GREENCulture blog We put the “green” in greenyness!

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the first batch of iPhone bills were sent out last week with most arriving in inch-thick USPS packages -not envelopes - with one girl who famously video blogged her anger over a 300 page, $300 phone bill. Even AT&T, who offers their services to iPhone users, admits that it was their bad. After the apologies come the solutions, to which AT&T offered their users the default option of receiving a summary bill, which is a bill that’s normally about 1-2 pages that explains how much they owe, state taxes and how many minutes they used. For full details the customer can either go online or request the FULL bill for an extra $2. As a non-iPhone user and light green citizen, I admit I’ve had my fair share of $300 phone bills (damn text messaging package!), but Verizon automatically opts me in for the paperless billing system. Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually nice to save trees. For you iPhone users out there, consider doing the right thing and go paperless because treeless is just not as sexy.

Master craftsman, eco-designer, furniture hero - words that Stephen Staples, maker and co-owner of Staples Cabinet Makers, embodies. Allow me to tell you a little bit more about our eco-superhero Mr. Staples. No, he doesn’t wear a red cape with a large S on his chest, nor can you summon him with your magic ring. But this guy really does know how to save the environment - this hardworking artisan makes gorgeous and natural looking furniture from reclaimed wood from old barns and houses found throughout the New England area. Following a Japanese philosophical style known as “wabi sabi,” which roughly translates to “flawed beauty” in the art world, Staples truly believes that the real beauty in his work lies in the natural contours, knots and stains that have naturally formed in the wood throughout time. With his dedication in using reclaimed wood to create unique furniture laced with historical and aesthetic value, Stephen Staples is our green superhero/super-artisan of the year! To learn more about his beautiful furniture pieces and about his inspirations, visit Staples Cabinet Makers.

In the mood for an Italian cooking class? Why not hop on a plane and take one in sunny Tuscany, Italy? Organic Tuscany not only supplies a week of cooking courses on authentic Italian dishes, including vegetarian meals, but this eco-friendly group also centers on responsible tourism. The hot water used is derived from a solar hot water panel and composting and recycling is an essential ingredient for this lodge as well. Also, pool transportation is offered whenever possible.

From the day you arrive, you are greeted with a basket of organic goodies in your room, including fruit, honey, milk, freshly baked bread, fair-trade coffee and tea, and a couple of bottles of biodynamic wine. With cooking courses offered everyday of the week, you can also choose not to attend and instead, go for a dip in the pool or visit neighboring villas and towns. Daytrips to nearby organic and biodynamic farms, where you’ll pick produce for picnics, and visits to Sienna and Florence are also all comprised in this tasty dream vacation. Peaceful strolls around the vine covered hills are also a must, as the tranquil countryside is wrapped in a variety of olive groves, organic farms and vineyards. It’s almost the end of summer; cut yourself some slack and make your next holiday an eco-friendly one (plus, how can you say no to homemade ricotta cheesecake and tiramisu?!).

Just about everyone has seen neurotic hairstylist Jonathan Antin’s show, “Blow Out”, on Bravo. The third season, premiering March 21, 2006, revolved around the launch Jonathan’s 100% Vegan self-titled “Jonathan Product®” hair product line, and his growing popularity in the piranha-like fashion industry. The following he and his products acquired was bigger than anyone had anticipated. The Jonathan Product® Line has items such as a Beauty Water Purification System, Dirt Texturizing Paste, and Create Straight Straightening Serum; but the one product  that has received just as much attention as Dirt, and I happen to adore, is the Create Motion Shaping Crème Gel. The Create Motion Shaping Crème Gel is awesome! It is a 100% vegan, creamy hair gel that won’t leave your hair feeling sticky, crunchy, or stiff; and it washes out with one shampoo. It gives curly hair beautiful, defined curls that look sleek, shiny, and healthy. It’s also great for giving straight hair just a little bit of wave or short hair some texture without having to use a heavy balm or wax that takes forever to wash out. The best part is, since all of the Jonathan Products® are 100% vegan, there is nothing in there to pollute your hair! In fact, the more you use Jonathan Products®, the condition of your hair will improve. So go ahead, blow it out!

It seems that nowadays celebrities can avoid just about anything from jail time, rehab and long term marriages. But aside from the paparazzi, there’s one thing they can’t run from: pollution. Whoda thunk, right? According to this post on Treehugger.com, one of the worst polluted beaches in Italy is located right by George Clooney’s lovely little villa. You wouldn’t think it, but in those shimmering blue waters lie deadly microbes from unsustainable agriculture and toxic runoff. I’d highly advise against swimming in those tempting waters unless you’re looking to bring home salmonella, dermititis and a variety of other skin infections. Gross!