By Barbara Kessler
Green Right Now

Let’s shop green without being obvious about it, OK? You can, you know. There are many ways to tweak the holiday list this year to skew it toward recycled, socially conscious, energy-conserving goods. Of course, we don’t like to advocate lots of consuming. We definitely don’t buy that theory that it’s our patriotic duty to purchase our way out of the recession.

On the other hand, we are going to exchange gifts this holiday season. With that in mind, here are a few humble suggestions for keeping it green (and affordable), subtly.

A TOASTER OVEN

Black and Decker CTO6301 Convection Toaster Oven

[Read more →]

By Ashley Phillips
Green Right Now

When we think about Thanksgiving, we think about Plymouth, Pilgrims, and of course turkey. What would Thanksgiving be without a turkey?

For the longest time when it comes to food, we’ve gone by the notion that bigger is better. The bigger the turkey, the better it will taste. Unfortunately this process of thinking led to the inhumane treatment of animals and use of growth hormones, in order to turn a quick profit and satisfy customers.

Lately, though, people have become significantly more conscious about what chemicals animals are exposed to, because it directly relates to them when they are putting it in their body. And that has led to some options when it comes to picking your bird from among the 270 million or so turkeys raised in the United States. ( In 2008, 273 million turkeys were raised in the United States, according to the National Turkey Federation.)

[Read more →]

By Barbara Kessler
Green Right Now

Planning a low-impact, money-saving Halloween is so much more rewarding than trying to turn some other holidays green. You don’t have to argue with relatives about whether or not to have a turkey, or disappoint the kids with gifts to humanitarian causes in their names at Christmas. All you really need to do is think creatively, get holistic about your pumpkin, maybe dust off the sewing machine and take it easy at the store.

Here are our best nine ideas to help you get started.

Halloween Chico Bag

[Read more →]

By Ashley Phillips
Green Right Now

As you sort through which Disney character your child will be and find the candy of choice for the trick-or-treaters, add some green to this year’s Halloween. From candy to pumpkins, there are many ways to make this holiday eco-friendly.

[Read more →]

By Sommer Saadi
Green Right Now

You’re throwing a party. That means thinking about the guest list, the menu, the theme, the décor–and of course, how to be green while doing it all.

The event industry creates the second largest carbon footprint. So much waste can certainly put a damper on the celebration, so green-minded party planners across the nation are teaching both corporations and private citizens how to cut down when they’re throwing a party.

Green Right Now has enlisted the help of two party planners that specialize in hosting green events, Chrissy Gray, owner of Green Events in Laguna Beach, Calif., and Lenny Williams, owner of Garden Party NYC in New York, as well as the help of green guru and author of Simply Green Parties: Simple and Resourceful Ideas for Throwing the Perfect Celebration, Event or Get-Together Danny Seo to tell you all you need to know so that your next celebration is just as eco-friendly as you are.

[Read more →]

By Barbara Kessler
Green Right Now

This Father’s Day go green and sustainable with gifts that support eco-friendly clothing, are made with recycled products or help de-toxify dad’s bath and body routine.

• Whether dad is a rugged outdoorsman or just likes to trek around the ‘hood and occasionally go off-road, he might appreciate these Finn Vegan Hiking Shoes by Patagonia. Made without any animal by-products, they’re topped by a breathable mesh and have a footbed composed of 70 percent recycled foam containing carbon and cork bits to wick moisture and control odor. (Making for a lighter footprint!). The insole board is made from recycled polyethylene and the patented “Vibram Ecostep” outsole is composed of up to 30 percent recycled scrap rubber. Patagonia has been producing green clothing and gear for many years, so these shoes are backed by eco-experience that newer green shoemakers are still acquiring. About $100 at Zappos, which carries many more vegan shoes.

[Read more →]

By Laura Elizabeth May
Green Right Now

When getting ready for Mother’s Day, don’t forget about Mother Earth. We have gathered eight ideas that your mother will love and won’t hurt the earth.

A Gift That Blooms

1. Flowers are always right for Mom’s Day. If you are leaning in that direction, consider buying local blooms from a local florist. Picking out flowers that are grown locally cuts down on the amount of gas used to bring you that flower, and you will be supporting your neighborhood economy. If cut flowers aren’t easily found, look for a perennial or shrub in a pot.

[Read more →]

By Barbara Kessler and Harriet Blake
Green Right Now

As Earth Day approaches, one of the most significant things you can do is to help a child celebrate nature and embrace a greener lifestyle. Here are ten ideas for creating a fun and meaningful Earth Day celebration.

1 – Picnic (with local food)

Get outdoors and enjoy a snack with the squirrels and ants. To really get the most out of this, take your favorite kid(s) to the market in preparation and let them search out local healthy foods. Even young kids can participate, choosing the apples, veggies and cheeses they want to include. So introduce them to the farmer’s market or local foods section of your neighborhood grocery. Look for organic and lower your impact by using reusable dinnerware and plates, or biodegradable paper plates.

[Read more →]

By Laura Elizabeth May
Green Right Now

Every little girl dreams about the perfect wedding growing up. Missing from that dream is the large amount of waste caused by that wedding. When it came time for Tara Brown-Selders to walk down the aisle, she could not imagine having an event that produced so much waste. “When I learned how much waste is produced by a single event, I knew I could not have the traditional wedding,” she said.

Her then-boyfriend, Michael Selders, proposed with her great grandmother’s diamond that had also been used by her mother. By reusing the diamond, the couple had a green start to their wedding. GreenKarat also has earth friendly options for engagement rings and wedding rings using recycled metals and fair trade gems.

[Read more →]

By Laura Elizabeth May
Green Right Now

Earth Day is just around the corner, and the easiest way to show your support is by what you wear. Many different retailers have put out Earth Day t-shirts. Just remember you need time for shipping, so order soon.

Here is a list of some Earth Day t-shirts:

[Read more →]

Green Right Now Reports

We thought we were done with the Valentine’s Day tips. But then along came these soooo cute little seal and polar bear pictures from the World Wildlife Fund and we just said, awwwww! soooo cute. We had to spread the word.

[Read more →]

By Laura Elizabeth May
Green Right Now

By now, it is just a little too late to be ordering those organic chocolates or green engagement rings from the Internet. So, how do you show that special someone you care about them and the earth. The answer is simple: an e-card.

According to the Greeting Card Association, 7 billion greeting cards are sent each year in America and later end up in land fills. You will be cutting down on paper waste by sending that special someone your love sentiments over the Internet. And here is the best part, some of them are free. So you’re helping the planet and your wallet. It doesn’t get much better than that.

[Read more →]