Most of us Already Learned Deconstruction & Reuse as Kids

Meet The Planet Radio Show (Nov. 1)

I was recently interviewed by Meet The Planet radio show and it aired last weekend. You can hear it now on-demand.

Thanks to Meet The Planet for their support!

San Francisco's Bold New Recycing Law is in Effect

Last June, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, signed a new law that would require residents and businesses to start composting food waste, plant trimmings and other items. This is the first City to mandate this to residents and businesses (Seattle was the first to have a compost law, but it doesn't include businesses and apartment buildings.)

This is going to be very interesting to watch, I personally hope it is a huge success and that it becomes the norm all over the U.S. It may even inspire folks to start composting on their own and feed it back into their own soil. For this, I recommend using reclaimed materials, like those our clients donate to Habitat for Humanity stores and those found on DiggersList.

How do you feel about composting? Do you currently compost? Please share your comments.

We All Need to be Thinking Like This - it's Greenius!

Simple. Smart.

'Green Box' Product Promo (Pizza Box) from Green Box on Vimeo.

Extreme Green Makeover in So Cal

Competitive Recycling; How Does Your School Measure Up?

Posted by Lyndsy Czapla:

Did you know that colleges and universities all across the United States are taking recycling to a whole new level? It is all part of an annual competition presented by RecycleMania. The idea of RecycleMania revolves around promoting waste reduction on campus communities and bringing great awareness to the importance of recycling for now and in the future. The competition began in 2001 with only two schools involved and has grown larger each year. In 2009, the competition included colleges and universities from each of the 50 states including the District of Columbia. The competition lasts for 10 weeks. According to RecycleMania’s website, schools report recycling and trash data which are then ranked according to who collects the largest amount of recyclables per capita, the largest amount of total recyclables, the least amount of trash per capita, or have the highest recycling rate. With the reports and rankings that are submitted each week, the schools have the ability to watch how their results compare with other schools. It also allows the schools to unite their campus communities and fellow peers to reduce and recycle more, before the competition is complete. So far, there are 30 schools signed up for the upcoming 2010 competition. To read more on this fantastic competition and participating schools, click here.

Regional Energy Alliance puts V.C. ahead of curve : Opinion : Ventura County Star

In response to the governor’s Climate Change Summit, local readers will be interested in knowing that a collaborative effort has been under way for nearly a decade in Ventura County, working behind the scenes to advance the region in energy efficiency, renewable energy and positioning for the green economy.

Read more>>Regional Energy Alliance puts V.C. ahead of curve : Opinion : Ventura County Star

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Miramar Resort's Historic Blue Roofing Tiles Get Second Life!

Almost 11 years ago, my sister Shelley heard the Miramar was about to close its doors and suggested we go there and be one of the last people there. We made it a small family vacation.

If you’ ve never been to the Miramar Resort, it reminded me of the Resorts you see in pictures in New York. Think “Dirty Dancing,” but with white cottages and buildings, their signature bright blue roofs and instead of mountains, ocean. It was charming. Not like the “resorts” of today, but one of the past.

We stayed in one of the main buildings nearest the ocean. Beautiful views, perfect weather, hours of Boggle and family, what a great combo. The grounds of the Miramar were spread out and were dotted with little cottages and green belts. From the outside, the Miramar was ideal. The reality was, the carpets were dirty, (you had to keep shoes or socks on) the bedding had seen better days, and the resort needed major work. We understood then why we were the last ones there.

Fast forward to today. I volunteer for a non-profit organization, Deconstruction & ReUse Network. Lorenz, the founder, asked me if I had heard of the Miramar Resort. I said yes, if it’s the Miramar with the bright blue roofs. Lorenz laughed and said, “yes, exactly”. Well, it turns out the Miramar Resort, still had not been torn down. Its been caught in the typical litigation that comes when a historical place is involved. Nothing new there. What was of interest was the thousands of the famous Miramar blue roofing tiles, still new and in their packaging, were sitting on the property. To make a long story short, Lorenz made contact with Caruso BSC Miramar, LLC, the developers who now own the Miramar and suggested they donate the roofing tiles to DRN and Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara. They generously agreed to do so. Now, three organizations, DRN, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara and Corazon will benefit from their donation. The next time you’re in Tijuana or Tecate, keep an eye out for those bright blue roofing tiles. You’ll see Caruso’s donation at work.

If you had told me 11 years ago, I would be touched by those bright blue Miramar roofing tiles I would have told you your crazy. All I can say now, is never say never and thank you everyone at Caruso BSC Miramar, LLC, for your donation.

Stop by and See us at West Coast Green (Booth 313)

If you're walking the exhibit floor at West Coast Green 09, we invite you to stop by Booth #313 and discover how we're helping Californians "Think Outside the Roll-off."

The Truth About Some Green Myths

Just found this great blog post at Kiplinger.com that debunks some "Green" myths you may or may not know about.

Worth reading and sharing.