Obama, Where are our White House solar panels?

Image: http://greenlifestylemagazine.net

Nine months ago the Obama administration promised to reinstall solar panels on the White House by the end of Spring 2011. President Jimmy Carter first installed solar panels in the late 1970s that were later removed by Reagan.

"That was nine months ago. There’s now one week left until the end of spring. Write to Obama and urge him to put solar panels on the White House by June 21." via When will we see solar panels on the White House? | Grist.

You can go here to add your name to the petition.

UPDATE June 23, 2011 : In an email from 350.org, "there was a press release from the director of the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technology Program saying 'the Energy Department remains on the path to complete the White House solar demonstration project, in keeping with our commitment, and we look forward to sharing more information -- including additional details on the timing of this project -- after the competitive procurement process is completed.'"     Right.

Food Packaging Increases BPA in the Body

If you are a mom you have undoubtedly heard of the term BPA. Almost all baby products have a large label on the front proclaiming to be BPA free. But, what you may not know is that BPA isn't just a concern for baby products.

Reuse Old Paint Cans

Image: http://www.instructables.com

  Loving this idea -- old paint cans as entryway "hooks."  A great way to reuse old paint cans.

Quick & Easy, What to Buy Organic

EWG’S  SHOPPER’S GUIDE TO PESTICIDES

Download the Guide| Environmental Working Group. (Also available in an app for your phone.)

Cassette Chair -- a Great Reuse

Cassette Chair is Recycled Seating You Can Really Groove To | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World.

Returned Merchandise Destroyed at H&M

Having worked in retail a number of times and having returned countless clothes over the years, I can honestly say I have never seen a store destroy returned merchandise.  Apparently however, this is just what stores are doing.
 
Slashing returned clothes is more than wasteful, it's just plain disgusting. Is anyone really skived-out buying returned merchandise? For the few who are, they should get their OCD in check.

About New York - Clothes Discarded by H and M in Manhattan Are First Destroyed - NYTimes.com.

Apparently, H & M and Wal-Mart aren't the only cluprits. Victoria Secret has been wasteful as well.
http://www.ecouterre.com/caught-victorias-secret-destroys-unworn-returned-merchandise/

Aside from the obvious uses (reselling, homeless, needy, etc.) I'm sure my brethren from Etsy could think of 100 uses for the old fabric.

Reusing an Eggcarton and Shell as a Seed Starters

In the 80's I remember using old egg cartons as seed starters, but I haven't thought about it in years. Back then we used the trick mostly because we were poor and used egg cartons were free. Thank you eatdrinkbetter.com for reminding us of this great old trick, not only is it economical but it's a great way to 'reuse'!

Eco-friendly Eggshell Seed Starters! – Eat Drink Better.

Whole Foods Rates its Green Cleaning Products

The new cleaning product rating system at Whole Foods.

Whole Foods is First Retailer to Rate Green Cleaning Products. via Mother Earth News

Here's your real Royal Wedding...the Carbon Footprint is Huge

Image:http://www.treehugger.com/tfl-oyster.jpg

"Blame it on the Beckhams: Carbon Footprint of the Royal Wedding is Huge."

The most disgusting part "American broadcasters have pleaded with Buckingham Palace to keep the lights on during the evening because it will be prime time in the USA (one in the morning in the UK) but the Palace has refused." (from Treehugger)