TOOLS FOR GREEN LIVING.Resources for eco-awareness and action DO THE ELECTRIC LOCOMOTION locomotion Any of various animal movements that result in progression from one place to another. Locomotion is classified as either appendicular (accomplished by special appendages) or axial (achieved by changing the body shape). An innovative, northern California-based company, Zapworld.com, is offering a wide array of clean-air alternatives to polluting internal-combustion vehicles. The Zappy zap·py adj. zap·pi·er, zap·pi·est Slang Lively: a zappy tune. electric scooter ($599.99) can make short commutes fun and efficient. The battery, which charges from a wall outlet, provides a range of up to eight miles at 13 mph. Though not suitable for car traffic and a little too heavy (36 pounds) for easy packing, the scooter is simple to ride, stable and equipped with a number of safety features. CONTACT: Zapworld.com, (707)824-4150, www.zapworld.com. --Brian Howard DOODLING DONE RIGHT Are you constantly searching for scrap paper? Look no further. Green Field Paper Company has recently introduced a new line of all-purpose Field Books. And get this--the paper is tree-free. These handy pads are made entirely of hemp hemp, common name for a tall annual herb (Cannabis sativa) of the family Cannabinaceae, native to Asia but now widespread because of its formerly large-scale cultivation for the bast fiber (also called hemp) and for the drugs it yields. , recycled textiles and waste paper. Hemp paper was also trendy in Thomas Jefferson's day, so the next time you need to scratch down some thoughts, be a true American environmentalist environmentalist a person with an interest and knowledge about the interaction of humans and animals with the environment. , and grab a Field Book ($3.95 to $13.95). The books are available in four sizes and three earthy colors--bark, sage green and terra cotta cot·ta n. pl. cot·tae or cot·tas A short surplice. [Medieval Latin, of Germanic origin.] . Field Books can be found in environmental boutiques, gift stores, and art and college bookstores throughout the U.S. CONTACT: Green Field Paper Company, (888) 402-9979, www.greenfieldpaper.com. --Maria DeRuccio FROSTING frosting the slight graying of the haircoat around the face, particularly muzzle, in dogs with aging and as a regular feature of some breeds such as the Belgian shepherd dog. ON THE CAKE For people who don't have time to cook from scratch, Oetker Simple Organics offers a complete line of baking mixes. And since the ingredients are grown without man-made pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or genetically modified organisms, well, that's just frosting on the cake--literally. Oetker's new organic icing mixes ($2.79 to $2.99) come in two essential flavors: chocolate and vanilla. To bring the frosting to life, simply add butter and milk. These icings are a perfect way to top off your organic desserts or turn your black forest cake into a truly eco-friendly treat. CONTACT: Oetker Ltd., (905)678-1311. --Roxanne Khamsi SENSIBLE SCENTS The soothing fragrance of aromatherapy can be a delightful addition to any living space. The Sanctum Aroma Bowl Diffuser dif·fus·er n. 1. One that diffuses, as: a. A light fixture, such as a frosted globe, that spreads light evenly. b. A medium that scatters light, used in photography to soften shadows. c. , distributed by Naked Earth, Inc. ($39.95) disperses essential oils without the danger or sooty soot·y adj. soot·i·er, soot·i·est 1. Covered with or as if with soot. 2. Blackish or dusky in color. 3. Of or producing soot. indoor pollution of candles. The porcelain diffusers are handcrafted hand·craft n. Variant of handicraft. tr.v. hand·craft·ed, hand·craft·ing, hand·crafts To fashion or make by hand. hand·craft by a small, family-run pottery shop, and the "intelligent heating unit" uses only a minimum amount of electricity. A variety of attractive colors and elegant shapes, including an aroma lamp and inhaler inhaler /in·hal·er/ (in-hal´er) 1. an apparatus for administering vapor or volatilized medications by inhalation. 2. ventilator (2). in·hal·er n. , are available. CONTACT: NakedEarth, Inc., (914) 232-7431 --B.H. VIRTUAL FARMERS' MARKET The green community has long championed the inherent environmental, social and health benefits of smallscale farming operations. But independent farmers have limited marketing resources and often have been frustrated by failed attempts to link up with consumers. A new nonprofit web site, www.localharvest.org, has bloomed from the Community Alliance with Family Farmers and an activist-minded computer firm. Internet surfers can search the versatile, user-friendly interface for Community Supported Agriculture projects, farmers' markets, U-pick farms and small operations by location, products or description. Each listing has a detailed profile with information on business hours BUSINESS HOURS. The time of the day during which business is transacted. In respect to the time of presentment and demand of bills and notes, business hours generally range through the whole day down to the hours of rest in the evening, except when the paper is payable it a bank or by a , background and product availability. CONTACT: Local Harvest, (800)852-3832, www.localharvest.org. --B.H. BIRD SONG Calling all bird lovers and nature enthusiasts! Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a laboratory dedicated to research in the field of ornithology at Cornell University. The lab is focused on the understanding and conservation of birds, but also does research, more generally, on biological diversity; specific programs include , the Field Museum of Chicago and Conservation International have come together to produce a series of five CD audio guides ($14.95 each) featuring the birds that live in the rainforests of the Amazon basin. Each CD contains bird songs, calls and other vocalizations of the most diverse bird fauna of any area on Earth. This CD set will teach anyone, from average birdwatcher bird watcher or bird·watch·er also bird-watch·er n. A person who observes and identifies birds in their natural surroundings. bird watching n. to ornithologist, to identify the unique sounds of the Amazonian rainforest. With an enhanced understanding of the biology of these 495 bird species, we have a better shot at protecting their environment. CONTACT: Cornell Lab Birding Shop, (877)274-3716, http://birds.cornell.edu. --M.D. REDUCE, REUSE, REAIR Although CFCs are being phased out in America, many consumers still use aerosol products that rely on potentially harmful chemicals. The ReAir Refillable Duster & Mini Pump, from Read/Right ($16.99), is a non-flammable, nontoxic, chemical-free and completely ozone-safe tool ideal for photographers, hobbyists and electronics technicians. The device produces a fine stream of clean air that removes dust from sensitive surfaces. Since the canister can be refilled up to 100 times, consumer waste is effectively reduced. The pump also can easily adapt to inflate other objects like toys and tires. CONTACT: Office Innovations, (800) 648-4348, www.2001officesupply.com. --B.H. |
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