Thanks to my fellow agents at Teles Properties, the beach in Santa Monica is cleannnnnnn. We had a great time picking up trash (yes, it’s true) on such a goregous day!  Check with your local chapters of Heal the Bay, Surfrider, Global Green, and Alliance for Children’s Rights for other ways to help your community this year.

Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation, EcoBroker

“Our mission “to change the way California celebrates Christmas” began the year I spent my Christmas vacation delivering trees for Bob’s Nursery in Manhattan Beach. Gleefully singing Christmas carols in a silly Santa hat, I was amazed at the sheer magic and merriment created by the simple act of bringing a Christmas tree into the house. The tree delivery signaled that Christmas in the home had truly begun.

Contrasting that intense happiness was the sadness I felt in seeing that same tree discarded by the curb in the weeks that followed Christmas.

It seems wrong that a tree that symbolized hope, joy and new life could be so easily abandoned. From this, the idea for The Living Christmas Company was born.   Merrily, Scotty Claus”  aka Scott Martin, Founder

After the expo on Friday from 5:30 to 7:30, you’re invited to join

Eco Consulting + Alt Build + USGBC-LA Homes Commitee

at World Café | 2028 Main Street | Santa Monica

Join industry professionals and local homeowners for food and cocktails… There is no cost to attend this event, however, in exchange for a suggested donation attendees will receive a generous gift bag filled with eco items.  Proceeds from the evening will benefit Architecture for Humanity!

Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation, EcoBroker

Naturally, by buying your tree from local, sustainable or eco-certified Christmas tree farms like Yule Tree, Santa & Sons, Silver Mountain, or Holiday Farms.  Generally farms plant one to three trees for every one that is cut.  Post holiday bliss,  find a tree recycler at  www.earth911.com.

For Hanukkah, be conscious about your choice of illumination. Classic paraffin candles are often made from petroleum byproducts.  Thus air contaminants in the fumes are same as substances found in paint and varnish removers.  Don’t inhale, even if gradma’s kvetching makes you want to get high!  Instead, use natural choices such as beeswax and soy… healthier for you, your family, and your environment. 

For any holiday occasion…wrap your gifts with natural burlap or linen - try an organic-herb Wreath or Bush – and hang LED lights which are 90% more efficient, emit less heat, and last longer than traditional Holiday lights.

Lastly, if Holiday gift-shopping eludes you, and buying your loved ones a Green Home is out of the budget… come to this weekend’s CONSCIOUS HOLIDAY GIFT BAZAAR! !

When:
Saturday, December 12 from 10:00am to 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 13 from 10:00am to 6:00pm

Where:   LAX  HILTON
5711 W. Century Blvd, Los Angeles

Gifts for the holidays, gifts for the home, and gifts for the soul!  

Happy Holidays ~  Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation, EcoBroker

Today’s exemplary, TV home to grow-up in is Ed & Rachelle’s right here in Los Angeles!   As we all struggle to adjust to these eco-conscious & financially-conscious times, The Begley household is an inspirational and candid example of green-home living!   Unlike Beaver Cleaver and his mom’s inefficient kitchen appliances… BOOO.   Or The Bundy’s toxic air from cigarettes and hair spray… BLAH.  And The Sopranos who doubtfully recycle all that trash… NOOO.   Planet Green’s “Living with Ed” not only teaches families across the nation how to live greener, it explores conflicting family dynamics like in real life.  And it’s funny, funny, funny! 

Follow new episodes of “Living with Ed” on channel 286 if you have Direct TV, 194 on Dish Network, or 218 on cable.  The only network dedicated to eco-programs…it’s a must watch!

Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation, EcoBroker

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

1. Go paperless!  Use email and e-fax instead of paper fax, and try an e-signature program like “DocuSign” which eliminates the need for printing in order to sign contracts by allowing signature online with the click of a mouse.  Clients appreciate the convenience of this tool… the Planet appreciates your kindness to trees.
2. Create a “recycle only” bin in your office, copy room, etc…
3. Send CD’s (old printer drivers, software) to the appropriate recycling facilities. Please do not put them in the trash or regular recycling bin.
4. Use copy and print paper with post-consumer content.
5. For stationary, try alternatives like Ellie Pooh, or Plantable paper.
6. For marketing/ advertising, utilize a green printing company like Greener Printer, Got Green Printer, or Responsibly Printing.
7. Stay off water bottles by using reusable glasses and cups at the office, or bringing your own stainless-steel bottle.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

1. Be aware (or beware) of “phantom load” electric use… Cut electricity bills in half by turning off printers, copiers, and computers at night!  Even in “sleep” mode they suck… energy, that is.
2. Change light bulbs to CFLs in your desk-lamp, and most-used workspace at home too.
3. Offset carbon and save fuel by carpooling to work or to meetings…preferably in hybrid or bio-fuel transportation.
4. Of course a bike is ideal when possible… Born to be wild!

ECO SERVICES

1. Most services have green options. Consider a solar-powered/ noise-pollution-free gardener, green contractor or designer, or eco-minded exterminator.
2. Have your office cleaned with eco-friendly products.
3. Have your suits cleaned at environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaners.
4. Choose like-minded, environmentally-responsible employees when hiring.

For more “green business” tips contact me at kn@karennation.com … and please post your favorites here too!

Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation, EcoBroker

Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation

People seem to move in September, whether it be off to college, returning from their summer home, or buying/ selling before the holidays begin… Whatever the reason I highly recommend  “Earth Friendly Moving” otherwise know as “Rent a Green Box.”   It’s brilliant!  Ask me how to receive a $50 gift certificate and list of green-moving tips.

Owner Spencer Brown has changed the way we move for the greener!  With recycled, laundry-detergent bottles made into boxes… boxes with handles and snap shut lids that require no unfolding, engineering, or taping.  Whew, no cardboard!  This saves you packing time (and also money on movers), who by the way love how much easier these are to lift, stack, and move. 

My favorite part is they deliver “Green-Boxes” right to your door, and pick them up when you’re done on a fleet of eco-trucks powered by waste vegetable oil and bio-fuel… Talk about service!    Not to mention zero-waste, environmentally friendly, and no hassle!   So save a tree (many trees) and MOVE GREEN…

Karen Nation (310) 701-9778

This 2009 modern is a natural beauty…  A light-filled Architectural on one of the most desirable tree-lined streets in Mar Vista, just blocks from Venice Beach. Architect Neil Prunier and Green Designer, Shayna Prunier of EcoConsulting LA, have built this home with respect for the environment and a penchant for style.  For more details, check out www.3774AshwoodAvenue.com

The long list of green home features include radiant-heat floors, tankless water heater, dual flush toilets, recycled denim insulation, quartz countertops, recycled glass-mosaic tiles, zeroVOC paints and finishes, EnergyStar rated windows and roof, and other energy-efficent features. 

This is a home sure to please environmentalists and archtictural enthusiasts alike!   Showings by appointment,  310.701.9778.

Be well, be green ~ Karen Nation, EcoBroker