Earth Day 2009

Celebrate life. Be part of the event. Reduce your environmental footprint. Let your voice be heard. This Earth Day, get involved in and give back to your community. Visit Earth Day Network.

David de Rothschild's 'Garbage Patch' Mission

British adventurer and environmentalist David de Rothschild and his crew will set sail across the Pacific in a few weeks in his eco-boat, the 'Plastiki', made entirely with 12,000 to 16,000 2-liter plastic bottles and recycled waste. The mission of this great venture is to focus attention on the notorious environmental phenomena the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch' in an attempt to draw attention to the amount of garbage disposed of in our oceans. The garbage patch is characterized by exceptionally high concentrations of suspended plastic and other debris that have been trapped by the currents of the North Pacific Gyre, several hundred miles in diameter.

During his venture, de Rothschild will collect sea water samples, take photographs and video clips of the area and post blogs on his Adventure Ecology in an attempt to publicise the perils posed by plastic pollution, Guardian reports.

Wine Tasting Bar Art

Established in 1977, Spring Mountain based Newton Vineyard has teamed up with U.K. designer Claire Danthois to create an eco-chic six-foot wine tasting bar that is built with 100% reclaimed materials including wood from barrels once used to age Newton's red wines, as well as recycled blend of a 300 year-old oak barrels acquired from a wine merchant in England. The custom-designed bar has 112 segments of oak that represent Newton estate’s 112 different vineyard blocks.

Only five bars have been crafted, one will stay at the Newton estate in St. Helena and others will be exhibited at a series of Newton “Unfiltered” events in New York City, London and Tokyo. One bar will be auctioned off later this year and the profits will go to Global Green USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to curtailing global climate change.

'Ghost In The Machine' Cassette Art

“The idea comes from a philosopher’s description of how your spirit lives in your body. I imagine we are all, like cassettes, thoughts wrapped up in awkward packaging.” iRI5 writes in her latest art project 'Ghost In The Machine'. Above is a portrait of Jimmy Hendrix made out of recycled cassette tape with the original plastic cassette intact. More portraits below.

iRI5, a self-taught freelance artist, is making creative and innovative art pieces out of recycling found materials like cassettes, magazines, playing cards and turn them into masterpieces. Her works are often noted for their unique style, elegance, and technique. Some of her works have been featured in galleries in London and Brisol.

We're particularly fond of her latest project called 'Ghost In The Machine' where iRI5 showcases a number of musicians' portraits that are made out of recycled cassette tapes with original cassettes.

Check out iRI5 here.

McDonald's Cuts Potato Pesticides

McDonald's, the U.S. largest purchaser of potatoes, will now take steps to reduce pesticide use in potato production for its supply, Reuters reports. The world's largest fast-food chain, said the process would support ongoing efforts to make its supply chain sustainable.

"Our U.S. potato suppliers are already working with their growers to advance sustainable pesticide practices, such as reductions and alternative methods," McDonald's said in a statement.

Pamela Anderson's 'Muse'

Pamela Anderson, actress, long-time vegetarian, animal rights activist and PETA's advocate is collaborating with good friend Richie Rich on an eco-friendly clothing line of leather-free shoes and casual clothes including hooded tops, skirts and swimwear for the new fashion brand called 'Muse'.

During a press conference for the 'Muse' line recently, she told Hollyscoop that she prefers to be naked, and when she's not, she wants to be wearing Ritchie Rich.

The clothing line 'Muse' is scheduled to be released this summer. Well done Pam and another great effort that makes PETA proud!

Ricoh's 'Green' Billboard

Ricoh, the Japanese cameras & copiers manufacturer giant has finally erected an eco-friendly billboard in New York City's Time Square last December. It is 100 percent powered by solar and wind power with 16 cutting edge vertical wind turbines and 64 solar panels. By powering the billboard directly with alternative energy, Ricoh is saving 18 tons of carbon dioxide per year! If there is not enough solar or wind power, the Times Square sign will not be illuminated. Ricoh also currently has a similar eco-powered sign in Osaka, Japan, that uses 100 percent solar and wind power. Environmental preservation has been a top priority for Ricoh for over 30 years since 1976.