In our 2010 edition we inaccurately reported how mattresses are recycled in the East Bay area. The Salvation Army does accept mattresses in good condition for recycling; however, Goodwill (eastbaygoodwill.org) does NOT accept mattresses. Mattresses are also accepted at the Berkeley Transfer Station for $10. For pick up of bulky waste, including mattresses, appointments can be scheduled in Oakland (510-613-8710) and Berkeley (510-981-7270).

We at EcoMetro Guide regret the error printed in our 2010 edition. More...

Buy organic
Conventionally grown cotton is responsible for as much as 10% of pesticide use in the world and up to 25% of insecticide use annually, according to Grist. The chemicals can impact workers and leach into the groundwater. Because the United States produces more cotton than all countries except China, much of this is on our soil.

Next, ask about the processing method for cotton, wool, and other fabrics. Look for those that use natural dyes and avoid chlorine bleaching. Organic Consumers estimates that 1/3lb of chemicals are used in the production of a cotton T-shirt, so buying secondhand comes second to buying a product that avoids the conventional cycle.
 
Image: CreativeCommons/Cosmic Kitty More...

If you haven't been to a clothing swap yet, you are missing out on a growing phenomenon. It isn't new, but it is catching on. A clothing swap is the best place to raid a friend's closet AND divest yourself of the clothes you don't enjoy anymore. Most important, it's a good excuse to throw a party. More...

Do you blog about local food, sustainability, or local living, and want a free EcoMetro Guide ($20 value)? Link back to a recipe or farmers market how-to which we post between May 8th-22nd, plus add us to your blogroll, and we'll mail you a free EcoMetro Guide. Limit one per person, ends May 22nd or when/if we hit our book limit, at which point we will post a notice on the homepage.

We will use the pingback at our site to identify you, so expect an email from us to your blog email. Please note you must link to a recipe or how-to article to create a pingback, linking to the directory does not create the necessary link.

Update: Due to a site glitch, you need to email us directly at editor@ecometro.com with your link to show that you wrote about us. Please include your mailing address so we can send a book.

Tell your friends! More...

Toby Ng Design created images of the world's statistics including water, food, energy, HIV, computers, fear of attack, and more. Where do you fit in the village? The World of 100. More...

Mother's Day is May 10th, are you prepared? As always, we promote giving the gift of a donation or experience instead of giving stuff.

Why not give mom a sea turtle nest sponsorship ($45) from the Sea Turtle Restoration Project? She'll get a certificate, a photo of the nest, and one year subscription to the project.

Kiva is a non-profit that gives micro loans (as low as $25) to the developing world to move lives out of poverty. Pick a project and donate in you mother's name--she'll get updates and can re-gift the loan when it is paid back by the original entrepreneur. More...

Organic cotton men's jeans for $39.99? And from Loomstate? Thank you, Target!

Loomstate is a hip organic cotton clothing company that we've long adored, and they've paired with Target for a more affordable line of 100% certified organic cotton, beach-inspired clothing for men and women. Nothing in the collection is over $50, a serious savings since Loomstate brand jeans are rarely under $100.

Shop the Loomstate for Target collection online, or visit Target at Walnut Creek, one of 250 stores to carry the limited collection. More...

Register for the environmental site Grist.org (or if you're already registered, refer a friend) to receive a free download of their book Wake Up and Smell the Planet. We have a paper copy of this book and recommend it highly. Pass it on to friends, especially those who are new to the green scene.

Inspired by Earth Day? We have a complete list of the local websites and phone numbers you need to take action in five major areas of climate impact: transit, eating local, recycling, saving energy, and natural pest control.

Download our Quick Resources for the East Bay, and take a look at some of our worksheets for home energy and recycling while you're at it. More...

How I passed Home Ec in middle school is a mystery to me. I wonder about this between Google searches on uses for stale bread and other things I would’ve simply tossed in the trash in my pre-care-about-the-Earth/need-to-save-money days. My mom has lost more than a little sleep wondering how I was going to make it as an adult in this world, what with my willful ignorance regarding all things domestic. I heard her mutter, more than once, “necessity will teach you!”

Oh, has it ever. Let’s just say school’s been in session in a big way since I became a mom and had to stop calling a can of Red Bull breakfast. Since my son was born and saving money became my way of earning it, I’ve come up with a few Home Ec hacks of my own. A while ago it dawned on me that ultimately everything we do has an environmental impact. Everything. Including, of course, the way we go about the care and feeding of our families. More...