It’s not just the poor economy that turns people to homemade, handcrafted gifts this season. Instead of purchasing more unnecessary goods this gift-giving season, why not use what you have and create beautiful items you know your recipients will use, and love. 

Based on Yale University’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for 2008, which measures factors such as a country’s environmental health, air pollution, water resources and productive natural resources, ten countries have once again made it to the top of the charts as the most eco-friendly nations in the world. 

It can be hard to live in a green house, especially when they’re what are often categorized as “older homes.” Not your new-fangled office building with geothermal heating, or house made of shipping containers. Older Victorian style homes, popular in New England and subject to reprisals until as late as the 1950s, are commonplace in my small-time town. My current job is even housed in one, a 1960s recreation with wrap-around porch. While the style is endearing, the fact is that house is a glutton for unnecessary electrical waste.

A look at the importance of preserving the natural habitats for birds and wildlife. Protection of these diverse ecosystems is essential and this story highlights some of the programs in place, the organizations involved and what you can do to get involved.

In a day of huge good news, there's some sad news: Treehugger brand Hugg.com, a Discovery company, has decided to close the doors on Hugg, a popular green social news site, as of this month.

Interview with John Gunn and Jeff Laberge, winners of the Holcim Awards Bronze 2008 for Region North America. John Gunn, scientist, and Jeff Laberge, architect, won this prize for their project Living with Lakes Center for freshwater restoration and research, Sudbury, Canada.

Interview with Liz Ogbu Silver winner of the 2008 Holcim Awards North America. Liz Ogbu, designer, won the Holcim Awards Silver 2008 for her project: Self-contained day labor station, San Francisco,USA.

Watch this Interview with Christopher J. Collins Gold winner of the 2008 Holcim Awards North America. Chris Collins, Executive Director, won the Holcim Awards Gold 2008 for his project: Solar 2 Green Energy: Arts and Education Center, New York, USA

To build the best product, to cause no unnecessary harm, to use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.This is the mission statement of Patagonia, the renowned outdoor gear and clothing company. Alternative Channel’s Alex Salzman discussed with CEO and President of Patagonia, Casey Sheahan, regarding the company’s CSR initiatives. Read how these outdoor enthusiasts manage their business without compromising their love for nature.

If Obama puts his policies where his pledges are, what are the environmental consequences? There are so many challenges we face; here, we take a look at the green ones...

Eco-Libris blog reviews "The Polar Bears' Home: A Story About Global Warming", one of Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing's Little Green Books, including an interview with the author, Lara Bergen. And there's a great giveaway as well: 4 books of the Little Green Books line!

Apparently owning a big boat and being eco-friendly at the same time are now possible. Making it ’s debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the DSe Hybrid 12m from Island Pilot is powered using a combination of diesel, solar, electric power and when the production model comes out it will also have wind turbines to top everything.

The attached photograph was taken in October of 2008 as construction continues on a new 537 acre industrial park with rights to construct more than 6.2 million square feet new buildlings.  The sandhill cranes seen here are just a few of the species that will be displaced by continued development and urban sprawl.  Across the United States and in Countries around the world, irresponsible development such as this is rampant.

tyrofoam and paper boxes have always been a staple of my college dining hall. When exam rained down or the dining hall was a bit too crowded, to-go boxes have provided the best option. But unfortunately they produce a large amount of non-biodegradable waste that ends up in garbage can all across campus.  Luckily the Student Environmental Alliance (SEA) has started a new campaign to say goodbye to the Styrofoam and hello to re-usable take-out containers.

Eco-friendly ware is big these days, with trends like organic cotton clothing and recycled shoes, but now it seems even solar is getting in the mix. The company Reware is taking “green” accessories and solar power to a whole new level with solar-powered bags.

Called “Juice Bags,” these designs all feature a flexible 7 watt solar panel, complete with 52 cells, fitted to the widest side of the bag. These cells captures light while you walk/jog/hike/run. There’s even a beach tote for lazier days in the outdoors.

The first step you can take in being more efficient with your heating this winter is to make your home as snug as you can. You can do this by checking how well your windows and doors fit into their frames, making repairs,, or, if necessary, replacing with better units. Put thick rugs down in the winter and replace your photos with quilts and draperies on the wall. The additional material acts as insulation and helps to contain the heat that is produced by your heating unit.

During the "Climate

SENSEable City Laboratory has announced that they will initiate a new biking project in Copenhagen to reduce carbon emissions and increase fitness. The Danish city will be the urban laboratory for MIT’s SmartBiking project starting in November 2009. This start date dovetails with Copenhagen’s duties as host of the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

MIT has developed smart bike technology that will allow easy mobilization, energy conservation and citywide mileage tracking. The SENSEable City Laboratory has created a rear wheel compartment that contains a lithium ion battery, smart tag and other electronic components.

Would you believe that annual loss from the disappearance of forests is greater than the current losses of Wall Street? According to a new study, the destruction of forests cost global economy $2-$5 trillion every year, whereas Wall Street has to date lost, within the financial sector, $1-$1.5 trillion.

The initiative which would have started on Nov 1, specifically required a new cab coming in to service to get 25 miles per gallon, and the following year the standard would be 30 miles per gallon.

Perhaps best known for its wetsuits, the water sports company Body Glove has partnered with Reef Check and surfline.com to help rally support for the protection of coral reefs.

Intel’s new microprocessor was designed with the environment in mind. The company says the chip is not only rocket fast but it’s extremely energy efficient.

Flux, Norwegian publishers of a magazine and literature within the fields of philosophy, cosmology and ecology and a sustainable future, are collaborating with Eco-Libris to plant trees for their publications, starting with a book about Arne Næss, founder of the Deep Ecology movement - "Deep Joy: Arne Næss on deep ecology" by Per Ingvar H

David Suzuki and Flick Off rounded up the tour in Ottawa in collaboration with music group the Constantine’s. David Suzuki talked about issues concerning environment and politics and the role we play in the future of our planet.

This has to be one of the best approach Greenpeace has taken to take action against Coal power. A funny James Bond like cartoon video featuring Graverson Green going against Cue Coalfinger a coal super villain trying to irreversibly change the Earths Climate by mass polluting with coal power. But the sad thing is Graverson Green can’t take Coalfinger alone. He needs our help.

You don’t have to be the bad guy and have a candy prohibition this Halloween. Follow these tips and you can still let your kids have the full Halloween experience without the full effect of a candy overdose.

Small expanding businesses often run into a quandry: They're getting bigger, but not big enough to warrant a full warehouse. Their customers are buying from farther away, increasing the company's carbon footprint. What to do? On demand shipping, nearer to your customers, in flexible sizes and amounts. Ahh, better!

It then seems only an obvious matter that the ‘Statue of Liberty’ should also spread the ‘Green Light’ with her eternal golden torch, so why is it green?

Eco-Libris blog is hosting Les Wallace, a long-time activist of the U.K. who suggests a creative yet simple idea to reduce the usage of paper (and trees) in books. This way is not only costly but will actually save publishers money..