The Ethics of Sustainability... A different discussion

Another NEW Green Event - EcoGift Festival in Santa Monica

Hey all - So check out this new event - EcoGift Festival.

Their Mission:
Our mission is to produce large-scale eco-conscious gift shows that provide people with an uplifting experience and a solution to the difficult emotions, inconveniences and terrible waste associated with the holidays and holiday shopping.

Philanthropy:
Each of our expos will directly benefit at least one non-profit organization whose work aligns with our company’s desire to address the problems facing humanity and the Earth. This year, Eco Gift Expo will donate 10% of its gross proceeds to The Whole Planet Foundation and Global Green USA. All Eco Gift Expo vendors have the opportunity to participate in our philanthropy program, known as The Book of Giving and Receiving. By opting in, our vendors agree to donate 10% of their sales at Eco Gift Expo to the expo’s charities, The Whole Planet Foundation and Global Green USA. Participating vendors are recognized in our event program.

Opportunity Green - UCLA November 7 -9

Hey everyone! This sounds like such a great conference... Check them out. www.OpportunityGreen.com

We're listed as a Resource in Smart Meetings!

Hey everybody. How exciting... We (CALGreen Pages) are gaining exposure and to prove it, we are listed in THE GREEN ISSUE of SMART MEETINGS magazine. How cool is that?! We're listed on page 52. On-line you can see was on the Green Article - http://www.smartmeetings.com/issues/october-2008/articles/shades-of-green-the-future-is-now

CALGreen Pages Rep speaking at NACE LA re Going Green

Late notice, but I just realized that I didn't post about tomorrow's speaking engagement at the Marina del Rey, Ritz Carlton at the October NACE (National Association Catering Executives) LA event. We (California Green Special Events & Meetings Resource Directory) will be speaking on Going Green in the Hospitality Industry. Check us out!

Here's the site... http://www.nacechapters.com/chapters/la/

Agenda XPO Hall - 10.29.08

Hey everybody! You've got to come out and see us at the Agenda XPO on October 29, 2008. It's going to be a great day of networking and professional development. PLUS, us - the California Green Special Events & Meetings Resource Directory will be in the XPO Hall. Come by and visit!

STRATEGIC PARTNER: Speaking at Event Solution's CaterSource

Hello everybody. One of the CalGreen Pages Strategic Partner's - Simply Mumtaz Events will be speaking at CaterSource in Feb 09. The topic is: Simple Green: Eco-Friendly Event Tips and Tricks You Can Implement Today. Check out the conference link! It's a great conference to attend AND it's in Las Vegas.

BuFest Music Festival "A Green Music Event" March 09

Hey all. So, we (CalGreen Pages) just came across a really cool site and what sounds like an awesome event! We've got to support Green business and events... So, here's the site - http://www.bufest.com/. Below is some immediate info on the event.

Great Artists
BuFest™ offers a full line-up of today's best musical talent. With three stages and over 50 acts over the two day period.

Green EventBuFest™ strives to insure we have zero impact upon the environment. In addition to biodegradable and recycled supplies, BuFest™ uses the most technologically advanced generators and materials to make certain we have the lowest carbon output possible. We support The Green Living Expo's held throughout the nation as a way to educate the public about ways they can "Go Green."Beautiful LocationThe Paramount Movie Ranch is a California State Park located in the heart of the Santa Monica mountain range. Just 10 minutes drive from the 101 freeway, this historic western town has been the home of countless television and movie productions.Socially ResponsibleBuFest™ supports the Cancer Hope Foundation. The mission of Cancer Hope Foundation is to enhance the lives of people affected by cancer. Their energies are currently concentrated on Camp Keepsake, a program which offers a cost-free camp retreat for adult cancer patients/survivors, their children and friends. Camp Keepsake provides support in an energetic and fun atmosphere.

Event Dates
May 30 & 31, 2009
Paramount Ranch
Malibu, CA

Our showcase at the ISES JAM

Yesterday we showcased / previewed our Green Pages at the International Special Events Society Los Angeles Chapter's Joint Allied Mixer. The event was held at the Pasadena Convention Center. It was great speaking with so many interested people. I was a bit concerned about talking for 3 hours, but we had so much interest I had a total of 10 minutes down the whole evening.

AUDIT: The Spiraled Stem - Three Leaf Rating

Hello all! Today the California Green Special Events & Meetings Resource Directory conducted it's first audit. Our first "victim" was The Spiraled Stem. They are also one of our Strategic Partners. The audit overall went great. Here are some photos and updates about our audit and how The Spiraled Stem qualifies for its Three Leaf Rating.



In order to qualify for the CALGreen Pages Three Leaf Rating your company must do all three of the following items 1) Have established green business practices into your daily operations 2) offer a green product and 3) contribue in some way to the hospitality industry.



Spiraled Stem's Green Business Practices among others...
1) Worked with the City of Anaheim to install T8 Lighting. It's more energy efficient than standard lighting.
2) They have two skylights and a big wharehouse door that they use to provide natural light and the T8 lighting serves to supplement natural day light.
3) Recycling Program
4) Install Bamboo floors
5) Walls are painted with Earth Care Low VOC paint
6) Office decor / furniture - Habitat for Humanity's Restore
7) Swanstone sink - qualifies for LEED Cert.






Spiraled Stem's product...
1) Veriflora Certified Floral Arrangements... What is Veriflora? Certified Sustainably Grown. VeriFlora is a sustainability certification program for fresh cut flowers and potted plants. The "VeriFlora" Certified Sustainably Grown" label is your guarantee that flowers and potted plants have been produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and meet the highest standards for freshness and quality. They address these key issues: crop production practices, ecosystem protection, resource conservation, emissions and waste production, fair labor practices, healthy communities, product integrity and product purity.


Plus, she uses these super cool bloom boxes for the bases of centerpieces.. Please check her site out to see the top quality product she provides!




Spiraled Stem's commitment to promoting Green in our industry...
1) Spiraled Stem has showcased at the ISES LA Green Luncheon
2) Presented at South Coast's Spring Garden Show - Educational Seminar of Green Florals
3) Featured at NBC Philly's "How to Green your Wedding Flowers"
4) Participate among a group of local florists where they share ideas, provide rentals and product to each other rather than consistly buy more product.


In addition to the above The Spiraled Stem's home base also serves as the Green Event Studio. She has opened up her reception space to serve as a home and resource for Brides & Planners to come in and learn how they can go Green. It's by appointment - but check it out. http://www.greeneventstudio.com/.


These are just the highlights that I learned about today from Christine Saunders at the Spiraled Stem. Overall it was a very insightful visit and a great audit! Thank you for participating with the CALGreen Pages and we hope that our readers patron your Green Business!

Southern California - Santa Monica - The Ambrose earns LEED EB Cert.

The Ambrose wins LEED Silver Certification for Existing Buildings.

Upscale tranquility meets affordable luxury at Santa Monica's only award winning sustainable boutique hotel. Created to pamper health-minded guests, the hotel's Arts and Crafts inspired design and state-of-the-art amenities provide guests with truly holistic hospitality. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, The Ambrose is ideally located only one block from the Wilshire business district, and just a 5-minute drive from the Pacific Ocean and the pedestrian entertainment street, "Third Street Promenade." For comfort conscious business and leisure travelers alike, The Ambrose, with its 77 guest rooms, is a uniquely crafted oasis with refined modern style.

http://ambrosecollection.net/

http://www.mimegasite.com/mimegasite/destination_guide/west/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003835035

Gorgeous Showcase!

So, last night we co-sponsored a terrific event with Nomad Catering and Vacation Village a Joie de Vivre Property. It was an absolutely gorgeous evening. Nomad did a terrific job with the food, we heard nothing but terrific comments regarding their passed yummies. The venue was in a terrific spot in Laguna Beach. The other vendors that showcased were Vida (you can see some her her floral arrangements below), Waiwera (Artesian Water), Environmental Nature Center, VEEV, and a few others. Our event flyer was posted earlier.

It was great to meet so many interested in Green. Here's to showcasing and continuing to Green our industry.

CALGreen Pages co-sponsors Green OC County Event

So check this out! This is going to be a very cool event! Please come check us out as well as all of these other Green vendors... If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@cal-greenpages.com.

New Organization - Very Cool!

Hey everyone! We hope this message finds you well!

A new organization that some of you might be interested in... It's the Association of Green Meetings & Events. Check out their site. They will be having an annual meeting in Long Beach at the end of August! We hope that we can see you there.

Best thing - Cardboard Furniture for your Next event! AND, blogging our Vendor Audits!

So, the best thing I walked away from the Green Event Summit was the Cardboard Furniture for your next event! The one listed in the photo below was from Go Green Displays. Another one I found was www.cardboarddesign.com.

AND, I haven't found it yet, but one of the best suggestions for Special Events was to make your vinyl banners for backdrops or step&repeats, there is a vendor out there that you can send your banner to and they will make them into bags for you, purses, small totes, etc.! I'm searching so I can post for you all.

ALSO, we've decided that we will be blogging about all of our Audits... You know those random picks to be audited to see if they are really green and are listed in our directory. We will be taking photos and blogging about our experience! So, stay tuned for July's visits...

CAL Green Pages at the Green Event Summit!

So, we're here and publicizing our Directory. The response has been great! So, I'm sure you're asking when is the website up? Well, it's up! How exciting is that? We are stoked and busily upgrading and still tweaking here and there. Make sure you get signed up to get listed in the Green Pages!

We will post later with more details about our experience here at the Green Event Summit.

But, the coolest thing so far has been learning about the Discovery Network's launch (June 4th) of their new channel - PLANET GREEN! How exciting is that?

PS - Yes, we purchased a Terra Pass offered as part of Expedia's ticket policy to offset our carbon footprint.

Become June's Showcase Vendor!

We are now searching for Green vendors to submit to be listed as the June Showcase Vendor of the Month! If you are interested please submit your "Green Release" with photos to showcase@cal-greenpages.com.

We look forward to seeing your submissions!

BioBlitz in the Santa Monica Mountains...May 31st

BioBlitz in the Santa Monica Mountains on May 31st! If you have kids, this is an awesome way to join in on some green local fun!

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/field/projects/bioblitz-ca-2008.html

Sign Up!

Hey there. So, we've gotten tons of feedback and it's all very exciting. We are on schedule for our June 10th launch. Ensure you are already in place per your county and category as the Green vendor to go to. This has been such a fun experience and we're almost there. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!

We hope to hear from you soon and don't forget to sign up! This is all about Green Business working with Green Business. Let's support one another and make an impact at the same time.

Endorsements & Affiliations

Thanks Paul Salinger & Dawn Hanson! They posted and emailed some great questions in...

Yes, we are actually working on getting endorsed by the GMIC, ISES, MPI and other industry associations as well as some other trade publications. We are aware of the standards the CIC is working on for all of its member orgs. We hope to bring a bit of those Green standards to our California vendors. Thanks for posting!

We've also had a few other questions come in today regarding our new publication! We are both online and printed. We'll be printed twice a year.

Our goal is to get this directory in the hands of everyone interested in Greening their meetings & special events. We are working an assertive strategy to get this directory in the hands of folks that will actually use it. We will be doing this by reaching out to all of the indsutry's trade associations, trade publications, trade conferences, and working with the CVBs from across the state.

WELCOME! June 10th Launch around the corner!

Welcome to the blog for the California Green Special Events & Meetings Resource Directory aka Cal-Green Pages! We are a truly a resource directory for those planners wanting to source green vendors for products and services to make their special events and meetings more eco-friendly! We have a grading system... one, two or three leaves! Each one of our vendors will qualify for a minimum of one leaf. We are not asking all of you to be 100% Green, but by adding elements of green into both your business practices and services/products we can all help the environment.

So, please comment! Green is constant learning, we never stop! If there are any topics you'd like us to set up conversations for, please let us know...

To a greener and healthier future!