All stories about "Green"

Popular Science has ranked America's 50 Greenest Cities, according to over 30 categories that include air quality, electricity use, and transportation habits. While the top two picks--Portland and San Francisco--are far from shockers, more surprising is the fact that Boston, Chicago and Austin all made the top ten. [via]

Yuppies across the District are embracing the green movement faster than Republican sycophants are moving to endorse newly-crowned party king John McCain. Otherwise known as the Whole Foods mafia, DC's organic-eating, nature-loving, yoga-practicing set is fueling the city's booming, eco-friendly retail market. Where can you find these environmentally conscious citizens? For a roadmap of their whereabouts, check out the following locations. Suggestions of further crunchy hippie hangouts welcome via the comments or tips.

Carbon footprints serve as a new socially conscious obsession -- these days even Radiohead only agrees to play venues that can prove proper carbon efficiency. The trend is hitting big in Europe, thanks to the EU partnering with both private and public orgs -- car manufacturers like Saab and Rolls Royce included. The goal: to produce a greener aircraft that can help cut carbon emissions 25% by 2020. Additionally, later this month a Virgin Atlantic Boeing will take a test spin from Heathrow Airport to Amsterdam using a biofuel blend. In typical Sir Richard Branson style, the Virgin flight (plans for which where announced last year) is ten months ahead of schedule. [BBC]

I feel almost anti-San Franciscan for secretly loving the "Smug Alert!" episode of South Park. In SP's reimagined version of San Francisco, residents were so "smug" about how environmentally conscious they are, they loved the smell of their own farts. While I can't vouch for fart-smelling as a regular SF practice, San Franciscans are definitely a green-friendly bunch. For the recyclers, hybrid owners, and global warming-concerned populace, here's a list of green, organic and sustainable businesses to frequent.

If you're anything like me, the ordeal of flying is always the worst part of any trip. But for in-flight basket cases worldwide, there is an answer. Seat61's goal is to help travelers find alternative ways of getting to their destinations without taking to the air. The site offers links and information about getting around by rail or ship, but some locations offer even more grounded options, like biking. Skipping the plane is not just an attractive idea for the phobic; utilizing other methods of transportation can also help you experience more of your journey firsthand, instead of just looking down on it from 30,000 feet. I tried out Seat61 during a recent trip to Greece and found a great link about booking ferries to Italy as more eco-friendly alternative to flying. So shake off your fears, grab your ubiquitous black luggage and discover the road un-taxied.

Seat61 [official site]
Travel off the beaten path with Seat61.com [ Lifehacker]

[Text: Diane Cohen Photo: The Xenon/Flickr]

Previously: Dick Cavett is a Crazy Dick, Lady Taxis in Moscow, Best Metro Ever, Jet Blue and Its Emotional Baggage