Heart of Green

Cradle to Cradle Dinner

William McDonough and Michael Braungart, co-authors of the landmark sustainable design manifesto “Cradle to Cradle,” will be together at last in San Francisco. Please join me at this momentous occasion and celebration of a world in which growth is good and regenerative for life on Earth. 

An Evening with William McDonough & Dr. Michael Braungart
Co-Authors of "Cradle to Cradle"

WHEN:
Thursday, June 9, 2011
5:30 pm  Cocktails, Networking, and Dinner
7:00 pm  Roundtable moderated by Jared Blumenfeld
8:00 pm  VIP Reception in Presidential Suite

WHERE:
The InterContinental
888 Howard Street @ 4^th
San Francisco, California

Enjoy a gala evening of cocktails, dinner, stimulating conversation, and mingling with fellow leaders. Don't miss this rare intimate moment to talk with two of the founders of sustainable design and help shape the future. We will be toasting the accomplishments of the groundbreaking nonprofit Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, started a year ago to propel C2C principles into the mainstream and help fuel the Post-Industrial Revolution rooted in ecological design.

TICKETS:
Benefiting the nonprofit Cradle to Cradle Institute. Limited to 150 spots:
$150 Student
$500 General
$1,000 VIP
Sponsorships available

RSVP:
Reserve your spot here

On a personal note, the book Cradle to Cradle changed my life in the year 2005. I was reading it sitting in a swimming pool in Los Angeles the day after the Global Green Millennium Awards because the book is actually waterproof. I found myself saying “Yes!” to nearly every page. What if a building were designed like a tree? What if the water coming out of a production plant was cleaner than the water going in? What if we replaced the toxins in products with benevolent substitutes, and health became a top priority. What if we designed products so that they could be separated into two nutrient streams – one natural/compostable and the other technical and infinitely recyclable, or rather upcyclable. In other words, what if there were no more waste as nature intended.

Many companies are reducing energy usage, reducing carbon and more. This is a noble efficiency path focused on being less bad. Ultimately, it seems to be slowing down the inevitable. To achieve the thriving world we dream about, we need a new vision of doing that which is truly good for life on Earth. This is leadership versus management. Effectiveness versus efficiency. Right now, our industrial society is a degenerative one. We can become regenerative by following the design principles of Cradle to Cradle and nature. Nothing short of the future of our species depends on it.

The good news is that Cradle to Cradle is fast becoming a movement!  Over 100 products have already been certified as C2C including Method laundry detergent, Herman Miller office chairs, gDiapers, even the US Postal Service box. See the full list of Cradle to Cradle products here. More are being added every day. Cradle to Cradle is a design revolution that is changing the world.

Imagine products made from safe and healthy materials that, at the end of their life, are either transformed into new products or returned to the earth. These same products are manufactured with renewable energy by socially-responsible companies. Now this is a shopping experience I can get behind!  Thanks to Cradle to Cradle, this dream is becoming a reality. We look forward to seeing you on June 9th for what promises to be an unforgettable night.

Campovida: Field of Life

The next stop on the Heart of Green™ eco-travel summer was Campovida, a bucolic paradise in Mendocino County north of the Wine Country. If you are looking to get back to the good things in life – organic foods, wines, gardens, sun, stars – then step into this revitalizing Field of Life.

The first thing you notice upon arrival is the sense of tranquility, but don’t be fooled, you can make your own festivities in this retreat if you are so inclined. The view out the cottage windows is to die for. Picture rolling fields for as far as the eye can see. The heritage oak trees on the property are gorgeous.

Campovida is a feast for the senses. You can taste delectable biodynamic wines from the local Magnanimus Wine Group. They make From Grape To Glass look and taste good, and I was especially fond of the Talmage and Mendocino Farms varietals. We began our experience in the Tasting Room and then proceeded to the heart of the property – the Tuscan Organic Gardens. For 13 acres, these masterful gardens thrive and delight under the expert care of Ken Boek. Sampling fresh herbs right off the vine and touring the butterfly-friendly garden with Monarchs are two unforgettable highlights not to be missed.

For parties, retreats, weddings and more, there is an impressive Pavilion that looks like it was designed by Buckminster Fuller. Its 360-degree deck overlooks a far-reaching pond inhabited by beautiful birds and foliage. It is the perfect place to partake in Magnanimus wine tasting and good conversation at sunset. There is also a fantastic natural salt-water pool for sunning and swimming.

Gourmet dining in the fields of Campovida was an extraordinary experience. You take your seat at a long candlelit table under trellises of grape vines. Our dinner was prepared by Chef Bruce Riezenman and Park Avenue Catering, Sonoma’s longest-standing green-certified caterer. Every course was mouth-watering and infused with local organic ingredients. The dinner was akin to Outstanding in the Field, except that you can fortuitously spend the night afterward in a pretty cottage. The party then took an unexpected twist – a campfire!  Singing songs with talented local musicians under the stars capped off a magical night.

Campovida has an esteemed eco-history, beginning its life as the historic Fetzer Valley Oaks Food & Wine Center. Nurtured by the Fetzer family as an ode to organic and biodynamic stewardship, the property was frequent host to culinary greats such as Julia Child, John Ash, and Emeril.

The lovely new owners of Campovida, Anna Beuselinck and Gary Breen, have restored the grounds in a sustainable way. They reclaimed and repurposed over 90% of the center’s wood and materials. Solar hot water heating, recycling, composting, eco-friendly paper products, and green cleaning are in effect. Guests enjoy certified organic farm produce and one of my favorite eco-conscious body lotions, 80 Acres by McEvoy Ranch in Verde and Lavender. Campovida partners with Green Mary to make on-site events as green as can be. And of course, there are the splendid gardens to behold and savor. With natural pest control and no fences, these gardens also serve as a wildlife corridor for friendly critters in Mendocino County who need Freedom To Roam.

If you have time, there are many exciting eco-excursions in the surrounding area. At the heart of the 12-acre Solar Living Center in Hopland is one of the greenest stores on the planet – the flagship Real Goods outpost. If you are passing through Ukiah, don’t miss the secret City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. You can then zoom up to the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and take in the most magnificent old-growth redwood trees I have ever seen. One is forever transformed in the groves along Avenue of the Giants.

So if you are feeling in need of a regenerating back-to-nature getaway, head to Campovida for a new lease on life. Spend the night, spend the week, or visit for one of their fun upcoming events like Gala on the Green. The fields are waiting. www.campovida.com

Solage: An Eco Oasis in Calistoga

Life is eco-consciously sweet (and suite) at the Solage Calistoga resort in the Wine Country. Soaking in the geothermal mineral pool under the stars, I thought to myself, “If this is eco-living, then why wouldn’t everyone want to sign up!”  If you are seeking a rejuvenating getaway that is healthy for body, soul and planet, then look no further. Your spa robe and cruiser bikes are waiting.

If you care about green, then you will be pleasantly surprised at every twist and turn of the resort’s path. Ahhh, a stunning luxury vacation getaway with reclaimed woods, recycling bins, solar panels, and salt pools. My heart skipped a beat. If green is not your top priority, then you will simply think that Solage is one of the best modern resorts in which you have ever stayed. That is the Holy Grail. Your favorite hotel is “oh by the way” ultra people-friendly (no toxins) and planet-conscious (green design).

If we think about it, that’s what a spa should be to fulfill its mission. How can a spa be healthy if it is slathering you with chemicals and feeding you an apple with pesticides on top?  Luxury is living in harmony with oneself and the outer world. Luxury is green. Speaking of, here are the many ways Solage Calistoga treads lightly on the planet while providing a superb experience for its guests.  

Energy

Geothermal energy heats the pools and spa. The West Coast has a plethora of geothermal power under the surface, so why not put it to good use. Rooftop solar panels power two main resort buildings. The Bathhouse has both radiant heating and passive cooling architecture, which eliminates the need for A/C. This is a marvel in the warm climate of Calistoga.

Healthy

The locally-made bath and body products are all-natural without parabens and are dispensed in bulk containers to minimize waste. Salt pool systems are in effect so you don't leave smelling like chlorine. Green non-toxic cleaning products are used by housekeeping. The Spa features eco-friendly nail care (SpaRitual) and skin care products (Eminence and Marie Veronique). The Gift Shop is filled with green goodies as well, from organic t-shirts to pure beeswax candles.

Food & Beverages

Local organic produce and sustainable seafood are served at the magnificent Michelin-star rated SolBar, which many say is the top restaurant in the area. Filtered water is provided at Spa Solage and SolBar. And my favorite, you can order a delicious green smoothie by the pool.

Green Building

Solage is a beacon of green design. Reclaimed woods are used extensively throughout the resort. LEED-approved bamboo flooring grounds the Gym and Movement Studio. The walls are painted with low-VOC paints for easy breathing. Interface carpet tiles keep guests’ feet warm. Wool rugs with natural jute backing give an eco-conscious look without off-gassing. Natural Stone countertops are visible in the bathrooms. The chairs are made by Cherner and feature FSC-certified wood. The tables are constructed by Brent Comber with beautiful reclaimed woods. Hemp drapes in the Spa flow with the wind.

Green guest cottage at Solage Calistoga 

Landscaping

Drought-tolerant plants form a beautiful landscape native to the area. The minimal irrigation is done with reclaimed water from the City of Calistoga. Many gorgeous 200-year-old oak trees were spared during construction and now serve as the heart and soul of the resort.

Sustainability

Recycling containers are present in each guest room, always a pleasant surprise to find. The resort also recycles extensively, especially wine bottles!  Recycled paper is used for resort materials. Soft CFL and LED lighting is discreetly present. Low-flow toilets save water in an area with regular 80-degree temperatures, which are paradise when looking to escape the San Francisco fog.

Transportation

Cruiser bicycles are provided for all resort guests. Ditch your car for the weekend and cruise around town on your bike. The main mode of transportation for resort employees are, of course, the bicycles! 

Solage Calistoga is an eco-oasis with a huge Heart of Green. Solage supplies filtered water throughout the property. It would make a wonderful and elegant impression if arriving and departing guests were offered a real glass of filtered water with lemon. Or perhaps if conscious guests had their own Sigg water bottles, they could fill up right there. How impressive would that be!

Besides the superior spa treatments, fabulous service, and delectable meals, my unexpected favorite part of the Solage resort experience was visiting the old oak trees on the grounds. There is a serene spot with a bench in between two large oak trees that are 200 years old. Sitting underneath the branches, time stands still. Only peace exists. I went for the mineral pools and am coming back for the trees. And here’s a secret tip. Ask for guest cottage No. 32. It has its own private, outdoor hot tub for soaking under the stars. www.solagecalistoga.com

Sustainable Brands or Bust

Tis green conference season – a quality problem to have!   

This week I will be at the Sustainable Brands 08 conference by Sustainable Life Media in Monterey, home of the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

The SB08 lineup is jam-packed with major brands pushing the green envelope including Keen, Ideo, Autodesk, Earthbound Farm, Yahoo!, eBay, Umbria, Frey Vineyards, World of Good, IBM, OZOcar, HP, Seventh Generation, Lexus, Kimpton, Method, Fetzer, Steelcase, Yolo, Gap, MBDC’s Cradle to Cradle, and many more that I look forward to learning about and reporting on. Stay tuned for the best of Sustainable Brands or bust.  www.sustainablebrands08.com

In other breaking conference news, there is Dwell on Design in LA this week, and don’t miss the Greener by Design conference in Alexandria, VA happening June 12 - 13, 2008.  Hosted by the expert GreenBiz, Global Executive, and Greener World Media gangs, this rendezvous of top eco-focused minds is sure to lead to a brighter green future for all, and some wild new products. Can we make a building that acts like a tree?  What are the full intentions of one’s designs?  After all, our current troubles are mostly a design problem.  As William McDonough always says, redesigning the way we make things is the key to unlocking a sustainable and regenerative future. The result will be nothing short of a new green “industrial” revolution for the millennium. Hope reigns supreme.  Let the battle of the conferences begin. See you at the cocktail hour.

Dwell on Design

One of my favorite green design conferences - Dwell on Design - is coming up June 5th through 6th in Los Angeles, and they are offering Heart of Green readers an enticing invitation.

 

Not that you needed an incentive to go, but you can receive complimentary tickets to the Exhibition Hall (a fabulous place to see 200 cutting edge green exhibitors) and $50 off the entire conference. Dwell on Design is an eco-conscious design mecca with 50 top speakers, a Sustainable Pre-Fab Neighborhood built on site, 16 Home Tours of private green residences, and of course the infamous evening parties at the Dwell Ford Brady and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Register here for the Dwell on Design conference. Use the code BDODEC for the complimentary Exhibition Hall pass and GRP22SP for the discounted conference ticket. If it stops working for some reason, I don’t want to hear about it. Just kidding.

If that wasn’t enough, you can also sign up for a free 1 month digital subscription to Dwell Magazine.

The place to be will undoubtedly be the Live Design Challenge Party at MoCA on Friday June 6 with an open bar hosted by 360 vodka and LA's top design rendering gurus producing 2D sustainable and modular dwellings, rooms and furniture in a live tournament. Watch the contestants' live sketches being brought to life and projected over the 578 square-foot walls in the Upper Sculpture Plaza and set to music by a live DJ. The Live Topiary Artist Creations sound pretty cool too for all of us garden geeks.  www.dwellondesign.com

Sarlo Wick Sparkle

What is blowing out of the ultra-hip Fred Segal store in LA and just landed exclusively at the Sarlo Wick antique store in San Francisco?  The stunning and exotic Alkemie jewelry line made of 100% reclaimed metals, reincarnated vintage chains, and naturally-tanned leather.

Coins, snakes, cuffs, Egyptian motifs?  Choose your favorite and let the good times roll. The necklaces can also be worn as chokers or bracelets - so chic. But don’t take my word for it. Check out these pictures below. I am now the proud owner of the Octopus cuff, but I’m sure you could persuade Gaby to order another one. Alkemie is made in the USA  www.alkemiejewelry.com

Owned by the talented designers Gabriella Sarlo and Will Wick, Sarlo Wick is filled with head-turning, glamorous antiques and eclectic treasures. Vintage is the ultimate eco.

In other news, Fred Segal Green just opened their eco-lifestyle store in LA, so there is much to celebrate and covet if you want your style with your planet.

    

Destination Green Gaia

Tired of being green at home and being non-green when you travel?

Have no fear, the greenest hotel in the nation is here, the Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa.    

Located south of California’s famous Wine Country, Gaia is the first hotel to win a prestigious LEED-Gold honor for its eco-friendliness.

Named after Mother Earth in Greek mythology, the Gaia hotel is set on 4 acres in American Canyon and features a koi pond, a lush garden, and two beautiful resident swans. Spa Gaia is also worth sinking your eco-feet into, and the Gaia Glow treatment comes highly recommended.

So just how green is Gaia?  Let’s do the math. Forest Stewardship Council certified wood, low VOC paints and adhesives for better indoor air quality, carpet with recycled content, construction recycling, recycled tiles and granite, water-saving devices, energy-efficient windows and appliances, skylights, solar panels, a reflective roof, recycling bins in all rooms, bulk soap and shower dispensers to minimize plastics, recycled paper products, newspapers available in the lobby, chemical-free landscaping, native plants, and green cleaning products.  And let’s not forget the GreenTouch Screen kiosks that show the guests and visitors how much water, electricity, and CO2 the hotel is saving. And the rock star parking for hybrid cars, yeah!

Wow, that is very green. Please see the Gaia Green list.

Gaia is eco in every way. It is eco-friendly and economical.

The Gaia Napa Valley Hotel is the brainchild of visionary Wen-I Chang, the President of the Atman Hospitality Group. He is passionately committed to transforming the public awareness of ecology into the design of a portfolio of green hotels. Through his admirable work, he hopes to foster human interconnection and union with nature. Wen-I wants to make a difference, and he already is by showing the world what is possible. I can’t wait to visit his future sustainable hotels and crawl under those organic sheets.

Gaia Napa Valley Hotel

3600 Broadway Street, American Canyon, CA, 1-888-798-3777

Calling All Landlords

Just when you think the whole world is going green, you have an experience like I did this past week. Meeting with 15 landlords, inhaling strong fumes in my potential new places to live and inquiring, “Is this low or zero VOC paint?” And encountering a blank stare 15 out of 15 times: “What is VOC paint?”

[In case you don't know, VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds which can be toxic and irritating to breathe and cause that new paint and new car smell.]

These real estate agents weren't being an evil shade of brown; they had no idea. They seemed caught off guard. It was a first. This was surprising for me.

It seems that my apartment hunting in San Francisco has uncovered an untapped market for greening: the rental renovation market. A tenant moves out, and the fixer-upper crews move right in. Paint, new carpets, tile that kitchen and make it granite, paint some more, sand and varnish those hardwood floors, and how about a new dishwasher? Done in record time. Ready for showing. Oh, and open those windows please because it really stinks in here. 

From what I could see, almost none of this flurry of activity was being done in a green way. Everyone was focused on the superficials. “Look at this new tile!” No one mentioned a single thing about the underlying health of the apartment for its tenants and the planet. And not a single apartment had a green composting bin system yet. The off-gassing was incredible in these 15 apartments from the new paint and either the new carpets or the "fresh" hardwood floors.

Peruse the number of apartments for rent right now on Craigslist. Imagine the work crews for each one, and you get a Manhattan-sized amount of un-green renovation occurring at lightening speed.

This seems outdated in one of the greenest cities in the nation, San Francisco, at one of the greenest times in history, now. Clearly the green renaissance has left the apartment building property owners and managers behind for now. And the rental agents judging by their inquisitive responses. Some of them dismissed my questions; others seemed genuinely interested and got back to me with answers.

This is a huge opportunity. So if you are looking for a new apartment, ask the tough green questions. Apparently, the first thing most landlords do is paint, so try to head any high-VOC painting off at the pass. Ask if appliances are Energy Star rated. Ask for non-toxic hardwood floor lacquers. Ask where the recycling and composting facilities are. Verbalize your preference for green design to increase awareness.

And if you own condos or an apartment building and are renting out units, consider renovating with a green thumb and advertising the eco features. In hyper-aware places like San Francisco, LA and NYC, I suspect you will be pleased with the tenant glee that ensues, and you might even be able to charge a premium.

I did find one ray of green light in this apartment-hunting jungle: a building with solar panels on the roof for water heating, a low-flow toilet, CFLs in the garage, and an emphasis on ventilation. It's a promising start and might become my new home, the perfect canvas for creating a humble abode showcase of sustainable green design.

Rockin' Cradle To Cradle

Many people ask me about Cradle To Cradle and inquire, "is that a baby store?" That is a good guess based on the name. There are Cradle To Cradle-certified diapers, but here is the 1 minute scoop:

Cradle To Cradle is the green design framework and philosophy co-created by William McDonough and Michael Braungart. In our world today, we have a cradle to grave system where we make things, buy things, and then throw them "away". Look at your trash and you will see a mashup of bio and techno pieces glued and fused together. It's kind of crazy really. Look at all of those valuable raw materials heading for the crusher. Some items like plastic bags and packaging are tragically designed to last virtually forever but are thrown away in an instant. Bill asks, "Where is this away?  It has gone away."

Per Bill, design is the signal of human intention. What is the intention of a cradle to grave system?  It squanders scarce resources and leaves a trash heap for the next generation. What if we wanted to leave behind a positive legacy, and design in a way that is regenerative and self-sustaining for the planet?

In nature, there is no waste. It is pretty brilliant. Cradle To Cradle is new modern way of designing that minimizes waste. It says that everything can be divided up into two categories: biological nutrients and technical nutrients. And these nutrients all have value that can be captured and reused. Biological nutrients are biodegradable and can be returned to soil, such as a banana peel or a cup made out of corn. Technical nutrients can be reused over and over in closed cycles, such as metals and plastics.

In Cradle To Cradle, things are designed with their next life in mind. They can be disassembled easily into bio and techno components. "Materials have passports to the future." Solar power and renewable energy are used significantly. "We have the greatest source of nuclear power shining down on us every day, the sun."  And all materials are healthy and safe. No toxins allowed.

Products can now be certified as officially Cradle To Cradle. See their new exciting Cradle To Cradle certification here. Some of the initial product stars include gDiapers, Steelcase, MechoShades, and if you can believe it, the United States Post Office envelopes. Look out for the Cradle To Cradle infinity stamp on extra eco products.

Bill is brilliant but don't try to turn him into a celebrity per se. He is a designer first and foremost, and he designs "stuff". And pretty darn fabulous green stuff at that.

The Cradle to Cradle book is one of my favorites of all time. And you can read it while sitting in a swimming pool because it is not printed on paper. Splash.

Green Home Makeover

Polk Street in San Francisco is fast becoming a hub of green-chic design. First, there was the bamboo-infused Spring Store. And now the brand new Green Home Center has joined the scene, and it is cause for celebration.

Looking to make your home or condo greener? Visit the Green Home Center for a touch-and-feel experience in a one stop showroom featuring brands that are both healthy-green and upscale-elegant. 

Need a new eco-friendly kitchen?  There is Brand Kitchens & Design.

Want modern eco-furniture?  Check out Eco-terric’s healthy organic bedding and fair trade natural linens, or their partnership with Cisco Brothers’ Inside Green line.

Need a table for your deck?  Look for Marin Outdoor Living with their sustainable woods and crowd-pleasing eco fireplaces.

Seeking some colorful eco-accents?   Ceramic Tile Design is an answer with their gorgeous recycled glass tiles.

Plus there are solar solutions, cabinets, reclaimed wood doors, eco-audit services, and more. An outdoor terrace provides a moment to breath in the fresh air and contemplate the array of eco-chic choices.

One of the partners may be named Zany, but she is anything but crazy. Rather, she is eco-knowledgeable and passionate about helping people live in healthier homes. I had to stop myself from bouncing off the zero-VOC painted walls with enthusiasm for this new store owned by green visionaries Dietmar and Sean Brand.

Tip: Ask lots of questions. Ask where the wood comes from and learn how it is reclaimed or sustainable. Ask what kind of natural non-toxic adhesives and dyes are used. Seek out organic or reincarnated materials. And let the eco makeovers begin.

Green Home Center, 1812 Polk Street, San Francisco, California. 415-567-3700

Orchard Garden Hotel Opens

Move over Marriott, the Orchard Garden Hotel has opened its green doors in San Francisco, and it is a glorious thing. I received a tour yesterday and wanted to check into the suite immediately.

Among the eco-pleasing features are:

• Wood is sustainable (FSC-certified)
• Gorgeous eco carpets with leaf motives from Bentley Prince Street
• Chic upholstery made from recycled fabrics from Luna Textiles
• Green natural citrus-based cleaning products (no toxic bleach)
• Fabulous recycling units in the rooms
• Water faucets and toilets conserve water
• Compact fluorescents (CFLs) and LED lights in effect
• Strong concrete with CO2-reducing fly ash (a byproduct of coal generation)
• Guest keycard system that centrally controls lighting & power systems in the room, resulting in 20% energy savings
• The restaurant Roots features delicious organic, sustainable cuisine by veteran eco-chef Russell Rummer and menus printed on recycled paper
• Organic bath products

The Orchard Garden Hotel was built green from the ground up at 466 Bush Street. It is the only hotel in San Francisco registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and targeting a level of LEED-Certified status. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is the most widely-used rating system for green buildings.

During the hotel construction, debris was diverted away from landfill and recycled. This is huge.

The newer staff seemed a little bit foggy about the green details with statements like “the wood is recycled" when the brochures say FSC. There also really isn’t a "garden" per se yet, but no matter. The entire hotel feels like an upscale natural Zen oasis. It will always be spring inside the Orchard Garden. And don't miss the stunning bronze leaf sculptures by Archie Held.

The Orchard Garden Hotel is boutique eco-luxury at its best, but don’t worry. It also has all of the usual goodies like WiFi, flat screen TVs and a gym. I wonder if I can move in permanently.  www.theorchardgardenhotel.com

Design to the E Power

The emerging mega-green celebrity Brad Pitt made an eco-appearance as the narrator of design:e2, the outstanding documentary film series on green design produced by kontentreal and sponsored by Autodesk.  In short, the Economies of Being Environmentally Conscious. Hence the 2 e's. It really is groundbreaking work. Design:e2 is the first film to present why it makes compelling economic, cultural and social sense to build green in the real-world.

Some exciting tidbits we learn in the series are:

From Red To Green: In China, William McDonough is helping to build green housing for 400 million people moving from the country to the city over the next decade. What happens in China will affect the entire world.

The Green Apple:  New York is becoming the big green apple with its leading-edge green buildings. A shining example is the Solaire in Battery Park City, the first LEED Gold residential high-rise tower in North America complete with 2 green roofs. Imagine buildings where the air coming out is cleaner than the air coming in.

Gray To Green: Construction is one of the greatest unknown contributors to global warming and waste. This show puts construction waste in a new light, as a bounty of materials that can be recycled and re-used. San Francisco is making great strides in greening gray. Now that is smart and e-powered.

The Green Machine:  Chicago is one of the greenest cities in the nation. Who knew? Mayor Richard Daley is really kicking some eco booty with his 20,000 square foot green roof on Chicago’s City Hall, which absorbs rainwater, cools the building, and reclaims space for the environment. They are saving $25,000 in energy costs. Daley has sprouted a Green Revolution 200 roofs deep. Even the McDonald’s has a green roof. Hmm…not sure what to make of that one.

Green For All: Green isn’t just for mayors and celebrities; it’s for all of us. Sergio Palleroni takes on green housing and wins in Mexico, empowering and inspiring everyone along the way. The pivotal ah-ha moment is when we see the pre-Sergio rows of uniform, unintelligent, uninhabitable hot boxes (supposed houses) and we think, how stupid they are! And then we realize that most new houses even in the U.S. aren’t built to take advantage of local sun positions and local materials – but easily could be. We also hear from TED star Cameron Sinclair, the founder of the heralded Architecture For Humanity,i.e. design like you give a damn.

On August 7, 2006, design:e2 premiered in San Francisco with great fanfare. 500 members of the eco-glitterati vied for a seat at the premiere and were treated to a lively panel discussion with the Director Tad Fettig, green building experts from USGBC and SF Department of the Environment (Laura Ingall and Mark Palmer), and the film’s star green architects. We hosted an After Party to celebrate. Here are the film premiere party photos thanks to Drew Altizer.

DVD:  Many people have asked, and I am thrilled to report that the design:e2 series is now available on DVD. Here is the Design e2 DVD from PBS. There is also a Teacher's Edition too with extra education.

Breaking News: By popular demand, more e2 is coming soon. Kontentreal just received the green light to produce the second season of design:e2 and a new six part series about energy called energy:e2 both sponsored by Autodesk. Congratulations!  www.design-e2.com

Brad Pitt Goes Green in New Orleans

Brad Pitt is not just another pretty face and famous movie star. He also is very knowledgeable and passionate about intelligent design and architecture.

Brad Pitt teamed up with nonprofit Global Green to host the Sustainable Design Competition for New Orleans. Hurricane-ravaged New Orleans must be rebuilt, so why not rebuild it green? A wonderful idea that began as a conversation between Brad Pitt and Global Green President Matt Petersen at the Clinton Global Initiative in September 2005.

And the Winners of the New Orleans Sustainable Design Competition are in!  The Grand Prize went to the GREEN.O.LA Design by Matthew Berman and Andrew Kotchen of Workshop APD in NYC. It will be built in the Holy Cross Neighborhood of the 9th Ward.

What does green building mean exactly? Healthy for its inhabitants, energy efficient, water efficient, eco-friendly via recycled and sustainable materials, locally constructed, dramatically lower CO2 emissions, and ultimately smart and beautiful. See the Global Green building page and also the LEED Green Building Rating System (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the USGBC.

Global Green is the national arm of Green Cross International, the environmental organization founded by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993. Global Green’s mission is to help solve three of the greatest challenges facing humanity:

• Stemming global climate change by creating green buildings and green schools
• Eliminating weapons of mass destruction that threaten lives and the environment
• Providing clean, safe drinking water for the 2.4 billion people who lack access to clean water

Global Green created and hosts the Green Cars, Red Carpet program at the Oscars where celebrities arrive at the red carpet in hip eco-cars.

I serve on Global Green's San Francisco Committee led by the ecoFabulous Zem Joaquin. Global Green is renowned for throwing fabulous events that celebrate positive environmental leadership. Here are some recent Global Green party photos.

Save the date December 12, 2006 for a glamorous green event in San Francisco at the Bently Reserve. Details coming soon...

A Green Candy Store

Green Fusion truly hits the G(reen) spot. I went in seeking natural bedding and left with the luxurious organic goods. Toxin-free and body-friendly. My bedroom feels like camping at the Ritz now. Macy's chemical-laden linen department can go eat itself.

Green Fusion located in Marin County seems to be the rare Home Depot for green interior design and building. Every product is stylish, quality and eco-friendly. Green Eye for the Brown Guy/Girl. It was fun and inspiring to see the recycled floors, sustainable wood, zero VOC paint, natural tiles, and more. Not an ounce of granola in the whole place that I could see.

We all grew up with those persuasive commercials: "Cotton, the fabric of our lives." It turns out that conventional cotton is one of the most chemically sprayed crops and uses 25% of the world's insecticides!  I propose a new slogan, "Organic cotton, the fabric of our green lives."

If you’re curious about making your home greener and healthier, check out the Green Fusion Design Center and explore. It's late and I'm off to sleep in my organic bed now. Sweet green dreams...