Mark Stemen, head of the Sustainability program at California State University, Chico stops by to chat with Dori and Val about phantom loads.

Beer: Red Rocket Pale Ale by Bristol Brewing Company sent in by lurker and long time listener Michael. Thanks Michael!

Chocolate: 3400 Phinney collection from TheoChocolate.com

Finds:

• Don't have a cow, man! Following through their commitment to the environment, Universal Studios is utilizing green technology in the new 'The Simpsons Ride'.
• A hairy commitment. Or not so harry if you think about it. On Earth Day in an attempt to draw attention to the dangers of deforestation, Harrison Ford had his chest waxed on Access Hollywood. Ford is the vice chair of the global environmental group Conservation International.

• Heavy lead. The EPA is pushing for tougher standards regarding airborne lead. They believe that the current allowable concentrations do not adequately protect the public, especially children.
• Chemical corruption? Mary Gade, top Midwest administrator for the EPA, resigned amid internal fights over chemical contamination near Dow Chemical's headquarters in Michigan. Gade told the Chicago Tribune she was forced to resign after drawing attention to Dow's actions.
• Gasp! Dirty air! The American Lung Association has come out with a report card ranking air quality across America.

This week's Teenie Weenie Greenie™ is to take a five minute walk around your house and unplug any appliances that aren't being used regularly - think cell phone charges, blenders, etc. This will cut off phantom loads and save you money on your energy bill.

Mark Stemen, head of the Sustainability program at California State University, Chico stops by to chat with Dori and Val about phantom loads. If you have any questions for Mark, you can email him at m.stemen@csuchico.edu.

• Calculate your home's phantom load
• Is a 'Phantom' Stealing Your Electricity?

Once again, we have a bunch of great listener emails. Keep 'em rolling in at hip@greenfeet.com. And don't forget to post articles, links, and speak your mind at our MHTH forum!

• Cut out the clip. Jillicious sent a link to a video that shows how to close bags without using a clip.
• Kids take a stand! One of the main industries in Cassi's community is chlorine and chemical manufacturing. She recently attended a public forum held by community members and biologists from Oceana.org urging the Olin, TN facility to reduce or eliminate the use of mercury in the production of their chemicals. Cassi's sons were so inspired that they decided to start educating their classmates and teachers about the problem and even created a petition. Unfortunately, the school's administration squashed their efforts as not to offend the chemical company which "does a great deal to support the school". Hrmph. We applaud the efforts of Cassi's sons and urge them to keep up the good work! Click here learn more about mercury pollution from chemical production and what you can do to help.

Email us at hip@greenfeet.com. Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley.com and podcastpickle.com. Send us a voice message at our Skype address "morehip" or +1530.554.2605. Don't have Skype? Get it - it's free!

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