Events
Eco Friendly Golf Course? Justin Timberlake’s Mirimichi
Goes to show that there are varying degrees of sustainability. The worlds first ‘Eco-Friendly Golf Course’ is opening tomorrow (July 25th, 2009) in Memphis, Tennessee. A brainchild of singer and green celeb Justin Timberlake, the Mirimichi Golf Course is the first golf course in the US to receive the Audubon International’s Classic Sanctuary certification and hopes to gain Platinum LEED certification by opening day.
The former Woodstock Hills Golf Course was purchased by the Justin Timberlake, an avid golfer, in hopes of saving it from development. Feeling that it was “such a landmark for the community” and being the first place he had ever hit a golf ball, he was able to “scoop it and save it.”
Long considered a blight on nature and wilderness due to the intense water use, fertilization, and runoff, golf courses have also been criticized for their lack of native habitat. Mirimichi seeks to change all of that with rainwater irrigation, native landscaping, and a new Natural Resource Management Center featuring state-of-the-art biodegradable treatment of rinse water. It even features native grass areas which frame the holes and reduce the mowable acreage of the course.
“Creating an eco-friendly course was a priority throughout the renovations,” said Greg King, director of golf, Mirimichi. “We wanted to create a world-class golf experience that protected and enhanced nature’s canvas.”
Carrotmob Mobs Seattle for Sustainable Businesses
I am pretty excited about the first (of hopefully many) Carrotmob event at the Pike Place Place Brewery in Seattle, Washington. If you haven’t heard about Carrotmob, you should check out their website and get hooked into their sustainable consumer network.
Carrotmob organizes environmentally conscious individuals to reward businesses for being eco-friendly. One way they do this is to funnel large amounts of consumers to patronize a single business which has promised to become more sustainable. The means is negotiated beforehand by the Carrotmob team, which can range from upgrades to make a business more energy efficient, to converting over to renewable energy.
The first ever Carrotmob event in Seattle happens TODAY (sorry about the late notice) April 22, 2009 in tandem with a Seattle Greendrinks event at Pike Place Pub and Brewery.
Green Giving – 2009 Green Choice Awards
Folks are drawn to Yelp for a lot of reasons — they had a bad meal, they know a great coffee shop, or they just have always wanted to be a critic of something and get noticed for it. Well there’s a way to take your chic tastes and apply them to the world of good environmental deeds!
Now you can give your green two cents and look good doing it. A site called GreatNonprofits today launched their 2009 Green Choice Awards — a contest to identify the best – and not-so-best — environmental and green nonprofits groups. The site itself is a nonprofit, and seeks to add a much-need layer of transparency and accountability to the world of nonprofits and do-gooders. The Green Choice Awards will reward you for submitting your reviews (as many as you’d like) with the chance to win a stay at the very-chic Joie de Vivre hotel in tres cool San Francisco, gift certificates from Whole Foods, and more! Most importantly, however, is that the actual groups doing the grunt work for Mother Earth will be rewarded by winning visibility and, perhaps, the contest itself!
We think anything that adds a layer of sunshine to the world is a good thing (not to mention good lighting!). So check out their contest at www.greatnonprofits.org/green and get your reviews in soon! You can also sign up to follow the organization on Twitter at @GreatNonprofits.
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Green Festival Gold
I am happy to report that the Green Festival Seattle was absolute gold. So many creative and innovative products and vendors, passionate people and important information. I have so much to report back on, but I am most excited to present the little known green products and green business that you will love as much as I do.
A toy kitchen stove made from reused tins and jar caps
If you were lucky enough to attend the show, then get ready to for an in depth look at the best of the best.
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Green Festival Seattle
I am excited for this weekend where I will be blogging live from Green Festival Seattle. Presented by Global Exchange and Green America and dubbed one of the premier sustainability events, there are going to be over 125 authors, leaders and educators and more than 350 eco-friendly businesses, plenty to keep me busy.
I am sure it will be the topic of several features in the next coming week or so with all the speakers, products and companies attending, it should be a great time. Hopefully I will see you there!
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WWFs Earth Hour 2009 – Lights Out March 28th!
A great campaign by the World Wildlife Fund to promote energy conservation and awareness on a global scale, Earth Hour takes place around the globe for a single hour on Saturday, March 28th, 2009. It happens to be at 8:30pm (PST) here in Seattle, WA – just visit the site to see what time it is in your area.
The Nation’s Capital Joins 950 Cities Around the World, Including Paris, London, Hong Kong, Rome, Beijing, Nairobi and Moscow, in Historic Call to Action on Climate Change. Check out what other icons will also be supporting this action:
- The Las Vegas Strip
- Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
- Sears Tower in Chicago
- Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in Paris
- Sydney Opera House
- Christ the Redeemer in Brazil
- Niagara Falls
- Coliseum in Rome
- Stockholm Castle
- Burj Dubai
I have been a longtime fan of WWF, although many here in the states associate it with showman wrestling, I was first introduced to the organization when I was living in the United Kingdom. World Wildlife Fund is more well know in Europe, although they provide immense support to the US as well. One of the highest rated charities around, it is comparable with the Sierra Club here in the states, with their focus primarily on endangered species.
I couldn’t help show off their new T’s as well as this is an Eco-Chic blog. Made of organic cotton with their trademark panda design, its pretty sweet. They are giving them away with any donation, and are well worth it!
A Green Valentines Day – Celebrate Your Love with the Environment Too!
With Valentines day right around the corner, you may be wondering what to give your sweetheart to celebrate that special day. Why not make it special and unique for both the one you love, and the earth at the same time? It’s actually pretty easy to do and will give you a nice warm fuzzy feeling. I’ve got your basics covered- eco jewelry, local natural chocolate truffles, and locally grown cut and live flowers.
Giving Plants.com Live Mini Roses in Silver
Flowers are wonderful in so many ways. They are beautiful, fragrant, colorful and can brighten any room and anyone’s day, but where do they come from? When valentines day rolls around, all of a sudden there is a huge influx of roses, tulips, carnations and cut flower bouquets, and they seem to be unreasonably cheap for all this demand. The reason for this is that they are grown in huge flower farms in other countries, and then shipped to the US. The problem with this is similar to picked fruits and vegetables- lack of pesticide regulations overseas in addition to all of the environmental costs of transportation and USDA pest treatment requirements. Previous articles on the subject from The Sierra Club and thestreet.com explain the pitfalls.
Many environmentally harmful pesticides which have been banned in the US, are still being used in other parts of the world. Compound that with pesticide treatments upon importation to the US, and all of the transportation and delivery costs, its no wonder cut flowers can be a eco and health nightmare. But it need not be! Check out your local farmers market, ask your florist where their flowers come from and support local farmers. GivingPlants.com is a great internet based operation working with and supporting California farmers and nursery’s, or you can find local farms and organic growers in your area by searching localharvest.org. Not only will these choices benefit the environment, but your flowers will last a great deal longer. Another great alternative to cut flowers are live blooming flowers and plants, that way you can enjoy them for years to come.
Intrigue Chocolates' French Truffles
Chocolate is a mainstay of valentines day and the varieties seem endless, but not all are created equal. Chocolate is is made from the cacao bean, however many treats we call ‘chocolate’ have hardly any cacao in them. Take a traditional Hershey’s chocolate bar, it contains only contains between 4% and 10 % chocolate. The rest of it is sugars, emulsifiers, milk solids, and other fillers. The source of the antioxidant powers and euphoric brain chemicals is the cacao, and for many, so is the taste.
There is another element of the chocolate equation. Chocolate is grown in similar regions as coffee, and has the same issues with fair trade and wage practices where the farmer is not paid a fair living wage. Theo Chocolate has thought of all of this, and is actually the only chocolate company in the US that is an Organic, Fair Trade, bean to bar chocolate factory. Their high cacao content chocolate and limited essential ingredients make for a wonderful tasting experience.
If truffles are more your (or your loves’) thing, then try Intrigue Chocolates for an order of their natural exotic french truffles in many unique flavors. Handmade from seasonally fresh market ingredients like rose petals, pomegranate, and honey, each truffle is a true culinary experience.
Simply Wood Rings
Jewelry is a very popular gift around this time, but do you know where yours came from? Before you buy, ask a few questions so you don’t end up inadvertently supporting modern day slavery and environmental pillaging. You may have heard about ‘blood diamonds’, but did you know the same kinds of things go on for just about all precious metals and jems, including gold? If you are considering diamonds, check out my previous article on eco diamonds and jewelry.The most important thing is to hold your jeweler accountable for their claims of ‘conflict free’ jewelry by getting source certifications and guarantees. There are several eco conscious jewelers out there, some which promote reclaimed materials, such as renewed gold and vintage pieces. Check out NoDirtyGold.org for more information on gold mining practices.
There are other green alternatives that can be more unique and special, such as a intricate wood ring made from an old heirloom, or a one of a kind bracelet or necklace from an eco artist. With all of the wonderful eco friendly environmentally conscious artists out there, it is easy to find beautiful treasures that are not found at traditional jewelry stores. One that will be special and have more meaning, while being gentle to the environment at the same time. Sounds like a win-win to me!
Island Dream Job – Australia’s Tourism Queensland is Looking for A Great Barrier Reef Caretaker
I just found my dream job. Unfortunately for me, so did everybody else! Australia’s Tourism Queensland just came up with an ingenious marketing idea to increase interest in traveling to Australia. Send one lucky individual to experience the wonders of one of the largest tourist draws of Australia (The Great Barrier Reef in case you are wondering), and have them report back on their daily adventures via the web through blogs, video and interviews. Marvelous! I can only imagine how many people would want to follow this, although the sheer jealousy I may feel for the individual may drive me crazy thus rendering me unable to follow along. Before you ask, yes, i do intend on submitting an application, so hopefully it will be me doing the reporting!
The job description of this Hamilton Island caretaker include a six figure salary, luxury accommodations, transport on the island, travel insurance, computer and camera gear and travel to other Great Barrier Reef islands. In return you must provide weekly reports on exploration findings via various media outlets, clean the villa pool, feed the aquarium fish, occasionally act as an aerial mail carrier, and first and foremost, explore.
If you are interested too, click on over to www.islandreefjob.com and you too can experience what an overloaded server looks like (I have yet to actually see the page, or submit an application for that matter). In addition to the application, they are also asking for a 60-second video explanation of why you’d be great for the job. I have heard that while technically there are no experience requirements, they are looking for someone who is a strong swimmer and has good communication skills.
Applications close on February 22, 2009, and rumor is there will be 11 semi finalists selected in May to compete for the spot. Good Luck!
A Green New Year – The Eco-Friendly LED Times Square Ball
Last year the Times Square ball underwent a green renovation, replacing the old incandecent lightbulbs with 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel energy efficient LEDs. Not only does this allow for a greater savings in energy, it also provides countless patterns using 10 million different colors refracted through 2,668 Waterford Crystal panels. The ball also received an upgrade giving it 20% greater efficiency making it the greenest its ever been using the same amount of energy that would be used from two household ovens.
Reminiscent of The Green Microgym, this year features a eco-frienldy renewable people-powered 2009 sign. Revelers can already pedal on bicycles in Duracell’s Times Square “power lodge” to generate energy for the sign.
While not the best display of energy savings, it is a great innovative way to get people excited and spread the word about new green technologies.
[via inhabit]
Make Black Friday a Little Greener – Green Holiday Gifts
Black friday as we all know, is a time to get some great deals for the holidays- well what if you want to make it a bit greener? Shopping for sustainable products can be daunting, which is why we’ve collected a few of the best right here! Eco chic holidays, here we come!
Clothes and Fashion-
Loomstate 'Bering" Crew Sweater from The Green Loop
The Green Loop carries green, organic and sustainable clothing and accessories to dress up your wardrobe. Stylish chic designs that you may not even know about, and some from your favorite designers like Loomstate and Spun. Pivot Boutique carries many of the up and coming designers in the green fashion industry, so if you are looking for something ultra chic (and very sustainable) for that holiday party.
Hobo Tote by City Kitty Design
If accessories are more your style, eco-friendly handbags from City Kitty Design have been a huge hit with those in the fashion ‘know’. Made using vintage and reclaimed materials with impeccable style, it redefines eco chic.
Simply Wood Rings
Jewelry is a popular gift around this time, but why go with the same old- surprise her with something truly unique and beautiful (you don’t have to tell her how green it is). Simply Wood Rings are timeless and meaningful and don’t destroy the earth to produce them.
Chocolate and Nectar-
Everybody needs an indulgence from time to time, so why not make it an experience to remember? Intrigue Chocolates make truffles in flavors you never knew you missed. Each one will leave you wondering why you ever wasted the calories eating anything else. Pair it with a nice organic or biodynamic wine from Napa Valleys Grgich Hills Winery to release the full flavor. Sometimes just a nice beer to enjoy while watching the football games on turkey day is just what the pilgrim ordered. New Belgium Brewery has just the lineup for you, whether its a nice dark stout to warm up those bones, or something light after a big meal- all made by one of the most sustainable brewery’s around.
And to top it all off, maybe a gym membership is in order- to work off all of that holiday food.
Consumption is by its very nature not very green or sustainable, but making that extra effort to find an eco-conscious product goes a long way. This can take many forms including looking for items with little packaging resulting in less waste, taking public transportation to the mall, and of course picking eco-friendly products and gifts.
Google Spooks you into Saving Energy
Google is putting something really scary on their website, your energy bills. Calculate your energy costs, and what you can do about them. From energy going up the chimney, to energy leaching computer zombies, a few suggestions could exorcise your energy demons. Visit the site to get into the holiday mood, and save a lil’ change too.
[via treehugger]
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