Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Eco-Friendly Ornaments

Looking for a fun holiday project to do with the kids...or a unique gift to buy for friends? 


Check out these eco-friendly ornaments that you can make or purchase:


Make Your Own:
No Time, Just Buy It (made from recycled items):

Or, if you live in coastal Orange County, wander the beach in search of driftwood to make a piece of art as a gift (be sure to check with park rangers). There are some fun project ideas on ehow.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Transition Laguna Hosts TOW Garden Install & Tour

Local sustainability group Transition Laguna Beach has planted more than a dozen gardens in the Oak Street neighborhood and is now moving on to sow seeds in the Top of the World area, as well as touring several gardens currently planted there.


Top of the World Garden Tour: 
 WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: 3137 Bonn Dr.

There will be a simultaneous garden installation with explanation of the garden plan. Potluck to follow.

Garden Installs typically take place every third Saturday of the month. A group of 20 or so members converge upon a yard and install during the course of the morning where a garden’s been requested. Gardens vary from planting in containers on someone's deck or rooftop, to replacing whole lawns with a vegetable garden. This volunteer opportunity is a fun, social way for gardeners and growers to meet neighbors while 'paying it forward” toward their own garden install.

Contact Linda Lewis Elbert (949-280-6379) if you live in TOW and are interested in having a garden installed, or transitionlagunabeach@gmail.com, if you live in another neighborhood of Laguna Beach and are interested in the program, or any of our other events and activities.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Enhanced Disneyland CREATE Grants Available for OC Schools

By Betsy Sanchez, Disneyland Resort

ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 19, 2011 – Disneyland Resort today began accepting applications from kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers in all Orange County school districts for its enhanced Disneyland CREATE (Creative Resources Enabling Arts through Education) Grants program.

Formerly known as Disneyland Resort Enabling Grants, the CREATE program provides classroom teachers with needed funds for projects, programs and materials that directly support student involvement in the visual and performing arts.

Applications are being accepted through Nov. 4 and can be accessed by visiting www.disneyland.com/publicaffairs. The grants, up to $600 for teachers in Orange County and up to $750 for those in Anaheim, will be named by Dec. 1. To date, through its grants programs the Disneyland Resort has contributed more than $1.5 million to arts education. 

"Over the years, Disneyland grants have helped our students develop the capacity to create, perform, and respond with understanding, critical judgment, and appreciation for the arts,” said Phil R. Mortensen, visual and performing arts coordinator for Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District. “We, as teachers and administrators, applaud Disneyland's support and acknowledge that arts' learning has been greatly enhanced through this program.”

An additional $50,000 in funding has been added this year, bringing the total amount available to $125,000. The program also has expanded to all Orange County school districts, a first since the program’s inception in 1994.

Also new this year is the involvement of DonorsChoose.org to facilitate the program. The non-profit organization engages in charitable fundraising and disbursement of monies to public schools. DonorsChoose.org streamlines the granting process by coordinating all aspects of selected requests. This ensures teachers can begin executing their projects immediately.

Source: Disneyland Resort

Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District composed of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three hotels are the 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the 969-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. With 21,000 Cast Members, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest employer and generates $4.7 billion for the Southern California economy. The Resort has welcomed more than 600 million guests since opening on July 17, 1955. For detailed information about the Disneyland Resort, please visit www.disneyland.com.




Saturday, August 27, 2011

Outdoor Luxury at the Westin Monache, Mammoth


Experience the splendor of the wilderness at the only four-diamond resort in Mammoth Lakes, CA. The Westin Monarch Resort, Mammoth, a Starwood Hotel, offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a vacation that takes advantage of the endless outdoor activities nearby and to also slow down and relax in comfort. Read full review...


Monday, August 22, 2011

Al Fresco Dining Beachside at The Deck



A hot new spot for Laguna Beach locals and visitors is The Deck. The open-air bar and restaurant is located steps away from the beach at the Pacific Edge Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Hotel. What was once a deck reserved for weddings and private events has been transformed into a popular eatery for those wanting an ocean view and tasty California cuisine. Whether you're looking to grab a romantic cocktail at sunset or take the family out for a casual meal, The Deck offers something for everyone. Read full article...

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Children's Garden Workshops at OC Great Park

The Orange County Great Park will be offering the following FREE Children's Gardening Workshops:

June 12th – Three Sisters Gardening: A Native American Tradition
According to Native American legend, corn, beans, and squash (the food staples of many Native American cultures) are three inseparable sisters who only grow and thrive when planted together.  Come listen to the legend, absorb the wisdom, and get more connected to the history of our land by designing and starting your own Three Sisters Garden.

August 14th – Good Bugs, Bad Bugs:  Simple Things Kids Can Do To Help Encourage Beneficials and Discourage Destructive Pests In The Garden 
Come and learn about the difference between beneficial and destructive insects and others pest of the garden.  Then make an environmentally friendly snail trap or bird “scare” to take home with you.

September 11th – Stone Soup: The Power of Working Together
Find out about some amazingly tasty “cool season” vegetables that you can grow right here in your own backyard while participating in an interactive re-telling of the classic tale of community, cooperation, and friendship.  Then stay to make paper pots and plant seeds to start your very own Stone Soup Garden.

October 9th – My Pumpkin Is Having A Baby: The Amazing Lifecycle of Plants
Plants have a remarkable lifecycle.  Come and learn more about the parts of a plant and how they sprout, grow, flower, and reproduce.  Before you leave, plant a seed to take home with you and watch it germinate before your very eyes.

November 13th – A Bountiful Harvest:  Orange County Now and Then;  A History of Food and Agriculture In Our Local Community
Come and explore the fruits and vegetables that have been grown locally over the past 2000 years.  Learn what impact our food production has had on the people and landscape of Orange County, and make a seed tape of your favorite local crop to take home and plant in your yard or container. 

December 11th – Rain, Rain, Come Our Way: Where Our Water Comes From and Why It’s So Important To Protect
Water is a gardens most precious resource.  Without it there would be no yummy fruits and vegetables to eat.   Join us to better understand the importance of preserving the quantity and quality of our water, and learn simple ways that kids and adults alike can make a HUGE impact on the future of California’s food and water supplies.


Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Laguna Beach Edible Garden Tour

Transition Laguna Beach held a successful first annual "Edible Garden Tour" on Sat., May 28. About 100 attendees enjoyed walking or biking to the 10 featured gardens in the Oak Village area of Laguna Beach. See more photos from the event. Don't miss this event next spring!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Tanaka Farms: CSA Fun/Work Day

From Tanaka Farms:
Part of the Tanaka Farms CSA experience is to come out to the farm to see where and how your fruits and vegetables are grown. What better way to do that than to come out to the farm and work a little bit! What do we tell our children? "If you work for it , it means more!"

Tanaka Farms is offering this opportunity only to our CSA subscribers. The work involved this weekend is pretty simple, even for young children. In the strawberry filed we have small baggies filled with dirt (about 3 pounds) that help hold the plastic down in windy conditions. It is time to remove them. They need to be picked up and the dirt emptied into the bottom of the furrow and the dirt spread out with your feet (please....make sure and wear closed toe shoes that you don't mind getting dirty!)

If for some reason we have some really good, fast and efficient workers and all of the baggies are removed, there is a lot of weeding to be done, so you might want to bring gloves!

Of course, hard work needs to be compensated and you will be..... with some of our SWEET, JUICY, DELICIOUS STRAWBERRIES! All you can eat strawberries while you are in the field! You may purchase a basket for $5 from us if you would like to take some home.

We only have the ability to host 60 workers at one time so please click below to register. You are allowed three guests but you must also register them! If you are accepted, please print out your ticket, bring that with you and show it at check in next to the Produce Stand. Please check in fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled work time. The work crew will leave promptly at the scheduled time. Plan on spending about one hour working and eating.

We have two times available. Please click on the preferred date and time to register.

Saturday, May 28, 10:45am to 12:00pm
Sunday, May 29, 10:45am to 12:00pm

Bring your own drinking water. Water is available for sale at the Produce Stand.

Closed toed shoes are mandatory! Gloves and a hat are recommended.

Once again,l we will only be accepting 50 volunteers so click above and register now. You are allowed three guests and you may register them at the same time.

Once registered, please print out your ticket and bring that with you to show upon check in at the Produce Stand.

Tanaka Farms: CSA Fun/Work Day

From Tanaka Farms:



Part of the Tanaka Farms CSA experience is to come out to the farm to see where and how your fruits and vegetables are grown. What better way to do that than to come out to the farm and work a little bit! What do we tell our children? "If you work for it , it means more!"

Tanaka Farms is offering this opportunity only to our CSA subscribers. The work involved this weekend is pretty simple, even for young children. In the strawberry filed we have small baggies filled with dirt (about 3 pounds) that help hold the plastic down in windy conditions. It is time to remove them. They need to be picked up and the dirt emptied into the bottom of the furrow and the dirt spread out with your feet (please....make sure and wear closed toe shoes that you don't mind getting dirty!)

If for some reason we have some really good, fast and efficient workers and all of the baggies are removed, there is a lot of weeding to be done, so you might want to bring gloves!

Of course, hard work needs to be compensated and you will be..... with some of our SWEET, JUICY, DELICIOUS STRAWBERRIES! All you can eat strawberries while you are in the field! You may purchase a basket for $5 from us if you would like to take some home.

We only have the ability to host 60 workers at one time so please click below to register. You are allowed three guests but you must also register them! If you are accepted, please print out your ticket, bring that with you and show it at check in next to the Produce Stand. Please check in fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled work time. The work crew will leave promptly at the scheduled time. Plan on spending about one hour working and eating.

We have two times available. Please click on the preferred date and time to register.

Saturday, May 28, 10:45am to 12:00pm
Sunday, May 29, 10:45am to 12:00pm

Bring your own drinking water. Water is available for sale at the Produce Stand.

Closed toed shoes are mandatory! Gloves and a hat are recommended.

Once again,l we will only be accepting 50 volunteers so click above and register now. You are allowed three guests and you may register them at the same time.

Once registered, please print out your ticket and bring that with you to show upon check in at the Produce Stand.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Aliso Creek Inn & Golf Course Welcomes Ten Thousand Bees

By Kurt Bjorkman, General Manager Aliso Creek Inn & Golf Course

The Aliso Creek Inn & Golf Course is proud to announce the installation of a beehive which will be home to over 40,000 honey bees by summer.

The fully contained hive has been placed near the outer areas of the golf course in an area surrounded by the natural vegetation found on the 90 acre resort.   With an aluminum roof and custom-built stand, the hive is approximately four feet tall by 18 inches wide, and it provides a home and secure landing zone for its docile residents. Bees are essential to the area’s plant and pollination eco-system, and 70 pounds of all-natural, chemical-free raw honey are expected to be generated by the hive, depending upon foraging schedules, weather and nectar flow. This honey will be used by our culinary team at the resort.

“We are very excited to initiate this bee program” states Kurt Bjorkman, General Manager at Aliso Creek Inn & Golf Course.  “This is the perfect location for a bee hive program like this.  Not only will the resort benefit from being able to use the fresh organic honey in our kitchen, but this program is also helping increase the bee population which has been quickly declining across the country”.

Andrea (Andy) Wilde, Director of Catering & Conference Services, will be the official Bee Keeper. “I am keenly interested in sustainability within the hotel industry and am thrilled about this program” notes Andy.  “I am looking forward to introducing our new guests to their new home and to start a friendship that will last a very long time”!  Executive Chef Jennifer Ackerson also shares her excitement stating, “I can’t wait to use the honey harvested right from our own grounds in my kitchen”.

Once the hive settles and matures, the team will begin to bring in school groups and other organizations that are interested in sustainability and bees for tours. “”We want to educate our community and guests on how the environment benefits from this program” says Kurt.

The resort has also introduced a new guest room amenity program in partnership with Gilchrist & Soames called BeeKind.  The BeeKind™ Collection will feature Gilchrist & Soames’ Signature formulations, which contain no parabens, phthalates, petrol-derived ingredients, mineral oil, urea, DEA, TEA or propylene glycol.  The products will contain food-grade, naturally derived USP glycerin; natural conditioning agents from honey and the Brassica plant; and soybean and cottonseed oil, instead of petrochemicals. The BeeKind formulations are also free of any artificial colors or dyes.

Along with the eco-friendly packaging and formulas, the company is supporting honey bee and sustainable pollination research at the University of California at Davis Entomology Department.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Transition Laguna Beach announces Edible Garden Tour

Transition Laguna Beach, a local organization committed to promoting sustainability, will be hosting the first annual "Edible Garden Tour" on Saturday, May 28 from 9 a.m. to noon. The tour will feature mainly fruit and vegetable gardens that have been installed by Transition Laguna Beach volunteers as part of the “Food Group” efforts. “Our goal with the food group is to encourage residents to grow their own organic food so that we can reduce our dependence on peak oil, eat pesticide-free food, and promote community collaboration,” said Food Group leader Sean McCracken. “Let’s get to know our neighbors and eat good food together!”

The tour will include nine homes in close proximity to each other in the Oak Village area of Laguna Beach. Thanks to the generosity of La Vida Laguna, 50 bicycles will be available for guests to use as transportation for the tour. The tour will begin at La Vida Laguna, located at 987 Glenneyre, where a donation of $10 is requested. Tour maps will be distributed at that location.

“We hope that our Edible Garden Tour will inspire others in the community to consider growing their own food,” said Transition Laguna Beach President Lauren Sierra. “It really is fun, and a great way to spend time together.”

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Brad Lancaster to Speak About Rainwater Harvesting in Laguna Beach

Brad Lancaster, author of “Rainwater Harvesting,” will be visiting Laguna Beach on Saturday, May 21, 2011, to speak about the benefits of utilizing rainwater.

He will be giving a free presentation about how to turn water scarcity into water abundance from 10 a.m. to noon at Laguna Beach City Hall, located at 505 Forest Avenue. For those who want to learn more, he will also be giving a hands-on workshop from 1-4 p.m. at Anneliese School’s Willowbrook Campus, located at 20062 Laguna Canyon Rd. The workshop will include simple principles and tips to leverage greater success with implementing simple and effective passive rainwater harvesting systems. Tickets are $35 for pre-registration and $45 the day of the event.

The lecture and workshop are sponsored by SEEDS Art & Education, a non-profit that supports arts and education programs to promote stewardship of the land, such as organic gardening, environmental awareness, and conservation; as well as Transition Laguna Beach, whose mission is to offer a positive approach in supporting the community toward sustainability and resilience.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Money-Saving Tips for OC's Eco-Friendly Moms

Quick Tips to Save Cash and Go-Green:
By Dawn Wunsch, Owner of Children's Orchard

Children’s Orchard of Laguna Niguel is an upscale resale shop that sells gently used children’s clothing and accessories at deeply discounted prices. Here are some tips for cash-strapped families looking for creative ways to be resourceful and reduce their carbon footprint.

    * Use a reusable tote when shopping. Tote bags are sturdier than plastic or paper bags found at most grocery or retail stores and are also a great way to express your personal style. Repurposing denim from old jeans into a tote bag is a great way to make use of worn or outgrown pants. Seek out retailers that offer a discount for using reusable totes when shopping.
    * Upcycle. Not only should you recycle your paper and plastic, but you can repurpose or “upcycle” old clothing items like turning pillowcases into girls’ dresses or jeans into a purse.  
    * Use homemade cleaning agents such as vinegar, baking soda and tea tree oil. Just add one part white vinegar and three parts water and a few drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle. Use an old t-shirt as a fabric to clean with.
    * Use cloth diapers. Almost any fabric can be used for a diaper outer layer, including knits, wovens, corduroy, velours and brocades. Your family will save almost $2,500+ per child vs. using disposables and you will not have to put 1 to 2 bags of disposable diaper trash out on the curb each week.
    * Shop local famers markets for fresh produce. This will help support the local famers as well as keep your money within the community.
    * Shop resale. Purchase gently used clothes, toys and accessories at your local resale store and sell your children’s outgrown clothes for cash on the spot. This is a smart way to make some extra money and help out local families. 

Children’s Orchard is encouraging Orange County moms to join the discussion and share their eco-friendly ideas for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree and a chance to be crowned the Greenest Mom in America.

For an even bigger discount, print the following coupon for $5 off a purchase of $25 or more.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Tasty Burgers and Beers at Tommy Bahama's

Tommy Bahama's Jamaican Jerk Burger

With a commitment to using the freshest ingredients, the new Burgers & Beers menu at Tommy Bahama's Island Grille in Newport Beach features six burgers with Prime Angus, American Kobe or veggie patties accompanied by a choice of Hawaiian sea salt, sweet potato or truffle fries.

Read full review.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Vibram FiveFingers for your Feet

Looking for a comfortable and versatile shoe? Check out Vibram's FiveFingers. Whether you're a runner, stand-up paddle boarder, or just enjoy a stroll along the beach, Vibram provides the support of a shoe with the feeling of being barefoot. Read full review.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Earth Day in Orange County

Sat., April 16th is the kick-off for Earth Day activities in Orange County. Here are a list of events worth checking out:



Laguna Beach KelpFest
Main Beach, 9-3

Tree of Life: Native Plant Week
San Juan Capistrano
Talk about Gardening for Native Butterflies followed by a tour of the newly planted Butterfly garden.

OC Great Park
Herbs – From the Garden to the Table
Saturday, April 16, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 Noon
Presenter: Kristen Fusano
Fresh vegetables are even tastier when flavored with herbs fresh from the garden! Spice up your culinary adventures with the addition of herbs harvested just before they’re used.

Earth Day at the Ecology Center
San Juan Capistrano, 10-3
Workshop offerings - 1:00 - 3:00
    kite making
    potted herb gardens
    garden/herb salve
    seed balls

Sat & Sun:
Green Scene @ Fullerton Arboretum, 10-4
Visit our NEW Interactive Children’s Garden. Enjoy a self guided exploration based on the 5 senses and Bug Safari’s led by our Arboretum Nature Guides.
Fresh produce available from the Arboretum Farm Stand.

Monday, April 11, 2011

The "Endless Summer" Experience at Pacific Edge Hotel

BEmma Haber, Blink LA

Robert August catching a wave
The iconic surf documentary The Endless Summer® follows two young surfers around the world in search of the perfect wave, giving birth to the "surf and travel" culture. Pacific Edge Hotel, located in the heart of Laguna Beach, is celebrating the spirit of the film by creating something extra special for guests. 

Through March 31, 2012, Pacific Edge is offering The "Endless Summer" Ultimate Surf Experience Package. The packages includes a beach front room and a one day, one-on-one surf adventure with world-renowned surfer Robert August, who stared in the film. After catching waves with August, the guest will have the opportunity to sit down and chat with him and his son, surfer Sam August, over cocktails and appetizers on the beach. “I’m excited to share a taste of the adventure I experienced while filming The Endless Summer through this one-of-a-kind package at the Pacific Edge Hotel,” says August.

The package also includes Bruce Brown's "'The Ultimate Summer' DVD set" and a six-pack of Karl Strauss' Endless Summer Lager. Guests also have the option to add on one of August's custom made "What I Ride" surfboards (boards start at $870). Package cost starts at $5,200. Must book 21 days in advance.

Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to catch some waves with a legend!

Monday, March 21, 2011

KelpFest 2001

Our Year Unplugged covered by MNN

Mother Nature Network included my family's "year unplugged" experience in their article about "green" bloggers.
Check it out...

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Star Gazing in Irvine

The Orange County Great Park will host star gazing events and will provide free high-powered telescopes on the following dates:

  • Friday, February 25: 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, March 25: 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 30: 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
  • Friday, May 13: 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
  • Friday, May 27: 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Food for Thought Film Series

The Orange County Great Park will host an outdoor series of films related to food:

  • King Corn (April 21)
  • Food, Inc. (May 19)
  • Dirt! (June 9)
Admission is free.

Free Gardening Workshops


Free gardening workshops begin Sat., March 19 at the Orange County Great Park.




Workshop Schedule

Grow it NOW: The Heat Lovers
Saturday, March 19, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 Noon
Edibles in Containers
Saturday, March 26, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 Noon
What’s Bugging You?
Saturday, April 2, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 Noon
Herbs – From the Garden to the Table
Saturday, April 16, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 Noon
Low-Water Lawns and Alternatives
Saturday, May 7, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 Noon

Monday, March 14, 2011

Adopt a Beach


Help clean Main Beach and Treasure Island in Laguna Beach.
Sat., March 19 from 9 a.m.-noon.
Sponsored by California Coastal Commission.
www.cleanwaternow.com

North Laguna Garden Tour

Gate & Garden Walking Tour of North Laguna:
Hosted by the Laguna Beach Garden Club
Friday, May 6 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tickets are $35
www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama Give Old Boat Sails New Life in
Exclusive Collection of One-of-a-Kind Totes


The concept of recycling is always in fashion -- but at Tommy Bahama recycling literally is fashion by way of Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama. Designed from authentic recycled boat sails, each bag is handmade at the Sea Bags headquarters in Portland, ME and varies slightly in texture and fabric. Most bags -- like most sails -- are white or off white Dacron and are finished with deckchair inspired stitching and sturdy rope handles.  Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama is the ideal partnership for two distinct, iconic brands and       the prefect compliment to the Tommy Bahama luxury island lifestyle.

The collection includes a large tote ($188), a medium tote ($168) and a wine tote/gift bag ($38), featuring the Tommy Bahama logo, or signature marlin graphic.  Four exclusive wine tote/gift bags are also available at select Tommy Bahama destinations including Naples, Palm Desert, Sarasota and Laguna Beach.  All Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama are water resistant and machine washable.

Tommy Bahama encourages us all to keep it green and the reusable wine tote/gift bag is a perfect way to recycle.  Each bag is designed with a special gift tag that includes eight signature lines to encourage its re-use. Simply write the name of the next recipient on the following line and date it on the space next to the name when gifting to your friend.  Then, when they’re ready to re-gift the bag, they simply cross out their name and sign it over to the next recipient. What a great way to track the journey among your circle of friends... and the last person on the tag gets left holding the bag… literally!   In addition, Tommy Bahama Restaurants will reward all those “keeping it green” by waiving the $20 corkage fee when you arrive at any of its 13 restaurants carrying your favorite wine in one of the exclusive Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama wine totes.  Help Tommy Bahama keep paradise a little more green and clean and look good while doing it!

The complete collection of Sea Bags for Tommy Bahama is available at
Tommy Bahama Laguna Beach and at www.tommybahama.com.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Rain Barrel Contest Winners Announced



The Laguna Beach County Water District recently sponsored a rain barrel painting contest. Here is a list of winners:
  • Katelyn Kolberg (2nd Grade, El Morro Elementary)
  • Colette Hammett (Thurston Middle School)
  • Summer Stanaland (Thurston Middle School)
  • Sabrina Johnson (Laguna Beach High School)


Contest Winner Katelyn Kolberg
Additional barrels were painted by the following non-profits:
  • Transition Laguna Beach
  • Laguna Beach Garden Club
  • City of Laguna Environmental Committee
The barrels are on display in various locations in Laguna Beach's village district area.

Rainwater and Low Impact Development Workshop

Rainwater and Low Impact Development Workshop
March 9, 2011 at 6:30pm
Laguna Hills Community Center
Heritage C Room
25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA  92653.

This FREE workshop is open to all OC residents.  Participants will learn about rainwater harvesting, grey water systems and low impact development.  This workshop will be taught by Brad Lancaster who is an expert in rainwater, grey water, and stormwater harvesting.  He has more than 15 years experience in permaculture consulting, design, and implementation.
Space is limited to 120 people.
RSVP today to:  Jenna Voss jenna.voss@ocpw.ocgov.com or call 714.955.0672


Overcoming a Fear of the Forest


The buddy system is always best when hiking, or doing any outdoor sport, but don't be afraid to go it alone if you can't round-up someone to tag along. Read more...

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Green Laguna Beach Home at 733 Pelican

Looking for a home that combines breathtaking ocean views and environmental responsibility? Look no further than 733 Pelican in Laguna Beach, CA. Built by WC Renovations, the 3,600 sq. ft. home features the following green elements:




o      Recycled fiber carpet: non-toxic glue
o      Duel flush toilets
o      Tankless water heater
o      Kohler low flow fixtures
o      Motion sensor fixture at power
o      79 led can lights replacements
o      Dimmer switches throughout
o      Energy star rated appliances
o      Low VOC paint- exterior and interior
o      Low E 2 and 3 windows
o      Tinted windows on west side of home
o      Automatic awning

The property is currently on the market through Surterre. Realtor Sean McCraken says, "It’s a healthy house. Besides being energy efficient, it uses non-toxic glues and paints.” Surterre is an eco certified broker.