Local currencies have been on the rise since the economy has gone down the stinker, being redeemable only at local stores and retailers. These local bucks, many of which are actually being printed up by local banks, are not only becoming popular across the country but across the globe as well, as the recession has gone global. However, local currencies aren't as big this year as they have been in the past, and not proving to be as successful.

The concept is great, but if its not practiced, it's no good!

-Jess 

Motorola annouced this week that they have developed the world's first carbon neutral phone made out of recycled plastic bottles. The company also plans to offset the rest of the carbon dioxide used in manufacturing, distribution and operation of the phone through investments in renewable energy sources and reforestation.

This sounds good to me. The less plastic in the landfill, the better!

-Jess 

So this recipes were published for holiday dining, but they still make great meals for the winter season, which sadly (in my opinion) is not over yet. The Daily Green published an article that includes menus for 5 regional holiday meals that feature foods local to the regions. The menus include mouth-watering entries like Bourbon Molasses Ham (from the Southeast), Oyster Chowder (from the Northeast), Cucumer-Winter Purslane Yogurt Salad (from the Southwest), Mashed Russet Potaties with Root Vegetables (from the Plains), and Rice Pudding wtih Pomegrante Syrup (from the Pacific Northwest). All the recipes sounds delicious and would be great at anytime during this cold months!

-Jess