Stop Global Warming Virtual March 12/16/08 YES VIRGINIA, THERE'S NO CLEAN COAL No surprise a lump of coal is the traditional holiday gift for the naughty, as there is nothing nice about its contributions to global warming. The Reality Coalition, a project of the Alliance for Climate Protection, with support from The League of Conservation Voters, the National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Sierra Club, is sending out the message that "In Reality, there's no such thing as clean coal," despite the multi-million dollar ad campaign paid for by the coal industry saying differently. Not one American home today is powered by a coal-burning plant that captures and stores its carbon pollution. And coal plants are responsible for a full third of America's carbon dioxide pollution -- the chief cause of global warming. The coal industry must invest in the technologies that can stop carbon pollution from entering the atmosphere. Click Here to see the great ad the Reality Coalition is launching. Help us challenge the coal industry to come clean -- in its advertising and in its operations. TIP OF THE SEASON: CUT OUT THE GIFT WRAP During the winter holidays, 4 million tons of wrapping paper and shopping bags are thrown away. Gift wrap is a $2.7 billion industry in the U.S., and almost none of it is made from recycled content. This year, try skipping the gift wrap and cut back on holiday waste. Use the least amount of packaging and wrapping as possible, or try alternatives to paper gift wrapping. Newspaper, fabric scraps, scarves, reusable boxes, tins and jars are great wrapping ideas. If you do buy wrapping paper, always choose recycled and save wrap and bows for re-use next year. GREEN SHOPPING IDEAS Cool Planet Jewelry: Each piece of our partner Cool Planet Jewelry's Stop Global Warming collection is made from recycled precious metals using earth-friendly manufacturing techniques. Men's and women's collection includes bracelet, necklace, cufflinks, stud set, lapel pin and key ring. Wear the jewelry and spread the word on this important issue. Buy Now. Time Planet Earth: An Illustrated History: This beautifully illustrated volume, featuring the work of award-winning photographers, presents a portrait of our wondrous planet -- and of all the beings that call it home -- that is revelatory, awe-inspiring and essential. Buy Now. "I'm Tired of Global Warming" Bracelet: The bracelet is made from recycled tires with a recycled metal bead, and proceeds from the sale benefit our cause. Buy Now. 41Pounds.org: Help a friend or family member cut out their junk mail, and have a tree planted in their name. Click here to sign up. The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming: A book for kids of all ages with facts about global warming, loads of photos and illustrations, and suggestions for combating global warming in homes, schools, and communities. Buy Now. For other great DVD and book ideas, check out our Resources page. Donation Gifts: What better way to help the environment than to give gifts that don't require packaging? Try tickets to concerts or sporting events, or a museum membership. Even better, give a gift membership to an environmental organization. Your donation helps support groups that fight on your behalf for the good of our planet. A few suggestions: NRDC; The Sierra Club; and the National Wildlife Federation. For more green gift ideas, visit our partner Treehugger's Gift Guide Happy Holidays and Keep Marching! Laurie David Founder StopGlobalWarming.org