Heart of Green

A Gorgeous & Green Night

2012-04-28T17:16:57-07:00

It was a glamorous night for the environment as the eco-glitterati turned out at the Bently Reserve in San Francisco for the Gorgeous & Green Gala benefiting Global Green USA and the greening of schools nationwide. My fellow co-chair Zem Joaquin and I want to thank everyone who helped to make this year’s sold-out event the best Gorgeous & Green ever.

This year, we were inspired by classic dinner theatres of decades past. After pouring over photos of Paris and the Moulin Rouge, we worked with Blueprint Studios to design a décor that we hoped would be “Spectacular, Spectacular.” It turned out even better than our wildest dreams with a red carpet runway, crystal candelabras, velvet curtains, sensational banquettes with front-row seating, live trees, sumptuous lighting, and more. See photos below. Everything was rented and returned with the help of Blueprint Studios for a full circle eco-design experience. We even had the Moulin Rouge movie playing on the bar. I am not sure anyone noticed that last detail, but it didn’t matter because it meant that people were having too much fun!

The star-studded night began with a gourmet organic Patron Dinner by celebrity chefs Michael Mina, Michelin 2-star Joseph Humphrey of Dixie, and Bill Corbett, the master pastry chef at Absinthe. The eco-friendly and talented Taste Catering served up delicious, farm-to-tray hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail receptions. Raves about the food were heard throughout the night, and things were just getting warmed up! VIP guests sipped Korbel California Champagne made with organically-grown grapes, our local favorite Mateveza beer, Numi teas, and specialty cocktails made with 360 Vodka (organic of course). We are deeply grateful to Rutz Cellars and Keith Rutz for the phenomenal high-end wines and encourage everyone to visit their legendary wine cave in the Russian River Valley.

Celebrity Chefs Bill Corbett, Michael Mina & Joseph Humphrey

Notable guests on the green carpet included Jennifer Siebel Newsom and California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, Omar Miller from CSI:Miami, and multi-platinum recording artist Michelle Branch. With a passion for the environment and healthy living, Michelle Branch wowed the crowd by singing beautiful ballads while strumming on her guitar. Actress Rosario Dawson Skyped in from London to show her support for the event, while DJ Donovan serenaded the guests with his French-inspired beats.

Levi’s and eBay were thrilled to win the inaugural Eco-Accolades for their Water<Less Jeans Collection and Common Threads program respectively. Matt Petersen, President of Global Green, announced that the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin had won the National Green School Makeover Competition presented by Pureology. In an ode to Silicon Valley, a new Green School Mobile App powered by Lincoln MKZ Hybrid was unveiled. I have to say that the MKZ Hybrid is one very handsome car, and it is a hybrid to boot with 41 mpg!

A lively and spirited auction orchestrated by Lenny Broberg saw guests outbidding each other for eco-luxury packages including the Post Ranch Inn, a custom sustainable suit from Tailored San Francisco, a Bay Area organic farm tour with a suite at Cavallo Point, VIP tickets to the Global Green Pre-Oscar Party, and more.

The magical night culminated with the Gorgeous & Green Runway Fashion Show. The dazzling models from Stars strutted their stuff in the eco-fashions of California designers Minolya, Karen Caldwell, Sara Shepherd, and Oliver Tolentino. A favorite of Hollywood actresses, Tolentino debuted hand-woven couture gowns made of sustainable pineapple fiber and water lily fabric from his native Philippines. Eco-fashion has never looked so stunning. The show was produced by Lily Achatz and Clarissa Nicosia with hair by Pureology, makeup by Vapour Organic Beauty, accessories by Make Love Not Trash and Amber Marie Bently jewelry, and music by DJ Donovan.

Gorgeous & Green Eco-Fashion Show

I know that the real reason people attend Gorgeous & Green is for the VIP gift bag (wink), and this year’s ecofabulous goodies did not disappoint. Guests were treated to a very stylish bag by Make Love Not Trash, Earthlust chandelier water bottles, eye cream from the brand new 29 Cosmetics, Essence of Vali essential oils, popchips, Miette fudges and caramels which are truly to die for, Vapour Organic Beauty’s fabulous cream blush, the very popular Green Ocean cleaner, a fashionable handbag by Envirosax, and beautiful bamboo notecards from Bambootility Media and Smock Paper.

We raised over $250,000 for Global Green USA’s green schools program and could not have done it without our generous sponsors and partners including Rabobank, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Pureology, Intel, The 11th Hour Project, Bently Holdings, Catamount Ventures, PG&E, Speedpro Imaging Marin for eco-friendly signage, Alyssa Warnock Design Studio for the beautiful graphic design, Miette, Virgin America, New Leaf Paper, Cross Marketing for the expert PR, Leftwich Event Specialists, and the incomparable LEED-certified Bently Reserve. We are grateful to our media partners SFWire, ecofabulous.com, Drew Altizer Photography, San Francisco Magazine, and SF Examiner Green Living.

To see all of the fabulous photos from the event, please see the web site of Drew Altizer Photography.

Media Coverage

San Francisco Chronicle: Global Green USA's annual gala Gorgeous & Green

The Examiner: A glamorous gala for green living in San Francisco

SF Wire: Global Green USA’s 7th Annual Gorgeous & Green Gala

Ecofabulous: Gorgeous & Green Gala 2011 – The Highlights

SF Examiner: Green event of the year Gorgeous and Green 7th annual gala

SF Examiner Green Living Slideshow

The Sop: Global Green Dazzles with their 7th Annual Gorgeous and Green

Haute Living: San Francisco Gets Gorgeous and Green

SFLuxe: Time to be Gorgeous and Green

Fibre2Fashion: Oliver Tolentino shows Eco at Gorgeous & Green

San Francisco Magazine: Gorgeous and Green Eco-Fashion Gala

Ecouterre: Eco-Fashion Galore at Global Green’s 2011 Gorgeous & Green

Nob Hill Gazette: Global Green Gala

Gorgeous & Green Photos

Stunning Minolya Gowns Zem Joaquin, Nadine Weil

Artist Michelle Branch Designer Oliver Tolentino

Gorgeous & Green 2011 Invitation

2011-12-01T15:40:29-08:00

You are invited December 6, 2011 for the star-studded Gorgeous & Green Gala at the Bently Reserve in San Francisco celebrating glamorous green lifestyles and benefiting Global Green USA. We'd love to see you!

Mina+Olya Launches

2011-11-02T14:37:48-07:00

Please join us for the fashionable launch of Mina+Olya, the new gorgeous collection from Mina Yazdi and Olya Dzilikhova made locally with sumptuous fabrics. Sustainable couture fashion has never looked so good!

Olya and Mina wearing Mina+Olya

An Electric Movie Premiere

2011-10-26T12:40:14-07:00

Don’t miss the San Francisco Bay Area opening premiere of the highly-anticipated film "Revenge of the Electric Car.” The film chronicles the space race for electric cars and is fantastic with unprecedented insider access. Join us for opening weekend, meet the director and stars, and celebrate.

Revenge of the Electric Car
Opening Weekend & After Party in San Francisco

WHEN:
Sunday November 6
5:10 pm show - Director Chris Paine in person

WHERE:
Landmark Embarcadero
1 Embarcadero Center Cinema (Battery & Clay)
San Francisco, CA 94111
www.landmarktheaters.com

SF Showtimes:
(12:15), 2:50 pm, 5:10 pm, 7:30 pm, 10:00 pm

AFTER PARTY:
Sunday, November 6
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
For ticketholders from 5:10 pm show on 11/6

Le Meridien
333 Battery Street
San Francisco

A short walk from Landmark Embarcadero cinema just over the bridge, celebrate opening weekend with the director, stars and local eco-glitterati at the After Party Reception at the beautiful Le Meridien.

For entry, show your Revenge movie ticket stub from the 5:10 pm show on Sunday November 6 and receive the first beverage complimentary that evening plus delicious appetizers.

Hosted by Nissan and Heart of Green.

RSVP:
Buy your movie tickets early to ensure a seat!
www.landmarktheaters.com or www.moviefone.com

REVENGE OF THE ELECTRIC CAR:
www.revengeoftheelectriccar.com

NISSAN LEAF:
The winner of World Car of the Year at the 2011 New York International Auto Show, the revolutionary Nissan LEAF is the new coveted 100% electric car that offers the holy grail of zero emissions, a 100-mile range, lithium-ion batteries, a sporty design, and room for 5 passengers plus cargo. It is the world’s first affordable, mass-market, all-electric vehicle for the global community. www.nissanusa.com

2011 Nissan LEAF

SPECIAL APPEARANCES:
“Revenge of the Electric Car” is playing everywhere starting November 4. Find a theater near you. There are many special appearances happening as detailed below. Let's make it a huge opening weekend for electric cars!

SF - Landmark Embarcadero:
11/4: Stars in person at 5:10 pm, 7:30 pm
11/5: Special Guest Appearances at 7:30 pm
11/6: Chris Paine and stars

Berkeley - Landmark Shattuck:
11/4: Special Guest Appearances at 7:30 pm
11/5: Chris Paine and stars at 3:00 pm

Palo Alto - Landmark Aquarius:
11/4: Special Guest Apperances at 7:30 pm
11/5: Chris Paine and stars at 5:15 pm, 7:30 pm

San Rafael - Christopher B. Smith Rafael Center :
Daily

San Jose - Camera 3:
Daily

On a personal note, I am thrilled that Chris Paine has made a victorious sequel to his first movie, “Who Killed The Electric Car.” While at Harvard, I accepted a summer internship with General Motors/Saturn and worked on the original EV1. It was hard not to fall in love with that futuristic sports car. Admittedly, it was first generation technology with lead-acid batteries, a short range, and a proprietary charging system. It is exhilarating to see electric vehicles coming back with a vengeance in so many people-pleasing shapes and sizes, and perhaps most importantly, with more attractive ranges that enable drivers to zip around town without anxiety. And the best part is, if you have a pure EV, you never have to go to the gas station! I think EVs are here to stay this time.

Seeing Green at OG '11

2011-10-01T13:35:44-07:00

This year, I am excited to be serving on the Steering Committee for the dynamic Opportunity Green 2011 Conference in Los Angeles in November. Opportunity Green is one of my favorite conferences of the year because it combines the star power of Hollywood with the top thought leaders in sustainable business and design.

Opportunity Green will take place on November 10-11 at the Los Angeles Center Studios, the site of many Hollywood productions including “Mad Men.” This 5th Annual Opportunity Green conference will bring together 1,000 professionals for one of the largest B2B sustainability gatherings in the U.S. focused on driving profitability through business and innovation. Past and current participants include Patagonia, Nike, Dell, Universal Studios, BMW, eBay, Office Depot, Gensler, Siemens, Method, Barneys, Fuseproject, Oprah Winfrey Network, and many eco-conscious celebrities.

This year’s theme is Accelerate, so get ready for lots of fast electric cars on the lot. Gensler is heading up the design, and I can tell you from the sneak peeks that it is going to be ecofabulous.

I am thrilled to report that actor Adrian Grenier and Peter Glatzer will be receiving the Eco-Maverick Award for their groundbreaking work creating SHFT to make sustainable living cool, appealing and possible. Check out all of the great videos and goods at SHFT.com

Looking forward to seeing you at Opportunity Green in LA! www.opportunitygreen.com

Lighting up Africa with Solar and Star Power

2011-07-18T18:15:49-07:00

The green glitterati recently celebrated the launch of Empowered By Light, a nonprofit foundation that is delivering renewable energy light to Africa. Held at Roe in San Francisco’s SOMA, the sold-out launch party was co-hosted by SHFT co-founders actor Adrian Grenier and Peter Glatzer and raised funds for the organization’s first project Solar: Zambia.

Warner Philips with Pharox, Moira Hanes, Nadine Weil, Marco Krapels

More than 250 guests sipped VeeV eco-friendly cocktails and sustainable eco.love Wines while ogling the Pharox solar-powered LED light kits with built-in phone chargers that traveled to Zambia in Africa this month. VIP guests received stylish Lifefactory glass water bottles as a special gift, while a forest green Tesla electric sports car marked the party’s entrance.

SHFT.com, the Webby-award winning web property founded by Adrian Grenier and Peter Glatzer to make eco-conscious living cool, is partnering with Empowered By Light to enable citizens to buy one Pharox solar light and gift one for free to Africa. Many inspired guests elected to make donations on the spot with Square, the hit technology from Twitter-founder Jack Dorsey that helps people pay via their mobile phones and iPads.

The Empowered By Light Foundation was founded by Rabobank EVP Marco Krapels, Moira Hanes, and Gianluca Signorelli, Rabobank’s VP for Renewable Energy Finance. They were inspired by a New York Times article by Elisabeth Rosenthal describing how children in Africa improved their grades when given access to solar-powered light. When Warner Philips and Alex Nigg from Lemnis Lighting shared their Pharox Solar kit (an innovative product that combines an LED light, solar panel and phone charger), the foundation launched its first project to send 5,000 solar-powered LED light/cell phone charge kits to families.

If you haven't seen one yet, the Pharox by Lemnis Lighting is really the coolest LED light on the market. It has the soft light and shape of an old incandescent, yet it is a thoroughly modern LED bulb.

Marco Krapels, fresh off the plane from Zambia, gave a passionate speech at the launch party about how the solar-powered LED lights are already making a difference for communities in Africa. Instead of spending over 20% of their income on toxic kerosene lighting which causes lung cancer, families are now able to gather around the clean light from the Pharox kits and study and read into the night.

“Over 1.5 billion people worldwide do not have access to electricity,” said co-founder Marco Krapels. “And in rural Zambia, only 2% of people have grid power. With a relatively small investment, we can give back to Africa and dramatically improve the lives of Zambian children and farmers, allowing families to leapfrog decades of technology and participate in the benefits of the modern world.”

SHFT co-founder Peter Glatzer said, “Adrian and I are thrilled to be a part of this initiative. Empowered By Light is an inspired, environmentally-sound way to empower so many families who live without electricity. Every so often a project like this comes along that we feel compelled to be a part of."

Moira Hanes, Marco Krapels, Peter Glatzer, Adrian Grenier, Nadine Weil

A special shout out to the event's sponsors who included Rabobank, Lemnis Lighting, Sungevity, the Clif Bar Family Foundation, CleanPath Ventures, SHFT, SPG Solar, Roe, W San Francisco, Opower, the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, A Band of Wives, and Global Green USA.

If you are interested in becoming involved, SHFT is offering a wonderful opportunity. If you buy one Pharox solar light kit, you can gift one free to Africa. See the Pharox on SHFT here.

I was thrilled to serve on the event steering committee for Light Up The Night. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and attended this spirited and inspirational party! www.empoweredbylight.org

Press Wrap Up

Here is a collection of stories on Empowered By Light and the event:

San Francisco Chronicle: Empowered By Light's Solar Zambia

San Francisco Examiner: Stars power efforts

944 Magazine: Light Up The Night in San Francisco

The Bold Italic: Lighting Up The Night

Photos by Drew Altizer

Global Action Through Fashion

2011-06-23T11:10:35-07:00

Please join us for a festive cocktail hour and eco-fashion symposium celebrating our power to make a difference through the shirts on our back and those fabulous little black dresses.

WHEN:
Thursday June 30, 2011
7 pm: Eco-Fashion Symposium
8 pm: Cocktail Party

WHERE:
The Hub SoMa
901 Mission Street, Suite 105
San Francisco, CA 94103

HOST COMMITTEE:
Domenica Peterson, Christine Aylward, Clarissa Nicosia, Claudia Ross, Heidi Petit, Jeffrey Leifer, Vicki Liviakis, Joel Goodrich, Karen Tamblyn, Mary Macrae, Mike del Ponte, Nadine Weil, ecofabulous

DRESS:
Ethical cocktail attire

FEATURING:

Eve Blossom, Lulan Artisans
Lynda Grose, CCA
Kindley Walsh-Lawlor, Gap Social & Environmental Responsibility
Domenica Peterson, Global Action Through Fashion
Local organic hors d’oeuvres from Stacy Scott Catering
FAIR - The Fair Trade Spirits Co
Casa Noble Organic Tequila
Greater Purpose Wines
Silent Auction
Ethical Fashion Exhibit
Personal eco-styling and a photo booth to capture all the looks

RSVP:
Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Global Action Through Fashion
Reserve here: fashionjustice.eventbrite.com

WHY:
This event celebrates fashion’s surprising influence on our daily lives and the fashion industry’s underutilized power to change the world. The global apparel and accessories market generates total revenues of over $1.3 trillion per year, yet less than 1% is eco-conscious. Now is the time for change. Let’s take global action through fashion! The organization is doing groundbreaking work on both the producer and the consumer side to help transform the fashion industry and enable us to wear our values on our sleeve. Look out for their super cool movie coming out soon.
www.globalactionthroughfashion.org

Summer Rayne Oakes wearing Leila Hafzi

Empowered By Light with Adrian Grenier

2011-06-06T17:58:35-07:00

Please join us for a cocktail party in support of Empowered by Light, improving life with renewable energy technologies, with the co-founders of SHFT and star of the hit series Entourage.

Light Up The Night

WHEN:
Saturday, June 18, 2011
6:30 pm VIP Reception
7:30 pm Main Party

LOCATION:
Roe
651 Howard Street
San Francisco

CELEBRITY HOSTS:
Actor Activist Adrian Grenier (star of Entourage, SHFT co-founder) and Peter Glatzer (SHFT co-founder)

CO-CHAIRS: Warner Philips, Moira Hanes

HOST COMMITTEE:
Nadine Weil, Marco Krapels, Gianluca Signorelli, David Shearer

HONORARY CHAIR:
Prince Carlos of Bourbon-Parma of the Netherlands

TICKETS:
VIP Reception: $150
General: $50
Sponsorships

RSVP:
Spots are limited. For tickets, please visit lightthenightevent.eventbrite.com/

PARTNERS:
SHFT, Clif Bar Family Foundation, Square, Blue Practice, Heart of Green

SPONSORS:
Rabobank, Lemnis Lighting, Pharox, Sungevity, Roe, W San Francisco, CleanPath Ventures, A Band of Wives, Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, Opower

FEATURING:

Eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV
Sustainable wines by eco.love Wines
Delicious organic bites by Roe
ecofabulous glass water bottles by Lifefactory

ABOUT:
Empowered By Light’s mission is to improve lives and the environment with renewable energy technologies. They are currently delivering 5,000 solar-powered LED light/cell phone charge kits to rural Zambian families who do not have electricity and who presently use heavily-polluting means to access power. For more information, please visit www.empoweredbylight.org

We look forward to seeing you!

Cradle to Cradle Dinner

2011-05-29T12:31:49-07:00

William McDonough and Michael Braungart, co-authors of the landmark sustainable design manifesto “Cradle to Cradle,” will be together at last in San Francisco. Please join me at this momentous occasion and celebration of a world in which growth is good and regenerative for life on Earth.

An Evening with William McDonough & Dr. Michael Braungart
Co-Authors of "Cradle to Cradle"

WHEN:
Thursday, June 9, 2011
5:30 pm Cocktails, Networking, and Dinner
7:00 pm Roundtable moderated by Jared Blumenfeld
8:00 pm VIP Reception in Presidential Suite

WHERE:
The InterContinental
888 Howard Street @ 4^th
San Francisco, California

Enjoy a gala evening of cocktails, dinner, stimulating conversation, and mingling with fellow leaders. Don't miss this rare intimate moment to talk with two of the founders of sustainable design and help shape the future. We will be toasting the accomplishments of the groundbreaking nonprofit Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, started a year ago to propel C2C principles into the mainstream and help fuel the Post-Industrial Revolution rooted in ecological design.

TICKETS:
Benefiting the nonprofit Cradle to Cradle Institute. Limited to 150 spots:
$150 Student
$500 General
$1,000 VIP
Sponsorships available

RSVP:
Reserve your spot here

On a personal note, the book Cradle to Cradle changed my life in the year 2005. I was reading it sitting in a swimming pool in Los Angeles the day after the Global Green Millennium Awards because the book is actually waterproof. I found myself saying “Yes!” to nearly every page. What if a building were designed like a tree? What if the water coming out of a production plant was cleaner than the water going in? What if we replaced the toxins in products with benevolent substitutes, and health became a top priority. What if we designed products so that they could be separated into two nutrient streams – one natural/compostable and the other technical and infinitely recyclable, or rather upcyclable. In other words, what if there were no more waste as nature intended.

Many companies are reducing energy usage, reducing carbon and more. This is a noble efficiency path focused on being less bad. Ultimately, it seems to be slowing down the inevitable. To achieve the thriving world we dream about, we need a new vision of doing that which is truly good for life on Earth. This is leadership versus management. Effectiveness versus efficiency. Right now, our industrial society is a degenerative one. We can become regenerative by following the design principles of Cradle to Cradle and nature. Nothing short of the future of our species depends on it.

The good news is that Cradle to Cradle is fast becoming a movement! Over 100 products have already been certified as C2C including Method laundry detergent, Herman Miller office chairs, gDiapers, even the US Postal Service box. See the full list of Cradle to Cradle products here. More are being added every day. Cradle to Cradle is a design revolution that is changing the world.

Imagine products made from safe and healthy materials that, at the end of their life, are either transformed into new products or returned to the earth. These same products are manufactured with renewable energy by socially-responsible companies. Now this is a shopping experience I can get behind! Thanks to Cradle to Cradle, this dream is becoming a reality. We look forward to seeing you on June 9th for what promises to be an unforgettable night.

Go Wild for Snow Leopards on May 22

2011-05-12T19:05:03-07:00

Calling all animal lovers - you are invited to the 10th Anniversary Party of the Snow Leopard Conservancy. Come celebrate the incredible work the Conservancy is doing to help save the snow leopards from extinction in the Himalayas.

If you have never seen a snow leopard (a very rare occurrence), this is your chance. I guarantee you will be blown away!

Snow Leopard Conservancy's
10th Anniversary Party

WHEN:
Sunday, May 22, 2011
1 pm – 4 pm

WHERE:
Janet Pomeroy Center
207 Skyline Boulevard
San Francisco

FEATURING:

Delicious food and beverages
Famous snow leopard expert Rodney Jackson
Special Long Tail Wine
A silent auction with safaris, SF Giants, and more
Mingling with fellow eco-conscious leaders
Meet feline ambassadors from the Wild Cat Education & Conservation Fund and even a Bactrian Camel native to Mongolia

TICKETS:
Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Snow Leopard Conservancy
Rsvp at www.snowleopardconservancy.org
or call 707.935.3851

Heart of Green is proud to support the Snow Leopard Conservancy and their amazing 10 years of wildlife conservation. Because of their work, local communities are learning to embrace the existence of snow leopards and live together with these beautiful creatures. We look forward to seeing you on May 22 for an inspiring and fun day!

Introducing Heart of Green Tees

2011-04-12T13:01:58-07:00

Today we are thrilled to launch the inaugural Heart of Green t-shirt, and the first 100 are on us! A collaboration with EcoJoia, this eco-stylish design benefits Save The Redwoods, an amazing organization which has saved hundreds of thousands of acres of redwood forests since 1918.

Show your love for nature with your very own Heart of Green tee. Made from 100% organic cotton, this scoop neck t-shirt is printed with eco-friendly inks and features a heart surrounded by deer, bunnies, birds and other lovable forest creatures. If you are one of the first 100 to order, the merchandise is complimentary, and a donation will still be made to Save The Redwoods. Don’t delay as we expect these to go quickly!

Heart of Green embodies a passion for green, clean and everything in between. Founded in 2004, we support modern sustainability projects that protect life on planet Earth. I believe that we all have a Heart of Green inside and the power to connect with and be stewards of our beautiful world.

One of my favorite ways to become inspired is to take a walk in an ancient redwood forest. Over 97% of these majestic giants were cut down, but thanks to Save The Redwoods and others, the last-remaining redwood forests are being saved one by one. The organization recently protected 426 acres of rare 1000-year-old Noyo River Redwoods in Mendocino County from the sawmill and is actively working on conserving redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Sur, Humboldt, and Sonoma County.

To save forests, one of the most important things we can do is buy 100% recycled paper and ask for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. Avoid the phony SFI wood standard set up by the timber industry. We can vote with our dollars and make every purchase count.

View Heart of Green tees from EcoJoia and wear your green heart on your sleeve!

Green Love for Clean Air

2011-04-06T12:08:27-07:00

You are invited to the Clean Air Awards 2011 luncheon on April 15th, a top award for air quality and climate protection in California. The awards are hosted by Breathe California, now in its 100th year. I served on the Green Ribbon Panel of Judges this year and can reveal that the winners are fantastic. Our future is bright!

Clean Air Awards 2011

WHEN:
Friday, April 15, 2011
11:30 am Networking Reception & Awards Luncheon

WHERE:
The Merchant Exchange Building, 15th Floor
465 California Street, San Francisco

HONORARY HOSTS:
Senator Mark Leno, Assemblymember Jared Huffman, Senate President Darrell Steinberg, Assemblymember Nancy Skinner, other elected officials

FEATURING:

CA Clean Air Awards
Keynote Speech by Senate President Darrell Steinberg
Reception and Organic Luncheon
Jack Broadbent, CEO, Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Emceed by KCBS Morning Anchor Stan Bunger
Leaders from the business, government, and nonprofit communities

RSVP:
www.cleanairawards.org

ABOUT BREATHE CALIFORNIA:
For over 100 years, Breathe California has advocated for clean air, fought against lung disease, and worked to advance public environmental health. Helping to stop global warming is a major priority for Breathe California because warmer temperatures caused by greenhouse gases lead to higher rates of asthma, respiratory illness, and lung disease. Breathe California currently runs education and advocacy programs in the areas of Clean Air Public Policy, Asthma Education & Management, Cigarette Smoking Cessation, Global Warming, and Improved Air Quality.

Heart of Green is a proud sponsor of this event. We are united in our need for clean air for good health and prosperity. As the winds of change blow, I believe that we cannot take the fresh air that we do have for granted and that we must remain vigilant in our quest for a healthy environment in which to live. We look forward to seeing you next week and please consider applying for the award next year!

Saving Forests with Beauty

2011-02-20T16:47:08-08:00

It was a historic moment at the GreenBiz State of Green Business Forum in San Francisco. “We want to be known as the company that is helping to end deforestation,” said Tod Arbogast, the Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility for Avon Cosmetics. This is the kind of visionary statement that will heal the world.

As Arbogast continued, a cheering section developed in the back of the room. “The depletion of nature is becoming an increasing issue of concern for women,” he remarked. “Our representatives can become champions of conscious consumption and a force for good to nurture nature." I think he is right. People are recycling and are ready for something more. They want to ensure their children will inherit a beautiful world.

The past Director of Sustainable Business at Dell, Tod Arbogast delivered an outstanding presentation on how to be a successful Chief Sustainability Officer and transform an institution, while improving the bottom line.

“I encourage companies to take action voluntarily before relevant issues escalate and become required,” instructed Tod. Which issues are poised to tip? He advised paying attention to deforestation, biodiversity, tar sands, palm oil, and nanotechnology.” This is clearly a man to watch.

Why does Avon care about forests? "We are the largest print publisher in the world. We print 1 billion catalogs per year,” explained Arbogast. He gave a complimentary plug for ForestEthics with whom he worked at Dell to switch catalogs from virgin to recycled paper and save millions of trees.

Check out his Avon Paper Promise and Hello Green Tomorrow initiatives. Avon is committed to printing its catalogs on recycled and sustainable Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) paper. They are also switching to 100% sustainable palm oil to save rainforests in Indonesia. The world just got a little bit more beautiful.

“Focus on doing the right thing,” concluded Tod. “The rest will follow.”

WildAid Gala

2011-02-19T13:24:06-08:00

Join us for an unforgettable night at the star-studded WildAid Gala honoring wildlife ambassadors and celebrating the movement to save endangered species like tigers, elephants, rhinos, and more for future generations.

WildAid Gala

WHEN:
Thursday, May 5, 2011
6:30 pm

WHERE:
Julia Morgan Ballroom
Merchant Exchange Building
465 California Street, 15th Floor
San Francisco, CA

Celebrity Chef: Tyler Florence

Winemakers: Rob Mondavi Jr. & Michael Mondavi

HONOREES:

Yao Ming - NBA All Star, WildAid Ambassador
Julie Packard
Addison Fischer

CELEBRITY HOSTS:
Jackie Chan, Bo Derek, Leonardo DiCaprio, Edward Norton, Yao Ming, Holly Beck, Maurice Greene, Allen Johnson

CHAIRS:
Chairs: Tod & Fiona Bensen, Beverly Spector & Ken Lipson
Co-Chairs: Bill & Shannon Joy, Laney & Pasha Thornton, Rob & Lydia Mondavi, Michael & Xochi Birch, Dr. Jordan & Caroline Shlain, Peter Knights

HOST COMMITTEE:
Nadine Weil, Prescott Ashe, Ivonne Baki, Ashley Barrington-Mace, Jeff Bede, Ben Bleiman, Craig & Nancy Branigan, Samantha Campbell, Jonathan Conrad, Mark Cunningham, Tracey Durning, Rory Faber, Lisa Greenberg-Ferrero, Bryce Groark, Moira Hanes, Lea Haratani, David Haslingden, Shawn Heinrichs, Michael Horwitz, Robert Hunt, Lucie Jay, Richard & Carole Johnson, Phil Lamoreaux, Leo Lippi, Katie Martin, Shannon McElyea, Cathy McMurtry, Steve Morgan, Nancy Mueller, Larry Namer, Nicolette Oliaro, Cameron Phleger, Angelina Preza, Anthony Sandberg, Joakim Silvanderson, Eric Steinhauser, James Von Rittmann, Wesley Wang, Jamie White

SPONSORS:
Google, Alliance Bernstein, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Bank of America, Fenwick & West, Britex, Europenan Collision Center, Folio Fine Wine Partners, Partida Tequila, Tyler Florence Group, Heart of Green

ONLINE AUCTION:
The WildAid auction is live! Peruse a dazzling list of travel adventures, artwork and more at the WildAid auction site on charitybuzz

RSVP:
The gala is already 75% sold out. Reserve your tickets here:
www.wildaid.org/gala

ABOUT WILDAID:
WildAid reduces the demand for endangered species products by specifically targeting consumers with engaging public service announcements and education initiatives. WildAid runs global public awareness campaigns with celebrity spokespeople, field conservation programs, and the enforcement of marine protected areas. WildAid is headquartered in San Francisco, with programs in the United States, China, India, Ecuador, Canada, the UK, Galapagos, and Indonesia.

With its persuasive PSAs, WildAid is reaching over 1 billion people in China and over 500 million people in India per week. They work with over 80 international celebrity and sports star ambassadors and over 50 media partners to save tigers, elephants, sharks from shark finning, marine life, rhinos and much more. Watch the PSAs and learn more at www.wildaid.org

In recent news, Californian Assemblymen Paul Fong and Jared Huffman introduced a law this week (Assembly Bill 376) with WildAid that would ban the sale and distribution of shark fins in California. "The overfishing and inhumane finning of sharks for soup is an ecological disaster on a global scale. This bill would be an important step towards conserving the health of our oceans for future generations," said Peter Knights, Executive Director of WildAid. The outpouring of support for this bill has been incredible and included even a tweet by @LeonardoDiCaprio to his 700,000 followers. The world is ready to protect nature before it is too late. Sign the pledge

We hope you can join us at this glamorous celebration to save wildlife!

Roam Free on St. Patty's Day

2011-02-16T22:43:49-08:00

You are invited to experience a new kind of Green on St. Patrick's Day. Join us for a festive cocktail party and multimedia presentation on Freedom To Roam highlighting wildlife's critical need for movement by Rick Ridgeway.

Have no fear. Beer will be offered for eco-conscious revelers. Patagonia's VP of Environmental Initiatives, Rick is a world-renowned adventurer who has been called the real-life Indiana Jones by Rolling Stone Magazine.

St. Patrick's Day Party
for Freedom To Roam

DATE:
Thursday, March 17, 2011
6:30 PM

LOCATION:
Private Home in Mill Valley
(address upon rsvp)

HOSTS:
Rick Ridgeway, Zem Joaquin, Nadine Weil, Stuart Ruddick, Jason Kibbey, Juliet Lamont, Andrew Behar, Laura Rodormer, Clare Cooley

FEATURING:

Delicious Organic Reception
Eco-Friendly Cocktails by VeeV
Multimedia Freedom to Roam Presentation by Rick Ridgeway
MateVeza beer and Wente Vineyards sustainable wine
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
VIP Gift Bags by Patagonia
Mingling with the who’s who of green in the Bay Area

RSVP:
rsvp at freedomtoroam dot org
An opportunity to support Freedom To Roam will be available at the event.

CRITTERS THAT ROAM:
The monarch butterfly, the infamous wolverine, pronghorn antelope, lynx, whales, sea turtles, bighorn sheep, salmon, pumas, and countless more iconic American species need to migrate to survive. Wildlife corridors are making this possible and enabling humans and animals to co-exist in harmony and prosper. Learn more about Freedom To Roam and wildlife corridors here at www.freedomtoroam.org

SUPPORTED BY: Patagonia, ecofabulous, Heart of Green, Clare Cooley, PACT, Mindful Investors

We hope you can join us! And don’t forget to wear eco-couture in the color du jour.

Migration photos by National Geographic Photographer Joe Riis

Green Pearls of Wisdom

2011-02-13T12:45:08-08:00

The new Lt. Governor of California, green rockstar Gavin Newsom’s keynote address at the GreenBiz State of Green Business Forum was filled with countless pearls of wisdom. Here is the best of the best of Gavin Newsom on reinvention in California.

"We spend billions of dollars a year to buy things. Why don't we buy good things?"

“States are labs of democracy, but cities are labs of innovation"

"My job now is to take things we did in San Francisco and do it for California”

“The biggest game-changer is to retrofit existing buildings. With a $1 billion investment, you reduce energy costs and create 7,000 jobs. This is the biggest bang for the buck"

“Those highway rest stops should become EV charging stations”

“When you buy Dasani and Aquafina, you're really just buying a plastic bottle full of New York City tap water”

“Green is an economic engine”

“The state needs to get through the budget crisis, but it also needs to make investments in its economic fate and future. A lack of budget is not a good reason not to have audacious goals.”

Gavin Newsom also talked about the need to reconnect people to the environmental issues that they care most about, like air quality. I could not agree more and would add -- looking and feeling good! Going green can enhance your life to the fullest.

Watch this excellent video of Gavin Newsom laying out his green vision for California while being interviewed by GreenBiz's Joel Makower. Stay tuned for more sizzling pro-planet action from this game-changing Lt. Governor.

Pre-Oscar Party with Global Green

2011-02-12T22:27:06-08:00

You are invited to party for the planet like a rock star at Global Green's popular Pre-Oscar Party in Hollywood.

Come celebrate the environment with some of the biggest eco-celebrities and musicians at the Avalon Theater in Los Angeles. I can attest from personal experience that this party is not to be missed!

Global Green Pre-Oscar Party

WHEN:
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
5:30 pm Patron Dinner
8:30 pm Oscar Party

WHERE:
Avalon Hollywood Theater
1735 Vine Street
Hollywood, CA

HONORARY HOSTS:
Orlando Bloom, Miranda Kerr, Suzy Amis Cameron, Kate Bosworth, Jim Carrey, Rosario Dawson, Mia Maestro, Sharon Lawrence, Matt Petersen

FEATURING:

Live Musical Performances
Celebrity Guests
Festive Cocktail Party with Newton Vineyard and 360 Vodka
VIP Lounge
Green Carpet Arrivals
Smart Eco-Conscious Solutions

TICKETS:
All proceeds benefit the nonprofit Global Green and their efforts to create a secure and sustainable future through Green Schools, Green Affordable Housing, community-based clean energy solutions, successful policy work, and more at www.globalgreen.org

$55 General Admission
$100 General Admission plus Global Green Membership
$1,000 VIP Ticket with VIP lounge, hosted bar, seating, eco-gift bag

RSVP Required:
Tickets are going quickly. Please rsvp here:
www.globalgreen.org/preoscarparty

We look forward to seeing you in Hollywood!

Hearts of Green in Nature

2011-01-11T16:03:16-08:00

Happy New Year from Heart of Green. From our green heart to yours, we hope that all of your dreams come true in 2011. We begin this year with an ode to naturally-occurring hearts and gratitude for nature’s brilliant designs. Please enjoy!

Heart-Shaped Leaves

Forget-Me-Nots

Bleeding Heart Flowers

Heart Forest from Above

Heart in the Clouds

Flamingos in Love

Gorgeous & Green to celebrate Mad Men

2010-09-28T22:04:58-07:00

Heart of Green and ecofabulous invite you to Global Green’s star-studded Gorgeous & Green party celebrating eco-lifestyles with celebrity guests, a runway eco-fashion show, organic cocktails and cuisine, top sustainability companies, and glamorous decor. The gala benefits Global Green USA’s initiatives to green schools in the Bay Area and nationwide. This year will be a Mad Men extravaganza!

Global Green presents: GORGEOUS & GREEN 2010

Hosted by Alison Brie, star of MAD MEN

WHEN:
December 13, 2010
5:30 pm Patron Reception & Dinner
7:30 pm Cocktail Party & Eco-Fashion Show

WHERE:
W San Francisco
181 Third Street

FEATURING:

Celebrity Hosts
Star Musical Guests
Top Eco-Fashion Show with vintage Mad Men
VIP Lounge
Michelin Star Chef Joseph Humphrey of Cavallo Point
Patron Wines by Newton Vineyards
Eco-Cocktails by 360 Vodka
Vinas de Oro pisco by Clear Grape
Korbel California Champagne with organically-grown grapes
VIP Gift Bags
Glamorous Green Décor by Kimberly Rider Interiors
Cocktail Party Wines by eco.love
Beats by DJ Donovan
Organic Desserts by Miette and Socola Chocolatier
Bauer's Intelligent Transportation
Living Gardens by Design Ecology
Top Sustainable Companies
A Target Zero Waste Event

CELEBRITY HOSTS:
Actress Alison Brie (Mad Men, Community), Mayor Gavin Newsom, First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom, William McDonough, and more.

HOST COMMITTEE:
Co-Chairs: Zem Joaquin & Nadine Weil
Vice-Chairs: Amber Marie and Christopher Bently
Host Committee: Matt Petersen, Marissa Mayer & Zachary Bogue, Lily Achatz, Jackie Adlam, Jessica Appelgren, Maya Baratz, Josh Becker & Jonna Hunter, Yves Behar, Anna Boucher, Marissa Boucher, Caitlin Bristol, Brian Bunch & Tara Trask, Josiah Raison Cain, Karen Caldwell, Julie Chaiken, Timothy Childs, Scott Claxon, Emilie Cowan, Amy Darland, Jeff Denby, Nellie Draganic, Mark Dwight, Jennifer Fick, Anthony Gilmore, Joel Goodrich, Nick Graham, Moira Hanes & Marco Krapels, Jordan Harris, Brandon Hernandez, Kristine Hernandez, Deirdre Holbrook, Erin Hunt, Jay Jeffers, Bruce Katz, Jason Kibbey, Jordan Kurland, Margaret Mitchell, Clarissa Nicosia, Blair Palmer, Domenica Peterson, Heidi Pettit, Alison Gelb Pincus & Mark Pincus, Stephanie Rach, Jenevieve Randall, Christina Resasco, Kimberly Rider, Claudia Ross, Bahar Shahpar, Teri Shaw, Sarah Shaw, David Shearer, Steve Simon, Al Smyth, Maggie Stack King, Marla Steuer, Akemi Tamaribuchi, Karen Tamblyn, Joslin Van Arsdale, Jules Vasic, Janet Macgillivray Wallace & Randall Wallace, Alyssa Warnock, Christina Weber, Will Wick

DRESS CODE:
Vintage Mad Men or Cocktail

RSVP:
www.globalgreen.org/sf/
310-581-2700
All proceeds benefit Global Green

ECO-FASHION SHOW:
Fashion Show produced by Lily Achatz and Clarissa Nicosia will be a Mad Men extravaganza with gorgeous vintage and eco-fashion designers plus new creations by Karen Caldwell. Supported by Vie, Torso, Decades, Ricky Serbin, and Eco Citizen. Beats by DJ Donovan. Hair by Pureology. Jewelry by Amber Marie Bently. Models by Stars Model Management.

DECOR & LIVING WALLS:
Design Ecology is putting the green in Gorgeous & Green! They are creating living garden walls featuring California native plants from SF Foliage and Plants On Walls to bring the space to natural life. The glamorous Mad Men-inspired sustainable event decor is being created by Blueprint Studios and Kimberly Rider Interiors.

WHO’S THERE:
Rabobank, SPG Solar, PG&E, Pureology, Silver Spring, Newton Vineyards, 360 Vodka, Andronico’s, Lemnis Lighting, Vinas de Oro Pisco, MateVeza Beer, eco.love Wines, Numi Tea, Stars Model Management, Heart of Green, EO, Tsi-La Perfume, PeopleTowels, Alter Eco, Popchips, PACT, Earthlust, EcoTools, Nude Skin Care, TCHO Chocolate, Weleda, Make Love Not Trash, Sugar Beach from Stellar Spa, Brita FilterForGood, Miette, Socola, Bauer's Intelligent Transportation, Coup d'Etat Antiques, Alyssa Warnock Design, Leftwich Event Specialists, Plants On Walls, SF Foliage, Design Ecology, Blueprint Studios, Kimberly Rider Interiors

Media Sponsors: Dwell, ecofabulous, Splendora

ABOUT GLOBAL GREEN:
Global Green's mission is to create a global value shift toward a more secure and sustainable future. Global Green is the national arm of Green Cross International, Mikhail Gorbachev's international environmental organization. Global Green hosts the Red Carpet Green Cars Campaign at the Oscars. They are a leader of the green rebuilding of New Orleans and creating healthy green schools in the Bay Area and nationwide. www.globalgreen.org

We hope to see you at this glamorous celebration, Gorgeous and Green!

Campovida: Field of Life

2010-09-12T12:38:49-07:00

The next stop on the Heart of Green™ eco-travel summer was Campovida, a bucolic paradise in Mendocino County north of the Wine Country. If you are looking to get back to the good things in life – organic foods, wines, gardens, sun, stars – then step into this revitalizing Field of Life.

The first thing you notice upon arrival is the sense of tranquility, but don’t be fooled, you can make your own festivities in this retreat if you are so inclined. The view out the cottage windows is to die for. Picture rolling fields for as far as the eye can see. The heritage oak trees on the property are gorgeous.

Campovida is a feast for the senses. You can taste delectable biodynamic wines from the local Magnanimus Wine Group. They make From Grape To Glass look and taste good, and I was especially fond of the Talmage and Mendocino Farms varietals. We began our experience in the Tasting Room and then proceeded to the heart of the property – the Tuscan Organic Gardens. For 13 acres, these masterful gardens thrive and delight under the expert care of Ken Boek. Sampling fresh herbs right off the vine and touring the butterfly-friendly garden with Monarchs are two unforgettable highlights not to be missed.

For parties, retreats, weddings and more, there is an impressive Pavilion that looks like it was designed by Buckminster Fuller. Its 360-degree deck overlooks a far-reaching pond inhabited by beautiful birds and foliage. It is the perfect place to partake in Magnanimus wine tasting and good conversation at sunset. There is also a fantastic natural salt-water pool for sunning and swimming.

Gourmet dining in the fields of Campovida was an extraordinary experience. You take your seat at a long candlelit table under trellises of grape vines. Our dinner was prepared by Chef Bruce Riezenman and Park Avenue Catering, Sonoma’s longest-standing green-certified caterer. Every course was mouth-watering and infused with local organic ingredients. The dinner was akin to Outstanding in the Field, except that you can fortuitously spend the night afterward in a pretty cottage. The party then took an unexpected twist – a campfire! Singing songs with talented local musicians under the stars capped off a magical night.

Campovida has an esteemed eco-history, beginning its life as the historic Fetzer Valley Oaks Food & Wine Center. Nurtured by the Fetzer family as an ode to organic and biodynamic stewardship, the property was frequent host to culinary greats such as Julia Child, John Ash, and Emeril.

The lovely new owners of Campovida, Anna Beuselinck and Gary Breen, have restored the grounds in a sustainable way. They reclaimed and repurposed over 90% of the center’s wood and materials. Solar hot water heating, recycling, composting, eco-friendly paper products, and green cleaning are in effect. Guests enjoy certified organic farm produce and one of my favorite eco-conscious body lotions, 80 Acres by McEvoy Ranch in Verde and Lavender. Campovida partners with Green Mary to make on-site events as green as can be. And of course, there are the splendid gardens to behold and savor. With natural pest control and no fences, these gardens also serve as a wildlife corridor for friendly critters in Mendocino County who need Freedom To Roam.

If you have time, there are many exciting eco-excursions in the surrounding area. At the heart of the 12-acre Solar Living Center in Hopland is one of the greenest stores on the planet – the flagship Real Goods outpost. If you are passing through Ukiah, don’t miss the secret City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. You can then zoom up to the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and take in the most magnificent old-growth redwood trees I have ever seen. One is forever transformed in the groves along Avenue of the Giants.

So if you are feeling in need of a regenerating back-to-nature getaway, head to Campovida for a new lease on life. Spend the night, spend the week, or visit for one of their fun upcoming events like Gala on the Green. The fields are waiting. www.campovida.com

Solage: An Eco Oasis in Calistoga

2010-08-17T11:52:53-07:00

Life is eco-consciously sweet (and suite) at the Solage Calistoga resort in the Wine Country. Soaking in the geothermal mineral pool under the stars, I thought to myself, “If this is eco-living, then why wouldn’t everyone want to sign up!” If you are seeking a rejuvenating getaway that is healthy for body, soul and planet, then look no further. Your spa robe and cruiser bikes are waiting.

If you care about green, then you will be pleasantly surprised at every twist and turn of the resort’s path. Ahhh, a stunning luxury vacation getaway with reclaimed woods, recycling bins, solar panels, and salt pools. My heart skipped a beat. If green is not your top priority, then you will simply think that Solage is one of the best modern resorts in which you have ever stayed. That is the Holy Grail. Your favorite hotel is “oh by the way” ultra people-friendly (no toxins) and planet-conscious (green design).

If we think about it, that’s what a spa should be to fulfill its mission. How can a spa be healthy if it is slathering you with chemicals and feeding you an apple with pesticides on top? Luxury is living in harmony with oneself and the outer world. Luxury is green. Speaking of, here are the many ways Solage Calistoga treads lightly on the planet while providing a superb experience for its guests.

Energy

Geothermal energy heats the pools and spa. The West Coast has a plethora of geothermal power under the surface, so why not put it to good use. Rooftop solar panels power two main resort buildings. The Bathhouse has both radiant heating and passive cooling architecture, which eliminates the need for A/C. This is a marvel in the warm climate of Calistoga.

Healthy

The locally-made bath and body products are all-natural without parabens and are dispensed in bulk containers to minimize waste. Salt pool systems are in effect so you don't leave smelling like chlorine. Green non-toxic cleaning products are used by housekeeping. The Spa features eco-friendly nail care (SpaRitual) and skin care products (Eminence and Marie Veronique). The Gift Shop is filled with green goodies as well, from organic t-shirts to pure beeswax candles.

Food & Beverages

Local organic produce and sustainable seafood are served at the magnificent Michelin-star rated SolBar, which many say is the top restaurant in the area. Filtered water is provided at Spa Solage and SolBar. And my favorite, you can order a delicious green smoothie by the pool.

Green Building

Solage is a beacon of green design. Reclaimed woods are used extensively throughout the resort. LEED-approved bamboo flooring grounds the Gym and Movement Studio. The walls are painted with low-VOC paints for easy breathing. Interface carpet tiles keep guests’ feet warm. Wool rugs with natural jute backing give an eco-conscious look without off-gassing. Natural Stone countertops are visible in the bathrooms. The chairs are made by Cherner and feature FSC-certified wood. The tables are constructed by Brent Comber with beautiful reclaimed woods. Hemp drapes in the Spa flow with the wind.

Green guest cottage at Solage Calistoga

Landscaping

Drought-tolerant plants form a beautiful landscape native to the area. The minimal irrigation is done with reclaimed water from the City of Calistoga. Many gorgeous 200-year-old oak trees were spared during construction and now serve as the heart and soul of the resort.

Sustainability

Recycling containers are present in each guest room, always a pleasant surprise to find. The resort also recycles extensively, especially wine bottles! Recycled paper is used for resort materials. Soft CFL and LED lighting is discreetly present. Low-flow toilets save water in an area with regular 80-degree temperatures, which are paradise when looking to escape the San Francisco fog.

Transportation

Cruiser bicycles are provided for all resort guests. Ditch your car for the weekend and cruise around town on your bike. The main mode of transportation for resort employees are, of course, the bicycles!

Solage Calistoga is an eco-oasis with a huge Heart of Green. Solage supplies filtered water throughout the property. It would make a wonderful and elegant impression if arriving and departing guests were offered a real glass of filtered water with lemon. Or perhaps if conscious guests had their own Sigg water bottles, they could fill up right there. How impressive would that be!

Besides the superior spa treatments, fabulous service, and delectable meals, my unexpected favorite part of the Solage resort experience was visiting the old oak trees on the grounds. There is a serene spot with a bench in between two large oak trees that are 200 years old. Sitting underneath the branches, time stands still. Only peace exists. I went for the mineral pools and am coming back for the trees. And here’s a secret tip. Ask for guest cottage No. 32. It has its own private, outdoor hot tub for soaking under the stars. www.solagecalistoga.com

From Bamboo to Green Bling

2010-08-15T13:43:51-07:00

Can you be glamorous and save trees at the same time? Absolutely yes, especially with the launch of supermodel Angela Lindvall’s John Hardy jewelry collection benefiting ForestEthics. Named Hijau, which means "green" in Balinese, the gorgeous line is inspired by bamboo and features rings, bangles, earrings, and cuffs made from recycled and sustainable silver.

Model Angela Lindvall collaborated with John Hardy’s creative director Guy Bedarida to create the beautiful works of body art. All are handmade by local artisans in Bali. Ten percent of the proceeds from this coveted, conscious collection will be donated to ForestEthics, which has protected over 100 million acres of endangered forests and wildlife to date. Don’t miss the chic $95 woven organic-cotton cord bracelets in multiple colors, of which 100% of the proceeds are donated to ForestEthics.

See the eco-conscious Angela Lindvall behind the scenes in her jewelry photo shoot video against a tropical backdrop of Balinese bamboo. Now that is green glamour! Also check out this sustainable photo shoot on SHFT featuring Angela and eco-fashion designer Linda Loudermilk.

Many people might not realize just how dedicated John Hardy is to sustainability. Their lush compound in Bali is self-sustaining with green buildings, eco-friendly production processes, water purification, recycling, and carbon offsets via their Wear Bamboo, Plant Bamboo project on Nusa Penida island. See Angela Lindvall’s own philanthropic activities at her Collage Foundation, which has been a force of nature for much longer than green has been trendy. Now it’s off to procure a Hijau bracelet for my next eco event. www.johnhardy.com

Greening Events with Style

2010-07-24T13:20:22-07:00

On Thursday July 29 at the Bently Reserve, come learn how to green your event with eco style. Heart of Green founder Nadine Weil will be presenting her tricks of the trade for putting on events that are truly ecofabulous. She will also moderate a panel with the industry’s best including Blueprint Studios and Paula LeDuc Catering. Join us and find out how greening events can be easy, fun and glamorous.

Greening Your Event With Eco Style

WHEN:
Thursday, July 29, 2010
11:45 am – 1:30 pm

Bently Reserve (LEED-certified)
301 Battery Street, San Francisco

SPEAKERS:

Nadine Weil, VP of ecofabulous, Founder of Heart of Green
Paul Moss & Kaia Jacobi, Blueprint Studios
Monica Rocchino, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering
Gustavo Fernandez, Photography

Enjoy a colorful organic lunch by Paula LeDuc featuring ingredients from local Bay Area farmers. View the Invitation

RSVP Required:
Email events at bently reserve dot com for RSVP inquiries

We look forward to seeing you at this Bently Reserve Lunchtime Speaker Series event. Until then, remember when greening to be persistent, ask lots of questions, and stay positive. You are making your event healthier for your guests and the planet. That is definitely something to smile about!

Photos from Gorgeous & Green Gala for Global Green
Co-Chairs: Zem Joaquin and Nadine Weil

Juicing for Health & Vitality

2010-07-02T13:00:45-07:00

Can a glass of juice change your life? Based on the experiences of Salma Hayek, Gwyneth Paltrow, and the protagonists of the new film “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead,” the answer is definitely yes! Heart of Green readers are invited to a preview screening and after party celebrating the hottest trend in health and wellness.

Screening of “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead” and After Party

WHEN:
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
6:00 pm Doors Open
6:30 pm Movie Screening
8:00 pm Filmmaker Q&A
8:30 pm VIP After Party & Juice Tasting

WHERE:
Sundance Kabuki Theatre, 1881 Post Street, San Francisco

HOST COMMITTEE:
Zem Joaquin, Emilie Cowan, Matthew Cowan, Nadine Weil

RSVP:
Space is limited.
Reserve your spot here

A raffle for fabulous prizes will be available benefiting Roots of Change.

ABOUT THE FILM:
Part road trip and part wellness manifesto, this uplifting film tells the story of two men whose chance meeting and struggle to overcome the same rare disease saves one life, and changes another. What emerges is nothing short of amazing – an inspiring tale of healing and human connection.
Follow Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead on Facebook

Congratulations to the film on winning both the Audience Award for Best Documentary and the Special Jury Turning Point Award (the film that will make the most impact) at the Sonoma International Film Festival.

REBOOT MEDIA:
The mission of Reboot Media, the producers of "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead", is to get America healthy again with fruits and vegetables. Featuring partnerships with leading food and health organizations, Reboot is activating Americans around the value of fresh fruits and vegetables and empowering communities to improve their health. www.JoinTheReboot.com

ROOTS OF CHANGE:
Roots of Change is a collaborative of diverse leaders and institutions which are unified in the common pursuit of achieving a sustainable food system.

Gwyneth Paltrow has some delicious juicing recipes on her blog Goop. I am a huge fan of the Beet, Carrot, Apple and Ginger recipe. Planetary sustainability starts with personal sustainability. Juice on!

Global Citizens Unite to Celebrate Green

2010-06-02T19:06:04-07:00

This Saturday you are invited to a rocking party celebrating World Environment Day at Temple, one of the greenest nightclubs in the world. We will be commemorating the 5th Anniversary of hosting this auspicious day in San Francisco and toasting the diversity of life on our planet.

World Environment Day Party
Many Species. One Planet. One Future.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 5, 2010
6 pm Dinner at Prana (optional, reserve here)
8 pm Cocktail Party

WHERE:
Temple Nightclub
540 Howard Street, San Francisco

ENTRY:
Complimentary party entry until 9 pm. Light appetizers will be provided.

If you haven’t been to Temple and the Zen Compound yet, it is an awe-inspiring space. Owner Paul Hemming’s vision is to create the greenest nightclub and a living hub for sustainability education, culture, spirituality, and recreation that is triple bottom line. We had our Global Green after party at Temple and continue to hear rave reviews from many ecofabulous guests. Sustainability Director Mike Zuckerman is an eco-rock star who can scale tall buildings with a single bound, for real.

The United Nations Environment Program has declared 2010 the Year of Biodiversity so expect some exotic surprises at the event. What is your favorite wild animal species? The elephant, cheetah, whale, dolphin, zebra, chimpanzee? I am wild about tigers. That is pretty obvious. Let’s rally for our favorite endangered animals and help them survive along with us. We hope to see you at the festivities on Saturday!

It is hard to believe it has been 5 years since we hosted U.N. World Environment Day in San Francisco in June 2005. I had volunteered to distribute wildlife t-shirts and somehow ended up as the co-chair of the Catwalk on the Wild Side eco-fashion show and closing celebration. It was an incredible night filled with fun and gorgeous fashions by Linda Loudermilk and Deborah Lindquist. The pinnacle was Al Gore showing up unexpectedly. The experience affirmed my desire to work in service to the planet. Huge kudos to Mayor Gavin Newsom for bringing World Environment Day to San Francisco before green was as in vogue as today.

World Environment Day Closing Celebration 2005

To all those who worry about doom and gloom or feel powerless, I say look at how far we have come in environmental stewardship and consciousness since 2005. We are experiencing a global awakening. Imagine what will be possible in the next 5 years! This is our moment to embrace new values and take action to regenerate ourselves and our planet.

Find other events here for World Environment Day, the global celebration of positive action for the environment and us.

Watch a great video of Gisele Bündchen, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador. Read all about this stunning supermodel going green in Vogue's April issue.

Miracle for the Boreal Forest

2010-06-01T13:52:01-07:00

If a tree is saved in the forest, does anybody hear it? Absolutely yes. Today we are celebrating ForestEthics and its partners achieving the largest conservation initiative in history: a landmark agreement to save up to 175 million acres of the Boreal Forest in Canada, the Amazon of the North. A moratorium on logging in 70 million acres is effective immediately. Planning is underway to protect the full 175 million in three years. Now that is good green news!

How did this record-shattering Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement occur? In 2000, ForestEthics realized that the Boreal Forest was facing the ax, being logged at a rate of 2 acres per minute. ForestEthics followed the logs and the money to the U.S. marketplace. Office paper, catalogs, and junk mail were eating up this pristine forest ecosystem. It was time to act.

ForestEthics went sector by sector, launching and winning market campaigns in the office supply industry (FedEx, OfficeDepot and Staples) and then the catalog industry with Victoria's Secret. In each case, the companies transformed their policy policies from unsustainable to sustainable. The recycled paper mills started operating at record-high capacity. Many other catalogs followed the sexy lead and switched to FSC-certified or recycled paper including Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Patagonia, Macy's, and Dell. Relief in the Boreal forest had begun. Greenpeace Canada and Canopy also waged and won campaigns in the toilet paper and book sectors. Junk mail is next with celebrities like Adrian Grenier, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Darryl Hannah signing on to the ForestEthics Do Not Mail campaign.

The Amazon of the North

The Boreal is one impressive grove of trees. It is the world's largest intact forest. It is also the largest source of fresh water on the planet. The Boreal stores nearly twice as much carbon per hectare as tropical forests. All Boreal forests (in Canada and neighboring countries) store 703 gigatons of carbon, while the world's tropical forests store 375 gigatons. This is a long way of saying that preserving the Boreal preserves life on Earth.

As ForestEthics Executive Director Todd Paglia says, “The Earth’s natural systems provide us with the air we breathe and water we drink. This new agreement is critically important because forests are not just about trees. They are about the people and wildlife that depend upon them for survival.”

We are all breathing a little easier today knowing that the Boreal forest is on its way to surviving for future generations.

Be a Forest Protector

You don’t have to be a woodland caribou to get in on the action. Here are a few ways to become a forest protector:

Use recycled paper
Ask that businesses use recycled and FSC-certified paper
Unsubscribe from catalogs still printing on virgin paper
Buy only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wood products
Sport your own pair of PACT undies
Participate in ForestEthics’ future market campaigns

To protect fully the 175 million acres of Boreal forest, it will be critical to keep the pressure on during the next three years. Let’s band together and ensure that the Boreal remains an eco-treasure trove for generations to come. In the meantime, it is time to celebrate this remarkable new lease on life for the Amazon of the North. Pop open the organic champagne!

Watch a great video of the launch announcement

Read Todd Paglia’s article on Grist

Go Wild on Endangered Species Day

2010-05-13T21:10:21-07:00

Celebrate the animal kingdom with WildAid on May 21 in San Francisco and go a little wild on Endangered Species Day. Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, hear about innovative strategies that save wildlife, mingle with fellow animal lovers, and much more.

WILDAID CELEBRATION

WHEN:
Friday, May 21, 2010
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

WHERE:
The University Club
800 Powell Street at California, San Francisco

FEATURING:
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a lively expert panel discussion, mingling with environmental leaders and animal lovers, and more wild-inspired fun. Get a jump on the fantastic silent auction. See the items and bid early or from afar!

RSVP:
Complimentary
Send your rsvp to Erin Sullivan at sullivan at wildaid dot org
415-834-3174

About WildAid:
WildAid is an innovative and highly-effective wildlife conservation organization whose motto is “When the buying stops, the killing can too.” WildAid works on the often overlooked demand side of the equation. For example, they run high-profile advertising campaigns in Asia with celebrities and Olympic athletes to reduce the unsustainable consumption of wildlife and build grassroots political support for conservation. Their recent campaigns to save tigers, sharks, rhinos, and ocean hot spots have been very successful, and they are hot on the trail of more results. See their cool ad campaigns and learn more at www.wildaid.org

When I first decided to dedicate my life to the environment in 2004, WildAid was the first organization I called. I am thrilled to serve on the host committee for their 2010 Endangered Species Day celebration event. For me it boils down to one central question. What kind of world do we want to live in: one in which elephants, tigers, and whales are alive and thriving – or one in which they are extinct? Many of these iconic species are on the brink, and it is really now or never to save them. That is why I am prioritizing animal conservation this year and beyond. When we save the wildlife and their homes in the great forests and oceans, we save ourselves in the process, and we preserve a world filled with beauty and magic.

As WildAid says, "“When we all come together, we can do anything.” Come join us for the festivities!

Having a Green Ball

2010-05-12T16:15:59-07:00

Join us for the Green Ball on Friday, May 21st at 1 Fort Mason in San Francisco benefiting Friends of the Earth. It promises to be a ball!

WHEN:
Friday, May 21, 2010
6:00 pm: VIP Pre-Party
7:30 pm: The Green Ball

WHERE:
The Officer’s Club at 1 Fort Mason, San Francisco

HOST COMMITTEE:
Honorary Chairs: Jayni & Chevy Chase
Co-Chairs: Linda Gordon and Russell Long
Hosts: Christopher Burg, Lisa Maria Burkhard, Kimo Campbell, Elizabeth Cooper, Jeff Glueck and Amy Ziff, Marion Hunt, Jim and Linda Kuhns, Garrett Loube, Monica Maduro, Lori Puccinelli Stern, Edward Reidy, Mark Rhoades, Marcia Rodgers, Stuart Rudick, Magdolna Rozs, Carole Shattil, Laura Wais, Nadine Weil

FEATURING:

Award ceremony hosted by Doug McConnell
Honorary guests
Delicious locally-sourced, organic cuisine
Biodynamic wines
Gorgeous views of Aquatic Park
Amazing eco-auction
Music from the groovy band Moonalice

RSVP:
Visit Green Ball to reserve your spot
or call 415-544-0790 ext 212

If you purchase your ticket by May 17, your ticket price is just $100.

About Friends of the Earth:
The mission of Friends of the Earth is to create a healthy and just world. I have been very impressed with their leadership in taking on issues early such as exposing nanoparticles in personal care products, encouraging cruise ships to stop polluting the seas, and advocating for a strong climate and energy bill. www.foe.org

Here are a fun photos from last year's party. We look forward to seeing you at the Green Ball!

Josh Podoll Trunk Show

2010-05-10T09:49:30-07:00

Eco-fashion has come a long way baby. To see the evidence, look no further than Josh Podoll. Join us at the ecofabulous Eco Citizen boutique for their first trunk show with the Josh & Lauren Podoll design duo.

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

WHERE:
Eco Citizen Boutique
1488 Vallejo Street, San Francisco
415.614.0100

View the full collection, meet the designers, and preview Fall/Winter 2010. Experience first hand their artisan fashions made from lush hand-dyed organic cottons and custom prints. Josh Podoll is made in San Francisco and is one of the region’s top up-and-coming eco-fashion design talents.

Organic wine and delicious nibbles will be served.

A portion of sales go to Global Green for Gulf oil spill relief efforts.

We look forward to seeing you there!

X Marks The Spot

2010-05-05T12:27:04-07:00

On Saturday May 15, X will mark the spot at Lucasfilm as the world’s luminaries unite in San Francisco for the X Prize Foundation’s Radical Benefit for Humanity: Making the Impossible Possible, One Prize at a Time. It will be an incredible evening of entertainment, intelligence and vision hosted by James Cameron at the Letterman Digital Arts Center.

X PRIZE Radical Benefit for Humanity

WHEN:
Saturday, May 15, 2010
6:30 pm: Cocktail Reception
7:30 pm: Seated Dinner & Program
9:00 pm: Live Auction & Entertainment

WHERE:
Lucasfilm, Letterman Digital Arts Center, The Presidio of San Francisco

HONORARY COMMITTEE:
James Cameron, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Peter Diamandis, Anousheh & Hamid Ansari, Michael Boustridge, Sir Richard Branson, Eli & Edythe Broad, Bita Daryabari & Reza Malek, Ann & John Doerr, Tas & Amir Dossal, Ann & Jim Gianopulos, Scott Hassan, Jack Hidary, Michelle Yee & Reid Hoffman, Arianna Huffington, Kathy & Chad Hurley, Zem & James Joaquin, Steve Jurvetson, Dean Kamen, Neeru & Vinod Khosla, Lyn & Norman Lear, Marissa Mayer & Zachary Bogue, Elon Musk, The Honorable Gavin Newsom & Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Anne & Dean Ornish, Alison & Mark Pincus, Cindy & Adeo Ressi, Wendy & Eric Schmidt, Kimberly Sweidy & Raymie Stata, Ratan N. Tata, Heather & Craig Venter, Nadine Weil

View the formal invitation

Come join us and discover which planetary challenges on are the X Prize's future agenda and how incentive prizes are driving radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. CNN’s Chief Business Correspondent Ali Velshi will co-emcee the gala with additional celebrity hosts.

Please contact Allison Speer or Meghan Murphy, the Director of Alliances at the X Prize Foundation, for more information about the gala.

Heart of Green became an early supporter of the X Prize Foundation because they spur innovation in areas such as clean energy, science, education, and the environment.

I am excited about the Progressive Automotive X Prize which culminates this September with a $10 million competition. The goal is to inspire a new generation of viable, safe, affordable vehicles that exceed 100 MPG energy equivalent (MPGe) and that people actually want to buy. Twenty-eight teams representing 36 super fuel-efficient vehicles from across the globe are competing right now in Michigan. I look forward to seeing who wins the ultimate prize and taking the victorious car for a spin.

See all of the X PRIZE’s winning prizes including the Ansari Space Prize at www.xprize.org

We hope to see you on May 15th for what should be an extraordinary night!