1. House of Marley Headphones: eco-conscious headphones of superior quality and style made by a company honestly committed to giving back, but would Bob approve?

2. Eco-Friendly Kids’ Party Favors: some awesome ideas for filling favor bags at your child’s next birthday party that will wow their friends, parents and the eco-minded.

3. How to Recycle Butane Fuel Canisters: examines a nifty little tool that can help you easily and responsibly dispose of your used camping stove fuel canisters.

4. Pet-Safe and Eco-Friendly Lawn Care: some advice on fertilizers, pest control and weed killers that are safe for the planet and pets.

5. Eco-Barefoot Running Shoes Guide: the final installment of a three part series that outlines the top ten sustainable barefoot running shoes out there.

6. Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats: an in-depth look at different types of sustainable yoga mats and some recommendations for mats to try.

7. Very Eco Wedding Guest Dresses: fashionable and Earth-friendly options to turn heads at your next special occasion.

8. Top 10 Bamboo Lingerie, Organic Intimates and Eco-Underthings: a countdown of the top pics of stunning and feel-good pieces that are sure to please. Who ever said that eco couldn’t be exciting?!

9. 21 Bamboo and Organic Yoga Pants: an extensive list of the best yoga pants, shorts and capris from companies with a conscience.

10. Smaller Footprints with Recycled Material Tents: a rare look at two tents using recycled materials that you may have never heard of.

From all of us at IzzitGreen, thanks for all of your support to make 2011 an amazing year. Onward and upward!

Join IzzitGreen on Facebook for the latest good-green stuff!

Based in Salt Lake City, UT Niche Snowboards is set apart from the masses through its complete and ground-up dedication to environmentally friendly construction materials. Niche is on a crusade to de-toxify the snowboard industry and is leading by example with a line of minimal impact snowboards.

Aether

The Aether, for example, is Niche’s answer for the all-mountain freestyle rider. This versatile board has a sustainably harvested poplar core for a mid-stiff flex. It also uses Niche’s Snappy-Sap(TM) bio-resin that, as you might imagine, is made from bio-renewable materials as opposed to the commonplace petroleum-based epoxies. Not only does this resin have a much lower environmental impact, but its incredibly strong bonding ability saves your board from the horror of delamination. Awesome.

Minx

This tricksy Minx park board was made just for the ladies, but don’t worry, no need to be gentle. Niche’s Magma Fiber (TM) is constructed from basalt, which as we all know from seventh grade science class, forms when volcanic lava cools. Magma Fiber (TM) provides a huge improvement over fiberglass. Not only is this magic material stronger, more elastic and lighter, but it is non-toxic, much easier to recycle and avoids the greenhouse gases that are released during fiberglass processing. So start hitting the boxes with this awesome eco-ride, and stop contributing to the bra tree.

Hoodie

Although primarily a hardgoods company, I had to throw in the Niche Hoodie. Available in either a hemp and organic cotton or bamboo and organic cotton blend, these long-fit hoodies are perfect for a little apres board and could even double as a dress for the ladies. The selective vertical branding and thumb holes are details that are as refreshing as they are full of attitude.

So much to say, such little space. So, make sure to check out all of Niche’s ecological know-how on its technologies page. Even though this awesome company is triumphing in its own eco-corner, I can only hope that the rest of the industry will smarten up and follow suit. We are in for a long, snowy winter. Trust me, I have a knack for these things. Time to grab your board (or sticks if that’s your thing) and pray for pow.

Join IzzitGreen on Facebook for the latest good-green stuff!

Image Credit: Niche Snowboards

This celebration of my favorite, gooey substance prompted a quest to seek out the best good-green peanut paste the market has to offer. My discovery of Justin’s Nut Butter was the end of my search. Justin’s sent me a generous box of goodies from which I stuffed my pack for a hiking trip in northern Portugal. Read on to see why my hunt ended with Justin’s and how nut butter made my trip.

The Justin’s Difference

Justin’s all started in Boulder, Colorado in 2002 when founder, Justin Gold, longed for a tastier peanut butter. From that dream Justin’s Nut Butter has taken an amazing foodstuff and done the impossible. Justin and his company have created a superior peanut butter and in the process managed to completely re-conceive the category. So, how is Justin’s Nut Butter better? Please review the following steps. Start with super high-quality, natural and organic ingredients that are sustainably harvested and sourced as locally as possible. Then add a proprietary grinding method that boosts yumminess and consistency. Combine with innovative packaging that facilitates on-the-go consumption and mix with a company dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint. The result? A delicious, nutritious, and ingenious snack that will blow your mind.

The simple ingredients in each of Justin’s products make them easy to love, whether you’re into Vegetarianism, Paleo, Slow Carb, South Beach, Atkins’ or just being healthy. Justin’s products are certified gluten-free by the GFCO, certified Kosher by Scroll K and use only PPO-free almonds. Aside from the aforementioned amazingness, Justin’s also offers variety. Check out each of the ways that you can enjoy Justin’s creations below.

Squeeze Packs

A seriously perfect snack for hiking, traveling or munching at work. Justin’s squeeze packs offer a super convenient way to eat nut butter on-the-go. I figured I would mostly add nut butter from the packs to apples or crackers, but found myself just as happy eating it plain. It reminded me of my childhood when I would shamelessly steal heaping spoonfuls of peanut butter right from the jar. Regaining some of my long lost courage, I noticed myself several times desperately massaging the last bits of nut butter from my squeeze pack, only to catch my boyfriend boldly ripping open the package to lick the inside clean. The packs excelled one night as a surprisingly satisfying dinner during a seemingly never ending journey aboard Portuguese public transportation on our way north to the Peneda-GeresNational Park. From Justin’s wide scope of eight squeeze pack flavors, I was sent the Honey Peanut Butter Blend and Chocolate Hazelnut Butter Blend. Both of the flavors have a rich, natural and grittier texture that you can almost chew for pure satisfaction. Justin’s Nut Butters use palm fruit oil that is sourced from a sustainably harvested, organic farm in Brazil to minimize oil separation. Not only does this provide excellent texture but palm fruit oil also has no trans-fatty acids and contains less saturated fat than many other oils. Once again, the quality shows. For me, the Honey Peanut Butter Blend flavor is the perfect combination of salty and sweet thanks to the unique coupling of sea salt and honey and a very faint sesame after taste. The peanut butter packs were a fabulous comfort food as the small pools of water in our tent slowly crept towards my sleeping pad. I thought the Hazelnut flavor would just taste like Nutella, but I was hit instead with a genuine hazelnut taste and hint of salt that lacked the artificial, over-sweetened, way-too-creamy faults of that other frosting stuff. The packs are generally easy to open, but can require some extra muscle with very cold hands. Plus,  REI just published some great tips for sleeping warm and it recommended eating peanut butter right before bed to give your body something to burn. No wonder I slept so well! Oh, and don’t forget to knead!

Jars

There can never be too much of a good thing, and that’s where Justin’s Jars come in. Not only are they filled with nut butter goodness, but all of Justin’s Jars are PETE-1 recyclable and BPA-free. If you’re not in a rush and have something more relaxing in mind, screw open a jar and enjoy any of the eight better nut butters on one of your favorite snacks. Make sure to try out each of the hazelnut, peanut and almond varieties. Here are some great recipes using peanut butter to check out, or there’s always just your spoon.

Peanut Butter Cups

Peanut butter cups are another fond memory from my childhood, specifically the hundreds that I consumed in the weeks following Halloween. Available in both milk and dark chocolate versions, Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups offer a refreshing look at a classic. In both flavors there is a pleasant absence of that cheap, milk taste and high quality peanut butter makes all the difference. The shell is made from decedent, fair-trade, organic chocolate that is Rainforest Alliance Certified. Using such virtuous chocolate, no wonder Justin’s decided to coat it on thick. The harder, more substantial shell provides a beautiful match to the normally overpowering peanut butter taste. Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups provided a particularly welcome lunch desert as we rested near a stream and bridge described by a local trail guide as, “a naturally well conceived scenario.” The dark chocolate mixed with peanut butter is an entirely new and wonderful experience, but even the milk chocolate flavor holds happily little resemblance to the unhealthy candies I enjoyed as a child. It’s like a peanut butter cup all grown up.

Sustainability

Aside from its earth-friendly kitchen, Justin’s takes steps throughout the business to reduce its impact on the environment. For a trip through their supply chain, visit Justin’s “Dirt on Nuts” to explore the company’s carbon footprint and what it is doing to reduce it. Already, the Justin’s headquarters is solar powered through panels in front of the office and sustainable packaging has become a priority. While Justin’s cardboard packaging is currently made from 100% recycled paper constructed using only wind power and dyed with Zero VOC inks, the company has also embarked on a unique journey towards a sustainable squeeze pack. The ultimate goal is 100% renewable packaging that can be composted at home, but the plan includes realistic stepping stones of 33% and 66% renewable packaging along the way. On the social side, Justin’s also supports Conscious Alliance in its work to distribute food to Native American Reservations through monetary contributions and of course, healthy food donations.

So, spread the love and make sure to spoon, squeeze and smear it on thick!

Follow Alina on Twitter for the latest good-green stuff in sports, fitness and outdoors!

Image Credit: Justin’s, Alina Jesien

Better Dancer

Jinga shoes are really, really light. A pair weighs less than 300 grams! The minimalist construction allows for foot flexibility and a maximum level of movement that I never knew I was missing. I find myself compelled to do the “happy feet dance” whenever I slip these bad boys on. Through some ingenious engineering Jinga’s protective TPU sole has managed to achieve great wear, grease and temperature resistance. Plus, the sole is sticky enough to allow for quick movements, but has a sweet spot with just enough slip for my awesome spins. It was incredible to actually find myself feeling light and on time with the thumping samba music. Although designed as dance footwear with roots as a capoeira shoe, Jingas are super comfortable with and without socks and an interesting option for barefoot or minimalist running, exercise class or street walkin’. But, if you think that these shoes are for blending in, think again. Jinga’s beautiful design is hip enough for the dance floor whether you’re into salsa, street dance, Zumba, jazz, modern or Dance Dance Revolution. Jinga shoes are as versatile in function as they are in style. Any of the five thousand color schemes creates a rhythm and expression that’s all your own. They even make shoes for kids. So even though there’s no hope for my dancing career, but from six months on, your little one can be feather light and making all the right steps.

Better Priorities

Jinga captures and celebrates the animation and passion of the Brazilian Culture in its shoes, while working to make a positive social and environmental impact in the country. Through careful selection, Jinga fosters long term relationships with socially and environmentally conscious suppliers. These lasting relationships create stability and facilitate better processes for people and the planet. Through its commitment to fair and responsible business practice in Brazil, Jinga is able to have a concrete impact on many Brazilians’ lives. Currently, the company provides a percentage of its profits to partner with a Brazilian NGO, REDEH, and offer an out of school activity program for Brazil’s youth. Going forward, Jinga has committed to dedicating 25% of its net income to similar projects in Brazil.

Better Processes

In addition to its social efforts, Jinga makes the environment a top priority. The company was awarded the “Green Seal” by the Brazilian government for its environmental policies as well as the high standard of working conditions that exist in its factories. The company’s values are also clearly considered in Jinga’s planning and business practices. Jinga shoes are 100% vegan and made in Brazil using only materials that are sourced locally from suppliers with stated socio-environmental policies. Additionally, anything left after manufacturing is sent to a facility for recycling in an effort to reduce waste. In another partnership, as part of Amanha Mais Feliz’s Happier Tomorrow Project Jinga is recognized as an environmentally responsible footwear company thanks to its lean production philosophy. So, slip on a pair of these eco-shoes and revel in your new ability to “move as nature intended”. Lacing up a great pair of shoes could really change your day, but great shoes from a good, green company could change much more than your mood.

Follow Alina on Twitter for the latest good-green stuff in sports, fitness and outdoors!

Image Credit: Alina Jesien, Jinga

Sustainable and functional isn’t necessarily boring, and yoga isn’t just about posing. Meet Plank, a company created by the bold British designer Doreen Hing whose brassy personality shines through in all of her products. Much like its maker, this luxury brand confronts the norm and challenges people to think about yoga in a new and spirited way.

Artistic

Plank yoga mats have no trouble standing out from the crowd thanks to the company’s innovative “art on mat” concept. The gallery quality images on every Plank mat make it temping to store yours on the wall as art. Forget rolling it up and stuffing your mat into a corner. A few months ago I was sent the Shag Luxe Yoga Mat which displays a nostalgic image of a retro carpet complete with downward dog hand prints. At first, I thought the image would be distracting, but after some classes I found that it was actually just the opposite. The quasi-repetitive pattern acts almost like a Magic Eye image with a very meditative effect. My Plank mat’s distinct artwork became a type of visual representation of my own quiet time; something that an uninspiring, blue foam mat could never accomplish. Like Plank’s other three original mat designs, the Shag Luxe Mat offers a witty humor and a generous perspective that puts a smile on my face every time I unroll it. As Austin Powers says, “Ooo, Behave!”

Functional

Who ever said that art can’t have utility? In this case, your Plank canvas also doubles as a yoga mat!  An amazing one at that. I really appreciated the high-quality grip layer that is actually activated by the heat and pressure from my feet and hands, which comes in really useful on my less flexible days when it feels like it’s just me vs. me. This special layer also serves to protect your artwork and keep it looking unused and bold up on your wall. The emphasis on function as well as fashion results in a mat that’s beautiful, never slippery and always the perfect firmness, as opposed to some other mats that are too squishy and make me feel off balance. Plank mats are incredibly well constructed and built for the long haul so they won’t start to fall apart after a few classes like cheap foam or PVC options.

Sustainable

Each Plank yoga mat is made from fully sustainable natural rubber. Unlike synthetic rubber, the natural stuff is sourced from renewable rubber trees. Natural rubber also requires significantly less energy to produce than its synthetic counterpart. When it’s all said and done the harvesting, processing and transporting of natural rubber consumes only about one fourth the amount of energy that synthetic rubber production does. So stretch deep and breath easy. Plank yoga mats don’t come cheap and they aren’t super light, but in my humble opinion you get more than what you pay for. I would rather bear a few extra ounces to take a little weight off the environment and spend a few extra bucks to own a mat with character that will last a lifetime, than float around with a boring, PVC-laden wafer of a mat. Proud to be a Planker.

Follow Alina on Twitter for the latest good-green stuff in sports, fitness and outdoors!

Image Credit: Plank, Alina Jesien

1. Skip the costume rush this autumn and throw a little creativity into the pot to make your own Halloween costumes. Often just things hiding in the back of your closet, your trash can, or a thrift store are bursting with possibilities. For inspiration check out these cardboard box ideas from Inhabitat.
2. Save your skin and the environment and paint on some organic, non-toxic makeup from Luna Organics.
3. A personal favorite of mine, and a tactic that I have employed more than once, Trail’s Edge offers up some interesting ways to use your outdoor gear to create a costume that was meant to go outside.
4. Inspire others and voice your opinion with an eco-message pumpkin. Try carving out the earth, a tree or the recycle sign.
5. Carry around a reusable tote or pillow case to hold your candy instead of a plastic bag. Those grocery bags were never big enough or strong enough to handle my loot anyways.
6. Hand out sustainable treats likes the fair trade chocolate gold coins from Divine or the unique and natural Ginger People Ginger Chews.
7. Set the mood with some eco decorations like these fair trade skeleton streamers that are handmade in Mexico.
8. O.K. I already said this, but there are so many great costume ideas! Here are some more from the Eco News Network.
9. The Green Girls offer instructions for making your own organic face paint for the true DIYers.
10. Watch one of these green Halloween movies from Alternative Consumer’s list to get you in the mood.
11. Browse Etsy for unique handmade costumes and beautiful decorations.
12. Try to find a Halloween costume swap in your area. Although National Costume Swap Day is October 8th, there are still many locations that have decided to hold their swaps later in the month.
13. EcoKaren talks about how she made her very own solar powered, reusable jack-o-lantern. No more pumpkin guts to clean up the next morning that always results in fist shaking and profanity.
14. Use a hand crank or solar powered flashlight for battery-free safety when the sun goes down.
15. Compost your used pumpkins and uneaten candy!
16. Carefully pack away decorations so you can use them again next year. R is for reuse.
17. Decorate with LED lights. They last forever and are incredibly energy efficient!
18. Do some reverse trick-or-treating by attaching a Global Exchange flier to some fair trade chocolate to build awareness about the problems facing the cocoa industry.
19. Skip the toxic paraffin wax candles in your jack-o-lanterns and look for organic, soy-based candles that last longer too.
20. Be resourceful with your pumpkins. Add some salt and bake the seeds. Cook the flesh. Here are ten ways to use a pumpkin for some inspiration.
21. Reuse candy wrappers for crafts. Make candy wrapper jewelry or cover the front of a journal.
22. Skip the candy all together and hand out useful items like soy-based crayons, seed packets or stickers of endangered animals.

I know that there are a million other ways out there to green your Halloween. What are some of your ideas?

Follow Alina on Twitter for the latest good-green stuff in sports, fitness and outdoors!

Image Credit: Amazon, Luna Organics, EcoKaren, Peter Hughes

The new and improved version of the PUMA Suede retains all of the vital qualities of the classic, while adding a dash of sustainability, a touch of eco, and a scoop of green. Meet the PUMA Eco Suede. The newest rendition has an Eco OrthoLite ® sockliner which is made from bio-oil as well as laces that are made entirely from recycled materials. The shoe’s sole is made from a rice husk filler which is a food by-product that replaces the previously unsustainable rubber content. The new shoes are also 140 grams lighter, a small adjustment with a big impact. By reducing the weight PUMA was able to reduce their carbon emissions by 15 tons for every 1,000 pairs shipped! Plus, when it’s available in five million beautiful color combinations, what’s not to love?

In April 2010 PUMA set a new standard for the footwear industry with their “Clever Little Bag”, a revolutionary packaging concept with huge environmental pay-offs. By replacing traditional packaging with the new bag, PUMA was able to reduce paper usage by 65% and cut their carbon emissions by 10,000 tons a year! The new packaging not only has a direct impact through its manufacturing process, but also through its usage. Due to some sharp architecture, the bag replaces a box and also eliminates the need for an additional shopping bag. Brilliant!

When they aren’t revamping classics or stunning us with design genius, PUMA stays pretty busy with other environmental initiatives through their PUMA.Safe program. PUMA has big plans to reduce their “paw print” by 2015. The company aims to reduce their CO2 emissions, energy, water and waste by 25%, as well as implement a 75% reduction in paper usage. PUMA also has set a goal of making all of their shoes PVC-free by the same year. PUMA is also actively working with Greenpeace in a Detox campaign to extend PUMA’s restricted substances list for all of its suppliers.

So call back the riots and re-think the nasty emails. This classic, at least, remains unscathed by progress, unaffected by fickle tastes and un-tempted by quick and dirty creation.

Follow Alina on Twitter for the latest good-green stuff in sports, fitness and outdoors!

Image Credit: PUMA

First, the mission: Get to Know aims to provide folks – both young and old – with a simple and enjoyable way to get engaged with local green spaces. Ironically, Get to Know realized that one of the best ways to get people outside was to use something that ties most people to their desks…technology. The result is something they aptly call National Treasure. By incorporating technology in a truly different and unique way, they’ve created a fun and interesting interactive program that enhances the nature experience of the individual, while at the same time expanding their knowledge of the world’s wonderful biodiversity that exists beyond the computer screen. To learn more about Get to Know and all the great things they do, please visit www.gettoknow.ca.

Speaking of national treasures, the beautiful Okanagan Valley and the award-winning wines from Summerhill Pyramid Winery should be on everyone’s must-have list.  That list, along with the bottle of Summerhill Pyramid’s 2007 Riesling Ice Wine we were tasting at the IzztGreen Corporate Headquarters went mysteriously missing last Friday.  Coincidentally, Izzit was witnessed leaving work a bit early (but after sipping a little of this elegant wine from a renowned vintner, who could blame him if he indeed made off with it). We’re sure there’s a good explanation!

Although the stunning Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia produces many delicious wines that rival anything coming out of Washington State, Summerhill Pyramid is rightly famous for their Ice Wines.  What makes these wines so unique is that they can only be made in cooler climates. Because the grapes are left on the vine to freeze before fermentation, only the water freezes, leaving the sugars intact.  The resulting  harvest output is smaller, sweeter and more highly concentrated.  Both the 2007 Riesling and Pinot Noir Ice Wines are beyond excellent and worthy as daily sippers as well as make perfect holiday gifts. For more information please visit www.summerhill.bc.ca and for our American customers located in states that allow wine shipments, please visit www.summerhill.bc.ca/Wines/USA-Customers.

As if producing stellar wine isn’t enough, Summerhill Pyramid Winery also has a longstanding commitment to the environment.  About 80% of the total grapes used in production are Certified Organic, and their stated goal is to reach 100% in the near future.  They have achieved Certified Production status in their cellar and their Kelowana vineyard is in the process of applying for their Demeter Biodynamic certification.  So beyond the fact that the wines are elegant and delicious, you can rest assured that in buying Summerhill Pyramid products, you are supporting a business that truly cares about the environment.  They’re partnership with Get to Know is just “icing on the vines!”

So, please join Izzit (wherever he is) in raising a glass of Summerhill Pyramid in toasting and supporting the Get to Know mission!

After a trip to Australia about 8 years ago, Cathy saw a storefront in a neighborhood in Sydney that looked inviting. “With flowers in the flower boxes and an awning on the street, it looked like a store that I would want to shop in.” After returning to the States and doing some research, she discovered that the shop – Simplistic Funerals – had all of the same services that we offered here in America, but it was just packaged differently. Instead of being an intimidating environment, it looked like a place that you would be comfortable entering.

Since that life-altering experience, Cathy has become a licensed Funeral Director and opened up her own personal vision of that storefront, Signature Funerals, located at 8019 State Line Road in Kansas City, Missouri. Locally owned, Signature Funerals has created a warm and inviting place to meet with families, along with space for small visitations and services. Cathy and her experienced Funeral Care team work closely with families to determine exactly what they need, the best place for their services, what to include, etc. “More than anything, I give them permission to openly discuss options and items for the funeral that they may not have at other funeral firms in Kansas City.” Those options may range from a service location that is a very traditional church setting or it might be at the Pilgram Chapel, the Johnson County Arboretum, a local park, or perhaps even the Midland Theatre, a Kansas City landmark.

Signature Funerals believes in education and making sure you understand the process before you or a loved one has a need. “When you’re being educated about the process in the middle of the need, it is incredibly difficult. To have confidence in your decisions, it is important to know about the process, your options, and start to think about what you want to communicate to your family about your wishes,” says Cathy. These wishes might even include a green funeral.

IzzitGreen: Cathy, you talk about Green Funerals – what does that mean, and is that something that’s new here in the United States?

Cathy: I see a Green Funeral as a process that can be implemented in steps.  Some might see cremation as a green funeral option with the ashes being returned to the environment – earth or water – in a number of different ways.  Others that are measuring carbon footprint might see a natural burial in a woolen shroud or biodgradable casket made of natural wood, wicker or rattan as an efficient or green burial.  So, whether you are selecting an urn made of salt or sand or burial in a natural setting, there are a number of green options.

IzzitGreen: It seems as though the funeral business never changes. Have there been any major innovations in the last century?

Cathy: When you look at innovation in every other industry over the last 50-100 years and compare it to the funeral industry, there has been very little change in our industry.  That said, the popularity of cremation as a final option has increased to nearly 50% across the United States versus the traditional process of a visitation at the funeral home followed by a funeral at a church.  While this decision is often financially based because cremation costs so much less, it inserts CHOICE back into the situation and puts the control back into the hands of the consumer.  No longer is a grieving family forced into making decisions because the funeral home – who’s been in business for generations upon generations – tells them it has to be a certain way.

Across the board, buying patterns have changed as well.  Whereas 50 years ago someone would go to a local family-owned hardware store, for example, now they go to Home Depot.  And with clothing, instead of asking the clerk at the local dress shop to “show me all of your blue dresses,” now you browse through the racks yourself and ask questions only when needed, or you avoid it all together and simply shop online.

In the funeral care business, historically, everything has been handled and controlled by the Funeral Director, leaving consumers and families uncomfortable and unhappy with the process and the experience.  Add on top of that exhaustion, overwhelming grief, and limited or no prior education about this important event and what needs to take place, it can be even further devastating.

IzzitGreen: You talk about “permission,” which is such an important concept. Can you elaborate?

Cathy: At Signature Funerals we believe that permissions are so important!  Permission to make different choices based on all of the options available, and to think differently and outside the box, so to speak.  A funeral is the ultimate celebration of someone’s life, and it’s important to tell their story in the manner in which it should be told.  That doesn’t always mean doing things the same exact way that other family members, friends, and neighbors have done it.

For a friend or family member who has passed that was not religious, people need to understand that it’s OK to hold a service in a non-religious location, yet still have a pastor or funeral celebrant lead the service.  And it’s OK to have both a visitation and service at the same location.  This works especially well when there are older friends and relatives who are less mobile, and when the crowd is larger and logistics are a challenge.  We held a beautiful service at a famous Kansas City landmark recently which opened a lot of eyes and hearts to what we can do and what a funeral can be.

While these are just a few mere examples, the point is that whether told through special music, poems, scripture, personal reflections, or a special location, the story deserves to be told in a manner that reflects the life of the loved one.  And whatever the preferences for location and cost, there are endless choices.  We encourage everyone to take time to think about those choices before the need arises, and give yourself permission to go about it your own way if that’s the way you choose.

IzzitGreen: We’re so impressed. Besides your warm and inviting location and setting, what else sets you apart from the other locally owned firms and corporate funeral companies?

Cathy: What is most important to our firm is that a valuable service to families in our community is affordable and the experience is updated to this century. From a modern setting to prices that are 30-60% less than a corporate owned funeral home, it is important to have additional choices for your funeral care.  What’s most important to Signature Funerals is personal service and a comforting experience for the lives of those we touch in Kansas City.

For more information on green funeral options, funeral planning, or to contact Cathy Boomer directly, Signature Funerals can be reached in Kansas City at (816) 214-5174 and on the web at www.signaturefunerals.com.

Green Charging

The Patriot Solar Golf Bag allows you to harness the power of the sun during those hours you spend on the green to charge your favorite gadgets and is the perfect companion during an afternoon game or a weekend tournament. Depending on weather conditions, the bag receives a full charge in four to six hours thanks to the 2.0-3.0W solar panels. The bag also comes with charging tips for the most popular phones and handhelds from Nokia, Samsung, Sony-Ericsson, Motorola and Research In Motion, while the iPod adapter will cost you a little extra. So now while you are swinging your way through 18 holes, your gadgets are re-charging in a very eco way.

The Perfect Gift

While solar panels make this golf bag very functional and way above par, Patriot has not overlooked your game. The Solar Golf Bag also packs in some great golf features like an extra padded, adjustable shoulder strap to sit the bag perfectly on your shoulder if you’re walking. And if you’re driving, Patriot has designed the bag so that all of the pockets are easily accessible when your bag is resting in a cart. The Solar Bag is made from lightweight and durable nylon, but is also offered in a premium leather option for that special gift.

While the Patriot bag offers a plethora of benefits, I guess you can’t use the, “Sorry honey my phone ran out of batteries” excuse any more. On the other hand, now you can use the, “But honey, I have to charge my cell phone the green way” excuse instead!

Follow Alina on Twitter for the latest good-green stuff in sports, fitness and outdoors!

Image Credit: Patriot Solar Group, MorgueFile