SRO News | Updates

Launched New Site and Don't miss THIS conference call!

2008-08-27T22:39:00.005-04:00

Hey y'all faithful companions in crime. Got a lot of changes up in this house. New site, new contact info, new everything. I re-launched a whole new website HERE. More interactive, as promised, and a new blog on the same site HERE. Much more fun (and easier to read).

You've probably already missed a ton of posts for August, so feel free to peruse through August 08. But here is the most important one: (drum roll please) Join me on THIS conference call August 28 (Thursday) at 1PM EST.

We're Moving

2008-07-31T21:54:00.003-04:00

A lot has happened over the course of two months. To sum it up, I had an epic battle with meningitis, (which I just found out today I probably passed onto a friend). I must have contracted it while filming for G Word for Discovery --you know somewhere between fishing for ocean trash or plodding through cow poop. That being said, I had plenty of time to catch up on QT with family and friends. On top of that, we've had some change-over at the office and a deluge of new business, which has kept us all pretty busy. Planet Green is constantly launching new shows too--Battleground Earth is coming out this August 3rd...We've set a date for the next Power Shift (Feb 27-Mar 2)...heading off to Tucson to re-connect with some formal Udalls and speak at the event tomorrow; and then off to Africa soon. There is SOOOO much more to share, but can't do it all right now.

NOTICE: Just to let you know, we're moving! Had to let you know so you don't skip a beat. This blog will remain, but will be dormant. I'm working with a web designer and my team on a new site that will have the blog built into it and I'll let you know the new web url when it is up-and-ready. It'll have a ton of new features and ways in which you can interact more-and-more. Talk soon, SRO.

Financial Times Germany Talks Sustainable Style

2008-07-20T20:32:00.004-04:00

Financial Times, Sunday edition - Deutsche

Summer Rayne talks Planet Green, Green-Collar Jobs, and Eco-fashion with Elephant Mag

2008-07-20T20:13:00.002-04:00

elevision - Ecofashion & Green Collar Jobs with Summer Rayne Oakes from elevision on Vimeo.

Hometown Paper Highlights Career

2008-07-09T17:44:00.004-04:00

Two Dozen Long Stem Roses

2008-06-25T15:46:00.003-04:00

Today I lugged two boxes of a dozen organic long stem roses and a vase from my office to my home. It took a little maneuvering in the subway, but I managed pretty well. I unwrapped them all carefully, so as not to prick a finger or break a flower. Now that I sit across from them, I must admit that I very much appreciate the little things people do for one another--like the time and thought it takes for someone to send these along.

It's time for me to slow down...just a little bit...and just think and enjoy. As a matter of fact, I've been feeling very satisfied (though not satiated) as of late. I'm just very happy where I'm at and what I'm doing and the good people that are around me. It's taken some time to sit back, take it all in, and reflect, but it feels really good to do just that.

breathe deeply....

Sustainable Style: Trend or Movement? What do Students Think

2008-06-25T08:52:00.005-04:00

I had a chance this past April to swing by the Cornell Textiles & Fashion School and give a talk on sustainable fashion. Students are a good gauge as to how information is being dispersed and what effect it is having because they are more informed than the average person, but the information is obtained in drastically different ways.

How did they read sustainability in the press?

Answer: As a trend.

It wasn't clear for the majority of them that "sustainability" was something that would be here season-to-season. They commented that how it is written about in the press makes it "feel" like a trend, more than something that is here to stay.

There you have it journalists: Now you got to start addressing the fact that this is a valid movement in the textiles and apparel industry.

For the fashionistas: I'm wearing AOI, which is a recycled kimono double-cuff jacket with an organic cotton "LOVE" tee by Katharine Hamnett.

Behind-the-scenes at LOHAS

2008-06-24T23:53:00.006-04:00

These are some pix provided by our friends over at Elephant Magazine.

It was during our interview with them and right before our panel. Let me fill you in on what is happening in the pictures: Way is doing the interviewing and pretending to listen to what we're all saying (You know I love you Way, but it's so true!).

And for all you fashion freaks out there, I'm wearing an organic cotton dress by Sublet Clothing; shoes by Charmone; a sustainably-harvested African blackwood bracelet by a.d. schwarz; a horn ring made by a cooperative of women in Colombia and purchased at a local sustainable jewelry shop (Lisa Linhardt designs). Sorry, I don't know what all the boys are wearing, but I think Way exclusively wears vintage duds. Bryan was flaunting some tailored suit. Graham was wearing the same damn jacket as Danny, which was pretty funny.

Funniest Response to my Insect Terrariums

2008-06-24T23:28:00.005-04:00

From Jake, The Bleeder:

"You are really making me laugh. You have to be the hottest invertebrate interior decorator going right now. While all the other designers were concentrating on rotting fruit and leaf cover, you were all over the coconut hut trend. Don't hate girl, innovate, i love it! keep the updates coming." - jake

Summer Rayne's Insect Urban Planning Tip of the Day:

Make sure your bodies of water are highly oxygenated. Stagnant water can attract mosquitoes. However, if you are a mosquito lover, I suggest setting up the "Blood Donor Facility" on the outskirts of the insect city surrounded by shrubbery, so as not to disturb the local residents.

Welcome to 21 new additions to the family

2008-06-24T22:40:00.017-04:00

Do you remember the article on my bug fetish, "What's Bugging Summer Rayne," I wrote years ago for SASS Magazine, as per Sean's request?

Well, I just got a whole new troupe of arthropods in today, which is cause for great excitement. My friend, Jake and I were preparing the terrariums all weekend. There were a few mishaps along the way. Jake fell off the ladder while hanging up some plants and put a foot straight through one of the glass cases. He cut himself up pretty badly and we had to go get peroxide and bandages because he was a bleeder. Right after that, we had to go back to the pet store to get another terrarium.

Then this morning, UPS never delivered the blasted insect package because the plane had been delayed. Finally, UPS came back, but only on a whim because the shipper misspelled my street name. Thank goodness they found me--otherwise I would have had a box of fried cockroaches!

Right now I have two terrariums: Forest terrain and desert terrain--to accommodate the different habitat preferences of the species. I'm in agreement with Jake: The desert terrain is pretty damn sweet. I have a number of succulents and a coconut hut, the latter which has been the hotbed of insect activity. I think the Madagascar hissing cockroach (who is more suitable in the forest terrain, but had to separate him from the female roaches for obvious reasons) is shacking up right now with a desert millipede in the hut. That inspires me to actually create a new terrarium with little coconut huts with signs like, "The Roach Motel," "The Bug Bar," "Centipede Shoe Shine"....you know, the usual hang-out joints for beasts like these.

I have a lot of new insects that I haven't raised before, like the red-backed darkling beetles and common darkling beetles. I was actually surprised that they do headstands as a defensive mechanism, which is pretty cool. They're related to the blue death-feigning beetles, (which I have raised before), and who actually roll over and play dead. Well, at least I know they are pretty agile--maybe I should start a coconut hut-gymnasium.

Another newcomer is the absolutely stunning show-stopper of a bug: A female Hercules beetle. She has not removed herself from the organic banana and kiwi slices, but graciously shares them with the Black African millipedes (my favorite) and the red-backed darklings. This will provide endless hours of enjoyment for me...Just wait until I start walking them in Bryant Park... ;o)

The desert terrarium with just two death-feigning beetles from a previous upbringing

The desert terrarium with it's residents. Millipede in transit; blue death-feigning female and darkling beetle chowing down on a banana and strawberry; and desert millipede in the background sucking on a kiwi.

A female blue death-feigning beetle on a succulent

Residents eating outside the coconut house

The forest habitat with a Madagascar hissing roach and Black African millipede in the back

The opulent Hercules beetle (female). Females are sexually-dimorphic, which means they look drastically different from the males, who have large horns protruding from their head. Hercules beetles are the strongest animals in the world, capable of lifting objects 850 times their weight. I didn't get a male. They can get pretty angry during mating season.

Lady Hercules gets her fill of fresh organic fruits.

A red-backed darkling beetle in the forest habitat.

Another red-backed exploring the wood-chip terrain

A Black African millipede chows down on my plants. They are known to have a pretty voracious appetite and will often go after my plants.

Total insect collection count:
- 2 Black African Millipedes
- 3 Desert Millipedes
- 1 Hercules Beetle
- 6 Blue Death-Feigning Beetles
- 4 Red-backed Darkling Beetles
- 2 Common Darkling Beetles
- 3 Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Men's Health keeps the green fun, light, and entertaining

2008-06-24T22:22:00.004-04:00

This past week I was at the LOHAS Conference in Boulder to talk on a Planet Green panel and catch up and connect with so many of the cool people within this space. Shout out to Way, Ted, Tommy, Jack, Andreas, Olivier, Linda, Denise, Gerald, and everyone else that I'm leaving out because there are just too many names to mention.

On the plane ride back to New York, I noticed the guy next to me was flipping through the latest copy of Men's Health. There is a great greening section in there with the ever-popular Mike Rowe (from Dirty Jobs). They gave me a nice feature on the inside. Just as I was craning my neck over to see, he turned and said, "Hey, that's you, isn't it?" All I can say is: Thank goodness they didn't put my whole interview in there. I remember it being a tad risqué.

Northeast PA gives Planet Green Props

2008-06-24T22:07:00.003-04:00

My local paper, The Times Tribune, gave me a sweet write-up. It was great to hear back from all my PA peeps and have yet to read and write back to everyone. This is just a holler out to everyone, "A big thank you," and can't wait to come back July and organize some great programs back home.

(image is from shooting the "G Word" on a farm that captures methane from cows to power 2,500 homes)

Here's the article below:

Former Montdale resident, model and activist becomes environmental reporter for new Discovery channel

BY JOSH MCAULIFFE
STAFF WRITER
06/22/2008

Summer Rayne Oakes’ criteria for being an environmentalist is pretty broad.

“If you drink the water and breath the air, you’re an environmentalist,” the former Montdale resident said.

“It’s those of us worried about putting food on their plates. It’s those of us worried about getting their kids to school and putting gas in their tanks.”

Ms. Oakes worries about all of those things, and then some. And she just got a bigger platform for airing her views.

A few weeks ago, the environmental activist and model devoted exclusively to sustainable, eco-friendly fashion, began her tenure as an on-air personality, or “resident expert,” on Discovery Planet Green, a new cable channel devoted completely to environmentally conscious programming.

Right now, Ms. Oakes, 24, can be found serving as a correspondent on “G Word,” a magazine show geared toward environmental trends. Early episodes will find her getting down and dirty on a methane recapture farm, climbing windmills and swimming in the Pacific Trash Vortex, a swirling cauldron of plastic and other debris that’s twice the size of Texas.

“I’m kind of like the Mike Rowe of Planet Green,” she said with a laugh, referring to the host of the popular Discovery Channel program, “Dirty Jobs.”

Then, in August, she’ll be featured on “Battleground Earth,” an irreverent reality show that will pit rocker Tommy Lee against rapper Ludacris in a competition to find out who’s the greenest.

“It’s just off-the-wall funny,” said Ms. Oakes, admitting she at first had some reservations about doing the show.

Other duties

It doesn’t end there. Her duties also require her to file eco-related reports on “Access Hollywood,” write on fashion and beauty tips on the channel’s Web site and maintain a blog on the political Web site Huffington Post, which will be similar to the one she does for the popular eco blog, Tree Hugger.

“I’m just having an awesome time,” Ms. Oakes said. “It’s great, because I’m just using my knowledge and my passion and my sense of humor.

“I think it’s really going to be a hit,” she said of the channel. “I think they’ve got some great talent and great people to build some buzz.”

On top of that, she believes her presence on the channel will go a long way toward “enabling and enhancing my platform.”

Ms. Oakes’ eco-conciousness first surfaced during her early years, trudging through the fields and forests of Scott Township. She was one of those kids whose idea of fun was lugging a gallon jug of caterpillars to school or growing mold in the refrigerator.

“I was probably always the most environmental kid in the bunch when it came to school,” she said. “It was always just a source of inspiration for me. I was always a curious kid. And I wanted to get into things.”

By her teenage years, she was actively involved in community environmental affairs. At Lakeland High School, she was a member of the school’s award-winning environmental club. She helped coordinate Scott Township’s recycling program and established a newsletter called Buzzworm. And she checked the water quality of area streams and worked on the Grassy Island Mine Reclamation project for the Lackawanna County Conservation District.

“Having a leadership position at a young age, for any kid, that’s a lot of positive reinforcement,” she said. “Kids want to be involved. They just need a little more direction.”

Studied bugs

It was at Cornell University, where she majored in natural resources and entomology (the study of bugs), that she first came upon the notion of using fashion and media to communicate her environmental passions.

By her second semester there, Ms. Oakes had already gotten published in a science journal. Still, she quickly came to the realization that “no one reads those things.” And she wasn’t getting through to her friends at all.

“They’d make fun of me. ‘You’re a park ranger,’ they’d say. They didn’t get the environment,” she said.

Frustrated, she started to think of other approaches, eventually landing upon the rather unconventional idea of using her All-American good looks for green purposes. She began taking trips into New York City, and in little time was landing jobs modeling eco-friendly clothing. What she came to realize was, though superficial in many ways, fashion “uses the media brilliantly.”

To this day, Ms. Oakes has been exclusively devoted to designers and companies that emphasize sustainable and organic fabrics and fair- trade agreements.

Her niche approach has resulted in a fair bit of press, including a two-page photo spread in Vanity Fair magazine last year. She’s come to be known as “the eco model,” a term she at first thought was somewhat “goofy” but has since come to embrace.

“There’s really no one else at this nexus,” said Ms. Oakes, whose everyday wardrobe tends toward organic-blend cotton shirts and vegan shoes.

The modeling has allowed Ms. Oakes to promote and write about the myriad environmental issues near and dear to her heart, including the concept of green jobs, a subject she wrote about in a recent op-ed column that ran in The Times-Tribune. In the piece, she discusses the impact “green-collar” jobs like installing solar panels, reclaiming mine sites and retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency can have on Northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy.

“I think there’s a real opportunity for Scranton and the other areas to be leaders,” she said. “I love the idea of green jobs ... green jobs reinvigorating people in other areas. We know this is a viable business.”

Speaking of NEPA, Ms. Oakes said she gets back to the area “a fair amount.” She plans to be home for a few days in July to visit her father, Robert, of Dunmore, and grandparents, Erwin “Smitty” and Lilian Schmitt, of Olyphant. Her mother, Diane Oakes, now lives outside Cleveland.

“Pennsylania’s such a beatiful state, and summer’s a good time to come back,” she said.

So what do her parents make of her career?

“I think they dig it. I don’t think they completely get what I do,” Ms. Oakes said with a laugh.

Which is fine. So long as she can keep promoting the gospel of green, she’ll be content.

“This is a real national movement that’s underway. It’s about connecting people and strengthening them,” Ms. Oakes said. “Once people start getting involved, you can’t stop. It enhances your life. It gives you a sense of purpose.”

Learn more about Summer Rayne Oakes

Age: 24

RESIDENCE: A former resident of the Montdale section of Scott Township, she now lives in New York City

FAMILY: She is the daughter of Diane Oakes, Lakewood, Ohio, and Robert Oakes, Dunmore. She has a brother, Travis, Philadelphia. She is the granddaughter of Erwin “Smitty” and Lilian Schmitt, Olyphant; and Walter Oakes, Florida; and the late Jessie Oakes.

EDUCATION: A Lakeland High School graduate, she has a bachelor’s degree in natural resources and entomology.

OCCUPATION: A model specializing in sustainable, eco-friendly fashion, she is an on-air personality and resident expert on the new cable channel, Discovery Planet Green, which is devoted entirely to environmentally conscious programming. She currently appears on the show “G Word,” and in August will be featured on the reality show, “Battleground Earth.” She also files eco-themed reports for “Access Hollywood” and writes blogs for the Web sites The Huffington Post and Tree Hugger.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit her Web site, www.summerrayne.net. For more on Planet Green, visit: http://planetgreen. discovery.com/

RunwayDaily.com Throws Some Love

2008-06-06T15:37:00.001-04:00

Thanks RunwayDaily.com for making such a nice comp and write-up.

Earth First Crowns the Top 25 Hottest Girls in Green

2008-06-06T14:24:00.007-04:00

Damn Earth First. Thanks for the #1 Position . I love my bugs. See who the rest of the 25 gals are: (#1-5); (#6-10); (#11-15); (#16-20); (#21-25). And thanks for thinking my work is the hottest part. And it's WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY TODAY so let's celebrate.

When Grizzlies Attack!

2008-06-06T14:09:00.003-04:00

Okay, so not really, but close! This is a cool clip we did for Treehugger.com and Planet Green for the Outdoors Lover. It covers Great Bear National Rainforest and my amazing run with the salmon. Okay, so I know Nau went out of business (sniffles), but the Great Bear stuff is tre cool and good news: they continue to raise money for this unique ecosystem-based management program. Check it out here or below. And want to find out how to get involved? Visit Greenpeace Canada here.

Susty.tv » Gifts for the Outdoors Lover with Summer Rayne Oakes from susty.tv on Vimeo.

Summer Rayne Covers Elephant Art

2008-06-06T13:59:00.005-04:00

You may have seen this video go viral with over 6,000,000 views on Youtube. This is a brilliant organization that is focused on elephant rehabilitation and conservation. Way to go Elephant Art! Elephant bamboo/organic cotton shirt by MIKA available at Ekovaruhuset.se. Watch elephants paint here or below. It really is mind-blowing...And get prepared: Because Elephant Art is coming to NYC in a big way THIS FALL!

Susty.tv » Gifts for the Animal Lover with Summer Rayne Oakes from susty.tv on Vimeo.

Naughty Bike Ride Behind-the-Scenes

2008-06-06T13:55:00.003-04:00

This is a playful little behind-the-scenes to the Treehugger.com gift guides. George! I can't believe you filmed that - you were getting all up in there! What a compromising position. A dirty little secret: I even had to take my underwear off because they were causing panty lines..(I was sooo afraid to sit on the bike seat). I can't image juicing my juice this way...that was until...Check out the fun video here or below.

Susty.tv » Bike-Powered Bender in Action Summer Rayne Oakes Behind the Scenes from susty.tv on Vimeo.

What to get for Daddy

2008-06-06T13:49:00.002-04:00

For a little Father's Day video of green gifts, click here or watch on the blog below:

Susty.tv » TreeHugger Father's Day Gift Guide with Summer Rayne Oakes from susty.tv on Vimeo.

State Must Don Green Collar

2008-06-04T20:58:00.002-04:00

One of the most rewarding parts of my week: Writing for my local paper, The Times Tribune.

Check it out here entitled, "State Must Don Green Collar."

Who are the Top 5 Buzzworthiest Green Musicians of the Month??

2008-06-04T20:53:00.003-04:00

Here is a sneak peak of one. Hindu Kush's poignant Blood for Oil music video.
Check out my other picks of the month over at Huffington Post Green

Green-Collar Jobs or Rust-Belt Future?

2008-06-02T22:56:00.004-04:00

This is a feature I wrote for Treehugger.com based off an op-ed that I wrote for my local Pennsylvania paper.

This week the US Senate will begin debate on the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2007 and a new bill called Investing in Climate Action and Protection Act (iCAP). I gather Representative Ed Markey, Chair of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, who is introducing the latter bill, will no doubt receive opposition.

The bill goes much further than Lieberman-Warner in addressing the rising climate, low- and middle-income communities, and green-collar jobs. It borrows language and ideas from the Green Jobs Act of 2007, which is part of the current Energy Bill . All this being said, I think it is high time we had a bill that addresses our true needs. I encourage everyone who feels inspired to get on the horn to their Senators and tell them you support it.

While the Lieberman-Warner Bill is far from perfect and an important attempt to build consensus and address global warming—the Department of Energy estimates the Lieberman-Warner Act will save $180 billion on foreign oil expenditures by 2030—it needs to be strengthened and the billions of dollars of subsidies for nuclear energy be removed (uranium is not a clean renewable energy—just talk to the indigenous peoples whose land it is mined). Both these bills, however, actually hold part of the key to much-needed job growth in ailing job markets throughout America.

Today, much of our country is suffering from stagnant wages, increasing income gaps, a shortage of new industries and potential drivers of job growth. Plus, with the never-ending rise of gas and food prices, real wages have eroded by 1.2 percent according to the USDA’s chief economist. Worse yet, food prices are forecast to rise another 3 to 4 percent this year.

So how would a bill like iCAP create jobs?

Simple, it would create the jobs of the future, new local jobs, jobs that cannot be outsourced—in other words, Green Jobs. And these jobs span the gamut, yet with one important thing in common. From installing solar panels and constructing transit lines to retrofitting buildings for energy-efficiency, reclaiming mine sites, and refining vegetable waste oil into biodiesel, all these jobs benefit the economy and improve our environment.

Moreover, the rise of “green-collar” jobs is a growing national movement. Witness this past March’s National Green Jobs Conference held in Pittsburgh and April’s Dream Reborn Green Jobs Conference in Memphis—an important recognition that Green Jobs are a real opportunity for cities and states struggling to find new paths to job growth.

As a child, I learned first-hand what struggling families go through, growing up in a single-parent household in Northeastern Pennsylvania. For the latter part of my childhood, I was raised by my mom, who armed with no more than a high school degree had to take two jobs and maintain a 14-16 hour workday. We lived paycheck to paycheck and without a refrigerator, phone, or television for quite some time—not by choice, but by necessity. Finally, before I even turned 15, to find a better job that could sustain us and my dream of a college education, she had to make a choice—leave Pennsylvania for greener pastures.

It shouldn’t have to be that way. Pennsylvania and other struggling areas should be a land of opportunity. Much of the U.S. workforce is ideally suited to green-collar work—many are middle-skill jobs that are well within reach for low income workers if they have access to effective training programs and support. Whether it’s learning the new skills needed to become a renewable energy technician or retraining workers for a clean energy economy, i.e., fixing an electric engine, our universities, technical schools, businesses and governments need to lead the way.

But they won’t do so unless we lead first. That’s why it’s essential for us as citizens of the United States to make our voice heard in the green debate taking place nationwide. If a bill like the Green Jobs Act passes, it will provide 125 million dollars every year for green jobs training—that is 30,000-35,000 people being trained for good, sustainable jobs that cannot be outsourced. Additionally 20 percent of those dollars will be set aside for the most marginalized to help build green pathways out of poverty.

iCAP is slated to go even further. It will return over half of pollution allowance auction proceeds to low- and middle-income households to help compensate for any increase in energy costs as a result of climate legislation. It also proposes to invest the remaining auction proceeds to further reduce the costs of climate policy, through green job growth and training, clean energy technologies, and incentives for foresters and farmers to reduce their carbon footprint. It basically says that even though we are going to cut emissions drastically, those in low- and middle-income communities—those of us that have the most to lose—will not be left behind.

To repeat, green jobs are starting to pop up nationwide. And there is no excuse why cities and states across America cannot be a leader in this area. We have everything to gain and so much to lose. But it can only happen if we take this opportunity to speak up at town hall meetings, write letters and set up meetings with your Senators, Representatives, and Governors, and even start green job coalitions in your area. I suggest visiting greenforall.org and NWF’s fun site “It’s So Easy a Raccoon can do it!” to get started.

Now is the time to move beyond the challenges of our rust belt past and invest in the potential of a “green collar” future—a path to a cleaner, healthier environment and a more prosperous America.

Discovery Planet Green LA Pre-Launch Party

2008-05-31T17:03:00.020-04:00

For all you eco-labelistas out there: I was wearing Beau Soleil, a hand-painted gourd-bag I picked up in Trinidad, a horn ring made by a cooperative in Colombia (from Lisa Linhardt Designs); Hand-crafted African blackwood bracelet by a.d. schwarz; a hand-crafted agate necklace by Kirsten Muenster; and shoes by Charmone

Here's the G Word troop: Hosts SuChin Pak and Daniel Sieberg. I'll be coming in on resident expert doing all the grimy and glamorous stuff. Well a sneak peak of my episode happened yesterday on Discovery Home, but will run again I think on June 4 or 5 at 7/6c. So tune in.

The very insane Tom Green will be hosting, "The Tom Green Project" Game Show

Adrian was looking quite dapper in his suit.
He'll be hosting the show, Alter Eco, with Angela, Darren, and Boise

God they are soooo HOT! Blue Man Group

CEO David Zaslav - who helped start both Sundance Green and Planet Green - with Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs) whose motto is: "You have to be brown before you can go green."

Tommy Lee and Luda filming the last segment of Battleground Earth, which will launch in August 2008

Billy Gibbons

Slash

Tommy doing it Blue Man Group-style

Luda

Comedian Tommy Davidson and Ziggy Marley

Here's some shots from the Planet Green pre-launch party in LA. It was an eclectic bunch to say the least. I snuck out during the concert to get some food with my friends, manager, and some of the hosts. It was good to kick back with a good group of people for a little food and fun.

PLANET GREEN officially launches June 4th. It's the first 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network and will be taking over the Discovery Home Channel at 6PM EST.

N*Style Magazine - Portugal

2008-05-24T21:28:00.004-04:00

N*Style Portugal did a lovely interview. Thank you Milkman for introducing us. Click to enlarge and read if you understand Portuguese. We'll have the translation soon. They did use some of the images without formal permission...must have gotten lost in translation!

Revista Green Pages - Dominican Republic

2008-05-24T21:24:00.003-04:00

Click if you want to enlarge and can read Spanish. Revista Green Pages, Dominican Republic

"Ask Summer Rayne" - PlanetGreen.com Column

2008-05-24T21:11:00.005-04:00

Head over to planetgreen.com to find some answers to the latest questions. Thanks to everyone who has been sending stuff my way.

Are There Eco-Friendly Options for Hair Dye?

What Can I Do With Clothes I No Longer Want?

What Are Some All-Natural Acne Treatments?

Where Can I Find Affordable Organic Denim?

What is Fair Trade Fashion?

What Are Some Green Beauty Treatments for the Eyes?

What Are Some Great Valentine's Day Gifts?

Summer Rayne Oakes Makes #4 in SSF's Best Dressed List

2008-04-29T10:14:00.013-04:00

This April, the Sustainable Style Foundation announced their Best Dressed Environmental List. Summer Rayne made #5 in 2007 and inched her way to #4 this year. ** Thanks to Robin for putting together a nice collage of images of Summer Rayne's looks this past Earth Week*** Here's the rest of them below.

April 13th, 2008 - Seattle Green Festival main stage

ph: Chip Py. Dress by Beau Soleil.

April 19th, 2008 - Emcee at SF Green Apple Festival

Dress by Manish Arora

April 21st, 2008 - Attending the LOHAS/BBMG Event at ABC

Dress by Manish Arora

April 22nd, 2008 - LOHAS Press Luncheon/Ben Jelen Concert/Ingeo Earth Month

Havana pant and shirt by Anna Cohen; dress by Doie Designs

April 23rd, 2008 - The Discovery Upfronts

Summer Rayne Oakes with Annabelle Gerwich at the Discovery Upfronts. Summer Rayne wears a re-created vintage bustier dress by Deborah Lindquist.

April 24th, 2008 - Project Earth Day Ecofashion Show

Summer Rayne Oakes, Sass Brown, and Jill Fehrenbacher - judges at Project Earth Day student fashion show. Summer Rayne wears a Beau Soleil dress; iwood eco glasses; and hand made necklace with found stones by Kirsten Muenster ph: Inhabitat.com

April 25th, 2008 - Green Tie Gala

Dress by Enamore

How Do You Like Them [Green] Apples?

2008-04-27T11:00:00.015-04:00

Emceeing Green Apple SF in my psychedelic Manish Arora dress

Radio Active and I. Ph: Diana Kurnit

Tommy on the drums. Ph: Diana Kurnit

Catching up. Ph: Diana Kurnit

"So I saw this porcupine on the street..."

In awe with Wavy Gravy. Ph: Diana Kurnit

Crowd went on for miles...

and miles...

Pumping up the crowd

Written for Treehugger.com

“Go easy on me,” Tommy Lee said in a whisper. “You know I’m a green virgin.”

“Sorry Tommy,” I said with a smile. “I like to go deep.”

Earth Day celebration in San Francisco is probably the perfect place to give Tommy Lee and Ludacris the Green 101. The artists, (both who are participants in Planet Green’s Battleground Earth), paid a visit to the Bay Area during the Green Apple Festival. They may have well been on another planet though, because you know how freaky cool San Francisco can get around Earth Day .

SF Green Apple was just one of eight festivals happening around the United States. The entire eight city event boasts the largest Earth Day gatherings, drawing crowds of 500,000 plus not to mention all the viewers who tuned into the Myspace/iclips network streaming podcasts on Earth Day. (Don’t worry: For those of you who missed it, iclips will be archiving in on their website soon enough). The events happen rain or shine. Just ask the good-spirited crowd in Washington, D.C. who got pummeled with rain and windstorms. Tens of thousands of umbrellas raised their heads to hear music from Warren Haynes, Umphrey’s McGee, and a host of other musicians. Ed Norton, Chevy Chase, Denis Hayes (Organizer of First Earth Day), and Thomas Friedman (sans the pie-in-his-face) all got to the stage to rally the crowd.

On the opposite coast, I was preparing to emcee with my beatboxing boy, Radio Active, whose voice shares an uncanny resemblance to Tone Loc. Radio said he’s participated in all three of the SF Green Apple Festivals, which draws a crowd of about 25,000 each year.

Brett Dennen opened it up with some great tunes. Mickey Hart was joined later by Tommy and a host of other musicians. Ahhh the harmony! My good friend Randy Hayes, founder and President of Rainforest Action Network, rallied the crowd. We both joshed with Bill McKibben backstage, giving him a hard time for the number of trees that were sacrificed for his long ass, (but well-deserved) bio; he got out there and rocked out the 350 Campaign. The dapper Mark Leno, CA State Assemblyman, renewable energy champion, presented SF with a rallying cry for clean energy. He’s also running for State Senate and I love the fact that he has an Earth in the “O” of his name. Go ahead check it out on his website.

I looked out at the sea of people. There wasn’t a patch of grass that I could see. A group of guys were laying on a sectional near the front of the stage. Guys and girls had their shirts off, dancing in the cool morning sun. Hippies and former hippies-turned-business-tech-financial gurus threw their hands up to the light breeze. A cloudy haze filled the air, only this wasn’t from the seasonal fog that sits its thick gray tushy over the Golden Gate State. Viva Woodstock. Enough said.

I wore a psychedelic silk dress hand-constructed by Indian designer Manish Arora. “Whoa man, I can see myself in your dress,” a dead head fan (or was it a dread head?) said eyeing my mirrored corset. “Thank you for bringing back the spirit of Woodstock.”

“My pleasure,” I said shaking his hand as I walked past two women dressed as a bumble bee and butterfly and a man in carrot costume. The three of them flitted around, pollinating a woman on stilts dressed as a flower. Wavy Gravy, the infamous Peace & Love Clown and a flavor of Ben & Jerry ice cream, waddled past Tommy and me with his salmon and platypus. Dude, I’m totally convinced that you haven't lived until you pet Wavy's platypus and kissed Jane Goodall's toy monkey, Mr. H.

“What a spirited crowd.” I thought to myself. “I love this movement.”

Green Jobs Rocks My [Green] World

2008-04-26T15:07:00.019-04:00

We're on it. Ibrahim and I. Organic cotton "Clean Up or Die" tee by Katharine Hamnett!

Michael - I lost your contact!!! Get in touch with me!

Welcome to the Gun Show!

Vincent, you're the man!

My good friend Billy Parish, founder of Energy Action

Recording the music

Vincent (left) was the shit. He and I kept it real at the dinner. Richard Halpin (right) runs AmericanYouthWorks.org out in Texas.

Van signs his early-release book for me.

Ibrahim (Saudi Arabia) & Ibrahim (New York)

Father of environmental justice, Robert Bullard speaks at Dream Reborn. Some other notables are Afeni Shakur, Tupac's mom, who spoke of black entrepreneurship; Majora Carter of the Sustainable South Bronx, Van Jones of the Ella Baker Center; Bracken Hendricks of the Apollo Alliance, and a host of others. They were all invigorating speakers.

A group of Dream Reborners gather for a photo opp.

We even took the trombone player to the streets

We created such a commotion in the streets, silhouettes stared from the hotel windows. We brought the jam band outside and hundreds of us piled together for a big hug-out.

Thank you Energy Action and Green for All for reinvigorating my faith in a REAL, pulsing environmental movement. All others pale in comparison. Dream Reborn kicked off in Memphis, Tennessee (April 4-6, 2008) in commemoration of the civil rights movement of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This was no replay of 1968. This was a rallying movement and training program to address global climate change, equity, and racially-just green jobs. 1,200 people, principally young citizens, came together to jumpstart the National Green Jobs campaign that is underfoot. Might as well tell you that it's happening, so you're not too surprised when it comes to a city or town near you! You'll see me posting more about this as the year forges on, as it's rapidly becoming one of my core personal projects. I haven't been this invigorated since 2000 when I started on my sustainable fashion stuff! Thanks to all my friends in the movement, look forward to rocking it out with you.

Flock This Way

2008-04-22T22:01:00.003-04:00

Did you check out the Flock Eco Browser? It's totally cool. It streams all the important green content, news, and opinions from over 30 different hand-picked sources, including this blog. How about them [green] apples? But you'll also get great news from Treehugger.com, PlanetGreen.com, Ecorazzi.com, Grist.org, and itsgettinghotinhere.org, for example.

You can also view all the flickr photos and log onto your social networking sites at the same time, which is pretty cool. It's a great way to stream all of your content on the same page. Check it out here.

Might I add too that Flock is donating 10% of all search proceeds from the 'Eco-Edition' browser to environmental organizations of the searcher's choice. Pretty sweet!

The Frankfurter Gives Some Sweet Kisses to Eco-Modeling

2008-04-22T21:47:00.004-04:00

I love the Germans or perhaps it's the other way around. No matter- there's just all love up in this house. And the Germans are just so on top of all things going on. The Frankfurter gave me some props in a recent issue and ran this beautiful photo that Anouk and I did at my place before she left New York. I'm wearing a Katharine Hamnett shirt and John Patrick Organic jacket. Click on the image to enlarge.

Myspace Gives Some Earth Day Love

2008-04-22T21:32:00.006-04:00

Josh from Relix Magazine, one of the organizers of the event

My son, Dr. Hayes, Founder of the Rainforest Action Network

Had a blast emceeing with my beatboxing boy, Radio Active, at the San Francisco Green Apple Festival. The Green Apple Festivals are the largest Earth Day celebrations in the U.S. and were a hit in 8 cities this year. Myspace, in collaboration with iclips network and the Earth Day Network, are streaming the music from the event. Check it out here. Hung a bit with Tommy Lee and his troupe, giving him the Green 101 and even stopping to play football with a man dressed as a carrot stick, and two women dressed as a bumble bee and butterfly. Also got to pet Wavy Gravy's platypus. Dude, you haven't lived until you pet Wavy's platypus and kissed Jane Goodall's toy monkey.

Only in San Francisco...

Pump the Drums and Bass: Green Apple Festival San Francisco

2008-04-17T18:40:00.003-04:00

Hey dread heads, dead heads, and everyone who loves great music. I'll be emceeing the Green Apple Festival out in my favorite city, San Francisco with Radio Active. Good balance between speakers and great music -- Mickey Hart's Mass Drums, Yonder Mountain String Band, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, Brett Dennen.

Green Apple Festivals are America's largest Earth Day Celebration -- in 8 cities this year.

Time Takes a Cue from the Youth Climate Change Movement

2008-04-17T13:58:00.004-04:00

Yeah, the new cover of TIME Magazine looks nothing like the Campus Climate Challenge's logo.

Not only that, but have you seen One.org lately? -- yes, that is Bono's organization fighting poverty. They are hard-pressed to start a better grassroots movement (since that top-down shit doesn't work all that well sometimes). They literally copy and pasted the source code from the Campus Climate Challenge's website and stole the "U" from MTV U (Richard Graves and I had to laugh over this over a few French Fries). Go ahead, have a look-see. It's uncanny! Really, we're all flattered. We just wanted to say, we're watching. And yes, we know we're doing a fabulous job organizing and communicating....but there is much to be done and much on the plate. So stay tuned!

ATTN: All Citizens of Washington State - Put Your Citizenship Where Your Actions Are

2008-04-17T09:32:00.005-04:00

I got back from my talk at the Green Festival in Seattle a few days ago. What a crowd! Thank you Seattle for showing your support. And thank you to all the familiar (and new) faces in the audience. We had a pretty packed house...and for my first main stage talk...it was a GREAT turn-out!

The topic was "Green Gone Wild" - how to keep the movement real and grounded [Seattle-style]. So we honed in on our inner power to GET what we want people to do...Call it...inspiration...had a great time: cracked a few jokes...cut out half of my talk because I was getting short on time and went right for the jugular: Citizenship, Power Shift, Racially-just Green Jobs, AND Direct Action!

Washington Staters: Here me out. Governor Gregoire has just passed a historic bill. The first of it's kind to tackle both CLIMATE CHANGE & GREEN JOBS! At the closing of my speech I presented a "Thank You" and "We'll be supporting you" letter. The letter is Green For All-, Cascade Climate Network-, Climate Solutions-, Apollo Alliance-approved. (Groups that have been doing a great job pushing for this legislation, by the way!) I had 300 letters and I got 300 back! I should have had triple that though, because that is how many of you turned out. So for those that want to see the letter and get involved in your community, use this as a template or Climate Solutions has an e-mail version right here.

Governor Chris Gregoire
Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002

Dear Governor Gregoire,

As a constituent of Washington and staunch supporter of clean energy solutions and racially-just green collar, I am writing to thank you for supporting the Washington State Climate Action and Green Jobs Bill.

This historic piece of legislation will not only help build a sustainable economy for the state of Washington, but will also serve as a model for the rest of the country. I have full faith that when the time comes to fund the green jobs training program, you will provide your support. As you already know, enacting the bill will be fundamental to building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty and fight ever-rising green house gas emissions.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME HERE

YOUR ADDRESS HERE

YOUR PHONE NUMBER HERE

Think MTV's Pete Griffin & Planet Green Host Model-Activist Summer Rayne Green the Real World

2008-04-15T21:36:00.008-04:00

It was Pete's brilliant idea not to create an all-out green show, but build green features into MTV's most popular show, The Real World. As part of MTV's Break the Addiction campaign, Think MTV partnered with Bunim-Murray Productions to help put together an eco-friendly house for the 20th season of Real World. In addition to the green house, Bunim Murray did many things to "green" their production of the show, and the roommates were given tips on how they could improve their lives and reduce their impact on the planet during the season.

You can join ThinkMTV.com and tell them what you think. And want that dress? I'm wearing a silk/organic cotton dress by Bahar Shahpar, a necklace by Be Carbon Neutral, and a bag by Voltaic Systems. View all four videos here: http://think.mtv.com/044FDFFFF0002E01400080098E61F/User/Blog/BlogPostDetail.aspx

Bring Your Rowdy On! Seattle-Style <3

2008-04-11T14:19:00.005-04:00

I know I said I was speaking on the 12th of April, but I lied to you. It's April 13th folks. Main Stage. 1 PM. At the Washington Convention Center. Seattle Green Festival. "Green Gone Wild - Seattle-Style."

I swung by today and the place is gorgeous. What a great set-up they have! Mayor Greg Nickels, who has been very vocal on climate change, will be doing the opener for the Green Festival. He's also proposed a disposable bag (both paper + plastic) tax, which hopefully will get passed.

Seattle is buzzing this week. I know his Holiness, the Dalai Lama is in town too, so there is plenty to do and see this week.

If you want to have some fun and get some knowledge, drop by my talk. Bring your banners and bring your rowdy on, because I'm not about to give a canned talk.

For Green Gone Wild, I'll cover issues ranging from sustainable fashion, environmental activism, sustainability consulting + media, racially-just green jobs, direct action, and always...a little bit of humor. And oh yea, some free stuff too. Keep it fun for everyone.

See you there!

Irish Times Highlights Our TOMS Shoes Trip

2008-04-01T22:35:00.022-04:00

photos: Esther Havens

While some of us struggle to manage our shoe collections, many children have no footwear at all. A young American entrepreneur hopes to rectify the situation, writes DEIRDRE MCQUILLAN

WAY UP in the mountains of northern KwaZulu-Natal, about a seven-hour drive from Durban, hundreds of children are waiting eagerly in their classrooms for a delivery of new shoes. Many students trek daily to Juba's school in their bare feet through dense forestry and across rivers - when it rains, conditions become even more arduous. It is not unusual in these remote rural places for them to face a walk of nearly two hours to and from school each day.

Today, however, three vanloads of Americans are coming to distribute 50,000 free canvas shoes called TOMS in all colours and sizes that are already cult items sported by a more privileged elite living in very different circumstances on the west coast of the US.

The story of TOMS began when Blake Mycoskie, a 30-year-old Texan and former philosophy student living in Los Angeles, went to Argentina for three weeks in January 2006 to learn how to play polo and discovered the alpargata, an inexpensive traditional rope-soled espadrille worn by the gauchos. Mycoskie, the son of an orthopaedic surgeon and a best-selling cookery writer, was also struck by the barefooted children living in poverty in the area, often scrabbling around rubbish dumps, their feet cut and bruised.

An entrepreneur who had masterminded a number of successful ventures, he got the idea of upgrading the alpargata for the US market and for every pair sold would donate another to a child without footwear on a one-for-one basis. So, with his polo teacher, Alejo Nitti, as partner, he set up TOMS, derived from "Shoes for Tomorrow", enlisting the help of a factory in Buenos Aires. The hip new alpargata, which costs $4 to make and sells in the US for $38, came with improvements such as a hard-wearing rubber sole, leather insole and zany, colourful canvas uppers. The initial run, an investment of $2,000, was 250 pairs, which Mycoskie brought back in duffel bags to sell in LA.

A year later, TOMS has become an astonishing success story with some 10,000 pairs sold in the space of eight months through its website, www.tomsshoes.com, and in shops such as American Rag, a famous fashion store in LA, and trendy Scoop in New York's meatpacking district. Celebrity endorsement from the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Keira Knightley and Cameron Diaz fanned the flames and the shoes won a Smithsonian design award last October. The lightning speed of the idea and enthusiasm for the product and its cause has taken all those involved by surprise, not least the company's founders, who were initially overwhelmed with orders following widespread publicity for their story.

In keeping with the pledge to give one away for every one sold, Mycoskie and a T-shirted, gum-chewing team of family and friends flew to Argentina last October to distribute 10,000 pairs from a double-decker bus. What that meant was going into the northern Argentine jungle and fitting each pair on every child, working tirelessly until no bare feet were left. For all concerned, it was an extraordinary and, at times, very emotional experience.

Now the focus has turned to South Africa, where in tandem with Food4Africa, an NGO feeding 16,000 malnourished children a day in the Eastern Cape, the TOMS shoe bandwagon rolls into action. They arrive armed with a consignment of 50,000 pairs of shoes from Argentina and face a back-breaking schedule of visiting at least four schools a day in widely scattered, disadvantaged areas. The groundwork was prepared and schools selected by three hard-working members of Food4Africa.

The group of 25 workers are mostly Americans and volunteers from the company and interested friends of TOMS. The team includes Mycoskie, his mother Pam, father Mike and brother Taylor, alongside Alejo Nitti, a distributor from Korea, and assorted Californians, cameramen and photographers. A key player in organising the event was Candice Wolfswinkel from Phoenix, Arizona, who has extensive experience in managing charitable foundations. Boxes and boxes of shoes, from tiny TOMS in red and white stripes to colourful tartans and corduroys, are loaded into vans.

The drill is to arrive at a school, set up in one of the classrooms, line up the children, then fit the shoes on their little feet. The delighted, if often bemused, smiles on their faces is reward enough, though there are occasional disappointments when the right size isn't available, pacified by promises to send on replacements. The sheer entertainment provided by the madcap Californians who came with skateboards and played football with the kids outweighs everything else.

"They'll talk about this for weeks afterwards," says Mr Myeni, the principal of Jubas school, after hundreds of children had received their shoes, sweets and colourful elastic bands handed out by Pam Mycoskie. "They have enjoyed this so much. It's been more than just shoes. By playing, running and laughing with them, your coming has been a blessing," he said.

The area around Juba is spectacularly beautiful, with lush green hills and panoramic views, but the reality on the ground paints a grimmer picture. In a country with some 2.2 million children orphaned under the age of 17 and 65 per cent living at home with teenage heads of households, so-called child parent families, this district is one of the most economically deprived in all of South Africa. There is 80 to 90 per cent unemployment and the generation of parents from 20-49 has been all but wiped out by HIV/Aids. Many of the children so eagerly trying on their new shoes had come to school on empty stomachs.

Sisizakele Special School for children with disabilities was set up five years ago, the first and the only one of its kind in a population of 108,000, and some of the problems are only too evident. Run by a dedicated principal, Lorato Jood, three teachers and voluntary house mothers, it caters for 40 children, most of whom have congenital disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Aperts syndrome and autism. There are more than 1,000 children needing special care, but there is only one therapist in the area. Sisizakele can only cope with 40 children.

Many of the children, ranging in age from two to 16, were in wheelchairs or leg irons. One little boy could only walk struggling on his knees. But they sat and sang, and those that could danced a traditional stamping Zulu dance. Their housemothers sing May You Stay Forever Young for the guests. In return, much to the amazement of the gathered throng, two of the Californians lunge into an impromptu Zulu dance that puts smiles on the faces of even the most severely disabled kids.

FOR THESE YOUNG US philanthropists, the experience validates a collective belief that there are new ways of doing business to which consumers will respond. Many refer to Invisible Children, a documentary about child soldiers in Uganda made by three film school graduates from Los Angeles that had an enormous effect in the US of raising awareness of the issues and prompted the setting up a charity called Invisible Children.

"Youth in the US are organising in a major way like never before using new media for discussions," says Mike Hammer, who runs TOMS intern programme in Los Angeles. "People are finding creative ways to raise awareness of issues. We should do all that we can to use our privileged position to make the life of those struggling in the world better - that is the whole idea of TOMS."

Such lofty ideals, also echoed by other TOMS crusaders, are all very well - the venture sometimes raises more questions than it answers. According to Summer Rayne Oakes, the eco-model who is also part of the group, "fashion can raise awareness. A simple shoe has an amazing story behind it and students can be transported to an entirely different world and learn about different cultures and developing countries. That is what was interesting for me; TOMS is an inanimate object that kids get." A qualified scientist, Oakes is to present a series on sustainability for the Discovery channel this year and has spoken on the issue at the WTO.

On the five-hour road journey back to Durban, Candice Wolfswinkel argues that "consumers have so much power. The millennium generation are much more conscious consumers and this company is one of the few making a product that makes a difference. TOMS is just a beginning, but there is so much potential. People don't need TOMS, leather shoes can be better, but it is the principle behind it that's important. It is showing business owners that they can make a small change in the world if they are willing to give up some of their profits."

TOMS shoes are on sale in Brown Thomas for about EUR 40

Dream Reborn: Sold Out Show

2008-04-01T22:31:00.003-04:00

Less than three days to go until the Dream Reborn "Green Jobs" march and conference in Memphis Tennessee. Just got an e-mail from Josh saying there is a waiting list. Phew, glad I registered early.

Here is what he has to say:

We are full up with over 1000 change makers from Arctic Village, Alaska to Miami, Florida. We have over 100 presenters and performing artists coming from across the nation. This is a first-ever gathering of so many people committed to building a new green world that works for everyone.

Ask Summer Rayne: Green Beauty Treatments for the Eyes

2008-04-01T15:50:00.003-04:00

Inquiring eyes want to know:

"Are there any safe, eco-treatments for eye bags and wrinkles—especially crow’s feet?"

There are a few model-actress trade secrets (shhhh), so go check them out at my column over at PlanetGreen.com HERE.

Trashed at Sea

2008-04-01T15:39:00.005-04:00

Head over to Treehugger to see my account of the Pacific Trash Vortex. Never heard of it? You gotta check this out.

Sample from Treehugger, "Pacific Trash Vortex Could Signify Future of Our Oceans:"

I spied an actual photo of an albatross, its black oily wings spread out on the rocky beach as if it had been crucified. Its gut was open and neatly filled with plastic—toys, straws, bottle caps, cigarette lighters, plastic bags. I commented how powerful of an ad campaign it was. The lab manager looked puzzled.
“That’s not an ad campaign,” she said frowning. “That’s the actual gut sample.”

photo: Algalita.org

Van Jones takes on Colbert

2008-04-01T15:23:00.003-04:00

For all of you that have a crush...no not on Obama...but Van Jones, tune into the Colbert Report on Comedy Central. He'll be talking about Green For All and the Dream Reborn Conference in Memphis. See you there!

Navajo Nation Says "NO" to Uranium Mining

2008-04-01T15:19:00.003-04:00

Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr., tells congressional subcommittee Nation will not watch another generation harmed by uranium mining

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.- Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr., told a Congressional subcommittee here Friday that the Navajo Nation remains opposed to uranium mining on or near its land, and will take whatever action necessary to prevent it.

"It is unconscionable to me that the federal government would consider allowing uranium mining to be restarted anywhere near the Navajo Nation when we are still suffering from previous mining activities," he said. "In response to attempts to renew uranium mining, the Navajo Nation Council passed, and I signed into law, the Diné Natural Resources Protection Act. This law places a ban on all uranium mining both within the Navajo Nation boundary, and within Navajo Indian Country."

Testifying at a joint oversight hearing before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands at the Flagstaff City Council Chambers, President Shirley said Navajos "do not want to not sit by, ignorant of the effects of uranium mining, only to watch another generation of mothers and fathers die."

"We are doing everything we can to speak out and do something about it," he said. "We do not want a new generation of babies born with birth defects. We will not allow our people to live with cancers and other disorders as faceless companies make profits only to declare bankruptcy and then walk away from the damage they have caused, regardless of the bond they have in place."

The hearing was held to gather testimony on "Community Impacts of Proposed Uranium Mining Near Grand Canyon National Park." In December 2007, the U.S. Forest Service authorized VANE Minerals, LLC, to conduct exploratory drilling for uranium three miles south of Grand Canyon National Park . The Park Service used Categorical Exclusion Category 8 to approve the drilling, which covers short-term investigations and which had limited public involvement. Consultation with tribes amounted to sending a letter.

Continue reading more HERE.

Year in Review in Pictures

2008-03-31T22:29:00.000-04:00

Alexis Rockman: Comments on Global Warming - Artist's interpretation

2008-03-31T22:20:00.005-04:00

Jake came up from the Dominican Republic and we headed over to his friend's art gallery showing over at Leo Koenig Inc. in NYC. Quite appropriate given the fact that it followed the State of the Planet conference over at Columbia. Sigh.

I took a pretty shoddy picture. Better ones here: Alexis Rockman presents "South" at Leo Koenig.

Summer Rayne Oakes for Maggie Norris Couture

2008-03-31T22:10:00.006-04:00

Portraits by J. Ake in Maggie Norris Couture. Styled by C. Broderson.
Shot on 8x10 glass plates

Allure Gives a Shout Out to the Green Hot List

2008-03-31T22:07:00.005-04:00

Yes, I wear and use all of these things! Hot, hot, hot.

State of the Planet Puts Nuclear on the Table

2008-03-31T21:57:00.004-04:00

I posted this on Treehugger and It's Getting Hot in Here with some great conversation on both blogs. Click to read on the respective sites and chime in if you are at all interested.

A snippet below:

The State of the Planet Conference convened at the Earth Institute at Columbia University this past Thursday and Friday. Man, have special interests grabbed the environmental movement like a bulldog by a throat, or what? Perhaps I’m getting increasingly hypersensitive as we continue to slog on, but panelists seemed more divided by the issues this year than in 2006. In short, we all agree that we must do something, but none of us can agree on what that may be.

Can you hear me now?
Of course if you ask a telecommunications person what will solve world poverty, he’s going to say, “Telecommunications;” and ask an agronomist what will help solve the fuel crisis, and he will emphatically respond, “Agriculture.” Ask a buttoned-up economist how he sees the world, and he’ll say, “an industrialized free market economy,” and give the Chairman of the U.K. Atomic Energy Authority the podium on climate change solutions, and she’ll talk up nuclear like it’s a half-silver bullet solution out of hell...

Continue reading at Treehugger.com or itsgettinghotinhere.org.

E Globo gives some ecomodela love

2008-03-31T21:55:00.003-04:00

EGlobo in Brazil

Battleground Earth: Tommy Lee vs. Ludacris

2008-03-31T21:52:00.002-04:00

From Collin over at Treehugger:

With a few notable exceptions, the hard-living, party-hearty, carbon-pumping world of rock 'n roll excess doesn't earn many green points. But that's going to change, thanks to Tommy Lee and Ludacris and a new show on Planet Green called Battleground Earth. Yep, rock and rap are going head to head in a battle against the toxic forces destroying the planet as the two travel across the country on a 10-episode tour.

The show premieres in August and follows the duo's attempts to keep their high-wattage tours on a greener path while participating in different challenges highlighting various green issues.

What sort of shenanigans will this involve? For example, in the "Fast Fuel" episode Ludacris (who is also knows as Chris Bridges) and Tommy Lee's biodiesel tour buses are running on empty in the middle of the Texas Panhandle. They must roll into a fast food restaurant and look for fast food grease to turn into eco-friendly fuel. Will this battle include discussion of the efficacy of biofuels as a long-term petroleum substitute, or the possible argument that biofuels are a crime against humanity? You'll have to tune in to find out...

The Rap n' Roll battle culminates in a green carpet benefit concert at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles (no, not that Greek Theater). The concert featuring Ludacris, Tommy Lee and many of their famous musician friends will support the renewal of Griffith Park, which was devastated by recent wildfires.

So, who's going to win the battle and take the green cake: the acting rapper or the musician who's famous for, uh, doing other things in front of the camera? Pencil in August 2008 on your calendars and read up on other programming plans in ::USA Today on Planet Green, ::BAM! Emeril Lagasse Unearths Fresh Ingredients for Planet Green, ::Become a Famous Eco-Gadgeteer on Planet Green TV!, and ::Appear on Emeril Green

What the hell are you talking about? March-April 2008 Speech Topics

2008-03-18T23:34:00.004-04:00

Keep up-to-date on speeches and speech topics here. New topics will be updated in June 2008.

March 24 , 2008
"Living in a Sustainable Fashion Industry"
School of Textiles and Design, Cornell University
An intimate presentation and Q&A discussion on the sustainable fashion industry--past, present, and future. Talk includes discussion of job market, new programs, and international interest. Short discussion on Summer Rayne's personal experience through college and the professional field.

Time: 5:15PM

April 12 , 2008 "Green Gone Wild" - Seattle Style Seattle Green Festival
Mainstream America is finally aware of the environmental issues we face. Join Summer Rayne to see what it takes to keep this movement real, grounded and moving forward. You’re in for an upbeat, intimate, flirtatiously informative and slightly off the cuff presentation that will cater to the energy level and “spontaneous collaboration” of the audience. Intrigued? Parental Guidance Advised

Time: 1:00PM - 2:00PM on Main Stage

April 19-20 , 2008 "Green Gone Wild" Green Apple Music Festival
Mainstream America is finally aware of the environmental issues we face. Join Summer Rayne San Francisco-style to see what it takes to keep this movement real, grounded and moving forward. You’re in for an upbeat, intimate, flirtatiously informative and slightly off the cuff presentation that will cater to the energy level and “spontaneous collaboration” of the audience. Intrigued? Parental Guidance Advised

Time: TBA

Ekovaruhuset Show, Fall 2008 - Ecofashion NYC

2008-03-18T22:42:00.013-04:00

Yep, that's me running around in my Enamore skivvies at the Fall 08 Ekovaruhuset show.

Here are some of the photos from the Ekovaruhuset Fall 2008 Show**. Johanna had the idea for me to run out in my birthday suit and have Elisa Jimenez, Project Runway gal (Season 4) and fastest fashion design maker in the world, make a garment on me in less than 3 minutes. We had some complications (as all fashion shows do) from the start. First, the security guards would not let any of the crew or talent in for 2 hours. Secondly, I had no prior practice or discussion with Elisa, so we were both prepared to wing it. I got the "O.K." on my undies from Johanna, but Elisa said they wouldn't work five minutes before the show was supposed to start! Luckily we were able to slip them off quite easily as she was putting the slip on. All done with a live studio audience of course. It was rough around the edges. WWD didn't approve, but that's O.K., b/c man Elisa whipped up that outfit pretty fast and we all had fun suspended in the complete unknown (Please don't drop my underwear, please don't drop my underwear). Three minutes is all it took. See the evolution in the video and a look at the outfit below:

The rest of the show was LONG! Thank goodness they had some live music and alcoholic beverages for the onlookers. But the designs were worth it. See some of my faves below.

** Ekovaruhuset is design collective of principally Swedish-based designers. They have a store at 123 Ludlow in Manhattan and also in Sweden.

From the Anya Hynynen show (part of Ekovaruhuset)

Alice down the rabbit hole and tea party? Trippy graphic black-and-whites

Stellar jacket

Slouchy dress

Very Coco Chanel

Love it. If Medusa were a fashion icon, she'd be wearing _____.

Stand on one leg! MIKA's designs for Ekovaruhuset are just so lovely. I got her elephant tee and this one is just as whimsical. Well done!

YRB - MusicArtFashion - Feb/March 08

2008-03-09T23:49:00.010-04:00

I'm being increasingly booked for these fierce swimwear shoots over the last couple months. That's totally fine by me, until they put me on a chinchilla fur. Yikes! I had to totally swallow that one. I brought up my concern to the art director, but he wasn't having it. (You win some, you lose some). The photog, Dale May, was cool though. He hangs with Moby and shoots all his album covers. This shoot was for one of the latest issues of YRB Magazine.

** Loved the silver centipede jewelry created by a local Brooklyn designer

PlanetGreen.com Launches "Ask Summer Rayne" Column

2008-03-09T23:25:00.003-04:00

Discovery's PlanetGreen.com and I are launching an "Ask Summer Rayne" column. It's normally not my cup of tea, but we're already backlogged with questions, so I guess I'll give it a whirl.

My first post on Charity:Water, (which I think is a phenomenal organization), got some people's panties in a twist. (Hey, we never said you had to agree!) Send you burning unanswerables to:

asksummerrayne-at-treehugger-dot-com

and I'll try to answer them as candidly as possible. It's principally for fashion and beauty-related stuff, but you know how much I enjoy talking about the enviro-science side of things, so wouldn't mind getting a few of those curve balls. A new post should be up this week, so stay tuned...

Rocking the Planet Green Board

2008-03-09T22:52:00.004-04:00

I got to rock out with the rest of the Board a few weeks ago at the Discovery Headquarters in Silver Springs. I'm not at liberty to discuss the going-ons, but it's all p-r-e-t-t-y exciting. I didn't realize I was the youngest on the board...until I got there... Believe me, I don't take that lightly, even though I feel like a 50-something year old trapped in a 20-something year old's body at times.

I hope that my role there can really bring a voice to the burgeoning youth and minority movement that I've been so blessed to be a part of. I even got Andre, my coolest ass Prius-loving cab driver feeling my energy before the meeting. I got him all fired up about Powershift, The Green Jobs initiative, Dream Reborn, and the social justice energy building under the skin of the environmental movement. "WE WILL NOT BE DIVIDED!" --- (and hey, he said he's already reaping the benefits of green jobs in America. The chicks dig his hybrid ride).

Anyway, you can tell I'm revved for The Dream Reborn Conference April 4-6 in Memphis. It really gives me great pleasure and pride to be working with the Energy Action team again and meeting the individuals of Green for All. I had the pleasure when I was still a teen to work side-by-side Dorothy Cotton, the Civil Rights activist who served as SCLC's education director for 12 years under the direct supervision of King and also served on King's executive staff. Now, I have an opportunity to work with a new generation of leaders that breathe a welcoming energy to some of our most pressing issues.

We're raising money on Facebook to send a low-income youth to The Dream Reborn Conference, so if you can't be there, maybe you can help someone else to go. Spread the love.

--
Planet Green Announces World Class Board of Advisors

(CSRwire) SILVER SPRING, MD, February 26, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Green, Discovery Communications' global multiplatform environmental initiative, today announced its strategic Board of Advisors representing a broad spectrum of thought leaders in the fields of science, academia, technology, business, environmental advocacy, government and media. Planet Green President and General Manager Eileen O'Neill made the announcement.

"When it comes to our Board of Advisors, Planet Green is standing on the shoulders of giants," said O'Neill. "These individuals are pioneers and visionaries, dedicating their passion and leadership to create a future that balances the needs of humankind and the environment. We are honored to have their guidance and participation as we endeavor to engage and inspire our audiences through Planet Green."

The Board will provide expert counsel on emerging trends, issues, innovations and scientific findings, to help inform Planet Green's robust offering of programming, content, partnerships and public affairs activities across Discovery's media platforms. The Board will also provide recommendations on practical methods to introduce and involve Planet Green's audiences in making a positive difference for the planet. The Board convened in February for its inaugural meeting.

Planet Green Board of Advisors
Discovery Communications Mr. John Hendricks, Founder and Chairman, Discovery Communications
Mr. David Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer, Discovery Communications
Ms. Eileen O'Neill, President and General Manager, Planet Green
Mr. Graham Hill, Founder, TreeHugger.com and Vice President Interactive, Planet Green

Environmental Advocacy
Ms. Frances Beinecke, President, Natural Resources Defense Council
Mr. S. Richard Fedrizzi, President, Chief Executive Officer and Founding Chairman, U.S. Green Building Council
Mr. Robert Kennedy, Jr., Chairman, Waterkeeper Alliance
Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai, Nobel Laureate and Executive Director, Greenbelt Movement International
Ms. Stephanie Meeks, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, The Nature Conservancy
Mr. Matt Petersen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Green USA
Mr. Jerome Ringo, President, The Apollo Alliance
Mr. Larry J. Schweiger, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Wildlife Federation

Scientific Dr. Kathryn Moran, Director, Marine Geomechanics Laboratory, University of Rhode Island
Dr. David Suzuki, Co-Founder, The David Suzuki Foundation

Media, Policy and Entertainment
Ms. Carol Browner, Principal, The Albright Group LLC
Mr. Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor and Environmentalist
Mr. Daniel C. Esty, Hillhouse Professor of Environmental Law & Policy at Yale University; Director, Center for Business and the Environment at Yale
Mr. Andrew Lack, Chairman of the Board, Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Mr. Kenneth Lerer, Chairman, The Huffington Post
Mr. Achim Steiner, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme

Honorary Board Members
Governmental
The Honorable Christopher Shays, Connecticut
The Honorable Mark Udall, Colorado Governor Martin O'Malley,
Maryland Governor Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota

Discovery Communications Experts
Mr. Josh Bernstein, President and Chief Executive Officer, Boulder Outdoor Survival School
Mr. Jeff Corwin, Wildlife Biologist and Emmy Award-Winning Host
Mr. Philippe Cousteau, Co-Founder and President, EarthEcho International
Ms. Terri Irwin, Founder, Wildlife Warriors and Director, Australia Zoo
Mr. John Picard, Sustainability Expert
Ms. Summer Rayne Oakes, Model and Activist
Ms. Sara Snow, Green Living Expert and host of Get Fresh with Sara Snow

About Planet Green Discovery Communications is a passionate advocate of preserving our earth and a leader in developing television programs that educate citizens about the best qualities of this place we call home. Discovery's commitment to these issues reached new heights when it created Planet Green, a global,cross-company initiative dedicated to documenting, preserving and celebrating the planet.

In June 2008, Discovery Home channel becomes Planet Green -- the first 24-hour eco-lifestyle channel dedicated to making a difference by providing tools, information and content that will enlighten, empower and most importantly, entertain. The channel will launch to more than 50 million homes. Planet Green speaks to people who want to understand green living and to those who truly want to make a difference by providing resources to meet the critical challenge of protecting our environment. Planet Green's platforms include leading eco-lifestyle website TreeHugger.com (http://www.treehugger.com) and the recently launched solutions-oriented PlanetGreen.com (http://planetgreen.discovery.com). Discovery will also launch Discovery Education Green, a K-12 service that hosts dynamic media content correlated to state standards. Discovery Education Green will help teachers integrate Green lessons into their curriculum and empowers students to make more environmentally conscious decisions.

Who the Hell is Kaos?

2008-03-09T22:37:00.007-04:00

How fierce is this girl's swimwear? Now all we need is some environmentally-correct alternative to Lycra. Green chemists, do your magic!

I had to wake up at 5AM to get my butt over to this shoot and catch a plane to Cali at 1PM. It was freezing cold in the warehouse studio...They drenched me in olive oil spray and threw glasses of cold water at me. Kinda bothered me that they didn't use any of the wet shots, especially considering I had to get on the plane oily and wet. What gives?!?

Shape: April 2008 Green Issue

2008-03-09T22:06:00.005-04:00

Here's a little feature in Shape Magazine. They originally agreed to run an article on this incredibly cool joint project I did with my good friend Allan Schwarz in Mozambique (carbon offsetting + sustainable development) and the Race Against Global Warming (a community-based 5K walk/run). It was a great global-local tie in, but they opted for something more predictable. They also ran the photo from Mozambique and didn't credit the photographer: Esther Havens yo! Regardless, thanks for the coverage, Shape!!!!

Charity:Water + Theory = Drinking Water in Ethiopia

2008-03-09T21:59:00.002-04:00

Theory installed Charity: Water photographs and yellow water cans in 6 Theory locations nationwide, and also in Tokyo, Japan to promote awareness of the world's water crisis. Theory has created an incredible line of "water" clothing, generously underwriting all production and material costs. It's pure charity - 100% of all proceeds go directly to fund water projects in Ethiopia. For only $40, you can buy a sweatshirt that gives two people clean water in Africa for 20 years.

On Africa, fair trade, and today's runways

2008-02-08T01:11:00.000-05:00

Photo: Esther Havens

Check out the latest post over at Grist Magazine about fashion happenings around the globe. Highlights on fair trade shoes, Mmmmm Bop, and Barney's.

Green Jobs Now: Ruffle the tailfeathers of your Senator

2008-01-30T23:37:00.001-05:00

Rile up your Senator tomorrow. You know why?
Full Funding of the Green Jobs Act has a chance on the Senate floor tomorrow!

Senator Bernie Sanders is going to offer an amendment on the floor tomorrow to the economic stimulus package, asking for them to add in full funding of the Green Jobs Act. This title was included in the 2007 Energy Bill but has yet to be funded. Tell Congress it's time to "GO GREEN AND GO EQUAL in the stimulus package: fund the Green Jobs Act tomorrow and support the Sanders Amendment!"

Here's the skinny:

1. Call your Senator's DC office. Contact info available here: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

2. Ask to speak with the staff person working on the Economic Stimulus Package.

3. Ask for your senator to support the Sanders Amendment to fully fund the green job workforce training program.

On a related note: the Senate has included extensions of critical clean energy incentives in their version of the Stimulus Package, heading to the floor tomorrow. If we get the Green Jobs Act funded, we'll have a clean, green stimulus that'll help us on a path to a sustainable, just, and prosperous future! Spread the word!

Green For All!

Swedish News gives some oko-fibel loving

2008-01-30T23:13:00.000-05:00

Summer Rayne Oakes in Newsprint

"We can smell fear and have no patience for bullshit."

2008-01-30T22:59:00.001-05:00

Elizabeth Hightower of Outside Magazine highlights Power Shift and the growing movement of young activists raising their voices and voting power to combat climate change.

(Click image to enlarge)
Meanwhile it helps that Power Shifters are not easily cowed. "We're like dogs," model and organizer Summer Rayne Oakes told me she said after Pelosi's speech. "We can smell fear and have no patience for bullshit." Soon the wave poured over to the West Lawn of the Capitol where thousands more were assembling, a sea of yellow Power Shift tee-shirts bobbing under placards that said - 1SKY! 1FUTURE! 1CHANCE!

D2 - Gronn Luksus (Green Issue)

2008-01-30T22:54:00.000-05:00

D2 (Oslo, Norway) highlights Summer Rayne Oakes in their Green issue

Photo: B. Wallander

Video Diary of TOMS Shoe Drop South Africa, Nov 2007

2007-12-31T01:19:00.000-05:00

Toms Team South Africa round it up at the Embassy.

This is my video diary of the TOMS Shoe Drop in South Africa. Step inside.

Charity:Water hits Met Pavilion NYC

2007-12-18T15:53:00.000-05:00

Charity Water Benefit, NYC December 17, 2007.

Toms Shoe Drop - Day-by-Day Countdown

2007-12-14T00:45:00.000-05:00

This November I took a trip with TOMS Shoes to help spread the love. For every pair of TOMS you purchase, they give a pair to a child in need. This year took us to South Africa where we placed 50,000 pairs of shoes on children's feet.

Photo left: Blake Mycoskie (founder of TOMS), Esther and I greet children on the second day.

Africa Trip - Day #12- Nov 19, 2007

2007-12-14T00:34:00.000-05:00

Blake and I

Saying goodbye. Taylor, Gordon, M, Zack, Leigh-Ann, and Isaac

On the last day of our TOMS trip, we went to the Johannesburg Mayor's office to meet some children from local orphanages. I guess politics is the same everywhere. The political assistant paid some lipservice to the "great" programs that the city of Joburg was doing as a local woman scoffed behind me.

I left early and headed over to one of the HIV/AIDS orphanages for children. The kids played outside with us, but we weren't allowed in for various reasons.

Headed back to the Mayor's office. Packed up. And headed to the airport. Half the crew, including myself, were staying in Africa. I was flying to Mozambique. The others were off to Cape Town. Esther, the photographer on the trip had little desire to head back to the States, so I invited her onto Mozambique...thus begins that journey...

to be continued...

Africa Trip - Day #11, Part 4 - Nov 18, 2007

2007-12-14T00:25:00.000-05:00

Blake and I watch on as the games begin

Hanson performs a late night song. Photo: Bryan Johnson

It think this was Mmm Bop. Photo: Bryan Johnson

What did I tell ya, fan for life. Photo: Bryan Johnson

HaHa! Look at Ashton's face in the back

Evelina and I

Late night in Lesedi. Look at everyone's faces in the pictures. They got the funniest looks. We wanted to be entertained so we woke up Hanson. Sing MMMM Bop!!! We want entertainment!

Africa Trip - Day #11, Part 3 - Nov 18, 2007

2007-12-14T00:16:00.000-05:00

How much does this look like me and my rock star hubby
with our adopted children?

In the Lesedi Cultural Village I got adopted by this cute little chunkette above. I sat down to power up my berry when she came over and sat on my lap. The man in the village said, "Good. Now she is yours. Take her with you." She and her sister went everywhere with me. I had to get Geoff to take one because my arms were about to fall off..

Africa Trip - Day #11, Part 2 - Nov 18, 2007

2007-12-14T00:08:00.000-05:00

I was obviously jazzed when I found this ginomous cecropia moth

Look at those eyes!!! I just wanted to SQUEEZE him!

Rachel, Tyler and DJ chilling in Lesedi

Give peace a chance

"Styler" - editor at mens.style.com looks 8' tall in this picture

Africa Trip - Day #11 - Nov 18, 2007

2007-12-13T23:59:00.000-05:00

Laughing at pictures early in the morning...almost time to leave

We have another late start in the day, but have to fly back to Johannesburg to Ethwathwa. Once we are there we take a look at an amazing community development project. Gordon has helped start Tangerine Marketing, which is surprisingly very similar to Mercado Global. It's all about training local cooperative groups to create fabulous products and market them out. I got a bag, two belts, 3 cards, a picture frame, and an embroidered key chain. All tre chic.

Wearing my crocheted belt and bag from a community project
under the brand name: PROJEKT. It helps employ the skills
and inspiration of Cape Town's disadvantaged craftswomen.

Africa Trip - Day #10, Part 2 - Nov 17, 2007

2007-12-13T23:52:00.001-05:00

Before TOMS.

After TOMS.
.

Taylor with little boy

Doing it the way they do it.

It looks as if they are kickboxing...

Geoff's kettie later gets me in trouble in Mozambique

Photos: Bryan Johnson

Africa Trip - Day #10 - Nov 17, 2007

2007-12-13T23:33:00.000-05:00

Ashton and I buddy up

Come on, I didn't even do patty-cake in school

We picked this chick up along the way. Studies at Dartmouth and has been working at the Special School for the last semester.

The crew

Taylor, Sean and Geoff''s two big thumbs

How freaky is this? He painted a mustache on his face.

Kids at Esibonisweni...

Africa Trip - Day #9, Part 2 - Nov 16, 2007

2007-12-13T23:16:00.001-05:00

Taylor Hanson works hard at fitting the shoes. Photo: Bryan Johnson

Kids sing and celebrate outside the school in Ingwavuma. Photo: Bryan Johnson

Girls wash their hands at the water pump

Showing the kids my fancy footwork

Blake addresses the kids

Heather, Rachel, Mike and I man the shoe giving

Geoff and I with the kids

Natalie Hanson and I before the shoe drop

This old shoe

Today we had a big day: lots of shoe giving. The Hansons came by to join us today. Never a huge fan of their early music, but man have they made a fan for life. They are incredible and the whole family has been involved in AIDS awareness and now TOMS shoes. It was great having them on the trip.

Watch Hanson play "Great Divide" here.

Africa Trip - Day #9 - Nov 16, 2007

2007-12-13T23:07:00.000-05:00

Blake tells the kids that we love them and to stay in school

Geoff was a popular guy: Not only for his skateboard, but for his wristbands

Africa Trip - Day #8, Part 3 - Nov 15, 2007

2007-12-13T22:51:00.000-05:00

After Juvo we headed to a community where Leigh Ann works. The boys struck up a good game of soccer while the rest of us played other games with the kids. The school's headmistress gave a touching talk. "These kids have never felt shoes on their feet. I thank you for coming here."

Africa Trip - Day #8, Part 2 - Nov 15, 2007

2007-12-13T22:03:00.000-05:00

the rural parts of South Africa were breathtaking. This is on our way up to Juvo in Ingwavuma

Blake and Alejo, founders of TOMS, say cheese

Hauling the shoes into the school

The gals and I show off our shoes

We visited two schools today. Juvo I believe was the name of the first school. There were only a couple hundred children however. The weather was calling for rain so school had to be canceled. Children end up walking for miles to school, which is why it is common that kids don't go to school in the rainy season.

Our team set up an assembly line of shoe-giving. We sorted out shoes from smallest to largest, sweating all the way down to our ankles in the wooden schoolroom.

"Size 10! Size 7! Size 6!" Blake, Jake, Pam, and Evelina called out.

Joe, Rachel, Mike and I would toss the shoes their way.

"I want scotch," the tall girls with the most beautiful chestnut skin would say. Scotch was their name for plaid - and that was the pattern of choice here. This was a hard-to-please crowd. They knew what they liked and if they didn't get it, they would sit there and sulk, like any other teenager would. It was funny to see the girls with large feet try to shimmy their feet into a size 6 of 7 scotch shoe, pulling feverishly at the heel and writhing their foot like a possessed snake. "I don't think they fit," a voice of reason from our team would say.

Afterwards, the 19-year old preacher, who looked much more mature than 19 - (was he really that young, or was he just fibbing?) gripped my hands strongly and pulled me in for a hug. I kissed his cheek and he laid his warm skin against mine and kissed my cheek in return. "Thank you, thank you. I welcome you back anytime." I thanked him, laughing, as he continued to hug and kiss me, without the least bit of interest in letting go.

The van's music pumped softly to the undertones of giggling kids and the soft scuffle-thump-thump of their newly soled feet. I danced my way over to the circle where we waved our arms wildly.

A debonair child in a blue button-down and khaki pants worked his hips and danced to the music. I took his hand and we circled around - his friends laughing wildly at the sight. I picked up a young girl and dipped her down.

Wilson, one of the school headmasters came over to hug me. I thanked him for our time here. "We're just starting," I said. "We hope to make TOMS bigger so we can give more shoes. This is just a start."

"This is a lot," he beamed. He pulled me closer and gripped my hands. "The children will not forget this. I promise."

Africa Trip - Day #8 - Nov 15, 2007

2007-12-13T21:43:00.000-05:00

We woke up around 4:30 to get ready to do a safari on the water. Blake fly-fished while the rest of us soaked up the giraffes, hippos, and zebras.

Yummy dead hippo carcass on shore

It took us a while to get the whole crowd together, so we ended up hanging at the lodge and took some priceless TOMS photos.

Note to all the little children: Zak and Geoff are not good role models

Note to all the little children: Zak and Geoff are stll not good role models

Geoff skating down the road

Ha Ha! Zak takes a spill.

Rachel is Zest-fully clean with TOMS

Who drew on my feet?

Africa Trip - Day #7 - Nov 14, 2007

2007-12-13T21:28:00.000-05:00

As agile as a three-legged cat, I climb a fever tree

Our poor guide. I told her, "You give great Safari."

Back at the lodge sharing a good laugh at Jake's mod shot

We spent the majority of our time driving today, but we did end up making a shoe drop in Empangeni (Zululand). We then headed off to the White Elephant Lodge. Wasn't really in the mood for a safari, but had a blast. Our group was a bit noisy and they didn't tell us we couldn't climb on the safari truck, but we did anyway. Zak and Geoff nearly got us killed by elephants.