Eco-Libris on the coolest online green TV series

I always had a feeling Eco-Libris is pretty cool, but after I've seen us on Titan Tv's Media Mulch, I am much more confident of that!

Media Mulch is a down and dirty roundup of the coolest and greenest videos, blogs and gizmos you can find online. From the poignant to the bizarre, host Liza de Guia dishes up the finest and the funniest from the eco web-world. They do all the digging...so you don’t have to.

So enjoy this video clip and wait for item number two :-)



Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!

Random House's CEO is apparently stepping down, but how about his green legacy?

The New York Times reported yesterday that Peter Olson, the CEO of Random House and one of the most powerful figures in American book publishing, will step down in the next few weeks, according to two executives at Bertelsmann, the German media conglomerate that owns the division.

Random House is the world’s largest trade book publisher and naturally it's a big story. This story has also a green side and a very important one - how Mr. Olson's expected departure will influence Random House's paper policy that was initiated in 2006 and enjoyed his full support?

In May 2006 Random House surprised the book industry when they announced that they will raise the proportion of recycled paper used by the company to at least 30% by 2010 from about 3% at the time of the announcement. The reduction in the usage of virgin paper is expected to result in saving of more than 550,000 trees annually once Random House hits the target of the 30% level in 2010.

On Bertelsmann's website you can learn how Mr. Olson felt about the new initiative: "Random House CEO Peter Olson pegs the financial commitment involved at several million dollars. “We believe that our new paper policy is the right step at the right time,” said Olson. “And we hope that other companies who buy large volumes of paper in the marketplace will take similar measures.” "

I can't know it for sure, but this quote as well as other indications makes me feel that Mr. Olson, who runs Random House since 1998, was very supportive of this move. Another indication for that is his involvement with Random House efforts to green up their business. I learned from the 'Book Industry Environmental Trends & Climate Impacts' report that he chairs the company's green committee. This committee, according to the report, has taken more steps to address the environmental impacts of the company's operations. The company's headquarters, for example, received LEED certification.

Random House, according to the report, succeeded to meet its intermediate 2007 target of 10% recycled paper content and is now working on meeting its 2008 goal - 15%.

From the article at the NYT, I understand that Mr. Olson is leaving his position due to lower profits of Random House (operating profit declined 4.9% in 2007) that influence Bertelsmann's financial results.

It is not clear yet who will replace Mr. Olson, but my concern is that the new CEO appointed by Bertelsmann might see the company's green initiative differently - an excess expense rather than an investment that will pay off eventually both financially and strategically.

At the same time it seems that so far Random House is implementing the recycled paper policy with no major costs, so I hope that it will be taken into consideration when the new CEO will look for ideas where she or he can cut the company's expenses and I'm sure they will.

All in all, I hope that even after Mr. Olson will leave the CEO position, his green legacy at Random House will stay there permanently.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!

Green Options - A Tribute to Those Who Have Finished Craft Projects

As part of Eco-Libris' ongoing content partnership with Green Options Media, we feature a post that was originally published by Skye Kilaen on April 24nd on Crafting Green World. Today's post is about craft books and a very cool one specifically that teaches you how to give an old sweater a second and even better life.

Admit it. You collect crafting books. It's all right, we're your friends. We won't judge you.

Or maybe I should speak just for myself. My name is Skye, and I collect craft books. My collection is very small when compared to some people's (hello Jessica, are you reading this?), but it contains books for quilting projects that I likely will never undertake. Celtic knot applique using bias strips, crazy landscape piecing techniques, etc. It's like I have a fantasy craft life that is totally divorced from my real craft life, which is mostly concerned with making baby quilts for other people's children.

Now I'm branching out into non-quilting books as well. One of the books that is about to add itself to my collection - note the use of passive voice to imply that it's not my fault - is the eco-fabulous Second Time Cool: The Art of Chopping Up a Sweater by Anna-Stina Linden Ivarsson, Katarina Brieditis, and Katarina Evans.

I know that getting books from the library is the greener option, but at some point the Austin Public Library is going to get sick of me having their book out all the time and want a few words with me.

The fun, funky projects in Second Time Cool include skirts, hats, scarves, jewelry, gloves, slippers, and bags. It's intended for teens, which is why many of the projects are too cool for me, but there's plenty there for a 30-something mom as well. Everything I need to know is included, from felting and deconstructing a sweater to adding embellishments to the final piece. I have heady visions of the wonderful recycled sweater crafts I will create after rummaging through Goodwill during the three weeks a year when they actually put wool sweaters out for sale here in Texas.

Or will I?

Does anyone? Second Time Cool is lauded across the web for its style and possibilities, but out of all the people who bought it, did anyone actually make anything? I can't find sales figures, but its sales rank on Amazon is 554,476. For reference, the cookbook from reality show The Biggest Loser is 18, and one of my husband's obscure books is ranked 1,964,912. So let's assume that a reasonable number of people bought Second Time Cool.

After careful research, I have found dramatic evidence that at least THREE people on the planet have actually completed a project using Second Time Cool as inspiration. I would now like to pay tribute to those brave souls.

First up is Aimee Owen at Wardrobe Refashion. She actually did turn a sweater into a skirt. Aimee, we salute you!

Flickr user vasilisa also turned a sweater into a skirt, adding a crocheted hem and a ribbon at the waist. Impressive!

Last but not least, it turns out that the staff at Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon is full of crafters. Who knew? Tracey of Powell's made some sexy wrist cuffs, which she wears inside at her desk. Tracey, congratulations! And tell your employers to turn on the heat.

All joking aside, craft books are yummy, and buying them new supports crafters and authors. Buying them used is greener. Either way, frequenting your local independent and used bookstores is good for you and your community.

And I am heartened to discover that making a project from a book is not just an empty dream.

Related Posts:

• Upcycle!, about another "trash into treasure" must-have book


• Recycle Sweaters Into Yarn


• Top 5 Must-Have DIY Sewing Tomes

Monday's green books series: Get It Ripe

Today on our Monday's green books series, we're getting into the kitchen and learning how vegan food can not only be notorious but also very yummy!

Our book for today is:

Get It Ripe: A Fresh Take on Vegan Cooking and Living

Author: Jae Steele

Jae Steele is a registered holistic nutritionist and runs the vegan blog Domestic Affair. She has authored various self-published cookzines including Vegan Freegan and Ripe. She lives in Montreal.

Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press

Published on: May 29, 2008

What it is about (from the publisher's website): Get It Ripe is a vegan cookbook for the 21st century, with an emphasis on holistic living and whole food (i.e. unprocessed and unrefined) ingredients. jae steele is a registered holistic nutritionist; she has also been a professional vegan baker, and worked on organic farms on both the east and west coasts of Canada. Her life experiences, and her love of vegan whole foods, are at the heart of Get It Ripe, which not only features uncomplicated yet delicious animal-free recipes, but advice and information on various aspects of holistic vegan living, including special diets (all recipes are wheat-free), simple steps for cleansing and detoxing, building your own kitchen compost, information on ethical consumerism, and the connections among mind, body, and spirit.

The 140 recipes include Butternut Risotto, Chipotle Black-Eyed Peas with Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Cauliflower Chickpea Curry, Fettuccine No-Fredo, Apple Carrot Soup with Coriander, Blueberry Breakfast Polenta, Spiced Squash Muffins, and Cowgrrrl Cookies. Two-colour throughout, the book also includes 16 full-colour recipe photographs.

Why you should get it:

I am not a vegan and even not a vegetarian (although my wife is), but nevertheless I have always admired the commitment of vegans to their beliefs. It seemed for a long time that being a vegan means scarifying good food for your beliefs, but in the last couple of years this notion starts changing with growing number of chefs and cooking books that present vegan food that is not only animal-rights friendly, but also tasty and I would even say very yummy! Jae Steele's book is definitely one of these books. If you're not sure about it, check out the recipes on her blog Domestic Affair.

I like the fact that this book is not just for "animal right-activists types or those who are allergic to dairy or intolerant to wheat", but for everyone as Jae explains in the book. Anyone can enjoy the good and nutritious food you will find in the book, that just happen to vegan.

We should definitely take food more seriously as it happens to significantly impact everything - economies, the environment and of course our health. Reading this book can definitely help to get more information and ideas on the right direction - local, more vegetables, more whole foods, and still making sure that the food will look and taste good, very good!

What others say about the book:
"Get It Ripe is far from your run of the mill cookbook. It's rammed with thought-provoking info on sustainable food, decoding grocery store labels and holistic ideas on how to heal and balance our bodies through what we put in our mouths. Not to mention how all the mouth-watering recipes will make you want to jump in your kitchen and start cooking up a storm! Not just for vegans, this cookbook is for anyone that wants to treat their body, the planet and their taste buds good." ―Adria Vasil, author of Ecoholic

"jae's inviting approach to whole foods is both pragmatic and uplifting. Get It Ripe offers big-picture broad stokes and meaningful details for delicious, nutritious food on a daily basis (regardless of one's dietary denomination!). If you love your body and the planet, this book is a sure thing."―Renée Loux, TV show host of It's Easy Being Green, and author of The Balanced Plate and Living Cuisine

"jae offers practical advice and truly delicious recipes in her friendly, never-judgmental voice. This book is a breath of fresh, yummy air." - Jessica Porter, author of The Hip Chick’s Guide to Macrobiotics

Wants to learn more? check Jae's blog and join the book's facebook group.

If you're looking for other interesting green books, you are invited to check out our green books page on our website's green resources section.

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!

Which green book you should give your mom on Mother's Day?

Mother's Day is going to be celebrated in many countries next Sunday (May 11) and many people are already asking themselves - what can I bring my mom? what will make her happy?

My mom is a librarian and an avid reader and I always try to find an interesting book for her. This year I haven't found one yet, but I'm still working on it.. In any case, a book is always a great gift and we want to help you with recommendations on the best green books to give this Mother's Day.

We went over all the books reviewed and covered so far on our blog and chose ten books that we think will suit ten different types of moms we detailed below. Check out the our list and we hope you find the right green book to your mom!

1. For the fashionable mother -

Green is the New Black: How to Change the World with Style by Tamsin Blanchard

Is your mother into fashion, but needs an introduction to eco-fashion? well, this is a great book to start the eco-fashion journey with.

Tamsin Blanchard, the Style Director of Telegraph Magazine and a longtime fashion journalist, wrote a guide on how to green up your lifestyle, without compromising on style, quality, being fashionable, etc. She is focusing on topics such as eco-fashion, eco-style, eco-friendly shoes and bags and getting the (green) look. In addition the book also presents the alternative way to be green and fashionable - DIY.

2. For the shopping mother -

Big Green Purse - Use Your Spending Power to Create a Cleaner, Greener World by Diane MacEachern

If your mother is in charge of shopping in the house, this is the perfect book for her. It will show her how she can change the world with a simple but deadly weapon: her purse.

This book is a call-to-action for women to use their power as buyers (women spend 85 percent of every dollar in the marketplace) to make a difference. MacEachern's message is simple but revolutionary: if women harness the "power of their purse" and intentionally shift their spending money to commodities that have the greatest environmental benefit, they can create a cleaner, greener world.

3. For the Ed Begley, Jr.'s fan mother -

Living Like Ed - A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life by Ed Begley, Jr.

Was your mother a fan of Dr. Erlich of the television series "St. Elsewhere" or likes to watch Living With Ed? If the answer is 'Yes', she will probably be happy for the opportunity to meet again with Ed Begley Jr.

Begley Jr., an actor and a committed environmentalist, presents a do-it-yourself guide to green living that explains how to incorporate eco-friendly products and practices into one's everyday life. The book is covering areas such as the home, transportation, recycling, energy, food, gardening, clothing and furnishing. Begley shares his experiences on what works, what doesn't, and what will save you money!

4. For the food (and cooking) loving mother -

100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon

This book can change your mom's kitchen for good. The 100-Mile Diet begins in a cottage in the Canadian wilderness with no light, fridge, car or hot water; After an inspired meal gathered only from the wild, Alisa and James launched a year-long diet of food only found within 100 miles of their home. They found themselves returning from their cottage not starving, but with armfuls more food than they arrived with.

It wouldn’t be easy. Stepping outside the industrial food system, Smith and MacKinnon found themselves relying on World War II-era cookbooks and maverick farmers who refuse to play by the rules of a global economy. They bargained for sacred squash at a suburban Buddhist temple, discovered the true sweetness of honey, and learned the lost history of dozens of varieties of local wheat. What began as a struggle slowly transformed into one of the deepest pleasures of their lives.

5. For the suburban mother -

Farewell My Subaru: An Epic Adventure in Local Living by Doug Fine

Here's a book about the experiences of a guy who exchanged the suburbs he grew up in into a farm life in New Mexico. Maybe it will convince your mother to follow suit..

Like many Americans, Doug Fine enjoys his creature comforts, but he also knows full well they keep him addicted to oil. So he wonders: Is it possible to keep his Netflix and his car, his Wi-Fi and his subwoofers, and still reduce his carbon footprint? In an attempt to find out, Fine up and moves to a remote ranch in New Mexico, where he brazenly vows to grow his own food, use sunlight to power his world, and drive on restaurant grease. Both a hilarious romp and an inspiring call to action, 'Farewell, My Subaru' makes a profound statement about trading today’s instant gratifications for a deeper, more enduring kind of satisfaction.

6. For the corporate mother -

Climate Change: What's Your Business Strategy? by Andrew J. Hoffman and John G. Woody

Does your mother work in a managerial position in the corporate world? this book is will be of interest to any decision maker in the corporate world. Eventually it might be that not only your mom will thank you for this book, but all of her company..

Believe or not - climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. Most of all, it is quickly becoming a crucial business issue. But how will you and your company respond? You need fast and reliable advice from the world's foremost experts. Climate Change delivers just that: four strategies from two MBA professors with broad and deep experience with environmental issues. 'Climate Change' gives you a first-hand look at how world-class thinkers would react to this pressing issue if they were in your shoes.

7. For the busy mother -

The Armchair Environmentalist by Karen Christensen

Everyone are busy, especially moms. This is the book to show them how going green is not necessarily time consuming.

The Armchair Environmentalist is “a three minute-a-day action plan to save the world.” It focuses on what individuals can do to reduce their use of energy and water and create a healthier environment at home and at work. It is an easy read and chocked full of cute pictures and graphics. Printed on 100% recycled paper, this little book can fit easily into a briefcase or handbag, making it that much easier to take the info "to go".

8. For the mother with a big carbon footprint -

How to live a low-carbon life: the individual's guide to stopping climate change by Chris Goodball

How big is your mom's carbon footprint? don't know but wants to help her reduce it anyway? here's the guide she'll need.

A handbook for cutting your carbon footprint and bills, written by a former director at consumer champion Which?. It’s ideal for anyone at the early stage of greening up their life when you want the facts, and you want a cash-saving incentive to help you get motivated. Goodall’s book has a sufficient depth of detail to help your mom make decisions and shopping choices to cut her carbon emissions, instead of general and ultimately unhelpful advice like “drive less”, “use less energy” or “shop greener.”

9. For the mother who wants to learn more about green biz -

Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World by Gary Hirshberg

Here's a book you should give your mother if you're considering a career in the green biz world, or if you're already there, and your mom is not sure if it's the right move for you or wants to know more on what does it actually mean 'to do good and well at the same time'.

Gary Hirshberg has been at the forefront of movements working for environmental and social transformation for 30 years. From his early days as an educator and activist to his current position as President and CE-Yo of Stonyfield Farm, the world’s largest organic yogurt company, Hirshberg’s positive outlook has inspired thousands of people to recognize their ability to make the world a better place. In 'Stirring it Up', Hirshberg presents stunning evidence that business not only can save the planet, but is able to simultaneously deliver higher growth and superior profits as well.

10. For the mother who would like to have (almost) all her green options in one book -

Wake Up and Smell the Planet: The Non-Pompous, Non-Preachy Grist Guide to Greening Your Day by Grist Magazine

Wouldn't it be great if one book would provide mom with all the green options she has on her daily life? well, check out this guide.

This is a handy guide to making green decisions throughout your day. It's not a guide about guilt, but about making little choices throughout the day that improve the planet - what to eat, what to wear, how to dispose of dog poop or diapers, how to travel from point A to point B, where to have a post-work cocktail, and so on. 'Wake Up and Smell the Planet' covers a full 24 hours of confusing and often contradictory options. Like a wise (and wisecracking) friend who isn't afraid to share secret tips, the book will give you easy tips for simplifying your life and lessening your impact.

If you choose to give your mother a book as a gift, you are more than welcome to balance it out with Eco-Libris, add our sticker to the book and make it the perfect green gift for Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book your read!

A green fair in the big apple

Yesterday I was in the big apple. We were invited to take part in a green fair organized by Oxford University Press for their employees.

The fair took place in Oxford Press' NY location and included besides Eco-Libris other companies and organizations invloved with green issues, such as Greenmarket, IESI, Gateway Nat’l Park, NY Horticultural Society and others.

Oxford University Press, Inc. (OUP USA), is Oxford University Press’s second major publishing center, after Oxford (UK). OUP USA is by far the largest American university press and perhaps the most diverse publisher of its type. OUP USA produces approximately 500 titles each year, of which 250 are scholarly research monographs, and imports close to 800 such works from their UK and branch offices.

OUP USA employs nearly 500 people in the US, evenly divided between its offices in New York City and the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. Many of the NY office employees attended the fair and leaned about green issues in general and in New York City in particular.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to introduce Eco-Libris to the many who came to our table and wanted to learn more about our vision and operations. I encolsed below few photos of from the fair. And yes, I'm the bold guy with the stripes shirt.

Last word - Whenever I attend a fair and feel exausted by the end of the day, I like to energize myself with good food, and yesterday I had the pleasure of eating one of the best falafels I had in a small place called Taim (which means tasty in Hebrew) on 222 Waverly Pl - very recommended!























































Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!

Hey, Mr. Green

Today's green book review is by Anna Hackman of Green-Talk , a blog she started while in the process of building her house using the greenest materials possible. It is about greening your home and garden, and topics include green building and living products, recycling tips, and a mix bag of green content based upon Anna's personal experiences. This post was originally posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008.

Hey, Mr. Green is a cumulative assortment of green every day questions and answers posed to Bob Schildgen (aka “Mr Green”) for his column in the Sierra Magazine. The column was started in 2005 to provide useful answers to question posed by their confused or curious readers who wished to protect the environment in their daily lives.

When I received the book, I thought the questions would be based upon in depth, tree-hugging, environmental concerns given my perception of what Sierra Club is all about. I was pleasantly surprised since the topics were practical and right-on with everyone’s concerns. It was divided into five sections: “At Home” ( domestic details,) “Food for Thought” (eating and drinking better while spending less,) “Out and About” (fueling up and the great outdoors,) “The three Rs ( you know what this means, ) and “The Big Picture” (environmental politics, religion, and other interesting meal time topics.)

I am not normally a fast reader, but I read this book quite quickly. Due to the amount of questions and light hearted short answers by Schildgen, I was never bored. His writing style is easy going with the right mix of humor and authority.

What were some of my favorite parts of the book? It is funny, but the questions posed on the front of the book cover were some of my favorites: “Should I buy my beer in bottles or cans?” and “What’s the greenest oil company?” I guess the editor or Schildgen liked these questions too! Other parts that I enjoyed included the discussion about nuclear power plants and when to replace your appliances. He even included his salsa recipe that I am eager to try.

When I received the book, my intentions were to give this book away to one of Green Talk’s lucky readers. Since reading the book, I have changed my mind and decided to selfishly keep it for myself. Schildgen’s book is a great resource that I will refer to again and again. It contains a terrific topic index as well as the author’s resource notes for his answers.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who struggles with living a greener lifestyle. Schildgen’s common sense approach to every day environmental dilemmas can make that transition so much easier. The book can be pre-ordered at a special price of $11.25 here. Books will be shipped in mid-May.

Photo by permission of the Sierra Club

Related Book Reviews:

Green Chic: Saving in Earth in Style

Big Green Purse

Wake up and Smell the Planet