Earth Day Sponsor

Earth Day 2008, brought to you by:

No, this is not a photochop. I couldn't make this up if I tried. This message graces billboards across Seattle at this very moment. Do you think people actually buy it? Do your part, fill up today!

Happy Earth Day

It's Earth Day, everyone. Celebrate by sending an environmentally friendly e-card to someone special:

Then go plant a tree or work on your P-patch.

20 cents per bag

Mayor Nickels wants to charge shoppers 20 cents for each paper and plastic bag at grocery, convenience and drug stores. That would add $120 to the tab for the average Seattle resident, who goes through 600 bags per year. Since the average Seattle resident passed fourth grade, hopefully they'll do the math and find an alternative.

Under the plan, retailers will keep five cents of the fee, mom-and-pops get to keep all 20 cents, and everyone in Seattle gets a reusable bag. Plastic-foam food containers and cups are banned by Jan. 1st, and non-recyclable plastic food containers and utensils are next to go.

Even sooner, Whole Foods is sacking plastic bags by April 22 / Earth Day. Get some:

Whole Paycheck Market Shopping Tote

Starbucks changing the way Costa Rican farmers grow coffee — and live

Photo: Erika Schultz / Seattle Times

Friend of The Southlake, Manuel Valdes, wrote a great article in the Times about Starbucks' positive impact on the Costa Rican coffee trade.

Say what you want about the national chain store's effect on the local community coffee shop, but SBUX has been a positive force for change in Costa Rica's coffee trade — impressing standards for environmentally friendly fertilizers and soil-conservation practices, and paying farmers a premium for growing quality beans.