Our 2008 Picks: 15 Things To Know About

2008 was a year to remember for exciting developments in the green scene. There were new discoveries and revelations, and a growing knowledge about and desire to change our impact on the planet. We also learned more about the small and large ways our lifestyles affect our world as a whole.

In case you weren’t here for all the excitement, we went around the office and polled the Earth911 staff to find out what we think you should know about 2008, in case you missed any of it. Here are their sound-offs on our top picks (in no particular order) for the year in review, 2008:

Green Decor Galore

“Parties are the best, I love to throw them, I love to attend. Regardless of what time of the year. I thought Libuse did a great job in this article, and I felt like it covered all the aspects one would need to throw a great shin-dig.” – Raquel Fagan, Executive Editor

Stop the Presses

I really liked this news article by Francine because it brought to light how big of a problem discarding inkjet cartridges is.” – Trey Granger, Fulfillment & Public Relations Manager

Defeating the Boss in Video Game Energy Use

I thought this was well written and really interesting. Plus, it brought up all the hilarious ways in which we used to keep the games going back in the day before ‘save’ was an option.” – Tony Ash, IT Director

Beauty Is As Beauty Does

Happy New Year from Earth911.com!

Happy New Year from Earth911.com!

“It’s amazing that my shampoo bottle cap could eventually end up killing a sea turtle. Issues like this remind us how the tiniest things make the biggest difference.” – Jennifer Berry, Assistant Editor

60 Minutes and the ‘Electronic Wasteland’

“This story sparked some good discussion about what is happening overseas and what could happen when electronics end up in the wrong hands.” – Lori Brown, Executive Assistant

Video Documents Sad Life of ‘Trashed’ Can

“This video was touching because it gave emotion  to our trash. Admit it, you felt so bad for the can! Sweet and Sour did a great job.” – J.B.

8 Ways to Green Your Kitchen

“I love to cook, and thought this was well written. It was also funny, ’cause Trey (see above) was throwing a fit that he didn’t cook enough to write it – but I thought it was really good.” - R.F.

Composting While Cooking: A Guide for the Kitchen

“I like the break downs of what you might make during each meal and what you could compost during those meals. Plus I like food, so that helped keep my attention!” – Howard Fonda, Client Relations Representative

Gift Guide 2008

“I think this is a personal victory. It was the new site, and we did something new and exciting with it. I love this guide and can’t wait to do more features like this. I love the gallery style images and all the different personalities it covers. I think this gift guide was truly helpful. And I still hope to get one of those water necklaces!!” - R.F.

State of Medicine Recycling

“I didn’t even know you could recycle medicine, or what a problem it is in our waste stream and water supplies. It’s a great thing to know about. Fish don’t want Prozac, after all.” -Josh Gomez, Web Designer

The Economics of Recycling

“Many times people come to us and ask why they’re paying to recycle since they’re doing a good thing. Stories like these paint a picture of how recycling is really a business, and participation is the #1 way to keep expenses down.” – T.G.

UNFCCC Coverage

“Learning more about how the UN works to create international policy was fascinating. This year’s Convention demonstrated how important the U.S. is in global warming initiatives, and I hope that next year we can step up our involvement to be the leader that the rest of the world was looking for this year.” – J.B.

Seven Cycles of Recycled Paper

“Who knew paper could be recycled so much? Steve did a great job explaining the process and making it tangible for us everyday folks.” -Adam Ballai, Senior Software Engineer

Payless to Launch Green Footwear Line

“Green fashion is amazing, but sometimes it’s so expensive, it cuts out the average consumer. I think we’re all looking forward to more affordable green fashion in the future. And cool shoes.” – J.B.

The Choice of a Halogeneration

“The ‘Power to the Peeples’ series gives an in-depth look at the science and legislation behind many of the recycling in place today. This piece is about how motor oil gets a different standard than other products when it comes to recycling, and it provides a nice overview on how lobbying comes into play with the environment. Not to mention, it’s the best headline EVER.” -T.G.

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Earth911 is an environmental services company that addresses solutions for products' end-of-life for both businesses and consumers.