surterre ecoblog

The Carbon Exchange

2010-03-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

For some people forests are measured in board-feet of lumber. For others, they are a source of spiritual renewal. But scientists are finding that protecting ancient trees could also be an important new strategy in the fight against global warming.

In the carbon cycle, it's not just the individual tree -- the entire forest plays a role. Leaves take in carbon dioxide, converting it to sugar, which is carbon-based. Some of the sugar is used immediately for energy, converted back to CO2, and released into the atmosphere. The rest is stored in living wood or dead matter, such as fallen leaves and branches. Old-growth forests, in particular, store vast amounts of carbon while continuing to absorb CO2.

The illustration below, by Mieke Roth, is available as a full-size print-quality PDF file here.

Want to do your part? Plant some trees! If you invest in planting new trees, realize that it takes about 20 years for newly forested clear-cuts to start sequestering more carbon than they release. Choose projects that won't cut down the trees as soon as they mature or, even better, that allow trees to see their centennial. Another option: put your money towards saving forests that would otherwise be cut down. Check out World Land Trust, at www.carbonbalanced.org, which is working to conserve forests in Latin America.

(Article info courtesy of: onearth.org)

Travel Gear: Clean Up Your Hands, Your Fruit and the Planet

2010-03-12T08:44:00.001-08:00

Want to wash your hands on a plane, train or boat in a greener way? Eat Cleaner Gran 'N Go Fruit + Vegetable wipes make eating or washing on the fly easier and "greener."

These stink-free, Alcohol-free, biodegradable towelettes are made by Grow Green Industries. They remove dirt, film and chemicals from fruits, vegetables and utensils -- and also grime from your hands -- without using lots of water. Made with kosher-certified ingredients, including water, sodium citrate and vegetable glycerin, they don't leave a scent or a film.

More information available at www.eatcleaner.com.

(Article courtesy of LATimes.com)

Green Retrofit Checklist

2010-03-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

Looking for a way to green your home? Start with these great ideas!

Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Save up to $100 a year on your energy bills, and lessen your need to purchase light bulbs as often by switching to CFLs. They last longer, and and you can enjoy reductions in your energy bill.

Program Your Thermostat

It may be a bit chilly out right now, but keeping your thermostat at 62 degrees or lower in the winter, or 78 degrees or higher in the summertime allow you to preset the system to reduce output when it's not needed, such as when no one is home.

Plug Air Leaks

Common leaks occur around windows and doors. Plugging leaks with weather stripping helps keep your home at the temperature you desire.

Choose Energy Star Appliances

When it's time to replace your appliances, keep Energy Star appliances in mind. Purchasing an energy efficient appliance can reduce your energy bill by at least $50, which depending on the life of the appliance, it should pay for itself in savings.

Reduce Water Use

Install aerators to your sink faucets, and install low-flow shower heads (both can be purchased at your local hardware store), and make sure to use the least amount of water possible when watering your garden.

Switch to Green Power

Per the GreenHomeGuide.com, Green power is an optional utility service for customers who want to help expand the production and distribution or renewable energy technologies. With green power, you do not have to change your electricity provider. Instead, customers just choose to pay a premium on their electricity bulls to cover the extra cost of purchasing clean, sustainable energy. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Energy.

Five Green Steps For Moving to a New Home

2010-03-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

Whether you have recently found the home of your dreams, are deciding to upgrade or downgrade to a new home, moving can cause a lot of waste.

Here are some great tips on how to steam line your moving process and green your life at the same time.

Throwing Out: Before you start throwing the items that you no longer want or need in the trash, think of taking them to a local homeless shelter, or the Salvation Army so that the items may be reused, and also be put towards a better purpose.

Repurposing Unwanted Items: Embrace your inner Martha Stewart and get crafty! Site such as HowStuffWorks and Instructables offer great ideas on how to find new uses for old items, and the products can keep the kids busy while you continue sorting through the items that somehow slipped under the couch.

Recycling: Paper and old magazines can be lent to friends, and also recycled at your nearest recycling facility. Hazardous materials, such as paint and gasoline can be recycled at your nearest hazardous waste facility, and eWaste such as TVs, computer monitors, and fax machines can be recycled at any eWaste recycling facility. Surterre regularly offers eWaste events for free where you can drive through and drop off your clutter.

Packing: Cardboard boxes take an extraordinary amount of water to produce, and are not environmentally friendly. Here's a smart move, try a service such as ZippGo, or Earth Friendly Moving, both of which drop off reusable boxes to your home. Just pack them up and move to your new home, and they will pick up the boxes from the new address. Aside from the environmental benefits, these boxes will also save you from those horrible moments when the bottom falls out of your cardboard box, and spare your ears from the lovely sounds of packing tape.

Get Moving: There are green companies abound these days. Check your local area by searching the www.greenmoversusa.com directory, and save a tree and your back.

California Smog Causing $193 Million in Healthcare Costs

2010-03-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

The smog in California hangs like a blanket over the city, and now there’s more proof that it’s not just environmentally destructive – it’s making Californians sick! A study just out by RAND — a non-profit research group dedicated to public policy issues — says that the air pollution in California is causing over $193 million in hospital based medical careeach year. The medical costs are mostly related to respiratory illnesses such as asthma and pneumonia. Over two thirds of the costs are covered by government run medical programs like Medicare and Medi-Cal.

“California’s failure to meet air pollution standards causes a large amount of expensive hospital care,” said Professor John Romley, who led the study. “The result is that insurance programs—both those run by the government and private payers—face higher costs because of California’s dirty air.” The researchers studied hospital visits between 2005 and 2007 and used data from emergency room visits and visits related to respiratory illnesses. The study highlights the fact that more people in California live in areas that do not meet EPA air quality regulations than anywhere else in the country.

Nearly one-third of the pollution related health care costs were incurred from diagnosis of acute bronchitis, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, all costly illnesses. Emergency room visits by children 17 years and younger for asthma related issues were responsible for the most common hospital-based medical care. Researchers said that most of the visits were due to “high levels of fine particulate pollution—tiny pieces of soot that can lodge deep in lungs.” The study is entitled “The Impact of Air Quality on Hospital Spending,” and is meant to coerce the health care industry to join the fight against air pollution.

(Article courtesy of: http://www.inhabitat.com)

Edible Greens Planter Kit

2010-02-25T16:53:00.001-08:00

Let's say that you don't have enough room in your garden to grow a lovely selection of mixed salad greens, such as heirloom lettuce, arugula, garden cress, mache, and other seasonal green. Or perhaps that your green thumb isn't so green. Or maybe you just want to give a gift that is sustainable and will last a while.

Paxton Gate, a shop based out of San Francisco, is currently selling "Edible Greens Planter Kits," which, per the website, are prepared from salvaged and reinforced wine crates from Napa California. Each kit includes pre-mixed potting soil and a packet of organic Dr. Earth fertilizer and seeds. Growing your own salad kits cut down on travel time of your food, guarantee that no pesticides will be involved, and you can feel good about your dinner.

After planting, the wait time is approximately six to eight weeks from seed to table, and is so easy, it will make a green thumb out of anyone!

Why Conservation Matters

2010-02-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it may be hard to put a face on exactly why we are encouraged to drive less, consume less water and utilize reusable bags when we go shopping, but this link presented by The Daily Green shows 11 species that we have lost forever, just in recent years. Do your part to protect currently endangered species by reducing your personal carbon footprint, and check out the very long list of animals we are in danger of losing at www.earthsendangered.com.

Plastic? Not So Fantastic...

2010-02-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

Lose the plastic Ziplock bags and Saran Wrap, and check out this great all-natural food storage product from Abeego. The very unboring (take that plastic!) reusable packaging is made of a hemp/cotton fabric that is infused with beeswax and plant extracts.

The beeswax coating is fluid resistant, meaning that your juicy burrito won't get all over your new Energy Star fridge. Available in three different sizes, "wrap," "snack," and "flats," they can fit to size for most dishes and meals, and in addition to making your friends jealous, they are natural, reusable and eco-conscious to boot!

To order, or to learn more, visit abeego.com.

The Truth About Vampires

2010-02-17T09:36:00.001-08:00

If recent trends are any indication, vampires are quite popular in today's culture; though there is one kind of vampire that everyone should be truly scared of... the energy vampire (or vampire appliances). Not only will this type of vampire suck the energy out of your home, but it will also suck the life out of your wallet.

Products such as cell phone recharger's, toasters, TVs, stereos, and coffee makers all siphon energy when they are plugged in, even if they are not charging anything, or in use. According to thedailygreen.com:

If your home is typical, you live with 20 vampires. They add about $200 to your annual energy bill, according to Cornell University. That's because the "off" button doesn't really mean "off" these days; instead, it means "standby." In fact, your TV remote control likely uses more energy during the 20 hours a day that it's turned off and in a "standby power" state than it does during the hours you watch the tube.

Luckily, wooden stakes and garlic breath are not necessary to put an end to this energy thief. All you need to do is either unplug items when they are not in use, or be sure to place all items that do not need to be plugged in while not in use (don't unplug the fridge!) on a power strip with a switch that can be easily powered on or off.

Check out the fun video below for more information on how much energy you really use in standby power mode, and what you can do to keep your money from draining out of your wallet.

A Rose is a Rose?

2010-02-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

About $200 million worth of roses sold in the U.S. are grown out of the country, mostly in Central and Latin America, where toxic pesticides are common and protective equipment for workers is scarce. But you can be just as conscientious about your flower purchases as you are about your food and wine.

Just like food, local flowers are your best alternative, provided you live in a warm climate where flowers grow year-round. If not, keep your eyes out for these independent certifications:

VeriFlora Certified

Administered by the independent and reliable Scientific Certification Systems, Veriflora requires farmers to use as little chemicals and as many organic farming practices as possible and to farm the land in ways that enhance biodiversity (for instance, implementing buffer zones near waterways and using native cover plants). The certification also protects against illegal child labor and requires meeting local minimum wage laws.

GG Product Pick: OrganicStyle.com is the most comprehensive resource for VeriFlora-certified bouquets. Combine Valentine's Day and Black History Month with the "One Dozen Freedom: A Rose in Honor of Rosa Parks" bouquet, and 10 percent of the proceeds go to the Rosa and Raymond Parks Foundation for Self Development ($59.95).

Fair Trade Certified

Fair Trade certification puts more stress on worker rights, ensuring that growers are not only paid a fair wage but that ten percent of their profits are re-invested back into the community. Growers are also trained to handle agrochemicals safely and to reduce the need for hazardous chemicals with organic farming practices.

GG Product Pick: 1800Flowers.com sells a variety of Fair Trade Certified bouquets from $39.99 and up, but also check your local Sam's Club (and www.samsclub.com). They added flowers to their Fair Trade offerings last year.

Certified Organic

As with organic food, certified-organic flowers are grown without synthetic, petroleum-based pesticides or fertilizers. Although the certification doesn't have any fair-wage protections, you're more likely to find certified organic flowers grown in the U.S., which cuts down on their carbon footprint (most VeriFlora and Fair Trade Certified flowers are grown in South America).

GG Product Pick: California Organic Flowers' Cupid's Delight bouquet with red anemone, red and white dianthus and rosemary is a nice departure from the standard bunch of roses ($54.95;www.californiaorganicflowers.com). Also check out Diamond Organics organic seasonal-flower bouquet ($69; www.diamondorganics.com).

(Article courtesy of thegreenguide.com).

Household Savings Calculator

2010-02-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

By now, most people know that switching to energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs), turning off the lights when we leave a room, and switching to Energy Star rated appliances can help save money on household costs, but sometimes a little personal knowledge can be a motivating factor to push us towards making life even greener.

For example, did you know that according to a 2005 University of Chicago study, the average American diet adds over 3,500 pounds of heat-trapping pollutants to the atmosphere every year? Or that half of the water that we spray on our gardens typically goes to waste due to over watering and evaporation?

Visit simplesteps.org and check out the "Household Savings Calculator." By answering just a few questions about your life, you can find easy ways to save money and save the planet, all without leaving the house.

The video below also offers some great tips on how to go green in your home.

California Friendly Landscape and Gardening Classes

2010-02-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

Home gardeners and landscape professionals alike can take a free online class, or attend one in person, to learn how to reduce water use in landscapes, and how to best utilize the rainwater we have recently received in Southern California. The "California Friendly Landscape Training Residential" series offers five different classes, while the :California Friendly Landscape Training Professional" class offers four.

Creating an inviting outdoor landscape that is also water efficient is an excellent way to improve the value and aesthetic of your home. Check here for a list of available classes, or contact Christel Webb 213.217.6633. For the online tutorials, click here.

For more information on what you can do as an individual and as a business to save water, please visit bewaterwise.com, and check out the video below for tips on starting your water wise garden.

12 Surprising Ways to Reuse Aluminum Foil

2010-02-04T14:31:00.001-08:00

Upon a recent shopping trip, we were surprised to notice that the price of recycled aluminum foil is cheaper than the brand new stuff, which got us to thinking... how else can we recycle aluminum?

Check out these great tips from The Green Cheapskate Blog on how to reuse your foil!

Wash it and use it again (and again):

I swear my mother is still reusing foil from the time of Christ for wrapping and rewrapping leftovers in the fridge. Just wash it in soap and water, flatten it out with a rolling pin on the kitchen counter, and it's good as new. (Caution: Foil that has come in contact with raw meat should not be reused for other food purposes.)

Sharpen scissors and garden shears:

Fold used foil so that it's six to eight layers thick, then cut thru it a few times with dull scissors to instantly sharpen them. To sharpen hefty garden and pruning shears, fold the foil so that it's even thicker.

Reduce static cling:

I don't understand how it works, but if you throw a crumpled piece of aluminum foil into the clothes dryer, it seems to magically reduce static electricity. A true miracle of cheapskate science.

Make shoe/boot forms:

Wad up balls of old foil and stuff them into leather boots and shoes to help them keep their form when you're not wearing them.

Texture paint and plaster:

Use crumpled up foil to add interesting texture to painting and plastering projects. Also when you're painting, old foil is handy for masking doorknobs and other fixtures you don't want painted and for wrapping your paintbrushes and rollers in during a lunch break.

Deter pets and other animals:

For no apparent reason, our cat started using our fireplace instead of her liter box. We put a couple of sheets of used aluminum foil on the floor of the fireplace -- which cats, dogs, and other animals can't stand -- to break her of that bad habit. Hang strips of used foil on strings around the garden to deter birds, deer, and other unwanted pests, too.

Protect young plants:

Make a collar out of used foil to fit loosely around the stems of young tomato plants and other plant starts in order to keep cutworms and other insects at bay.

Make metals shine:

Scrub rust off of steel and chrome with a wad of aluminum foil instead of using steel wool -- it works even better. You can also use aluminum foil and simple household products like baking soda and salt to clean silver and gold, with the proper know-how.

Shim a table leg:

Ball up some old foil for under the short leg of an uneven table to make it a level field once again.

Scrub grills and baked-on messes:

A wad of used foil makes a great scouring pad for cleaning the gunk off BBQ grills and stuck-on food from pots, pans, and inside ovens.

Repair stripped threads:

People often say that I have a screw loose. When I do have a nut, bolt, or screw with stripped threads, I wrap a little aluminum foil around the bolt or screw and try gently tightening it again. A quick temporary fix.

And remember your 10th wedding anniversary:

Lucky break for your wallet! Believe it or not, 10th wedding anniversaries are traditionally celebrated by exchanging gifts made of aluminum. What could be more romantic than a piece of homemade aluminum foil art?

Switching to Cement Logs Can Earn You Money

2010-01-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

Did you know that residential wood burning contributes more fine particle pollution to Southern California's air than all the power plants in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties combined?

The South Coast Air Quality Management District is currently offering a program through HealthyHearths.org that aims to reduce air pollution from wood smoke by offering a $125 rebate to homeowners who convert their wood-burning fireplaces to gas. Simply visit the website, and select the "Gas Log Incentives" link under the "Healthy Hearths" logo for more information.

Check out the video below for more information on the adverse health affects produced by wood burning fireplaces, and see what you can do to to significantly reduce the levels of pollution produced in your own home.

672-gallon oil spill fouls Huntington Beach channel

2010-01-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

Crews are working to clean up an oil spill that dumped an estimated 672 gallons of crude oil last week into a Huntington Beach flood-control channel that drains to wetlands and the Pacific Ocean, authorities said Wednesday.

After getting reports of a petroleum odor Jan. 21, Orange County public works crews a day later discovered the spill in the Huntington Beach Channel east of Beach Boulevard and south of Adams Avenue, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"There was oil all the way across the channel from wall to wall," said Robert Wise, the EPA's on-scene coordinator. "As the tide went in and out, it just sloshed the oil up and down the walls of the channel."

The source of the spill is unknown, Wise said. The oil traveled 1.8 miles downstream, but it did not reach the Talbert wetlands or the ocean, he said.

A contractor hired by Orange County is cleaning up the spill by placing containment barriers in the 50-foot-wide, steel-lined channel and using vacuum trucks, absorbent materials and power washers to remove the oil. So far, Wise said, crews have recovered about one-eighth of the oil. The cleanup is expected to take about three weeks.

For updates on the cleanup, check the EPA's website at www.epaosc.org/hboil. To report any oiled animals, call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network Center at (877) 823-6926.

(Article courtesy of LATimes.com)

Solar water heaters get a $350-million boost in California

2010-01-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

California regulators approved a $350-million rebate offer today to encourage homes and businesses to install water-heating systems powered by solar energy.

The state Public Utilities Commission established the California Solar Initiative Thermal Program, which will use $250 million to replace natural-gas-powered water heaters, with $25 million set aside for low-income customers. An additional $100.8 million will be used to swap out water heaters powered by electricity.

The incentives will decrease steadily over eight years until Dec. 31, 2017, or until the funds run out. The rebates will begin retroactively in August 2009.

The program could result in systems that displace 585 million therms of natural gas, or the equivalent of placing a solar water heater on 200,000 single-family homes, according to the commission. It could also lead to systems that displace 275.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and San Diego Gas & Electric Co. will offer the deal to ratepayers whose solar water heaters displace either electric or natural gas use. Southern California Edison customers who displace their electric use with their new system and Southern California Gas Co. ratepayers who do the same with natural gas will also get a rebate.

Solar water heaters, which are usually placed on rooftops, absorb the sun’s energy to warm water, which is then stored in a water tank, according to Environment California. The advocacy group says the new rebate could mean more than 3,000 new jobs, a 5% reduction in natural gas demand and a 35% drop in wholesale natural gas prices.

Solar water heaters are already gaining popularity in Southern California.

-- Tiffany Hsu

Photo: Richard Braun with his storage tank, which holds the water heated by solar panels on top of his Encino home. He has used the system to lower his heating bill since the 1970s. Credit: Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times.

Source: LATimes.com

Tips for Using Rainwater

2010-01-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

With the recent system of storms that have unleashed tons of water on Southern California, right now is a great time to start collecting some of that free water unleashed on us, and put it to good use later.

Did you know that one inch of rain falling on a 2,000-square-foot roof produces some 1,200 gallons of runoff?

This water can be collected and used to water plants and grass, which thrive with rainwater, as tap water contains softeners, which inhibits plant growth. Rainwater can also be used for cleaning homes, dishes and vehicles, and collecting and using rainwater also benefits your local community, as it helps ease the burden on public utilities.

Rain barrels, which collect rainwater, are relatively easy to install and are inexpensive but have a lesser storage capacity than storage tank systems, which can be installed by homeowners or professionals, and can stave off water shortages and add value to your property.

Rain barrels can be purchased through websites such as www.aquabarrel.com, and additional information about rain water storage tanks can be found by visiting www.rainxchange.com.

Brrr! Time to Bundle Up!

2010-01-19T17:04:00.000-08:00

Check out this great guide from the thegreenguide.com on what to look for and how to save some extra money when purchasing blankets and comforters.

"Throwing an extra heavy blanket or comforter on your bed in winter can save the planet, sort of. For every degree you turn down the thermostat, you keep up to 320 pounds of greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere over the course of the season. Here's what to look for in a blanket that's as easy on the planet as you are.

Eco-Fibers: As a rule, softer, breathable natural fibers such as cotton and wool—even if they are not ecologically produced—are always preferable to petrochemical fabrics like polyester.

When possible, choose organic cotton, which is grown without synthetic pesticides or genetically engineered seeds. You can also find Fair Trade Certified cotton, although it's use in sheets is rare.

For blankets and comforter batting, choose wool over polyester, and look for organic or "Pure-Grow" wool, which come from ranches that don't dip their sheep in pesticide baths. Ask the manufacturer or retailer whether their wool is treated with mothproofing insecticides, which should also be avoided.

Chemical-Free Dyes: People who prefer colored sheets to brighten up their décor should look for either heavy-metal-free or vegetable-based dyes. A product that uses "SKAL-certified" dyes means that they are free of heavy metals. Also, check out FoxFiber™ "color-grown" cotton, which is bred (not genetically-modified) to grow in different colors, though usually only browns, beiges and greens. Color-grown cotton is also less likely to fade in the wash than dyed cotton.

Chlorine-Free Bleaching: Opt for unbleached or chlorine-free bleached products. Conventional cotton, and some organic cotton, is bleached with chlorine after harvesting in a process that releases cancer-causing dioxin into the atmosphere.

Shopping Tips:

Avoid textiles labeled permanent press, no-iron, crease-resistant, shrink-proof, stretch-proof, water repellent or water-proofed. Some finishes, such as those to prevent stains and wrinkles, can release formaldehyde into the air.
Look for products that are machine-washable to keep dust and allergen levels at a minimum (wool is naturally inhospitable to dust mites).
Allergy sufferers and asthmatics should also avoid bedding and comforters stuffed with down feathers, which may cause allergies to flare up."

What's In Season?

2010-01-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

Produce is at its peak nutritional value when it is ripe. The majority of fruits and vegetables that have to travel long distances before they reach your convenient neighborhood supermarket are often picked before they have received the full nutritional benefits of ripening on the vine.

Choosing produce from your local market that is in-season means that you will be getting the added benefits of buying more nutritionally dense produce, and you may also notice that the produce is cheaper than off-season goods. Due to the fact that there is a larger supply of an item when it is ripe and in-season, they are generally cheaper because of the extra supply.

Here is a list of what is in season for January:

Avocados
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Chicory
Grapefruit
Greens (cooking)
Kale
Leeks
Lemons
Mushrooms
Oranges
Parsnips
Pears
Shallots
Sweet Potatoes
Swiss Chard
Tangelos
Tangerines
Turnips
Winter Squash

Home Improvements That Will Save You Money (and Energy)

2010-01-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

While the details of the president's "Cash For Caulkers" program have not yet been released, now is a great time to get jump start on your home renovations.

Home improvements can save you money through tax credits and energy or water usage, and can also improve the resale value of your home.

If you are not sure where to start, try a couple of these tips, and then move on to bigger projects.

Get an Energy Audit. A professional home energy audit is the first step in the assessment of how much energy your home consumes, and can give you a good picture of what you can do to make your home more energy efficient. Energy audits also determine the efficiency of your heating and air-conditioning systems. For information on auditing your home yourself, check here. For information on having a professional asses your home for you, please check here.
Re-insulate Your Home. Though we don't have the extreme cold temperatures that you read about on the East Coast, or in the Mid-West, Southern Californian's could stuff benefit from re-insulating our homes. Insulation resists heat flow, which maintains the comfort level in your home by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat. Insulation also controls sound, and controls moisture. Insulation is also one of the lowest cost options for improving the energy efficiency in your home. For more information, please visit www.simplyinsulate.com.
Replace Your Old Windows. Research shows that the best type of windows in today's market are vinyl windows. Compared to wood windows, they are virtually maintenance free, and homeowners could save anywhere from 30 - 40% off of heating and cooling bills by replacing old windows.
Install a Smart Meter. Per www.sdge.com/smartmeter: "Smart meters are digital meters that will communicate energy use information for SDG&E and you. Smart meters have a two-way communication between SDG&E and the meter at your home or business. Unlike existing meters, smart meters have a computer chip that records energy usage. This information can help you understand how you are using energy."
Increase Furnace Efficiency. Whether you have a newer model or an old model furnace, small tweaks can make them much more effective. Make sure to keep your filters clean, and close off rooms that do not get used as often. Also, if your ducts are not already sealed, it might be a good idea to invest in sealing them, as doing so can reduce heat loss by up to twenty percent.

New Year, New Green Resolutions

2010-01-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Maybe you said "going green costs too much money" or "being environmentally friendly is hard," or even "gosh, it's just so expensive." Perhaps that was you in 2009, but now that 2010 is here, it's time to make some green resolutions and stick to them!

Here are some simple, effective and inexpensive ideas for how to kick off your greenest year yet.

Plant some trees. You can plant them in your backyard, in your community, or you can offer a donation to www.americanforests.org and they will plant a tree in an area where it is most needed in your honor.

Stop using plastic bags. The damage that they cause is irreversible, and with all of the great reusable bags that are out these days, there is no reason to use them anymore.

Go for a bike ride. (This one could kill two resolutions in one for some!) Go out and enjoy the amazing Southern California weather and ride your bike, or take a walk to run errands that are a short distance away. This will save you money, gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, but will enhance the quality of life for you and the planet.

Clean out your fridge. If your refrigerator is over ten years old, clean it out and have your waste disposal company take it away (some will even pay you!). New Energy Star appliances will drastically cut down on your carbon emissions, will be less expensive to run, and will compliment your kitchen nicely.

Get a reusable water bottle. Similarly to the plastic bags mentioned above, plastic water bottles also do an incredible amount of damage, and clutter our streams, natural landscapes and our landfills. Reusable bottles come in many different shapes and colors, and best of all, can save you even more money!

Buy local, organic food when possible. The produce will generally have less pesticides, and will be much friendlier for the environment, and your local economy as it will have traveled a much lesser distance than your berries from Chile.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

We wish you a safe, green and Happy New Year, and look forward to another great year in 2010!

Free Shipping Day Today!

2009-12-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

8 days to Christmas.

If that sentence has you in a cold sweat because you're still behind on your holiday shopping, take heart that all day today hundreds of online retailers are offering free shipping on their merchandise with delivery by Christmas Eve.

In addition to keeping a little more padding in your wallet, free shipping means that you save gas money and emissions from driving all over town.

A few retailers who are participating include:

1-800-Flowers
Adidas
Apple Store
Anne Klein
Kiehl's
Overstock.com
Origins

Check out www.freeshippingday.com for a complete list of retailers

Banish Your Paper Trail

2009-12-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

According to the non-profit organization 41Pounds.org, the average adult receives 41 pounds of junk mail each year. With retailers unleashing a flurry of holiday catalogs, ads and offers, now is a great time to declutter your mailbox and keep them at bay for the rest of the year.

You can reclaim your mailbox, and help save a few trees while you're at it by starting with just a few easy steps.

Register your address on the Do Not Mail List, and they will take your name off of the mailing lists that arrive at your home. The best thing? It's free.

Call your credit card companies, and ask them not to send you any more offers, or visit OptOutPreScreen.com, which allows you to remove your name from lists generated by the four major credit bureaus--Equifax, Innovis, TransUnion and Experian.

Ask companies who send catalogs that you never order from or read to stop sending them.

Enlist the service Green Dimes to help stop your junk mail. For an initial sign-up fee, they will stop your postal junk mail, send you two energy-efficient light bulbs and a reusable bag.

Sign up for online billing. Not only is it now incredibly quick, easy and effective, many companies send you reminders when a bill is approaching the due date, which can save you from future moments of "did I pay that?" panic.

Check out the video below presented by NBC on how to stop junk mail from popping up in your mailbox.

Holiday Green Tip: Reusable Shopping Bags

2009-12-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

This season, why not give two gifts in one?

As you (should) already know, plastic and paper bags are very harmful to the environment, but luckily, some of the damage can be offset by bringing your reusable shopping bag with you whenever you head out to buy produce or gifts this season. Now that reusable shopping bags come in so many fun and different designs, why not try something a little different this year and wrap your gifts to friends and family in something that will last all year?

ChicoBag offers a bag that is made out of 99% recycled content, with 73% of the total weight from post consumer recycled materials that could tie nicely over presents, and online retailer delight.com offers great RuMe Reusable Holiday Gift Wrap bags that are as festive as they are useful.

For more great ideas and tips on how to wrap your gift with a reusable bag, check out the video below from reusablebags.com.

A Q&A With Evan Little, A Green Real Estate Agent

2009-12-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Check out this great interview featured in The Daily Voice and written by Jim Fitzpatrick with one of our very own green Realtors, Evan Little.

I met Evan over four years ago. I was starting my business and googled “orange county green.” He and Casey Cochran of Green Guide Network, were the two and only relevant references. We and about a dozen others would grab a beer at OC Green Drinks events, now at almost 200 attendees.

I can say lots great things about my green friend who is also a green real estate agent, but I thought his answers to the questions I posed were exceptional. Follow Evan Little on Facebook ...

Evan, thank you for being my first interview.

Q: How did you become a green real estate agent?

A: I became a real estate agent to learn more about real estate investing and struggled to find a niche that held my attention. In early 2007, I started attending all sorts of green building and solar expos and events and became hooked.

Q: How do you Vote Green every day?

A: I really enjoy voting whenever I consume! When comparing items I'd like to purchase, I look for how far away it was made, what it's made out of, how the workers or animals have been treated during its manufacturing and how will this item and its packaging break back down into the environment.

Q: How do you use social media to market yourself?

A: I enjoy using social media to build and maintain relationships, but I think the idea of empowering someone I may not know or not know well to spread the word about a new green home listing or event I'm personally involved in or simply support is what I enjoy most.

Q: Tell us about some of the events and projects you are involved with?

A: One of the events that I'm most proud of was the "Green Made Easy" event that the Green Task Force Committee of the Orange County Association of REALTORS® (OCAR) organized. I was so pleased with our mix of speakers and their performances. The event was geared entirely toward other REALTORS® and was even exclusive to OCAR members, so it was a little strange helping to educate the competition, but it needs to be done. While the green building industry is booming, the real estate sales force has been left in the dust, for the most part since it's nearly impossible to make a living selling exclusively "green" homes at this time.

Q: What are some of the best ways a homeowner can green up their homes?

A: Learn before you start buying and renovating! Invest time in learning about things like passive solar and cooling. Start with the low hanging fruit and work your way up to the sexy stuff like solar. Also, what works for your friend's home in Mission Viejo may be overkill or not work well at all for you in Costa Mesa. Even the orientation of the building itself can make a dramatic difference in its performance and comfort.

Q: When buying a house, what do you look for from a green perspective?

A: The building's orientation. Shading elements that could help cool during the summer or possibly prevent an efficient solar system. Is the building's foundation a concrete slab or a raised foundation? How does the home's heating and cooling systems work and how they can be improved? Is there living space above a garage or mechanical system like a hot water heater that could potentially pollute interior air or make regulating temperature difficult?

Q: What can residents do to get involved in the green scene?

A: Visit the City's web site or call the City's Building Dept. for information about improving energy efficiency, indoor air quality and comfort. (Build it Green Costa Mesa, Newport Beach Green Building Task Force) Many cities have a wealth of information online, and the more calls they field, the more interest they'll see in it. There are also a lot of educational workshops happening in Orange County where you can learn about solar, composting, growing your own food and recycling.

Q: What is your favorite way to conserve water?

A: Native landscaping. An enormous amount of our water feeds our ridiculous obsession with turf. My favorite way to conserve water though is to replenish Orange County's Ground Water Basin. Rainwater harvesting does work, but only if we actually capture it passively through our landscaping and store it in our fresh water aquifer instead of rushing it out into the Pacific Ocean with all of our prescription medicine and garbage. (Back to Natives)

Q: What else do we need to know about buying or selling green real estate?

A: Buyers should understand that a modern green home is leaps and bounds beyond normal homes in terms of comfort and amenities. You're not moving into a tree house and you don't have to eat hemp cereal every day, even if it does taste delicious and nutritious. With a green building you get increased energy efficiency, improved interior air quality and typically a more comfortable environment to live in.

Selling green real estate is much trickier than buying at the moment. So, if your goal is to flip or renovate a home and sell it for a profit and you want to do the greenest home your city has ever seen, you may be in for a rude awakening in today's market. Due to our sales force being so far behind, especially our real estate appraisers and banks, it's very difficult to cash in on your extra green features right now. Make sure you're not pricing yourself out of the neighborhood or are going overboard with every green widget under the sun. Another big cost that home buyers aren't aware of is how much change a given builder may have to make to build green, such as adapting to the USGBC's LEED or Build it Green's GreenPoint Rated Certifications, hiring consultants, researching new materials, learning new building techniques, hiring different sub-contractors, etc.

Q: Where does your passion for green come from?

A: Before jumping into the real estate sales world in 2004 I was working at an architecture office with the intention of becoming an architect myself, so I certainly have a passion for good design. Getting into green stems mostly from my passion for doing what makes the most sense, such as not putting in a five-ton HVAC unit when a 2.5 ton will work more efficiently once the duct system has been properly sealed ... not polluting ever place on Earth with hazardous bi-products from the petroleum industry ... getting the real cost of energy in front of consumers ... and stopping dirty energy lobbyists from gobbling up subsidies that shouldn't exist in the first place.

Q: What else do we need to know about Evan Little?

A: Evan Little

"Green" Real Estate Sales and Consultation

REALTOR®, EcoBroker®, GPR, CHEERS® Certified Rater

Surterre Properties Inc.

1400 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100

Newport Beach, CA 92660

949.939.9687 phone/text

elittle@surterreproperties.com

www.PermacultureProperties.com

CA Real Estate Lic #01450867

EPA: Greenhouse gases a public health threat

2009-12-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

Washington (CNN) -- Greenhouse gas emissions pose a threat to public health and welfare, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said Monday.

"The overwhelming amount of scientific studies show that the threat is real," she said.

The announcement stems from a Supreme Court ruling which ordered the agency to determine the impact of carbon emissions not only on the environment, but on public health.

"These long-overdue findings cement 2009's place in history as the year when the United States government began addressing the challenge of greenhouse-gas pollution and seizing the opportunity of clean energy reform," Jackson said.

Immediately after the announcement, Jackson will head to Copenhagen, Denmark, to participate in the Copenhagen Climate Conference ahead of President Obama's appearance on Friday.

Her statement could provide proof to the conference that the agency and the Obama administration are taking global warming seriously. However, White House aides caution the finding does not mean the EPA will immediately begin regulating industries that pollute the air.

The Obama administration is pushing for comprehensive energy legislation from Congress that puts a price on carbon emissions, a so-called "cap and trade" policy that uses market forces as an incentive for businesses to reduce carbon emissions.

The agency is making this announcement because it is required to issue an "endangerment finding" -- evidence that carbon emissions are dangerous to the public health -- before it can regulate carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases under the federal Clean Air Act.

The EPA said in April 2009 that it would likely make such a ruling regarding carbon emissions and public health. The agency completed a public-comment process before making the announcement.

(Article courtesy of CNN.com)

Green Homes Red Hot

2009-12-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

The number of homes winning the government's Energy Star designation since the program began in 1995 has crossed the 1 million mark. Despite an overall housing slump, 75,000 have been added so far this year for a total of 1,024,200.

Last year, Energy Star homes accounted for nearly 17% of all single-family homes built, up from 12% in 2007.

The Energy Star label means a house is at least 20% more energy-efficient than other new homes.

"They are better homes," with more efficient windows, lighting, appliances, insulation, heating and cooling, says Maria Vargas of the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program.

Private programs that certify homes as environmentally friendly also report growth, despite a 30% plunge in new homes started or completed in the year ending in October, the last month for which Census data are available.

"There's an awakening going on," says Nate Kredich of the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit group whose rating criteria are stricter than Energy Star. Kredich says its number of certified homes, which increased from 1,151 last year to 3,050 so far this year, is a small but growing share of all new homes.

"The interest in green building is driven by consumers. More people are doing it to save money on their heating bills," says Kevin Morrow of the National Association of Home Builders, whose green certifications jumped from 99 homes last year to at least 564 this year.

Existing homes are going green, too: 68% of people surveyed by USA TODAY took steps this year to make their homes more energy-efficient. Of those who did, 71% said it was "mostly to save money" and 26% "mostly to save the environment."

The poll of 1,017 adults, taken Nov. 20-22, has a margin of error of +/—4 percentage points.

Green features that sell best are those that pay for themselves quickest as consumers focus on price, says Kermit Baker, chief economist of the American Institute of Architects. Baker expects energy costs to help fuel green home building.

"Consumer acceptance has been outstanding," says Walter Cuculic of Pulte Homes, which has built 120,000 Energy Star homes. He says people are starting to look at "the miles per gallon for their home."

In Las Vegas, Pulte is building 185 homes that each will have solar-paneled roofs and certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Curtis Jones, who bought one in May, says other similar homes cost less, but he expects to save money long-term on lower utility bills.

Jones, 55, a literacy educator, says he feels good about helping the environment.

"I'm not a purist," he says, "but I think we all need to do our part."

(Article courtesy of USA Today.)

25 Million Tons

2009-12-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

No, that's not the number of pounds it seems as though we gain during the holiday season, it's the influx of garbage that heads to landfills in the month of December.

While many try to be as eco-conscious as possible throughout the year, the holiday season alone produces so much additional waste that it seems as though the commitment to green values goes right into the dumpster alongside the piles of wrapping paper and packaging.

This year, start your New Year's Resolution to be more eco-friendly early by learning how to green your holiday traditions, so that you can kick off 2010 with a greener you!

Think about all of those cards that stack up on the fireplace or on your counter. What happens when the season is over? This year, make sure that your card leaves the smallest carbon-footprint possible, and send an e-card. Your digital card can contain fun graphics, give family and friends an update on the past year, and you can even include your happy family photo.
Replacing your old40-watt or 100-watt holiday lights with new LED options can save you some serious green this season, and in addition to a lower December energy bill, can make for happy, warm feelings about giving a little back to the Earth. Also, setting your lights on a timer so that they are not on all night in case your forget to unplug them is another great tip.
Opt for a live tree that can be replanted. Each year, millions of trees are cut down for Christmas, destroying forests and leeching more carbon emissions into our atmosphere. Gardening supply stores, such as the Home Depot, or local nurseries sell potted pine trees at a much cheaper cost than a cut pine tree (about $30), and once the holiday is over, it can be replanted!
If you do decide to opt for a more traditional tree, make sure that you choose one that is grown without pesticides or chemicals. Also, remember to recycle your tree. Waste Management, which provides residential service in a great number of Orange County communities, will be collecting and recycling Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas on your regular collection day. For more information, please click here.
Instead of wrapping your gift in wrapping paper that cannot be recycled, think of other clever ways to wrap gifts, such as purchasing reusable grocery bags with interesting designs to wrap your presents in, or use newspaper. Many retailers now offer 100% recycled gift wrap with traditional and creative holiday designs as well.

Recycling Centers Close, Eliminating "Green" Jobs

2009-11-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

Patrons visit a recycling center in Culver City. The state took $451 million in deposit funds to help balance the budget, leaving the recycling program nearly bankrupt. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times / November 18, 2009)

Reporting from Sacramento - Recycling centers across California are closing, and scores of troubled youths are being tossed from "green" jobs onto unemployment rolls in the wake of Sacramento's raid on bottle deposit funds.

California's recycling treasury, filled by consumers' nickel and dime deposits on drink containers, had hummed along successfully for two decades until state officials left it nearly bankrupt after taking $451 million out to help balance the budget.

The unredeemed deposits that subsidized recycling facilities and such projects as a local conservation corps are virtually gone, leaving the programs in the lurch.

Now operators of recycling depots in many supermarket parking lots are suing the state. Without the subsidies, Tomra Pacific Inc., a leading depot company, has closed at least 33 recycling sites -- more than 8% of its total, said company president Adrian White.

"Finding a location to recycle is going to get harder," White said.

Lacking a nearby redemption center, consumers can return containers to the grocery store. But the obscure state law permitting that is as unfamiliar to consumers as it is to most store employees.

"If . . . you have to be in the know just to get your deposit back," then the promise at the core of the bottle program -- pay a deposit, get it back when you recycle -- is voided, said Susan Collins, executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group Container Recycling Institute.

Beyond the recycling program are the regional conservation groups that employ at-risk youths -- high-school dropouts, former gang members and parolees.

Scott Dosick, spokesman for the California Assn. of Local Conservation Corps, said that the state's 12 programs typically employ 4,000 but that cutbacks this year have eliminated roughly 500 of those jobs.

"We are their last resort," Dosick said of corps members. "If we lay them off, they're pretty much back on the street.

"Once they're gone," he said, "the odds of getting them back are extraordinarily slim."

Lawmakers tried last summer to increase deposits or impose new ones on roughly 5 billion drink containers to replenish the recycling fund. Opponents called the effort a back-door tax increase; Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed it. On July 1, the Schwarzenegger administration cut 85% of the state subsidies, and this month it eliminated them entirely.

White said the governor had cast "a veto against green jobs."

H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the state's Finance Department, said he "would defy anyone to find a governor in this country more committed to the green jobs agenda than Arnold Schwarzenegger."

The governor will propose a plan to refillthe fund in January, when he unveils his next budget proposal, Palmer said.

A hint of the fight to come was in Schwarzenegger's veto message, which chastised lawmakers for trying to expand the deposit program without including liquor and wine bottles. Requiring deposits on those items would pit lawmakers against the powerful alcohol lobby, a major source of political contributions that has scuttled similar efforts in the past.

Schwarzenegger also demanded in his veto message that legislators pass a law forbidding future raids of the deposit fund. It was Schwarzenegger himself who first proposed taking $100 million from the fund in early 2009.

That struck recycling advocates, such as Californians Against Waste Executive Director Mark Murray, as more than a bit hypocritical.

Murray, in an analysis of the veto, said the governor's demand was akin to yelling, "Save me from myself!"

(Article courtesy of the LA Times.)

Making Your Thanksgiving Eco-Friendly & Green

2009-11-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving can be a time of overindulgence for many Americans. Often times these excesses result in increased waste and energy consumption. With a little conscientious planning it is easy to turn this holiday of self-indulgence into a green Thanksgiving that honors the planet. Plan an eco-friendly Thanksgiving menu around locally grown foods. Locally grown foods cut down on transportation and support your local economy. Plus local foods taste fantastically fresh, because they are fresh. Locally grown selections in November vary depending on your location so research what is local or your area and plan to have dishes that coincide with the items in season in your town. A guide to finding locally grown foods is provided below.

When it is time to shop for an eco-friendly Thanksgiving bring your bounty home in re-usable shopping bags. The EPA estimates that over 380 billion plastic bags composting

and sacks are used in the US every year requiring billions of barrels of oil to manufacture. When these bags breakdown they eventually contaminate our water and soil supplies. Thanksgiving is a good time to honor the earth and make the switch to re-usable bags. Re-useable bags are inexpensive and can be found at most grocery stores.

A plump, juicy turkey is the centerpiece of many a Thanksgiving dinners. Why not make this a green Thanksgiving by purchasing a free-range turkey? Most free-range turkeys are raised humanely without unnecessary chemicals and hormones. Free-range turkeys can be pre-ordered from local organic grocers.

Thanksgiving dinner means thanksgiving leftovers, and what you do with those leftovers can have an impact on the environment. Store your leftovers in re-usable containers. Resist the urge to send guests home with plastic wrapped odds and ends by asking them to bring containers with them for leftovers. Consider going the extra step and composting any scraps that can't be consumed. Composting can be done even in urban locations and your lawn and garden will thank you later. Visit http://www.compostguide.com for tips on starting a compost pile.

(Article courtesy of Associated Content).

7 Ways to Save Money and Go Green This Thanksgiving

2009-11-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, and for those of you who have not already planned out your menus and centerpieces, the list below includes some excellent tips on how to go green this turkey day.

1. Use a slow-cooker. Fall is the season for slow-simmered soups, so there's no better time to bust out the Crock Pot. As an added bonus, the slow-cooker is one of the most energy-efficient devices in the kitchen. According to Planet Green: "When compared to a conventional oven which uses 2.7 pounds of CO2 for one hour of use, a slow cooker uses .9 pounds of CO2 for seven hours of use."

2. Plan ahead for your leftovers. After three days of turkey sandwiches, it's easy to let leftovers linger in the fridge too long while you decide on a novel way to use them. Before you know it, they've spoiled, and you have to thrown them out—a waste of food and money. Look up some Thanksgiving leftover recipes before the feast, and plan out a whole week's worth of meals in advance. Not sure how long those mashed potatoes will keep? Plan ahead with StillTasty, which tells you the average shelf life of nearly any food.

3. Light up your table with soy or beeswax candles. They're better than your everyday tapers made of wax paraffin, which will keep you breathing in soot and chemicals such asvolatile organic compounds and phalates. Not to mention, soy candles burn longer, are biodegradable, do not contain petroleum, and emit very little smoke.

4. Run the dishwasher efficiently. Holiday guests dirty up many dishes, but when it's time to clean up, make sure that you're running your dishwasher in the most efficient way possible. Energy efficiency software company OPOWER recommends scraping plates instead of rinsing them with hot water, and making sure the dishwasher is full each time it's run. To save on the costs of heating water, avoid special cycles like pre-rinse and rinse-hold, which can be unnecessary, and stop the dishwasher before it's time to dry—the dishes can air dry, instead.

5. Don't feel like you have to follow tradition. Just because our country's Norman Rockwell vision of Thanksgiving involves turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green beans, it doesn't mean you're obligated to make any of those dishes. So if you notice year after year that the stuffing goes uneaten, replace it with something a little less traditional, or eliminate it entirely. If the turkey comes out slightly dry each year, try fish instead. And for vegetarians, there's no rule that says that turkey must be replaced with tofurkey. Get creative.

6. Go without the plastic wrap. Plastic wrap is a single-use petroleum product, and contains PVC, a chemical that can leach into your food. The most environmentally-friendly way to store food is in reusable containers, such as glass jars. You can start saving these ahead of time, so you'll be prepared to send guests home with leftovers. Aluminum foil is a greener choice than plastic wrap because it can be recycled.

7. Travel green. You'll have to expend some resources to get from point A to point B, but if you plan ahead, you can keep your travel footprint light. Take a train or public transportation to your Thanksgiving feast, if it's available. If you're flying, choose a non-stop flight and bring your own snacks to the airport to cut down on waste. If you're driving, make sure that your car is tuned up so that you can drive as efficiently as possible.

(Tips courtesy of usnews.com).

FlyAway bus service links LAX to Irvine

2009-11-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

For Orange County residents and visitors, access to our country’s third-busiest airport has just gotten a little easier. This week, a new nonstop FlyAway bus service began carrying passengers between Los Angeles International Airport and the Irvine Metrolink Station.

The new service on a 22-seat bus running on compressed natural gas is available to travelers six times daily in each direction. The earliest and latest departures from Irvine are 4:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m, and, upon arrival at the airport, passengers are dropped off at their terminals on the departure level.

Buses headed to Irvine depart from the arrivals level of LAX between the hours of 9:45 a.m. and 9:45 p.m. See the LAWA website for the schedule.

The one-way fare for the 50-mile journey costs $25 per adult, and up to two students with student ID (from kindergarten through 8th grade) can ride free per paying adult. Children younger than 5 ride free. Riders must pay upon boarding the bus with a credit or debit card.

FlyAway buses also travel to LAX from Los Angeles’ Union Station, Van Nuys and Westwood.

Contact: Los Angeles World Airports, (866) 435-9529

(Article courtesy of the L.A. Times).

Energy Star homes reach 1 million, EPA says

2009-11-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

One million energy-efficient homes qualifying for the Energy Star rating have been built in the U.S. since the program was launched in 1995, the Environmental Protection Agency said.

This year, Energy Star households will save $270 million -- or an average of $200 to $400 each -- on utility bills. The homes, which tend to be at least 15% more energy efficient than standard homes, will also avoid more than 4 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

Nearly 17% of all single-family homes built in 2008 qualified for Energy Star, compared with 12% the year before. Across the country, more than 6,500 are building to the program’s standards.

The EPA also released a list of the top 20 cities for Energy Star homes, lead by the Houston area, with 144,420 total homes built. Following were Dallas, Las Vegas and Phoenix regions, with the Los Angeles sprawl rounding out the top five with 53,673 homes.

1.Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas: 144,420

2.Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas: 102,872

3.Las Vegas-Paradise, Nev.: 79,929

4.Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Ariz.: 73,021

5.Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana; Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario: 53,673

6.New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, N.Y.: 25,168

7.Tucson: 18,970

8.San Antonio: 18,847

9.Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville, Calif.: 18,208

10.San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos: 17,515

11.Columbus, Ohio: 17,396

12.Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa: 16,400

13.Indianapolis-Carmel, Ind.: 13,675

14.Austin-Round Rock, Texas: 13,232

15.Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pa.: 12,454

16.San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont: 10,523

17.Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Mass., and N.H.: 10,192

18.Denver-Aurora, Colo.: 7,809

19.Orlando-Kissimmee, Fla.: 7,619

20.Oklahoma City, Okl.: 7,498

(Article courtesy of the LA Times).

eWaste Announcement -- Saturday, November 14th

2009-11-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, November 14th from 9am to 1pm, bring all of your outdated, broken or unused electronics to 1400 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach and we will unload all of your items, and recycle them.

Nearly all electronic devices are welcome, such as computers, monitors, TVs, keyboards, mice, cables, fax machines, printers, etc. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 949.717.7100.

Drop-Off Location
1400 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach

Corner of Coast Highway and Newport Center Drive.

If recycled items have any value, the proceeds will go to the Earth Resource Foundation.http://www.earthresource.org/.

"I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas"

2009-11-10T14:17:00.001-08:00

Some may not think about Christmas until Thanksgiving has come and gone, but others have already started their holiday shopping. If you are looking for a gift for your favorite eco-conscious gourmet, head over to South Coast Plaza's Environment Furniture Showroom tonight, November 10th from 6:30-8:30, to pick up a copy of Anna Getty's cookbook I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas. In addition to being able to check out the great showroom, the author will be in attendance to sign copies of her book.

The video below, presented by Anna Getty, gives some background on her ethics and reasons for choosing to cook organic, eco-conscious food, and provides a little history about the book.

Christmas Light Trade-In

2009-11-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

Home Depot is currently offering a discount of $3 off towards the purchase of any energy efficient LED Christmas lights from November 5th - 15th, and all you have to do is lug out your old, used, or broken incandescent light strings and trade them in.

Getting rid of your old Christmas lights and updating to LED light strings is also much better for the environment and your electricity bill, as they use 80% less energy than traditional incandescent lights.

For more information about the program, and to check out other features and benefits that LED light strings can provide, please click here, or visit HomeDepot.com.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Mesa Tour

2009-11-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a way to get out of the house this weekend and stretch your legs, take a scenic drive on Pacific Coast Highway to Huntington Beach and take a free walking tour of the beautiful Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Stepping outside and experiencing the beauty and wildlife that resides in your local area serves as a great reminder that conservation starts at your front door, and that areas such as the Bolsa Chica Wetlands are just one of the many areas that are effected by pollution, as are the many species of bird life that can be seen there.

Per the website:

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is one of California's most significant coastal wetlands. This 300 acre sanctuary is a popular attraction for tourists and local residents. Other nearby wetlands include Newport Beach's Upper Newport Bay State Ecological Reserve and Ballona Wetlands near Playa del Rey. Visitors to Huntington Beach often look for a family-oriented outing that both educates and entertains the youngsters and adults.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands or Ecological Reserve features a 1.5 mile trail loop around a water inlet. Believed to be a popular hunting ground to native American tribes at one time, in the early 1900's it was transformed into the Bolsa Hunting Club, a prestigious duck and fowl hunting club with steep membership fees. A Los Angeles Red Car train system included a stop here. In World War II, a portion of the wetlands was used by troops to watch for enemy attacks. The facility is now a protected wetlands. The public can park for free in a paved lot and walk along trails, watching and learning about birds. Dogs, horses, pets and bicycle riding are prohibited.

The best place to observe wildlife is from the footbridge and trail adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway. Several volunteer groups offer free tours leaving the parking lot at this location.

Tours

The Amigos de Bolsa Chica tour is on the first Saturday of each month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The Bolsa Chica Land Trust tour is on the third Sunday of each month from 10 a.m. to Noon. Meeting planners can arrange for private group tours by calling the numbers listed in the paragraph below.

Both tours follow a loop trail through the wetlands and are hosted by trained guides who discuss identification of birds, ecology and history of the wetlands. No reservations are required. Open to foot traffic. Trail parking is accessible from the northbound lane of Pacific Coast Highway one mile south of Warner (across from the Bolsa Chica State Beach entrance). For more information contact the Amigos de Bolsa Chica at 714-840-1575.

The Bolsa Chica Land Trust can be reached at 714-860-1001.For more information on the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, please visit: http://bolsachica.org, or http://www.amigosdebolsachica.org/tours.htm

California Water Overhaul Caps Use

2009-11-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

The Mariner Cove Marina, at Bethel Island, Calif., a possible site for a canal around the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

LOS ANGELES — California lawmakers on Wednesday approved a series of bills that would vastly overhaul the state’s troubled water system. The water package is the most comprehensive to emerge from the state since the 1960s, when California last upgraded its system for what was a far smaller population of users.

Prompted by a protracted drought — which has reduced water supply, harmed the fishing industry and contributed to crop loss — environmentalists and agricultural interests have agreed to broad concessions.

The plan calls for a comprehensive ecosystem restoration in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta — a collection of channels, natural habitats and islands at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers that is a major source of the state’s drinking water.

It also calls for new dams, aggressive water conservation goals and the monitoring of groundwater use, which other Western states already do. And it paves the way for a new canal — once the third rail of California’s byzantine water politics — that would move water from the north of the state to the south.

The series of bills, which Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he will sign, include an $11.1 billion bond issue, which voters will be asked to approve next November. The rest of the roughly $40 billion project would be paid for by localities, largely through new user fees.

The pressing sense among lawmakers that they needed to do something other than oversee the nation’s largest budget crisis provided Mr. Schwarzenegger with one of his largest — and most likely final — policy victories as governor.

“This is the most comprehensive water resources action that California has taken since the state water project in the ’60s,” said Richard Little, the director of the Keston Institute for Public Finance and Infrastructure Policyat the University of Southern California. “First of all, there is so much in it,” Mr. Little said. “And for the first time, they are tying ecosystem enhancement and environmental restoration directly to the infrastructure.

“Before, we always planned the projects and then mitigated the impacts,” he said. “Now it is all on coequal footing.”

Many environmentalists still believe that the bill’s penalties for misusing the water supply do not go far enough. But they won oversight of the ailing estuary, checks and balances on future dams and some mild penalties for failures to conserve water. Local agencies will also monitor groundwater.

Republicans in the state’s Central Valley, who object to water restrictions and always push for more conveyance from the north to the south, also had to back down. “This is a huge step forward for California,” said Laura Harnish, the regional director for the Environmental Defense Fund. “It marks big progress toward managing our water supply and ecosystem in a 21st-century manner.”

Oversight of the Delta canal “has been resisted for a number of years for political reasons,” she said. “We think today, that if there is a canal that is going to come, it is going to be of a size and operated in a manner that” environmental groups could tolerate.

Water usage has been at the center of a statewide battle for decades, particularly concerning the delta, which is near collapse because of overpumping. Further, a three-year drought and a federal order last year forcing water authorities to curtail the use of large pumps in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to help preserve dying smelt has reduced water flows to agriculture and resulted in dust-bowl-like conditions for many farms.

In 2008, more than 100,000 acres of the 4.7 million in the Central Valley were left unplanted. Additionally, environmental problems in the Sacramento River have resulted in a collapse of the Chinook salmon population, closing salmon season off the coast of California and much of Oregon for two years in a row.

At the same time, the state has not built any new water infrastructure in years, even as the state’s population has increased, making it harder to move water north to south — the goal of proponents of a new canal — and to capture excess water in wet years to use in dry years.

Collecting data on groundwater levels — which many rural constituents have resisted because they fear such monitoring will lead to new restrictions and penalties — is likely to help the state better manage both water supply and the problems that can be caused by overuse of that groundwater.

However, the state will not be doing the monitoring, as environmentalists and the Schwarzenegger administration sought; it will be done by the local water authorities, and refusal to go along could result in the loss of local bond money.

Environmentalists also sought hard penalties on what they call “illegal diversions” of water, but that move proved too controversial among Democratic and Republican lawmakers, who threatened to bring down the whole package over its inclusion.

The administration now has to sell large bond offerings to the California public, which may be wary of taking on new debt at a time of great fiscal crisis. But such a move may presage other efforts to fix areas of the state’s infrastructure beyond its ailing water system.

(Article courtesy of NYTimes.com)

Still Using Plastic Bags?

2009-11-05T09:03:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the current rate of plastic bags used and discarded is 1 million per minute?

Each one of these bags takes 450 years to photodegrade, and they do this by breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits, which contaminate soil and waterways, and become accidentally ingested by animals, thus entering into the food web.

One very simple, and even fashionable, way to reduce the number of plastic bags used per minute, and per year is to purchase a reusable bag.

Local chain stores such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe's offer colorful, reusable grocery bags, some that are made of recycled materials to some that are insulated to keep cold items from melting or defrosting if you have a long trek home, and even high-end reusable totes are being offered by companies such as Gracen, who sell their product in sets of two for prices that far out cost the grocery chain prices.

Another option for those who like to travel light, or may be prone to forgetting their reusable bag is the Chico Bag, which fits into a small, lightweight pouch that can be stored in your car, purse, or can even be personalized for company fundraisers or stocking stuffers.

If you're still not convinced that bringing your own reusable bag to the store every time you shop, whether it be for groceries or clothing, check out these facts provided by www.reusablebags.com:

Single-use bags made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are the main culprit. Once brought into existence to tote your purchases, they will accumulate and persist on our planet for up to 1,000 years.

In 2001, Ireland used 1.2 billion disposable plastic bags, or 316 per person. An extremely successful plastic bag tax, or PlasTax, introduced in 2002 reduced consumption by 90%.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags.

Plastic bags cause over 100,000 sea turtle and other marine animal deaths every year when animals mistake them for food.

Each high-quality reusable bag you use has the potential to eliminate an average of 1,000 plastic bags over its lifetime. The bag will pay for itself if your grocery store offers a credit for bringing your own bags.

Windblown plastic bags are so prevalent in Africa that a cottage industry has sprung up harvesting bags and using them to weave hats, and even bags. According to the BBC one group harvests 30,000 per month.

Garmin's ecoRoute

2009-11-04T13:27:00.000-08:00

The GPS function finds the most fuel-efficient way to drive from point A to point B.

We're used to GPS car units telling us where to go.

Now they also have the ability to urge us to be more eco-friendly drivers.

Garmin International Inc., one of the leaders in global positioning systems, has added a function called ecoRoute to many of its car navigation devices.

It also can be downloaded free and added to some existing units (for a list of models that can use the feature, go towww.garmin.com/ecoroute and click on "Compatible Devices").

EcoRoute is designed to track your driving style with satellite signals in order to "calculate your vehicle's fuel economy, carbon footprint and fuel price of navigating to a destination," according to its online manual.

It also offers "fuel-saving tips," the company says.

So, would this be a handy way for drivers without built-in fuel calculators -- which come on Prius hybrids and some other car models -- to add this function?

Or would it be more like having a grumpy Al Gore in the passenger seat?

I took ecoRoute on a spin to find out.

Normally, the Garmin gives you route calculation choices that include "Fastest Time" (the default selection) and "Shortest Distance." EcoRoute adds a "Less Fuel" choice.

To test it, I first plotted a trip to my local dry cleaner based on the usual "Fastest Time." The GPS (Garmin's 265WT model) came up with a surface-street route that required only three turns.

Switching to the "Less Fuel" selection, the unit mysteriously came up with a longer route that required seven turns, including some onto streets I'd never heard of.

I took this route, which was kind of nice because I got to see parts of my neighborhood I'd never driven through before.

But was this really saving gas and pumping less contaminants into the atmosphere?

The route even included a left turn on a busy boulevard that left me at a stop sign for a couple of extra minutes, burning fuel.

The next test was from a park in Pasadena to a sporting goods store, which would have been an easy hop on the freeway.

But "Less Fuel" included no freeway driving.

Finally came a trip through the northern San Gabriel Valley to a big-box membership store. Again, no freeway driving on the "Less Fuel" route, which mainly used busy Foothill Boulevard.

As I drove along haltingly (because of traffic and numerous stoplights) I came to think of ecoRoute as a kind of time machine, taking me back to an earlier era when almost all driving was on surface streets.

At this leisurely pace I got to see local shops and houses, check out the foliage and even do some people watching.

I began to refer to ecoRoute as the Mayberry Machine. Unfortunately, kindly Aunt Bee did not run to the big-box store at the end of the route -- by the time I reached it there were only a couple of minutes left before closing and the management was not in the mood to allow me to browse as they closed up.

A more scientific test done in England of ecoRoute found the same -- that it can add a lot of time to a drive. In many cases, however, the test found that even with the considerable extra time, the "Less Fuel" route used less gas.

That's because one of the main causes of gas guzzling is traveling at freeway speeds.

This was borne out by another feature of ecoRoute -- the "Driving Challenge" that displays a number on the GPS screen as you drive. The higher the number, the more efficiently you're driving, supposedly, and using less fuel.

But the Driving Challenge number is only an estimate, as are ecoRoute's readings on miles per gallon, carbon footprint and other measurements. That's because they're coming from satellite signals and not from the real information source -- the engine.

For that, you'd need to use one of the built-in units that measures fuel economy, or a third-party device that actually plugs into the car's electronics, such as the ScanGaugeII trip computer (www.scangauge.com). It's about $170 and provides so many technical functions that it's a bit of overkill for most consumers.

Still, ecoRoute does provide a reminder of common-sense fuel-saving tips, such as "go slower" (the driving challenge gave out it highest scores at around 45 mph), and after all, it's free.

It's also a reminder that we don't live in Mayberry anymore. Unless Al is your boss, you probably won't be able to get away with saying you were late for work because of ecoRoute.

david.colker@latimes.com

Pick It Up - 1st Saturday

2009-11-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

Please join us this Saturday at Avila's El Ranchito on the Newport Beach Peninsula from 10-12 to help pitch in and clean up the nearby streets and beaches.

All volunteers will receive 50% off of El Ranchito's delicious food, and will receive a "1st Saturday" shirt. This event is a great way for students to receive volunteer hours, and for you to help lend a hand and help clean up a great Orange County community.

Giant solar conference fires up in Anaheim

2009-10-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

If big, impressive-sounding numbers are any indication, the solar power industry is booming – even as the nation’s economy struggles to shake off recession.

Some very big numbers indeed are being tossed around by the organizers of Solar Power International 2009, billed as ”America’s largest solar event,” which begins Tuesday at the Anaheim Convention Center.

More than 20,000 people from 90 countries are expected to attend the three-day conference, and 925 companies will exhibit their wares, more than doubling last year’s 425.

“The solar industry as a whole is definitely starting to see an uptick,” said Lyndon Rive, chief executive officer of SolarCity, a solar power-system leasing company with offices in Orange County. “We hit a speed bump at the end of last year, beginning of this year.”

That was because most solar power systems are financed, he said; when little financing was available, it delayed the industry’s growth. Now, he says, financing is starting to flow again.

Stimulus funding, including tax grants for businesses that install solar systems, also is helping drive the solar industry’s ascent, he said.

In addition to networking, Rive will deliver a speech on how to make the United States the leading solar market; right now, that title is typically held by Germany.

The U.S. market, in fact, is gaining increasing international attention, said Julia Hamm, conference chairwoman.

“The solar marketplace is very global in nature,” Hamm said. “There are a huge number of players in Europe, Asia, all over the world. Right now they’re all seeing the U.S. as the hottest new solar market. We have a very high percentage of attendees who want to get a foot in the door, and be able to do business in the U.S.”

Some big names are expected at the conference this year: U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, activist Robert Kennedy Jr. and actor and activist Ed Begley Jr. will deliver keynote speeches.

And while the conference is mostly “business to business” — exhibitors showing off their latest solar innovations, roundtable discussions among CEOs — the conference also offers a “public night” on Wednesday, when everyone is invited to prowl the cavernous, 203,000-square-foot exhibition space.

Among the exhibits: a booth on a solar thermal power plant in Spain that manages to generate solar electricity — even at night; a solar-system retrofit that boosted energy output from solar panels at an affordable housing project in Oakland by 22 percent; and the smallest-ever industrial robot, designed for solar component manufacturing.

The yearly event is put on by the Solar Electric Power Association and the Solar Energy Industries Assocation.

(Article courtesy of OCRegister.com)

Greening Your Life: Transportation

2009-10-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

By now we have all heard about the damage that using personal vehicles has caused to the environment, from increasing global warming emissions to the mass consumption of carbon fuels, there are plenty of easy ways to get around town without having to further contribute to smog and emissions that clog the air and diminish our dwindling resources.

If possible, commute to work via a bicycle. In addition to getting your heart rate up, which in turn can help you to stay in shape and lose weight, travelling by bicycle allows you to see your community and neighborhood in a whole new light.

Turn your ignition off when you will be stopped for more than thirty seconds. Idling for more than thirty seconds burns more gas than it takes to restart the engine or than if the car were moving, and thus produces more toxic emissions.

Keep your vehicle tuned up. A well-tuned engine will conserve gas and reduce the toxic emission produced by your engine.

Drive slower. For every mile per hour you drive under sixty-five, you improve your car's fuel efficiency by approximately 2 percent. So, if you are driving at fifty-five miles per hour, you could potentially increase your car's fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent!

Try public transportation for one week. There are considerable advantages to you as well as the environment, such as: saving on gas, maintenance costs, parking fees, parking tickets and possibly insurance premiums. You can also catch up on the book that you have been meaning to read forever, or even pick up a new hobby like knitting during the ride.

Use cleaner, renewable biodiesel in place of petroleum diesel in diesel engines. This can be done with little or no modifications to the engine, according to the National Biodiesel Board. Visit biodiesel.org to find pump stations and for recommendations for making a problem-free transition.

Check out the video below, presented by RiverWired.com, which highlights the benefits and seamless transition involved with BioDiesel.

Have a "Green" Fall

2009-10-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Not only is autumn a great time to enjoy the outdoors before chilly weather settles in, but it also provides an opportunity to watch the green hues of previous seasons fade slowly to red and gold. Not all green has to fade, however. The following tips can help you to keep your life and household "green" this autumn, and can even help you stash away some green for the upcoming holiday season.

Reuse Your Raked Leaves. Instead of putting the unwanted leaves littering your yard and driveway into a trash bag and dumping them, try starting your own compost pile instead. First, pile the leaves, and then add a layer of dirt in between each one-foot layer of leaves, sprinkling on some lime or ashes from your fireplace and checking the moisture level weekly. With a small bit of effort, these leaves can become great mulch or fertilizer for a spring garden.

Organize a Neighborhood Clean-up. When the sweltering days of summer hit, it can be hard to find motivation to clean-up your community, but with the drop in temperature that arrives in fall, it becomes much more pleasant to be outdoors. Consider gathering friends and neighbors, and picking up around your neighborhood. It is a great way to get directly involved in your community.

Check Your Tire Pressure. Cooler temperatures lower tire pressure, which in turn, lowers fuel efficiency. Make sure that your tires are fully inflated before hitting the road.

Rearrange Your Furniture. Make sure that your couches and chairs are not obstructing any vents, baseboard heaters, registers on the floor or radiators so that air moves freely.

Check Your Windows. Make sure that they are properly caulked. If you have single-pane windows, add storm windows. Even a plastic film over windows will reduce heat loss.

Keep Your Water Heater Warm. Be sure to wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket to ensure that it does not waste any extra energy trying to keep itself and your water warm.

Reverse Your Ceiling Fan. Most ceiling fans come with switches that will reverse the direction of your ceiling fan. Reversing the direction will push the air up against the ceiling and down the walls to gently re-circulate the warm air without creating a cooling "wind chill effect."

October is Fair Trade Month

2009-10-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

With October here (and winter peeking around the corner) the harvest at local farmers' markets is leveling off. While the change in weather is making it harder to buy food from local and sustainable sources, it leaves us a perfect opportunity to celebrate Fair Trade Month.

Since we might not be able to make as big an impact on our own community during these colder months, why not make an effort to make a positive impact on other communities with our buying choices? With Fair Trade purchases, you may not be supporting your local community, but you can be sure you are affecting someones local community and life in a fair and just way.

TransFair USA, the nonprofit group that certifies Fair Trade products in United States and is running this month-long celebration says:

Fair Trade is a system that empowers farmers in the developing world to lift themselves out of poverty by guaranteeing a fair price for their harvest. Fair Trade certification requires fair prices, safe labor conditions, direct trade, community development, environmental sustainability, and democratic and transparent organizations.

You can check in with TransFair USA every day in October here to find Fair Trade events in your area, to learn facts and new ways to support Fair Trade, and to read profiles on Fair Trade farmers, workers, and companies.

While the organics movement is so often about ourselves (our bodies, our health, our exposure to chemicals), the Fair Trade Movement really opens the dialogue to acknowledge the people on the other side of our food markets. We love to put a face to the tomatoes and butternut squash that we buy at the farmer's market, so why not start making an effort to do that with all of our food?

You can find Fair Trade Certified coffee, tea, chocolate, bananas, rice, sugar, vanilla, honey, flowers, wine, and herbs. If you don't see Fair Trade options at your local store, pipe up and ask for them.

For more information on Fair Trade, and how you can participate, check out the video below, or visit www.transfairusa.org.

(Article courtesy of: www.seriouseats.com)

The Story Of Stuff

2009-10-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

Here are just a few facts that are featured in the film:

In the past three decades, one-third of the planet's natural resources base have been consumed.
In the United States, we have less than 4% of our original forests left.
In the U.S., industry admits to releasing over 4 billion pounds of toxic chemicals a year.
The average U.S. person now consumes twice as much as they did 50 years ago.
Each person in the United States makes 4 1/2 pounds of garbage a day. That is twice what we made thirty years ago.

For more information on the facts above, to learn more, and to check out the video yourself, please visit http://www.storyofstuff.com.

eWaste Announcement -- Saturday October 17th

2009-10-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

On Saturday October 17th, from 9am to 1pm, bring all of your outdated, broken or unused electronics to Foothill High School and we will unload all of your items, and recycle them.

Nearly all electronic devices are welcome, such as computers, monitors, TVs, keyboards, mice, cables, fax machines, printers, etc. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 949.717.7100

Drop-Off Location
Foothill High School

19251 Dodge Avenue, Santa Ana

Corner of Newport/Dodge at the Faculty Parking lot.

If recycled items have any value, the proceeds will go to the Earth Resource Foundation.http://www.earthresource.org/.

Greening Your Life: Saving Energy--Part I

2009-10-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

Saving energy around your home can be as easy as picking up a book, or as large as replacing an older appliance with a new energy efficient model.

Here are a few simple things you can do to save energy, and cash, in your home.

Keep your refrigerator full. Food retains cold better than air does, so a near-empty fridge is working much harder to cool its contents. Your refrigerator should be set close to 37 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer set to three degrees Farenheit to conserve energy.

Wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket if it is located in an unheated space such as a basement or garage.

Use your microwave. Cooking and reheating with a microwave is faster and more efficient than using the stove top or oven, thus reducing up to 7- percent of energy use.

Use a toaster oven for small jobs. It will use a third to half as much energy as a full-size oven.

Lower your thermostat a few degrees in the winter. An ideal temperature for a home is 68 degrees. If you leave the house for a prolonged period of time in the winter, turn the thermostat down more. This can save you between $10 and $30 per month on your heating bill.

Close your curtains or window shades during the night to keep in heat and open them during the day to let the sun warm your room and reduce heating needs. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's). The CLF light bulbs will save you up to 75% of lighting costs and will save the environment from approximately 1,300 pounds of carbon dioxide over the course of its lifetime.

If you have a "no heat" dry setting on your dishwasher, use it. Heat drying is not necessary after a hot-wash cycle. If you don't have an air-drying setting on your model, turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse and prop the door open, allowing your dishes to air-dry.

Install dimmer switches where dimmed lighting makes sense, like the dining room and hallways. Dimming a light by 25 percent saves an equal percentage of energy.

Unplug electronics and battery chargers when you are not using them. Even when these items are turned off, they still draw electricity. This is called vampire power, and all your small households electronics can draw as much power as your refrigerator.

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Community Supported Agriculture

2009-10-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

What if instead of getting a news magazine each week, you received a box brimming with fresh, organic, vegetables that have been tended to and harvested by local farmers in your area? If you are a member of a CSA, this is a happy reality.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) believes and adheres to the belief that the best organic food is that which is grown closest to you, making it greener for the environment due to the fact that it does not travel as far, and making it more healthful for the consumer, as many vegetables and fruits that are not grown locally begin to lose some of their nutritional value as they mature and ripen during long travels across the country. Developing a relationship between the farmer and the consumer grants knowledge to both parties, and also helps to stimulate the local economy.

To give you an idea of how a CSA works, a farm will typically put together a package of fruits and vegetables for you, based on your preference, and deliver it directly from the farm to your doorstep. A small package of mixed fruits and vegetables that is large enough to feed two people could cost approximately $23 per box, and within the month of September may contain a delicious medley of in-season produce such as gala apples, red grapes, mixed heirloom tomatoes, broccoli, fresh green beans, butter lettuce, and mixed peppers. Some farms may also offer additional services, such as the delivery of organic dairy products, grass-fed meat and Fair Trade coffees.

Although the basic idea of a CSA is the same no matter which you choose, details will vary among each farm. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a CSA:

Decide how you would like your produce box delivered, and how often. Many CSA's offer home delivery weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, while other CSA's may leave boxes at convenient pick up locations in your city.
Most CSA's choose what produce they deliver each week (though you can often give them input if you would not like a specific item delivered), but don't be alarmed, recipes are often included with your order, so if you receive an item you've never cooked with before you can learn how to prepare and eat it.
Ask your farmer questions, such as: How long have you been farming? Are there items that will be in my delivery that are from other farms? How long have you been involved with a CSA?

To check for participating CSA's nearest you, please visit www.localharvest.com.

For more information, check out the video below, which follows a CSA-participating farm as they work to share their produce with their clientele.

eWaste Announcement -- Saturday October 3rd

2009-10-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday October 3rd, from 9am to 1pm, bring all of your outdated, broken or unused electronics to 550 Blumont in Laguna Beach and we will unload all of your items, and recycle them.

Nearly all electronic devices are welcome, such as computers, monitors, TVs, keyboards, mice, cables, fax machines, printers, etc. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 949.464.3200.

Drop-Off Location
550 Blumont, Laguna Beach

Corner of Park Avenue/Blumont at the School Disctrict Parking lot.

If recycled items have any value, the proceeds will go to the Earth Resource Foundation. http://www.earthresource.org/.

Greening Your Life: Cleaning and Laundry

2009-10-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Green laundry not only keeps you looking good, but it keeps the environment feeling good as well, and though it may seem like a pedestrian chore, doing the laundry has a bigger impact on the planet than you might think. According to reports, between 75 and 80 percent of our clothing's life cycle impact comes from washing and drying because it takes so much energy to heat the wash water, and run the dry cycle.

Enacting even just a few of these steps in your household has huge potential to reduce your carbon footprint, and save some money in the process.

If you can, purchase energy-efficient washer and dryers that are Energy Star certified. Local companies often offer rebates for purchasing energy saving appliances, such as the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California who is offering a of $85 for Energy Star qualified clothes washers with a Water Factor of 5.0 or lower, and the Southern California Gas Company who is also offering a rebate of $35 for qualified clothes washers with a Modified Energy Factor of 1.72 or greater, and a water factor of 8.0 or lower. (You can find more rebate offers for qualified appliances by visiting the rebate website here.)

Save old, tattered towels and T-shirts for cleaning. Cut them into squares and they become useful rags that can replace store-bought rags and paper towels.

Use oxygen or hydrogen based bleached instead of chlorine bleach, which is very harmful when released into the environment.

Buy products in concentrate when available. You will use less product, making your cost per use much lower than it would be with a non-concentrated brand, and you will be consuming less packaging.

Buy a front-loading washing machine; they are far superior than top loaders for saving water and energy.

Wash clothes in warm and cold water and you will use 80 to 85 percent less energy compared to using hot water. Only use hot water if you are washing out oily dirt or stains.

Buy phosphate-free detergent. Phosphates are a cause of oxygen depletion in water, leading to the loss of aquatic life.

Buy a dryer with a moisture sensor setting. The dryer will automatically shut off when the clothes are dry, saving energy and wear and tear on your clothes.

Line dry your sheets in warm months. If you have two trees in your back or side yard, you can string up a clothesline in minutes.

National Geographic has created the video below that highlights these, and some other tips on how to save water and energy to help clean your laundry while also cleaning the environment.

Environmental Nature Center Unveils New Green Building

2009-10-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in learning more about green building, and seeing what a green certified building looks like in person, the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach is hosting a Green Building Tour on Tuesday, October 13th at 6:30pm. The tour will begin with a short presentation describing the green building techniques that went into the ENC's new building (the first Platinum LEED Building in Orange County!) and the reasons behind the incorporation of each green feature.

The architects who developed the new building for the Environmental Nature Center, LPA Inc., have created the video below, which showcases the new development.

Greening Your Life: Building and Home Improvement

2009-09-30T14:23:00.001-07:00

With developers and manufacturer's working to create and produce sustainable products for consumers, it is becoming easier than ever to create and remodel your green dream home.

In addition to the tips below, one of the most useful tools for green building and home improvement is this Green Home Guide, created by the U.S. Green Building Council. How green you make your home is entirely up to how willing you are to adjust your lifestyle.

If you are planning to build a new home, think smaller. Smaller homes are more energy and cost efficient to heat and keep cool.
If you are building or renovating a home, check out salvage yards and antiques stores for used building materials and fixtures. They can be a great source of inexpensive and vintage items.
Use water-based paints instead of oil-based paints. Water-based paint is less hazardous, dries faster, saves time and eliminates the need for chemical solvents for cleanup.
Before discarding empty latex paint cans, leave the top off and allow the remaining paint to dry completely. Latex paint is not hazardous once it has solidified.
Source green building materials. Choosing lower-impact products for home-improvement projects can reduce toxins in the home and environment, reduce waste and preserve natural resources.

Greening Your Life: The Bathroom

2009-09-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

Think you can only go green at work? You can incorporate green habits like water conservation in places you would not even think of, such as your bathroom, which will not only help you save on your utility bill, but will also help California as it struggles with its historically low water reserve levels.

If you have a non-conserving toilet, (a 3.5 gallon flush or greater), retrofit the toilet with a water-saving device. There are several options that you can discuss with your local hardware professional, but an easy and quick fix involves placing one or two weighted bottles in the toilet tank to displace water flushed. With each flush you will save water equal to the amount you have displaced, and thousands of gallons a year.
Take short showers. With water flowing up to five gallons per minute from a non-conserving shower head, showers consume about one-fifth of water used indoors.
To save water while you are in the shower, turn off the water while you lather up.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. Running the water continuously can waste quite a bit of water. Fill a cup with water when brushing your teeth and fill the bowl to rinse your razor instead of running the water.
Avoid using your toilet as a wastebasket, and keep a wastebasket in the bathroom.
Buy a shower curtain that will far outlast cheap plastic ones; a shower curtain made of hemp will naturally resist mildew and is machine washable.
Fix slow drains. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it with half a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for twenty minutes to a half hour, then pour boiling water down the drain (about two quarts).
Turn your soap bar scraps into usable shavings. Using a cheese grater, grate several scraps into shavings and put them in a decorative bowl next to the sink. Just take a pinch from the bowl with a dry hand, add water and work into a lather.

The video below can show you several helpful ways to conserve water indoors.

Greening Your Life: At Work

2009-09-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestioned ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor."

--Henry David Thoreau

Though at times going green may seem like an overwhelming task, making a conscious effort to add small environmentally friendly steps in your life can be easier and less daunting than looking at the larger picture. The following tips offer easy, fun ways to green your workplace, which can mean a lighter ecological footprint, and a healthier and more productive place to work.

If your copier, printer of fax machines have a sleep or stand-by mode. make sure it is selected. From the sleep mode, it will automatically wake up when you go to use it.
When using the photocopier at work, always make two-sided copies. If your printer also has a double-sided feature, use it.
If your office provides disposable cups for beverages, eliminate the need for them by bringing in extra glasses and mugs from home. Post a note in the lunch/break room requesting that your coworkers do the same.
Lights should be turned off in unoccupied conference rooms and offices. If you walk by an empty conference room, switch the light off. Turn lights off in your own office when you'll be gone for more than ten minutes.
Always distribute documents created on the computer via e-mails instead of via hard copy when is professional and acceptable to do so.
Use suppliers that will take back their hazardous, recyclable or reusable products at the end of their life for proper disposal, recycling or remanufacturing.

The video below also offers some very informative tips and lessons for greening your office life. Don't keep it to yourself though, share it with your coworkers!

Clean Up Your Act! Saturday, September 19th

2009-09-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

If you are unable to make it to South County for the Surterre eWaste event this weekend (check out the blog below), no need to fret, there is an eWaste event and cleanup scheduled this Saturday in Newport Beach, and also a beach cleanup scheduled in Huntington Beach.

Please check out the flyer below for information regarding the "Upper Newport Bay Cleanup Day 2009," which will run from 8am to 1pm.

Click on the photo to enlarge.

If you are interested in volunteering your time in Huntington Beach this weekend, head to Bolsa Chica State Beach for OC Coastal Clean-up Day from 9am to noon. To volunteer for this event, click here.

Happy cleaning!

eWaste Announcement -- Saturday September 19th

2009-09-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

On Saturday September 19th, from 9am to 2pm, bring all of your outdated, broken or unused electronic items, and we will recycle them. Nearly all electronic devices are welcome, such as computers, monitors, TVs, keyboards, mice, cables, fax machines, printers, etc. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 949.717.7100. Drop-Off Location: Dana Hills High School, located at 33333 Golden Lantern Street in Dana Point.

If recycled items have any value, the proceeds will go to the Earth Resource Foundation. http://www.earthresource.org.

Light Up a Room: Tubular Lighting

2009-09-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Imagine if you could bring natural light to a hallway, bathroom, or walk-in closet that gets little or no natural light. Warm sunlight delivered to a dark spot in your house? The answer is tubular daylighting.

Also called natural lighting, tubular daylighting is essentially a skylight tube that captures light from all angles with an inner prismatic lens (or fly-eye), focuses it down a reflective tube, then evenly spreads it throughout the room with a second prismatic diffuser lens.

As you’d expect, many tubular daylighting companies are based in the sunbelt. Three major players are Solatube of Vista, CA, Dayliteco of Ventura, CA, and Natural Lighting Company of Glendale, AZ.

Because their products deliver plenty of light, even on gray days, these manufacturers have dealers in cloudier regions such as Washington State (NW Natural Lighting) and New Jersey (Creative Energy Technologies).

Of course, natural lighting is not a replacement for lighting at night, but it can work to complement electric lights, reducing energy costs. If you’re wondering whether it makes sense to tear up your roof to add a lighting system, consider the fact that the tubing will fit between rafters and can be installed easily without any structural modification.

At a typical cost of $300-400 plus installation, tubular daylights are not cheap, but as with all household improvements, the real question involves return on investment. The energy savings of natural lighting can pay for the product and installation expense in as little as two to three years. And if that seems too long to you, some companies offer leasing options.

Although often marketed to homeowners for residential use, natural lighting also offers excellent cost savings for commercial properties and educational institutions, where most activity occurs during the day. According to California Green Solutions, lighting alone can account for 20-50% of a commercial building’s energy costs. And in the case of certain building designs, it is possible to compensate with natural lighting for as much as 90% of electrical lighting costs during daylight hours.

So look around your house. Got a nook or cranny that would be cheered up with natural light? Maybe it’s time to get tubular.

(Article courtesy of: GreenbyDesign.com)

The Green Movement Rethinks the Way We Cook

2009-09-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

In today's world, eating represents much more than enjoyment and nourishment. Increasingly, food is being viewed through a new lens: how it affects the environment.

This convergence of personal and planetary health is the driving force behind the "Big Green Cookbook" (Wiley, $24.95) by Jackie Newgent, a Brooklyn-based dietitian and chef. She cleverly outlines an eco-friendly plan to green your kitchen and your cuisine.

The new climate-conscious cookbook, printed on 100 percent recycled paper with soy ink, is full of nutrient-rich recipes and tips that are intended to enhance your health and please the planet.

A major myth that Newgent tries to bust in the book is the notion that eating green is more expensive. Not so, she explained in a phone interview.

"One of the keys to greening your cuisine is to eat seasonally, and local produce is less expensive than products that are flown in," she said. "That's an easy way you can control costs."

You also don't need to always choose organic, she said. The bigger goal is to buy more locally grown fruits and vegetables. Beyond the value to you, it helps reduce food miles -- or the amount of resources and energy required to transport food from farm to plate.

Another major way to live the "luscious, low-carbon lifestyle" that Newgent writes about is to eat more plant-based foods, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions or global warming pollution. That doesn't mean swearing off meat, but Newgent recommends ways to reduce portions of meat and increase the amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans in your diet.

Beyond the foods you choose, being eco-friendly has a lot to do with how you prepare, serve and store food, Newgent said. Cutting down on cooking time (only 20 minutes per meal) or downsizing your appliances (such as using a microwave or toaster oven more often) can save energy -- which translates to benefits for the Earth and your pocketbook.

Organized by seasons, the book offers hundreds of recipes that put these principles into action, along with clever strategies to green your cooking routine. Whatever you do, start small, Newgent advises. She warns of green burnout.

"You don't need to make all the changes at once. Pick three goals, and stick to it until it becomes a habit," Newgent said. "Do what you can, when you can, rather than try everything in this book all at once."

Here are a few eco-friendly ideas to get you started:

--Cut down the size. The finer food is diced, the faster it will cook. That translates to reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere. Try cutting vegetables into smaller pieces for stir-fries and pounding boneless chicken breasts into super-thin fillets to shave off cooking time.

--Do double duty. Aim to prepare, cook and serve in the same pans or bowls when possible so you'll have less washing to do. For example, when making a salad, use one bowl to whisk the dressing, toss the salad and serve.

--Put a lid on it. When food on the stove is being simmered, sauteed or boiled, finish the cooking by covering it with a tight-fitting lid and turn off the burner to let the trapped heat do some of the work.

--Get to know your microwave. Because the microwave oven can reduce energy use by about two-thirds compared with a conventional oven, use it to do more than make popcorn or reheat leftovers.

--Skimp on water. When boiling beans or other vegetables, use just enough water to cover the food. That means you'll waste less water, and you'll be able to bring it to a boil faster -- two ways to help save resources.

(Article courtesy of The Chicago Tribune).

How to Green Your Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

On one hand while many are looking forward to a long Labor Day Weekend, it is a little bittersweet as it also represents the last big hurrah of the summer season. Whether you're planning a "staycation" at home relaxing or entertaining friends and family, or heading out of town, the following tips can help you keep your three-day weekend a little greener.

Try as you might to reduce your carbon emissions, unless you walk or ride your way around town all weekend, you're bound to produce some smog. Take a moment this weekend to help offset your carbon footprint by planting a tree or two, or perhaps some other foliage that will turn and become beautiful in Autumn.
Parties and barbeque's are messy and fun, but the clean up can be an even bigger mess for the indoor environment and for your health. Do your part this holiday and clean green.
Speaking of barbecues, add some green to your barbecue without sacrificing flavor by using FSC-certified briquettes. While gas grills may not release any carbon dioxide, the FSC-certified briquettes can be a better choice in the long run. Also, don't forget that what's ON the grill counts too. Organic and free range is always better for the environment, and often tastes better too.

Before you hit the road, make sure that you take some time to get your car into tip-top shape. Doing little things like tightening your fan belt, cleaning your air filters and checking your tire pressure are all great steps to take that will help you get better gas mileage on your journey, which is great news for the planet, and for your pocketbook.

No matter what your plans for the weekend are, have fun, be green, and be safe.

Earth-Friendly Waterless Car Wash

2009-09-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

With the unfortunate onset of the recent Southern California wildfires, conserving as much water as possible is now more important than ever. For those of you who want to do you part to help save California's resources for those in need, but want to keep the environment off of your clean car, there is a new product on the market called Lucky Earth "Waterless" Car Wash.

Per the website, "Lucky Earth "Waterless" Car Wash dissolves and encapsulates dirt and whisks it away with a microfiber towel. Since no water is needed to wash the car, you will be helping to reduce water consumption, and no pollutants will run off into our streams, rivers, and lakes." Every bottle of car wash has the potential to save 840 gallons of water.

Lucky Earth is also doing their part for charity, donating 1% of net profits to support Heal the Bay.

For information on where to buy this product locally, check their website at www.luckyearth.com, and don't forget to conserve water!

Three Simple Ingredients for a Cleaner, Healthier Home

2009-08-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the very products we use in our homes to better our quality of life may actually be depleting it? Household cleaning agents are often a source of hundreds of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are comprised of a variety of harmful chemicals, and may have short and long term adverse heath effects. Concentrations of VOCs are consistently about ten times higher indoors, where the average person spends about 90% of their time. According to The Healthy House Institute, the hazardous ingredients in household cleaning products fall into three main categories:

Carcinogens: Carcinogens cause cancer and/or promote cancer's growth.
Endocrine Disruptor's: Endocrine disruptor's mimic human hormones, confusing the body with false signals. Exposure to endocrine disruptor's can lead to numerous heath concerns including reproductive, developmental, growth and behavior problems. Endocrine disruptor's have been linked to reduced fertility, premature puberty, miscarriage, menstrual problems, challenged immune systems, abnormal prostate size, ADHD, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and certain cancers.
Neurotoxins: Neurotoxins affect neurons and brain activity, causing a range of problems from headaches to loss of intellect.

One way to clean your home and help clear some of the harmful indoor pollution build up is to make your own all natural cleaning products. Using these simple three ingredients, you can help keep your home clean and fresh-smelling without the toxic side effects and without breaking the bank:

Baking Soda: Abrasive, soluble in water, and containing anti-fungal properties, baking soda may require a little more elbow grease, but will leave you with your healthy windpipe intact.
Vinegar: Its mildly acidic nature is anathema to bacteria and mold, and it naturally works like like an all-purpose cleaner. Mix one part water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle and you will have a solution that will clean most areas of your home. Don't worry about the vinegar smell, it will disappear as soon as the solution dries.
Lemon Juice: This is another great all natural substance that can be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits, and can also be used to clean and shine brass and copper. Mix with vinegar or baking soda to make cleaning pastes, or cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section to scrub dishes, surfaces and stains, or you can even mix one cup olive oil with 1/2 cup lemon juice and you have furniture polish.

Three Plants That Can Improve Your Air Quality

2009-08-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Seventeen years ago, Kamal Meattle began to have trouble breathing. Upon seeing a doctor, tests concluded that his lung capacity had declined to 70% and that the cause was an allergy to the pollutants in his home in New Delhi. Meattle, a business owner and activist, began immediate research into various plants and their ability to convert CO2 to oxygen and cleanse and produce cleaner air. After fifteen years of research, testing, and trials, he concluded that the three plants shown below have been proven to effectively cleanse and produce the indoor oxygen that we breathe.

The Areca Palm: This plant is great for cleansing the air during the day. Meattle has suggested about four shoulder height plants per person.
The Mother-in-law's Tongue: This plant takes over by converting CO2 to O2 at night. You might want six to eight of these waist high plants per person.
The Money Plant: This plant does an excellent job of removing Formaldehyde and other VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds).

According to Meattle, with sufficient quantities of these plants you could live in an air tight bubble and as long as the plants are kept alive, they could produce enough fresh air to live. While this theory may seem too good to be true, he has been testing this theory out in his main office building by replacing massive banks of HVAC equipment with massive banks of plants instead (roughly 1,200 plants for the buildings 300 occupants).

The verdict? The Indian Government has rated the building the healthiest building in Delhi, and studies have shown that after spending ten hours in the building, your body will be working better than it was before.

Aside from being a natural and beautiful source of fresh oxygen and air purification, this method can also help immensely with energy consumption, as it reduces the need to filter or bring fresh air in.

For more information on how to grow your own fresh air, and to hear about the study directly from Meattle himself, check out the video below.

Plastic Recycling Facts

2009-08-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

By now we have all heard not to drink water out of plastic bottles, but instead use a reusable bottle, or drink from a glass, but in case you were not aware of how great an impact recycling plastic can have on the environment, check out the facts below.

• According to the Beverage Marketing Corp, the average American consumed 1.6 gallons of bottled water in 1976. In 2006 that number jumped to 28.3 gallons.

• Today, 80 percent of Americans have access to a plastics recycling program.

• More than 2.3 billion pounds of plastic bottles were recycled in 2007. Although the amount of plastic bottles recycled in the U.S. has grown every year since 1990, the actual recycling rate remains steady at around 24 percent.

• In 2007, more than 325 million pounds of wide-mouth plastic containers were recovered for recycling. (This included deli containers, yogurt cups, etc.)

• In recent years, the number of U.S. plastics recycling business has nearly tripled. More than 1,600 businesses are involved in recycling post-consumer plastics.

• Plastics in the U.S. are made primarily (70 percent) from domestic natural gas.

• Plastic bags and product wraps (known collectively as “plastic film”) are commonly recycled at the many collection programs offered through major grocery stores.

• Recycling one ton of plastic saves 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space.

• During Keep America Beautiful’s 2008 Great American Cleanup, volunteers recovered and recycled 189,000,000 PET (plastic) bottles that had been littered along highways, waterways and parks.

What Makes Surterre Green?

2009-08-20T14:56:00.001-07:00

Surterre Properties keeps green in mind, and commits to en eco-luxurious business model that is deeper than the beautiful images used in its recognizable ad campaigns. Here's how:

Surterre Properties established this brand identity to complement the natural surroundings that are inherent to Southern California. The literal translation of "surterre" means "on earth" in French. At Surterre Properties everyone shares the same admiration for the beautiful terrain, and most importantly, the desire to preserve and promote this in every way possible.

By preserving and promoting the local environment, Surterre Properties thinks and acts green to affect positive change in the global community. Surterre Properties thinks and acts green to affect positive change in the global community. Surterre Properties is the only EcoBroker Affiliate in coastal Orange County and has consciously created eco-friendly and eco-luxurious working environments for its team. The knowledge our agents gain earning the Ecobroker Certification grants them the potential not only to help you save money while buying or selling a property, but to ensure a better tomorrow for the environment. Behind the scenes at Surterre Properties are a commitment to use recycled materials for printing purposes and concerted efforts to locate and utilize resources that use eco-friendly materials in their business. Our office chairs and work stations are made out of recycled plastics, and our conference room table comes from a certified century-old tree that died of natural causes. These are just some of the exemplary eco-luxurious steps Surterre Properties has made.

Surterre Properties has also teamed up with local charities that educate, promote, and help preserve the environment, including eWaste drives quarterly at both offices in partnership with the Earth Resource Foundation. Clients have responded positively and are excited and supportive of these efforts, and often times, implement eco-lifestyle models into their own lives.

Most importantly, Surterre Properties focuses its efforts on finding the important details about the clients home and the translating them into a compelling journey through visuals and information. While Surterre Properties’ philosophy is deeply rooted in “green,” its main function is always to deliver successful results for the client.

100 Posts, 100 Ways to Help the Environment

2009-08-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

In honor of our 100th post, we present this list, which features 100 ways to save the environment. Enjoy, and try to challenge yourself to check as many things as you can off of this list!

1. Clean or replace air filters on your air conditioning unit at least once a month.

2. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120.

3. Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket.

4. Turn down or shut off your water heater when you will be away for extended periods.

5. Turn off unneeded lights even when leaving a room for a short time.

6. Set your refrigerator temperature at 36 to 38 and your freezer at 0 to 5 .

7. When using an oven, minimize door opening while it is in use; it reduces oven temperature by 25 to 30 every time you open the door.

8. Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every load so that it uses less energy.

9. Unplug seldom used appliances.

10. Use a microwave whenever you can instead of a conventional oven or stove.

11. Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.

12. Reverse your indoor ceiling fans for summer and winter operations as recommended.

13. Turn off lights, computers and other appliances when not in use.

14. Purchase appliances and office equipment with the Energy Star Label; old refrigerators, for example, use up to 50 more electricity than newer models.

15. Only use electric appliances when you need them.

16. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.

17. Keep your thermostat at 68 in winter and 78 in summer.

18. Keep your thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter when you are away

19. Insulate your home as best as you can.

20. Install weather stripping around all doors and windows.

21. Shut off electrical equipment in the evening when you leave work.

22. Plant trees to shade your home.

23. Shade outside air conditioning units by trees or other means.

24. Replace old windows with energy efficient ones.

25. Use cold water instead of warm or hot water when possible.

26. Connect your outdoor lights to a timer.

27. Buy green electricity - electricity produced by low - or even zero-pollution facilities

28. Eliminate mercury from your home by purchasing items without mercury, and dispose of items containing mercury at an appropriate drop-off facility when necessary (e.g. old thermometers).

29. Learn about alternatives to household cleaning items that do not use hazardous chemicals.

30. Buy the right amount of paint for the job.

31. Review labels of household cleaners you use. Consider alternatives like baking soda, scouring pads, water or a little more elbow grease.

32. When no good alternatives exist to a toxic item, find the least amount required for an effective, sanitary result.

I33. f you have an older home, have paint in your home tested for lead. If you have lead-based paint, cover it with wall paper or other material instead of sanding it or burning it off.

34. Use traps instead of rat and mouse poisons and insect killers.

35. Have your home tested for radon.

36. Use cedar chips or aromatic herbs instead of mothballs. In Your Yard

37. Avoid using leaf blowers and other dust-producing equipment.

38. Use an electric lawn- mower instead of a gas-powered one.

39. Leave grass clippings on the yard-they decompose and return nutrients to the soil.

40. Use recycled wood chips as mulch to keep weeds down, retain moisture and prevent erosion.

41. Use only the required amount of fertilizer.

42. Minimize pesticide use.

43. Create a wildlife habitat in your yard.

44. Water grass early in the morning.

45. Rent or borrow items like ladders, chain saws, party decorations and others that are seldom used.

46. Take actions that use non hazardous components (e.g., to ward off pests, plant marigolds in a garden instead of using pesticide).

47. Put leaves in a compost heap instead of burning them or throwing them away. Yard debris too large for your compost bin should be taken to a yard-debris recycler.

48. Copy and print on both sides of paper.

49. Reuse items like envelopes, folders and paper clips.

50. Use mailer sheets for interoffice mail instead of an envelope.

51. Set up a bulletin board for memos instead of sending a copy to each employee.

52. Use e-mail instead of paper correspondence.

53. Use recycled paper.

54. Use discarded paper for scrap paper.

55. Encourage your school and/or company to print documents with soy-based inks, which are less toxic.

56. Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of a disposable cup. Ways To Protect Our Air

57. Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or telecommuting.

58. Recycle printer cartridges.

59. Shut off electrical equipment in the evening when you leave work.

60. Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.

61. Don't use your wood stove or fireplace when air quality is poor.

62. Avoid slow-burning, smoldering fires. They produce the largest amount of pollution.

63. Burn seasoned wood - it burns cleaner than green wood.

64. Use solar power for home and water heating.

65. Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.

66. Purchase radial tires and keep them properly inflated for your vehicle.

67. Paint with brushes or rollers instead of using spray paints to minimize harmful emissions.

68. Ignite charcoal barbecues with an electric probe or other alternative to lighter fluid.

69. If you use a wood stove, use one sold after 1990. They are required to meet federal emissions standards and are more efficient and cleaner burning.

70. Walk or ride your bike instead of driving, whenever possible.

71. Join a carpool or van pool to get to work.

72. Check and fix any water leaks.

73. Install water-saving devices on your faucets and toilets.

74. Don't wash dishes with the water running continuously.

75. Wash and dry only full loads of laundry and dishes.

76. Follow your community's water use restrictions or guidelines.

77. Install a low-flow shower head.

78. Replace old toilets with new ones that use a lot less water.

79. Turn off washing machine's water supply to prevent leaks. Ways to Protect Our Water

80. Revegetate or mulch disturbed soil as soon as possible.

81. Never dump anything down a storm drain.

82. Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.

83. Check your car for oil or other leaks, and recycle motor oil.

84. Take your car to a car wash instead of washing it in the driveway.

85. Learn about your watershed. Create Less Trash

86. Buy items in bulk from loose bins when possible to reduce the packaging wasted.

87. Avoid products with several layers of packaging when only one is sufficient. About 33 of what we throw away is packaging.

88. Buy products that you can reuse.

89. Maintain and repair durable products instead of buying new ones.

90. Check reports for products that are easily repaired and have low breakdown rates.

91. Reuse items like bags and containers when possible.

92. Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.

93. Use reusable plates and utensils instead of disposable ones.

94. Use reusable containers to store food instead of aluminum foil and cling wrap.

95. Shop with a canvas bag instead of using paper and plastic bags.

96. Buy rechargeable batteries for devices used frequently.

97. Reuse packaging cartons and shipping materials. Old newspapers make great packaging material.

98. Compost your vegetable scraps.

99. Buy used furniture - there is a surplus of it, and it is much cheaper than new furniture.

100. If you have central air conditioning, do not close vents in unused rooms.

(Green Tips Courtesy of SWQL.)

Farm Fresh Summer Meals

2009-08-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

With seasonal vegetables and fruits at their summer peak, the farmer's market has become the ultimate nutritionally delicious convenience store.

The following fruits and vegetables are all in season now and waiting eagerly to be folded in to recipes, or devoured alone.

Arugula
Avocados
Beans, Green
Beets
Collards
Corn
Cucumber
Eggplant
Garlic
Mushrooms
Okra
Onions
Peas, Sugar, Snap
Peppers
Potatoes
Shallots
Squash, Summer
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Zucchini
Apricots
Asian Pears
Blackberries
Cantaloupe
Cheeries
Currants
Figs
Gooseberries
Grapes
Guava
Honeydew Melon
Huckleberries
Mangoes
Nectarines
Papayas
Peaches
Plums
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon

You can find your local Certified farmer's markets in Orange County here.

eWaste Announcement -- Saturday August 8th

2009-08-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday August 8th, from 9am to 1pm, bring all of your outdated, broken or unused electronics to the 550 Blumont, in Laguna Beach and we will unload all of your items, and recycle them.

Nearly all electronic devices are welcome, such as computers, monitors, TVs, keyboards, mice, cables, fax machines, printers, etc. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 949.717.7100.

Drop-Off Location
1400 Newport Center Drive, at the corner of Coast Highway and Newport Center Drive.

If recycled items have any value, the proceeds will go to the Earth Resource Foundation. http://www.earthresource.org.

Why Buy Local?

2009-08-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

Watch and learn!

Clinton-era Rule Protecting Forests Upheld

2009-08-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

In a victory for environmentalists, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in San Francisco, reaffirmed a lower court decision to strike down the Bush Administration’s policy toward roads in national forests.

The “roadless rule,” approved in 2001 during the waning days of the Clinton administration, substantially limited road development in national forest lands. The Bush Administration effectively replaced it with another policy that allowed states to establish their own rules on roads in forests.

The appeals court ruling upholds a 2006 decision by a district court that threw out the Bush policy and reinstated the Clinton one. (Read the full opinion here.)

“The appellate court has affirmed that the roadless rule protections are back in place, and Americans who supported this rule more than any environmental regulation ever are delighted today because the roadless rule protects these last pristine, public lands from development,” said Kristen Boyles, an attorney with Earthjustice, an environmental group involved in the case.

Ms. Boyles said that Wednesday’s ruling affects about 40 million acres.

The legal battle, however, is far from over. “There’s still a lot of questions about what it means,” said Tom Troxel, the director of the Intermountain Forest Association, a trade group for forest products companies in the West.

Mr. Troxel noted that a 2008 federal district court judge in Wyoming hadinvalidated the Clinton-era rule, citing its violation of two environmental statutes.

Those two parallel court processes — in the Ninth Circuit and in Wyoming — seem headed for a clash. Environmentalists are appealing the Wyoming decision to the Tenth Circuit, which has not yet ruled.

In the meantime, Idaho has crafted its own rule for roads on forest lands, which are not to some environmentalists’ liking. Colorado is also working on a rule, and Tongass National Forest in Alaska is exempt from the original Clinton policy.

“What Colorado and Idaho have done would really be the gold standard on trying to fit this to the local conditions,” said Mr. Troxel.

Overall, added Mr. Troxel, “This is a long and twisted road, so to speak, that we’ve traveled.”

(Article courtesy of The New York Times)