Heart of Green

Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC)

BYOBeer is so high school. Bring Your Own Bag is so eco-hip.

Now it's time for BYOC, Bring Your Own Cup.

The Coffee Cup

First, there is the ubiquitous coffee cup personified by Starbucks. Or Peets. Or.

I’ve been running a social experiment bringing in different cups to Starbucks. I tried reusing my washed clean paper cup from the day before. It looked brand new I swear. That threw them for a loop. The guy said, "I've never seen that before." When I asked them to reuse the lid, the guy asked, "Why do you want to use THAT lid?" He seemed very suspicious. I nicely asked if I received a cup credit. The guy said, "Yeah, but it's only 10 cents." He seemed like he didn’t want to give it to me?  This was a very different experience than the Whole Foods line where checkers exclaim with glee, "Thank you for bringing your own bag!"

Back the next day for Phase 2: bringing in a Starbucks portable thermos. That fared better with fewer puzzled looks. Afterwards, I realized that the guy (a different guy) didn’t offer me a cup credit. Clearly, this was not a BYOC-friendly cafe. Yet. All can be changed for the better.

Starbucks serves more than 2.3 billion cups per year. Last year, Starbucks introduced a new disposable cup containing 10% post-consumer recycled content. And recycled paper napkins. Hooray! But the remainder of the cup is still made from the dreaded 100 percent bleached virgin paperboard, i.e. that is a lot of trees being cut down. Point blank, we shouldn’t be cutting down something as important as a tree (needed for clean water, clean air, and carbon absorption) for a cup that we are going to through away in 5 minutes. It just doesn’t make sense.

Starbucks still has a corporate policy of requiring hot tea to be served in two nested cups. This is for liability reasons as they are afraid of being sued by people who might burn themselves. So if you are ordering tea, ask for one cup and a sleeve. Or better yet, BYOC of course.

To Starbucks who worries about their branding experience being tarnished by a change in the cup feel, I say this. Your coffee, or rather chai latte, actually tasted better in the tumbler. I was surprised too. So worry not, and let’s make those cups as eco-friendly as the coffee. And please consider launching your own in-store BYOC promotion in the future.

Solutions:

Starbucks and other coffee shops have a great assortment of reusable mugs and tumblers. The next time you’re there, pick one up and create a daily green ritual.  Here are two of my favorites, the Stainless Steel Trek Desktop Mug and the Stainless Steel Tumbler. You will be the eco-cool person in line.  And don’t forget to ask for your cup credit, very important.

Visit Tully's Coffee which has a new 100% compostable paper Green Cup.  It uses a corn-based lining and sustainable paper. Traditional paper cups use a non-biodegradable, petroleum-based lining.  And Tully's is an official certified San Francisco Green Business and the most eco-friendly coffee shop around in Pacific Heights. Any place with a green and blue bin in the store is a friend of mine.

Barneys Welcome to San Francisco

Green is knocking on luxury's door, and a passionate romance is blossoming. Who is this hot couple?  It's Barneys Green. A partnering that is sure to have both the high-society and eco-society press buzzing.

It's unlike me to write about a department store, but this isn't just any department store. This is Barneys New York. Soon to be the new Barneys in San Francisco opening its high-fashion doors on September 19, 2007. Soon to be the Northern California home of the Barneys Green line. I feel an eco-shopping spree coming on. 

Imagine the top fashion designers in the world designing eco-conscious pieces. That is precisely the goal of the revolutionary Barneys Green line. Barneys approaches in-demand designers and asks them to craft eco-chic pieces exclusively for Barneys. Brilliant and so needed. Loomstate for Barneys Green was the initial foray resulting in unique eco-cool organic cotton jeans, tanks, slip dresses, and hoodies. Look out for more coming soon, and for the fabulous holiday catalog. And don't miss the Barneys Obsessions It's Organic section including CARE by Stella McCartney.

Barneys New York is the first high-end retailer to start its own green label. This will change everything eco-design for the better. See you at the new flagship Barneys store in San Francisco's Union Square. Just look out for the red sign. You know what department I'll be in. 

A green note. Eco-friendly fashion needs eco-friendly fabrics. Here in lies the rub. It is a couture chicken and golden egg. Many designers have told me that they would love to produce eco-fashion but can't yet because they can't locate quality eco-fabrics. So for all of you aspiring eco-entrepreneurs out there, here is a green business opportunity. A high-end eco-fabric house. You would be very popular.

Breath of Life Walk

Breathing clean air and walking are two keys to a long healthy life. Here is an opportunity to combine them both and have fun outdoors: the Breath of Life Walk on Saturday October 6 in Golden Gate Park.

5th Annual Breath of Life Walk

 

WHEN:
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Check-in opens at 8:30 am
The walk begins at 10:00 am

WHERE:
Golden Gate Park, West of Rose Garden
San Francisco
See Map of the Walk

This lively and highly worthwhile outdoor event is Breathe California's 5th annual fundraising 5k walk (3.3 miles). All ages are welcome to participate.  Breakfast will be served from 8:30 am to Noon at the start/finish and light refreshments will be available at the rest stops until 11:30 am. Look out for some musical stars at the first rest stop.

REGISTER:
You can create your own team, join an existing team, or walk as an individual. Anyone who raises $100 receives a prize, plus there are fabulous awards for top teams. Registration is complimentary:
650-994-5868
http://www.breathoflifewalk.org

Breathe California:
Since 1908, Breathe California and its predecessors have worked to reduce the impact of lung disease through prevention, education, advocacy and services.
http://www.ggbreathe.org

Walk with us and breathe clean air while you walk for clean air. Join us in raising money for lung health in the Bay Area. See you at the park!

Wildlife Conservation Expo Weekend

Get ready for a wild weekend benefiting endangered species. The Wildlife Conservation Expo is coming to San Francisco October 5 - 7, 2007.

The Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) Presents:
Wildlife Conservation Expo Weekend

Gala Reception and Dinner
Friday, October 5
6:30 to 9:30 pm
Palace Hotel

An elegant and inspiring evening shared with all of the WCN-supported conservationists. Under the skylights of the Garden Court, you will dine with conservation heroes and special guests. Enjoy gourmet food inspired by the cultures of the world and an exciting evening of unique entertainment. You will be seated at a table for eight with one seat filled by a famous conservationist.

Wildlife Conservation Expo Day
Saturday, October 6
10 am to 6 pm
Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF
1675 Owens Street
San Francisco near AT&T Park

Featuring: A keynote address by Dr. Jane Goodall.
A fun public event with exciting presentations from 17 featured conservationists from all corners of the globe. Learn about cheetahs, elephants, orangutans, snow leopards, lions and more. This Expo normally takes place in Los Altos. Don't miss this opportunity to experience it in San Francisco!

Garden Party and Jam Session
Sunday, October 7
Noon to 9pm
Private home in Los Altos Hills

A casual yet exclusive afternoon filled with lively international music, colorful art, gourmet food and great conversation, all in a beautiful garden setting.

RSVP:
All proceeds benefit the charity Wildlife Conservation Network.
650-949-3533 or click here to RSVP

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION NETWORK:
WCN is one of my favorite wild animal charities because of their unique diversified portfolio approach. Much like a venture capital fund, WCN supports a wide range of incredible conservationists around the world who are saving endangered species and preserving their natural habitats.
http://www.wildnet.org

WCN PARTNERS:
Cheetah Conservation Fund, Andean Cat Alliance, Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program, Painted Dog Conservation, Congo Biodiversity Initiative, Okapi Conservation Project, Proyecto Titi, Saiga Conservation Alliance, Snow Leopard Conservancy, Save The Elephants
Meet the conservationists and their animals
Meet the famous alumni of WCN

I have learned so much about saving animals in the corners of the world by attending WCN’s events – and have even had many up-close meetings with cheetahs and snow leopards thanks to WCN. I hope you can join us at the inspiring, fascinating, and fun Wildlife Conservation Expo Weekend this year.

p.s. Please also check out Amara Conservation in Africa, which helps the local people in Kenya become stewards of the environment through education, animal sanctuaries, anti-poaching patrols, and orphaned lion and leopard rehabilitation. What they say is true, almost all wildlife conservation is local!

Farallon Islands Blue Ball

You are invited to join the green, and blue, glitterati at the Farallon Islands Blue Ball celebrating the incredible Farallon Islands teaming with wildlife located only 27 miles from San Francisco.

Farallon Islands Blue Ball
A PRBO Party

INVITATION:
http://theblueball.bentlyreserve.com/

WHEN:
Thursday, September 27, 2007
6:00 pm VIP Celebrity Reception with Champagne and Caviar
7:00 pm Doors Open

WHERE:
The Bently Reserve (a majestic LEED-certified building)
301 Battery Street at Clay
San Francisco, CA 94111

FEATURING:

• Celebrity Guests
• Farallon Islands Showcase
• Organic Cocktail Party
• Sustainable Cuisine
• Wine & Vodka Cocktail Bars
• VIP Reception & VIP Eco-Gift Bags
• Lively Live & Silent Auction
• Delicious organic yerba mate teas by Guayaki
  
• The Beats of DJ Alaric
  
• Filtered Water System by Klean Kanteen
• Renowned Ocean, Seabird & Climate Scientists
• Stunning Blue Event Design
• An Eco-Friendly Party

HONORARY CELEBRITY HOSTS:
Minnie Driver, Tippi Hedren, Mayor Gavin Newsom, Jean Michel Cousteau,
Kamala Harris

HOST COMMITTEE:
Co-Chairs: Christopher & Amber Marie Bently
Hosts: Katie Beacock, Mary Lee Bickford, Jared Blumenfeld, Susie Tompkins Buell, Russ Bradley, Jean-Pierre Conte, Martha Conte, Henry Corning & Glenda Griffith, Rigdon Currie and Trish Johnson, Loke Devone & Annette Brands, John Eadie, Nancy Gamble, Richard Goldman, Tom Goodrich and Rebecca Patton, Miki Goralsky & Ellie M. Cohen, Molly Hauser, Warren Hellman, Deirdre Holbrook, Stuart Jacobson and Andrea Sandvig, Ann Joly, Andrew Jones and Michele Sanda-Jones, Frank Jordan, Jack & Adrienne Ladd, Ewan Macdonald & Kirsten Walker, Carrick McLaughlin, Larry Orr & Nicole Lederer, Heidi Pettit, Melissa Pitkin, Brent Plater, Mark Reynolds, Brett Robertson and Dave Schrader, Terry Root and Steven Schneider, Shawn Rosenmoss, Felipe Santiago, Gregg & Greta Schoenberg, Jean Schulz, Keith Sedwick, Stephen and Britt Thal, Rick Theis and Carolyn Johnson, Scott Thompson, Peter & Peggy Trethewey, Joe Alioto Veronese and Julie Gilman Veronese, Nadine Weil

ATTIRE: Cocktail-chic. Extra points for blue

TICKETS:
All proceeds benefit the charity PRBO Conservation Science:
General: $125
VIP: $350 includes VIP Reception and VIP Eco-Gift Gags

Puffin Sponsor: $1,000 includes 2 VIP, 2 General and recognition.
Fur Seal Sponsor: $2,500 includes 4 VIP, 4 General and recognition.
Blue Whale Sponsor: $7,500 includes 8 VIP, 8 General, media and event recognition, and a rare trip to set foot on the Farallon Islands (which is off limits to the public).

RSVP:
There is limited availability for the party.
Please rsvp online:
http://theblueball.bentlyreserve.com/

A CARBON NEUTRAL EVENT:
The Farallon Islands Blue Ball is carbon neutral by Planktos ecosystem restoration.

ABOUT PRBO:
Often called California's Galapagos and located just 27 miles from San Francisco, the nature-filled Farallon Islands are amazingly within SF City lines. Formerly known as the Point Reyes Bird Observatory, PRBO Conservation Science is one of the primary caretakers of the Farallones and works to preserve the islands and their magnificent wildlife including auklets, puffins, seabirds, and fur seals. PRBO also conducts cutting-edge scientific research on global warming and its effects on habitats like the Farallones, Alaska, and penguin colonies in Antarctica. PRBO is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, congratulations PRBO.

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD:
You can make a huge difference for the oceans by requesting sustainable seafood whenever you are at a restaurant or at the grocery store. Even asking the question will help – where did the fish come from and was it caught in a sustainable manner?  Let's safeguard the struggling oceans and protect their wildlife from unsustainable overfishing and bottom-trawling. The fish, turtles, seabirds, dolphins, and fur seals will thank you. See this great resource from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the famous Seafood Watch Card.

We hope you can join us for this glamorous blue celebration on September 27.

 

ForestEthics Wine Tasting Party

You are invited to join a festive green celebration to help save the forests with celebrity guests and the local eco-glitterati:

Under The Canopy
ForestEthics 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Party

http://www.forestethics.org/event

WHEN:
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
5:30 pm VIP Reception
6:30 pm Wine Tasting, Auction & Party

WHERE:
Supperclub
657 Harrison Street at 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA

FEATURING:

• Festive Cocktail Party
• Celebrity Hosts
• Wine Tasting of Top Organic Wineries
• VIP Lounge
• Eco-Friendly Auction
• Delicious Food from Supperclub
• Magnificent Forest Videos
• Exciting Aerial Performances
• A Benefit to Save the Forests

CELEBRITY HOSTS:
Actress & Supermodel Shalom Harlow, Sharon Lawrence (Emmy Nominated for NYPD BLUE, Hidden Palms, Monk, Desperate Housewives), Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica), Vanessa Williams (Soul Food), Co-Founder Tzeporah Berman (featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The 11th Hour).

Celebrity transportation by hybrid limo service PlanetTran  1-888-PLNT-TRN
Celebrity accomodations by the Fairmont San Francisco

HOST COMMITTEE:
Nadine Weil, Marika Holmgren
Adam Browning, Eric Corey Freed, Francesca Vietor, Andre Carothers, Andrea Rudominer, Angel Kyodo Williams, Brooke Deterline, Catherine Lerza , David Rothschild, Heather Sarantis, Idelisse Malave, Ilyse Hogue, Joel and Dana Solomon, Michael Uehara, Murat Armbruster, Neal Gorenflo, Nicole Ward-Stalnaker, Pamela Chaloult and Bill Wallace, Parker Blackman, Scott Bryan, Sheryl Cohen, Stephanie Alston & Kelly Quirke, Stephanie Russell, Stephen Fowler, Stuart Sender, Julie Bergman, Whitney Wright, Josh Becker, Karen Schwartzman, Lani Alo, Laura Kimpton, Lora O'Connor, Marianne Manilov, Mark Westlund, Michael Klein

TICKETS:
$50 General Admission
$250 VIP includes VIP Reception and your own glamorous bed for lounging

RSVP:
Space is limited at this popular party.
Please rsvp online:
http://www.forestethics.org/event
or by phone: 415-863-4563 x312

FORESTETHICS:
ForestEthics is an incredible modern environmental organization that works to save endangered forests in the United States, Canada, and South America. Recently, ForestEthics has worked with Victoria’s Secret, Dell Computer, and Williams-Sonoma to switch to recycled or sustainable paper in millions of their catalogs. To date, ForestEthics has saved more than 7 million acres of forests in the Americas, a cause for celebration!
http://www.forestethics.org

CARBON NEUTRAL:
The party is made carbon neutral by the Great Bear Rainforest, 5 million acres saved by ForestEthics.

THE FORESTS:
According to the World Resources Institute, deforestation accounts for at least 20% of all global warming emissions.

The forests provide us with clean air and clean water, generate rainclouds, provide a home for animals, and slow down global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide. And they are magnificent to look at and experience.

Let's work together to save the giant beauties of our world. And have fun while doing it.  RSVP for the party here

Wildlife Works Eco Boutique Grand Opening

This Friday evening you are invited to the highly-anticipated grand opening party for the Wildlife Works eco-fashion boutique, the first store in San Francisco with 100% eco-chic clothes for all you hip green girls and guys.

GRAND OPENING PARTY
Wildlife Works Eco-Chic Fashion Boutique

San Francisco’s first 100% eco-fashion boutique

WHEN:
Friday, September 14, 2007
6 - 10 pm

WHERE:
Wildlife Works Boutique
1849 Union Street at Laguna
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415.738.8544

FEATURING:

• Organic Cocktails by Veev
• Delicious Sushi & Appetizers
• Live DJs
• Top Eco-Chic Fashion Brands
• 15% off in honor of the Grand Opening
• Gifts
• Professional Modeling
• Eco-Pampering by Lush
• Safari Photo Shoot
• Remarks by Founder Mike Korchinsky
• Proceeds benefit the Wildlife Works Animal Sanctuary in Kenya
• Eco-Raffle featuring Charmone Shoes, Del Forte jeans, Wildlife Works signature, and a Doie Bamboo Dress

RSVP:
Party is by invitation only and space is limited.
RSVP required to:
rsvp at wildlifeworks dot com

WILDLIFE WORKS ECO-CHIC BOUTIQUE
http://www.wildlifeworks.com

Also stop by this weekend for more goodies like the 15% Grand Opening Weekend discount, an eco-raffle with purchase, and a plethora of eco-fashion you can wear out and about with green pride.