By Peter Sackett

"The more you think about what we're doing to the Earth, the better it feels to find good uses for things that aren't completely new," says Jody Hall, owner and founder of Seattle-based bakery, Cupcake Royale.

In 2003, when Hall and her colleagues launched their cupcake baking operation, the kitsch appeal of the pedestrian dessert had already gained a foothold in New York City but, to her knowledge, nowhere else. More...

By Mariah Olson, Sustainable Business Accounts Manager

Are you looking for a job that matches your commitment to sustainable living but aren't really sure where to look? I know when I was on the job hunt, I had the hardest time finding the ultimate single job board with the most comprehensive, relevant, and plentiful listings for available green jobs. More...

By Erin Russell, Chinook Book Sales Coordinator

The month of February is here and we all know what that brings: red hearts, fat cherubs and lots of talk of romance. While I cannot claim expert status in the world of love, I can provide some cool ways to meet people in Seattle and how to shower your loved ones with true appreciation that can't be mass marketed. More...

Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination. – Voltaire

Around Valentine’s Day, love is on everyone’s mind. Whether you’re looking for love or just want to celebrate the love you have, we’ve got some tips on how to keep your romance green. More...

By Jill Amsberry, Community Outreach Manager

As a member of the Seattle Greendrinks board, I attend most of the once-a-month gatherings; I have to admit, this month's Seattle Greendrinks was the most inspiring I think I have ever been to. That's saying something, since it seems like every month members of the green community have to be chased out of the door by their gracious hosts at least an hour after the food and drink are gone. More...

By Mariah Olson, Chinook Book Sustainable Business Accounts Manager

It's getting close to that magic moment that happens once a year when people all across the world feel compelled by loose tradition to renew their commitment to being healthier and happier. Most of these promises inevitably include something to do with diet and exercise, that simple but elusive combination of factors that so many of us can't seem to get right on a regular basis. More...

By Erin Russell, Sales Coordinator

1. Swansons
When my partner Forrest and I went to Swansons, I have to admit that I had the perfect Martha Stewart tree in mind. The living trees couldn't be missed though. We fell in love with a little bit above a Charlie Brown tree and what really sold us was that we can donate the tree back to Swanson's in January to be planted as part of a restoration effort at Carkeek Park.

2. Goodwill
In lieu of wrapping paper this year, I went on a search to find some reusable wrapping alternatives. More...

-Erin Russell, Sales Coordinator

The most daunting thing I find about the great "world wide web" is the insurmountable amount of information. Some days I just look at my email, the Seattle Times, NPR and call it good because trying to weed out the breaking news and events just seems like too much work.

Then the light bulb turned on. 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...

Do you blog about local food, sustainability, or local living, and want a free Chinook Book? 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 Chinook Book. 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...