Forget “crunchy” furniture that looks like it was discovered in an old hippie commune from the 1960s.

“Green” or sustainable furniture now has a level of style and sophistication we didn’t see three years ago when the eco-friendly design movement first gained momentum. Eco-friendly no longer has to mean furniture that looks like it was thrown together from the scrap pile.

“Choosing something environmentally friendly doesn’t mean it has to be stark, uncomfortable or unusual in any way,” says Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of public relations and marketing for the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the largest trade association representing the home furnishings industry. She cited the example of C.R. Laine, one of the first manufacturers to use repurposed plastic bottles in the soft fiberfill of the upholstery backs of well-designed sofas.

The move toward eco-friendly or sustainable furniture is gaining momentum nationally. Other well-known companies like Copeland, Century and La-Z-Boy are joining the movement. So are fabric companies such as Schumacher, the Q Collection and O Echo Textiles.

Hirschhaut’s trade association has been helping manufacturers through a process to help them make more green furniture and reduce their manufacturing’s environmental impact.

“We have been seeing the eco-wave about three years,” she says. “The materials being used are not all revolutionary with the exception of soy-based foam.” The foam became a springboard for upholstery companies to use other green products such as natural fiber covers, sustainably harvested wood frames, recycled metal springs and nontoxic glues, she says.

GREEN SHOPPERS

Despite the increase in choices, only 8 percent of mainstream furniture buyers said they had purchased eco-friendly or green furniture, according to the 2009 Sustainable by Design Consumer Marketing Research Study conducted last October for the alliance. These green shoppers said they believed that the sustainable furniture was higher quality and they were willing to pay an additional 10 percent or more for it.

Consumers aren’t alone. Many designers and architects are also reluctant to go green.

“Designers often think sustainability means too much work and too much money,” Jobi Blachy told designers recently in the Nessen showroom at the Design Center of the Americas in Dania Beach. Blachy is president of Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, a New York manufacturer of green furniture.

“Only 10 percent buy the furniture because it is sustainable and 90 percent because it’s beautiful.”

Cost doesn’t have to be a stumbling block. Industry experts say green furniture costs only 10 to 20 percent more than other furniture.

Herman Brun, a Miami architect and co-founder of the South Florida Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, says green has been popular in Europe for years, then Californians picked up the concept. It just began to take off in South Florida about 1 ½ years ago, says Brun, who owns Den Architecture with his wife, Lizmarie Esparza.

Despite the increased availability of green furniture, Brun says his clients are more into green building — solar panels and efficient plumbing, lighting and appliances — than green furniture.

“We are not getting the demand that would justify huge production of the furniture,” he says. “Most of the green furniture we use is produced custom by local craftsmen.”

USED PRODUCTS

New furniture isn’t the only alternative. Brun says the most sustainable furniture is used or reclaimed. Since it was already produced, the carbon footprint is minimal. He often finds pieces at salvage yards and flea markets.

Interior designer Nancy Astrid Lindo of Astrid Design Studio in San Francisco, an eco design and green consulting firm, also recommends that consumers shop at thrift, vintage and antique stores. She spoke recently on “Designing for a New Era” at MiaGreen Expo and Conference in Miami, a major green event for architects, engineers, designers and builders.

“Designers are known for creating interiors and doing a lot of fluff work,” she says. “I want to help them understand they have a much greater responsibility not to create just gorgeous interiors but to create a small eco system within the larger eco system.”

This means using furniture made with no toxic finishes, glues and adhesives, paired with organic fabrics and wood sourced from sustainable forests. If an old piece is being reupholstered, she suggests using soy or rubber as stuffing and going back to organic cotton, wool and horsehair.

But finding eco-friendly furniture outside of used sources isn’t that easy. The movement, still in its infancy, has no standard definition or government oversight. It does have independent certification programs that can help consumers identify green products such as GreenGuard (www.greenguard.org ) and the Forest Stewardship Council (www.fsc.org).

Companies are still “greenwashing,” or making claims for green that are exaggerated or aren’t true. And some furniture retailers may remove the hangtags that designate third-party certification.

Lindo suggests using a design professional to determine if the furniture is really green.

“A lot of manufacturers claim to be sustainable, and to the untrained eye they can convince you that a product is green when it isn’t,” she says. “A trained eye can peel back the layers and ask questions of the manufacturers so you can determine if it is sustainable.”

If you don’t want to use a designer, a good source for information is www.regreenprogram.org. The website, sponsored by the American Society of Interior Designers and the U.S. Green Building Council, offers a series of guidelines and sources for green remodeling.

MAKE AN IMPACT

Blachy says you don’t have to do a whole house green to make a difference. Even one or two green pieces of furniture can make an impact. Ask for certification, such as Forestry Stewardship Council or GreenGuard. Ask for a sustainability statement. Ask for the origin of materials. And ask for one with low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

“I think the main thing is to help people understand that sustainable, green and eco are not just for a certain demographic or a certain stereotype,” Lindo says. “Healthy living and healthy interiors can fit any budget. We need to demand these things of furniture manufacturers and vote with our dollars.”

Go Green Expo, the nation’s premier eco-friendly tradeshow, is coming back to Los Angeles on January 22-24 in partnership with CBS-TV. The event will showcase the latest and greatest in all things green & eco-friendly. Additionally there will be food tastings, a job fair and a variety of panels and presentations.

I will feature some of the most dynamic experts in the field:

- Eric Corey Freed:  Organic Architect – Green Architect, Author
– Davida Heller:  Ecospire – Green Building Consultant
- L. Axil Comras: Green Home -  Product and Eco living specialist
– Shawn Berry – Woodshanti -  Furniture and finish expert
– Stacey Champion - Champion Indoors – Indoor Environmental Specialist
- Jennifer Schwab – Sierra Club Green Home – Director of Sustainability

Composting is part if the natural process of decomposition that naturally occurs in nature.   A compost bin functions as a digester that breaks down organic matter, allowing nutrients to be assimilated back into the earth for continual benefit.  The final product that is produced is known as humus – often referred to as black gold for its ability to regenerate the soil, act as a natural fertilizer, aerate soil, prevent erosion etc.

Humus contains carbon, nitrogen, in addition to, beneficial bacteria and millions of microorganisms.  It is not static but rather completely alive.  It is an excellent component to even out soil variations, absorb water and support plant and animal life while assisting in the production of soil – a critical element in our evolution.

Why Compost?

Most solid waste in municipal settings is in large part food scraps.  By composting of our food scraps, we drastically reduce our waste, which in turn, lightens the load on our landfills.  Currently, our landfills are being exhausted at unprecedented rates.  Landfills throughout our the country have been closing, due to maximum capacity, forcing cities to truck or rail our garbage across state and international borders.

Compost adds a rich nutrient to gardens, plant life and trees.  Many city dwellers that may not have a garden to deposit their goods in, will donate them to neighborhood trees.  When compost is placed on the earth, it helps to regenerate the soil of an immediate area, regenerating the soil structure and water absorption capacity.  When gardens benefit from rich humus, the food will naturally thrive and produce healthy and nutritious food for you.  There is no need to purchase synthetic chemical fertilizers that are contaminants  your home, your health and the earth.  Artificial fertilizers by pass the natural process with synthetic chemicals promoting the growth of weeds, disease and pests – while contaminating our health, and the air and water quality of a region.

Balance

For a compost pile to decompose properly, a sweet balance or proper alkalinity, must be maintained.  There are two elements that are necessary in a compost pile – brown and green material.  Brown consists of what is high Carbon (woody, dried leaves, sawdust, brown, paper, egg cartons).  Green consists of high Nitrogen (fresh produce, grass, food scraps, grass clippings or garden prunings, tea bags, coffee grinds, etc).
The balance should be maintained at a ratio of about 30:1 (Carbon to Nitrogen).

It is not as complex as it sounds, because this variation is usually found in the range of food people eat.

Does It Smell?

No.  Contrary to popular belief compost, when maintained under proper conditions, it does not smell.  Finished compost will have the look, feel and odor of rich soil – depending on the conditions it may take from 6 – 12 weeks.  The optimal conditions inside the bin are to be hot, but the heat will be generated naturally – it should not be left in direct sun.  It can be stored in a patio, garage, basement, shed, or utility closet.

There should not be an infestation of fruit flies either.  There will microorganisms growing and even some mold may appear – these elements should break down.

What Not to Add:

You do not want to add: dairy, cheese, milk-related products, meats, bones, chicken, whole eggs, fat, weeds with mature seeds, pet feces, pressure/chemical treated wood.

Animal feces carries pathogens and should not be added to your bin.  You can create one specifically for your dog, but do not use it on your garden.

Do not add food that is too moldy.

Only add organic matter and do not add non-organic garbage, plastic, metal or glass.  Best to remove stickers, rubber bands and tags that are placed on food.

What You Will Need:

• Plastic Bin with tight lid
• Order worms online ($10 p/lb.)

or

• Retrieve a bag of existing compost with worms from a friend

• Newspaper

• Drill

• 1/4” drill bit

• Food scraps

If you want to harvest the worm castings, you will need:

• 2 bricks

• A pan the relative size to the surface area to the bottom of the bin

:  To determine bin size you need two square feet of surface area per person, or one square foot of surface area per pound of food waste per week.

• Naturewell: Sort of like when 7/11 meets your natural bulk bin—Naturewell is Sunset Junction’s one stop shop for coffee, smoothies, organic juices on the go, bulk grains, legumes, nuts and even spices. Reasonably priced too. Contact info: 3824 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026 (323) 664-5894 Map it.

• Intelligentsia: Intelligentsia prides itself on bringing customers high-end coffee and tea that supports sustainable farming and fair labor practices. Learn more about its Direct Trade program and visit the Junction for an aromatic latte and delicious pastry made by local bakeries. Contact info: 3922 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 663-6173 Map it.

• Delilah’s Bakery: Take a step inside and you’ll be taken back in time to the kind of bakery your grandma would have visited as a little girl. Delilah’s is a quaint piece of cupcake heaven on the quieter part of Echo Park Blvd. Try the red velvet cupcake—it’s divine. Contact info: 1665 Echo Park Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026-2647 (213) 975-9400 Map it.

• The Cheese Store: With a focus on artisanal cheeses from around the world there is something for everyone at this Parisian slice of Silver Lake. For locally produced fromage, ask for the Humbolt fog –mmmm. Contact info: 3926 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 644-7511 Map it.

• Scoops: L.A.’s Home for handmade ice cream offers delicious flavors ranging from seasonal specials (fig ice cream anyone?) to tried and true favorites (brown bread). It has vegan options to scoop too. 712 N Heliotrope Dr Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 906-2649 Map it .

• LAMILL: LAMILL treats coffee the way oenophiles treat wine. The experience is, simply put: world class. LAMILL sources its beans from Direct Trade relationships too. Contact info: 1636 Silver Lake Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026 (323) 663-4441 Map it.

• Pazzo Gelato: Tasty gelato made in house with ingredients that are fresh from the farmer’s market. One spoonful shows why it was voted to the top in the Best of LA Weekly. Delizioso! Contact info: 3827 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026-1594 (323) 662-1410 Map it.

• Silver Lake Wine Shop: The Eastside’s go-to-boutique wine shop carries organic and biodynamic bottles as well as wines grown as locally as Camarillo. Be sure to check out the weekly tasting flights and menus. You’ll also find scrumptious Cake Monkey baked goods—an honest version of cake from yonder years. Contact info: 2395 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA‎ – (323) 662-9024‎ Map it.

• Lark Cake Shop: This 20-year veteran of the neighborhood uses locally-produced ingredients whenever possible, is a part of a California co-op dairy and is committed to compostable table and to-go ware. We heart Sara’s Famous Chocolate Mousse Cupcake—delish! Vegans—they also got cupcakes for you. Contact info: 3337 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 (323) 667-2968 Map it.

• Carol Young Undesigned: Soft bamboo jersey, organic cotton twill, and other sustainable-fibered items for the fashionable urban nomad, (un)designed here in L.A. Contact info: 1953 1/2 Hilhurst Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 663-0088 Map it.

• Crossroads Trading Co: Buy, sell and trade recycled accoutrements of all kinds for your closet at this second-hand staple. Contact info: 2656 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles (323) 644-0060 Map it.

• FreshPressed: Screen print your very own wearables and totables at a one stop DIY design shop that uses eco-friendly, water-based inks whenever possible. Contact info: 4646 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90027-5408 (323) 663-7374 Map it.

• GROWkidGROW: A kids’ resale store for always growing and outgrowing kids (recycling in action!)—plus events like open mics for Moms, Pops, and Tots. Contact info: 4310 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 661-4769 Map it.

• Jungle Gurl: Chic, sexy, eco-friendly swimwear for women and girls fashioned from vintage fabrics. Visit the website Contact info: 860 South Los Angeles St. Lobby Los Angeles, CA 90014 (323) 791-5485 Map it. to check out Jungle Gurl’s Silver Lake design studio and showroom.

• Matrushka Construction: Handmade dresses for women (and vintage silkscreened shirts and jackets for men) masterminded and made right in the store by artist and activist Laura S. Howe. Contact info: 3822 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026-1530 (323) 665-4513 Map it.

• Silver Lake Art*Craft & Vintage: An eclectic outdoor flea market Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Micheltorena Street Elementary School. Contact info:1511 Micheltorena St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 Map it.

• Tavin. A beautiful new boutique in Echo Park filled with vintage curiosities and collectibles and clothing along with new local eco-designs. A veritable treasure chest of lovelies. Contact info: 1941 Hyperion Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 665-1941 Map it.

• Taxi CDC (Corrugated Design Collective): L.A. Designer Deborah Brosenne’s recycled, redesigned, reconstructed vintage wears in Echo Park and elsewhere. She combines the best of 80s fabrics with dresses worth donning in the new century. Contact info: 2146 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles (213) 413-2333 Map it.

• Alcove Café and Bakery: One of the only eateries around that goes the full environmental distance, the Alcove is part of the Green Restaurant Association. It’s also one of the quaintest spots on Hillhurst for beautiful, delectable brunches on the patio. Contact info: 1929 Hillhurst Ave Los Angeles, CA 90027-2711 (323) 644-0100 Map it.

• Cru: Totally organic, totally raw, totally gluten-free cuisine inspired by local seasons and global flavors. Plus, its cake is famous. Contact info: 1521 Griffith Park Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026 (323) 667-1551 Map it.

• Elf Café: It’s so elfin you could miss it, but if you happen in to this petite café for dinner, you’ll be charmed by vegan/vegetarian Mediterranean-inspired dishes lovingly made from fresh, organic ingredients. Contact info: 2135 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 484-6829 Map it.

• Flore Vegan Cuisine: Inspired organic vegan cuisine at the Junction offering incredibly fresh breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner plates that range from the familiar to the fancy. Cantaloupe Blueberry Gazpacho. Need we say more? Contact info: 3206 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026 (323) 667-0116 Map it.

• Gingergrass: Offers savory, satisfying Vietnamese cuisine while making efforts for the greener good (like composting!) New on the menu is locally brewed Vietnamese-inspired beer. Contact info: 2396 Glendale Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90039-3209 (323) 644-1600 Map it.

• Local: Elegantly imagined diner favorites and comfort foods made with organic, locally-sourced ingredients, plus a by the pound salad bar and conscious to-go packaging. YDT co-founder Tracy highly recommends the pork belly–delicous. Contact info: 2943 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026-2127 (323) 662-4740 Map it.

• Masa of Echo Park: Home of Chicago deep-dish pizza on the Eastside made from masa (dough) made fresh daily and complemented with organic, local produce. Too many carbs in the deep dish for you? It offers an equally delicious array of thin crust pizzas as well. Contact info: 1800 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026-3227 (213) 989-1558 Map it.

• Sew LA: Dream of making your own clothes? Wish no more. Sew LA carries a variety of fabrics, ribbons, buttons, patterns and anything else you need to make the perfect outfit. It provides the machines and instructions too should you need a little more attention. Contact info: 1637½ Silver Lake Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 (323) 665-7097 Map it .

• Home Ec: Crafters delight at this destination for all the things you should have learned in Home Ec but never did. Multiple crafting classes are offered each month. Contact info: 3815 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323)-906-8826 Map it.

• Reform School: Promising much more fun than real school, Silver Lake’s Reform School blends a love of art, craft and design. Contact info: 3902 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029-2242 (323) 906-8660 Map it.
  

• Griffith Park: Make Your Own Compost: L.A.’s Department of Recreation and Parks offers free classes to get you composting through the Griffith Park Composting Center. Don’t have the space to do it at home? You can always pick up compost from them that’s ready to spread. Contact info: 5400 Griffith Park Drive Los Angeles, CA 90027. Phone: (323) 913-4166. Map it.

• Kelly Green Design: Part green living store, part interior design mecca, Kelly Green carries a unique selection for your house and home. It is also the only Eastside location that carries YDT co-founder Lauren Johanson’s line, Chivas Skincare. Contact info: 4008 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029-3024 (323) 660-1099 Map it.

• Silver Lake Salvage: This local gem is a haven for all your building needs—from beams to windows, bookcases to glass doors. Unlike Home Depot, you’ll find unique salvaged pieces to make your home stand out. Contact info: 1085 Manzanita St Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 667-2875 Map it.

• The Green Beacon Foundation: This model green home also doubles as a community resource. The Green Beacon Foundation offers classes, workshops and tours to show the way for Eastsiders who want to live a greener life. It is located in the Elysian Hills at a top secret location—until you RSVP.

• 826LA East : Hang out with students in Echo Park and help them with reading and writing skills, all in an inspiring space straight out of Hogwarts—there’s even a Time Travel Mart out front filled with curiosities for all ages. (Plus, Stories bookstore and café is now nestled next door.) Contact info: 1714 W. Sunset Blvd. Echo Park, CA 90026 (213) 413-3388 Map it.

• Echo Park Film Center: bringing film and video skills into everybody’s lives, especially underserved youth. We’re really jazzed about the green energy mobile cinema and film school. Contact info: 1200 N Alvarado St Los Angeles, CA 90026-3127 (213) 484-8846 Map it.

• Echo Park Time Bank: Sign up with the Time Bank and earn Time Dollars for every hour you use a skill to help a neighbor; then spend them to get someone else’s assistance in a closed loop community cooperative. Learn more.

• Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic: Health care is on everyone’s mind these days. The Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic helps those who can’t afford to get coverage stay out of emergency rooms and get the care they need. You can donate some treasure or, if you’re a health care professional, donate some time for the neighborhood’s health. Contact info: 3324 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026-2190 (323) 660-2400 Map it.

• Manzanita Street Community Garden: Dig in the dirt, grow your own veggies and make some friends while making a difference. Call ahead to see if plots are available. Contact info: (323) 533-3235 Map it.

• Silver Lake Conservatory of Music: Spare a chunk of change and sponsor a budding musician’s instrument and music lessons for a year. Learn more about SLCM’s scholarship program here. Contact info: 3920 W Sunset BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90029-2242 (323) 665-3363 Map it.

• Le Pink & Co. Apothecary: Very pink and very clean smelling, Le Pink is a girlie girl’s beauty store—specializing in everything from Dr. Hauschka to organic lines from Hungary. Le Pink & Co is increasingly bringing in new products that are vegan, organic and paraben-free. Contact info: 3820 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA‎ (323) 661-7465‎ Map it.

• Primrose Organics Salon & Boutique: Green your complete beauty routine at the peaceful Primrose Organics Salon. Specializing in hair care, skincare and hair removal they’ve got you covered from head to below. Contact info: 4616 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323)664-5446 Map it.

• Dtox Day Spa: Nestled in Atwater Village, Dtox Spa brings peace and tranquility to urban Angelenos. The spa was not only built with eco-friendly and recycled materials, but all of the products used during treatments are Fair Trade, organic, and paraben-free. Contact info: 3206 Los Feliz Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90039 (323) 665-3869 Map it.
  

• Urth Yoga: This serene space was created to be an environmentally friendly, healthy “yoga oasis” for those who come and practice. Hatha classes are offered 365 days a year and discounted rates are available for those in financial need. Urth also offers bodywork and massage. Contact info: 2809 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026-2125 (213) 483-9642 Map it.

• The Raven: This traditional Thai massage & healing center incorporates Thai healing arts with organic ingredients to restore you holistically from the inside out. Contact info: 2910 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, CA(323) 644-0240‎‎ Map it.

• Griffith Park: The nation’s largest wilderness area within an urban environment is filled with hikes and trails for every level. Exercising outdoors allows you to connect with nature, see the natural beauty that surrounds our city and as a bonus you don’t use any electricity. Contact info 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA‎ Map it.

Want to take the Eastside Green Guide With You? We’ve created a comprehensive pdf for you to do just that. East Side Green Guide.

As the fashion forward mavens that we are, we also choose to keep our philosophies on our backs, literally.  We not only tout organic and vintage threads, but we also are aware of the practices that some fashion labels are doing in the name of style.

This season stone wash jeans are in … and they are all the rage!  Little do people know what it takes to create this look.  It is actually quite toxic and energy intensive to produce soft jeans with that accidentally bleached look.

In the production process of manipulating fabrics to attain that distressed look and feel, manufacturers are going to great lengths to keep up with the industry.  Even if it requires compensating with an environmental impact.

There have been reports of environmental poisoning from the toxic run-off from factories that are distressing and stonewashing denim jeans.  This run off is usually laden in blue dye, chemicals such as sulfur, caustic soda and hydrocyanic acid, a close relative of cyanide as well as large quantities of potassium permanganate, a chemical once used to induce abortion.

Using the technique to soften jeans with a washed look takes 5 gallons of water and about the amount of electricity one would use in a day.  Does not sound like too much, but why not take advantage that we have the resources to make products that do not take the integrity of nature for granted.

Conventional cotton, being one of the most pesticide laden crops in the United States, destroys the soil, water quality and bio-diversity.  Consumers purchasing these products are also inadvertently effecting their own health by exposing themselves to these chemicals that are embedded in their clothes.

Support fairtrade and organic cotton when you have the opportunity, or better yet – buy vintage!

Perhaps, we are being a bit ecocentric to take our ethics in the name of fashion.  The fact of the matter is, this is what we are about, truly living within the integrity of everything we do, eat and wear!

Oh, and by the way, stone washed is so 80′s anyways … lets create a new style!

The studies have been done, and the verdict has been report, high corn fructose syrup (HCFS) is extremely dangerous to our health.  Not only does it derive from subsidised corn that has been gentically modified, but now …. studies have discovered that it also contain mercury.

This is a ubiquitous ingredient, literally found in everything.  It is a persistent sweetener that you will find in anything from your favorite ketchup to your favorite sodas.  In a recent study conducted by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) detected mercury in nearly 1/3 of 55 popular brandname food and beverage products where HFCS is the first or second highest labeled ingredient-including products by Quaker, Hershey’s, Kraft and Smucker’s.

Not enough attention has been placed on this product nor the implications.  It has been directly associated with obesity.  It has become a popular substitute of sugar in most conventional foods.

Avoid it at all costs!  Organic food will never contain HCFS, rest assured and eat organic!

Are you a creative citizen?

By Kastle Waserman

Posted Tue Jan 27, 2009 10:50am PST

The idea of global warming can sometimes be a daunting, overwhelming concept. How can one person help fix this problem that is literally changing the face of the earth? The website Creative Citizen offers a manageable answer — by one action at a time. Based on the idea of social networking, Creative Citizen consists of a community of people who are taking simple measures and have found creative ways to conserve, reuse, and recycle.

Together, they post and share ideas such as: Wash your car with a waterless cleaner, tell your dry cleaner to keep the plastic, have plants in your house as natural air purifiers, and the list goes on. Each solution tracks how much it will save in water, energy, waste, emissions, and dollars. You can search for creative solutions, read information about each idea, see photos, add or read comments, edit and provide more info, and then take an action by sending to a friend or bookmarking it.

By clicking “I’ll do it” you add to your “Greenage” as a Creative Citizen. “Greenage” is a tally of points Creative Citizens earn by participating in the online community. People with the most Greenage points can go on to make the Top Citizens board that lists the biggest contributors. In your Citizen profile, you can keep track of what solutions you’ve adopted and connect with friends and see what actions they’ve taken. It makes you feel like what it would like to live in an ideal green world where everybody cares and shares, and it’s a demonstration of what happens when people take small actions to make a big impact.

Now that’s getting eco-creative!

Check it out, Take a tour

Workshops will be held:

SM Public Library (Ocean Park Branch)

2601 Main Street @ Ocean Park
Santa Monica, CA 90405

January 24, 2009 @ 2:00 PM
Part 1
Green Living

This workshop on Green Living, will help lay the foundation to create your green abode
– whether you own or not. Learn the simple ways to make your home energy and
water efficient while eliminating toxins and drastically improving indoor air quality!

The workshop will cover a DIY cleaning product demo, lecture, and interaction with the
audience.

I will provide all attendees with an E-Book on all material covered as well as local
resources!

January 31, 2009 @ 2:00 PM
Part 2
Green Decor

Few people are aware, that just as in our homes as our workplace, there is an
opportunity to choose objects and products that do not pollute our homes and are
harmful to us and the environment.

Learn how to decorate your home in a way that improves your indoor air quality, and
your overall state of being, by pairing down on clutter and waste, eliminating toxins,
and breathing in a new breathe of fresh air into your home!

I will provide a basis of information that will help guide you in a direction of knowing
what questions to ask from your suppliers and manufacturers to insure that the
materials and finishes you choose for your home are environmentally sound.

There will be samples and materials incorporated, to provide a better understanding for
greening your decor!

Februray 07, 2009 @ 2:00 PM
Part 3
Green Landscaping/Gardening

A basic introduction, offering everything you wanted to know about greening your
garden and landscaping!

This workshop will provide an introduction to Permaculture and good gardening
practices, that you can begin implementing in your green space today!

Information will be provided on local programs, through Santa Monica, on sustainable
gardening and landscaping.

Learn simple tools that will help you save time, money, water and energy in your
garden!

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: LC 400, Dibner Library Building   5 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY
A workshop that brings industry researchers and developers of green buildings technologies, entrepreneurs, investors, representatives from green buildings and sustainability initiatives, regulators, architects and building designers.

I will be speaking on ‘Integrating Green Building in the Urban Environment’

at 9:55 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

January 24  – Green Living Workshop  – Part 1  (Santa Monica, CA)

Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Santa Monica Public Library (Ocean Park Branch)

2601 Main Street   Santa Monica, CA 90405
This workshop on Green Living, will help lay the foundation to create your green abode – whether you own or not.  Learn the simple ways to make your home energy and water efficient while eliminating toxins and drastically improving indoor air quality!

The workshop will cover a DIY cleaning product demo, lecture, and interaction with the audience.

I will provide all attendees with an E-Book on all material covered as well as local resources!

January 25 -   Go Green Expo -  (Los Angeles, CA)

Time -  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: The Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street   Los Angeles, CA 90015

Go Green Expo is a showcase for earth-friendly products and services – a trade show that wholly focused on green living.

I will be on the panel for Green Building and Design on the tradeshow floor on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

January 31  – Green Decor Workshop  – Part 2 (Santa Monica, CA)

Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Santa Monica Public Library (Ocean Park Branch)

2601 Main Street   Santa Monica, CA 90405

Few people are aware, that just as in our homes as our workplace, there is an opportunity to choose objects and products that do not pollute our homes and are harmful to us and the environment.

Learn how to decorate your home in a way that improves your indoor air quality, and your overall state of being, by pairing down on clutter and waste, eliminating toxins, and breathing in a new breathe of fresh air into your home!

I will provide a basis of information that will help guide you in a direction of knowing what questions to ask from your suppliers and manufacturers to insure that the materials and finishes you choose for your home are environmentally sound.

There will be samples and materials incorporated, to provide a better understanding for greening your decor!

February 07 – Green Landscaping Workshop  – Part 3  (Santa Monica, CA)

Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Santa Monica Public Library (Ocean Park Branch)

2601 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90405

A basic introduction, offering everything you wanted to know about greening your garden and landscaping!

This workshop will provide an introduction to Permaculture and good gardening practices, that you can begin implementing in your green space today!  Learn simple tools that will help you save time, money, water and energy in your garden!

Information will be provided on local programs, through Santa Monica, on sustainable gardening and landscaping.