Lights Out America

We recently learned of a group called "Lights Out America," a grassroots community group focused on conserving energy and slowing global warming. This Saturday, October 20, from 8-9 pm in San Francisco, the entire city is invited to turn out all non essential lighting for one hour, and to install one compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) instead. According to its home page: "We estimate that turning lights out in San Francisco for even one hour could save as much as 15 percent of the energy consumed on an average Saturday night." Los Angeles and Santa Barbara are also taking part on this day, and efforts are being made nationwide, culminating in a national "Lights Out," on March 29, 2008, from 8-9 pm. These events are inspired by a similar event recently held in Sydney, Australia, called "Earth Hour." In Sydney, 2.2 million people participated. Their one hour of lights out meant that 24.86 tons of carbon dioxide were not released into the air - the equivalent of taking 48,613 cars off the road for one hour! The web site (see links) features a blog, ways to get involved, upcoming events, and ways to donate as well. We think this is an idea whose time has come, and plan on participating. See you on Saturday...and lights out!

Co-op America Green Business Awards

We recently began subscribing to Co-Op America's e news and have found the articles to be very informative. The organization focuses on "economic action for a just planet." A recent e-mail highlighted the top 10 Green Business People's Choice Award, which will be announced at the Green Festival on November 10 in San Francisco. Below is the list of nominees. Also, check out the green festivals listings page (see link above) for more information on upcoming events.

1. Flexcar
Seattle, WA * www.flexcar.com
"Flexcar made it possible for me to get rid of my car! My workplace has a corporate contract allowing our employees to use Flexcar during the day. As a result, most of us now use mass transit to get to work."
--David K., Portland, OR

2. Greenfeet.com: The Planet's Homestore
Chico, CA * www.greenfeet.com
“Great eco-friendly products at reasonable prices. Plus, the owners podcast their show, “More Hip than Hippie” every week, which is the best green show we’ve listened to.”
--Cynthia and Larry G., Jacksonville, FL

3. Green Living Now
Huntington, VT * www.greenlivingnow.com
“Amy Todisco is not just a business owner, she is a partner in health to all she serves. She delves deeply into researching the products she sells in order to more completely serve her clientele.”
--Donna H., Fredericksburg, VA

4. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods and Oils
Winnipeg, Manitoba * www.manitobaharvest.com
“I've never met a more enthusiastic, passionate group of people, dedicated to spreading the word not only about the value and sustainability of hemp, but the ways in which each of us can make our mark on this world for the better. I adore them!.”
--Linda S., Boulder, CO

5. Mountains of the Moon
Camby, IN * www.mountainsofthemoon.com
“Mountains of the Moon does something very simple: they give the earth-conscious consumer the ability to be fashion-conscious, and vice versa. Enough said!”
--Julie C., Chicago, IL

6. Only Natural Pet Store
Boulder, CO * www.onlynaturalpet.com
“Fantastic, responsible product selection. Biodegradeable, recycled packaging. Plus, the company runs on wind and solar power. Wow!”
--Aileen W., Sierra Madre, CA

7. Pizza Fusion
Fort Lauderdale, FL * www.pizzafusion.com
“Pizza Fusion introduced me to the concept of a green business, which I knew nothing about. Their way of building their business with the least amount of negative influence on our environment is something that everyone should follow.”
--Chris J., Hialeah, FL

8. ReusableBags.com
Chicago, IL * www.reusablebags.com
“Small Web-based retailer, changing the world one reusable bag at a time. I'm a convert myself and have converted several others into BYOBaggers in less than six months!”
--Kristin F., Middleton, WI

9. UsedCardboardBoxes.com
Montebello, CA * www.usedcardboardboxes.com
“They are taking one of the most wasteful industries in America and are sincerely dedicating themselves to the recycling and greening of the transportation and storage businesses.”
--Daysun P., Los Angeles, CA

10. Yoga Nine/Buddha Body Fair Trade Store
Smithville, NJ * www.yoganine.com
“Laurie Green facilitates health and spiritual growth while being a responsible business person, both in the local community and the global village, by supporting Fair Trade practices.”
--Diane S., Egg Harbor City, NJ