<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title>Yahoo! Picks</title>
<link>http://picks.yahoo.com/</link>
<description>Bringing you the best of the Web since 1995</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<managingEditor>picks-feedback@yahoo-inc.com</managingEditor>

<copyright>Copyright (c) 2009 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.</copyright>
<lastBuildDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:59:29 PST</lastBuildDate>
	<item>
		<title>Ecorazzi</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2595/ecorazzi</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/11/ecorazzi_profile.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a><p> 
Daryl Hannah drives the coolest, blackest <a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/2007/11/14/the-green-picture-daryl-hannahs-biodiesel-car-is-badass/">biodiesel El Camino</a>. Madonna sparked a rumpus with animal advocates when her sheep sashayed across the grass in fashionable hues of <a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/2007/11/27/razzi-snap-madonnas-colored-sheep-has-animal-group-seeing-red/">bright pink and blue</a>. And Batman has some Hong Kong residents up in arms with a request to keep their lights on <a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/2007/11/07/kapow-batman-vs-hong-kong-continues-with-energy-battle/">full-force for a week</a>. Pow!
</p>
<p> 
These—and many other juicy tidbits—can be found on Ecorazzi, "the latest in green gossip." This vivacious, eco-friendly blog sprang onto the scene in August and has since attracted a <a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/meet-the-ecorazzi-team/">crack team of contributors</a> devoted to tracking Hollywood's green, or not so green, beat. 
</p>
<p> 
Rebecca Carter, of <a href="http://www.greenermiami.com/">greenerMIAMI</a>, and <a href="http://www.groovygreen.com/">Groovy Green</a>'s Michael d'Estries co-founded the celebri-blog. We chatted with Rebecca over instant messenger to see how things are going...
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Hey there, Rebecca! You and Michael both had thriving blogs when you started Ecorazzi. What made you join forces for a new site?</strong>
</p>
<p> 
It was an instant message, in fact. Apparently, Michael had been seeing what crazy traffic gossip sites like Perez Hilton receive, and I had recently written a piece about Green Celebrities. He IM'ed me and asked what I thought of doing a whole blog on the topic. Kind of harnessing the popularity of celebrities for good...
</p>
<p> 
In the blogging world, if you have an idea that no one has come up with yet, and you think it's a good one, you might as well give it a shot. It only takes a day to start a blog. We didn't expect this kind of popularity at all. We've been running to catch up ever since.
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Your timing was impeccable! Did you think at the beginning that you would open the site up to other bloggers/tipsters/field reporters? </strong>
</p>
<p> 
I don't think we really had any plans in the beginning... Lynn Lopez joined us in October... a few months after we started. She lives in the Philippines and was really a rock star to help us get major content going.
</p>
<p> 
In the beginning, there were no plans. Just an idea about a green gossip blog. Like I said, it just took off. We wouldn't be where we are today without all of the contributors, however. They have been the force that has kept Ecorazzi growing. And they all do it because they love the environment as much as they love gossip.
</p>
<p> 
<strong>The group clearly keeps the site vibrant and diverse. How does the process work with contributions? A contributor writes a post, submits it, and then do you edit it/look it over?</strong>
</p>
<p> 
To get started with us, we ask that contributors write a piece that is new and appropriate for Ecorazzi. Like a sample piece, but it is often published... so we don't want to see past work, necessarily. Once a couple of those have passed the test, we can set up the contributors in the system so that they can create their posts directly in WordPress. 
</p>
<p> 
We've got so many different kinds of contributors, it all varies. Some people are purely bloggers (contributing editors), others only go to events (field reporters), then there are photographers, etc. If someone wants to help out, we can usually find a way to match their skill set with something fun!
</p>
<p> 
<strong>What's surprised you—if anything—about running Ecorazzi?</strong>
</p>
<p> 
Haha, "if anything". EVERYTHING! I guess a nice surprise is to see how many people really love the site. People that really believe in what we're doing. It's so nice when something you care about strikes a chord with the public.
</p>
<p> 
It's been a great experience. After leaving corporate America, I wanted to do something fun, something where I felt I was making an impact. Though "green gossip" isn't the greenest of all work, I think it serves its purpose and maybe reaches out to an audience that might not normally receive the message.
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Since you started the site last August, have you seen a shift in how celebrities view green issues? like, do you think that more of them are using their position to promote good action?</strong>
</p>
<p> 
Hmmm. That's a tough one. I think that through the years many celebrities have used their fame for good. The environment is certainly a hot topic right now, so it's no surprise that it is probably the one you see the most celeb attention around. I guess it is growing, in a way. We're seeing a lot more celebs taking action in their own lives. Eco-remodels on their homes, vehicle choices, etc.
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Yeah, only time will tell how serious some of them are—or committed to the environment or green activism.</strong> 
</p>
<p> 
Well, and I hope that we all get so advanced one day that a lot of this stuff won't need to be talked about. It will just be normal. We won't need to promote bringing your own bag to the grocery store or using reusable water bottles. We won't need to mention CFLs. It will all be a given
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Have you run in to controversy on the site? Like, has a particular post sparked more attention than you anticipated it would? Madonna's tinted sheep, perhaps?</strong>
</p>
<p> 
Yesterday's <a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/2007/11/27/natalie-portman-has-no-plans-to-go-vegan/">Natalie Portman</a> piece has drawn quite a bit of interest.
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Oh, yeah, that's a good one. About having 20 pairs of jeans and not needing more.</strong>
</p>
<p> 
...and how she thinks that's a New York thing. I would think it's a celeb thing. Though I don't live in New York, so maybe I'm wrong. Actually, the comments are around the veg vs. vegan issue. The vegans have come out in force to promote their cause.
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Have you seen that before on the site—the strength of vegans' online presence?</strong>
</p>
<p> 
Oh yes. We have a strong animal rights & vegan/veg audience. You know, we cover not just environmental issues, but also humanitarian & animal rights.
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Do you have a favorite post?</strong>
</p>
<p> 
Well, I don't have a good answer for you. Though I much prefer positive posts than negative, I have this terrible love for all posts Paris Hilton
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Has anyone surprising ever contacted you on the site? Paris? Perez? Some other celeb? Did we just call Perez Hilton a "celeb"?</strong>
</p>
<p> 
We're buddies with Ed Begley, Jr. He's a fan of the site. Haha, Perez is a celeb—what can you do? I think more celebs than we know are reading. If there is ever the slightest inaccuracy, we get contacted immediately
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Oh really? From their publicists?</strong>
</p>
<p> 
Yes, publicists... That's the cool thing about the Internet. You never know who's watching.
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Tell us about putting together the <a href="http://www.ecorazzi.com/ecorazzis-2007-green-celeb-holiday-gift-list/">green celeb gift list</a>.</strong>
</p>
<p> 
Oooh, that was fun. We compile the list with items that we've reported on throughout the year as something that a celeb has been seen wearing, buying, etc. We also send out feelers to companies, looking for eco-products that are celeb faves.
</p>
<p> 
Plus, this year, readers can add their own suggestions to the mix—an interactive piece that I enjoy. My favorite this year is a product that I received as a sample from the company—<a href="http://www.sodaclubusa.com/default.htm?splash=1&random=61617562">The Soda Club</a>. Make your own seltzer at home with tap water. Awesome. I've heard Adrian Grenier is also trying one out. I think it's a perfect fit and can picture it behind the bar of every celeb!
</p>
<p> 
<strong>Do you have a celeb that you like writing about the most...? Who inspires you?</strong>
</p>
<p> 
I've interviewed Adam Gardner of Guster, and I really enjoy writing about him and all of the work that he and his wife are doing with Reverb (reverbrock.org) I personally think that so many musicians are really pushing the green movement forward and love to see the work that so many of them are doing.
</p>
<p> 
<strong>And we love to see the work you're doing. Thanks for talking to us, Rebecca!</strong>
</p><p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2595/ecorazzi?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:59:29 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/2595</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Sustainability</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2581/sustainability</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://sustainability.publicradio.org/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/11/sustainability_pick.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a><p> 


<a href="http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/11/16/consumed7_pm_1/">Can Wal-Mart save the world</a>? Does San Francisco really want to <a href="http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/11/20/paper_or_reusable_canvas_bag/">trash plastic bags</a>? And are scientists truly at work on a machine that "zaps" trash, converting it to pellets and fuel through "<a href="http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/11/16/consumed7_mmr_1/">plasma gasification</a>"? Dig in to these questions and others on American Public Media's <a href="http://sustainability.publicradio.org/">Sustainability</a> page. Dedicated to following "the national and global dialogue over <a href="http://sustainability.publicradio.org/about.html">how we use Earth's resources</a>," this treasure trove collects <a href="http://sustainability.publicradio.org/index.html#radioSlider">green-related reports</a> from across the radio network's wide berth of programming. 
</p>
<p> 
If you only have a moment, we recommend leaping in with "<a href="http://sustainability.publicradio.org/consumed/">Consumed</a>." This newly hatched, in-depth report traces the history of buying and selling—and dares to wonder whether this consumer society of ours has a limited life span. As we race through the biggest shopping days of the year, that question may be the most critical of all.
</p>
<p>

Find the <a href="http://green.yahoo.com/blog/greenpicks/45/sustain-us.html">original review</a> for this site—and other highlights from the earth-friendly side of the Internet—on <a href="http://green.yahoo.com/">Yahoo! Green</a>.
</p><p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2581/sustainability?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:00:43 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/2581</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Catalog Choice</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2512/catalog-choice</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.catalogchoice.org/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/11/catalog_choice.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a><p> 
On Monday, L.L. Bean arrives. Tuesday, Pottery Barn slips through. Wednesday follows with Harry & David or Crate & Barrel or Whatever & Whatever. On and on it goes, the daily deluge of mail order catalogs that are unsolicited—and, often, unwelcome. To this junk mail inundation, <a href="http://www.catalogchoice.org/">Catalog Choice</a> says: Stop the madness!
</p>
<p> 
Sponsored by the non-profit group <a href="http://ecologycenter.org/">Ecology Center</a>, Catalog Choice offers a free way to <a href="http://www.catalogchoice.org/#benefits">reduce the clutter</a> in your mailbox (and, hopefully, <a href="http://www.catalogchoice.org/#environmentalfacts">save a few trees</a>, too). Create a profile on the site, scroll through the database of catalogs, and select the ones you no longer wish to receive. Catalog Choice <a href="http://www.catalogchoice.org/#howitworks">takes it from there</a>. Once you establish a profile, you can always go back and <a href="http://www.catalogchoice.org/#faq">change your mind</a>. Like, if you really do want to keep Victoria's Secret sneaking in to the house. The choice is yours.
</p><p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2512/catalog-choice?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2007 03:00:11 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/2512</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>EAA-PHEV</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2507/eaa-phev</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.eaa-phev.org/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/11/ryanthumb.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a><p>There are always a few intrepid folks who aren't satisfied with mass-produced products. These tinkerers look to improve upon or tweak items churned out by assembly lines.</p><p>Ryan Fulcher is one of those dudes. A self-confessed "dabbler" who became interested in hybrid car technology when he bought a Honda Insight back in 2000, he's the man behind <a href="http://www.eaa-phev.org/">EAA-PHEV</a>. Those seven letters are music to the ears of anyone who's interested in breaking away from the gas pump. His Electric Auto Association/Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle site is a repository for information related to converting hybrid cars into plug-ins.</p><p>Why on earth would you want a car you could charge in a wall socket? For starters, you might like getting 100 miles plus per gallon of gas. In fact, Ryan's currently getting that sort of MPG in his modified <a href="http://www.eaa-phev.org/wiki/PriusBlue">Prius Blue</a>. The oh-so-knowledgeable Mr. Fulcher was kind enough to put on the brakes for a bit and chat with us about electric vehicles, his site, and how it all began...</p><p><strong>Hey Ryan, how did EAA-PHEV get started?</strong></p><p>I was the Webmaster for SEVA (<a href="http://www.seattleeva.org/">Seattle EVA</a>) and it came out of the hybrid pages I was writing for the site.</p><p><strong>Why did you choose a wiki format for the site?</strong></p><p>Well, once I started contributing to Wikipedia (mostly to the various Hybrid and EV pages) I realized how amazingly convenient it was to edit a page. It sure beat back end HTML editing. I also thought it would help to get more community contribution </p><p><strong>What's the response been like to the site?</strong></p><p>The response is pretty good. Not quite as much community as I had hoped for. We have about 5 regular contributors, but it's mostly me. It gets about 250-500 visits daily.</p><p><strong>What's been most gratifying about running it?</strong></p><p>Mostly getting the information out there for others to be able to use. I'm an OpenSource-kinda guy so that's where that comes from. I like to answer questions that people have. Repeating the same answers over and over gives me a chance to refine them and use them on the site. However, it's apparent (to me, anyway) that the site still needs lots of constant work, just like life in general.</p><p><strong>What was your first hybrid car experience?</strong></p><p>Well, in 2000 I bought a Honda Insight and thought it was the next great thing. </p><p><strong>What did you own prior to the Insight?</strong></p><p>My first car was a D-50 Dodge pickup, then I drove a LeBaron, then a Bronco II, then a VW Vanagon (my favorite). The VW was breaking down, and I was left with my Kawa EX500 motorcycle, so I needed a new car. And I had my eye on the Insight before its release, so I got it as a birthday gift for myself when I sold the van.</p><p><strong>What attracted you to the Insight? </strong></p><p>There are so many interesting aspects to the Insight. It's all Aluminum, you can tweak the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine), it's more aerodynamic, etc. I think of it as the Acura NSX's little brother since they were built in the same factory.</p><p><strong>Were you being environmentally conscious in your decision making?</strong></p><p>That was part of it. I'm more of a driver though, I really like driving. I did autocross with the Insight for 2 seasons.</p><p><strong>You did street racing in an Insight?</strong></p><p>Heck ya! That thing is a blast. They aren't the quickest, but they are only 1700 lbs. wet and they corner like mad. Search on YouTube for <a href="http://youtube.com/results?search_query=honda+insight+racing&search=Search">Insight Racing</a>—there's a guy that chases down Mustangs in an Insight.</p><p><strong>Do you still have the Insight?</strong></p><p>Yup, still have the Insight. That's my daily driver. It's looking a little raged, but it still drives fine. </p><p><strong>So this sparked your interest in EVs. When did you buy a Prius?</strong></p><p>Well, in mid-2004 Ron Gremban of <a href="http://www.calcars.org/">CalCars</a> demonstrated the <a href="http://www.calcars.org/priusplus.html">PriusPlus</a>, the first Prius PHEV conversion. I had been discussing the idea in theory for some time before that, but I didn't care for the Prius up to that point. The drivetrain was overly complex and the first Priuses looked like ugly turtles. Hondas were much simpler to explain to people, and the Insight looked much better in my opinion. But, in 2004 the Prius started to look more like the Insight...</p><p>Ron proved it could be done and then I was all about the Prius. I got into researching it more intensely, so I could do it myself. I wanted to tell others how to do it and further the general idea, demonstrate that it was technically possible, show the advantages, and collect data for myself.</p><p>I had been trying to help document the conversion process, so they chose me for their second conversion. They wanted me to help advance the documentation and get another car on the road in another state. [Ryan lives in Washington, outside of Seattle] </p><p><strong>That led to your <a href="http://www.eaa-phev.org/wiki/PriusBlue">Prius Blue</a>?</strong></p><p>Yeah, I was the 10th Prius PHEV conversion. A team at the first <a href="http://www.eaa-phev.org/wiki/Inaugural_Maker_Faire">Makers Faire</a> converted it.</p><p><strong>What's next for you?</strong></p><p>There are all sorts of things that I would like to do. I'd like to do a sport-oriented EV conversion. Ever heard of <a href="http://www.nedra.com/">NEDRA</a> (National Electric Drag Racing Association)?</p><p><strong>Nope. You want to make an EV drag racer?</strong></p><p>Heck ya! I'm currently working on converting my Kawasaki EX500 motorcycle, and have plans to double the available horsepower in my Insight by dropping an EV conversion in the trunk to power the rear wheels, Then it will truly eat up cars at both the drag strip and autocross track.</p><p><strong>What sites do you frequent when you're online?</strong></p><p>Not that I can keep up with them, but (you'll like to hear) a number of EV/Hybrid related <a href="http://autos.dir.groups.yahoo.com/dir/Recreation___Sports/Automotive/Alternative_Fuel_Cars">Yahoo! Groups</a>. Plus Wikipedia, Slashdot, YouTube videos about EV's and Hybrids, <a href="http://www.priuschat.org/">Priuschat.org</a>, and <a href="http://www.pluginpartners.com/">Pluginpartners</a>. And of course, the sites that I run both as part of my job (<a href="http://www.digipen.edu/">DigiPen.edu</a>) and just for kicks (SeattleEVA.org and EAA-PHEV.org)</p><p><strong>Wrap it up for us. What are your final thoughts about EVs?</strong></p><p>People are into EVs and PHEV's for all sorts of reasons. Fuel efficiency, fuel choice, economics, environment, national security, oil addiction, etc. But I think folks should get into EVs because they will love their performance.</p><p><strong>Thanks, Ryan! We know we can count on you to zip around town with utmost efficiency. Keep up the great work.</strong></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2507/eaa-phev?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2007 08:00:41 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/2507</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Shea Gunther, Eco-Entrepreneur</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2486/shea-gunther-eco-entrepreneur</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://sheagunther.org/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/10/shea_gunther_profile.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a><p>
Meet <a href="http://sheagunther.org/about/">Shea Gunther</a>, green activist, Web junkie, and fearless instigator of new projects. Equipped with a satellite Internet connection and an unfathomable amount of energy, this "eco-entrepreneur" has embarked on the construction of a "super green" house in Maine. Naturally, the building's rise to life will be closely blogged, vlogged, and uploaded to Flickr. 
 </p>
 <p>
When we chatted with Shea online, he told us why the "<a href="http://sheagunther.org/gunther-green-home/">Gunther Green Home</a>" will come equipped with at least one secret passageway, what he thinks of "green greed," and why he loves the Web browser StumbleUpon...

 </p>
<p>
<strong>Hey, Shea. Have you always wanted to build a "net-zero eco-pimped out" house—or was it something that came up recently?</strong>
</p>
<p>
I have actually been dreaming about building my own house since I was 13 or 14. I've been designing the house in my head ever since. The "green" part of the equation really came on strong over the past 4 or 5 years as I've learned about green building.
</p>
<p>
I think you can tell that I've been dreaming up this house since I was a kid by the fact that I told my architect in the first meeting that we had to have a secret passage or two.
</p>
<p>
<strong>We wanted to ask about that!</strong>
</p>
<p>
Did you ever watch the old TV show "Webster"? It was back in the day, and Webster lived in a big old house with secret passages. That kinda stuck with me.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Have you had to let slip of any ideas you had for your dream house because they wouldn't conform to the green mandate?</strong>
</p>
<p>
No, pretty much every thing I've been thinking fits right into it. I guess I have had to step back from my dream of living in a 20,000 foot house... the Gunther Green Home will be around 2,500 square feet.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Has anything surprised you, so far, in your preparations for the house?</strong>
</p>
<p>
Maybe the biggest thing that has surprised me is how many people I come across totally get why we should be building green. I'm talking about people who definitely don't consider themselves environmentalists... people outside the green circle are starting to get it.
</p>
<p>
<strong>That is interesting. And heartening.</strong>
</p>
<p>
Now, there's a big gulf between them saying that and doing anything about it. But I think it's great that they are starting to talk about it.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Do you think it's a culture-wide shift?</strong>
</p>
<p>
Most definitely.
</p>
<p>
<strong>You talked about "<a href="http://sheagunther.org/happy-blog-action-day-from-musings-of-an-eco-entrepreneur/">green greed</a>" in a post recently—how it's not a bad thing. That was intriguing.</strong>
</p>
<p>
Here's the thing about green greed... If you set out to make money by making the world a better place, then it's morally compelling to go out and make as much money as you can. If I make a billion dollars doing good for the world, it'd be selfish not to try to make another billion. There will always be greedy people, we are not going to get rid of the concept of people wanting massive amounts of wealth. What we should do is turn those people green. Greed got us into this mess, green greed will get us out.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Do you think it's possible to become rich while doing good for the world, while being green?</strong>
</p>
<p>
There are many people who have gotten rich by being green. We've got solar billionaires in China, green bloggers making millions, all the organic food people getting rich in Boulder.. I've been trying to get rich being green since 2001, I someday hope to add my name to the list. :)
</p>

<p>
<strong>How do you anticipate that blogging, vlogging, and photographing your home's construction will change things, if at all? We realize as we ask that that you have long blogged, so you're comfortable with it.</strong>
</p>
<p>
I'm sure our work to document the construction of the house will slow things down a bit, at least at first while everyone gets used to all the lenses around. And I hope that the fact that everything is being photographed will keep all our workers putting out their best work. :)
</p>

<p>
<strong>You've been blogging since 2004. How has your impression of the Web or of blogs changed over the years?</strong>
</p>
<p>
I've actually been blogging since 2002. I kept a <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20021121231056/http://www.sheagunther.org/">hand-edited HTML site</a> back in the day before I even knew what a blog was... I've been addicted to the Internet since I first logged in through AOL back in 1997. Complete news and links junkie. It's been a sheer delight to swim along with the Web as it's developed... seeing the explosion of the blogosphere, the development of all the Web 2.0 goodness, and the incredible amount of user-generated content has been amazing. 
</p>
<p>
<strong>What new media are you hooked on now? We know <a href="http://twitter.com/sheagunther">you Twitter</a>.</strong>
</p>
<p>
I'm a power <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/">StumbleUpon</a> user and stay on top of the latest development in things via the 20 or 30 blogs I have in my New Media RSS folder. I'm intrigued by the potential of the Semantic Web and get excited when I think about where we're going to be when we fire up a browser in 5, 10 years.
</p>
<p>
<strong>We were just talking to someone else the other day who loves StumbleUpon. He said the key is not to click every interest, but keep it narrowed.</strong>
</p>
<p>
I think StumbleUpon is the greatest thing on the Internet. You won't find a more rabid <a href="http://sheaman42.stumbleupon.com/">StumbleUpon fan boy</a> than me. It's been a great tool for discovering new sites, links, post leads, new writers, etc...
</p>
<p>
<strong>What makes it so great?</strong>
</p>
<p>
The StumbleUpon engine is just awesome at figuring you out. Once you do a bit of stumbling, you end up getting served hyper relevant pages when you click that little button. I am also in love with the influence it gives people who invest time doing quality stumbling. If I give a thumbs-up to a page now, it stands a really good chance of seeing hundreds and thousands of visitors via my fan base. I've been able to start Stumble waves that have sent Digg-sized traffic that is highly relevant. Stumblers are the best kind of social bookmarking traffic.
</p>

<p>
<strong>What do you think of <a href="http://digg.com/">Digg</a>?</strong>
</p>
<p>
Digg is great, but a whole different beast. Diggers are definitely a more sharper, cynical audience.... (but) a big Digg doesn't send the kind of relevant traffic that you'll get from StumbleUpon...
</p>
<p>
<strong>Do you think there's any trick to using StumbleUpon well? </strong>
</p>
<p>
Oh, there is an art to good Stumbling. It's not really a trick, just a number of best practices: Stumble what you love. Discover lots of great new links. Tag well. Comment on links often. Make lots of good friends. Stumble a lot.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Tell us more about the Semantic Web.</strong>
</p>
<p>
I'm only starting to dabble in this... but from what I understand it's building the Web in a way that makes it really easy for websites to read and connect to each other. Here, Wikipedia has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantic_Web">a good definition</a>.
</p>

<p>
<strong>OK, now, a change of topic: How's <a href="http://sheagunther.org/modern-tipi-living/">life in a tipi</a>?</strong>
</p>
<p>
Life in a tipi is great. I'm not in there full time, so I can't speak to the full experience yet. But once everything is in and up and running it's going to be an amazing life. I just got my Internet satellite in the other day.
</p>
<p>
<strong>We read that! Congratulations! Did you dream of living in a tipi when you were young, along with having secret passageways?</strong>
</p>
<p>
Kind of. I actually visited a live-in tipi when I was 10. My dad had a friend who lived in a tipi in the backwoods of Maine. I remember how awed I was when I walked in. It was freezing outside, but warm and toasty inside. He had a full kitchen, bathroom, and had even set up some multi-level staging. I think that stuck with me, so when the time came to put this all together it wasn't a big jump to the idea of living in one.
</p>
<p>
<strong>You have a great green blogroll on your site. Besides StumbleUpon, what other sites are daily reads for you?</strong>
</p>
<p>
I've been a daily reader of the <a href="http://www.drudgereport.com/">Drudge Report</a> since I can remember. I also read <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/">The Huffington Post</a>, <a href="http://popurls.com/">PopUrls.com</a>, and <a href="http://salon.com/">Salon</a>. On top of that, I have 450+ feeds in my RSS reader.
</p>

<p>
<strong>Shea, we have another question for you. If you don't want to answer this, just say so. We were sorry to read about your separation from your wife, <a href="http://sheagunther.org/in-an-unplanned-twist-of-events-my-wife-and-i-have-separated-and-im-moving-into-the-tipis-by-myself/">Heather</a>. Did you consider not blogging about that? </strong>
</p>
<p>
I wished I could have not blogged about it, it was definitely the most suckass post I've published. But I came to the conclusion that I couldn't not blog about it.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Since you had already opened up your life so completely?</strong>
</p>
<p>
The whole project started out as "Watch a family live in a tipi while building their green dream home." People might have caught on that there was a wife missing in the coverage.
</p>
<p>
<strong>True. Well, it was a brave thing to do.</strong>
</p>
<p>
Thank you, I didn't open my computer for a day or so after I published it. The girls are going to be staying at the tipis a few days a week; Heather and the kids will be a mile down the road.
</p>
<p>
<strong>We can't wait to read about how your daughters react to the tipis.</strong>
</p>
<p>
They will like it a lot better once it can be heated. The last time we were out there it was cold and they ended up sitting under blankets while I tied up the tipi liners.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Aw.</strong>
</p>
<p>
I'm getting my water tank delivered tomorrow—1,000 gallons. Now, I just have to build a tower for it. It sounds like a lot, but the average American uses 3,000 gallons a month. I'll be using a LOT less than that, trying to go as "No Impact Man" as possible.
</p>
<p>
<strong>How much are you depending on the advice of your architect and contractor and how much are you just researching everything yourself? We don't know a thing about water tanks and towers.</strong>
</p>
<p>
My architect isn't really involved with the tipi. It's pretty much all me putting this together. I have an uncle who is a rockstar builder guy who I'm going to pull a favor on to help me with things like the tower.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Rockstar builder guys are good to have in the family. Are there any questions we haven't asked that you think we should have? </strong>
</p>
<p>
I'm putting together a <a href="http://greenbloggercon.com/">Green Blogger Conference</a> in Chicago in May. It's going to be a small group of bloggers doing a day of activities to become better, more connected bloggers. We're sandwiched between the Co-Op America Green Business Conference and Chicago Greenfest.
</p>
<p>
<strong>30 green bloggers. That is a SMALL group.</strong>
</p>
<p>
It will pretty much be the best conference ever. Imagine a cross between a political junket and the VIP room at a big awards show, all mashed up with organic... It's going to be good.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Thanks for talking to us, Shea!</strong>
</p>
<p>
I will close with my favorite pirate joke. Have you heard about the new pirate movie coming out?
</p>
<p>
<strong>No.</strong>
</p>
<p>
It's so violent that it's rated Arrrrrrrrrr. 
</p>
<p>
<strong>Ha! Bravo! Bye, Shea!</strong>
</p>
<p>
(Bow) Take care!
</p><p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2486/shea-gunther-eco-entrepreneur?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:00:28 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/2486</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Wardrobe Refashion</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2034/wardrobe-refashion</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/07/wardrobe_refashion_profile.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a><p> Being green comes in many fashions—it's not all hybrid cars and compact fluorescent light bulbs (although those are great, too). One Australian stay-at-home mum is wearing her environmentalism on her sleeve, literally, and has invited the blogosphere to join in.</p> <p>In 2006, Nichola Prested <a href="http://nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion/2006/05/rule_clarificat.html">started</a> <a href="http://nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion/">Wardrobe Refashion</a> and welcomed fellow crafters to take <a href="http://nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion/the_pledge.html">the refashion pledge</a>. Their vow? To abstain from buying manufactured clothing items for two, four, or six months.   </p>      <p> The only "new" clothes "refashionistas" can have are ones they make or recycle from pre-loved items. <a href="http://nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion/2006/05/exemptions.html">Exemptions</a> are allowed for undies and shoes, and crafters can buy some new <a href="http://nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion/2006/05/rule_clarificat.html">fabric and yarn</a>, but the emphasis is less consumption, more creativity. </p>      <p> This collaborative blog and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/wardroberefashion/">Flickr group</a> fast became a hit, and each new refashion cycle has added more and more participants. We talked to <a href="http://www.nikkishell.typepad.com/">Nikki</a> about her sustainable style. </p>      <p>   <strong>What gave you the idea to start Wardrobe Refashion?</strong> </p>      <p> I was looking into being more eco-friendly and came across some sites on the Internet.  One was <a href="http://fiftyrx3.blogspot.com/">fiftyRx3</a>; Jill spent a year wearing 50% sustainable clothing. The other was <a href="http://www.littlebrowndress.com/">Brown Dress</a>; Alex wore the same brown dress, which was handmade by her, every day for a year.  [We love that site, too—and featured it in <a href="http://picks.yahoo.com/picks/i/20060707.html">Picks</a> last year!] </p>      <p> I was not prepared to wear the same item of clothing every day for a year nor was I prepared to spend a heap of money on sustainable clothing so I decided to compromise by refashioning clothing and making my own from scratch. </p>      <p> My main reasons for doing this were to save money, be more eco friendly, and improve my sewing skills. </p>      <p> <strong> Have you always been into sewing and crafting?</strong> </p>      <p> I've always been creative. My favourite thing to do growing up was to make things.  I did a little sewing when I was younger, learning the basics from my mum but didn't really get into sewing as a hobby until just over three years ago whilst pregnant with my first child. </p>      <p>  <strong>What inspires your fashion sense? </strong> </p>      <p> I just like to wear what I think suits me rather than follow any fashion.  I don't think of myself as fashionable at all, probably very unfashionable in the eyes of fashion magazines, but I don't buy those so I don't really care.  I have my own odd sense of style, I think, and I like that. </p>      <p>  <strong>A lot of moms are into Wardrobe Refashion, both for themselves and for their kids. Was this part of your plan or did it surprise you?</strong> </p>      <p> No, it wasn't really part of my master plan, but it didn't surprise me either.  I think it's great that mums are taking part and getting their kids involved, hopefully it will rub off onto them, and as they grow up they'll be more conscious of how they go about buying or making clothing. </p>      <p> <strong>Where are the refashioners from?</strong> </p>      <p> We have participants from all over the world:  Australia, U.S.A., U.K., Canada, Japan, Europe, and others. </p>      <p> <strong>How many sign-ups did you get the first round? How many are in the current round? Is there a limit?</strong> </p>      <p> In the first round, I think there were about 60 or so that signed up. The last round I had almost 150 sign up.  I haven't thought about putting a limit on how many I will accept.  At the moment, I think there are around 400 participants. </p>      <p>  <strong>Which pledge length is the most popular?</strong> </p>      <p> Two months is the most popular.  People want to start small to see how they go, then a lot do repeat their pledges, usually going for a longer period the next time around.  </p>      <p> <strong>What's the strangest thing someone has refashioned?</strong> </p>      <p> Well, I'm not sure we have anything I'd think of as strange, but we did recently have a girl refashion her favourite old T-shirts with logos into a quilt, it looks really good. </p>      <p>  <strong>What's the most inspiring thing someone has refashioned?</strong> </p>      <p> I really don't think I could choose one item, there are so many that I admire and a lot that inspire too.  </p>      <p> <strong>Are people without advanced sewing skills feeling pretty well accepted?</strong> </p>      <p> Everyone is really encouraging, and people new to sewing fit right in.  Wardrobe Refashion is about learning a new skill, it's a great place to ask for advice and get inspiration and ideas. </p>      <p> <strong> Thanks Nikki! We can't wait to see what you and the rest of the refashionistas are wearing next. </strong> </p><p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/2034/wardrobe-refashion?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2007 08:00:39 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/2034</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>No Impact Man</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1965/no-impact-man</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/06/no_impact_man.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a><p>  A writer by profession, a "liberal schlub" by political persuasion, and a New Yorker by residence, Colin is "no eco-expert." And yet, since launching No Impact Man <a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2007/02/what_you_need_t.html">in February</a>, this 43-year-old blogger has parachuted straight into the limelight about green living.  </p>   <p>  Colin and his wife, Michelle, have <a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2007/02/the_no_impact_m.html">dedicated themselves</a> to spending one year without any "net environmental impact." On his site, Colin chronicles their attempts at doing so while living in a 750-square-foot apartment with <a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2007/02/about_my_family.html">a toddler, a dog, and an unplugged fridge</a>. A welcoming attitude toward comments and movingly composed posts such as "<a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2007/06/living_in_the_g.html">The difficulties of living in the gray</a>," "<a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2007/05/making_bread.html">Making bread</a>," and "<a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2007/06/why_bother.html">Why bother?</a>" have garnered Colin a web following, <a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2007/02/theres_going_to.html">a book deal</a>, and <a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2007/02/and_believe_or_.html">a documentary film crew</a>.  </p>   <p>  But most importantly, Colin's blog conveys the genuine enthusiasm and commitment of one couple trying to make a difference in their world. It's impressive—and inspiring. In that sense, No Impact Man packs a big impact. And we're glad for it. </p><p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1965/no-impact-man?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2007 08:00:15 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/1965</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Ethical Traveler</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1967/ethical-traveler</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/06/ethical_traveler.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a><p> </p><blockquote>It is not down in any map; true places never are. - Herman Melville</blockquote>  <p> </p> <p>Too often, travel consists of running around with your head in a guide book. But focusing on the list of things to see keeps us from getting to know the people and culture of the places where we spend our precious few vacation days—and the richest experiences in other lands often begin with a surprisingly simple gesture. This site aims to bring together informed travelers as "freelance ambassadors" to serve the world community. Stops on the itinerary:</p>   <ul>  <li>Learn about the <a href="http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/explore.php">places</a> you visit and your impact on the society and environment. </li> <li>Get <a href="http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/act.php">involved</a> and help address time-sensitive issues. </li> <li>Step beyond the map and immerse yourself in a culture by following the <a href="http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/guidelines.php">guidelines</a> for ethical travel. </li> </ul>   <p>Global voyagers acting together can make the world a better place. It's a small world, after all.</p><p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1967/ethical-traveler?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 Jun 2007 03:00:42 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/1967</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Project Laundry List</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1934/project-laundry-list</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.laundrylist.org"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/04/project_laundry_list2.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a>We understand why communities bar nuclear waste dumps, outlaw smoking in public places, and police litter bugs. We can even get behind neighborhood strictures on some noise pollution. But does the innocent clothesline truly require similarly strict treatment? It seems out of place, and yet "<a href="http://www.laundrylist.org/advocacy/stoptheban.htm">tens of thousands</a>" of homeowners' groups across the U.S. have made it a fugitive act to string and use a clothesline. Since 1999, <a href="http://www.laundrylist.org/about/index.htm">Project Laundry List</a> has fought local embargos on open-air wash-drying. The group offers <a href="http://www.laundrylist.org/products/index.htm">guides to products</a> such as <a href="http://www.laundrylist.org/products/cleaners.htm">environmentally friendly detergents</a> and <a href="http://www.laundrylist.org/products/clotheslines.htm">umbrella-style clotheslines</a>. It promotes writing and installations honoring <a href="http://www.laundrylist.org/art/index.htm">the ages-old tradition</a> of letting your clean white sheets flap in the wind. And it has taken action in campaigns such as "<a href="http://www.laundrylist.org/advocacy/righttodry.htm">Right to Dry</a>." Not only do clotheslines promote good stewardship of the Earth, they produce sweet-smelling, crinkly-dried apparel. Be a lover, not a hater. <a href="http://www.laundrylist.org/actioncenter/index.htm">Hang a clothesline</a>.<p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1934/project-laundry-list?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2007 03:00:44 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/1934</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Global Underwear Crisis</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1861/global-underwear-crisis</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CallW5kb2A"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/02/global_underwear_crisis.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a>The film opens with Earth in the grips of a "global underwear crisis." Even as garment factories churn out new pairs of underwear, old and discarded tighty whities are filling trash cans and clogging landfills. Now, one company has sent out the intimate apparel help-signal to "their elite undie problem-solver." Go to Japan, they cry. Join forces with a textile producer who is recycling used polyester undergarments. And then, convince underwear-wearers of the world to recycle their worn-out boxers, briefs, and panties. Our noble waste fighter, clothed appropriately in tights and external skivvies, blasts to the Far East where he attempts to spread the word. Once there, he offends the ladies (whack!), pisses off the guys (pow!), and is rebuffed by a bunch of cool Tokyo retro-punks. Will he save the day? We leave that for you to see. Enjoy the short. And remember: Recycle!<p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1861/global-underwear-crisis?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Feb 2007 03:00:28 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/1861</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>ecoFabulous</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1822/ecofabulous</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.ecofabulous.com/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2007/01/ecofabulous.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a>Is one of your resolutions this year to be kinder to Mother Nature? It's easy to get back in her good graces. Created by House and Garden's "green editor," <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/2006/01/about_zem_joaqu.html">Zem Joaquin</a>, this site highlights the <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/2006/02/green_building_.html">beauty</a>, <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/2006/10/toasty_toes.html">comfort</a>, and <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/2006/03/sweet_clutch.html">style</a> of eco-friendly products. If you're lured by the sexy, sleek design of responsible transportation, look into the <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/auto/index.html">autos section</a>, which includes velomobiles and the sporty Tesla. If personal style is your (shopping) bag, outfit your child in chic organic cotton <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/2006/11/post.html">pajamas</a>, deck yourself in <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/2006/09/love_rings_true.html">vintage jewelry</a>, or just check out the <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/2006/09/an_end_to_denim.html">green jeans</a>. And if your interests run closer to home—view the <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/2006/09/get_a_piece_of_.html">rainbow</a> of recycled glass tiles or design your own <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/2006/09/make_a_move.html">green home</a> in a <a href="http://ecofabulous.blogs.com/ecofabulous/2006/11/stream_of_consc.html">tree-free journal</a>. Mama would approve.<p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1822/ecofabulous?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jan 2007 03:00:30 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/1822</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Good Stuff?</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1653/good-stuff</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/goodstuff/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/2006/07/good_stuff.jpg" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a>It's hard out here for a consumer. Faced with endless options for the latest and coolest, we can be overwhelmed just by the selection, even before considering the <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1472">impact</a> our choices have on the planet. The <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/">Worldwatch Institute</a> has helped simplify what seems like a staggering task. If you've been meaning to make the change to energy-conserving light bulbs or safe household cleansers, this is the perfect excuse to sit down and scan through the topics that concern you most. From <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1483">chocolate</a> to <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4133">seafood</a>, <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1482">cell phones</a> to <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1487">computers</a>, <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1497">paper</a> to <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1491">gold jewelry</a>—every category provides information on the stuff's environmental and social blowback. Don't know fair trade from green procurement? The <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1471">glossary</a> will make it all crystal-water clear. Think you already know it all? Take the <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1473">quiz</a> and see. And if you're ready to be a whole new kind of consumer, memorize the <a href="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1470">consumption manifesto</a>. Being responsible isn't so hard after all.<p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1653/good-stuff?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Aug 2006 03:00:52 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/1653</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Ecological Footprint Quiz</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1107/ecological-footprint-quiz</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.myfootprint.org/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/myfootprintdotorg.gif" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a>It's not the size of your Nikes, Adidas, or Manolos that matters. It's the size of your ecological footprint -- the amount of land and water required to sustain your lifestyle -- that really counts in this world. And the size of your footprint may surprise. Just answer a few simple questions and in a minute or two you'll see how your footprint compares to others. We were shocked to see the number of Earths required to support humanity at our current standards. But, we were also heartened to learn how we can lessen our impact on the environment by treading just a little bit lighter. Created by the nonprofits Earth Day Network and Redefining Progress, this site offers simple, practical, and effective ways individuals, communities, schools, and businesses can help reduce consumption and waste. Resolve this new year to keep the shoes, but make a smaller footprint.<p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1107/ecological-footprint-quiz?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2005 03:00:32 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/1107</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Houses of the Future</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1063/houses-of-the-future</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.housesofthefuture.com.au/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/houses_of_the_future.gif" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a>Using straw, sticks, and bricks, the Three Little Pigs fashioned environmentally sensitive homes, although only one proved to be huffin'-and-puffin'-proof. Nowadays, more and more consumers are demanding homes that are modern and high-quality, as well as eco-friendly. Addressing those concerns are the folks behind the Year of the Built Environment and their showcase of six houses of the future. Each home is a pre-fab capable of being erected in less than 4 days. The "open, free-form plan" of the <a href="http://www.housesofthefuture.com.au/hof_houses02.html">concrete</a> house is intriguing, although mowing the roof may be problematic. Other domiciles are constructed of <a href="http://www.housesofthefuture.com.au/hof_houses03.html">steel</a>, <a href="http://www.housesofthefuture.com.au/hof_houses05.html">timber</a>, <a href="http://www.housesofthefuture.com.au/hof_houses06.html">glass</a>, or <a href="http://www.housesofthefuture.com.au/hof_houses07.html">clay</a>. The <a href="http://www.housesofthefuture.com.au/hof_houses04.html">cardboard house</a> can be assembled by two people in six hours. And if you get tired of its slanting walls, you can just toss it in the recycle bin.<p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/1063/houses-of-the-future?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2004 03:00:22 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/1063</guid>	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Treehugger</title>
		<link>http://us.rd.yahoo.com/picks/rss/?http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/968/treehugger</link>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/"><img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/ypicks/trehugger.gif" height="115" width="150" border="1"></a>Don't let this site's name fool you, no one's going to bombard you with environmental do's and don'ts. Just rest easy and take a gander at modern furnishings and decorating ideas that are not only aesthetically pleasing and classy, but also lean, green <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/about/index.php">lifestyle choices</a>. Consider this triad: a pretty <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/08/standing_papyru.php">papyrus lamp</a>, butt-hugging <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/08/butterfly_stool.php">butterfly stool</a>, and <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2004/08/gourd_speakers.php">gourdeous</a> speaker set. A swank ensemble in any home, but in yours, a bold statement of Earth-first thinking. Rife with ingenuity -- from textured <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/materials/index.php">wall panels</a> to saucy <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/food/index.php">disposable dishes</a> -- this site even gives kudos to <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/almosts/index.php">almost</a>-friendly products. Show your friends your good taste and good sense. With these products, domestic daring is caring.<p><a href="http://beta.picks.yahoo.com/picks/968/treehugger?cmmnts=1#comments">Post or read comments</a></p>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2004 03:00:12 PST</pubDate>		<guid isPermaLink="false">picks/968</guid>	</item>
</channel>
</rss>
<!-- f5.buzz.sp2.yahoo.com uncompressed/chunked Wed Dec 23 10:09:33 PST 2009 -->
