Surprisingly, an anemic U.S. dollar doesn't mean Italians are raking in fat profits on handmade leather sandals in Capri or glasses of vino rossa on the deck of Venice's Hotel Danieli.

It actually means Italy is on the brink of a recession, which many people are writing about, including the International Herald Tribune. Soaring food and gas prices ($7.80 a gallon in Rome) have tourists watching their euro while Italty's GDP shrinks with a drop in industrial output and a huge public debt. 

Italy has lagged behind the rest of Europe for more than a decade because of these problems and low labor productivity. I knew there would be trouble when Milan got hold of decaf! All those sweet long naps after lunch.

It couldn't come at a worse time as I'm preparing to be in Italia per la prima volta. And while I'm keeping my reservations at the De Russie and Villa D'este (mostly because a relative is treating), I'm not counting on buying much more than a couple of souvenirs for my husband and daughters. I will have to say non, grazie, to the chic understated apparel and superior leather borse. Good for the planet, you say? You're probably right. You greenies are so disciplined!

But too bad for me and the vendors who, according to my sister, see me coming a mile away. I've been worshiping Italian finery since pulling Valentino dresses for my mother when I was nine. Valentino, by the way, has retired after 45 years with a slew of lavish houses, so he's not too worried.  But ...Read More

My treasured, vintage wooden picnic basket will be packed with a  conscience on Friday as my family heads to our annual Fourth of July celebration in downtown Sonoma. Instead of the ubiquitous plastic ware and paper plates that end up in landfills, we're opting for reusable picnic ware and some great vegan recipes, including a refreshing Island ...Read More

Our National Parks are a precious sanctuary from modern life. Places where you can view an infinite number of stars, or enjoy a hike that is completely silent - save for the calls of birds and the rustling of grasses. Places where you might see wildlife like coyotes ...Read More

Need a little cooling off? If a cold shower doesn’t do the trick, I’m certain a quick dip in the cool crisp waters of the Pacific would suffice.

Los Angeles is known for its perfectly pleasant weather, but the temperature of our ocean rarely rises above 68 degrees. I grew up swimming in it, so it suits me just fine - while the ...Read More

Every holiday has its feast, right? As more people than ever before make vital connections between the ways we grow and produce food and the environment, it only makes sense that we should celebrate Earth Day with a righteous and delicious dinner of organic and local foods.

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If you've ever visited a new city only to look in vain for that independent bookstore, vibrant community coffee house, or the mini park where the locals hang out and listen to free music, GrassRoutes Travel Urban Eco-Travel Guides are for you.

Urban Eco-Travel Guides give ...Read More

Hammock and eggs. It's what's for Father's Day breakfast! After a great deal of green soul searching for the right gift for my anti-consumption husband, I cannot think of a more suitable gesture than presenting him with yet another reclining opportunity: an eco hammock.

Sure, the red sectional sofa in the TV room is comfy for ...Read More

Valentine’s Day cards and chocolates make me think of one thing, and it isn’t love. All the paper and plastic wrap and commercialized waste! I prefer not to participate in it, and now I don’t have to.

Instead, there’s this precious, eco-friendly and handmade gift made of twigs, delicately tied together and shaped into a heart - ...Read More