Flea and tick control usually involves toxic pesticides. Natural alternatives protect you, your pet and your home.

More than 65% of American homes include a family pet. Your fur-bearing friends are likely to attract unwanted visitors: fleas and ticks. Which powders and pills are safe and effective? The Hipsters jump in with the latest info, plus healthy options and preventive measures. Also, Dori manages to finish a book and Val takes on Taz.

Beer: It's a fine day indeed when Chico's Sierra Nevada Brewery launches a new beverage. Kellerweis Hefeweizen is an old-school brew with surprising notes of banana and cloves. So light and delicious, even your wine-cooler friends will love it!

Chocolate: We weren't expecting good things from our beer and chocolate combo this week, but Lindt Excellence Intense Mint scored remarkably well with the fruity brew. The silky chocolate infused with peppermint struck just the right balance for our picky palates!

Finds:

• Vegetannual? It's not a gruesome GMO hybrid! Author Barbara Kingsolver created this seasonal growth chart for her 2007 book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Dori loved this readable and inspiring ode to local food.
• How Suite It Is! Before you book your summer vacation, consult the GreenHotels Directory. It's the first online reservation system for travelers seeking eco-friendly accomodations.

• Unfurgettable. The European Union has closed its borders to products from Canada's cruel commercial seal slaughters. "Soon seals will be worth more alive than dead."
• Sicken of the Sea. Tuna is getting more toxic, according to a new federal study. Mercury levels are up 30% from 1990, and still rising. Sorry, Charlie.

Armed and Hammered! Now that it's time to clean out the fireplace or woodstove, how do you keep the house from smelling like soot? Just fill a pie tin with baking soda, then set it in the fireplace to absorb lingering odors. Way to kick some ash!

Fleas and Ticks Suck!

Flea and tick season is officially underway. By understanding how they live and die, you can keep these unhealthy pests at bay without toxic chemicals. Learn why flea collars are bad, pills are good and cleanliness is your best bet against an infestation.

• Fleas spend their short lives biting mammals and laying eggs. Clean them out.
• Ticks are big disease carriers, most often associated with Lyme Disease. Search and destroy.
• Pet collars are indeed harmful to everyone's health, according to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
• Toxic products to avoid list propoxur, tetrachlorvinphos or amitraz as active ingredients.
• Safer products include Program, Capstar and Biolar. Check this product guide for more info.
• Natural products are not always best. Here are options from Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. Greenfeet carries a diatomaceous earth product.
• Sign this petition requesting that the EPA ban toxic pesticides from pet products.

• Michelle in Queens, NY is impressed with the geniuses who turned wombat poop into handmade paper. No, not toilet paper.
• Maggie in Spain (si!) educates us on the many uses of cherry and olive pits, and manages to squeeze in a funny green one-liner. Nice!
• Chris in Minnesota believes the Kindle DX is the book format of the future. Val is on board.
• Hilary in Kentucky makes the case for having one's knives professionally sharpened. She brought backup.
• Erin in New York had an amazing Earth Day with her 3rd grade class. Thanks for checking in on our Facebook page!
• Rick in Virginia sees evidence that more people are growing their own food, for good reason. Tune in next week for our interview with The Casual Gardener, Shawna Coronado!