TheGreenGirls

Conscious Living Tip: Green Up Your Kitchen

Bianca — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:13:00 -0700

Time for a new kitchen remodel? Why not go green for a fresh change? From eco hardwood floors to energy-efficient appliances, and even green cleaning products, this Conscious Living tip will give you lots of options for updating your eating space.

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Learn more about Bianca at ConsciousLivingTV.com

The Vulnerable Confident Heart

Wendy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:12:00 -0700

“The supreme reality of our time is the vulnerability of this planet.” -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Photo via Quixotic Pixels

The life of the heart is one of contradictions. It is where our greatest strengths are often our most profound weaknesses. Finding balance between seemingly opposing forces or feelings is key to finding balance in love. I can’t think of any two more complementary forces for love than the capacity for vulnerability and the experience of confidence. Consider each one on its own: The confident but invulnerable heart can be brash, ego driven and unavailable. The confidence does not serve because it is not tempered. The vulnerable insecure heart is pitiful, full of self doubt and starts to resemble childlike dependence. It is easy to see how the vulnerability of childhood is easily confused with its more mature adult version.

To really love life, yourself or others these traits must work together. Ancient eastern scripture has long valued the cultivation of the heart broken wide open. The teachings say that it is raw, confident vulnerability that allows you to deeply feel with true compassion and leads you to the road to enlightenment. Confident vulnerability allows you to keep showing up for yourself and others even when your heart gets a bit trampled. You have the courage to actually feel what happens to you. In turn, experiencing your feelings as they happen builds courage.

Vulnerable confidence lets people say what they need to say and trust the listener to be kind. Balancing these forces in your heart everyday has the added benefit of ensuring that real lines of communication are always available. Combining the courage to self disclose with the confidence to be yourself feeds a relationship’s integrity because everyone knows where they stand. The more confident vulnerability shapes your communication, the more that trust thrives.

Confident vulnerability doesn’t turn minor disappointments into big storylines about the places where the relationship falls short. You can keep your vulnerability intact if you have a little confidence. Relationships, by definition will always disappoint you at some time, and heartbreak goes with the territory, which is sadly the state of things when it comes to the human race. Accepting the frailties and imperfection of ourselves and the people we live with and moving into relationships instead of away from them is the reason to cultivate a vulnerable confident heart.

Perhaps the most rewarding gift of cultivating a vulnerable confident heart is that these are the odd bedfellows that create deep and lasting passion. Closing the bedroom door with the capacity to fully open to the moment and your partner without fear of judgment and the freedom to find out what it means to be sexual is the treasure of sex most people search for in a lifetime. Vulnerability and confidence don’t preclude one another they require each other. The mystery of sexual connection unravels and becomes a dance of union and spiritual rediscovery.

Confident vulnerability is the mature path to making a life with love as its central axis. It is the only path that has real heart.

Learn more about Wendy at http://www.goodcleanlove.com/

LOFTS @ CHEROKEE STUDIOS; LA’s FIRST Green Live/Work Lofts (Part 1/5)

May — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:45:00 -0700

What do you get when you mix prime Hollywood real estate, avant-garde developers, venturesome investors, ingenious architects and designers, rock star legends, and green? The LOFTS at Cherokee Studios. The Lofts at Cherokee Studios is the FIRST and forefront LEED® (Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum creative live/work lofts in Los Angeles. As a green real estate professional, of all the green buildings I’ve seen throughout California, I had the chance for a firsthand look at the newest, hippest, and greenest address in Hollywood. The Platinum Preview Party at Cherokee Studios was a night to celebrate the transformation of the legendary Platinum album-recording studio into Platinum rating sustainable mix-use development. Proceeds of the event were donated to Habitat of Humanity of Hollywood, a prominent non-profit organization that funds and constructs affordable homes throughout the world to combat poverty.

Of the 4,775,000 lofts, condos, and apartment homes in California, only 12 are designed to meet LEED® Platinum green building certification, which is the highest rating achievable from the US Green Building Council. And all of them are at Cherokee Studios. The building consists of retail spaces on the first floor, low flats and tri-level lofts on the second floor, and town homes and penthouses on the third floor. Of the 12 lofts, four were gorgeously transformed to “Platinum Showcase Lofts” in which I will show in depth in later parts of this blog.

In order to achieve the LEED Platinum level, the design team implemented a rigorous list of green building strategies. LEED rates building on their ability to reduce impact from energy, material, water, and transportation, while improving indoor air quality and sustainable site implementation. The building consists of the following:

· Over 40% better than California’s strict Title 24 2005 Energy Efficiency standards

· 20 kW solar electric array

· Astounding views

· Dynamic double façade creates shade and buffers street noise while enabling ventilation

· Electric car charging for every unit

· Reclaimed Black Forest Walnut from Studio One reused

· Walkable neighborhood scores “Walker’s Paradise” (95 out of 100) on walkscore.com

· Extensive bike storage

· Dynamic double façade creates shade and buffers street noise while enabling ventilation

· Formaldehyde-free cabinets and flooring

· High efficiency air filtration

· Low and zero VOC paints and finishes

· High efficiency tankless water heaters

· High-tech, high efficiency Variable Refrigerant Flow Heating and Cooling System

· Designed to optimize natural ventilation

· Abundant natural daylight

· Efficient lighting including strategic use of LED lighting

· Green, living roof and cool roof

· Upgraded glass enhances thermal and sound insulation

· High recycled content and locally produced products

· Forest Stewardship Council certified wood (50% of all wood products)

· Reduced landfill waste by over 75%

· Reduced stormwater runoff through groundbreaking under-sidewalk infiltration system

· Drought resistant landscaping

· Energy Star appliances

· Dual flush Toto Aquia II toilets

· Water efficient fixtures

· Design for durability

· Double walls between units for sound isolation

As I study through Cherokee Studio LEED Project Checklist (http://loftsatcherokeestudios.com/greenCommitment/leedChecklist.php), the building earned 55/ 69 points, the highest point I’ve ever seen! This high level of certification is only possible through a commitment to the highest standards of sustainable design and construction methods. The commitment of two-time American Institute of Architects Top 10 Green Award Winner Pugh + Scarpa and LA’s leading green developer, REthink Development, has resulted in the greenest live/work/music building in California.

The new Cherokee Studios is also a music captured in architecture. Over 300 Platinum and Gold albums recorded by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, David Bowie, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis are in this iconic building. The building entrance, signage, walkway and doors reflect the past of Cherokee Studios. Gold and platinum records, memorabilia, and reminders of the artists that recorded at Cherokee are integrated in the lobby design. Materials from the recording studio are reused throughout the new building including the dark wood paneling from Germany’s Black Forest that completed Frank Sinatra’s Studio One. The premium and music units will include home recording or editing studios designed artfully by Cherokee Studio’s founders for music and filmmaking. The Platinum records in the lobby honor Cherokee’s past while the Platinum* LEED Green Building design protects our planet’s future. Not only is a LEED® building designed and constructed green, studies have concluded that LEED® Certified green Buildings have proven to produce more productive knowledge based work by occupants with studies showing 15% jumps in productivity. Whether writing, cutting footage, editing, animating, or getting movies made, a healthy, comfortable, day lit workspace takes care of the productivity and the legendary legacy of Cherokee Studios provides the inspiration.

For more information visit www.loftsatcherokeestudios.com

Rock- n- Platinum party photos visit http://tarawujcik.com/CherokeeStudios/index.html or

my facebook at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=116480&id=576124665&l=ada15c2380

Be Green, Be Gorgeous!

Your Green Realtor,

May Hsu

626-329-6999

greenandgorgeous@gmail.com

www.gorgeousandgreen.net

Video: Sleek and Simple Off Shoulder Dress

GiannyL — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:24:00 -0700

Sleek and simple in any material, the off-the-shoulder dress gets a touch of eloquence & fun from the simple detail.

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Music by Kchiporros

For more instructional videos by Gianny, visit http://www.giannyl.com/

Are toxic cleaning products contaminating the air in your kids’ classroom?

Allison — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:09:00 -0700

The Environmental Working Group just released this new report titled “Can Cleaning Supplies Contaminate Classroom Air?”. The answer, as you can imagine, is a resounding yes.

Although I use natural, non-toxic cleaners at home, it didn’t really occur to me that my kids spend a big portion of their day at school, so they are being exposed to all kinds of toxic cleaning products there that are outside my control. And if you have kids with asthma or other health problems, there’s even more cause for concern.

After reading this report, I contacted the principal at my kid’s school. I requested a list of the cleaning products used at school. Pretty quickly, she got back to me and said she’s happy to provide the information (although at the moment, I’m still waiting for it) and what’s more, she said that the district is in the process of transitioning over the “green” cleaning products – good news! Even better, I don’t think she has labeled me the “problem mom”. I think she’s receptive to the whole idea. So far, this is working out well.

If you are also concerned about the cleaning products used at your children’s school, here are some suggestions for how to talk to your school about green cleaning. Go ahead, be the mom who stirs the pot. After all, natural cleaning products are healthier for everyone - kids, teachers and school staff too. Really, they’ll thank you some day. Okay, probably not, but you’ll feel better because you took some positive action to protect the health of all our kids – and that’s worth standing up for.

Yes to safe, natural, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners with ingredients like deionized water, vegetable based cleaning agents, surfactants, emulsifiers. That’s it!

No brand names to protect the not-so innocent but you know who these are - with ingredients like phosphates, alkylphenol exthoxylates (APE's), linear alkylate sulforate (LAS), ammonia, chlorine , sodium perborates and petroleum based colors and fragrances, these are a toxic soup.

Learn more about Allison at

Thirty Steps to Setting up your Green Business, part 4

MonicaF — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:34:00 -0700

Today's post is on the "human side" of your company. You will make it or break it based on customer involvement and feedback. Here are some steps on interacting in person and in groups. Next week we'll cover online interactions.

Read part 1, part 2, and part 3 of the series.

Step 18) Learn how to present
You'll want to practice your 7-second introduction to what you do (for networking purposes), but also consider how to communicate your message and represent your brand.

The groups I recommend for interaction in a business setting include BNI, a weekly networking group with people in different industries in your local area, as well as Toastmasters, a public speaking group where you practice your abilities to give extemporaneous and prepared speeches.

Find a chapter near you and meet others. I've also mentioned green networking groups --- you might find other eco-conscious and sustainably-oriented business owners through a search on your location. (Google search)

Step 19) Meet different types of people.
There is a limit to how well you'll get to know someone, but over time, you have a great opportunity to establish quality relationships with successful people and consistently expand your circle of trust.

Any time is a great time to network, and I set aside at least 4 hours every week to connect with and meet with others in person or over the phone.

Green business networking is a great way to meet many different types of people in your field of interest (which is green business, right?)

What I recommend is going to any networking event with specific objectives in mind.

For example, if you're attending a business-related event, plan on circulating and meeting people from a perspective of getting acquainted with others in your local community.
If you're attending a conference, plan on meeting with a large amount of people, collecting contact information, and following up afterwards.
If you're attending an intimate gathering, plan on enjoying and solidifying your connections with the other participants.
If you're attending a seminar or workshop, plan on learning as much as you can and identifying key players in your industry who speak or lead activities at that event.
If you're attending a regular networking event, like a dinner or party, consider spending time with a smaller amount of people but getting a real sense of who's who.

I'm not a big proponent of blanketing a big hall full of people with business cards, as afterwards you'll run into the issue of not remembering who's who. Instead, let everything flow naturally, speak with people who pique your interest, keep calm, and come with the attitude that the right people for you will show up when you're ready.

Step 20) How can you help others?
A leader finds out what's important to their followers.

As you're establishing a base of readers, clients, connections, volunteers, and supporting members, consider what you can do to help those in your community.

Share articles, advice, links, leads. Offer links to white papers, news, or information that directly impacts your network. Forward specific articles to people who you know will be interested in them.

Consider establishing a forum (like a discussion group, e-mail newsletter, or social network) where you can reach out to those who have expressed an interest in your work.

Find out how to incorporate the spirt of sharing into your corporate mission statement. Consider adopting a local community organization, nonprofit, or charity that aligns with your mission.

Remember to celebrate, always. As women in green businesses, we're so busy with all that we do, both personally and professionally. At least once a year, like during the holidays or for your company anniversary, throw a big bash to share the bounty, reach out to your community, and to make even more memories to sustain you and your business success.

List your green business for free in the national directory at http://www.greenbizwomen.com. Follow me on Twitter at @monicadear and let me know about your green business!

LIMITED Bonus Giveaway (~150 copies left): Get your e-version PDF of my 240-page book "51 Ways to Build your Community of Clients Online". Packed with 51 tips, the book shares great ways to maximize your effectiveness online. bit.ly/51waysbook use coupon code: greengirls to download for free.

Monica S. Flores of is committed to educating, empowering, and connecting women in business -- she believes in the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profits. She is available for consulting on web development, green business practices, and women in business.

image credit: owaisk_4u

Video: Organic Facial at Jurlique Wellness Day Spa

Charmaine — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:46:00 -0700

Jurlique is a great organic and natural skin care line and they also have several wellness day spas. I was invited to their spa on Madison Ave in New York to experience their signature aroma therapeutic facial. If you have a chance to visit one of their day spas; I highly recommend them and if you're in NYC, ask to book with Elizabeth - she is fantastic!

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The products that were used during the treatment are all available for purchase for home applications. These were my favorite products used during my facial:

Balancing Cleansing Lotion
A balancing cleansing lotion, rich in the living energy of rosewood and lavender to gently lift away surface impurities. Leaves the skin balanced and hydrated. Ideal for maintaining balance.

Intense Recovery Mask
A hydrating mask, rich in the living energy of herbs and precious plant oils to clarify and revitalize the skin, leaving the skin smooth, glowing and refreshed. Ideal for maintaining balance.A hydrating mask, rich in the living energy of herbs and precious plant oils to clarify and revitalise the skin, leaving the skin smooth, glowing and refreshed. Ideal for maintaining balance.

Balancing Day Care Cream
A light, absorbing moisturising cream infused with the living energy of daisy, chamomile and rose, and precious plant oils to minimise the visible signs of ageing. Leaves the skin with a smooth, healthy-looking glow. Ideal for maintaining balance.

Why are facials important?

Our skin is our largest organ and performs several key functions, such as protecting us from foreign substances and assisting in the release of toxins from our bodies. Facials are deep skin treatments that cleanse, rehydrate, rebalance, rejuvenate the skin.

Professional facials involve a cleansing procedure, massage, steam, and the application of a mask. Cleansing removes the dead, dull outer layer of cells along with pollutants. The massage helps blood circulation, which aids the removal of toxins from the body. Steam softens blackheads and whiteheads so that they can be removed easily. And the face mask tones and clarifies the skin as well as treating conditions such as dry or blemish-prone skin.

It is recommended to book a professional facial at least 4 times a year, as the seasons change. Estheticians are trained specifically to help identify your unique skin type and help treat and improve skin conditions.

To learn more about Charmaine, visit Glamology.com

The Green Girls Holiday Spectacular Event Gets Support From IREO

GreenGirls — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:48:00 -0700

The Green Girls are celebrating 2009 with a spectacular event that gives back to our community. Join us for The Green Girls Holiday Spectacular Event & Food Drive to support a local Los Angeles shelter.

The Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization (IREO) has jumped in to support our event; bringing in IREO host committee Marshall Herskovitz, a longtime environmentalist & founding member of 1sky and Nicole Hansen, Deputy Secretary-General of IREO.

The Holiday Spectacular Event will be held on Saturday, December 12th at the Eco-chic, The Strawberry House in Encino Hills! Our guests will enjoy live DJ performance, live acoustic entertainment, live art, networking, organic drinks, organic cupcakes & the gratifying feeling of giving during the holiday season!

LIMITED TO 100 GUESTS

Learn more about The Green Girls Holiday Spectacular Event HERE.

Not familiar with our parties? Check out our 1 Year Anniversary Bash at Ecco Lounge.

Let the NYC Green Halloween inspire you

LynnandCorey — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:23:00 -0700

The first official Green Halloween took place three years ago. Corey's germ of an idea about making Halloween healthier for kids and the planet was an instant hit in the Seattle area, where we live and where we launched.

Last year, Green Halloween grew from a local community initiative to a national one, with cities including San Francisco, LA, Phoenix and others creating their own events and expanding our ideas into schools, churches, community centers and to thousands of individuals.

This year, our third, New York City came on board. We partnered with Dr. Oz's organization, HealthCorps and the arts focused Action Arts League to create a Green Halloween that was uniquely Big Apple.

We were fortunate to be in NYC to experience a full afternoon of Green Halloween fun in DeSalvio Park in the city's historic Little Italy area. Watching the kids and their parents participate in amusing activities that had absolutely nothing to do with collecting candy, reinforced our belief that Halloween doesn't have to be focused on overindulging our sweet teeth.

Youngsters who showed up did enjoy trick or treating though. About a dozen stores in the neighborhood had signed on to provide costumed kiddos with alternatives to conventional candy. We had no idea what they would be handing out and neither did the children. We were surprised and delighted to discover the store managers' creative ideas--bags of popcorn, stickers, rice cakes (which, believe it or not, the kids scarfed down like they hadn't eaten in a week). A bookstore gave out beautiful children's books with environmental themes and a resale shop gave everyone a new sweat shirt. Some stores handed items to parents too. Not one child appeared disappointed that they received not a single candy bar!

If you are considering some changes to upcoming holidays to make them a bit more eco-friendly and healthier for your family, let the ideas behind Green Halloween be your guide. Provide lots of fun, interesting, creative and healthier alternatives to what is expected. Most important of all, have faith in your children's capacity for enjoyment of things that are different. In our experience, kids are a lot more flexible than adults and willingly embrace what is better for them and the Earth when these choices are presented in enticing ways.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are a mother-daughter team and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net.

EMA Challenges California To Be Green

GreenGirls — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:47:00 -0700

Ten Southern California Cities to Launch the California Green Community Challenge

WHO: Amy Smart, Frances Fisher, Daryl Hannah, Hart Bochner & the participating cities:

Simi Valley Mayor Paul Miller Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Redlands Mayor Jon Harrison Monrovia, Mayor Mary Ann Luz
San Gabriel Mayor Juli Constanzo Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser
Riverside Mayor Ronald Loveridge Santa Clarita Councilmember Bob Kellar
Claremont Mayor Corey Calaycay Culver City Mayor Andrew Weissman

WHAT: The Environmental Media Association to hold a kickoff Press Event on November 4, 2009 at Sony Studios to launch the California Green Community challenge. The Mayors of the ten cities in the challenge, along with some of the Corporate Partners and EMA celebrity talent will be present for the launch.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 4, 2009
9:15am - Press Check-in
10:00am – 11:00am - Press Conference

WHERE: SONY STUDIOS in Culver City

photo via mike s etc

PROGRAM DETAILS: The Environmental Media Association (EMA), in cooperation with Green Seal, and the Institute for Local Government, will be issuing a challenge to ten southern California cities to be recognized as a “California Green Community” by 2012. Although there are many cities already engaged in some areas of environmental preservation, ten communities are being nominated to launch this challenge due to their ability to be “thought leaders” with their peers.

The Environmental Media Association (EMA), in cooperation with Southern California Edison, Green Seal, and the Institute for Local Government are issuing a challenge to ten southern California cities to be recognized as a “California Green Community” by 2012. The Environmental Media Association will hold a kick off Press Event on November 4, 2009 at Sony Studios to launch the California Green Community Challenge. The Mayors of the ten cities taking the challenge, along with some of the Corporate Partners and EMA celebrity talent will be present at the launch. The objective is to ignite a nationwide initiative to preserve our natural environment. These ten Californian communities have committed to the Green Community Challenge and will act as leaders in this effort.

Acting as “thought leaders,” participating cities will develop Green Community Action Plans in fields including: energy efficiency, water management, green building, climate friendly purchasing, land use and community design, waste management, urban forestry, community and individual action, air quality, and transportation. Participation is strictly voluntary and cities are not required to make any financial commitments up front, but they will be expected to establish local programs that achieve the objectives in as many fields over the next three years.

The cities lead by their respective mayors include: Simi Valley- Mayor Paul Miller, Redlands- Mayor Jon Harrison, San Gabriel- Mayor Juli Constanzo, Riverside- Mayor Ronald Loveridge, Claremont- Mayor Corey Calaycay, Los Angeles- Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Monrovia- Mayor Mary Ann Luz, Santa Monica- Mayor Ken Genser, Santa Clarita- Councilmember Bob Kellar, and Culver City- Mayor Andrew Weissman will be recognized at either a Silver Level (basic city commitments), Gold Level (advanced city commitments), or Platinum Level (city and communitywide commitments). Recognition levels include promotional activities provided by EMA, the ability to use the California Green Community logo and designations on all city and community promotions, and identification in statewide recognition efforts.

“We’re very proud to play a role in California’s effort to be the driving force behind a cause that will improve the quality of the environment and on the lives of our citizens,” said Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti.

“EMA is grateful to the participating cities for helping us realize our goal of creating Green Cities across the country,” said EMA President Debbie Levin. “It is time our cities develop community action plans to better manage our natural resources and help their citizens make sustainable lifestyle choices to produce a healthier planet.

“Southern California Edison has for years provided energy efficiency programs and we are happy to be part of this initiative in our community of Southern California,” said the Local Public Affairs Executive Director of Southern California Edison. “We are proud to aid our community in their commitment to environmental protection and maintenance.”

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA ASSOCIATION
The Environmental Media Association (EMA) is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 Organization founded in 1989 by Cindy and Alan Horn and Lyn and Norman Lear. EMA is dedicated to harnessing the power of celebrity and the media to promote sustainable lifestyles and believes through positive role modeling the entertainment community can inspire consumers to take action. The organization has grown into a diverse group of industry professionals from film, television and music dedicated to the mission of promoting environmental awareness through the entertainment business and the media. EMA serves as a valuable link between the entertainment industry and the environmental community. www.ema-online.org

ABOUT GREEN SEAL
Green Seal, a non-profit based in Washington D.C., has been identifying consumer and institutional products and services that protect the environment and human health since 1989. Green Seal has certified more than 3,500 products and services in over 114 categories. The independent organization focuses on certification against its standards, avoiding any conflict of interest that may arise from recommending products or consulting with applicants. For more information, visit www.GreenSeal.org.

Video: Create Your Own "Perfect Fit" Leggings

GiannyL — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:19:00 -0700

Can't seem to find that pair of "perfect fit" leggings? Why not make it yourself? Grab your color or pattern of choice and try these easy steps.

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Music by Kchiporros

For more instructional videos by Gianny, visit http://www.giannyl.com/

Indoor Fairy House - Kids Eco Friendly Winter Craft

Monica — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:47:00 -0700

It's that time of year when it starts to get cold out and it seems someone always has the sniffles.
I tend to get inspired to "clean out" the toy closets and set up shop for a long winter inside with the kids.

This year I made my children ( ages seven and four) a dedicated craft desk and as always i found endless doodads and pieces and parts of different objects as i was cleaning out the closets- you know: the tiny itsey bitsy parts of nothing that can't find a home- and so I decided that it might be a fun challenge to use these pieces throughout the winter in little art projects. Into glass jars they went so they can sit on our desk for inspiration.

It was decided that the first project would be fairy houses made of clay and then baked painted and conceived using little bits and pieces of my find.
It was an amazingly fun exercise and I HIGHLY recommend it- in fact we loved the outcome so much that we are going to give them as gifts to my nieces ages 6 and 8 years for Christmas.

Some highlights: An old earring became and fairy lantern, a broken peal bracelet became a mushroom top adornment and a perfect pathway. A marble became a lawn ornament, and several shells that were hanging around the house became architectural elements.

Here is an idea for materials- but try to stay open minded as an old little piece hanging around could be just the thing you need for your fairy house design!

Sculpy Clay - comes in colors or non color - can be painted. This clay is nice because it stays moldable until you bake it.
Tin Foil - if you want to use your recycled foil another way you can use it as a way to "shape" your home ( we used it for our mushroom top and only used an outside layer of clay. It's a wonderful way to get structure into your piece without using a ton of clay!
Paint (water based acrylic is great)
Brushes, rolling pin, shaping tools, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, wire, feathers, and almost anything and a good glue for clay, ceramic, etc.
Glaze or decoupage - something to brush on the entire thing at the end to make it look vibrant and shiny.

Our steps were to make a base, form a house, bake it, paint it, de- dazzle it and voila!

Have fun, and if you do one I'd LOVE To see a photo. Please email my daughter and I at rodgers107@cox.net

For more on Monica, visit EarthSavers.typepad.com

Video: One-on-One with 2012 Executive Producer, Michael Wimer

GreenGirls — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:57:00 -0700

We had some one-on-one time with Michael Wimer, Executive Producer of 2012, at the 2009 EMA Awards. Watch our interview with Wimer as he gives us a glimpse of the entertainment industry's massive effect on the environment.

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Apple Levy interviews Michael Wimer at the 2009 EMA Awards

This coverage is brought to you by: Enlightened Concierge

ABOUT ENLIGHTENED CONCIERGE:
Whether LA is a pit-stop on your travels, your travel destination or a place you call home, our convenient ready-made packages and comprehensive tailor-made programs will pamper you like a rock star!

What I’m really scared of this Halloween

Allison — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:58:00 -0700

Let me first say that I love, love, love Halloween, so I’m not trying to spoil the fun. But lead in face paint, toxic costumes, high-fructose corn syrup and mounds of trash can make Halloween not so sweet. With a few simple changes though, we can enjoy the holiday while protecting our kids’ health and our planet.

Here are some suggestions for a Halloween that’s not so frightening:

Forgo the face paint – The Environmental Working Group tested many brands of face paint marketed to children and found low levels of lead in EVERY SINGLE ONE. They also found nickel, cobalt and chromium, which can cause lifelong skin sensitization and contact dermatitis. To read the full report, click here. The best thing to do is to avoid face paint for kids. You can also try homemade versions (using food grade ingredients) or use mineral-based make up instead. If you have to use face paint, keep it away from kids’ mouths, eyes and off their hands to avoid ingestion.

Look for PVC-free costumes - many Halloween masks and costumes are made out of PVC, the “poison plastic”, which can leach harmful phthalates. When shopping for Halloween masks and costumes, look for those labeled "PVC-free”. The problem is that very few are labeled so you can try asking the store clerk (yeah, right) or the manufacturer (probably more likely) whether the mask or costume is made out of PVC. As a general rule, avoid anything that is or looks like vinyl.

Reduce the plastic - Decorate and entertain with reusable items and fabric instead of plastic. In the interest of honesty, I do have plastic Halloween decorations. Most, we have had for years and we use over and over (unless the dog has chewed them up). But we avoid disposable plastic items like table cloths, bowls, cups and bags. Those just create unnecessary and toxic trash.

Use soy candles – use them around the house and in your Jack-o-Lantern instead of petroleum-based to cut down on air pollution.

Consider the candy - Most Halloween candy is filled with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring; and far from fair-trade certified. While fair-trade chocolate is a bit expensive to give out to hundreds of trick-or-treaters, there many new healthy eco-friendly treat options coming on the market that are more affordable. You can also consider more non-traditional items. We have a large popcorn maker, so we pop popcorn and hand it out in paper bags. So, we’re not the “weird house” that hands out raisins (thanks mom, I still remember that year). Instead, we are the “popcorn house” and our neighbors say they make sure to stop by every year for a break from all that candy.

Use a reusable bag – for your kids to collect Halloween candy. Chico bag makes a cute one just for Halloween.

Host a costume swap with friends and neighbors – save money and avoid buying new.

Try second hand stores or even your own closet when putting your costume together – with a little creativity you can save a lot of money.

These are just a few suggestions for the many ways that you can bring a little green to your Halloween celebration. For lots of other ideas, check out greenhalloween.org, an organization that helps families and communities to go green on Halloween.

Learn more about Allison at

Thirty Steps to Setting up your Green Business, part 3

MonicaF — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:29:00 -0700

Today's post is on the nuts and bolts of your business infrastructure. Like it or not, someone does have to cover these steps, and they can be a big deterrent to the average person, so take it one step at a time or delegate!

Read part 1 or part 2 of this series.

Step 10) Commit.
Now is the time to take a stand for your business. It's impossible to worry and to have faith at the same time. It's impossible to be solving a solution at the same time you're fretting about a potential outcome. It's impossible to be focused on success at the same time you're imagining all the terrors of failure. Now is the time to commit to the health and strength of your business. Put worry aside, even for a half-hour block each week, so you can focus on your biggest and best dreams for your business.

In your biggest and best dreams for your business, you have a fantastic idea, a solid plan, a steady and talented team, customers who show you their love, and an ability to use your company to bring about a better, greener world. In your best dream for your business success, your company is profitable, the business is a leader in being environmentally responsible, and you are able to grow, expand, and be a part of making the world a better, healthier place.

I prefer to stick to the high dream. I encourage you to commit to that for your own company, too.

Step 11) Choose your adventure - how will you incorporate?
Find out if you'll be using a sole proprietorship, S or C corp, LLC, or partnership for your company - some great free resources are available at Nolo.com: Starting a Business or at LegalZoom: Compare Business Structures

Step 12) Get licensed
You must get licensed to do business in your community. Search your local government website for "Doing business in ____ County". Take care of this step at the very beginning and you'll be in good shape moving forward.

Step 13) Fill out the Checklist:
a) File your business name with your county and state
b) Apply for any relevant city/county license to do business
c) Fulfill any licensing requirement for your industry
d) Advertise in newspaper to demonstrate ownership of your business
e) Prepare bylaws, articles of incorporation, if needed
f) Apply for a FEIN federal employee identification number for tax purposes, if needed
g) Prepare planning document for your first 12 months - identify bechmarks you intend to reach
h) Open a bank account for your business

Step 14) Accounting software setup
We recommend Quickbooks or Account Edge (Acclivity). This will help you set up a basic accounting system for you to track time and deliverables or product sales. You will use this on your own internally or in tandem with your accountant or bookkeeper.

Step 15) Understand your Profit and Loss Statement
A profit and loss statement gives you a sense of the cash flow of the company: how is money moving throughout the company. For example, a business typically receives money (accounts receivable) from customers, projects, and product sales. The business also pays money out (accounts payable) to staff, contractors, outside services, and vendors. In any given time period, you will want to understand how much money you have on hand (cash, liquid assets), how much money you have coming in (accounts receivable) and how much money is going out (accounts payable). The P&L statement gives you this information.

Step 16) Understand your Balance Sheet
The typical business will have assets, liabilities, and owner's equity. The statement that shows the relationships between these three is the "balance sheet" and this is a statement that shows the "net worth" of a business at any given time (assets - liabilities). Learn how to read your balance sheet and compare it from quarter to quarter, or year to year, to get a sense of your company's position over time.

Step 17) Understand Tax-related information
Tax time will go smoother if you set up your accounting software using generally accepted accounting "categories". I highly recommend you find a tax preparer (an "enrolled agent" or a certified public accountant) to give you a checklist on how to set up your accounting system so that everything is categorized in a way that makes it easy to track the business income and expenses. Having these categories properly set up also helps your tax preparer when it's tax time.

List your green business for free in the national directory at http://www.greenbizwomen.com. Follow me on Twitter at @monicadear and let me know about your green business!

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Monica S. Flores of is committed to educating, empowering, and connecting women in business -- she believes in the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profits. Need some help? She is available for consulting on web development, green business practices, and women in business.