Desalination is the process of turning saltwater into drinking water. As more reverse osmosis plants are being built, water conservation remains a vital solution to managing worldwide shortages.

Fresh water is in short supply in many parts of the world, and the problem is going to get worse as the population grows. One solution is desalination. How does this work? Will it solve the water crisis? The Hipsters discuss the pros and cons of this emerging technology. Also, as the temperature in Chico dips to 40 degrees, Val declares herself "over winter."

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Three simple ingredients combine to make Cru d'Or Belgian Style Ale a winner. This flavorful brew from North Coast Brewing Co. in Fort Bragg, CA contains only water, organic malt and hops. Trifecta!

Chocolate: Guys, buy this by the case. Zazubean's Lunatic bar claims to take the edge off women's "monthly madness" with its blend of cacao nibs and mint. We liked it. You got a problem with that?

Finds:

• Splinter Wonderland. A Potted Christmas Tree seedling makes a festive hostess gift. Or plant a hundred of your own and open a Christmas tree lot next year. Cha-ching!
• Beam me up. Black & Decker's new Thermal Leak Detector is a handheld gun thingy that finds hidden energy leaks in your home with a colored beam of light. OK, you can pretend you're Captain Kirk while you use it.
• Green 'zine. Need a new read? Boho offers great fashion and lifestyle tips, on eco-friendly paper. The name means "both ho's", right?

• Barack this town. President-elect Obama unveils his energy and environment team. "My administration will value science. We will make decisions based on the facts." If this is a dream, don't wake us.
• Smelluva job. Another last-minute ruling from the Bush administration exempts farms from having to report toxic manure fumes. What about those fumes coming from the White House?

Pack your snacks. Before you hit the road for the holidays, make sure you've packed plenty of food and drinks. Bringing your own eats from home cuts down on waste and saves you money. Remember, they always !@#$ you in the drive-thru!

Fresh water is in short supply in many parts of the world, and the problem is going to get worse in coming years. One solution is desalination, the process of turning saltwater into drinking water. How does this work? Will it solve the water crisis? Learn the pros and cons of this ancient process.

• Salty. Only 3% of earth's water is fresh; less than 1% is available for drinking and washing.
• Thirsty. The World Bank reports that 80 countries now have dangerous water shortages, and more than 2 billion people have no access to clean water or sanitation.
• Brainy Desalination technology advanced in the mid-20th century, and the first reverse-osmosis plant opened in 1965. There are now more than 12,000 plants worldwide.
• Thrifty. Since desalination is expensive, Food & Water Watch advocates better management practices. Start with water conservation in your home, and support efforts in your city and state.

Want to pepper us with questions? Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and your New Year's Resolutions at our MHTH forum!

• Kevin in Illinois is a teen greenie who loves nature conservation. He volunteers to restore habitat near his home and would like to hear a show about that topic. By the way Kevin, you rock!
• Janel in Arizona overcame her fear of composting and recommends it to all. Thanks for unlurking!
• Myssi in Colorado found Eco-Cycle, her local recycling site. Check out their Zero-Waste Holiday Guide. And Myssi, we're waiting for the Giddy Up!
• Jenny is resolving to go raw vegan in 2009. She was inspired by Compassionate Cooks, a podcast that is not for the squeamish. Good luck!
• Meredyth inexplicable thought of us when she lined up beer bottles on her kitchen counter. The occasion? Baking beer bread! See the recipe in our forum.

**Greenfeet's Pick-A-Present Promotion is on! Spend $75, pick a present worth up to $20 FREE!**

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! 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.