It is a beautiful day here on the patio, but we're feeling a bit old this week. Val threw out her hip, and Dori thinks she may need glasses! Don't worry, we won't let that stop us from enjoying the holiday season. We have great tips for keeping your pets safe and we talk a bit about choosing the right Christmas tree. Also, our essential oil of the week is Tea tree.

We have a taste of Tofurkey
Val prepared a tofurkey for us to try. It was quite an adventure. Tofurkey technology has come a long way.

Dori's Finds

• Cheaper Vegi-diesel may change the way we drive. Find out more at Nationalgeographic.com
• Dori found a website that tells where to find alternative refueling stations - Cleancarmaps.com
• An eco-friendly heated bra!!! - Check it out - Click here.

Val's Finds

• An eco-friendly wood floor adhesive. Click here for more info.
• Students Design Dinnerware for the Sierra Club - Available in 2006 - productdesign.parsons.edu
• Fast, Easy Holiday Cards - Get them out the door with style and good cheer, no matter how much time â?? or energy â?? you have - From Real Simple
• Make your own stamps (with your own photos). - photostamps.com

Beer of the Week
Frambrozen Raspberry Brown Ale- from New Belgium (makers of Fat Tire Ale).

Dori's Keeping the Tree - Fake or Real?
We have actually identified 5 options for your Christmas tree.

1. Tree lot or farmed tree. These trees are specifically raised to be Christmas trees. Surprise - Val likes this option! If you are going for a real tree, using trees that will be replaced and don't hurt the eco-system. You may want to ask if they use pesticides or herbicides. Try to buy local.
2. Get a permit and cut your own. Not our favorite option.
3. Buy a fake tree. - Not recommended. Most of todays trees are made with PVC - which out gas toxins into your home. Also some warn about lead dust that can fall from your tree. Ick! Please read the labels and warnings on your trees.
4. Buy a living tree that can be planted after the holidays. If you do this, you will want to talk to a local nursery and find a living tree that is native to your area.
5. Explore an alternative to the tree.
   • Create a tree out of lights on your wall.
   • Use bows and wreaths to create an alternative holiday display.
   • Create a beautiful gift table.

Lights

• Try LED Lights this year. They are more efficient.
• Some cord around the holiday lights contain lead and pvc. Don' let your children handle Christmas lights. Read the article from checnet.org for more information.

Pet Safety this holiday season

• Avoid using tinsel.
• Glass ornaments near top of tree or avoid all together.
• Keep pets away from water at the base of tree that may contain pesticides and fertilizers.
• Keep electrical cords away from the pets. Run them under a carpet or through a copper pipe.
• Make sure batteries are kept out of reach of the animals.
• Watch out for chocolate which is very toxic for dogs.
• Know about the plants you have in your home, and remove any toxic plants from within your animals reach.

Listener Emails
Have something on your mind you'd like to share with Dori or Val, or their listeners, please email your comments and suggestions to hip@greenfeet.com

Heather - Heather asked a lot of questions about essential oils and getting rid of bugs. For getting rid of mosquitos you can use citronella essential oil or sandalwood. Outside you can use incense coils. Also listen to our June 16th episode of More Hip Than Hippie to learn more mosquito repelling ideas. Heather also asked about fire ants, we know that peppermint essential oil helps to get rid of ants in general. We are not sure about fire ants specifically. Or you can interupt their path by cleaning the area with Dr. Bronner's castile soap.
Constance - Gingerbread essential oil - make sure it is not a fragrance oil.
Martin - Silicone Bakeware - Doesn't get firm when hot. We have not found any reason to think it is not fine to use.
Eileen - Wants information on cleaning with non-toxic products. Mentions Endangered Species organic chocolate (can of worms officially opened). More on all of this on a later podcast.
Lori - Wanted a recommendation for healthy snacks for kids. And as luck would have it, Dori and her kids just tried a product called "Organic Go-Go Grahams" from Barbara's Bakery. Val suggests cheese service, organic corn chips with fresh salsa, fruit and yogurt, or carrots.
Heidi and her kids - Great idea for using old crayons to make new multi-colored crayons. Listen to the podcast to learn how to make them.
Kelly - Happy Birthday Val and Kelly - November 24th.

The Chocolate of the Week
Terra Nostra Organic Chocolate Bars - you can find them at veganessentials.com. Yummy.