You've come to a friendly place, and we welcome you to our book-lovers' community. Our members love books enough to let them go‹into the wild‹to be found by others. Book sharing has never been more exciting, more serendipitous, than with BookCrossing. Our goal, simply, is to make the whole world a library. BookCrossing is a book exchange of infinite proportion, the first and only of its kind.
Let's get right down to it. You know the feeling you get after reading a book that speaks to you, that touches your life, a feeling that you want to share it with someone else? BookCrossing.com gives you a simple way to share books with the world, and follow their paths forever!
A page of resources for buying organic, shade-grown, fair-trade coffees
that protect the soil, the rainforest, the neotropical migratory songbirds
and the workers.
From the Center for the New American
Dream: The Center recently launched the Conscious Consumer website,
an innovative new site containing links to online and local sources of
all sorts of goods and services that are better for the planet and the
people who live on it. Short films on the site introduce the people and
communities that produce the stuff we buy. In addition, consumers can find
out how and where to recycle just about anything, get info on eco-friendly
labeling, and get the scoop on how companies stack up on the environmental
and social responsibility scale. They also started the "buy
different" website
Green businesses operate in ways that solve, rather than cause, both environmental
and social problems. These businesses adopt principles, policies, and practices
that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities,
and the
environment. For every category of conventional consumer goods and services,
there are green businesses that can meet your needs. You can find thousands
of green
businesses in the National Green Pages™. Green businesses listed in
Co-op America’s National Green Pages™ have
passed a screening process that qualifies them for membership in our Business
Network. This is great - just type in what you are looking for and select
California, and there are countless great environmentally responsible businesses
that offer it!
Founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1988, Gaiam is a provider of information,
goods and services to customers who value the environment, a sustainable
economy, healthy lifestyles, alternative healthcare and personal development.
Gaiam (pronounced "guy-um"), is a fusion of the words "Gaia" and "I am" ...The
concept of Gaia stems from the ancient philosophy that the Earth is a living
entity. At Gaiam, we believe that all of the Earth's living matter, air,
oceans and land form an interconnected system that can be seen as a single
entity. The word Gaiam represents planetary awareness, preservation and support
of the interconnectivity of all living things. By nurturing, protecting and
respecting our planet, its natural resources and its inhabitants, we enrich
our own lives and those of future generations.
Our Online Store implements the principles of socially and economically
responsible business by operating according to Fair Trade Criteria.
So you can shop here knowing that the products you choose are all sweatshop-free.
800-505-4410 or 415-553-4412, store.globalexchange.org
Green Building Pages is a sustainable building materials database and design
tool for the environmentally and socially responsible designer, builder and
client.
The conscious consumers' bible, that many believe belongs in every person's
home, The
Green Guide and www.thegreenguide.com are together, the most practical,
reliable, and trustworthy information source for product choices and daily
practices that are better for health and the environment. Subscribers receive
6 issues of the bi-monthly Green
Guide, delivered either in print through the mail or electronically through
the web site, plus full access to an extensive web site, complete with dozens
of Product Reports and Smart Shopper’s Cards, over $150 worth of coupons
to great green products and their own consumer query service, "Just Ask The
Green Guide." The
Green Guide. Subscribe now. Get a free gift issue OR, click here to get $5
off The Green Guide.
Our mission is to provide
an ecologically and socially responsible jewelry alternative to those who
seek change. We want to help you, in some small way, become part of the permanent
solution. Together we can make a difference. You can buy recycled wedding
and engagement rings through this website!
Patagonia is one of the most environmentally responsible
companies you'll come across - they truly are "committed to the core." AND,
their gear is great! They actually live up to their mission statement: "Everyday,
we strive to understand how we can best serve our community. Through our
unique and diverse staff we offer excellent service and quality products
while maintaining our commitment to the environment." They use pesticide-free
organic cotton, eco-friendly hemp, and recycled polyester, and their gear
is built to last. Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of sales to the preservation
and restoration of the natural environment. They've awarded over 18 million
dollars in grants to
domestic and international grassroots enviro groups making a difference in
their local communities. They created a non-profit corporation with the sole
purpose of encouraging businesses to give back to the environment. 1% for
the Planet® is an alliance of businesses that understand the necessity of
protecting the natural environment. They understand that profit and loss
are directly linked to the health of our environment. In addition, these
businesses are concerned with the social and environmental impacts of industry.
Feel good about shopping at Patagonia.
And feel great in their gear!
Our products are chosen with the future in mind.We think that every purchasing
decision is like the "Butterfly Effect", which states that a butterfly beating
its wings in China, for example, can start a hurricane in Florida, USA, or
something like that. We think your purchasing decisions are important, in
the world, to the world. So, we offer high quality recycled, non-toxic and
bio-degradable products. We offer the regular stuff too, all of it, more
than 25,000 items, but we offer alternatives too. We like choices. We also
like butterflies. Our goal is to reduce our overall environmental impact,
through our conscious choices, and to make the Earth a better, more livable
place. We've made it our business to care for the environment, and to do
something about it, by providing products that are both user safe and earth
friendly. We can fulfill all of your office needs, but urge you to "buy green."
Additionally, our full-line office products catalog contains over 3,300 recycled
products and the list is growing, bringing more options for environmentally
benign, high quality products, at better prices.
What does your shopping support? Responsible Shopper can help you find
out! Discover the good, the bad and the ugly behind the products you buy
everyday — from clothing to shoes to toothpaste. Investigate hundreds of
companies on a range of issues, including: Sweatshops, Pollution, Ethics,
Discrimination and more.
We want you to feel good about shopping with us so the products and gifts
that we carry are fair trade, organic or otherwise green. We offer an alternative
to mass produced, chemically infused, and sweatshop labor products. Our gifts
and products are environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and as
natural as possible.
Californiasolarcenter.org is designed to be a prime source of information
on solar energy activity in California. Californiasolarcenter.org was created
and is currently managed by The Rahus Institute,
a 501c3 non-profit organization, working to promote greater use of renewable
energy through education, research, program and policy development.
The Rahus Institute is a 501c3 non-profit, research and educational organization
with a focus on resource efficiency. The primary goal of The Rahus Institute
is to accelerate the implementation of resource efficient technologies
and practices through research, development, demonstration, education and
policy change .The Insititute is currently developing projects that aim
to promote the use of renewable energy in California. AEOE Institutional
members
Real Goods Solar Living Center
Great source of solar and other alternative energy systems, as well as
all sorts of other sustainable living products. Kind of a Home Depot for
environmentalists! Part of Gaiam.com - Shop for Solar Energy products at Gaiam.com
Workshops and retreats offered on going solar! These AEOE Institutional
Members often hold AEOE Workshops, and can help with Grant
Money for AEOE Schools to install Solar Systems!
For years we have provided the Chico community with fresh flowers, both
at farmer's markets and through our floral design shop. With California Organic
Flowers, you are buying from expert flower growers and professional floral
designers. But, most importantly, you are buying flowers from flower lovers.
Everyone at California Organic Flowers is as passionate about flowers as
you are...and it shows!
A page of resources for buying organic, shade-grown, fair-trade coffees
that protect the soil, the rainforest, the neotropical migratory songbirds
and the workers.
Cornflower specializes in California Natives, water wise plants, perennials,
restoration and revegetation plant materials (trees, shrubs, grasses, wetland
species, etc.) for most of the major plant communities in California, specialty
plant applications including beneficial insect plants for agriculture and
butterfly and hummingbird plants; 2nd Saturday sales–monthly educational
days for the general public.
Diamond Organics - check
them out, they have everything! Based in Moss Landing (between Santa Cruz
and Monterey)
Every day we work directly with organic farmers along California's Central
Coast, which is renowned for its mild year-round growing climate and deep,
rich soil. When possible, we try to expand the season for our organic produce
by working with certified organic growers in Mexico and South America. Our
farmers often harvest produce the same day you place your order - whether
you do so by phone, (888 ORGANIC 674-2642), fax (888 888-6777) or online.
We then expertly pack your order and send it out for next day delivery so
that you receive food that's unsurpassed in freshness and flavor, all-organic,
and totally guaranteed.
Campaigning for Food Safety,
Organic Agriculture, Fair Trade & Sustainability. The Organic Consumers
Association (OCA) The OCA is a grassroots non-profit public interest organization
which deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic
engineering, corporate accountability, and environmental sustainability.
We are the only organization in the US focused exclusively on representing
the views and interests of the nation's estimated ten million organic consumers.
Sustainable Table is a consumer campaign developed by the Global
Resource Action Center for the Environment (GRACE). It was launched
to help fill in the gaps in the sustainable food movement, and to help
direct consumers to the leading organizations who are working on the issue.
Instead of becoming overwhelmed by all the problems surrounding our food
supply, Sustainable Table celebrates the joy of food and eating.
The Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to the understanding and preservation of California
native flora. Offers classes and Garden Tours and has information on gardening
with California Natives.
Guide to California Native plants or "southern California friendly" garden
plants and other ways to conserve water. Aimed at Southern California, but
useful information for all.
New Leaf Paper leads the paper industry in the development and distribution
of environmentally superior printing and office papers. We focus on producing
paper using high post-consumer recycled content and most of our papers are
whitened without chlorine or chlorine compounds.
As a trailbreaker, ReThink Paper has been in the business of charting a
precise course of action towards the solutions for wood use reduction. In
order for ReThink Paper to be successful in charting this course, it is necessary
for the American people to engage in the environmental impacts that surround
the disjointed subject of paper. We have become severed from its source.
We are snagged in a system of consumption that has alienated the consumer
from the process and production of all disposable goods. The transformation
of a forest into truck loads of reams of paper has become a statistical casualty
of our systematic indifference to the environmental implication of a single
sheet's life-cycle. The ReThink Paper Tool Box attempts to offer solutions
for reconnecting the sheet with its source.
Vision Paper is a small, innovative company that has taken a clearly unique
approach to paper. Our mission is to make the most environmentally positive
products possible. Vision Paper works with U.S. farmers to grow
an annual row crop called kenaf. We use the kenaf as our raw material instead
of trees. We manufacture pulp and paper, without using any chlorine compounds,
and we sell the paper to printers, companies, and organizations nationally.
A free service designed to help businesses find markets for non-hazardous
materials they have traditionally discarded. CalMAX helps businesses, industries,
and institutions save resources and money. A simple idea "One business'
trash is another business' treasure". Business, schools, and nonprofits
can utilize CalMAX to search for available and wanted materials. CalMAX conserves
energy, resources, and landfill space by helping businesses and organizations
find alternatives to the disposal of valuable materials or wastes.
Recycle your old computer, printer, scanner, even digital camera. Improper
recycling of electronic equipment can be harmful to the environment. This
site has been provided to assist consumers in safely recycling electronic
equipment.
CollectiveGood is
the mobile devices recycling resource. If you have spare mobile phones, pagers
or PDAs sitting on a shelf or in a drawer, you can recycle them here in an
environmentally and socially responsible manner.
When you want to find a new home for something -- whether it's a chair,
a fax machine, piano, or an old door -- you simply send an e-mail offering
it to members of your Freecycle group. Or, maybe you're looking to acquire
something yourself. Simply respond to a member's offer, and you just might
get it. After that, it's up to the giver to decide who receives the gift
and to set up a pickup time for passing on the treasure. The Freecycle Network
is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots
movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each
local group is run by a local volunteer moderator (them's good people). Membership
is free. The Freecycle Network was started in May 2003 to promote waste reduction
in Tucson's downtown and help save desert landscape from being taken over
by landfills. The Network provides individuals and non-profits an electronic
forum to "recycle" unwanted items. One person's trash can truly be another's
treasure!
OurEarth.org - led by an all-volunteer team of graduate and medical students as well as environmental experts and leaders from around the country
There are outstanding environmental programs, activities, initiatives, ideas, and grassroots efforts across the country but it can be difficult to sort through all of the websites and information available. As a result, important natural resources, energy savings, and pollutant reductions are lost each and every day, causing unnecessary damage to our planet.
Lots of good links and info for the Bay Area and beyond. The RecycleWorks
website offers information and assistance on recycling, reuse, green building
and composting for teachers, students, residents and businesses. The website
includes a comprehensive environmental education section just for kids as
well as a resource section for teachers.
Old computers, monitors, etc. The Consumer Education Initiative (CEI) is
a program developed by the Environmental
Issues Council of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Its purpose
is to inform consumers about recycling and reuse opportunities for used electronics.
Nike's athletic shoe recycling program, including information about where
you can recycle your used athletic shoes. They grind up the old shoes and
make surfaces for sports activities. They have recycled 15 million
athletic shoes.
Visionary and Practical Solutions for Restoring the Earth. Our collective
heritage is the Earth's living treasure of biological and cultural diversity.
Collective Heritage Institute (CHI) seeks to cultivate both a material and
a spiritual basis for their ongoing conservation through practical and visionary
solutions. CHI projects include the Bioneers
Conference, Voices
of the Bioneers, The
Bioneers Fund, and the Restorative
Development Initiative .
Including information and programs of all kinds of ways to live more lightly.
Turn the Tide program of small steps you can take to make a difference, Simplify
the Holidays movement, Conscious Consumer, and more.
Welcome to Earth Policy Institute, dedicated to providing a vision of an
environmentally sustainable economy—an eco-economy—as well as a
roadmap of how to get from here to there. — Lester Brown, President
We can make our schools greener and healthier places by using alternatives
to toxic chemicals, pursuing environmentally sound building practices, using
resources sustainably, serving nutritious food, and teaching students to be
stewards of their communities and the earth.
A comprehensive collection of over 100 charts, 15 maps, and explanatory text
which
summarizes the conditions of the world's ecology and humanity and how they
interact and affect each other. It is an invaluable tool for anyone teaching
about or striving to understand these complex challenges.
Planet Drum was founded in 1973 to provide an effective grassroots approach
to ecology that emphasizes sustainability, community self-determination
and regional self-reliance. In association with community activists and ecologists,
Planet Drum developed the concept of a bioregion: a distinct area with
coherent
and interconnected plant and animal communities, and natural systems, often
defined by a watershed. A bioregion is a whole "life-place" with
unique requirements for human inhabitation so that it will not be disrupted
and injured. Through its projects, publications, speakers, and workshops,
Planet Drum helps start new bioregional groups and encourages local organizations
and individuals to find ways to live within the natural confines of bioregions.
"Education and Action for a Better World" - Mission Statement:
Overpopulation threatens the quality of life for people everywhere. Population
Connection is the national grassroots population organization that educates
young people and advocates progressive action to stabilize world population
at a level that can be sustained by Earth's resources.
The ULS Report is a bi-monthly newsletter created to help people Use Less
Stuff by conserving resources and reducing waste. It takes a common-sense
approach to waste prevention, relying on facts and figures rather than simply
rising and falling with the tides of public opinion. they helped create a
source reduction curriculum for the National Science Teachers Association
(NSTA), which you can preview on their site.
The
Rahus Institute 