Hi everyone, and welcome back to Mochi. For this summer’s issue, we’ve gone with an eco-friendly theme. From makeup to food, there’s no denying that being environmentally conscious has seeped into every aspect of our lives. One Mochi writer talks about how her family’s “Asian” practices have taught her to recycle and reuse. I can relate — for as long as I can remember, my mother has saved unused ketchup packets and plastic utensils from McDonald’s. I used to roll my eyes, but thinking back on it now, I’ve never, ever had to purchase ketchup or plastic utensils. I guess Mom knows best on how to conserve. This issue is also chock-full of advice: our editors and writers are taking aspects of their lives where they’ve learned useful lessons, and are sharing it with you in hopes that you’ll be better prepared for your next adventure, whether it’s finding something new to wear in the morning, figuring out what type of food is best for you, or dealing with a bad breakup.

We’ve also profiled some people we think will be the next big thing — singer/songwriter Tim Be Told, fashion blogger Susanna Lau (aka Susie Bubble), and rap/rock group afterschoolspecial. They’ve inspired us, and we hope their stories do the same for you.

And one last note on inspiration — if any of our stories strike a chord with you, why not take a step further and consider studying all things green? We’ve got a great roundup of scholarships to give you a little more incentive, if need be.

As always, feel free to e-mail me at steph@mochimag.com with any comments, suggestions, or even ideas for next issue’s theme. Enjoy the issue, and don’t forget to check out our daily blog to tide you through until the next one.

- Steph

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Our love affair with food may be our longest, most precarious relationship to date. Our tug-of-war with food is a two-way street: sometimes you “give in” to food and other times your food works for you. To get the most of this relationship, figure out what you want with food at any given time, and use our cheat sheet to eat accordingly.

Foods That Curb Hunger:
Solids Foods are More Filling
I have tried the “liquid diet,” and it does not work. Eating solid foods rather than drinking liquids can help you feel fuller and make you less likely to snack later on in the day because (surprise) it actually stays longer in your stomach.

Eat Mindfully to Feel Fuller
When your stomach is physically stretched thanks to food, it sends a signal to your brain that you’ve had enough to eat. But whether or not you listen to that signal is really up to you. It’s important to stay in tune with your body’s signals. We’ve all been guilty at one time or another of watching T.V. or checking our emails while we eat, but multitasking can distract us from our body’s signals . Next time you sit down for a meal, try to eat slowly and consciously, and you might find dinner more enjoyable.

Foods That Give You Energy:
Food can boost energy by providing sufficient calories And let’s face it, energy (whether we have it or lack it) affects our mood, so it’s important to learn what types of food can positively affect us.

Eat nuts
Almonds, hazelnuts and cashews are all great sources of energy. Brazilian nuts are also natural mood boosters.

Lean meats
Lean pork, lean beef, skinless chicken and turkey are all healthy sources of protein and can help you feel more alert and focused. They can even fight insomnia, so you can finally get rid of those dark  circles under your eyes.

Whole grains
Foods like whole-grain bread, pasta and rice are full of fiber. Eating whole grains can help slow the absorption of sugar, unlike candy or sugar which can give you a sugar high before your energy level drops severely.

Some extra tips:
Tea is a good alternative for coffee. The caffeine in tea can improve alertness, reaction time and memory. As nourishing as caffeine can seem, the old saying still rings true: “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” so don’t skip it! Eating breakfast every morning can give you more energy and put you in a better mood throughout the day. Another tip: eat small meals frequently, supplemented with snacks, instead of a few large meals. Eating a little something every three to four hours can help you better sustain your energy.

No more guilty relationships with food – have it work for you for a change!

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100% Shea Butter ($9): Straight from Burkina Faso, shea butter is ideal for dehydrated skin. Use it for dry lips, elbows, heels and much more. The compact container gives you baby-soft skin on the go.

Almond Apple Velvet Eye Gel ($33): This non greasy eye gel refreshes your under-eye area and minimizes puffiness and dark circles. Put it on after a hard night of studying and look instantly radiant.

Organic Lavender Shower Gel ($20): Take your senses on a ride with L’Occitane’s Organic Lavender Shower Gel. Infused with lavender oils from Provence, it is the ultimate stress reliever after a long day.

Indulge in L’Occitane’s eco-friendly products – you deserve it, and the earth will thank you for it. For more information on how you can make a difference with L’Occitane, please visit: www.foundation.loccitane.com.

Disclaimer: Beauty writer Kirby Koo is interning with L’Occitane this summer and has picked her three favorite products to share with Mochi readers.

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College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor, ME). This liberal arts college literally brainwashes you into going green. Okay – not really, but at the College of the Atlantic, the only field of study offered is Human Ecology. With a student body of only 350 students, this eco-committed college shows that caring for the environment begins with a “green” education.

The Evergreen State College (Olympia, WA). The name says it all. Considering the fact that 800 of their 1,000 acre campus consists of woods, forest and saltwater beach, this college knows not to disturb Mother Nature. Their long list of eco-friendly activities includes using 100 percent of their electricity from green sources and building their state’s first public LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certified building.

Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH). Oberlin hosted its first Ecolympics in 2008, where students competed in their dorms for a four-week period to see who was most green. They also have a 100-kilowatt solar parking pavilion, and their distinguished Environmental Studies building recycles 100 percent of their waste water and has the largest solar array in its state.

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA). One look at their “Sustainability at Harvard” Web page and it’s evident why they’re on this list. These brainiacs put their heads to good use through innovative campus-wide green activities, such as replacing over 2,600 standard shower heads with low-flow shower heads and swapping office supplies. As they say, “one department’s trash becomes another’s treasure.”

Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA). This college is moving forward with a new central energy plan that expects to reduce energy consumption in their buildings by one-third. In addition they boast a campus fleet of hybrid cars, a free bike rental service and their very own Dickinson College Organic Farm.

Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT). One of their most original recycling methods is the collaboration between their dining services and the athletics department, where they fuel their ski team vehicles with waste vegetable oil. They also have student-run organic gardens which hire student workers, and promising investments in solar arrays, wind turbines and a biomass facility to use wood chips to generate power.

Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH). Besides purchasing food from 15 local farms, using composted food waste on school grounds and purchasing 2,000 megawatt-hours each of renewable energy, their sustainability initiative includes a coalition of student groups who annually travel cross-country on the “Big Green Bus” to educate others on climate issues.

Berea College (Berea, KY). They are known for their innovative EcoVillage dorm complex, which implements a 75 percent reduction in energy and water usage. Their Sustainability and Environmental Studies Program also includes 1000 acres of college farms and gardens, and 8,000 acres of college forests, which serve as ecology labs and studies for students.

Columbia University (New York, NY). Despite fast-food chains around every corner of the city, Columbia hosts a farmers market twice a week, uses biodegradable to-go containers and sells campus-grown produce in one of its dining halls. Its college dorms are also undergoing green renovations with features such as an energy monitoring system.

University of California (UC system, CA). These “Golden State” universities enjoy their greenery and they want it to stay that way. UC Berkeley has a certified organic kitchen, while UCLA developed a bicycle master plan to encourage green transportation. The UC system has boldly pledged to achieve zero waste by 2020 on all of its 10 campuses.

Sources: The Daily Green, The College Sustainability Report Card

Photos (from top to bottom): an organic farm at Evergreen State College and the Environmental Studies building at Oberlin College; photos from The Daily Green, courtesy of Evergreen State College and Oberlin College.

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Aside from my amusement towards passionate pet owners, I can’t help but find it peculiar. Growing up pet-less, except for a brief time with some goldfish (R.I.P.), I’ve never felt a strong attachment to animals. When I tried to explain my confusion, my parade of pet-owning friends decided to give me the inside scoop on the experience of having a pet.

The first thing I noticed was that they talk about their pets as if they were actual people. Linda explains how Tootsie is full of character. “He’s extremely stubborn and jealous,” she said. “He barks when my parents hug each other, so my parents make it a point to hug once a day in front of him because it’s so funny.”

Pet owners not only consider their pets as they would ordinary people, but they also embrace them as family. My friend Amiko, whose dog is called Tbee, short for Tinkerbell, said her dog even takes on family traits.  “I love how Tbee resembles each member of my family. She snores like my dad and has an extremely loud bark like my mom.”

What struck me the most about pet owners was their level of maturity and commitment toward their pets. Amiko, who has had Tbee for nine years, described the growth of her relationship with her dog. “When I was younger, I remember not wanting to walk her – I saw it as a responsibility. But now I truly enjoy walking her and when I see her tail wagging it just makes me so happy.”

As I delve further into the world of adorable dogs, I can’t help but feel influenced by the way my friends talk about their pets. As Emily said, “There comes a point when your dog or cat stops being just a pet.”

Which brings me to my last observation: pets induce a deep, life-changing effect on their owners. When my friends explained what it would feel like if they were ever separated from their dog, their expressions immediately turn grim. Emily, who unfortunately lost Charlie due to an illness, said, “Putting him down was one of the worst days of my life. I remember getting upset when it’d rain because our house would still smell like wet dog … except there was no dog.”

Heart-wrenching, intimate, sincere, joyful, simplistic love – these are the words I would use to describe the relationship between owners and their pets. I know I won’t completely understand this bond until I experience it myself, but I wholeheartedly admire pet owners’ diehard commitment and unashamed affection for their pets. As Linda said, “Tootsie makes me a big blubbering puddle of mush.”

Photo of Linda and her pet beagle, Tootsie, courtesy of Linda Hong

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You might say Danny Seo was born to be ‘green’ — as fate would have it, his birthday falls on Earth Day. Coincidence? Maybe, but at the age of 12, Danny started what has become one of the largest teenage environmental nonprofits. By age 18, he wrote an autobiography, which details his unique ideas for green living and won the hearts of the public. Since then, Danny has become one of the most sought after green lifestyle consultants, but he didn’t stop there. He recently expanded into beauty products and gave new meaning to the idea of living a 100% green lifestyle.

We talked to Danny to learn more about his take on green beauty and just what it takes to become a champion for all-around eco-friendly living.

What inspired you to create a beauty and bath line? And why make it green?

All of my products are created out of desperation. When I can’t find something in the marketplace that I love, I figure there are others who are seeking them, too. So, I create product lines thinking about how I can do it right, sustainably, beautifully and at a price point everyone can afford. Wholearth is just that: it’s green from the inside out and keeps the entire planet in mind. We use 100% post-consumer recycled packaging and our formulas feature some of the very first USDA certified organic seals of approval. I’m particularly proud of our fine fragrance collection. They all smell delicious, can be layered and are totally organic. No harmful artificial fragrances, preservatives or carcinogens in this line! You don’t need to poison yourself to smell great.

What does “sustainable beauty products” mean to you?

We don’t think about the fact that many products we use go down the bathroom sink or shower drain and end up in our water supply, taking hundreds of years to biodegrade. Most products are far from natural and they have to go somewhere.

Where do you see the beauty industry headed in terms of being eco-friendly?

I’m all about USDA-certified organic designations. This is a strict program from the USDA that mandates ingredients must be grown without chemical pesticides. And then from the farm to factory to fill station, the ingredients must all be certified as organic as well. When customers see that mark, they know they are getting the real, green deal.

How would a teenager interested in the green movement break into the industry?

You’ve got to lead with your values first and business intentions second. The green lifestyle business is all about authenticity. We’re in it to save the planet and promote sustainability. If you can keep your message and intentions pure, the money will come. The business mentality has to be secondary or you’re going to totally miss the point of the green movement.

You can find the entire Wholearth skin care line, which includes all-natural, organic perfume, decadent body soufflé, bamboo body scrub, and certified organic body wash and lotion, at www.wholearthbeauty.com. Check out Danny’s blog, dailydanny.com, for tips, ideas, and projects, and follow him on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/dannyjseo.

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Truth be told, Tim Ouyang has no idea what kind of long-term situation he’s in. But public opinion seems to indicate big plans for this the lead singer/songwriter of Virginia-based pop-rock quintet, Tim Be Told.

“To be perfectly honest, I didn’t know how long this was going to last,” said the ex-architecture major of his burgeoning music career. “I was going to go as far as I could. I can’t believe how many people have related to the music and how much we really love what we do.”

Burning up the college music scene with a power pop sound like that of Jason Mraz meets The Fray, Tim Be Told has become a grassroots sensation since its inception in 2007. Back then, Ouyang was just another University of Virginia student with a longtime penchant for penning heartfelt songs. It was not until he met a friend of a friend, Andrew Chae, then a guitarist from California looking to start a band, that Ouyang considered partaking in the music business full-time. The band was later rounded out with Luan Nguyen (rhythm guitarist), Parker Stanley (bass) and Jim Barredo (drums).

“I knew when I left school, I wanted music to be part of my life,” Ouyang said. “I figured that I’m young; I have my degree. I wasn’t giving up too much. I’m only going to be in my twenties and enjoy life.”

One of the biggest initial hurdles, however, was getting his parents to understand his new calling.

“Growing up in an Asian American household and pursuing music, my parents weren’t very happy. They thought I wasn’t going to survive,” said Ouyang, who is of Chinese descent. “If you’re an immigrant from an another country, what you know is that you came here with nothing and [you’re] doing whatever you can to make a living. Our generation is completely different. We know how to operate within the culture. It was our parents who laid the groundwork for us to do our own thing.”

Despite the generational gap and cultural differences, the singer managed to convince his parents by bringing up a striking point, “I said to them, ‘I don’t think that you guys have worked this hard and this long for me to do be doing something I hate.’”

After receiving a begrudging blessing from his parents, Ouyang’s next step was convincing the general public. Composed of predominantly Asian band members, he and his band mates have experienced some glass ceilings from time to time.

“There were so many people who were skeptical,” he said. “They would look at me funny, like, how is this skinny Asian kid is supposed to be able to sing?”

Ouyang merely views these preconceptions as advantages, however, as it provides the element of surprise when he belts out one of Tim Be Told’s power pop ballads.

Boasting a surprisingly polished sound for mostly self-trained musicians, the band is building up on wave after wave of increasing successes, from winning UVA’s Battle of the Bands to snagging a top ten ranking on MySpace’s unsigned chart. Ultimately, Ouyang says he has not regretted trading in his graph paper for sheet music.

“Even if we don’t top the charts, hopefully we’ll pave the way for someone else to do it,” he said. “We can show other Asian American artists that we can do this. You just have to push and not give up.”

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Susanna Lau of the Style Bubble fashion blog is better known throughout the blogosphere as “Susie Bubble” — an alias that she garnered from her friend, Sarah Hill, back in elementary school. Incidentally, long before blogging existed, an entire class of children began to call her by her famous nickname because she always looked like she was in a world of her own. “I was in a bubble!” she affectionately recalled.

Nowadays, in spite of her nickname and blog name, Lau is one of the most artistically, culturally and sartorially involved individuals in the fashion media industry — a far cry from the “bubble” of her childhood years. She began blogging because she wanted to “channel random thoughts about fashion” into a space of her own, after “geeking out” on fashion forums such as The Fashion Spot. Lau discovered that bloggers have the ability to cover obscure information with speed and variety that most print publications have not yet achieved. For buyers, public relations agents and trendspotters, bloggers are gems of resources — and Lau is a rare blue diamond. “Blogging three times a day for three years is weirdly enough the most consistent thing I’ve ever done,” she said.

Her passion and keen eye for design led her to become the commissioning editor for Dazed Digital, the groundbreaking online counterpart to the British style magazine, Dazed & Confused. Lau admits that “it’s been tricky to juggle the blog and [her] full time job at Dazed, but it has been really amazing overseeing the development of Dazed Digital.” Because she has never worked with print before, she was recruited to be a member of the staff in order to offer a different perspective and to approach the online relaunch “in a completely different way to print.”

One of the differences between working in print and working in digital is the level of work pace. Lau is able to — and must — work at a faster pace than her print counterparts. Additionally, she must respond to reader feedback in the form of comments and website traffic. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately), for print media, instantaneous feedback can be largely ignored. “The pace can wear you down. Also, looking after a website is a 24-hour job. If something breaks, you have to fix it right away,” she admitted.

Lau discovered that some benefits to working in digital include fewer restrictions (for example, no need to make sure all images are in high-resolution) and a bigger scope of topics to cover. However, in spite of digital’s ability to cover vast amounts of information, Lau believes that print media will still remain as a substantial and profitable industry in the future because “the two media are consumed in different ways.” The digitally inclined blogger is not worried about print in this increasingly environmentally conscious world, because “what print excels at is not replicable online, the tactile feeling of flicking through a magazine and reading the lengthy interviews with fantastic people and seeing the fashion editorials.” According to Lau, contrary to popular belief, the core of the fashion industry has not changed much as a result of the digital boom. Instead, the rise of digital has changed the average consumer’s perception of fashion and how the information is dispersed to the general public.

The combination of her love of fashion and her dive into the digital world as an editor and blogger culminated in an unforgettable moment when she was late to the Lanvin Autumn/Winter 2009 show, and tripped on the way in.

“With blood tripping down my knees and tights, I crouched in the front row just as the show started. The models strode out on the wet concrete floor and for about 10 minutes, I forgot I was bleeding and in a bit of pain because it was that beautiful. It’s pretty cheesy to talk about fashion like that, but that’s how it was!” she said. Now, this is why Lau is the it-blogger of the fashion blogosphere.

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Mineral makeup is a trend sweeping the beauty industry in natural food stores and drugstores alike. These formulations are marketed as being more “natural” and skin-friendly, but do they live up to the hype?

Inside the package
The mineral makeup trend has its roots in the natural, eco-conscious movement. Brands still capitalize on this association, with claims of “pure,” “gentle,” and “healthy,” but not all mineral products are created equal.

If you read the ingredients label of any mineral makeup package, you’d probably find mica, titanium oxide, or iron oxide – minerals that are non-comedogenic and have anti-inflammatory properties (although the same may not always be true of the final formulation). As long as minerals like these are the primary ingredients, the product can be marketed as “mineral” makeup.

This leaves some grey area, though. Because there is no other regulation about what ingredients constitute a mineral product. “Preservative-free” may not mean “all-natural.”

One main distinction between different brands is the addition of synthetic chemicals and preservatives. Some brands, like beauty-insider favorite Everyday Minerals, stress that they don’t contain these less-than-natural additives.

But even among all-natural brands, there’s yet another distinction. Brands that are “preservative- and fragrance-free,” like L’Oreal’s Bare Naturale drugstore line, may contain fillers and other additives that alter the character of the makeup. While technically considered “natural,” additives like talc and bismouth oxychloride are considered skin irritants and can cause harmful side effects like acne and itching, especially in those with sensitive skin.

Another common skin-friendly claim about mineral makeup is its UV protection. Although some product lines have SPF 15 ratings, dermatologists still suggest using sunscreen for extra protection.

So what do the experts recommend? Even dermatologists aren’t in agreement on the issue. While some recommend mineral makeup for its “anti-inflammatory” properties and gentleness on sensitive skin, others don’t believe the hype.

If you want to try mineral makeup and test these claims for yourself, be sure to read the labels critically. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne or rosacea, look for products without many additives.

Beauty benefits
Even if mineral makeup can’t give you perfect skin, it may make it look that way. Mineral makeup is known for giving a light glow due to the fine, reflective particles. Although it may not provide the same coverage as traditional powder foundation, mineral foundation provides natural-looking coverage instead of the dreaded “cakey” look.

Fan favorites
Mineral makeup has developed quite a following among beauty aficionados for its cosmetic benefits and skin-friendly properties. Here are some of the most popular and highly rated lines among those in the know.

Bare Minerals: One of the most prominent lines in the business, Bare Minerals offers an entire line of mineral makeup products. Try their starter kits for an easy introduction to mineral makeup. Find their products online at bareminerals.com and in beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta.

Everyday Minerals: As a niche brand, this company makes a point to be eco- and customer-friendly. Their foundation comes in a wide range of shades and levels of coverage —especially good for Asian complexions. The brand also offers a wide variety of makeup products and tools, but is available online only at everydayminerals.com.

Jane Iredale: As one of the original mineral makeup brands, it offers a complete line of high-quality mineral products. The quality comes at a cost, though, as these products are priced on the steeper side. Visit janeiredale.com for more info.

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In my lifetime, I have loved, lost, crushed, and obsessed like many other girls have. Many tears and a million heartbreaks later, I think I have it figured out. No matter whose fault it is or how complex the situation, the following tried-and-true methods are what heal a broken heart:

1.    Let it out. I started crushing on guys at the tender age of 4. I found them fascinating. I can’t say they felt the same way about me, but that didn’t stop me. A glutton for punishment, I was always left disappointed. After some time, I realized that I could pull through the hurt by writing. I penned many great lyrics, and, along with a heart-wrenching song, I created an outlet to release the emotions. So whether you choose to write, talk to a friend, or blog about it (privately if ranting), get the feelings out and hear yourself say it – whether on paper or outloud. Pent-up emotion is never healthy, and just like a good cry, letting it out can make you feel fifty times better.

2.    Hang out with your friends, but not with an ex, crush, or potential love interest, no matter how good their compliments make you feel. I have to admit that I am a true Leo: I love the spotlight and drama, and usually put myself in situations to invite attention – and have been hurt in the rebound process. Don’t do it. There’s a good chance that your friends and family miss you, and because you’re used to being invested in a serious relationship, transferring that dedication toward your other relationships can be good for everyone. You can still have your dinner dates and social outings – and the best part is that they will be with people who truly love you.

3.    Do something you love. Passion is everything. My refuge is the volleyball court – nothing calms me like the rhythmic thuds of a volleyball, and, of course, the endorphins don’t hurt. Find your passion: If you’re a singer, sing; if you’re a dancer, dance; if you’ve always wanted to learn to cook, go for it.

4.    Make someone happy. When I’m upset, I often end up with a new wardrobe from my second home, the mall. But more important is what I have done for others. I once made my best friend a book for his birthday with a 20-page poem detailing our history with meaningful pictures. I’ll never forget the look on his face when he received it. To this day, I have never been disappointed by doing something nice for someone . Making a difference in someone’s day may just be the best pick-me-up ever.

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A new generation of rap rock music has hit the airwaves in the form of afterschoolspecial. Hailing from San Diego State University, Dan aka Dan (emcee), Jaimie (vocals), Brian (keyboard), Keane (guitar) and Todd (bass) first got together while at school, but soon took their talent and creativity to a professional studio. After several years of touring and recording up and down the West Coast, the group was nominated for Best Hip Hop at the San Diego Music Awards. Dan, also a coordinator for the San Diego Asian American Film Festival, shares some insight on how the band is embracing their newfound rockstar-dom while also managing to stay true to their roots.

How would you define your style of music?
Rap/rock or hip-hop/alternative. Everyone in the group has different backgrounds in music, and I think that really plays into the sounds we create. Everyone draws on their own experience from punk to blues to classical. It’s been a blessing and a crutch in that we can all bring something new to the table, but it also makes it more difficult to decide on our sounds.

Do you each draw from your respective cultures and ethnicities?
Our cultures and ethnicities definitely help shape the music we create and the type of band that we’ve become. However, it doesn’t define us in anyway. What I mean by that, and I think a lot of other Asian American musicians (or even those in other fields) would agree, is that there are obvious influences in what we do and the songs we create. We will never sell our selves on just being an Asian-fronted group. We want to produce great music first and let that speak for the band. This way, the music can be more accessible to as wide an audience as possible.

None of the songs are about being Asian. However, we agree that the reception from the community has been very positive and we’ve been able to meet some amazing contacts and play a lot of great shows that are culturally based, which has allowed us to reach new audiences we wouldn’t otherwise been able to meet.

Where do you draw inspiration from?
We draw inspiration from other like bands, such as Linkin Park, Gym Class Heroes, and Flobots. I usually listen to groups like this before we play a show or before we write new music. It works out for me, because I listened to music like this before the band, so I was already prepared with the type of sounds we wanted to create.

What makes you all good role models?
Are we good role models? [laughs] I’m not sure if we’re the best role models, but I do think that we work very hard at what we do and there may be a lesson somewhere in that. On the Asian American level, I know that there are very few Asian Americans in the limelight (whether it be actors, politicians, or musicians). We could go on and on about socially and culturally why this doesn’t happen, but simply, it’s good to have people out there with similar cultural backgrounds representing.

What are your thoughts about the Asian representation in the music industry here in the US?
We’ve talked about this before with some other artists and the biggest issue of what’s holding us back is our own community. Because our community is so segmented — Korean, Filipino, Chinese, Cambodian — we find that oftentimes it’s difficult to bring everyone together to support everyone else as a whole. We’re too involved in what our own segmented community is doing that we can’t see the greater good in coming together to support as a whole. I think that this is changing, though, with everyone mixing and mingling in younger generations, and that by the time our children are teenagers, race won’t be as much of an issue.

Stay tuned for afterschoolspecial’s next big project — they’ve promised to keep us in the loop about their upcoming album!

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Annie’s Homegrown Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship

Annie’s Homegrown, which makes organic, all-natural pasta, snacks, and mac and cheese, is dedicated to supporting future generations of farmers. Annie’s gives a total of $50,000 in awards to students pursuing studies in sustainable and organic agriculture.
Eligibility: Must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate studying sustainable agriculture for the 2010-2011 school year. International students enrolled in U.S. schools may apply.
Deadline: Oct. 31, 2009

Garden Club of America Scholarship

The Garden Club of America, dedicated to stimulating the knowledge and love of gardening, and restoring, improving and protecting our environment, offers a plethora of scholarships for students and professionals in various environmental fields, including landscape architecture, horticulture, botany, garden design, wetland conservation, ecological restoration, desert studies and urban forestry. Scholarships include the Katharine M. Grosscup Scholarship, which awards students studying horticulture and related fields, up to $3000 per student, and the GCA Fellowship in Ecological Restoration, which awards $8000 to one or more graduate students studying ecological restoration. Eligibility and deadlines vary by application.

Middlebury Fellowship in Environmental Journalism

Middlebury College in Vermont, known for its dedication to going green, offers this yearlong fellowship program to 10 environmental journalists at the start of their career, along with a $10,000 stipend for reporting expenses. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in group workshops and edit their stories with authors and reporters, including former New York Times reporter Keith Schneider. Middlebury students also may receive fellowships and a $4,000 stipend by proposing a story and providing writing samples.
Eligibility: Working journalists with prior experience and interest in reporting environmental issues may apply for $10,000 stipend. You must be a Middlebury student to apply for the $4,000 stipend.
Deadline: May 15, 2010

Morris K. Udall Scholarship

Morris Udall, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the1960s who was devoted to the environment, worked to pass environmentally concerned legislation such as the Alaska Lands Act of 1980 which doubled the size of the national park system. The Udall Foundation annually awards 80 scholarships and 50 honorable mentions based on merit. Scholarship benefits include up to $5,000 for tuition, room and board, a four-day Udall Scholars Orientation in Arizona, and access to a network of environmental professionals through the Udall alumni listserv.
Eligibility: Must be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior college undergraduate student at a two-year or four-year institution with a grade-point average of at least a B. Applicants must

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White-collar workers, blue-collar workers, and now green-collar workers? The Obama administration has promised to spend $150 billion over the next 10 years to create five million green-collar jobs. For all of you undergraduates and college grads pursuing careers, here are the 10 most interesting up-and coming-eco-friendly jobs.

1. Geotourism/ecotourism

According to the National Geographic Society, “geotourism” means tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics and heritage as well as the well-being of its residents. This is a great option for people interested in the tourism and the hospitality business. Check out Ecotourjob to find job positions from a conservationist to an ecotourism coordinator.

2. Green building/LEED certification

Always loved playing with LEGOs? Perhaps you’re an architect major searching for your specialty. Build structures that are functional and don’t have a negative impact on the environment. Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the execution process. Go ahead and design the ultimate self-sufficient office building or community.

Take a look at the Organic Architect Company or The American Institute of Architects for more information.

3. Green lawyers

Someone has to speak for the trees besides the Lorax, right? Our environment needs a lawyer too. Earth Justice has made a lot of legislative progress for the environment in the last 10 years. Check out their website to see how you can make a difference.

4. Eco-cosmetics

For you beauty fanatics, there are many cosmetic brands that have started organic and green lines. Cargo makes PaintLove, a natural and organic line sold at Sephora. For a more affordable option, Physicians Formula has a line called Organic Wear sold at various drug stores. There is also Burt’s Bees, which has continuously made environmentally friendly products.

5. Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

When considering all of the paper and plastic bottles used in corporate offices, it’s important that each company contributes to recycling and conserving resources. A company that practices good CSR would be essentially adhering to the triple bottom line of reaching goals that equally value “people, planet and profit.” Nike has a great CSR program; learn more about it here.

6. Eco-friendly dining

Think about all of the trash that accumulates from the food we eat everyday, from our leftovers to the plastic containers and sandwich wrappers used for food packaging. By working in this industry, you can ensure the food we eat is organic and that restaurants are using eco-friendly means of distributing foods. Check out the Green Restaurant Association for available jobs in this field. If you are interested in the culinary arts, you can also start cooking organic or looking into organic farming. Get acquainted with your roots, literally.

7. Organic food merchandising

Customers want to know what they’re consuming, and the demand for healthy, organic food is on the rise. Many local farmers markets, as well as grocery stores, are selling organic goods. The grocery store Whole Foods provides high-quality organic food and believes in the importance of giving back to the earth. From the packaging to the food itself, everything is environmentally friendly. If you are a foodie, look into a job at there or at Trader Joe’s.

8. Eco-friendly clothing

If your ambitions include a career in the fashion industry, you can become involved in creating, promoting or merchandising clothes that not only look great, but help the environment as well. Many companies are looking for innovative ways to set them apart from competitors, and being green is key to making the clothes of the future. Velvet Leaf is a company that is all about creating fashion-forward, organic, sustainable designs.  Also check out Patagonia, which makes organic outdoor clothing and gear.

9.     Conservation

Help preserve what is left of the Amazon and discover the effect of invasive species in your own backyard. A conservation biologist focuses on preserving and researching biodiversity. Learn more about this industry at the Society for Conservation Biology, which posts listings for a range of jobs, from field biologist/ecologist to water resources analyst.

10. Interior design

Perhaps you’ve always had an eye for which fabrics and patterns match and what type of china looks best with a deep mahogany table. Green interior design brings creative designing to the next level by incorporating green products. The American Society for Interior Designs is a good resource for learning how to create “eco-designs” that help conserve energy and natural resources.

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You can’t make green without yellow.

And I wouldn’t be as “green” as I am today without my stereotypically frugal Asian family.

My dad taught me the importance of reducing and reusing before recycling. For example, when I’m done with a meal, I instinctively wipe off my plate with my lightly used napkin. Without the extra gunk, washing the dish is easier and requires less water to clean.

If you accidentally take more napkins than you need at a restaurant, don’t throw them out — tuck them away in your purse instead. You might need to wipe your nose or clean up a spill later.

We get a lot of extra uses out of plastic bags – wrapping meat thawing in the refrigerator and lining small trash cans. Other people use them to keep bicycle seats dry when it rains or pick up animal waste. For the bags you don’t use again, find a place that recycles them. Many grocery stores offer plastic bag recycling.

Though I encourage people to buy pricier, eco-friendly cleaning products, rechargeable batteries and paper towels made from recycled paper, I find that most eco-friendly efforts are at the expense of time or convenience and not money.

It’s about hanging onto that plastic bottle or can until you see a recycling bin. Most people would recycle if they see a recycling bin next to a trash can. However, it takes an extra effort to put that bottle back into a tote and take it home.

On that note, you don’t need a canvas totebag for every supermarket or store. You only need a few to carry groceries and maybe some cuter ones to carry textbooks. If you’re just getting a drink at a convenience store, say no to the plastic bag. My dad always used to remind me to bring a tote bag to the library or when I go out because they’re handy and more durable than plastic bags.

You have to commit to reuse. For a while, I brought a new water bottle to school every day. It saved me from buying drinks at lunch, which saved me one or two dollars each day. But I got thriftier and smarter. Now, I refill my BPA-free Camelbak a few times a day — it saves money and lessens my reliance on one-time-use products. Drinking water during the day keeps my skin hydrated, too.

While I learned most of these eco-friendly tactics from my parents, I thought of a new, Asian-inspired way to go green last year. My sister bought me these beautiful black chopsticks that came in a satin-like holder. I considered all the bamboo trees that are cut down every day to make disposable chopsticks.

After that, I resolved to put the chopsticks in my purse when I go to eat at a place that uses disposable chopsticks. When I’m done slurping up lo mein, I take them to the bathroom and wash them off with soap and water, so they’re clean for the next use.

Water is a renewable resource, so cleaning something is better than creating more trash.

On that note, try to bring your own food storage containers to restaurants or lunch carts. It reduces the need for Styrofoam, which is actually a petroleum-based material called polystyrene that sits in landfill long after we’re gone. Some coffee shops offer a discount for using your own thermos.

Being green doesn’t take a lot of time or money and is about making small investments such as planning and buying longer-lasting, florescent light bulbs.

I didn’t realize until I came to college that while my dad was teaching me to be economical, he was also helping me be ecologically conscious. Thanks, Dad.

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There’s something so alluring about “summer guys” – the carefree and fun vibe that comes with being around them. Stressful schedules during the school year typically make it harder to go out and meet new people, whereas summer holds countless opportunities. Once that last final exam is taken, the books are thrown out and swimsuits dutifully take their place.

Many girls detest these “summer flings,” claiming that they ruin any possibility of sustaining a real and long-lasting relationship. But the question is: What type of relationship are you looking for within these three months?

There are several upsides to having a summer fling. For one, it’s a fling! You are not entitled to any one person, allowing you to “talk” to whomever you desire. By being open-minded, you have the opportunity to explore your likes and dislikes in guys. As risqué as this sounds, think of it as giving yourself more chances to run into someone you’ll truly fall for.

The best part of a relationship is usually the chase. The rush you get right after meeting someone you can’t get enough of is quite exciting. This “sprung” feeling usually lasts for a few weeks to a few months – coincidently the typical duration of summer. By the time school starts again you may have already lost interest in that summer relationship and someone new might just walk into your life.

I’ve had my fair share of summer fun. There were certain guys who wanted to take me out every day, loved our spontaneous adventures, wouldn’t stop calling, and may have fallen in love with me. The list goes on, but it all boils down to this: I used to be a shy and timid girl, but I finally decided to open up emotionally over the summer. Once I did, I noticed that talking to guys was easier than I thought. Not only did it improve my boldness around guys, but my relationship and communication skills improved dramatically. I noticed that every summer I came out a more confident, outgoing, and laidback person. Guys do not define my personality, but they do help me discover unique traits about myself and characteristics that I desire in a relationship. These valuable experiences have helped me make wiser decisions when it comes to guys.

Keep in mind that summer relationships sound short-term, but it all depends on your mindset. The possibilities are endless. If the two of you are truly compatible, what started as a summer fling can turn into a long-term relationship. By avoiding assumption and going with the flow, anything can happen – just make sure all parties stay on the same page in terms of expectations and wishes.

One last thing, do not always wait for romance to come to you. When you see something you like, go after it! The adrenaline rush can be amazing. Summer flings are all about having safe fun, being daring, and learning about yourself. Don’t be so hesitant. Let your hair down, throw on that summer dress you’ve been saving all year and go start up a conversation with that handsome surfer. You’re never going run into him again anyway – or will you?

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