2009

2009

$3

DESIGNING A BETTER WORLDHerman Miller, Eco Trendsetter8

The Bottom LineBRAD PITT’S SEXIEST ECO-PARTNER

16

L E A D I N G N E W Y O R K ’ S ORGANIC REVOLUTION32

DRINKING GREENHottest Organic Spots 36

CORN Energy of the Future?54

61 Over 100 of the City’s Greenest Businesses

OUR GREEN DIRECTORY

letter from the publisher

Dear reader,

Thank you for picking up Our Green Book, the ultimate guide to the green sector in the New York metropolitan area. In these pages you’ll find an informative, useful, and above all, fun guide to New York’s eco-friendly community. The goods and services offered in Our Green Book are the result of maintaining harmony with the planet we share as well as with the people with whom we share it. We lead by example, printing Our Green Book on recycled stock paper, using vegetable based dyes and even going as far as duplicating it online to minimize our paper usage. The journey in creating Our Green Book has been an enligh-tening one. Through the wealth of information I’ve discovered while researching the local green industry, I have become even more aware of ways to heal our planet and minimize my own carbon footprint. I would even go as far to suggest that I have benefited from producing Our Green Book as much as you will from using it. Although our team was already familiar with the enormity of the Green Movement, Our Green Book has truly granted us a priceless learning experience. I encourage you to ex-plore and patronize the organizations featured here and make the most of the information offered in Our Green Book to enlighten, entertain and inspire yourself. When I began planning how Our Green Book was to be created, I did so with the belief that this vital information about green pro-ducts and services should be made readily available. The "our" in Our Green Book refers to all of us, and that’s exactly who should have access to such a useful reference tool. Our Green Book is so much more than a comprehensive di-rectory; it’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking for green products and services. Here you will find stories about restaurants and night clubs powered by wind energy, and dance floors powe-red by the movement of peoples’ feet. You’ll learn how to stay green without betraying your sense of style, and how to make eco-friendly decisions in all aspects of your life. It’s not too farfetched to suggest that the future of our planet depends on what choices we make today. You’ve already made an important choice by picking up Our Green Book. Use it wisely.

Sincerely,

Abraham SlavinCEO/Publisher

OUR GREEN BOOK

7

Abraham SlavinCEO/Publisher

abraham@avipublishing.com

Fred Delshad President

fred@avipublishing.com

Anael TavorCreative Director

anael@avipublishing.com

Daniel CuevasEditorial Director

daniel@avipublishing.com

John KasyeArt Direction

john@avipublishing.com

Zack MillerAdvertising Sales Director

zack@avipublishing.com

Josh Eitingon, Gabriel Wilson, Samantha Suser, Lauren Goldenberg,

Perry HornResearch Staff

Michael A. GoodmanSenior Legal Associate

Andrew Tan PhD., Terrnece Edwards, Denice D. Gibson, Julia Lauren Vasic,

Kevin Voglino, Todd Smith, Rebecca Miller, Melanie Weinberger, Ashwin Sodhi, Stapha

Charleme, David Kasteler, Kim BloomContributing Writers

Subscriptions: To subscribe, please contact the subscriptions department, 800.330.2136 e-mail us at subscriptions@ourgreenbook.com or visit us on the web at www.ourgreenbook.com

Our Green Book is published annually by AVI Publishing, INC. 244 Fifth Avenue. Sui-te 2112, New York NY 10001. All content in this publication copyright ©2009 by AVI Publishing, INC. All Rights Reserved. Our Green Book is not responsible for unso-licited manuscripts, photography or art. Questions accepted in writing only. No part of Our Green Book may be copied or reproduced in any way without the official written consent from AVI Publishing, INC. Services and products advertised are not necessarily endorsed by this publication.

Printed in USA.

AVI Publishing, INC.244 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2112

New York, NY 10001800.330.2136

www.avipublishing.com

A special thank you to the following: Café Notte, Ecoventions, Go Green Expo, NYC Green Drinks, Queens Chamber of Commerce, Quad Graphics, ecoBags.com, Green Apple Cleaners, ZipCar, SmartCar, Herman Miller, Osnat Burdman, Dr. & Mrs. Nathan Slavin, Nahid Eliasian, Dr. Bijan Golyan, Pranses Golyan, Dr. Hoorbod Delshadfar, Margo Kane, Danielle Riesenfeld, Rodney Wray, Blake Levine, Netanel Yaghoubi, Lital Shai and Danielle Slade.

greendesign

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Herman Miller, Inc. has always had big

ideas compacted in its line of space sa-

ving furniture, this time it is the health

and wellbeing of our planet that will be

the benefactor of their latest concept. As a

leading global provider of office and resi-

dential furniture it’s almost impossible to

go anywhere without encountering their

handiwork. This innovator has laid the

path for the others to follow, from simple

and elegant to outlandish and practical,

by crafting some of the most innovative,

adored pieces of furniture the world has

ever seen. The company has fully esta-

blished itself as an industry leader.

Herman Miller is considered one of the top

100 best companies to work for, according

to Fortune magazine. Mark Schurmann,

director of external communications, who

has been with the company for more than

15 years, certainly enjoys his job. His en-

thusiasm for the Herman Miller culture of

design, the product, the people, is conta-

gious. When the company started in 1923

as a manufacturer of traditional residen-

tial furniture, it was a humble shop pro-

ducing high-quality furniture that people

loved to need. Some of the company’s ori-

ginal pieces exist today as collectible anti-

ques. After World War II, Miller’s business

began to find its place in the furniture in-

dustry. Its legacy of consistently being the

first to bring groundbreaking innovation

to the marketplace is what has propelled

this small-scale furniture store to emerge

a global leader in furniture design.

In the 60s and 70s, Herman Miller sales sky-

rocketed with breakthrough inventions such

as the office cubicle and open plan work

spaces. The company popularized ergo-

nomics, the scientific discipline concerned

with designing objects that fulfill human

needs. In 2008, Herman Miller garnered

its fifth consecutive placement on the Dow

Jones Sustainability World Index, an eva-

luation of the annual performance of the

world’s largest companies using economic,

environmental, and social criteria. In the

21st Century, Herman Miller maintains its

reputation with its “Perfect Vision”, a broad

and aggressively ambitious initiative that

sets 2020 as a deadline to only design pro-

ducts that generate zero landfill usage, zero

hazardous waste generation, zero water and

air emissions during production and 100%

green energy for all of its power needs.

Designing A Better World

by Andrew Tan

greendesign

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Check their website

www.hermanmiller.

com for more details

on this exciting,

trailblazing

project..

Other green goals highlight the company’s

high standard for designing eco-friendly

products. Several well-known furniture

pieces have earned McDonough Braun-

gart Design Chemistry Cradle-to-Cradle

certification for environmentally friendly

design . A customer can rest assured that

Herman Miller makes products that are

of a quality far beyond what is necessary.

This new green initiative carries on Her-

man Miller’s mission to “strive to create a

better world around you.”

Tobron Office Furniture located on 135

W. 18th street has an extensive gallery

of Herman Miller design collections and

custom works which will stagger any pre-

conceptions of what furniture should be.

greenstyle

OUR GREEN BOOK

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greenstyle

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Showcasing hundreds of eco-friendly designers, stories and sustainable products, STYLE, NATURALLY is the ultimate fashion and beauty source book for people who care about the planet and want to look good while doing it. In this lavishly illustrated and beautifully designed book Summer Rayne Oakes, fashion model, activist and resident expert on Treehugger.com and Discovery Network’s Planet Green, explains the basics (from fair trade to organically grown), and showcases hundreds of designers and eco-friendly brands. With over 500 photos, pages of resources, and stories from the hottest and most committed trendsetters, it’s the go-to fashion and beauty bible for women who want to feel good about looking good. Style, Naturally donates 1% of the procedes if it’s sale to Energy Action, the non-profit climate change group.

Available at Barnes & Noble, $24.95.

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The nuBest Salon and Spa, a destination for the latest in hair and beauty treatments in Manhasset, NY celebrated its 35th anniversary by launching the “be green” campaign.

“The time has come for everyone to be more environmentally and socially responsible. I want nuBest to be a leader of the recycling movement in the salon industry,” says owner Michael Mazzei who has spearheaded the recycling campaign at nuBest. This inspiring initiative is literally painted across the exterior windows of the salon as Artist Brian Josselyn has painted vibrant globes in the windows lining Northern Boulevard to raise awareness about environmental issues.

The creation of the “nuTote” is another important initiative of the “be green” campaign. These unique bags have been created exclusively for nuBest by Ecologic Designs using old discarded billboard signs that once served as highway advertisements for the salon. Recycling the vinyl billboards into bags has given them a second life and saved them from the landfill.

“An essential part of the ‘be green’ initiative is to raise awareness and encourage people to start making changes in their own lives,” says Mazzei. nuTotes are sold at the salon and at nubestsalon.com with a portion of the sale benefitting future “be green” endeavors.

For more information about nuBest Salon and Spa and the “be green” campaign,please contact:

nuBest Salon1482 northern boulevardmanhasset, ny 11030www.nuBestsalon.com516-627-9444

My nuBest Tote!

greenstyle

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How to Be EcoTrendy

10 Simple Tips for Living a Greener, More Organic Lifestyle.

Reuse, Reuse, Reuse... water bottles, shopping bags, boxes, printing paper, sandwich bags, etc...

Get Back to Basics... choose locally grown whole foods, use electronic paperless services, decrease your number of cosmetic and hair products by one third.

Walk, Ride, Carpool... walking or riding a bike is good for you; carpooling even 2 days a week makes a big difference.

Grassroots... shop at and support local green companies.

Read Labels Carefully... make sure products you use contain pure 100% ingredients free from mixes or blends. Simple is usually better. Watch out for "green-washing" and other marketing tactics used by quasi-green companies.

Know the Alternatives... they now have corn-based plastics (PLA) and sugar cane paper, perfect for disposables and packing. 100% essential oils are a safer, cleaner, better alternative to chemical fragrances.

Use Less... turn off the faucet while washing or brushing, lower your thermostat, and use fluorescent light bulbs.

Traveling... reuse your towels and sheets at hotels, only order what you will eat, and of course, recycle your trash (even on that road trip).

Grains, Fruit & Veggies... it takes a lot of "earth-energy" to produce meat; seafood is particularly taxing on the earth. Alternatively choose fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Join A Cause... from the rainforests to animal habitats to global warming there are many companies and organizations who can benefit from your support and help. Just choose one, and get started today!

greenbeauty

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(ecoBEAUTIFUL)1.

2.

5. 6.

7.8.

3.

4.

1. mod.skin organic Chilean Lip Panache, $8.95 www.modskinlabs.com 2. Bee Yummy Raw & Or-ganic Skin Food, 2oz $29 www.live-live.com 3. Juice beauty organic antioxidant serum, 2oz $45 www.juicebeauty.com 4. Eminence organic lemon grass cleaner, 1.7oz $58 www.eminenceorganics.com 5. The Organic Pharmacy Organic Collagen Boost Mask, 50ml $138 www.newlondonpharmacy.com 6. Aveda Organic Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser, 250ml $20 www.aveda.com 7. NVEY ECO Certified Organic Makeup, $24 - $61 www.econveybeauty.com 8. Juara, Organic Candlenut Body Cream 6.25oz $35 Organic Candlenut Body Polish, 6.75oz $35 www.juaraskincare.com

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GreenFashionOur Favorite

BAHAR SHAHPARPlayful silhouettes that are both modern and gracefully refined. The line uses organic cotton,

Ahimsa silk, hemp, linen, and organic wool, as well as Tagua nut buttons and

vintage trims. Each Bahar Shahpar collection is produced locally in

New York City to minimize trans-portation costs and support

the local garment industry.www.baharshahpar.com

DEL FORTEMade in the USA with

100% organic cotton, Del Forte Premium Denim

reflects a combination of luxury, distinctive design and ethical production.

www.delforte.com

OLSENHAUS Olsenhaus Pure Vegan is commited to being 100% animal-free / cruelty-free. Check their website for a large variety of designs.www.olsenhaus.com

SUBLETNYC-based clothing

company, who’s mission is to design and manufacture

sustainable garments for the creative community that

inspires their collections. they design simple, refined

silhouettes balanced by thoughtful details.

www.subletclothing.com

ASHLEY WATSON bagsEach Ashley Watson piece is made from carefully selec-ted recycled leather. One of a kind, and eco chic! www.ashleywatson.com

greenbeauty

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The Bottomline: Green

B y A n d r e w T a n

”Organic” labeled retail items have had an abysmal sales record last year, according to a recent study conducted by TABS Group, a market research firm. Though, no surprise here. The entire retail sector has already slipped with the proverbial rug. The 2009 sales forecast is just as dark and stormy. It’s a good thing some retail companies have roots that grow beyond the bottom line. Dedicated to fine quality skin and hair care products, the venerable New York-based company, Kiehl’s since 1851, has recently partnered with actor Brad Pitt to form JPF Eco Systems, a charitable foundation com-mitted to global environmental initiatives. Kiehl’s Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser is a product specifically intro-duced in support of the initiatives by JPF Eco Systems. The first of these is to help Brad Pitt’s ‘Make It Right’ initiative supporting the devastated communities of New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward, which had taken a beating from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 100% of the net profits from the sale of the body cleanser will support the foundation’s efforts.

Based on rumors, the body cleanser is so eco-friendly, so eco-innovative, that if I took my bottle, buried it in the ground, walked away, and came back 28 days later, I would discover…nothing. Poof!

The cleanser is certainly biodegrada-ble; the bottle not so much. It comes close though. Made of 100% food-grade, post-consumer recycled materials, Kiehl’s ma-nufactured the bottle from discarded food and beverage containers collected in recy-cling programs. Kiehl’s body cleanser passed a stringent ”Green” Test as the first Cradle-to-Cradle CertifiedCM beauty product. This means that Kiehl’s body cleanser surmounted di-verse judging criteria including safe ma-terial use, responsible energy and water usage, and responsible company behavior, such as publicly communicating corporate ethics and fair labor statements. Is this certification important? Yes. For starters—skin can absorb nearly 60% of whatever substance is applied to it. Horri-fying, if you consider that the chemicals lis-ted on many of the mainstream soaps and skin cleansers read like a toxic waste ma-nifest. Numerous traditional products use compounds that can contaminate water and soil upon disposal and cause cancer. The FDA doesn’t have the money or resources to test the safety of every single chemical. Real danger awaits those who use poorly designed skin and body care products. Parabens in particular are nasty for wo-men. Parabens can act like estrogen hor-mones in the body and increase the risk of breast cancer. Recent studies have found parabens in breast tumors, and parabens can pass from mother to developing fetus.

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Skin exposure is more of a risk than food borne parabens because the digestive sys-tem destroys the toxin. Coal tar colorants (dyes) typically found in healthcare products are also harmful to the environment and cause serious illness in animals. In humans, they can elicit allergic reactions, cause skin rashes, and hives. Kiehl’s body cleanser doesn’t have para-bens, or other toxic chemicals (i.e., sodium laureth sulfate). The clear-colored liquid cleanser is also dye-free. The bottomline: Kiehl’s has formulated their body cleanser with a keen eye on the environment and human health. And as Mr. Pitt reminds us, “All proceeds will go to benefit green initiatives around the globe.”

Kiehl’s Aloe Vera Liquid Biodegradable Body Cleanser is now available at many stores throughout New York City. The price for a 6.8 fl oz (200 mL) bottle is $16.50.

Take these "must have" bags to the beach, to the market or on your travels across the globe. The ECOBAGS® Fiesta Classic String Bags are rich with color, expand to hold 40 pounds and fit neatly into a purse or glove compartment. Stitched with 100% certified organic cotton these bags are fun, functional and eco-friendly.

greencity

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What New Yorkers are doing to begreen

“I always recycle; I never just throw anything away. That includes my gum, I make sure not to spit my gum on the ground. I always throw it away.”-Keilo B., Midtown east

“I make a conscious effort to separate my glass, plastic, and aluminum. I started bringing my own cloth bag with me to the supermarket. There is no way I will use a plastic bag anymore!”-Assaf T., Midtown East

“Green initiatives in New York City are absolutely necessary between the amount of foot traffic, congestion, and tourists. They are the only way to maintain the health and vibrancy of the city.” -Dane Ferguson, Downtown “I recycle, I don’t drive a car, and I always turn

down a plastic bag. Also, I always carry a reusable coffee container- I never use disposable coffee cups.”

-Keith H., Brooklyn

“I recycle, don’t let the water run when I brush my teeth, as well as conserve power.”-James M., Midtown East

“I buy organic food and organic skin care products, most importantly though, I stay clear of plastics!”

-Nadia R. & ., Midtown East

“I am not a vege-tarian, but I love organic food. The healthier the better!” -Arielle G.Chelsea

“I do my best to conserve energy, I never leave the water running and I always turn off my electronics.”-Sabrina W. Chelsea

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In a little over eight months, more than 28 tons of waste was recycled by Eva Radke and her organization, Film Biz Recycling. With 15 years of experience in the film industry, some help from past associates, and a fair bit of re-search, Radke has successfully pioneered gree-ner methods for the film industry. Described as a liaison between the environ-ment and the media, Radke’s organization has greatly improved upon the bad habits of the film industry. After a film is declared a wrap, her or-ganization comes in to collect the lumber, pain-ting supplies, costumes, rugs, and any other salvageable materials you might expect to find on a film set.

“In the good old days it was a lot less expen-sive and complicated to simply rent a dumps-ter than to hire somebody to make sure that every little bit of unused material goes to an environmentally and socially sound end.”

Knowing how enormously wasteful film pro-duction can be and the need for certain materials in New York for film production, Radke devised a self-sustaining business model that could direct-ly impact New York City and the environment.

Many of the items collected are donated to charities like Socrates Sculpture Garden, Girl Scouts of America, and various homeless shel-ters throughout the city, said Radke. What’s left is stored away in Film Biz Recycling’s prop house to help fund the organization. Certain items are impossible for production companies to rent in Manhattan, so they often must buy them and usually toss them away when the production team is finished filming. Instead of disposing of these items, Radke re-tains them for film makers to rent or borrow for future projects. Before Film Biz Recycling, Radke often spoke to aspiring film makers in the Young Brooklyn Film Makers Association and donated props to selected projects. When she found a way to help clean up the city and aid young film students, it was a step that seemed only natural.

“I am a film enthusiast first,” said Radke. “To be honest, I became an environmentalist after I started this. I knew it was wrong, but I was too busy to really know why.”

Currently, Radke employs a small team of staff, freelancers, and on-call volunteers working to create a sustainable film industry in New York City. Using her reputation, wealth of experience and knowledge, she is creating an internship program for students inte-rested in environmentalism or film. She also hopes to extend her talents to other urban communities like New Orleans, where they are building the first green LEED certified studio, acting in this project as a consultant.

“This can be replicated in every city,” said Radke. “If New York was funded and running, I would [consult] for free… This is not about ego or money; this is about keeping these mate-rials out of land fills.”

For more information, log on to www.filmbizrecycling.com

Cleaning Up the

Film Industryby Terrance Edwards

greencity

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There is no use trying to escape traffic in Manhattan. If cities are a magnet for traffic, then Manhattan is a black hole. This monster pulls in SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, and sedans congesting our roads, filling our air with dust and vapor, and engulfing the airwaves with engine roars, honks, and obscenities flung at fellow commuters. Perhaps that is why the sight of a quiet Park Avenue, absent of all automobiles, was so jarring during the few hours each week in August when bikers and pedestrians ruled the road. Cars were banned from 6.9 miles of road in Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park from 7 am to 1 pm on Aug. 9, 16, and 23. It was all part of the Summer Streets campaign first announced by Mayor Bloomberg and Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan on June 16. "We hope the Summer Streets experiment will become as much a part of the New York experience as strolling

the Coney Island boardwalk, participating in the 5-borough bike tour, or listening to the Philharmonic in the park." The plan was modeled after other cities around the world that put on similar events around the world, including Paris, France, Tokyo, Japan, and Bogota, Colombia. Of all the closed street events in the United States, Manhattan’s was the largest in scale ever conducted, said press representative of the Department of Transportation Scott Gastel. Included as part of the festivities were a photo competition, dance classes, and aerobic exercise demonstrations. However, the Mayor made it clear that he didn’t want the event to evolve into a fair-like atmosphere filled with vendors. The event was a sight not often seen in New York. Lafayette Street and Park Avenue were filled with bike enthusiasts racing down the road, couples strolling along town, and kids playing tennis in the middle of the street. At Union Square,

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New Yorkers lazed about in the unusual quiet afforded by the absence of traffic. “It’s the most remarkable thing. I can’t think of another time people have just grinned for no other reason than the sights ahead,” said Noah Budnick for Transportation Alternatives.

“If you look at how many people have come out and how many have come up and asked if it can go longer, it shows how much New Yorkers care.”

Transportation Alternatives had booths set up all along the 6.9 miles of road providing bike rentals and helmet fittings. The group also traveled from areas like Queens and Brooklyn to guide bikers from the surrounding boroughs to the event, said Budnick. "We’re trying to get people to envision their streets differently," said Sadik-

Khan. "You’ve got 600,000 people within a 20-minute bike ride of lower Manhattan."However, the event advocated more than commuting by bike. The aerobics and dance classes promoted exercise and healthy living. By placing water spigots at designated areas, event planners tried to encourage visitors to reuse water bottles. “We’re out here for people to enjoy the streets, not to put a burden on the Department of Sanitation,” said Gastel.At best, events like this can get commuters used to the idea of alternative forms of travel. The likelihood that certain streets could ever be permanently car-free is slim, but Summer Streets gives New Yorkers an excuse to try their commute on bike. The possibility of another event like this has yet to be determined. The DOT will meet with community leaders to evaluate this year’s success. However, Gastel said they already received great feedback from the community at the DOT and felt positive about this year’s turnout.

by Terrance Edwards

greenmoms

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going green as mothers

by Alison Parker

I can remember when my son was only an armful. I spent hours on the rocking chair to put him to sleep, to feed him, to just hold him. It be-came his favorite place, and I must admit, it was mine too. Many times I caught myself staring out the window while I rocked him there dreaming about his future. What will his voice sound like when he starts talking? When is he finally going to sleep through the night? And as he grows ol-der, will he ever fall in love? Will the world be kind to him? We can dream about our children’s futures all day practically. I have recently found myself more and more convicted about my role in preserving our world for his tomorrow. It is so easy to forget about taking care of our earth when motherhood has gone through such a major revolution. The changes vary from cloth to disposable, from wash boards to washing machines, from hand made to store bought, from wooden blocks to” Tickle-Me-Elmo”. Things were simpler, quieter, yet harder then. All of our conveniences today make mothering so much easier. More time is freed up for us to have careers, have a life. Unfortunately, our over consumption could be hurting our little one’s to-morrows. Sure, today looks good, and the baby

seems so peaceful and content with all that we’ve provided. But is it really good for her?Our challenge should be to raise our children with a fair balance of the innovations today wi-thout forgetting to be mothers of great conviction for the world tomorrow. To help you get started towards becoming a green-friendly mother, I have three suggestions, easy to remember and easy to do: Share, Care, Dare.

Share. The next time you stop to instruct your toddler to share, take a moment to remem-ber the importance of implementing green sha-ring habits. Sharing is a great way we mothers can help the environment. As your baby grows up and so out of her clothes, crib, toys, or high-chair try to pass them on for another new mother to use. If you are the new mother, graciously ac-cept hand-me-downs and utilize yard sales. You will be surprised to find what some people are willing to give away at a next to nothing price. A helpful hint is to hit up yard sales in higher scale housing. You will find bigger name products and more for your money. Online you can also find ways to share your baby items from bib to strol-ler. Go to www.freecycle.org and you can give and take from this non profit organization.

Care. A great way to begin caring for our earth is to teach your child ways they can help eve-ryday. It is a wonderful gift to be able to teach your child something and then watch them own your instruction. They have taken their first steps clin-ging to your fingers, said your name after hours of encouraging “ma ma ma”, and celebrated retiring diapers for underpants all because of you. Now it is your chance to be the one who was there to watch them understand the importance of caring for the earth. Even at a very young age you can begin instilling simple ways they can care. You could teach her to turn off the water between rinsing her toothbrush and brushing her teeth. This saves water and allows other people and plants and animals to enjoy some water too. As she becomes more independent you can set up two trash cans just her size, one black for trash and one green for recycling. Get her started ear-ly recognizing which items we can recycle and which we do not. Another way to engage your child in caring for the earth is to take her outside and get in the dirt together. Put some gardening gloves on and plant a seedling tree purchased from www.ame-ricanforests.org. Take a few hours to volunteer at a public park picking up trash. Or, you could just

go on a nature walk stopping often to enjoy the beauty of creation while teaching her to respect the natural habitats of plants and animals along the way.

Dare. I dare all mothers to do something extraordinary for the well being of our planet earth. Even better, dare yourself. This must be a personal decision. I can make suggestions to get the ball rolling, but ultimately, it must make sense for you and your child’s needs. Dare yourself as a green-conscious mother to use less disposable diapers. Diapers do not decompose well. They contribute to so much of our waste. So, dare to potty train her early. Dare yourself to only purchase chlorine-free dispo-sable diapers which have non-toxic chemicals creating less pollution (www.seventhgeneration.com). Even dare to use cloth diapers now made with Velcro instead of pins, machine washable, and most importantly environmentally friendly.Choose to boycott all paper and plastic wear in your home. Reuse cups and wash utensils clean. Dare to not purchase convenient juice boxes which are not recyclable; instead refill bottles and sip cups.

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If possible, choose to breastfeed. It is the most natural way to feed your baby. Though formula may be easier, the containers that hold the for-mula and the product inside requires our earth’s energy and resources. Even though our minds race with worry and sore with dreams for our tiny infants to fulfill, we have another aspect of their lives that we need to remember: caring for our planet earth so it can continue to care for them long after we are gone. It is time for us to look back at how our mothers’ mothers did it all those years before us, and to balance the best modern motherhood has to offer today. It may mean we need to do some dirty work, and it may mean we have to sa-crifice some luxuries of mothering. In the end, we can feel like we have done something to help. Our children will see that the earth is important to us. Because of our example, it will become important to them too.

The Holistic Moms Network is a non-profit support and resource organization connecting parents who are interested in holistic health and green living. HMN was founded in 2003 by a handful of moms yearning for the support and friendship of others parenting outside the mainstream. Today, thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of alternative medicine and a growing environmental consciousness, HMN has over 120 chapters across the U.S. and Canada. HMN is informing thousands of people about the benefits of holistic health and green living.

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HAPPYBITES!

These delicious organic finger foods have hidden veg-gies and nutritious dipping sauces in the flavors kids love. Each serving is a complete meal for a toddler and a healthy snack for children and adults too. Four clever animal characters teach kids about global warming, recycling, health and deforestation.

Happy Bites are available at Whole Foods, Fresh Direct and at www.happyfamilyshop.com

Every time parents buy Happy Bites, Happy Baby, Happy Bellies or Happy Baby Puffs, they also feed malnou-rished children in Malawi and Sierra Leone through Project Peanut Butter, their non-profit partner.

Natural, eco-friendly toys are more popular today than ever as our awareness grows about green living and our individual carbon footprints. The challenging eco-nomy has also initiated a return to simplicity – a longing for simpler times, simpler things, and more special moments with family and friends.

According to Forbes.com, the best selling toy in early 2009 was wooden blocks, another indicator of our de-sire for investing in toys that spark childrens’ imagi-nation and creativity, and that are natural and last for generations.

Luckily, finding those earth-friendly, imaginative toys is just a mouse click away. Rosie Hippo provide toys that are handcrafted, made from organic fabrics, reclaimed materials or sustainable woods with natural, safe fi-nishes. Many come from special companies and indi-viduals in the U.S. and abroad, including many villages and cooperatives where Fair Trade policies are helping to improve the lives of struggling families.

For engaging, affordable, earth-friendly fun, visit www.RosieHippo.com

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International Harvest“Foods from the Top of the World, to Your Kitchen Table”Since 1991, International Harvest has grown to become a leading supplier of certified organic & raw living foods direct to consumers, retail outlets and ma-nufacturers. Owners, Bob Sterling and his wife Karesse Grenier, began feeding Hunza Organics to her infant son Adrian Grenier (star of HBO show: Entourage and film: Devil Wears Prada). Today, Adrian continues the healthy eating habits learned at his mom’s kitchen table. Karesse remarks that “Raw Hunza Apricot pudding was Adrian’s favorite as a baby, I think that’s why his hair is so full of curls”. Over the years Bob and Karesse have worked to strengthen International Harvest’s product lines (Go, Hunza, Himalayan Harvest and Fruitfull Granola) searching around the world for hidden pearls of nutritious foods that will “help heal peoples mind, body and spirit”. They are dedicated to developing long-term relationships based on sustainable organic farming and fair business practices. GoHunza.com.

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Would you feed your child a peach dripping with pesticides? It doesn’t sound very appetizing does it? Well it isn’t very safe either. Pesticides can have lifelong ef-fects on your loved ones and your children are most susceptible be-cause of their vulnerable immune systems. The Environmental Wor-king Group (EWG) is a not- for- profit environmental research organization dedicated to improving public health and the environment by reducing pollution in the air, water, and food. During the period of 2000 and 2005 the EWG ran nearly 43,000 tests for pesticides on produce and based on their re-sults peaches ranked worst with a score of 100 for “highest pesticide loads”, followed in close second by apples with a score of 96, and sweet bell peppers came in third with a score of 86. Although washing your fruits and veggies may reduce the level of pesticides it does not com-pletely eliminate the risk. Dangerous levels of pesticides are not our only concern when it comes to food no-wadays. We also need to consider the hidden dangers of processed foods, the outbreak of salmonella, and genetically modified crops which require a significant increase in pro-prietary chemicals amongst other factors. We have every reason to be cautious of the foods we put into our bodies. The time has come to ask yourself how safe the food you feed your family really is. Now you can ensure the quality of your food because the Council on the Environment of NYC (CENYC) has revolutionized the way some New Yorkers today eat by creating the Greenmarket program at Union Square. So far, there are about 51 markets in 37 locations throughout Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

The CENYC began in 1970 under the order of Mayor John V. Lindsay as a privately funded citizens’ organization. It is a hands-on- nonpro-fit organization committed to improving New York City’s environment and has been doing just that for more than 30 years. They have an extraordinary devoted staff that goes above and beyond to green our neighborhoods by dona-ting things such as plant materials to facilitate several community workloads, promote waste and recycling, and run the largest farmer’s market in the entire country. The Greenmarket program took its very first breath in 1976. With virtually 200 local far-mers it has flourished into the most successful open air farmers’ market program with food so fresh that it feels and tastes like you delve into the natural earth to retrieve it yourself. The far-mers are entirely dedicated to providing New York City residents with the freshest provisions possible. They grow the most succulent and crisp fruits and vegetables, catch the freshest seafood and raise their livestock as humanely as possible as well as other locally produced products from their regional farms. You simply cannot get more dedicated than that. During harvest season many New York City restaurants owe their culinary success to the convenience of the many Greenmarkets

WELCOME TO THE GREENER SIDE OF NEW YORKBy Stapha Charleme

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drizzled throughout the five boroughs. Green-markets are downright enticing to a mélange of New York City eateries. Chefs from restaurants like Manhattan’s Gramercy Tavern, Get Fresh in Brooklyn, La Flor Bakery & Café in Woodside, Queens and Café Henri in Long Island City are habitual regulars of the Greenmarket scenery. These restaurants have access to the freshest produce which in turn stay fresher longer and taste better. Food purchased and consumed closer to the time it is harvested preserve more essential minerals whereas food that has been travelling for many days lose those qua-lity minerals before reaching customers. The Greenmarket program lends itself to increase business for many New York City restaurants because customers are more liable to pay more for best quality local foods. Thanks to the Greenmarket program small family farms are able to thrive and coexist in a time where larger agricultural farms usually reign supreme. But the benefits far surpass the preservation of family owned farms and delivering fresh healthy food to NYC residents. For those of you who are environ-

mentally conscious Greenmarkets considera-bly decrease many harmful effects to the envi-ronment. According to the CENYC it takes 435 fossil-fuel calories to merely transport a five-calorie strawberry from California to New York. This is not a small concern because fossil fuels pose adverse effects to our atmosphere by contributing to global warming, acid rain and smog. We can all be proactive in preserving the world around us and it simply begins with one single step. Here’s a helpful fact: buying food from local farmers conserves considerable amounts of energy due to the fact that local foods travel much shorter distances. It is best not to think of Environmental dangers strictly as a global issue, the truth of the matter is the problem also stems locally. The CENYC is tackling both avenues and so should you. Donate your time to a cause that possibly holds the key to a safer future for you and generations to come. Volunteer at your lo-cal garden and learn how to conserve energy, reduce waste, preserve local farms and help maintain a greener New York.

5 foods you should eat organic

MEATCattle are fed grains that have been sprayed with pesticides, and whatever is in their bodies ultimately finds its way into yours. Organic meat comes from animals that are only fed organic feed and are not fed any types of steroids, antibiotics or anything else.

DAIRYJust like meat, dairy is another animal by-product which can carry the same harmful substances as the animal from which it was harvested. Even cows that are not being specifically bred for their meat are fed growth hormones and antibiotics to keep them from getting sick.

COFFEEMost of the coffee we buy come from beans grown in countries that do not have strict laws or enforcement regarding the use of chemicals or pesticide in farming. Many coffee-producing countries have farming operations that exclusively address the demand for organically grown coffee and do not use chemicals of any kind in their farming.

GRAPESBecause of their delicate skin, pesticides can seep deep into the fruit, so washing them is practically useless in removing most or all of the pesticides. Grapes are also heavily saturated with chemicals because they are sprayed at various times during the growth of the product, even before the thin skin is developed. The pesticides may as well be injected directly into the grapes.

NECTARINESAnother thin-skinned fruit, the nectarine’s soft outer shell offers little to no protection from the many pesticides that are sprayed on it, and some nectarines have been found to contain 26 different types of chemicals.

Eating organic can take its toll on your wallet. Thats why we have picked out 5 foods that are essential for those who want to be healhy without breaking the bank.

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With green products and services in hi-gher demand than ever before among New Yorkers, one might assume that there is no untapped segment of the green market left to serve. No pioneers. But Alberto Gonzalez, founder and CEO of GustOrganics boldly of-fers what no other restaurateur has before. Using only 100% certified organic ingre-dients, biodegradable packaging, a kitchen full of energy-efficient equipment, com-posting its food waste, using only organic uniforms and flowers and printing its menu with soy ink, GustOrganics successfully provides its patrons with what Mr. Gonzalez describes as "a holistic experience".

But Mr. Gonzalez’ vision of serving lovers of organic cuisine extends far beyond his menu as the eatery is powered entirely by wind energy, sits atop recycled floor boards from a 200-year old barn, and is the first and only 100% certified organic restaurant in New York as well as in the United States. Completely made from recycled materials, the restaurant’s stylish array of furniture handcrafted from recycled wood add to the charm of this restaurant located in the heart of Greenwich Village. GustOrganics’ diverse organic wine list and selection of organic beers, liquors, cocktails and other mixed drinks also make this trend-setting establishment the world’s first and only 100% green bar. Eyebrow-raising selections like the basil daiquiri, dulce de leche martini and variety of organic yet non-alcoholic fruit smoo-thies make GustOrganics the perfect spot for thirsty patrons seeking to maintain an organic lifestyle without sacrificing taste or quality. With warm lighting and cool music in an earthy yet hip, urban atmosphere, GustOrganics has quickly become one of Manhattan’s trendiest nightspots as well as the greenest. Don’t let GustOrganics’ urbane setting, hip organic bar or late hours fool you into only seeing it as merely another trendy Manhattan nightspot; during the day it is a family restaurant like any other. The restau-rant features an impressive babies’ menu with such nourishing and delicious choices as zucchini, carrot and tomato puree, ma-caroni with spinach and parmesan cream, and tenderloin beef or chicken breast chu-

GustOrganics: by Daniel Cuevas

Leading New York’s Organic Revolution

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nks with zucchini and carrot puree. Ac-cording to Mr. Gonzalez, his restaurant’s clientele is as sophisticated and tasteful as his menu, describing them as "generally well-educated people who care about the environment, want to live a healthy lifestyle and care about responsible businesses."

One of the most unique features at Gus-tOrganics is its water, New York City tap ran under a UV light to kill bacteria, run throu-gh a purification system that removes any remaining toxins or metals before being poured into glass bottles and chilled. The water is served to patrons and is also used for all of GustOrganics’ cooking. Another unique feature is the restaurant’s focus on Latin and Italian cuisine. A native of Argentina, Mr. Gonzalez adds a touch of Latin flavor into his eclectic menu, featuring such items as empanadas, tapitos, Dona Maria cheese and Buenos Aires-style steak. Italian food is as popular in South America as it is in the U.S., and Mr. Gonzalez’ menu travels throughout the Italian peninsula with diverse regional dishes such as penne primavera, piadinas, risotto, pasta, and a tasty assortment of organic pizzas from fu-gazza, capresse, napolitana, fugazzeta with

champignons to tenderloin beef. In a world of jumbo portions, processed foods and CEOs driven purely by their com-panies’ bottom lines, GustOrganics puts peo-ple before profits and strives to minimize its carbon footprint as much as possible while offering the healthiest and hippest menu in the city. "Profits should always be the conse-quence of doing the right things right, but never a driver itself," says Mr. Gonzalez. "I also believe that we truly are what we eat, and that what we eat shapes the world. These were the core beliefs Mr. Gonza-lez held for 10 years while he cultivated his dream of launching the world’s first 100% organic restaurant before quitting his job as a small business consultant in 2008 and pouring his life savings into GustOrganics. Ironically, it was the city’s then disappoin-ting lack of access to nourishing organic cuisine that inspired Mr. Gonzalez to esta-blish a 100% organic restaurant here. "I was surprised that one of the most sophistica-ted cities in the world lacked an abundance of fresh, high-quality foods," Mr. Gonzalez recalls. His inspiration drove him to create one of the most memorable milestones in the organic food services industry. What’s next for GustOrganics? Mr. Gon-zalez is eager to launch Gust Express, a lunchtime restaurant with a limited take out menu. There are also plans to open full restaurants in LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports as well as in Equinox’s Upper West Side flagship facility. His long-term goal is to open 43 restaurants in the next 10 years. For now, however, GustOrganics shall remain a New York destination, as his next restaurant will most likely be established in another part of Manhattan, says Mr. Gonzalez. GustOrganics and its commit-ment to providing New Yorkers with an uncompromising all-organic menu is proof that a passion for good food, a genuine commitment to green principles and an extraordinary vision can lead to extraordi-nary results.

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Look around; the city is greener. New Yorkers are wearing organic cotton shirts, coming from yoga classes in hybrid cars, screwing twisty fluorescent bulbs into their light fixtures, using recycled toilet paper, rainwater juices, organic foods and cleaning products. Search further and discover a plethora of nouveau organic cocktails, now setting the scene for a greener, more chic aspect of New York City. Each day more and more organic beers, wines, and liquors pour into bars and night-clubs all over the city. For anyone who likes eating and drinking healthier, this is great news as this organic dining landscape was li-mited throughout the municipality until now. “I’ll take an organic martini, please,” is becoming a commonly heard phrase in many bars and clubs in all boroughs. Orga-nic drinks are distilled from ingredients that have been certified organic. Eco-chic clubs now offer everything from dance floors that

generate electricity to stationary bikes that power the DJ booth. Others use recycled goods and energy efficient lighting. Some lounges even plant organic herb gardens outside their club, using crops like basil and mint in their eco-cocktails. Many eco-friendly clubs in New York City serve organic cocktails, drafts and mixed drinks. Thanks to local laws, New York’s tra-dition of smoke-filled nightclubs has been pushed out to the curb, making nightspots healthier than ever. Most light bulbs have been replaced with spiral energy savers while other establishments install solar panels on the roof to generate electricity for lighting and video. Dance floors are built out of recycled wood and promotion flyers, once a staple of local nightspots, are now seen as a waste of paper and expense and are rarely used. Mas (farmhouse), in Greenwich Village uses esculent products grown on the pre-mises as well as organic products from

Drinking Green by Kevin Voglino

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local farms. The atmosphere is trendy chic with an elegant style. Walls of brick and wood soften the room, creating the ambien-ce of a country house in Southern France. Perfectly proportioned entrées are served on long modest wooden tables. The menu is bohemian chic prepared by a very talented Bouley-trained chef, Galen Zamarra. They offer a wide collection of organic drinks, including biodynamic agricultural wines, a Champagne cocktail, made with Champa-gne, lump sugar soaked with their orange bitters, and pomegranate. Great favorites include Herman Story Grenache, Burgundy, Rhone, Provence, and Chateau de Trinque-vede Tavel Rose. At the bar, a new Earth Chardonnay, an organic wine, has been added to the other wines. Also, 360 Vodka, an eco-friendly vodka joins ranks with other bottles. The organic beers include Peak Organic beers—the number one selling Organic Beer in the Northeast, including Peak Pale Ale, Peak Nut Brown Ale, and Peak Amber Ale. Some bars in New York City seem to go above all others. The mecca of organic drink selections are at Counter, an organic wine & mar-tini bar with a vegetarian bistro. Vegans and organic drinkers alike can break Hummus Tahni together while sipping an organic Cuba Libre. The lounge is lo-cated in the East Village, esteemed as the most historic neighborhood in Ame-rica. Now, eco-friendly New Yorkers can taste eco-cocktails, spilling biodynamic wines while admiring the East Village architecture of elegant Dutch suburb, Federal townhouse mansions and gar-goyled tenements. Deborah Gavito, the proprietor of Counter, offers a selection of over 300 organic and biodynamic wines and she plans to make Counter the most diver-se organic bar of its kind. Counter is a Green Restaurant Association member.

The range of wines stems from Spain’s Cava Brut, ‘Castellar,’ a green apple and lemon flavor, to a Shiraz, Cederberg from South Africa with a dark chocolate and roast coffee flavor. Over ten organic wines are offered by the glass; and Counter’s wine tasting flights are a great way to sample their selections. There is an immense sparkling and dessert wine list. The martinis are 100 percent or-ganic and dozens of organic beers are on the menu. Ms. Gavito insures that everything on the menu is organic. When creating the drink list, popular drinks were updated, making drinks like the French Martini and Blood-hound with herbal-infused Rain vodka and organic fruit nectars. Counter offers a drink for everyone, like the Hot and Dirty, a vodka drink infused with habanero peppers for customers with spicier palates. Counter’s Married in a Fever is red wine-

Green WineNUEVO MUNDO Cabernet Sauvignon/MalbecVintage: 2007Appellation: DO Maipo Valley, Chile50% Cabernet Sauvignon 50% Malbec

Handpicked Certified Organic Grapes aged in French oak for 14 months. Aromas of berries, spice and cocoa. On the palate, bold, rich blueberry, cassis and black currant fruits are accented by subtle nuances of espresso bean, cinnamon, and cedar.

2005 Chilean Wine Producer of the Year—International Wine & Spirits Competition London, November 2005

ORGANIC VINTNERS YOUR ORGANIC WINE SPECIALIST800-216-3898

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poached pear nectar mixed with smoked pear-infused vodka with a sweetly charred flavor. Joe McCanta, a bartender wanted to give it a smoky taste. He helped create signature drinks for the bar. Counter’s Dir-tiest Martini is made with basil-infused vodka, both organic and greased with olive juice. For the more adventurous, try the 13-inch cucumber, a drink consisting of a cucumber soaked in cilantro infused vodka and garnished with red peppers or Tie Me to the Bedpost, a lavender-rosemary infused vodka with cranberry nectar. Counter is a fun and exploratory place to take a date. If your engagement leaves early or you need something to rev up the evening try The World’s Most Ex-pensive Organic Mar-tini with ingredients inspired from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. This to-die-for drink is $665 with iri-dium as a main ingre-dient, which is belie-ved to have powered The Arc of the Cove-nant. All proceeds for The World’s Most Expensive Organic Martini go to Green Connection, an eco-conscious charity. At other bars, inspira-tion comes from the deadly past. Other eco-friendly New York bars tend to have different themes. Barcade, located in Brooklyn is an establishment that runs en-tirely on wind power, using no fossil fuel and emitting no greenhouse gases thus helping

the economy by increasing and diversifying the energy supply. Barcade is in an old ma-chine shop warehouse converted into an industrial-sized drinking and gaming space with over twenty-five classic videogames lining the walls. Eighties classics like Moon Patrol, Galaga, Asteroids, and Donkey Kong are all playable. There is also a pool table for nightly exercise and competitions. With 20 beer taps running, Barcades’s beer se-lection is extensive with uncommon but delicious brand names like the Climax and

the Shakespeare Stout. There, all the friendly and knowledgeable bar-tenders allow a taste so you can figure what inte-resting beers to chose. Slender wooden coun-ters between the games serve as a place to rest your brew. The 80s nostalgia mixes with sounds of Miss PacMan and Frog-ger fatalities. Barcade has many beers on tap and with the exception of Guinness, they all came from breweries within 200 miles of New York City. A local favorite is the complex Brooklyn Weissbock with a slightly sweet finish, and the Southampton Imperial Russian Stout, served in a wine goblet.

One of the newest green spots located in Soho is Greenhouse. Hipsters frequent it as do big-name movie stars like Colin Farrell, Bruce Willis, and Jodie Foster. Greenhouse is renowned for being the most genuine eco-friendly nightclub in the city. First-time

OUR FAVORITE

GREENCOCKTAIL

360º Planetary

Punch1 1/4 oz 360 Vodka

3/4 oz Melon Liqueur1/2 oz Peach Puree or

Daiquiri Mix1 oz Orange Juice

1 oz Pineapple Juice

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visitors should take caution to bring wads of cash and their best connections as Greenhou-se’s bouncers have shoulders as cold as they are broad for anyone not on their guest list. All the bars mimic vista designs where trendy customers can order sexy fusion cocktails with assertive attitudes. Greenhou-se is an opulent two-floor eatery with a full catering menu that can accommodate 600 guests. Locals and A-listers alike can enjoy a night of eco-friendly dancing while addressing global concerns just by ordering a drink. After visiting New York City’s most eco-friendly pubs, leave the car, share a taxi, become inspired by the greener busines-ses and dare to walk home—take a friend. New York bars, clubs and lounges like Mas, Counter, Barcade and Greenhouse are mi-lestones in the newer, greener New York

City. These establishments have become pioneers, inspiring other bars to incor-porate more recycling practices, use re-newable materials, use organic products to make cocktails and mixers, and to install more energy efficient equipment. Sip your drinks on hypoallergenic cork floors, dance on hardwood floors sustainably produced in FSC-certified forests. There, the trees are restored, biodiversity is preserved, and air and water quality are conserved. New Yorkers have become environmen-tally conscious, so visit eco-friendly bars, and order “greener” spirits like 360 Vodka, Charkbay Vodka, Orange V Vodka, Reyka Vodka and Square One Organic Vodka. And by all means, do what I did; take a stroll to Counter and ask for an Angry Lesbian—or-ganic of course. They’re fabulous.

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Nearly two decades ago, beverage vi-sionary and Beer School author Steve Hindy made a decision that would help change the way New Yorkers drank beer. “You want me to do what?” asked Broo-klyn Brewery’s first head brewer. “I want you to brew the best-tasting beer you can, wha-tever the cost,” replied Hindy, the company’s president and co-founder. For the brewer, it was an unusual re-quest, one he had never heard before. He came from a tradition of beer-making that had been dominated by large-scale produ-cers - macrobreweries like Anheuser-Busch, Miller and Coors - whose light-tasting, mar-keting-heavy beers accounted for 19 of every 20 beers sold in the US during the ’80s. But over the next twenty years, rogue “craft brewers” (Hindy and his upstart Brooklyn Brewery among them) would gain ground by using macrobrewery production as a foil. They insisted the title craft beer be used to differentiate breweries that were small (producing less than 2 million barrels annually), independent and dedicated to using 100 percent taste-centric ingredients. Today, because of that insistence on quality

over quantity, they are the fastest growing seg-ment of the beverage industry. While macro-brewery growth stagnates, craft breweries enjoyed an unparalleled 58 percent increase in sales between 2003 and 2007. Having achieved a sustainable level of success, they’re taking an opportunity to once again change the way their customers think about beer. No longer bemuddled by finding their niche in the market, Hindy and a few upstart brewers are refocusing their energy on, well, energy itself. A handful of craft pioneers are reinvesting their profits in green power, and, in doing so, expanding what it means for everyday imbi-bers to drink responsibly. They’re powering their operations with wind, solar, and bio, energy, and finding new ways to recycle and reuse their waste, all despite the fact that it is getting more expensive to do so. Shortages of grains and hops, coupled with increasingly hostile competition from larger conglomera-tes has put a pinch on their efforts. On principle though, they forge on. “Alternative energies are costly,” Hindy says, “but we think it’s the right thing to do.” This year, Brooklyn Brewery will produce

Bee

r.

The Road to Brewtopia

by Ashwin Sodhi

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80,000 barrels of beer - and they’ll do so ha-ving run entirely on 100 percent sustainable wind-power. The energy alternative adds a 10 percent premium to a monthly bill that already hovers around $20,000; but it prevents more than 300,000 pounds of pollution from ente-ring the earth’s atmosphere each year. When the system was implemented se-veral years ago, Hindy received unexpected praise: some sent letters, others simply bought more beer.

“I guess peoplefeel better about their beer knowing it’s powered by the wind.” In the face of corporate lip-service an-nouncements, Brooklyn Brewery’s quiet efforts led the way in showing New Yorkers that reducing their carbon footprint wasn’t about walking on USDA-certified organic eggshells. It was about everyday choices, even the ones made in the beer aisles of the local supermarket. Months earlier, in a distant Williamsburg office, Hindy set the tone for such decisions. After biking to work from his home in Park Slope, he sat down at his desk, considering operational improvements that might be made without reducing the quality of his beer. Some time in the afternoon, he recei-ved a call from a local energy advocate infor-ming him of a temporary strain on the grid. After Hindy hung up, he walked to the front of his office and switched off the lights and went on working near his window. He would go on to review improvents in his distribution network, making a concer-ted effort to distribute within a reasonable radius. Growing regionally is more practical, he says, now that it costs more than $3 to truck each case of beer across the country. Down the road, Hindy’s staff anticipates working with partner-breweries to spread the Brooklyn taste: crafting, bottling, and distributing Brooklyn-inspired beers on so-meone else’s home turf.

“I think we’re going to see a lot more breweries collaborating, sharing their pro-cesses in the future,” he says. At home, too, Brooklyn Brewery continues to evolve their brewing process. They are in the midst of searching for a new facility, and the opportunity to start afresh has fueled a host of eco-friendly, energy-efficient ideas. Harnessing solar energy, utilizing natural heat transfer, and capturing chemical reac-tions are a few of the promising initiatives that would bring the brewery closer to run-ning on its own homegrown power. “Breweries lend themselves to a lot of eco-friendly processes,” Hindy says. As soon as the battle for a new space is won, they’re ready to tap in. Solar panels, for one, have the potential to alleviate the largest energy expenditure in a brewery. Constant temperature modulation (roasting grain solutions, boiling and sani-tizing the sugary byproducts, then reducing the scalding liquid down to cold, fermentable temperatures in the mid-50s) is akin to Broo-klyn Brewery constantly heating and cooling the water held in 150 swimming pools. According to the New York Public Services Commission, however, solar panels could supply half of that power (one-third of the brewery’s total usage) with an initial price tag of under $500,000. Recouping that cost through energy savings and government re-bates would take Brooklyn Brewery less than 20 years, half the solar panel’s lifetime. Furthermore, if they chose to couple the solar installation with a heat-transfer sys-tem, the brewery could make even more efficient use of energy. Pipes running along-side the hot panels could deliver water na-turally heated to 140 degrees, well on its way to the requisite boil. Processes happening within the brewery, many of them chemical, also hold poten-tial to subsidize breweries’ energy needs. Scientists in Australia and Colorado have discovered that the same bacteria used to ferment beer can be used to help fuel the brewery. The process is simple: What we consider waste, the bacteria consider food. By placing them in an oxygen-free microbial cell with the brewery’s waste water instead of in tanks of beer, the bacteria consume un-desirable elements in the water, and, in the process, leave behind both chemical energy

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and partially-treated water. Foster’s Brewery in Australia produces enough energy with this method to power a house for one year.

Still, significant hurdles stand between Hindy and his brew-topia. Rising real estate costs in Brooklyn have made the battle for a new brewe-ry nearly impossible, shelving green innovation for the time being. To make matters worse, precipitate rises in the price of grains and hops (the bittering agent in beer) have increased brewers’ costs an extra dollar for every six pack produced, compared to just 3 years ago. It may not sound like much, but with macrobreweries like Anheuser-Busch and Belgian-owned InBev consolidating to hold more sway in the grains and international markets, craft breweries know something has to give.

Reducing quality has never been an option for the Brooklyn Brewery. The use of adjuncts, additive grains like corn and rice favored by larger breweries, would dilute their taste and violate the goal of brewing the best beer regardless of cost. “You can’t compromise those kinds of prin-ciples without sacrificing your business,” Hindy says. As for their green initiatives, he believes “they may be costly in the short run, but in the long run they will be worthwhile.” Warily, Hindy announced this past Fe-bruary that Brooklyn Brewery would be in-creasing the price of their products by six

percent, across the board. Since, he has followed the numbers anxiously. Were his customers still committed to good-tasting, eco-responsible beer? Moreover, were they willing to pay extra for it? In a bar three blocks away, during the dog days of sum-mer, Hindy found some answers. Everyday, construction workers descend from their scaffolded workplaces, and slip into Mug’s Ale House for a pint. The beer selection is one of the best in New York City. Sitting in clusters on barstools, the dusty fa-ces scan a dizzying row of beer taps. They chat loudly, sometimes to no one in particu-lar, and often about beer. “Did yah get a load of what he’s drinkin’? Budweisah.” says a burly man with long black hair. “Ain’t gonna catch me drinking that shit no more.” On the other side of the bar, an old patron starts up. “Gimme a Brooklyn Brown,” he tells the bartender. Then, turning to his friend he continues, “Damn good beer. It’s made right here, too, you know?” "Yeah, right around the corner" his friend replies. Despite the price increase, Brooklyn Brewery’s sales have held steady, proving that New Yorker’s were still willing to sup-port local businesses that share their values as well as serve their thirst for quality

beer.

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For those who love their cars almost as much as they love the planet, Car Planet (www.car-planetdetailing.com) has just what they’ve been waiting for. Inspired by the disappointment from the high toxicity of auto detailing products on the marketplace and the ineffectiveness of existing green alternatives, Car Planet founder and CEO Larry Cohen spent two and a half years perfecting his line of auto cleaners to maintain your ride in showroom quality while respecting the earth. This young yet innovative company has exploded onto the marketplace with six effective and earth-friendly auto cleaners since it was launched al-most a year ago. Among Car Planet’s product line are its rain repellant which helps windshields repel rain, snow and even insects for up to six months and its odorless alcohol-free glass cleaner which is as friendly to tinted windows as it is to the planet. Its car wash not only removes dirt and grime from car paint but it is so powerful, one ounce of the so-lution can make up to one gallon of car wash. For the most stubborn stains and grease residue, Car

Planet offers its all-purpose cleaner that is safe to use on the interior as well as the engine bay. "All of our products have the highest level of biodegradability of any auto cleaner out there," said Mr. Cohen. "They’re so safe and non-toxic you could drink them if you wanted to." Car Planet’s detail garage-tested solutions have already made inroads in both the green and automotive worlds. Their all-purpose cleaner earned the company a Global Media Award at the 2008 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas, the premier automotive accessories trade show in the world, which attracts 100,000 industry leaders from over 100 countries. Though business is booming for Cohen, this inventor and entrepreneur has no intention of slowing his company’s breakneck momentum. Combined with plans to set up Car Planet detailing shops, this company is closer to saving millions of cars’ appearances as well as the planet on which they are driven.

Car Planet Offers Motorists The Ultimate Green Garage

by Daniel Cuevas

Going Green with Smart CarMercedes Benz of Manhattan’s Derek Ramga, director of Smart Car, enjoys “going green” in his Smart for Two Smart Car. Ramga’s decision to drive a Smart for Two was a great economic judgment because of its reasonable price ranging from $12,000 to $17,000 and it emits less pollution in the air because the 8.7 gallon tank burns half as much as the average car. The 6 foot 5" driver loves how he can sit comfortably in his two door coupe with a passenger, $150 in groceries and his dog. Other perks are that he can find parking in ti-ght spaces on city streets, easily maneuver through traffic and save cash when he fills up his gas tank. Certain park and pay lots offer a reduced rate on parking fees for Smart Cars in the Manhattan area due to their small frame.

Mercedes Benz invites you to visit: Smart Center Manhattan536 West 41st Streetwww.smartcentermanhattan.com888.860.7267

by Denise D. Gibson

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Last summer’s spike in gas prices and a hard economy forced Americans to leave their cars at home and park their SUVs out front with a for sale sign. Instead, commuters opted to ride their bikes, carpooled with co-workers, or take the bus to work. Segways could appear as a popular transportation alternative for its efficient fuel economy and low emissions output. Segway boasts that its device is 4.5 times more energy efficient than a Toyota Prius, produces 5.6 times less greenhouse gas per mile than a hybrid car, and runs on just 10 cents per 24 miles. The company claims that since the device became available seven years ago, there have not been any reported failures

and the only main-tenance needed was to its tires.

“Usually green technology is more expensive, but fueling these is cheaper.”-Jack White of Sunray Mobility Services, a Segway dealer located in Poughkeepsie, NY.

White says he has been following Se-gway’s progress since before its designer, Dean Kamen, even unveiled his invention in December 2001. In 2006, White opened his dealership, selling the Segway along with other personal transportation machines. However, White had bigger plans for his business than simply acting as a dealer. White recruited his 23-year old son Jason and made Sunray New York’s first authori-zed Segway tour guide. White developed an intriguing and deep historical look at the city

located alongside the Hudson River. Conveniently located near the train station, Sunray hopes to take part in an ex-periment led by the Segway company to incorporate a locker system so commuters can park their Segways before

taking the train into Manhattan. “If you look at old newspapers, you’ll see that when bicycles came out we had the same kind of negative criticisms,” said White. “People said they looked funny, and pedestrians were scared of them, but look where we are today.” Segways could very well evolve to follow suit in the near future.

Segways Chug Past Autos Amidst Rising Fuel Costs and Environmental Consciencesby Terrence Edwards

Sunray Mobility35 Main Street,Suite 322Poughkeepsie, NY 12601www.SunrayMobility.com845-471-7867

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SAMSUNG’S ECO-TECHNOLOGY

Made from the plastic of discarded water bottles, the Solar-Powered Blue Earth Phone from Samsung will sweep away any feelings of guilt one may have had using other mobile phones. Its recycled paper packaging fur-ther plays to the sensibilities of the eco-conscious and its smooth rounded design makes the Blue Earth stand out in a world of angular, mechanical-looking commu-nication devices. www.samsung.com

This amazing, eco-friendly Bedol Water Drop Clock actually runs on water -- it does not need any plugs or batteries! Its metal electrodes take the energy from the ions in the water. All you need to do is change the water every five to seven weeks and add some fresh lemon juice, and it keeps perfect time. Available in five bright colors. www.bedolwhatsnext.com

CLICK TO CLEANThe Eco Key is the worlds first planet cleaning search engine powered by Google. They donate 40% of their revenue to organizations such as Adopt a Highway and Coastal Cleanup. They remove litter from parks, highways, streets and beaches across America while you search. www.TheEcoKey.com

Why You Need To Recycle Electronic WasteeWaste (electronics waste) is one of the fastest growing forms of toxic waste in the world. Some of the toxic substances of eWaste include heavy metals like mercury, cadmium and lead. In fact, nearly 70% of all heavy metals found in landfills come from electronic waste. On average, computers and monitors are 20% lead by weight. Almost 99 percent of the average electronic product can be recycled. So don’t just toss eWaste in the trash, it ends up either being burned and the toxic gasses are released into the atmosphere, or it ends up sitting in a landfill where the toxins slowly leach into our groundwater. Do the right thing and find an eWaste recycler!Check out websites like E-Cycling Central (EIAE.ORG), Earth911.com and Mygreenelectronics.org.

Recycling Your Stuff...

Cell phonesrecyclewirelessphones.org

Batteriescall2recycle.org

Electronicsmygreenelectronics.org

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A sentence or signature written with a fountain pen is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a na-tural reflection of your mood. The writing point, or nib, molds and flexes under the pressure of your hand as it glides across the paper. The pen will translate your mind and heart. A heavy spirit will appear on the page as a broad streak. A new day, when the sun is shining and the penance is light, the lines become thin and graceful.

Today, almost everyone who writes, at home, office or school, writes with a disposable ball point pen (or plastic refillable one). Let’s assu-me there are 100 million office workers in the United States. Each person uses two different pens in a month, even with re-fillable ink sticks. These cheap pens break, get lost, or stolen. That’s a total of twenty-four pens per year for every person. For 100 million office workers (which discounts everyone else who writes, students, blue-col-lar, etc.) that’s 240 million pens thrown away into the garbage heap. Now throw in the rest of the world and we have a major problem.

What about the plastic packaging? Cheap, mass-produced pens create huge amounts of non-biodegradable packaging waste. All this stuff doesn’t disappear from the soil (it’s plas-tic!) and who knows how much damage it does sitting in the Earth for thousands of years.

The pen experts (and myself) say the wise al-ternative is to indulge in the subculture of the fountain pen. Because of their durability and resilience to the effects of time, a good quality fountain pen is environmentally friendly. A sin-gle, well-kept fountain pen can replace hun-dreds of disposables. They also will work for the duration of your lifetime, maybe longer, beco-ming a great heirloom for future generations.

This makes the fountain pen extremely cost-effective in the long term on a personal level. Over the course of their life, their initial pur-chase cost is offset by the savings, which pe-rishable writing tools quickly consume. As a wise choice for anyone mindful of their habitat, a fountain pen is a slap in the face of our throw-away culture.

Fountain pens have character. A small change in pressure of the pen to paper, will produce a variety of line variations, thick and thin, curvy and splotchy. Whatever your fancy, the pen can do it; they are the hallmark of sophistication.

Penadoration I love fountain pens.

b y A n d r e w T a n

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Although fountain pens require a bit of care, so does everything that has a personality.

And therein resides my love for them. Each pen I own in my collection is different from the others, and more importantly, from any other writing instrument in the world. Fountain pens are objects of patience, kind-ness, and self-control.

A person might disregard the fountain pen as obsolete, forgotten instruments of times’ past, replaced by better tools and techno-logy. This stigma, however, is a misconcep-tion. They are not hard to use, do not leak as often as commonly believed, and work better than most any other hand held ins-trument for recording things on paper.

Fountain pens are like finely-tuned European cars.To calm the stormy waters, I should note that the contemporary fountain pen, and even many older vintage models, are extremely durable and can take quite a bit of abuse. An owner ought to have little to no worry.

The modern fountain pen is made of sturdy plas-tics and metals that resist corrosion by the envi-ronment. The writing tips, or nibs, of a fountain pen tend to be made of resilient, sometimes pre-cious metals like gold, silver, platinum, exotics like palladium or rhodium, and good ol’ stainless steel handle the heavy use of everyday writing well. The downside is some of these metals hap-pen to raise the cost of the top shelf brands.

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Interestingly enough, one of the greatest dan-gers to pens is the use of poor quality ink. A bad ink will destroy a pen. These happen to have thicker, less soluble pigments or chemi-cal lacquers that can clog the inside workings of pen like a blood clot. In some cases, inks can be acidic and corrosive, and can degrade or stain the pen’s ink reservoir, discoloring a once beautiful, translucent barrel.

Many ink companies have risen to the chal-lenge of manufacturing inks that are safe for fountain pens. These inks are gentle, desi-gned to flow freely through any fountain pen, and bind to paper smoothly and effectively. Some inks even contain lubricants or deter-gents that clean the pen as they are used. Two great brands of fountain pen ink are Noodler’s Ink and Private Reserve, distributed and re-commended by fountain pen retailers.

It doesn’t take a lot of money to get started in the joys of owning and caring for a fine writing ins-trument. The easiest way to begin is to purchase a cheap, but excellent quality pen. The first one I purchased was 10 years ago, a graphite-colo-red Lamy Safari (~$40) and I still use it regularly today. The best bet is to talk to a fountain pen specialist at a local retail store in New York City.

The two of my favorite stores in the New York area are Joon (www.joonpens.com) and the Fountain Pen Hospital (www.fountainpenhospital.com). Their knowledgeable and friendly staff will im-press you you with the rich history and meticu-lous details of their pen collections. You might even be tempted to take one for a test drive. Now for the crazies, there are also pen shows near you .... Be careful though. Love hurts.

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Are biofuels America’s answer to climate change and our dependence on foreign energy sources or are they merely a seductive yet shal-low solution? The name and variety varies from region to region, (ethanol in America or biodie-sel in Europe), but the idea is always the same: organic materials grown on farms are used to fuel our cars and heat our homes. However, it seems just as ethanol advocates have gotten their grasp firmly around the policymakers in Washington, naysayers have appeared out of the woodwork to tear them away. In recent years, Biofuels have become the answer to America’s energy woes and the glo-bal warming epidemic for many. Willie Nelson made headlines in December 2005 when he first opened his biodiesel pump station in Texas, calling his product “BioWillie.” The idea caught on and the bright-eyed, pigtailed country-folk singer became the spokesperson for the bio-fuel movement. The timing seemed impecca-

ble, following the soaring gas prices that blew everyone away after Hurricane Katrina.

” It seems like that’s good for the whole world if we can start growing our own fuel instead of starting wars over it.” said Nelson to the press.

Promoted as a more efficient fuel that produ-ces less carbon emissions than petroleum, en-vironmentalists eagerly jumped on the biofuel bandwagon. Even President Bush suggested that the US replace 20 percent of gasoline dis-tributed in America with ethanol in his 2007 State of the Union Address. Bush applauded the construction of 85 ethanol projects, doubling the volume of ethanol in America. Yet experts aren’t as sure as biofuel’s advocates. Numerous studies have been conducted testing the carbon output of these fuels, but many are contradic-

Biofuel Debate Impedes Search

for Alternative Fuels

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tory and inconclusive. Studies have also found ethanol to be inefficient because its energy out-put is overshadowed by the amount of energy needed to produce it. “Unfortunately, there is nothing on the horizon that comes close to gasoline as far as cost and performance are concerned... it takes a tremen-dous amount of energy to grow corn and a lot of energy to distill it into ethanol and get it onto the market,” said Jerry Taylor of the CATO Institute. Alex Farrell and Michael O’Hare of the Ca-lifornia Resources Board told the Wall St. Jour-nal, “...ethanol could be twice as bad as gasoline from a carbon-emissions point of view... Even if only a small fraction of the emissions calculated [through the change of land use] are adding to estimates of direct emissions for corn ethanol, total emissions from corn ethanol are higher than those of fossil fuels.” A study Farrell participated in found that converting carbon sinks—areas responsible for absorbing atmospheric carbon—into corn fields destined for ethanol production leaves more carbon in the atmosphere than burning fossil fuels. However, Farrell wasn’t convinced of the-se findings either. After all, cultivating ethanol removes the mining process and the production of mining tools. Furthermore, ethanol produc-tion could be made more efficient using farming tools that run on ethanol, and creating farming techniques to produce more corn per acre. However, the controversy has recently shifted to a matter of food production. Food prices in-creased 140 percent this year and a fear of fami-ne swept over poverty stricken nations around the world. Debate mounted and experts argued whether using corn for fuel instead of food was to blame. Rising transportation costs due to the high price of gas was another possible culprit. Ethanol proponents met their biggest chal-lenge last year when the London newspaper, The Guardian, leaked an unpublished UN report in which Dr. Donald Mitchell, Lead Economist in the Development Prospects Group at the World Bank, blamed the sharp increase of food prices squarely on ethanol production. “Without the increase in biofuels, global wheat

and maize stocks would not have declined ap-preciably and price increases due to other fac-tors would have been moderate.” said Mitchell in the report. The infamous Mitchell Report claimed that about half of the increases in food costs were due to ethanol production. The report cited the conver-sion of corn fields from food to fuel production and grain speculation as two reasons for the rise in food prices. He also found the Land Use Change (LUC), policies which encouraged farmers to set aside land for fuel production instead of food, cau-sed a great deal of the strain as well. In a press release, The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), a lobby group supporting ethanol fuel quickly struck back. They claimed Mitchell failed to differentiate ethanol from bio-diesel, a fuel they claim has led to much more LUC and has a far more wasteful production process. Furthermore, the RFA asserted that corn production has expanded to meet fuel needs rather than replace food crops. “Examination of acreage patterns fails to show the sharp land shifts Mitchell blames for the decline in wheat production and increase in prices,” said RFA officials. The group insisted that land used for rice crops doesn’t compete with land intended for corn, wheat, and oil seed. Therefore, ethanol couldn’t be responsible for the dramatic shift in food prices. US policy imposes a 54 cent per gallon ta-riff on Brazilian produced ethanol. Derived from sugar cane rather than corn, the Mitchell report claims that ethanol produced in Brazil hasn’t resulted in the same disastrous course of events, leaving many wondering why the tax persists. Still, a recent CBS/New York Times Poll reported that 70 percent of Americans said they supported ethanol because it is cheaper and can be produced domestically despite its inefficiency as an energy source and its poten-tial to cause a rise in food prices. So the debate continues, perhaps leaving the consumers’ choice as the only real decisive factor. It appears as though the world can’t have its fuel and eat it too.

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Learn more at CleanAirNY.org

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BEAUTY & FASHION

AuH20 Recycled Clothing Store84 E. 7th St.New York, NY 10003212-466-0844 www.auh2odesigns.comProducts made from recycled materials.

Aveda800-644-4831www.aveda.com Aveda believes that authentic beauty is one that works in harmony with the greater web of life. It does not qualify as beauty if it hurts any of the diverse life forms that the best beauty artist of all, Nature, created.

BaSIX and BeyondPOB 341195Rochdale Village, New York 11413718-341-3915 www.agoodnightkiss.comManufacturers of na-tural and organic bath products.

BSAB Candles, LLC2122 South 950 East Provo, UT 84606888-201-7962

in New York City’s East Village in 1851. The company exercises a variety of sustainable practices.

Live-Live261 East 10th StreetNew York, NY 10009www.live-live.comEmbraced as the best store for raw, organic, live, vegetarian and health products.

Mod Skin Labs LLC860-653-7802 www.modskinlabs.com Designed to deliver whole food nutritional support to the skin, no parabens, no phtha-lates, no superfluous packaging, no synthetic detergents, dyes, or fra-grances, always animal cruelty-free.

New London Parmacy246 8th Ave.New York, NY 10011800-941-0490newlondonpharmacy.comProviding New York with the best in luxury and natural beauty products.

Radius Toothbrush 207 Railroad Street, Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-9400www.radiustoothbrush.com Makers of toothbrushes from renewable materials.

Rejuvenate Face & Body26-17 23rd Ave. Astoria, NY 11105718-626-4434 www.rejuvenatenyc.comHolistic spa offering organic and all-natural treatments in a non-toxic environment.

The Four Hundred286 Spring St. Suite 202New York, NY 10013212-206 -8319 showroomfourhundred.comA sustainable design, press and sales room commitment to socially conscious business.

Unison2000 W Fulton Street F-109, Chicago, Illinois 60612

www.bsabcandles.com All products are made using only the finest 100% all natural ingredients.

Eco BagsOssining, NY 10562800-720-2247 www.ecobags.com Strive to provide pro-ducts, information and inspiration that help people reduce, re-use and recycle.

Green Robes LLC.928 North 9th Street, Allentown, PA 18102610-434-0728www.greenrobes.com Beautiful, comfortable, sustainable robes made from organic Turkish cotton.

I Love EcoNew York, NY646-206-4883 www.iloveeco.com I Love Eco is dedicated to the promotion and educa-tion of sustainable design concepts through organic totes and t-shirts.

Kiehl’s 800-543-4572 www.kiehls.com Kiehl’s is a premium American cosmetics brand retailer, founded

312-492-7960 www.unisonhome.comA printed bedding design, mix organic and graphic inspired motifs for a modern and color-ful look.

Zachary’s SmileNOHO Shop 317 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10012212-965-8245 Greenwich Village Shop9 Greenwich Avenue New York, NY 10014212-924-0604 www.zacharyssmile.comLoads of unique vintage finds as well as their house collection, featuring vintage and recycled textiles.

FOOD & DRINK

Personal Chef CatersOrganic Catering & Special Events 973-777-9170 personalchefcaters.com Inventive vegetarian catering that features exquisitely fresh, local organic produce to its best advantage.

Café Notte1626 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10028212-288-5203 www.nottecafe.comAll of the furniture, from the stylish ban-quettes and tables to the flight bar, are made from materials sourced from recycled or reused products. Diner NYC 85 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211718-486-3077 www.dinernyc.comMenu made up of most-ly seasonal, local, and organic ingredients.

Franny’s Restaurant 295 Flatbush Ave.Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-230-0221 frannysbrooklyn.com Purchasing locally grown

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foods and serving them in the seasons during which they are grown.

GustOrganics519 Ave. of the Ameri-cas (14th St.) New York, NY 10011212-242-5800 www.gustorganics.com All food is 100% certi-fied organic. The restaurant imple-mented a 25-step green program.

Il Buco47 Bond Street, New York, NY 10012212-533-1932 www.ilbuco.comWith an unwavering commitment to prime ingredients Il Buco re-mains a charming place to indulge in seasonal foods, complemented by an elegant producer-driven wine list.

Mas Farmhouse39 Downing Street, New York, NY 10014212-255-1790 masfarmhouse.comRestaurant using seaso-nal ingredients from small organic farming operations surrounding NYC.

Missy’s Organix 718-409-2308missysorganix.comNew York’s first exclu-sively organic caterer! 100% organic cuisine served only in a sustai-nable way; nourishing and affordable!

Organique110 E. 23rd Street New York, NY 10010212-674-2229 organiqueonline.comGourmet foods for health, convenience, and indulgence.

RCano Events43-42 10th Street,Long Island City, NY 11101718-937-6622 www.rcanoevents.com Everything from red carpet events to inti-mate dinners, to large parties. As well as flo-ral arrangements and

happyfamilybrands.comOrganic, tasty, and nutritious meals; for toddlers, and healthy snacks for everyone from toddlers to adults.

International Harvest606 Franklin Ave. Mount Vernon, NY 10550914-699-5600www.gohunza.comAll products are certified USDA Organic. Providers of dried fruits & nuts, granola, pasta, nut but-ters, agave, and oils.

McCormick Distilling5741 Legacy Drive Suite 320, Plano, TX 75024416-320-7370mccormickdistilling.com Launched Forest 360, an initiative to plant indigenous trees on 40 acres of the land around the distillery.

Organic NectarsBox 158 Malden, NY 12453845-264-0506 organicnectars.comAward-wining boutique manufacturer of premium raw, organic, vegan swee-teners, frozen desserts, dessert syrups and super foods ingredients.

Pomology321 Newark Street Suite 500Hoboken, NJ 07030877-766-2010www.pomology.com Capturing the balance between the purity and goodness of natural whole fruits and foods with advances in natu-ral science.

Steaz18 S State Street, Newtown, PA 18940800.295.1388www.steaz.com USDA Certified organic, healthy beverage company.

To Go Brands, Inc.90-10 Kenamar Dr. 101, San Diego, CA 92121858-200-0678www.togobrands.comMakers of tasty, easy to use, incredibly healthy, 100% natural products.

outdoor entertainment. RCano has your events covered.

Relish Caterers 220 East 22nd Street Suite 3P, New York NY 10010212-228-1672, www.relishcaterers.com Full service cate-ring company whose commitment to the environment is abso-lute. Green procedure are exercised on every level.

Second Helpings Organic Café Caterers & Juice Bar448 9th Street Brooklyn, NY 11215718-965-1925 secondhelpings.comFull service caterers, or-ganic, vegan, free-range & raw selections, juice bar, eat in or take away.

Domino SugarFlorida Crystals1 Federal St. Yonkers, NY 10705914-963-2400www.dominosugar.comOrganic sugar line is harvested and milled from certified organic sugar cane.

Earthbound Farm1721 San Juan Highway, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045831-623-7878 www.ebfarm.com Passionately bringing the benefits of organic food to as many people as possible while serving as a catalyst for positive change.

Green Foods Corp2220 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard, CA 93030805-983-7470www.greenfoods.comManufacturer of organic food and other dietary supplements made from barley grass juice and other all- natural ingre-dients.

Happy Family Brands25 Washington StreetSuite 601Brooklyn, NY 11201

Travel Chocolate LLC69-20 66th Road, Middle Village, NY 11379718-841-7030www.travelchocolate.com Providers of 100% USDA certified organic chocolate and suppor-ters of certified Free Trade initiatives.

Vere Chocolate12 W. 27th Street, 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10001212-279-4448 www.verechocolate.comVerē (pronounced «very») was born from a passion to create the most sophisticated, pure, healthful choco-late imaginable.

Wholesome Sweeteners8016 Highway 90-ASugar Land, TX 77478800-680-1896wholesomesweeteners.com Uses only USDA certi-fied organic ingredients from Free Trade certi-fied farms cooperatives.

DESIGN

Cambium Studio 361 Stagg Street, #2L Brooklyn, NY 11206718-366-2846 www.cambiumstudio.comClean, modern, organic, designs for your home or workplace.

Duce Construction Company412 W.127th St. New York, NY 10027212-316-2400www.ducecc.comProud member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Eccologie, LLCPO Box 712 Sharon, CT 06069860-364-1300 www.eccologie.comUse products that reduce the impact on and contribute to the sustainability of the earth in multiple ways. IceStone, LLC63 Flushing Avenue, Unit 283, Building 12,

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Brooklyn, New York 11205718-624-4900 www.icestone.biz Durable surfaces made from recycled glass and concrete, whose goal is to develop products that foster a sustaina-ble environment.

Michael McHale Designs 22 East 36th Street #4DNew York, NY 10016646-496-8864 michaelmchaledesigns.com Industrial-chic chande-liers and lamps.

NICHE NYC 352 eleventh street Brooklyn NY 11215San Diego 332 west h street Encinitas CA 92024718 781 2877 www.design-niche.comeco-luxury residen-tial interior design and consulting firm focusing on creating sustainable beautiful designs for the unique home.

Thread Collective, LLC177 Grattan St. Studio 205Brooklyn, NY 11237718-366-3988 threadcollective.com Brings a deep unders-tanding and passion of sustainable issues to all of their designs.

Tobron Office Furniture 135 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011212-633-3047www.tobron.comHerman Miller’s lon-gest standing Manhat-tan based distributor, shares Herman Miller’s passion for design, innovation, and envi-ronmental awareness.

Uhuru Design160 Van Brunt St. 3rd Fl. Brooklyn, NY 11231718-855-6519 www.uhurudesign.com Small, custom furniture company dedicated to sustainability and crea-ting timeless design.

building materials and resells them at low cost to generate fund, for environmental initiatives.

Clean Air NY342 Broadway, Suite 404 New York, NY 10013 1-877-458-8247www.cleanairny.org Partners with the government and private businesses to deliver consulting services and technology solutions to the energy, climate change, and environ-mental problems.

Green WorkerCooperative461 Timpson Pl. Bronx, NY 10455718-617-7807www.greenworker.coopOrganization dedicated to incubating worker-owned and environmen-tally friendly cooperati-ves in the Bronx.

Holistic Moms NetworkPO Box 408 Caldwell, NJ 07006973-328-2110www.holisticmoms.orgA non-profit organization connecting parents who are interested in holistic health and green living.

NY WasteMatch140th St & Convent Ave.Steinman Hall, Ste. 102 New York, NY 10031212-650-5832 www.wastematch.orgNY WasteMatch is a free materials exchange ser-vice sponsored by NYC’s Dept. of Sanitation to keep valuable resources out of the waste stream!

Queens Botanical Garden43-50 Main StreetFlushing, NY 11355718-886-3800www.queensbotanical.orgA Botanical Garden noted for presentation of plants as unique expressions of cultural traditions, combined with environmental standards.

ENERGY

Con Edison Solutions701 Westchester Ave. White Plains, NY 10604914-286-7034conedsolutions.com A leading energy services company that provides competitive power sup-ply, renewable energy, sustainability services, and cost-effective energy solutions to regional and national customers.

National Grid201 Jones Rd. 52 Second Ave. Waltham, MA 02451781-907-1647www.nationalgridus.com Providers of electricity and natural gas who are committed to safety, re-liability and sustainability.

Solar One2420 FDR Drive, Service Rd. East, New York, NY 10010212-505-6050www.solar1.org Solar One’s mission is to empower people with the vision, knowledge, and resources to attain a more sustainable future.

NON-PROFITS

Bead for Life1143 Portland Place Suite #1 Boulder, CO 80304303-554-5901www.beadforlife.org Creates sustainable op-portunities for women to lift their families out of poverty by creating a worldwide circle of exchange.

Build it Green! NYC3-17 26th Ave Astoria NY, 11002718-777-0132 www.bignyc.orgNon-profit store that takes donation of used

Queens Chamber of Commerce75-20 Astoria Blvd. Suite 140, Jackson Heights, NY 11370718-898-8500, www.queenschamber.orgHost of the Queens Green Business Sum-mit, wherein local and regional companies, large and small, come together to network, showcase their green products and services.

Trees for the FuturePO Box 7027 Silver Spring, MD 20907301 565-0630www.treesftf.orgA non-profit organization that has been planting fast-growing beneficial trees in developing countries all around the world. Through our international reforesta-tion efforts, we are able to plant trees for only 10 cents each!

Wearable Collections646-515-4387wearablecollections.com Wearable Collections provides a no cost, turn-key solution to recycling clothing within residential buildings in NYC. All the logistics are taken care of, from placement of bins and promotion within the buildings to scheduling weekly pick-ups.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Arthur L. Miller Attorney at Law91-31 Queens Blvd. Elmhurst, NY 11373718-997-0641arthurmiller.nyc@verizon.netEnvironmental viola-tions, traffic tickets, parking tickets, truck regulation issue, and court appearances.

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Go Green, Inc485 Atlantic Ave.Brooklyn, NY 11216718-625-0260www.gogreeninc.comEnvironmentally safe cleaning services and supplies.

Good Steward Naturals6N055 IL Route 25 Saint Charles, IL 60174866-855-5444goodstewardnaturals.biz Mission is to make choo-sing a total earth friendly lifestyle and easy and affordable decision.

Green Apple Cleaners42 Essex StreetLodi, NJ 07644201-712-1335greenapplecleaners.com Cleaning method uses natural, liquid CO2, which actually removes harmful chemicals found in garments.

Greensprings Natural Cemetery293 Irish Hill Road, PO Box 415Newfield, NY 14867607-564-7577www.naturalburial.orgA sustainable alter-native to conventio-nal cemeteries; no embalming or concrete vaults. Rather simple biodegradable caskets or shrouds. Natural preserve where people honor those that they have loved.

Greg Barber Company776 Hudson Ave, Se-caucus, NJ 07094973-224-1132www.gregbarberco.comSpecialist in environ-mental printing. Uses recycled tree free, and chlorine free paper, printed with soy ink or 100% non toxic ink toner.

i Store Green, LLC12 Hall Street, Brooklyn NY 11205718-855-4477www.istoregreen.comThe largest green bu-siness per square foot in New York City. Clean, green self storage.

Kenro Industries, Inc.393 Jericho Tpke. 2nd Fl. Mineola, NY 11501516-741-0011kenroindustries.comHigh quality and sustai-nable custom pens. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants 222 Kearny St., Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94108 800-546-7866kimptonhotels.com Earth Care program supports a sustainable world by using non-intrusive, high quality, eco-friendly products and services at all Kimpton hotels.

Les Deux Concierges 917-533-8409lesdeuxconcierges.comAn eco-friendly perso-nal concierge service dedicated to simplifying your life.

Liza Dunn Green Consultant345 W. 13th St. #2G New York, NY 10014917-658-7984 www.LizaDunn.com Green Consultant Liza Dunn will help you green your life.

Magic Exterminating Co. 5901 Kissena Blvd. Flushing, NY 11355718-961-9000magicexterminating.com Green Shield certified using a holistic and effective use to pest management.

Matthew J. Fallon Ameriprise Financial 333 Earle Ovington Blvd, Suite 1010, Mitchel Field, NY 11553516-228-0100, matthew.j.fallon@ampf.com Works with clients on issues that matter most to them, be it funding their children’s educa-tion, effective retirement planning or personalized investment advice to help maximize their earnings.

Modern Eco Homesmodernecohomes.com At Modern Eco Homes

Earth Advertising NY: 212-933-1391 LA: 310-589-0060earthadvertising.com A dedication to enable companies and their customers to support a sustainable environment, socially responsible economy and just society. Earth Advertising can help you make a profit while making a difference.

Car Planet, LLC1055 Spruce Rd. Bryn Mawr, PA 19010610-513-9705carplanetdetailing.comProduct line is designed to effectively detail and clean vehicles while saving the earth at the same time.

District Dog Boutique and Spa142 Driggs Ave Broo-klyn, NY 11222718-290-7434 www.districtdog.comNatural and Organic Boutique and Grooming Spa for cats & dogs.

Earth’s Journey66 Upton Drive, Sound Beach, NY 11789631-834-9213earths-journey.com An online environmen-tally friendly artists and crafter venue.

East Village Bed and Coffee110 Ave. C.New York, NY 10009917-816-0071www.bedandcoffee.com Uses eco-friendly light bulbs, participates in water conservation and recycling programs. As well as sustainable towel and paper products.

Go Green Expo276 Fifth Ave. Suite 303, New York, NY 10001212-655-4505www.gogreenexpo.comWelcomes both consu-mers & business owners to learn more about what is readily available in the market of earth friendly products & services to make our communities greener, one city at a time.

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we provide reviews, recommendations and eco-products sourced from the Internet’s most innovative, green merchants. Consider us your one-stop-shopping guide for those eco-friendly items for you and your home.

New Leaf Paper116 New Montgomery Street, Suite 830, San Francisco, CA 94105415-291-9210www.newleafpaper.com A leading source for envi-ronmentally responsible and economically sound paper.

Pentel of America, ltd2715 Columbia Street, Torrance, CA 90503310-320-3831 www.pentel.com Award wining writing instrument company for recognition of the highest standard of quality.

Quad GraphicsN63 W23075 State Hwy. 74, Sussex, WI 53089414-566-6000www.qg.comEPA recognized for setting the gold stan-dard for green business practices.

RePlayground!37 Withers St., Studio 3L Brooklyn, 11211341-885-9368 replayground.comRecycling with a twist!

Rosie Hippo277 Broadway Suite 301, New York NY 10007212-577-6743www.rosiehippo.com Earth friendly, unique, and all natural toys.

TRANS-PORTATION

Bike Central Park221 W58th St (between Broadway& 7th) New York, NY 10019917-371-6267bikecentralpark.com Offer bike rentals, bike tours and pedicab tours through the most visited urban park in the United States!

Bike New York891 Amsterdam Ave. (W. 103rd St.) New York, NY 10025212-932-2453 www.bikenewyork.orgPromotes and encou-rages bicycling and bicycling safety through educational events. Produces the TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour.

Bridgeport Harley-Davidson155 Research Dr. Stanford, CT 06615203-380-2600www.bridgeportharleydavidson.com Connecticut’s largest Segway dealer.

NYC Green Car100 Perry Street, New York, NY 10014800-809-2073www.nycgreencar.com With a fleet of hybrid-only vehicles as well as a mission statement to plant trees, NYC Green Car has revolutionized New York’s car service industry.

Recycle-A-Bicycle 35 pearl St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-858-2972

75 Ave. C.New York, NY 10009212-475-1655www.recycleabicycle.orgPromotes bicycle use through an innovative, fun, youth training and environmental educa-tion initiative.

Revolution Rickshaws454 9th Ave. New York, NY 10018212-239-3491revolutionrickshaws.com Organic transportation system for businesses or individuals who are looking to green up their transportation.

Segwayof the Hudson Valley35 Main St. Suite 322, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601845-485-7349segwayofthehudsonvalley.com As a leader in two-wheeled electric mobility, it’s always been Segway’s vision to produce environmentally friendly short-distance transportation alternatives.

Smart Center Manhattan 536 West 41st New York, NY 10036888-860-7267smartcentermanhattan.com Every single facet of Smart Car’s design, production and execu-tion is environmentally friendly and conscious.

Zipcar1265 Broadway, 2nd fl. New York, NY 10001212-691-2884www.zipcar.com Car sharing program working everyday to reduce dependency on personally owned vehicles.

Rowf43 Hicks St.Brooklyn, NY 11201718-858-7506 www.rowfny.com Wholesome snacks and toys for man’s best friends. Cats and dogs welcome!Sea Services Inc.P.O. Box 147Babylon, NY 11702888-551-1277www.seaservices.comProvider of various types of seaside me-morial services such as sea burial and sea scat-tering ceremonies. Sugar Hill Harlem Inn460 W. 141st St. New York, NY 10031212-234-5432 sugarhillharleminn.comWhere rich and powerful Harlem history converge, with modern eco-frien-dly amenities, centered around a gorgeous and elegant garden.

Sustainable NYC139 Avenue A. New York, NY 10009212-254-5400 sustainable-nyc.comEco-friendly everyday products and unique gifts that are local, organic, recycled, biodegradable and fair trade made.

The Barking Zoo172 Ninth Ave (btw 21st & 22nd Sts.) New York, NY 10011212-255-0658 www.barkingzoo.comMost current, natural, organic, premium and raw foods for your cats or dogs.