Frugal living has its roots in the Great Depression, but makes sense today as we look for ways to save money and energy. Budgeting for a sustainable future creates opportunity, not sacrifice.

The United States is home to 5% of the world's population, but we consume 30% of its resources. To be green, we must spend and use less in our lives. Dori and Val discuss the merits of frugal living, which is more a creative opportunity than a state of deprivation! Listen for tips to help you make the shift to thrift. Also, the Hipsters reveal their (Facebook) "hippy names" and give you the BitchBuzz on Coors beer.

Cider: We start off Spring with a big-ass bottle of light, refreshing Ace Perry Cider from the California Cider Co. in Sonoma County. Homegirl Val approves.

Chocolate: Listener Trystan brought us goodies from her trip to Europe! Amedei La Tavoletta Toscano Black is as rich and tempting as Italy itself. Grazie!

Finds: >

• Val's Favorite Thing! A sweet summertime essential is the new Smooshed Ice Cream Set. Mix your favorite treats into ice cream just like they do at expensive creameries. You'd better stock up on cones!
• Bud wiser. Become a Citizen Scientist with Project BudBurst. Record your observations about the onset of Spring in your area. Researchers use the data to get a clear picture of the effects of our warming climate.

• Crude awakening. Twenty years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, researchers find toxic impacts of oil persisting in Prince William Sound. Oh, and Exxon still owes $92 million for cleanup. Wasn't that, like, 3 tanks of gas last summer?
• Gimme 5! Governors of CA, OR and WA are working together to turn Interstate 5 into the nation's first green freeway. Let's see if they can clean the rest stop bathrooms next.
• The truthiness is out there. Congrats to Stephen Colbert! He handily won NASA's contest to name a new room at the international space station. The agency reserves the right to choose a name other than "Colbert" when it makes a final decision next month. If they do, they're dead to us.

Would you, could you in the dark? More than 2,000 cities around the world will power down this Saturday, March 28th for Earth Hour. Join the fun from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, then let us know how you spent the time!

Contrary to what we've been told for eight years, we can't spend our way out of our economic woes. Smart consumers are borrowing a page from Grandma's playbook: frugal living. You can create a satisfying, substantial life for yourself and your family while shrinking your carbon footprint.

• Frugal Living. It's not about deprivation, it's about creativity! Here are some tips to get you started.
• Budget. Living smarter means knowing how much you can and cannot spend.
• Stock up. Shopping less frequently cuts down on waste. Try to buy groceries once every 2 weeks.
• Invest. Purchasing high-quality goods can be more expensive up front, but you'll save money on repair and replacement.
• Fiscal Fast. Learn to consume less by going on a spending detox for a week or more each year.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and Earth Hour stories at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Kristi in Minneapolis (dontcha know) is awash in green cleaners! We recommend trying small batches of each and logging the results. Let us know which is best, would ya?
• Kat in Atlanta has a great idea: compost the leftovers from your local smoothie shop! Here's a list of green colleges for you...be sure to note #8.
• Chris in Montana points out the hazards of carpet in landfills. Keep your rug out of the rubbish pile with CARE, and make more sustainable choices.
• Trystan at Yahoo! Green tried to keep it green during her world travels. Thanks again for the chocolate, and for pointing out that beer has a much smaller water footprint than wine. Happy World Water Day!

***Free Shipping! Get in on it at Greenfeet, for a limited time!***Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

Dunkin' Donuts and Transfair USA work together to promote Fair Trade practices in the coffee industry.

For over 50 years, Dunkies has provided millions of us with our daily cuppa joe. Since 2003, they've used only Fair Trade Certified coffee beans in their espresso drinks. In an effort to educate their employees and the public, the company hired Tommy Maples of Evolve Media to produce a video explaining the benefits of that program. Tommy happens to be a Hipster homie, so he chats with Dori and Val about the project. This show was recorded on St. Patrick's Day, so get ready for tragic tales of green eggs and something called Shamrock Shake Syndrome.

Beer: Well here's a no-brainer! Guinness Extra Stout is the official beer of St. Patrick's Day and resides in the Hipster Hall of Fame.

Chocolate: Another fine treat from listener Fonda in Missouri. Chocolatier Hachez Cocoa D'Arriba Orange paired nicely with the stout. We loved the subtle citrus flavor and velvety mouth feel.

Finds:

• Spit happens. A designing mom came up with eco-friendly Pukies bibs, whose patterns mimic baby food stains. We suggest a line for adults, patterned like corned beef and cabbage.
• Seal the deal. The folks at Good Housekeeping are adding a Green Seal of Approval to their quality-assurance arsenal. The evaluation will look at a product's content, packaging, manufacture, health value and toxicity.
• Africa hot. Coming soon: Hippo Sweat Sunscreen. Scientists think the amazing secretion would make a terrific antiseptic insect-repellant sunscreen for pink hairless humans. What's next, Rhino Glow?

• Bovine intervention. The Obama administration has permanently banned downer cows from our food supply. Still no ban on lame bull.
• Unamerican Idol. Singer Carrie Underwood will give a portion of the profits from her new song to the Humane Society. That makes her a domestic terrorist.

>Metal health. If you've been driving on salted roads all winter, take time to thoroughly inspect the chassis for rust. A small spot can spread all over the car in just a few months. Keep those floormats dry too. You don't want to drive a Rustang!

Purchasing Fair Trade Certified products helps to make a real difference in the lives of farmers and families in developing countries. Tommy Maples talks about his new video project with Dunkin' Donuts, which chronicles the benefits of Fair Trade for a group of Colombian coffee producers.

• Video. The project, entitled Fair Trade and Dunkin' Donuts, started as a teaching tool for Dunkies employees. Have a tissue handy.
• Coffee. It's true: Dunkin' Donuts only uses Fair Trade Certified coffee beans in their espresso-based drinks.
• Evolve. Tommy Maples is owner and founder of Evolve Media, a production company based in San Francisco. He's also great fun at a dinner party.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and naughty limericks at our MHTH forum!

• Michelle in Pennsylvania thinks Hipsters should support these bills banning BPA from food and drink containers. Contact your Senators and Reps.
• Kristin in Washington warns against purchasing invasive English Ivy for your home or garden. She's tired of chopping it down!
• Jenn in North Carolina discovered Skin Deep. No, it's not a porn site, it's a cosmetics safety database full of useful info.
• Patrick shares a story about recycling efforts at Starbucks. And yes, we've watched Idiocracy, while eating EXTRA BIG ASS FRIES!

***Free Shipping! Get in on it at Greenfeet, for a limited time!***Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

Jeff Delkin, co-founder of bambu, shares his philosophy for a successful sustainable business.

There's much to admire in the way bambu does business. From sustainably harvested materials to socially responsible production, Jeff Delkin and Rachel Speth have created a successful model for green businesses everywhere. Jeff drops by for beer and banter with the Hipsters, revealing his company's latest endeavors and a doozy of a porn star name! Also, as Dori and Val struggle to adjust to the time change, they share their deep thoughts about Dr. Phil and OctoMom.

Beer: Our friends at Lagunitas Brewing Co. pay tribute (again!) to Frank Zappa with limited-edition Ruben & the Jets, a BoppaDooAyDoo-style ale. This thick, dark brew in a big-ass twist-off bottle is meant to be sipped and savored.

Chocolate: Our new favorite listener is Melissa in Pittsburgh, PA, who sent along a delightful tin of treats from Pretty Mean Snacks (yes, PMS). These chick-themed chocolates feature creamy fillings with delicate flavors, perfect for relieving homicidal rages.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Finally, an outdoor compost bin for lazy people! The ThermoQuick Easy Use Composter has side air vents so you don't have to turn your scraps. Just dump the stuff in the top chamber and wait for nutritious compost to appear in the bottom chamber. The 100% recycled plastic bin is available in 2 sizes.
• Green Gossip! The people have spoken: Madonna tops PETA's Worst-Dressed List for her numerous fashion fur-pas. Other fur fiends include Kanye West, Kate Moss and the Olsen twins.

• Kickin' Mass. Americans are feeling the love for mass transit. According to industry figures, about 4% more of us got out of our cars and hopped a bus or train last year.
• Kickin' Ash. In the aftermath of that huge coal ash spill in Tennessee, the EPA will begin the process of regulating the country's waste ponds.

Seams sew easy! If you can make small sewing repairs, you can make your own small sewing kit. Place a few needles, pins and buttons in an empty tin or film canister. Now make a spool for thread: cut a small rectangle from scrap cardboard, put 3 tiny notches in each of the short ends, then wrap different colored thread around each pair of notches. Now you're good to sew!

Jeff Delkin and Rachel Speth started their business to spread the word about sustainability. Eight years later, bambu is a success story on a global scale. With their emphasis on environmental responsibility, the Delkins provide a profitable model of ethics and accountability for all green businesses.

• About. The story of bambu is told in photos and in a video featuring Jeff and Rachel.
• Cork. New this year: bambu bowls, trays and cutting boards in sustainable cork from China.
• Green. Jeff and Rachel donate a portion of their sales to non-profit 1% For The Planet, which supports environmental organizations worldwide.
• Outreach. Your purchase of bambu products helps support microfinance programs through the Grameen Foundation.
• Shop. The entire line of kitchenware and decor is available in the bambu Boutique.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and Dr. Phil quotes at our MHTH forum!

• Emmms in London is happy to find that Cadbury Dairy Milk will become Fair Trade certified by the end of August. We hope the Creme Egg is next, cuz we heart the goo.
• Kristin in New Hampshire (live free or die!) hopes to breathe in chocolaty goodness from Lindt, courtesy of her local electric company.
• Michelle in New York found Pepsi Natural, made with sparkling water and real sugar (no HFCS). After drinking it, make sure you gargle with Greenwash.
• Melanie in Illinois wonders why companies like Heinz use real sugar in their products overseas, but stick Americans with HFCS. Tip: Heinz Organic has the real stuff, but costs more.
• Angela in Connecticut shares a bunch more ways to reuse and repurpose those pesky toilet paper rolls. Meanwhile, this blog finally wipes out the TP Over vs. Under debate. And there was peace across the land.

***Free Shipping! Get in on it at Greenfeet, for a limited time!***Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Earth Day or everyday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes and Learn Out Loud.More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Common houseplants provide a natural and inexpensive solution to indoor air pollution.

We spend about 90% of our time indoors, breathing in a variety of potentially harmful air pollutants. But before you run out and buy a HEPA filter, consider stocking up on nature's best air purifiers: houseplants! The Hipsters dig into the research to find the finest foliage for filtering formaldehyde, among other toxins. You'll also learn which plants won't kill your pets, which plants might survive in Dori's house and which plant makes Val blush!

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Like the volcanic glass for which it's named, Obsidian Stout from Deschutes Brewery is dark, smooth and a bit sharp. It's also quite a gem!

Chocolate: We liked, but didn't love, the Belgian Dark Chocolate with Raspberry Truffle Filling from Joseph Schmidt Confections. But we did have fun saying Schmidt.

Finds:

• News you can use. Recycle those want-ads into handy starter pots for seedlings. The Newspaper Pot Maker is easy enough for kids to use! When the seeds sprout, plant the pot right into the ground. Hint: tabloids usually have the best dirt.
• Checking inn. Hipster Colin and his family hit the road soon for a cross-country video tour. Check out their itinerary and see if you can offer them a place to crash for a night.

• Science friction. President Obama put another last-minute Bush regulation on hold. This one would let federal agencies decide for themselves whether projects pose a risk to endangered species, without input from scientists. FAIL.
• Sootuation. Demonstrators blocked the gates of the coal-fired Capitol Power Plant in Washington DC, hoping to draw attention to climate change. The plant spews about 1/3 of the legislature's greenhouse gas emissions. Politicians spew the other 2/3.

Just Say Grow! Fill your home with greenery, but don't empty your wallet. Find a friend with a green thumb and ask for a few cuttings. Once you get your plants growing, pay them forward; offer to share some of your own cuttings with plant-deprived pals!

Common houseplants improve indoor air quality, studies show. They absorb contaminants from the air while generating fresh oxygen. Plus, they look great! The average home should have at least 15 plants. Which varieties are best at clearing the air? Which of those are easiest to maintain? We turn to NASA for the answers!

• NASA spent 2 years studying common houseplants, and found them surprisingly efficient at combatting Sick Building Syndrome.
• Pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide are commonly found in homes and offices. Certain houseplants are best at purifying the air.
• Pets come into contact with your plants, so check with the ASPCA to learn which are toxic to animals, and which are safe.
• Low maintenance plants may suit your lifestyle, so learn which varieties are hard to kill! You may want to invest in a moisture tester to keep from overwatering.
• "How to Grow Fresh Air" is a great guide to cleaning the air with houseplants. The author, B. C. Wolverton, is a retired scientist who conducted NASA's plant research.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. You're also invited to chime in on the new Greenfeet Blog! And remember to post articles, links and plant care tips at our MHTH forum!

• Alanna in Boston is excited to include the new rePETe in her "bag diet". Maybe she'll use one to bring us chocolate from her next Textile Trek to Italy!
• Chris in Montana believes it makes sense (and cents) to Get Rich Slowly. Gotta be better than our plan to Go Broke Quickly.
• Tracie wants tea-drinkers to unite for a new Celestial Seasonings program. Drink tea, plant a tree!
• Shayna found new ways to recycle odds and ends that collections centers won't take.
• Jillicious would like to see more white hares. Wait til she turns 40!