1122 Soquel Ave - Santa Cruz - 831.423.7200
www.greenspacecompany.com
Open Monday - Friday 9-6 / Saturday & Sunday 10-5
|
Eco Ramblings
May BETTER have some flowers, eh? The rain has been wonderful, but I'm ready for a bounteous summer garden and a little sun. Wouldn't shake a stick at some economic sun either.
We are all about the pillows this month! We are well-stocked with yummy wool pillows in 3 sizes and fill amounts from Shepherd's Dream, and we have OMI shredded latex with wool wrap on the way. We are also flush with Natura's shredded latex pillows. Latex and wool naturally repel dust mites, and since they are all-natural, folks with chemical sensitivities, asthma and allergies fare much better with them than standard pillows.
Green is beautiful for Mother's Day. My family used to scoff at me when I wanted a practical gift like towels for my birthday. But there is something righteous and wonderful about wrapping yourself in a gorgeous organic cotton towel from Coyuchi or a silky organic cotton and bamboo towel from Kassatex. We also have organic cotton robes, re-usable lunch equipment, insulated Klean Kanteens for coffee or tea, and wonderful soaps and pottery soap dishes made by local artist, Polly Goldman, who fires her kilns with solar panels. Polly also makes incredible vases and lamps, and will be in attendance for First Friday. Don't forget, we have quality chocolate from Theo. We keep the chocolate here for ourselves, but do allow our customers to purchase it as well.
The Monterey Bay Area has a strong group of professionals active in the US Green Building Council (USGBC) who have been on the cutting edge of green residential building for many years. I will be moderating the upcoming USGBC meeting, May 5th, 5:30 - 8 pm, at Moss Landing Marine Labs. Bay Area author Ann Edminster will discuss her book, Energy Free: Homes for a Small Planet, which has a photo of Kristen and Mark Sullivan's Capitola straw bale home, built by Boa Constructor right on the cover. Local architect Peter Spellman, who is working on at least two Net Zero Energy homes in Santa Cruz, will also present a local project that has a public education component. You can link to the web site and follow the progress at http://santacruzgreenhome.com. USGBC meetings aren't just for professionals! Join us and immerse yourself in the latest in green home technology and thinking. The meeting is $15 to attend and space is limited, so pre-registering is an excellent plan.
Last night I went to the Think Local First (TLF) mixer at the Digital Media Factory, and had a blast. TLF is a volunteer run organization of locally-owned businesses, co-directed by Peter Beckmann of Beckmann's Bakery and Karl Heiman of Caffe Pergolesi. If you are reading this newsletter, you understand the value of shopping locally. I've changed my shopping habits since buying greenspace 2-1/2 years ago. I do a lot more research to find local businesses that carry the products I want. Mostly that means I don't shop as often, since I'm here so much! But when I do, I find dealing with other local businesses more satisfying. I am often touched by how many of you have told me that you did research yourselves and want to shop with us for that reason! One of the UCSC interns with TLF is conducting a study on what types of products are not being supplied by locally owned businesses, and how to attract new business to fill those needs. Another had interviewed successful businesses to discover ways they have hung in there over the past couple of years.
One unexpected way TLF has helped me is actually through the support, ideas and friendship. I have been reassured many times by Peter and Karl, Michael Olson of KSCO radio, Eric Gil of Sockshop and Warmth Company to hang in there, and having the wisdom and kind words from such experienced, dedicated colleagues has meant a tremendous amount to a rookie like me. Their full-time jobs have often been TLF, with their businesses coming second, since they put so much time in to founding and growing this non-profit that benefits our community.
Look for the TLF banners going up on businesses around town!
|
|
| QUICK GLANCE |
Tuesdays @ 7:30 a.m.
greenspace
Green Business Networking Group
Wednesday, May 5th
5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Moss Landing Marine Laboratories USGBC meeting
Wednesday, May 5th
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Cypress Lounge
Green Drinks
Friday, May 7th
6:00- 8:00 p.m.
greenspace
First Friday
Sunday, May 9
10am-4pm
Temple Beth El
Reskilling Expo
Sunday, May 10th Mother's Day!
|
|
|
| Coming up @ greenspace |
 May 7th 6:00 - 8:00 pm
First Friday Art Walk
Join us for a large new installation from Laura Laura, as well as numerous multi-species tree branch chairs made by Cynthia Kingsbury, and music from The Porch Sitters. They were a huge hit the first time around, and have graciously agreed to return for more musical fun. Sol Aquino has promised new work, Polly Goldman will be here, as well as others. Stop by, join the fun, marvel at these brilliant minds and enjoy 10% off in the store.
|
Community Events
|
US Green Building Council
Net Zero Energy Homes: The Nitty Gritty and a Case Study
Moss Landing Marine Labs
Wednesday, May 5th, 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ann Edminster will present information from her new book, Energy Free: Homes for a Small Planet, in which she synthesizes research and experimentation by individuals and institutions throughout the U.S. who have been working towards net-zero energy home design for more than a decade. Topics include the impact of different definitions of net-zero energy; the central role of integrated design; the use of energy modeling as a key design tool; setting design priorities; resources available to assist in the selection of building systems, mechanical equipment, lighting, appliances, and electronics; and the contribution of occupant behavior.
Peter Spellman, a Santa Cruz architect, will present a case study on a proposed single-family residence located in the City of Santa Cruz (construction expected to begin May 2010). The home is designed to perform at net zero energy capacity and will be seeking the following certifications: Green Building Award through the City of Santa Cruz, Green Point Rated through Build it Green, Energy Star Home Certification and Indoor AirPlus certification through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The talk will focus on the integrated design process and highlight the systems and features of the new home.
Cost: $10.00 for Chapter Members, $15.00 for Non-Members
Green Drinks: Sustainable Transportation in Santa Cruz
Cypress Lounge, 120 Union St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Wednesday, May 5th 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
 This month's free Green Drinks event will focus on sustainable transportation options for Santa Cruz businesses and residents. Presently, the transportation sector accounts for over 1/3 of all greenhouse gas emissions in Santa Cruz. To meet the Climate Action Compact goal of reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2020, we need to substantially reduce emissions for transportation, and fast!
Appetizers will be provided by Ecology Action
No host bar but Kombucha is on tap and for sale at Cypress Lounge
Santa Cruz Reskilling Expo
Temple Beth El Community Center, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd, Aptos
Sunday, May 9th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Study with teachers skilled in abundant backyard food production, composting, bee-keeping and the care of chickens, ducks and goats. Join in for a day-long shared knowledge forum, a wealth of practical demonstrations on how to increase urban food production, conserve water and build community resilience. Learn about fruit-tree care, ecological medicine, seafood foraging, plant propagation and edible landscaping. Prepare to conserve our community's water by harvesting rainwater, recycling greywater and rethinking the lawn.
Join discussion on neighborhood organizing, local water policy, right livelihood, and sustainable food-economy practices.
Check out the flyer here
|
Resurrected Refuse Action Team
|
 Now at greenspace: Resurrected Refuse Action Team - Durable baskets, bike panniers, & more made from 100% re-used waste products. These unique offerings are made from re-used shipping straps and bicycle inner-tubes, diverting trash from the waste stream.
Resurrected Refuse Action Team is located in Eugene, OR. RRAT is in the business of salvaging and reusing useful materials from our local waste stream. We offer usable and practical products which nurture a localized culture. We aspire to build community through collaboration and resource sharing while inspiring people to connect with their innate abilities.
|
EcoTimber Mother's Day Sale
|
Jump on discounted prices on select EcoTimber products until Monday, May 10th
 EcoVintage: Summer Calm - $9.99/sf from $15.00EcoPlanet: Moab Dusk & Hampton Woods
$5.99 from $10.00
EcoReserve: Ballet, Waltz, Crescendo & On Pointe
$6.99 from $10.75
EcoClassic: Rustic Autumn & Western Sunset
$4.99 from $6.25
Morning Tan & Golden Sunrise - $3.25 from $4.75
*PLEASE NOTE: orders must be placed AND shipped no later than
Monday, May 10th.
|
| Pinstripes! EcoTimber Month-End Special |
Enjoy huge savings on Pinstripes, EcoTimber's Unique Woven Bamboo Flooring
 A highly renewable resource, EcoTimber's Engineered Dyed & Woven Bamboo Flooring is 100% Moso Bamboo, selected at the peak of maturity. Optimum stability is achieved by cold-pressing the bamboo stalks and infusing them with a dense resin adhesive and dye, creating a through-body color not seen in stained bamboo products.
On sale for $3.99/sf, from $9.50
*PLEASE NOTE: orders must be placed AND shipped no later than Monday, May 3rd
|
| Natural Cork: Spring into Green Sale |
|
Visit USFloorsLLC.com and download a coupon good for up to $300 off on select USFloors Natural Cork Floors
$300 off select Natural Cork® floors - 450+ sf
$200 off select Natural Cork® floors - 250-449.9 sf
Coupon valid April 1, 2010 to July 31, 2010
|
Want ads and newsletter specials
|
Several small quantities in different styles of click cork flooring, from a 17.34 sq ft carton up to 135 sq ft in various styles.
Beautiful queen size mattress from OMI, all organic inner-spring, was too firm for this customer, but may be the exact ergonomic bliss you seek. Please call us if you are looking for a great price on an organic, brand new firm mattress. $1,746.53 out the door w/tax.
3 bales of Ultratouch denim insulation, R19, 24" on center, $90 each
Earthweave Wool Carpet - Dolomite "Snowfield" - 86 SQ YARDS, Normally $50/sq yd, NOW $47/sq yd -NO waiting and save $200 in freight
Squak Mountain Stone Countertops - 3 Available: - QUINAULT GREEN
36"x 36" - 2 @ $585 ea., normally $780
26.5"x98" - 1@ $1100, normally $1400
These are here and ready to go, and you save $200-300 in freight
|
You get NO greenwashing here! Everything is pre-screened green.
|
|
|
|
