Eco Ramblings

Spring at greenspace
Spring is here! Nothing like seeing birds busily carrying oversize twigs to inspire us to spruce up our own homes. Yolo's amazing paint sale is still on for the next two weeks-a perfect opportunity to infuse your home with rich new colors from their classic palette, or from their new "Colors of Hope." Come and see!

A Fond Good-Bye
Our dear friend Amy has moved on, after two years, to heed her calling caring for our four-legged friends. Many of you have heard me joke that we 'rescued' her from the Animal Shelter. After a few months here, however, she realized helping animals really was what she needed to be doing and started studying for her Master's in Public Administration. Recently, almost finished with her degree, she landed a position at the new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Milpitas. We are so proud, but will miss her jokes, ribbing, and wonderful laugh, as well as her too-numerous-to-list skills.

A Warm Welcome
We are so excited to welcome our newest employee, Laurie Dickson, to greenspace. Laurie, a LEED-accredited professional, comes to us from Colorado, where she owned her own green store. With her extensive product knowledge, wonderful customer service skills, and green background, Laurie is a fantastic addition to our staff. And because Laurie lives in Pacific Grove, she's happy to deliver and bring back products and samples, which is a huge time and gas-saver for customers.

An opportunity
greenspace is looking for one more strong person (both physically and mentally) to work on our team. We have a part-time position open as a sales associate, amounting to roughly 22 hours per week, with possible extra hours when someone needs a day off. You must be able to lift and move a 5-gallon (60 lb) bucket of paint, and other heavy items, such as flooring, mattresses and carpet (with the help of co-workers).

We need someone who loves customer service, is dedicated to maintaining a neat and tidy workplace, is humble, has a sense of humor when the computer system crashes and there is a delivery to be unloaded in the rain, and is tirelessly dedicated to finding answers to the questions our customers ask: "what makes this product green?", "how do I decide between these two types of stains/finishes/flooring?", or my personal favorite, "tell me about the carbon footprint of this counter top." By the end of your first year, you will be able to dispense an organic lollipop to a tot with one hand and fill a paint order with the other, all while answering questions with aplomb.

Why do you want to work at greenspace? How about the most amazing and loyal customers you could ever hope for? How about feeling like a celebrity when you make the paint color that is someone's heart's desire (in a no-VOC, non-toxic paint, of course)? How about witnessing the way a customer lights up when you tell them the cool green story behind the product they never knew existed that just happens to be the perfect answer to their flooring quandary? How about working someplace where dogs and children are loved and welcomed? Where we honor and respect each person, regardless of previous green knowledge level, budget and need. No judgments, just education, wonderful products, and a commitment to a better world.

We also offer a health care plan, profit sharing when we have it, a living wage (for retail sales), and a killer discount on store products. Interested? Please send your resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We are over the moon (have you SEEN it this week?!?) about First Friday Art Tour on, yup: FRIDAY! We are going to have Jody Alexander, with never-before-seen work, Zack Jiang of Stalk Bicycles, a bicycle maker who works with bamboo, as well as Will Miller of Bamboogaloo, a bamboo light fixture firm, Owen Commons, Polly Goldman, and more. We'll have live music by The Bricks. Stop by between 6-8 p.m., join the fun, marvel at the brilliant minds and enjoy 10% off in the store.

Stalk Bicycles
Crafting beautiful bicycles with sustainability and nature in mind. Hand-built with care, one frame at a time, with bamboo and plant fibers.

Stalk Bicycle is pushing to build a greener core for the bicycling community. People in Santa Cruz value the environment and love to bike; an organic bicycle makes sense for both the social community and the natural surroundings - here and everywhere. We believe a bicycle is more than a vehicle for transportation and maintaining health. A bicycle is a reflection of its rider's beliefs, a choice recognized in its design, means of construction and the form it takes as a moving piece of art.

Zack Jiang began building bamboo bicycles while living in Beijing. Originally inspired to ride in China's first fixed gear race, the project's interest sprouted from a passion for cycling and a hearty respect for sustainability.

Bamboogaloo is a light fixture firm creating lighting from bamboo stalks and using non-toxic finishes from greenspace.

April 10th, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
EcoStucco Lime Plaster Workshop, $40
Eco Stucco owner, Cyril Vanbatten, will conduct an introductory, but hands-on workshop to let us dabble in lime plaster and washes. This is our first time to get dirty trying it out! Join us.

Please RSVP by calling  831.423.7200 or via email

April 17th, 11:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Earth Day Celebration
San Lorenzo County Park and Benchlands
Join us behind the county building to celebrate the earth with other green businesses and vendors, music, food, entertainment and fun. Ride your bike, take the bus, bring the kids, and honor our sweet little planet.

April 21st-23rd, 9:00-4:30 p.m.
American Clay Workshop Series

April 21st: Introductory / Beginner Workshop $200
Learn the basics of applying American Clay Plaster.  Orit will teach the traditional application system using sanded primer and two coats of plaster.  Attendees will learn how to prep, mix, and apply American Clay.  Several application techniques will be discussed, as well as how to do repairs and application of sealers.

April 22nd: Advanced Workshop $230
Geared towards professionals, the advanced workshop will cover the use of American Clay's Mud Glue additive and the Dos Manos application system, bidding American Clay jobs.  Attendees must have taken the introductory workshop or have  a strong working knowledge of American Clay Plaster.

April 23rd: Artistic Workshop $230
In the Artistic Workshop you will learn how to create artistic effect with the plaster through different application techniques, as well as different Compression techniques.  Attendees must have taken the introductory workshop or have  a strong working knowledge of American Clay Plaster.

All three for $570

Please RSVP no later than April 14th by calling the store or via email

Wednesday, April 28th 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., FREE
Greening Stormwater Runoff
R.S.V.P. to Angie: 464.2950, X22
The modern day framework of our urban town centers and rural neighborhoods is made up of hard surfaces that drain excess rainwater (stormwater) to our streets and streams, which contributes to flooding and carries with it a variety of pollutants. Poor drainage around our homes can lead to costly building repairs and may even be unhealthy for our families. Come learn practical and eco-friendly ways to protect your property and the environment from the effects of stormwater runoff.
·Learn practical and eco-friendly ways to beautify your landscape, protect your home, improve water quality, reduce flooding, and help the environment
·Find out about getting a free professional stormwater evaluation for your home
·Receive information on funding for "green" stormwater projects on your property