Eco-Friendly Halloween

Need some tips to turn your black and orange holiday into a green one? Click here for a great article by the Seattle Times.

Clorox Cleaners Takes a Bite Out of the Green Market

www.sfgate.com 10/12/08: Last winter, the Clorox Co. gambled that its famous name would translate well from the world of bleach into the world of environmentally friendly cleaning products. So far, that bet is looking like a winner. Just eight months after its introduction, Clorox's Green Works line is on track to generate first-year sales of well over $40 million. It's already outselling all other brands in the green cleaning products niche.And perhaps most significantly, Green Works seems to be luring customers away from traditional cleaning products rather than from green rivals - expanding the overall market for green cleaners. For the full article, click here.

Marin Kids (and Maternity) Consignment Sale - October 3rd and 4th

Marin Kids (and Maternity) Consignment Sale!

- maternity (all sizes)

- kids clothing (sizes 0-6)

- kids shoes (sizes newborn-big kid 2)

- designer diaper bags

- perfect slings, bjorns, baby carriers

Friday October 3rd (5pm-8pm)

Saturday October 4th (10am-4pm)

FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE: “Meet the Robinsons”

TIME: 5:10ish

COST: There is never an entrance fee to shop.

$5 entrance fee to bring your kids to play at Playtime Safari located at 5470 Nave Dr., just off Hwy 101 in Novato.

Senate Passes Extension For Solar Tax Credit

Press Release from North Bay Business Journal

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2008 -- The U.S. Senate today passed a bill to extend and improve the federal tax incentive program for solar installations. The legislation now awaits passage by the House before it goes to the president’s desk for final approval.

A 30 percent tax credit for commercial solar installations slated to run out at the end of this year has been extended for eight more years. The amendment to the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 passed by a vote of 93 to two. 

The new legislation removes a cap of $2,000 that could be taken in tax credits for residential systems and adds an allowance for utilities to take advantage of the 30 percent commercial credits. It also allows taxpayers who meet the alternative minimum tax to take a solar credit.

A study released by Navigant Consulting Inc. projected that passage of the legislation by the House and president, which could happen this week, would stimulate $232 billion in investment in solar installations.

Tesla Motors to Open New Headquarters and Manufacturing Plant in San Jose

Barely 48 hours since San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed spoke at the opening night of the Always On Going Green event that he was working very closely with Governor Schwarzenegger in making sure that Tesla Motors stays in CA that the electric car manufacturer announces plans to move its new headquarters and manufacturing facility for its electric cars to San Jose, CA. Both will be located on about 90 acres of land adjacent to the water-treatment plant off Zanker Road near Highway 237 in North San Jose. That property is jointly owned by San Jose and Santa Clara, whose city councils still need to approve the terms of the deal which will create hundreds of new jobs and will expand the city's tax base. For Tesla, this move is integral in in achieving its goal of producing zero-emission cars in volume. For more on this story, click here.

Breaking News: Sonoma County supervisors vote to pursue financing program for energy-saving projects

SANTA ROSA, Sept. 16, 2008 – The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors this morning voted unanimously to move forward with a plan to create opt-in assessment-based financing for energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects on existing commercial and residential properties, with all the supervisors and several groups of stakeholders advocating prompt action. However, county officials warned that county finances are too tight to undertake the proposal without a more detailed business plan. For the full story, click here.

Ed Ring's Observations on Clean Technology

When asked for the Top 3 Observations in the Clean Tech Industry in the past year, Ed Ring, Editor and Founder of EcoWorld.com stated the following:

1. Biofuel Got Busted: Overreaction to biofuel technology. 1^st Generation biofuel is here, but the 2nd generation biofuel (cellulose) will give us much higher outputs with less carbon emissions and less water use.
   
2. Solar – Growth was exponential in 2007 and 2008. There is still incredible growth to be seen by leading solar companies.
   
3. Investors discovered water as an investment sector. The treatment, preservation and reuse of water is key to all human life and is now garnering the attention from the investment community.
   

Ed's 3 Predictions for the coming year:

1. (Efficient) Fossil Fuel and Nuclear Power will get a more serious look by both investors and consumers. Fossil fuel can be more efficient and clean.
2. Wind Power and Natural Gas - A natural partnership providing alternative sources of power.
3. Genomics – Overlays on all clean tech industry segments and will have a huge potential in the next year and years to come. For more information on genomics, click here.
   

Reporting from the Always On Going Green Conference in Sausalito, CA

Beginning tomorrow, I will reporting live from the 2nd Annual Always On Going Green event. For the next two days, you will get to be part of this incredible event where dozens of clean tech companies make presentations for the venture capital and private equity investment community while the press and blogging community listen in. Tonight's opening remarks were inspiring and enlightening, made by: Tony Perkins (Founder of Always On), Ed Ring (Editor of EcoWorld) and David Chen (VP & Head of Morgan Stanley's West Coast Clean Technology Investment Banking Division). Join me over the next two days in learning about how companies in California and all over the country are creating solutions that will help everyone to reduce the amount of energy and water we use, reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and use alternative building materials to build our homes and offices. Think about this fact: 70% of the energy consumed in the U.S. is for heating and cooling buildings and homes. This problem alone is what is currently spurring one of the fastest growing segments within the Clean Tech Industry: Energy Storage.
Tomorrow's topics will include: Solar Energy Breakthroughs, Abundant Clean Green Water, The Agricultural Revolution, Next Generation Biofuel, The Carbon Offset Windfall, Next Generation Fossil Fuel, The Smart Green Mega City and The New Automotive DNA. Take a break from your work day or just listen as you work, click here for a live stream and video.

Flour Chylde - Novato's Organic Bakery

Whenever I need my Parisienne croissant fix, I stop into Flour Chylde for a divine ham and cheese croissant, which, more often than not, is still hot from the oven. If you have ever eaten croissants in Paris, you will appreciate this post. I used to get my fix at Absinthe restaurant in San Francisco. Up until recently, they were the only ones in the Bay Area who could duplicate the intricate butter filled layers you get with a Parisienne croissant. But now I get my fix at Flour Chylde in Novato. Having sold their fabulous cakes, cookies and breads at the Farmer's Markets for years, the owners opened their doors to a permanent location in downtown Novato in 2006. All their products are made with organic ingredients and there are even some gluten-free and dairy-free choices. So even if you do not live in the North Bay, but travel up and down Hwy 101 on a regular basis, I highly recommend stopping by for lunch or a sweet treat.

Math Doesn't Suck

So this post has nothing to do with being "green", but everything to do with life. I always loved the challenge of math and algebra, but it was a "challenge" for me in school (funny how I work in finance full-time!). Anyway, I recently heard Danica McKellar interviewed on KFOG and was really drawn in by her approach for this book as well as the way the material is presented. Parents may not like the title. But guess what, it's not written for them, it was written for the students. So if your child wants to improve their math skills, then get the book and jump right in. However, if your child is indifferent to doing better, then get the book and put it on the family room coffee table next to your magazines. When you're not looking they will pick it up and start reading it.

Winnie from the Wonder Years has certainly grown up. As a summa cum laude graduate of UCLA with a degree in Mathematics, Danica has been honored in Britain's esteemed Journal of Physics and by the New York Times for her work in mathematics. In MATH DOESN'T SUCK, she is your child's personal tutor and coach. Even the most frustrated student will finally "get" fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, proportions, "solving for x," and more — the very concepts that, if not fully understood in middle school, have been proven to cause continued problems throughout high school and beyond. Each chapter also features:

• Easy to follow, step-by-step instruction
• Time-saving tips and tricks for homework and tests
• Illuminating practice problems with detailed solutions
• Real-world examples—from how understanding percents can make you a savvier shopper to how understanding proportions can make you a better chef!

For more info on the book and where to buy it, click here. If your child did ok with math, but is now struggling with Algebra, click here for info on "Kiss My Math", also by Danica.

Always On: GOING GREEN - Cavallo Point - September 15-17, 2008

GoingGreen is where cutting-edge greentech CEOs meet the movers and shakers from the biggest industries on earth. Green technology innovators are transforming the global energy, water, agriculture, transportation, construction, manufacturing, and resource recovery establishments. This two-and-a-half-day executive event features CEO presentations and high-level debates on the most promising emerging green technologies and new entrepreneurial opportunities. At GoingGreen our editors will also honor the GoingGreen 100 Top Private Companies.  Fifty of the top CEOs from the GoingGreen 100 will pitch their market strategies to a panel of industry experts in our “CEO Showcase.”

Who Attends
Seven hundred greentech CEOs, business development officers, eminent researchers, venture capital and private-equity investors, and leading members of the press and blogging community will attend GoingGreen Thousands of webcast viewers from over 100 countries will also tune in and interact with the program. Executives attend GoingGreen to identify and debate emerging trends, build high-level relationships and create new business opportunities. For tickets, click here.

29 Cosmetics Unveils 29 Preserves at Neiman Marcus

Get a chance to preview 29 Preserves, the grape seed extract age protecting skin care collection which is all natural, organic and paraben free. This is the second line created by 29 Cosmetics founder Lydia Mondavi. Launch dates are as follows:

~ September 5th - September 7th* New Store Launch, Topanga, California Neiman Marcus (*29's National Esthetician available for facial appointments)
~ September 9th – Neiman Marcus, Scottsdale, Arizona
~ September 10th - Neiman Marcus, San Francisco, California
~ September 12th - Neiman Marcus, Atlanta, Georgia
~ September 27th - Neiman Marcus, Newport Beach, California

Spaces are already filling up, call or email today and book your appointment. Please call 888-415-2929, or email to info@29cosmetics.com

Still Looking For That Perfect Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Bag?

Mike Chino of Inhabitat.com has put together some incredible choices. Click here for details of what they are and where to buy.

Laundry Done Right

Ever since I became a parent, I feel like my laundry loads have grown exponentially. In an attempt to be more energy efficient and cut down on dry cleaning costs, we invested in a front loading energy efficient washer and dryer (the LG set). There are lots of wonderful non-petroleum based detergents to choose from today. However, my favorites are Seventh Generation in Blue Eucalyptus and Lavender and for my work and delicate clothes, I only use the Caldrea brand. With scents like Ginger Pomelo, Sweet Pea, Citrus Mint Ylang Ylang, there is something for everyone. Their line of cleaning products are fabulous too. Seventh Generation can be found at Whole Foods and other natural stores. However, if you don't live near one, you can find them and the Caldrea products at Drugstore.com. With free shipping on orders over $50, drugstore.com is the way to go!

National Geographic's Green Guide Goes Online!

Now you can get all the great tips, updates and news from this quarterly magazine online! This Fall's edition features articles on saving energy, changing schools, water filers, carpet, cars and so much more! Click here for full access.

Square One Vodka Cucumber

As Indian Summer approaches, I look to replace a glass of wine for something extra refreshing. This summer, I found just the right cocktail using the recently launched Square One Vodka Cucumber. Smooth and always 100% organic, this spirit is the perfect treat for a hot summer day. Here's a great recipe from the Square One site:

Cucumber Spajito

2 oz. Square One Cucumber

1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

1/2 oz. organic agave nectar

6 sprigs of fresh mint

Club soda or sparkling water

Ice

2-3 long, thin strips of cucumber slices

Layer cucumber slices and a couple of mint leaves with ice in a Collins glass. Muddle remaining mint lightly in a mixing glass or cocktail tin. Do not over bruise. Pour other ingredients in and shake briefly with a little ice just to blend. Strain into Collins glass and fill to desired level with soda water and stir briefly. Garnish with the remaining sprig of mint.

YOGA MADE SIMPLE

I love yoga. However, I never seen to find time to get to a yoga class. I bought some dvds, but they get old after the 50th time. The solution? A membership with Monthly Yoga DVD.

When you subscribe to MonthlyYogaDVD.com's video classes you can log on and watch the classes right here on MonthlyYogaDVD.com. Or you can download a podcast to your desktop and watch it when you’re ready. It’s simple: $16 a month or $160 a year. While the number of classes you may view online is unlimited, podcasts are limited to one download per month.

Think of the money you will save by not having to drive anywhere to catch a class. Plus, you can do this in the privacy of your own home instead of a smelly yoga room!

Peet's Coffee & Tea Awarded LEED(R) Gold Certification for Coffee Roasting Facility in Alameda

ALAMEDA, Calif., July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc., (Nasdaq: PEET), the premier specialty coffee and tea company in the U.S., today announced that its innovative new artisan roastery has been awarded LEED Gold level status by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Developed by USGBC, LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Peet's Alameda coffee roastery is the first LEED certified coffee roasting facility in the United States and the first LEED Gold certified building in the City of Alameda. Read the Full Story

SolarCraft to Help Marin Businesses Go Solar

Novato-based SolarCraft continues to establish their position as Marin County’s source for local solar energy experts to provide green, renewable energy to shopping centers, business complexes and city buildings. The venture has allowed the spread of Solar Energy in the county of Marin and has given the local stores a wonderful eco-option. SolarCraft recently completed a solar energy system at the new Hamilton Marketplace in Novato. Built on the site of the former Nave Lanes, the highly anticipated new Hamilton Marketplace will create even more excitement by powering the shopping center with clean, green, renewable energy. All commons areas, parking lots and walkway lighting will be powered by 100% solar energy. The 95,000-square-foot center is owned by Grosvenor USA Limited. Woodlands Market in Kentfield, the largest solar powered grocery store in California, was also designed and installed by SolarCraft.

SolarCraft continues to be a leader in solar installations for residential and commercial solar electric systems, as well as solar thermal pool heating and domestic hot-water systems. One can only hope that more such firms localize and intensify the use of alternate sources and allow the community to get an access to such sources of energy. Wish we had something like this in our own city to deal with constant power crisis!

source: solarcity

Back To School: How to Pack a "Waste-Free" Lunch

CAN WASTE-FREE BE HASSLE-FREE? by Paige and Joyce of Fabkins

If you aren’t already familiar with the term “waste-free” lunch, it’s likely that this back-to-school season you will be. Schools around the country are committing to helping the environment by encouraging parents, and their children, to help reduce waste on campus. One way to do this is by packing a waste-free lunch,
also referred to as a “trash-free” or “zero-waste” lunch. This means that everything in your child’s lunchbox is re-usable or consumable. For example, parents should use Tupperware-type containers instead of zip locks, reusable cutlery versus plastic disposable ones, a cloth napkin instead of a paper one, and a canteen or sippy cup instead of a juice box. Even typical lunch items like cheese sticks and “Lunchables” are discouraged because of all the packaging. Read on.

And for more tips and tricks, click here.

New "Green" Books

For Adults:

• "Big Green Purse" by Diane MacEachern
• "The Eco Chick Guide to Life: How to Be Fabulously Green" by Starre Vartan

For Children:

• "My Bag and Me" by Karen Farmer
• "Think Green" by Jeanine Behr Getz
• "William is Going Green" by James Martin II

Suki Sensitive Cleansing Bar

Made with lemongrass and shea butter. Plus, get a velvet moisturizing cream at a special price of $25. 4oz. bar is $10.95. Enter code lemongrass at check out. Offer good through August 15th.

Marin Kids (and Maternity) Consignment Sale - August 15th and 16th at Playtime Safari in Novato

Marin Kids Consignment
Saving the earth, one outfit at a time

Friday August 15th (5pm-8pm)

Saturday August 16th (10am-4pm)

FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”

TIME: 5:10ish

COST: There is never an entrance fee to shop.

LOCATION: Playtime Safari - 5470 Nave Drive, off Hwy 101 (Nave Dr./Hamilton Exit

$5 entrance fee to bring your kids to play at Playtime Safari, otherwise it is free for you to just come and shop!. Other dates for your calender:

1. * Friday Sept 5th (5-8pm) with family movie night
& Saturday Sept 6th (10am-4pm)

2. * Friday Sept 19th (5-8pm) with family movie night
& Saturday Sept 20th (10am-4pm)

3. * Friday Oct 3rd (5-8pm) with family movie night
& Saturday Oct 4th (10am-4pm)

...ongoing the 1st & 3rd Friday/Saturday each month. Tell a friend, or two, or 20!

Newsom signs strict green building codes into law

Source: Wyatt Buchanan, Chronicle Staff Writer

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

San Francisco took a major step Monday to cement its reputation as the most environmentally progressive city in the United States, as Mayor Gavin Newsom signed into law stringent green building codes for new construction and renovations of existing structures in the city. The new codes focus on water and energy conservation, recycling and reduction of carbon emissions. They apply to most buildings in the city, including residential projects of all sizes, new commercial buildings over a certain size, and renovations of large commercial spaces. By 2012, city officials estimate the new requirements will reduce carbon dioxide emissions annually by 60,000 tons and save 220,000 megawatt hours of electricity and 100 million gallons of drinking water. For the full article, click here.

Kendra Stanley of City Bag Trade

With many cities following in San Francisco's footprint of banning plastic bags, clever entrepreneurs are creating fashionable alternatives. One of the most recent eco-friendly entrepreneurs in this market is Kendra Stanley. She carefully crafts bags using old rain jackets. So not only is the bag a hip and recycled product, it is water proof! You can order a pre-made jacket from her or send her your old rain jacket and she will custom make your bag. If you can sew, you can download her pattern from her site and make your own!

Cowgirl Creamery's New Facility Opens Its Doors To The Public in Petaluma

(July 22, 2008, Leslie Harlib of the Marin IJ) When Cowgirl Creamery's new processing plant in Petaluma opened its doors to visitors last week, here's what we were greeted with: tall racks stacked with ripening Mt. Tam cheeses, air heady with the scent of fermenting cow's milk and the blast and gurgle of machinery. Click here for the full story.

Moo MiniCards

I cannot remember how I stumbled upon Moo.com, but I am SO glad I did. Not only do they make hip and creative note cards and traditional sized business cards, they also make these cute, well designed MiniCards. You can create your own MiniCards by uploading your own designs and photos or choose from their extensive choices of patterns, designs and photos. You even have the option of using up to 100 different photos or designs on these mini calling-cards. Add your own text to the reverse and use to promote your photography, your artwork, your blog, yourself! I know many moms who will be ordering some soon to give to other mothers at the park, play dates and school. To learn more about the company and how they got started, click here. Get 15% off your first order by using code 2RB2CK at checkout.

Let's Go Green Summer Sale!

Can't find what you need in the "Earth Friendly green section of your local grocery store? Check out letsgogreen.biz, an online shopping emporium for everything green for your home. Right now there have a huge summer sale going on for paper products and canvas tote bags. Use coupon code "FRIEND" at checkout to get a 25% discount. Send it to a friend to use as well! I'm putting in my order today!

Earth Friendly Pre-Fab Housing

by Chris Chino of Inhabitat:
Method Homes of Seattle, WA is now offering a modern line of factory-built green homes with a commitment to innovative design and sustainability. They chose to work with Balance Associates Architects to design their first prefabricated model dwelling, The Method Cabin.

To view the construction process for their prototype, click here. Interested in test-driving the Method Cabin? You can view their prefab vacation home rental listing on VRBO.

Countertop Controversy

NY Times: SHORTLY before Lynn Sugarman of Teaneck, N.J., bought her summer home in Lake George, N.Y., two years ago, a routine inspection revealed it had elevated levels of radon, a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. So she called a radon measurement and mitigation technician to find the source. To read the full article, click here.

Web MD Article on the Toxicity of "Fragrances"

Fragranced laundry products and air fresheners emit dozens of different chemicals, including some regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal law, according to a new study. For the full article, click here.

Sumbody Skin and Body Care

Having experienced one of most amazing facials at the Spa at Carneros Inn, I just had to purchase a few of the Sumbody products to use at home. Sumbody, located in Sebastopol, Ca, makes pure skin, body and hair products with the finest natural ingredients available. My purchases included the following:

DelightFULL Face Cream – containing vitamin A, AHAs and aloe, a combo that prevents premature aging and leaves normal-to-dry skin balanced, deeply moisturized and glowing. I am SO picky about creams and found that this is the one I have been looking for to really comfort my sensitive, fair skin. Very moisturizing, yet not greasy at all, my skin is soft and smooth all day and in the morning when I wake up. 1 oz. $42.95

Agave Nectar Facial Scrub - Made with the nectar of the Agave Cactus and dates, this scrub/mask is hydrating and exfoliating. You can use it as a cleanser/exfoliater or a mask, which I do. After only 10-15 minutes, my skin is super smooth and soft. I love the fact that it has only two ingredients, you could eat it! It is gentle enough for normal, oily and dry complexions. 4 oz. $29.95

Bath Fizzers and Kid Bath Fizzers - Fizzy fun for the bath tub, my goat milk fizzer left my skin so soft and hydrated, I didn’t need moisturizer. But I grabbed one anyway….the Goat Milk Body Cream – Perfect for summer, this lighter hand and body lotion is made with rich goat milk and skin-loving botanicals like rosemary. 4 oz. $19.95 My son Evan loved his fizzer, a great enticement for those stubborn “I don’t want to take a bath times”.

For more information on the products and where to buy them, click here.

What I'm Reading Now

People always ask me where do I get all my material. Well, I read. A lot. Online websites, articles and newsletters as well as old fashioned books and magazines. Here's a list of the reading material sitting on my bedside table now:

• Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano - The must have manual to going green.
  
• The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell - An interesting look into what makes a product or company a