Mother Nature Network blogger Robin Shreeves shares information about preventing the spread of swine flu among families and communities.

The outbreak of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is growing every day. But don't hit the panic button! Dori and Val root around inside the media coverage and find the basic facts you need to know, with help from hip blogger Robin Shreeves. Learn about symptoms, prevention, travel, news, numbers and rumors that are spreading faster than the flu! Also, the Hipsters report from ChicoFest and snort along with Snoutbreak '09.

Beer: We're filling our sails with Widmer Bros. Drifter Pale Ale. 'Tis a nice hoppy brew for a day on the boat or the beach.

Chocolate: Our new favorite listener is Lena, who sent a local North Carolina favorite: the Beaufort Bar by Escazu. That mix of dark chocolate and sea salt paired perfectly with the pale ale. Thanks again for the t-shirts Lena!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! As a cherry lover, Val is all too aware of the mess involved in the pitting process. That's why she's loving the Deluxe Cherry Stoner. Just pour in a pile of cherries, push the plunger and enjoy fruity flesh that's ready to bake, can, freeze, dehydrate or eat on the spot! (cuz you might have the munchies...heh heh)
• Dreaming of electric sheep? Now your PC can get a good night's sleep. Somniloquy is a plug-in system that lets your computer transmit and receive while in sleep mode, saving energy.

• Please don't eat the poppies! Afghanistan celebrated Earth Day by designating its first national park. Band-e-Amir is a series of six deep blue lakes separated by natural dams made of travertine, a rare mineral deposit.

Ya gotta glove it! Now that we've pretty much lost the frost, put one of those mateless mittens to use. Slip your sunglasses inside to keep them stylishly safe and scratch-free through summer!

Swine Flu & You

The outbreak of this new influenza virus in humans continues to grow in the US and abroad. Should we panic? Put on masks? Throw out our bacon? Mother Nature Network Blogger Robin Shreeves shares information about how to keep yourself and your family safe, while not overreacting to the onslaught of media coverage.

• Pork is not the enemy! Robin's blog on the Mother Nature Network covers the basics we all need to know about the epidemic.
• Updates from reputable sources like the CDC and WHO will keep you informed without scaring your socks off.
• Travel to Mexico is not advised unless it's an emergency. Check with your airline before you fly to see if your plans are affected.
• Ground Zero for the outbreak is thought by some to be an industrial pork plant owned by Smithfield Farms.
• Google has a handy map to help you track the spread of the virus.
• Twitter provides up-to-the-minute news in 140 characters or less! Follow @CDCemergency and @Veratect.

• Kate shares an article from Mother Earth News about turning grain bins into houses. Cool!
• Melinda wonders if Glade's new soy candles are just greenwashing. Well, consider the source.
• Ali is a new listener bursting with questions! She reminds us that fish tank water is excellent fertilizer for plants and shrubbery. But keep the fish poop off the edibles.
• Kevin shares a great resource: the Green Parents Network. We signed up!
• Tamilyn sent along her recipe for a rib rub that combines coffee and cocoa nibs. Ribgasm.

Eco-Model and Planet Green spokesperson Summer Rayne Oakes makes a fashion statement about sustainability.

She's only 24 years old, but Summer Rayne Oakes is already an accomplished author/speaker/blogger/TV personality/fashionista. She's also an educated scientist and dedicated bug-lover. In her passion to spread the word about the environment, the self-styled "Eco-Model" is taking her message to the mall with a new line of shoes and accessories. She took a break during her book tour to talk with Dori and Val about her work, her freaky pets and her name (it's real!). Also, a couple of fellow Hipsters hit the airwaves, but Uncle Sam forgets Earth Day!

Beer: Val is on the mend, so we shared a big ass bottle of Mammoth Brewing Co.'s IPA 395. The brew is named for the desert highway running along the Eastern Sierra Nevada, and its big hoppy flavor is worth a road trip!

Chocolate: Boy, do we love Dagoba. Their Beaucoup Berries 74% Organic Chocolate is lightly molested with cranberries and cherries, plus a hint of vanilla. To quote the wrapper: "You can deprive the body but the soul needs chocolate." We concur.

Finds:

• Planet Hollywood. Disneynature's "Earth" hits theaters today, and every ticket sold equals a tree planted in the Amazon rainforest. Polar bears, elephants, whales, oh my!
• Lights! Camera! Activism! Disney and Al Gore aren't the only ones making compelling environmental documentaries.
• Pool of tears. Is your swimming pool drowning in chemicals? Try SeaKlear, Nature2 or Ecosmarte to keep it clean and "green" this summer.

• Right on track. President Obama unveiled plans for a new high-speed rail system in the US. We're on board.
• Will he get Royalties? Prince Charles plans to release a book and film about the environmental impact of big businesses. He'll donate the proceeds from the Harmony project to charity.

It's easy to keep your copper bird feeders and patio ornaments looking like new. Just mix a little lemon juice with rock salt, and lightly rub it on the surface. Shines like a new penny, and costs just a few!

She's only 24 years old, but Summer Rayne Oakes is already an accomplished author/speaker/blogger/TV personality/fashionista. She's also an educated scientist and dedicated bug-lover. In her passion to spread the word about the environment, the self-styled "Eco-Model" is taking her message to the mall with a new line of shoes and accessories. She took a break during her book tour to talk about her work, her pets and her name (it's real!).

• Fashion. Summer consulted with Payless Shoes for their zoe&zac collection of sustainable shoes. Payless donates $1 from every sale to the Nature Conservancy's Plant A Billion Trees campaign.
• Television. Summer's on the Board of Advisors for Discovery's Planet Green, where she's a spokesperson on the air. Check out her advice column, Ask Summer Rayne.
• Book. She's in the middle of an international tour for Style, Naturally, which addresses environmentalism through fashion.
• Blog. Summer is a regular contributor at TreeHugger too. You know, in her spare time.

   

  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 accomplishments 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!

  • Gayla in South Carolina enjoys making an impact at Everywun.com, where you earn credits to spend making the world a better place.
  • Rick in Virginia loves his new GreenPan collection. They're PFOA-free non-stick pans at a reasonable price.
  • Hilary in Kentucky takes issue with the NAIS because it could hurt small farms. She also shares a report about the failure of genetic engineering, and casts a vote in favor of Dori's chicken adventure.
  • Brock in Illinois hopes to keep hungry bunnies out his garden by planting marigolds. Good luck!
  • Sandy in New York is campaigning with his son to ban styrofoam in his town, and they're making progress! Next project: plastic water bottles.
  • Cassi wants us to vote for her 16-year old son Dillon, who has entered this video in an EPA contest. Go Dillon!

  *****TV Alert! Hipster kid Carrick McCollough appears on the Bonnie Hunt Show this week! Hipster Tiffany Threadgould appears on Garbage Moguls this week!***** 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!

   

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!

April is Grange Month, celebrating the nation's oldest national agricultural organization.

Also known as the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, the Grange has given a voice to farm families and communities for 142 years. So how come nobody knows about it? The Hipsters dig into the roots of the organization, and local Grange Chick Kristen del Real talks about its resurgence as a center for sustainable agriculture. Also, Dori's daughter lends a hand as Val coughs, sneezes and sniffles her way through the show!

Beer: As Val sips her herbal tea, Dori takes one for the team. Serious Madness Winter Seasonal Black Ale from Mad River Brewing Co satisfies on a blustery day.

Chocolate: Val's BFF Stacy bestowed a bag of assorted Cailler chocolate eggs from her home in Switzerland. Creamy milk chocolate...but beware of NUTS!

Finds:

• ILVTOFU A vegan's touching tribute to soybeans, or an obscene declaration? You decide.
• Grow, Groove and Give. New Yorkers can celebrate Earth Week with a 2-day event organized by Global Giving Circle. Plant trees and party for the planet!
• You liter up my life. Those clear plastic soda bottles can light up a room. This video shows you how.

• H2OMG! According to a new report, two of America's "most endangered" waterways are right here in California. We'll just drink beer instead.
• PET Project. Struggling Sears plans to launch a line of eco-friendly men's suits made from recycled PET bottles. Probably fashioned by a DieHard Craftsman.

April 22nd is Earth Day! Let us know what you think are the most effective ways to spread the message about "green" living. Go to our Facebook page, or send an e-mail. We'll read your ideas on the next show!

The Grange has been around since 1867, yet few understand its history or its role in society. Did you know it was one of the first organizations to give male and female members an equal vote? Our local Granger Kristen del Real talks about where the Grange has been and why it's relevant today.

• National Grange is a grassroots volunteer organization looking out for the interests of America's farm population, while supporting environmental stewardship.
• Community is at the core of Grange activities, including youth programs, scholarships and classes open to the public.
• Partnership. The National Grange and the America the Beautiful Fund present The Seed Project, a new outreach program to provide free garden seeds to local Granges.
• Grange Month offers a great opportunity to get to know your local organization and get a discount on membership fees. National Grange Master Ed Luttrell tells you more.
• Membership has its privileges! With 300,000 members in 3,600 communities nationwide, you can find a Grange near you.

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!

• Jaimelee in Kentucky found a greener Wipes Warmer for her toddler's bum. Congrats on your upcoming Teenie Weenie Greenie!
• Gayla in South Carolina found a CD/DVD called Schoolhouse Rock - Earth, an update of the classic series featuring 10 planet-friendly tunes.
• Michelle in Queens, NY discovered WattzOn, a site that lets you estimate your energy footprint and gives you tips to reduce it. Have your utility bill handy.
• Craig in South Africa is impressed with the environmental efforts of Woolworth's stores in his country.
• Melinda in South Carolina is freaked out to learn that strawberry farmers gas the dirt in their fields. Yep, grow your own.
• Dr. Rebecca in Oregon is ready for a Hipster Meet-up at the Organic BrewFest in Portland. Clear your schedule for the last weekend in June!

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!

Greenfeet is on the leading edge of providing eco-friendly products to their loyal customers.

After exhaustive research, Val and the crew at Greenfeet believe they've found the most exciting new innovations coming to the green marketplace. Be among the first to experience these goods with an exclusive preview on today's show! Also, Dori celebrates a milestone and Val reveals a way to get free donuts.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Sasquatch invades the More Hip studio! Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale is a fresh flavorful brew for those occasions that call for 9.6% alcohol. That's why Val and her hubby call it "night-night juice".

Chocolate: Another little piece of Italy from listener Trystan's trip abroad. Domori Single Origins E Blend Dark Chocolate is a creamy delight. Molto bene!

Finds:

• Lights out! Earth Hour had Hipsters buzzing across the blogosphere. Thanks to your posts on Facebook and Twitter, we're able to share some of the things you chose to do...in the dark! Mwah hah hah hah!

• Driving force. President Obama signed legislation raising the fuel efficiency standards for new vehicles , starting with the 2011 model year.
• Pols Gone Wild! Congress passed a bipartisan bill creating 2 million new acres of protected wilderness in nine states. It also ensures over 1,100 miles of rivers will never be blocked by dam politicians.

Stock exchange. Listener Emmms in London suggests saving the water from boiled or steamed veggies, to make nutritious soup stock. She also finds that pasta and potato water work wonders for making bread. Learn more in her blog.

Favorite Things

Greenfeet celebrates the season with a host of exciting new products! Be the first to own these revolutionary eco-friendly finds, available only at Greenfeet.com!

• Solar Powered Microwave saves money and energy. Just 15 minutes in the sun produces a full 30 seconds of cook time!
• Bio-Rings begin to deteriorate at the same rate as your marriage. When the ring breaks, it's time to call it quits.
• Tree Hugging Jacket features reinforced sleeves and sides to protect you from rough bark. Use the special grommets to chain yourself to trees with ease.
• Cricket Composter produces rich compost with the power of a thousand thundering crickets. Doubles as a white noise machine.
• Premium Recycled Air Balloon shrinks your carbon footprint by capturing nasty respiratory discharge. Perfect for Earth Day parties.
• Electric Pet Cruiser sends Fluffy and Fido into the great outdoors so you can have some peace and quiet! Charges in any home outlet.
• PEU Sunless Tanner gives you that nitrogen-rich glow that could only come from elephant poo. Paint it on head-to-toe, scrape it off 8 hours later for a smooth brown patina and natural scent that is straight out of Africa.
• Belly Button DIY Lint Kit lets you fashion fabulous crafts using an abudant renewable material. Includes tools and guidebook for harvesting lint from unsuspecting middle-aged male sources.

• Michelle in New York used to make Christmas trees out of her old phone books, but thinks this looks more useful!
• Alisha in Virginia can't afford a panda, so she needs another way to get rid of invasive bamboo. The panda option is looking better and better.
• Tamilyn in Ohio wants to ditch the plastic trash bags in her kitchen. Biobag is now available in a 10-gallon size, and you can get them in bulk. Sweet!
• Miles in Ontario (eh!) is making the big move into the city and wants to keep it green. Try packing with newsprint or natural peanuts. Send us beer and chocolate from Toronto!
• Sydney in New York likes Veggie Trader, a cool site for swapping excess produce from your garden or CSA box.
• Meaghan in Canada (eh!) is in love with a Smart Car. We hope you'll be very happy together.
• Charlotte in Massachusetts got us all excited about a Green Leadership Forum in Boston...til we figured out it was a different John Cusack scheduled to speak! D'oh!