More Hip Than Hippie #187 - Shot or Not?

Should you get a flu shot this year? What are the side effects? Is there mercury in the flu vaccine?

Flu season is right around the corner, and health officials say this is the time to get your flu shot. The Hipsters roll up their sleeves and investigate what goes into the flu vaccine, and poke around the controversy surrounding this annual rite of winter. Learn alternatives to getting a shot and ways to prevent influenza from striking. Also, Dori boils about eggs and Val impersonates Switzerland (without the yodeling)!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Thar she brews! Hop Diggidy India Pale Ale from Port Townsend Brewing Co. in Washington. Great flavor in a big bottle with a really cool label. Hipster Hall O' Fame.

Chocolate: Smooth and gooey Lindt Creation 70% Cherry & Chili bar. Probably very nice paired with red wine. Beer, not so much.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Full of scrap. Keep leftovers out of the landfill with a Bokashi indoor composter. Beneficial bacteria produce quick, odor-free compost without using slimy disgusting nightmare-inducing worms. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
• Fishful thinking. The ocean called, and it's running out of sushi! Choose wisely with new sushi guides from Monterey Bay Aquarium, EDF and the Blue Ocean Institute.
• Downstairs captain? Um, if you own one of these, you must fill the gaping hole in your personal hygiene with Man Junk. It's organ-ick.

 

Hip News

• Bummer-free zone. The heavily patriotized US Interior Dept. is in a big hurry to ease rules protecting endangered species before W leaves office.
• Won't get fueled again. Lower gas prices aren't luring wary drivers back to the road. Demand is down 6.4% from a year ago.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Keep score! Find out how your US Congressperson voted on environmental issues this year. The League of Conservation Voters released their 2008 scorecard, looking at House and Senate votes on energy, climate, public lands and more. (Good job, Vermont!)

 

Shot or Not?

Flu season is right around the corner, and health officials say this is the time to get your flu shot. Should you do it? What are the alternatives? Dori and Val roll up their sleeves and investigate what goes into the flu vaccine, and poke around the controversy surrounding this annual rite of winter.

• Take a shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine for certain populations at risk.
• Mercury rising. How much is too much mercury? Be aware that flu shots contain the heavy metal.
• Pig in a poke. It's a little known fact: influenza vaccine may contain traces of a product made from raw pork, as well as other viruses.
• Pharm aid. The FluMist vaccine is a nasal spray owned by pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. Avoid it if you're allergic to eggs.
• Fraud couple. Some say the flu shot is a scam perpetrated by the government and drug companies.
• Flu the coop. A few simple health habits will help you prevent flu from spreading to your household or workplace.
• Squash the bug. Fall foods boost the immune system naturally. Eat garlic, onions and brightly colored fruits and vegetables. (Val uses a Vita-Mix.) Wash 'em all down with green tea.

Listener E-mails Take a shot at fame! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and chicken soup recipes at our MHTH forum!

• Corri in Philadelphia reads Back Home magazine, and learned about recycling used discs (and cases too!) at CD Recycling Center America. BTW, love your porn star name!
• Jackie in Ontario, Canada (eh!) actually got to use her porn star name, without taking off her clothes. Nice work, Shasta Westbury!
• Jamie at KAYU wants us to know that her company's bamboo glasses are pricey for a good reason. They donate $50 from each purchase to fund a sight-restoring operation in Africa or Asia. Ah, now we see!
• Weston invites Hipsters to participate in a Gorgeously Green Recipe Contest. It's your chance to be published in an international cookbook.
• Michelle & Virginia in NY provide words of wisdom from one of Val's ancestors, Ben Franklin. Can you detect the family resemblance?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

More Hip Than Hippie #186 - Springboard Biodiesel

Mark Roberts, CEO of Springboard Biodiesel, discusses BioPro automated biodiesel processors.

We know biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel that is non-polluting, non-toxic and petroleum free. Why aren't we all using it? If you own a vehicle with a diesel engine, you could start now. Dori and Val chat with Mark Roberts about his company's line of biodiesel processors for consumers. Mark talks about what goes in and what comes out of the machines, and reveals what RVO stands for. He also reveals his bodacious porn star name! Also, Jillicious is here to celebrate her birthday with the Hipsters. (No, Dori will not hold her purse.)

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: How do you make three Hipsters happy? A big-ass bottle of Maximus India Pale Ale from Lagunitas Brewing Co. in Petaluma, CA is a great start.

Chocolate: Lucuma Matata? Endangered Species Organic Health Dark Chocolate with Goldenberry and Lucuma is good for you and for the planet. And it's darn tasty too.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Shades of green. Painting indoors? Breathe easy with Benjamin Moore's Natura line of VOC-free interior paints. Available nationwide next spring.
• Rock your bodice. The crafty folks at Real Simple put together a "wardrobe malfunction kit" for garment gaffes. Nipple jewelry not included.
• Shade trees. Get plastic out of your sight with a pair of handcrafted bamboo sunglasses. For every pair purchased, KAYU sponsors one sight-restoring surgery in the developing world.
• Toothiness. Are you fascinated by a certain Senator's pearly whites? Enjoy this website celebrating Joe Biden's teeth.

 

Hip News

• Mt. Bushmore. The Prez is about to ease restrictions on mountain-top removal mining. Don't let the doorknob hit you on the way out.
• In-EV-itable. Nissan Motors will sell an affordable electric car in the US by 2010.
• Scampi scandal. Leading US retailers are selling shrimp produced in sweatshop conditions, according to a report. Et tu, Trader Joe's?
• Making a dif-France. In order to save energy, the Eiffel Tower's lights now twinkle half as long as they used to. They also want 3 months of vacation every year.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Clash 'n Carry! Repurpose an old photo album as a reference book for decorating. Instead of snapshots, fill it with paint chips and fabric swatches, then take it along when you shop for furnishings. So when you buy new curtains, you won't have to repaint!

Springboard Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel that is non-polluting, non-toxic and petroleum free. Why aren't we all using it? If you own a vehicle with a diesel engine, you could start now. Dori and Val chat with Mark Roberts, CEO of Springboard Biodiesel, about his company's line of biodiesel processors for consumers. Mark discusses what goes in and what comes out of the machines, as well as the future of the fuel.

• Just brew it. Mark's company acquired the BioPro family of automated biodiesel processors this year. HQ is here in Chico, CA.
• Fuel's gold. Will using biodiesel void the warranty on your vehicle? Umm, no. Get the facts about the fuel.
• Grease is the word. But RVO is the acronym when you're talking about biodiesel.

Listener E-mails Your ideas fuel our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and birthday wishes for Jillicious at our MHTH forum!

• Jennifer in Pittsburgh listened to every More Hip episode in just 60 days! We don't know how she finds time to be president of her high school's Conservation, Fishing & Hunting Club. She thinks Hipsters in Canada (eh!) will enjoy Green Beaver (ahem!) and she also likes Merry Hempsters.
• Karen in Texas helped a young supermarket bagger "get with the program" after he tried to put her reusable totes into a plastic bag. Yippee Ki Yay!
• Myka is successfully greening her workplace. She shares a couple of finds: PodSwap keeps used iPods out of the landfill, and RewareVintage sells notebooks made of recycled vintage records.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com, where the Fall Home Sale is underway!

More Hip Than Hippie #185 - Gifting the Meanie

We all have someone on our gift list who doesn't appreciate our eco-friendly offerings. Some may be downright hostile. So how does the Greenie gift the Meanie? A donation to the Sierra Club probably won't do the trick. The Hipsters share ideas that have worked for them, and will hopefully take the "resent" out of "present"! If not, Val suggests the ultimate solution...

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Refreshing St. Wilbur Weizen from Bayern Brewing in Missoula, Montana. Their brewmasters adhere to the German Law of Purity of 1516. Bet they're fun at a party.

Chocolate: By Chocovic, the Bitter Dark 71% Unique Origin Guaranda from Ecuador. This is Dori's go-to bar when she needs a quick fix.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Set your lunch free...of wasted paper. Litter Free Lunch Napkins are soft cotton cloths sold in sets of 5, so you can take a fresh one to work each day. Choose from a variety of styles and colors. You could even personalize them with stitching or appliques. Bon appetit!
• Code hard cash. Fundraising can be as easy as Z-I-P! A program called ZipGoesGreen will sell customized eco-friendly products featuring your ZIP code, and 25% goes to your cause.
• The Remedy. Tired of musicians who don't care about the planet? Meet Jason Mraz.

 

Hip News

• Unleaded. Facing legal action, the Environmental Protection Agency will order industry to get the lead out of our air.
• Fortunate sun. The "economic rescue bill" sweetened the deal for consumers to go solar.
• Impure thoughts. A new study finds bottled water is--wait for it--no more pure than tap water. But still 1900 times as expensive.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Use your Tupper Where? Listener DeeDee in Mississippi lets her kids make sand castles on the beach with her old Tupperware. (Hope it didn't attract any burping seals!) Another idea: fill containers with soil to start seeds for your garden. Oh, there are multi-levels of uses!

Gifting the Meanie

We all have someone on our gift list who doesn't appreciate our eco-friendly offerings. Some may be downright hostile. So how does the Greenie gift the Meanie? A donation to the Sierra Club probably won't do the trick. Dori and Val share ideas that have worked for them, and will hopefully take the "resent" out of "present"!

• Jewelry. For pricier pieces, look for vintage gold and conflict-free diamonds. Or keep it cheap with recycled glass baubles.
• Gift baskets. Fill a Fair Trade basket with organic goodies like nuts, fruit, chocolates, coffee, tea, cocoa or wine. Natural personal care products are another useful indulgence.
• Home. Green decor doesn't have to look like it came from a commune. Stylish baskets, natural fiber throws and recycled glass vases are sure to impress. A living plant is also a nice touch.
• Gift certificates. Give the Meanie a fun outing, whether it's a theme park, a movie or just dinner on the town. Include a coupon for babysitting.
• Stylish stuff. Eco-friendly gadgets and trinkets abound. Whatever your Meanie is into, you can find a fun gift that shows you're paying attention.
• Inspiration. Take a look at Dave Evans' book, Cool Green Stuff, for an endless supply of ideas.

Listener E-mails Been meaning to write in? Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and green gift ideas at our MHTH forum!

• Ex-MTV Alison in North Carolina sent a link to a story about RecycleBank. Soon Greenfeet will be one of their partners!
• Carrie in PA wonders if she should compost those biodegradable goods. Yes and no, but either way, they're still a better choice than plastic.
• Michelle in New York enjoyed this story about an outdoor gym made entirely of recycled wood and other materials.
• Maggie in Madrid, Spain says the green movement is blooming in that fair city. She'd love to hear some funny green jokes. Anyone? Anyone?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

More Hip Than Hippie #184 - Dirty Gold

Many of us wear a gold ring as a symbol of love. But we don't love the 20 tons of mine waste generated to produce that one gold ring. The production of gold jewelry is often harmful to the environment and to the communities nearby. The Hipsters dig up the dirt on gold mining, and find a mother lode of ideas for consumers. Also, Dori dictates a letter to Ford Motor Company, and Val offsets her carbon.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Dark, malty Lava Rock Porter from Dick's Brewing Co. in Centralia, WA. And yes, we made fun of the name like a couple of 12-year-olds.

Chocolate: Another amazing offering from Caffe Acapella. The Cappuccino Connoisseur is a flavorful bar of velvety chocolate lust dipped in milky espresso desire. We need a cold shower.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Groovy. Party like a Rockstar with lovely drink charms cut from old vinyl records. They come in a set of 6 colorful stars.
• Red is the new green. Wrap your holiday gifts in natural ribbon. Soy-based inks provide the rich red hue, and water-based adhesives hold it together. The ribbon is also biodegradable, so unlike Santa, it won't be around forever.

 

Hip News

• Selling short. Lawmakers are putting climate legislation on hold as they try to stabilize the economy. They can only handle one meltdown at a time.
• Hot Wheels. As more SUV owners default on their car loans, they're turning to arson for answers. The rest can't afford enough gas to start a fire.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Let nature inn! Consider putting up a feeder or house for your furry and feathered friends this winter. Loss of habitat may put on pressure for survival during harsh weather. Help a critter out!

Dirty Gold

Many of us wear a gold ring as a symbol of love. But we don't love the 20 tons of mine waste generated to produce that one gold ring. The production of gold jewelry is often harmful to the environment and to the communities nearby. Dori and Val dig up the dirt on gold mining, and find a mother lode of ideas for consumers.

• Gold Diggers. Mines are often located in environmentally sensitive areas. Local people and wildlife suffer the consequences.
• Gold standard. The "No Dirty Gold" campaign established these Golden Rules for more responsible gold mining.
• Glittering. Wal-Mart and Tiffany are trying to clean up the gold industry.
• Tarnished. Other retailers don't seem too concerned about it. (C'mon, Target!)
• Gold dust. Shop for antique or vintage jewelry instead of new gold. Support jewelers like GreenKarat and Brilliant Earth, who recycle and reuse old pieces.

Listener E-mails Got any golden ideas for the show? Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and nuggets of wisdom at our MHTH forum!

• Liz in Wisconsin has much to share. First, is this greenwashing? Second, cold brew coffee in a pasta sauce jar! Third, great tips to reuse an Altoids tin. Thanks, and we'll post your pomegranate recipe on the forum!
• Kevin in Illinois wants to defend himself from those "new carpet" fumes. Open the windows wide, or better yet, look for an eco-friendly brand of carpet.
• Lisa in Wisconsin shared an article about pint-size Eco-Police making parents proud and/or crazy.
• Julie in Arizona is now having green nightmares about wasting water! She'd also like a coupon from Greenfeet. OK, 2 words: Newsletter & Twitter.
• Vanessa in Israel wants to talk with other Hipsters outside the US to share green info. You got it: international listeners, let us know where you are, and we'll set up a spot for you on the forum! By the way Vanessa, tell your hubby that fish pedicures are now illegal in Washington.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com

More Hip Than Hippie #183 - Fair Trade Facts

October is Fair Trade Month. So what does that really mean? Dori and Val fill in the facts about fair trade standards, who benefits from them, and how you can participate. You'll learn to find and identify products that are doing a world of good. Also, the Hipsters discuss chickens with PMS and get a visit from a couple of Looney Tunes!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: A taste of home! Sierra Nevada Brewery here in Chico, CA presents their 12th Release Harvest wet hop ale. A big-ass bottle of happiness.

Chocolate: When coffee meets caramel, good things happen. Acapella's Caramel Macchiato Classico bar inspires adjectives usually reserved for romance novels: bold but silky, smooth yet firm, and so satisfying...is it getting hot in here?

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! Environmental fashion is fun and funky with Flip Top earrings from Kim Dinnen Designs. They're made from recycled soda can flip tops, recovered from the banks of the Sacramento and American Rivers. A colorful bead adds style to these affordable treasures.
• Dolly Carton. Nothing is more fun than a cardboard box, except maybe a recycled cardboard Dollhouse. Pre-cut with rooms and spyholes, it's ready to be customized by a creative kid.

 

Hip News

• Critters are quitters. Half the mammals on Earth are in decline, according to a scientific survey. New to the list: the Tasmanian devil. Hang in there, Taz!
• Purely swell. Dell plans to transition all new laptop displays to LED in the next 12 months. Dude! You're getting a lighter footprint!
• Meatless. Ellen DeGeneres has come out--as a vegan. She made the announcement, not over an airport loudspeaker, but while attending an animal rights benefit.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Gift Globally. Make the commitment to purchase at least one Fair Trade item for your holiday gift-giving this year. Your purchase will help lift up people and communities where it's more than the thought that counts.

Fair Trade Facts

October is Fair Trade Month. So what does that really mean? Dori and Val fill in the facts about fair trade standards, who benefits from them, and how you can participate. You'll learn to find and identify products that are doing a world of good!

• Label of love. The very fine folks at TransFair USA certify products in America. Look for their label.
• Getting buy. Here's a list of retailers and restaurants carrying certified goods. Don't forget to check your local bookstores and social justice organizations.
• Spend of the world. Ebay knows your shopping shapes the world. Now they're doing a World of Good.
• Fair force. Ready to act? Co-op America's Fair Trade Alliance invites you to become an advocate.
• Hip service. Greenfeet features a fabulous collection of Fair Trade finds. Fill your flat!

Listener E-mails Got a fairly good question? Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and trade secrets at our MHTH forum!

• Lisa in Michigan raves about a great recycling program called Paper Retriever, where they make every page count.
• Mike and Cindy want to buy environmentally responsible carpeting. We suggest Flor and Shaw. Hey, are you guys in the Brady Bunch?
• Julia in Florida needs an alternative to plastic bags in her trash can. We like BioBags. Now use these to keep those plastic bags away. (BTW, we love your porn star name!)
• Beth gets all the poop about the joys of cloth diapers, on a forum called Diaper Swappers.
• Hilary thought we would enjoy this story about candy shaped like beer glasses. She was correct.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for holiday gift-giving! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva and MoreHipDori, at your service! It's a new month, so don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1.530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com