Find A Green Venue

If you’re looking for a venue that’s as green as you are, there are a few things you should know before you begin.

First, what should you really be looking for? What are the things that designate a venue as earth-friendly?

Of course, there are levels of greenness you should expect to encounter when searching. Some venues may have just started their initiatives and may only have a short list of the things they currently implement. Other venues may have a more impressive list of greening practices, or may have even been built with green in mind. It is good to check out all of them, but start to narrow down just how green you’d like your space to be.

If you’re looking into hotels, some of the most basic greening practices should include water conservation programs (which include urging guests to use their towels and sheets for more than one day) and energy conservation (which include high-efficiency light bulbs, motion light sensors, and air filters).

The next step for an eco-conscious venue is to offer a local and organic catering menu. Often, these menus carry a slightly higher cost, but the knowledge that you are aiding the sustainable movement and seriously reducing your carbon footprint are worth it. On the food note, you should also look for a venue that is participating in a “zero waste zone” program. A zero waste zone program has venues donating their excess food to local food banks and shelters and giving their extra food scraps to composting companies- who then turn around and sell their compost material to local and organic farmers and household gardeners.

If you’re looking for a venue that is as green as possible, look for one that is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. To become a LEED certified building, there is an extensive checklist of requirements that need to be met. You can see the 74 page list for commercial properties yourself at USGBC’s website: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=145. It should give you an appreciation for those venues that are truly doing their part to be at the forefront of the greening movement.

There are some websites that can help narrow your search for you by city. Check out some of these:

USGBC Leed Projects will list all certified buildings in your area, with the level of certification they’ve received from the Council.

Green Buildings California if you’re in California, this is a great government-maintained website of green buildings, that includes a map of the locations of all of them!

RezHub Book Green will help narrow down green hotels, and may inspire you to take a greener vacation in the future!

Audubon International Partners the Audubon Society has teamed up with organizations ranging from golf courses to universities to aid them in their quest to become more sustainable.

Posted on 05/27/09
Comments (3)

Party in the Park

The weather is starting to change into the perfect season for enjoying the outdoors. Sure- you could enjoy it by having your friends over for a backyard BBQ, but why not do something a little bit more adventurous- while not having to stray too far from home? Instead of throwing a backyard fiesta, invite all of your friends over to your local park. It’s a great way to get together by creating a fun destination and while supporting your local parks system and your community’s efforts to great a green space your city. Make it potluck picnic style- but make sure to keep it green. Bring reusable plastic drinkware (fun colored outdoor-friendly cups are easy to find at drugstores and The Dollar Store for a great deal), plates, and silverware. Cloth napkins even add a fun old-school eco touch to the event.

 The spring and summer make picnics even more fun because of the fresh produce you can find at the now-opening seasonal farmers markets. In only a few short weeks they will be packed with the kind of ingredients that will truly make a picnic. Pick up some tomatoes and make a tomato mozzarella salad with fresh basil to showcase the best in farmers markets.

Don’t forget to pull the whole thing together with some local brews and wines!

Some great Atlanta parks include:

Grant Park (try and check out the zoo if you have time!)

Inman Park

Candler Park

Piedmont Park (a great place to bring the dogs, too!)

If you are looking to travel just a bit further, carpool with your friends and head to Sweetwater Creek State Park. They have covered picnic shelters that you can reserve online and their visitor’s center is platinum LEED certified!

To find the parks nearest you check out any of the below sites for help:

http://www.nps.gov/findapark/ - the National Park Services listing

http://www.stateparks.com/usa.html - a comprehensive listing of State Parks in the US.

Posted on 05/13/09
Comments (0)

The Natural Honeymoon

It’s easier to take an Eco-Friendly honeymoon then you think. Especially if your idea of the perfect honeymoon includes lounging on the beach near crystal-clear waters. Many popular honeymoon destinations have become popular for eco builders too, looking to capitalize on the eco boom and create a haven for environmentally concerned travelers. Here is a list of some of the best, most impressive, and most unique options out there:

1. Six Senses- This resort conglomerate boasts 35 locations- each more lavish than the next. If you can hold off, wait until their Laamu, Maldives location opens (slated for mid-2009) and book a private water villa suite complete with (shielded) outdoor bathtub and shower, over-water lounging, dining deck, and a lagoon water slide. Six Senses also includes carbon offset dollars into your room rate, so you can feel even better about your luxurious vacation.
2. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa- If you’re looking to stay a little closer to home (and with rising airline prices, we don’t blame you) look no further than the northern California wine country. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled farther away than the west coast with this luxurious eco spa that boasts natural hot springs and a hiking and wildlife trail the Fairmont works hard to preserve. Fairmont resorts have a “Green Partnership Program” that extends from water preservation to waste management and endangered species conservation.While you’re feeling good about the environment, enjoy a round of golf at the resort and a podcast driving tour of wine country.
3. Yacutinga Lodge- Travel outside of the box and head to this incredible nature resort nestled in the forests of Iguazú National Park, just outside of Puerto Iguazú. You’ll take a recovered army all-terrain vehicle into the forest and land amongst lodges and cabins that blend perfectly into the surrounding nature. All of the structures were built using trees that had already fallen and recycled wine bottles for windows and walls. The restaurant in the main lodge has delectable food- all sourced from local Iquazú farmers. The menus reflect the local cuisine, and look for fresh from the oven empanadas to greet you in the lodge after you return from a long midday hike.

Posted on 02/10/09
Comments (1)

Eco Friends

While we love to keep you up to date with fun eco-tips every week, to enhance your eco-efforts and offer entertaining ideas, there are people out there who will keep you updated and in-line with the environment every day. We love to check these sites daily for new ideas, inspiration, and affirmation that all the effort is really paying off.

Some of our favorites include:

Greenopia

www.greenopia.com

Greenopia offers a comprehensive directory of green retailers in your area ranging from restaurants to nail salons to pet care. Retailers can’t pay to be included in the directory, and each place is thoroughly screened and research so you know it’s not a marketing hoax. Even better, you can purchase a guidebook for areas in California and New York. Throw it in your car and you’ll always know where the green spots are.

IdealBite

www.idealbite.com

It’s the “green” version of DailyCandy. You can sign up to receive a daily email with fun tips, DIY projects, and great products. Their goal is to provide you with lots of options to eco-fy your life, without spending a lot of money and time. We even love their “Biter” line of products like aluminum water bottles and wine totes.

EcoRazzi

www.ecorazzi.com

Love gossip sites? Well, welcome to a green gossip site. EcoRazzi has all the latest news on your favorite celebs and their latest eco-ventures. Maybe not as exciting as the latest celeb hookups, but definitely less of a guilty pleasure.

Posted on 01/30/09
Comments (1)

The Econference

Business conferences can be a huge eco problem. They are often located in cities that require most attendees to travel, leaving a massive carbon footprint. Luckily, once at a conference, attendees generally stay in the same hotel as all of the conference events, thus limiting more carbon emissions. But, there are many more ways to keep the environment out of harms way during your conference. Of course, the best way is through the company-wide video conference, which is gaining a lot of popularity. But if your company isn’t ready for web cams and prefers to fly you to the corporate headquarters, insist on other ways to stay eco during the weekend.

First, ditch the info folders. The folders are bursting with note paper, schedules, charts…all printed on paper, and all probably tossed in a nearby garbage can when the conference ends. Instead of wasting paper, give each conference attendee a USB port with the conference files loaded up on to them. Employees bring their laptops with them everywhere anyway, so the ports will provide a great convenience. Not to mention they are usable beyond the conference and employees will be happy to have a place to store their files.

Secondly, ditch the company monogrammed pens, notebooks, and coffee mugs. Employees already have a stock of them and often the pens and notebooks find their way into the trash. Instead, spend a little more and get employees something eco, cool, and useful. Try the Solio Universal Hybrid Charger- a multi-functional charger powered by the sun. Employees can use them to power up their cell phones, blackberry’s, ipod’s, and laptops. Even better, such a great bonus will keep them excited and alert for the conference- if the gift is that good, the speakers can only be better.

Posted on 12/29/08
Comments (1)

Decorate and Sustain

You often hear the words “sustainable florals” when it comes to centerpieces and décor at an eco-event. But what does it mean? First of all, eco-friendly floral arrangements mean no cut flowers. The idea behind a sustainable floral is that it can have a place somewhere other than a trash can after the event, and can continue to participate in the eco-system.

Besides being a potted plant, a truly sustainable floral arrangement should use plants native to your region and the current season to eliminate transportation pollution and support your local growers. Also, make sure the plants weren’t grown with harmful toxic chemicals and pesticides.

Some options for potted plants, especially around the holidays, include an Amaryllis plant, a mini rosemary tree, and a Christmas rose. Succulents are also a great option because they hold up well as centerpieces and will last long after the event ends. Sempervivum’s are a great choice and come in all different colors, and most varieties even look like roses. Jovibarba 'Olympicum' is a great fall and winter succulent with big pointy leaves in deep burgundy and green.

 Christmas Rose

Whatever you end up choosing, make sure your plants find a home after they are whisked off the tables. Find room in your backyard for your plants and they can be a memory of the event for years to come, or offer them as favors to your guests for their own gardens. Another great option? Donate the plants to a local community or school garden to help support their eco efforts!

Posted on 12/15/08
Comments (0)

When The Lights Go Down

Sure, you can throw an eco-friendly party, but how do you continue those practices when the last soy candle has been blown out and the last bottle of wine recycled?

Posted on 11/25/08
Comments (0)

Feel Good About Drinking

There is a lot of media surrounding the local and sustainable movement. But, most of the the attention seems to surround produce, meats, and cheeses. Yes, the ingredients for your meal are important- but what about what you serve with your meal? It is just as crucial to support your local breweries and wineries as it is your produce and dairy farms. Locally sourcing your libations lowers your carbon footprint, supports your local economy, and rounds out all of the other things you do to become more eco-friendly. Many local businesses are also competing with national brands, and need greater exposure for their products- bring one of these to your neighbor’s holiday party, or stock up for your Thanksgiving feast. You’ll feel better in the morning knowing you’ve supported the sustainable efforts of your state!

If you're not from Atlanta, not to worry! There are brewers and wine makers to be found near every city. A good place to start a search for some of your local brewers and reviews is the beer lovers favorite site, BeerAdvocate. Another great way? Sidle up to the bar at a local pub and ask your knowledgeable bartender. Most likely they will carry a couple of local beers on tap, and will be happy to let you know what comes from your great city.

Wineries are a bit harder to find, as they require a little more land and more specific climate, but that doesn't mean they aren't dotted all over the country. Check this site out for links to lists of wineries in each state.

Posted on 11/12/08
Comments (0)

Setting the Eco-Mood

Nothing sets the mood at a dinner party or get-together like the right lighting. And the right lighting doesn’t consist of bright bulbs or flood lamps. So, instead of hitting the dimmer on your chandelier, why not set the mood the eco way? Whether you are indoors or outdoors, candles make the perfect eco-replacement for artificial lighting. They create a warm ambiance, and can even add color, scent, and style to your table setting.

However, some candles are more eco-friendly than others. Look for beeswax, soy, and vegetable based candles to have the lowest environmental impact.

Posted on 11/05/08
Comments (1)

Paper Invites Done Right

If you’d like to be more traditional with your invitations and use regular mail as opposed to email, make sure those paper invitations are eco-friendly. There are many stationer and design companies who use post-consumer recycled paper. Many offer even 100% post-consumer waste paper and soy-based inks.

Posted on 10/22/08
Comments (0)

Invite Everyone To Be Green

People rely on email more than regular mail, and email is eco- so why not take advantage of your technologically savvy friends and send out online invitations for your next party or event! Websites like Evite and American Greetings make it easy to forgo paper and reduce waste. Online invitations are great for cocktail parties, birthday parties, and even important save-the-date reminders. Templates range from baby showers to Thanksgiving and even offer easy ways to keep track of the guest list and RSVP's. Even better, most options are free!

For a more comprehensive free online invitation site, try My Punchbowl where you can poll your guests for a date that works for everyone, and even create an "after party" site where guests can upload photos from the party and post comments about what a great time they had-- all while remainining eco-friendly!

Posted on 10/15/08
Comments (0)

Going green one bottle at a time

I hear from people all the time - "going green is too hard". So, my response is pick one thing and start there or, as this blog is aptly titled, "go green one bottle at a time". I often cite recycling as the go-to green machine to get on board with. Our cities are becoming more recycle-friendly, our communities offering opportunities to recycle curb side and our local stores & offices making strides to do their part.

There are great organizations (led by even greater people) like the National Recycling Coalition (www.nrc-recycle.org) that have led the charge, across the U.S., to place recycling containers as many places as they can; hold corporations responsible for continuing the mission; driving individuals to see that every bit helps - one bottle at a time.

National Recycling Coalition - Awards Gala 2008
Award Recepient: The Coca-Cola Company

To read more on Coca-Cola's efforts, I encourage you to visit:
http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/citizenship/packaging.html
or simply google Coca-Cola + recycling. It's pretty amazing stuff!

Posted on 06/25/08
Comments (1)

Shop Local - Be Vocal

Be vocal about your City and shop local...

Just about every major City has a local farmer's market - Chicago, New York and Atlanta boast fantastic ones.

Working with fresh, local produce to create a fantastic feast is truly an added bonus - it's great for you and for your community. If you can't get to a local farmer's market, ask your grocer to point you to the area where they feature local produce and products. Whole Foods Market is a huge supporter of local farmers. One of my favorites are the cheese selections from Georgia's own Sweet Grass Dairy.

CHICAGO: the Green City Market is one of my faves!
www.chicagofarmersmarkets.us -
http://www.chicagogreencitymarket.org/

NEW YORK:  Catch the one in Union Square!
http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/regionmetronewyork.htm 

ATLANTA:  The Dekalb Farmers Market is one of the best!
http://www.pickyourown.org/GAfarmersmarkets.htm
http://www.sweetgrassdairy.com/

NATIONWIDE: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Posted on 04/29/08
Comments (1)

How to set a sustainable table

Start by setting your "stage" with a tablecloth. Linens are reusable and can be an easy & affordable way to begin creating your look by finding a color, pattern or texture that is different and fun. We like the selections at Crate & Barrel and Target.

To spruce up a basic tablecloth, create your own table runner. Head to your local craft shop and look for a wide ribbon (2-4" is great). Wired ribbon is a plus and avoid satin if possible so it won't easily slip off your table. Tartan plaid (very popular in fashion right now) is a great choice. Easily cut two runners by measuring the length of your table & cutting ¾ from table top to floor. Placing them asymmetrically will add a bit of dimension and interest.

Use the china, glass and silver you registered for and go Green! Reusable serving ware is the key. Change the look of your basic white china by adding a charger. Target has an amazing array of choices, especially around the holidays. Coordinate your charger with a colorful wine or champagne glass, even a gold or silver rimmed glass shows you planned a smart table.

To create a beautiful, fragrant and sustainable centerpiece, pick up a flowering plant instead of cut flowers that won't last much past your dinner party. Home Depot always has a great selection of flowering plants, depending on the season. Orchids can always be found and, with proper care, can last years. Find a pot or basket that complements the look you've created with your tablecloth, runner and tableware. Place 1 large or 3 smaller orchids in your basket and cover with Spanish moss. With deeper pots or baskets, be sure to build up the base to an appropriate level in order for the flowering part of the plants to be properly cascading out and above the top of your vessel. You can also choose simple green plants and punch up the color with either a colored pot, smaller flowering plants to accent your main centerpiece or taking your table runner ribbon and affixing it around your pot or basket.

Our favorite accoutrement to any great table is abundant amounts of candlelight which not only conserves energy but also adds the glimmer element that makes any table sparkle. A great trick to making a simple votive more fun is to place them on top of beaded coasters. It adds texture, color and dimension. Bed Bath & Beyond has a wide variety of votives in all shapes, sizes and colors. Target has terrific beaded coasters.

www.target.com
www.homedepot.com
www.bedbathandbeyond.com
www.michaels.com
www.crateandbarrel.com
www.joann.com

Posted on 01/23/08
Comments (0)