• 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.

Green Interior Design

With our dwelling being our most sacred space, it is imperative to be aware of what we bring home with us.  Common practice uses a variety of chemicals in our soft furnishings, carpeting, electronics and fabrics; information that should encourage us to be as discerning as possible.

With a rise in awareness around green living, comes green design – the next step in harmonious living.  To date, green design is still stereotyped with bamboo floors and added greenery.  Although these elements may contribute to the design of a green home – it is far from being the essence.

Green design, also known as sustainable design, takes a whole systems approach, integrating environmental, social and economic principals.  It takes into account the effect that the design has on an immediate place and the world around it – emphasizing on the micro with an interdependence of the macro.

While aesthetics are a natural element to green design, many of the benefits are not even seen, but rather felt.  Improved indoor air quality, toxin elimination and prevention, addressing waste, as well as, water and energy conservation are just a few of the critical elements that spearhead a green project.  Amongst that, life-cycle analysis of products and materials are critical, while taking into consideration the scale of the project in relation to the client’s needs.  Designing an over scaled green home is intrinsically counter intuitive.   Same could be applied for materials that have been shipped long distances.

Designing a green project considers the local economy and the environment while offering the client exquisite materials to choose from.  The notion that one must live in a straw bale home to have a green space, is a myth of the past.  These days material and product selection for all things green, is on the forefront.  Manufacturers have heeded the call of consumers and are now offering products that are far superior than their counterparts.

Green design is at the mere inception of this movement and is gaining traction.     Living in a space that is harmonious and free of toxins, no longer resides for people of a certain genre or age group – green design is for the masses!  Despite budget constraints, one can get crafty and eliminate most of the toxins in their space while integrating water and energy tactics.

These days with so much information at our disposal, there is no excuse to continue to contaminate our health and that of our loved ones in our homes.

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!

The WATER Institute web video, Your Salmon Creek, is available with some amazing underwater footage of habitat restoration and rehabilitation.

This is a, below-the-scenes, look at the historic reintroduction of the endangered Coho Salmon to the Salmon Creek Watershed in Sonoma County, CA.  Experts reveal, why Coho are disappearing, and why you should care…

Watch to see how protecting your home, your land and your family can improve your environment and the endangered species in your area.

Know and protect your watershed today!

What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area of land that catches rainfall and other precipitation and funnels it into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater. There is a direct link between what we do on the land and the health of our watersheds and the quality of the water in our waterways. Those watersheds that are forested offer a wide array of benefits. Healthy urban and rural forested watersheds absorb rainfall and snow melt, slow storm runoff, recharge aquifers, sustain stream flows, filter pollutants from the air and runoff before they enter the waterways; and provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife. In addition, forested watersheds provide abundant recreational opportunities, help support local economies, provide an inexpensive source of drinking water, and improve the quality of our lives.

Through the use of forests and forestry practices applied on a watershed basis, we can provide cumulative water quality benefits and offer low cost, long term solutions to many of the nation’s nonpoint source pollution problems.

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.

Green Living Roof

The business, of environmental capital is not only a vast new market in the making, but it is a global economy, a shift in our patterns, as well as a turn in ecological literacy.

Urban green building has been on the forefront of this movement and has set the stage for us: the designers, architects and civilians of our country to drive this properly.

Let us start looking at all facets of the construction industry – the basic building blocks that represent the building industry – and begin filling in the gaps, where needed.

This is a ripe opportunity to integrate all the available elements that we have before us – while continuing to push the envelop in design.

Economy – New Business Model

As a new business model, Green Building has been speculated for some time, and perhaps, even considered a fad.  With the Dow Jones having introduced the Sustainability Index a mere nine years ago, this indicates that this shift had already begun to gain traction, on an economic and public front.

It was considered the first global platform in which indexes were tracked and measured for companies, that held the model of the triple bottom line.  A term used to reference the 21st c. business framework, that takes into account the people, the planet and profit.

As we move away from the old paradigms, that are disintegrating behind us -  we are in the midst of designing a new business model.  It is a model, that aside from the ubiquitous triple bottom line, is integrating the value of the collective.

Corporations are now finding themselves in a new state, yearning for the solutions that will help them compete and integrate into this new economy.  A sense of moving away from being compartmentalized and working in a more integrative system that will result in efficiency and profit.

An integrative strategy, represents a whole systems approach – taking into account the many variables at stake.  This creates an effort to design with a more wide approach, yet, while being able to be specialized.

We are sewing the tapestry of a new culture, here in our country, abroad, and within humanity.  As Americans, this is our opportunity to set the bar for ourselves, and set an example for the rest of the world.

It is imperative that we demonstrate that following our previous path, has lead us in a direction, that is having us, redirect the way we build and the way we live.

Building, is such a pivotal sector, within our economy.  If positioned properly, it can serve as a model for all other umbrella industries; as it already has begun to do so, with innovation in materials, technology and systems.

In the past 15 years, enough data has been gathered to build a case against conventional modes of construction and operation.

Buildings of the world consume:

17% of our clean water
25% of the wood harvested
40% of the world’s energy and materials

These numbers, alone, present an ideal opportunity to use the ingenuity we have been known for.  Create buildings that require less energy to perform, turn waste into energy, and releasing cleaner water.

Begin integrating nature as a model by moving away from linear thinking and mathematics to a more organic multifaceted frame of mind.  Because, the reality is that we live in a 3 dimensional world.

Green Building

Green Building has been one of the largest driving forces of this movement.  It has taken some time to realize that how we have been building, in the past, has been ineffective and inefficient; all while creating depletion of natural resources, en masse, and intoxicating ourselves.

Building greener buildings indicates using renewable energy alternatives, low impact efficient materials, in addition to, measuring the environmental performance of buildings.

Today, we have the knowledge, the technology and innovation to build in such ways that are not only, cutting edge and lucrative, but also offer, sustainable living or working environments, in addition to, being “smart”.

Smart buildings use internet protocol-based networks, new digital technology as well as proper design and building materials.  This innovation works to convert waste into energy, save on operational costs, by requiring less maintenance, and reduce energy and water consumption by storing and using these elements from the sun and rain.

Understanding the science of buildings, and the psychology of how people live and work, serve as pillars, to create efficient models, for the various phases of a building.

This foundation, can prove to facilitate efficiency and costs associated with the various stages of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, demolition and recovery.

In essence, acknowledging the life cycle of buildings, will help urban designers and architects plan and design, in ways, that take far more into consideration than the mere aesthetic of a building.

Studying the location, the intended land use, the building objective, and projected occupant needs can begin to help set the scene for charettes, amongst the design team.

Charettes, are an open forum that is an integral component, found in virtually all green projects, where key players on the project, use their expertise in co-creating a fully integrated vision.

By incorporating: site location, human scale, and natural elements such as, weather patterns, and local materials into the design of buildings, projects work with available resources.

In understanding, the needs of a building, and integrating these elements, in such a way, that cohesively work together, have proven to be successful models that are in rhythm with the natural patterns of nature, and ebb and flow with the culture and seasons of a region.

Through the application of sustainable landscapes, design specifications correspond to site specific project locations, as well as with the local flora and fauna.  Natural settings  create habitats for building inhabitants to spend time outdoors, while encouraging native species and biodiversity to flourish.

In addition, to complementing the visual aesthetic, sustainable landscaping can be integrated into the model of the design and contribute to the energy and water efficiency of the building.  Indoor landscapes, also act as a natural filter – contributing to better indoor air quality and circulation.

Innovation/Standards

Green building effects every sector in human development: from residential to commercial, education to non profit, and health care to entertainment.

Naturally, the initial cost impact of building green, may distract short sited builders and investors; although, there is a significant amount of data to back up any upfront cost associated with green building.

Benefits in productivity, increase in sales, lower rates of absenteeism, and overall employee and tenant satisfaction, rank extremely high in buildings considered green, versus their counterparts.

To an investor, this may seem trivial, yet, considering the significant added real estate value and low operating costs, it could appear to be more of an incentive to understand the larger market value

With certifications and green building programs, such as The Green Building Council’s LEED program and Build it Green, green building is now receiving the added property value and credentials it deserves.

Cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, have implemented green within their municipal policy for new commercial and Federal buildings to be a minimum, of being LEED certified.

In addition, they are facilitating work permits, expediting building plans and priority processing, which encourage, time sensitive projects to consider, this as viable and lucrative alternative.

On the state level, government is offering various incentives, rebates and tax credits for upgrading to energy star appliances, full energy audits and weatherization of homes.

On a local level, the development of legislation in creating a green framework, could prove to be the initiation, that commerce and residents, a like, need to embrace this new practice.

We are creatures of habit, and we are naturally slow, at the reception of change.

It is pivotal, to provide people with the health benefits associated with building sustainably; versus, using the scare tactic, and the costs associated with conditions like, sick building syndrome.

Providing home and business owners, with the multitude of ways in which money can be saved, by implementing green strategies, can serve as the turning point in which a consumer chooses green materials over the conventional counterpart.

With the installation of proper windows, good insulation, efficient fixtures, appliances, and HVAC systems, in addition to, energy and water conservation, can result in stark savings, over a short period of time.

With the learning curve we are living through, we are also writing the history books.

Learning what works, and what does not.  We will be in this phase of research and development for some time, as this is all new.

Materials and resources will continue to grow, and expand, as with the field of professionals, and with the depth of knowledge we will accrue over the years of experience.

It is imperative that we use this technology and innovation, that is currently available.  We must design buildings that help address energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, toxin elimination, improved indoor air quality, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Urban Green Building

Integrating green into the urbanization of our cities, requires the proper tools to keep within the evolving fabric of a metropolis.

As cities evolve over the years, they begin to build their history, reflecting a community’s current social and economic state.  Implementing green strategies to compliment the landscape of urban development, and seamlessly integrating it.

Today, we build buildings with a life cycle of 50 – 60 years and materials and products with a virtually disposable lifespan.  A mere 100 years ago, people built things to last – a stark contrast, to where we are today.

This is a huge component within the green building initiative that must be addressed – Recreating our frame of mind to design works of art that will leave a lasting impression.

More over, supporting cost-effective dis-assembly, by understanding the future reuse of building materials, will help reduce the amount of waste associated with the deconstruction of a building.

As other countries, continue to emulate the way in which a live and build, we have the ripe opportunity to educate others with Eco Literacy.

By building, a robust green building infrastructure – a road map, per se, where others can have this knowledge available to them.

Design a Green Building Standard where case studies are available to the public and where short and long term solutions can easily, be modeled, with the added benefits for incorporating them.

There is a level of transparency where we are given the opportunity to fully impart the knowledge of what going green truly represents.   Become less ambiguous and available for all.

We need to create a local infrastructure, where  social equity creates a revenue model within sustainability.

As the market size widens, the trends and opportunities across the green building sectors are only going to grow on an exponential level.

In theory, we are currently one of the very few growing markets, and as the leaders of our communities we need to take a rise at this movement and truly take a lead……..

Green Building

Green Building Event at NYU/Poly

Date:

Thursday, January 15
Time:

8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location:

LC 400, Dibner Library Building

5 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY
A workshop that brings together university and industry researchers and other developers of green buildings technologies, entrepreneurs, investors, representatives from green buildings and sustainability initiatives, regulators, architects and building designers.

The objective is to identify research and technology development opportunities as well as business opportunities, particularly new early-stage new venture and market opportunities.

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

at 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.

residential wind turbine

Just when you thought going green was not chic, think again.  Contemporary French designer, Philippe Starck, recently released the design of one of a residential wind turbine.

Having come to the realization, at the end of his career, that most of the objects he designed were, ‘unnecessary’, and mainly was a ‘producer of materiality’.

Perhaps, this was his impetus to design an object, that would contribute to humanity on a different, more poignant scale.

The wind turbine will be able to produce between twenty to sixty percent of the power necessary to power a standard sized home – for a mere $600.  The, unconventionally designed, renewable resource will be available in stainless steel,  signal orange,  and even transparent.  Look for it, come Septmeber 2009!

What:   Go Green Expo

Where:

The Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
www.lacclink.com

When:

Friday January 23rd      10am – 5pm
Saturday January 24th  10am – 6pm
Sunday January 25th    10am – 5pm

Why:

Go Green Expo is a showcase for earth-friendly products and services.  It is the brainchild of Bradford Rand, who created the idea of a trade show that wholly focused on green living.  Bradford’s idea would include a wide range of products, services, speakers and panelists, within the green community.

The success of the initial launch in April 2008 in New York City, led him to follow up with this years’ event by including other cities to the roster – Philadelphia, Atlanta, and of course Los Angeles.

The three day event opens its doors on opening day, January 23 to the trade, by offering an opportunity for a Business-to-Business Expo.  That evening there will be a launch cocktail reception at Whole Life Times Office co-hosted by Green Business Networking (http://www.greenbusinessnetworking.com/aboutus).

The event is open on Saturday and Sunday, to both business buyers and consumers for a mere $10 for a full weekend pass.

The event not only touts being the only one of its kind, but the venue, The Los Angeles Convention Center, is the first convention center, of its size and age, in the U.S. to receive a  LEED® Existing Building Certification.

What makes this event, that much more GREEN, is that it is partially powered naturally by the sun – thanks to SolaRover!