In the green, but slightly weird and morbid, news, PETA (People for the Equal Treatment of Animals) has partnered with handcrafted coffin maker The Old Pine Box to offer PETA-themed, eco-friendly caskets. Although studies suggest vegans and vegetarians live longer, even they have to die some time. So, why not go out with a “Go Vegan†statement on your environmentally friendly coffin?
Many of us are concerned about avoiding pesticides in our foods. What about buying a pesticide free, organic Christmas tree? Yes, you can have a sustainable tree. According to a recent New York Times article, a group of small farmers who wanted an alternative to the expensive organic certification program started the Certified Naturally Grown organization in 2002. This group, along with others like the Farmer’s Pledge, provides assurances that their trees are sustainable and were grown using methods like erosion control and composting. And you can enjoy the beauty of a Christmas tree without worrying about pesticides getting in your lungs and on your skin. Now that’s a happy holiday.
Big news for mountaintops. After much persuasion by the environmental group, the National Resource Defense Council, Bank of America plans to take a stand against some forms of surface mining practices. Bank of America released a statement Wednesday stating it will “phase out financing of companies whose predominant method of extracting coal is through mountain top removal” to minimize environmental impacts. With large sums of money from Bank of America, coal companies may resort to the traditional burrowing method or find alternative methods to extract coal instead of blowing off the mountaintop to obtain this resource.
The recession may help recycling. Given the current financial crisis, many Americans are recycling their cans and bottles for extra money. Although an empty can is usually worth about 5 cents, The Boston Globe reports that the change really adds up for people who have lost their jobs or just need the extra money.
