Collecting Wages from Unethical Companies

There are so many unethical companies, refusing to pay their employees wages, after they lay them off, I thought I would make this suggestion. Yes, I know it is a recession, but that does not give these companies the right to not pay you what is owed. Your bills don't go away, just because these unethical companies won't pay up. Being Green, means showing respect to everyone, and everything on Gods planet. We all must be good stewards of planet earth, and paying our bills on time is part of this picture.

The first thing I suggest you do, is to document everything. Dates, times and what happened, along with any witnesses to the events. I would also suggest that you contact the labour board for your city, province, or state. If you work a government job, then contact your union representative, as they will have more pull then you do on your own. If you work for a charity, then contact the Chairman of the Board, and let them know what is happening. If you are being discriminated against, document it, and then contact Human Rights.

If, you are still unable to collect wages that are owed to you, then the next step is to collect all your pay stubs, and photocopy your last pay check, provided it is a check. Write down your story, explain how much money is still owing to you, and why you feel it is still owing to you. If the unethical company has taken too much money off your pay check for taxes, and any other discreprencies.

Then phone REVENUE CANADA, or the IRS if your American, and ask to speak to an agent. Get an appointment to come in and talk to them, and take all your documentations with you. When you get there, be sure to be on time, and use your manners.

The agent will go through everything with you, if they agree with you, they will tell you to deposit your last pay check in your bank account, if it has not already been deposited. They will also tell you, that when you file your income tax for this year, you will be given a credit for the amount of money, that Revenue Canada feels you are owed.

Then they will FREEZE the unethical companies bank account(s), this usually takes about a week. They take that long, because they are waiting for your pay check to clear, before the funds are frozen. After this happens, the unethical company will be notified that they will be audited. In some cases, the company is forced into bankruptcy. This is nothing to worry about, as these companies, charities, or any other business should not be in business, when they do not know how to treat people with respect. The more unethical companies that are put out of business, because of poor business practices, the less likely good, honest working people are to end up working for them, and that is good business.

One last thing, don't bother telling the company what you are prepared to do, as in most cases, they will not believe you. Besides, the element of surprise is best, as they will not know what hit them, and you will be able to get some satisfaction knowing another person will not fall prey to them.

Moving on, the next job that you take, ask lots of questions, and pay attention to how your gut feels. If you are unable to sleep, and feel uneasy about that job that you just interviewed for, then perhaps you need to ask more questions, or maybe that job is not for you. Check with the better business bureau, and see what their track record is. Also, google the company, and see if there are any complaints about them. In other words, really do your homework, and see if they are the company you want to work for, or if they are just a "washroom break" to the next job?

Ultimately, you want to work for a company that pays fairly, treats all their staff well, offers benefits that include medical, dental, holidays, where you feel comfortable to work, and where you feel like you really belong, as you spend a lot of time there everyday. When you find that great position, hang on to it, and treat the company with the same respect that you recieve. I even offer silent blessings to everyone I work with, as it really changes the atmosphere at work, and I am happier being there.

Many Blessings & Success to your next great job.

LEED Certified Commercial Buildings More Popular

Canada is experiencing a surge of interest in LEED certified commercial buildings. In Toronto, will undergo renovations that will help apply for LEED status, and thus it will eventually help get those commercial buildings rented out again.

According to Avison Young, most tenants are looking to reduce costs, and the focus is on retro fitting older buildings to make them more energy efficient. Vacancy's in green buildings don't stay vacant long, as the tenant is happy to be saving money, and the owner is happy to be making money again.

There is a partnership between B.C. Hydro, the Ministry of Energy and BOMA to make 17,000 commercial buildings more energy efficient. The B.C. Government wants to see a reduction by 1/3 greenhouse gasses by 2020. Presently, commercial buildings make up about 5% of B.C.'s emissions, and the goal is to reduce energy demand by 9% per square meter of commercial space.

Thank You

I would just like to thank everyone that came out yesterday for my presentation on "Recycled Glass". I hope all of you enjoyed yourself, as much as I did. I would also like to thank the Calgary Public Library and Patrick and Mia for helping me out so much. I hope that everyone stuck around for the movie "FRESH", as Joye went to so much work to get it in. It was really great to see everyone there.

FRESH is a movie about growing sustainable food against overwhelming odds, but it also is important for all of us to adopt a new attitude, and understand our relationship to each other, and the world. FRESH is a great movie that empowers us, by showing that we are not passive by standers, and that we are the creators of our own world, and we can change what is happening, by being responsible consumers, and only buying produce that is grown using sustainable practices.

You can view the trailer here http://www.freshthemovie.com/, and you can also ask to schedule a viewing in your city.

Funky Cardboard Benches

These cardboard benches are made entirely from industrially discarded cardboard, and a small piece of EVA rubber for added comfort and color. It is low tech, recyclable and easy to disassemble, is assembled without any glue or tools, which makes it easy to ship flat.

It can hold up to 198 pounds, and measures 6X15X16 inches approximately when disassembled. It sells for $40 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is perfect for that first appartment, or for the students dorm rooms.

EVENTS - Downtown Library - Saturday Sept. 26, 2009

If anyone is downtown this Saturday, I will be doing a recycled glass presentation at the Library downtown. Admission is free, and you can purchase my book there. The time of this presenation is 2 PM, and there will be signs up once you enter the library...just ask for directions.

METHOD - One of the GREENEST in the business

Have you seen the METHOD products, that are available at Target? This company does more then just talk about being GREEN, they actually walk the walk. Absolutely every single ingredient in their formulas, even the packaging - has been assessed and scored by the environmental protection and encouragement agency, which is an independent institute led by Dr. Michael Braugart, who is the author of Cradle to Cradle.

Dr. Michael Braugart, and his team recognize METHOD as a Cradle to Cradle company. The US Environmental Protection Agency recognizes 50 of Methods products to be safe for people and the environment. All of Methods bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic whenever possible and are completely recyclable.

Method even goes the extra mile as they strive to make the company completely carbon-neutral, by purchasing wind and solar energy credits to offset their carbon footprint. Their business is housed in a LEED certified building and has a recycling and composting system set up throughout. Then there is the fact that they offer financial incentives to encourage employees to use public or self propelled transporation to work. Oh and lets not forget, that they ship their products in trucks that run on biodiesel. Yes, Method actually walks the walk!

Make Do and Mend

John Lewis department store in the UK, is publishing a booklet filled with old fashioned advice to help consumers ride out the recession. The booklet, which runs to more than 30 pages, taps into a desire by families to return to a more sustainable way of life, getting full use out of products rather than dumping them in the bin and buying new.

These tips range from how to use the inside of a banana skin as a substitute for shoe polish, to protecting the screen of your MP3 player or mobile phone by cutting out a piece of peel-off plastic overlay - or the excellent money-saving idea to freeze leftover wine in ice-cube trays which can be added to stews and casseroles without the need to open a full bottle.

Managing director Andy Street said: 'This guide is designed to help households to get the very best out of what they have. 'Our lives are far more complicated than they were in the 1940s and we've forgotten some of the basic principles that can save a lot of time and money.

Mr Street pointed out that the recession appears to have triggered a cultural change.

'We're witnessing a reawakening of interest in traditional skills, including creating and maintaining things,' he said. 'We believe there has been a sea change in our attitudes towards possessions.

For all those nay sayers claiming that clean energy would hobble the economy, a new report has found that switching to renewable forms of electriticy and phasing out coal would create 2.7 million new jobs.

According to Green Inc, the report called Working for the Climate, would actually grow our global electrical workforce to 11.3 million people, even while the coal industry continues to shed jobs. If governments phase out fossil fuels, and invested in alternatives by 2030.

The evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of developing renewables will expand the workforce in the process, just like retrofitting homes and buildings to be more energy efficient. This is something that high school students should be looking at when they graduate high school, and are trying to figure out what education they should take to further their careers.

Summit for Shaping Calgary's Low Carbon Future

On September 18, 2009, I had the opportunity to attend this fine Summit for shaping Calgary's Low Carbon Future. Let me just say that the event was very professional and informative, and I was extremely impressed. As many of you already know, I wrote an eco green book called Simply Going Green, which can be bought here www.simplygoinggreen.ca. I know a fair bit about going green, but this event helped clarify a lot of information for me, and I wish more people would have the opportunity to attend these events.

The best way for anyone to learn about these extremely important environmental initiatives, is to attend these summit meetings. I have to thank Dave Bronconnier, our Mayor here in Calgary, and Alderman Rick McIvers, for attending this summit and learning about what the citizens here in Calgary are concerned about. There were also many officials from Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Edmonton that felt it important enough to attend and learn more about what is going on. I wish more city officials would partake in these events, so that they are better informed before they start spending the taxpayers money.

I had an opportunity to meet some of the people at http://www.starfishenergy.com/ and I am so impressed with these people. They have the ability to make anyone understand what a "Smart Grid" is, and how it can save all of us money and even make money for you. Jubran, Stephen, and Dave, you guys are awesome, and I am so honored to have met you. Thank you.

Let me try to explain what a SMART GRID is, so that you may understand what is coming in the not to distant future. A Smart Grid, is a meter that is connected at your home, which allows you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, and get paid for doing so. That is the basic meaning, but there is so much more. For example, Jubran told me that there are plug ins, that will allow you to monitor your homes energy needs from your cell phone or computer at home or work and allow you to shut down appliances that are using energy at the peak (expensive) times of day, and that helps you save money.

In the not to distant future, many more homes will have solar panels, and that is where these smart grids come into effect. As time goes by, all of us will be using renewable energy, and weaning ourselves off of oil and gas. Smart Grids, will allow you to decide when is the best time to sell your extra energy from your solar panels to the grid, giving you another income, just like the people in Ontario do right now.

As things are right now here in Alberta, our utility companies use a bell curve to figure out the cost they will charge the consumer for their energy needs. Smart Grids, will change all that, and you will only be paying for what you use, giving you the power to control your own energy consumption. It is definately a move in the right direction.

If you want to stay informed of more summit meetings happening around Calgary, then go to www.calgary.ca/footprint and sign up for their newsletter.

Calgary's 2009 Eco Fair - Mount Royal University

Mark your calendars for September 26th & 27th this month. The newly named Mount Royal University, is hosting the ECO FAIR here in Calgary.

The 2009 Speakers Series for this event, is a two day showcase where individuals and goups come together to share information about initiatives and environmental experiences. The aim is to increase public awareness on sustainable living. The address is: 4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W. Calgary, Alberta.

Basil Pomegranate Splash

I thought with summer soon coming to an end, that we would have one last horray for summer. Here is a great beverage to drink on your sundeck. Be sure to use the pomegranate syrup, which is available at ethnic grocery stores with a good selection of Middle East food.

5 medium whole fresh basil leaves

1 tbsp (15 ml) pomegranate syrup

Juice of half a small lemon

4 tsp (20 ml) maple syrup

soda water, sprigs of basil and some fresh pomegranate seeds to be used for the garnish.

Start by tearing the basil leaves, use a wooden spoon to bruise and press the basil in a glass, which releases it flavours. Add the pomegranate sysrup, lemon jice and maple syrup. Fill the flass to the top with ice and stir to blend the ingredients. Pour the soda water in and stir again. Add more maple syrup or lemon to taste, then garnish with a sprig of basil and a few pomegranate seeds. As with all organic recipes, try to use as many organic ingredients as possible, as they really enhance the flavour.

SIGG Apologizes

All over SIGG's website, they have plastered an apology. Steve Wasik CEO of SIGG, is letting us know the company is going to be 100% transparent with its customers. He also posted a personal article on The Huffington Post too, offering more apologies for misleading customers about their bottles. It is too bad that they were not forth coming sooner, as they may never get all their customers back. It certainly is one valuable lesson for SIGG to learn, and hopefully they will not have to learn it again.

Green Walls - All the rage

Green Walls are popping up everywhere you turn now adays. Take this one, it is located at the Siam Paragon Shopping Center in Bangkok. As everyone knows, plants help to clean the air, so having plants everywhere and any where, only makes sense. NASA has done a study on indoor plants and you can see the results here http://www.zone10.com/nasa-study-house-plants-clean-air.html

Many offices are even incorporating "Green Walls" into their surroundings, so that the air is nice and clean. Plants also lend themselves to a tranquil environment, which helps to reduce stress - which is another reason to have a green wall.

Brilliant Earth - Conflict Free Diamonds - Go Green

Brilliant Earth is based out of San Francisco, and grew from a marriage proposal. When Eric Grossberg could not find a reliable source that could guarantee conflict free diamonds, he and Beth, his fiance decided to start Brilliant Earth, as an alternative to current diamond industry practices.

Brilliant Earth is dedicated to tracking gems, to ensure that every single gemstone is mined, cut and finished in a socially and ethically responsible manner. All their diamonds come from Canadian mines that follow environmentally sustainable practices and are committed to delivering high quality diamonds. They also promote sustainable practices by using environmentally responsible gold and platinum. The precious metals used for these gorgeous rings come from secondary sources and are re-refined in order to ensure that they are identical quality to newly mined metals.

They also believe in giving back by dedicating 5% of its profits to directly benefit local African communities that are normally harmed by the diamond industry. When you're ready to buy a beautiful diamond ring, go to http://www.brilliantearth.com/

Take a walk to charge your cell phone

Canadian and American Scientists have been working together to create a "Knee Generator". What is a Knee Generator you ask? Let me explain.

Walking is a lot like driving, stopping and going - with each stride, muscles are causing the body to accelerate and decelerate. Just like Hybrid cars take advantage of the stop and go driving, using regenerative braking, where energy normally dissipated as heat drives a generator instead. This is the same principal applied to the Knee Generator. The device which resembles a knee protector, assists the muscles in making the body decelerate while simultaneously generating electricity.

Germany has it's First Eco City

Hamburg's harbour was once upon a time, very busy with shipbuilding. An old factory that used to manufacture combs, now is being transformed into an eco development. The industrial complex, will consist of 10 structures when it is completed, which will combine the new with the old architecture, restoring the historic buildings.

The first tenant is a manufacture of printing presses called Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. They will have an interactive showroom, displaying all the advances in environmental printing.

There are 2 large wind turbines, located at the top of the high-rise towers, that will generate more than 10% of the eco-city's power. Some of the other "eco green" initiatives will include solar water-heating to offset lighting and natural gas.

Some eco-friendly and non-toxic materials were used for construction from the previous historic buildings. These new buildings now have green roofs and green beltways which reduce the storm water runoff.

The architectural company that built this eco-city is TecArchitecture, a Swiss & American company that specializes in sustainable hi-tech designs, they teamed up with ARUP engineering for this state-of-the-art project.

It has been designed to achieve certification from three of the global green building rating systems. The North American LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Environmental Assessment Method for Buildings around the World) and GSBC (German Sustainable Building Council).

The 2nd phase of this project will include a high-rise office building, hotel, restaurant, and retail spaces are planned, with a completion date of mid 2010.

Some of the other eco cities that are in the works around the world are Abu Dhabi's plan for a zero emissions Mascar City, Ikoma City in Japan, Tianjin in China, as well as projects that are underway in Jordan and London.

Stockolm's buses run on booze

In Stockolm, they confiscate smugged booze at the Sweden border, and now it is used to power the buses, trucks and trains. Almost all of the 700,000 litres of seized booze each year, goes to a processing plant for conversion into biogas.

Smuggled beer, wine and liquor is taken to a plant in Linkoping, 125 miles southwest of Stockholm, where it is heated and converted into biogas. One quart of pure alcohol is enough to make about a tenth of a gallon of biogas. And it is good business, because the booze to make it is free. It is all pumped into a big tank, which is jokingly called "the giant cocktail".

This project also helps the country's efforts to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels blamed for global warming.

Bamboo is Not Eco Friendly

As of September 1, 2009, Canada's textile dealers must label bamboo derived fabrics as rayon, rayon from bamboo or other terms depending on the chemical process used to create it. The only exception is bamboo linen, which is processed in a similar way to linen made from flax.

In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission has recently charged four companies for making falsely green claims regarding bamboo fabric products. They have delclared that bamboo based textiles, are actually made of rayon, are not antimicrobial, and they are not made in an environmentally friendly manner or biodegradable.

Bamboo textiles are essentially rayon, which is wood that is chemically liquified and extruded into a filament, then it is spun into a thread and knit or woven into fabric.

This is another case of Green Washing, where companies are taking advantage of uneducated consumers. Becareful, read labels and ask questions.

Ad Campaigns doing the Local Washing

Last year it was Green Washing, this year it is Local Washing. Yes, we now have companies embarking on ad campaigns trying to sell us on being local, when they are anything but local.

For instance, take Hellmans Mayonaise which is a U.S.-based subsidiary of European processed-food behemoth Unilever, has seen fit to subject Canada to an eat-local campaign, when they are definitely NOT local.







Then there is 15th Ave Coffee and Tea, which is really Starbucks in disguise. There door signage says they were "Inspired by Starbucks"...they certainly were, and Starbucks originates from Seattle...which is only local if you live there.


And last but not least, here is Citgo with its new billboards from the petroleum company owned by Hugo Chavez's Venezuelan government makes sense only if the rather undemocratic president lives around the corner from you. Which he doesn't.

Solar Roast Coffee - The best coffee under the sun!

Have you heard of this coffee company "Solar Roast Coffee", they actually use the sun to roast their coffee beans. The custom built solar machine dubbed "Helios 4" (named after the Greek God) uses sunlight in place of fuel on sunny days. It reduces carbon emissions, saves energy, and brings out the coffee's natural oils. Click here to place an order http://www.solarroast.com/phone_orders.html

Eco Green Dance Clubs

In Europe, there are 2 Disco Dance clubs, that are harnessing human energy and using it to power the lights and other essentials. In London, the club named Surya employs a technology known as "Piezoelectricity". The underside of the dance floor is with a series of crystals; as the dancers move around the dance floor to the beat of the music, the crystals compress, generating an electrical charge.

The other club in Rotterdam named WATT, uses magnetic dynamo machines to convert the mechanical energy produced from dancers compressions on the dance floor into electric current. Both of these dance clubs funnel the electricity to batteries used to power various necessities like lights. WATT also uses rainwater to flush the toilets, while Surya waives the cover charge fee for anyone that can prove they used public transportation, bicycled, or used their own two legs to get to the club.

Surya donates all the profits from the club to the environmental group called "Friends of the Earth", and has also adopted the motto: "All you have to do is dance to save the world."

Organic Soy Candles

I love candles, especially in the winter when it is cold outside. I just love the warmth they give and the ambiance the room has when candles are all a glow. Now, there are organic soy candles by Malie. They have some really beautiful scents too, like organic mango nectar...sounds divine. I also enjoy ginger, as it adds a nice spicy scent to the air.

The Malie candles are made from clean-burning waxes and are petroleum-free with 100% cotton wicks, unlike Paraffin candles, which are the most commonly burned candles worldwide, and are the most dangerous to our health.

Paraffin is an inexpensive sludge waste by product of the petroleum industry that has been bleached, and then texturised with acrolyn, a known carcinogenic product. Supposedly an inert substance, if you have any faith in our government/industry released information. However, once these candles are burned they release toxins that are known carcinogens such as benzene and toluene which are inhaled and linger in the areas they are burned in. Not to mention the soot that leaves its residue on walls, drapery, fabrics and ceilings. Soot from paraffin candles contains many of the same toxins found in diesel fuel. Paraffin candles are just as dangerous to our lungs as second-hand smoke and even more so if you are burning many candles at the same time. It is also a non-renewable resource.

When you're ready to replace your paraffin candles, take a look at http://www.malie.com/ and choose a scent that is the most delightful to your nose.

Chickpea Curry

Here is another recipe from @bambigoesgreen

Ingredients:
28 oz Sahara and Bombay Dine Organic Chickpeas (canned and drained)

3 tomatoes, medium, purée or 1/2 a cup crushed tomatoes

2 onions, medium (puréed)

1-2 green chilli peppers (for flavour)

1 Tablespoon fresh ginger (puréed)

1 Tablespoon fresh garlic (puréed)

3 Tablespoons oil or ghee

1 Teaspoon cumin seeds, crushed

1 Teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed

1/2 Teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 Teaspoon turmeric powder

1 Teaspoon garam masala

1 Teaspoon channa masala

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

4 cups watersea salt (to taste)

Method:
Chop and brown onions in oil or ghee and place in separate pan. Chop ginger and garlic into fine pieces and add to mixture. Stir for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, garam masala, and channa masala. Cook until oil separates. Add a small amount of water to the pan to avoid sticking or burning. Mix with chickpeas. Add more water to gravy if additional moisture is needed. Simmer until gravy mixture thickens. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with basmati rice, naan, or chapattis, raita (seasoned yogurt) and salad. Sprinkle with sea salt for enhanced flavouring. Yields 4 servings.

Notes:

Use canned organic chickpeas to save time on overall meal preparation. Use dry roasted and crushed coriander and cumin seeds for enhanced aroma and flavouring. All spices used are organic.

Wild Mushroom Chowder

Courtesy of @bambigoesgreen

This is an exotic, dark and delicious combination.
You could serve this as an appetizer, but it’s so good, you’ll end up having seconds or thirds. A great way to discover different mushroom flavours!
And best of all, it’s so delicious that no one will even know that you’ve used soymilk in this recipe!

Ingredients:
2 1/2 Tbsp small organic onion, finely chopped
1/4 lb oyster mushrooms
1/4 lb Shitake mushrooms
1/2 cup white wine
2 small organic red potatoes unpeeled, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup adzuki beans, cooked
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
2 – 3 cups vegetable stock
1 tsp corn starch
1/2 cup soymilk

Method
1. Sauté the onion in the olive oil until translucent. Add the mushrooms and continue to sauté. Add white wine and reduce by half.

2. Add the potatoes, beans, wild rice and rosemary. Add the vegetable stock, soymilk and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 45 minutes.

Optional: After soup has cooked, pureé the liquid with half the solids. Add back the remaining solids, heat and serve.

Spicy Garden Radish Dip

Recipe courtesy of @bambigoes green

Radish dip is an easy recipe to make ahead of time, when your expecting company. It is also a great way to use up some garden fresh vegetables...enjoy!

Ingredients:
4 cups washed organic garden radishes
1 cup organic garden scallions, chopped
1 cup cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sour cream
2 Tablespoons chopped organic garden chives
Your favorite hot sauce
Pinch of plain salt, sea salt, or iodized salt
Pinch of pepper, freshly ground peppercorns



Method:
Dry the organic radishes thoroughly — this is important. Chop by hand or use the food processor to process the organic radishes into the desired texture. Mix together cream cheese, sour cream, organic chives, organic radishes, and organic scallions. Season with salt and pepper. Add a sprinkle of hot sauce (unless, of course, you find the radish dip to be hot enough on its own — radishes can have quite the bite!). Chill the prepared dip in the serving bowl you will be using.
Prepare your assorted organic vegetable dippers, assorted crackers, chips or breadsticks ahead of time, before guests arrive. Chill the organic vegetables.

Organic Margarita

Courtesy of @bambigoesgreen

Yes, the long weekend is finally here, and it is time to sit outside for one last horray before the snow blows....ugh! Anyways, these are great, and you are sure to enjoy them.

Ingredients:
3oz of 4 Copas 100% Agave Organic Tequila
2oz of freshly squeezed organic lime juice
1oz of simple agave syrup
Topped with some organic sugar and kosher salt for the rim

Method:
Prechill your glasses.
To make the simple syrup add:1 part agave nectar,1 part organic sugar &1 part water to a sauce pan and cook & stir over low heat until the sugar is disolved.
Next fill your coctail shaker with the tequila, lime juice, syrup and ice and shake unitl until mixed and cool.
Mix up 2 parts salt and 1 part sugar and put it in a dish.
Now dip the rim of your chilled glass in the sugar/salt mix, it should stick. **Make sure you do this before you fill your glass with Margarita. Don’t ask
Now strain the Margarita into your glass and enjoy!

Noon Solar Powered Handbags

WOW have you seen these incredible solar powered bags? They are absolutely awesome, it means I no longer have to worry about having my cell phoned charged up before I leave the house.

Designers Jane Palmer and Marianne Fairbanks met at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1999. They started to collaborate on projects in 2000 as their interests were similiar and they believed in being socially responsible towards the environment.

By integrating solar power into items that are regularily used like handbags, totes, and messenger bags, it is their hope that solar can be integrated into our lives. The more we use solar energy, the less dependent we are on oil and gas, which helps the renewable energy industry grow. Check them out here http://noonsolar.com/

CONTEST to design an eco green T-shirt

Breathe Green is an eco green business that has been started by Nishid Patel - he always dreamed of starting a business, just like so many other people. Breathe Green is focused on raising money through contests and event appearances, and by doing so is shining a light on deforestation.

Nishid Patel started his business in 2008, after competing in the Temple's Business Plan Competition - the initial business plan did not win, but the alumni and judges supported his idea to help turn it into the business it has become.

The communities that Breathe Green is planning to reach out to are Temple and Philadelphia. Patel hopes, that within the next year "Breathe Green" will continue to use artistic means to deliver worldwide messages, and make a really positive impact on the world.

The money that was raised from selling shirts was donated to the American Forests Association to plant trees - so far they have planted 1,000 trees with the donations.

Here is a contest that Breathe Green hosts, which will help expand the clothing line of environmentally friendly t-shirts. Students can enter by visiting http://www.verdestyles.com/ and the 10 best designs will be chosen and entered into an online poll, which the public can vote on. The top 3 contestants will have their designs printed on a limited edition t-shirt, and will each be awarded $200 for the preliminary print. If any t-shirt design that is so popular it requires to be reprinted will receive an additional $150.

The contest guidelines state that the designs must be related to an environmental issue, but there is no restriction as to what issue you address by your designs.

Patel says, "Even the smallest donation can make a big difference and spread the word of change throughout our society". If you wish to follow breathe green on twitter, this is his name @breathegreennow