EcoInsomniac

We Add Up has come up with a great program to show the number of global participants in the fight to stop climate change. They use 100% organic tee shirts that are sweatshop free and made in the US to get the point across. Here is an example of one of the t-shirts they offer:

When you order a shirt it is hand printed with the number that represents YOUR position in the world wide battle to stop climate change.  Not only that, but if you purchase this particular style shirt called “Plant Trees” WeAddUp.com will plant or save 10 trees in the Central American rainforest with the help of their partner Sustainable Harvest International.

Here is another example:

If you purchase this shirt We Add Up will donate $1 to Green For All, which is working to lift families out of poverty by helping to build a green economy.  These two shirts are only a small example of the great products that We Add Up offers and I hope you make a trip over to see what else they offer.

The folks over at We Add Up are so excited and helpful that they issued us our own coupon so all our readers can get 10% off their order by putting in the coupon code: “ecoinsomniac“.  I hope to see pictures with you and your number soon! You’ll be seeing mine as soon as my shirt comes in.

Popularity: 6% [?]

IMOrganic.com sent me a coupon to share with our readers and it’s so great that I didn’t ignore it. If you buy $40 or more worth of products from them then put in the coupon code “FROSTY” and you’ll receive $20 off AND free shipping! That’s a great way to get started buying organic.  In full disclosure I do make a little bit off of your purchase and usually don’t put up affiliate posts, but I decided the coupon was worth it and you guys/girls may enjoy it.  Hope you find something you like!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Carbon Offsetting has drawn a lot of fire and praise in the past from all sides.  Some call it a scam or greenwashing, but I think with the right organizations involved it is a worthy option at least for now.  Virgin America has chosen to partner with CarbonFund.org and turned to the EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) for ideas on which projects to contribute to.  Here are two of the projects that were picked:

• Inland Empire Utilities Agency Biodigester, a methane capture project that creates clean, renewable energy and reduces more than 8,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year, while also protecting the quality of the region’s groundwater. The project is located in Chino Basin, Calif.

• IdleAire, a truck stop electrification project that reduces tailpipe emissions from trucks by connecting truck cabins with electricity at rest stops and eliminating the need to keep engines running for power. This approach saves a gallon of diesel per hour.

The IdleAire project is extremely interesting to me and has already been proven to work in other channels such as tankers and cargo ships.  I cannot applaude Virgin America enough for their continued support of the environment.

Why do I support a company who is in one of the dirtiest businesses around?  Because they’re trying to make a difference in the business that they’re involved in.  Not just because of PR stunts or because government mandates, but because they care all the way to the core of their brand.  In 2006 Richard Branson pledged the next 10 years of profits from Virgin Air and Rail companies to the environmental investment in his company Virgin Fuel to the tune of $3billion dollars to research alternative fuels that do not upset the food levels of the world.

I’m interested to see what comes out of the projects of the partnership between Virgin America and CarbonFund.org. Aren’t you?

Source: CarbonFund.org Press Release

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“Using a 2 stroke leaf blower for 30 minutes pollutes as much as driving a car for 2,200 miles.”  Learned on Stuff Happens
“Many water houses made these days are made with PVC + Lead as a stabilizer and can be a source of lead poisoning if water is left sitting in them.”  Learned on Stuff Happens

“You can recycle an old cassette tape into a coin purse.” Learn on Chezlin.com

“Treetents are in insanely awesome.”  Learned from Dre Wapenaar

“Amazon offers frustration free packaging now and that means no more plastic packaging for many products.” Learned from Inhabitat

What’d you learn last week?  Share with us by commenting below.

Popularity: 19% [?]

I know Wal-mart isn’t on the top of every ones list as a do-gooder or a great corporate citizen, but recently they’ve been readjusting their image for the better.  This isn’t about Wal-mart going green though.  That is a whole other article to come in the near future.  This is about Wal-mart’s philanthropic efforts this holiday season.  They are donating 90,000,000 (90 million) pounds of food to the Feeding America organization by the end of 2009.  That is estimated to be about 70 million meals for Americans in need of a good meal.  (more…)

Popularity: 19% [?]