Individuals then login to the site — Facebook Connect is the simplest way to do so — and record their actions to complete the challenge. The business that created the challenge gives a reward to the users who complete it, which can help create additional sales for that business. Users can also vote for one another’s actions to decide who made the boldest statement.

If everything goes as planned, everybody wins: The brand, the user, and hopefully, society as a whole.

Bolder posts one challenge each week. Past challenges include Whole Foods of Palo Alto asking users to eat a piece of fruit for a reward of Fuji apples, or a San Francisco yogurt shop challenging users to get a friend to join in on a workout session in exchange for a buy-one-get-one-free yogurt special.

Because the site doesn’t have concurrent challenges or challenges sorted by interest or location, it doesn’t seem suited to a mass market just yet. However, we’re sure Bolder’s founders are working on something, well, bolder as they grow to scale.

http://www.actbolder.com/

The 1MillionShirts project, launched this month, is asking for used (but decent) T-shirts to be sent in with a one dollar bill to help with container costs. The shirts will then be shipped to Africa to help clothe folks in need.

As you’d expect, Jason and Evan are using social media to help promote the campaign with a Facebook page that is already racking up Likes, a Flickr tag to gather all relevant pics and the #1millionshirts Twitter hashtag to spread the word via Twitter.

While the project is thus far U.S.-centric, it’s starting to generate some momentum across the pond too. The team is currently looking for a company that can help store and/or ship the T-shirts in the U.K. If you or anyone you know is interested in helping out, please contact project ambassador Alex Hardie.

“We understand that t-shirts aren’t the first thing you think of when you hear people are in need,” says the team, “but we also know what it takes to ask people to donate money.” See the video below to watch Jason explain the project in his own words and to find out more about the campaign before heading to your closet to weed out some spare tees to send in.

http://mashable.com/2010/04/27/1millionshirts-wants-tees/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29

As Kermit once wisely said, it isn’t easy being green, especially if you’re really into your gadgets, but recycling old products and buying new ones with an eye on eco is something we should all be doing.

To help you out of your consumer vs. conscience crisis, we’ve handpicked ten amazing items from around the web that re-use existing materials to make a brand new product.

http://mashable.com/2010/04/22/recycled-gadgets/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29

By becoming more eco-friendly and making small steps to enact change in our daily lives, we will have a significant impact on the way natural resources are consumed and preserved. Take a moment to peruse the apps below and download a few that are useful to your environmental protection efforts — after all, they’re free!

http://mashable.com/2010/04/22/free-iphone-apps-green/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29

Of course, if you want to spend more than five minutes or $25, you could do a lot more good for folks in need. But this is a great way to begin cultivating a personal attitude of philanthropy in your spare time and with your spare cash.

http://mashable.com/2010/04/17/social-good-micro-lending/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29

There are many ways to take part in the environmental movement on the social web. With Earth Day rapidly approaching this Thursday, we decided to revisit our post from a few weeks ago on ways to go green with social media.

Here are five more non-profit and corporate social responsibility programs to promote environmental action on Earth Day.

Bloom Energy has actually been operating for 8 years, raising $400 million in funding from VCs including Kleiner Perkins (investors in Netscape, Amazon, Google and others). Its “Bloom Box” houses fuel cells that run on oxygen plus natural gas, landfill gas, bio-gas or even solar.

The company’s first customer was Google, which has been powering a datacenter on 4 Bloom Boxes for 18 months. Google’s boxes run on natural gas. eBay is also a customer — the company has 5 Bloom Boxes in San Jose, which it says have saved $100,000 in energy costs over 9 months.

The Bloom Box got its first TV appearance on CBS’ 60 Minutes tonight, which will no doubt drive interest in the launch. Look out for more news on Wednesday.

Evolv lists its ingredients in the following order: Natural Spring Water, Extracts of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa), Leaves and Stems, Milk Whey Protein, Bromelain (from Pineapple), Papain (from Papaya), Protease, Amylase, Lipase, Lactase and Cellulase.

Let’s take a look at each of these individually:

Natural Spring Water – Minerals become dissolved in the water as it moves through the underground rocks. This may give the water flavor and even carbon dioxide bubbles, depending on the nature of the geology through which it passes.

Extracts of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) Leaves and Stems – Alfalfa has been used as an herbal medicine for over 1,500 years. Alfalfa is high in protein, calcium, plus other minerals, vitamin A, vitamins in the B group, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

In early Chinese medicines, physicians used young alfalfa leaves to treat disorders related to the digestive tract and the kidneys. In Hindu societies, ayurvedic physicians used the leaves for treating poor digestion. They made a cooling poultice from the seeds for boils. At the time, alfalfa was also believed to be helpful towards people suffering from arthritis and water retention.

It is used in homeopathic preparations worldwide. Today, alfalfa is suggested by homeopaths for treating anemia, diabetes, to extend appetite and contribute towards weight gain, as a diuretic for increased urination, for indigestion and bladder disorders, and can also be used as an estrogen replacement in order to increase breast milk and to mitigate premenstrual syndrome, a dietary supplement, to lower blood cholestrol levels, and to lower the chances of severe heart conditions. However, claims of homeopathy’s efficacy beyond the placebo effect are unsupported by the collective weight of scientific and clinical evidence.

Milk Whey Protein – Whey protein is a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production. Some preclinical studies in rodents have suggested that whey protein may influence glutathione production and possess anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer properties; however, human data are lacking.  The effects of whey protein on human health are of great interest and this protein mixture is being investigated as a way of reducing disease risk, or as a supplementary treatment for several diseases.  Whey protein is commonly marketed and ingested as a dietary supplement, and various health claims have been attributed to it in the alternative medicine community.

Bromelain (from Pineapple) – Bromelain can refer to one of two protease enzymes extracted from the plant family Bromeliaceae, or it can refer to a combination of those enzymes along with other compounds produced in an extract.

Bromelain extract is a mixture of sulfur-containing protein-digesting enzymes—called proteolytic enzymes or proteases—and several other substances in smaller quantities.

Bromelain has a number of medical uses. It was first introduced in this area in 1957, and works by blocking some proinflammatory metabolites that accelerate and worsen the inflammatory process. In vitro research has shown that bromelain decreases migration of neutrophils to sites of acute inflammation, and in vivo bromelain has generated a 50-85% reduction in neutrophil migration. It is an anti-inflammatory agent, and so can be used for sports injury, trauma, arthritis, and other kinds of swelling. Its main uses are treatment of athletic injuries, digestive problems, phlebitis, sinusitis, and aiding healing after surgery. Doses of 200 mg have proven to be an efficacious alternative to NSAIDS.

It has also been proposed for the treatment of arthritis, chronic venous insufficiency, easy bruising, gout, hemorrhoids, menstrual pain, autoimmune disorders, and ulcerative colitis.

Studies have shown that bromelain can also be useful in the reduction of platelet clumping and blood clots in the bloodstream, especially in the arteries.

Bromelain supplementation may increase heart rate; care should be used by those with heart disease.

Papain (from Papaya) – Papain is a cysteine protease (EC 3.4.22.2) enzyme present in papaya (Carica papaya) and mountain papaya (Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis).

It consists of 212 amino acids stabilised by 3 disulfide bridges. Its 3D structure consists of 2 distinct structural domains with a cleft between them. This cleft contains the active site, which contains a catalytic triad that has been likened to that of chymotrypsin. Its catalytic triad is made up of 3 amino acids – cysteine-25 (from which it gets its classification), histidine-159, and asparagine-158.

Protease – A protease (or proteinase) breaks down proteins. A protease is any enzyme that conducts proteolysis, that is, begins protein catabolism by hydrolysis of the peptide bonds that link amino acids together in the polypeptide chain forming the protein.

Amylase – An amylase is an enzyme that breaks starch down into sugar. Amylase is present in human saliva, where it begins the chemical process of digestion. Foods that contain much starch but little sugar, such as rice and potato, taste slightly sweet as they are chewed because amylase turns some of their starch into sugar in the mouth. The pancreas also makes amylase (alpha amylase) to hydrolyse dietary starch into di- and trisaccharides which are converted by other enzymes to glucose to supply the body with energy. Plants and some bacteria also produce amylase. As diastase, amylase was the first enzyme to be discovered and isolated (by Anselme Payen in 1833).  Specific amylase proteins are designated by different Greek letters. All amylases are glycoside hydrolases and act on α-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It will start to denature at around 60C.

Lipase – A lipase is a soluble enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of ester bonds in water–insoluble, lipid substrates.  Lipases thus comprise a subclass of the esterases.

Lipases perform essential roles in the digestion, transport and processing of dietary lipids (e.g. triglycerides, fats, oils) in most, if not all, living organisms. Genes encoding lipases are even present in certain viruses.

Lactase – Lactase (LCT), a part of the β-galactosidase family of enzymes, is a glycoside hydrolase involved in the hydrolysis of the disaccharide lactose into constituent galactose and glucose monomers. In humans, lactase is present predominantly along the brush border membrane of the differentiated enterocytes lining the villi of the small intestine.

Lactase is essential for digestive hydrolysis of lactose in milk. Deficiency of the enzyme causes lactose intolerance.

Cellulase – Cellulase refers to a class of enzymes produced chiefly by fungi, bacteria, and protozoans that catalyze the cellulolysis (or hydrolysis) of cellulose. However, there are also cellulases produced by other types of organisms such as plants and animals. Several different kinds of cellulases are known, which differ structurally and mechanistically. The EC number for this group of enzymes is EC 3.2.1.4.

by Carl H. Martens on 05/11/09 at 1:10 pm

Yahoo is currently holding a contest to find a green logo, while just last week a green living social network was acquired. In short: green is the new black. We’ve rounded up 80+ tools, social sites and resources to help you help the planet.

—-Carbon Footprint Calculators, Other Calculators & Carbon Offsets

Environmental Defense PaperCalculator - Calculate the environmental impact of the paper products you use.

The Carbon Diet - Track your carbon footprint every day and compare your footprint with those of your friends.

NativeEnergy - Carbon offsets and a travel carbon calculator.

The Nature Conservancy Carbon Calculator - Another carbon footprint calculator.

BeGreen - A carbon calculator and information resource that also offers carbon offsets.

zerofootprint - Helping individuals, organizations, and cities reduce their environmental impact (their goal is to get 1,000,000 people pledging to reduce their environmental footprint by 10% in one year).

Yahoo! Green Carbon Footprint Calculator - Another carbon footprint calculator.

Ecological Footprint Quiz - Find out how much “nature” your lifestyle requires.

terrapass - A carbon offset company that has an emissions calculator.

Search Engines, Directories & Guides

sprig - A super-hip and fashionable resource for your green lifestyle, including food, fashion, beauty and home.

The Nature Conservancy Nature Preserve Map - A Google Maps mashup featuring nature preserves across the U.S.

EcoSeek - A search engine for green stuff.

Greener - An environmental search engine.

GuideMeGreen.com - A resource of green companies and brands for environmentally conscious shoppers.

Green Maven - A search engine and green directory powered by Google search.

Evolvist - A directory of eco-friendly & socially responsible business that will be released soon. They also have a blog and a Facebook app.

Holistic Local - A resource to find local conscious businesses, local events and courses, and articles & e-books, as well as a marketplace to buy and sell conscious products.

Sustainable Travel International - A sustainable travel guide that also offers carbon offsets for your travel.

Green Building Blocks - A green building product & service directory that also features information on green building techniques and ways to promote your green business.

Lime - Lime is a complete green living guide with online TV, radio, mobile, podcasts, shopping and more.

GoodSearch - A search engine that donates 50% of it’s proceeds to the charity of your choice (over 40,000 are currently participating).

Green Building Studio - Online tools for green builders, engineers, building products manufacturers and architects.

Yahoo! Green - Yahoo!’s green information site that includes a pledge to help reduce your environmental impact.

Games

ElectroCity - An online game that teaches about energy, sustainability and environmental management through the building virtual towns and cities.

KyotoPotato - An idle trading game for making energy efficiency more fun (all you have to do is remember to turn off your computer when you’re not using it).

MyAbodo - An interactive toy that lets you build a house online and see the impact that your choices make on the world around you.

Web Earth Online - Multi player online ecology game.

Communities & User Generated

Open Architecture Network - A collaborative community for sustainable architecture.

AlternativeE - A website for sharing news related to renewable and alternative energy that allows users to vote for stories (like Digg for alternative energy).

GreenOptions - An online blog, wiki, forum and news site for everything green.

The Nature Conservancy Groupspace - The Nature Conservancy’s online community.

Appropedia - The sustainability wiki.

NetSquared - An online community that’s helping non-profits and non-governmental organizations take advantage of the Internet to increase their reach.

GoodTree - An online community that’s all about idealism and effecting positive change.

Hooze - A community-built site for publishing useful information about the sustainability of products & companies.

sustainlane - User reviews of natural, organic and green products & companies.

Gusse - A worldwide community for collaborating on the best ideas for sustainable cities.

EarthLab Foundation - A climate crisis community for people who are interested in being more environmentally friendly. They also have a calculator to determine your “Earth Conservation Profile”.

GreenVoice - Offset your computer’s carbon emissions for free, join a campaign to voice your opinions and show your support, and join groups to communicate and collaborate with others who share your passions.

gigoit - A swapping network for finding what you need or giving away what you don’t.

Make Me Sustainable - A manager for reducing your carbon footprint incorporated into a social community of other like-minded individuals.

ecolocal - A source for green living and local news that allows users to submit tips, events and links.

PlayGreen - A green living wiki.

Youth Noise - A platform for young people to get involved and make a difference in the environment and other causes.

loanables - Brings together people who need to borrow things with people who have stuff to loan, and if your neighborhood is on their “Green Neighborhoods” page, the service is free.

Actics - An ethical community that helps you to live your values.

Change - A social network for activism, including environmental activism.

Hunuh - Community collaboration space where members can submit & discuss green technologies, services and processes.

Networking & Dating

idealist - Find people, ideas and resources worldwide and get involved.

Earth Wise Singles - A dating site for singles who are passionate about green living and sustainable lifestyles.

VeggieDate - An online vegetarian dating service.

dharmaMatch - A dating service that matches based on your beliefs, values and spirituality.

Green Drinks - Networking opportunities internationally for people who work in the environmental field.

GishiGo - A ride sharing network that connects riders and drivers.

pooln - A carpooling community with a social-networking approach.

GoLoco - Quickly arrange ride shares between friends, neighbors, and colleagues (it also helps you share trip costs online).

Environmental Projects

Tree-Nation - An online community that’s aiming to plant 8 million trees in the shape of a heart in Africa. They also have a news section and other resources.

Step It Up - A movement being organized online that will be a call for action to political leaders to address key priorities to stop global warming.

18Seconds - See how many compact fluorescent lightbulbs have been installed in your area, and the equivalent amount of money saved, cars off the road, pounds of coal saved, and pounds of CO2 prevented.

Google Earth Outreach - A Google Earth application that allows charities and non-profits to map what they’re doing on Google Earth for the world to see.

Charitable Donations

InviteForGood - Manage invitations for all kinds of events, and add an optional charitable gift registry to those invitations.

alonovo - Shop online and your purchases will benefit the cause of your choice.

Kiva - Allows you to lend to a specific entrepreneur in a developing country to help them with their business and lift them out of poverty.

Contribution Manager - Keep track of all your donations online (and if you’re in the UK, you can fill out all the necessary forms to make the claim).

GiveMeaning - An online fundraising site that emphasizing creative fundraising and unique charity donation.

Giveness - Online shopping widget that you can put on your site that will generate awareness and donations for the causes you support.

Blogs

World Changing - A group blog with tons of great articles on every topic (there’s also a World Changing book available in print).

Treehugger - Easily the most popular environmental blog out there.

earth2tech - A technology-focused green blog from GigaOM.

Gombe Chimpanzee Blog - A blog from the Jane Goodall Institute that also includes a Google Earth mashup with information about the Institute.

Other Resources

GreenPrint - A patent-pending app that figures out what to print and removes unwanted pages, saving trees (and money).

green tv - An all-green TV station online.

LA Green Living - Connecting the different segments of green living in Los Angeles into one larger community.

Hotel Chatter Green Hotels Map - A Google maps mashup that shows the best green hotels in the U.S. on a map.

LocalCooling - A software program that puts a more efficient power save mode on your PC.

Hunger Site - A leader in online activism committed to eradicating world hunger.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance - Reports and evaluations on charitable organizations.

Wild Sanctuary - An interactive nature sounds map that works with either Google Maps or FreeEarth.

Greenpeace Esperanze Interactive Route Map - A Google Maps mashup that plots the course of the Greenpeace ship Esperanza with interactive features detailing different parts of the trip.

Scorecard - Get pollution reports by county.