Avalon Towers is in a prime location for work, play or empty nesters and conveniently located across from Lake Washington and Seattle. This community is found in the heart of Bellevue and just steps from top dining, shopping, and entertainment that only the Pacific Northwest can provide. Your new home includes such plush amenities as superior high-end finishes, it has an open floor plan, spectacular views and it’s a pet friendly community. *Green features include a green roof and non smoking environment.

This attractive high rise boasts 396 units of one and two bedrooms, along with penthouse of which are available March 1st, 2010.

Avalon Towers Bellevue:

Contact Info:

Leasing Manager

866-202-2241

AvalonTowersBellevue@Newhome1.com

www.AvalonTowersBellevue.com

*Green Credentials:

Amenities:

• Thoughtfully designed studio, one-,
  two-bedroom and penthouse apartments
• Views of downtown Seattle, Bellevue, Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains
• Gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, contemporary cabinetry and energy efficient, stainless steel appliances
• Microwave, refrigerator with icemaker, garbage disposal, electric oven/range and dishwasher
• Washer and dryer in each apartment for your
  in-home convenience
• Spacious, walk-in closets
• Air conditioning in every apartment home
• Tile, hardwood flooring and carpeting
• Balcony/patio/terrace available in select apartment homes
• Resident lounge and rooftop clubhouse
• State-of-the-art, rooftop fitness
  center with cardio theater
• Beautiful lush landscaped courtyards
• Cucina and BBQ areas
• Seating area with outdoor fireplace
  on the podium level
• Concierge services
• Seeking LEED Certification
• Non-smoking community
• Maintenance Response Guarantee
• Easy access to public transportation
• WiFi access in common areas
• On-site garage with controlled access
• Cats and dogs welcome
• Designated pet areas
• Shopping, restaurants, galleries and
  live entertainment nearby
• Seventeen miles to Seattle-Tacoma
  International Airport
• Half of a mile to the Bellevue Transit Center

*Green Features:

• Many Building Components Constructed with Recycled Materials
• Nonsmoking Community
• High Efficiency HVAC system
• Energy Star Appliances
• Operable Windows for Natural Ventilation
• Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures
• Low VOC Paints, Carpets, and Sealants
• Green Roof
• Indigenous and Drought Resistant Planting
• On-Site Recycling Program
• Support Alternative Transportation (Public, Electric, Bikes)

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North Carolina is a leader in launching and marketing sustainable businesses.  Growth from 2008 -2009 in green building, in developing and investing in green housing moved forward in the state in spite of the recession.  Impressive facts? Yes they are.

The Green Living Expo and Conference joint production included Wilma Magazine, Greater Wilmington Business Journal and the Cape Fear Green Building Alliance. Sponsor’s included WWAY3 and The Green Room.  http://www.wwaytv3.com/node/18913 

Green Eco Communities had the privilege of being a guest at this event and met locals focused on building or maintaining sustainable businesses. A few outstanding were Richard A. Moore, PE with McKim & Creed,  Buena, a local sustainable community along with real estate brokers, architects, engineers, and building contractors.

Outstanding coverage by Wilma Magazine and *Star News shared highlights of the event and gave Wilmington an "A" as a city that’s environmentally friendly with a clear vision for future sustainability.

I asked Wilma magazine for it’s vision on the future of green business and the local economy.  Shelagh Clancy, Editor at Wilma magazine,  "We love green. It’s one of the issues our readers have specifically requested, so we have a green story every month, including stories such as where and what to recycle, where to buy green products locally, and who’s working to protect local waterways.

Wilma recently devoted an entire issue to green living, with sections on energy, food, transportation, building, and landscaping. It was tough to choose who to highlight among the many green companies and services in our area. We think people will keep this issue around for a resource. Take a look at Wilma’s Green Issue here.

And green business is big business, too. Our green issue sold more advertising than any other issue. Along with the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, Wilma sponsored a very successful Green Living Expo in downtown Wilmington, drawing more than 1,000 visitors to visit 42 booths of green businesses and attend 22 classes. More than 250 people attended a lunch talk given by Katharine Brass, executive director of GE’s ECOmagination program.

Shelagh concludes, "Green is the way of the future, and Wilma is proud to be green." 

(sclancy@wilmingtonbiz.com  phone: 910.343.8600 x206  fax: 910.343.8660 )

*Wilmington’s Star News represented the Green Living Expo exceptionally with press coverage before and after the event.   We appreciated that Green Eco Communities was noticed and included. Thank you. 

A special thanks goes to our host Mark Johnson. "Mark Johnson Custom Homes" was recently awarded The Concrete Producer and Concrete Construction’s GreenSite Award for their LEED Platinum and Energy Star Certified home in Wilmington, NC. The Platinum rating is the highest green-building certification from the USGBC and validates our commitment to building safe, sustainable and efficient homes.  Mark Johnson - 910.208.9153  Visit Our Blog  Follow Us On Twitter   www.MarkJohnsonCustomHomes.com

Articles: Green initiatives.

www.wilmingtonbiz.com/green

 http://www.ncgreenbuilding.org/site/ncg//index.cfm? 

Green Eco Communities - #Twitter - http://twitter.com/GreenEcoVoice @GreenEcoVoice   –   #fb - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Green-Eco-Communities/189062500237?ref=mf  Green Eco Communities

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Sustainability in all aspects of life is here to stay. Individually we play an integral part in preserving the planet and securing it’s resources for our children’s future.
Today businesses, organizations and service industries have begun participating in environmentally-friendly activities to ensure that they have adequately addressed environmental concerns. When we promote sustainability within a business it creates value for customers, investors, and our environment.

A sustainable business or service meets the needs of the planet by treating the environment well. Below are 5 of my favorite eco-friendly businesses or services that focus on educating, supporting and preserving our environment.

1. GreenBiz.com - Green Biz is the leading source for news, opinion, best practices, and other resources on the greening of mainstream business. Launched in 2000, our mission is to provide clear, concise, accurate, and balanced information, resources, and learning opportunities to help companies of all sizes and sectors integrate environmental responsibility into their operations in a manner that supports profitable business practices. www.GreenBiz.com  and connect with Hugh Byrne @greenbiztweets at Greener World Media, Inc., Oakland, CA

2. Natural Awakenings - A magazine and guide for green living, natural health, nutrition, and fitness with products and services that support a healthy lifestyle and planet. Publisher - Freddie Zeringue  October 2009 issue: http://content.yudu.com/A1gn76/NajaxOct09 contact  http://www.najax.com/ http://www.naturalawakeningsnefl.com/

3. Natura - Natura has been taking eco-responsibility seriously for fifteen years. And because we know a good night’s sleep is as important as diet and exercise are to a healthy lifestyle, our green, natural and organic bedding, pillows and mattresses are as nourishing for you as they are for our fragile world. http://www.naturaworld.com/company/green-initiatives

4. Avasiare - Developed with respect for the environment.  Professional skin care and cosmetics for healthy skin via healthy ingredients. Specializing in using eco-friendly packaging, biodegradable boxes, and recycled/recyclable shipping materials.  Additionally, a recycling program provides our customers with one free item for returning three used cosmetic packages for breakdown and recycling. http://www.avasiare.com/

5. Eco-Broker - Nan Fischer Certified Eco Broker® - “I help buyers and sellers find and take advantage of energy efficient features in homes. I educate as many people as I can on green building and set an example of green living.” Taos County’s Green Real Estate Expert - Salsa Realty, Inc Taos, NM www.nanfischer.com

Become proactive to create a “greener life” for future generations who will call Earth home…..

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The environmental movement! Mankind continues to struggle with ideas and ways to save the planet. Words like sustainability, eco-friendly, environmentalist, ecosystems, and green are becoming a part of everyday vocabulary. The resounding message that Earths resources are being depleted has become a focus in the lives of many worldwide; and environmental issues continue to spark heated political debate.   

Realistically, two-thirds of natural services to humankind are in decline; depleted fisheries, extinct species, toxic pollution, soil erosion, dying rivers, lopped-off mountain tops, melting glaciers, and Earth’s atmosphere is heating up like a flambeau.

Facing these realities more and more people are becoming aware of the need to show compassion. They know we can enjoy rich lives with modest consumption without losing quality of life. In order to accomplish this we need to band together and work towards preserving our environment and our communities. Beginning on a personal level we can adopt social strategies that “globalize” our society. Humanity requires large-scale change and by each one of us making daily choices we will see the age of ecological enlightenment arrive.

Here are a few key ways we can help become part of the solution:

• Stop Hydrocarbon: Walk, ride a bike or take public transport. Encourage and create low-impact public transportation.

• Grow & Eat Local: Dine on what’s sustainable. Preserve local agricultural land and start a backyard or community garden. 

• Slow Consumption: Shop second hand. Recycle everything. Make global responsibility your fashion statement.

• Build Community: We cannot solve the global ecological challenge individually, but we can in our neighborhoods and communities. Grow compassion.

• Be Courageous: Challenge conventional thinking. When one person stands up then others are inspired to stand up also. 

• Research: Become proactive by educating yourself on ecological responsibility. Become curious about how society works and how nature works.

• Use your skills: “Become the Change you Want to See in the World” Lead by example. Use your skills, knowledge, and passions.

• Protect Nature: Ecology of our planet demands attention now. Many animals are on the verge of extinction. Become supportive and discover how to learn from nature. [*Earth Trailer]

*

You can become an extraordinary hero! Practice modesty and courage everyday. Become a leader for social change beginning in your home and your community. Personal actions defeat feelings of hopelessness and you can and will “Help Save Our Planet”…

Become proactive to create a “greener life” for future generations who will call Earth home…..

“Treat The Earth Well. It Was Not Given To You By Your Parents, It Was Loaned To You By Your Children. We Do Not Inherit The Earth From Our Ancestors, We Borrow It From Our Children.”     ~   Ancient Indian Proverb

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The explosion of green communities across the United States in spite of the recession is heartwarming. Gripping concern for the environment has taken hold and given way to a new dawn of responsibility and awareness.

New developments are popping up every month here in the United States. Recognition of the benefits of getting back to nature, caring for our planet and going green has given way to backyard gardens and the creation of more green spaces.  These small steps benefit the environment, sustain life and help stabilizes the economy.  How so?  When the mind set of people change so does their focus. People begin to look for ways to become environmentally friendly on a personal level and this mushrooms into communities and the nation. 

Sustainable communities support the environment and economy. Developers hire Architects and Construction crews, Investors borrow money from Lending institutions and Home Buyers becomes residents who change the landscape of our environment for future generations.

Today there’s an acute awareness of the need for sustainability in every aspect of our environment and the movement towards quiet peaceful neighborhoods filled with environmentally concerned families is just the beginning.

Truly this is a ‘Sunrise’ for sustainability. 

In my state of North Carolina we have several sustainable communities: The map at www.greenecocommunities.com  will provide you with other like communities in the United States. 

Briar Chapel Green Community
Briar Chapel Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Located five miles south of Chapel Hill, Briar …

Read More…

Lennon Hills Green Community
Lennon Hills Brunswick County, North Carolina – Nestled in the scenic area between the Cap…

Read More…

Brunswick Forest Green Community & Homes
Leland, North Carolina – Brunswick Forest is considered one of the South’s top coastal…

Read More…

Walk Softly Green Communities
Central North Carolina – Walk Softly is a residential home and commercial builder who specia…

Read More…

Tonbo Meadow Green Community
Wilmington, NC – Just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and downtown Wilmington, NC is the gre…

Read More…

The Trails at Cranberry Springs
Boone, North Carolina - The Trails at Cranberry Springs is a new residential community nestled hig…

Read More…

Whisper Mountain Green Community, Asheville NC
Asheville, North Carolina - Tucked in the heart of western North Carolina is the green community o…

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By Leslie Berliant - Sustainablog 

When I was 6 years old, I wanted to be a farm lady. That’s what I wrote in my Dr. Seuss My Book About Me. Given that I talked my landlady into letting me dig up part of my front lawn to plant a vegetable garden last summer, that might still be the case. So when I first learned about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in 1995 through a friend’s mother in Williamstown, Mass, I wanted in. My friend’s mom had a kitchen full of organic produce from their local CSA where they were shareholders. In return for their investment, I think it was around $200, they received a weekly delivery of fresh, organic produce from their farm. A few months later when we moved to New Hampshire, we joined Luna Bleu farm in South Royalton, Vermont. It was managed by Tim Sanford and Suzanne Long, a couple of MIT engineering grads. They were enthusiastic, accessible and generous.

Like all the shareholder members of the farm, we were invited to come to the farm and pick and take whatever we wanted on top of our weekly delivery. We spent a lot of time hanging out there, including a memorable incident when my 2 year old daughter climbed into the pen with the baby lambs.

It was as part of Luna Bleu that I learned how to cook pea vines and kohlrabi and make sorrel and spinach pesto from the recipes they put in our boxes. We even helped raise our Thanksgiving turkey during a time of lapsed vegetarianism, something I both regret and am proud to have experienced. Though I now live far away from Vermont, I still think of Luna Bleu as our farm.

One of the great things about Luna Bleu was that along with their weekly vegetable delivery, for an extra fee, they would also deliver fresh milk, yogurt, beef, lamb, pork, poultry and eggs from the farm. Although I had never been a milk drinker, I couldn’t resist the milk fresh from the farm with the cream on top. Everything from the farm tasted better. The animals were raised ethically and fed properly. The cows grazed on grass not corn, the chickens were free range and the pigs ate like pigs.

To this day, Luna Bleu has a sliding scale for shareholders so that everyone can participate, starting at just $280 for a small harvest season share which provides all the vegetables you need for 2 adults each week for the entire growing season, mid-June to mid-October. What works at Luna Bleu, is what works at most CSA farms:

- Farmers receive needed capital to run the farm from shareholders who pay for their entire share in advance of the growing season.

- Members share both the risks and the rewards. A bumper crop of carrots means more for everyone. If the kale is consumed by pests, than you share in that loss.

- Members experience greater diversity and seasonality in their diet. Seriously, how likely are you to buy and cook kohlrabi on your own? And by eating what is being harvested at the farm, members are automatically eating what is in season.

CSA farms are everywhere now, along with my other obsession, Farmers’ Markets. The USDA estimates there were more than 12,500 CSA farms in 2007, operating in every single state. In addition to growing season shares, many have winter shares with bulk deliveries of squash, potatoes and onions that you can store and eat all winter long.

Along with the more traditional produce CSAs, meat and egg CSAs are now popping up. It’s a way to support local agriculture and, if you choose to eat animal products, make sure that they are raised in ways that are both ethical and healthy for the end consumer. Farms like 2 Silos in Ohio offer monthly deliveries of meat along with an “adopt-a-hen” program, in which member families receive 40 dozen eggs, a stewing chicken, and five gallons of henhouse compost over the course of a year. Some, like 8 o’Clock Ranch will ship frozen meats anywhere. While their animals are humanely and sustainably raised and processed, and the quality will likely be superior to what you can get in the grocery aisle, the shipping defeats the idea of eating locally. It’s better and more sustainable to find out if your local CSA also raises animals and if you can buy your meat and dairy from them for an extra fee.

March is a great time to find and join a CSA. The farmers are about to start planting if they haven’t already. Joining now gives you the opportunity to go and help out with the first plantings, or spend some time getting to know the farmers. I recommend finding a farm that is close enough for you to spend time there and really be a part of things. It may change the way you think about the food you buy and your appreciation for what is involved. It may change your understanding of what it means to eat sustainably. It may change the way you eat, altogether, and raise your expectations of food quality. What I can guarantee is that if you spend time there, you will always think of it as your farm. What could be better than that?

Leslie Berliant of Sustainablog

Jones Family Farm (Burgaw,NC)

Become a member of Jones Family Farm CSA and you will receive a 1/2 bushel box of fresh picked vegetables for 10 consecutive weeks. You may choose to pickup your box at one of the two dropoff points we have listed below. We also give you the option of coming out to the farm to pickup your share where you will also be able to shop for other fresh products we offer. (more…)

Dogwood Farms (Maple Hill,NC)

As a member, you will pre-pay for three months in advance. Full share (3 months, feeds family of 2 adults, 2 children) -$150.00. Half share (3 months, feeds 2 adults)-$75.00.
Your CSA membership begins on the month you subscribe. Each month you will have a monthly credit of $50.00 (full share) or $25. (more…)

Veggies by the Sea (Supply,NC)

Seasonal items to keep any vegetable lover happy and coming back for more! Pick-up/Drop off arranged to order.

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"Treat The Earth Well. It Was Not Given To You By Your Parents, It Was Loaned To You By Your Children. We Do Not Inherit The Earth From Our Ancestors, We Borrow It From Our Children."     ~ Ancient Indian Proverb

My friend Brian in the UK is one of my favorite environmentalist and blog authors,…. recently I asked him if I could share his wisdom with my readers and he granted me this interview.   
I asked Brian what he thought was the future of ‘green’ and sustainability and how he felt about the way things are going around the world. In correspondence Brian stated, …. "If green is done right, it helps everyone. Of course it improves the environment, which means that it improves the quality of life that we share with everyone and everything that lives on this planet."                                       

With the economy being hit from every direction I feel Brian’s next statement merits special attention….."A focus on sustainability will create jobs and investment opportunities in many new industries, both low-tech and high-tech. It reduces our dependence on other countries for essential energy supplies. Happily, the new President of the USA gets all this. The best effect in the long run, from my point of view, is children who grow up in a ‘green environment’ instead of in a concrete environment are much more likely to have happy childhoods and grow into happier adults. It’s as true for children as for animals in a zoo. And happy children are the long-term solution to much of the misery in this world." Then, he stated further, …."It’s encouraging to see the world starting to turn away from concrete boxes and straight, featureless rows of houses, and replacing them with communities centered around green communal spaces. Just doing that helps a lot for the human spirit and happiness. If you add in green housing, local farming, a reduced need to get in a car in order to shop or to meet your neighbors, and other "green" things - in other words, green eco-communities - then we are winning all around!"

Yes, individually we can play a part in ‘A Bright Sustainable Future’ for our planet and for our children’s future. Begin at home, within our community and then by reaching out to the world around us……

Brian’s website provides interesting information with many links relating to all these themes.

 http://www.tooby.demon.co.uk/Log/EnvironmentTechnology.html

"You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of your grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin.                                                                                                           Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother.  Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves."  ~ Native American Wisdom

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People are coming together as excitement builds around today’s ‘Inaugural Address’ …what a powerful message of unity!

It’s exhilarating to know the entire world shares in this beautiful spirit. Chilly weather looms over today’s events but the hearts of those in attendance will be warm as they realize the significance of this monumental moment in history. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people kept that spirit alive from this day forward?  ‘We Can’…there’s hard work ahead but ‘United We Stand.’

Writing for Green Eco Voice has given me the privilege of sharing my environmental focus and I’ve met so many outstanding individuals who work diligently to spread the word of sustainability to protect our environment.

As a group of social media friends we are also united in purpose like those in Washington today. ‘United We Stand.’                                                                                                                

There are many who submit fabulous blog articles including friends from other countries. Together we have a unity in thought, heart and mind when it comes to being stewards of our planet, securing it and protecting it for future generations.

Today I share a partial list of friends who inspire me and I consider them extraordinary examples in environmental journalism.

1.)  Jeff at Green Options - Senior Editor and Content Director at Green Options, the publisher/author of Sustainablog.  Green Options Media’s rapidly growing network of environmentally-focused blogs provides users with a broad spectrum of information for making sustainable choices and has grown into a leader among “green” news and information source. -  http://www.greenoptions.com 

2.)  Paul at The Green Smith  - Sustainable/Green Business Consultant. Blogger for Ecopreneurist and his website is - http://www.greensmithconsulting.com/

3.)  Victoria at - http://victoria-e.com/  - A powerhouse with great blog posts on everything green along with green business links.

4.)  Joel at - greenbuildingelements.com - Works in green construction, and he contributes to greenoptions.com 

5.)  Gavin at -  http://ecoworldly.com - Writes for an international green writing team from Korea.

There are other friends who focus on the environment and have been a fantastic support, sending a special thanks to each one of you!  This link shares this supportive group in the ‘reviews.’    http://www.stumbleupon.com/url/www.greenecocommunities.com/blog/2009/01/12/obamas-change-environmental-focus-a-reality/

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If Asheville North Carolina is where you are looking, the green community of Whisper Mountain, located just outside Asheville is absolutely breathtaking, with green amenities galore including green homes built with NCHealthyBuilt, and LEED certifications!

Boone NC is Booming! Yes, The Trails at Cranberry Springs, North Carolina is the location of a hidden Eco-community, with incredible mountain views as well. In addition, this community will offer EnergyStar, and North Carolina Healthy Built Home Certification of it’s green homes.

I am certain we will continue to have more green projects from this state, so if you are looking for a green community in North Carolina, be sure to go to our main site, and take a peek at the 7 we have listed, and check back often!

While I am at it, I don’t want to forget other parts of the country, we recently also submitted a community from Maine! Yes, they do have Eco-communities up there! It’s called Fuller Brook Eco-community, in Kittery Maine.

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President-elect Barack Obama’s top four economic decisions have been announced according to the latest news:

First - Universal Health Care

Second - Economic Recovery and Job Creation

Third - Building Green

Fourth - Ending the War in Iraq

As we’re aware “Environmental Organizations” supported Obama strongly and early on sent their wish list to Obama’s transition team.

This list included, cutting the nation’s dependence on oil in half, moving electricity generation to 100 percent from clean sources like wind and solar, create 5 million new clean-energy jobs and reduce global warming pollution by at least 80 percent.

Timely quote by Jasmin Melvin of Reuters:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Proponents of alternative energy and energy efficiency were elated on Thursday by President-elect Barack Obama’s economic stimulus speech, but some analysts warned his energy agenda could hit turbulence in Congress or from the slow economy. Obama asked Congress “to act without delay” to pass legislation that included doubling alternative energy Production in the next three years and building a new electricity “smart grid.” He said he also planned to modernize 75 percent of federal buildings and improve energy efficiency in 2 million homes to save consumers billions of dollars on energy bills.

Billionaire oil investor T. Boone Pickens said Obama’s plan would help kick start the slow economy. Investing in alternative energy, focusing on conservation and rebuilding our power grid to deliver that energy to every corner of our country are critical components of this effort,” Pickens said in a statement.

Obama has issued the call, “the creation of a clean-energy economy that will double the production of alternative energy in the next three years and we will put Americans to work in new jobs that pay well and can’t be outsourced - jobs building solar panels and wind turbines, constructing fuel-efficient cars and buildings.”

I’d say we are headed towards a “New Beginning”….it’s certain to be difficult at first but things appear focused in the right direction by our New President- Elect, wouldn’t you agree?

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