Going GREEN in Orange County, CA

Cool, New, "Eco-Friendly" Childrens Book

2009-02-02T16:20:00.001-08:00

www.earthbugcrew.com

551 W. Maple Avenue - for rent

2008-12-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

Add yourself to the 551 W. Maple Ave Interest List HERE
DOWNLOAD Rental Application Packet

Extrodinariely rare opportunity to live in this award winning, LEED Silver Certified home. Drastically reduce your utitlity costs with your own 2.46Kw Sunpower solar system, Energy Star® appliances, Rheem tankless water heater and much, much more. Improved indoor air quality with non-toxic paint and a properly sealed building envelope. Commute by Amtrak/Metrolink and enjoy everything Downtown Orange has to offer just minutes away. Part of a "green" building pilot program with the United States Green Building Council, this future home is on cutting edge and needs its 1st Resident.

Excellent Downtown Orange location. Walk to Amtrak/Metrolink, to the Orange Circle, Chapman University or ride your bicycle to St. Joesph Hospital. Within 3 miles of UCI Medical Center, The Honda Center, Angel Stadium, The Block at Orange and 4 miles from Disneyland.

1,480 Square Feet
3 Bedrooms
2.5 Bathrooms
2 Car Garage
Fireplace
Laundry Room with New Energy Star® Washer and Dryer
All Appliances Included and most Energy Star®
2.46Kw Solar System
Non-Toxic Paint
Dual Flush Toilets
Tankless Water Heater
LEED Certified - Silver
Electricity, Water, Sewage, Trash is Included

Orange Unified School District
Orange High School
Portola Middle School
Sycamore Elementary School

Major Cross-streets are Chapman & Pixley
Thomas Guide #799G4

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Surterre Properties
949.939.9687 phone
elittle@surterreproperties.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Formula One to Develop "green" technologies

2008-10-11T21:49:00.001-07:00

While both Obama and McCain drag on about "Clean Coal", Nuclear Power and drilling offshore being a smart idea for the United States and the World, the Formula One industry is driving towards real CHANGE and advances in "green" technologies.

In a sport that requires millions and millions of whatever currency is still viable and where you need a country to sponsor your team just to race, it's no surprise that Formula One is responsible for many techologies that we all use today. Next year during the 2009 season, teams and the Fromula One industry will be incentivised to run more efficiently and be encouraged to develop new, "green" technologies that can benefit consumers around the world.

"The Make Cars Green campaign aims to reduce the impact of motoring on the environment in a number of ways, such as through the promotion of fuel efficient driver behaviour; the introduction of new technologies to help motorists monitor their environmental impact; the improvement of tyre design to help save energy; and by encouraging the global use of unleaded and sulphur free fuels. The FIA Formula One World Championship will take a lead in this when in 2009 hybrid devices called KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems) will be introduced. These devices can store energy under braking and re-use that energy for acceleration. It is the first in a number of initiatives set to make the sport more road relevant and environmentally sustainable."

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
949.939.9687 phone

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

2674 Elden Avenue, Costa Mesa

2008-09-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

OPEN HOUSE scheduled for Thursday, Nov 6th / 5-7pm
Add yourself to the Elden Dwelling interest list
Download a rental application

Press coverage:

About 2674 Elden Avenue:
This renovated community is comprised of 5 detached homes. It's the first community in Orange County, I'm aware of, with it's own private community garden where each resident will have space to grow their own food or flowers. Many sustainable practices and materials were used to renovate the homes as well as new Energy Star® and energy efficient applicances.

Excellent East-side Costa Mesa location within walking or short bicycle ride to Public Transit, OCC, Vanguard University, Newport Beach Back Bay, Del Mar Community Garden, The LAB & The CAMP.

View property location & local points of interest

GENERAL DETAILS:

Each unit has it's own gardening plot in their yard or the Elden Dwellings Community Garden.
If you need additional gardening space, the Del Mar Community garden is just one block. Click here to learn more about Costa Mesa Community Gardens.
Pets are acceptable as long as they agree to behave well.
Newport Mesa Unified School District
Woodland Elementary School - grades K-2
Kaiser Elementary School - grades 3-6
Ensign Middle School - grades 7-8
Newport Harbor High School - grades 9-12
Click here to view school locations

GENERAL FEATURES:

New Energy Star appliances including dishwashers, garbage disposals, and laundry units.
New double paned, low E windows (Exclusive to front house).
New doors with windows for increased natural light.
Low energy light bulbs.
Dunn Edwards low VOC interior and exterior paint.
TREX decking material. (uses 100% recycled materials in this wood substitute product.
Low VOC adhesive products used.

ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE CONSTRUCTION:

FSC certified lumber and other wood products.
All construction waste was recycled.
Restoration of all units as compared to building new construction.
Native and low water consumption plants and small grass areas were incorporated to save on water consumption. Plants were kept and trees were planted.

BATHROOM FEATURES:

Mosaic Tile made of 100% recycled glass.
Takla Tile – Made using natural and renewable resources do not require an excessive amount of energy for production and do not release substances dangerous to the environment. Takla factories insure local raw material utilization, post industrial recycling, anti-pollution industrial devices, installation site air quality and use of recycled product in their products.
Sterling dual flush toilets. (can save the average family of four up to 6,000 gallons per year. Uses 20% less water than standard 1.6 gallon flushers.)
Grohe low-flow shower heads. (30% less water usage)

KITCHEN FEATURES:

New Energy Star appliances.
FSC approved particle board counter tops with no added formaldehyde.
Helio Tile glass backsplashes. (responsible environmental practices in production of their products.)

FLOORING FEATURES:

Restored wood floors with natural sealer (Exclusive to front house)
Strand bamboo made from mature, renewable bamboo.
Armstrong Marmorette, a linoleum product that is made from linseed oil, a natural product.
Shaw Green Edge carpeting made from recycled content.

2674 Elden Avenue - LEASED

2 Bedroom + Loft
1.75 Bathroom
1,600 square feet
Originally built in 1920's
Fireplace (decorative only)
Ceiling fans
New appliances
Large private yard with private garden plot
$2,545 per month

2674 Elden Avenue, Unit A - Available

3 Bedroom
1.5 Bathroom
1,165 square feet
Originally built in 1950's
Ceiling fans
All new appliances
Washer & Dryer
Large private yard with private garden plot
$2,395 per month

2674 Elden Avenue, Unit B - LEASED

2 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
750 square feet
Originally built in 1970's
Fireplace
Ceiling fans
All new appliances
Washer & Dryer
Small Yard
Plot in shared community garden
$1,995 per month

2674 Elden Avenue, Unit C - LEASED

2 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
750 square feet
Originally built in 1970's
Fireplace
Ceiling fans
All new appliances
Washer & Dryer
Small Yard
Plot in shared community garden
$1,995 per month

2674 Elden Avenue, Unit D - LEASED

2 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
750 square feet
Originally built in 1970's
Fireplace
Ceiling fans
All new appliances
Washer & Dryer
Small Yard
Plot in shared community garden
$1,995 per month

View property location & local points of interest

Add myself to the 2674 Elden Avenue Interest List

Evan T. Little
Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone/text
949.625.7508 fax
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

A New Life for Shipping Containers

2008-08-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

From the moment I was first introduced to the idea of using shipping containers for real estate development, it made a whole lot of sense. I caught some "green" home or living show on TV that featured LA architect, Peter Demaria of Demaria Design. So when I heard about Larry Pokras' new firm, LNP Design, in Costa Mesa, I was thrilled to have a local design firm centered around shipping container development. With the Port of Long Beach just miles away, this is something for any real estate investor or developer to seriously consider getting into.

The aesthetic appeal of using modern modular units from developers like Living Homes and shipping container projects has overwhelmingly been proven to be a success around the world so why not in Orange County? With building and land prices as high as they are, this seems to me like a very lucrative opportunity for anyone able to obtain construction financing. Especially anyone sitting around with monopoly money in the bank. The possibilities are nearly endless with what creative developers can do with shipping containers.

L.N.P. Design & Architecture
575 West 19th Street, Suite 228
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
www.LNPDesigns.net
714.713.0981
Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

2008 EcoBroker Convention

2008-08-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

July 16th and 17th, EcoBroker held their 5th annual Green Real Estate Convention in Denver, CO. The convention included presentations from motivational speaker Terry Watson and "green" living advocate and television personality Sara Snow. Panel discussions ranged from "greening" local MLS systems to "green" financing. The conference also included a reasonably sized group of venders for the expo and plenty of opportunities for agents to mingle with one another.

The two days were packed! Attendants were kept very busy with all of the presentations and I could have gone for more time to network and exchange ideas with other "green" real estate agents from all around North America.

The expo was comprised of almost entirely comprised of companies local to Denver and coming from Southern California, it's easy to take something like a "green" expo for granted. The majority of agents I spoke with had never had the opportunity to experience a "green" expo of any sort in their region.

Overall, I was impressed with the quality of speakers, panel discussions and how much I was able to get out of meeting with so many other agents. I was most pleased by, surprisingly, the representative of Countrywide, Dave Porter. During the "green" financing panel discussion Mr. Porter became overwhelmed with his frustration in his struggles to deliver a good "green" financing program. It was refreshing to see a representative of a large financial institution like Countrywide who really gets what "green" is all about.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

I'm in Coast Magazine's "Green" August issue!

2008-08-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate to be featured in this years "green" August issue of Coast Magazine. Please check it out, if you have time. You should be able to download the article by clicking one of the links below.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FULL ARTICLE

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FULL ARTICLE

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Drill Here, Drill Now?

2008-06-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

As if the politicians that represent us aren't, in general, dumb enough, I have to see Chuck Norris trying to influence people on Youtube and speaking on Fox News too? Not that I'd ever watch Fox News to begin with unless of course I desperately needed to know what Britney Spires is up to. Seeing things like this reminds me of the movie "Idiocracy". It feels like we're already in the future, watering our crops with Gatorade... you'd have to see the movie to get it.

Drilling anywhere else nationally, whether it's a preserve or not, makes terrible short term sense and catastrophic long term sense. This is, ONCE AGAIN, smoke and mirrors. The battle drums are rumbling down at the pumps instead of ground zero. Corporate greed is trying to drag US tax paying, oil junkies into another scam.

The answer to high oil prices is, SURPRISINGLY, higher oil prices. Our anger towards high prices at the pump should go towards a higher National MPG standard, more electric hybrids, efficient diesel that can run on bio-fuels and of course... ELECTRIC VEHICLES! Rethinking the way we travel and live will be addressed as well.

In late 2007, Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards received their first overhaul in more than 30 years. On December 19, President Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which requires in part that automakers boost fleetwide gas mileage to 35 mpg by the year 2020... Pathetic, right?

If Earth was financial statement, you'd see that we're living WAY beyond our means. I'm not talking about global warming either. I'm simply trying to express that the cheap energy that the U.S. has enjoyed in the recent past, can no longer exist. There is a finite amount of oil, coal, natural gas and uranium on this planet and we've peaked in discovery around the world. Countries like India, China, Dubai and financial speculators are also responsible for the recent spike in price. U.S. baby boomers have enjoyed cheap, unsustainable energy for a long time, but now there's too many kids around the cookie jar without enough cookies to go around.

DO NOT SUPPORT NEW DRILLING

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Costa Mesa Encourages "Green" Building

2008-05-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

CITY OF COSTA MESA
P.O.BOX 1200
CALIFORNIA 92626-1200

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

PRESS RELEASE

January 9, 2008

“Green” Fee Waivers Currently Available Through June 30, 2008

The City of Costa Mesa is currently offering fee waivers for green installation and express Planning and Building Division Plan checks through June 30, 2008. Under the City’s Build Green Incentive Program, all or a portion of the fees will be waived for green installations of solar panels, skylights, domestic tankless water heaters, grey water systems, and similar conservation technology. A rebate may also be offered for green certification. Build Green plans will also be given priority in processing along with the option of preferred morning or afternoon inspections.

The Build Green Incentive Program encourages the elements of green building, which include site design, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and material selection. A green certified building has 50% less negative impact on the environment than a standard building.

Authorized on September 4, 2007, the Build Green Incentive Program is part of City Council’s adopted Sustainable Municipal Green Policy, aimed at increasing energy efficiency, conserving natural resources, promoting a healthy work environment and environmental responsibility.

For further information on the Build Green Incentive Program, “Green Building FAQs” brochures are available at www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us and at the Development Services Department counter, or please contact Building Official Khanh Nguyen at (714) 754-5277.

Link to view press release of Costa Mesa's web-site

Community Gardens are Fun

2008-05-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

Some months ago I accidentally drove bye one of two community gardens in Costa Mesa. I'd seen community gardens on TV shows before, but didn't realize that such a resource existed outside of larger, urban cities like Chicago or New York.

After a little asking around I was directed to speak with Ruth A. Raheb, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Costa Mesa. She's quick to return phone calls and awfully friendly when discussing community gardens. So finally! I got all the answers as to how these community gardens work.

UPDATE (2/3/2009) Since posting this, Costa Mesa's community gardens have become overrun with residents interested in having a gardening plot. Their waiting list has grown long enough that they're no longer accepting applications. I've updated my interest list so that there's a "Community Garden" check box. As I hear about new gardens or anything related to our communit gardens, I'll let you know. Click here to sign-in.

Financial cost to members:
Currently, both Costa Mesa Residents and Non-residents may apply for a gardening parcel. The cost, as of May 2008, is $30 for Costa Mesa Residents and $60 for Non Costa Mesa Residents. There is also a $20 key deposit and Community Garden Bylaws that must be followed.

Rules and regulations:
The City of Costa Mesa provides a water source, gate key, parking area, port-a-potty and trash containers as needed. Everything else must be provided by yourself. Best of all the bylaws is that NO CHEMICALS OR CHEMICAL PRODUCTS are allowed.

There are many other rules that must be followed. Such as all crops grown are for personal consumption or gifts, no illegal plants, etc, etc...

O.C. Community Garden locations I'm aware of:

170 Del Mar Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA
523 Hamilton Street, Costa Mesa, CA
Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano, CA
N. Main Street, Orange, CA

I've added both Costa Mesa Community Garden locations to my OC GREEN MAP and will search other Orange County Cities as time allows. Please post a comment on this blog or contact me if you're aware of any others.

If you already have a community garden parcel or are thinking of getting one and would be interested in organizing edible garden or native plant workshop(s) to help educate your community, please contact me.

Contact your City and see if one exists, how to join or what it would take to get one started!

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Critical Mass in Costa Mesa

2008-05-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

I just recently heard of Critical Mass, an event that is typically held on the last Friday of every month in cities around the world where bicyclists and other self-propelled commuters take to the streets in mass. The groups seem to have little to no centralized organization and pride themselves on their autonomy. I appreciate the simplistic approach to the idea of getting together in mass to celebrate bicycling. Of course the underlying message of alternative transportation and lifestyle that is conveyed to those who wittiness a Critic Mass group, whether on purpose or not, is a definite step in the right direction.

The Costa Mesa Critical Mass group meets at Rooster Cafe at 6pm on the last Friday of each month.

Click here to add Critical Mass Costa Mesa on Myspace

Rooster Cafe
750 Saint Clair Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

OTHER WEEKLY COSTA MESA RIDES:

Margaritaville Mondays: Meet at the triangle square elevators at (around) 630, leave whenever, end at taco mesa for amazing mexican food and 50¢ margaritas. this ride is for everyone, but please, keep the drinking to 21+

Wednesday night social: Meet at the triangle square elevators at (around) 630, leave whenever. this ride takes us down the newport peninsula and across the ferry to balboa island where we stop for ferry beers. after we ride through balboa and through the back bay loop we stop at cafe blanc for some gelato, then it's off to tacos & tacos for.. tacos. after tacos, DETROIT BAR for some good music and $1 beers. if you're thinking, "man, this ride has a lot of stops," that is why it is called the social ride. bring $2 cash for the ferry, more if you want food and stuff.

Sausage Saturdays: Meet at the triangle square elevators at (around) 1130AM, leave whenever. take pch down to corona del mar, and end up at the rooster cafe for delicious sandwiches and/or the tin lizzy for delicious FREE bbq. yes, i said free.

A few more Youtube clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMD-EA5VIRI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1PxiquVPN0

Critical Mass Directory:
http://critical-mass.info

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Greywater Systems are NOT illegal

2008-04-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

About two months ago at a "green" building presentation, the president of Living Homes become the 2nd person to tell me that residential greywater systems are illegal in this area. They had tried to do one on a project of their's, but were prevented by the city. A few weeks ago, I heard the same thing from the gentleman who took me on a tour of Orange County Water District's Ground Water Redistribution plant. Not that he should be an expert, but the story seemed to be consistent that greywater systems are illegal.

Up until last Saturday when I met Stephen Bilson of ReWater Systems at Santa Monica's Alt Build Expo. It turns out that Mr. Bilson assisted in writing the California greywater code. This disappointment across his face when he heard of how many people were ignorant to his work in greywater systems is easy to imagine.

The payback on a system like he had displayed was as quick as 3 years in some circumstances. Extremely cost effective and just about any investment in water conservation is a no brainer. People aren't saying that the wars of tomorrow will be fought over water and not oil just for kicks.

So what is a Greywater System?
It's quite simple actually. A greywater system uses your waste water generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing to water your landscaping. It's financially savvy and conserves water which benefits tax payers, water consumers, reduces our carbon footprint because we use MASSIVE amounts of dirty energy to push Northern water to us and last but not least... the environments where our water is brought from and stored along the way.

It's important to note that you should use natural cleaners and remember that what goes down the sink and shower drain will end up on your landscaping. You shouldn't be using harmful cleaners in your home in the first place!!

PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN HAVING A GREY WATER SYSTEM INSTALLED AT YOUR HOME AND WOULD CONSIDER HOSTING A WORKSHOP FOR SOME SORT OF FINANCIAL COMPENSATION OR JOIN MY MEETUP GROUP, Going GREEN in Orange County, CA, TO STAY IN THE LOOP IN REGARDS TO UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND/OR PRESENTATIONS.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Water & Landscaping in Orange County, CA

2008-03-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

How do we keep Orange County so green in what is, more or less, a desert region and at what cost are we paying for such extravagance?

As our population in Orange County and around the world continues to grow, we'll need to use more water for the things we need to have and less water for things we'd like have.

To my knowledge, the amount of fresh water on earth has not changed much in recent history. So with the same amount of water being available to us year after year and more and more people demanding it, those who control water rights and the communities that use their resources most efficiently will reap the rewards. Which is why many argue that the wars of tomorrow will be fought over water rights instead of oil.

Why should Orange County become more water efficient?

The benefits in becoming water efficient as an individual, a city, a county and a state are massive! Besides the destruction to wild habitats we cause by importing water to support our excessive lifestyles, it's COSTING US A LOT MONEY and putting our well being in unnecessary jeopardy! As tax payers and consumers of water, we're subject to higher energy and water rates. The more water and energy needed to push it to us in order to sustain our lifestyle, the more costly infrastructure we need to support our thirst.

I recently attended one of Mesa Consolidated Water District's workshops and was confused as to why they want me to buy less of their product in the first place. They must be getting some sort of rebate from the State of California (Tax payer money) for reducing their costumer's water needs like Southern California Edison does with their electricity consumers, I thought. In fact, it seems that it's more profitable for Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the water company that sends us water from other regions, to reduce our consumption by sponsoring events like the one I attended than it would be to build more reservoirs to support or gluttony.

Orange County’s groundwater basin supplies about 60% of the water needs for residents and businesses in Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Irvine, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda. So cities South of Irvine rely entirely on imported water! Not to mention the other 40% of water we need for Northern Orange County's current needs.

Why is Landscaping so important?

Our landscaping demands roughly 50% of our water consumption needs. It's an easy change for us to make and will save us money personally and as tax payers. Native and drought resistant landscaping, when done right, looks beautiful. Increased property value and lower utility bills are the result. Who's going to argue with that kind of outcome, right?

The overall design of your landscaping should be well thought out. Using a Landscape Consultant will save you money in utility bills, purchasing plants the first time to prevent you from having to buy them a 2nd time after they die because you don't know what you're doing. Mixing plants with similar needs like water consumption, sun exposure and soil type isn't something that everyone will be able to figure out or have the time for on their own.

Watering systems should be seriously considered. Especially with all of the upcoming changes to many city watering codes. Residents should have a 2nd opinion from a professional in regards to the placement and type of watering systems they need. Many water districts will come out and consult you for FREE.

I prefer California Native landscaping or at least something that is compatible with local wildlife. Using drought resistant plants or Xeroscaping are also beneficial to your wallet and your community.

Growing your own food is another smart thing to do. With the rising cost of oil or the weakening of our dollar, food will continue to rise in price significantly. The majority of pesticides and herbicides are derived from petroleum and of course we need to truck them to the Ralph's Grocery Store down the street, right?

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Cuba began to spiral into a severe economic depression known as the Special Period. Without the Soviet Union's steady flow of oil, Cuba was unable to transport goods from one region to another. People nearly dying of starvation lead to a sustainable agricultural revolution! Residents began growing their own food locally as well as small urban farms and I believe they're better for it. Hopefully our transition from agriculture supported by cheap oil to a more sustainable model won't be as severe.

Using natural, organic fertilizers to grow your own food will keep you healthier as well. So have fun and plant some fruit trees and try your luck with a small vegetable garden!

How to learn and do more?

I'm so happy you asked. The first goal is to keep this issue in our thoughts to help spread the idea, influence our actions and the way we consume.

In Orange County there are all sorts of opportunities for us. Environmental conservation groups like OC Parks or Back to Natives have regular events where residents have the chance to remove non-native plants, clean-up and repair habitats alongside local experts.

Check with your water district to find out about upcoming workshops, if they'll come out to your home and give you a free consultation, water saving tips and tax rebates for things like new toilets and sprinkler timers.

Attending local social groups that share an interest in sustainability can be another great resource.

Useful Web-Sites:

Upcoming workshops and events:

March 28th - Organic Dinner & Water Pollution Presentation - info on meetup
March 29th - Tour of Tanaka Farms - info on meetup
March 29th - Aliso and Wood Wilderness Park Volunteer Day
March 30th - Adult Wildflower Walk
March 30th - Fire Ecology
April 2nd - Eco-Friendly Gardening Practices: w/ Gisele Schoniger
April 5th - Bolsa Chica Hike: Salty Air in the Spring!
April 6th - Weed-a-Thon at Mason Regional Park
April 9th - Stewardship Days at Upper Newport Bay
April 12th - Friendly & Native Plants - Santa Margarita WD
April 12th - 2nd Saturday Restoration at Mason Regional Park
April 13th - Earth Day Weed-a-Thon at Mason Regional Park
April 19th - Keep It Wild Volunteer Day
April 23rd - Orange County Water 101 - info on meetup
April 26th - Landscape Design Basics - Santa Ana College
April 27th - Natives with Back to Natives - info on meetup
May 3rd - Mini Course - South Coast WD
June 7th- Mini Course - Metropolitan and OC WD
June 21st - Sprinkler Systems - Santa Margarita WD
June 21st - Mini Course - Santa Ana College

Click Here to view more details about many of the events listed above:

Environmental Conservation Groups:

Orange County Water Districts:

Sustainable groups:

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Electric Vehicle Powered Screening of "Who Killed the Electric Car?"

2008-03-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

This is an event you won't want to miss!

Jenean Smith, group organizer of LA/OC Alternative Energy Meetup Group had originally come up with the idea of screening thought provoking films regularly in city parks. This lead to the idea of using electric vehicles to power the projection and sound equipment. David Shafie, another member of LA/OC Alternative Energy, has used his political professor power to persuade the school, Chapman University, in which he teaches at to host the screening. Doug Korthof, an advocate of renewable energy, member of Plug In America and a star from the film itself will be bringing his Toyota Rav4 EV to power the screening.

Arrive as early as 5 or 6 to check out electric vehicles, talk to their owners and any other vendors of renewable energy that join the event.

Film will start at 7:30pm and will be followed by some Q & A.

Join LA/OC Alternative Energy Meetup Group to stay informed of any detail changes

Event is scheduled for April 2nd, 2008 at 7:30pm

Chapman University

One University Drive

Orange, CA 92866

714.997.6815

http://www.chapman.edu

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

An Eco-Friendly Car wash?

2008-03-06T00:56:00.000-08:00

Yeah, that's right. Eco-friendly in more ways then you may be ready for.

Here in Orange County we don't have enough rain water or local mountain springs to sustain our not so efficient population and lifestyle. I've heard that as much as 30% of the counties municipal electric bill is spent pumping needed water to us from other states. I'll get to the bottom of that sooner or later, but for now, it's obvious that there's a lot of waste and old school thinking going on.
This new car washing company uses 1 pint of water to wash an entire car. Yes! One Pint. That's one Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, one glass of beer or two cups of coffee. Quite a bit better than the estimated 782 pints of water that an average car wash needs to get the job done, don't you agree?

While Orange Countians happily drive about their beautiful county, thinking how fortunate they are to live here, they're unknowingly picking up all sorts of hazardous particles on their vehicles. So next time the vehicle is washed or one of our many rain showers roll in, these hazardous elements are washed off our cars and into our groundwater, sewer system or even the ocean.

ProntoWash uses micro fiber clothes to capture the undesirables. The clothes are professionally cleaned and the hazardous compounds are properly mitigated.

Environmentalists should be putting their money where their mouth is with this one. Consumer power is the easiest tool we have to bring change.

Another thing I find sustainable and pretty cool about this new car washing company is it's ability to integrate into existing infrastructure. No longer do we need large car wash facilities. They've plagued our cities for long enough!! Have you seen ProntoWash in the parking garages of the Irvine Spectrum yet? Using existing spaces in this fashion frees up more space in our county and offers a more valuable service to us all. Drop your car off and take care of some shopping, dinning, movie watching or hit the office to earn some illegal tender.

For those who doubt the ability to clean a car with one pint of water, some clothes and eco-friendly cleaning solutions... Try it for yourself!! I did and I don't plan on sitting around any outdated, dirty, water hogging car wash stations again.

Visit Opie Lopansri, Irvine Spectrum Franchise Owner

CLICK HERE to view web page for Irvine Location

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash

2008-03-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

www.oilcrashmovie.com
123 mins

A excellent, eye opening film discussing peak oil. Something that everyone should aware of.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Fields of Fuel

2008-03-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

Trailer for "Fields of Fuel".

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

The USGBC and LEED®

2008-02-27T21:28:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already heard of the United States Green Building Council or their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification program, you will.

The USGBC has set the bar for regulating smart building design and has enabled builders to invest in the USGBC's LEED® program to gain respected recognition for a specific building. A lot of words like green, eco-friendly and sustainability are used to illustrate an idea, but one person's vision or intentions may vary significantly from another. There is no green police racing around the city to assure you that one product or another is what the manufacturer is claiming. Words like these are marketing a gimmick to one opportunist and a revolution to an informed citizen.

How does LEED® work?
Currently, there are 4 levels of LEED® certification. Each one more progressive than the last. A builder earns points from different categories such as landscaping, renewable energy and even how much awareness and education it will encourage in the community. The levels start with "Certified". Next is "Silver" and than "Gold". Lastly, if you're really looking to make a go of it, there's "Platinum". A builder must follow some of the USGBC guidelines in order to earn needed points. Tests are conducted on different aspects of the structure throughout the building process. You can visit the USGBC web-site to learn much more about the program.

Where can I see a LEED® certified building?

In Orange County, CA you can check out Olson Home's "The Depot Walk" in Orange. The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach is expecting to complete the 1st Platinum LEED® building in Orange County this June. Please be sure to join this free group to stay in touch with upcoming events. I will be arranging a tour in the near future. CLICK HERE to view group.

Just look at how beautifully simplistic the Environmental Nature Center's new building is! The building uses the sun and earth's natural, clean energy with passive and active solar techniques as well as many other design features.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Water Flouridation

2008-02-18T17:53:00.000-08:00

Over the last year, I've heard about the water fluoridation scandal. I've heard there's no positive gain for having it in our water. I've heard it's a hazardous byproduct of manufacturing and industrial industries. That it's all a big scam to make money. No big surprise. For anyone who saw 60 minutes report about Bayer's Trasylol, it's easy to realize that nearly anything is possible. The city I live in does not currently add fluoride into it's drinking water and I assure you that the city could afford such a luxury if it was desired. Does your city add fluoride to the water you drink? - Evan

www.fluorideaction.org
www.fluorideALERT.org
www.FluorideAction.Net/congress

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

My water bottle saves lives

2008-02-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

Before learning that the generic, disposable water bottles were enhancing my chances of joining the cancer club, I often reused the same bottle over and over again. "My, how many water bottles I must be saving", "My, how many landfills I must be keeping clean". These are things I would say to myself to make myself feel good about... myself.

WELL! Guess what I found out! The plastic used in a typical water bottle is designed to be used only once. QUICKLY! Grab the closest plastic water bottle or drinking device! Now look for the recycling triangle underneath the bottle. Specifically, what number is inside the triangle and what letters are found under the recycling triangle? Familiarizing yourself with the Resin Identification Code could be well worth your time. Polyethylene terephthalate is represented with the number 1 and the letters "PETE". DO NOT USE THIS TYPE OF PLASTIC REPEATEDLY!! The more times you use this type of plastic, the more carcinogens you could contract from the plastic.

About six months ago I invested a whopping $8.50 at REI in Santa Ana, CA. This $8.50 plus tax (which I'm sure won't be spent wisely by our government) funded my new water consumption plan. The strict plan revolves around a brand new Nalgene polycarbonate water bottle. These bottles are marked with the number 7 and either the letters "OTHER" or "PC". Polycarbonate water bottles are non-leaching and safe to be used repeatedly. There is little concern over the effects of the Bisphenol A that is released during the plastics life.

Be sure to properly clean and care for your PC bottles. They are odorless as long as you rinse out and clean your bottle regularly.

Just look at how happy I am drinking delicious, purified water out of my PC water bottle!

What about glass and stainless steel? They're most likely more healthy to drink out of. Especially when you're talking about leaving your bottle out in the sun.
It's my understanding that PC bottles have a much smaller carbon footprint than glass or stainless due to the amount of energy it takes to produce them. It's important to look at the things we purchase and consume with a cradle to cradle mindset.

How was the raw material harvested?
How much and what type of energy was used to produce this object?
How much of this item can be re-used once it's no longer of use?

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Southern California Edison's 2008 Projected Power Sources

2008-02-04T22:02:00.000-08:00

It's interesting to know where exactly our energy is coming from, isn't it?

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Rethinking the placement of solar systems

2008-01-29T15:56:00.000-08:00

Why not turn this

Into this?

Growing up in a city built on rolling hills like Mission Viejo, I was always bothered by the fact that homeowners were forced to pay property tax on basically unusable hills they had purchased along with the rest of their home. Well, for those homeowners who have cursed their unusable land over the years, I may have a solution for you. If this unusable piece of land faces South, South-West or even West, you may consider installing a solar system.

Why not right?

You won't have to worry about repairing or placing your roof after installing a rooftop solar system either.

It's a new thought for residents of a city like Mission Viejo and the majority of Orange County. City planning departments will have their say as to what you will and won't be able to accomplish. Be respectful when dealing with city planning departments while you show them the actual laws to what you're aloud to do. Making enemies with these employees will not help your cause and make things more difficult for the next person to follow in your foot steps. So be nice!

Currently, the city of Mission Viejo treats such an installation on a case by case basis. Set-backs range from 3 to 7 feet along property lines and 3 - 10 feet at rear property line. Any system larger than 120 square feet in size or 6 foot tall will be considered a structure and may fall under additional regulation. Most systems will be larger than 120 square feet and fall into this category.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Greenovate TV Show

2008-01-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

The Discovery Home Channel launched a new show called "Greenovate" at the end of last year. The premises consists of homeowners doing what they can to make their homes more sustainable. Many, if not all, of the homes featured in the show are local to Orange County and Los Angeles. You can click the Youtube link below to catch an ad for the 1st episode that aired. Chris Prelitz, featured in the 1st episode flips a home in Laguna Woods, CA. The home was featured in last years National Solar Home Tour and it was stunning. He's an excellent consultant and advocate of sustainable building and he often holds local seminars. Check this blog's event schedule for his upcoming organic dinner and peak oil seminar.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Sustainable Consuming 101

2008-01-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

Be an advocate for what you believe in with every purchase you can. Not everyone can afford a massive solar panel array for their home or a fancy Tesla Roadster. However, we can all ask questions that have the potential to raise awareness amongst service and product vendors. Where is it from? How is it made? What happens from cradle to cradle?

Ruby's Diner is now offering organic milk with no added cost and they won't even serve the other stuff to children anymore. Chipotle Mexican Grill offers free range, antibiotic free, vegetarian fed pork and is working towards the same with their chicken and beef in as many locations as the market will bare. There are much healthier, more sustainable places to find a meal in Orange County, CA like any of the restaurants listed on this blog, but I want to point these out because they're large, national chains. Many of their clients are oblivious to the danger their diet may impose upon their health, on that of the environment or the terrible life of a corn fed cow who's been pumped with antibiotics since the day it was born. Don't feel bad for the livestock we eat? Watch this video if you can stomach it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxloCd1kBCY

Fun fact from Chipotle's web-site:
"American pork producers use 10 million pounds of antibiotics per year to keep their confinement raised pigs from getting sick. That’s more than an estimated three times the amount used to treat all human illnesses. " Read more...

Evan T. Little
Realtor®
EcoBroker®
Orange County, CA
www.volklinvestmentsinc.com
Going Green in Orange County Meetup Group
CLICK HERE to Browse Orange County, CA Home

Who brings the "Change"?

2008-01-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

The most recent poll I've posted, "Who do you feel has been most effective in bringing about positive cultural change?" has been overwhelmingly one sided as expected. So why is it that we often look to government or big business for "change"? We're already drowning in tax credits and subsidies as it is. While much of big business has a fiduciary duty to perform in the best financial interest of their stock holders.

Couldn't passionate activists and even consumers bring about more positive change on their own?

It's my opinion that we send our earned income to Washington D.C. for the corporate lobbyist to fight over. Whether it's dumping our money into both dirty and clean, renewable energy or giving our earned income to competing countries in the Middle East, it's not working!

If each one of us was able to keep more of our earned income we'd be able to make even more effective changes ourselves and accumulate more stability and family wealth. Have the opportunity to start a non-profit, join and participate in an activist group, even just consume more responsibly or have the time to raise your own children instead of the Federal Government School Curriculum.

"The key to fixing our education system is to reduce the role of the federal government and expand local and parental control of schools. Funding decisions increasingly have been controlled by bureaucrats in Washington, causing public and even some private schools to follow the dictates of these federal “educrats” to an ever-greater degree to preserve their funding. As a result, curricula, teacher standards, textbook selection, and discipline policies have been crafted in Washington. Rigorous classes in basics such as mathematics, grammar, science, Western civilization, and history have been reduced or eliminated, while politically favored subjects have been forced upon students." read more...
- Dr. Ron Paul, Presidential Candidate

Of course we'd need the sort of leadership to go along with it. Honestly informing us about the responsibilities we have as both United States Citizens and Humans. Not encouraging consumers to purchase vehicles over a specified weight limit for a better tax write off would be a fun start, wouldn't you say?

Give the people more financial power and responsibility to shape their own communities and country.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Cutting back on moving waste

2008-01-13T21:47:00.000-08:00

The "Green" revolution will not only have a positive impact on our living conditions, it could improve our economy and will most certainly bring about all sorts of new employment for many. How long will the people of the United States wait while Germany leads the world in Solar Electric and Brazil in Bio-fuels? Earth Friendly Moving from Orange County, CA is an excellent example of exactly what's possible.

My clients have used Earth Friendly Moving and I've received great feedback in regards to both their service and the overall idea behind their business model. Click on the Youtube link below to watch a short video with Spencer Brown, Founder and Inventor.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Fish Buying Guide

2008-01-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has put together an excellent seafood buying guide that you should check out. You can either download it yourself from their web-site or even request to have some shipped to you by mail. The guide is small and easy to use. The guides are also specific to different regions around the world in case you plan on traveling soon or would like to share this idea with others around the world. CLICK HERE to view download page.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

The "GREEN" home builders are coming

2008-01-03T19:43:00.000-08:00

The Orange County United States Green Building Council Chapter has been growing exponentially over the last year and is expected to explode onto the scene as energy costs rise, product and service costs drop and the main stream understanding that "green" is often times practical sense.

The majority of sustainable building concepts are not new. They weren't invented buy a mad scientist and many are not a result of any sort of scientific breakthrough. Sustainable building concepts have been developed over the ages by man and almost completely forgotten over the last 70 years. As oil and other cheap energy came onto the scene business found it more profitable to push fancy mechanical systems upon you. As a result, home building companies have produced homes that may not even be habitable or affordable without cheap energy.

Whether you're an environmentalist, a trendy "green" yuppie or just a cheap bastard, it's easy to see why building and living more sustainably makes logical sense.

Too many home builders the newest trend to get an edge on your competition is to go "green". As a home builder today, it's difficult to separate yourself in this depressed housing market, but many are seeing green... in "green"... I know, I know. I felt embarrassed as I typed that. So anyways, it's important for consumers to be sure they're not getting caught up in the hype of an "eco-friendly" or "green" product. Both "eco-friendly" and "green" have little to no backing. They're buzz words. They're often words used to emotionally separate you from your personal wealth. So watch out!

Recently, I visited an Olson Homes Company project in Orange, CA called Depot Walk. "In-town, in style, and in reach" has been their mantra since 1988 and I believe they've got it right. First, many of their new home projects are built in existing neighborhoods opposed to taking over the foothills or other cheap open spaces. Next, the Depot Walk is as it sounds... within a very short walking distance from the train station. Also, building in the town center inspires and allows a stronger relationship with the community.

The Depot Walk is also a LEED® certified project. All 32 homes within the project come with their own solar array and more sustainable products and features then you've most likely heard of. There is no sacrifice in going "green" at the Depot Walk and like most "green" principles and products, it's a much more comfortable living environment. The LEED® certification is a rigorous and expensive process where the building(s) must meet and pass certain sustainable tests and qualifications. Not only does the certification encourage energy efficiency, renewable materials and sustainable building techniques, but it also awards builders for installing cultural features like bike racks.

Lastly, in regards to Olson Homes, I was impressed by how well informed the staff was, how much they knew about the homes they were selling and their genuine enthusiasm towards the project's ideals.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Tax Credits towards energy-related improvements and beyond

2007-11-23T00:10:00.000-08:00

Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), homeowners who make energy-related improvements in 2006 and 2007 may qualify for tax credits. Products include:

Exterior windows and skylights
Exterior doors
Certain roofing materials
Storm windows
Storm doors
Certain water heating equipment
Insulation
Main air circulating fans
Central air conditioners
Gas, oil or propane furnaces and hot water boilers
Air-source and geothermal heat pumps

In order to qualify, products must meet standards set by the IRS for each products type. Most credits are based on a percentage of products cost excluding installation, whereas for heating systems components flat credits apply. Only improvements to primary residence qualify, and they must be made between Jan 1st, 2006 and December 31st, 2007. Homeowner tax credits for the tax years 2006 and 2007 combined are capped at $500.

Homeowners can harness the sun's energy for even larger tax credits. Credits up to 30%, capped at $2000, are available for qualified photovoltaic systems, fuel cells and solar water heating systems. For the latter, only solar components and not the entire water heating system can be claimed. The solar-heated water must be used within the residence, so tell your clients not to plan on the IRS' help in heating their hot tubes and swimming pools. Qualified systems must be placed in service between January 1st, 2006 and December 31st, 2008.

Consult a tax professional regarding IRS regulations.
For a general summary, visit:
www.energystart.gov
www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm

It's important that we continue to promote solar electric, but I'm not in favor of subsidizing on a Federal level and don't like the idea of it on the state level either. Let's not forget that Oil and other competing energy is subsidized as well. Solar failed to launch in the 70s because oil companies drastically reduced their prices to keep us addicted to cheap fuel. Oil interests are well aware that they can't buy the sun. So preventing solar electric from becoming popular and used enough so that prices will drop is their goal. Why do you think Gov. Schwarzenegger has been touring around opening Hydrogen pumps with Shell? Using tax payer money to promote a terrible fuel solution. They want to keep you hooked on their fuel no matter what the cost. Hydrogen power currently uses more power to produce the fuel then you get out of it. With solar electric or electric in general, you won't depend on coal plants for your housing power or on Shell to fuel your vehicle and it will even help local utility companies to manage brown and blackouts. Just plug into your home system and away you go. - evan

This is the future for a freer REPUBLIC (not a democracy) of the United States of America.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

ASES National Solar Home Tour - 2008

2007-11-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

Check back soon for more information...

http://www.ases.org
http://newurbanism.meetup.com/117/calendar/7173672

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Edible plants are easy...

2007-10-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

Success! About a month ago, I stopped by a local Green Thumb plant nursery to find out about which edible plants I could possibly grow on my balcony. The Green Thumb employee was helpful, had a lot practical insight into which plants would work for me and why. For example, he recommended lettuce plants that could be harvested leaf by leaf, instead of an entire head that I myself may not be able to consume before it goes bad. So I just casually pluck the outer leaves as I need them. All but the lemon tree is seasonal and will be devoured or die.

I ended up with the following:
One dwarf lemon tree, brown leaf lettuce, swiss chard, cauliflower, dill, rosemary, basil and a taxi tomato plant.

Besides pots, It was inexpensive. Most plants cost $2-3 and came in 6-packs so you could split them up amongst friends, neighbors... or strangers?

After the initial balcony shock and being re-potted, the plants really got busy with their photosynthesis and whatnot. Besides the traumatic air quality from the recent wildfires, they've been looking good enough to eat.

I water them daily, use a moisture meter to monitor their water needs and I'm following the Terracycle fertilizing plan every two weeks. Pesticides and herbicides used in the majority of our foods are damaging to our bodies, our environments and they're made from oil.

Terracycle produces an organic fertilizer that is made from organic waste and repackaged in used plastic soda bottles. The company has a zero carbon footprint and is setting an example for many other industries.
Recently, Scotts Company has sued and now settled Terracycle. Claiming that Terracycle's advertising and packaging infringed upon their own Miracle Grow. You can read what Terracycle had to say here. I believe Scotts Company had the intention to run Terracycle out of business or even force Terracycle into showing exactly how they produce their product with the hope of stealing it. Boycott Scotts Company!

All and all, it's been excellent. Spending time each day encouraging their healthy, organic growth and eating them alive at times has been one hell of a ride.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

National Solar Home Tour 10/6/2007

2007-10-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

For anyone who is considering solar for their home as well as many other "green" housing principles and products, this is an event you can not miss. To my knowledge the event functions like any other open house tour. Simply pick out the homes you'd like to visit and be there within the given time frame.

http://www.ases.org/tour (Official web-site)

The ASES National Solar Tour is the largest tour of sustainable energy features for buildings in the U.S. Now in its 12th year, some 100,000 people across the nation will see how neighbors are using clean sources of energy to save on energy bills and protect the environment. Through a series of open-houses and informative tours participants learn about renewable energy options, energy efficient design, real-world costs, current rebates available, and other valuable insights.

Homeowners participating in Orange County, CA tour:

Placentia Butch Pash 10-2
624 Carnation Dr. Placentia
Solectria EV Native plants, featured in Register story

Seal Beach Lisa and Doug Korthof Hm: 562-430-2495 cell: 714-496-
1567 10-2
1020 Mar Vista 4.5kW
Battery Backup to last 2 days
Two All-electric RAV4-EV plug-in cars
Domestic Time-of-Use pricing.
MarVista is the same as 5th St. in Seal Beach, turn left from PCH away from the Ocean.

Seal Beach Robert Zmuda 10-2
1020 Catalina 3.2kW
S10-EV
Former Th!nk-EV lessee
Catalina is the next street parallel to MarVista, to the West

FIRST STOP FOR ORANGE COUNTY TOUR

Huntington Harbour Linda and Howard Nicholes-Stein 10-4
3541 Sagamore Dr. Huntington Harbour, HB
Two all-electric plug-in RAV4-EV "Electra" and "Electron", plus Prius "Heidi the Hybrid". Featured in the "Dont' Crush" campaign to save fleet-lease RAV4-EV from the crusher, and featured in docu-drama "Who Killed the Electric Car". Two solar homes.
From Edinger and Bolsa Chica, proceed West on Edinger to Trinidad, Turn left over the bridge, turn right when Trinidad dead-ends and right again at the first street.

Huntington Beach John Fisher and Debbie Cook 10-2
6692 Shetland Circle
Angled Sharp panels follow roof contours.
Goldenwest South to Ellis, turn Right (West) Proceed to Quarterhorse, turn left (toward Ocean) Shetland is on the left

Huntington Beach John Scott family 962-1746 10-2
22032 Capistrano Lane
Environmental and civic betterment, installed their own long-time solar water, and clean air advocate. Sunpower panels.
From PCH, proceed North on Magnolia to Banning, turn Right
(East or South) and another Right on Capistrano

Huntington Beach Richard Kelly family 10-2
20591 Paisley Lane
EV advocate, all-electric plug-in pickup truck
From John Scott home, proceed East (right) on Banning. Turn left (north) on Bushard. Turn Right on Erskine (becomes Iona Lane). Turn Left on Netherway, it becomes Paisley.

Corona del Mar NB Baker family
706 1/2 Begonia enter from alley behind PCH 2.7kW
Hybrid Highlander surf wagon, tankless hybrid water heating.

Orange Bob Siebert eesolar@sbcglobal.net Founder, EESolar 10-4
1308 Fairway Dr., Orange
ACP Conversion, Bob personally converted an IC car to a plug-in, all-electric conversion using ACPropulsion.com technology with Thundersky Lithium batteres. Also Prius. Long-time energy efficiency pioneer.
From 22 East FWY, exit Tustin Ave., turn left (north). First left after the FWY entrance (don't take!) is Fairway, it's easy to miss. Turn left on Fairway

Villa Park Heide Residence 10-2
18412 Hillcrest Ave.
Energy Efficient windows, proper insulation, solar water
North on 55 to Katella. Left onto Wanda, which becomes Santiago Blvd. Right onto Taft, then Left onto Center Dr.. Turn right at Hillcrest

Laguna Woods Prelitz family 10-4
3513 Calle Bahia Blanca West
Access thru gate off Calle Corta.
Give name "Prelitz" and address. 1.6 kW
Total green makeover that will be featured on Discovery Channel's "Green That House" show. Airs mid November. New insulation, Radiant barrier, solar water heating, New doors and windows with Low E3 glass, passive orientation w/ trombe wall, Non-Toxic finishes, and solar oven cookies.
From 5 FWY take El Toro Rd. South past Moulton Pkwy
Turn Right onto Calle Sonora, proceed to gate and ask directions

San Clemente Lyn Harris Hicks 10-4
3908 Calle Ariana, Cypress Shore.
Access thru gate call 949 492 5078 2.7kW
Solar and renewable energy advocate

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Battling junk mail - credit card applications

2007-09-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

These days, I enjoy receiving credit card applications from the banks that are aimed at enslaving me. Inside the envelopes I receive, the credit card institution have conveniently included a pre-paid postage return envelope. I simply tear off the section showing my contact information on the opening letter and write, "remove my address". The bulk mail they use is much cheaper then using first class stamps. I know, I've used the same services. However it still accounts for a significant amount of their expenses and if this became a trend, it could have a massive impact on their ability to market in this fashion.

Also, I write down information about important causes on the return envelope. I like to think that someone in the mail department or perhaps an employee of the credit card company will take note of my message and share it with others.

However you do it, I guarantee you'll enjoy dropping the pre-paid return envelope back in the mail box, knowing you've just cut into the pockets of the credit card institutions.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Don't just throw it away!

2007-09-12T00:53:00.000-07:00

Last week I stopped bye the Irvine, CA Best Buy to drop off some old batteries and ink cartridges and boy was it a rewarding experience. I even took an out of focus, crooked picture of the recycling drop box to share with you. My apologies if the image makes you dizzy and/or sick. You see... I was a bit embarrassed of taking a picture of the recycling center in broad day light while shoppers passed. Apparently my stealth picture taking skills aren't up to par. I should have had someone take the picture for me to properly document the occasion. If your local electronics store doesn't offer this, it's very easy to find non-profits online for all kinds of recycling.

In general the most sustainable thing you can do is to continue using your current gizmo while fighting the urge to purchase a new unit that offers insignificant upgrade features. There are certain circumstances that may inspire the most sustainable citizens to upgrade ahead of schedule. For example, old refrigerators use considerably more energy and should be properly disposed of. Call Edison, Orange County's largest electricity provider, or your own local utility company as they will most likely be participating in a government subsidized program that financially motivates them to pick up your old unit and/or even pay you for it.

Click here to view Edison's refrigerator recycling program now.

At Best Buy, they offer cell phone, battery and ink cartridge recycling so here is a bit of information that will hopefully keep you from throwing harmful devices into the trash.

All three devices contain toxic chemicals that can pollute landfills, ground water and our environment when not properly recycled.

Cell phones:

The average American owns 2 or more phones. If that's the American average, I'm not sure I want to hear the Orange County average. No? I have my old phone in a desk drawer... Do you still have your old phone wasting away in your home somewhere? Of the estimated 140 million cell phones that are retired each year, 75% of them are stockpiled in drawers waiting for their owners to finally give in and send them packing to the local landfill. DON'T be this person! Your phone can be recycled and help fight many of our environmental problems.

The average life of a cell phone is about 12 to 18 months with over 235 million wireless subscribers in the United States. Keeping your phone for as long as possible reduces precious metals collected through environmentally destructive mineral mining. Not to mention all of the wasted plastics (made from oil).

Toxic chemicals:

Lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, beryllium, zinc, antimony, copper, nickel
The State of California considers cell phones hazardous waste.
It's unlawful to discard a cell phone in household trash in the State of California.
VERY few Americans take advantage of cell phone recycling and most are completely obvious to it.
Many of these chemicals are Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBTs) and have the potential to be released into the air and groundwater when burned in incinerators or disposed of in landfills, thus creating unnecessary threats to human health and the environment.

Batteries:

Moving on to batteries while keeping in mind what powers our cell phones...

Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury are also found in many of our batteries.
Sending any type of battery to the landfill or incinerator means the contents of the battery will ultimately end up getting into the soil, air, groundwater, and/or surface water, and thus eventually into the food chain and drinking-water supply. Thus, the key thing is to make sure batteries with toxic components do not go to the landfill or incinerator in the first place.

Ink cartridges:

Every year over 300 million cartridges are thrown away.
Approximately 90% of these printing cartridges are recyclable but only 20% are being recycled. Excess ink and toner can filter into our water supply!
So use emailing features, avoid printing when you can and use conservative ink print settings whenever possible.
Two and a half ounces of oil are used for every ink jet cartridge produced.
Plastics used in ink jet cartridges can take over 10 centuries (1000 years) to decompose.

These are a few small "eco-friendly" things that we can all easily do while sending a message to big business and help sustain our environment. Proper recycling of all that we use on a day to day basis should be considered in order to preserve as much of our outdated, uncool and excessive lifestyle as possible.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Advertise Green Real Estate on this Blog

2007-09-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

At the moment, I'm willing to post any agent's listing that has solid "green" characteristics on my blog for FREE. It will be right near the top and look like the media below. All I need is the MLS number. It will most likely need to be listed with SoCal MLS, in order for it to work.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Save Banning Ranch in Newport Beach

2007-08-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

(text was copied from www.savebanningranch.org)

Banning Ranch is located along the Santa Ana River and Pacific Coast Highway, and is 412 acres of wetlands and adjacent bluffs and mesa. This property has escaped the residential development that is characteristic of much of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach due to its use for oil production. Banning Ranch is the largest piece of privately held open space in the West Newport Beach area. From the mesa on Banning Ranch, one has a beautiful panoramic view that stretches from the Santa Ana River to the Pacific Ocean. One can see Catalina Island, and enjoy cool ocean breezes. There is coastal sage scrub and Banning Ranch is the home to a plethora of wildlife including endangered species. Banning Ranch serves as a link between publicly owned open spaces on all sides. To the west of Banning Ranch are wetlands. Immediately north is the Talbert Nature Preserve and further up the river is Fairview Park. On the east side of Banning Ranch is Sunset Ridge that is dedicated to become park space. Finally, a parcel of undeveloped school district property sits on the eastern border of Banning Ranch. Most of this publicly owned open space will likely become the future Orange Coast River Park (OCRP), which Banning Ranch deserves to be a part of.

The owners of Banning Ranch are AERA Energy, LLC. The owners have, in the past, proposed building 1750 homes, a shopping center and a hotel on the site. Although this proposal has been withdrawn, a new development proposal could be coming in the months ahead. Such massive development would result in the loss of open space and endangered species habitat, as well as resulting in the degradation of the adjacent wetlands.

The Banning Ranch Park and Preserve Task Force (BRPP) is dedicated to preserving the entire Banning Ranch as an open space and wildlife preserve. We are working to purchase the entire Banning Ranch at a price agreeable to both the owners and public. The Banning Ranch can then bejoined to the previously described adjacent open spaces to create a "Greater Orange Coast River Park" which would encompass over 1200 acres.

In my opinion, greed is the only motivating factor behind developing this land into homes or any kind of real estate. There are plenty of older, poorly planned communities that can be re-developed to better serve our housing needs. We need to force developers to think in a more sustainable sense to preserve what we have and do our best to change the excessive Orange County lifestyle.

To learn more about the save banning ranch group, please visit their web-site at www.savebanningranch.org

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

My "Green" Orange from Orange County, CA

2007-08-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

What's a CSA?

Farms like to describe CSA (Community Supported Agricultural) as a partnership between a food grower and a food consumer. Generally the partnership is between a local organic farm and a community of supporters that together wish to preserve the agricultural life and heritage of their community as well as guarantee for themselves a reliable, healthy and safe source of food.

CSA’s were originally created by a group of food consumers who were concerned about their food's safety. They were striving to avoid the ambiguity and uncertainty of how or where their foods were grown. Thus the CSA was born! And now you too can know with certainty where and how your food is grown.

Members may receive a basket of seasonal organic foods once a week or bi-weekly. Members may to pick up the basket from the farm or the nearest drop-off location.

Reasons to purchase produce locally:

Farmer Stability - Most farmers are the last ones to be paid and often they aren't sure how much they will profit dealing with conventional produce brokers until months after their produce has been shipped. CSAs offer farmers stability as they are a guaranteed sale and usually much more profitable. Thus, job stability and wages for those who work local farms are also increased.
Open Spaces - Supporting local farms by participating in CSA programs will increase a given farms revenue, bettering their chance of not being swallowed up by an excessive real estate developer. This helps to sustain local agricultural open spaces.
Produce Quality - Produce from local farms was regulated by local agencies. Not large scale Federal or International bodies which we have little control over. Also, you can visit the local farm where your produce was grown.
Fresh Produce - Produce purchased through CSA programs are often picked within a day or two of receiving them. Your produce will have the ability to stay fresher, longer then the Australian orange purchased from your local grocery store that spent days in who knows what kind of transit.
Reducing Carbon Emissions - Many produce products are shipped to your local grocery store from around the world. Much of this transit is by airplane. The wasted energy and carbon emissions produced by this transit can be eliminated.

Local farms, distributors and search engines
http://www.southcoastfarms.com
http://www.tanakafarms.com
http://purplehillsranch.com
http://www.ocorganics.com
http://www.localharvest.org
http://www.inlandorange.org

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Orange County, CA Bus Transit

2007-08-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Orange Counties bus system has come a long way and needs to continue to improve as quickly as possible. New features and systems such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will make commuting on the bus more efficient and desirable. For now, Orange County bus riders can enjoy selecting from all sorts of bus passes, express bus routes, purchase tickets and map out their route online and enjoy the life of a stress free passenger all while polluting less and cutting back on foreign oil dependency.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a new approach to traditional bus travel. The new buses will only stop at key destinations in order to provide faster service in existing transit corridors. BRT is planned to offer frequent service, have its own distinct identity, offer traffic signal priority and serve customized bus shelters that display real-time bus arrival information.

Stress-free commuting on the OC Express
Just because you’ve got a long commute doesn’t mean you have to drive. Take the OC Express instead and cruise to work in the fast lane. By utilizing the carpool lanes or 91 Express Lanes, the OC Express limited-stop service will get you to and from work faster. Plus, every seat on the OC Express has a lap tray, power connection, reading light and comfortable high-back seating. You can use your time to catch up on reading, work on your laptop, or just lean back and enjoy the ride. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll arrive at work much more refreshed.

Mapping out your route online has never been easier with Google Transit
Click here to view Google Tr ansit

CASH FARES
OCTA fare boxes accept coins and dollar bills, but do not make change. Have exact fare ready. If paying a senior or disabled reduced fare, you must show identification each time you board a bus. Day passes are sold on the bus by the coach operator. Up to three children, six years old and under, may ride FREE with a fare-paying customer.
NOTE: Pennies are no longer accepted.

Regular fare, senior, youth, express route pass, multi-day pass, college pass... Simply put, OCTA offers a lot of different passes to fit your needs. Check them out online or visit the OCTA store.

CLICK HERE to view or purchase bus fares online

OCTA Store at:
550 South Main Street (cross street La Veta)
Orange, CA 92863
Monday through Friday
From 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

CLICK HERE FOR OCTA BUS TRANSIT WEB SITE

Orange County Transportation Authority Customer Relations
550 S. Main Street PO Box 14184
Orange, CA 92863-1584
E-Mail - customers@OCTA.net
Customer Relations: 714.636.7433, extension 2
Hours of Operation: Weekdays, 7:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Pass Sales: 714.560.5932
Bus Information: 714.636.RIDE (7433), extension 1
Riders' Alert Hotline: 714.636.RIDE (7433), extension 1
Lost And Found: 714.636.7433, extension 3
ADA ACCESS Service: 877.628.2232

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

SoCal Home & Garden Show

2007-08-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Southern California Home & Garden Show
Anaheim Convention Center

Everything… and the kitchen sink! You’ll find it all at the 2007 Southern California Home & Garden Show, the largest and longest-running show in the western United States. We are California’s biggest & best show since 1954, and we’re celebrating in style – with your favorite home & garden personalities, this year’s homes and gardens and special features you can only find at the Southern California Home & Garden Show!

Dates & Hours:

Saturday, August 18 10:00 am-9:00 pm
Sunday, August 19 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Monday, August 20 2:00 pm-8:00 pm
Tuesday, August 21 2:00 pm-8:00 pm
Wednesday, August 22 2:00 pm-8:00 pm
Thursday, August 23 2:00 pm-8:00 pm
Friday, August 24 12:00 pm-9:00 pm
Saturday, August 25 10:00 am-9:00 pm
Sunday, August 26 10:00 am-6:00 pm

Admission at Box Office
Adults: $10.00
Seniors (60+): $8.00
Children 12 & under: FREE

Show Venue & Location
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802
714-765-8950

Parking garages are located adjacent to the Convention Center Way. Enter from West Street. Parking is $10.00 per vehicle.

Additional parking is available at the Marriott Hotel and the Hilton Hotel located on Convention Center Way Drive.

www.southerncaliforniahomeshow.com

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Long Beach Solar Power Expo

2007-08-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

September 24-27 (25th for general public)

Long Beach Convention Center

Solar Power 2007

America's largest solar energy event! In just 4 years of existence, the Solar Power Conference and Expo has grown into the only US solar event considered "a must" for domestic and global industry and market participants.

Solar Power 2007 features over 200 exhibitors, 125 speakers, networking opportunities galore, and an anticipated 10,000 attendees!

General Public Expo Visitors
Entrance is free and no registration is necessary.
We will also hold free seminars that evening.

Solar 101 - Solar Technology Basics.
Payback on Solar - Is it Worth it?
How to Find a Qualified Solar Installer.
How to Find Your Dream Job in Solar.

Expo Hall Hours
Tuesday 10:00AM - 5:30PM
Tuesday 5:30PM - 8:30PM (OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC)
Wednesday 10:00AM - 5:30PM
Thursday 10:00AM - 2:00PM

www.solarpowerconference.com

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Parks, Centers and Open Spaces

2007-08-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

ORANGE COUNTY PARKS:
Crystal Cove State Park - web-site

Caspers Wilderness Park - web-site
An 8,000 acre protected wilderness preserve nestled among the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains. The park's many fertile valleys are overtly complemented by specimen groves of native Coastal Live Oak and magnificent stands of California Sycamore. These areas are further accentuated by seasonal wildflower displays and running streams. Wildlife is abundant and can be readily viewed from any of the parks numerous trails.

William R. Mason Regional Park - web-site
The fourth park to open under the county master plan of regional parks. The park encompasses 345 acres of open spaces, grassy knolls, a 9 acre lake and natural areas. Generous plantings of trees offer shade and beauty throughout the park.

Upper Newport Bay - web-site
Represents approximately 1,000 acres of open space. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve surrounds the Ecological Reserve. The park includes the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve totals approximately 140 acres. The Nature Preserve is made up of the bluffs surrounding the Bay. Three sensitive species use the bluffs: The California Gnatcatcher, San Diego Cactus Wren, and Burrowing Owl. Two important plant communities are found on the bluffs - grasslands and coastal sage scrub. Upper Newport Ecological Reserve totals 752 acres. This coastal wetland, one of the largest in southern California , is renowned as one of the finest bird watching sites in North America. During winter migration up to 35,000 birds may be using the Bay at one time. It is home to six rare or endangered species: Light Footed Clapper Rail, Brown Pelican, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Black Rail, Peregrine Falcon and California Least Tern. The Bay is home to one endangered plant species - Saltmarsh Bird's Beak. Considered a "critical estuary" habitat - Upper Newport Bay is one of the most pristine remaining estuaries in Southern California.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park - web-site
Lies within some of the last remaining coastal canyons in Southern California. The park ecosystem is primarily Coastal Sage Scrub, with Maritime Chaparral, Oak Woodlands, Riparian habitats, and the ONLY natural lakes in Orange County. The park is also enrolled in the Natural Community Conservation Planning program designed to protect various endangered species (California Gnatcatcher, Cactus Wren, Orange-Throated Whiptail) by preserving large tracts of the rapidly diminishing coastal sage ecosystem.

NATURE CENTERS:
Enirvonmental Nature Center - web-site

Shipley Nature Center - web-site

Fullerton Arboretum - web-site

BOTANICAL GARDENS:
Quail Botanical Gardens - web-site

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden - web-site

MARINE LIFE RESERVES AND CENTERS:
Monterey Bay Aquarium - web-site

Pacific Marine Mammal Center - web-site

WILDLIFE RESERVES:
Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary - web-site

Nature Reserve of Orange County - web-site

GENERAL INFORMATION AND GUIDES:
Parks are Priceless - web-site

Harbors, Beaches and Parks - web-site

CA State Parks Foundation - web-site

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Business Services

2007-08-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

ENERGY SERVICES:
Village Green - web-site
Believes that by developing renewable energy, improving existing power generating methods, and improving overall energy efficiency, the global community can achieve higher living standards without destroying our environment.

SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANTS:
Green Is Good - web-site
We help companies approach sustainability as a business opportunity. As a market leader, you understand your markets and have the expertise to succeed. We help your company and employees unleash their 'inner green' to lower costs, increase revenues, and become an employer of choice. We engage with your team, from CEO to factory worker, to identify sustainability best practices which will complement your overall strategy.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT:
Nature Lakes - web-site
An environmentally-friendly company, is dedicated to maintaining man-made lakes, ponds, streams and waterways without the use of any chemicals. Just like nature intended!

HUMAN RESOURCES:
The Green Recruiter - web-site
Long Beach, CA

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Building Principles and Design

2007-08-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

INFORMATION RESOURCES
Benefits of owning a green home
www.builtgreen.org/homebuyers/benefits.htm

Housing Ducts
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes_features.hm_f_sealed_ducts

Housing ventilation systems
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes_features.hm_f_reduced_air_infiltration

Rocky Mountain Institute
www.rmi.org

Green Home Guide
www.greenhomeguide.org

Deparment of Energy
www.eere.energy.gov

Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov

Orange County Planning Department
www.ocplanning.net

Energy Star homes
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home.index

ENERGY RATERS/AUDITORS
Chuck Visnic
Energy Impacts
Fullerton, CA
714.871.8197

Scott Johnson
Action Now
Santa Ana, CA
949.631.2274

Rick Maurer
Rick Maurer Title 24, Inc.
Orange, CA
714.771.1507

Chuck S. Mirjahangir
Huntington Beach, CA
714.596.5570

Nancy VanDalsem
Precision Calculations Co.
Newport Beach, CA
949.642.5021

Rudy Sains
Heritage Energy Group
Irvine, CA
949.789.7221

Samuel Maimone
Heritage Energy Group
Irvine, CA
949.789.7221

Donald Harrisberger
KMA Consulting
Costa Mesa, CA
714.662.7355

HOUSING TRACKS:
The Depot Walk by Olson Homes - Orange, CA

INTERIOR DESIGN:
Path Design
www.path-design.net

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Dishwasher or Heater?

2007-08-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

For those of you who enjoy the modern day convenience of a dish washing machine, here's a tip for ya. Flip the switch marked "Heated Dry On" to "Heated Dry Off". Your dish washing machine may be using some other lingo to describe whether or not it will use the power of heat to speed up the dish drying process.

Benefits:

Save energy by letting your dishes dry on their own.
Reduces the amount of radiant heat produced in your living space. Especially enjoyable during the hot summer months.
Radiant heat within kitchen space may cause your refrigerator to work harder.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

My toilet and I. The water saving story.

2007-08-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

You may or may not have heard of people filling up plastic bottles with water and sticking them into the toilet tank to conserve water. It's pretty easy. Took me a minute and I now save 1 liter of water with each flush. I couldn't see any difference in the force of the flush with one less liter of water either.

At first, i just laid the bottle next to the float ball. "That's the ticket", I announced to myself with much pride. During the first trial run, the bottle sank with the water level and everything appeared to be going swell. Then, all of the sudden it happened... the Aquafina bottle got jammed between the flapper valve and valve seat. Panic set it in immediately while wasted water spilled out of the toilet system. I remember saying something like, "oh no, this isn't good". I regained my composure and picked up the bottle. After some careful calculations I decided to place the bottle vertically where you see it in the picture below. A 2nd test was conducted. Success! The bottle hardly moved and one liter of water was saved without compromising the efficiency of the toilets flush.

I urge you all to save water and money with this technique.
It's fun and much like an adventure into the unknown.

If you're shopping for a new toilet, there are more efficient models available today and even models that allow you to select how powerful of a flush you need at a given time. As we all know, certain situations may require a little more convincing then others.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Annual Expos and Conferences

2007-08-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Solar Power Conference
www.solarpowerconference.com

National Solar Tour
www.ases.org/tour

Alternative Building Expo
www.altbuildexpo.com

West Coast Green
www.westcoastgreen.com

EcoBuild America
www.ecobuildamerica.com

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Health and Healthcare

2007-08-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

NATURAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS:
Portal to Healing - web-site
Are you tired, worn out and discouraged with the limitations of the conventional medical system? Not finding the answers to help you with our condition?
We strive to provide natural, safe, comprehensive medicine for women and their families who are interested in promoting health and preventing disease without drugs or surgery.
1770 Orange Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA
949.722.6797

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Green Building and Design

2007-08-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

GENERAL BUILDING INFORMATION:
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - web-site
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Orange County Planning Department - web-site

Department of Energy - web-site

Energy Star homes - web-site

Environmental Protection Agency - web-site

Rocky Mountain Institute - web-site

Green Home Guide - web-site

Benefits of owning a green home - web-site

Housing Ducts - web-site

Housing ventilation systems - web-site

3RD PARTY CERTIFICATIONS:
United States Green Building Council - web-site
Orange County Chapter - web-site
Build Green Schools - web-site

Build it Green - web-site
A non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building practices in California. We work with mainstream stakeholders in the housing industry to accelerate the adoption of green building practices, and our short-term goal is to facilitate the greening of 10,000 housing units by the end of 2008.

Energy Star homes - web-site

GREEN BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENTS:
The Depot Walk by builder, Olson Homes - web-site
Orange, CA

Better Shelter - web-site
Costa Mesa, CA

MODULAR HOME DEVELOPERS:
LivingHomes - web-site

INTERIOR DESIGN:
Path Design - web-site

ENERGY RATERS AND AUDITORS:
Chuck Visnic
Energy Impacts
Fullerton, CA
714.871.8197

Scott Johnson
Action Now
Santa Ana, CA
949.631.2274

Rick Maurer
Orange, CA
714.771.1507

Chuck S. Mirjahangir
Huntington Beach, CA
714.596.5570

Nancy VanDalsem
Precision Calculations Co.
Newport Beach, CA
949.642.5021

Rudy Sains
Heritage Energy Group
Irvine, CA
949.789.7221

Samuel Maimone
Heritage Energy Group
Irvine, CA
949.789.7221

Donald Harrisberger
KMA Consulting
Costa Mesa, CA
714.662.7355

BUILDING MATERIALS:
Living Glass - web-site

Oceanside Glasstile - web-site
Took shape when three glass artists and a bean counter were united by a singular passion - to interpret art glass in new forms for architecture and interior design. Today, more than fourteen years later, that fire burns even brighter, fueled by the enduring belief in the need for beauty in our everyday lives.

CaesarStone - web-site
The primary distributor for CaesarStone in the United States. CaesarStone — located in Kibbutz Sdot Yam, Israel — manufactures the high-quality, natural quartz surfaces out of two state-of-the art facilities. In fact, CaesarStone's plant was the first ever to use quartz as the main component in the manufacture of slabs for work surfaces.

IceStone - web-site
Durable surface material is made from 100% recycled glass and concrete. It was developed over a five year period and has a patent-pending.
This product is produced by an environmentally friendly manufacturing process in our daylit factory in Brooklyn, New York. Our goal is to be the top choice for green countertops by producing beautiful materials that rival the strength of quarried stone, yet actively reduce the waste stream by redirecting glass from landfills to be used in our product.

DuPont Zodiaq - web-site
93% pure quartz crystal, which gives Zodiaq® a natural depth and radiance without the imperfections common in unimproved stone. And because quartz is one of nature’s strongest materials, Zodiaq® is also incredibly durable and resists both heat and scratches. Custom-fit to your exact specifications and virtually maintenance free—Zodiaq® is perfect for your home, naturally

Bedrock Industries - web-site
Believes in living on earth responsibly and acknowledging that the
planet’s resources are limited. That’s why we make all of our tiles by hand
in our own plant from 100% recycled glass.

Paperstone - web-site
PaperStone-Certified is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC, Smartwood and the Rainforest Alliance. We recommend PaperStone for a wide variety of interior horizontal applications such as counters for kitchens, window sills and door thresholds. We also recommend these products for structural applications, landscape components, furniture, table tops and other manufactured products.

EcoTop Surfaces - web-site
Chic, durable and environmentally friendly, EcoTop is the newest innovation from award-winning green product creator, Joel Klippert. A bio-composite surface material for countertops, tabletops, floors and walls, EcoTop adds practical style in both residential and commercial settings.

Richlite - web-site
A manufacturer of paper-based countertops, offers a collection of warm and natural-feeling surface materials that breathe new life into the kitchen, bath and office. Richlite’s® unique paper surfaces bring a soft and comfortable ambiance to a room that's rarely achieved through cold, hard stone and plastic solid surfaces. It’s made from environmentally sustainable resources and is an attractive, durable, long-lasting material that complements a variety of design tastes.

Kirei Board - web-site

Terramai - web-site

Vetrazzo - web-site

Fossil Faux Studio - web-site

Bamboo Pipeline - web-site

EcoTimber Flooring - web-site
Since 1992, EcoTimber has been the leading supplier of high quality
wood products from environmentally sound sources. We offer a beautiful
selection of hardwood flooring from FSC-certified well-managed
forests, fast-growing Bamboo flooring, and hand-scraped flooring.

Expanko - web-site
Best known for high quality cork flooring, also offers floating floor, recycled rubber and cork/rubber flooring, as well as other types of cork products. At Expanko we are dedicated to offering innovative, environmentally friendly products which are durable, comfortable and easy to maintain.

EcoSteel - web-site
Prefab Green Building Solutions, faster completion time, pre-engineered steel structure, pre-insulated roof and wall panels, superior design flexibility, maximum ratings for USGBC/LEED, termite proof, fire resistant.

Green Fiber - web-site
Manufacturer of natural fiber insulation, fire and sound products.

Bonded Logic - web-site
We manufacture innovative natural fiber insulation products that are safe for you and the environment you live in. Utilizing almost exclusively natural fibers, Bonded Logic combines over 25 years of experience with a patented manufacturing process to create a superior performing insulation.

BioBased Insulation - web-site
Markets building products that allow residential and commercial structures to be more sustainable. BioBased®Insulation seals a structure's thermal envelope, making it is more energy efficient, healthier, more comfortable and durable than traditionally insulated homes. BioBased®Insulation also is water-blown and soy-based, so it is more environmentally responsible.

Radiant Guard - web-site
Our WORLD-WIDE recognized radiant barriers are the highest quality products found on the market with millions of square feet installed across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and Dubai among many other locations. Our customers consist of builders, contractors, roofers, food distributors, metal building manufacturers, and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) homeowners.

Foil Radiant Barrier at Home Depot - web-site
With the ever-increasing cost of energy, it is important to create the most efficient attic insulating / radiant barrier system possible. This foil Kraft radiant barrier is a key component in achieving just that goal. When installed in an attic system, the foil in this product blocks 97% of the radiant heat that normally would be transferred to your attic floor. By blocking such a significant amount of heat, your attic floor insulation stays cooler and operates more efficiently. This translates to less air conditioning load (up to 12%) which results in lower utility bills. Attic mounted duct systems also benefit dramatically from a foil Kraft radiant barrier. The product is easy to handle (all you need are scissors and a staple gun). Additional applications include cathedral ceilings, walls or as a house wrap (behind brick). The material has a class A / class 1 building material fire rating.

Green Planet Paints - web-site
Revolutionizing paints naturally, one wall at a time. Looking beyond conventional paints means rethinking what matters in paint -- its natural, organic beauty, its imagination, its performance, and its effect on the planet.

American Clay - web-site
The Original Earth Plaster--made in New Mexico! Our products provide a nontoxic, creative solution for beautiful interior finishes for your homes--offices--inns and hotels--spas--almost anywhere beauty and health are important.

Safecoat - web-site
Protecting personal health has always been our first priority. That's why for over 25 years we've been working to develop the safest, highest quality and least toxic paints and building products. Today AFM safecoat is the leading provider of environmentally responsible, sustainable and non-polluting paints, stains, wood finishes, sealers and related green building products.

Milk Paint - web-site
In 1974, after much experimentation, we recreated an old Milk Paint formula to provide an authentic finish for our primary business of building reproduction furniture. Since then we have sold our paint to professionals who are either restoring original Colonial or Shaker furniture, making reproductions, or striving for an interior design look that is both authentic and beautiful. Milk Paint is now gaining an even wider usage because it contains only ingredients that are all-natural and will not harm the environment. Our authentic real milk paint is truly a "green paint" that comes in 20 colors.

Bio-Shield Natural Paints - web-site
Non-toxic paints, wood finishes, flooring, house cleaning.

LIGHTING, WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS:
Solatube - web-site
Truth be told, changing the way people use daylighting has simply been the result of our passion to challenge conventional thinking and find a better way. When we started Solatube International, Inc., we were challenged to find an affordable way to bring natural light into dark spaces where natural light had rarely been an option. Our original designs were revolutionary and earned the praise of the media and the loyalty of product owners all over the world. In a quest to tell others about this fantastic new invention, the market needed a name. Thus, the term “tubular skylight” was born.

Home Depot Vented Skylights - web-site

Velux - web-site
Established in 1975, VELUX America is a branch of the VELUX Group charged with marketing and selling VELUX roof windows and skylights in the US. VELUX has been providing daylight and fresh air to people worldwide for over 60 years.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Activism Groups

2007-08-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

MEETUP GROUPS:
Going Green in Orange County, CA - web-site

LA/OC Alternative Energy Group - web-site

The Irvine Global Warming Meetup Group - web-site

OC Sustainability Business Council - web-site

GREEN DRINKS:
International - web-site
Orange County - web-site
Los Angeles - web-site

MORE LOCAL GROUPS:
San Clemente Green - web-site
San Clemente Green aims to protect and enhance the quality of life in our community by promoting sustainable practices. We are a broad coalition of stakeholders, including civic leaders, business owners and employees, representatives of city agencies, educators and students, members of various community groups and other concerned citizens. Together we will inform, encourage, and empower our community to balance ecological, economic, and social needs to ensure a clean, healthy, safe and vibrant environment now and for generations to come.

Earth Resource Foundation - web-site
Empowering the public with the resources they need to make environmentally sustainable choices and changes.

AnyBody CAN Make Change - web-site
We have been promoting community involvement in the streets of Costa Mesa for 20 years. We believe people can achieve great things when they work together. We are devoted to bringing people together to reach their potential through inspiration and opportunity.

STATE, NATIONAL, & INTERNATIONAL GROUPS:
Greenpeace - web-site

Defenders of Wildlife - web-site

Oceana - web-site

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Bicycling

2007-08-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

LOCAL BICYCLING GROUPS:
Critical Mass - web-site

Costa Mesa Critical Mass - web-site

MANUFACTURERS:
Swiss Bike - web-site
The world's most advanced bicycle folds to fit in a car trunk or closet, yet climbs through the Swiss Alps with the shifting precision of a finely tuned vehicle.

BLOGS, GUIDES, MAGAZINES:
The Cycling Dude - blog

Cycle Driven - blog
A blog that explores transportation alternatives in Orange County California with a focus on bicycles, public transportation and pedestrian access. It is our belief that Orange County can become a cycle friendly city. We believe this goal can be achieved by simply getting more people on bicycles and showing them the advantages of living a Cycle Driven life.

North Orange County Bicycle Advocacy Coalition - web-site
A great site for bicycle news and topics. We are here to get more people on bikes.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Recycling and Waste Disposal

2007-08-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

RECYCLING AND WASTE DISPOSAL CENTERS:
Orange County Recycling
www.oclandfills.com/recycling.asp

Orange County Landfills
www.ocagcomm.com/va_landfill.asp

Green Waste Facilities
www.ocagcomm.com/va_green_waste.asp

Hazardous Waste Agency
www.occupainfo.com

RECYCLING CENTERS:
Orange County
www.oclandfills.com/recycling.asp

FREECYCLE GROUPS:
www.freecycle.org

COLLECTION SERVICES:
Planet Green
818.725.2596
20724 Lassen Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Recycling empty printer cartridges and old cell phones eliminates non-biodegradable plastics and metals from entering our landfills. Planet Green's recycling program helps you raise funds while helping the environment. It's free and easy!
www.planetgreenrecycle.com

The Big Green Box
A National program that offers companies, consumers, municipalities, and other generators, a low cost, easy, and flexible way to recycle their batteries and portable electronic devices.
125 E. Commercial Street
Anaheim, CA 92801
714.278.9211
www.biggreenbox.com

1-800-GOT-JUNK
www.1800gotjunk.com

eWaste
www.ewaste.com

Ewles Materials
Asphalt and Concrete Recycling.
Accepts clean asphalt and concrete (rebar and wire okay). No dirt, brick, stucco, roof tiles, plaster or petromat. Visit website to see cost of dump fees.
Stanton, CA
www.ewlesmaterials.com

Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE)
Carpet Recycling
www.carpetrecovery.org

Shingle Recycling website
www.shinglerecycling.org

Bottles and Cans
www.bottlesandcans.com

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Home Goods Retailers

2007-08-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

LOCAL RETAILERS:
The Road Less Traveled - web-site
2202 1/2 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
714 836 8727
Shop in store or online for cleaning, kitchen, office, clothing, baby, home, literature and more products

Seeds of the Earth - web-site
Laguna Beach, CA

Belly Sprout - web-site

Progressive Kid - web-site

The CAMP - web-site
Costa Mesa, CA

The LAB - web-site
Costa Mesa, CA

Buffalo Exchange - web-site

Humanitaire - web-site

ONLINE ONLY RETAILERS:
Lets Go Green - web-site

We Buy it Green - web-site
A place where people can find green products or services and share information about green living.

Gaiam - web-site

Green Nest - web-site

TerraPass - web-site

Totally Bamboo - web-site
Featuring over 230 products, Totally Bamboo is the industry pioneer of premiere bamboo cutting boards and kitchen accessories. Our product line boasts a variety of collections, ranging from the African Collection featuring our exclusive Parquet End Grain, the two-toned Hawaiian Collection and sleek, contemporary California Collection.

Wallaby Ventures LLC. - web-site
Official US importer and distributor of UV Natural Sunscreen.

Body Crystal of California - web-site
All products are 100% natural made from tribal resources. Some of these products include: anti-perspritants, aftershave, body splash, soap and washcloths made from Ayate.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Water Resources and Services

2007-08-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

INFORMATIONAL WEB-SITES:
Be Water Wise
www.bewaterwise.com

Water Saver Home
www.h2ouse.org/tour

OC Water Hero
www.ocwaterhero.com

California Water Crisis
www.calwatercrisis.org

GREY WATER AND RAIN CAPTURE SYSTEMS:
ReWater
www.rewater.com

WATER DISTRICTS:
Orange County Water District
www.ocwd.com

Municipal Water District of OC
www.mwdoc.com

El Toro Water District
www.etwd.com

Irvine Ranch Water District
www.irwd.com

Mesa Consolidated Water District
www.mesawater.org

Moulton Niguel Water District
www.mnwd.com

Santa Margarita Water District
www.smwd.com

South Coast Water District
www.scwd.org

Yorba Linda Water District
www.ylwd.com

Metropolitan Water District of SoCal
www.mwdh2o.com

Southern California Water Company
www.aswater.com/Organization/Company_Links/SCWC/scwc.html

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Restaurants and Grocery Stores

2007-08-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

RESTAURANTS AND CAFES:
118 Degrees - web-site
Costa Mesa

Avanti Cafe - web-site
Costa Mesa

Au Lac - web-site
Fountain Valley

Rutabegorz - web-site
Fullerton, Tustin, Orange

Bodhi Tree Vegetarian Cafe - web-site

Goko Cafe - web-site

Good Mood Food Cafe - web-site

Gypsy Den - web-site
Costa Mesa and Santa Ana

The Lost Bean - web-site

Native Foods - web-site
Costa Mesa

Old Vine Cafe - web-site
Costa Mesa

Organic To-Go - web-site

Sidney's Cafe - web-site

Thuyen Vien - web-site

The Veggie Grill - web-site
Irvine

The Wheel of Life - web-site
Irvine

Zinc Cafe and Market - web-site

GUIDES:
Happy Cow - web-site

GROCERY STORES:
Mother's Market - web-site

Trader Joe's - web-site

Whole Foods - web-site

Henry's Market - web-site

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Schools and Education Centers

2007-08-14T00:42:00.000-07:00

SCHOOLS:
Journey School - web-site

Earthroots Field School - web-site
Offers creative learning environments that nurture the whole person and their connection with the natural world.
We offer classes year round for toddlers, homeschoolers, teens, adults, private and public schools age children and summer camps. Outdoor “classrooms” include local organic farms, gardens, wilderness areas, kitchens, national parks, beaches, creeks and more. This school is an exploration of our natural world and extends into our connection with all things. We meet at new locations each week, ranging from San Clemente to Newport Bay and east into the Santa Ana Mountains. Each year, we also travel out of our region for family camping trips & adventure.

Morasha Jewish Day School - web-site

EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS:
Inside the Outdoors - web-site
A unique and hands-on environmental education program administered by the Orange County Department of Education. Our mission is to empower students, teachers, parents, and the community to explore natural areas and expand their knowledge. The curriculum created for Inside the Outdoors programs is aligned with California Science and Social Science standards and allows students to interact with these concepts in a real world setting.

EDUCATION CENTERS:
Environmental Nature Center - web-site
Where you can find 15 representative Ecological Habitats of California, a Discovery Room packed with neat things to touch and investigate, Nature Camp in the Summer, and a quiet place to sit and enjoy Life on your lunch hour. Browse through our website to learn about ENC, the programs and events we offer, our Butterfly House, and how you can volunteer.

Sea and Sage Audubon - web-site

James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center - web-site

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Solar Providers and Manufacturers

2007-08-14T00:14:00.000-07:00

ADVOCACY AND ACTION GROUPS:
American Solar Energy Society - web-site

San Diego Renewable Energy Society - web-site

Solar Living Institute - web-site

NorCal Solar Energy Association - web-site

Solar Electric Light Fund - web-site

INSTALLERS:
SolarCity - web-site

Borrego Solar Inc. - web-site
1365 N. Johnson Avenue, Suite 102
El Cajon, CA 92020
619 562 7183
Specializes in commercial, residential and public sector turnkey, grid–connected solar electric systems.

REVCO SOLAR - web-site
26631 Cabot Road, Suite B
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
800 274 3638
Full service energy contractor. Dedicated to promoting renewable energy sources and helping homeowners save energy and reduce utility costs.

Akeena Solar - web-site
22661 Lambert St., Suite 204
Lake Forest, CA 92630
888 253 3628
Akeena Solar is a proven leader in the design and integration of solar power systems for residential and commercial customers in California, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Sunshine Solar Energy Inc. - web-site
To provide education, information, products and solutions to provide the best practices to reduce or eliminate the carbon footprint. Todays energy mix includes solar electricity (pv), solar thermal (hot water) as well as wind power and other advanced technologies to enable us to give the best there is to offer to our customers.

SOLAR CONSULTATION SERVICES:
Renewzle - web-site
We are a team of experienced Internet and solar industry professionals who are committed to helping you make sustainable lifestyle choices. Our mission is to make it easy for you to evaluate options for solar power, to give you a personalized projection of your cost and carbon savings and to connect you with the best installer for your situation.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Recycling and Pollution

2007-08-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

AIR POLLUTION:
Drive Healthy - web-site
Promotes healthy air through healthy vehicles. To make a difference, we need your help.

HAZARDOUS WASTE:
National waste priority list - web-site

Pollution and waste hazard search - web-site

RADON:
Buyer and Sellers Guide to Radon - web-site

ASBESTOS:
Guide to Asbestos - web-site

Materials Containing Asbestos - web-site

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

"GREEN" EVENTS SCHEDULE

2007-08-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

Please feel free to email me or post a comment on this blog if you hear of any other upcoming Orange County, CA "green" event that you do not see listed here.
I attend many of these events myself and do my best to keep track of any schedule changes. However, please be sure to confirm dates and times yourself as well.
Join the Going green in OC meetup group!

Written by,
Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Surterre Properties
949.939.9687 phone/text
elittle@surterreproperties.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

GREEN RESOURCE LIST

2007-08-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

This reference list is geared towards Southern California and more specifically Orange County, CA. There are many National and some International resources here as well.
I will continue to add/remove references as time goes on.
Please contact me if you would like to be added, removed or change your information.

INFORMATIVE RESOURCES:

Sustainable USA
This site provides information on climate chance and peak oil and what we can do to mitigate the effects. Transition Town movements are springing up across the planet that seek to engage the whole community in finding practical alternatives to our current fossil-fuel led systems and lifestyles. Their aim is to facilitate communities in the move to a new energy future which is abundant, truly sustainable, re-localized and beautiful.
http://www.sustainableusa.info/

Consumer Reports
Product reviews & buying guides from a GREEN standpoint.
http://www.greenerchoices.org/

BuildingGreen, Inc.
An independent company committed to providing accurate, unbiased, and timely information designed to help building-industry professionals and policy makers improve the environmental performance, and reduce the adverse impacts, of buildings.
http://www.buildinggreen.com/

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - US Department of Commerce
Provides weather, climate and ecosystem information to make sure individual and commercial transportation is safe, efficient and environmentally sound.
http://www.noaa.gov/

Sustainable USA
Provides information on climate change and peak oil and what we can do to mitigate the effects. Transition Town movements are springing up across the planet that seek to engage the whole community in finding practical alternatives to our current fossil-fuel led systems and lifestyles.
http://www.sustainableusa.info/

OC Green Guide
You’ll find that The OC Green Guide is a reliable, convenient and concise source for over 100 green and eco-friendly businesses in Orange County, including local farmers markets, outdoor activities like nature centers in your surrounding communities as well as recycling drop offs and even spas to indulge yourself with using the best organic products.
http://www.ocgreenguide.com/

GREEN MEDIA:

EcoZone Media
The world's premier environmental media company, is dedicated to pioneering marketing & media programs that generate necessary funds and resources to address critical environmental challenges.
http://www.ecozonemedia.com/

TreeHugger
Leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream. Partial to a modern aesthetic, we strive to be a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information.
http://www.treehugger.com/

Green Planet Films
415 377 5471
A non-profit distributor of nature and environmental DVDs from around the globe.
http://www.greenplanetfilms.org/

Building with Awareness
Syncronos Design Inc.
P.O. Box 1833
Corrales, New Mexico 87048
505 898 9163
A web site, DVD video, and book about the design and construction of straw bale solar hybrid homes.
http://www.buildingwithawareness.com/

ACTION GROUPS:

Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots, non-profit, environmental organization that works to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches.
http://www.surfrider.org/
http://www.surfrider.org/southorangecounty
http://surfridernb.com/
http://www.sbhbsurfrider.org/

Trees for the Future
PO Box 7027
Silver Spring, MD 20907
800 643 0001
Through our seed projects and country programs, rural groups have restored tree cover to the most degraded lands. Planting trees helps to preserve traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations.
http://www.treesftf.org/

American Forests
734 15th Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
202 737 1944
the mission is to provide action opportunities to targeted audiences to enable them to improve their environment with trees.
http://www.americanforests.org/

Sustainable Harvest International
779 North Bend Road
Surry, ME 04684
866 683 6594
Sustainable Harvest International helps farmers reverse rainforest destruction with sustainable land-use practices that allow them to take control of their environmental and economic destinies.
http://www.sustainableharvest.org/

41pounds.org
298 W. Saratoga
Ferndale, MI 48220
866 417 4141
a community of people working to eliminate a big personal nuisance and environmental hazard junk mail.
http://www.41pounds.org/

Catalog Choice
Catalog Choice is a free service that allows you to decide what gets in your mailbox. Use it to reduce your mailbox clutter, while helping save natural resources.
http://www.catalogchoice.org/

GREEN NETWORKING, MEETINGS & GROUPS:

Green Drinks
Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up for a beer at informal sessions known as Green Drinks.
http://www.greendrinks.org/
http://www.ocgreendrinks.blogspot.com/

United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
1800 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036
800 795 1747
A community of leaders working to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated. We envision an environmentally responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.
http://www.usgbc.org/
http://www.usgbc-oc.org/

Sierra Club (Orange County Group)
PO Box 6647
Orange, CA 92867
714 997 2220
The Sierra Club is the largest grassroots environmental organization. Outdoor activities range from day hikes, car camping, backpacking and skiing to trail building and maintenance.
http://angeles.sierraclub.org/orange

American Society of Landscape Architects
1100 Irvine Boulevard (Local Chapter)
Suite 371
Tustin, CA 92780
714 838 3615
National professional association representing landscape architects. ASLA promotes the landscape architecture profession and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship.
http://www.asla.org/
http://host.asla.org/chapters/southca

California Home Energy Efficiency Rating Services (CHEERS®)
9400 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 220
Chatsworth, CA 91311
800 424 3377
CHEERS® is a California statewide 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency.
http://www.cheers.org/
http://www.cheers.org/ratersearch/default.htm

Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA)
Since their founding in 1935 as the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association, GAMA has proudly represented the gas space heating and water hearing industries.
http://www.gamanet.org/

Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC)
1853 North Raymond Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92801
888 641 2677
The mission of the Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC) is to provide an opportunity for youth and young adults to learn work skills; develop a work ethic; develop a sense of community responsibility; further their formal education; develop leadership skills; and achieve the self-esteem necessary to enter the workforce.
http://www.occcorps.org/

Oak Canyon Nature Center (OCNC)
6700 E. Walnut Canyon Rd.
Anaheim, CA
714 998 8380
Oak Canyon Nature Center attempts to instill a sense of appreciation and understanding of our natural world, promote the principles of conservation of our natural resources, and impart the concept of the need to preserve and protect public parklands as well as the natural environment and ecology of the surrounding area.
www.anaheim.net/ocnc

American Cetacean Society
P.O. Box 18763 (Orange County Chapter)
Irvine, CA 92623
949 675 8916
The American Cetacean Society protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.
http://www.acsonline.org/
http://www.acsonline.org/orangecounty

Audubon Society
PO Box 5447
Irvine CA 92616-5447
949 261 7963
Orange County Audubon Society is a chapter of the National Audubon Society with 2,500 members in Central Orange County. Environmental education and awareness and lobbying for conservation issues are main activities.
http://www.audubon-ca.org/
http://www.seaandsageaudubon.org/

California Native Plant Society
408 Robbie Pl.
Placentia, CA 92870-3437
The California Native Plant Society is an organization of laypeople and professionals united by an interest in the plants of California. It is open to all. Its principal aims are to preserve the native flora and to add to the knowledge of members of the public at large.
http://www.cnps.org/
http://www.occnps.org/

California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc.
The Fullerton Arboretum - CSUF
P.O. Box 6850
Fullerton, CA 92834-685
714 526 7198
The California Rare Fruit Growers is a group of hobbyist growers that works to increase use of less-common fruits and to upgrade familiar ones.
http://www.crfg.org/

Eco-Home Network
4344 Russell Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323 662 5207
An on-going living research center that demonstrates ecological living in an urban environment.
www.ecohome.org/pages/index.html

L.A. Eco-Village
213 738 1254
We are a neighborhood in the built-out Wilshire Center/Koreatown area working toward becoming a demonstration of healthy urban community. Our whole-systems approach to community development tries to integrate the social, economic and physical aspects of neighborhood life to be sustainable over the long term.
http://www.laecovillage.org/

HELPFUL SEARCHES:

Green People
425 South 3rd Ave. Suite #1
Highland Park NJ 08904
732 514 1066
World's largest, directory of eco-friendly and holistic health products
Organic food, Pet supplies, Natural childbirth, Beauty products, Home improvement, Hemp, Organic cotton, Holistic health products, Recycled products.
http://www.greenpeople.org/

Five Limes
Part of our goal is to ensure that green consumers have an open an honest dialog with the companies producing the products. As such, we invite green companies to actively participate in the discussion.
http://www.fivelimes.com/

SustainLane
The Flood Building
870 Market Street, Suite 1011
San Francisco, CA 94102
415 392 5263
An online media company empowering people, businesses, and government to go green.
http://www.sustainlane.com/

Energy Star Searches
Search for an Energy Star partner that fits your needs in the following professions; Site-Built Home Builders and Developers, Manufactured Home Builders, Home Energy Raters, Utilities/Sponsors, Lenders
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=new_homes_partners.showHomesSearch

Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
http://www.dsireusa.org/

California Home Energy Efficiency Rating Services (CHEERS®)
9400 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Suite 220
Chatsworth, CA 91311
800 424 3377
CHEERS® is a California statewide 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency.
http://www.cheers.org/
http://www.cheers.org/ratersearch/default.htm

National Environmental Directory
Harbinger Communications
112 Glenview St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
A directory of more than 13,000 organizations in the United States concerned with environmental issues and environmental education.
http://www.environmentaldirectory.net/

RETAIL & CONSUMER PRODUCTS:

Green Culture Inc.
32 Rancho Circle
Lake Forest, CA 92630
The primary goal of Greenculture.com is to introduce the mainstream marketplace to a wide array of high quality goods made from recycled materials, ecologically harvested timber, and other earth friendly ingredients.
http://www.greenculture.com/

Ecover
800 449 4925
ecological, economic and socially responsible cleaning products.
http://www.ecover.com/

Voltaic Systems Inc.
252 West 14th Street #3
New York, NY 10011
212 627 5012
Solar bags are mobile power generators, designed to charge your devices without tying you to a power outlet, which makes them ideal for traveling.
http://www.voltaicsystems.com/

EcoQuest International
310 T. Elmer Cox Drive
Greeneville, TN 37743
800 989 2299
Air, water and laundry purification systems.
http://www.ecoquestintl.com/

OluKai
75 Argonaut, Suite A
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
877 265 8524
Committed to creating quality products for our customers while leaving the smallest footprint possible on the planet. Sandals.
http://www.olukai.com/

The Road Less Traveled
2202 1/2 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
714 836 8727
Shop in store or online for cleaning, kitchen, office, clothing, baby, home, literature and more products
http://www.roadlesstraveledstore.com/

Green Culture
Lake Forest, CA. 92630
877 20 GREEN
Shop online for furniture, lighting, gardening, composters, house wares, rugs, solar/energy savers, natural fibers/textiles, pets & wildlife, water conservation and pest control.
32 Rancho Circle
http://greenculture.com/

ClassifiedCircles.org
Redondo Beach, California
310 316 7424
ClassifiedCircles.org puts a special emphasis on helping to stop global warming. The free ongoing benefit auction helps environmental, community, animal and other charities and non-corporate dominated media outlets by providing a way for you to buy, sell and rent goods and services, with the request that a flexible percentage or all of the profits will be donated to these causes. The seller selects their favorite charity, the donation amount (1-100%) and keeps the rest.
http://www.classifiedcircles.org/

AUTOMOTIVE:

ProntoWash
Eco-Friendly car wash company that uses one pint of water to clean an entire car while properly removing harmful elements from vehicles surface.
Find nearest location

VegAuto.com
19895 Beach Blvd #103
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714 552 5533
We offer proven technology to operate your diesel engine safely, efficiently, and reliably on waste and straight vegetable oils. We are authorized dealers of the Plant Drive vegetable oil conversion system.
http://www.vegauto.com/

Extreme Biodiesel
2029 S. Hathaway St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
888 998 7223 Toll-Free
http://www.extremebiodiesel.com/

ZENN Motor Company
85 Scarsdale Road, Suite 100
Toronto, ON, M3B 2R2
Canada
877 817 7034
Plug-in Electric Auto Manufacturer.
http://www.zenncars.com/

Tesla Motors
1050 Bing Street
San Carlos, California 94070
650 413 4000
Sells high-performance, highly efficient electric sports cars — with no compromises. Tesla Motors cars combine style, acceleration, and handling with advanced technologies that make them among the quickest and the most energy-efficient cars on the road.
http://www.teslamotors.com/

Community Car
A member-based carsharing service that provides cars by the hour for individuals and organizations.
http://www.communitycar.com/

Phoenix Motorcars
9668 Milliken Ave. Suite 104-197
Rancho Cucamonga , CA 91730
909 987 0815
Phoenix Motorcars manufactures zero-emission, freeway-speed fleet vehicles. It is an early leader in the mass production of full-function, green electric trucks and SUVs for commercial fleet use. Based in Ontario, California, Phoenix Motorcars uses the Altairnano lithium titanate battery, a non-toxic, all-battery solution to eliminate noise and toxic vehicle emissions that contribute to air pollution.
http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com/index.html

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PRODUCT VENDORS:

American Clay Enterprises, LLC
8724 Alameda Park Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
866 404 1634 Toll Free
http://www.americanclay.com/

ArmorLite Roofing, LLC
Innovative technically-advanced engineered polymers developed with GE, its development partner, ArmorLite developed the lightest, safest, most durable and most eco-friendly roofing product ever, increasing home value, saving energy, reducing energy costs, and enhancing the home's architectural beauty.
540 North Golden Circle, Suite 109
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714 835 7575 phone
http://www.armorliteroofing.com/

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
406 King Street East
Toronto, ON
M5A 1L4
Canada
416 971 4494
A small network consisting of public and private organizations, was founded as a direct result of a research project on the benefits of green roofs and barriers to industry development entitled "Greenbacks from Green Roofs" prepared by Steven Peck, Monica Kuhn, Dr. Brad Bass and Chris Callaghan.
http://www.greenroofs.org/

Canopy, LLC.
1540 SE Clinton Street
Portland, OR 97202
503 236 4320 phone
We produce and distribute unique, sustainable surface materials that are as beautiful and innovative as they are durable and easy on the environment.
http://www.canopylifestyle.com/

EcoWater Systems LLC
PO Box 64420
St. Paul, MN 55164-0420
800 808 9899 Toll free
The world's largest manufacturer of residential water treatment systems.
http://www.ecowater.com/

Cork USA
818 986 2002 Phone
14245 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Provides cork products in flooring, wall coverings and giftware.
http://www.corkusa.com/

Oceanside Glass Tile
Carlsbad, CA
A world leader in the design and production of handcrafted glass tile. All Oceanside Glasstile is made from silica sand, an abundant natural resource, and up to 86 percent recycled material.
http://www.glasstile.com/

EcoTimber
1611 Fourth Street
San Rafael CA 94901
415 258 8454
Since 1992, EcoTimber has been the leading supplier of high quality
wood products from environmentally sound sources. We offer a beautiful
selection of hardwood flooring from FSC-certified well-managed
forests, fast-growing Bamboo flooring, and hand-scraped flooring.
http://www.ecotimber.com/

New Millenium Power
29767 Niguel Rd #G
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
949 293 6102
Full-service energy technology company dedicated to significantly reducing costs for commercial and residential clients.
http://www.newmillenniumpower.com/

Solar-Tec Systems
33971-A Silver Lantern
Dana Point, California 92629
949 248 9728 phone
Solar Energy and General Building Contractor that specializes in the design, supply and installation of utility grid-tie solar electric power systems, solar hot water heating systems and solar pool heating systems.
http://solar-tec.com/

REVCO SOLAR Engineering, Inc.
26631 Cabot Road, Suite B
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
800 274 3638
Full service energy contractor. Dedicated to promoting renewable energy sources and helping homeowners save energy and reduce utility costs.
http://www.revcosolar.com/

Akeena Solar
22661 Lambert St., Suite 204
Lake Forest, CA 92630
888 253 3628
Akeena Solar is a proven leader in the design and integration of solar power systems for residential and commercial customers in California, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
http://www.akeena.net/

HelioPower, Inc
25767 Jefferson Avenue
Murrieta, CA 92562
951 677 7755
Specializes in helping you manage your energy consumption, as well as helping you reduce or eliminate your energy bills - whether gas, propane, or electricity.
http://www.heliopower.com/

Vasco Solar Energy Construction
Orange County, CA
714 968 8845
Solar Energy Contractor that specializes in the design and installation of Solar Swimming Pool Heating Systems and Domestic Hot Water Systems.
http://www.vascosolar.com/

SoCal Solar Energy Inc.
23542 Campestre
Mission Viejo, Ca 92691
949 540 0350
Designs and builds solar energy systems, incorporating all available technologies.
http://www.socal-solar-energy.com/

Borrego Solar Inc.
1365 N. Johnson Avenue, Suite 102
El Cajon, CA 92020
619 562 7183
Specializes in commercial, residential and public sector turnkey, grid–connected solar electric systems.
http://www.borregosolar.com/

3 Phases Energy
31897 Del Obispo, Suite 220
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
714 330 0032
The 3 Phases Energy vision is to create or stimulate the creation of 100% renewable energy in our lifetimes as part of a cleaner, more sustainable world. In service of this goal, our company is committed to practical idealism – finding, developing, and bringing to market a suite of climate sensitive solutions everyday.
http://www.3phases.com/

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS:

Christopher Prelitz, LEED a.p.
A widely respected solar and green building pioneer with over two decades of successfully integrating green building systems. Available for consulting, design charrette facilitation and media.
Laguna Beach, Ca. 92651
http://www.prelitz.com/

Earth Friendly Moving
The country's first comprehensive, zero-waste packing and moving system developed entirely from recyclable trashed mined from local landfills.
3505 Cadillac Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
888.900.7225
http://www.earthfriendlymoving.com/

Go Green Moving
Go Green Moving would like to introduce you to a new concept in the moving industry of incorporating green practices with a high level of professional service. We are the only eco-friendly moving company based in Southern California utilizing the newest low-impact business solutions to assist you with your local or intra-state moves.
Orange County, CA
877.2GO.GREEN
http://www.gogreenmoving.com/

The Big Green Box
A National program that offers companies, consumers, municipalities, and other generators, a low cost, easy, and flexible way to recycle their batteries and portable electronic devices.
125 E. Commercial Street
Anaheim, CA 92801
714.278.9211
http://www.biggreenbox.com/

Path Design
Path Design provides a full range of interior design services to help you envision, enhance, or put the final touches on nearly any design project. We will work with you to identify goals, define your personal style, and implement a completed design.
2204 N Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
714.953.1518
http://www.path-design.net/

Nature Lakes
18800 Main Street, Suite 207
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.894.7496 p
714.505.1875 f
Nature Lakes, an environmentally-friendly company, is dedicated to maintaining man-made lakes, ponds and waterways without the use of any chemicals. Just like nature intended!
http://www.naturelakes.com/

Planet Green
818.725.2596
20724 Lassen Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Recycling empty printer cartridges and old cell phones eliminates non-biodegradable plastics and metals from entering our landfills. Planet Green's recycling program helps you raise funds while helping the environment. It's free and easy!
http://www.planetgreenrecycle.com/

INVESTING:

Invest Green
We are Financial Advisers who are dedicated to helping socially conscious investors like you align your social values with the kind of companies you own.
1661 E. Camelback
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85016
http://www.investgreen.org/

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Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Literature, Meda, and Blogs

2007-08-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

GREEN MAGAZINES:
TreeHugger - website
Leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream. Partial to a modern aesthetic, we strive to be a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information.

Plenty Magazine - website

PRINTED LITERATURE AND NOVELS:
Healing Tree Arts - website

GREEN BLOGS:
Best Green Blogs - website

Go Green Solar Blog - website

GREEN GUIDES:
OC Green Guide - website
You’ll find that The OC Green Guide is a reliable, convenient and concise source for over 100 green and eco-friendly businesses in Orange County, including local farmers markets, outdoor activities like nature centers in your surrounding communities as well as recycling drop offs and even spas to indulge yourself with using the best organic products.

Huntington Beach Green Guide - website

Greenwashing Index - website
It’s greenwashing when a company or organization spends more time and money claiming to be “green” through advertising and marketing than actually implementing business practices that minimize environmental impact. It’s whitewashing, but with a green brush. On this site, you'll be able to rate videos on how straight or crocked their true intentions are.

GREEN TELEVISION & ONLINE CHANNELS:
Planet Green - web-site
Planet Green is the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network with a robust online presence and community. Launching in June 2008, on-air content will reach 50 million homes with more than 250 hours of original green lifestyle programming. Both online and on-air, Plant Green's content is entertaining, relevant, and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. By representing a broad range of ideas and perspectives, Planet Green is taking an active role in generating conversation and motivating individuals to take action when it comes to improving the environmental status of our planet.

OC Green TV - web-site

ViroPOP - web-site
A green video network aimed at highlighting the most exciting and entertaining things happening in the new eco-revolution. ViroPop is the first network on the Internet to treat the new environmental pop culture with a sense of irreverent fun.

DOCUMENTARIES AND FILMS:
A Crude Awakening. The Oil Crash - website

Crude Impact - website

Building with Awareness - website
A web site, DVD video, and book about the design and construction of straw bale solar hybrid homes.

The End of Suburbia - website

Fields of Fuel - website

Go Further - website

Green Planet Films - website
A non-profit distributor of nature and environmental DVDs from around the globe.

An Inconvenient Truth - website

The 11th Hour - website

Revolution Green - website

Who Killed the Electric Car? - website

FLOW - web-site

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Investment Service Providers

2007-08-13T23:54:00.000-07:00

Green Century Funds - web-site
With Green Century's mutual funds, you can use your investment dollars to help the environment. We seek competitive returns while we put your money to work for cleaner air, cleaner water and a healthier planet. We believe that, in the long run, companies that now seek to protect the environment may be more profitable than companies that pollute. And that means a better future for everyone.

Invest Green - web-site
We are Financial Advisers who are dedicated to helping socially conscious investors like you align your social values with the kind of companies you own.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

General Information, Resources, Search Engines

2007-08-13T23:53:00.000-07:00

Farms and Farmers Markets

2007-08-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

ORANGE COUNTY & NEIGHBORING COUNTY FARMS:
South Coast Farms - web-site
San Juan Capistrano, CA

Tanaka Farms - web-site
Irvine, CA

Mansarreo Farms - web-site
Tustin, CA
Irvine, CA
Brea, CA

Morning Song Farm - web-site
San Diego County

Purple Hills Ranch - web-site

FARM ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS:
Orange County Farm Bureau - web-site

California Farm Bureau Federation - web-site

National Council of Farmer Coop - web-site

National Uniformity for Food Coalition - web-site

FARMERS MARKETS:
Certified Farmers' Market Locations & Schedules - web-site
The Certified Farmers’ Market program was created in 1991 to provide for California Agricultural Producers to directly market their agricultural products to consumers. In Orange County, Certified Farmers’ Markets provide local consumers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, and eggs as well as plants and cut flowers.

Anaheim - web-site

Brea - web-site

Fullerton - web-site

San Juan Capistrano - web-site

Santa Ana - web-site

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Environmental Conservation Groups

2007-08-13T23:49:00.000-07:00

WATER AND OCEAN SPECIFIC:
Heal the Bay - web-site
Heal the Bay is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to making Southern California coastal waters and watersheds, including Santa Monica Bay, safe, healthy and clean. We use research, education, community action and advocacy to pursue our mission.

Surfrider Foundation - web-site
The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots, non-profit, environmental organization that works to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches.
South Orange County Chapter - web-site
Newport Beach Chapter - web-site
Huntington and Seal Beach Chapter - web-site

Orange County Coastkeeper - web-site
Since 1999, Orange County Coastkeeper's full-time staff, interns and volunteers have worked to identify and remedy pollution issues affecting local water bodies. Coastkeeper is an affiliate of the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international grassroots organization of 177 “Keepers”.

NATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES:
California Native Plant Society - web-site
The mission of the California Native Plant Society is to increase understanding and appreciation of California's native plants and to conserve them and their natural habitats through education, science, advocacy, horticulture and land stewardship.

California Native Plant Society - web-site
The California Native Plant Society is an organization of laypeople and professionals united by an interest in the plants of California. It is open to all. Its principal aims are to preserve the native flora and to add to the knowledge of members of the public at large.

OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION GROUPS:
Bolsa Chica Conservancy - web-site
A non-profit, non-political organization established to ensure the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Huntington Beach, CA.

Nature Reserve of Orange County - web-site
Our mission is to ensure the persistence of Reserve's natural communities, including full spectrum of native plant and animal species, through the protection, study and restoration of native habitats and natural processes.

Canyon Land Conservation Fund - web-site
A local 501(C)-3 organization dedicated to preserving the last remaining wild lands on the western edge of the Cleveland National Forest in Orange County, California.

Laguna Canyon Foundation - web-site
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the South Coast Wilderness.

Back to Natives - web-site
Dedicated to the restoration and conservation of Orange County and California wildlands, through education and restoration programs featuring native plants as a centralizing theme. BNR promotes native plants, as well as habitat restoration and preservation by offering habitat restoration services and environmental education.
Through community outreach and education, Back to Natives strives to involve the community in the process of ecological restoration and conservation. We believe that a little “ecological enlightenment” and a chance to “get your hands dirty” is the best way to improve relations between people and Nature.

STATEWIDE, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL GROUPS:
Sierra Club - web-site
The Sierra Club is the largest grassroots environmental organization. Outdoor activities range from day hikes, car camping, backpacking and skiing to trail building and maintenance.

American Cetacean Society - web-site
The American Cetacean Society protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.

Audubon Society - web-site
Orange County Audubon Society is a chapter of the National Audubon Society with 2,500 members in Central Orange County. Environmental education and awareness and lobbying for conservation issues are main activities.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

City Web-Page(s) Specific to Green

2007-08-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

CITY GREEN BUILDING PROGRAMS:
Costa Mesa - web-site
In 2007, the City formed a task force to take a closer look at sustainable building. The Costa Mesa “Green Team” was established to evaluate the feasibility of integrating sustainable building techniques in new publicly and privately developed projects as well as major retrofits. Task force members are comprised of various City staff members as well as representatives of the community met to formulate a policy, which will be implemented from September 5, 2007 to June 30, 2008.

Brea, Irvine, more coming soon...

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Automotive and Transportation

2007-08-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

MANUFACTURERS:
Tesla Motors - web-site
1050 Bing Street
San Carlos, California 94070
650 413 4000
Sells high-performance, highly efficient electric sports cars — with no compromises. Tesla Motors cars combine style, acceleration, and handling with advanced technologies that make them among the quickest and the most energy-efficient cars on the road.

ZENN Motor Company - web-site
85 Scarsdale Road, Suite 100
Toronto, ON, M3B 2R2
Canada
877 817 7034
Plug-in Electric Auto Manufacturer.

Phoenix Motorcars - web-site
9668 Milliken Ave. Suite 104-197
Rancho Cucamonga , CA 91730
909 987 0815
Phoenix Motorcars manufactures zero-emission, freeway-speed fleet vehicles. It is an early leader in the mass production of full-function, green electric trucks and SUVs for commercial fleet use. Based in Ontario, California, Phoenix Motorcars uses the Altairnano lithium titanate battery, a non-toxic, all-battery solution to eliminate noise and toxic vehicle emissions that contribute to air pollution.

Fisker Automotive - web-site
A green American premium sports car company with a mission to create a range of beautiful environmentally friendly cars that make environmental sense without compromise.
Fisker Automotive, Inc.
2811 McGaw Ave. Suite B
Irvine, CA 92614

SERVICE PROVIDERS:
ProntoWash - web-site
Eco-Friendly car wash company that uses one pint of water to clean an entire car while properly removing harmful elements from vehicles surface.

Community Car - web-site
A member-based carsharing service that provides cars by the hour for individuals and organizations.

BIO-DIESEL AND BIO-FUELS:
Extreme Biodiesel - web-site
2029 S. Hathaway St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
888 998 7223 Toll-Free

VegAuto.com - web-site
19895 Beach Blvd #103
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714 552 5533
We offer proven technology to operate your diesel engine safely, efficiently, and reliably on waste and straight vegetable oils. We are authorized dealers of the Plant Drive vegetable oil conversion system.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE ORGANIZATIONS:
National Electronic Drag Racing Association - web-site

Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego - web-site

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES:
Amtrak - web-site

MetroLink - web-site

Orange County Bus System - web-site

LA Metro - web-site

GENERAL INFORMATION WEB-SITES:
FuelEconomy.Gov - web-site

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Real Estate Services

2007-08-13T02:12:00.000-07:00

REAL ESTATE AGENTS:

Evan T. Little
Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Orange County, CA
949.939.9687 phone/text
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

Yeah well... Why shouldn't I be able to make my own services look cooler?

NATURAL HAZARD REPORTING AGENCIES:
National Disclosure Authority - web-site
To provide the most precise and thorough disclosure report available. We take no shortcuts and make no empty promises. Additionally, we are the only disclosure company committed to being 100% environmentally-friendly in all business activities, and will plant a tree for every paperless report ordered. Each month, National Disclosure Authority (NDA) employees and our friends in the real estate community gather for “Green Day” events and personally plant saplings. This event is just one example of NDA’s dedication towards the preservation and improvement of our environment for today’s and future generations.

FINANCING:
Mortgage Green - web-site
To advise borrowers intelligently, provide superior solutions and deliver the lowest-priced real estate financing available. To integrate maximum sustainability and the reduction of Clients' global environmental footprint into the real estate finance transaction, without additional burden to the borrower.

FHA Energy Efficient Mortgages - web-site
The Energy Efficient Mortgage Loan program helps current or potential homeowners significantly lower their monthly utility bills by enabling them to incorporate the cost of adding energy efficient improvements into their new home or existing housing. This FHA program eliminates the need for homeowners who are interested in making their home more energy efficient to take out an additional mortgage loan to cover the cost of the improvements they intend to make to their property. The program is available as part of a FHA insured home purchase or by refinancing your current mortgage loan.

Written by, Evan T. Little

Realtor®, EcoBroker®
Volkl Investments Inc.
949.939.9687 phone
evan@volklinvestmentsinc.com

My other blogs:
Going "Green" in Orange County
Orange County, CA Community
Real Estate in Orange County, CA

Green Building Certifications

2007-08-13T02:11:00.000-07:00

Builders and Contractors

2007-08-13T02:10:00.000-07:00

About Evan T. Little

2007-07-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

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I'm a full time "GREEN" real estate agent in Orange County, CA. My goal is to introduce and promote "green" design principles and products to residents and break down the common misconceptions about being "green" while helping clients make the right real estate investment decision, opposed to a emotional mistake.

It's in my personal interest to encourage sustainability and the now trendy "Green" Revolution. I have the luxury of an occupation that enables me to support my personal beliefs through the business decisions I make.

Some of the business decisions I've made so far:

Abandoning many of the regular real estate marketing strategies like dumping thoughtless bulk mail on my neighbors and spamming any email I can get a hold of.
Only advertising with "green" minded media like the OC Voice.
Using printers that offer non-chlorinated paper and recycled paper, and soy-based or vegetable inks whenever possible.
Helping local non-profits and charities.
Obtaining "green" building and marketing certifications
Starting this blog.
Starting a meetup group to organize and promote local "green" events, http://meetup.com/goinggreenorangecounty
Become an American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Organizer and host a solar tour in Costa Mesa.

I can market real estate features that are considered "green" or find real estate suitable for a "green" renovation better than your standard real estate agent.

Certified Green Building Professional (Build it Green)
Green Building Professional (NAHB)
CHEERS® Certified Rater
Organizer of Costa Mesa Solar Tour
Organizer of Going GREEN Orange County Meetup Group
Certified as an EcoBroker®
Member of the United States Green Building Council
Member of the American Solar Energy Society
Member of the National Association of REALTORS®
Member of the California Association of REALTORS®
Member of the Orange County Association of REALTORS®

CONSULTING :: SALES :: LEASES :: FINANCE :: INVESTMENTS