Getting ready to throw yourself back into that world of dorming? And do you care about the environment? Well, good luck. Being green, in some dorms, is pretty freakin’ hard. Recycling bins are nowhere to be found, resources are being wasted left and right and most of the kids around you don’t care.

That doesn’t mean you have to throw in the non-recyclable towel. There are so many things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and give back to Mother Earth. Here are some tips to help the planet and inspire your peers to do the same:

1. Skip the single serving snack-packs. Get a big bag and make your own single-serving portion in a small plastic bag when you’re on the go. Wash the bag out when you’re done and do it again the next time. It’s that easy.

2. Chill out with the AC. Tons of college students keep their AC’s running just because they can. That’s not cool! (Note: yes, the pun was intended.) Don’t act like a monkey when it comes to the environment. Leaving your AC running while you’re out hurts the planet regardless of whether or not you’re paying the bill.

3. Turn off your computer. I know, I know. It’s so tempting to leave your AIM on all day long so your friends can leave you little messages and see which classes you’re in, etc. BUT (there is always a “but”), it’s better for the planet and your computer if you just shut it off when you leave. Read More »

The top 10 moments of the Olympics (though ours include more Speedo).

OMFG! Gossip Girl returns next week! If only we were invited to the party…

A post-workout Starbucks run could be good for your body.

In an effort to Go Green, colleges dump the lunch trays.

Dear Heidi Montag: You are NOT Olivia Newton-John. Love, CC.

Considering a student loan? Think long and hard.

A 4th judge for American Idol?

What does Madonna think of John McCain?

A surprising benefit to the sky-high gas prices.

The endorsements Michael Phelps didn’t choose…

Is Biden the right choice? Let’s see what frat boys have to say…

Christian Bale was merely defending his wife? Awwwww!

Wanna work in politics? Just have an affair!

Sick of Facebook yet? Yeah, me either. But it just got even better.

Viagra may work for women?

Apparently, some dudes agreed that women in skinny jeans could not be raped because removing them would require consent? Yeah…took awhile, but that’s been reversed.

The Jo-Bros are probably pissing off a lot of Dallas homeowners right now….

Porta-Potty art! (Doesn’t make the smell go away, though.)

Earth-friendly junk mail? Hot granny panties? Declining gas prices? Impossible!

An old favorite to get you through the day. Weeeeeeeeeee!

I’m not the most environmentally responsible person out there. I certainly use my air conditioner a lot and have no problems driving my sister’s ‘regular’ car when I am visiting home. Not everything I buy is organic…the list goes on. However, I am trying to be more responsible every day. I understand that if everyone makes small changes we can truly better the future of this planet. I can contribute to a healthier planet even if I don’t have wind mills powering my house.

For instance, I can turn down plastic bags at the grocery store. And why not? I mean, I have lots of giant purses and some canvas tote bags. I have absolutely no problem shoving my groceries in these bags instead of plastic ones.

So for the better part of this year, I have made this change. And I keep getting treated like an as*hole. Read More »

When I think fashion, I think Perez Hilton and Hot Topic

Click here to learn how to help the Myanmar cyclone victims

Pancake Puffs are either disgusting or delicious

WTF: even porn is going green

Another reason to avoid studying: DINO RUN!

Carmen Electra offers some advice

Welcome back, eyebrows!

Wait a second–is Dax Shepard actually HOT??

RIP Irvine Robbins: you’ll be missed for 32 yummy reasons

Everyone has been so busy constantly hyping how amazing Seattle is (and it is) that Portland often gets lost in the mix. I feel it’s our duty to give it it’s own marquee of greatness. So here it is.

As indie music increases in it’s popularity and more of us start “going green” and becoming more eco-conscious, it’s hard to not recognize that Portland is alllll things earthy. Not to mention the bustling arts scene, the cozy coffee shops, and the blend between charming city and crunchy, nature chic.

In my opinion, nothing goes better with Portland than a nice glass of wine.

Best Wine Bar: Carafe, with the coziness of a French bistro Carafe has an incredible wine list and a cheese plate that’s to die for, with local Oregon hazelnuts and fruit. Oo La La.
Also try: Caffe Mingo, Grolla Restaurant and Wine Bar and Three Doors Down Cafe.

Best Coffee: It’s not secret, but Starbucks isn’t where its at when it comes to Portland. World Cup Coffee & Tea is. Organic coffees, good vibes, check it out.
Also Try: Anna Bannanas and Tiny’s. Read More »

Thanks to one Mr. Al Gore, I have been somewhat of a greenie (a friend of the planet, not the dog treat) for awhile now.

I have been spreading the word for months (like here) in hopes that I can get other people on board with me. Not because it is trendy or “in” right now, but because we don’t want our children to have to deal with such a mess of a planet later….or burst into flames because the earth has gotten so hot.

And I have met a lot of apprehension along the way:

“But I really love my Hummer.”
“It’s so hard to be earth friendly!”
“GO HUG A TREE!”
“Ew. Reuse someone else’s PAPER?!”

Ah; ignorance. How I loathe thee.

If people just sat down and listened for a few minutes they would realize just how simple it is to be earth friendly. I am not asking people to reuse their Ziploc bags (which I get made fun of for all the time) or stop using toilet paper. I am asking people to make teensy tiny changes to their daily routines that make virtually no difference to the user and a huge difference to the planet.

Since I last wrote about green items such as compact fluorescent bulbs and reusable grocery bags, a whole slew of new earth friendly products have surfaced. These hot new items are innovative, made from recycled products (to cut down on excess waste!) and yet another few easy ways for you to get a bit more green-ified. The best part, obviously, is that they don’t look like crunchy “Save the Planet” items; these are things you actually need and want. Read More »

Lately, it seems everywhere you turn people are turning green. Not nausea induced green (though that may be true if you are enjoying a nice long Welcome Week and hangovers abound), but earth-friendly green.

Whether it be celebrities like Leo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt or the aisles upon aisles of green products at stores around the country, saving the planet isn’t just for tree-huggers anymore.

And as you hear about all the celebs buying Hybrid cars and cities banning bottled water due to the excessive amounts of waste they create, you have to stop and wonder what your impact on the planet is.

Most likely: it isn’t good. Read More »