Hypermiling, have you heard of it??? It’s a new term that refers to changes made to your car and the way you drive that improve gas mileage. How new is it? New enough to get that terrible red underline when you type it in WORD. Enthusiasts compete in hypermiling events that achieve amazing mpg. Probably the most popular event is the Shell Eco-Marathon. There is a competition in Europe and America each year. The official rules can be found here. A Mater Dei High School team from Evansville, IN achieved an amazing 2843.4 mpg in 2008! There can be great benefits if this sport really catches on. Like how Formula One racing in Europe produces many advances in car handling and engine performance, hypermiling can do for gas mileage and fuel efficiency. While it doesn’t offer the speed and excitement of a regular race, hypermiling does show amazing feats of ingenuity that should be on display!

Photo from Shell Eco-Marathon 2008

Who thought recycled magazines, newspapers or juice boxes could look so good?  Apparently UrthBags did with their line of Eco-Friendly handbags that are sure to impress even those with the most discriminating of tastes.  I am so excited about these products I wanted to do a blog  to showcase them.  These bags, handbags, purses, brief cases, beach bags…whatever you want to call them are SHARP!  Each bag is unique and made from recycled juice boxes, newspapers, magazines, phone books and more…

Take a look, they are very stylish and there is something for all ages.  Look good and make a statement at the same time.

UrthBags was founded to inspire more people to become environmentally conscious.  We offer stylish, unique and Eco-friendly handbags hand made from recycled or biodegradable materials to help reduce the amount of waste generated every day.  UrthBags gives people an opportunity to make a difference by choosing a bag that not only helps improve & protect our environment, but also helps provide jobs to local craftsman  & women’s organizations world-wide.

I received an email from Beachwood High School , Ohio.  The school holds an eco friendly showcase called The Green Dream.  Beachwood High hosted one last year and have another one coming up in April.  With last year’s proceeds they were able to sponsor the “first green classroom.”  Below is an excerpt from the email explaining what this is:

Our Ultimate Green Classroom is not only America’s first green classroom but also the national model for a green classroom. Everything from the floors, chairs, counters, appliances, blinds, lights, and cabinets are either recyclable or can be recycled. We have also installed a SmartBoard in place of a chalk board which is all digital and saves paper and writing materials. The kitchen includes Energy Star efficient appliances which are LEED certified.  The paint used on the walls have no toxic chemicals, no VOC’s , no carbon emissions, and is safer for the chemically sensitive. The Air purifier powerfully filters allergens and other harmful particles and gases to create the healthiest possible indoor air.

I am impressed by Beachwood High School’s initiative and had to share it with you. If you are interest in learning more here is their site: thegreendream.org

Danish architects have recently announced plans to create a carbon neutral resort on the island of Zira in Azerbaijan. You can see a cool flash slide show showcasing the new resort here. Features of Seven Peaks include off shore wind turbines, energy efficient architecture, a desalination plant, and waste water treatment center. Those things are all great on a large scale, but to make a truly carbon neutral resort a lot of steps are going to have to be taken on the small scale. On top of all that, the proposed images of the resort just look cool.

“Green Store and More is a family run business that strives to offer green products of all kinds at fair prices.”

Check out the FEBRUARY SPECIALS at GreenStoreAndMore.com. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

The items listed below will be shipped FREE for anyone ordering during February! Our January specials were a huge success we expect these to be too!

SPECIAL ONE:

Flat Tire Footwear Women’s Cheyenne Raspberry Shoes
Cost: $59.95 (These shoes list with the manufacturer for $85!)

Shipping: FREE

The Cheyenne features soft, supple suedes. The stretch gore opening makes it as easy to slip on as it is to wear. Front and rear butt stitching makes this a standout pattern. Also comes in Black Suede or Brown Suede.

SPECIAL TWO:

Organic Cotton/Recycled Polyester Full-Zip Hoodie
Cost: $35.99 – $38.99 for xx sizes ( Great PRICE!)

Shipping: FREE

Variety of colors to choose from.
Variety of sizes to choose from.

SPECIAL THREE:

Kill-A-Watt Electric Usage Monitor (.2% Accuracy)
Cost: $29.99

Shipping: FREE

Empowers you to save $100’s on electric bills!

Electricity bill are rising. Now you can cut down on costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are.

Our monthly poll question for February is up. You can vote on the sidebar to the right.

This month’s question is: Are items made of 100% natural fibers (cotton, hemp, wool, silk, etc.) GREEN? Let us know what you think. Also, feel free to leave post any thoughts you have on the subject in the comments!