TypePad Featured Blogs

The Green Life

Happy Earth Day! We’d like to celebrate the world we live in by featuring The Green Life, the blog of The Sierra Club, one of the country’s premiere environmental organizations. Packed with videos, photos, ideas, and Green Tips, the site is a treasure trove for those wishing to live a greener life. Events large and small are covered here, from the carbon footprint of the Olympic Torch, to Eco-Barbie, to Vegan Booze. Like we said, large and small - but all with an eye toward making this a better world for our children and all those who follow. Written by staffers of the Sierra Club, the site also offers Categories from Art to Outdoors to Work, all with the same eco-friendly approach; if you’d like to take your involvement to the next level, check out the Events List to find out about conferences, festivals, and gatherings worldwide. Lots of blogs and sites are listed too, so you can stay in touch with those livin’ la vida verde.

Living Fair

Jenna Raby is the Founder and CEO of Laborfair.com and author of Living Fair, a site that “benefits everyone through direct connection and transparent access to an open market”. Who to hire and how much to pay for a job well done are questions facing employers – and would be employees – every day, and Living Fair helps ensure that both consumers and providers are fairly charged and compensated for work performed through wage tables from several California cities. The idea of living fair also extends to the individual, and posts documenting how to economize during rough times abound, as those detailing the best time, money-wise, to buy gas, providing money saving tips for pet owners and how to “green” your way to more green in your pocket will show. Homeowners, business owners - indeed, everyone wanting to live fair at work, in the home, and out in the world will benefit from the ideas in this blog.

Happy Doggies

The blog’s full name is Happy Doggies Make Happy Humans - and anyone who has ever played, run, swum, or simply loved a four-legged furball can attest to that. Run by Kaye Swafford (the human) and Krystal Swafford (the dog – specifically, a West Highland Terrier/Poodle mix), the site posts tips, articles, and events dedicated to “keeping eco dogs and their humans healthy and happy”. To that end, there are environmentally-focused posts that impact humans, animals, and the entire planet. Lots of recommended Eco Dog Products such as earth-friendly shampoos, books on raising healthy happy dogs, and Categories ranging from ASPCA to Wellness (this last with an interesting post on how head massages can make your pet – and you - happier and healthier). A tail wagging delight, Happy Doggies shows us how those who benefit from the green revolution don’t always have two legs.

Eyes on Trade

Eyes on Trade is a blog “by the staff of Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch and is a space for interested parties to share information about globalization and trade issues”. In addition to “straightforward” discussions on the subject such as NAFTA, the blog’s authors also provide insight and analysis on the issue of trade and global warming and youth. Taking center stage, naturally, are the elections and politics and how they intersect with trade issues. The authors cull news sources, government documents, and offer their own takes on an issue that affects us all; the blog itself is resource-rich in suggested reading for those wanting to learn more.

The Green Guy

“It ain’t easy being green”? Sure it is, and The Green Guy will show you how. The blog of Adam Vaughan, a UK resident who writes about green and ethical consumer issues, The Green Guy shows how simple – and how right – a sustainable lifestyle can be. And that such changes start at home, with all of us, beginning with eco furniture, energy savings, and transport. Of course, an eco-friendly lifestyle also starts from the inside, and Adam shows how eating right and looking good take on a whole new meaning. Using TypePad was the natural choice for Adam; he loves the ease of tweaking the design, the simplicity of composing posts and managing comments - an important feature as there are lots of tips, hints, and “green blogs” that round out the site, making it a must for anyone wishing to minimize their carbon footprint.

humankind media

This is a blog about healing the world. Authors Liz and Chris believe that we all feel a longing to ease suffering in the world – and that “for the first time in history (we can) connect as one global community to make that impossible thing happen”. humankind media relays all the ways we can accomplish that goal, from the small to the global. The posts describe the efforts of individuals to change the world for the better and offer challenges to us to do the same, such as ending poverty and disease and aiding children around the world. Lots of resources here (such as books, links, and guest blogs) to help you connect with the organizations that will help start you on your way to building a better world.

Flip

Run by the “future leaders in philanthropy”, Flip is “dedicated to creating a community where other future leaders meet, learn, and exchange ideas”. Indeed, those who commit themselves to helping others through fundraising are unique individuals with specific needs in research, technique, and ideas. Those interested in such endeavors will find the site filled with valuable career insights from experts in the field, those just entering it, even “hands on” help when you're ready to start asking for money. Plenty of Categories such as Diversity and Special Events; recommended reading rounds out the site. No longer the exclusive domain of the wealthy and corporations, philanthropy is infused with the ideas and energy of many people, and Flip will help them contribute to each other’s success.

WalletMouth

“Your wallet is a mouth.
When you spend money,
You tell the world how
You want it to be.”

Bronwyn Ximm is a San Francisco based blogger who is fascinated with the relationship between “our values and the way we spend money”, a perspective explored in the pages of her blog, Wallet Mouth. What we buy, why we buy it, and the impact those actions have on the world around us make for interesting reading here, as her thoughts on the light side of chocolate (an industry with a sometimes-dark history), condoms with a conscience, and why some flowers smell all the sweeter. Social values, sustainable consumerism, and workplace conditions are topics discussed throughout the site, and consumers wishing to maintain a more eco-friendly lifestyle will find the posts helpful in making informed decisions, as will the Tools for Consumers links (such as those to the Social Values and Seafood Watch sites). Also read Bronwyn’s Buycott section to read about the companies and products she’s not buying, and why.

The Cleanest Line

The blog for the employees, friends, and customers of Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company, The Cleanest Line encourages dialogue “about the products we build, the sports we love, and the environmental issues we’re concerned about”. Long known for its progressive stance, Patagonia has indeed fostered a sense of global community and created a workplace of progressive ideas, as you’ll read in posts on environmental and community activism, sport (featuring a great video interview with surfing legends Jock Sutherland and Gerry Lopez), and of course, the products that have made Patagonia a leader in outdoor equipment for many years. This is a comment-encouraged blog, and readers will find not only the latest news on subjects important to them, but also an “online village” filled with those who share those interests.

In The Green

The environment is everywhere these days. That’s not play on words, but the reality — and the subject — of In The Green an energy- and environment- related blog produced by students at Imperial College, London. Anyone who is concerned about climate change, energy policy, or even the hidden costs of flying will find interesting reading here. The authors have combined commentary, research, and news with opinion, facts, and figures to create a blog that’s crucial for those concerned about the environment.

Surfette

“Do what you love and the money will follow”, says Surfette founder Lisa Stone. It’s certainly true that Lisa loves posting about everything from women in the media, to global health issues. Lisa is the co-founder of BlogHer, which features articles and postings especially pertinent to women, and Surfette offers wry commentary on topics of interest to working women, moms, grandmas, and more.

Donor Power Blog

Successful fundraising is an art - also equal parts science and psychology - and nowhere will you find this more succinctly spelled out than in the Donor Power Blog.  As the author states, "more than ever, donors are expecting that they not be treated like passive ATMs" - an important mindset nonprofits of any size need to realize if they are to meet their goals.  The site is chock full of articles and insights from the fundraising pros, such as "how useless is publicity"? , "direct mail vs. online fundraising", and "five secrets to fundraising happiness".   Anyone planning to ask for money - whether on a local or national scale - will find this site valuable in more ways than one!

Green Seniors

What happens when you get a group of seniors together dedicated to making the planet a better place? You get Green Seniors, a blog full of information and resources to help all of us create a better future for generations to come. Founded on the premise that retired people in particular have a unique opportunity to make a difference, originators Joyce Emery and Keith Farnish have assembled a staggering array of information, including 'how to" articles, green groups and networks from around the world, and campaigning advice. This blog proves that with age truly comes wisdom; being green just got a little easier.

reusablebags.com

According to a perpetually ticking counter on Reusablebags.com, over 200 billion plastic bags have been used this year alone. That’s not so good, litter-wise - the site's fact page says plastic bags are one of the top 12 items found in coastal cleanups. So why not do your part to keep things nice and sustainable by purchasing the latest in eco-friendly fashion accessories, available in large, ultra-compact, and string, not to mention lead-free and kids-style. Or for that really special environmentally–conscious someone: pick out a whole re-usable shopping set. Reusablebags.com has pledged 1% of their sales to the "preservation and restoration of the natural environment." Sounds like a plan.

Calabash Music

Can the world become a better place by downloading music? The folks at Calabash Music believe it can. In response to some shocking numbers about foreign aid contributions made by the United States, they've created a project called "Tune Your World." The movement encourages Americans to download 10 songs from African musicians to help support African artists and nongovernmental organizations. The blog is choc-a-block with heart-stirring videos, free songs, profiles of musicians, album reviews, and other inspiring introductions to global music. Learn about the different types of song and dance from Chile to Senegal. Or use the blog as a way to cross borders and cultures while never leaving your desk. The video on Refugee All Stars puts site newbies straight into the heart of the matter.

The Unlikely Activist

Larry Grob is fighting the good fight. You could say he's just a family man who likes to play the violin, read, and spend time outdoors. He could be your uncle, your brother, your dad. And then one day he woke up compelled to do something about the state of our planet. The Unlikely Activist is his blog pointing to what we need to know about the environment as citizens of Planet Earth. Grob acts more as a translator than an expert, pointing readers to facts, discussions, and industry insight relating to environmental consciousness and sustainability. He is not preachy nor condescending. Instead, Grob's tone is hopeful and encouraging. Posts about climate change, biodeversity, and topics with big scientific names are made digestible for anyone without a science major in his Understanding Science category. If you saw the movie An Inconvenient Truth and wanted to do something to help the cause, but were left hanging with how to get involved, this blog is for you.

Cottonwood Institute

The Cottonwood Institute is a TypePad site of a distinctly different breed. Not only is Colorado's Cottonwood Institute a great program to "inspire students to change the world through an exciting blend of adventure and service," but it's also an example of an organization using TypePad to create an easily modifiable website, rather than a reverse chronological blog. And guess what, it works. You'll find a wealth of content linked in the posts and sidebars of the Institute's site -- from current course descriptions to fundraising events to registration information and photo albums of past programs. It's deceptively simple, yet the ease of adding individual posts within new categories to update the "index" of the site offers a great benefit to an organization that wants to be professional, but ultimately wants to pour resources into their mission and not into an expensive and hard-to-update custom website.

Jonathan Herron

Jonathan Herron clearly has a problem getting motivated.Yes, he started a fast-growring church last year in Kent, a town near Akron, Ohio. Yes, he and his wife are raising a baby boy. Yes, he offers his talent and faith by speaking at events and religious retreats. Yes, he has an excellent blog, a pug, and podcast. Yes, yes, yes. If only he'd put forth a little more effort. He describes himself as merging "theology with improv comedy" and, of course, he throws in a healthy mix of tech talent, as well. Who else do you know who would bust out a version of "Fergalicious" during a church talk and broadcast the whole thing on a podcast? If only Mr. Herron could manage to find a little more energy, we're sure he'll be able to make a positive impact. Here's hoping his church's motto, "Provoke Change," inspires Jonathan to put forth that extra 10%, bringing him up to, oh, about 210%.

88 Bikes

Can you remember your happiest moment as a kid? Five bucks says it was when you got your first bike. Brothers Jared and Dan Austin are still in love with their bikes, and bicycle pilgrimages. 88 Bikes documents their efforts to donate 88 bikes to the orphans at Palm Tree Center, the climax of their recent journey to Cambodia. Jump right into the photo album and get swept away by the smiles of happy kids in Phnom Penh, then scroll through the short blog to find out what motivated them to get involved. A four-part History and Culture of Cambodia is also there for those unfamiliar with the struggle of the Cambodian people. Even though the bikes have already been delivered, this blog is still in its infancy. Dan Austin is a filmmaker working on a documentary about children around the world in which the kids at Palm Tree are sure to make a significant appearance. 88 Bikes is a good example of how organizations can use blog software to create a website and raise awareness for their cause. Jared and Dan were able to update their posts from the road, while sponsors back in the U.S. were hanging on to see how this moving project progressed.

TheWashCycle

TheWashCycle is a resource so informative that non-cyclists will rush out and buy a Cannondale just to be a part of the commuting revolution. This blog covers everything that’s right, wrong, and in progress with bicycling around Washington D.C.. From local trail routes, to parking issues, and suggestions for urban planners to get with the times. One of the cooler things about this advocacy site is that it's not all about them. TheWashCycle also points to other bike-friendly cities working to improve their lifestyle, making this a site of greater appeal than to just those living in the D.C. area. If you're moving or traveling to Washington and need the short list of which Metro buses are good (and definitely not so good) for extending your ride, TheWashCycle has your back. Can't afford a bike? Rent one! The Commuting Revolution is here.

Endurance Is

Dean Karnazes is redefining adventure sport. On a mission to inspire people of all ages to become active, the man called the "ultra marathon man" is running 50 marathons, in 50 different states, in 50 consecutive days. Some might shake their head and call that nuts, but before you decide that a blog about running isn't for you, understand that Endurance Is reads like a story about America. On Day 46 Dean's run takes him through the streets of Maryland where serendipity plays a part in saving the lives of three from a burning building. In Indiana, Dean runs with several first time marathoners through a difficult trail of streams and woodland, and in Cleveland, he meets a grandmother and granddaughter who are running through miserable conditions. The support for the Endurance 50 journey is endless, with adventure enthusiasts flying in from all parts of the country to help out, added by cards and emails from fans around the globe. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, Dean's kids meet him and run the last leg with him to celebrate Nicholas's ninth birthday. Dean is also the author of the best-selling Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner and his 50th and final day of the event takes place on November 5, 2006 with the famed New York City Marathon.

My Wonderful World

Part of a larger campaign by National Geographic to improve kids' knowledge about the planet they inhabit, My Wonderful World tries to connects geography, culture, and current affairs in a meaningful way for parents, educators, and students alike. Recent posts include a look at Kazakhstan (why does that country sound so familiar?), the U.S population topping 300 million, the geography of soccer, and a neat interactive map about Middle East history. Of course, along with the assorted geographical tidbits, you'll also find questions, answers, and updates on the Wonderful World campaign, such as this great sweepstakes to win a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Now that's a location we'd love to research first-hand!

Dollar Philanthropy

You don't have to be rich to donate money to worthy causes. Carol Kirshner is proving that even just one dollar a week can make a big difference to those who need it. She started Dollar Philanthropy to bring together individual efforts and posts about non-profit organizations that are seeking  help. She challenges readers to donate $52 per year -- just one dollar a week. She describes the nonprofit organizations that are eager for support and even offers email updates when she refreshes the site. Some of the causes listed on the blog include the Reaching Out Foundation: Practical Assistance for those Living with Cystic Fibrosis, and Noah's Ark: A Haven for Orphaned Children and Animals. Lots of her organizations help children, and her blogroll points to other sites where readers can make a difference.

Discovery Educator Network

The Discovery Educator Network (DEN) Blog is the home base for a collection of more than twenty regional blogs, each working to fulfill the promise of teacher synergy. The idea behind the cable network's Educator program is to "connect teachers to their most valuable resource -- each other." It's great to see science education enhanced through such a thoughtful use of blogs, discussion boards, pdf's, streaming media, calendaring, and, more fundamentally, a keen sense of how powerful communities can be formed online. If you are an educator who sometimes feels separated from others in your discipline, check out the video introduction to the network or browse the DEN blogs themselves to get a picture of how powerful a little asynchronous media can be.

Ideal Bite

Progressive messages can sometimes come across as too preachy. But the bloggers at Ideal Bite have come up with a way to disseminate their quick tips on how anyone can contribute to a more sustainable world in a friendly, fun, and irreverent fashion. Find out which celebrities care about their planet, learn how to throw and all-organic wine and cheese party, and discover some easy life changes that anyone can make a difference by doing. Eco divas Heather Stephenson and Jennifer Boulden met in a bar in the West Village and have been enjoying their combined sassier shade of green ever since. If you any doubts about being comfortable with this cause, check out how they've won their way into the hearts of mainstream media.

Diet Talk from the Doc

Diet.com's resident expert, Dr. Robert Kushner, offers sage advice about weight loss on Diet Talk from the Doc. Each post presents the physician's insights about the implications of various diet-related research and news stories. For instance, Dr. Kushner tackled a recent story that called Starbucks' lineup of coffee drinks unhealthy due to a lack of calorie information on the menu board coupled with the chain's use of trans fats. (The doc says: Become an informed consumer, don't rely on the store to do the work for you.) Other topics include the tie between food and mood disorders, packing your own lunch to control calories, and  the some great, suprising benefits of exercise. For those of us who struggle with weight contol issues, it's great to have Dr. Kushner's advice and encouragement close at hand, sharing new insights and reminding us of what we already know. Of course, if you decide to take control of your own weight issues and change your own eating and exercise routine radically, as always, you should consult your own physician. That's one topic that we know Dr. Kushner agrees with.

Ask Patty

Ask Patty tells us that, "80% of car buying decisions are influenced by women and 50% of car purchases are made by women.” But there are still plenty of women who don't feel entirely comfortable with the purchasing process because of a previous bad experience with a salesperson or dealership. Ask Patty is a gender-friendly TypePad blog where car-buying rookies can get their feet wet and their confidence up before they ever see a sticker price. Jody DeVere is the President of Ask Patty and has organized a collective of women with many years in the car industry to answer questions and give advice on topics well beyond just buying a vehicle. If you have questions about maintenance and repairs, want to read a review of a car, or just want to get reading recommendations, this is the place. Those with a serious interest in the automotive industry can read up on the California Car Buyers Bill of Rights or take the "Well Wheeled Woman Survey" to help Kim Tinkham research her book, Well Wheeled: Women Taking Control of Their Car Buying Experience. So, go ahead, Ask Patty.

Hybrid Blog

Visit the Webby-award-winning Hybrid Center and you'll find a ton of useful information about vehicles that are using fuel-efficient, emissions-cutting hybrid technology. A production of the Union of Concerned Scientists, the site offers news, reviews , and technical overviews of cars and trucks that consumers can buy to make a personal choice about their own impact on the environment. The Hybrid Blog complements the main web site and serves as an open dialogue about the issues -- political, commercial, and technological -- that surround fuel-efficiency and hybrid vehicles. Comments are open, so responses and additional information is encouraged. One look at the wealth of content the blog has shared over the past year and you realize that a blog serves really well as it's own kind of "hybrid vehicle" -- it shares the road with normal web sites, but it beats them hands-down for time-and-effort efficiency.

Good As You

Good As You, which comes with the helpful acronym G-A-Y, is a activist site that offers humor in lieu of hate. In their quest to call out discrimination and the people, organizations, and media outlets that attempt to spread it, the group takes the high road, preferring to deliver "a gentle ribbing, not a swift kick to the nether regions." That makes for a very inclusive, very readable blog that anyone -- gay, lesbian, straight, bi, trans -- can use to keep tabs on the intolerant. We particularly respect how the folks at Good As You encourage dialogue and often publish responses from the subjects of their posts, proving that blogs are best when they're back-and-forth exchanges, not just one-sided barking.

AARP Issues Blog

The AARP Issues Blog is just one part of a multifaceted website dedicated to making life better for those over the age of fifty. Geared towards members, but open to the public, the AARP Blog addresses issues such as the economics of retirement, livable communities, global aging, volunteering, and how to grow old heathily. Browse the site's many categories to find information on prescription drugs, Social Security, how government decisions are affecting those in the prime of their life, and much more. The AARP website is well organized, and their blog (updated about twice a week) is a gateway to both useful resources and intriguing individual posts.

The Worldwide Fight Against Cancer

Worldwide, cancer kills more people than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. The American Cancer Society launched their TypePad blog to help support their international program whose goal is to eliminate cancer by preventing it in the first place. Their blog is a report from the front lines of this battle, featuring photos, news stories, and event details.

The Nata Village Blog

Jon Rawlingson was travelling through a remote village in Botswana when something profound occurred to him. He could make a difference. After meeting Peace Corps Volunteer Melody Jenkins and seeing her efforts to help the struggling community fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, Rawlingson, a film producer and editor, offered to create a website to focus attention on the village's plight. The resulting Nata Village Blog is a moving effort, with photographs, stories, and amazing videoblog entries. The blog documents both the challenges and the successes of the residents, clinic workers, and educators facing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Here is a case where no description can do justice to the actual content. Please, just go visit the blog. It offers its authors and its readers alike a chance to do something profound.