Tuesday, December 29, 2009

CAL-Green Pages wishes you a Happy Holidays!

The CAL-Green Pages wishes you and yours a very Happy Holidays! We've been on a "hold" per the economy the past six months, but as everything is picking up - so are we! We are very excited about the upcoming months.

Please stay tuned as we will be planning our series of breakfast meetings - aka a Distinguished Speakers Series - all Green of course. If you would like to submit a topic or to be a speaker, please email us - joella@cal-greenpages.com.

We are also pleased to announce that we've extended evreyone's membership til December 31, 2010. Please watch your emails as we will be sending out your rating logos for you to post.

Again, here's to an exciting and prosperous 2010!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Sneak Peek - June 09 Showcased Vendor! HARTNELL

Hartnell is our June 2009 Showcase Vendor. You will soon be able to see her profile on our website - http://www.cal-greenpages.com/. But, here's a sneak peek!

HARTNELL is a fine gown studio/salon in Santa Monica. Designer Hanna Hartnell launched her couture gown collection five years ago after years of experience designing for Oscar nominees and fashion connoisseurs. This outstanding designer’s uniquely beautiful Bridal creations: silk charmeuse confections that flatter the feminine form, fluttery chiffons perfect for daytime weddings, and luxuriously crafted evening gowns that add grace and originality to formal events are produced in her Santa Monica Certified Green studio. HARTNELL creates for Mothers with fresh styling and contemporary elegance, with endless color options and Hartnell’s trademark made to measure fit. Each gown from the collection is cut and sewn to order in the warm, professional environment of Hanna’s studio/salon. HARTNELL, known for designing the most daring and glamorous bridal gowns, had a design epiphany as she focused on her 2009 collection and the challenge of the three R’s –Reuse, Recycle and Reduce. The Double Dare Gown allows brides to wear their wedding gown many times beyond their wedding day. An avowed “greenie” this collection was not only recyclable, but cost effective as well. Here’s how it works....

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

CAL-Green Pages / Burbank Green Alliance - Reel Green Workship

We are excited to support the Burbank Green Alliance - above please find their A Reel Green Workshop flyer - it's going to be a great meeting on July 11th discussing topics of the Film Industry - fostering greener productions. For more information, www.burbankgreen.com.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@cal-greenpages.com.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Spring Greening Tips

SPRING GREENING

Spring is here and it's time for some green cleaning! Before you go through your belongings and decide to throw away them in the garbage can, be sure to sort out the contents in your pile.

Used clothing can be donated to local charities and organizations for reuse and distribution amongst those less fortunate than we are. The same should be done with old toys and board games.

Outdated electronic equipment should also be disposed of properly. You can go to your local post office and ask for a specific envelop used to mail away your old electronics such as cell phones, ink cartridges, and music players for recycle. Companies like Sony will be conducting large scale ‘throw your old electronics' days in select locations and give away new electronic gifts in exchange as an incentive.

Be sure to also sort out paper, plastics and other materials that can be placed in the recycling bin instead of the trash can. Minimizing waste will certainly help the environment and keep landfills to a minimum. Don't forget about expired foods as well as these can be composted and used to fertilize your garden. Remember, recycle and reuse your belongings. Don't just throw them in the trash!

Bought to you by - Green1Planet. Green1Planetwould like to encourage the world to live green, be environmental friendly and to use products that contribute to a safe and healthy built environment on human and our natural environment. We need to efficiently use energy, water, and other resources to protect our health and to reduce waste and pollution

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

TIP: Return on Green

RETURN ON GREEN

The economy has not been the best in the past few months. Stocks are down, retirement accounts are depleting, and returns on investments are not as it once was. Gold and government bond investing is on the rise as these are one of the safest investments; however, considering another strategy: investing in energy efficiency.

You can get a better return on investment than many stock bets if you invest your dollars in saving energy, even when the market is bullish. Some of you might already have this, but installing solar panelsis one form of long-term investment that can yield a much better rate of return than most stock investments. This may not work for everyone, but if your house has a south-facing roof that gets sun, then this is a worthwhile investment, especially with all of the U.S. government incentives and rebates being formed by the new administration. In addition, you make up the investment in savings on your energy bill. As temperature variations are more prevalent now, it certainly is a good idea to be energy independent.

Perhaps you've considered leaving your car in your garage and investing in subway or bus passes because public transit is a bargain for many commuters. But if you love to drive and public transportation is not an option depending on where you live, considering buying a fuel-efficient model. For example, if you're driving an SUV, the average driver pays about $4K. Replace your current car for a hybrid and you're paying just $1000 per year, a savings of $3K. You'd be paying off your investment in the seventh year, and see a 13% return in the eighth year. To get more accurate comparison of models, go to www.fueleconomy.gov.

And lastly, get a home energy audit. Many Americans can cut their bill in half by taking the advice of a home energy auditor. Some utilities even offer home energy audits for free. Fee-based professional services are also available or you can do it yourself. The cost of implementing the recommendations, such as re-insulating to installing new windows, and the savings will provide an impressive return on investment.

So take some of these considerations when you consider investing in something that will enhance your lifestyle as well as becoming energy efficient and saving money.

Blog Content Provided By: Green1planet would like to encourage the world to live green, be environmental friendly and to use products that contribute to a safe and healthy built environment on human and our natural environment. We need to efficiently use energy, water, and other resources to protect our health and to reduce waste and pollution.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

STRATEGIC PARTNER - Keynote at WIPA event

Our strategic partner's Simply Mumtaz Events, Special Events Director, Karli Tanner, CMP will be serving at WIPA's keynote speaker - Shades of Green. If you are interested, please visit http://www.wipausa.org/.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

TIP: Travel Green

TRAVEL GREEN

Now that you've booked your Green Hotel, it's time to think about how you'll be traveling green on your trip. Besides a green hotel, green travel has become very popular for vacation such as going to sustainable countries, traveling within those countries using public transportation, and buying only eco-friendly souvenirs and products. Thinking about your impact on the environment when you travel is extremely important not only for you but for the residents of the area. Being socially responsible and minimizing your impact on the environment will help maintain that destination for future tourism. Consciously making those eco-friendly choices is certainly a great way to save money by making those low-impact choices.

There are several ways you can travel green during your next trip. Packing light is one way to start traveling green. Consider purchasing luggage from companies that are socially responsible and donate part of their proceeds to an environmental organization. Storing your liquids in clear biodegradable bottles and using products that are natural or organic is also a great way to be more environmentally friendly. Minimizing your impact on the environment especially during your travels should be kept in mind. Make sure that your recycled products are indeed placed in recycle bins and not in the trash during your travels. This includes water bottles, especially during your foreign travels.

During your trip, dining at organic or farmed restaurants supports those businesses that are dedicated to making the environment better. Fair-trade souvenirs are also better alternatives to traditional ones. While sightseeing or traveling within your destination, consider walking, bicycling, or taking public transportation bus or train. If you must drive, rent hybrid vehicles for minimal environmental impact. Green hotels give incentives and discounts for guests who drive hybrid cars. So, the next time you travel, consider your impact on the environment. If you're traveling to foreign countries, it's your moment to truly show your social responsibility and that you care about the world by caring about the people in that particular destination.

I was just in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. The entire island is pro-GREEN. They are very much concerned about protecting their environment. In fact, they are one of the resorts I've been into that do not allow motor sports to avoid fuel mixture into the water. Its resorts give handbags to everyone so that they can pick up wastes seen anywhere. Additionally, they go under water with the use of scuba to pick up waste under the sea. Moreover, El Nido use recyclable materials and they recycle water for toilet use. They also use solar system for cleaner energy. I was very impressed with El Nido. They are one of the most diverse ecosystem in the world.

Stay tuned next week for more green tips.

Green Tip Provided By - louie@green1planet.com.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

POSTPONED: Green Day on Earth Day Conference & Trade Show

It is with a heavy and sad heart that we have to announce that the Green Day on Earth Day Conference & Trade Show is postponed.

We will be announcing its newly scheduled date as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please email us at info@cal-greenpages.com.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

5 Ways To Green Your Event - Green Day on Earth Day Speakers Highlighted on Event Solutions Magazine Website

Check Out Event Solutions Magazine - On-Line News Feature about five of our speakers at the Green Day on Earth Day Conference & Trade Show.

Click Here for Event Solutions - Article...

Click Here to visit Green Day on Earth Day!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Got Amazing Shots of your Green event?

CALLING FOR ALL GREEN PHOTOS!

If you've produced an amazing Green event and have great photos, we'd like to include them in our lunch educational session for the Green Day on Earth Day Conference & Trade Show! We will be presenting a collage of awesome Green events - low budget to high budget.... we want to share the wealth! We are all about folks learning, innovating and tweaking the ideas they see to make them fit their meetings & events!

If you think you qualify, please email us! joella@cal-greenpages.com. Here's what we need, photos, description on what's green, your name, company and website. We'll publish all of your info as credit!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

ANNOUNCING: "Green Day on Earth Day" Conference & Trade Show


Hello fellow Green Friends! In case you haven't heard the California Green Special Events & Meetings Resource Directory is putting on it's first Educational Conference & Trade Show. For local and regional "Greenies". Please visit our website and check out the event. Prices are reasonable and the education will be great. Plus, we will be networking with other like parties!
www.Cal-GreenPages.com and click on the Conference & Trade Show menu item.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Strategic Partner: Byway Productions: Brings Eco-Friendly to Aids Assistance Program Gala

CAL-Green Pages Strategic Partner: Byway Entertainment brings Eco-Friendly elements to annual Gala for the Aids Assistance Program.

AIDS Assistance Program’s annual Evening Under the Stars benefit gala will count itself among one of the top green events in the Coachella Valley due to a major effort to make the event more eco-friendly. The emphasis on reducing waste and using recycled materials is being spearheaded by Richard Byford of Byway Events & Entertainment Inc., who has produced the event for the past nine years. Evening Under the Stars, now in its sixteenth year, is A.A.P.’s major benefit fundraiser, and will take place on Saturday, April 25, on the green of the O’Donnell Golf Club in Palm Springs.

“We’re very supportive of Richard’s efforts to make Evening Under the Stars more green,” said Steve Pougnet, Mayor of Palm Springs. “If you think about it, with a thousand people having dinner and enjoying the wonderful entertainment outside, it makes a big impact on the local environment. I’m really pleased with how Richard has incorporated so many sustainable aspects into the events he produces, and I think that his efforts with so many local vendors and event companies will encourage them to make all of their events more sustainable.”

For the past two years, Byford has been working to ‘green up’ the events he produces after reading that the special events industry was ranked as the second most wasteful industry in the country. In his contracts with local event supplier and vendors, he consistently chooses options that reduce the environmental impact of his events and the overall carbon footprint.

“There are so many green things that we can do in our every day lives that just make common sense,” said Richard Byford. “Simple things that really do not cost any more or take more time. Recycle, reuse & reduce – we all know the mantra, but I produce large events with lots of potential impact, so I’m working to take this to the next level and convince my vendors that going green is not only the way of the future, but crucial to our survival on the planet.”

For Evening Under the Stars, Byford has included the following green components:

Culligan Water is sponsoring a portable water filtration system to supply all of the drinking water for the tables, eliminating the need for the more than 4,000 water bottles that were used at last year’s event.

Palm Springs Disposal Services, one of the City of Palm Springs’ major partners on the Mayor’s Path to Sustainability, will be supplying dumpsters and receptacles to recycle all plastic, glass, paper, cardboard and food waste.

Classic Party Rentals, a longtime sponsor of Evening Under the Stars and friend of A.A.P., will be providing all of the equipment for the event. Classic is committed to developing and implementing comprehensive recycling, energy and water efficiency, sustainable purchasing, and waste disposal programs. Wherever possible, Byford will be using sustainable rental items from Classic.

Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services is supplying solar-powered executive-style bathrooms for guests at the event.

Invitation and programs will not only be printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks, but also only 500 programs will be printed – approximately 1 per couple.

Just like at last year’s event, centerpieces for the tables will be a decorative table number printed on recycled card stock, rather than flowers and holders that can only be used once.

Power needs for the event will be provided by bio-diesel generators that will help reduce the event’s carbon footprint.

The linens and cloth napkins to be used are made of durable fabric with a longer life, and they will be laundered with eco-friendly chemicals.

All food waste will be collected and shipped to Bio-Mass in Thermal for composting.

Wherever possible, Energy Star light bulbs and LED units will be used for décor, as well as production lighting to reduce the amount of power consumed.

This year’s Evening Under the Stars features a Motown theme with emcee Della Reese, famed actress and Motown vocalist, and headliner Mary Wilson of The Supremes. This year’s honorees include Craig Simrell and Mark Greganti, Tami Low, The Bottom Line Magazine, and Jay Horwitz.

Tickets for Evening Under the Stars are $395 per person and can be purchased by contacting the AIDS Assistance Program at 760/325-8481. Program ads may be reserved/purchased by calling Raymond Smith at 760-778-4536. For more information about Byway Events & Entertainment Inc., please contact Richard Byford at 760-320-9054 or richard@bywayentertainment.com.

Since its founding in 1991, the AIDS Assistance Program of Palm Springs remains dedicated to providing comfort and support to improve the quality of the lives of those surviving HIV/AIDS. Initiated by a small group of concerned citizens, led by the late Gloria Greene and Jeannette Rockefeller, AAP provided meals to members of the community with low incomes and suffering with HIV/AIDS. Since then, the AIDS Assistance Program's client roster has grown from approximately 20 to 530 people. For more information please contact the AIDS Assistance Program at 760/325-8481.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

CAL-Green Pages, Marketing Director, Being Inducted to Events Hall of Fame!

Bob Estrin, Marketing Director at the CAL-Green Pages, has been selected as a 2009 recipient of “The Event Industry Hall of Fame Award. Mr. Estrin will join a handful of luminaries who have achieved this recognition for their lifetime achievements in the field of Special Events. This prestigious award will be presented by Event Solutions Magazine.

Mr. Estrin was selected for this top honor by a committee of peers who have already been admitted to the Hall of Fame. The award presentation and ceremony will take place during The Catie/Spotlight Gala Awards to be held during The CaterSource /Event Solutions Conference in Las Vegas NV February 22-26, 2009.

Please join us in congratulating Bob and his family for his many years of dedication to the advancement of the art and science of Special Events.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Our Next Audit!! Good Gracious!

We (CAL-GreenPages) performed our next audit this past January. Bob Estrin, Marketing Director, had the opportunity to visit with Pauline Parry at Good Gracious! Here's his report!!!

Good Gracious! was started in 1988 by Pauline Parry , within a year they moved from a home based operation to a full fledged commercial kitchen and have been growing ever since then. They are currently based in the Pico / Fairfax area in a building they renovated on Pico. The full time staff of 27 works out of a highly efficient space with, offices, conference/tasting room, warehouse and full commercial kitchen all in one building.

Pauline outlined to me the business philosophy and practices that make Good Gracious! the stand out company they are. The catch phrase that defines their business is “It’s all about Food, Fun and Love “. Having had the opportunity to sample their food at numerous association events and client projects over the years it is an accurate description of how they do things. While many businesses’s try to get to the cutting edge Good Gracious! , is the leading edge in Buffet design and food presentation.

The main focuses of the business are Catering, Event Design and Coordination, and Wedding planning. While they offer Green options to all their clients, they do so with out being aggressive about it. Even if clients don’t opt for Green the daily operating process of Good Gracious! make a portion of all their events green.

Good Gracious! Green Practices:
· Shop Local Certified Farmers markets for herbs and Vegetables
· Use local in season whenever possible
· Sort and recycle all waste
· Paper
· Cardboard
· Metal
· Cooking Oil
· Left over food at kitchen is available for staff to take home
· Excess food at Events is donated to local agencies for distribution
· Electronic communications as much as possible with clients and Vendors
· In house inventory of unique serving pieces that is reused
· Composting of food waste when possible

The staff of Good Gracious! Participates in many educational events each year. The Green message is always present in these presentations. Good Gracious has found that Green practices also make economic sense in the highly competitive Southern California catering market.

They are very deserving of a three leaf rating.

CAL-GreenPages helps publicize it's members! Green Lab Designs

The California Green Pages helps publicize it's members! Green Lab Designs just sent out their latest newsletter. Remember, patron Green Business.


Monday, February 2, 2009

CAL-Green Pages is now on Twitter!

We're on Twitter! Follow Us! Let's Green the Special Events & Meetings Industry!
Our call sign: CALGreenPages

We you on the Tweet!