EarthPortal

Science is under attack these days and facts are just a matter of opinion.

Which is why the recent launch of EarthPortal is such good news. It's the combined effort of 650 of the world's top scientists from 49 countries and the point is to offer the most commercial-free, bias-free, and cost-free information about the planet currently available.

Grit Design

What's jewelry doing here?


Well, Grit Design creates jewelry using stones, crystals, or other materials, inspired by the elements of air, earth, fire or water.

The generous impulse part: Grit, which is a woman-owned business, donates half its proceeds to non-profits that support women's economic independence.

Global Volunteer Network

Here's an email that came to us:

"I am currently in Vietnam as a volunteer at orphanages around Da Nang, and I'm having just the best time. I've only been here a week so far, will be here for seven more. The organization has been featured as one of those Volunteer Vacations, and I found it through the internet and a small bit in the NYTimes. The organization that brought me here is based in New Zealand, and could really use a bit more exposure in the States, (I'm the only Yank this month). I'll give you the link so you can get an idea of what it's all about:"

Website

BoGo Light

This is so great: the BoGo Light is an eco-friendly flashlight -- there's a solar panel that powers the rechargeable AA batteries for up to two years.

But the really cool thing is that if you buy one ($25), the company donates one to an organization that will distribute it in the developing world. That means that children who have no light at night by which to study, except perhaps kerosene lanterns, will have a bright task lamp. And perhaps a brighter future.

Taproot

Most people haven't got much time to spare, so sparing time for someone or something is
almost invariably a significant gesture.

That's the essential idea behind the Taproot Foundation. "Nonprofits have the greatest potential for addressing our society's most challenging social and environmental problems, but often lack the operational resources to fulfill their potential. The Taproot Foundation exists to close this gap and ensure all nonprofits have the infrastructure they need to thrive."

Anyone can write a check (not that there's anything wrong with that). But investing some spare time and expertise is something else again. Taproot will connect you and your marketing, IT, HR or design skills with a nonprofit organization that will benefit from it. Details

BOOMGen

Here's an interesting statistic: within four years, the population of the Middle East will be nearly 800 million and 75% of those people will be under age 35.

That gave some smart people a good idea: make a documentary about it. Promote the "common desire for stability, properity, and understanding."

BOOMgen is the project and you can keep up with their progress if you email them here.

Certified Humane

The Certified Humane Raised and Handled program is designed to improve, through consumer demand, the way animals are raised in the U.S.

It's been just four years since the program start, but already 22 million have benefited from it. Sufficient space and shelter. Good nutrition and fresh water. Regular inspections. No growth hormones.

All of which should go without saying, but of course does not. You can help by making a donation and to ask for, and buy, products with the certified humane label. A list of stores participating is here. Finally, you can send a letter to retailers and to restaurants, encouraging them to carry these products. Sample letters are here.

Alberto Gonzales

Enough.

Sign the petition to get this disgrace fired and to restore integrity to the Department of Justice.


[We've updated the URL for the petition - should be working again.]

NURTUREArt

Nuturing contemporary art is the focus of NURTUREart, based in Brooklyn, which has been doing good things for the cultural landscape for 10 years.

They can use volunteers, particularly in the areas of web and graphic design, event programming, and grant writing.

Green Clean

Green Clean, by Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin, is our go-to book for cleaning up the housecleaning.

You'll learn what's really in the common housecleaning products in most kitchen cabinets in the country. Gulp! The authors give you a step-by-step guide to cleaning your home with natural and safe products.

Women for Women International

Women are not only disproportionately affected by wars around the globe, they are crucial to the rebuilding of communities once the conflict has ended.

Women for Women International recognizes that "stronger women build stronger nations." You can sponsor a woman in Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Rwanda, or elsewhere for $27 a month. The money will provide financial support, job skills training, and hope.

The Alpha Workshops

The Alpha Workshops is a unique idea. It's the only non-profit in the country that trains people with HIV/AIDS in the decorative arts. Everything from decorative finishes, gilding, restoration, wallpaper, and lamps is part of their portfolio. And their list of clients now range from individuals to the corporate offices of Benjamin Moore, eBay, as well as Gracie Mansion. Since they started over a decade ago, they've grown from two employees to 30. Alpha, which was started by Ken Wampler, has made a profound impact on the lives of individuals who work there. The also do beautiful work.

Seafood Watch

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has put together some helpful guides that will help you choose sustainable seafood in a restaurant or store and avoid those fish that are either in short supply or farmed in ways that hurt the environment. Printable, pocket-sized guides are here.

The Cultural Landscape Foundation

It might sound a little dry, but the mission of The Cultural Landscape Foundation is actually pretty simple -- and pretty great.

They help preserve geographical areas that have meaning: natural, cultural, or historical.

The beautiful Stan Hywet Birch Alee (pictured) in Akron, Ohio, part of the historic Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, is just one small example.

Support them here.

Yolo Colorhouse

Yolo Colorhouse, a line of paint developed in Portland, Oregon, has no VOCs -- the solvents in paint that aren't good for people or the ozone layer.

Not only that, the paints come in a range of 40 gorgeous colors, in flat, satin, or semi-gloss and they make a zero-VOC primer, too.

You can purchase online or find a retailer here.

Reach the World

Reach the World helps disadvantaged students connect to the world.

The non-profit, started in 1998 by two young educators, wants to inspire curiosity about -- and an understanding of -- the world's environment and cultures.

In other words, they make geography cool. And one of the ways they do that is by following, with their classmates and teachers, the world journey of the 43-foot sailboat Maluku, which will complete its third voyage next month.

Anything that makes kids excited about learning is a good thing in our book. And these days, a better understanding of the world at large seems not just useful but a matter of survival.

Reach the World has programs in New York and Chicago. You can help expand their reach by making a contribution here.

Darfur

Let's talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs,
Make dust our paper, and with rainy eyes
Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth.
– Richard II

Can there be a more sorrowful place on the planet than Darfur right now? The numbers are staggering: over 400,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the genocide. There will be more. But there are things you can do:

At Darfur Genocide, you can:
Donate to help bring the perpetrators to justice
Sign the petition urging President Bush to act.
Other ways to help.

[Photo: USAID]