Do You Live in A Green Community?

Check out these websites to find out more!

Los Angeles County

Got to Go Green L.A.

San Bernardino County

Ventura County:   Sustainable Ventura

Green Guide For Huntington Beach, Orange County & Southern California

Green Santa Barbara

Green SF: San Francisco

Sacramento Green Living

Green Fresno

San Diego County:  Green Business Program

San Diego Area: Guide for Businesses, Healthy Restaurants & Eco-friendly Products

Businesses, News, Information & Citizen of San Diego Network

California Green Communities

Websites for job listings, conferences and training programs:

American Wind Energy Association

Green for All

Solar Energy Industries Association

Green Dream Jobs

National Black Farmers Association

Electronic Recyclers International

Career Eco

Green Job Profiles

Solar Power Installer

Salary $15-35 per hour

The job of a solar power installer requires workers to install solar thermal water heaters and photovoltaic cells (devices that convert sunlight to energy).  According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the need for solar power installers will increase from 35,000 workers to more than 110,000 by 2016.

Interface Software Designer

Salary:  $80,000 annually

Every hear of a smart house?  Think of a home that will not allow your energy bill to skyrocket because it has been programmed to regulate your thermostat, hot water heater and other appliances in your home.  The computer technology that allows for a smart home works with the goal of helping each person save 20 percent on energy bills.  Many software designers have a degree in computer science.

E-waste Consultant/Recycler

Salary – Varies

With all the e-waste (computer monitors, cell phones, CRT screens, plasma screens, laptops), it’s not hard to see why there is a new interest in trash.  California alone produced about 200 million pounds of e-waste in 2007.  Companies such as Electronic Recyclers International, a leading waste recycler in California, recently sought managers for its locations throughout the U.S.

Water Conservation Specialist

Salary: $62,000-$84,000 annually

More cities are realizing the value of conserving water and are hiring individuals who can aid in that effort.  A water conservation specialist will have duties that include calculating ways that business, agriculture and consumers can save water, evaluating water conservation programs, developing new programs, budgeting and writing reports.  A bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental or civil engineering or public administration from an accredited college or a University is needed for this position, as is a valid driver’s license.

Tree Trimmer/Green Landscaper/Gardener

Salary – starts at $31,000

There has never been a better time to have a green thumb.  As many big cities see the benefit of greening up (Chicago, NY, LA have tree planting initiatives), there is a need in park districts for planters, tree trimmers, landscapers.

Urban Agriculturalist

Salary: Varies

Believe it or not, the number of green food jobs is plentiful, including growers who actually farm food in urban gardens or rooftops and along neighborhood blocks. Many city colleges are offering training and certification in urban agriculture.

Sustainability Officer (aka Chief Green Officer)

Salary: $97,000 annually

In corporate American, a new environmental chief is wielding power in boardrooms.  Many companies are facing new challenges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and then implement eco-friendly programs, initiatives and education.  As more companies realize the benefits of greening up, the sustainability officer, or CGO, will become a more frequent title.  He or she will work closely with the CEO and the COO and make decisions about environmental regulations and safety issues.  The sustainability officer will most likely work with companies that specialize in areas of biofuel, solar, wind and HVAC, in order to make decisions about what works best for a company’s business needs.   Sustainability officers have been appointed in executive level of such companies as Google, Dow Chemical and Wal-Mart.

A number of businesses are providing leadership and defining the look and scope of sustainable business practices.  These companies are the real innovators and while they represent different types of businesses, they universally focus on building a fully integrated and comprehensive sustainable business practice.  The elements of a sustainable business include:  sustainable products, supply chain, manufacturing and distribution processes, as well as philanthropy.  They strive to reduce the carbon footprint of their company and the consumers that they rely upon.

General Electric, Fairfield, CT (energy, entertainment and appliance Frim)

Since 2006, GE has sold $43billion worth of ecomagination products (CFL lightbulbs, Energy Star appliance, home-energy monitors, solar-panel systems, and wind turbines) helping both companies and consumers reduce their carbon footprint.  GE wind turbines alone prevent the emission of 18.3 million tons of greenhouse gases annually.  The company has reduced its own emissions by 8 percent since 2004 through a range of projects that includes meeting LEED standards for its new buildings and renewable energy use.  Since 2005, it has committed more than $2.5 billion to clean technology research and development, looking at building more efficient aircraft engines and – coming soon – hybrid trains.  Also in the works – a smart grid that supports plug-in cars and makes renewable energy available to households across the country.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car, St. Louis, Mo (car rental company)

With nearly 25 percent of its 927,000 vehicles getting at least 32 miles per gallon, Enterprise, which includes Alamo and National, is the most fuel-efficient rental company in the country.  It recently added 5,000 hybrids to its existing fleet, bumping the total number of hybrids to 9,000.  The company has placed itself at the forefront of alternative-fuel research by using $25 million donation from  its founding family to create the Enterprise-Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels in St. Louis.  Enterprise has also pledged $50 million to plan 50 million trees within the next 50 years.

Patagonia, Ventura, California (high performance outdoor clothing company)

Long before the term “climate change” entered the public vernacular, Patagonia adopted corporate social responsibility as its ethos. IN 1998, Patagonia became the first company in California to purchase 100 percent wind power.  Today,  its headquarters use a combination of wind and solar from a private 66-kilowatt solar arrays.  It greatest impact, however, may be the amendments it has made to its supply chain.  Since 2005, Patagonia has worked 12,000 pounds of recycled fabric into new clothing through its garment-recycling program. It has saved more than 267 tons of wood, 2.3 million gallons of water, and 5.1 billion BTUs of energy by printing catalogs on 40 percent postconsumer recycled paper.  And since 1996, it has used only 100 percent organic cotton in its products.  Through its footprint Chronicles, Patagonia invites consumers to see the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes, from raw material to finished product.  Finally, Patagonia has donated nearly $31 million since 1985 to support charities and advocacy groups that promote conservation.

Seventh Generation, Burlington, VT. (green cleaning and paper products)

Competing in a heavily polluting industry, Seventh Generation annually saves some 171,000 trees, 62 million gallons of water, and 103 billion BTUs of energy thanks to its green product line (chlorine free recycled bathroom tissue, recycled plastic trash bags, and natural dishwasher detergents, to name a few).  Since 2005, the company has cut its own greenhouse gas emissions by 34 percents, and its plans to obtain LEED gold certification for its Burlington headquarters will bring them down even more.  By funding home energy audits and offering forgivable loans for fuel-efficient car purchases and solar-panel installation, Seventh Generation also helps employees reduce their own carbon footprints.

Stonyfield Farm, Londonderry, NH (organic-yogurt maker)

An early advocate of organic farming, Stonyfield Farm helps keep more than 100,000 acres of farmland pesticide – and chemical-free through its purchases of organic milk, fruit and sweetners.  The milk alone comes from a collective of roughly 1,300 organic dairy farmers.  The company has paid equal attention to the impact of its own manufacturing processes., reducing its facility energy use per ton of product by 19 percent from 2007 to 2008.  It has also lowered transportation emissions by more than 40 percent since 2006.  For 12 years the company has offset its CO2 emissions through investments in reforestation and clean energy projects, including  a partnership with Preserve, the company has prevented more than 23 million pounds of materials from entering the landfills.  Creative packaging techniques have annually eliminated more than 18 tractor-trailer loads of plastic.  Stonyfield donates 10 percent of its annual profits – giving 10 million since 1993 – to environmental groups and causes.

Burts Bees, Durham, NC (natural cosmetic and personal care company)

As a vocal proponent of transparency in the cosmetics world, Burt”s Bees has played a central role in developing labeling standards for natural products and ingredients.  On average, the line contains 99 percent natural ingredients, and the company aims to achieve 100 percent by 2011, with absolutely no parabens or petroleum- based compounds.  Already using recycled material in its packaging, Burt’s Bees has set a goal of making 100 percent biodegradable or postconsumer recycled packaging by 2020.  Even as it focuses on expansion – Clorox – purchased the company in 2007 – the company has comprehensive waste reduction targets .. in 2009, for example, to cut water waste by 1.4 million gallons, energy consumption by five gigawatt hours, and waste by 90 tons, and even more ambitious goals of zero waste and 100 percent renewable energy by 2020.  To ensure it meets its targets, the company ties employee bonuses to achieving overall sustainability goals.  The company’s latest initiative, The Greater Good Foundation, delivered its first grants of more than $150,000 to education and environmental stewardship programs throughout the country.

Preserve, Waltham, MA (100 percent recycled and recyclable plastic houseware maker)

Preserve is proof that with a little creativity, one person’s waste can turn into another person’s profit – and the whole planet benefits.  The company’s simple business model uses recycled plastic to create a stylish line of toothbrushes, mixing bowls, tableware, shaving razors and more.  In 2008, the company saved more than 500 tons of plastic (collected from individuals and partner companies like Stonyfield Farm) from becoming landfill.  Its innovative production process uses 54 percent less water and emits 64 percent less greenhouse gas than that of a virgin plastic manufacturing.   Moreover, all of Preserve’s products can be recycled, either at the curb or through its postage-paid mail-in program.  The growing company also advocates for stronger municipal plastic recycling programs and cutting edge plastics research.

Whole Foods Market, Austin, TX  (Natural and Organic Grocery Chain)

One of the country’s largest sellers of organic and natural foods.  Whole Foods has brought environmental consciousness to the grocery store aisles.  As a representative to the National Organic Standards Board, it helped formulate organic-labeling standards and made these products accessible to mainstream America.  At the same time, the company has tackled its own impact, offering 100 percent of its energy use with wind credits since 2007.  It’s currently retrofitting stores with efficient lighting and solar power at more than 20 locations, and looking at hydrogen-powered fuel cells as a source of cleaner energy. Nearly half of its distribution centers employ trucks than run on biodiesel fuels. In several regions of the country, it has reduced its landfill by 80 percent, and most stores participate in an extensive composting program.  The company’s charitable arm has committed over $9.9 million in micro-credit loans to more than 40,000 small entrepreneurs (coffee and vegetable growers, store owners, textile weavers) and $2.5 million in low interest loans to local farms.

Organic Valley, LaFarge, WI (organic farming cooperative)

Organic Valley illustrates the strength of the collective, annually delivering consumers $527 million worth of sustainable grown products from organic farms.  Representing 10 percent of the organic farming community in the United States, the cooperative offers a lifeline of its 1,332 member-owners, providing price stability and a viable alternative to agribusiness.  Almost half of its profits – which added up to $194 million in 2007 – goes directly to the farmers.  Organic farmers also funds renewable-energy initiatives, helping farmers become more energy efficient through wind, solar and biodiesel programs.

Pixel Organics, Los Angels, CA (organic clothing)

Pixel Organics uses 100% certified organic cotton sourced from Turkey and India, fully milled, dyed, printed (low-impact) and sewn, warehoused, and distributed in Los Angeles.   They are the first company to use recycled water bottles as batting for our comforters and pillows.  There are no toxic chemicals used in growing our certified organic cotton.  “In fact, all of our products use exclusively organic, sustainable or regenerated fibers”.   “At Pixel Organics our mission is to leave tiny footprints on this planet while providing modern infant products that embrace color and innovative design. Pixel Organics is changing the question from “why organic? to ”why not organic!” We make decisions every day big and small. Choosing organic or recycled isn’t the easiest or most convenient, nor is doing the right thing. Pixel Organics has made that choice easy for you.”

Green Your Home

WHOLE HOUSE

Weather-stripping. A 1/8 inch gap between the front door’s threshold is the draft equivalent of having a two-inch hole in the wall.   Home sealing (weather-stripping windows and doors) can reduce your energy bill by 10 percent, according to US Dept of Energy.

Let Clippings Lie. Yard waste, including bagged grass and clippings, eats up a full 20 percent of our diminishing landfill space.  After you mow your lawn, leave the clippings behind.  They nourish the soil and help keep moisture from evaporating, reducing waste, water use and the need for fertilizer.

Compost. Food and garden scraps make up 24 percent of the municipal solid waste system.  Put these and other biodegradable materials – newspapers, paper bags, autumn leaves – to better use in the compost bin.  See What is Compostable? later on this page.

KITCHEN

Say yes to Convection. Because it continually circulates heated air, thereby reducing cooking time, a convection oven uses 20 percent less energy on average than a conventional oven.

Choose the Right Pan. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, using a six inch pan on an eight inch burner can waste more than 40% of the burner’s heat.  Choose the correct size pan for the task at hand.

Maintain the Fridge. For maximum efficiency, clean the refrigerator coils twice a year and replace door gaskets to prevent cold air from escaping.  (If you can slip a dollar bill out of the door’s seals when it’s closed, its time for new gaskets).  If you purchased your fridge before 1993, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model.

Use Glass Containers. Heated plastic containers can break down and leach chemicals into food.  Reusable glass ones with lids are safer for you and the planet.

Compost. Put your scraps to good use.  Composting not only reduces trash, but also provides nutrient rich material to feed your garden and houseplants.

Try Reusable Towels. Paper towels create waste… even if you stick to the recycled brands.

Dish Diligence. Turn your dishwasher on at night to avoid peak energy rates.

Use Greener Cleaners. Many chemicals in kitchen products – especially those with ammonia or chlorine bleach – have come under scrutiny for contributing to health problems.  Consider nontoxic alternatives.

Heat Water with less Energy. Save energy by turning the thermostat on your water heater down five degrees.

Websites:   www.energystar.gov explore energy efficient appliances options to update your refrigerator or dishwasher

www.cleanairgardening.com – for handy composting equipment

www.methodhome.com – for non-toxic cleaning products.

LIVING ROOM

Trim your TV. The energy it takes to run your cable setup amounts to 410 pounds of carbon a year, whereas a satellite hookup cuts that number in half.

Opt for LCD. LCDs use 77 kilowatt hours per year compared with plasmas 441kwh. LCD will save 624 pounds of carbon each year and about $40 annually.

Set the Thermostat. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable when home. By resetting your programmable thermostat from 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours a day (for instance, while no one is home or while everyone is tucked in bed) you can cut your heating bill by up to 10 percent.

Work the Drapes. Open them to let in heat and warmth.   Close them to preserve cool and warmth.

Put your Ducts in Order. If your home has a heating and cooling duct system….Have it cleaned and then sprayed internally with a nontoxic polymer to seal leaks.  Untreated duct systems typically waste 25 to 40 percent of the energy emitted by your furnace or air conditioner.

Use Sustainable Wood. If you need wood floors, make sure your lumber has the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo.  Wood certified by this independent nonprofit encourages ecologically and socially responsible forestry.  In addition to preserving biodiversity, certification requires foresters to respect the rights of workers and indigenous communities.

Websites:

Organic furniture -  www.furniture.com

Recycled tables – www.pristineplanet.com

Home accents – www.bigdipperwaxworks.com

BATHROOM

Stop leaks. If your tap drips at the rate of one drop per second, you might be wasting as much as 2,700 gallons of water a year.  Simply replace the faucet’s washer.

Avoid PVC Shower curtains. Most shower curtains are made from polyvinyl-chloride or PVS, a plastic that release hormone-disrupting phthalates into the air.  Look for non-vinyl; curtains instead.

Go Low Flow – replace pre 1992 showerheads with low flow models, which deliver 2.5 gallons or less per minute.  If you’re not sure whether your showerhead is a low-flow type place a one gallon bucket under the shower, if it fills in 24 seconds or less, you need a new model.  Aerated ones give the feeling of high pressure.  To save even more water, shave a few minutes off your usual shower time.

Keep Air Fresh. A recent Natural Resources Defense Council investigation found that 12 of 14 common air fresheners, including those marked “all natural” or “unscented” contained hormone-disrupting chemicals – though you wouldn’t know it by reading the labels.  Make your own natural spray using 30 to 40 drops of as many as three herbal oils – a lemon-lavender combo for example – - with one cup of water in a spray bottle.  Shake well to mix the oils and spritz as needed.

Switch to Low flow or Dual flush Toilets. Whereas conventional toilets consumer 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush, dual flush models use .8 to .9 gallons for fluids, and 1.25 to 1.6 gallons for solid waste.  Purchase a new one at www.caromausa.com or convert your current toilet. www.dualflushtoilet.net

Find EcoTowels. Typical towels use conventional cotton, a crop that accounts for about 25 percent of the world’s insecticide use, including some of the planet’s most hazardous chemicals.  Manufacturers also use dyes derived from petroleum in a highly polluting process that leaves chemicals gushing into waterways. Look for eco-friendlier organic cotton and bamboo towels made with plant-based or low impact dyes.

Use Recycled TP. If every family in the United States replaced one roll of conventional toilet paper with a roll of 100 percent recycled material, we’d save 423,900 trees.

Change Your Light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) burn cool and bright with one third of the power of incandescent bulbs.  Start by replacing at least 5 high use bulbs such as those in the bathroom, for a meaningful environmental impact.  If every American household made the change, we could prevent greenhouse emissions equivalent to taking 4 million cars off the road for a year. These bulbs cost more, but they last 10 times longer, saving money in the long run.

Sustainable towels.  www.indikaorganics.com

Bathroom products.  www.seventhgenertation.com

Low flow showerheads www.greendepot.com

BEDROOM

Carpet Consciously. Fibers such as coir, jute and sisal offer biodegradable, nontoxic and renewable alternatives to chemical laden synthetic carpeting,

Install Better Windows. Single and even double pane clear glass windows can force heating and cooling systems to work overtime.  Energy star qualified windows within insulating glazes and gall fills deliver the best results – as much as 2,200 pounds of emissions saved.

Turn off Lights. Two-thirds of all electricity used in the residential sector in the US powers lights and appliances.  The annual carbon production amounts to 2.4 billion metric tons.  A simple flick of the switch can make a huge difference.

Unplug Electronics. Computers, cell-phone chargers and other electronics continue to use power event when you turn them off.  Nationally this creates the annual emissions equivalent to 17 power plants. Plug into a master power strip that you can turn off when appliances are not in use.

Wash more Efficiently. About 90 percent of the energy we use for a load of dirty clothes goes to heating the water.  Doing a load of laundry in cold water saves energy and gets your clothes just as clean. To conserve water run the machine only when it is full.

Websites:

Natural bedding – www.amenityhome.com

Electronics charger -  www.solio.com/charger

Laundry products – www.ecos.com

3 More Things You Can Do!

Get a Battery Charger. Americans buy about three billion dry cell (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt) batteries a year, the majority for one time use.  Use a rechargeable battery and you can prevent hundreds of single use ones from entering landfills.

Avoid Excess Packaging. Product packaging accounts for one-third of trash thrown away, and 15 percent of that comes from consumer items.  Buy items in bulk (as opposed to individually wrapped), whenever possible, since bulk items often use less packaging.  Get in the habit of asking yourself, “is the product I’m about to buy worth the eco costs of the packaging it comes in?”

Reject Junk Mail. Those catalogs, pre-approved credit card letters, and sales announcements that arrive in your mailbox create four million tons of waste each year.  Just a day’s worth of our collective junk mail could heat 250,000 homes.  Take your name off junk mail lists at: www.mailstopper.tonic.com.

What You Can Do To Help – At Home, The Office, The Road or School

Get The Kids Involved-It’s Their Planet Too!

What is Compostable? ( Source: SustainableBizness.com)

All Food: Fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, pasta, bread, cereal, cheese, eggshells, dairy products.  Also: some meat, poultry, seafood and bones (it is best practice for meat scraps to be recycled through a renderer)

Wood Scraps and Food-soiled paper: Waxed cardboard, napkins, paper towels, paper plates and cups, paper milk cartons, tea bags, coffee grounds and filters, small wooden crates, sawdust, wood scraps, fiberboard, egg cartons.  (Cardboard itself needs to be baled; wet paper, though, can be composted).

Plants: Floral trimmings, tree trimmings, leaves, grass, brush, weeds.

Green Plastics: Any green plastic that has been certified “COMPOSTABLE”.

(Beware: some green plastics which claim “Biodegradable” ARE NOT compostable)

Please go to any of the four certifiers listed below to identify which green plastics are COMPOSTABLE.

US:  Biodegradable Plastics Institute

European Union:  DIN Certco certification

Brussels: Vincotte International nv/sa

Japan: Biodegradable Plastics Society of Japan

NOT COMPOSTABLE:

Any hydrocarbon plastic (#1-#6), Styrofoam, plastic straws, plastic wrap or bags or gloves; aluminum foil; glass; any metal: cans, bottle tops; any paper lined with plastic including “drink boxes” or aseptic packaging; liquids; any chemical, or hazardous waste, or container that once held chemicals.

The Omnivore’s Dilemma (Penguin), food expert Michael Pollan explores the hot-button issues of food production in the U.S. , including factory farming and the local and organic movements.  His most recent endeavor, In Defense of Food (Penguin), show how “nutritional” processed foods are replacing the market for real, whole ingredients.

Henry Pollack, Ph.D. has been on the front lines of the fight against global warming.  In his new book, A World Without Ice (Avery), he descrives the potential repercussions of melting glaciers and ice caps – and what we can do to change their devastating course.

Easy, natural recipes for home cleaning and personal care products abound in Annie Bertholdbond’s Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living (Three Rivers Press).  The book also provides guidelines for reading cosmetics labels and a list of unhealthy ingredients you should always avoid – and why.

In the Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget (Stewart, Tabpro and Chang), Josh Dorfman shows us that you don’t bave to sacrifice style or empty out your wallet to follow an ecofriendly path.

Jay Weinstein’s The Ethical Gourmet (Broadway) pputs sustainable ingredients to delicious use, with more than 100 recipes and info on buying ethically grown food.

Taking the grower’s perspective in Deeply Rooted (Counterpoint), Lisa Hamilton shares the story of three farmers attempting to fight a food system that’s putting small farms out of business.

Nicolette Hahn Niman, rancher, environmental activist and wife of Bill Niman (founder of sustainable meat producer Niman Ranch), argues for an overhaul of the meat industry in Righteous Porkchop (Colllins Living).

Mark Kurlansky’s, The Food of a Younger Land (Riverhead) celebrates the local and regional foods that America lost when national highways and chain restaurants moved in.

In Green, Greener, Greenest (pergee Trade), Lori Bongiorno dishes out tips on living the eco life that works for a wide range of budgets and schedules.

The Green Guide:  The Complete Reference for Consuming Wisely, from National Geographic, offers the ultimate advice on everything eco – from travel and hotels to appliances and pet care.  It even has tips for a green workplace.

In Hot, Flat and Crowded (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), Thomas Friedman argues that by fixing the environment, we’ll boost America’s stuggling economy and lagging national morale.

In Ecological Intelligence (Broadway Business) Daniel Goleman proves that “green” isn’t always earth friendly when it comes to consumer products.  He points to manufacturing transparency as the key to helping shoppers make informed purchases.

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder (Algonquin), the expanded version of Richard Louv’s first edition, links childhood obesity, depression, links childhood obesity and ADHA to the indoor-centric lifestyle of today’s kids.  He makes the case that nature will have no guardians if we don’t encourage kids to enjoy it.

Kate Hethoe reduces our “cookprints” in Cooking Green (DeCapo Press), showing us ways to cut down our waste and use kitchen appliances more efficiently.

Following Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore’s second book, Our Choice (Rodale), focuses not on the problems but on the solutions.  The Nobel Prize winner offers a comprehensive plan to fight global climate change.

Sid Davis gives instructions on how to shop for a green house or remodel your own in Your EcoFriendly Home (Amacome).

Decades ago, Dr. Seuss was already teaching children the value of conserving our natural resources.  His 1971 classic, The Lorax (Random House), still endures as a valuable and fun learning tool.

American Earth, Environmental Writing Since Thoreau (library of America), edited by Bill McKibben, includes works from John Muir, Wendell Berry, Rachel Carson and Joni Mitchell.

Low Carbon Diet by David Gershon is a 30-day program to lose 5,000 pounds.

Smart by Nature by Michael K. Stone focuses on Schooling for Sustainability.

John Jeavons’ How To Grow More Vegetables – than you every though possible on less land than you can imagine, joined forces with Alice Waters who contributed the forward.

Sarah James and Torbjorn Lahti co-authored The Natural Step for Communities:  How cities and towns can change to sustainable practices.

Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart looks at “Remaking the

Way we Make Things”.

Welcome! to the Russell G. Sakaguchi Memorial Green Resources and Information Portal (GRIP).

GRIP is the portal to living green.  These pages offer simple, low cost tips for anyone concerned about the economic, environmental, and spiritual health and well-being of our local and global communities.

This information is provided because of our belief that you and I… all of us together… hold the key to reclaiming and rebuilding our communities to be fully sustainable.  Follow the ideas in these tips, ideas, books and other links will improve the air, water, outdoor recreation, waste, resource management, and land-use.

The contents of these pages include:

Green Websites: Eco-websites with Green Tips for shopping, money matters, making a difference, living green, eating, recreation and fun, health and staying informed.

Eco-Reading: A Sustainable Reading List!  Eco-reading is a great way to stay informed while stimulating the mind.  From serious looks at global warming to leading an eco-life on a budget, you might even find a Dr. Seuss book in the mix.

Green Living Tips: Green your home!  From weather-stripping to picking the right T.V.    Get great tips to use from your kitchen to the bedroom!

Green Businesses: A list of Eco–friendly businesses who have a commitment to the environment.  From groceries to lip balm, see who you should share your $Green with.

Green Jobs:  Green job listings, conferences, training programs and job profiles.

Green Communities: Find out what your community is doing to be Green.

Keep coming back as we endeavor to connect you to the most current information and resources that will help you

understand this quickly developing lifestyle and business model.

GREEN WEBSITES

Eco Websites  Source: Whole Living/Body and Soul, Sept. 2009

SHOPPING

www.Greenerchoices.org Pick the most energy efficient refrigerator, washer, dryer, or air conditioner for your home with Consumer Reports’ green products website.

www.goodguide.com Using research compiled from government data and environmental groups, this site rates food and everyday household products, showing you which ones are better for your health and the earth.

www.ecofabulous.com This searchable site dishes out the latest and greenest green beauty products, clothes, fashion accessories, home goods, and kids stuff.

www.greenzer.com As an aggregator, Greenzer directs you to the best green retailers, saving you tons of time and legwork.  Just click on a product on line of Greenzer’s many categories – apparel, baby gear, cleaning supplies, office products – and you’ll be sent to the website that sells it.

MONEY MATTERS

www.sustainablebusiness.com Aiding investors since 1996, sustainable business showcases a list of top sustainable stocks and helps you track the performance of your favorite eco-friendly companies.

http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital The Wall Street Journal offers its analysis of the green business sector with daily postings on relevant news stories about oil prices, emissions cap and trade, alternative energy, and government environmental policy.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

www.nrdc.org The Natural Resources Defense Council (NDRC) gives online visitors concrete ideas for protecting the planet, whether it is urging the EPA to regulate the disposal of coal waste or helping to save the honeybees.

www.carbonfund.org This nonprofit carbon credit organization supports energy efficiency, renewable energy, and reforestation projects around the globe.

LIVING GREEN

www.greenhomeguide.org Whether you are updating a bedroom or building a new home, turn to the US Green Building Council’s residential building site for guidance on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

www.earth911.com Search for recycling centers for address or ZIP codes, and learn where to recycle anything — from Styrofoam and car batteries to eyeglasses and old linoleum.

EAT

www.dinegreen.com The nonprofit Green Restaurant Association helps eateries go green and points prospective diners toward ecofriendly establishments.  Within the Find a Restaurant” section, you can search by category (cafes, tea houses, resorts, etc.), location or keyword.

www.montereybayaquarium.org The website for the famed California aquarium offers an array of ocean conservation research and learning tools.  Click on the “seafood watch” section for a printable pocket guide of sustainable fish guidelines.

RECREATION AND FUN

www.trails.com This comprehensive guide to the great outdoors provides maps and descriptions of more than 45,000 hiking and mountain trails all over the country, plus access to U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps for a minimal subscription fee.

www.ecorazzi.com Want to know what your favorite actors or musicians are going to save the planet?  Check out this green Hollywood gossip site to find out.  Their efforts just might inspire you to do more, too.

HEALTH

www.ewg.org Determine the safety of your personal care products with the Environmental Working Group’s “Skin Deep” database, which offers a searchable list of more than 42,000 cosmetic products and ingredients.

www.epa.gov Have concerns about mercury levels or the quality of your water?  The Environmental Protection Agency offers the latest information and research on environmental and health hazards.

STAY INFORMED

www.grist.org This one stop destination for eco info aggregates the day’s news headlines, offers its own take on a variety of hot topics, and draws commentary from noted environmental writers.

www.treehugger.com Get informed with news stories by TreeHuggers reporters, interact with Twitter and topical forums, and take action with carefully selected buying guides.  You can even watch informational webcasts on TreeHuggerTV.

www.ecogeek.org With information on new advances and experiments in biofuels and wind power and the latest green gadgets, this Website covers innovations that are saving the planet”, appealing to those who enjoy science and want to take care of the environment.