After listing the ways that they've become eco-friendly this past Earth Day, Fox television hit American Idol has decided to take things a step further and finish off the current season with a great big green bang. When Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson make their final judgements on Tuesday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 21, the show will be using two renewable energy resources to not only reduce the environmental impact of producing the show, but also to spread some awareness to young viewers.

Power for the show will be supplied by LADWP's "Green Power for a Green LA" program and will be comprised of solar energy, wind energy and hydropower. Additionally, the media arrivals area will have a solar panel installed which will be integrated with the LADWP system. As part of the Solar 4 R Schools initiative by Bonneville Environmental Foundation, the solar energy system will then be donated to a local California school.

The show will also award the winner of this season with their very own Ford Hybrid. Tune in on May 21 to finally see Ryan Seacrest admit his scary eyes and forehead this past season were a result of botched plastic surgery announce who will be driving away with their own green car and the coveted Idol crown.

» KPTH Fox 44

You can find almost any theme of Monopoly imaginable, from SpongeBob Squarepants to the Disney Princesses (I call Ariel's castle!). You can even buy the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant in The Simpsons version (a personal family favorite). However it seems Hasbro Games wants us to think less traditional methods of energy and more along the lines of solar and wind power.

At least the new Monopoly Here & Now: The World Edition would suggest so anyway. The utilities portion of the game will undergo a green makeover when the new edition is released this fall. Say a fond farewell to the Water Works and Electric Company and greet the new Wind Energy and Solar Energy instead.

Marisa Pedatella, a Hasbro spokesperson said "We just felt they were a little dated" and it "made sense considering the global initiative to go green."

You can buy Wind Energy or Solar Energy for a whopping $1.5 million each though that's a heck of an inflation increase considering the old Water Works or Electric Company sold for a paltry $150. If you're playing the The World Edition and are unfortunate enough to land on one of the new utilities, you'll have to pay the owner 10,000 times your dice roll. Ouch. Do they also accept cheque or Visa in the new edition?

» Globe and Mail

Animated features like The Little Mermaid and Toy Story aren't enough for Disney these days; now as the renewed interest in nature spreads, the company hopes to cash in on the same success as other films in the genre, such as the 2005 documentary March of the Penguins.

The first film under the new Disneynature regime will be released one year from today (Earth Day 2009), with at least two more projects to follow close behind. Walt Disney Company CEO Robert A. Iger says that the recent Discovery Channel miniseries "Planet Earth" also helped inspire the decision to move into the territory of nature documentaries.

“We were blown away by that TV series and we wished the Disney name was on it,” Mr. Iger said in an interview.

Mr. Iger declined to specify costs. “The films will cost enough to deliver the type of quality our customers expect, but less than a typical feature,” he said.

If successful, Iger believes the new films will appeal to an audience overseas and be less contentious than some of their other projects in countries such as China and India. Of course, one wouldn't expect Disney to just stop at the new films. A line of books based on the films will likely be produced, as well as the possible construction of a new branch of the famous Disney theme parks based on the films is possible.

The first of the films, simply called "Earth" will be released April 22, 2009, with "Oceans" to follow in 2010 and "Chimpanzee," filmed in the Ivory Coast Jungle, slated for a 2012 release.

» The New York Times

Flying a kite may seem a little retro, but as this writer points out,  it's a great earth-friendly activity that kids and adults alike can enjoy. It's also a fun way to get some fresh air and maybe try something a little different, so head to your local Toys "R" Us prior to Earth Day and pick one up!

Every year when the temperature warms and the wind picks up, we buy a cheap kite to fly for a day or two before we get too busy to head to an open field. As an Earth Day Celebration, what could be more environmentally friendly than kite flying? Except, of course, for the gas to get to a place with wind and enough space.

Open fields are among the best places to fly a kite if you live in an urban area. Think the middle of a high school track for one option. Look out for power lines, though. Kites and power lines are not a good combo. If you live near a coast or a large lake, head to the beach. Other places to consider are fields in city parks.

One thing I like about kite flying, once you have a kite, it's free. It's also participatory. What a great way to join in with humanity in environmentally friendly fun.

Hit the jump to read the rest of the article, which outlines the 10 best places in the world to fly a kite.

» Gadling

If you're trying to plan the perfect social event for Earth Day but are stuck for ideas, Someone Spoil Me is the resource to help you out. The website is a wealth of party planning knowledge, offering everything from great gift ideas for your friends and family to planning suggestions and advice. The site also features an ongoing "Go Green" gift category, so that you're never without the perfect eco-friendly gift, no matter what or when the occasion is.

Pinky's Earth Day/Green gift picks:

Edun Organic Knit Scarf - The Edun line was created by U2 frontman Bono and his wife Ali Hewson, and their company promotes sustainable employment in developing areas of the world. This unique scarf contains the "object poem" by Rainer Maria Rilke.

70s Sand Floral Trapeze Top - Created by Super Lucky Cat, the material from this top comes from a vintage dress.

Simple Men's Joe Curren Snotire tennis shoes - This funky shoes are made from recycled plastic bottles and are original enough that you probably won't see every other guy on the street wearing the same ones, which is obviously of utmost concern to most men.

Camden Rose Skittles - Woodcrafters from an Amish community created this bowling set as the perfect toy to keep the youngsters in your home occupied - minus the threat of harmful lead paint of course.

Soda-Club Soda & Seltzer Machines - Forget about generating plastic bottle waste from buying Coke in those plastic bottles. Make your own soda at home instead and re-use your glasses.

Bamboo Sushi Gift Set - This set includes all the essentials for the sushi connoisseur, including sushi plates, chopsticks, chopstick rests and soy sauce bowls.

Of course the gifts and advice on Someone Spoil Me aren't just limited to Earth Day; tips and gift ideas for birthdays, weddings, bridal showers, anniversaries and new babies are also covered. Wondering how to invite friends to your birthday party? When you should send wedding invitations and thank you notes for wedding gifts? If you should buy your wife or girlfriend a "push present" after she gives birth? You'll find answers to all of those tough etiquette questions that are surely weighing on your mind.

Hit the jump to visit Someone Spoil Me to begin  your party planning and etiquette education.

» Someone Spoil Me

Despite being made entirely from plastic and likely manufactured in China, Barbie is still doing her part for the environment and finding a way to recycle her massive wardrobe.

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, Toys "R" Us has introduced a line of limited edition eco-friendly Barbie accessories, made from excess material and trimmings left over from the manufacturing of clothing and products for the line. The Barbie BCause Collection features items such as tote and messenger bags, hobo purses, a mini-backpack, hats, pillows, diaries and coin purses. Mattel says they developed the line to educate a younger audience on the importance of becoming more eco-friendly.

"Barbie is always a reflection of current cultural trends and issues, and girls are increasingly aware of making a green statement," said Richard Dickson, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Media and Entertainment, Worldwide, Mattel Brands. "Barbie BCause is for eco-conscious girls who believe that being environmentally-friendly is the right thing to do, and we are thrilled to give extra meaning and extra style to what was once just extra Barbie doll fabric."

The line is available exclusively at Toys "R" Us retail locations, with the items ranging in price from $5.99 to $19.99.

» Toys R Us

If you still haven't made plans for the Memorial Day long weekend (May 24-26, 2008), hop in the Prius and hit the road for a visit to George, Washington (yes, that is actually the name of the place). Or more accurently, head for The Gorge at George. Some of the hottest acts on today's music scene will be performing at the Sasquatch Festival held at The Gorge Amphitheatre, named the Best Outdoor Music Venue a whopping nine times by Pollstar magazine.

R.E.M, The Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, The New Pornographers and The Cure are merely a few of the acts scheduled to appear at the three-day festival. Not only can you enjoy some fantastic music, but you'll be attending an event that is planning to minimize its environmental impact. The festival is certififed carbon neutral by Sustainable Energy Partners, with the help of Esurance.

Hit the jump to see the entire festival line-up, purchase tickets and learn more about how you can reduce your carbon footprint.

» Sasquatch Festival (Official Site)

By the time Earth Day rolls around on April 22, Toys "R" Us will have launched a new line of organic and natural toys that is exclusive to the chain. The initial toy collection will feature natural wooden toys, natural cotton plush animals and organic cotton dolls, with additional products to be introduced later in the year.

"We know that kids are becoming more environmentally conscious and are curious about how they can do their part to help protect the planet," said Karen Dodge, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "Going green is more than just a trend. It's becoming a lifestyle. This is just our first step in offering our customers the best selection of eco-friendly and organic products in all of our Toys"R"Us stores nationwide."

Parents will be able to identify the eco-friendly toys by the neutral-colored boxes containing an "R" seal. The green "R" will be reversed to mirror the "R" in the company logo and the seal will display the words "Recycle, Renew, Reuse, Re-think." The packaging will be made from a minimum of 70 per cent recycled material and the toys themselves will use earth-conscious materials such as natural or water-based dyes and unprocessed, unbleached and untreated cotton. The wooden toys will also carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo to show the wood is certified as coming from well-managed forests that follow strict guidelines outlining responsible forest management.

Animal-loving kids will be able to choose between a lamb, monkey, bunny or teddy bear from the Natural Cotton Plush Animals collection. The Natural Wooden Toys will feature a fire engine, utility crane, shape sorter, trailer truck, racing car, formula car, alphabet blocks wagon and a stacking train. As the name suggests, the Organic Cotton Dolls provide a natural feel because they are made from organic cotton, and will be available in pale pink or light brown.

For those looking for safe alternatives to the lead-tainted products aimed at children that are making their way over from China, check out the new eco (and kid!) friendly line from Toys "R" Us.

» Toys "R" Us

Britney Spears was apparently so impressive in her cameo appearance as a receptionist on the CBS show How I Met Your Mother last week, that animal activist organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (otherwise known as PETA) has offered the struggling pop singer a job as their receptionist in the event the whole entertainment industry gig doesn't work out for her.

It seems PETA thinks the job could be considered penance for Britney's past offenses, that include wearing fur and purchasing dogs from overpriced pet stores in Beverly Hills.

The official offer letter sent to Britney states, "As PETA's 'virtual receptionist,' you will see firsthand the problems that we deal with every day."

The job would reportedly pay $1000 and would be donated to a charity of Spears' choosing. The good news for Britney is that PETA would only require her to work for as little as one hour.

» TMZ

Despite concern from Olympic athletes regarding the possibility that poor air quality in Beijing might negatively their performance, Chinese officials are remaining optimistic, saying the first few months of the year have boasted some the cleanest air in the city in the past decade. The city has recorded 67 "blue sky days" since the beginning of January, making it the highest number in nine years and 12 higher than last year.

Scientists and some media take these numbers with a grain of salt, questioning the methods used to determine a blue sky day and accusing officials of skewing the results to look favorable. The president of the International Olympic Committee has said certain sporting events may have to be rescheduled if the air quality is deemed too poor on the day of the event.

China is doing everything it can to ensure the air is as clean as possible come the opening ceremonies in August. Over $17.11 billion has been spent to improve conditions in the country during the past decade, and during the games, road traffic will be reduced to half the usual amount in an effort to keep the air clear of vehicle pollution.

» Reuters Environment