After pretty much every question posed (Why is the sky blue? What is Will Ferrell’s full name? What are the greenest cities?), someone responds with “I’ll google it.” Who hasn’t google themselves? Google has become our go-to for information. The search engine is used so much that it has become a verb!

So, besides being the most used search engine, Google is now hopping on the eco bandwagon. They plan to be carbon neutral by the year’s end. How do they plan on reaching this fabulous goal?

Google has devised a three step program for themselves:
1. Increasing the energy efficiency of their operations.
2. Aggressively pursuing clean and renewable sources of energy.
3. Purchasing carbon offsets for the emissions they can’t reduce directly.

Over on the eco side of the fence, we couldn’t be more happy to have them. With Google maps, email, images, video and standard search, it is great that they are going carbon neutral. For more information on Google’s goals, click here.
Now we can google all we want and with a free conscience.

We, here at KIWI, decided that we need to highlight different things all around the eco world. Certain objects or people need recognition for their work in the organic and natural movement, thus KIWI’s Pick. Every Monday, we will debut a different product, person, movement, or in this case, a state.

Kiwi’s pick this week is California!

California is a state that is leading the way in green and eco friendly options. Recently, Yahoo has released its Top Ten Greenest Cities in America. While Hastings, Nebraska tops the list, California has the most cities with three. These cities include San Carlos, Mill Valley, and Walnut Creek.

On top of having three of top ten greenest cities on Yahoo’s list, California’s other cities are paving the eco way. One of the cities on this road to environmental recovery is San Francisco. In a recently revealed plan, San Francisco is hoping to have 51% (now 13%) of its electricity provided by renewable energy sources, like geothermal, solar, and wave energy.

So, congratulations California! You are KIWI’s Pick of the Week! Keep up the excellent eco efforts.

Everyone who thinks giving blood is scary, say I. I! Or at least, I used to think so.

This week, for the first time, I gave blood. I was surprised to find out that it is actually relatively painless and quite quick. My friends and I donated through a local radio station’s blood drive and even though the wait was long, it was worth it. I found out that one pint of your blood can save up to 3 lives.

Think about that- giving up about one hour of your time can save 3 people’s entire existence! Also, 60% of Americans are eligible to donate, but on average only 5% of Americans actually give blood. We should change this statistic!

There are four steps to giving blood:

1. Registration
2. Health History & Mini Physical
3. Actual Donation
4. Refreshment- free cookies and juice!

Visit www.redcross.org or www.givelife.org for more information on how and where to give blood.

Fun Fact: The Red Cross calls your bandage “a badge of honor.” Donate and wear it proudly!

Here is my badge, along with my friends!

-Stacey

So this weekend I did something crazy. I cut off all of my hair!

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Stacey and I am a new team member here at Kiwi Magazine. Well, I did cut my hair off- 10 inches to be exact. Why you may ask? For Locks of Love.

Locks of Love is a non-profit dedicated to making wigs for children who no longer have hair due to alopecia or cancer. Each donation must be 10 inches in from the longest tip to top of the pony tail/braid. It was really hard to let go of my hair, but it makes me feel better knowing that I helped someone who really needed it.

Here are the guidelines for acceptable hair donations:

• Hair that is colored or permed is acceptable.
• Hair cut years ago is usable if it has been stored in a ponytail or braid.
• Hair that has been bleached (usually this refers to highlighted hair) is not usable. If unsure, ask your stylist.
• Hair that is swept off of the floor is not usable.
• Hair that is shaved off and not in a ponytail or braid is not usable.
• Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches.
• Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails.
• Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches.
• 10 inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece.

Start growing your hair today! For more information go to the Locks of Love website.

We are happy to announce that Kellogg’s is starting a whole new game plan. Due to the rising child obesity rates (and perhaps some pending lawsuits), they are going to reformulate certain products or stop marketing the unhealthy products to children under 12.

The company said that it won’t promote foods in TV, radio, print or Web site ads that reach audiences at least half that are younger than age 12 unless one serving of the product meets the following criteria:

Standing between Kellogg’s and reformulations is the taste tests. If products are not tasted favorably, they will not be changed. However they will no longer be marketed to children under 12.

Way to go Kellogg’s! This is definitely a step in the right direction.

It seems like everyone has a Myspace– from bands to writes to everyday people. Now the earth has one. Huh? Well earth awareness now has its own page. OurPlanet is the site that allows everyone on Myspace to express their hopes, ideas and goals about the environment. The site includes forums with topics that allow everyday Myspacers the ability to discuss growing problems.

It also features other profiles with different environmentally friendly non-profits and causes– right now it is the MUSE campaign and TreePeople. There is also an incredible widget with “Go Zero Tips.” This features different ways to cut back on your energy uses. Bonus, it can be added to anyone’s Myspace profile.

What I really think is great about OurPlanet is its location. Myspace is visited by so many young people everyday, not to mention the over 100 million registered profiles. This website could be the beginning of awareness for the “techno-tots” and well, pretty much everyone else. Because, who doesn’t have a myspace?

Let’s hope OurPlanet is just the beginning of this “eco techno” revolution.

Summer vacation… These two words can fill us with sheer joy and, well, stress. Along with the time off, there are many questions. Where should we go? Where should we stay? Family vacations are tough to plan, especially when it comes to choosing a hotel to suit the whole family.

Well, Omni Hotels has just introduced the perfect solution for kid friendly traveling. Their new Sensational Kids program is a kid friendly makeover for families globetrotting with kids. The kids receive a complimentary backpack filled with these awesome gadgets, based on the senses:

- A Kaleidoscope for Sight
- A Kazoo for Sound
- Candy lightening bugs for Taste
- Oversized jacks for Touch
- A scented bracelet for Smell
- A colorful plastic cup (can be filled in-room or at the restaurant.)
- A list of kid-friendly destinations around the hotel area.
- Books and games to pass the idle time

I know what you are thinking… Where do I sign up? The Omni Sensational Kids program is available at all 40 Omni Hotel across North America. Simply log onto www.omnikidsrule.com or call 1-800-THE-OMNI for more information.