All About: Seattle, Washington
Washington State has a reputation (along with the rest of the Pacific Northwest) as being a green, eco-friendly region. Given the natural beauty, active outdoorsy residents and connection with nature, its really no wonder.
Here at The Chic Ecologist, we have done several articles and features of Seattle based sustainable businesses, green events and manufacturers, so we decided to compile a little list of our favorites so far:
Sustainable Seattle Restaurants
Local 360 – Almost all raw ingredients (even liquors, wine and beer!) are sourced within a 360 mile radius of this Seattle restaurant. They also attempt to use organic and sustainable items whenever possible including humane raised meats and local wild-caught seafoods.
Mashiko Sushi – Seattle’s first sustainable sushi restaurant, Mashiko has developed an exciting local, seasonal and delicious menu from sustainably sourced and sustainably caught ingredients. Not your traditional sushi (you won’t find the typical yellowtail hamachi and toro here), instead you will find amazing Hawaiian abalone, sockeye salmon and geoduck.
Seattle Eco-friendly Businesses
Appliance Away & Mattress Away – Mattress and appliance recycling. This local company will actually come to your home, pick up your old mattress and appliances and haul them away, stripping them down for recycling. Call for individual rates and quotes, but it is a great way to keep these big, bulky items out of landfills while re-purposing valuable resources.
Elaia Spa – Located inside the Hyatt at Olive8 LEED certified hotel, this spa features local spa treatment ingredients including oils and local market fresh herbs and botanicals. While there, take a dip in the saltwater lap pool or jacuzzi overlooking Olive Way.
Seattle Activities
Walking in Seattle – Looking to explore some great places around the city by foot? Check out our Top 5 Seattle Walks guide for some great ideas for both locals and visitors alike. Urban wilderness parks, waterfront paths and scenic cityscapes can all be found in and around Seattle, we will show you the best routes to take by foot.
Some other great Seattle resources to visit are:
The City of Seattle Office of Economic Development’s Only in Seattle website featuring local businesses by neighborhood – Not necessarily green businesses, but they do focus on locally owned and family run Seattle businesses and present them well.
The best way to explore Seattle is to just get out and walk it!
Sustainable Sushi in Seattle – Mashiko
I am a true sushi lover, but getting information about the fish I am eating can be a difficult ordeal. Most sushi places aren’t very forthcoming on where they get their fish, or even what kind of fish it is you are actually eating (Hamachi is often labeled as yellowtail when it actually should be Amberjack, although it can vary between several species depending on the restaurant – same with Tai or snapper).
The Monterey Bay Aquarium puts out a wonderful Seafood Watch sustainable sushi guide both as an app, and on their website as a printable card, and Sustainable Sushi has great information too, but this can still pose a problem when it comes down to sourcing (many ratings are high for wild caught or sustainable fisheries, but low for farmed or catch method, like bottom trawlers).
Enter Mashiko, a sushi restaurant in West Seattle that maintains a fully sustainable seafood menu. Mashiko is also Seattle’s first fully sustainable sushi bar
We have solid relationships with several top seafood sustainability experts. We appreciate the support we have received from both customers and industry insiders. Our education has been intense, and it will be ongoing.– Hajime
Mashiko factors in fish populations, source traceability, fishing methods, and seafood farming practices.
- Traceability refers to the ability to find out where your seafood came from. This includes knowing specifically where, as well as how, it was caught.
- Some fish populations are in steep decline. We must allow these species time to repopulate so that we can enjoy them responsibly for generations to come.
- The most sustainable fishing methods do not cause damage to the oceans or allow for much bycatch (unintended creatures caught during fishing).
- Responsible farming practices include providing quality feed, being antibiotic-free, and taking great care not to disturb the surrounding environment.
I was very impressed, not only with the quality of their sushi, but also their variety. However, if you are expecting a generic experience, this is not the place for you. The menu is ever changing and leaves off many of the typical, but unsustainable, menu items.
Located in West Seattle, Mashiko Japanese Restaurant and Fully Sustainable Sushi Bar can be found at:
4725 California SW
Seattle WA 98116
Also, check out their website for a great interactive experience including their menu, a live web cam, bios, ratings, sushi classes and lots of sushi information. Be sure to call ahead for reservations as this place is always packed and it can be difficult to get a walk-in, even at the sushi bar!
Local Seattle Vodka & Gin – Sound Spirits
It’s pretty amazing what you can find just leisurely walking around Seattle. Case in point, the other day I decided to take a walk down 15th near the Interbay area and ran into Sound Spirits, a Seattle craft distillery producing primarily Vodka and Gin (with an Aquavit coming soon!) under the label Ebb+Flow.
Billed as Seattle’s first distillery since prohibition, Sound Spirits uses local ingredients to distill each batch by hand at their Interbay facility.Their entire operation is contained within this single building, including the distillery itself, tasting room and store.
Most days, you can find Steven Stone hard at work distilling and crafting new creations, although he never seems too busy to give a quick tour and discuss the finer points of spirit distillation. While they only sell and sample Gin and Vodka at the moment, they have future plans for whiskey, absinthe and various traditional European aperitifs and liqueurs.
Sound Spirit Offerings:
Ebb + Flow Vodka is a single malt vodka made from 100% Washington Palouse Malted Barley that has notes of vanilla and just a hint of natural sweetness.
Ebb + Flow Gin is crafted to bring out the best in classic cocktails, with a rich balance of flavors: herbal, citrus and spice.
You can find them located at:
1630 15th Ave W,
Seattle WA 98119
Check out their website Drink Sound Spirits for updated hours for tours and tasting.
Northwest EcoBuilding Guild Building Slam! 2011
Ten projects.
Ten slides.
Ten minutes.
Emceed by Patti Southard, of the King County Green Tools Program, this year’s Annual Green Building Slam! put on by the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild is sure to be interesting.
| What: | Annual Green Building Slam! |
| Where: | Bastyr University Auditorium |
| When: | Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Cost: | $20 Advance (before 9/8)/ $30 (after 9/8) |
Hosted by Northwest EcoBuilding Guild’s Seattle Chapter, this event features architects and builders showcasing their green construction projects in a 10 minute, 10 slide presentation.
In celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the International Women’s Day, a number of remarkable projects by top women green building professionals will be highlighted.
2011 Presenters:
- Mighty House Construction
Laura & Doug Elfine - Leschi Green Gut Rehab
Colleen Groll, Architect, O’Brien & Company
- The Neighborhood House – High Point Center
Sally Knodell, Architect, Environmental WORKS
- YMCA Family Village – Issaquah Highlands
Poppi Handy & Kate Smith, SMR Architects
Walsh Construction
- Mercer Island Home Remodel
Grace Huang, ming | architecture and design
Doug Kennedy, Pathway Design + Construction
- Wierusz Residence
Nicole Starnes Taylor, MAKE Design Studio
Blue Sound Construction
- zHome Net Zero Energy Project
Brad Liljequist, Project Manager
David Vandervort Architecture
Matt Howland, builder & developer
Dar Webb, landscape architects
- Deep Green Modular Demonstration Project
Johnny Hartsfield, Greenfab Design & Development
- Yakima House
Terry Phelan, Living Shelter Design
Sandy Campbell, Entero Interior Design
- Markham Mushuda Montlake Cottage Remodel
George Ostrow, Velocipede Architects
- Bangs Residence on Lake Sammamish in Issaquah
Jon Alexander, Sunshine Construction LLC
- West Seattle New Home
Susan Neaton, Architect
Scott Engler, Heartwood Builders
Alternatives:
Show up at 4pm for a guided tour of one of the Bastyr University LEED for Homes Platinum Certified student housing buildings.
Address of the event:
Bastyr University Auditorium
14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA
Seattle Appliance Recycling – Appliance Away
I introduced these guys a little while back when they started their first landfill diverting project of recycling mattresses, they have now expanded to home appliances! Now serving Washington’s King County, they offer local residents the easiest way to go green by recycling old appliances that are taking over our landfills!
Appliance Away is the best way to dispose of an appliance in an environmentally responsible way in Seattle.
…you are not only helping our environment, but also boosting our local economy. That’s right, we recycle and re-purpose as many materials as possible (up to 90%) to keep things out of the landfill and cut down on pollution.
Currently accepting all types of appliances (and box-springs and mattresses) check out their website to schedule a pickup or for a quote. Here is a general list, but don’t hesitate to contact them directly if you have something you want to keep out of the landfill!
- Air Conditioners
- Dishwashers
- Washing Machines
- Dryers
- Kitchen appliances: Freezers, Refrigerators, Ranges, Stoves, Ovens, and Microwaves
- Water Heaters
- Electronics: TV’s, CD Players, DVD Players, Cameras, Camcorders and Video Game Systems
- Telephones and Cell Phones
- Computers
- Monitors
Local 360 Restaurant in Seattle
Local 360 is a relatively new restaurant in Seattle’s Belltown area serving locally sourced breakfast, lunch and dinner. The premise behind their name and their philosophy is every raw ingredient is sources within 360 miles of Seattle, and they really do mean it. Browse even their drink menu, and you won’t find a spirit, liquor or wine produced any further away than Idaho (most are from Washington and Oregon).
Our products are always sourced from the most humane farms we can find. Ideally, 90% of our raw ingredients come from within 360 miles of Seattle. Lemons, limes, coffee and a few other items just don’t grow in Cascadia anytime of the year.
We source these items Certified Organic from the closest place possible. Nothing we are doing is innovative or new- on the contrary, we are returning to a simpler way of functioning as a business. We have stopped asking “what is new,” and have begun asking, “what is best.”
Focusing on Local, Sustainable, Organic and Natural foods from trusted local sources is what Local 360 is all about, and it comes through in their food. From selecting seafood with top ratings from Seafood Watch to local craft distilleries and Organic West Coast citrus juices, the flavor and freshness shines through resulting in extraordinary flavors from even the most simple ingredient.
Located on 1st and Bell in Seattle’s Belltown district, they are open from 9am until ‘Late’ (figure 1am-ish) daily. Visit Local 360′s website for menu’s, news and sourcing information.
NorthWest SolarFest 2011
Part of Shoreline Solar Project, NW Solar Fest 2011 is a Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair happening at Shoreline Community College. There will be displays, demonstrations, music, food and a beer garden open until 8 pm.
| What: | NW SolarFest |
| Where: | Shoreline Community College |
| When: | July 16th, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Cost: | FREE! |
It may sound strange, solar power in the Pacific Northwest, but this renewable energy is becoming more efficient and able to convert energy at lower light levels.
Come learn about various new solar technologies including solar cooking and explore other renewable resources at the Zero Energy House.
Featuring:
- The Galloping Gourmet (Graham Kerr) gives solar cooking demonstrations
- Evolucient Plastic to Oil Systems demonstrations
- Electric car display by Plug In America and Seattle Electric Vehicle Association (SEVA)
- Mini farmers market put on by Shoreline Farmer’s Market Association
- Shoreline Backyard Wildlife Certification Celebration
- Zero Energy House interactive tours
- Beer Garden featuring Sierra Nevada Brewing
Craving the Green Life – CRAVEGreen Seattle
Last night I had a major craving for all the eco-friendly indulgences of Seattle, and I knew just the way to satisfy my craving.
In the heart of SODO tucked under the first avenue bridge in the awesome location of URBAN enoteca, CRAVESeattle hosted their 2011 green event. Which much to my delight was this eco-friendly girls dream come true.
Showing everything from makeup made from crushed mineral color dust of 100% pure mineral pigments in colors to die for, to old Hollywood film purses and wallets by Portland’s own Deja Movie Film Bags, the night was full of craveable eco-friendly treats.
One of my favorites was the Sweetlily organic salon. My friend had her makeup touched up with the vegan/gluten free powders, and I think you could literally eat it. I had a coconut oil, turmeric hand massage which made my arm smell delicious and baby soft for the rest of the evening.
In addition to numerous eco/organic spas, there was eco fashion show, delicious organic goodies and free eyebrow sugaring from Sugar Sugar, with organic sugar of course. The only downfall to my eco-chic evening was I wish the grab bags had less paper, or for that matter if they were going to use so much paper at least have it be recycled.
Thanks to Britt for covering this event for The Chic Ecologist! Britt is a social media guru and Seattle fashion networker and writes the blog Socially In Socially Out.
CRAVE Green in Seattle
| What: | CRAVEGreen day of Eco-Indulgence |
| Where: | URBAN enoteca 4130 1st Ave South, Seattle |
| When: | May 11, 2011 from 6-9 p.m. |
| Cost: | $35 and $50 Tickets |
Taking place on May 11, 2011 from 6-9 p.m. at URBAN enoteca (4130 1st Ave South, Seattle), CRAVEgreen is an eco-event of luxury and eco-indulgence. Featuring Natural and Organic spa services from Elaia Spa, an eco-friendly fashion show with the latest in sustainable style with designers such as Eileen Fisher, and fresh local and organic foods and wines catered by URBAN enoteca.
VIP tickets grant access to the Blanc de Blanc room to mingle with Seattle’s hot new ‘entreprenesses’, founders, owners and CEOs of some of Seattle’s newest and coolest companies.
A raffle benefiting Passages Northwest, a not-for-profit aiming to build courage and leadership in the girls and young women of Washington state.
Tickets run from $35 for the Basic Green which includes organic nibbles, exclusive deals, sustainable spa services, green shopping, and a bag of eco ‘swag’.
You can opt for the Queen of Green for $50 which provides for a sparkling infused mimosa, and a limited ‘eco-luxe swag bag’ in addition to all of the wonderful fun from the Basic Green package.
We are hoping to get in and cover the event, tweeting live and delivering the hot news and fashion directly to you, more to come later!
Seattle’s Elaia Spa at Olive8
Many spa’s are trying to green up their image, but Elaia Spa is just naturally that way. Housed in Hyatt’s Olive 8 building in Downtown Seattle, it is part of Seattle’s first LEED certified hotel. As a part of a green building, certain requirements for water conservation, construction materials and energy savings are already part of the package. You can see these details throughout the Spa, although none of it distracts from the experience, in fact, it does more to enhance it.
Elaia Spa features in-season local ‘market fresh’ and organic spa ingredients sourced from the Pacific Northwest, your massage will most likely include organic olive oil from Oregon and organic aromatherapy scents. Local and organic skin care products are also available for purchase at the spa.
Indulgent low-flow showers are designed with ample spray coverage, so it feels like a traditional flow head. The all-inclusive spa allows access to separate steam rooms and saunas allow for relaxing privacy.
Also included is a full gym facility which is much more robust than you commonly find in hotels and a saltwater lap pool and hot tub. Quite a indulgent eco-friendly experience, this green spa is a welcome addition to the Downtown Seattle spa options.
