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...

2 FOR 1
Don’t miss Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter, this first-class return to romance was named a top ten theater event of 2009 by The New York Times.
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Pizza Lucé has a gluten-free menu, and also caters to vegans. View full menu online.
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By Kristi Ramseth, Blue Sky Guide Advertising Sales Manager

Going green is a terrific way to ring in the New Year. But what exactly does that mean to you? I tend to bite off more than I can chew when it comes to my own personal resolutions. Going green is a great way to make little life changes – daily changes that can make a sizable impact in the long run. More...

by Sara Johnson, Sustainable Business Accounts Manager

At about this time every winter, with the end in sight but not coming nearly fast enough, the winter blues can start to kick in overdrive. I've put together a few simple ideas to make the most of the winter and to get rid of those winter blues.

Embrace the obvious (and the cold).
We live in the "land of ten thousand lakes" and come winter what can those lakes do but freeze over and provide the perfect opportunity for a little skating fun? More...

By Pam Tanner, Denver EcoMetro Guide Market Director

The excitement of the holiday season is over and you may be feeling the pressure of either making a New Year’s resolution related to your health or fitness goals.

Most of us begin the New Year and the prerequisite fitness resolution with the best of intentions, only to hit a wall within two or three weeks and struggle to maintain our motivation to continue. Below are some suggestions to help you develop a routine and achieve your goals: More...

The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture did research that shows few differences in price for Iowa-grown vegetables, eggs and meat when compared to similar non-local products. “We found that during peak season, produce items at farmers’ markets were very competitive and in several cases lower than prices for the same non-local items found at supermarkets,” said Rich Pirog, Leopold Center Associate Director. More...

Clean Energy
Solar Power Rocks (solarpowerrocks.com/minnesota) estimates that you can cover 50% of your electricity needs on a 400 sq ft roof and increase your property value by over $6,000 by installing solar photovoltaic panels. A solar hot water heater is significantly cheaper, just under $3,000 after rebates according to Solar Minnesota (solarminnesota.org). Solar hot water can reduce your hot water bill by 80%.

Your neighborhood, school, or place of worship can start a clean energy project with the help of Metro Clean Energy Resource Teams, or CERTs (cleanenergyresourceteams.org). CERTs will help connect you to resources, education, and volunteers to help launch your project, or set you up with a group already at work. One example is the Southeast Como Neighborhood Solar Thermal Project, where neighbors teamed together to receive a bulk discount on solar panels. More...

Scrub the tub Mix baking soda with water for an abrasive scrubbing paste, or substitute castile soap such as Dr. Bronner’s in place of water for extra power. To disinfect the bathroom, spray with hydrogen peroxide and rinse with water.

Claim the drain Pour baking soda in the drain, add 1 cup white vinegar, and watch the volcano, just like in grade school. Flush with hot water and repeat if necessary.

All hands on the pans Mix white vinegar with enough salt to form a paste, and watch the grease slip away. Add 1 tsp lemon juice for scent and extra power. 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...