Summertime is the season for fun. Whether you hit the road or hang out at home, you can leave a lighter footprint.

Here comes the heat! There are plenty of eco-friendly ways to celebrate the sunny season. The Hipsters looks at ways to work with the sun, not against it. Listen for tips about summer food, drinks, clothing and fun! Also, Val blogs about her latest social faux pas while Dori defends Green Day.

Beer: Another cool label for Val's collection! Coney Island Lager from Shmaltz Brewing Co. boasts 8 malts, 6 hops and an intriguing amber hue. Delightfully hefty, as lagers go.

Chocolate: Even Dagoba falls a little short sometimes. Their New Moon 74% Rich Dark Chocolate got a big "meh" from Val, while Dori is unable to taste anything but nasal fluids.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Why pay $3-$4 a box for sugary popsicles this summer? Cool down your body and your wallet with the Frozen Ice Pop Maker. Add chunks of fresh fruit to healthy juice and freeze a little fun!
• Lettuce begin. No space for a garden? With a few seeds and a little water, you can grow your salad greens in a reusable tote. We like produce that bags itself.
• Pandasonic. A compostable bamboo cell phone? Will it grow new cell phones?

• Green house effect. President Obama's plans to renovate public housing will create green jobs in those communities.
• Letter rip! Our friends at Green America want you to send this letter to Exxon, asking them to please spend more of their record profits on renewable energy and less on greenwashing.
• Know Your Enemy. That's the new song by Green Day. Wal-Mart believes you shouldn't hear it, so they won't sell it.

As the bounty of summer fills the stalls of your farmer's market, make it a point to try something new. Choose something that looks interesting and ask the vendor how to prepare it. If it's fresh, local and seasonal, it can't be all bad, right?

Green Summer

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is in the headlights. You already know the basic moves to save water and energy. Now, with a little help from Planet Green, the Hipsters take you to the next level with ideas for a cool green summer to remember!

• Grill. Cook outside to save energy, using propane or natural briquettes. Serve those summer meals on compostable dishes. Clean the grill with an eco-friendly cleanser like Bon Ami.
• Skill. Learn how to prepare raw foods. Work them into your diet for maximum nutrition with minimal electricity. Eat smaller meals several times a day.
• Chill. Wear lightweight cotton or linen fabric like seersucker or madras. Splash water on your pulse points. Munch on spicy foods containing capsaicin; your body will sweat to cool itself, without raising your core temperature.
• Kill bacteria and mold in wet laundry with the natural bleaching power of the sun. Good ol' Sol can also charge your gadgets and brew up delicious tea.
• Fill your free time with green volunteer opportunities. Plan day trips to local attractions and events, but don't overbook yourself! Leave time to relax with family and friends.

• Carolyn in Melbourne, Australia wants to know why we think the Canadian seal hunt is cruel. Good question! The HSUS has the answer.
• Alisha in Virginia found a study calling reuseable bags a public safety hazard. (Sponsor: Plastics industry!) She also has a new "bamboo management program"...Freecycle.
• Trystan at Yahoo! Green shares new uses for plastic bottles, reveals how fresh air is killing us and wonders if she should compost despite having no plants. We say yes, if only to further horrify your neighbors!