Venice Eco-Fest 2009

 

Looking for something green to do this weekend?  How about the Venice Eco-Fest…Venice Beach Music and Arts Eco-Festival!

Saturday June 27th, 2009 from 10am-6pm

Venice Beach Recreation area at Windward Avenue & Ocean Front Walk.

Check out over 150 eco-conscious and educational exhibitors with green home products, services, and information to share, a solar-powered sound stage with live music and dancing, the Fat Tire Beer Garden, a cooperative community art exhibit, an international vegetarian food court and an interactive children’s and family art and play area.

For info go to www.VeniceEcoFest.org.  Hope to see you there! 

 

Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation, EcoBroker

Giving Green Shelter

As we green our homes and our lives in Los Angeles, charitable organizations are doing the same around the world. Please donate a little green love  or volunteer for an exciting experience with one of these three… What they’ll give back to you is “priceless.” 

CARE:  a humanitarian organization delivering aid to survivors of war & natural disaster, while fighting global poverty & hunger through education, clean water initiatives, and natural resource protection.

Get a gift for CARE-ing… Natural health advisor and speaker on holistic living, Rose Cole (CHHP, CNC), recently co-authored “AUDACIOUS AGING” with Deepak Chopra, Dr. Christian Northrup, Andrew Weil, and other global influentials. This anthology which redefines vitality and promotes “thriving instead of surviving” is available for $29.95 at bookstores, but all copies sold at http://www.wellnesswithrose.com/audaciousaging/  will donate 100% of the proceeds to CARE. Great book, great cause!  

 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds to build houses in partnership with families in need, and has built more than 300,000.  Volunteer with their Global Village program which helps build affordable housing around the world.  Or their Women Build program which teaches construction skills alongside other women, and puts them into action.

You can also utilize their partner, The Reuse Network, for deconstruction of your own house which limits waste when building or remodeling.  Then visit their Home Improvement Store in Gardena that sells used home furnishings and building materials to the public. Materials donated by retail businesses, contractors, individuals like you, and other organizations are sold at 50% or more below retail value. Nice!

 

GLOBAL GREEN’S  LEED-accredited staff in Santa Monica spearheads applying green technology to schools and affordable housing projects while advancing groundbreaking solar, green building and energy efficiency legislation in California, as well as nationwide.  Your contribution or involvement with Global Green will support efforts to rebuild a green New Orleans, combat climate change, create sustainable communities, and promote access to clean water as a global human right.

You can also be on the frontlines with Global Green by becoming an e-activist!  E-activists spread the word to their personal networks about the things Global Green feels are important.

I’m participating in all three, and hope you will too!

Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

by Karen Nation

Have you been waiting for an opportunity to make your home greener, share your eco-friendly smile, and give thanks to nature all in one week? Well knock and allow me to open the green doors… Several events and festivals you can enjoy in celebration of Earth Day!

GREEN APPLE FESTIVAL

April 17, 18 and 19^th

Volunteers are needed for projects throughout the Los Angeles area. Help make Earth Day a time of meaningful change in your community with Planet Green & Earthday Network!

Activities take place in parks, beaches, schools and forests. Actions will focus on climate change solutions like tree planting, energy efficiency retrofits, water protection, urban gardens and forest restoration. Suitable for individuals of all ages, including children and families. Lots of fun activities to choose from!   www.GreenAppleMusicFestival.com

 

TOPANGA EARTH DAY FESTIVAL  

Saturday & Sunday, April 18^th / 19^th, 10:00 to sunset

Topanga Community House Fair Grounds
1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga

Two days of music, guest speakers, gallery of ecological artists, non-profit organizations,
biodegradable solutions, an environmental demonstration area, ecological products and services, optimum healing arts, living by example workshops, tribal elders, organic food &
beverages, sustainable solutions, green technology, composting, and planting for all ages and all cultures.   www.topangaearthday.org

 
SURFRIDER BEACH CLEAN UPS  
Saturday, April 18, 9:30 AM – Venice Beach – Supported by UTA – Parking @ Lot 5 South

Wednesday, April 22, 9:30 AM – Ocean Park – Supported by Fox and Smashbox Cosmetics

Sunday, April 26, 10:00 AM – Venice Pier – Supported by Aveda and Culver City Rotary Club

Look forward to seeing you there!   http://www.surfriderwlam.org

  

VENICE ARCHITECTURAL TOUR

Saturday, April 25^th from 9:00 to 4:00

VENICE HOME & GARDEN TOUR

Saturday, May 2^nd from 10:00 to 5:00

www.VeniceGardenTour.org

 

ALT BUILD EXPO  

Friday & Saturday, May 8^th & 9^th, from 10:00 to 5:00

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

1855 Main St, Santa Monica 90401

Featuring over 150 exhibitors who represent the best of Green Building & Design materials, energy efficiency, water conservation and alternative energy products, sustainable landscaping, waste management, state municipalities, and non-profits… For guest speakers schedule, visit their website www.altbuildexpo.com

Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation

Go Green the Venice Way!

Eco-friendly, ocean-friendly, surfer-friendly home just a couple blocks from the sand, near Windward Circle. “LandVestment” Eco Construction recently completed nearly 3,000 square feet of organic architecture with a peaceful and space-conscious aesthetic.  Concrete radiant-heat floors downstairs, and reclaimed barn-wood floors upstairs. Beautiful kitchen with Ceasarstone counters. Master-suite as if straight from Dwell Magazine with sitting area and soaking tub. Powered by 3.7 Kwz of solar, so eco-conscious folks can say “G’bye” to ghastly electric bills. Enjoy the California sunshine, scope Venice from your 600 sqft roof deck, or bike a couple blocks to Beach, Farmer’s Market, Library, Canals…  (Offered at $1,999,000, Linda Scheft, Coldwell Banker)

Contact me for more details and take advantage of the $10,000 State Tax Credit for new construction home purchases! 

Be well, be green!  Karen Nation, EcoBroker, Teles Properties

Eco-Friendly Loft Living

 

Attention Eco-Friendly Home Buyers in West LA/ Santa Monica… contact me about a new “green” construction project nearing completion next month. This is your chance to take advantage of the State incentive offering $10,000 tax credit when you purchase a new construction home, and federal tax credit up to $8,000 for first-time buyers.

 

Live/ Work Eco-Smart…  1 & 2-Story Lofts starting around $500,000

Eco-Smart Construction:  Factory built framing and reflective roofing.

Eco-Smart Interiors:  Low VOC paint, natural CaesarStone countertops & concrete floors.

Eco-Smart Energy:  Efficient lighting, appliances, and windows. High seer-rated HVAC system that uses fresh air versus re-circulating air.

Eco-Smart Water:  Dual flush Toilets, gray-water and rainwater irrigation systems for landscaping.

Eco-Smart Lifestyle:  18 Electric Vehicle charging-stations, bike racks, urban setting/ walking distance to the community. 

 

 

For more information contact Karen Nation at Teles Properties… 310.701.9778 or kn@karennation.com 

 

 

Be well, be green!  Karen Nation

Green Film Fest

WHAT?   The Green Lifestyle Film Festival  http://www.greenlifestylefilmfestival.com/ WHEN?   March 13-15th WHERE?  UCLA James Bridges Theatre, 405 Hilgard Ave., 1409 Melnitz Hall, Westwood (310-854-2078 or 310-206-8013). HOW?  Opening celebration, $65; passes, $55-$250

Green Stimulus

Horray for “green” government!  Change is certainly happening in positive directions. Whether liberal or conservative in your economic principals, it’s important to know the details of this historical plan. In light of the “government stimulus” directing nearly $50 billion towards energy efficiency and environmental protection, I started to look deeper into where this money will go and how it may help our homes and homeowners.

Ideally the “energy stimulus” will create millions of new jobs and begin to pay for itself as going green makes the economy green. However, much of the green building and modernization aspects of the plan apply to low-income and federal buildings, and according to data from the Energy Information Administration, the public building sector accounts for only 7% of total U.S. building stock, while the private building sector accounts for 93% of total U.S. building stock… having the greater impact on our economy.

Well, what is certain is we all look forward to any positive impact provided by the government stimulus and the much needed energy-reduction targets set by the administration… and that the IRS will be very busy assessing all these tax credits! Westside Green Homes found the following stimulus allocations relevant to the topic…

$6.6 billion Incentive for first-time homebuyers providing a refundable tax credit of up to $8,000

$5 billion to weatherize more than 1 million homes owned by “modest-income” families. This amount could weatherize 1 million homes, saving families an average of $350 annually, and directly and indirectly create 375,000 jobs. (Every investment of $1 billion in clean energy programs creates nearly 5,000 more jobs than traditional infrastructure spending).

$2 billion to Increase tax credits for residential energy efficiency improvements/ purchases to make homes energy efficient, such as new furnaces or insulation, to 30 percent through 2010, for up to $1,500.

$300 million for consumer rebates for energy-efficient appliances.

$268 million to remove caps on a 30 percent residential credit for solar, wind, and geothermal.

$2 billion to increase the tax credit for hybrid cars to $7,500.

$11 billion to modernize the electric grid so electricity can be distributed and used more efficiently.

$6.3 billion to provide grants to cities, counties and states to increase energy efficiency.

$4.5 billion to increase the energy efficiency of federal buildings.

$1.4 billion for bonds to carry out state and local renewable energy and conservation projects.

$500 million to train workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

$10’s of billions toward energy efficiency and modernization of low-income housing, federally assisted and government subsidized housing, as well as Native American housing, and foreclosures in military service communities.

The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act is an unprecedented measure and thankfully our new President, Barack Obama, made green initiatives a priority!  Now it’s time to take part and ask for the benefits to come your way by weatherizing your home, making energy improvements, or purchasing efficient appliances, solar panels, hybrid cars, etc… As well as cross your fingers and keep faith.

Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation

Limited Film Release of “FUEL”

EXTENDED… Please attend the “must see” film release of “FUEL” ~ a powerful indictment of our fossil based political system and a clear vision for how to repair our broken economy with Sustainable Green Energy – not 5 years from now – but today!

What?     www.thefuelfilm.com
When?     Now until March 8th
Where?   AMC Lowes Broadway on 3rd Street in Santa Monica                    

Josh Tickell the film’s Director says “FUEL is not backed by a major distributor, and the film has been blocked, time and time again from being seen in conventional ways. BUT it has a heart and soul that has moved audiences to tears and to action, in every theater where it is screened. In order to go to national theater screens, FUEL must to be seen by 2,000 people at each theater. It will not happen without a groundswell of support – your support. Using the power of community we can accomplish anything. I need you to get every person you know out to the theaters next weekend. I mean everyone. Forward this email to everyone you know to bring as many Los Angeles residents to the movies for a very special experience – an experience I guarantee will change their lives and the lives of so many more. FUEL plays to audiences rich and poor, young and old, Republican and Democrat. Its message isn’t full of blame or shame – it’s just straight and funny and it tells the story of how American people can take their country back.” You can help Josh on his quest by volunteering at streetteams@thefuelfilm.com with your name, email address and phone number, or call 310-452-7731.

I saw the film premiere and was blown away! I loved it so much I’m in for round two; already bought my ticket at www.fandango.com. Your ticket is a VOTE for GREEN SUSTAINBLE CHANGE that will be heard across the nation and around the world. Hope to see you there!

Be well, be green! ~ Karen Nation

Go Green Expo LA

Westside Green Homes requests your attendance of the “Go Green Expo” in Los Angeles this weekend. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore all things green for your home, happiness, life!  See you there! Details below….

WHEN?

Business-to-Business Expo
Friday, January 23rd • 10am – 5pm

Open to Public
Saturday, January 24th • 10am – 6pm
Sunday, January 25th • 10am – 5pm

WHERE?

The Los Angeles Convention Center – South Hall J
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
www.lacclink.com

THE LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER IS THE FIRST CONVENTION CENTER IN THE U.S. OF ITS SIZE AND AGE AND THE FIRST L.A. CITY BUILDING TO BE AWARDED LEED® GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS BY THE USGBC

HOW?    Travel:
www.RideAmigos.com, this year’s Go Green Expo Ridesharing Sponsor, is an online tool that offers ridesharing solutions to corporations, event planners, and the public, as well as luxury hybrid transportation services through Global Eco-Friendly Chauffeured Transportation providers. To use, simply Click Here, enter your destination, and you are immediately matched up with an Amigo near you to share the ride! After the trip, rideamigos will calculate the Expo’s total CO2 savings from shared rides, and let riders know the impact they have made.

                Tickets:
Friday: Complimentary to Business Buyers (please bring your business card for admission)
Saturday & Sunday: $10 for a full weekend pass / open to both business buyers & consumers.

Be well, be green! ~ Karen Nation

Happy New Year

Hope you had a wonderful holiday and are prepared for a sublime 2009!   Let’s make a New Year’s resolution together to become “Eco-Stars“…  I believe setting a daily intention to be thoughtful of your environment, less wasteful, and more resourceful in every thing you do is a fantastic resolution. Being green starts with your thought process.  

Especially helpful in these economic times, making your life more efficient, less wasteful and less materialistic saves you money AND reduces your ecological footprint. The current financial and political challenges can be spun in a positive way if it teaches us anything about respect for the earth and awareness of our consumeristic/ materialistic tendencies. At the very least we’re experiencing a ‘like-it-or-not’ crash course in how to economize and redifine quality of life.   

A few of my personal resolutions are… Adding a daily practice of meditation, and taking more walks on the beach… Not using the plastic containers at Whole Foods and restaurants for my take out… ‘Space heating’ my bedroom rather than heating the whole house while sleeping… Only buying local and organic, shopping farmers markets, eco-boutiques, etc…

You can do one thing every day to live green. Check out my 31 wayz to become an “ECO-STAR” at www.WestsideGreenHomes.com

Be well, be green! ~ Karen Nation