More Hip Than Hippie #278 - Turn It Up to '11!

Experts forecast green trends for 2011.

Taking those tiny green steps can lead to big changes. The Hipsters take a look at the year ahead to see how consumer demand and the economy have influenced the decision-makers. Also, Val proposes a new tax and reveals her home plumbing FAIL!

Beer: We've got that Christmas glow with a holiday ale from Batemans Brewery. Their Rosey Nosey could have been named after Val's stuffed-up schnoz!

Chocolate: It's a catchy idea, but we decided that Komforte's Ramen Noodle bar would have been just as good without the novelty noodles inside.

Finds:

• Drill, Baby, Drill! Nothing should come between you and your wine. Put some torque on that cork with the Bosch IXO Vino Cordless Lithium-Ion Screwdriver with Corkscrew Attachment. Keep it charged; it's going to be a long winter.
• Holidon't. When you're done counting down the 12 Days of Christmas, take on the 12 Unhealthiest Wintertime Drinks. Ho Ho Heartattack.
• Drink this, not that. Need a beverage that will boost your immunity without busting your calorie budget? Val recommends tulsi tea. No corkscrew required.

• Baby, it's hot outside. NASA says 2010 is on pace to be the warmest year on record, surpassing 2005. The year was marked by extreme weather events globally and gusty blasts of hot air from Washington DC.
• California greenin'. The Golden State leads the nation's effort to address global warming by approving rules for the world's 2nd-largest carbon market.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Conquer! That's Val's Word of the Year for 2011. Think about your own word or phrase to inspire you during the year ahead. Focus on one green task to achieve; just don't call it a resolution!

Taking those tiny green steps can lead to big changes. Electric cars? Curbside recycling? You asked for them and they appeared. Now the Hipsters take a look at the year ahead to see how consumer demand and the economy have influenced the decision-makers.

• Food. Expect to see more home-based food businesses, natural sweeteners and smaller desserts. Also pimentos, hay and necks.
• Garden. Eco-scaping, sustainable containers and succulents lead the trends.
• Building. Green building construction starts have increased in value by 50%, and that growth is expected to continue.
• Cars. Look for a wealth of electric car options in 2011. Leading the way, Green Car of the Year, the Chevy Volt.
• Weddings. Keep planning those green nuptials. Instead of gifts, ask for charitable donations.
• Fashion. Everything old is new again! Vintage styles from the 30s to the 80s are back.
• Travel. Don't just see the world, live in it. Voluntourism and slow travel connect you to culture and the environment.

Well, that's it for 2010! What would you like us to talk about in the New Year? Give us your input at hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our blog!

• Dale in Seattle has a word of warning about those dual flush conversion kits, and sings the praises of the Solatube. Um, Dale, write back soon to tell us whether you're a boy or a girl, mmmk?
• Emily in Tennessee thinks creative Hipsters might be interested in Dogfish Head's Off-Centered Film Fest. Get those entries in by March 1st!
• Patrick in North Carolina sends up the alarm about flame retardants in butter. Would that be ass-bestos?
• Erica found the ingenious Chocolate Calculator, proving once and for all that you can't fool cacao.