We found the list of Affordable Eco-Friendly Home Accessories at Domino.com and thought you might want some inspiration for your holiday shopping. Our favorites include colorful bowls carved from tree branches and newspaper vases. The shelf at right is a reclaimed railroad tie from Sprout Home.

Shop local by visiting the No Coast Craft-o-rama on December 5th and 6th at the Midtown Global Exchange building.  More...

We've launched a new, Minneapolis/St Paul specific Twitter account where we will post local events, online coupons, book coupons of the day, and other Twin Cities only info that may not make it to the homepage. Follow us! More...

Use your Blue Sky Guide to save 50% on a cup of organic fair trade coffee and a grilled panini sandwich (made with organic ingredients) at Ginkgo Cofeehouses. Good at Snelling (721 N Snelling Ave, St Paul) and Garden View Medical Building (347 N Smith Ave, St Paul) locations.  More...

Honest Eats is our newest seasonal recipe blog by Eric Robertson of Souped Up Cafe.

Heirloom winter squash are to autumn what Rainier cherries are to summer. They are an emblem of October and we’re lucky here in Seattle to have access to so many varieties. Getting a hold of some locally grown pumpkins and cooking them up to highlight their natural, earthy sweetness will really bring a seasonal flair to your kitchen everyone can appreciate, not to mention a chance to show off your culinary prowess. More...

If you aren't yet a fan of Boston.com's photo feature The Big Picture, you will be once you see these Scenes from Antarctica. 32 photos document molting penguins, sculpted icebergs, and sea life in high-res, full size images. The Big Picture is a chance to see news images in a gallery format, and this Antarctica series is one of the best we've seen yet. Pictured here are clouds that, beautiful as they are, contribute to the ozone hole.

Image via: The Big Picture More...

In my job I attend a lot of community events to share the same energy conservation message THIS SPACE is dedicated to: simple steps can cut your electricity use and keep a few extra bucks in your pocket.

One of the best and easiest options is to switch from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. They use about a third of the electricity and last up to 10 years, which can save as much as $33 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. More...

13th Annual RAM/SWANA Conference
Over 300 attendees and 30 exhibitors will be taking part in the annual Recycling Association of Minnesota/Solid Waste Association of North America conference at The McNamara Alumni Center. Find a list of educational seminars and register online.
November 6
The McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis
Go Greener: Bus Routes 16, 21, and 50 will get you there

Chris Dorsi discussion on The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency
Chris Dorsi has over two-decades of experience in the energy conservation business and with his new book, The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency, he is sharing his expertise with all of us.  His straightforward and informative book will teach readers simple ways to make their homes more efficient while also increasing their value (the two do go hand-in-hand!)
November 12, 7:30pm
Magers and Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Avenue S, Minneapolis, 612-822-4611
Bring your 2009 coupon to browse the great used-book selection before and after the discussion.
Go Greener: Bus Route 6 will get you there

Author Steven Kazlowski on "Facing the Truth of a Warming World"
He brought worldwide awareness to the impact global warming is having on polar bears with his book The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Truth of a Warming World, and now wildlife photographer Steven Kazlowski will speak at the Bell Museum of Natural History about his time spent in the arctic.  Kazlowski will share images, observations and stories from the arctic, as well as ideas on how to fight global warming.
November 13, 7pm
Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St SE, Minneapolis 612-624-7083
$7/$5 museum members
Use your coupon to explore the museum with a friend before the lecture.
Go Greener: Bus Routes 2B and C, 6, 16 and 52 will get you there

A Taste of Thanksgiving
Welcome Thanksgiving early this year and benefit the St Joseph Worker Program, which empowers young women to serve those in need through working with local organizations.  The event will feature organic wine and beer-tasting, delicious food and a silent auction.
Friday, November 14, 7pm to 10pm
Lumen Christi Great Room, 2055 Bohland Ave, St Paul
Tickets: $35/person ($25 is tax-deductible)
Go Greener: Bus Route 84 will get you there

The Green Goober Opening Celebration
Come celebrate the opening of the newest eco-business in the Twin Cities, Green Goober, a store offering children's toys that are eco-friendly as well as fun!  The weekend-long opening celebration will feature activities for the whole family and a special offer: 5% of your subtotal will be donated to the school of your choice.  
November, 14, 15 and 16 (see website for store hours)
5411 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-823-2222
Go Greener: Bus Route 18 will get you there

3rd Annual Green Gifts Fair
This holiday season give green and local.  Stock up on your green gifts at the 3rd Annual Green Gifts Fair with over forty local artists and retailers (including Blue Sky Guide) selling green, recycled and organic gifts. There will also be an eco-fashion show, local musicians and the official kick-off of the 2009 Do it Green! Magazine.
Saturday, November 15, 10am to 5pm
Midtown Global Market at Lake Street & 10th Ave, Minneapolis
Go Greener: the Midtown Global Market is at the Chicago/Lake Transfer Station and right off the bike greenway

Join the Mission of One Yoga: A Celebration Event
To celebrate it's new status and their increased ability to "reach out to individuals who traditionally lack access to the benefits of yoga," One Yoga is hosting a launch event!  The event will include information on their new community partnerships, yoga practice, refreshments, music and chanting.  Check out the website for schedule of events and more information about One Yoga, A Non-Profit Studio.
Saturday, November 15, 3:30pm to 8:30pm
2100 B Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis 612-872-6347
See their coupon.
Go Greener: Bus Route 4 will get you there

Book Arts Fest, Presented by the Minnesota Center for Book Arts
Browse a variety of handmade gifts and keepsakes by local artists including artist's books, handmade journals, prints and letterpress cards at the seventh annual Book Arts Fest.  Describing itself as "some of the most unique holiday shopping in the Twin Cities", this festival also features free holiday ornament-making activities, artist demos and special sales on merchandise in the The Shop at MCBA. Go Greener: Various routes will get you there, so check metrotransit.org to find your route!
Saturday, November 15, 10am-5pm and Sunday, November 16, 12pm to 4pm
MCBA Studios and The Shop at MCBA at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S, First Floor, Minneapolis
And don't forget your 2008 coupon, you'll have just enough time to use it.

E3 2008 Conference- The Midwest's Premier Energy, Economic and Environmental Conference
Presented by the University of Minnesota's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment, this year's E3 conference features breakout sessions and research posters along five different tracks: Renewable and Sustainable Fuels and Products; Renewable and Sustainable Electricity; The Nexus of Energy, the Environment and the Economy; Conservation and Energy Efficiency; and Special Topics.  The sessions will highlight leaders in wind and solar energy, biofuels, green marketing and much more. Read all the details at the conference website.
November 18
St Paul RiverCentre, 199 Kellogg Blvd W
Go Greener: Bus Routes 21A, 53A, 64 and 65 will get you there

MCAD Art Sale
The Minneapolis College of Art and Design opens its doors on November 21st and 22nd, offering Twin Cities residents the chance to purchase thousands of unique pieces of work by students and alumni.  The items for purchase range from paintings and prints to toys and jewelry, and each purchase directly supports the artist who made it. The MCAD Art Sale is known for being affordable and forward-thinking, so it's the perfect place to add to your local art collection or find that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift.  
Friday, November 21, 6pm-9pm ($35-$40) and Saturday, November 22, 9am-5pm (FREE)
MCAD Main Building, 1st and 2nd Floors, 2501 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis
Go Greener: Routes 11 and 18 will get you there

MN Waldorf School Holiday Fair & Artisan Marketplace
Around forty vendors will be showing their wares at the annual Holiday Fair and Artisan Marketplace at MN Waldorf School.  There will be unique clothing, jewelry, dolls and toys, books, paper goods, and eco-friendly products to boot.  Other highlights of the fair: live music, puppet shows, gourmet food and even a "mysterious gnome cave."  
November 21st, 5:30 to 9:30pm, Adults-only shopping and social time
November 22, 10am to 4pm, Fun for the whole family
Minnesota Waldorf School, 70 East County Road B, St Paul
Go Greener: Carpool to get there!

On-Going Green Events:

Eco-Tuesday
Fourth Tuesday of the month.  A forum to network and engage with socially responsible business leaders.

Green Drinks
Second Wednesday of every month at 6pm to 7:30ish.  Recharge your eco-spirit with other local folks!

Walker Art Center, Free Thursdays
Free Admission to the Walker Art Center every Thursday More...

We spotted this easy project on this family biking page in (EcoMetro city Portland), which is fast becoming a solid resource for families on a roll in any city. The latest blog describes several methods and products for keeping kids warm, dry, and happy through the rain and cold whether using bike seats, bakfiets (at right), or trailers. The easiest is the author's own DIY project, a converted poncho that she fitted with elastic to stay put over the mounted high-back child seat. Materials needed are a poncho, elastic or shock cord, and a small reflective triangle, which you can purchase at one of our bike merchants with a coupon. Happy riding!

Keep an eye out for our family biking blog, which also involves a bakfiet. Coming soon! (Image: Flickr/santanartist) More...

Honest Eats is our newest seasonal recipe blog by Eric Robertson of Souped Up Cafe in Seattle, Washington.

Heirloom winter squash are to autumn what Rainier cherries are to summer. They are an emblem of October and we’re lucky here in Seattle to have access to so many varieties. Getting a hold of some locally grown pumpkins and cooking them up to highlight their natural, earthy sweetness will really bring a seasonal flair to your kitchen everyone can appreciate, not to mention a chance to show off your culinary prowess. More...

Greetings, dear readers, from the other side of the pond.  Three days into my one-month stay in Holland, I’ve had a fair bit of culture shock.  I’m not able to understand much of what I hear, I can’t ride a bike because every Dutch person is at least 6 feet tall, and traveling on the back of a bicycle so close to moving traffic can be somewhat unnerving.  Undoubtedly, however, one of the most exciting (and shocking) things about my trip has been the attention paid to Election Day here in the Low Countries. More...