Gas companies use a process called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", to loosen rock and bring natural gas to the surface of wells. If you think this sounds hazardous, well, you're right. Dori and Val drill beneath the surface and let the statistics flow.

Beer: Check out our Grand Tetons! Listener Mike (Spanky) set us up with a threesome: Au Naturale Organic Blonde Ale and Workhorse Wheat Ale, plus Black Dog English Style Amber Ale from Spanish Peaks Brewing Co. in Wisconsin. Uh-oh, is that Val's malt face?

Chocolate: Mike again, with assorted goodies from Anacortes Chocolate Factory in Washington. Thanky Spanky!

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Things! The best kitchen utensil is the one you use every day. Try this bamboo slotted spoon for stirring, scooping and straining with style. Keep it fresh with a little bamboo goo.
• Baby steps. Need eco-friendly shoes for the teeny weeny greenies in your life? Soft, comfy Pedoodles are made from recycled leather scraps.
• Oh Wiki, you're so fine! Get the scoop on all things environmental at the new Green Wiki. [citation needed]
• Green Miles. Tom Hanks is one of us! The actor supports The Nature Conservancy and buzzes around Hollywood in his electric car. Eco is as eco does...

• Sole survivors. A new study finds 40% of freshwater fish species in North America are in jeopardy. Dori finds 100% of them are inedible.
• Little green Apples. The newest iPod nano is also the cleanest. Steve Jobs says it's mostly toxic free and highly recyclable.

Start meshing around! After you've eaten the last onion or potato, reuse that mesh produce bag. Slip it over a kitchen sponge for extra scrubbing power on pots and pans.

Gas companies use a process called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", to loosen rock and bring natural gas to the surface of wells. If you think this sounds hazardous, well, you're right. Dori and Val drill beneath the surface and let the statistics flow. Learn about the environmental impact, the health risks and the fracking politics.

• Frack attack. Hydraulic fracturing typically involves pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of fluids and sand into an oil or gas formation. Water and air pollution ensue.
• Frackpot. The chemicals used in fracturing fluid are not subject to regulations or public disclosure, despite the dangers of exposure.
• Frack off. The Environmental Protection Agency bows to political pressure and refuses to investigate.
• Frack to nature. As pressure to drill increases, so does the potential threat to the environment.

• Michele in North Carolina (y'all) found an mp3 player for little kids. The SweetPea3 can run on one rechargeable battery. She also shares the good news that NC is going green!
• Reverend Rachel in Texas needs suggestions for a "going green" gift basket. How about a reusable water bottle, biodegradable waste bags, a shower timer and an air filter whistle?
• Lottie in Massachusetts sees hopeful signs for a green economy: an event called Green Jobs Now and a report about a Green Recovery. We approve!
• Carri in Kansas loves master gardener Felder Rushing and his cool beer bottle trees. She also thinks Val would be a great supper guest on Planet Green. Are they serving beer and chocolate?

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