Everyday is Earth Day when you're environmentally aware and active. Make April 22nd special by volunteering to make the world a better place.

In the US, 109 million adults and 13 million teens volunteer every year; their labor is worth an estimated $225 billion. Giving your time and talent to a worthy cause benefits the economy, your community, even your health! The Hipsters volunteer ideas to get you started on the path to participation. Along the way, they reveal their Drag Queen names and get a giggle from a little red muppet.

Beer: As Val continues to drown in her own fluids, Dori bears the burden of drinking all the beer. To be fair, we got out a brew we've already tried: Grand Teton Brewing Co.'s Au Naturale Organic Blonde Ale.

Chocolate: Um, Dori forgot it. D'oh!

Finds:

• Val Favorite Thing! This year's must-have kitchen accessory is the Cork Cutting Board from bambu. Available in 3 sizes, these boards are easy on your knives and easy on the planet. When cork tree bark is sustainably harvested every 10-12 years, it actually improves the health of the tree. Lightweight, durable, naturally anti-fungal...Cork Cutting Boards are a slice of heaven!
• Tickled green. Kermit's not the only green muppet these days. Elmo and Abby have an eco-adventure in Sesame Street: Being Green. The DVD comes out April 20th, but here's a preview of Paul Rudd as Mr. Earth!

• Star light, star bright. Solar power beamed down from space? It could become a reality soon in California, if PG&E and Solaren Corp. have their way.
• Zit happens. The bacteria that causes acne is increasingly resistant to the drugs commonly used to treat it. Gosh, nobody saw this coming!
• Wag the dog. Political intrigue surrounds the adoption of the Obama family's new puppy, Bo. Yo, haters, put a muzzle on it!

Absorbent and yellow and porous is he! Here's a new use for the handy household sponge: toss a few into the veggie drawer in your fridge to keep your produce fresh. They'll absorb excess moisture, slowing spoilage. Aye-aye Captain!

Earth Day is the perfect time for environmentalists to move from awareness to action. Whether you want to clean up your own corner of the world or work to save the planet, volunteer opportunities abound. We found some great tips from Planet Green to get you started!

• Who will make the best use of your time and talents? Find a good cause by networking. Try online forums, or a social group like Green Drinks.
• What inspires you? You'll be most effective working toward a cause you believe in. VolunteerMatch gets you connected.
• When should you start? How about National Volunteer Week? This year it's April 19th-25th.
• Where in the world is your help needed? If you're ready to travel, let IVPA point you in the right direction.
• How can you volunteer when you just don't have time? Let your money serve others. The Grameen Foundation and Kiva use microloans to ease poverty around the world.
• Why volunteer? You just might get back more than you give.

   

  Listener E-mails

  Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and Earth Day ideas 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!

  • Lisa in Minnesota wonders if it's greener to put meeting materials on a thumb drive or on recycled paper. We choose C) none of the above. Why not just use e-mail?
  • Melinda in South Carolina found an iPhone app for eco-minded shoppers. 3rdWhale finds green businesses and lets you rate them. And yes, it's free!
  • Katie in Canada (eh!) is joining the Walk for MS. Make a pledge, or walk in your town.
  • Michelle in Oregon knows lavender-lover Val would enjoy the Sequim Lavender Festival. The fragrant festivities begin on July 16th.

  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!