As if sunning yourself on a beach in Belize isn’t enough, the Hamansai Resort is also dedicated to preserving the environment and indigenous communities. This coastal adventure and dive resort offers a host of activities for adventerous types; including rainforest and reef adventures.

For more information about ammenities, rates, and eco-tourism, visit the Hamansai home page.

You take out the recycling, wear eco-fashion from indie labels, and drive a hybrid, but want to do more. It’s now easier than ever to support companies that engage in responsible business practices by participating in SRI, or Socially Responsible Investing. There are numerous mutual funds dedicated to SRI, so your choices are quite vast.

To get started on your road to responsible investing, check out Sierra Club Mutual Funds, Calvert Funds, and Domini Social Investments. Of course, there is a ton of information on the web, so a simple google search for socially responsible investing will give you more information than you can handle.

Odds are that if you are a regular practicioner of yoga, you bring your own mat to class.
For those of you who haven’t made the modest investment just yet, now may be the time. In a revealing, if not just plain gross, article in the New York Times, it is quite clear that the mat you spend an hour on each morning is probably loaded with germs.

The author cites numerous examples of poor mat cleaning practices by gyms and studios across the country, as well as interviews with several people who have contracted skin conditions from community mats.

Read the complete article on the New York Times web site (free registration required).

After receiving stinging criticism from author Michael Pollen, Whole Foods is going back to its roots and sourcing produce and meat from local suppliers. As it enjoyed incredible growth over the past two decades, Whole Foods adopted “big company practices” to streamline supply chain operations and enjoy economies of scale when dealing with suppliers.

In response to the criticism, stores will now be required to source from at least four local suppliers, is starting a loan program for local farmers who practice humane standards, and is starting local farmers markets in store parking lots of select stores.

All of these efforts are to regain credibility with customers and promote its support of local farmers, the hottest trend in food. Locally grown food is shipped shorter distances and thus reduces fuel consumption and pollution.

Whole Foods expects to nearly double in size by 2010, from 184 to 300 stores and $12 billion in revenue.

Complete story from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Most everyone wants to give back in some capacity or another, but sometimes the act of giving can be daunting. How much do I give? To whom? Will it actually go to the cause or be wasted on layers of administration. Welcome to Kiva, a pioneer in microfinance. This is not a donation, but rather a loan to someone in need of capital to start a small business.
Kiva is breaking down the barriers and putting individuals (you) directly in touch with entrepreneurs in developing countries. You simply log onto the Kiva web site, select the person that you would like to work with, make a loan using your credit card (via PayPal), and then wait for updates on how business is progressing and eventually repayment of the loan.

For more details about the program, visit the comprehensive FAQ page on the Kiva web site.

Already gracing the pages of the most influential fashion magazines, the fall collection from Stewart+Brown is sure to be another runaway success.

The line for fall offers brilliant hues and traditional fall colors. Whether you prefer organic cotton, or luxurious cashmere, you are sure to find something to love from Stewart+Brown.

View the Stewart+Brown collection.

Spurred by rising fuel prices, global warming concerns, and celebrity endorsers, biofuel production and consumption are expected to double this year. Julia Roberts is a fan, as are Morgan Freeman and Willie Nelson, both of whom sit on the board of Earth Biofuels.

Biodiesel can be produced in part from left over cooking oil and works just fine in standard diesel engines. Due to a lack of distribution, many consumers are producing their own biodiesel at home. However, a handful of filling stations are beginning to offer the alternative fuel, so it may not be long until biofuel is in your neighborhood.

Complete Story from the Associated Press.

Finally, a great excuse to spend more time on the couch.

Beginning in early 2007, the Sundance Channel will begin offering several series and documenteries dedicated to green living and environmental stewardship. Eco celebrities such as Robert Redford (owner of the Sundance Channel), Leonardo DiCaprio, and Cameron Diaz have all expressed support for the new programming and you can expect that they will be joined by other high-profile hosts.

The team over at the Sundance Channel is quite forward thinking and tech savvy, so you can also expect to see the programming on video-on-demand, online, and wireless.

Complete details at Green Biz.

While some may balk at the prospect of spending $80,000 - $120,000 on “transportation”, you won’t be getting the evil eye from environmentalists in this hot little car from Tesla. With a 0-60 speed of about four seconds, and zero emissions, Tesla is leading the way in developing vehicles that look good and tread lightly on the environment.

As our loyal readers and customers know, there is no need to sacrifice style for values.

More details from Tesla Motors.

Long cited as instrumental in the development of corporate social responsibility policies, Ben & Jerry are back in action with their American Pie program. American Pie presents a laundry list of revealing stats regarding U.S. spending on nuclear programs and the lack of funding for children’s health initiatives.

Take a look for great information about the discretionary spending by the U.S. government, resources to help get involved, and other general, but interesting, stats.

Ben & Jerry’s American Pie