!Organic Cinco de Mayo Celebration!

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we headed South of the Border to Rancho La Puerta, a destination spa routinely named by Travel & Leisure as one of the best resorts in Mexico. Located just an hour and 1/2 drive from San Diego at the base of majestic Mt. Kuchumaa, one of the most unique aspects of Rancho La Puerta is their organic gourmet cooking school, La Cocina que Canta.

To plan your Mexican fiesta, check out a few of our favorite recipes from Jesus Gonzales, creative chef and instructor at La Cocina que Canta, and 4 Copas Certified Organic Tequila. !Salud!

Corn Jalapeno Tortillas
2 cups maseca*
3 tablespoons spring garlic, minced (or 1 clover regular garlic, minced)
1 jalapeno, de-veined, seeds removed, minced
1 1/2-2 cups water

*(Maseca is a finely ground corn flour, found in Mexican markets. Note: Maseca can not be substituted with coarse corn flour or corn meal).

1. Combine the maseca garlic and jalapeno. Add the water 1/2 cup at a time and knead until the water is incorporated. You may not need all of the water. The dough is wet enough when it feels like playdough.

2. Form the dough into several golf-ball sized balls.

3. Press the dough balls one at a time in a tortilla press between two pieces of plastic wrap.

4. Preheat skillet over medium heat and cook the tortillas, without oil, about 30 seconds on the first side, then turn and cook another 30 seconds on the other side. Turn once more for an additional 30 seconds. The tortillas should look slightly dry around the edges, but should not be browned. Place in a cloth-lined basket and cover.

Nopalito Salad
*5 small nopales, thorns cleaned, diced
1 cup red onion, small dice
1 tablespoon jalapeno, minced
½ cup cilantro, chopped
1 cup fresh corn
¼ cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup fresh cheese (Mexican panela, or feta)
salt and fresh ground pepper

*Nopales are cactus leaves typically sold in Latin markets. The smaller ones are most tender, but if only larger ones are available, use about 3.

1. Dry-roast the corn in a small pan until it turns just slightly golden.
2. Combine the corn with all the remaining ingredients in a bowl and toss.
3. Season to taste.

Low-Fat Aztec Guacamole
1 10-ounce package of organic frozen peas
1 medium avocado, pit removed, scooped out and chopped
1 lime, juiced
1/8 teaspoon salt
½ cup cilantro, chopped
½ ripe tomato, seeded and diced
½ small yellow onion, finely diced
½ small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced

In a food processor bowl fitted with a sharp blade, combine the peas and avocado. Process until creamy. Add the lime juice and salt and pulse to blend.

Add the cilantro, tomato, onion and jalapeno and pulse about 3 times. Do not over-process the guacamole. It’s best to retain the texture of the tomatoes and onions as much as possible.

Variations: Instead of peas, feel free to use 10 ounces of broccoli flowers (boiled 7 minutes and drained under running cold water) or 10 ounces of edamame “beans” or asparagus spears (boiled 3-5 minutes then drained under cold running water).

Makes 2 cups of low-far, creamy guacamole. Serves approximately 8, 2.8 ounce servings.

Mexican Papaya Salad on Red Leaf Lettuce with Pepitas
and Roasted Cumin Orange Dressing
For the salad:
4 cups mixed baby greens
2 cups papaya slices
2 navel oranges, peeled and cut in wedges
3 tablespoons pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted
Red onion rings, 3 separated rings per plate
Cilantro sprigs for garnish

Roasted Cumin Orange Dressing:
2 teaspoons cumin seed, roasted and ground
1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
1 medium shallot, minced
¼ cup red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon agave syrup
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ jalapeno pepper, minced

1. In a blender cup or processor bowl combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth. Makes 1 ½ salad dressing.

2. To assemble the salad: Toss the baby greens with ½ cup of dressing. Arrange the papaya, oranges, pepitas and onion over the greens. Lightly drizzle 1 teaspoon of dressing over the fruit. Refrigerate any remaining dressing up to 3-4 days. Yields 6 salads.

4 Copas Margarita Azul
2 ounces organic 4 Copas Blanco Tequila
1.5 ounces organic 4 Copas Agave Nectar
1.5 ounces organic lime juice
.5 ounces Blue Curazao

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a margarita glass. Garnish with lime and serve.

To watch us cooking these recipes or for more tips on the soul of green, watch Conscious Living TV.

Go Green for Earth Day!

You don’t have to be Al Gore to understand that going green is vital to Mother Earth’s survival—and our own. Most of us want to do our part to prevent global warming, but aren’t sure how. The good news is, scientists have reported that if each of us did our part to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by just 2% a year, we could actually prevent the worst effects of global warming by the year 2050! So celebrate Earth Day every day by making a few small lifestyle changes. Not only will they help save our planet, but they can also save you money. Here’s how:

1. Say Goodbye to energy vampires. Reduce your utility bill and your carbon dioxide emissions by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, like an adjustable thermostat, throughout your home. Also, unplug common appliances like your cell phone charger, computer and TV when not in use: if they’re plugged in, they’re draining energy even if they’re not turned on. And instead of cranking the heat—pile on the extra layers and get cozy with your loved ones.

Tip: Don’t have time to go around unplugging appliances at night? No worries, with a multi-plug power strip you can save tons of energy just by pressing the off button each night.

2. Make the switch to CFLs. Still waiting around to change out your regular incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs? By making the switch, you can save about $50 over the life of each bulb—and reduce your CO2 emissions.

Bonus: Nowadays, CFL’s and LEDs come in a variety of fashionable shapes and sizes, perfect for even the most fabulous light fixture.

3. De-tox your home. Since green is everywhere, nowadays you can opt for an eco-friendly redecoration by using low-voc paint, carpet, paints, and even wood cabinetry. Also, detoxify your home by avoiding standard household cleaning and personal care products, which contain toxic chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and phosphates. These chemicals are not only carcinogenic, but also wreak havoc on the planet when rinsed down the drain and into our rivers and streams.

Fact: Every cup of dish or laundry detergent you use eventually kills one cubic foot of photoplankton, tiny ocean organisms that can actually help prevent global warming. Through photosynthesis, they replenish the planet with oxygen, and absorb ozone-destroying CO2 from the atmosphere. Try eco-friendly cleaning products for your home, like Biokleen detergent, and Dr. Hauschka’s biodynamic personal care products for your face and body.

4. Install a Water Filter. Using a water filter will not only keep you from digesting toxins in our water and give you better-tasting water, but it will also reduce your dependence on plastic water bottles. In fact, a typical filter used can eliminate up to two tractor trailers full of plastic bottles in our landfills, and the energy (and CO2) required to manufacture those bottles.

Try: A point-of-use filter (for a single faucet) or point-of entry filter (for water used throughout the home). But beware of reverse osmosis filters, which over strip water, depleting it of body-benefiting minerals, and waste water and also water softeners, which deposit harsh chemicals into the earth.

5. Eat organic or sustainably grown food. Organic farming is better for the planet than industrial farming because it’s free of harmful pesticides that run into our rivers and streams. Organic food is also a natural immune booster during cold-season, because it’s free of toxins like GMO’s (genetic modifiers), antibiotics and hormones, which are dangerous to your health when digested and have been linked to degenerative diseases and learning disabilities in children.

What to look for when you shop: Don’t be fooled by products labeled “natural”--this term is unregulated by the FDA and serves primarily as a marketing tool. Instead, look for the USDA Certified Organic seal to ensure you’re getting the highest quality organic (95% or higher).

6. Reduce your meat consumption. Most people don’t know that the meat industry is the largest industrial polluter of the planet, wasting millions of tons of precious water, land and natural resources each year. In fact, studies show that 18% of greenhouse gases have been linked to farming animals for food. Fact: A meat-eating diet requires more than 4000 gallons of water per day. By comparison, a vegetarian diet requires only 300 gallons of water per day, and is less costly to your wallet and the planet.

Not ready to give up all of your favorite meat treats? Then try going vegetarian for just one or two meals a day, then move up to one or two days a week.

7. Wear Eco-Chic Clothing. Before going on your next shopping excursion, take into account that about 1/3 of a pound of pesticides are used just to make one cotton t-shirt! Do your part by purchasing clothing made from sustainable fabrics like bamboo, hemp, or organic cotton, which feels like silk on your skin.

Better yet: Do your part to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle by buying one-of-a-kind vintage clothing at a local retro boutique, or go treasure hunting with your girlfriend at a weekend estate sale.

8. Travel green whenever you can. To cut down on C02 emissions, consider driving a fuel or energy efficient vehicle. If you can't buy a new car or aren’t ready to trade yours in for a Prius, opt to walk, bike, or carpool (public transportation counts) instead of driving.

Love to travel? Make your winter vacation extra-special by staying at an upscale green hotel that supports green practices.

9. Offset your carbon footprint. When all else fails, do your part to neutralize your carbon footprint the easy way by purchasing carbon offset credits. Carbon offsetting is one of the most popular ways clean up CO2 emissions from daily activities in your home or business like driving your car, flying, or turning on the heat.

Tip: For usually less than $100, carbon offsetting will help you calculate your annual energy use and offset it with pro-environment activities like replanting trees and purchasing renewable energy like wind or solar.

10. Become a conscious consumer. Being a conscious consumer means voting with your spending dollars to create the change you want to see in the world. Buy only what you need. Purchase green products and services whenever you can. Support local businesses that offer products and services sourced from no more than 100 miles from your home (start with your local farmer’s market). And finally, think about expanding your portfolio by investing in socially responsible businesses.

These are but a few of the ways you can stay green, not only on Earth Day, but all year long. And, if overhauling your whole life to go green still feels a little overwhelming, take your time. Incorporating just one of these tips on an ongoing basis can make a world of difference, so feel free to experiment and make your green lifestyle work for you!

For more tips on living sustainably, or to share some of your own, check out www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

Give Yourself a Green Spring Makeover

Ready to update your look? The new season is a perfect time to clean out your medicine cabinet and swap out that old, chemical-laden make-up bag for some of the hottest natural cosmetics on the market. Making the switch may require some effort (after all, it may be hard giving up formaldehyde in your nail polish) but it will keep your skin, hair, nails and the planet looking and feeling great! Here are a few tips to get started:

Healthy Hair How-Tos. There’s nothing like an updated color and style to make you feel brand new, but chemical processing and heat can wreak havoc on your hair and body. Take better care of your hair by booking an appointment with a professional coiffeur like Johnathan Gale at the John Frieda salon in L.A., who uses organic hair color and conditioning treatments on his celebrity clientele. Or, care for your hair at home with Dr. Hauschka’s organic and biodynamic shampoos and conditioners. Their world-famous Neem Hail Oil is perfect for protecting, conditioning and actually strengthening hair before and after coloring or relaxing. And to keep your color from fading between visits, avoid shampoos with hair stripping chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate. Pureology and Lanza are SLS-free and have botanicals that help color last up to 107% longer. Worried about thinning hair? Chemicals in shampoos can worsen the condition, so try Your Crown and Glory For Thinning Hair shampoo and conditioner, which is SLS and paraben-free.

Sustainable Skin. Any make-up artist will tell you that flawless skin is the first step to creating beautiful make-up, so take care of the skin you’re in by eliminating toxic chemicals from your daily regimen. For all skin types, try Jurlique, whose biodynamically grown herb-based cleansers and tonics work with your body’s natural rhythms to heal and balance the skin. Bonus: All of their products come in eco-friendly packaging. For a more gentle alternative to damaging acid peels and dermabrasion, try Sophyto’s new line of organic skin treatments made with powerful deep-exfoliating fruit enzymes. And to clean up both your body and the planet, try Save Your Body’s new line of organic yerba maté and aloe vera infused bath and body products. Each tropical-smelling shower gel, shampoo and lotion sold saves one acre of rainforest for an entire year!

Natural Nails. Allow your nails to emerge from a blistery winter with Sparitual’s sophisticated line of vegan, eco-friendly nail polishes. Unlike most nail polishes, which contain formaldehyde, toluene and DBP (a.k.a. dibutyl phthalate, a plasticizing agent and reproductive toxin linked to birth defects that’s currently banned from cosmetics in Europe), Sparitual’s polishes and chakra-specific spa treatments are made from wildcrafted and organic plant essences, and free of toxins and synthetic dyes. And even though their products are so darn conscious, there’s no need to sacrifice color: with hundreds of perfect shades for every color palette, you’ll still be able to stop traffic this spring with your favorite flirty shade of red, apricot or pink. Bonus: Sales of their new spring color, Aware (a vibrant coral), will benefit the Go Green Initiative, an environmental stewardship program for schools. Other lines to try: OPI, whose nail lacquers are all formaldehyde, DBP, and toluene free.

Mineral-Based Make-Up. Let your natural beauty shine this season with Rituals new line of make-up made with pure silk leaves and precious stones that have absorbed the earth's energy over millions of years. Their products include eye shadows, lipsticks and foundations made from gemstones like amethyst, and are free of animal testing and added fragrances with little to no preservatives. My favorite: Their Super Shine Lip Gloss enriched with sparkling ruby, which provides will-power and stimulates blood circulation for a healthy glow and a perfect pout.

And with Dr. Hauschka, there’s no need to sacrifice healthy skin to look your best. They offer a complete line of all-natural cosmetics made from pure mineral pigments and nurturing botanicals that actually improve the quality of your skin. My favorite: The Mascara Intermezzo made with soothing Neem leaf extract, which conditions the lashes so they grow longer and stronger.

De-Tox for Beauty Inside and Out. Over time, your body stores environmental toxins that prevent it from functioning properly, which can lead to low energy, headaches, mental fogginess and disease. According to traditional medicine practices, proper diet alone is not enough to eliminate these stored toxins which accumulate in our digestive systems. Spring is a perfect time to give your inner body a boost with a whole-body cleanse, which will clean, nourish and support your digestive system for good health. Try Symmetry’s BotanaCleansePlus, a two-week cleansing system that detoxifies your entire body. When taken properly, it can even help your lose weight or clear up problem skin! Tip: Consult your naturopathic doctor before beginning any cleansing regimen, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water to aid the detoxing process.

And if you’re looking to detox your mind this season, try Emmet Fox’s 7-Day Mental Diet. Even one day on this positive thinking regime could do wonders for your outlook on life.

For more tips on eco-friendly living, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

B's Cool List: A Sexy and Sustainable Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to show love for your honey—and the planet. Here are 10 eco-friendly gift ideas, as well as fun ways to make this Valentine’s Day both sexy and sustainable.

1) Order organic flowers. Flowers are a great way to show your loved one you care, but unfortunately, the cut flower industry is notorious for polluting the planet with harmful pesticides. This year, instead of buying just any old roses, order pesticide-free organic flowers online from www.OrganicStyle.com. They are more beautiful and smell better than traditional cut flowers, and are delivered in an eco-friendly package made from recycled materials. And to celebrate Black History Month, you can even order the Rosa Parks Freedom Rose bouquet, where 10% of the proceeds of your purchase will be donated to The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development.

2) Surprise your sweetie with eco-friendly lingerie. Every woman loves lingerie, but textiles like traditional cotton that are used to make most clothing damage our bodies and the planet. Instead, surprise your sweetie with soft and sexy lingerie made from sustainable materials like soy, bamboo, silk and organic cotton from www.EcoBoudoir.com and www.AmericanApparel.com.

3) Give sweet scents in recycled bottles. With Bond No. 9’s artisanal perfume, you can indulge your sweetie with irresistible scents and still reduce, reuse and recycle. Exchange any old perfume bottle for recycling at any Bond No. 9 or Saks Fifth Avenue store, and get a refillable pocket spray free with any purchase as a thank you.

4) Say “I Love You” with sustainable jewelry. Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but only if they're mined responsibly. Purchase conflict-free diamonds from companies like www.BrilliantEarth.com, or the “Green Bracelet” from Russell & Kimora Lee Simmons new jewelry line, Simmons Jewelry, and you’ll be able to give back to African communities afflicted by the diamond trade. If gold’s your thing, go to www.greenkarat.com to express your originality by creating a custom design made from recycled gold (you can even contribute your own unused gold jewelry). And if your sweetheart is more of an earthy type, help her stay natural with ethnic jewelry from www.Verlu.com, which produces fashion-forward necklaces, cuffs and earrings made from sustainably harvested wood.

5) Enjoy organic champagne and chocolates. Organic bon-bons are better for the planet, and will also be better for your loved one's health. Toast the day with biodynamic USDA certified wine and chocolates which are pesticide, antibiotic, and hormone free from www.OrganicStyle.com.

6) Take a romantic green getaway. Fossil fuels emitted from air and car travel are the largest contributors to global warming, so traveling green will help you romance your sweetheart without hurting the planet. How about a green ski or snowboarding getaway to Northstar-at-Tahoe (www.northstarattahoe.com), or a biodynamic romp through wine country with a stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn’s Four Star green hotel and spa (www.Fairmont.com). And wherever you go, don’t forget to minimize your eco-footprint by offsetting the carbon emitted from the plane, train, or automobile that got you there at www.Carbonfund.org.

7) Send a card that keeps on giving. Do your part to save trees by sending an e-card, or buying a card made from recycled paper at www.GreenFieldPaper.com. And if saving trees isn’t enough, each card comes embedded with an added bonus: wildflower seeds, which will produce beautiful flowers if you water and plant the card.

8) Stay at home between the sheets. Treat your body and the planet by staying at home and cuddling up with your loved one under colorful, sustainable organic cotton sheets from www.GreenNest.com

9) Give safe sex a whole new meaning. Toxic chemicals can pollute our rivers and streams, not to mention take the fun out of getting intimate, so romance your loved one safely with an all-natural, water-based personal lubricant like Yes Lubricant (www.yesyesyes.org). It’s free of parabens and skin-irritating petrochemicals, and is certified organic.

10) Wine and dine at a local, vegetarian Restaurant. Instead of going out for salmon, veal or filet mignon this Valentine’s Day, pass on meat and save the earth’s precious land and natural resources that are unnecessarily wasted in the animal farming industry. Not sure where to start? You can find a local, delicious vegetarian restaurant in over 7,000 locations around the globe at www.HappyCow.com.


To check out our Sexy and Sustainable Valentine’s Day episode, or for more tips on living sustainably year round, watch www.ConsciousLivingTV.com.

Easy Ways to Stay Green This Winter

You don’t have to be Al Gore to understand that going green is vital to Mother Earth’s survival—and our own. Most of us want to do our part to prevent global warming, but don’t really know how. The good news is, if each of us did our part to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by just 2% a year, we could actually prevent the worst effects of global warming by the year 2050!

Now that winter’s here, do your part to reduce your CO2 emissions, your eco-footprint, and your utility bill—just by making a few small lifestyle changes.

1. Say Goodbye to energy vampires. Reduce your utility bill and your carbon dioxide emissions by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, like an adjustable thermostat, throughout your home. Also, unplug common appliances like your cell phone charger, computer and TV when not in use: if they’re plugged in, they’re draining energy even if they’re not turned on. And instead of cranking the heat—pile on the extra layers and get cozy with your loved ones.

Tip: Don’t have time to go around unplugging appliances at night? No worries, with a multi-plug power strip you can save tons of energy just by pressing the off button each night.

2. Make the switch to CFLs. Still waiting around to change out your regular incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs? By making the switch, you can save about $50 over the life of each bulb—and reduce your CO2 emissions.

Bonus: Nowadays, CFL’s and LEDs come in a variety of fashionable shapes and sizes, perfect for even the most fabulous light fixture.

3. De-tox your home. Since green is everywhere, nowadays you can opt for an eco-friendly redecoration by using low-voc paint, carpet, paints, and even wood cabinetry. Also, detoxify your home by avoiding standard household cleaning and personal care products, which contain toxic chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and phosphates. These chemicals are not only carcinogenic, but also wreak havoc on the planet when rinsed down the drain and into our rivers and streams.

Fact: Every cup of dish or laundry detergent you use eventually kills one cubic foot of photoplankton, tiny ocean organisms that can actually help prevent global warming. Through photosynthesis, they replenish the planet with oxygen, and absorb ozone-destroying CO2 from the atmosphere. Try eco-friendly cleaning products for your home, like Seventh Generation’s laundry detergent (it even comes in a refreshing lavender scent), and Dr. Hauschka’s biodynamic personal care products for your face and skin.

4. Install a Water Filter. Using a water filter will not only keep you from digesting toxins in our water and give you better-tasting water, but it will also reduce your dependence on plastic water bottles. In fact, a typical filter used can eliminate up to two tractor trailers full of plastic bottles in our landfills, and the energy (and CO2) required to manufacture those bottles.

Try: A point-of-use filter (for a single faucet) or point-of entry filter (for water used throughout the home). But beware of reverse osmosis filters, which over strip water, depleting it of body-benefiting minerals, and waste water and also water softeners, which deposit harsh chemicals into the earth.

5. Eat organic or sustainably grown food. Organic farming is better for the planet than industrial farming because it’s free of harmful pesticides that run into our rivers and streams. Organic food is also a natural immune booster during cold-season, because it’s free of toxins like GMO’s (genetic modifiers), antibiotics and hormones, which are dangerous to your health when digested and have been linked to degenerative diseases and learning disabilities in children.

What to look for when you shop: Don’t be fooled by products labeled “natural”--this term is unregulated by the FDA and serves primarily as a marketing tool. Instead, look for the USDA Certified Organic seal to ensure you’re getting the highest quality organic (95% or higher).

6. Reduce your meat consumption. Most people don’t know that the meat industry is the largest industrial polluter of the planet, wasting millions of tons of precious water, land and natural resources each year. In fact, studies show that 18% of greenhouse gases have been linked to farming animals for food. Fact: A meat-eating diet requires more than 4000 gallons of water per day. By comparison, a vegetarian diet requires only 300 gallons of water per day, and is less costly to your wallet and the planet.

Not ready to give up all of your favorite meat treats? Try going vegetarian for just one or two meals a day, then move up to one or two days a week.

7. Wear Eco-Chic Clothing. Before going on your next shopping excursion, take into account that about 1/3 of a pound of pesticides are used just to make one cotton t-shirt! Do your part by purchasing clothing made from sustainable fabrics like bamboo, hemp, or organic cotton, which feels like silk on your skin.

Better yet: Do your part to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle by buying one-of-a-kind vintage clothing at a local retro boutique, or go treasure hunting with your girlfriend at a weekend estate sale.

8. Travel green whenever you can. To cut down on C02 emissions, consider driving a fuel or energy efficient vehicle. If you can't buy a new car or aren’t ready to trade yours in for a Prius, opt to walk, bike, or carpool (public transportation counts) instead of driving.

Love to travel? Make your winter vacation extra-special by staying at an upscale green hotel that supports green practices.

9. Offset your carbon footprint. When all else fails, do your part to neutralize your carbon footprint the "easy" way by purchasing carbon offset credits. Carbon offsetting is one of the most popular ways clean up CO2 emissions from daily activities in your home or business like driving your car, flying, or turning on the heat.

Tip: For usually less than $100, carbon offsetting will help you calculate your annual energy use and offset it with pro-environment activities like replanting trees and purchasing renewable energy like wind or solar.

10. Become a conscious consumer. Being a conscious consumer means voting with your spending dollars to create the change you want to see in the world. Buy only what you need. Purchase green products and services whenever you can. Support local businesses that offer products and services sourced from no more than 100 miles from your home (start with your local farmer’s market). And finally, think about expanding your portfolio by investing in socially responsible businesses.

These are but a few of the ways you can stay green this winter—and all year long. And, if overhauling your whole life to go green still feels a little overwhelming, take your time. Incorporating just one of these tips on an ongoing basis can still make a world of difference, so feel free to experiment and make the green lifestyle work for you!

For more tips, or to send us one of your own, watch Conscious Living TV online or feel free to post a blog comment here.

Bi's Cool List: So Fresh & So Green

With ski season in full swing, it reminds me that our summers are lasting longer, our winters are growing shorter, and snow is becoming an ever more precious resource. But not to worry, you can still enjoy the slopes without having a meltdown. Whether you're hitting the half-pipe or sipping apres-ski cocktails, green skiing is always an option. Here's our favorite ways to do it:


A Green Ski Resort.
From shuttles fueled by biodiesel, to offsetting CO2 with wind power and an award-winning waste-reduction program, Northstar at Tahoe sets the bar high with its sustainability initiatives. Their newly built post-ski hangout reminds me of Aspen, and just so happens to be LEED-certified.


Sustainable Snow Fashion.
I traded in my old polyester ski uniform for this rich REI down Davos jacket made from water-resistant recycled materials. It's lightweight but toasty, with shaped elbows and seamless armpits ideal for fast runs. Coolest feature: a secret compartment for my ipod.


Go CarbonFree.
We all have to clean up after
ourselves--and carbon's no exception. Carbonfund.org will offset carbon from your activities, including driving, air travel, and home energy use. Choose your offsetting method: renewable energy, energy efficiency, or our favorite, reforestation.


Now get out there and have some eco-friendly fun--or to watch our green skiiing episode click here

Bi's Cool List: What I'm Grateful for This Holiday Season

With all of the stress, over-consumption and waste this season can bring, now is a perfect time to go against the grain and make your holiday more conscious. Here are some products I'm grateful for that help me stay happy, healthy and green--even during the yuletide season.

Organic Flowers

Flowers are a great way to express gratitude to friends and family during the holidays. Unfortunately, the cut flower industry is notorious for polluting the planet with pesticides. This year, thank loved ones by ordering organic flowers, chocolates and gifts from Organic Style, and Mother Earth will thank you.

A Grateful Body

Pampering your skin with toxin-free personal care products is a great way to cultivate an attitude of gratitude for your body and the environment. The GratefulBody organic skin care line's 100% botanical ingredients smell great and nourish skin from the inside out. My fav: The Daily Facial Cleanser.

Vegetarian Delights

As a vegetarian, meat-filled holiday celebrations can be just a little scary. Make the veg-head in your family happy this season by ordering meat-free products from Turtle Island Foods. My favorite: Tasty Tofurky that comes stuffed with all the traditional fixin's, including vegan giblets and even dressing.