Tropical rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate. Why should you care? Among other things, these ecosystems are a rich source of natural medicines.

You or someone you know probably benefits from the drugs derived from rainforest plants. Cancer? Diabetes? Arthritis? All are treated with compounds found in the rainforest. But we're losing these medicinal plants faster than we can explore their potential. The Hipsters trek into nature's medicine cabinet and learn about the challenges of saving it. Also, Val tries to defend Donald Trump, and Dori says goodbye to her "Bono in 2008" bumper sticker!

Beer and...well, just Beer:

Beer: OK, it was the name that inspired Val to pick up a big ol' bottle of Leafer Madness Imperial Pale Ale from Beer Valley Brewing in Oregon. Crisp and hoppy, this is a great stand-alone beverage. That's a good thing, because we didn't have any chocolate! D'oh! (Feel free to pop some in the mail. Help a Hipsta out!)

Finds:

• Cell mates. Rechargeable batteries just became more user-friendly with the USBCELL. The top plugs into any USB port, charging while you work. Thanks to listener Bryllyg for the Tweet on this!
• Wile E. Coyote approves. If you love the idea of a sack lunch but hate the waste, pack your pita in an ACME recycled cotton lunch bag. 100% lead-free, and even comes in a limited edition "brown paper bag" color option.
• Wasting away. Never get caught without a trash bin again! The Clothespin Waste/Trash Can offers a frame to transform any bag into a garbage bag. Folds flat for trashy travelers.

• Laddie & the Trump. The Scottish government approves The Donald's new mega-golf course, despite objections from local officials and environmentalists. Soon the only birdies found there will be on a scorecard.
• T-VIPs. New Energy Star compliant TVs are now on the market, just in time for the holidays and the digital switch. They're 30% more energy efficient, but most of the shows still suck.

Bastes great, less filling! That turkey baster doesn't get much use after Thanksgiving, so use it to freshen the water in your flower arrangements. Just suction up the dirty water with the baster, and the blooms stay in place. Remember to clean it well before your next turkey dinner!

Tropical rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate. Why should you care? Among other things, these ecosystems are a rich source of natural medicines. Learn how a rainforest plant or herb could treat someone you love someday, and how you can support efforts to end their senseless destruction.

• Botanical treasures abound within tropical rainforests. They yield treatments for malaria, tumors and muscular disorders, just to name a few.
• Did you know that one and a half acres of rainforest are lost every second? Arm yourself with the facts about rainforest destruction for your next run-in with a skeptic.
• Want to adopt a rainforest? Or drink coffee to help the cause? You can do that and more with the Rainforest Alliance.
• You're never too young to save the planet! Get kids involved with the Rainforest Heroes program.
• Help is just a click away. Visit Care2's Race for the Rainforest.

• Liz in Wisconsin is a Hipster who can appreciate the constructive use of beer bottles.
• Melinda in SC is one of many listeners happy about Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging. No more "wrap rage"!
• Moises in Hong Kong, one of our original Hipsters, mends a broken heart and recommends a raw vegan diet espoused by Gabriel Cousens MD. Te queremos Moy!
• Alisha in Virginia has turned her hubby into a planeteer! Except for the fridge thing...but we found the solution!
• Alyssa in Washington makes some fine beer suggestions, but we're really intrigued by her other idea: Mafia names! C'mon, Carla DeLucci, what's the formula? We'll make you an offer you can't refuse...

Can't see the forest for the trees? Send an e-mail to hip@greenfeet.com. And remember to post articles and links at our MHTH forum!

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