Podcast Directory

Episodes

Stevia - The Bittersweet Story

Stevia-based sweeteners are touted as "natural", but often don't bear much resemblance to the plant itself.

You've seen "stevia" in the supermarket and on beverage labels, under a variety of names. Is it safe? Who put these sweeteners on the market? The Hipsters respond to a listener request for details and discover a bit of controversy. Find out how a little plant from Paraguay became the object of corporate lust and regulatory wrangling!

Beer: Rejoice! Sierra Nevada Brewery celebrates 30 years of excellence with the first in a series of collaborations. Fritz & Ken's Ale is a smooth dark stout produced with Fritz Maytag of Anchor Brewing Co. We're in heaven!

Chocolate: The beer paired very well with a bar of Endangered Species Dark Chocolate with Cacao Nibs. Rich in texture, this ethically traded treat is perfect to share with a friend.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Get glowing with an exfoliating Honey Face Mask. Made from unfiltered orange blossom honey and pure essential oils, this truly natural mask hydrates skin and even tastes great! Coupod: Save 15% on this product by entering Greenfeet promo code BEESKNEES at checkout! Order by March 31, 2010.
• Where the wild things are. Ready for "Rebel Monkeys" and "Thunderbeast"? The Nat Geo Wild channel premieres in the US on March 29th. Rawr!

• Fanplastic. Scientists have developed a new plastic that can be recycled more than once.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

• A member of the chrysanthemum family, Stevia rebaudiana is also known as sweet leaf.
• Stevia is sold only as a dietary supplement, not a sweetener, because the FDA says it's an unsafe food additive.
• Two popular sweeteners, Truvia and PureVia, are produced by processing a part of the stevia leaf, rebiana (or Reb A).
• When the FDA granted their petition to approve rebiana as a sweetener in 2008, food giant Cargill Inc. partnered with Coca-Cola to make Truvia, while sweetener giant Merisant partnered with PepsiCo to make PureVia. Enliten Reb A sweetener is made by Corn Products International.
• A study by WHO found that stevia is not only safe, but also potentially beneficial for treating hypertension (page 45).
• You can find pure stevia extract in products like NuStevia. Better yet, grow your own!

• Sandy in New York defuzzes his face with an eco-friendly straight edge razor, plus the old-fashioned soap mug and brush. We approve.
• Bridget in Chicago is excited to volunteer at the Green Festival in May. She also needs to find green attractions in the Napa/Sonoma region...anyone? Bueller?
• Rich in San Diego wants students to know they can buy and sell textbooks at online marketplace ValoreBooks.
• Kate in Wisconsin shared a funny and inspiring article about Bea, a blogger who lives with zero waste.
• Alex in Denmark returns! He and his girlfriend Inger created this animation video to promote his environmental art exhibition in Odense. Wish we could be there!
• Liz in Ottawa (eh!) unlurked herself with a novella about progressive dinner parties, upcycled art and DIY weddings. Thanks for the Teenie Weenie Greenie too!

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!

More Hip Than Hippie #255 - Geoengineering

As the rate of global warming accelerates, more politicians and pundits propose geoengineering as a possible remedy.

Fighting pollution with pollution? That's the idea behind Solar Radiation Management, which is a form of geoengineering. At the request of a listener, the Hipsters shine a light on this somewhat controversial concept and its consequences. Also, Val prepares to entertain a houseful of stinky 12-year-olds, while Dori gets her Beatlemajesty on!

Beer: To say that our beer and chocolate didn't pair well this week would be an understatement. Kirin Ichiban Special Premium Reserve's light flavor might taste great with an Asian meal, but it's not one we'd grab out of the cooler.

Chocolate: On the other end of the spectrum is Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Lover's 85% cacao chocolate bar. Highly edible and much smoother than you'd think. Thanks to Charter Hipster Alison in NC, who sent this along with some lovely handcrafted goodies. Mwah!

Finds:

• Colored bowtie. That's one of the things to watch for when you play Oscar Bingo during the Academy Awards show. We got that square, thanks to Robert Downey Jr.
• Frozen assets. What do candles, batteries, panty hose and cheap booze have in common? Among other things, you can freeze them to save money!

• Hot air. Our hard-working reps in Congress are trying to gut the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gases. We can't let the poor coal industry suffer, right?
• Orange crush. Officials in the city of Orange, CA get a big raspberry! They're suing a couple for replacing their water-guzzling lawn with drought-tolerant landscaping.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

• Definition. "Geoengineering is the intentional large scale manipulation of the global environment..."
• Method. Solar Radiation Management (SRM) is a controversial cloud-seeding technique used to mimic volcanic eruptions.
• Effects. Any attempt to artificially mitigate climate change will have ramifications.
• Politics. The Obama administration and other governments haven't ruled out using it as an emergency measure.
• Statement. The American Meteorological Society calls for more research and urges caution.
• Alarm. Some people feel strongly that the government is already using SRM, as evidenced by chemtrails in the sky.
• Support. Proponents of geoengineering research include billionaire Bill Gates.
• Solutions. Other ideas for climate mitigation include carbon scrubbers and biochar.

Listener E-mails

• Rachel in Virginia wants to start a CSA with a grant from Pepsi Refresh. Vote for her project!
• Jenn in NC discovered she's a "yellow D" when it comes to energy efficiency. Find your score by taking the quiz at A Simple Switch.
• Tom in the UK think aspiring vegetarians will love DeliciousTV. He also shares info about town dollars and plugs his buddies at the Broken Spoke in Courtenay, BC, Canada (eh!).
• Lisa in New Jersey loves cloth napkins and shows you how to make them on her blog.
• Sara in Virginia found a cool way to reuse old fur coats: donate them to the HSUS for wildlife in need.
• George in Colorado wonders if Greenfeet will start selling chocolate soon. Sweet idea!
• Sue wants an update on biofuels. Our last stab at the topic was an interview with Springboard Biodiesel. (Vote for their Pepsi Refresh idea too!)

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!

More Hip Than Hippie #254 - Sustainable Community

Sustainability: A Personal Journey to a Built Sustainable Community...and an Amazing Picture of What Life Will Soon be Like by Stuart W. Rose, Ph.D. offers guidance on how and why to live sustainably.

The Hipsters chat with Dr. Rose (we get to call him Stu!) about his sustainable community of homes in Virginia, as well as his ideas for navigating societal changes that may be coming our way. Also, Dori and Val prepare for the release of 4 new beers from Sierra Nevada Brewery! Life is good.

Beer: More easy-drinkin' brew from the Big Easy. Abita Beer's Fall Fest has a great taste for any season.

Chocolate: Mouthgasm! In the name of all that is sacred, get yourself some truffles from Pix Patisserie in Portland, OR. Each piece is a scrumptious work of art. Thanks, Jillicious!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Need a great lunchbox for grown-ups? Try the stainless steel Lunchbot, a safe plastic-free option that's just the right size for your yummy leftovers. Go ahead, glue on a picture of Scooby-Doo or the Brady Bunch.
• Fear of fur. Love the look of fur, but hate the cruelty? Sport faux fur by Imposter, a new line that donates 10% of sales to saving animals. Look for the IM logo.

• How sweet it ain't. Fake sweetener aspartame now wants to be called AminoSweet, so you'll forget it's bad for you. Skip the agave nectar too; it's processed like HFCS. Bitter is better.
• Olympic metal. Kudos to Vancouver! Their Olympic medals are the first in history to contain gold, silver and copper recovered from end-of-life electronics, eh!

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Sustainability: A Personal Journey to a Built Sustainable Community...and an Amazing Picture of What Life Will Soon be Like by Stuart W. Rose, Ph.D. offers guidance on how and why to live sustainably. He strives to show a way to reduce the depletion of Earth's natural resources and to predict global changes which could occur in the next few years. Rose hopes that Sustainability will help suppress the fears connected to living on Earth's natural resources by sharing how sustainability has worked in an actual housing development.

"My goal in writing this is to provide a real, practical and positive picture of what we can do to make it through the coming transition - and realize a fantastic new way of living."

• Guidance. Dr. Rose's book details his experience with starting a housing development and offers tips for living sustainably.
• Community. Stu and his wife live in Garden Atriums, their housing development in Virginia.
• Inspiration. The writings of Lester Brown, founder of the Worldwatch Institute, led Dr. Rose to pursue life in a sustainable community.

• Annie in California found PeopleTowels, a green company helping us cut waste by bringing own towels to public restrooms.
• Carri in Kansas recommends checking out Mother Earth News, which she reads cover to cover. She also tipped us off to non-GMO Baker Creek Seeds.
• Megan in Montana wants to stop using plastic bags at the bulk bins. Try these mesh bags for everything except flour.

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!

More Hip Than Hippie #253 - Snowmageddon

A succession of powerful winter storms pounding most of the US this month has been dubbed, among other things, Snowmageddon.

The sun is shining at More Hip HQ in Chico, but winter has a tight grip on much of the country. The Hipsters check in with snowbound blogger Robin Shreeves to find out how she and her family are coping in the winter wonderland of New Jersey, then get a lesson in climate change from Jon Stewart. Also, Dori and Val mark a More Hip milestone!

Beer: In honor of the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints, we try a little brew from the Bayou: Abita Beer's Turbodog Brown Ale. Another reason for Louisiana to be proud.

Chocolate: Our new Favorite Listener is Tony in Chicago, who shared the Chocolove for Valentine's Day. It even came with a love poem.

Finds:

• Green on the go. Everything about the Green Silence running shoe from Brooks has an element of sustainability. Recycled materials, water-based adhesives and non-toxic dyes keep you on the right track!

• A new leaf. Looks like Europeans can agree on something! In an online vote, they chose the Euro-leaf as the new logo for organic foods produced in the EU. It must be placed on all their pre-packaged organic food after July 1.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

South Jersey resident and Mother Nature Network blogger Robin Shreeves has used her weather-related captivity to cook, read, make crafts, play board games and organize photos. And shovel snow.

• Eat. Robin's informal poll of frostbitten friends revealed a spike in the consumption of chocolate chip cookies.
• Drink. Wine is the beverage of choice because it won't go bad when the power's out, nor does it require chilling. Plus, as Robin found, you can't make beef bourguinon without it.
• Read. Robin loved Julia Child's My Life In France; Val recommends Seth Godin's Linchpin; Dori enjoyed Joanne Harris's follow-up to Chocolat, The Girl With No Shadow.

• Katie in Toronto (eh!) takes reusable Envirosax when she goes shopping. She also discovered TerraCycle's fun products and brilliant fundraising program.
• Mike in Oakland shares a story about Bill Gates funding GMO research. Nope, Bill is no Hipster.
• Michele in Arizona is wearing 4-year old undies, because she washes them in cold water and hangs them to dry. She also has good ideas for your old shower curtains.
• Kamille in California sent a story about Brita filters being recycled by Preserve Products. Blogger Beth Terry should be pleased.
• Patrick in NC found t-shirts recycled into custom laptop sleeves, for a good cause.
• Cynthia in Los Angeles discovered the only non-profit stop-junk-mail organization, 41pounds.
• Whitney in Texas sent us a simple recipe for pumpkin soup. Can Val eat it with her spoon earrings?

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!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

More Hip Than Hippie #252 - Carbon Offsets

Carbon offsets offer companies and consumers the ability to neutralize a portion of their greenhouse gas emissions by investing in clean energy sources.

Since the first program was launched in 1989, carbon offsets have become a billion dollar industry. How do they work? Should you buy them? Dori and Val follow up on a listener's request to shed light on the subject. Also, Hollywood beckons! The Hipsters offer their services as Academy Awards hostesses, while Kleen Kanteen spends a day at The Office.

Beer: Really, we thought Dick's Brewing Company would provide a satisfying mouthful with their IPA. Sadly, there was so much, um, head, we had to bring in backup. Firestone Walker Double Barrel Ale gave us what we needed.

Chocolate: We had a complicated relationship with our big ass bar of Divine Mint Dark Chocolate. We love that it's Fair Trade Certified, and the mint was nice and subtle. But the chocolate wasn't as smooth as we might have liked.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Whether you prefer red or white wine, you can keep it green. Tote your vino in an insulated NeoGreene Wine Bottle Carrier. Made from non-toxic materials, it's lightweight, adjustable and comes in fun color combos.
• And the Oscar goes to... an environmental film? Both Food Inc. and The Cove are nominated for Best Documentary. See who wins on March 7th.

• Shamboo? The FTC is warning retailers to stop marketing rayon textiles as bamboo. Turns out bamboo fiber isn't smooth and silky, after all.
• Fried eggs. If you're having trouble getting pregnant, your mattress could be to blame! Flame retardant chemicals called PBDEs are found to decrease fertility in women.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

• What is it? A carbon offset is a "financial instrument representing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions." One offset equals one metric tonne of reduced carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.
• Size matters. A metric tonne of CO2 would fill the average family home. Most households produce 15 tonnes each year.
• Do the math. Figure out your carbon footprint using the EPA's Household Emissions Calculator.
• Choose. A report from Tufts University ranks the best offsetters. Kelly and Val both use TerraPass.

• Lisa in Michigan stuns us with the news that it's cold up dere in da north! Happily, she's found plenty of local beer in da Mitten to give her a warm glow.
• Chelsea in Georgia has indeed spotted sushi in Target, but hasn't been able to bring herself to try it.
• Robin in New Jersey wisely took us along on a long car trip. We still enjoy you on MNN!

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!

More Hip Than Hippie #251 - SoupCycle

SoupCycle in Portland, OR exemplifies the best features of a green business with a local sensibility.

Since the summer of 2008, SoupCycle has cooked and delivered over 10,000 tasty organic soups, saved 3,000 car-miles by using bicycle delivery and funneled $33,000 to local farmers. Co-owner Jed Lazar dishes with Dori and Val about their recipe for success. Also, the Hipsters welcome two luminaries to Chico this week; Dori's fiance Chris, and Oprah!

Beer: Kudos to Lost Coast Brewery for using restraint when creating their Raspberry Brown Ale. Nice fruit flavor without that syrupy sweetness.

Chocolate: Our new Favorite Listener is Megan in Arizona, who swiped samples of Starbucks' latest offering. TCHO chocolates offer delightfully satisfying mouthfeel with subtle flavors.

Finds:

• iWhat? Apple finally debuted the new iPad tablet. It was obviously named by a panel of clueless men, but we're happy to report that it's a pretty green Apple.
• REMedy. The 1993 hit "Everybody Hurts" has been chosen for Simon Cowell's upcoming charity single to benefit Haiti earthquake relief efforts. Bono & Sir Paul are involved, so it won't suck.

• Sportswear, Stereos & Sushi? Target is eliminating all farmed salmon from their seafood offerings nationwide.
• Weight and see. The CEO of Whole Foods has started a program offering bigger discounts to healthier employees. What do you think?

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

A couple of business school students came up with a great green idea and made it happen. Jed and Shauna started SoupCycle in Portland, OR in the summer of 2008; since then, they've cooked and delivered over 10,000 tasty organic soups, saved 3,000 car-miles by using bicycle delivery and funneled $33,000 to local farmers. Jed Lazar spills the beans about his successful business (and his New Age porn star name). Souper!

• School. Jed and Shauna met while they were students at Bainbridge Graduate Institute in Washington, which offers an MBA in Sustainable Business.
• Social Media. Follow their SoupCycle exploits on Twitter and Flickr.
• Shazam! That's just one of the many amazing desserts available at Jed's favorite chocolate shop, Pix Patisserie.

• Ann in North Carolina (y'all!) needs an eco-friendly dry cleaner for her soon-to-be-worn wedding dress. Hopefully this green cleaner is close by. Congrats!
• Shayna in Idaho found the 12 Greenest Cars of 2010.
• Amy in Idaho gives a shout-out to the new Mary Jane's Farm retail store in nearby Moscow. We agree, the magazine rocks.
• Rob in Kentucky needs a booklight; they should be in stock any day now! He also doesn't want us to turn into CNN or Fox News. We can respect that.
• David in New York sent us a More Hip poem on Facebook. OK, enough sucking up...here's a plug for your friend's book about sustainabiity.

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!

More Hip Than Hippie #250 - Say No to GMO

The CEO of Lundberg Family Farms explains his company's opposition to genetically modified foods, and how consumers can avoid GMOs.

As more US crops are planted using genetically modified seeds, consumers increasingly demand to know about the risks of eating GM foods. Lundberg Family Farms takes a stand against GMOs; their CEO, Grant Lundberg, tells the Hipsters why! Also, Dori steps up to the cider while Val deals with a head full of snot.

Beer: Try as she might, Val can't stay away from her new boyfriend Samuel Smith. We give his Organic Apple Cider much Hipster love for its nice flavor. It's a great choice for those who usually find cider to be too sweet.

Chocolate: OK, this was a disappointment. Seeds of Change Organic Dark Chocolate with Mango and Cashew is heavily molested with teensy bits of fruit and nuts, so it's a bit chewier than we like. Worse, all that flotsam and jetsam contributed almost no flavor! If we're going to work that hard to eat it, we want more bang for the bite.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Looking for the perfect Travel Book Light? Verilux makes a model that folds up flat and shines a glare-free natural light. Best of all, you can power it with rechargeable batteries or a USB port.
• Would you, could you in the dark? Break in your new book light during Earth Hour 2010! Circle March 27th on your calendar and pledge to turn off your lights at 8:30pm for 60 minutes. You'll be in good company.

• Caveat empty. Oops! Bisphenol A isn't safe after all, according to the US FDA. But they can't regulate BPA because of a quirk in the rules. So consider yourself warned.
• Car maxed. There are actually fewer autos on US roads these days. A combination of driver frustration and improved public transportation means car usage is on the decline for the first time in decades.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

As more US crops are planted using genetically modified seeds, consumers increasingly demand to know about the risks of eating GM foods. The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit consortium of retailers, producers, farmers and distributors who want to give shoppers a choice to avoid these foods. Lundberg Family Farms participates in this organization and takes a stand against GMOs.

• GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. GM foods entered the market in the 1990s.
• Frankentomato is the not-so-complimentary nickname given to Calgene's Flavr Savr, the first GM food to hit stores.
• Health risks of GM foods are documented in a report by the Institute for Responsible Technology.
• Rice is one the few largely unmodified major crops. An experiment with LL601 GM rice did not go as planned.
• Lundberg Farms has an extensive list of verified non-GMO products.

• Bree in California loves her new Eco Smart washer and dryer, but also wants use a laundry line (her HOA says no). Visit Project Laundry List and fight for your right!
• Sandy in New York wonders if it's eco-friendly to keep charging his beloved Kindle. We think so, especially if you hook it up to a solar charger.
• Lisa in Wisconsin shares a story about therapists reporting an increase in green disputes.
• Chris in Montana (not for long!) wants some Hipster tips! Know any great blogs or mags about gardening and self-sufficiency? Val recommends Mary Jane's Farm.
• Sebastien in Canada (eh!) sent an article about water bottles of yore: revigators. Because radioactive water is good for what ails you.
• Steve in Philadelphia wants us to sample sucky wheat-free beers for him. The things we do for our listeners...

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!

Birdwatching, or birding, is the biggest sport in America.

According to US Fish and Wildlife Service, there are currently 51.3 million birders in the United States alone. You wanted to know more about birdwatching basics, so the Hipsters asked an expert. Birding enthusiast Scott Huber gamely answers your questions about binoculars, feeders, guide books and more. Also, Val inspires Dori to coin a new term: pine face!

Beer: Our new Favorite Listener, Jessica, sent along 3 fine Scottish ales from Williams Bros. Brewing: Alba, Grozet and Fraoch. The more you drink, the more fun they are to say!

Chocolate: Far from Scotland, coconuts grow, and we are thankful. Seeds of Change Organic Dark Chocolate with Coconut is change we can believe in.

Finds:

• What's not to yike? City dwellers can achieve urban freedom with the electric YikeBike, which is due to hit the market in Europe and New Zealand this year. It's like a unicycle for the Jetsons.
• Fir real? Christmas in SoCal just got a little greener. Rent a living tree for the holidays, delivered to your home and picked up when the fun's over. Living Christmas also has an eco-holiday store; check out the Yeti ornaments.

• Gung hay cheap crap. Hey parents, don't buy cheap Chinese-made toys for your kids! This public safety message is courtesy of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• Wheels of fortune. Lady Luck has smiled upon Ford Motor Co. Their Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect were named 2010 Car and Truck of the Year in Detroit; now they've announced plans to build lithium ion batteries in Michigan. Meanwhile, Toyota unveils the FT-CH hybrid concept car.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

You wanted to know more about birdwatching, so we asked an expert! Birding enthusiast Scott Huber gamely answers your questions about binoculars, feeders, guide books and more. He also explains the difference between a birder and a twitcher. Thanks for all the questions on our Facebook page!

• Who is Scott Huber? He's the Education Director for Altacal Audubon and a board member with Audubon California.
• What is that bird? Consult a trusty field guide like or Kenn Kaufman. For kids, start with the Golden Guide.
• When should you start birding? Now! Attend a local bird festival to find experts and info.
• Where can you birdwatch? Anywhere, with a pair of binoculars or an app like iBird or birdJam.
• How can you attract birds to your yard? With a fantastic birdhouse and birdbath.
• Why support the Audubon Society? So future generations will have birds to watch.

You are the wind beneath our wings! Send your questions and compliments to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and bird droppings at our MHTH forum!

• Shayna in Idaho reminds us to wash those reusable bags regularly. Bad things grow in there.
• Jessica in Pittsburgh can't stand it when people say cold weather disproves global warming. Memorize this article, or just steer clear of the topic. We feel your pain.
• Jenny in Canada (eh!) is allergic to onions and can't find an organic soup that doesn't have them. Make your own Tomato Soup or Chicken Soup, and hold the onions!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Groundhog Day or anyday!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.

Odwalla founder Greg Steltenpohl is back in the beverage business with Adina for Life, a drink company with a social conscience.

Sometimes an opportunity comes along that you just can't pass up. Greg Steltenpohl helped to bring natural and organic beverages to consumers worldwide with Odwalla. Now he's bottling sustainability and social responsibility with a new line of beverages. As co-founder of Adina, Greg shares his progressive vision and his entrepreneurial tips with the Hipsters. Also, Dori and Val say goodbye to Julie Andrews and hello to John Coltrane, while their hometown of Chico joins the mile-high club!

Beer: Stop the presses! Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. just released their seasonal Glissade Golden Bock. We could taste a glimmer of springtime in its brisk bouquet. Another winner.

Chocolate: Back we go to World Market, for their Pomegranate Dark Chocolate bar. With a bit of juicy fruit flavor in a crisp 64% cocoa bar, it's not a fave of ours...but it's still a good value at $1.99.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! First the dryer, now the washer has balls! The Ionic Laundry Ball lets you do up to 700 phosphate-free loads of wash without using detergent. Just toss it in with the dirty clothes, then sit back and count the money you've saved!
• Right turn, Clyde. Sick of the canned voice on your GPS? The Garmin Voice Studio allows owners of their Nuvi model to voice their own navigation tips...or whatever. Check out their new ecoRoute cable if you want to track your fuel efficiency.

• Fresh air. The US EPA has proposed stricter health standards for smog, which could place many more communities out of compliance. Big Oil hates it, so it must be good.
• The need for seed. Mark your calendar for January 30th, National Seed Swap Day. Organize your own with gardeners you know or use a free site like Seed Swaps.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

Greg Steltenpohl is back in the beverage business! Adina for Life, Inc. produces drinks with a social conscience.

• Drink No Evil. That's the tagline for Adina beverages, which include Fair Trade certified coffee & tea drinks as well as organic juices.
• Holistics. This line of Adina fruit drinks is formulated with the principles of Ayurveda in mind.
• Odwalla was Greg's baby from 1980 until 2001, when it was sold to Coca-Cola.
• Interra Project is another of Greg's ventures. This non-profit project rewards consumers for shopping locally with a Community Card.

Your New Year's resolution is to email your favorite Hipsters, right? Send your questions and compliments to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and juicy stories at our MHTH forum!

• Trystan at Yahoo! Green is a reusable bag ninja! She and her husband used only 7 plastic bags in 2009, thanks in part to their plentiful cache of ChicoBags. Even better, her hometown voted to ban plastic bags starting in 2011!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for MLK Jr. Day or anyday!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.

Happy New Year! Start the new decade with a plan to lighten your footprint on the planet.

Have you made your New Year's resolutions yet? Maybe you prefer to call them "intentions". Either way, set forth some clear, specific, measurable goals. The Hipsters are tackling food and waste in their quest for a greener 2010!

Beer: Our new Favorite Listener is Jen in Portland, who personally delivered Santa's Butt! This tasty porter from Ridgeway Brewing in England is definitely the finest Butt we've seen this winter.

Chocolate: Sticking with store brands, we sampled World Market Chipotle Chili 64% dark chocolate bar. Nice spicy kick and a great value at about $2.

Finds:

• Dori's Wedding Update! The big event happens in sweltering July, so Dori & Chris chose an indoor venue with air conditioning. This vintage Chico building will easily hold about 75 guests under it's vaulted roof. Green because the wedding and reception will happen in one place, eliminating extra travel; frugal because the rental rate for 8 hours on a Saturday is only $400, tables & chairs included!
• Web sight. You can look an endangered species in the face every day this year, thanks to the IUCN. They'll post a daily feature detailing a Red List species of animal, bird or plant that's under threat of extinction.
• Will work with food. Need a career change? Use your mad farming skillz to land a Sustainable Food Job.

• Cash for Clunkers, Part Deux. Get your US government rebate for replacing old appliances this year. Check the Energy Savers chart to see when your state's program begins.
• Bug 'em! Tell the EPA to require pesticide manufacturers to disclose inert ingredients in their formulations. They're accepting public comments until late February.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

For 2010, the Hipsters set some solid green goals. Val: reduce household waste by 25%; source food within 100 miles; use less than 10 plastic bags. Dori: plan a low-waste or waste-free wedding; produce more food at home with a garden and chickens; start blogging about both. A big thanks to all our listeners who shared their goals with us on Facebook!

• Reduce your use of plastic bags. Sign up for Big Ed's Pledge and get support from like-minded Hipsters.
• Eat locally. Learn more about the 100 Mile Diet.
• Waste not. Plan events using compostable plates and flatware, real glasses and linens, recycling bins and local and/or organic food & drinks. Here are more tips for a green wedding.
• Produce some of your food. If you love fresh eggs, think about adding backyard chickens.
• Hot wire fencing with a solar charger is an energy-efficient way to keep dogs (Val) and goats (Dori) from destroying your garden.

Your New Year's resolution is to email your favorite Hipsters, right? Send your questions and compliments to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and green goals at our MHTH forum!"The Legend of Dori's Engagement Ring" Contest is over! Read the winning entry here!

• Gwyneth in New Brunswick (eh!) found a great vintage engagement ring on eBay and some cool wedding dresses on Etsy. Congrats to you and your frozen fiance!
• Eileen in Florida wonders if Tetra Paks contain BPA or phthalates. Nope! They use #2 plastic plus paper and aluminum; check to see if your town will recycle them.
• Tina in Texas isn't sure if she should use an old energy-hog clothes dryer 3 months of the year, or get a new one? Tough call; we think you should use it sparingly while you save up for a more efficient model.
• Kristi in Michigan visited China and shares her green observations. World-travelling Hipsters, feel free to do the same!
• Sebastien in Canada (eh!) was the first of several Hipsters to send along the story of the Japanese man making edible sake bottles out of squid skin. Hey, how about beer bottles made of chocolate? Genius!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Elvis's birthday or anyday!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.

Renowned documentary filmmaker Gerard Ungerman discusses his passion for truth, justice and environmentalism.

Frenchman Gerard Ungerman recently moved to Chico (for l'amour!) and found an enthusiastic community of like-minded green folk. The Hipsters delve into his past work, current projects and his latest endeavor: chronicling the life of the Green Diva herself! Also, the final show of 2009 affords Val the chance to fulfill her fantasy of naming an episode after a Meg Ryan movie.

Beer: We keep the cold at bay with another full-bodied ale. Winter Seasonal Imperial IPA from Mendocino Brewing Co. is a crowdpleaser, so bundle up and make a beer run; this Limited Edition brew won't be around for long.

Chocolate: Store-brand goodness! Safeway Select Dark Chocolate with Lemon and Pepper is full of lively flavor, if a tad bit sweet. We thinks it's made by Lindt; the packaging gave us a hindt.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Give your skin a buzz with Honey Face Cleanser by Rand Hill Naturals. It's just raw honey with a blend of essential oils. Use it daily, you'll bee thrilled with the results!
• Common cents. The Audubon Society helps to "change" the world with their Pennies for the Planet campaign, focusing this year on endangered coastlines.
• Roadkill. Yes, Dori found it.

• Nopenhagen. No big results came out of the COP15, just a vague promise to do better. So long, and thanks for all the fish.
• Tapped out. Looks like bottled water sales are slipping. Is it because the economy's down, or could it be the result of Hipsters like you choosing reusable bottles? Depends who you ask.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

Renowned documentary filmmaker Gerard Ungerman recently moved to Chico (for l'amour!) and found an enthusiastic community of like-minded green folk. Now he's involved in several new projects, including Green Transition Chico. But his latest endeavor may be his boldest: chronicling the life of the Green Diva herself!

• Films. Gerard's work is created without corporate money or outside grants through his company, Free-Will Productions.
• Education. Gerard hosted the Green Film and Solutions series through CSU Chico.
• Community. Since making Chico his new hometown, Gerard has become part of the movement to create a Transition Town here. Interested? He recommends the Transition Handbook by Rob Hopkins.

Dear Santa, can we have some more e-mails please?! Send your questions and compliments to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and naughty French phrases at our MHTH forum!Win a Greenfeet Prize Pack! "The Legend of Dori's Engagement Ring" Contest is on until 12/25/09! Just come up with a history for her 1930s-era ring; most creative tale wins! E-mail your entry to us today!

• Ashanti in Texas wants to find a green job now that she's made the move to Austin. Try Greenopolis and Grist, or the Yahoo! resource list. Check out show #196, Green Around the Collar.
• Maggie in Spain seeks inexpensive green freebies. Google "eco-friendly promotional products" and be sure to choose something useful!
• Jen in Portland geeks out on Val's clean ducts. She says to check dsireusa to find tax credits for weatherization improvements. She also promises to bring us beer in the new year. Don't threaten us with a good time!
• Elsie in Moss Landing, CA shares an article about the downside of carbon trading. Sounds like someone should film a documentary about this...
• Brooke in New York left us a message on Facebook about the Rat Fan Club, which is based here in Chico! Who knew?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Boxing Day or anyday!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.

Despite federal regulations, you can't take drinking water safety for granted.

Prozac and makeup and lead, oh my! We all want to trust our tapwater. Unfortunately, more than 20% of US water-treatment systems have broken some of the rules of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Hipsters flush out the facts and provide some solutions. Also, Val spews (off-air) expletives as winter descends upon Northern California!

Beer: We're staying warm with another heady brew. Old Plowshare Stout from North Coast Brewing Co. has enough rich flavor to take the chill off a December night.

Chocolate: Our new Favorite Listener, KC in Korea, supplied a pair of pleasurable treats. Lotte Ghana bar is smooth & sweet; Jeju Orange Chocolate and Cactus Chocolate are fun candies. Komapsumnida!

Finds:

• Beer Magazine. This month's articles: Beer and Chocolate Pairings; Green Brewing; An Interview with George Wendt (Norm!). Really, do we need to say more?

• Hot in herre. A new report ranks 2009 as the 5th warmest year on record, and this decade was warmer than the previous two. Let it hang all out.
• Copenhatin'. GOP lawmakers will go to the COP15 to promise the world no new US climate laws until "scientific fascism" ends.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

We all want to trust our tapwater. However, as many as 19 million Americans are sickened by it each year. What the heck is in it? How do we find out if our water is safe? Can we do anything to purify it? H2OMG!

• The EPA has identified at least 9 Unexpected Things in Drinking Water.
• The Safe Drinking Water Act passed in 1974 to ensure the quality of Americans' drinking water.
• The Environmental Working Group released its list of cities with the best and worst tap water. Congrats to Arlington, TX!
• Find out what's flowing from your faucet with a water test kit.
• Household systems like Brita can filter out most contaminants. Be sure to change the filters regularly.
• Turn your tap water into a science project! Teach kids to reclaim dirty drinking water with a fun kit.

What, are your fingers frozen? We need e-mail! Send your questions and compliments to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and Christmas lists at our MHTH forum!Win a Greenfeet Prize Pack! "The Legend of Dori's Engagement Ring" Contest is on until 12/25/09! Just come up with a history for her 1930s-era ring; most creative tale wins! E-mail your entry to us today!

• Alisa in New York is in a lather about laundry! She recommends a cup of baking soda in the wash to soften hard municipal water. It won't harm clothing or the water supply. Win.
• Patrick in North Carolina is bloated with BPA after a chicken soup binge, and would like an alternative to canned soup. Try those aseptic packages or spend a little more for glass. He also shares a TED moment and disses Julie Andrews. Does someone need a spoonful of sugar?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Christmas or anyday!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.

Animal lovers can extend their pets' lives by adding homemade natural supplements to their regular diet.

Responsible pet owners insist on good nutrition for their furry family members. The Hipsters talk to Tammy Furmanski and Richard Holmes, who have researched the best foods for healthy nutritional supplements that are tasty, too. (Um, we'll take their word for it...) Also, Val goes into wedding-planner mode as Dori and Chris make it official!

Beer: Gotta love a beer that looks like motor oil when you pour it! Dark but not heavy, Porteus Porter from Elysian Brewing Co. warms a wintry day with its slightly smoky flavor.

Chocolate: Dori's new fiance(!) supplied a box of yummy handmade chocolates from The Parrot, a cool retro shop in Helena, MT. We loved their ginger crystals dipped in either dark chocolate or milk chocolate.

Finds:

• Dori's Engagement Ring! She and Chris chose a vintage 1930's piece as part of their green, frugal wedding. Concoct a legend for the ring and email it to us by Christmas; most creative story wins a Greenfeet prize pack!
• Val's Favorite Things! A collection of Green Science Kits inspire creative play, using recycled materials. With 7 to choose from, these clever kits will keep the kids busy, in a good way!
• Urge to surge. Spark some geeky romance with the Candlestrip, a "power strip" candleholder with "power cord" candles.

• Hopenhagen. The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) is underway this week. Stay informed so you'll know who to blame.
• Leading the charge. It's official: the Chevy Volt will launch in California late next year. Partnering with the state's utilities, Chevy plans to set up charging stations and collect performance data before rolling out nationwide.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

Responsible pet owners insist on good nutrition for their furry family members. Tammy Furmanski and Richard Holmes researched the best foods for healthy nutritional supplements that are tasty, too!

• Purpose. Tammy and Richard's goal is to provide healthy treats for cats and dogs via Chico Pet Company.
• Passion. Resources for their recipes include OnlyNaturalPet.com and the book Food As Medicine.
• Pet food. They recommend a raw food diet including healthy table scraps. Wellness and Wysong products also get thumbs up.
• Problems. Unfortunately, commercial pet food recalls are all too common.
• Press. Tammy and her business were profiled in the Chico News & Review.

• Rob in Kentucky keeps us supplied with eco-funny comics like the one above. He also has a laundry tip: clean out the lint trap halfway through the drying cycle to speed things along. Thanks y'all!
• KC in Korea wonders what to do about older Nalgene bottles, which may contain BPA. Err on the side of caution; repurpose them as dry good containers and go for safer bottles, like Klean Kanteen.
• Tina in Texas makes her own cheap 'n easy laundry detergent. Great idea, but be careful with the Fels Naptha soap.
• Keith in Hawaii reviewed our Biodiesel 101 show for his Environmental Politics class. Mahalo!
• Katie in Toronto (eh!) is still alive and still listening! We love you man!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Winter Solstice or anyday!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.

Eco-friendly clothing goes beyond organic cotton and hemp. Your laundry habits are more important than your fashion sense.

If you're trying to be more eco-conscious about your wardrobe, you should know that the fabric you choose is only a small part of the equation. The energy used to care for your garments accounts for about 2/3 of their carbon footprint. The Hipsters air out some tips for washing, drying, ironing and dry cleaning that'll help you green your jeans! Also, Val turns another year older and offers to slip Dori the pickle.

Beer: We pop across the pond to merry old England for this flavorful brew. Ripon Jewel Amber Ale from Daleside Brewery pays tribute to the Yorkshire cathedral of the same name.

Chocolate: "Let chocolate change your world", says the label. Done! The Lake Champlain Raspberry Truffle bar featured an elegant fruity ganache and yummy chocolate, but at a paltry 54% cocoa still proved to be a bit too sweet for our bitter palates.

Finds:

• Pig out! If a Bacon Wrapped Turkey is wrong, we don't want to be right.
• Pickin' and Grinnin'. Greenfeet's popular Pick A Present promo is back! Go ahead, get yourself a little something this season. And share a giggle too; the official Bad Joke Contest is underway! Win a Greenfeet prize pack with your nice clean joke. Email your entry to ThePrez@greenfeet.com by Dec. 4th.

• Remote control. The California Energy Commission approved the nation's first energy-efficiency standards for TVs. Next up: making SNL funny again and putting music back on MTV.
• Jolly good fellows. Forty conservationists have been singled out for TogetherGreen Fellowships this year. Check out our past show about this joint venture between Audubon and Toyota.
• Big dork. After receiving angry e-mails from Greenpeace and Pamela Anderson, Russian automaker DARTZ will forgo using whale penis leather in their new armored car. Must've been a hard decision.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

If you're trying to be more eco-conscious about your wardrobe, you should know that the fabric you choose is only a small part of the equation. The energy used to care for your garments accounts for about 2/3 of their carbon footprint. Washing, drying, ironing and dry cleaning can all be adapted to help green your jeans!

• Detergent. Look for products that are biodegradable and free of phosphates. Save on packaging with concentrated and powdered detergents like Nellie's Laundry Soda.
• Washer. Save water and money with a front-loading machine bearing the Energy Star label.
• Dryer. The 2nd biggest energy hog in your home, dryers should be used sparingly. Cut costs by employing the moisture sensor and cleaning the lint screen regularly. Use a clothes drying rack or clothesline whenever possible. Here are some tips for softening those crunchy line-dried garments.
• Bleach. Non-chlorine bleach brands like Seventh Generation are safe and non-toxic. You could also add half a cup of borax to your wash load.
• Dryer sheets. Avoid the stinky chemicals. Mrs. Meyers uses plant-based softeners and essential oils.
• Dry cleaning. Just say no to dry-clean-only clothing! Earth911 has the scoop on wet cleaning.
• Laundromat. Surprisingly eco-friendly, since commercial machines tend to be more energy efficient. Some are even switching to alternative energy.
• Reuse. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, wearing your jeans at least three times before washing them results in about 5 times more energy savings.

We're thankful for great listeners like you! Keep sending your questions and compliments to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and dirty laundry at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps 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!

• Tina in Texas is ready for her annual cold. She found Better for Grownups reusable cotton sateen tissues in a box. Gesundheit!
• Ann in NC recommends GoodSearch for finding worthy charities to support. They donate to every charity you search!
• Melinda in SC loves Melissa and Doug products because, unlike Mattel and Disney, they don't make toxic toys.
• Alison in NC teaches us something new about the non-toxic claim on labels.
• Kevin throws down a challenge to fellow Hipsters: when you're out at a restaurant or coffee shop, give 'em your porn star name to call out! Way to work it, Glitter!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Hanukkah or anyday!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.

This Thanksgiving, gobble up a sustainably farmed organic or heritage turkey.

According to the National Turkey Federation, 48 million turkeys were eaten at Thanksgiving last year. 99% of all turkeys raised in the US are factory-farmed Broadbreasted Whites. The Hipsters offer some alternatives to eating the "Dolly Parton of turkeys" this year, and explore the vegetarian Thanksgiving experience.

Beer: Val found another cute doggie label! Ellie's Brown Ale from Avery Brewing Co. in Boulder, CO is "Lab tested". That's doggone funny.

Chocolate: Yes, they're in the Hipster Hall of Fame, but Dagoba Chai bar is a smidge too sweet for true dark chocolate snobs. Nice spice, though.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Love to bake, but hate to burn? Get out of the oven! With the Oven Rack Push Pull you can stand safely to the side while handling that pie, pot roast or paella. Makes a handy hostess gift or stocking stuffer too.
• Melt with you. This candle will really light up your love life! The clean-burning Ember massage candle melts into spa-grade scented massage oil. Pour it from the porcelain container's spout onto your sweetie's skin. Wax on, wax off!

• See? Gull! After spending a half-century on the brink of extinction, the brown pelican is finally off the endangered species list.
• Draft notice. Are you willing to risk Life & Limb? This ale is the highly anticipated collaboration between Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head breweries. Be warned: just one big-ass bottle of this 10% brew left both Val and her hubby reeling!

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

According to the National Turkey Federation, 48 million turkeys were eaten at Thanksgiving last year. Since 99% of all turkeys raised in the US are Broadbreasted Whites, chances are your family celebrated the holiday with the "Dolly Parton of turkeys". These birds are raised in crowded factories, fed a diet of grains with antibiotics, and are often injected with oils and saline. Ew! This year, gobble up a different kind of bird...or go vegetarian. No harm, no fowl!

• Industrial turkeys live in uncomfortable conditions on factory farms. You can do better.
• Heirloom turkeys, also known as heritage turkeys, are descended from the wild North American turkey.
• Organic turkeys are free from antibiotics and other additives. Local growers often produce free-range organic birds. Just ask!
• Flavor is influenced by 4 factors: the animal's age, its genetic stock, how it was raised and what it ate.
• Roasting the bird can be a challenge. Butterball has some tips for preparing the perfect turkey dinner.
• Vegetarians love Thanksgiving too! Learn to accomodate veggie and vegan guests. Tofurky is not the only option.

Aw shucks, you still like us! Thanks for sending your questions and compliments to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and turkey tales at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps 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!

• Molly in Cincinnati wonders how to care for leather in an eco-friendly way. Ideas, Hipsters?
• Ethan in Santa Monica often forgets his ChicoBags and his supermarket club cards, he cleverly combined the two. He also shares some love for the Lorax.
• Trystan at Yahoo! has the scoop on underwear recycling. Patagonia turns their old undies into new ones!
• Laura in England supports bra recycling too! In the US, try the Bosom Buddy program. In the UK, there's BreastTalk. Our cups runneth over!
• Miles in Toronto (eh!) would like to hear a show on green college degree programs. Congrats on your PhD!
• Michelle in New York had fun wasting time with these creative green ads.
• Patrick in NC sent along a story about military vets and their influence on the green movement.
• Eileen in Florida loves her some Larabar!
• Tina in Texas was perhaps a bit too happy to share the terrifying story of vermicomposting gone horribly wrong.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Val's birthday (Nov. 24) or anyday!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.

"House Whisperer" Christine MacShane returns for another round of spectacular holiday decorating tips.

Plunging headfirst toward Thanksgiving and the holiday party season, the Hipsters seek inspiration from their favorite local TV star, Christine MacShane. The Audacious Aussie delivers fresh ideas for green, frugal decor and hostess gifts! Also, Val imperils her friendship with Dori by threatening to eat...a goat.

Beer: Val's Portland roadtrip yields another goodie! Saison-Brett Limited Release Ale from Boulevard Brewing Co. packs lots of unique flavor into a big-ass bottle. Cool label, too.

Chocolate: Christine provided two of her faves. The Cadbury Crunchie has that yummy honeycomb center, while the Nestle Yorkie bar claims it's "not for girls". Bite us.

Finds:

• Al-literate. Val's Christmas card buddy, Al Gore, released his new book last week. "Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis" offers solutions to our most pressing planetary problems.
• Feed a fever. Keep the influenza bug at bay with these foods that fight the flu. Hey, they forgot beer and chocolate!
• The Red Diva? Join Val on Mars! She signed up with NASA to put her name on a microchip carried by the Mars Science Lab rover.

• Toxic tins. Canned food often contains hazardous levels of Bisphenol-A, according to tests by Consumer Reports. Yes we CAN switch to fresh foods instead!
• Trick or treat? Kraft Foods is trying to get a piece of the market for sustainable sweets. Cote d'Or contains cocoa certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Hmmm...very Krafty.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

The Hipsters welcome "House Whisperer" Christine MacShane back for another round of spectacular decorating tips. Do you love her pink toolbelt and hardhat? Moxie Trades carries perfect gifts for the tradeswoman in your life!

• Mini pumpkins are often discounted or free after Halloween. Clean them out to hold votives, flowers...even the first course of a meal!
• Wreath forms can be adapted to each season. Just tuck in decorations instead of gluing them down.
• Large napkins are easy to make, provide great "coverage" during meals and can be used to wrap leftovers, furoshiki-style!
• Unmatched earrings make terrific wine charms.
• Local food products serve as ideal hostess gifts, as well as backup gifts for unexpected guests. Assemble them into attractive gift baskets!

Nice to hear from you! Send a question or a compliment to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and pleas for goat clemency at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps 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!

• Emily in Ohio wants to whiten her teeth safely and naturally. OK, try mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to form a paste, or maybe brushing with cider vinegar. You could try rubbing your teeth with strawberries too. We prefer Uncle Harry's method.
• Patrick in NC found an article linking BPA to the "terrible two's", particularly in little girls.
• Lisa in Wisconsin shares the story of an eco-friendly pub with a worm bin and a "Low-Power Happy Hour". Cheers to the Bittercreek Alehouse in Boise!
• Rick in Virginia believes Canadians got the right idea when it comes to cough etiquette, eh?
• Sebastien enjoys this video trailer for next year's Going Green Film Festival in Beverly Hills.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Thanksgiving or anyday!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.

Log home living provides a natural energy-efficient habitat with timeless beauty and comfort.

Log homes are often thought to be rustic cabins set on remote mountaintops. They've had a bit of a bad rap from environmentalists, who insist that timber should be left where it stands. The Hipsters get to the root of the controversy with Larry and Sherry Trimboli, owners of Sierra Log Homes in Chico, CA. Also, Val recounts her battle with swine flu (and recommends this to lessen the symptoms)!

Beer: We split an easy-drinkin' bottle of Wolaver's Brown Ale from Otter Creek Brewing. Dori took one for the team, quaffing most of the beer for her poor porcine pal Val.

Chocolate: WTF? Another diet chocolate bar? Trader Joe's Simply Lite Dark Chocolate with Almonds wasn't the best low-carb sugar-free bar we've had, but it makes a mighty tasty laxative.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Looking for an American-made gift with plenty of eco-cred? Snuggle up in a vibrant Winter Knit Scarf. The yarn is spun from reclaimed cotton and certified by both Made in Green and Oeko-Tex.
• Cod almighty. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch helps you make the best choices, so you won't have to flounder around the fish market.
• Moby Dick. For a cool $1.6 milion, you can own an armored, jewel-encrusted bulletproof SUV from Russian automaker Dartz. No, that isn't cowhide on the seats; you're sitting on a whale penis.

• In the bag. Two of the country's biggest retailers want you to kick the plastic bag habit. Target and CVS have launched reusable bag programs with financial incentives for shoppers.
• Think Tink. The United Nations has named Tinker Bell as its "Honorary Ambassor of Green". So is Peter Pan the ambassador of peanut butter?

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

Sierra Log Homes provides materials, design and engineering services.

• The preferred material for log homes is dead standing lodgepole pines, which dry out naturally before being harvested from forests.
• Log homes maintain moderate temperatures through thermal mass, making them quite energy efficient.
• Any home can incorporate elements of log home living, like siding and rails.
• Western forests are under attack by mountain pine beetles, which leave behind vast stands of dead trees.
• Larry and Sherry will launch the "Planting It Forward" program with the Arbor Day Foundation in 2010!
• Get more info about the log home lifestyle.

Whew! Thanks for all the e-mails! Send a question or a compliment to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and swine flu remedies at our MHTH forum! Send Val at least 25 beer caps 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!

• Mary in Memphis, TN wants to recycle her old bras and undies. Bras make great purses and knee pads; undies, not so much.
• Emily in Indiana would like to put CFL globes in her bathroom. Just remember, they take a few moments to warm up!
• Elizabeth in Minnesota (dontcha know!) can't believe the FDA wants us to flush pharmaceuticals down the toilet. Chisago County has a successful takeback program. We agree that manufacturers should step up too.
• Jessica in Washington DC signed up for SmartBrief, a useful (and free) newsfeed focusing on sustainability.
• KC in Korea will cease to be a San Diego Chargers fan if they move to LA! Why is their proposed new stadium exempt from environmental laws?
• Steve in New Jersey loves him some butternut squash soup with spicy green pumpkin seeds, a la Martha Stewart.
• Kate shares the scoop on Seventh Generation's Million Baby Crawl. Join this virtual march to Washington to say "no" to toxins in our homes.
• Alex in Cleveland will argue the case for hemp in his English class essay. Duuuuuude!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Veteran's Day or anyday!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.

Americans buy plenty of pumpkins in October, most of which go to waste after Halloween. Consider purchasing and eating locally-grown, organic pumpkins; next year, maybe you can grow your own!

Did you know that 90% of pumpkins sold in the US are used for making Jack-O-Lanterns? Most of those pumpkin parts are thrown out after Halloween, but these nutritious gourds are too good to waste! The Hipsters carve out a few tips for growing, eating and saying goodbye your Great Pumpkin. Linus would approve.

Beer: Belgium's Mikkellar Simcoe IPA was OK, but somewhat forgettable. Val's attempt at a Belgian accent? Priceless.

Chocolate: We broke out the backup chocolate this week: Godiva Chocolatier Gems Dark Chocolate Truffles. Again, kinda meh...but the shiny purple foil makes a satisfying crinkly sound.

Finds:

• Lots of dough. This year's Neiman Marcus Christmas Book features some eco-friendly luxuries, like the Mission One electric motorcycle and a chandelier made of plastic bottles. And the $25,000 cupcake car. Yes, the hat's included.
• Novel idea. Already rather eco-friendly, e-readers just turned a shade greener with the new LG Display solar cell e-book. Can you use it at the light-brary?

• Say watt? The center of the power universe will be in New Mexico, if the Tres Amigas Superstation goes on as planned. The proposed super hub would streamline the flow of renewable energy.
• Hard times. Struggling financially, one brothel in Berlin is offering discounts to "green" customers who arrive via bike or bus. Still, business is up and down.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

Chances are, you'll purchase at least one pumpkin this month. Sales of organic pumpkins are on the rise, but most of the conventionally-grown gourds hail from Illinois...meaning they're quite well-travelled by the time they reach your supermarket. Maybe it's time to think outside the pumpkin shell this Halloween!

• Grow. You can plant pumpkins after the last frost. They need a good 3-4 months of sunshine and lots of room to stretch their vines.
• Feast. Just about any pumpkin is perfectly edible and packed with nutrition . Check out these delicious recipes. Mmmm, Pumpkin Milkshake!
• Bury. This year's pumpkin scraps can help create next year's Jack-O-Lantern! Compost your pumpkin by cutting it into small pieces after removing all the seeds, candle wax and decorations.
• Treat. Don't miss out on the Pumpkin Smash! Get 'em at Jamba Juice, or make your own.

** (crickets) ** Hey! What happened to the e-mails? Send a question or a compliment to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and pumpkin recipes at our MHTH forum!

• Jodi in Washington loves her stainless steel French Press mug from Planetary Design. She rocks the Boot Cut design because it's durable and tough to tip over.
• Alisa in New York recommends taking a Navy shower to reduce water consumption. For those less adventurous, we suggest using a shower timer.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for All Soul's Day or anyday!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.

Clearing the clutter from your home saves money and time. It could also improve your health and well-being.

We all have bits of clutter spread about the house, right? But left unchecked, those piles of papers and heaps of laundry can quickly get out of control. The Hipsters deliver tips for sorting out your stuff, once and for all! Also, Dori puts up apples and Val is ready for her close-up.

Beer: Val broke out another find from her Pacific Northwest Road Trip this summer. Samuel Smith Organic Cherry Ale is so fruit juicy, it could have come from the farmer's market!

Chocolate: Dori's trip to Montana yielded (gulp!) a sugar-free chocolate bar. After a guarantee of goodness from the clerk at the Pan Handler Plus, the Hipsters agreed that ChocoPerfection lived up to the hype. Sweetened with oligofructose and erythritol, it sets the standard for low-carb diet chocolate.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Dry skin in winter? Here's ZUMthing for you...Zum Gentle Facial Cleanser. Made with organic coconut, olive and jojoba, plus lemon and geranium pure essential oils, this fragrant froth is great for all skin types, all year long!
• Noah's Arse. Our little honey Rick Springfield bares his bum on Showtime's comedy "Californication" this month. What does this have to do with living green? Nothing. We just like it.

• Seeds of change. Good ol' Monsanto is the focus of a federal antitrust investigation. Seems they may be trying to control the market for seeds. Food Inc., anyone?
• Toxic transaction. A new report claims we're routinely exposed to BPA when we handle plastic-coated paper receipts. Suddenly all that cocaine on your currency doesn't sound so bad.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

Push the envelope! The next time you receive mail with a return envelope enclosed, set that extra envelope aside. Use it instead of a bank envelope when you make an ATM deposit. Or, just stick a blank label over the return address and mail a nice letter to your grandma!

We all have bits of clutter spread about the house, right? But left unchecked, those piles of papers and heaps of laundry can quickly get out of control. The result is a stressful home that takes a toll on your time, your money, even your health. A little light cleaning every day helps, but how can you clear that clutter once and for all?

• Stress. Do you think clutter doesn't affect your life? Think again!
• Flow. Combat clutter by guarding against the invasion of stuff.
• Energy. Use the principles of feng shui to keep clutter from blocking your Chi.
• Organize. If you just can't get a handle on it, turn things over to a higher power: Messies Anonymous.
• Priority. If you can only declutter one room in your home, the bedroom should be it!

• Michelle in Sydney, Australia sent a link to this and other photos of last month's great dust storm Down Under. She recommends that Hipsters read The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery.
• Alisa in New York wonders if it's OK to toss the water from her dehumidifier out into the yard. Go ahead, Alisa, you're not p*&%ing in the wind!
• Beth in Missouri is kicking her waste company to the curb by reducing, reusing and composting. She also thinks the Wine Cork Trivet kit makes a great gift. We humbly agree.
• Jaimelee in Kentucky loves the holidays. She's passing out Equal Exchange cards for Halloween and eating a local heritage turkey for Thanksgiving.
• Bob in Palm Harbor, FL wants to hear a show about homes made from recycled materials. You mean like this?
• Tina in Texas is greening her office, one utensil at a time. Great job! Thanks for the blog link too. Oh, and we totally think you should steal your friend's porn star name.
• Shout-outs! Thanks to Bruce in Scotland and Chrissy in NC for keeping our inbox warm!

Our inbox runneth over! Keep those e-mails flowing in! Send a question or a lovenote to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and photos of elusive moose on our MHTH forum!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for United Nations Day, or anyday!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.

Decorating your home or office for the fall season? Artist Christine Mac Shane tells how to save money when you do it yourself.

Now that autumn has arrived, bring the best of the outdoors inside! Look to nature for inspiration in your decor. The Hipsters shake down the "House Whisperer" herself, Christine Mac Shane, for crafty ideas that won't break the bank. Also, Val provides the first bad Halloween joke of the year while Dori goes in search of Val's elusive moose!

Beer: We found Blue Heron Pale Ale from Portland's Bridgeport Brewing Co. to be very drinkable, but not roadtrip-worthy.

Chocolate: There's bacon in our chocolate! Vosges Haut Chocolat created Mo's Milk Chocolate Bacon Bar with applewood smoked bacon, alder wood smoked salt and milk chocolate (41% cacao). Val had a porkgasm.

Finds:

• Wood you, could you... Slice up some twigs and attach them to a pot with RooWood glue. Easy, right? You just created a Vivified Vase. Congratulations. Have a cookie.
• ...in the park? What is the deepest lake in the United States? You'd know if you read these Surprising Facts About National Parks. Because there's no such thing as too much trivia.

• Just beet it. Hipster Hero Judge Jeffrey White has ruled that Monsanto's Roundup Ready GMO beets cannot run rampant across the land.
• Recycled Oil. To draw attention to global warming, more than 55 celebrities will join to record a remake of Midnight Oil's Beds Are Burning. Get your free download starting Oct.1st.

Teenie Weenie Greenieâ

Hang on, we're headed "outside the box" as local Chico artist and designer Christine Mac Shane offers up a veritable cornucopia of decorating ideas for fall! Think grapevines, pine cones, black paint and glitter...

• Star. Christine graces the Chico airwaves every week with her decorating segment, Welcome Home.
• Afar. While spending time in Japan, she became a fan of furoshiki as an eco-friendly alternative to gift wrap.
• Bar. No, it's not her porn star name; Violet Crumble is Aussie Christine's fave chocolate.

We feel the love! Keep those e-mails flowing in! Send a question or a lovenote to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and lame Halloween jokes on our MHTH forum!

• Trystan at Yahoo! Green is bursting with homemade holiday tips. Check out her craft cred.
• Greg in Pennsylvania recommends Kitchen Literacy by Ann Vileisis to readers interested in the origins of our food culture.
• Patrick in NC shares another good reason to plant trees.
• Steve in New York invites Hipsters to his solo eco-art show at Midoma Gallery.
• Moises in Hong Kong put the lime in the coconut with his smoothie recipe. He shares more raw vegan recipes on his blog. Muchos besos y abrazos, Moy!
• Shout-outs! Thanks to Trevor, Kim and everyone else who sent us pity e-mails. We love you, man!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Dori's birthday or anyday!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.

Permaculture systems build sustainability into all aspects of human existence.

Lazy gardeners, rejoice! There's a school of thought that embraces the idea of letting nature take its course in your yard. Permaculture looks at systems like landscaping and agriculture holistically, working with the land instead of against it. The Hipsters enlist local experts Meagan Fischer and Stephanie Ladwig-Cooper to explain this land design concept that puts "the designer in the recliner"! Also, Val busts out some Latin and Dori makes a nomination for the Porn Star Name Hall of Fame.

Beer: Uh-oh, malt face! Val curled a lip after sipping Titan IPA from Great Divide Brewing Co. Not as hoppy as most India Pale Ales, so we were a bit unhoppy with it.

Chocolate: Yes! Rich and crumbly, the Coconut Macaroon Truffle Bar with sea salt and dark chocolate rocked our socks. Note to Seattle Chocolates: we read the ingredients, so you might want to rethink calling it "all natural"!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Add some pizazz to your place settings with Vintage Flatware. Each 5-piece set is unique, with hand-selected utensils that go together...but don't exactly match! Silver plating gives them all a sophisticated sheen. Great gifts!
• The Big Chill. What should you do with those leftover spices? Egg whites? Wine? Freeze 'em! Check out these Clever Uses for Ice Cube Trays.

• Inhale to the Chief. The EPA is set to review Bush-era smog standards. Some of the nation's largest public health groups think they may have "misunderestimated" the science.
• Last call. Climate change poses a threat to the quality of our beer. This time, it's personal.

Listener Molly cuts the pockets from her boyfriend's cargo pants to use as storage containers. They're useful to hold small craft items, or for makeup organizers on the go. They also come in handy as sleep compartments for her pet degus!

"...if you're a scientist, you could liken it [permaculture] to a miraculous wardrobe in which you can hang garments of any science or any art and find they're always harmonious with, and in relation to, that which is already hanging there. It's a framework that never ceases to move, but that will accept information from anywhere." - Bill Mollison, co-founder of the world-wide permaculture movement.

• What. The term permaculture is short not only for "permanent agriculture", but also "permanent culture".
• Who. Two Aussies, Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, wrote the book on permaculture.
• Where. The Chico Permaculture Guild is one of many such organizations in communities across the globe.
• How. Become certified as a permaculture designer through a course of study.
• Visit Stephanie's business, Gaia Creations. Read about Meagan in the Chico News & Review.

Hello, is this thing on? We need e-mails! Send a question or a lovenote to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and photos of your degu on our MHTH forum!

• Angela in Connecticut loves to make reusable luminaries for the holidays. Delightfully crafty!
• Molly in Cincinnati needs to replace her rusty baking sheet. Happily, Greenfeet will soon carry enamelware that will make all your baking dreams come true. By the way, Sextus Bighorn? Really?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Native American Day or anyday!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.

DIY holiday crafts offer a thoughtful, low-cost gift option for a tough economy.

With only 7 more paydays until Christmas (!!), the time has come to plan your homemade holiday gifts. The Hipsters have some ideas to help DIY novices keep it manageable. Remember, if you start now, you have time to throw out your mistakes!

Beer: Really, does it get any better than this? A new release from Sierra Nevada Brewery, in a big ass bottle! Their Estate Brewers Harvest Ale is all Chico, baby.

Chocolate: Our new Favorite Listener is Gayla in SC, who provided a bar of CocoBon CocoFusion 72% Dark Chocolate. Thanks, y'all!

Finds:

• Global hottie. Hollywood's latest eco-disaster film, 2012, is noteworthy for one reason: John Cusack! Opens November 13th.
• 4 the planet. Autumn brings a windfall of good flicks for greenies: No Impact Man takes his book to the big screen; Crude exposes Chevron's underbelly; The Age of Stupid gives us a glimpse into a grim future; and the amazing Ken Burns returns to PBS with The National Parks, a must-see doc about "America's Best Idea".

• Oz and Effect. Not such a g'day for Australia, as the land Down Under moves atop the list of the world's biggest CO2 polluters per capita. (China still pumps out more gasses overall.)
• Channel your energy. Shopping for a better boob tube? Hold off until May 2010. New Energy Star standards will kick in, so qualifying televisions will be up to 40% more efficient than their competitors. Programming will still suck, though.

Avoid wasting time and water in the shower or tub. Use a dab of nail polish to mark the spot on the faucet that produces the perfect water temperature. Now you have more time to sing the More Hip theme song while you lather!

With only 7 more paydays until Christmas (!!), the time has come to plan your homemade holiday gifts. If you've never done the DIY thing before, keep it small and manageable! Come up with a list of recipients, then add a few extras for unexpected parties or guests. If you start now, you can try a few new things to see if they work for you. Rule #1: Don't stress out. Rule #2: Have fun!

• Greenies. For the aspiring Hipster, fashion a cloth hankie; or, put together a sustainable lunch kit complete with napkins, utensils and a cool box.
• Seeds. The gardener on your list would likely love some Baker Creek heirloom seeds.
• Lemons. Yummy Meyer lemons are coming into season. Whip up some marmalade or limoncello for hostess gifts.
• Volts. Families could make good use of rechargeable batteries and a charger. In fact, they can save over $100 a year on batteries alone!
• Dollars and Sense. Put together a Responsible Shopper Kit, with a ChicoBag, some produce sacks and a list of tips from GreenAmerica.
• Whoopee! Give the gift of romance to that crazy busy couple...a beeswax candle, a CD of love songs, a bottle of organic wine and a babysitting coupon. brownchicken, browncow...

Hey, where are all the e-mails? Send a question or a lovenote to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and DIY gift ideas on our MHTH forum!

• Shout-out! Thanks to Miranda for mentioning us on her blog, Eclectic Eccentricities. You rock!
• Shelly in Florida wants a safe, BPA-free French press coffee mug. Three letters for you: REI. Thanks for the tip on Holy Mackerel Mango Shandies!
• Moises in Hong Kong loves the eco-wisdom of Alan Watts. Warning: beer consumption may hinder your ability to understand and appreciate deep philosophical teachings!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Autumnal Equinox or anyday!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.

A looming shortage of Rare Earth Elements may change the technology that we take for granted in our everyday lives.

As industries strive to develop greener technologies, one group of natural resources finds itself in great demand. Rare Earth Elements are an integral part of hybrid and electric motors, as well as wind turbines, computers, cell phones and more. The increasing need may well outstrip supply in the next few years. The Hipsters unearth the facts on these momentous metals, while trying to pronounce their names correctly. Also, Val does recon on a couple of pilots and Dori discloses the first official More Hip Hook-up!

Beer: We love our new Favorite Listener, Lynda in Florida! She not only kicked down the Brewfest mugs as promised, but also sent 2 bottles of her local ale of choice. Our first sip of Holy Mackerel "Mack in Black" from Gordash Beer Co. wasn't too promising; maybe it was the unexpected taste of pomegranate juice. Val narrowly avoided making a malt face and we came to appreciate this thick, heady brew.

Chocolate: We discovered the Pleasure of New Tree Belgian Chocolates! With 3 individual bars of rich, smooth 73% goodness in a tiny box, you get controlled portions of glorious GMO-free chocolate. Or you can just devour all three, like Dori did.

Finds:

• Lard almighty. As State Fair food continues to (d)evolve, we suppose we should've seen this coming. Deep-fried butter debuted in Texas this summer. Next year, can we just skip the middleman and drink a jug of hot grease?
• Electric Car is the name of a catchy new tune by They Might Be Giants. The kids will love it; you will too, at least the first 10,000 times you hear it! (We played a little clip in the show.)

• Pants on fire. Turns out your SIGG water bottle contains trace amounts of BPA in the liner, if you bought it before August 2008. You can return it to the company for a replacement, or do this instead.
• Hot-blooded. Well ladies, your blood has something in common with a CFL--it contains mercury! A new study detects the metal in 30% of American woman, a huge jump from a decade ago.

Yes we can! Believe it or not, it's time to start on those homemade holiday gifts. Begin by collecting empty cans with attractive labels. Poke a couple of holes in the bottom and plant flowers or houseplants, either from seeds or starters. By the time the holidays roll around, you'll have lovely living gifts! (Because of BPA in can liners, we don't recommend putting in food or herbs.)

As industries strive to develop greener technologies, one group of natural resources finds itself in great demand. Rare Earth Elements occupy 17 slots in the Periodic Table and are an integral part of hybrid and electric motors, as well as wind turbines, computers, cell phones and more. The increasing need and dwindling supply of REEs opens up a new can of worms, both environmentally and politically.

• Rare? Well, not so much. REEs are abundant in the earth's crust. However, there aren't many rich deposits from which to extract them.
• Where? While mines are scattered across the globe, 95% of REEs are found in China.
• Pair. Two REEs are essential in the manufacture of hybrid vehicles: neodymium and lanthanum.
• Scare. The Chinese are tightening their grip on REEs in order to meet their own industrial needs.
• Wear and tear. China became a leader in REE mining by ignoring environmental concerns. Molycorp hopes to restart US operations in 2012.

You are an elemental part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog! And remember to post articles, links and rare gems 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! Laura in England left us a comment on Podcast Alley. She recommends using magazine pages for wrapping small gifts. Cheers!
• Megan in Canada (eh!) makes her own yogurt and thinks we should do the same. Check out her instructions on our forum.
• Jaimelee in Kentucky loves a new mag called Urban Farm. Congrats on your beautiful new Teeny Weeny Greeny!
• Tori in Florida is a conscious cop who wants to find a CSA near her. Any tips to help her curb emissions in her patrol car?
• Adele in Ontario, Canada (eh!) is a school teacher who loves to collect yogurt cups, boxes, TP rolls, etc. for classroom projects. We'll keep looking for some Canuck beer down here!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Autumnal Equinox or anyday!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.

While the future of health care in the US is uncertain, taking responsibility for your own health now could save you money in the long run.

Did you know that chronic diseases account 75% of health care costs in America? Many are treatable, even reversible, when managed properly. But your best chance of avoiding the health care morass is prevention. The Hipsters discuss ways to take control of your own well-being. Bonus: these ideas impact your health without impacting the planet! Also, Val gets ready for her cinematic debut, but Dori can't get a movie date. *sigh*

Beer: Needing hydration on a stinkin' hot day, we opened a big-ass bottle of Floating Rock Hefeweizen from Mammoth Brewing Co. Not our fave, but a pretty good thirst-quencher.

Chocolate: Fonda in Missouri has once again claimed the title of New Favorite Listener by sending a box of Shaman Chocolates. Val loved the Organic Milk Chocolate with Macadamia nuts and Hawaiian Pink Sea Salt. Dori remained nutless, braving the 82% Extra Dark. Fonda, you rock!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Yes, her dryer has had balls for years, but now Nellie's PVC-Free Dryer Balls have taken the experience to a whole new level. Get your own pair, then add a fragrance stick for good measure.
• Blue is the new green. Head for SoCal this Labor Day weekend, so you can attend the Blue Planet Film Fest. Tickets to this very green event in Santa Monica are available through InTicketing, which will plant a tree for each one sold.

   

• Cures what ales you. Need another reason to enjoy a frosty glass of brew? A study finds that drinking beer regularly could stop your bones from going brittle! Nice to know as you're about to fall off your barstool.

Contain yourself! Listener Meghan came up with several clever ideas for those used yogurt containers.

• carry cherry tomatoes at the farmer's market
• sort and hold small household items and hardware
• sort and hold little toys, like Barbie shoes
• use as rinse cups for watercolor painting
• hold crayons,etc. in the car
• donate to a preschool or kids' museum
• cut the bottom out of 2, bind them into binoculars!

Did you know that chronic diseases account 75% of health care costs in America? Many are treatable, even reversible, when managed properly. But your best chance of avoiding the health care morass is prevention. Eat fresh food, wear sunscreen, use natural cleaning products; the Hipsters discuss ways to take control of your own well-being with a few tips from our friends at Yahoo! Green. Bonus: these ideas impact your health without impacting the planet!

• Exercise to prevent chronic disease and control weight. Obesity rates rose in 23 US states last year.
• Sleep at least 7 to 9 hours per night. Missing even an hour every night can raise your blood pressure and make you a grouch.
• Wash your hands, but stay away from anti-bacterial soap. Triclosan is not your friend.
• Tap water is best, but you can change things up with the original energy drink: coconut water. Try flavored Vita Coco or ZICO.

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 tips for staying healthy 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!

• Robin in New Jersey has 3 menfolk willing to pee on her compost pile, but wants to know if she should dilute it first. Indoors=yes, outdoors=no. Now let it flow.
• Rebecca in Oregon wonders which is the greener choice, homemade or locally produced ice cream? No need to worry about your footprint in this situation...but you might want to watch your assprint!
• Kyle in Davis, CA works hard to bring sustainable dining practices to the UC Davis campus. Can you make us honorary Aggies?
• Patrick gets a charge out of hybrid batteries from Rayovac and Sanyo. Speaking of batteries...
• Michelle in NY introduced us to the aptly-named website RecycleMySexToy. An idea whose time has, er, come.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Labor Day or anyday!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.

The popular "Cash for Clunkers" program, or CARS, has new automobile sales in overdrive.

As an economic stimulus program, "Cash for Clunkers" is a big success. New cars are flying off the lots and automakers are putting employees back to work. But is the program taking gas-guzzlers off the road, as intended? What repercussions are being felt down the supply chain? The Hipsters motor through the facts surrounding the Car Allowance Rebate System, as it's now called. Also, Val attends her family reunion and gets locked in a brewery. Really, is anyone surprised?

Beer: The Heirloom Amber Ale from Pike Brewing Co. in Seattle is a crowd-pleaser. Crisp and refreshing, weighty enough for ale drinkers, but accessible to those just starting to leave the cheerleader beer behind.

Chocolate: Our new favorite listener is Tony in Chicago! He resisted the urge to bust open the Cafe-Tasse Chocolat Bio bar, sending it to us intact. Sweet little cocoa bits wrapped in velvety organic chocolate...almost as delicious as George Clooney!

Finds:

• Book 'em, pt. 1. OK college students, stop the madness with the bookstore prices! Check out Chegg and BookRenter for textbook rentals. You even get a prepaid return envelope.
• Book 'em, pt. 2. You say you'd rather own a used copy? Go to Bookfinder, Campus Books or eCampus for some deals.
• Book 'em, pt. 3. Or go treeless! Six campuses are testing a program using the Kindle for accessing textbooks. Make sure you get a huge bottle of Paperback to go with it.

   

• Hot wings. Good ol' Exxon Mobil will pay a fine for killing migratory birds in 5 states. Their gas pits and oily wastewater apparently do not make a successful marinade.
• Mass. transit. Officials in Boston are creating a citywide bike-share program. Wicked pissah!

Got sawdust? Put it to use in your compost bin or pile. Tossing a handful of sawdust on top of fresh scraps helps to break the material down quickly, with less odor.

As an economic stimulus program, "Cash for Clunkers" is a big success. New cars are flying off the lots and automakers are putting employees back to work. But is the program taking gas-guzzlers off the road, as intended? What repercussions are being felt down the supply chain? The Hipsters motor through the facts surrounding the Car Allowance Rebate System, as it's now called.

• The rules. Find all the details about Cash for Clunkers at the program's official site.
• Top 10. Which cars are the top trade-ins? Which new cars are rolling off the lots? Oddly, Ford tops both lists!
• Sticker shock. The popular program is giving used car dealers a bit of a headache.
• A Hummer? Really? Environmentalists find the Cash for Clunkers program isn't as green as they had hoped.
• Load of scrap. Auto recyclers keep busy these days, but are upset with limits on their ability to recover car parts.
• Mercury rising. General Motors has dropped out of ELVS, a partnership that collects toxic car parts to prevent mercury pollution.

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 photos of your trade-in 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!

• Nicole in Connecticut wants to cut down on wasted yogurt cups. You can recycle them or buy bigger containers to scoop from...or you can make your own yogurt! We have faith in you!
• Charlie in Los Angeles (she's a girl!) liked the story of a teenage boy who figured out how to make plastic decompose in just 3 months. We'll all be working for that kid someday.
• Lynda in Florida spent time bonding with good beer at Portland's Brewfest. A stop at Voodoo Donuts didn't yield any glazed genitalia, sorry to say, but she did share a chocolate recipe with us. We're sitting by the mailbox waiting for those Brewfest mugs!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for back-to-school or anytime!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.

Is yellow the new green? Learn about the surprising benefits of urine, one of nature's most abundant untapped resources.

"Civilized people ought to know how to dispose of the sewage in some other way than putting it into the drinking water." President Theodore Roosevelt was onto something when he said that, over 100 years ago. Forward-thinking folks are taking a fresh look at urine as a resource rather than a source of waste. The Hipsters flush out some compelling arguments for harvesting this nitrogen-rich substance; in fact, when it comes to agricultural fertilizers, urine is #1! (sorry.) Also, Val reports from her trip to the X-Games, Dori leaks some personal info and we close the show with the poetic stylings of Woody Harrelson.

Beer: Yet another find from Val's trip to Idaho, Leinenkugel's 1888 Bock offers a hint of citrus in a mild lager. Not bad, but didn't really blow our skirts up.

Chocolate: What's this? A chocolate-covered crouton? Theo Chocolate's 3400 Phinney collection includes the Bread and Dark Chocolate bar, a combo that didn't really satisfy. Flavor Fail!

Finds: > ;

• Val's Favorite Thing! Now that you've invested in a quality garden hose, keep it in good shape with the Kink Free Adapter by Melnor. Connect the hose to one end, the faucet to the other; no more kinky, twisted hoses (unless you're into that sort of thing...)
• Back among the Living. Planet Green announced that the third season of Living With Ed starts on October 21st. It stars that guy who didn't remember us.

• Recharge. President Obama announced a $2.4 billion investment in electric vehicle and battery technology.
• Carp diem. After years of decline, some global fish populations begin to show signs of rebounding. The key? Policies based on science, implemented with transparency.

Chex it out! Why not turn an empty cereal box into a magazine holder? If you can operate a pencil, a ruler and a box cutter, you're ready to save that Cheerios box from the landfill. You'll also save on the cost of a plastic holder. Tip: for heavier magazines, line several boxes next to each other for support.

"Civilized people ought to know how to dispose of the sewage in some other way than putting it into the drinking water." President Theodore Roosevelt was onto something when he said that, over 100 years ago. Forward-thinking folks are taking a fresh look at urine as a resource rather than a source of waste. The Hipsters flush out some compelling arguments for harvesting this nitrogen-rich substance; in fact, when it comes to agricultural fertilizers, urine is #1!

• Eco-san, aka ecological sanitation, recognizes that human "leavings" are not waste, but a resource for the benefit of agriculture.
• Urine contains plenty of phosphorus, which may soon be in short supply.
• Cabbage fertilized with human urine proved hardier than its conventional counterparts, according to a Finnish study.
• Fertilize your garden with diluted urine. Really. Here are the "golden" rules.
• Toilets designed to separate solid from liquid waste are becoming all the rage in Sweden.
• SOS Mata Atlantica is a Brazilian environmental group whose new media campaign encourages folks to pee in the shower!

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 the results of your latest urine test 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!

• Dale in Seattle created his own take on the topsy-turvy tomato plant! Thanks for writing in and giving Dori the chance to say "Oshkosh".
• Jen in Long Beach also loves the smell of books, and found the perfect Demeter fragrance: Paperback.
• Sandy in White Plains, NY has a 7 year-old Greenie who thought all batteries are rechargeable!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for back-to-school or anytime!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.

Chico Chai founder Sarah Adams shares the benefits of the increasingly popular drink often referred to as "chai tea".

A cup of spicy chai invokes images of the sultry Indian subcontinent. Creating your own chai may seem difficult, but Sarah Adams makes it deliciously easy with her special blend of tea, sweetener and organic spices known as Chico Chai. Sarah breaks down the basics of brewing the beverage at home, as well as giving the Hipsters a few ideas for, shall we say, less conventional concoctions? Also, Val nurses a touchy tummy, leaving Dori to drink alone. For the team.

Beer: Thanks to our lovely guest Sarah for contributing a bottle of Hard Blackcherry Red Branch Cider. Pink, fizzy freshness.

Chocolate: Due to Val's inability to ingest solids, we sat out the chocolate this week. On the plus side, Val is just one stomach flu away from her goal weight!

Finds:

• Rock Your Birdie. Singer Justin Timberlake opened Mirimichi Golf Course in Memphis, the first Platinum LEED certified golf course in the US. He's bringin' eco back.
• Mug shot. Still think you don't need a reusable coffee mug? Plug your digits into the Coffee Waste Calculator for an espresso shot of reality.

• Dim bulbs. So, the US Dept. of Energy is wasting enough electricity to power more than 9,800 homes for a year, according to an audit. D'OE!
• Just moo it. Sportswear giant Nike will stop using leather sourced from cattle raised in the Amazon. Officials say they're committed to curbing deforestation.

Rediscover rubbish. If you're dealing with bored kids this summer, raid the junk drawer! Create a treasure chest by filling a personalized shoebox with marbles, seashells, rubber bands, old pipe fittings...anything that's fun and free. Kids will use their imaginations to turn the trash into treasure. Just recycle the trinkets when they're done!

Five years ago, Sarah Adams started a specialty tea business called Chico Chai. Using her own blend of organic spices, she began to share her love for this Asian beverage with the population at large, to great success! Fresh from her Chai-versary celebration, Sarah sat down with the Hipsters to reveal her affinity for water buffalo milk, her secret other career, her puffy porn star name and the glory that is chai.

• Chai is just another word for tea. The spicy, milky beverage we love is really masala chai.
• Spices commonly used in the drink include cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, star anise, vanilla bean and lemongrass. Usually 2 or 3 of these is enough!
• Loose leaf chai should steep in a tea ball or tea stick. For stronger chai, simmer the leaves in a pot of water, then strain.
• Chaitini for the over-21 crowd: Chico Chai concentrate, a splash of half-and-half, a shot of vanilla vodka and a shot of Stoli. It's to chai for!
• Order Chico Chai from our good friend Maisie Jane. Namaste!

 

Listener E-mails

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 chai recipes 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!

• Noah in Oakland, CA wants to put his mad skillz to work as a volunteer overseas. We recommend Habitat for Humanity or the Peace Corps.
• Eileen in Dominica loves the Smell of Books, but thinks the site may be a joke. Sadly, we agree.
• Steve in New Jersey, the long-lost Mr. Designer, took a break from selling Carmen Electra Stripper Poles to share this link about diapers. See why we've missed him?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for back-to-school or anytime!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.

Are microwave ovens safe for our food and our families?

Since 90% of American homes have a microwave oven, we must think they're pretty safe. But concerns about radiation linger, as do questions about cooking with plastic. The Hipsters serve up facts and expose fiction about the appliance that's been nuking our nachos for decades! Also, Dori spends big money and Val gets punny.

Beer: We love the bite of an India Pale Ale on a stinkin' hot day, so Red Chair IPA by Deschutes Brewery should have hit the spot. Alas, though it's named after the oldest operating ski lift at Mt. Bachelor, Red Chair only took us up to the bunny hill.

Chocolate: Another middle-of-the-road choice. Rapunzel Swiss Organic Dark Chocolate isn't bad for only 55% cacao, but we wouldn't give up our firstborn for it.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Tea drinkers, this one's for you...the JOEmo Stainless Tea Travel Mug brews your favorite beverage on the go, keeps it hot or cold longer and comes with its own zippered bag. It's ideal for commuters, with an innovative lid that lets you drink from any side. Just push the button in the center of the lid to dispense the tea. Keep your eyes on the road and your tea off your clothes!
• Show me the greenbacks. E Magazine lists some great Green Opportunities for job-seekers. From geeks to globetrotters, there's a career for everyone.

• Off-the-Walmart. The world's largest retailer opened a new can of worms with their latest announcement. They want to establish a global eco-ratings index for all kinds of products. Let the debate begin.
• The reel world. Now that we've all seen Food Inc. - right? - get set for a new film by Robert Stone documenting the history of Earth Days, coming soon. In the meantime, watch the latest doc by our friend Gerard Ungerman; it's called Belonging.

A quick tip from Real Simple magazine: turn a muffin tin upside down and use it for a cooling rack! You could set a hot pie or casserole on it and let the heat flow out through the channels. Val plans to use one as a DIY laptop cooler.

Most of us use a microwave oven nearly every day. But what about the radiation? Is it harming our food or our health? Is a microwave ever dangerous? How would we know? Our friends at the Daily Green did some research and busted the myths around microwaves.

• Waves. Microwaves are simply radio waves that are absorbed by water, fats and sugar, then convert to heat.
• Efficiency. Using a microwave to boil water won't net you much in energy savings, but preparing a meal will reduce energy use by about two-thirds compared to a conventional oven.
• Safety. Microwave ovens are quite safe when used properly. If you feel your oven is leaking radiation, invest in a home leak detector.
• Labels. The term "microwave safe" is unregulated, so it has no verifiable meaning. Tests have shown that some "microwave safe" products leach BPA at toxic levels.

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 microwave recipes 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!

• Katie in Toronto (eh!), the long lost Audiokitty, checks in with an appalling article about packaging and a catchy jingle. Welcome back!
• Tabitha in North Carolina is going green, baby! She and her buddy Melissa wonder about water filtration systems. We recommend carbon filters over reverse osmosis, but start with a water test kit to see what you're dealing with.
• Jasmine (aka Bullet ViaVista) has a recommendation for birth control, but makes a good point: perhaps Hipsters should breed more!
• Liz in Kentucky wonders about the "green" cred of her beloved Ghirardelli chocolate. Er...have you tried Dagoba?
• Michele in Arizona plans a trip to Idaho soon. Don't miss Pilgrim's Wall o' Beer, or your chance to see Idaho's Athol!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Summertime or anytime!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.

Why are organic almonds so much more expensive than conventionally-grown almonds?

At the request of a listener, the Hipsters crack open the facts about nuts by enlisting a local almond farmer, Maisie Jane Hurtado. Learn how they're grown and harvested, then discover why growers don't pronounce the "L" in almond! Also, Val reveals her aggie roots and Dori promotes pedal power.

Beer: Idaho's Laughing Dog Brewery is not one of Val's favorites, but their full-bodied Devil Dog Imperial IPA scores big! This hoppy ale hits the midsummer sweet spot.

Chocolate: Two great tastes that go great together: Coconut and Curry! Theo Chocolate paired them up in their line of 3400 Phinney bars, which are also organic and Fair Trade Certified. This slightly exotic flavor combo (in creamy milk chocolate, no less!) shook up our weary palates.

Finds:

• Listener Dana's blog, Green Mom On-the-Go, is in the running for a Nickelodeon Parent's Pick Award! Send her some Hipster mojo!

• G8 UPD8. Leaders of the G8 nations agreed that a) global warming is a real problem, and b) developed nations need to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 80% over the next 40 years. Details? Um...December...Copenhagen...yeah.
• Fair drinkum. Residents of Bundanoon, Australia voted to ban the sale of bottled water, possibly the first community in the world to do so. Says a Bundy: "It's time for people to realize they're being conned by the bottled water industry."

Open wide! The new 12-oz. Wide Mouth Klean Kanteens are flying off the shelves. Val is collecting your brilliant ideas for the many different ways to use these bottles. Send your suggestions to hip@greenfeet.com, so Val can publish them in an upcoming Greenfeet newsletter!

Listener Eileen sent us this e-mail:

Hi ladies, Since you live in almond country, can you enlighten your listeners on the organic/conventional issues surrounding almonds? Organic almonds cost a LOT more than conventional - when you can even find organic ones. Usually when the cost of an item grown organically is much higher than conventionally, it means that the item is already hard to grow with pesticides (thus using a lot) and is REALLY hard to grow organically. I worry that conventional almonds are farmed pesticide-intensively. Any answers?

Meet our friendly neighborhood almond farmer, Maisie Jane Hurtado!

• Almonds have two layers of protection from herbicides: the shell and the hull. You won't find these healthful nuts among the Dirty Dozen foods.
• Farmers may use a variety of methods to grow nuts conventionally, including IPM. Labor, fertilizer, processing and fees are all more expensive for an organic operation.
• Find organic almond goodies at Maisie Jane's California Sunshine Products. Val is all about the dark-chocolate covered almonds; Dori is tempted by the almond butter pie. Just don't pronounce the "L"!
• Organic Wine? Maisie Jane's brother is a vintner. Check out Bertagna Son-Kissed Vineyard. We're totally crashing their next family reunion.

• Melissa in North Carolina reminds us to look for the Oregon Tilth label, another reputable certification for organic products.
• Anna in Alberta (eh!) applauds her country's new organic standard. She also taught us the word Kijiji!
• Jenn in North Carolina wants to keep her critters safe, so she found out how to make a non-toxic cleaning kit.
• Amanda has 5 cats and a load o'litter! We recommend the NatureMill composter. Or this.

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 almond recipes 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 Summertime or anytime! 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.

Green. Natural. Eco-friendly. These terms look good on labels, but buyer beware!

Every time we buy a product, we make a choice. As Hipsters, we hope that choice has the best possible outcome for the environment. But our decisions are sometimes influenced by marketing terms that have little or no actual meaning. Our pals at Yahoo! Green "out" these buzzwords and help to identify credible claims, so you won't succumb to the seductions of greenwashing! Also, Dori takes the kids to the movies, Val's toenails have the blues and oh, that noise you hear in the background? School of Rock, dude!

Beer: With hotter weather comes lighter beer. Dragon King Lager from Laughing Buddha Brewery in Seattle is nice and crisp, without the barfy aftertaste of cheerleader beers.

Chocolate: Making the most of only a few ingredients, Madelaine Premium 72% Dark Chocolate bar satisfies a craving for Just. Plain. Chocolate.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Insulate your reusable bottle with the new NeoGreen Water Bottle Tote. Made from a new material similar to Neoprene, but without the nasty chemicals or harsh smell, this nifty tote comes in 3 sizes to fit just about any bottle. (Check out the Laptop Sleeves too!)
• Like a virgin. Need a cure for snoring? Squeaky doors? Hairballs? We found a few surprising uses for olive oil, thanks to our friends at the Daily Green. Then there's Val's idea, involving flavored oils, a tub of bruschetta and a Slip 'n Slide...

• GI812. The world's most powerful leaders are in Italy for a G8 summit to discuss climate change and more. A report finds Canada has edged out the US as the worst greenhouse gas offender among the eight nations. Lay off the poutine, eh?
• Ham on the lam! In Arkansas, a fugitive pig found lounging in a swimming pool won't meet his fate at the slaughterhouse. It's feared the 800-lb. porker may have tainted his meat by eating at Cracker Barrel.

H2Over it! Yes, we need plenty of water in the summer months, but yawn! How about kicking it up a notch by adding your own flavorings? Check out Val's easy recipes for cucumber, lemon/lime, strawberry or orange-vanilla. For less than a penny a glass, you'll have a healthy, refreshing drink with less packaging than the stuff in the store. H2Ahhh!

Every time we buy a product, we make a choice. As Hipsters, we hope that choice has the best possible outcome for the environment. But our decisions are sometimes influenced by marketing terms that have little or no actual meaning. Learn to recognize these buzzwords and to identify credible claims, so you won't succumb to the seductions of greenwashing!

• Words. Marketers use a variety of vague terms to convince you of a product's green cred. Consumer Reports can help sort it out.
• Logos. Not all "certifications" are credible. You can trust logos from Energy Star, FSC, Rainforest Alliance, Green Seal, BPI and ASTM, to name a few.
• Experts. A lot of the research has already been done for you! Consult GoodGuide, Greenzer and Skin Deep Cosmetics for info on products and merchants.
• Sins. According to TerraChoice, there are Seven Sins of Greenwashing. Thou shalt avoid them!

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 greenwashers 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!

• Jenny in Canada (eh!) is excited to see green transport in her hometown! Read all about the new fleet of hybrid buses in Windsor, Ontario.
• Michelle in Portland loves letterboxing. Read about her hubby's romantic letterbox proposal. Awww!
• Joanna in Texas (yeehaw!) loves her vintage hankies and has an idea for a DIY topsy-turvy tomato gadget. She's also trying to keep it green while working for an oil company (we still love you)!
• Shout-out! Thanks to Green Mom on-the-Go for mentioning us in your blog!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for summertime or anytime! 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.

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? CleanFi