Summertime is the season for fun. Whether you hit the road or hang out at home, you can leave a lighter footprint.

Here comes the heat! There are plenty of eco-friendly ways to celebrate the sunny season. The Hipsters looks at ways to work with the sun, not against it. Listen for tips about summer food, drinks, clothing and fun! Also, Val blogs about her latest social faux pas while Dori defends Green Day.

Beer: Another cool label for Val's collection! Coney Island Lager from Shmaltz Brewing Co. boasts 8 malts, 6 hops and an intriguing amber hue. Delightfully hefty, as lagers go.

Chocolate: Even Dagoba falls a little short sometimes. Their New Moon 74% Rich Dark Chocolate got a big "meh" from Val, while Dori is unable to taste anything but nasal fluids.

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Why pay $3-$4 a box for sugary popsicles this summer? Cool down your body and your wallet with the Frozen Ice Pop Maker. Add chunks of fresh fruit to healthy juice and freeze a little fun!
• Lettuce begin. No space for a garden? With a few seeds and a little water, you can grow your salad greens in a reusable tote. We like produce that bags itself.
• Pandasonic. A compostable bamboo cell phone? Will it grow new cell phones?

• Green house effect. President Obama's plans to renovate public housing will create green jobs in those communities.
• Letter rip! Our friends at Green America want you to send this letter to Exxon, asking them to please spend more of their record profits on renewable energy and less on greenwashing.
• Know Your Enemy. That's the new song by Green Day. Wal-Mart believes you shouldn't hear it, so they won't sell it.

As the bounty of summer fills the stalls of your farmer's market, make it a point to try something new. Choose something that looks interesting and ask the vendor how to prepare it. If it's fresh, local and seasonal, it can't be all bad, right?

Green Summer

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is in the headlights. You already know the basic moves to save water and energy. Now, with a little help from Planet Green, the Hipsters take you to the next level with ideas for a cool green summer to remember!

• Grill. Cook outside to save energy, using propane or natural briquettes. Serve those summer meals on compostable dishes. Clean the grill with an eco-friendly cleanser like Bon Ami.
• Skill. Learn how to prepare raw foods. Work them into your diet for maximum nutrition with minimal electricity. Eat smaller meals several times a day.
• Chill. Wear lightweight cotton or linen fabric like seersucker or madras. Splash water on your pulse points. Munch on spicy foods containing capsaicin; your body will sweat to cool itself, without raising your core temperature.
• Kill bacteria and mold in wet laundry with the natural bleaching power of the sun. Good ol' Sol can also charge your gadgets and brew up delicious tea.
• Fill your free time with green volunteer opportunities. Plan day trips to local attractions and events, but don't overbook yourself! Leave time to relax with family and friends.

• Carolyn in Melbourne, Australia wants to know why we think the Canadian seal hunt is cruel. Good question! The HSUS has the answer.
• Alisha in Virginia found a study calling reuseable bags a public safety hazard. (Sponsor: Plastics industry!) She also has a new "bamboo management program"...Freecycle.
• Trystan at Yahoo! Green shares new uses for plastic bottles, reveals how fresh air is killing us and wonders if she should compost despite having no plants. We say yes, if only to further horrify your neighbors!

Realtor Scott Wolf shares tips for buying or selling a green home in the current market.

"Homes that are healthier for those who live in them, more resource-efficient, and/or better for the environment than their conventional counterparts." That's how Chico Eco-Broker Scott Wolf defines a green home. He tells the Hipsters about the best upgrades to make to your dwelling, and why a home is only as green as its location location location! Also, Dori plants a garden, Val proposes a gift for the show's upcoming 4th anniversary and the Snot Sisters make their debut.

Beer: We loved the label and the cap on our big-ass bottle of Wychwood Scarecrow Golden Pale Ale. However, the flavor of this organic brew was less than bewitching.

Chocolate: Reliably yummy Dagoba Conacado 73% Dominican Republic origin dark chocolate is Fair Trade Certified and Hipster Approved.

Finds:

• Solid grounds. National Geographic has partnered with Cafe Bom Dia to produce Terra Firma Fair Trade Certified Gourmet Coffee. Proceeds benefit NatGeo's international programs.

• Smiles per gallon. President Obama announced new rules to cut vehicle emissions, bringing together environmentalists and the auto industry.
• The ranger's not gonna like this! A couple of seasonal employees at Yellowstone National Park were fired after a live webcam caught them peeing into the Old Faithful geyser. Is that why it's Yellowstone?

Green Realtor Scott Wolf says we should think of our homes as a "system", made up of the building, the heating and cooling unit, the water unit, the lighting and the appliances. You can't make changes to one part without affecting the rest. Take the time to evaluate the efficiency of your system, whether you live in a house, apartment, condo, cabin or yurt!

Our friend Scott Wolf is a realtor and Certified Eco-Broker specializing in green homes here in Chico. He explains what makes a house green, which upgrades are a worthwhile investment and what to look for if you're buying or selling a home these days. He also explains why solar is sexy, and bravely tackles a few questions from listeners along the way.

• What is a green home? Scott talks about resources, health and environmental considerations.
• How do you know if you're buying a green home? Invest in an energy audit.
• When should you upgrade to green? Look for tax credits and incentives in your area.
• Where can you make inexpensive changes in your home? Start with eco-friendly paint and carpet, or water-saving aerators.
• Why go green at home? Because programs like Regreen are making it easier than ever.
• Who can help you find a green home? A Certified Eco-Broker and/or LEED Accredited Professional, like Scott Wolf!

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and real estate listings at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Lisa in Minnesota found "functional funky stuff" for Hipsters at Maruja Fuentes. Check out the Green Pockets.
• Bruce Lee in Texas shares more info on the evils of the NAIS. Keep your damn dirty hands off Dori's goats!
• Gayla in South Carolina discovered an easy way to honor Organic Heroes by purchasing Nature's Path and Organic Valley products.
• Amanda in Tennessee is ready to shake her ass in hemp jeans, but can't find any in Nashville! Try here.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Graduation Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

Shawna Lee Coronado, author of Gardening Nude, believes that getting in touch with nature provides the key to healthy bodies, minds and communities, as well as a healthy planet.

After years of chronic bad health, Shawna began digging into the earth and found a whole new lifestyle. She's now an author, blogger, speaker and activist, as well as a wife and mom. She called the Hipsters from her home in Chicago, where she took time out from shooting a local TV feature to share her passion for gardens, people, community, naked clowns and buffalo poop! Also this week, Dori goes to the movies and Val gets Topsy Turvy.

Beer: We enjoyed a big-ass bottle of Hefeweizen from Cica's Blue Frog Grog, just a hop away in Fairfield, CA. Nice and light for a summer's day, though Dori found the flavor "frog-gettable". (sorry!)

Chocolate: Wow, a surprisingly tasty Mocha Milk Chocolate from Newman's Own Organics. Normally we'd scoff at a measly 34% cocoa, but Nell and "Pa" packed a lot of luscious into this bar. RIP, Blue Eyes!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! Here it is, a garden hose that's tough, kink resistant and eco-friendly. The GatorHyde Recycled Garden Hose replaces all those flimsy hoses that break every year, and the water that comes out the nickel-plated nozzle is actually safe to drink! (No gators were harmed in the making of this hose.)
• Waterworld. After the smashing success of "Earth", Disneynature is diving into the Oceans for Earth Day 2010. You've got to sea it to believe it!
• Pucker up. May is National Vinegar Month, so get your Heinz in gear with these useful tips for the inexpensive elixir.

• Polarizing issue. The Obama administration says the Endangered Species Act is not the right tool to control global warming, so polar bears will receive no special protection under the Act. Sarah Palin is gassing up her helicopter.
• Pick your poison. Good news for those of us who like to eat food: the EPA is banning the use of the pesticide carbofuran on food crops. A few million dead migratory birds can't be wrong!
• Free range beef. A black heifer named Molly could find sanctuary after escaping from a New York City slaughterhouse. Start spreadin' the mooos...

Mother knows best! Pick up a copy of the Mother Earth News Guide to Living on Less. The issue is part of their Wiser Living Series, and features articles on saving energy, starting a garden, building a home, preserving food, raising backyard chickens, even brewing your own beer. It's so full of great ideas, we couldn't pick just one!

The Casual Gardener, Shawna Lee Coronado, believes gardening gives life not only to plants, but also to those tending them. After years of chronic bad health, Shawna began digging into the earth and found a whole new lifestyle! She's now an author, blogger, speaker and activist, as well as a wife and mom. She called the Hipsters from her home in Chicago, where she took time out from shooting a local TV feature to share her passion for gardens, people, community, naked clowns and buffalo poop.

• Blog. The 2009 Casual Gardener Get It Garden Challenge is on! Create a garden that makes a difference in your life and your community.
• Garden. As a member of the Garden Writer's Association, Shawna encourages you to Plant a Row for the Hungry.
• Book. You can leave your clothes on while you read Gardening Nude, Shawna's story of how getting back to nature saved her health.
• NSFW. Or, if you'd rather take your clothes off, mark your calendar for World Naked Gardening Day on May 2nd.
• Calendar. One thing that never goes out of season: Naked Clowns. For a good cause, of course.
• Buffalo. Something about their poop makes Shawna giddy with pleasure.

Be a part of our show! Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles, links and nude gardening photos at our MHTH forum!Send Val at least 25 beer caps or labels for her patio project, and get a free MHTH bottle opener! Mail them to More Hip Val, 275 Fairchild Ave. #107, Chico, CA 95973. No Sierra Nevada please!

• Melinda in South Carolina shares a story about Konarka, a solar company that plans to fit transparent solar cells into windows.
• Rick in Virginia wants us to read The End of Overeating, an important new book by Dr. David Kessler.
• Diane in San Diego is excited about a beer and chocolate event hosted by Chuao. Hey, we love your Yard Fairy blog!
• Sean in Roseville, CA recommends the tasty brews at Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB), Portland's first eco-brewpub. We'll add it to the list.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Graduation Day or everyday! Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow us on Twitter: GrnDiva, MoreHipDori and JRich9 at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook and MySpace!Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes! More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our new blog!

Flea and tick control usually involves toxic pesticides. Natural alternatives protect you, your pet and your home.

More than 65% of American homes include a family pet. Your fur-bearing friends are likely to attract unwanted visitors: fleas and ticks. Which powders and pills are safe and effective? The Hipsters jump in with the latest info, plus healthy options and preventive measures. Also, Dori manages to finish a book and Val takes on Taz.

Beer: It's a fine day indeed when Chico's Sierra Nevada Brewery launches a new beverage. Kellerweis Hefeweizen is an old-school brew with surprising notes of banana and cloves. So light and delicious, even your wine-cooler friends will love it!

Chocolate: We weren't expecting good things from our beer and chocolate combo this week, but Lindt Excellence Intense Mint scored remarkably well with the fruity brew. The silky chocolate infused with peppermint struck just the right balance for our picky palates!

Finds:

• Vegetannual? It's not a gruesome GMO hybrid! Author Barbara Kingsolver created this seasonal growth chart for her 2007 book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Dori loved this readable and inspiring ode to local food.
• How Suite It Is! Before you book your summer vacation, consult the GreenHotels Directory. It's the first online reservation system for travelers seeking eco-friendly accomodations.

• Unfurgettable. The European Union has closed its borders to products from Canada's cruel commercial seal slaughters. "Soon seals will be worth more alive than dead."
• Sicken of the Sea. Tuna is getting more toxic, according to a new federal study. Mercury levels are up 30% from 1990, and still rising. Sorry, Charlie.

Armed and Hammered! Now that it's time to clean out the fireplace or woodstove, how do you keep the house from smelling like soot? Just fill a pie tin with baking soda, then set it in the fireplace to absorb lingering odors. Way to kick some ash!

Fleas and Ticks Suck!

Flea and tick season is officially underway. By understanding how they live and die, you can keep these unhealthy pests at bay without toxic chemicals. Learn why flea collars are bad, pills are good and cleanliness is your best bet against an infestation.

• Fleas spend their short lives biting mammals and laying eggs. Clean them out.
• Ticks are big disease carriers, most often associated with Lyme Disease. Search and destroy.
• Pet collars are indeed harmful to everyone's health, according to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council.
• Toxic products to avoid list propoxur, tetrachlorvinphos or amitraz as active ingredients.
• Safer products include Program, Capstar and Biolar. Check this product guide for more info.
• Natural products are not always best. Here are options from Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. Greenfeet carries a diatomaceous earth product.
• Sign this petition requesting that the EPA ban toxic pesticides from pet products.

• Michelle in Queens, NY is impressed with the geniuses who turned wombat poop into handmade paper. No, not toilet paper.
• Maggie in Spain (si!) educates us on the many uses of cherry and olive pits, and manages to squeeze in a funny green one-liner. Nice!
• Chris in Minnesota believes the Kindle DX is the book format of the future. Val is on board.
• Hilary in Kentucky makes the case for having one's knives professionally sharpened. She brought backup.
• Erin in New York had an amazing Earth Day with her 3rd grade class. Thanks for checking in on our Facebook page!
• Rick in Virginia sees evidence that more people are growing their own food, for good reason. Tune in next week for our interview with The Casual Gardener, Shawna Coronado!