Pot Maker is easy enough for kids to use! When the seeds sprout, plant the pot right into the ground. Hint: tabloids usually have the best dirt.
• Checking inn. Hipster Colin and his family hit the road soon for a cross-country video tour. Check out their itinerary and see if you can offer them a place to crash for a night.

• Science friction. President Obama put another last-minute Bush regulation on hold. This one would let federal agencies decide for themselves whether projects pose a risk to endangered species, without input from scientists. FAIL.
• Sootuation. Demonstrators blocked the gates of the coal-fired Capitol Power Plant in Washington DC, hoping to draw attention to climate change. The plant spews about 1/3 of the legislature's greenhouse gas emissions. Politicians spew the other 2/3.

Just Say Grow! Fill your home with greenery, but don't empty your wallet. Find a friend with a green thumb and ask for a few cuttings. Once you get your plants growing, pay them forward; offer to share some of your own cuttings with plant-deprived pals!

Common houseplants improve indoor air quality, studies show. They absorb contaminants from the air while generating fresh oxygen. Plus, they look great! The average home should have at least 15 plants. Which varieties are best at clearing the air? Which of those are easiest to maintain? We turn to NASA for the answers!

• NASA spent 2 years studying common houseplants, and found them surprisingly efficient at combatting Sick Building Syndrome.
• Pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide are commonly found in homes and offices. Certain houseplants are best at purifying the air.
• Pets come into contact with your plants, so check with the ASPCA to learn which are toxic to animals, and which are safe.
• Low maintenance plants may suit your lifestyle, so learn which varieties are hard to kill! You may want to invest in a moisture tester to keep from overwatering.
• "How to Grow Fresh Air" is a great guide to cleaning the air with houseplants. The author, B. C. Wolverton, is a retired scientist who conducted NASA's plant research.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. You're also invited to chime in on the new Greenfeet Blog! And remember to post articles, links and plant care tips at our MHTH forum!

• Alanna in Boston is excited to include the new rePETe in her "bag diet". Maybe she'll use one to bring us chocolate from her next Textile Trek to Italy!
• Chris in Montana believes it makes sense (and cents) to Get Rich Slowly. Gotta be better than our plan to Go Broke Quickly.
• Tracie wants tea-drinkers to unite for a new Celestial Seasonings program. Drink tea, plant a tree!
• Shayna found new ways to recycle odds and ends that collections centers won't take.
• Jillicious would like to see more white hares. Wait til she turns 40!

You can fight human rights abuses in the cocoa industry. Purchase only Fair Trade certified chocolate, then bake it forward!

Americans spend $13 billion a year on cocoa products, yet few realize how difficult the lives of the farmers can be. With recent reports of child slavery in West African cocoa estates, it's important to know the story behind the beans. The Hipsters talk to Emily Goodrich, who has a simply brilliant way to spread the word! Also, parents be warned: the show veers toward an "R" rating with talk of poop, nuts and a Huge Ackman. Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: This isn't a good sign...neither Dori nor Val finished their bottles of The Hairy Eyeball from Lagunitas Brewing Co. in Petaluma, CA. This malty brown ale is a bit heavy for morning consumption. Try it after 5:00.

Chocolate: Score another hit for listener Michelle in Australia! Loving Earth Raw Organic Goji & Camu Camu Dark Chocolate is chock full of soft tasty berries that don't distract from the smoothness of this sugar-free bar. Bonus: it's Fair Trade, so bake it forward!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Keep your favorite mineral clump-free in an old-fashioned Glass Salt Jar. Whether you're saving money buying salt in bulk, or just looking for a classy container to put on the table, this lidded jar comes through with a dash of style that won't pinch your wallet!
• Dew the right thing. Remember when your sugary soda contained real sugar? Those days are back, temporarily, with Pepsi and Mountain Dew Throwback sodas hitting the market on April 20th. All the HFCS taste, without the mercury!

• Stimulust. Our friends at Green America call out five of the greenest parts of the new stimulus package, including money for energy efficiency, public transportation and solar and wind projects.

Toilet paper tubes are the gifts that keep on giving. Use them to start carrots for your garden! Stand them on end in a shoebox, fill them with potting soil or compost, and plant four seeds in each tube (leave a little space at the top). When the roots grow out the bottom, soak the tubes and plant them, with about a half-inch left above the soil. The tubes protect the carrots from cutworms, then disintegrate into the soil.

They say you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. The same is true when you're trying to change the world! Emily Goodrich and her friends are passionate about ending human rights abuses. They've started Bake It Forward as a way to spread their message...with chocolate chip cookies.

• Chocolate comes from cacoa beans grown mainly in West Africa, and often harvested by children and adults in slave-like conditions.
• Fair Trade certified farms strictly prohibit slave labor, and guarantee farmers a fair and sustainable price for their harvest.
• Bake It Forward offers a simple way to spread the story about chocolate. Just buy some Fair Trade chocolate, bake a batch of cookies to share with family and friends, and download a flier or postcard to attach to the plate.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and your chocolate recipes at our MHTH forum!

• Elisse in Minneapolis wants to stop using plastic bags to throw out cat poop. We suggest a convenient composter.
• Rose in Santa Barbara wonders about mercury in fish oil supplements. Check the label; be sure it says "molecularly distilled" to be safe.
• Fawn is a college student on a mission! Check out her ideas for a Ruralism Revolution on our forum.
• Kristi in Minneapolis shares an interesting post about the Death of Green, (And Why It's OK).

Greenfeet's Annual White Sale is on! Save up to 30% on towels, bedding and more thru the end of February!Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Green living can be a challenge when your home is a rental property. Here are a few tips to make that apartment or condo more eco-friendly.

How do you lighten your carbon footprint at home, when you don't own your dwelling? Turns out, there are plenty of things you can do without peeving your landlord. The Hipsters enlist the help of Mr. Designer to provide a wealth of ideas for renters. Also, some much-needed rain falls on America's newest Fair Trade Town!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: You'd think any beer that pays tribute to a dog would be a winner with Val. Not so much. This offering from New Belgium Brewing in Colorado, one of the greenest breweries in the world, left us unimpressed. Mighty Arrow was a fine pooch, but an inferior hooch.

Chocolate: Our new favorite listener is Fonda in Missouri, who provided a couple of bars from Chocolatier Hachez. The 88% Premier Cru with cocoa nibs satisfied the chocolate snob in us with its smooth superiority.

Finds:

• Green caller. Samsung presents the first solar-powered, full-touch screen phone. Made from recycled water bottles with no toxic chemicals, the Blue Earth doesn't yet have a price or release date, so you can still pretend you might be able to afford it.
• How now, Cacao? Pack your bags for a new eco-luxury destination! Cacao Resorts in the Phillipines offer 5-star opulence with Energy Star-like amenities. Opens next year.
• Air apparent. Ever wonder if you live close to a major air polluter? Check Planet Hazard to get the lowdown on the lowlifes. Sorry, your neighbor with the leaf blower probably isn't listed.

• Bush, whacked. The Obama administration reverses W's global warming policies concerning mercury and coal emissions.
• Hear ye! Hear ye! We're proud to announce that our little hometown of Chico, CA is now a Fair Trade Town! This round of tea and chocolate is on us!

Power plants! If cold weather is keeping your windows shut tight, combat indoor air pollution with a few houseplants. They work in any space, rented or not, and some varieties are so tough, even Dori can't kill 'em!

It's tough to make eco-friendly changes to your living space when someone else owns it. Thanks to Charter Hipster Mr. Designer (Steve in NJ), we have several great tips for greening your flat or other rental property. We think your landlord will approve.

• Composting. You don't need a yard to compost kitchen scraps. Get an automatic composter, or start a worm bin under the sink.
• Drying clothes. Set up a drying rack on your balcony or spare bedroom. If space is limited, hang a clothesline across the length of the bathtub.
• Gardening. Plant veggies, flowers and herbs in outdoor containers or window sill boxes.
• Recycling. Set up a well-marked can in a common area, or go in with a few neighbors. Haul the stuff to the nearest recycling center and split the proceeds!
• Saving water. Replace inexpensive items like sink aerators and showerheads; just be sure to save the originals for when you move out. Also, try using a shower timer.
• Saving energy. Install CFL bulbs, and suggest replacing broken appliances with Energy Star models.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and your tips for green apartment-living at our MHTH forum!

• Midge in Oregon plans a family road trip to Disneyland. It's easy to be Green in Orange County!
• Michelle in New York sent an article about Chicago possibly banning the sale of BPA in some products.
• Patrick shared a cool story about potential replacements for plastic, including liquid wood.
• Liz in Iowa is searching for Sierra Nevada Torpedo, but it's always sold out. Hang in there...and have a beer with Ken Grossman!

Greenfeet's Annual White Sale is on! Save up to 30% on towels, bedding and more thru the end of February!Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

TogetherGreen is an environmental alliance that connects aspiring leaders with inspiring ideas.

Last year, TogetherGreen Fellowships provided 40 of the nation's most promising conservationists with the means to turn their ideas into action. The Hipsters unearth details about the program from Judy Braus of the Audubon Society and Sean Miller of Earth Day Network. Also, Dori dodges jury duty, Val experiences Kindle Envy, and a listener gets a Major Award!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Val found the ultimate breakfast beer! Pipeline Porter from Kona Brewing Co. is rich, smooth and made with 100% Hawaiian Kona coffee. That's right, beer and coffee--2 great tastes that taste great together!

Chocolate: Michelle in Australia seems to have hit the chocolate mother lode. Loving Earth Raw Organic Dark Chocolate is a sugar-free, gluten-free vegan delight, handmade in Melbourne. We're sending lots of Hipster love to our Aussie friends dealing with those horrible wildfires!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! You've got the music in you, now you can wear it on you! Vintage LP Vinyl Necklaces are laser-etched from those worn out albums of yesteryear. Choose from various groovy designs, including Dori's favorite: the 45 record adapter. (Ask your mom what a record is.)
• Flame and Fortune. A UK company called EaKo lives up to its name with another brilliantly repurposed item: the decommissioned firehose. Half the profits from these blazing hot belts, bags, wallets and placemats go to a firefighters' charity.

• Idealism. Japan's Prime Minister is calling for a "Green New Deal" to counter both climate change and the economic downturn. Subarashii!
• Gas tankard. Our good buddy Ken Grossman has done it again! Sierra Nevada Brewery has partnered with EFuel Corp. to make its own ethanol fuel from discarded beer yeast. Still working on belchanol.

Valentine Daze. If you need sweets for your sweetie, make it a priority to choose at least one piece of Fair Trade chocolate. There are no calories in karma!

Do you know a promising conservationist? Tell him or her about TogetherGreen Fellowships! Recipients are awarded a $10,000 stipend to help launch a local environmental project. Learn the details of this exciting program from Judy Braus, VP of Education for the National Audubon Society, and Fellowship winner Sean Miller.

• Together. The National Audubon Society and Toyota formed an alliance called TogetherGreen to advance conservation leadership. Their motto: Act Today, Shape Tomorrow.
• Green. In its first year, TogetherGreen's projects have reached from inner cities to Appalachia, aiding people and wildlife in 24 states.
• Fellowship. As a TogetherGreen Fellow, Sean Miller has overseen the installation of solar panels at a Washington DC school. He incorporated the project into his work as Director of Education at Earth Day Network.
• Friends. Visit the TogetherGreen Facebook Fan Page.

• Shout-outs! A huge Hipster Howdy to listener Jennifer (New Green Mama), who crafted these uber-cool cup cozies out of recycled sweaters! Also, thanks to It's the Little Thinks for the blog mention!
• Michelle in Providence, RI wonders if she should buy a new composter while her old one "cooks", or if she's ready to get worms. Dori shudders.
• Shannon in Minnesota shares her love for Sun Chips and Buffalo Games. Check her blog for more green companies.
• Jenny in Canada (eh!) would like to try weaving with plastic bags, like the folks at WeaveZine.
• Fon wants to represent for all the male Hipsters! He's still feeling a little confused about plastic trash bags. We're here to help.
• Kate was surprised when her friends used "green" giftwrap for her bridal shower. Check out the photo of her cool newspaper bow in the forum.
• Elizabeth in Colorado says she & her partner Catherine are finally caught up, after a few More Hip marathons. It's time to rate the beer & chocolate, girls...

Be a part of our next 200 shows! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. Already revealed your porn star name? Let's hear your Star Wars name or your Soap Opera name! And remember to post articles, links and mortifying cartoons at our MHTH forum!

Congratulations to listener Karen in Fresno! You've won our Punchline Contest! Now collect your new ChicoBag rePETe Bags! (You'll have to listen to the show to hear her winning punchline!)

Greenfeet's Annual White Sale is on! Save up to 30% on towels, bedding and more thru the end of February!Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Valentine's Day gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Don't forget to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and write a glowing review at Learn Out Loud and iTunes. More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.Don't forget to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and write a glowing review at Learn Out Loud and iTunes. More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

ChicoBag founder Andy Keller introduces the latest innovations in his line of reusable bags.

The Great Bag Debate rages on, so the Hipsters enlist the ChicoBag Poobah to settle it once and for all. Andy also breaks news about two hot new bag designs available now! Meanwhile, Dori proposes a new holiday, while Val looks forward to baseball season.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: We say farewell to our six-pack of Brooklyn Brewery beers with their tasty Pre-Prohibition Style Lager. Listener Tiffany goes into our Hall of Fame.

Chocolate: Another Hall of Fame Hipster, Michelle in Australia, sent along a Spanish delight. Chocolateria San Churro Single Origin Venezuelan 71% Dark Chocolate is so amazingly smooth, even Dori couldn't find any bitterness.

Finds:

• Toys of summer. True-blue baseball fans can keep a piece of the great American pasttime close at hand. Pens, jewelry and decor made from salvaged seats of historic stadiums will take you out to the ballgame, while taking trash out of the landfill.

• Mercury Rising. Here's a new reason to avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup: a new study finds the sweetener often contains mercury, and that the FDA has kept this quiet for years.
• Biden time. Our new VP will lead a task force to help America's ailing middle class. First task: green jobs. Oh, and Joe wants to hear your ideas. No, you're not dreaming.
• Meltdown. Iceland's economy has dissolved like a Sugarcube...so who better to save it than Bjork?

Repeat after me! Single use = Waste. Find just one disposable item you routinely buy, and figure out how to convert it to something reusable. Maybe it's shopping bags, paper towels, napkins, even cameras...get into the habit of reusing, not replacing!

Reusable bags are an essential tool in your battle against consumer waste. ChicoBag creator Andy Keller leads the charge with convenience and innovation. He listens to your ideas for new designs, and responds with two exciting new additions to the line.

• rePETe is the new ChicoBag, boasting 99% recycled content. Each two-toned bag proudly proclaims that it's "made from 7 plastic bottles!"
• Vita is a more stylish ChicoBag, featuring shoulder-length straps with complementary trim. But it's no lightweight; Vita can lug 40 lbs. of goods to go!
• Fundraising is easy with ChicoBags. Andy is committed to educating kids about sustainability. Just ask the Bag Monster.

• Liz in Iowa is on the lookout for a greener washing machine, and this is what she found! She'd also like to hear a show geared toward apartment dwellers. We've added it to the list.
• Jenn in North Carolina is having a geekgasm about green tech topics at the upcoming Web 2.0 Expo in San Francisco. Huh?!?
• Lottie in Massachusetts found an article stating that there's more plastic than plankton in the Pacific Ocean.
• Jennifer in Kentucky is an ice refugee! She found a stash of Consumer Reports magazines promoting sustainable living.
• Jenne at Environment America invites Hipsters to enter a video contest about solar power in Texas. Grand prize: $2000!
• Bobbi in Ohio is the only soul brave enough to provide a punch line to our green joke: "You know what they say about a guy with a big carbon footprint..." Send us yours, make us laugh, win a prize!

Be a part of our next 200 shows! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and Bjork videos at our MHTH forum!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Valentine's Day gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and write a glowing review at Learn Out Loud and iTunes. More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Perfumist Roxana Villa creates hand-crafted fragrances that are "Art in a Bottle, Pure Joy for the Soul."

Val's buddy Roxana took her love for aromatherapy to a new level when she learned to make pure botanical perfumes. She shares her inspirations and ideals with the Hipsters, who are intoxicated by the scents and the stories behind them. Also, Dori still has her Obama "hope buzz", Val relives the Inauguration courtesy of her 5th grader, and a listener provides the beginning of a great green joke!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Still working on that 6-pack of Brooklyn Brewery beer from listener Tiffany. This week it's their easy-drinkin' East India Pale Ale. We got such a wallear!

Chocolate: A huge heartfelt Thanks Y'all to Greenneck Laura in Texas, who sent a gift box of Sjaak's Lavender Truffle Hearts. They're organic, fair trade and Hall of Fame fabulous!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! C-c-cold enough for ya? A Hemp Brim Beanie is just the thing to keep your cranium cozy. Union-made in the USA, this eco-friendly headgear comes in a variety of colors and styles and is built to last.

• Yes He Can! President Obama made a move to let states set their own limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars. His administration expects to reveal fuel standards for all 2011 models by March, so Detroit has 18 months to figure out how to blow it.
• The heat goes on... A new study finds the effects of global warming will take centuries to reverse, not decades. Can we keep Al Gore alive that long?
• Wage against the machine. Wal-Mart will pay out at least $352 million to settle lawsuits over wage violations. Hundreds of thousands of current and former employees will receive cash payments, which they will then spend at Wal-Mart.

Leave a tip! The economy bites, and we're its favorite chew-toy. Send us your favorite money-saving green tip so we can share it with fellow Hipsters.

Artist Roxana Villa has found a way to combine her love of aromatherapy with her passion for visual art. She creates pure botanical fragrances that celebrate her love for California native plants. Roxana's perfumes are hand-made in small batches and each is infused with a little "magic"!

• Scents & Sensibility. Explore Roxana's website to learn about her line of perfumes. Afraid to commit? Try a sample set.
• Essence & Alchemy. This is the book that inspired Roxana to see perfume as an art form.
• Etsy does it. Place an order on this site and she'll throw in a special treat!
• Through the smoke. Did you know that's what the word "perfume" actually means? Now you're one step closer to becoming a perfumist.

Be a part of our next 200 shows! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and your favorite perfume at our MHTH forum!

• Shout-outs! Many thanks for mentioning us on your blogs, Professional Patient and Yarn on the Rocks. We love you man!
• Jillicious in St. Louis found ECHOage, where you can bypass Birthdaypalooza for your kids. Better start when they're young.
• Ines in Connecticut thinks we might enjoy SF Beer Week in February. Where would she get that idea?
• Jessica gave us the straight line, now you guys give us the punch line: "You know what they say about guys with a big carbon footprint..." Well? Make us laugh and you might win a prize!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Valentine's Day gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and write a glowing review at Learn Out Loud and iTunes. More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

As President Obama gets to work on our broken economy, Green America proposes solutions that serve people and the planet.

Experts say the credit crisis is only a symptom of a flawed design in our economy. When growth comes at the expense of resources and well-being, we all lose. The Hipsters discuss six ideas for a green economy, as well as their thoughts on the inauguration of President Barack Obama (WooHoo!). Also, Dori reveals another celebrity crush and Val threatens to open a can of whoopass.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Hipster Tiffany Threadgold provided a six-pack of her local brew of choice. Brooklyn Brewery's Brown Ale is definitely one of Noo Yawk's finest.

Chocolate: Tiffany trusts us to handle the hardcore stuff. Mast Brothers Chocolate 81% Cacao with Sea Salt amazed us with its smooth feel and flavor. Yo, fuhgedaboutit!

Finds:

• The other big "O". Um, that's Oprah. Her inauguration show included the debut of "America's Song", featuring will.i.am, Seal, Faith Hill, Bono and Mary J. Blige. Want to hear it? We play it for you at the end of the show.

• Have you heard? The US has a new president! Be sure to read or listen to Barack Obama's inaugural address, which was co-authored by the youngest chief speechwriter in White House history.
• Green balls. Two galas in D.C. Monday night were touted as eco-friendly events. One featured Al Gore, the other featured Bo Derek. Wal-Mart co-sponsored both.
• PeaNOT! The Food & Drug Administration confirms that salmonella was found in a package of peanut butter crackers, prompting recalls of items flavored with peanut paste. But your jar of Jif is probably safe.
• Flat beer. The brewing industry is usually recession-proof, but sales are trending downward in the current economic slump. Can Hipsters help prop up those sagging suds? Yeast, we can!

Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. Consider these words from President Obama's speech. We think they apply to everyone, whether you lead a nation or just lead a normal life.

As the Obama administration gets to work in Washington D.C., the broken economy tops the list of troubles to tackle. Green America, formerly known as Co-op America, offers some green solutions for your consideration.

• Green Energy, Green Jobs. Power up the economy by building a green grid. Conquer climate change while providing jobs that can't be outsourced.
• Clean Energy Victory Bonds. Just as Americans invested in bonds to fund World War 2, the government could issue long-term bonds to pay for a green energy revolution.
• Reduce, Reuse, Rethink. We can't spend our way out of this crisis. It's time to re-evaluate our spending practices as consumers and as citizens. Columnist Anna Quindlen makes sense of Stuff.
• Go Green and Local. Vote with your dollar! Choose to spend in the green economy and keep it local whenever possible.
• Community Investing. Lenders and borrowers know each other, and work together to succeed.
• Shareowner Activism. Put your money into businesses that share your principles. Make sure your voice is heard at the management level, or move your assets elsewhere, like an SRI.

Be a part of our next 200 shows! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and your ideas for President Obama at our MHTH forum!

• Kelly in Maryland (hey hon!) is thinking about bags and boobs. She shares her recycling dilemma as she trains for the Breast Cancer 3 Day 60 Mile walk.
• Melinda in N. Carolina is thinking about brine and brew. She introduces us to FishPhone and touts the green goodness of New Belgium beer.
• Fonda in Missouri wonders if the Wrap-N-Mat is a good product for an on-the-go yoga instructor.
• Amy threw a green birthday party for her daughter, but got stuck with 2 disposable helium tanks.
• Rick in Virginia says Inauguration Day should be renamed American Miracle Day, as power is passed without a shot fired. USA! USA! USA!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Valentine's Day gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at Podcast Alley, Learn Out Loud and Podcast Pickle. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) goes into effect on February 10, 2009.

In an effort to protect children from exposure to lead, US lawmakers passed the CPSIA last summer. Many are worried that the new requirements will put thrift stores and consignment shops out of business. The Hipsters tell you what you need to know about the new law, including recent updates. Then they reapply sunscreen as Northern California basks in a winter heat wave. (No hating!)

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Another local selection from our new favorite listener, Janel in Arizona. Nimbus Brewing Co. Pale Ale has us on cloud nine! (And we love the monkey.)

Chocolate: Janel understands that Hipsters don't like to share chocolate. That's why she sent 2 variety packs from Wei of Chocolate in Phoenix, AZ. It's organic, fair trade and vegan, with lovely herbs and spices. Get your own!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! A double-whammy for the new year: save money while you change your life with Greenfeet's Stainless Steel Water Bottle Kit. Here's your chance to get a 27 oz. Kleen Kanteen with two caps plus a bottle brush, for only $18.95. Take the plunge!

• Tot Snot. Is Vicks VapoRub menthol salve making small children sicker? A new study suggests the ointment may constrict airways in sensitive kids and should never be used around the nostrils.
• Geekgasm. Green was the word at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Greenpeace was on hand to rate the wares of some companies, though biggies like Apple chose not to participate. Activists say a truly green gadget must be sustainable from design to disposal, so shop mindfully.
• Prius, may I have another? The 2010 Toyota Prius is the greenest car in the land. With a solar roof, selectable driving modes and more spacious interior, you'll almost forget you're getting 50 mpg!
• Plenty of trouble. The latest casualty of the failing economy is Plenty magazine, which ceased operations this week. We loved you Plenty, even though you bashed our show.
• Yes Pecan! That's the Obama-flavored name of Ben & Jerry's latest scoop-with-a-cause. Slurp some in January; the proceeds go to the Common Cause Education Fund.
• There she is... If you can find the Miss America pageant on TV, tune in and cheer for Miss Vermont, Ashley Wheeler. She's wearing a locally-made eco-friendly gown, which she says is "the perfect fit."

Charge it! This will be the year your family stopped throwing out batteries. If you switch to rechargeables, you'll recoup your investment in just one or two uses! Find the battery charger that's right for your needs, and get energized!

As products from China and elsewhere continue to test positive for lead, US lawmakers have responded to parents' concerns with legislation designed to get the lead out of children's products. Find out how the new law works and why it's controversial.

• CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which was enacted in August 2008 and takes effect on February 10, 2009.
• Bloggers warned of the threat to thrift stores if all resellers were required to get expensive lead test certification.
• Regulators recently announced some exemptions to the law, including sellers of used children's products.
• Consumers can stay on top of product recalls and safety news at the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Be a part of our next 200 shows! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and lawyer jokes at our MHTH forum!

• Shout-outs! Thanks so much for mentioning us in your blogs: IntRinSic ArT and Pixie Farts! You rock!
• Jill in Wisconsin unlurked long enough to share an article about growing your own luffa, and pose a good question about the plastic bag challenge.
• Sara in Virginia is one of those Defenders of Wildlife who volunteer to clean up parks, and she knows how you can become one too.
• Jenny continues on her new vegan diet, so she's doing her part to fight climate change.
• Dakkar loves the concept behind the Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon: Burn and Earn!
• Big Ed always thinks of his favorite Hipsters when he sees the words chocolate and beer in the same sentence. Mwah!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Valentine's Day gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Incandescent light bulbs are heading for the dustbin of history. One exciting new technology on the horizon is OLEDs, which could change the way we think about lighting.

Are you ready for flexible lights that can be pinned to the wall, or sewn into clothing and furniture, or worn on your skin to treat acne? How about a TV or computer monitor that's less than a quarter-inch thick? OLEDs, or Organic Light Emitting Diodes, promise a bright future for energy-efficient lighting. The Hipsters are aglow with excitement about the new year and vow to "bring the light" by staying focused on the positive.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Thanks to Hipster Janel for sending along her local fave: 8th Street Ale from Four Peaks Brewing Co. in Tempe, Arizona. This light English-style pale ale is great for weaning oneself off of cheerleader beer.

Chocolate: Another listener delight. Melinda in North Carolina got all gifty with Lindt Connaisseurs, an assortment of tasties. Half nutty for Val, half nutless for Dori...and watch out for the Kirsch!

Finds:

• Stash the trash. No room in your home for an extra waste can? The 2-Bin Recycling Center saves space while you sort. There goes Dori's last excuse.
• Hot tot spot. Done with your baby gear? Pass it on! Freepeats is open in 39 US cities. Join this month and get a lifetime membership for $1.

• Oh Say Can You Sea? President Bush created 3 huge sanctuaries in the Pacific Ocean, the largest marine conservation effort in history. "I didn't grow up in the ocean -- as a matter of fact -- near the ocean -- I grew up in the desert. Therefore, it was a pleasant contrast to see the ocean. And I particularly like it when I'm fishing." --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2008

Renew your vows! Do you promise to avoid plastic bags, in sickness and in health, all the days of your life? Write down your goal to kick the plastic bag habit in 2009, and figure out how you're going to do it. We now pronounce you More Hip Than Hippie!

Incandescent light bulbs are heading for the dustbin of history. One exciting new technology on the horizon is OLEDs, which could change the way we think about lighting. Are you ready for flexible lights that can be pinned to the wall, or sewn into clothing and furniture, or worn on your skin to treat acne? How about a TV or computer monitor that's less than a quarter-inch thick?

• O.L.E.D. stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode. They use a minimum of energy and are wafer thin.
• Consumer electronics already make good use of OLED light, though the technology is still a bit pricey.
• General Electric has stopped all work on incandescent bulbs and is now focusing on bringing OLEDs to market by 2010. They've found a way to print the lights on a continuous roll of metal foil.
• Medical uses for OLEDs include treating skin cancer and acne. Lumicure Ltd. hopes to release such a device by the end of this year.

Be a part of our next 200 shows! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and your bright ideas at our MHTH forum!

• Shout-outs! Thanks so much for mentioning us in your blogs: Green River Riders, Fiber Arts, Modern Simplicity, Calvino Verde, MamaNeedJava, New Green Mama, and Robin Shreeves. You rock!
• Dana in Nebraska let us know about EcoKids, a free, safe, award-winning site for teenie weenie greenies.
• Charter Hipster Doug in PA took the family to Florida, and recommends traveling on the Amtrak Auto Train. He also found a site listing vegan/vegetarian beers, and made Dori gag with a frightening fish story.
• Rick in Virginia alerts us to Honey Laundering. Honey from China tainted with antibiotics puts our food supply at risk.
• John shares this eco-friendly wallpaper his niece discovered.
• Michelle likes this idea for recycling a CD case into a desk calendar.
• Patrick asks, Green or Gross? Well, that story about turning liposuction fat into biofuel leans toward the latter. Only in L.A.!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Valentine's Day gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Ken Grossman is the founder of Sierra Nevada Brewery here in Chico, CA. His sustainable business practices have earned nearly as much praise as his award-winning beer.

We've long admired Ken Grossman for his quality brews and for his commitment to sustainability. That's why we invited him to be our special guest for our 200th show! Val's hubby Rob was so excited, he sat in on our interview. We learn how Ken started out in the beer business and what he's doing to keep his brewery green. Ken also shares some product news and a tip or two for homebrewing Hipsters. Also, in the spirit of Chico legends, we present the music and comedy of local showman Moriss Taylor.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Duh! You can't try it just yet, but Sierra Nevada Brewery will release Torpedo Extra IPA in bottles next month. We'll try to leave some for you guys.

Chocolate: Thanks to Charter Hipsters Kellie and Carly in SF, we indulged in a sampler of NeoCocoahand-crafted truffles. Ding Ding Dang!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Get organized for the new year with a Recycled Sari Buckle Wallet. Handmade in family cooperatives in India, these wallets are stylishly sturdy with plenty of pockets. Best of all, they don't look like you found them at the mall!
• Drafted. If you're in New England, pay tribute to American Veterans by quaffing a beer! High and Mighty Brewing pledges $1 from every bottle of their "Home for the Holidays" brown ale will go to IAVA, a charity for veterans and troops.
• Carp Diem. Concerned about the quality of your seafood? CleanFish empowers you to vote with your fork.
• Heaven scent. Now you can smell like Val! Experience Illuminated Perfumes by Roxana. Hipsters get a special deal on her handcrafted, all natural fragrances; mention More Hip when you buy any full size solid perfume and get a free sample of her liquid perfume, OR buy any full size liquid perfume and get a free sample of her solid perfume. Order here!

• Waterworld. NASA says 2 trillion tons of land ice has melted since 2003, due to global warming.
• Ski lift. Lighter snowfall is forcing skiiers uphill. Researchers say warmer temps in the Rockies could eliminate the snowpack by 2100.
• March of the Lame Duck. The Bush administration is moving to protect 7 penguin species, while ignoring 3 others. Hmmm, 70%...isn't that his disapproval rating?
• Organ-ic. A group of Texas high school students created a digital pipe organ from a pile of recycled electronics. What's your kid done lately?

Just say no! As you list your New Year's Resolutions, focus on just a few things you would like to stop doing. Stop smoking; stop adding to the landfill; stop eating meat. Post a short list on your mirror so you'll see it everyday. Just don't stop listening to podcasts!

We've long admired Ken Grossman for his quality brews and for his commitment to sustainability. Learn how he started out in the beer business and what he's doing to keep his brewery green. Ken also shares some product news and a tip or two for homebrewing Hipsters!

• Beer in the headlights. Ken started as a homebrewer with a passion for his product.
• Top o' the Hops Sierra Nevada ales are consistently among the top brews in the US.
• Crystal clear. Among Ken's green innovations, Sierra Nevada Brewery uses clean energy to operate its facilities in Chico, CA.
• Launch the Torpedo! Coming in January 2009, bottles of Torpedo Extra IPA will be available year-round. And there was much rejoicing.
• Word to the Weiss. Look for Ken's voluminous contribution to the Practical Brewer, a manual for the brewing industry.
• Bock star. UC Davis commemorates Ken's support for the next generation of brewers.

Help us kick off our next 200 shows! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and your New Year's Resolutions at our MHTH forum!

• Shout-outs! Thanks so much for mentioning us in your blogs: Two Smart Girls, ReadWriteWeb and SJSFalter. You rock!
• Jenny in Ontario (eh!) wants us to shut up about the weather, and give macrame the respect it deserves. We'll grant half her wish.
• Phil in Prince Edward Island (eh!) is our new groupie. He likes big worms, dark chocolate and Zebra Eco pens. We love you man!
• Rick in Virginia alerts us to the truth about oil prices, thanks to this interview on Financial Sense Newshour.
• Trystan at Yahoo! Green busts our chops. We didn't mention loofahs as an alternative to plastic sponges. Um, don't you have an article to write, or something?
• Kristi in Minneapolis shares a Beer Buying Guide for those of us who vote with our pint glass. Cheers!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Desalination is the process of turning saltwater into drinking water. As more reverse osmosis plants are being built, water conservation remains a vital solution to managing worldwide shortages.

Fresh water is in short supply in many parts of the world, and the problem is going to get worse as the population grows. One solution is desalination. How does this work? Will it solve the water crisis? The Hipsters discuss the pros and cons of this emerging technology. Also, as the temperature in Chico dips to 40 degrees, Val declares herself "over winter."

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Three simple ingredients combine to make Cru d'Or Belgian Style Ale a winner. This flavorful brew from North Coast Brewing Co. in Fort Bragg, CA contains only water, organic malt and hops. Trifecta!

Chocolate: Guys, buy this by the case. Zazubean's Lunatic bar claims to take the edge off women's "monthly madness" with its blend of cacao nibs and mint. We liked it. You got a problem with that?

Finds:

• Splinter Wonderland. A Potted Christmas Tree seedling makes a festive hostess gift. Or plant a hundred of your own and open a Christmas tree lot next year. Cha-ching!
• Beam me up. Black & Decker's new Thermal Leak Detector is a handheld gun thingy that finds hidden energy leaks in your home with a colored beam of light. OK, you can pretend you're Captain Kirk while you use it.
• Green 'zine. Need a new read? Boho offers great fashion and lifestyle tips, on eco-friendly paper. The name means "both ho's", right?

• Barack this town. President-elect Obama unveils his energy and environment team. "My administration will value science. We will make decisions based on the facts." If this is a dream, don't wake us.
• Smelluva job. Another last-minute ruling from the Bush administration exempts farms from having to report toxic manure fumes. What about those fumes coming from the White House?

Pack your snacks. Before you hit the road for the holidays, make sure you've packed plenty of food and drinks. Bringing your own eats from home cuts down on waste and saves you money. Remember, they always !@#$ you in the drive-thru!

Fresh water is in short supply in many parts of the world, and the problem is going to get worse in coming years. One solution is desalination, the process of turning saltwater into drinking water. How does this work? Will it solve the water crisis? Learn the pros and cons of this ancient process.

• Salty. Only 3% of earth's water is fresh; less than 1% is available for drinking and washing.
• Thirsty. The World Bank reports that 80 countries now have dangerous water shortages, and more than 2 billion people have no access to clean water or sanitation.
• Brainy Desalination technology advanced in the mid-20th century, and the first reverse-osmosis plant opened in 1965. There are now more than 12,000 plants worldwide.
• Thrifty. Since desalination is expensive, Food & Water Watch advocates better management practices. Start with water conservation in your home, and support efforts in your city and state.

Want to pepper us with questions? Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and your New Year's Resolutions at our MHTH forum!

• Kevin in Illinois is a teen greenie who loves nature conservation. He volunteers to restore habitat near his home and would like to hear a show about that topic. By the way Kevin, you rock!
• Janel in Arizona overcame her fear of composting and recommends it to all. Thanks for unlurking!
• Myssi in Colorado found Eco-Cycle, her local recycling site. Check out their Zero-Waste Holiday Guide. And Myssi, we're waiting for the Giddy Up!
• Jenny is resolving to go raw vegan in 2009. She was inspired by Compassionate Cooks, a podcast that is not for the squeamish. Good luck!
• Meredyth inexplicable thought of us when she lined up beer bottles on her kitchen counter. The occasion? Baking beer bread! See the recipe in our forum.

**Greenfeet's Pick-A-Present Promotion is on! Spend $75, pick a present worth up to $20 FREE!**

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Designer Tiffany Threadgould's ReMake It kits turn recyclable materials into functional new products.

As the market for recyclables bottoms out, learning to reuse those materials is more important than ever. RePlayGround is a website devoted to crafty ideas for giving discarded scraps new life. The Hipsters ask Tiffany about her inspirations, and about the rumor that she talks to her trash! Also, Val suffers the world's most unexciting back injury and adopts a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Val flashed her malt-face, but was able to finish her glass of Hazelnut Brown Nectar from Rogue Ales in Newport, Oregon. The bottle would make a cool lamp!

Chocolate: It's always a treat when a package of chocolate shows up in the mail! Thanks to our friends at Zazubean for the organic dark chocolate bars they sent our way. First up: "flirt", 70% cocao with acai and cherries.

Finds:

• Byte me. It looks and smells like a bar of chocolate, but it's actually a solar-powered calculator. Perfect for adding up the calories in your real chocolate bar.
• Spongeworthy. Gather your pals for a Green Cleaning Party, where everyone mixes their own cleansers. Just don't mix them with your margaritas.
• Holy Pteropus! Get in on the bidding to name a new species of bat. May we suggest Bruce Wayne?

• Token effort. American drivers got out of their cars last summer. Public transit ridership saw its biggest increase in 25 years, thanks in part to $4 a gallon gas. Maybe Detroit can manufacture subway cars.
• Gorgasm. The President-elect and VP-elect meet with Al Gore this week to discuss economics, alternative energy and green technology.

Rack 'em up! At this time of year you probably have to heat your home at night, but by morning the hot, dry air is tough to take. Listener Karen suggests hanging laundry on a drying rack next to a heat vent. The moisture from the wet clothes humidifies that painfully dry air, and your clothes are ready to wear!

Don't just recycle, reincarnate your garbage into usable products! Tiffany Threadgould's ReMake It kits let you turn glass bottles into lampshades, magazines into stationery, wine corks into trivets and bottle caps into magnets. Learn what inspires Tiffany to reinvent recyclables, and try her Hipster Scarf and Potholder project. You'll look like a crafty genius!

• Scraptastic. Tiffany's studio is called RePlayGround. It's utopia for fellow design junkies.
• Show 'n Tell. Pick up her series of recycling project books, "This Into That". Watch her video, It's Easy Being Green.
• Juicy couture. Tiffany works with TerraCycle to turn used juice boxes and foil wrappers into fun products.
• Trash crash. The market for recyclables has bottomed out, so reusing them really makes sense.
• No bitchery. Can't sew? That's no excuse! Val swears by her Stitch Witchery.

Don't make us recycle old questions! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and your New Year's Resolutions at our MHTH forum!

• Karen in West Virginia discovered that the computer mouse her son used as a toy, contained a hefty amount of lead. Her lead test kit found other household sources, including phone cords, computer cables and vinyl mini-blinds.
• Carri in Kansas continues to keep it green in her red state. She's planning to build a strawbale house, complete with goats and a garden.
• Jenny in Canada (eh!) wonders about the wisdom of getting a gadget that tells you which plants will grow in your soil. She also gives us a heads-up about a new Gardening Mama video game to get the kids interested in plants. Bloomin' beautiful!
• Maggie in Spain shares a cool find: Paper Water Bottles.

**Greenfeet's Pick-A-Present Promotion is on! Spend $75, pick a present worth up to $20 FREE!**

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Before you travel, calculate the carbon footprint for your journey and find the greenest route to take.

Over the river and through the woods? Forget it, Grandma's got a condo in Boca Raton! Finding the greenest way to get there takes a little research, and the Hipsters unpack some info to help you get on your way. Also, Dori picks a winner for the Amazing Race, and Val's Christmas lights are better than yours!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: What's the Scuttlebutt about this Porter brewed in Everett, WA? Well, the beer's dark and the label's cute, but it wasn't a Hipster fave.

Chocolate: Lovely listener Isabelle in Belfast sent along her favorite Swiss (not Nestle!) chocolate. Camille Bloch Ragusa Noir with truffle filling was a sweet treat, though it left Dori with a napkinful of discarded hazelnuts.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! It's a recycling 2-fer: use an old CD and an old circuit board to create a stylish desk clock. A great conversation piece, made in the USA and affordable at about $25. And oh-so-timely!
• Eight crazy lights. Hanukkah has gone high-tech with the LED Motherboard Menorah. Adds a geeko-friendly glow to the Festival of Lights.

• Worst of Both Worlds. One-third of the toys tested by a non-profit group were positive for chemicals like lead, mercury and cadmium. Among the worst offenders: Hannah Montana brand jewelry items. Identify the toxic toys, and avoid low-cost children's jewelry.

Dish it out! Make the commitment to serve at least one organic dish at your holiday dinner, whether it's the meat, the veggies, the dessert or even the wine. Point it out to your guests if you like; you may convince the meanie at your table to go for seconds!

Off to grandmother's house you go for the holidays! But how does a Hipster travel, by plane? Train? Car? The green solutions vary by the type of trip you're taking and the number of people on board. Use these tools to figure it out, then enjoy your journey!

• Planes. Generally considered to be the least green option, since their carbon emissions go right into the upper atmosphere. But for long distance travel, flying may be your best choice. Try to purchase carbon offsets. Should you fly?
• Trains. Rail travel is almost always greener than a car for a single traveller. But a recent report from the Cato Institute argues that "feeder" buses between stations can counteract environmental gains. Should you ride the rails?
• Automobiles. Carpooling generates the fewest greenhouse gases per passenger, so driving shorter distances with your family or friends could make sense. Make sure your car is well-maintained and not overloaded with crap. Should you drive?

Your ideas travel fast! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and travel itineraries at our MHTH forum!

• Eileen in Dominica unveils her tropical island sanctuary. Calibishie Cove offers low-impact luxury that at least 2 Hipsters would love to experience!
• Meredyth in Texas alerts us to an article about the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp. It seems "recycle" is another word for "incinerate".
• Elizabeth in St. Paul, MN loves a new iPhone app called the Good Guide, which indexes green products so you can shop for the greater good. Bonus: it's free!
• Jodi introduces us to Green Changes, a company that creates eco-friendly apparel and helps spread the word about sustainability.

**Greenfeet's Pick-A-Present Promotion is on! Spend $75, pick a present worth up to $20 FREE!**

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

The green economy could soon be the fastest-growing job segment in the United States.

Despite rising unemployment, the future looks bright for green collar jobs. The Obama administration wants to create 5 million new jobs in the fields of renewable energy, alternative transportation, research, engineering and more. The Hipsters look at the advantages of green industry and how you can prepare to find employment. Also, Val reveals the secret ingredient for rockin' cranberry sauce!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: A bonny brew from Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh, Scotland. Great Scot Organic Pale Ale had us reeling with its smooth golden flavor. Mike Myers would approve.

Chocolate: Many thanks to listener Trystan for supplying the Equal Exchange Organic Panama Extra Dark Chocolate bar. At 80%, it was too much for us to finish in one sitting, but it was fun trying!

Finds:

• Which coaster are you? These rubber coasters made from recycled automobile tires let you represent. Sorry flyover states!
• Here is comes to save the day! The Mighty Wallet lives up to its name. Made from a single sheet of Tyvek, it's thin, flexible and almost indestructible. Choose from 2 cool designs: comic pages, or airmail envelopes.
• Oooh! Aaah! Seriously, this fountain in Japan is the coolest thing that ever happened to water.

• Big Bucks. The CEOs of Ford and Chrysler say they'll work for $1 per year if they have to take government bailout money. Ford will also sell their 5 corporate jets.
• Brew me up, Scotty! Space beer has landed! The Japanese brewed the beverage from barley grown on the International Space Station, and Sapporo is offering tastings to earthlings. Beats the hell out of Tang.

Mission: Recyclable! Should you choose to accept it, your mission for the holiday season is to reduce by half the amount of waste your household generates. This message will self-recycle.

Need a job? Become a part of the new green economy, which is about to open an industry full of jobs around the world. Learn about the advantages of green collar jobs, where to find them and how to train for one.

• Researchers at Duke University conclude that green collar jobs present the next frontier for US manufacturing.
• The green economy is expected to account for roughly 10% of new US jobs over the next 20 years.
• President-elect Obama wants to invest $150 billion to create 5 million new green collar jobs.
• Get the training you need at your local community college or green organization. GreenBiz can tell you where job seminars are happening.
• Go for a degree at one of the top 15 green universities. (yay Chico State!) Young adults can get job training with the Green Corps.
• The Green Jobs Guidebook is free and full of great info for those wanting to work in California.
• Good with kids? Camp counselor makes CNN's list of the Top 25 Green Gigs. Sorry, "More Hip Than Hippie" Podcast Co-Host is taken!

Hot under the collar? Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and job openings at our MHTH forum!

• Shout-outs! Thanks to Spatially Relevant and Spaced Out Looney for the blog mentions!
• Amanda in Toronto (eh!) hopes to buy a Toyota Prius, but wants to make sure they're a good choice. Val shares the Prius love.
• Melissa in Newfoundland (eh!) wonders whether natural sea sponges are worse than plastic bath puffs. Look for farmed sponges, or a natural cellulose alternative.
• Whitney in Texas wants to know if her polymer clay sculptures are killing her kids! Probably not, but baking them in a toaster oven outdoors may be a good idea. (The sculptures, not the kids.)
• Maggie in Madrid is a frequent flyer, and wants to offset her carbon. Check with airlines' websites, or visit Carbonfund, NativeEnergy or TerraPass. By the way, it's still "offset" in Spanish!
• Theresa found the high-tech way to kill weeds without chemicals...using boiling water. Use the gray water you collect in the shower.

**Greenfeet's Pick-A-Present Promotion is on! Spend $75, pick a present worth up to $20 FREE!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Yahoo! Green is a great source of news and ideas for sustainable living. Senior Editor Trystan Bass shares tips for a greener holiday season.

We can all use some last-minute tips for getting through the holidays with a lighter footprint. Find out how to set a waste-free table, opt out of the Christmas card crunch and avoid unrecyclable giftwrap. Also, Val reveals her favorite word, and a surprise visit from a listener leaves the Hipsters feeling Mavericky!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: When listener Spanky dropped by More Hip HQ, we took the opportunity to ease his beer burden by liberating 2 bottles of Alaskan Brewing Co.'s Amber Alt Style Beer from his overloaded car. You're welcome.

Chocolate: Thanks again to listener Michelle for the care package of chocolate bars. This week's Jacques Torres Brulee Crunch tasted better than it looked...why is it the color of baby poop?

Finds:

• Bullseye! The perfect coat hangers for the quirky home have to be Dart Coat Hooks. Mount them on the wall and have guests toss their coats for points.
• Rock the votive. Crank out those homemade holiday candles with Microwaveable Soy Wax in 1-lb. containers. Don't worry, it comes with ideas and instructions.
• Ooh, sparkly! Create your own Snow Globe with a jar, some epoxy, a few plastic figurines and a bit of glitter. Easy enough for those of us who are craft-challenged.
• Scan I help you? Don't chat up that hottie in the bar until you've scanned their ShotCode. Look for the logo on clothing, then use your phone to link your target's online profile. Because saying hello is so exhausting.

• Shotgun! The CEOs of the Big Three automakers are in talks to carpool together on their next trek to Washington. If only they could find a fuel efficient vehicle...
• Getta Jetta. Congratulations to Volkswagen, whose 2009 Jetta TDI is "Green Car of the Year". Don't worry Detroit, you'll get 'em next year!
• The need for Swede. A Swedish company plans to harness human body heat to warm a new office complex.
• Yep. Here it is, Oxford's Word of the Year for 2008: Hypermiling. Smug Hipsters smile knowingly.

Postal Toasties! Reuse your empty cereal boxes to ship holiday gifts. They're the perfect size for clothing, books and accessories. Or just give the cereal as a gift this year--it ain't cheap!

We can all use some last-minute tips for getting through the holidays with a lighter footprint. Hipster Trystan Bass from Yahoo! Green provides ideas and inspiration for waste-free entertaining, as well as greener options for cards and giftwrap. She also attempts to pronounce "furoshiki".

• Entertaining. Trystan recommends a trip to the thrift store for dishes, silver and linens. Also, Bambu veneerware is both chic and compostable.
• Giftwrap. Look for 100% recycled wrap, or use old comics, maps or sheet music. Fabric bags like Wrapsacks are great too. Feeling knotty? Try furoshiki.
• Greeting Cards. Personality counts. Make your own photo cards on your computer with recycled paper. If that's not an option, look for recycled greeting cards or those with seeds embedded in them.
• Gifts. Trystan had a great time putting together the 2008 Green Holiday Gift Guide.
• Charity. Yahoo! is donating the profits from ads on Yahoo! Green to eco-friendly projects. Vote in their online poll by December 3rd.

Yahoo! We love to hear from you! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and holiday memories at our MHTH forum!

• Shout-outs! Thanks to Carolyn's Blog for the mention, and to Lighter Footstep for the great info on green dry cleaning.
• Thomas in Ontario (eh!) wants us to help spread the word about supporting new pesticide regulations in his province. You betcha!
• Stacy in Los Angeles reminds us that our favorite dark chocolates are all dairy-free, like Dagoba and Green & Black's. D'oh!
• Melody in Seattle shares a funny family story about McMenamins brewpub and her neophyte nephew. Beer almost came out of our noses!

**Greenfeet's Pick-A-Present Promotion is on! Spend $75, pick a present worth up to $20 FREE!**

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Landowners can protect private property from development long after they're gone, using land trusts and conservation easements.

Did you know that about 2 million acres of land is being developed across the US every year? Listener Susan Armstrong works to conserve our open spaces for future generations. She unearths some great info about tools that landowners and concerned citizens can use to permanently protect private property. Also, Val's birthday draws near, and the Hipsters get a Brazilian!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: We love the beer-sipping bear on the label of Lang Creek Brewery's Huckleberry n' Honey Ale. So fruity and sweet, you could drink a pint with Boo Boo in Jellystone Park.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Even on a cloudy winter day, you can charge your favorite gadgets with the Solio Solar Charger. It's power on the go directly from the sun. Val never has to be deprived of her iPhone, Kindle or any other gizmo again!
• Pick a Present! We're giving stuff away at Greenfeet.com, where the annual holiday promotion is underway. Spend $75, pick a free gift worth up to $20!

• Breathing is overrated. The EPA is about to weaken the Clean Air Act, making it easier to pollute the air near national parks and wilderness areas. If an appeal is filed, the incoming Obama administration could reverse the policy. Does this mean Bush is stuck between Barack and a barred place?

Cleaning really sucks! Sprucing up the house for company? Reach the places in-between with a DIY extension for your vacuum cleaner. Just scrunch up one end of a wrapping paper roll or paper towel tube, insert it into the end of the vacuum's hose, and suck up those dust bunnies! (Recycle the tube when you're finished.)

Did you know that about 2 million acres of land is being developed across the US every year? Hipster Susan Armstrong works to conserve our open spaces for future generations. She unearths some great info about tools that landowners and concerned citizens can use to permanently protect private property.

• Law of the land. Susan knows her stuff! She's an environmental attorney with Connemara Conservancy, a non-profit land trust in Texas.
• Wide open spaces. One of the biggest conservation organizations in the world is the Nature Conservancy. Established in 1951, they've protected more than 119 million acres of land.
• Ease into it. Landowners can manage their property into the future with a conservation easement. Many qualify for tax benefits.
• To Protect and Conserve. Who looks after the land when an easement is in place? Land trusts are the stewards of conserved property.
• Buffalo Stance. Billionaire Ted Turner is the largest private-property owner in America, and his goal is conservation. He's also crazy about bison burgers.

• Arnold Schwarznegger helps L.A. terminate carbon dioxide. The Governator was on hand as the Staples Center unveiled its new rooftop solar array.
• Billie Joe Armstrong has a Green Day with (PRODUCT) Red. His custom designed Converse shoes are made with hemp and benefit charity.
• Madonna has a list of divorce demands which includes that the kids keep to a macrobiotic, vegetarian organic diet when they're with Guy Ritchie. OK, fine. But no TV, DVDs, magazines or newspapers? She scares the crap out of us!

Listener E-mails

Don't conserve your comments! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and birthday wishes for Val at our MHTH forum!

• Liz in New York wonders if the bargains at Trader Joe'sare too good to be true. Happy Tofurkey Day to you too!
• Brian in Tennessee lets off some steam about the AirCar, which has been blowing in the wind for a while now.
• Meredyth in Texas finally asks the right people about hybrid car batteries and how they're recycled.
• Kristi in Minneapolis shares an article about the most eco-friendly car in America: the Honda Civic GX, which runs on compressed natural gas.
• Jessica found 2 great resources for the eco-friendly bibliophile: The Green Library and Greening Your Library.
• Rodrigo in San Francisco came here from Brazil, where he used this show to improve his English. Can you translate "teenie weenie greenie" without getting your ass kicked?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Eco-conscious consumers can find plenty of options for packaging and shipping this holiday season.

You've voted with your dollar by purchasing "green" gifts this holiday season. Don't undo all your good deeds with styrofoam packaging and carbon-spewing shippers! Dori and Val unwrap the greenest options for packing your presents and getting them to Grandma's house, whether it's across town or around the world. Also, the holidays are officially here as Greenfeet kicks off the annual Pick A Present promotion!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: In the name of fairness, we're trying Budweiser American Ale from Anheuser-Busch. They're now owned outright by InBev, the Belgian company who apparently thinks Yanks will fall for this crap.

Chocolate: For the poor confused vegan chocoholic, there's Tropical Source Raspberry Dark Chocolate by SunSpire. Dairy-free and gluten-free, it's actually quite tasty.

Finds:

• For the birdies. Hey golfers, turns out there's more than one way to go for the green! Dixon Earth's eco-friendly golf balls improve the environment while improving your game. Don't forget the biodegradable tees!
• Mapquest. Say hello to someone on the other side of the globe with World Atlas notecards. Recycled vintage maps are fashioned into a set of 6 cards and envelopes.

• The Decider. The Bush administration bows out with a flurry of last minute rules. See W ease restrictions on factory farms, mine waste, power plant emissions, and drilling in Alaska's Bristol Bay, among others. Don't let the doorknob hit you on the way out.
• Sign of the Times. The first eco-friendly billboard in NY's Times Square will light up next month, using only wind and sun power. Energy savings: $12,000 a month(!).
• Barack Star. President-elect Obama has begun making weekly addresses to Americans via YouTube and his website, Change.gov. Listen to one at the end of this show.

Time to polish the silver! Avoid icky chemical cleansers with a simple paste of baking soda and water on a sponge. Or cover the silver surface with white toothpaste, work it into a foam under warm water, and rinse tarnish away. Minty fresh!

You've voted with your dollar by purchasing "green" gifts this holiday season. Don't undo all your good deeds with styrofoam packaging and carbon-spewing shippers! Dori and Val unwrap the greenest options for packing your presents and getting them to Grandma's house.

• Packaging. When packing boxes, try to reuse paper, bubble wrap and other materials when possible. Or get biodegradable packing peanuts and leave no waste.
• Ground shipping takes a little longer, but generates just an eighth of the carbon emissions of air transport. Starting next year, UPS helps clear the air with hydraulic hybrid vehicles.
• The US Postal Service manages the largest civilian fleet of alternative fuel vehicles in the nation. Order their free envelopes and boxes that are certified green.
• International shipping gets greener with First Global Xpress. The company puts packages on a direct flight to the destination city, without stops at out-of-the-way hubs.
• Shipping rebates of up to $500 are available at FreeShipping.com, for a small monthly fee. Online shoppers can choose from over 1000 merchants.
• Carbon offsets have come a long way, and TerraPass has several excellent programs. Greenfeet purchases carbon offsets for every order shipped, without passing the cost to the customer.

• Lacy in NorCal rides green on her 2-dogpowered Xtracycle. Thanks for the blog mention!
• Jenny in Ontario, Canada (eh!) carried homemade lunch bags to school before they were cool! Her crafty mom made them from old jackets.
• Shayna shares the Green & Clean Mom Holiday Gift Guide. Check out picks from our pal Sommer!
• Ted in Michigan, aka our Beer Bitch, wants to invent a foldable take-out pouch for food, like the ChicoBag. It better carry beer too!
• Cindy in SoCal is living the green life part-time in Canada. She reviewed a beer for us...well, she tried! Thanks for the attempt, eh!

**200th Episode Alert!** We've booked Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada Brewery, as our special guest! Send us your questions for Ken! (Of course we'll ask him for his porn star name!) Post your thoughts, carbon-free! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and tracking numbers at our MHTH forum! Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

You probably use a lithium battery every day, in a watch or laptop. Discover where it comes from and why its future is uncertain.

If the car of tomorrow is electric, chances are, it'll run on lithium-ion batteries. But is there enough to meet our growing demand? Where does lithium come from, how is it produced and who profits? The Hipsters shine a light on this versatile metal. Also, Val gets herself in twouble with Twitter, and plans are afoot for More Hip Episode #200!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Do we detect a little citrus in our Inversion IPA from Deschutes Brewery? Orange you ready to try some yourself?

Chocolate: A MARS bar? Has Val taken leave of her senses? Nope, turns out their Dove Origins Ecuador dark chocolate bar is part of the candymaker's new cocoa sustainability program. Oh, and it's damn tasty.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Tease your brain with a tavern puzzle made of recycled iron. Based on centuries-old designs, these decorative puzzles are available in different levels of difficulty. Solve the Iron Heart? Now you'll have to deal with the Iron Maiden! (The puzzle, not Val.)

• Cure for what ales you. Scientists at Rice University have engineered a life-extending brew called BioBeer. Wonder if we'll live long enough to see it hit the market?
• Blow rider. An air-powered car is on the horizon, thanks to Zero Pollution Motors. Plans call for selling the $20K vehicles directly from factories in nearly every state.

Wrap 'n Roll! Keep those rolls of pricey recycled wrapping paper in good repair with your old stockings or hose. Just slide 'em over the tubes, leaving a few inches exposed at the end so you can see the design on the paper. Knot the fabric so it won't slip down. Or use a garter!

If the car of tomorrow is electric, chances are, it'll run on lithium-ion batteries. Is lithium the answer to our energy problems, or does it have a few problems of its own? Dori and Val shine some light on this metal and its future on the world's highways.

• Lithi-ummm... What the heck is it? A soft, lightweight metal found in low concentrations around the globe.
• Batteries included. Lithium helps to power lots of devices, from watches to laptops to space vehicles.
• Plugged up. With the advent of electric cars, automakers have big plans for lithium. Can the planet keep up?
• Buzzkill. At least one study finds that lithium production is environmentally damaging and unsustainable.
• La Pause. The world's largest deposit of lithium lies in Bolivia, which is not exactly on friendly terms with the U.S.

• Denise in Indiana is amazed by the maglev trains in China, which run clean and green on a magnetic field.
• James in PA has parked his bike for the winter, after logging more than 2,000 miles riding to work. Great job! Here's his blog.
• Faith in New Jersey has set some lofty green goals for 2009. She also blames us for that dream about Ringo Starr and a bar of Dagoba Lavender chocolate. Was there a Yellow Submarine involved?
• Jen in Portland is a former Chicoan who named her cat Sierra Nevada, after the beer! Which reminds us...

**200th Episode Alert!** We've booked Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada Brewery, as our special guest! Send us your questions for Ken! (Of course we'll ask him for his porn star name!) Flex your power! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and pictures of Nirvana at our MHTH forum! Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

November 10th - 16th is Recycling Week all over the world.

This is the week to start that recycling program at home or in the workplace. The Hipsters sort through statistics and extract the facts about how materials are recovered and reused. You'll learn why you should put paper, glass, steel and electronics back to work! Also, Val celebrates her recent marriage (?) and goes on to win a Major Award!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Gaze upon the amber goodness of Mirror Pond Pale Ale from Deschutes Brewery in Bend, OR. A fine, if unoriginal, offering that earned a combined 9 hips.

Chocolate: Yes, it's back! Dori chose the lesser of 2 evil nuts and came up with Green & Black's Organic Bittersweet Dark 60% Chocolate with Hazelnuts & Currants.

Finds:

• Rudolph's secret. It's Solar Powered Christmas Lights! No power outlet required; they just soak up the sun by day, then you would even say they glow in the dark.
• Puffins & Meerkats & Lynx, oh my! Even the Meanie on your list will love the World Wildlife Fund's Animal Adoption program. Choose an endangered critter from anywhere on Earth; your $50 "adoption" fee includes a certificate, photo and adorable stuffed version of your animal.
• Hip Trips. The path to sustainability is dotted with hotels, tours and destinations. Find the greenest of the green at Whole Travel, and plan your journey.

• Bushwhacking. President-elect Obama is reviewing all of W's executive orders, including the most recent attempts to open up drilling near national parks and monuments.
• Covering their ashes. Recycling companies announce their new e-Steward Initiative to certify safe practices in their industry. Watch 60 Minutes much?

Queasy does it! The next time you have tummy trouble, don't reach for the pink bottle. Cook up a pot of rice, using at least twice as much water as you normally would. Then strain out the rice and drink the water, hot or cold. The proteins in the rice will settle your bowels and hydrate your body. Note to self: sake is not a good substitute!

This is the week to start that recycling program at home or in the workplace. Paper, glass and steel are easy to take out of the waste stream and put back to work. Electronic waste and household hazardous waste need special treatment, but are worth the effort.

• E-waste is growing at 3 times the rate of other municipal waste. But it's really a resource of reusable material. Learn more about e-waste recycling.
• Paper consumed in the US hit a record 56% recovery rate last year. That's 360 lbs. for every man, woman and child in the country! Paper recycling is easy and it works.
• Glass can be recycled infinitely without losing its purity or strength. But sorting colors can be confusing. Here's the lowdown on glass recycling.
• Steel is recycled in the US more than aluminum, glass, paper and plastic combined. It's easy to separate from aluminum; just use a magnet! Find out about the benefits of steel recycling.
• Household Hazardous Waste is anything that might blow up, catch fire, or poison someone. Americans generate 1.6 million tons of the stuff per year. Let the professionals handle HHW recycling.

Want to recycle an old question? Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and congrats to Val on her recent marriage (!) at our MHTH forum!

• Melody in Seattle wonders if compostable products are OK, since corn is such a resource-intensive crop. Look for goods made from non-GMO corn, organic if possible. Alternatives include bamboo and sugar cane.
• Joanne in Calgary (eh!) shares the Canadian Broadcasting Corp's initiative called One Million Acts of Green. We think it's positively brilliant!
• Fonda in Missouri is a traveling yoga teacher who likes the humorous approach to being green. Thanks for the praise, Fonda, but we're still not giving up beer for tea.
• Maggie in Spain is still looking for your eco-geek jokes...and provides one of her own. Please, bring the funny so she won't have to!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! Hey, thanks for reading all the way through the shownotes! Now buy yourself something nice! Take 15% off your next Greenfeet order by using this code at checkout: SHOWNOTES Hurry, offer expires November 17, 2008!More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

We all know that exposure to lead can cause a variety of health problems. The threat of exposure to this heavy metal is more common than you may realize.

Once hailed as the father of all metals, lead has fallen out of favor because of its dangerous properties. But remnants of lead remain. Are you and your family at risk? We'll examine a few places where lead may be hiding in your home or community, and help you to protect yourself.

Beer and...well, just Beer:

Beer: Was it the Labrador on the label that made Val reach for a bottle of Pale Ale from Laughing Dog Brewing? Or was it the chance to drink another beer from Idaho? Either way, we're glad she got her paws on it. This very tasty brew gave us something to cry in when we realized we had no chocolate. Again. Stop the madness.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Lead-free and lovable XEKO Pals are perfect presents for the teenie weenie greenies in your life. The soy-stuffed critters are designed as companions to the XEKO trading cards, but Val's Hairy-Eared Dwarf Lemur has a place of honor on her desk.
• Dressed to the ca-nines. Keep your rottweiler roasty and your terrier toasty with the Hound Hoodie. This eco-friendly dog coat is custom fit for Fido and features a removable pom-pom on the hood, so you can humiliate him at will.

• Great Eggspectations. California voters approve Proposition 2, which improves living conditions for hens and other factory farm animals. Look for the initiative in other states soon.
• We mold you so. Rainforests to the rescue again, as scientists discover a fungus that makes diesel compounds from cellulose.
• Greeniuses. A British study finds that the smarter your kids are, the more likely they are to vote pro-environment as adults.

Sock it to 'em! Tired of that tangle of cords leading into your power strip? Cut the toe end off a trouser sock and run a bundle of cords right through it. Just make sure no one's wearing it first!

Once hailed as the father of all metals, lead has fallen out of favor because of its dangerous properties. But remnants of lead remain. Are you and your family at risk? We'll examine a few places where lead may be hiding in your home or community, and help you to protect yourself.

• Metal Ages. Reading the history of lead, you'll find humans have been mad about it since the dawn of recorded time.
• Metal health. The effects of lead poisoning can be reversed in adults, but are much more dangerous for kids.
• Mislead. Hidden risks for exposure can be found in your home, your garden...even your own body!
• Get the lead out. Use a home lead test kit to detect it on any surface within seconds. Check your tap water as well.

• Stella McCartney gets a spot in Dad's trophy case. She won the first ever award for Green Designer of the Year from the Accessories Council. Stella launched her leather- and fur-free line in 2006.
• Tom Green cashes in on his last name by hosting a new game show for Planet Green. "Go for the Green" tests your Eco-Q every Saturday night at 8.

Listener E-mails

• Patrick in NC thinks Val should consider the VW Jetta TDI wagon for her next car. It gets 45 mpg on the highway, and could run on biodiesel. But does it have cupholders?
• Melissa in Minnesota is thrilled that her state voted to raise taxes in order to clean up and preserve the great outdoors. Uffta!
• Eileen in Dominica sent an article about the world's most unusual chocolate entrepreneurs.

Hello, is anybody out there? Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and congrats to President-elect Obama at our MHTH forum!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Tropical rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate. Why should you care? Among other things, these ecosystems are a rich source of natural medicines.

You or someone you know probably benefits from the drugs derived from rainforest plants. Cancer? Diabetes? Arthritis? All are treated with compounds found in the rainforest. But we're losing these medicinal plants faster than we can explore their potential. The Hipsters trek into nature's medicine cabinet and learn about the challenges of saving it. Also, Val tries to defend Donald Trump, and Dori says goodbye to her "Bono in 2008" bumper sticker!

Beer and...well, just Beer:

Beer: OK, it was the name that inspired Val to pick up a big ol' bottle of Leafer Madness Imperial Pale Ale from Beer Valley Brewing in Oregon. Crisp and hoppy, this is a great stand-alone beverage. That's a good thing, because we didn't have any chocolate! D'oh! (Feel free to pop some in the mail. Help a Hipsta out!)

Finds:

• Cell mates. Rechargeable batteries just became more user-friendly with the USBCELL. The top plugs into any USB port, charging while you work. Thanks to listener Bryllyg for the Tweet on this!
• Wile E. Coyote approves. If you love the idea of a sack lunch but hate the waste, pack your pita in an ACME recycled cotton lunch bag. 100% lead-free, and even comes in a limited edition "brown paper bag" color option.
• Wasting away. Never get caught without a trash bin again! The Clothespin Waste/Trash Can offers a frame to transform any bag into a garbage bag. Folds flat for trashy travelers.

• Laddie & the Trump. The Scottish government approves The Donald's new mega-golf course, despite objections from local officials and environmentalists. Soon the only birdies found there will be on a scorecard.
• T-VIPs. New Energy Star compliant TVs are now on the market, just in time for the holidays and the digital switch. They're 30% more energy efficient, but most of the shows still suck.

Bastes great, less filling! That turkey baster doesn't get much use after Thanksgiving, so use it to freshen the water in your flower arrangements. Just suction up the dirty water with the baster, and the blooms stay in place. Remember to clean it well before your next turkey dinner!

Tropical rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate. Why should you care? Among other things, these ecosystems are a rich source of natural medicines. Learn how a rainforest plant or herb could treat someone you love someday, and how you can support efforts to end their senseless destruction.

• Botanical treasures abound within tropical rainforests. They yield treatments for malaria, tumors and muscular disorders, just to name a few.
• Did you know that one and a half acres of rainforest are lost every second? Arm yourself with the facts about rainforest destruction for your next run-in with a skeptic.
• Want to adopt a rainforest? Or drink coffee to help the cause? You can do that and more with the Rainforest Alliance.
• You're never too young to save the planet! Get kids involved with the Rainforest Heroes program.
• Help is just a click away. Visit Care2's Race for the Rainforest.

• Liz in Wisconsin is a Hipster who can appreciate the constructive use of beer bottles.
• Melinda in SC is one of many listeners happy about Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging. No more "wrap rage"!
• Moises in Hong Kong, one of our original Hipsters, mends a broken heart and recommends a raw vegan diet espoused by Gabriel Cousens MD. Te queremos Moy!
• Alisha in Virginia has turned her hubby into a planeteer! Except for the fridge thing...but we found the solution!
• Alyssa in Washington makes some fine beer suggestions, but we're really intrigued by her other idea: Mafia names! C'mon, Carla DeLucci, what's the formula? We'll make you an offer you can't refuse...

Can't see the forest for the trees? Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles and links at our MHTH forum!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Home heating is a hot topic as we head into winter. Energy-efficient heating alternatives abound.

Chilly fall nights have Dori and Val thinking about how to heat our homes without harming the planet, or the pocketbook. Nearly all American homes are heated with fossil fuels or electricity. Learn about some options to help homeowners and apartment-dwellers kick the oilcan! Also, Val has bats in her belfry for Halloween, and a listener makes an offer the Hipsters can't refuse!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Thanks again to Val's hip in-laws for the great big bottle of Boatyard Bitter Ale from Port Townsend Brewing in Washington. Bitter, party of two!

Chocolate: Behold an organic delight from Terra Nostra. The smooth, subtle Double Dark Truffle 60% cacao bar gets a Double Dang!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Need an easy, efficient way to heat your home? Val loves her EcoFan Heat Powered Wood Stove Fan. The warmth from the stove powers the blades, which circulate air right where you want it. Bonus: the fan is quieter than her 10-year-old kid.
• Green 'zine. Peruse the pages of a new online magazine called Coco Eco. Set your own ambience as you glean tips for being glamorously green.
• Buy polar. Stuff a stocking with a set of 6 "planet earth" bottle cap magnets. Or keep them on your fridge to remind you to buy organic beer.

• Blightmares. The Blacksmith Institute thoughtfully made a list of the 10 biggest pollutions problems that should be keeping you up at night.
• Pod Almighty. Chrysler's new Peapod EV hits the streets in 2010. Well, at 25 mph, it kinda taps the streets. But this is one pimped out golf cart.
• It completes us. The all-electric MINI E is in the pilot phase before its official debut. Among its cool features: a giant yellow electrical plug painted on the roof. Sold!

Peel away stains! With all the citrus fruit coming into season now, it's time to clean up your cups and saucers. Shake some salt onto a piece of citrus peel, then use it to buff away tea stains and such. We recommend salted limes; when you finish, just add tequila and relax with a Margarita!

Chilly fall nights have Dori and Val thinking about how to heat our homes without harming the planet, or the pocketbook. Nearly all American homes are heated with fossil fuels or electricity. Learn about some options to help homeowners and apartment-dwellers kick the oilcan!

• Wood pellets. Made from recycled wood waste, they burn efficiently and are easy to store.
• Tulikivi stoves. The Finnish company produces soapstone stoves that warm surfaces in a room without drying the air. The fire burns so hot, wood is totally vaporized. No waste!
• EcoFire Super Grate. By supplying a light pattern of air to the base of the fire, this grate increases the temperature of the fire, reducing pollutants. Easy to install, fits most fireplaces.
• Biodiesel. Non-toxic, renewable, with no retrofitting required. But price and availability may be obstacles. The National Biodiesel Board has all the info you need.
• Gel fireplace. More for ambience than heat, these portable fireplaces burn cans of alcohol. They burn clean and require no venting.
• Geo-exchange. Use the earth's own heat storage system to heat your home in winter and cool it in summer. It's good enough for George Bush's Texas ranch, and over a million more US homes.
• Inverter heat pump. Like a reversible refrigerator, the pump extracts heat from one location and transfers it to another. Quiet and efficient.
• Radiant floor heating. Heat rises from insulated wires beneath the floor, warming surfaces and keeping air temperature lower.

• Trystan at Yahoo! Green reminds us to pick up dishware and linens at thrift stores for holiday entertaining on the cheap. She'll look for us at the Green Festival in SF, Nov 14-16th. Stay tuned for details on a possible Hipster Meet-up!
• Ted in Michigan plans to Reverse Trick or Treat with fair trade goodies this year. He also offered to fill an important seat in our Hipster Cabinet. Ted, welcome to the administration!
• Dakkar sent a story about the winner of the 2008 Green Earth Design competition.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving!Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free!More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Should you get a flu shot this year? What are the side effects? Is there mercury in the flu vaccine?

Flu season is right around the corner, and health officials say this is the time to get your flu shot. The Hipsters roll up their sleeves and investigate what goes into the flu vaccine, and poke around the controversy surrounding this annual rite of winter. Learn alternatives to getting a shot and ways to prevent influenza from striking. Also, Dori boils about eggs and Val impersonates Switzerland (without the yodeling)!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Thar she brews! Hop Diggidy India Pale Ale from Port Townsend Brewing Co. in Washington. Great flavor in a big bottle with a really cool label. Hipster Hall O' Fame.

Chocolate: Smooth and gooey Lindt Creation 70% Cherry & Chili bar. Probably very nice paired with red wine. Beer, not so much.

Finds:

• Full of scrap. Keep leftovers out of the landfill with a Bokashi indoor composter. Beneficial bacteria produce quick, odor-free compost without using slimy disgusting nightmare-inducing worms. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
• Fishful thinking. The ocean called, and it's running out of sushi! Choose wisely with new sushi guides from Monterey Bay Aquarium, EDF and the Blue Ocean Institute.
• Downstairs captain? Um, if you own one of these, you must fill the gaping hole in your personal hygiene with Man Junk. It's organ-ick.

• Bummer-free zone. The heavily patriotized US Interior Dept. is in a big hurry to ease rules protecting endangered species before W leaves office.
• Won't get fueled again. Lower gas prices aren't luring wary drivers back to the road. Demand is down 6.4% from a year ago.

Keep score! Find out how your US Congressperson voted on environmental issues this year. The League of Conservation Voters released their 2008 scorecard, looking at House and Senate votes on energy, climate, public lands and more. (Good job, Vermont!)

Flu season is right around the corner, and health officials say this is the time to get your flu shot. Should you do it? What are the alternatives? Dori and Val roll up their sleeves and investigate what goes into the flu vaccine, and poke around the controversy surrounding this annual rite of winter.

• Take a shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine for certain populations at risk.
• Mercury rising. How much is too much mercury? Be aware that flu shots contain the heavy metal.
• Pig in a poke. It's a little known fact: influenza vaccine may contain traces of a product made from raw pork, as well as other viruses.
• Pharm aid. The FluMist vaccine is a nasal spray owned by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. Avoid it if you're allergic to eggs.
• Fraud couple. Some say the flu shot is a scam perpetrated by the government and drug companies.
• Flu the coop. A few simple health habits will help you prevent flu from spreading to your household or workplace.
• Squash the bug. Fall foods boost the immune system naturally. Eat garlic, onions and brightly colored fruits and vegetables. (Val uses a Vita-Mix.) Wash 'em all down with green tea.

• Corri in Philadelphia reads Back Home magazine, and learned about recycling used discs (and cases too!) at CD Recycling Center America. BTW, love your porn star name!
• Jackie in Ontario, Canada (eh!) actually got to use her porn star name, without taking off her clothes. Nice work, Shasta Westbury!
• Jamie at KAYU wants us to know that her company's bamboo glasses are pricey for a good reason. They donate $50 from each purchase to fund a sight-restoring operation in Africa or Asia. Ah, now we see!
• Weston invites Hipsters to participate in a Gorgeously Green Recipe Contest. It's your chance to be published in an international cookbook.
• Michelle & Virginia in NY provide words of wisdom from one of Val's ancestors, Ben Franklin. Can you detect the family resemblance?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Mark Roberts, CEO of Springboard Biodiesel, discusses BioPro automated biodiesel processors.

We know biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel that is non-polluting, non-toxic and petroleum free. Why aren't we all using it? If you own a vehicle with a diesel engine, you could start now. Dori and Val chat with Mark Roberts about his company's line of biodiesel processors for consumers. Mark talks about what goes in and what comes out of the machines, and reveals what RVO stands for. He also reveals his bodacious porn star name! Also, Jillicious is here to celebrate her birthday with the Hipsters. (No, Dori will not hold her purse.)

Beer: How do you make three Hipsters happy? A big-ass bottle of Maximus India Pale Ale from Lagunitas Brewing Co. in Petaluma, CA is a great start.

Chocolate: Lucuma Matata? Endangered Species Organic Health Dark Chocolate with Goldenberry and Lucuma is good for you and for the planet. And it's darn tasty too.

Finds:

• Shades of green. Painting indoors? Breathe easy with Benjamin Moore's Natura line of VOC-free interior paints. Available nationwide next spring.
• Rock your bodice. The crafty folks at Real Simple put together a "wardrobe malfunction kit" for garment gaffes. Nipple jewelry not included.
• Shade trees. Get plastic out of your sight with a pair of handcrafted bamboo sunglasses. For every pair purchased, KAYU sponsors one sight-restoring surgery in the developing world.
• Toothiness. Are you fascinated by a certain Senator's pearly whites? Enjoy this website celebrating Joe Biden's teeth.

• Mt. Bushmore. The Prez is about to ease restrictions on mountain-top removal mining. Don't let the doorknob hit you on the way out.
• In-EV-itable. Nissan Motors will sell an affordable electric car in the US by 2010.
• Scampi scandal. Leading US retailers are selling shrimp produced in sweatshop conditions, according to a report. Et tu, Trader Joe's?
• Making a dif-France. In order to save energy, the Eiffel Tower's lights now twinkle half as long as they used to. They also want 3 months of vacation every year.

Clash 'n Carry! Repurpose an old photo album as a reference book for decorating. Instead of snapshots, fill it with paint chips and fabric swatches, then take it along when you shop for furnishings. So when you buy new curtains, you won't have to repaint!

Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel that is non-polluting, non-toxic and petroleum free. Why aren't we all using it? If you own a vehicle with a diesel engine, you could start now. Dori and Val chat with Mark Roberts, CEO of Springboard Biodiesel, about his company's line of biodiesel processors for consumers. Mark discusses what goes in and what comes out of the machines, as well as the future of the fuel.

• Just brew it. Mark's company acquired the BioPro family of automated biodiesel processors this year. HQ is here in Chico, CA.
• Fuel's gold. Will using biodiesel void the warranty on your vehicle? Umm, no. Get the facts about the fuel.
• Grease is the word. But RVO is the acronym when you're talking about biodiesel.

• Jennifer in Pittsburgh listened to every More Hip episode in just 60 days! We don't know how she finds time to be president of her high school's Conservation, Fishing & Hunting Club. She thinks Hipsters in Canada (eh!) will enjoy Green Beaver (ahem!) and she also likes Merry Hempsters.
• Karen in Texas helped a young supermarket bagger "get with the program" after he tried to put her reusable totes into a plastic bag. Yippee Ki Yay!
• Myka is successfully greening her workplace. She shares a couple of finds: PodSwap keeps used iPods out of the landfill, and RewareVintage sells notebooks made of recycled vintage records.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com, where the Fall Home Sale is underway!

We all have someone on our gift list who doesn't appreciate our eco-friendly offerings. Some may be downright hostile. So how does the Greenie gift the Meanie? A donation to the Sierra Club probably won't do the trick. The Hipsters share ideas that have worked for them, and will hopefully take the "resent" out of "present"! If not, Val suggests the ultimate solution...

Beer: Refreshing St. Wilbur Weizen from Bayern Brewing in Missoula, Montana. Their brewmasters adhere to the German Law of Purity of 1516. Bet they're fun at a party.

Chocolate: By Chocovic, the Bitter Dark 71% Unique Origin Guaranda from Ecuador. This is Dori's go-to bar when she needs a quick fix.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Set your lunch free...of wasted paper. Litter Free Lunch Napkins are soft cotton cloths sold in sets of 5, so you can take a fresh one to work each day. Choose from a variety of styles and colors. You could even personalize them with stitching or appliques. Bon appetit!
• Code hard cash. Fundraising can be as easy as Z-I-P! A program called ZipGoesGreen will sell customized eco-friendly products featuring your ZIP code, and 25% goes to your cause.
• The Remedy. Tired of musicians who don't care about the planet? Meet Jason Mraz.

• Unleaded. Facing legal action, the Environmental Protection Agency will order industry to get the lead out of our air.
• Fortunate sun. The "economic rescue bill" sweetened the deal for consumers to go solar.
• Impure thoughts. A new study finds bottled water is--wait for it--no more pure than tap water. But still 1900 times as expensive.

Use your Tupper Where? Listener DeeDee in Mississippi lets her kids make sand castles on the beach with her old Tupperware. (Hope it didn't attract any burping seals!) Another idea: fill containers with soil to start seeds for your garden. Oh, there are multi-levels of uses!

We all have someone on our gift list who doesn't appreciate our eco-friendly offerings. Some may be downright hostile. So how does the Greenie gift the Meanie? A donation to the Sierra Club probably won't do the trick. Dori and Val share ideas that have worked for them, and will hopefully take the "resent" out of "present"!

• Jewelry. For pricier pieces, look for vintage gold and conflict-free diamonds. Or keep it cheap with recycled glass baubles.
• Gift baskets. Fill a Fair Trade basket with organic goodies like nuts, fruit, chocolates, coffee, tea, cocoa or wine. Natural personal care products are another useful indulgence.
• Home. Green decor doesn't have to look like it came from a commune. Stylish baskets, natural fiber throws and recycled glass vases are sure to impress. A living plant is also a nice touch.
• Gift certificates. Give the Meanie a fun outing, whether it's a theme park, a movie or just dinner on the town. Include a coupon for babysitting.
• Stylish stuff. Eco-friendly gadgets and trinkets abound. Whatever your Meanie is into, you can find a fun gift that shows you're paying attention.
• Inspiration. Take a look at Dave Evans' book, Cool Green Stuff, for an endless supply of ideas.

• Ex-MTV Alison in North Carolina sent a link to a story about RecycleBank. Soon Greenfeet will be one of their partners!
• Carrie in PA wonders if she should compost those biodegradable goods. Yes and no, but either way, they're still a better choice than plastic.
• Michelle in New York enjoyed this story about an outdoor gym made entirely of recycled wood and other materials.
• Maggie in Madrid, Spain says the green movement is blooming in that fair city. She'd love to hear some funny green jokes. Anyone? Anyone?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

Many of us wear a gold ring as a symbol of love. But we don't love the 20 tons of mine waste generated to produce that one gold ring. The production of gold jewelry is often harmful to the environment and to the communities nearby. The Hipsters dig up the dirt on gold mining, and find a mother lode of ideas for consumers. Also, Dori dictates a letter to Ford Motor Company, and Val offsets her carbon.

Beer: Dark, malty Lava Rock Porter from Dick's Brewing Co. in Centralia, WA. And yes, we made fun of the name like a couple of 12-year-olds.

Chocolate: Another amazing offering from Caffe Acapella. The Cappuccino Connoisseur is a flavorful bar of velvety chocolate lust dipped in milky espresso desire. We need a cold shower.

Finds:

• Groovy. Party like a Rockstar with lovely drink charms cut from old vinyl records. They come in a set of 6 colorful stars.
• Red is the new green. Wrap your holiday gifts in natural ribbon. Soy-based inks provide the rich red hue, and water-based adhesives hold it together. The ribbon is also biodegradable, so unlike Santa, it won't be around forever.

• Selling short. Lawmakers are putting climate legislation on hold as they try to stabilize the economy. They can only handle one meltdown at a time.
• Hot Wheels. As more SUV owners default on their car loans, they're turning to arson for answers. The rest can't afford enough gas to start a fire.

Let nature inn! Consider putting up a feeder or house for your furry and feathered friends this winter. Loss of habitat may put on pressure for survival during harsh weather. Help a critter out!

Many of us wear a gold ring as a symbol of love. But we don't love the 20 tons of mine waste generated to produce that one gold ring. The production of gold jewelry is often harmful to the environment and to the communities nearby. Dori and Val dig up the dirt on gold mining, and find a mother lode of ideas for consumers.

• Gold Diggers. Mines are often located in environmentally sensitive areas. Local people and wildlife suffer the consequences.
• Gold standard. The "No Dirty Gold" campaign established these Golden Rules for more responsible gold mining.
• Glittering. Wal-Mart and Tiffany are trying to clean up the gold industry.
• Tarnished. Other retailers don't seem too concerned about it. (C'mon, Target!)
• Gold dust. Shop for antique or vintage jewelry instead of new gold. Support jewelers like GreenKarat and Brilliant Earth, who recycle and reuse old pieces.

• Liz in Wisconsin has much to share. First, is this greenwashing? Second, cold brew coffee in a pasta sauce jar! Third, great tips to reuse an Altoids tin. Thanks, and we'll post your pomegranate recipe on the forum!
• Kevin in Illinois wants to defend himself from those "new carpet" fumes. Open the windows wide, or better yet, look for an eco-friendly brand of carpet.
• Lisa in Wisconsin shared an article about pint-size Eco-Police making parents proud and/or crazy.
• Julie in Arizona is now having green nightmares about wasting water! She'd also like a coupon from Greenfeet. OK, 2 words: Newsletter & Twitter.
• Vanessa in Israel wants to talk with other Hipsters outside the US to share green info. You got it: international listeners, let us know where you are, and we'll set up a spot for you on the forum! By the way Vanessa, tell your hubby that fish pedicures are now illegal in Washington.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

October is Fair Trade Month. So what does that really mean? Dori and Val fill in the facts about fair trade standards, who benefits from them, and how you can participate. You'll learn to find and identify products that are doing a world of good. Also, the Hipsters discuss chickens with PMS and get a visit from a couple of Looney Tunes!

Beer: A taste of home! Sierra Nevada Brewery here in Chico, CA presents their 12th Release Harvest wet hop ale. A big-ass bottle of happiness.

Chocolate: When coffee meets caramel, good things happen. Acapella's Caramel Macchiato Classico bar inspires adjectives usually reserved for romance novels: bold but silky, smooth yet firm, and so satisfying...is it getting hot in here?

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Environmental fashion is fun and funky with Flip Top earrings from Kim Dinnen Designs. They're made from recycled soda can flip tops, recovered from the banks of the Sacramento and American Rivers. A colorful bead adds style to these affordable treasures.
• Dolly Carton. Nothing is more fun than a cardboard box, except maybe a recycled cardboard Dollhouse. Pre-cut with rooms and spyholes, it's ready to be customized by a creative kid.

• Critters are quitters. Half the mammals on Earth are in decline, according to a scientific survey. New to the list: the Tasmanian devil. Hang in there, Taz!
• Purely swell. Dell plans to transition all new laptop displays to LED in the next 12 months. Dude! You're getting a lighter footprint!
• Meatless. Ellen DeGeneres has come out--as a vegan. She made the announcement, not over an airport loudspeaker, but while attending an animal rights benefit.

Gift Globally. Make the commitment to purchase at least one Fair Trade item for your holiday gift-giving this year. Your purchase will help lift up people and communities where it's more than the thought that counts.

October is Fair Trade Month. So what does that really mean? Dori and Val fill in the facts about fair trade standards, who benefits from them, and how you can participate. You'll learn to find and identify products that are doing a world of good!

• Label of love. The very fine folks at TransFair USA certify products in America. Look for their label.
• Getting buy. Here's a list of retailers and restaurants carrying certified goods. Don't forget to check your local bookstores and social justice organizations.
• Spend of the world. Ebay knows your shopping shapes the world. Now they're doing a World of Good.
• Fair force. Ready to act? Co-op America's Fair Trade Alliance invites you to become an advocate.
• Hip service. Greenfeet features a fabulous collection of Fair Trade finds. Fill your flat!

• Lisa in Michigan raves about a great recycling program called Paper Retriever, where they make every page count.
• Mike and Cindy want to buy environmentally responsible carpeting. We suggest Flor and Shaw. Hey, are you guys in the Brady Bunch?
• Julia in Florida needs an alternative to plastic bags in her trash can. We like BioBags. Now use these to keep those plastic bags away. (BTW, we love your porn star name!)
• Beth gets all the poop about the joys of cloth diapers, on a forum called Diaper Swappers.
• Hilary thought we would enjoy this story about candy shaped like beer glasses. She was correct.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

We've seen the television ads touting High Fructose Corn Syrup as "natural". Could it be true? The Hipsters stalk the source of this campaign, and try to find their way through a maze of facts and falsehoods. Also, Val pulls out a condom question, and Dori gets her pomegranate popped!

Beer: The 12-oz bottles of Hale's Ales Mongoose IPA are just too small for such a fine brew. Rikki-Tikki-Tasty!

Chocolate: Two handmade treats from our new favorite listener, Karin in SoCal. She sent BonBonBar's Single Malt Scotch and Malt candy bars. They contain no artificial ingredients or high fructose corn syrup, we might add. A full 12 hips, and Karin, send more please!

Finds:

• Trick or Trade. There's still time to scare up a bag of Fair Trade Halloween candy from Sweet Earth Organic Chocolates.
• Grape expectations. Put your wine to work! Etica Fair Trade wine earmarks a portion of their proceeds for social development in the countries where they do business. Their website shows you exactly what goes into the cost of your bottle.

• The color of money. A major shift to renewable energy and efficiency is expected to produce 4.2 million new environmentally friendly "green" jobs over the next three decades, according to a study commissioned by the nation's mayors.
• Shock absorber. Using tax credits, the US government will put $7,500 toward your purchase of a Chevy Volt. Use your extra money to buy GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz a muzzle.

Press Record. Make an audio recording of an older member of your family. Let them reminisce about their childhood, relatives and life in a simpler time. Make copies on CD or cassette and give them as holiday gifts. Memories are free, yet priceless!

We've seen the television ads touting High Fructose Corn Syrup as "natural". Could it be true? Dori and Val stalk the source of this campaign, and try to find their way through a maze of facts and falsehoods. We learned that the sweetener was introduced in the 1970's to protect US corn farmers, and to lower grocery prices. Is HFCS making our lives sweeter, or shorter?

• Pone Express. Surprise! It's the Corn Refiners Association behind those TV ads.
• Aw, shucks! Earlier this year, the FDA decided that HFCS is indeed natural, much to the delight of Big Corn.
• WTFructose? You can call it "natural', but it takes a man-made process to create the sweetener.
• Candy corn. HFCS certainly has its advantages, according to the corn folks.
• An earful. While inconclusive, research suggests a link to diabetes, obesity and other ills.

• Shout-out! Thank you Allison, who mentioned us on her blog for the Healthy Schools Campaign.
• Isabel in Belfast, UK needs a cutting board, and wonders which wood is best. We recommend bamboo. Make sure to wash and dry it thoroughly.
• Courtney in Denver is a Hipster college student who lives in a LEED dorm, carries a ChicoBag and keeps a bar of Dagoba Eclipse on hand at all times. You have learned well, young Grasshopper.
• Emmms in London seeks eco-friendly contraception. A vegan condom is hard to find. (sorry!) Check out Emmms' blog too.
• Michelle in Sydney believes we're all making a difference with the small steps we take. She gave up beef and now eats...Roo. Oh, bother.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

Fall fruits and vegetables aren't just fun to look at, they do a body good! Those plump melons and leafy greens pack a bounty of nutrients to keep us well through the winter. Dori and Val call out the season's superstars, and help you figure out what to do with them. Also, a listener puts her cheap vodka to good use, and we end the show with Stephen Colbert interviewing GM Chairman Bob Lutz about electric cars. Hipsterlarious!

Wine: The first rainstorm of Fall got us in the mood for a bottle of red. After a frantic search for a corkscrew, we poured our pint glasses full of Well Re(a)d from Heartswork Winery in Collegeville, CA. It's organic and sulfite-free, and didn't make Val sick!

Chocolate: Okay, we were afraid of this Vivani Feine Bitter 85% cacao organic dark chocolate bar from Alex in Denmark. But paired with the red wine, it was a decadent delight. (Check out the fun English translation on their site. It'll make wine come out your nose!)

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Celebrate Fair Trade Month with a set of 3 stylish RuMe Totes, in your choice of coordinating colors. Made in South Korea under strict Fair Trade standards, these sturdy bags are also available in a mini-size for Val's early morning trips to the liquor store!
• Clean election. If you're sick of all the mud-slinging, wash it away with Feel Good & Vote soap. Now you can really let politics get you in a lather.
• Stick 'em up. Turn your old beer and wine labels into custom fridge magnets with an easy DIY idea from Ready Made magazine. Use the magnets to hold up your other beer and wine labels.

• Auto-man empire. President Bush signed a $25 billion loan package for the struggling auto industry. Now the CEOs can fill their gas tanks.
• Bag the plastic. Wal-Mart will cut plastic-bag waste by a third in the next 5 years, mostly outside the US.

Fall in love! Find a Fall food you've never tried. Check our forum for recipes or eat it raw, then let us know what you think of it. You may find your new favorite food waiting for you at the farmers' market!

Fall fruits and vegetables aren't just fun to look at, they do a body good! Those plump melons and leafy greens pack a bounty of nutrients to keep us well through the winter. Dori and Val call out the season's superstars, and help you figure out what to do with them.

• Autumn's got 'em. From Apples to Zucchini, the color and variety of fall produce is amazing!
• Root them out. Find your local source for affordable fall treats at Local Harvest.
• Orange crush. To get you started, here are 5 easy pumpkin recipes. Jack-O-Licious!

• Jennifer in Kentucky can't quite believe she was in a hurricane! She wants tips for dealing with a disaster. Her Storm Station has helped keep her beer cold.
• Carrie in Green Lane, PA would like to hear a show about the history of Greenfeet. Stay tuned!
• Jennifer in Los Angeles discovered that Subway's napkins are pretty eco-friendly, and they sell reusable bags. If only they'd recycle Jared...
• Tamar in Israel has an ingenious mother. She makes her own vanilla extract using cheap vodka. Lechayim!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

The scariest thing about Halloween could be all the waste we generate for the big night! Have no fear, the Hipsters get into the spirit of the holiday with the founders of GreenHalloween.org, Lynn and Corey. They share ideas for everything from costumes to decor to trick-or-treat goodies. Also, Dori tries out her Austrian accent, and Val tries to make a "huckleberry face".

Beer: It's your huckleberry! Another of Val's Idaho finds, Coeur d'Alene Brewing Co.'s Huckleberry Ale is sure to attract bears, if not Hipsters.

Chocolate?: From the Divine Chocolate holiday goodie bag, we try White Chocolate with Strawberries. It's Fair Trade Certified, but...well, it's white chocolate. 'Nuff said.

Finds:

• 'Ella good. A grad student fashioned a lightweight umbrella frame called the Eco-Brolly. You can use any old newspaper or plastic bag as a cover. Or fill it with Rihanna CDs.
• The Fonz approves. The new COOL law kicks in this week, so you'll see more "Country-Of-Origin-Labels" in the supermarket. Exceptions to the rule: just about everything you buy. Not cool.

• Action hero. Gov. Ah-nold Schwarznegger is hosting a climate-change summit, bypassing the feds and beating the UN to the punch by a month.
• Choc suey. Cadbury recalled its Chinese-made chocolate products after finding they contained melamine.

Egg-scuse me? Listener Shayna shared a half-dozen uses for empty egg cartons. Some ideas: use them to ship breakables, to sort change at your yard sale or to start seedlings. If they're clean, try giving them to egg vendors at your local farmers' market!

The scariest thing about Halloween could be all the waste we generate for the big night! Have no fear, the Hipsters get into the spirit of the holiday with the founders of GreenHalloween.org, Lynn and Corey. They share ideas for everything from costumes to decor to trick-or-treat goodies.

• Fright club. Corey and Lynn started GreenHalloween.org as moms concerned about the earthly impact of All Hallow's Eve.
• Ghoulicious. The friendly souls at Global Exchange offer Fair Trade Halloween chocolate and party streamers. It's too late to order a Halloween Kit, but save the site for next year.
• Beewitching. Corey and Lynn love to use beeswax candles for holiday decor. These honeypot jack-o-lanterns are a scream!
• EEEK-o friendly. Lug your loot from door to door in this year's limited-edition Halloween Chico Bag. It'll look great with your recycled costume.
• Mummies know best. The ladies' new book, Celebrate Green, is full of tips to green up all the occasions in your life...and your afterlife! Mwah hah hah hah!

• Katie in Mississippi wants a green career! OK, check out Grist and Green Business for listings, and Yahoo for more ideas. Good luck!
• Melissa in Minnesota sets the Ho's straight about her favorite beer. She also loves her some chocolate-covered bacon. Here's your tiara, Melissa.
• Catherine found a crafty idea to give your dryer balls...made of wool. Thank ewe!
• Lynda in Florida thinks Val is the perfect candidate to own a Kegerator. Can she hook it up to her beer hat?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

They didn't kill the electric car! Battery-powered vehicles are buzzing down a road near you, and the GEM is leading the charge. The Hipsters chat with Kent Collins, owner of Chico Eco Cars, and learn what it takes to make the switch to an EV, then they take a test drive. Also, the Chico Air Show approaches, and Val feels the need for speed!

Beer: If Mother Earth herself brewed beer, this would be her signature ale! Green Lakes Organic Ale from Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon rocks the planet and gets all 12 hips.

Chocolate: The holidays have arrived a little early, thanks to Divine Chocolate. They sent a box of their seasonal goodies, including the Divine Dark Chocolate After Dinner Mints. Give them as a hostess gift, then eat 'em up before the other guests do!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Interactive giftwrap? Take re-gifting to a new level with reusable cloth Wrapsacks. Each comes with a tracking number, so you can log online and follow its progress across the land.
• Control geek. The Plogg is a simple device that tracks your electricity usage, controls your appliances and connects wirelessly to your computer, phone or Blackberry. Want one? Gotta move to Europe!
• What, no Garbage-Patch? A new line of Method hand and body washes will be available in October. The scents, inspired by the ocean, include Water-Flower and Refresh-Mint.

• Power surge. China is rushing to build a network of charging stations for electric vehicles. The US is rushing to Panda Express for lunch.
• Evolving doors. The world's greenest museum opens this month in San Francisco. The new California Academy of Sciences asks, "How did life evolve?" "How will it survive?" and "Does a pig wear lipstick?"

Switch gears! Sit down with your family and evaluate your driving habits. Do you spend a lot of time navigating neighborhood streets? If so, you might benefit by switching to an electric vehicle. Solo commuters should consider electric scooters or bicycles.

They didn't kill the electric car! Battery-powered vehicles are buzzing down a road near you, and the GEM is leading the charge. The Hipsters chat with Kent Collins, owner of Chico Eco Cars, and learn what it takes to make the switch to an EV. (Turns out, just a good extension cord!)

• Plug in. The basics: GEM stands for Global Electric Motorcars, a division of Chrysler, headquartered in Fargo, ND (dontcha know!).
• Power points. EV's save money and cut pollution. They also make people point and wave at you. Need to know more? Ask the Electric Auto Association.
• Stay current. Chrysler has declared 2010 the year of its electric car. Meanwhile, there's GEM's latest offering: the Peapod NEV.
• Electric outlet. Kent's brand-new eco-car dealership has Chico buzzing!

• Shout-out! Cheers to Robin, who listed us among her faves on Green Option's Sustainablog. You like us, you really like us!
• Sara in Colorado checked in on Facebook to tell us about her recycling project at Western State College. Way to go!
• Jenny in Ontario (eh!) presents a blog that focuses on the downside of wind farms. OK, but clean coal still blows.
• Elizabeth in Minnesota is a self-proclaimed "cheesegirl", and teaches us a thing or two about rennet and annotto. What a cheese whiz!
• Mary in New Hampshire (Live Free or Die!) wants to know which of her plastic water bottles won't kill her. Magic numbers: 1, 2, 4 and 5.
• Katie in Austin, TX shares a recipe for a More Hip libation: 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream in a pint of Young's Double Chocolate Stout. Sounds Hipsterlicious!

Tiara Alert! Nominations are open for the Podcast Awards! There's no swimsuit competition, but we can still kick butt in the People's Choice and Education categories, so click the link and choose More Hip Than Hippie! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service!Post a review at iTunes, and don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

Are Oreos destroying the planet? Probably not, but like most processed foods, they contain a controversial ingredient. Palm oil is in heavy demand by food producers, and farmers are destroying rainforests to supply it. Dori and Val fill in the facts. Also, Val gets mooned by a swan and compares her husband to a trampoline!

Beer: Val learns to love fruit beer with a ginormous bottle of Tangerine Wheat Beer from Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka, CA. So much citrus, you almost have to peel it!

Chocolate: How do you say "big-ass chocolate bar" in Danish? That would be Chok O Blok, the latest offering from Alex the Dragon. 70% San Domingo single origin dark chocolate, no messin' around!

Finds:

• Innspiring. Val and her hubby enjoyed a weekend at the eco-friendly Gaia Hotel in Anderson, CA. Her favorite part? The toilet!
• Sheet happens. Misprinted sheet metal is saved from the landfill and transformed into exotic glass-sided lanterns.
• Sake to me! Add Organic Nama Sake to your list of eco-friendly adult beverages. Serve that wild rice in true Japanese style.

• Fresh air. The US House of Reps passed the No Child Left Inside Act, trying to improve environmental education in schools.
• Load Star State. San Antonio, Texas pioneers the first large-scale effort to convert human waste into natural gas.
• Speaking of dumps... A visit to the landfill in Japan could turn out to be a real treasure hunt. Precious metals abound from discarded electronics.
• Dodo with lipstick. Congratulations to this year's winner of the Rubber Dodo award: Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, crusader against the pesky polar bear.

WD-4get about it! Quiet down those squeaky hinges with a spritz of cooking spray or a dab of lip balm. Apply it to the hinge's moving parts and wipe away any excess. Look for brands that don't contain petroleum or palm oil.

Are Oreos destroying the planet? Probably not, but like most processed foods, they contain a controversial ingredient. Palm oil is in heavy demand by food producers, and farmers are destroying rainforests to supply it. Dori and Val look at the environmental consequences of palm oil plantations, what corporations can do to stop it, and how consumers can make a difference.

• Palm reader. What is palm oil, and why do we love it? (Hint: it's full of fat.)
• Oil crisis. Drilling won't solve this problem either.
• There goes the neighborhood. A new study confirms oil palms make terrible rainforests.
• Not my Thin Mints! Step away from the Girl Scout cookies. You can make a difference by reading labels and avoiding products that contain palm oil. Learn more here.

• Shout-out! Thanks for mentioning us Behind the Stall Door!
• Lisa in Wisconsin shares a clever gift idea: make catnip pillows out of old sweaters. Even better if you grow your own catnip.
• Dr. DeeDee in Mississippi wants to get rid of a trampoline without putting it in the landfill. This guy has some ideas.
• Sara in New Hampshire (Live Free or Die!) is proud of a UNH student whose research led to a new state law on wind energy. We're blown away!
• Theresa in North Carolina wonders what's up with the Saturn ads. Well, they're temporary, and hopefully not too bothersome. We gotta pay for the glorious More Hip Media Multiplex somehow!

Tiara Alert! Nominations are open for the Podcast Awards! There's no swimsuit competition, but we can still kick butt in the People's Choice and Education categories, so click the link and choose More Hip Than Hippie! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service!Post a review at iTunes, and don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

September is Head Lice Prevention Month, so Dori and Val are itching to learn more about keeping the critters away! Listen for common-sense tips to help you head-off an outbreak. We'll also comb through the facts about "super lice" and offer some remedies you can make from scratch. Also, find out why Dori's high and Val's dry!

Beer: This 20th Anniversary Black Butte XX Porter from Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon is steeped in controversy. After Val spent 10 minutes prying open the wax-dipped top, she found it too malty to drink! Dori stepped up, drinking the entire 22 oz. bottle alone. Because there's no "I" in team.

Chocolate: Another yummy bar from Alex in Denmark. Even stone cold sober, Val wouldn't try to pronounce Urtekram Ãkologisk MÃrk chokolade. It's Fair Trade certified and Kan indeholde spor af mÃlk, nÃdder og peanuts. We think it's Danishious!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! It's a handy product with a mission: the BOGO Solar Task Light. Buy one, the company sends one to needy folks in Africa. The light charges even on a cloudy day, and helps Val and her hubby navigate to their new hot tub at night.
• Merlot and behold. The Six Pack Wine Rack made of wool felt is stylish, recyclable and produced in the USA. Unlike your wine bottles, it folds flat when it's empty.
• Wii demand a recount. Greenpeace released its 9th Guide to Greener Electronics. Still the best? Nokia. Still the worst? Nintendo.

• Bureaucrappy. The suits at the FDA insist BPA is fine for your health, even as a new study suggests a link to heart disease and diabetes.
• Sino the times. China's largest milk producer is recalling baby formula tainted with melamine.

Fall into flowers! Autumn is the time to replant your flower beds. This year, save time and money by choosing perennials instead of annuals. Try your best to find plants native to your area. They'll thrive with less maintenance and they'll attract more birds and butterflies. Work with nature, not against it!

September is Head Lice Prevention Month, so Dori and Val are itching to learn more about keeping the critters away! Listen for common-sense tips to help you head-off an outbreak. We'll also comb through the facts about "super lice" and offer some remedies you can make from scratch.

• Myth-understood. Who knew? Head lice can't fly, don't spread disease and prefer clean hair over dirty hair!
• Nitting circle. About 1 in 10 kids will contract lice by the sixth grade. It's because of their lousy behavior.
• Look, up in your scalp... It's Super Lice! Faster than a speeding comb, able to resist OTC medications in 3-5 years.
• Lice-ense to kill. Natural remedies include mayonnaise, olive oil and this DIY recipe from The Green Witch Herbal.
• Who ya gonna call? One enterprising business offers a lice removal service for your home and your head.

• Beth in Florida cleans her keyboards with a cool alternative to canned air. It's a blast!
• Kevin is tired of tossing out Q-tips everyday. We suggest using an earwash to clean your canals. If you prefer swabs, these are organic and biodegradable.
• Scott in Michigan wants to make us cry. He loves the story of an amazing boy named Clinton Hill. Pass the tissue, please.
• Sandra in New York hooks up with her neighbors each week to exchange food, books and household goods, no strings attached.
• Denise in Florida invites Hipsters in the Blue Grass State to visit her son's new green business in Louisville.
• Molly in Baltimore (hey hon!) thought of us when she saw this project for making solar lanterns out of beer bottles. You light up our lives!

Let the world know you're More Hip Than Hippie! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service!Post a review at iTunes, and don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

Energy independence isn't just for nations anymore! It's never been easier to generate power at home. Dori and Val let you know "watt" it takes to harness the energy of the sun and wind. Learn about equipment and permits, plus rebates to help ease you off the grid. You'll feel empowered!

Beer: "Heaps of hops" for Hipsters in this Prima Pils from Victory Brewing Co. in Pennsylvania.

Chocolate: Longtime listener Alex the Dragon in Denmark sent a package of chocolate goodness. This week's choice: Vivani Feine Bitter Orange. Mange tak!

Finds:

• Newspeeper. ReKindle your love for newspapers with an electronic version, courtesy of Plastic Logic. Available next year, their reader is thin, light and easy to read. Just don't use it to potty-train your puppy.
• Good shop/Bad shop. Navigate those perilous shopping aisles with a little help from Good Guide. This new site helps you choose the best products while you're standing in the store. And yes, Val, there's an iPhone app coming soon.

• Moneybags. A plastics trade group spent over $180,000 last month to fight Seattle's 20 cent bag fee. They could have bought 900,000 plastic bags with that. Or 36,000 ChicoBags.
• Does Yogi know? Meanwhile, France considers a "picnic tax" on disposable dishes. Don't tell the ranger, Boo-Boo!
• Hangover. Clothes hangers made of plastic or wire are very tough to recycle and usually end up in the landfill. Faye Dunaway weighs in on the issue at the end of the show.

Smile! A little toothpaste comes to the rescue for those scratched CD's and DVD's. Dab some paste (not gel!) on a cotton swap and polish the plastic surface until the scratches are gone. Wash the toothpaste off with water. If the disc still skips, hot-glue it to a paper lantern and make a disco ball!

Energy independence isn't just for nations anymore! It's never been easier to generate power at home. Dori and Val let you know "watt" it takes to harness the energy of the sun and wind. Learn about equipment and permits, plus rebates to help ease you off the grid.

• Power source. A great article from MSN provided most of the information for our topic.
• Meter operandi. Sending power back to your utility company is called net metering. You may not get you rich, but you'll be powerful!
• It's electrifyin'! Install Sunslate tiles on your roof, and no one but the sun will know you've gone solar.
• Dutch treat. From Holland, the new Energy Ball eggbeater-style turbine blows away your electric bill.
• Knowledge is power. Read up on wind systems and how to plan for them. Identify federal and state tax incentives for switching to solar power.

• Lacy in California helps a hip sista out with safety info for would-be bicycle commuters.
• Cassi in Tennessee is steaming mad about a campaign to save the endangered plastic bag.
• Ken in Bakersfield turned us on to the non-profit Solar Energy International, which provides workshops and online courses for homeowners.
• Big Ed in Indiana let us know about Samsung's new recycling program in the US.

Let the world know you're More Hip Than Hippie! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service!Post a review at iTunes, and don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

Gas companies use a process called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", to loosen rock and bring natural gas to the surface of wells. If you think this sounds hazardous, well, you're right. Dori and Val drill beneath the surface and let the statistics flow.

Beer: Check out our Grand Tetons! Listener Mike (Spanky) set us up with a threesome: Au Naturale Organic Blonde Ale and Workhorse Wheat Ale, plus Black Dog English Style Amber Ale from Spanish Peaks Brewing Co. in Wisconsin. Uh-oh, is that Val's malt face?

Chocolate: Mike again, with assorted goodies from Anacortes Chocolate Factory in Washington. Thanky Spanky!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! The best kitchen utensil is the one you use every day. Try this bamboo slotted spoon for stirring, scooping and straining with style. Keep it fresh with a little bamboo goo.
• Baby steps. Need eco-friendly shoes for the teeny weeny greenies in your life? Soft, comfy Pedoodles are made from recycled leather scraps.
• Oh Wiki, you're so fine! Get the scoop on all things environmental at the new Green Wiki. [citation needed]
• Green Miles. Tom Hanks is one of us! The actor supports The Nature Conservancy and buzzes around Hollywood in his electric car. Eco is as eco does...

• Sole survivors. A new study finds 40% of freshwater fish species in North America are in jeopardy. Dori finds 100% of them are inedible.
• Little green Apples. The newest iPod nano is also the cleanest. Steve Jobs says it's mostly toxic free and highly recyclable.

Start meshing around! After you've eaten the last onion or potato, reuse that mesh produce bag. Slip it over a kitchen sponge for extra scrubbing power on pots and pans.

Gas companies use a process called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", to loosen rock and bring natural gas to the surface of wells. If you think this sounds hazardous, well, you're right. Dori and Val drill beneath the surface and let the statistics flow. Learn about the environmental impact, the health risks and the fracking politics.

• Frack attack. Hydraulic fracturing typically involves pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of fluids and sand into an oil or gas formation. Water and air pollution ensue.
• Frackpot. The chemicals used in fracturing fluid are not subject to regulations or public disclosure, despite the dangers of exposure.
• Frack off. The Environmental Protection Agency bows to political pressure and refuses to investigate.
• Frack to nature. As pressure to drill increases, so does the potential threat to the environment.

• Michele in North Carolina (y'all) found an mp3 player for little kids. The SweetPea3 can run on one rechargeable battery. She also shares the good news that NC is going green!
• Reverend Rachel in Texas needs suggestions for a "going green" gift basket. How about a reusable water bottle, biodegradable waste bags, a shower timer and an air filter whistle?
• Lottie in Massachusetts sees hopeful signs for a green economy: an event called Green Jobs Now and a report about a Green Recovery. We approve!
• Carri in Kansas loves master gardener Felder Rushing and his cool beer bottle trees. She also thinks Val would be a great supper guest on Planet Green. Are they serving beer and chocolate?

Let the world know you're More Hip Than Hippie! Post a review at iTunes, and don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

September is National Sewing Month, as well as National Start to Panic About the Holidays Month. No worries! Dori and Val chat with sewing maven Julie DeMaggio, owner/operator of Green Dot Designer's Lounge. She specializes in recycled clothes and clever crafts. The Hipsters pin her down on some easy gifts you can make with just a needle and thread.

Beer: Perfect for a couple of fallen angels: Broken Halo IPA from Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. in Portland, Oregon.

Chocolate: Another selection from the Emerald Isle! Lily O'Briens Organic Dark Chocolate, Created with Passion and mailed in by the lovely Fiona. Take a look at her eco-village in Ireland.

Finds:

• Bic Appetit. Turn your pen into an eating utensil with Din-Ink pen-cap cutlery.
• Pick a Dar-winner. The new issue of E Magazine drills into the climate crisis. Which candidate can accept the science, and which McCan't?

• Stick a Ford in it. Europeans will soon get to drive the new 65-mpg Ford Fiesta. Deisel-hating US drivers must sell their homes and live in their Hummers.
• All wet. Sales of bottled water slow down in the US. We're waiting for it to drop below $3 a gallon.
• Republigreen. Listen to John McCain's ideas for the environment. A small clip from his convention speech runs at the end of the show.

Think negative! Listener Mike works in a photo lab, and has a great tip to keep plastic out of the landfill. When you drop off film, ask the lab not to cut your negatives into strips. No little plastic sleeves to deal with, and your film can stay in its container. Bonus: reprints are easier to make from the whole strip!

Green Dot Designer's Lounge is a great business specializing in recycled clothes and crafts. Owner Julie DeMaggio joins Dori and Val to pin down some easy homemade gifts you can make with just a needle and thread.

• A friend in needle. Julie and Kris opened Green Dot because they believe anyone can "be their own designer."
• Hoop Hurray! Hot for fall: embroidery. Check out Sublime Stitching for designs your grandma wouldn't touch with a 10-foot needle.
• Thread, white & blue. Celebrate National Sewing Month with tips and links from the pros.
• Stitchin' time. Julie has lots of easy gift ideas for beginners. Visit the DIY section of our forum.

• Melinda in South Carolina (y'all) warns of the hazards of "canned air". To clean your keyboard, just shake it out, then slide 2-sided tape between the keys. (Works better on computers than pianos.)
• Trystan at Yahoo! Green used old CD's as candleholders in her wedding centerpieces. Talk about stax of wax!
• Kristin in New Hampshire misses those childhood trips to the dump, but uses a "Still Good" shed for sharing unwanted items with others.
• Brian in Tennessee unearthed Fossil Fuels that we really dig!

Let the world know you're More Hip Than Hippie! Post a review at iTunes, and don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

As a music lover, which should you choose? Sounds like a no-brainer, but Val and Dori download data you need to know so your favorite music doesn't stream into the landfill! Listen for tech news and tips for your old CDs, plus the Hipsters notice something's missing...

Beer: We're traveling through another dimension, our next stop...Twilight Seasonal Ale from Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon. A wondrous beer whose boundaries are that of imagination.

Chocolate: Listener Fiona in Galway sent us chocolate pints of Guinness from the Irish Chocolate Company. Slainte!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Would you, could you carry a handmade tote made with pages from a Dr. Seuss book? Storybook Bags tell your favorite childhood story in a stylish one-of-a-kind bag, made in the USA by moms.
• See no weevil. Real rice and feed bags are handcrafted into bright, functional laundry bags and wastebaskets.
• Nal-genius. Put your old plastic water bottle to work. It makes a brilliant solar light.

• Break off, eh? A huge ice sheet has broken loose in the Canadian Arctic. Sarah Palin wants to turn it into a hockey rink.
• Automathic. Number-crunchers have proven that a Toyota Prius holds its value better than non-hybrids.

The next time you buy any paper product, try to find a brand that's chlorine-free. Why? Because dioxin is released into the environment when chlorinated products are incinerated. Check out this list of home and office paper goods that make the grade.

As a music lover, which should you choose? Sounds like a no-brainer, but Val and Dori download data you need to know so your favorite music doesn't stream into the landfill!

• DISCouraging. Get the story on iPods and e-Waste.
• DISCoveries. Newer innovations include corn-based MildDiscs, and Blu-Ray, which is 51% paper.
• DISClaimers. Americans still buy about a billion CDs every year. When you're tired of listening to the Jukebox Hits of the 60's, send 'em to GreenDisk for recycling. Or turn Martha Stewart loose on them.
• DISContinued. Where, oh where have those annoying AOL discs gone?

• Brigid in Chicago is running a Marathon to raise money for the Healthy Schools Campaign. If only she were a hockey mom.
• Howard in England introduces us to Roz Savage, who's trying to become the first woman to row across the Pacific. She's an environmentalist and adventurer. But not a hockey mom.
• Tom in London sends praise to Marks & Spencer in the UK for banning free plastic bags.
• Denise in Indiana is looking for a few good organic wines. We suggest our local favorite.

Got a favorite Green(feet) business? Nominations are now open for Co-Op America's annual Green Business of the Year contest. Rock the vote! And don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

That gold in your ear is valuable, but don't dig for it! Dori and Val discuss new guidelines for ear wax removal. Learn what that stuff is made of, why it's there and how to deal with it. It's a goldmine of information! Also, Barack Obama outlines his green energy ideas and Val conquers the airwaves.

Cider: How do you like these apples? American Hard Cider Co. bottles Newton's Folly Authentic Draft Cider, which is Golden and Delicious to the core!

Cheese: Award-winning Organic Valley Cheddar. It's legendairy. We paired it with Barbara's Bakery crackers.

Finds:

• TiVal. Check out Val's TV segment about waste-free lunches. Look out Oprah!
• No-brainer. It makes sense to save paper while reading about the environment, right? EcoBrain offers tons of green titles online, including audio books.
• Tanks a lot! Find out how much fun you can have on one tank of gas, with Trip Advisor.
• Ex-Bay. You've dumped the boyfriend, now dump the baubles he gave you! Ex-Boyfriend Jewelry lets you repurpose that diamond, conflict-free.
• Bike-ingham Palace. England's Queen Elizabeth tells her bodyguards to get out of the SUV's and patrol the grounds on 2 wheels.

• Dukes of hazard. The Bush administration wants to delay the process of removing toxins from the workplace.
• High price of gas. It's not just belching cows. Experts say insects contribute to climate change when they pass wind.
• Greenocrats. Listen to Barack Obama's ideas for the environment. A small bit of his Denver speech runs at the end of the show.

Don't forget to flush! Your water heater may need to purge the sediment that's been building up over the years. It's not tough to do, and unlike Val, you probably won't need to wear a wet suit. Afterward your tank will operate more efficiently and you'll be sure to have plenty of hot water for those winter days ahead.

That gold in your ear is valuable, but don't dig for it! Dori and Val discuss new guidelines for ear wax removal. Learn what that stuff is made of, why it's there and how to deal with it. It's a goldmine of information!

• What-ology? The American Academy of Otolaryngology issued national guidelines on earwax removal. Paper clips = not okay.
• A good deaf-ense. Scientists found the best way to remove the stuff is with saline drops or sterile water. Not this.
• Fire in the hole! The report claims there's no benefit to the practice of ear candling. That leaves Val burning. At both ends.

• Brandy in Colorado tells us about a great place to get natural gifts for kids. Visit, and get to gnome her better.
• Lurker Jodie needs a natural hand sanitizer for her kids while they're at school. Don't forget about good ol' soap and water!
• Michelle in New York wants a green alternative to styrofoam, and we found these customizable peanuts. Do this with the old stuff.
• Jen in Wisconsin is afraid to bike around town with her tot in tow. Get support! See if there's a bike club in town without "Hell's" or "Angels" in their name.
• Fiona in Sydney sent an article about one woman's quest to live a paperless life. Yes, that includes Down Under.
• Lisa in Michigan praises her home state for putting on a green Labor Day event and music festival. Kudos, der, eh?

Got a favorite Green(feet) business? Nominations are now open for Co-Op America's annual Green Business of the Year contest. Rock the vote! And don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

The Green & Clean Mom herself, Sommer Poquette, calls in to chat with her BFF's about her blog, her inspirations, her pet peeves, and of course, her porn star name. Find out what she's learned from the moms who read her blog, and why her husband thinks Oprah owes them money.

Beer: Washington's Fish Brewing Co. serves up Fish Tale Organic Wild Salmon Pale Ale. Dori managed to enjoy it despite the name (and after Val assured her it contained no fish parts).

Chocolate: Keeping it Evergreen, we sample Seattle Chocolates Dark Chocolate Truffle Bar. Cascadelicious!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Add some sparkle to your drinks with beautiful glass straws. They're guaranteed for life, so you can spit out those old plastic straws and sip away. Keep 'em close by in a handy carrying case.
• I'll drive what she's driving. When Harry met Sally, they were sharing a ride across the country. Canada brings that process into the 21st century with PickupPal, an internet ride-share board.
• A bright IKEA. Some day you'll shop for solar panels and other cleantech products at your local IKEA. Good luck assembling them yourself.
• Dagobacon? It's this summer's hottest delicacy on the midway: chocolate-covered bacon! We hope this is an Endangered Species.

• Reef Madness. Bush says he intends to create the largest protected area in the Pacific Ocean. Right after we land on Mars.
• Vitamin Pb. The FDA found that almost all vitamins for women and babies contain trace amounts of lead. Men, you'll just have to keep eating old paint.
• Green Old Party. The Republican National Committee unveils "the greenest platform we've ever had." Looks kinda yellow to us.

Sommer says, say no to plastic bags! Carry a supply of ChicoBags with you wherever you go. The compact size and handy clips make them convenient for any shopping excursion. We think they're an essential part of the Hipster Tool Kit.

The Green & Clean Mom herself, Sommer Poquette, calls in to chat with her BFF's about her blog, her inspirations, her pet peeves, and of course, her porn star name. Find out what she's learned from the moms who read her blog, and why her husband thinks Oprah owes them money.

• Blogoddess. Sommer is the famed Green and Clean Mom you've read about in the New York Times!
• Imus get this book. Oprah featured Green This! by Deirdre Imus on her show. It changed Sommer's life.
• Clean thoughts. Our BFF recommends Shaklee cleaning products, and loves her some baking soda too!
• How Tweet! You can follow Sommer on Twitter; she's GreenMom.

• April in Edinburgh, Scotland found a natural, BPA-free baby pacifier for her wee bairn.
• Erin in Washington loves SmartPak. You can create customized packs of supplements for dogs or horses with no waste, using recycleable materials.
• Eileen in Dominica (lucky!) says her high-end dishwasher just doesn't get the job done. We recommend testing for hard water. Or, put your dishes outside during a tropical storm.
• Jessica in Pittsburgh discovered that a mouse had pooped all over her oven, then died inside it. Ratatouille for dinner?

Got a favorite Green(feet) business? Nominations are now open for Co-Op America's annual Green Business of the Year contest. Rock the vote! And don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

Before the holiday parties get underway, take a look at your home bar. Are you creating a huge bottle-print? Dori and Val stir up some ideas to clean up your cantina. From spirits to barware to ice, your next throwdown can be a party for the planet too! Also, Dori dishes dirt on celebs, and Val helps a listener lose her inhibitions (and her clothing).

Beer: You betcha we enjoy dis Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat, The Pride of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin since 1867. Ya der, hey?

Crackers: Wha? No chocolate? We're trying to branch out a little. Late July Organic Cheddar Cheese crackers offer a tasty guilt-free snack. Fill up a bowl and put 'em on the bar!

Finds:

• Are you gellin'? One of Val's fave magazines, Mary Jane's Farm, offers ChillOver Powder. It's an animal-free gelatin that's so good, it could fool Bill Cosby.
• Bright star. When our green hero Jack Johnson goes on tour, his contract requires carbon offsets and recycling. Get free downloads when you go green with Jack at All At Once.
• Dark star. Madonna, on the other hand, is spewing carbon on her new tour. What happened to her Live Earth promises? They lasted about 4 minutes.
• NSFW! Unless you work at a nudist camp.

• Icehole. A giant crack in the Arctic ice could spell doom for a major glacier. Maybe it should pull up its plants.
• Gung Hay Fat Chance. Officials in China agree that breathable air might be a catchy idea even after the Olympics are over. Could 2008 be the Year of the Lung?

Get down in the dumps! A visit to the local landfill can be a treasure hunt, and now some towns are establishing shops for rescued items. See if you can find one, and dive in!

Before the holiday parties get underway, take a look at your home bar. Are you creating a huge bottle-print? Dori and Val stir up some ideas to clean up your cantina. From spirits to barware to ice, your next throwdown can be a party for the planet too!

• About a bar. Our friends at about.com provide 10 great tips for an eco-friendly home bar, including links to "green" spirits. They also concocted a drink called the Global Warmer. Chill before serving.
• Green Party HQ. Everyday's a party at Greenfeet, so check out their well-tested collection of goodies for entertaining at home.
• Bar code. Don't corrupt your Cosmo. We found organic mixers and olives too. Now get your green style on with cork barware. We'll drink to that!
• Life fizz good. Val found a cool way to make soda and sparkling water at home. Put it next to the kegerator.
• The morning after. Try using natural cleaners to remove unwanted reminders of the big night. Sorry, they probably won't remove that guy sleeping on the lawn.

• Shout-out! Thanks to Karuchka for mentioning us on Twitter. Join the fun; follow MoreHipDori and GrnDiva.
• Diana in Connecticut wonders about crystal deodorants. Are they safe? Effective? Affordable? Yes, yes, yes.
• Mark in St. Louis, aka Anheuser-Busch country, needs a green-themed name for his Fantasy Football team. Hipsters, can you help? (We advise against using Teeny-Weeny in the name!)

Got a favorite Green(feet) business? Nominations are now open for Co-Op America's annual Green Business of the Year contest. Rock the vote! And don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

Triclosan is a common ingredient in anti-bacterial soaps and detergents. But is it any better than plain old soap and water? Dori and Val get in a lather about Triclosan's connection to BPA and "Superbugs". Also, Dori dreams of Obama, and Val reveals the two dirtiest animals on the farm!

Beer: Oh no! They say he's got to go! Laughing Dog Brewing unleashes Dogzilla Black IPA in a 22 oz. bottle. Pour yourself a growler...it's fetchingly good.

Chocolate: During her travels, Val found Chuao Spicy Maya dark chocolate. It's infused with pasilla chile and cayenne pepper. Quick, more beer!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Val shares her soft fluffy soybean pillow with us. It can resist germs and mildew, but apparently not husbands and sons.
• Green Apples. Wondering which laptop and desktop computers are the greenest in the land? MetaEfficient looked in the magic mirror and found an Apple even Snow White could love. Slip on a green laptop sleeve or jacket, and it's off to work you go!
• No-meat feet. Hey all you animal-activist skateboarders, your shoes are here! Vegan Vans combine function and fashion, no animal parts required.
• Tray chic. More college campuses are dumping cafeteria trays. They've cut food waste by as much as 50%. Food fights are unaffected.
• A 3-hour tour... A recent documentary takes a voyage to Garbage Island. It's an eye-opening look at over 3 million tons of trash swirling around a remote stretch of the Pacific Ocean. Gilligan, want one of Mary Ann's plastic-cream pies?

• Weather we need it or not. Eight scientific organizations ask the next US President to spend $9 billion to protect the country's economy from climate change. Sure, if "climate change" is hiding in a cave in Afghanistan.
• How Swede it is! The government of Sweden aims to end that country's dependence on fossil fuels by 2020. Can a Volvo run on fish oil?

Freeze! Buy up a bounty of fresh veggies, then freeze them for winter soups and stews. Prepare green beans by washing and drying them thoroughly, then spreading them on a cookie sheet in the freezer. Gather the frozen beans into a storage bag. That way there's no giant beansickle to thaw!

Triclosan is a common ingredient in anti-bacterial soaps and detergents. But is it any better than plain old soap and water? Dori and Val get in a lather about Triclosan's connection to BPA and "Superbugs".

• Ciba no evil. The company that developed the pesticide Triclosan, Ciba-Geigy, touts its effectiveness at killing bacteria.
• Look, up in the sky! Scientists have linked the use of Triclosan to the emergence of Superbugs, which resist antibiotics.
• Bug off! Take simple steps to keep your family safe from pesticides, and you won't need those wipes and gels!
• Tric-NO-san. Here's a long list of products that don't contain Triclosan. Build up your immunity to bacteria with...bacteria. Get out and touch nature. It's a dirty planet; that's why it's called Earth!

• Myka is now the Green Diva at her workplace! Start with compostable dishware and utensils, then move to eco-friendly offic e supplies. Congreenulations! (Check out Greenfeet's office supply nightmare on the forum.)
• Leslie in the UK would like to try dehydrating some of her home-grown veggies. Isn't English humor dry enough to do the job?
• Tim from Wis-Kahhnn-sinn wants us to look at recycling programs around the country, and embarrass the towns that rate poorly. Sorry Tim, we're too busy embarrassing ourselves!
• Brownchickenbrowncow. You have to listen to Roger's joke to understand.

Got a favorite Green(feet) business? Nominations are now open for Co-Op America's annual Green Business of the Year contest. Rock the vote! And don't forget us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle .com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com< /b>

Canning and preserving food is a realm of its own, and it has a queen. Her name is Tracy Falbe, and she gives us the basics of preserving fresh foods at home without poisoning your family!

Beer: Lei your hands on Kona Brewing Company's Limited Release Wailua Wheat Ale with Passionfruit. On o pia!

Chocolate: Many thanks to Erin in Washington, who sent along Green & Black's Caramel Milk Chocolate. Mouthgasm!Â

Finds:

• Ewe gotta love it! When you purchase wool garments from Ice breaker, you get a "baa-code" that allows you to get to know your donor sheep. (Note to Australians: it's not a dating site.)
• Charge it, please. The new Solarjo Power Purse is a fashionable bag that just happens to be covered in solar cells. Juices up your gadgets on the go, with solar style! Available by the end of the year, so you can get Dori one for Christmas.

• FD eh? The good ol' Food & Drug Administration reassures us all that BPA plastic is safe. The director of the Amer ican Chemistry Council claps all eight of his hands and nods his three heads in approval.
• Phthay what? Americans are one step closer to toxin-free toys, thanks to consumer pressure. The Prez signed a ban on six phthalates. (But first he asked to buy a vowel.)

Next time you buy something online, instead of printing that receipt, just take a screenshot! Saves paper while keeping your important financial records intact. So you'll have no trouble returning that french-fry holder you shouldn't have bought for your car. What were you thinking?

Canning and preserving food is a realm of its own, and it has a queen. Her name is Tracy Falbe, and she gives us the basics of preserving fresh foods at home without poisoning your family (Val!). Tracy discusses the benefits, the costs and the way to get started. She also shares her pickle recipe for pickle-haters (Dori!). Look on our forum.

• You "can" do it! Learn some basic facts about canning food, then start with something simple.
• In a "jam"? Consult some of Tracy's favorite books for answers. Grab a copy of The Joy of Cooking and Putting Food By, or visit the Ball Jar website.
• "Preserve" your health. By canning your own produce, you avoid eating from commercial cans lined with bisphenol A.
• Ex-"pectin" an answer. The question: is pectin made from animal products? Jell-no!

Preserve your fabulous questions and comments! E-mail them to hip@greenfeet.com.And don't forget to post articles, links, and nude photos of Britney Spears at our MHTH forum! (Sorry, Britney's stuck in our spam filter.)

• Boobsickles. Mommy Melinda in SC wants an alternative to plastic bags for breast milk storage. We like these freezer trays made from food-safe plastic. Warn the hubby before he puts 'em in his soda!
• Ohm my Gawd! Patrick sent a link to an interesting article about how electric bikes are selling like hotcakes. We're not shocked.
• Class act. Meredith in New Orleans has a tip for teachers: if your school doesn't recycle, collect bottles and cans in your classroom anyway! You can recycle them at home, and the kids learn by example.
• Gothummmm City. Michelle taunts us with an invitation to the annual New York Chocolate Show in November, aka Chocotopia.
• There is no try. Karen in Portland joined the chorus of voices differing with Val's version of Yoda's famous quote. Listen, you will, to the real thing at the end of the show.

Essential oils are nature's healers. One of the best is Rose, which soothes both body and soul. Watch what you get, though...that stinky stuff in the gallon-sized bottle is not the real deal! Val explains how Rose essential oil is used, why it's so expensive and why it's worth every penny. Also, a special treat in e-mails today...Val impersonates Yoda. Funny, it is!

Beer: What's in a name? Grand Teton Brewing Company might have brewed their Bitch Creek ESB just for Val and Dori! Why? It's full-bodied, satisfying, and just a little bitter. Show us your Tetons!

Chocolate: Thanks again to Lisa and Derek in Toronto (eh!) for the Zazub ean Nakid bar. It's fair trade, organic and truly Nakid!

Finds:

• Battle the bottle. Did you know that the lifecycle energy cost of a bottle of water is equivalent to filling up a quarter of each bottle with oil? Pledge to break the bottled water habit. You may win cash, prizes and a cleaner planet.
• Happy hours. You'll always have time for a drink with this liquid-powered clock. Just don't use the good stuff!
• How many zeros? Dori's husband John Cusack wants to know if you can shop like a president, with a $3 Trillion budget. (That's 12 zeros!) Let's see...1,500,000,000,000 copies of High Fidelity?
• Speaking of studs... Did you hear that US Olympic swim stud Michael Phelps eats about 3 trillion calories a day? OK, only 12,000. But still!

• Coaler energy. The Dept. of Energy announced it will invest $24 million in solar, and $340 million in clean coal. So their budget is literally in the black.
• Car Wars! A new 5-door hybrid-only Honda will hit the market next year, and will cost less than a Prius. We think they should call it the "Cheapus".
• Eco-bama. The Democratic Party outlines several green goals in its presidential platform. They'll start by greening the convention in Denver.

They dish it out, you take it! Thrift stores always have screaming deals on used dishes and flatware. Grab some now for casual holiday entertaining. Don't forget the classroom; help the kids throw waste-free parties at school!

Essential oils are nature's healers. One of the best is Rose, which soothes both body and soul. Watch what you get, though...that stinky stuff in the gallon-sized bottle is not the real deal! Val explains how Rose essential oil is used, why it's so expensive and why it's worth every penny.

• Oil you want to know. Val's favorite book on essential oils contains the facts about Rose and all her friends.
• It's not just vodka. An abs olute is similar to an essential oil; you'll often find it in perfume.
• Me so thorny. Val promised recipes, so here goes! Make massage oils, purifying skin masks, calming air freshener, even your own essential oil !

We're now caught up on our backlog of mail, so bring it on! E-mail your questions, comments, insights and porn star names to hip@greenfeet.com. And don't forget to post articles, links, and other essentials at our MHTH forum!

• Boone's farm. Joe in Kansas left us a message on MySpace about T. Boone Pickens' plan for wind farms and solar panels to generate energy. Because Big Oil isn't the only thing that blows.
• Cell Hell. Scott in Michigan found more evidence that cell phones aren't safe. He also welcomes travelling Hipsters a stopover in Northern Michigan. Oofta!
• Green to a tee. Carrie in PA wants to have organic cotton t-shirts made to order, using soy-based inks. We provide a great resource.
• We'll put a boot in your aspen!. Kellie (ding! ding!) found a site devoted to roadside sho e trees...and lays down the rules. First rule of shoe trees: you do not talk about shoe trees.
• Sit and spin. Reba in Baltimore (hey hon!) shared an ingenious space-saving device. One load at a time, please!

Hipster Roll-call! We want all you lurkers to make yourselves known by e-mailing us at hip@greenfeet.com. Remember, we don't sell your info and we won't mention you on the show if you're a big chicken! Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle .com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com< /p>

About half the people on the planet use cell phones, and chances are, you're one of them. What are the health risks? Should you change the way you chat? Can we pry Val's iPhone out of her cold dead hands? The Hipsters help you dial in the answers!

Beer: Congratulations to Deschute s Brewery in Bend, Oregon; they've been providing potent potables for 2 decades! We celebrate with their Anniversary Wit Belgian Style Wheat Beer. Because 20 is the Wheat Anniversary, right?

Chocolate: Listeners Lisa and Derek in Toronto say this reminded them of Dori and Val: Zazu bean Hottie (chocolate that makes you HOT)! It's fair trade, organic and has a hot guy on the website. Thanks, eh!

Finds:

• WhoTube? All eco-videos, all the time on GoGreenTube.com. It's where Will Ferrell, Ed Begley Jr. and CNN collide.
• Grass-sole! No, really. Flip-flop shoes lined with real live grass. Brought to you by Krispy Kreme donuts. So while they glaze, you can graze.
• Athol! Val presents Dori with glorious merchandise from the unfortun