EcoMetro Seattle

Use Clean Energy

EcoMetro Editors — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:47:00 GMT

Purchase Green Power
Seattle City Light (greenupseattle.org) Purchase green power for the percentage of energy you use. $3/25%, $6/50%, $12/100%.

Puget Sound Energy (pse.com) Purchase 100% of your usage for just over a penny per kWh (usually $10 extra per month), or in blocks of $2 per 160 kWh.

Snohomish PUD (snopud.com) Contributions to Planet Power can be made in $3 increments. Tacoma Power (tacomapower.com) Evergreen Options can be purchased for $3 per 250 kWh.

Home Solar Production
Solar power at home is increasingly easier to fund through mortgage loans and incentives. Check your utility’s site first, most have helpful information. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (dsireusa.org) will give you the most complete look at federal and state incentives. The Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit can be up to 30% of the cost of the system, and state incentives can be up to $2,000 with additional incentives for purchasing equipment made in Washington.

Seattle City Light (greenupseattle.org) has a detailed Solar Energy page with good FAQ for any Washington resident interested in how to begin, including answers to common questions such as cost or how to select a contractor.

Home Wind Power Production
If you live in a rural area, or are part of a community with some extra space, you may be a candidate for producing wind energy with your own turbine and selling excess energy back to your utility through net metering. Wind Powering America (windpoweringamerica.gov) is a good place to start searching for state incentives and assistance for small wind projects. The American Wind Energy Association has a site dedicated to Small Wind (awea.org) with a state breakdown of contact information for Washington Utilities with net metering.

Make Your Cleaners

EcoMetro Editors — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:18:00 GMT

Scrub the tub Mix baking soda with water for an abrasive scrubbing paste, or substitute castile soap such as Dr. Bronner’s in place of water for extra power. To disinfect the bathroom, spray with hydrogen peroxide and rinse with water.

Claim the drain Pour baking soda in the drain, add 1 cup white vinegar, and watch the volcano, just like in grade school. Flush with hot water and repeat if necessary.

All hands on the pans Mix white vinegar with enough salt to form a paste, and watch the grease slip away. Add 1 tsp lemon juice for scent and extra power.

Lovin’ the oven An overnight soak is the trick. Sprinkle the oven with baking soda and water, and let sit. Pour salt on major spillage. Scour the next day.

See grass through the glass Pour a drink for yourself and use the remaining club soda on windows. In place of paper towels use newspaper. Club soda also makes stainless steel shine.

The floor is a chore Most wood floors can’t take harsh soaps, but 3 tbsp of baking soda in 3 gal of warm water will do the trick. For linoleum, dissolve 2 tsp of dishwashing or castile soap in 3 gal of water, mop, and follow with 1 cup white vinegar in 3 gal cool water.

Seattle EcoMetro Events Through November 27

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:31:00 GMT

Tribute to the Spirit - Little Big Band
The Burke Museum provides this opportunity to experience Native American story telling, music and dance. Over seven First Nations will be represented in this evening are coming together to commemorate the end of the 100th year anniversary of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. Cost is $20 and available here.
Fri, Nov 20, 7:30pm
Meany Hall on the UW campus, U District, Seattle

Woodland Park Zoo Turkey Toss
Just because you're a lion doesn't mean that you don't have turkey this time of year. The Woodland Park Zookeepers will be treating the animals to turkey dinners today!
Sat, Nov 21, 10-2pm
Woodland Park Zoo, Phinney Ave & N 50th, Phinney Ridge, Seattle

Repurposed Holidays - Salvage Studio Style
This workshop is all about how to create stylish gifts and wrap them using recycled and reused items. The best part is that they are quick and easy on the budget.
Sun, Nov 22, 2pm, Ravenna Gardens
1580 NE Univ Village Mall, U District, Seattle

The Nutcracker
Pacific Northwest Ballet presents The Nutcracker with scenery and costumes by children's author/illustrator Maurice Sendak.
Fri, Nov 27-Dec 30, times and price vary
McCaw Hall 321 Mercer St, Lower Queen Anne, Seattle

Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade
Downtown Seattle will be a festive place, from tree lighting to parade!
Fri, Nov 27, 8:45am Parade & 5pm Tree Lighting
Westlake Centere, Downtown, Seattle

Image credit: PiperKins/CreativeCommons

What's Your Walk Score?

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:03:00 GMT

--Erin Russell, Sales Coordinator
Walkable: capable of or suitable for being walked
In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.

Or, as defined by Christopher Leinberger, a Land-use Strategist at the Brooking Institution in an NPR interview, "It's where you can get your daily needs met within walking distance.

And walking distance is generally considered to be about a half-mile, 3,000 feet. And if you live within that kind of a district, you will probably be using your feet a whole lot more than you're using your car."

In my opinion, walkscore.com is one of the coolest resources on the internet. It rates the walkability of a location on a scale of zero to 100. This is accomplished by inputting an address and then a map is compiled of amenities such as restaurants, grocery stores, libraries, schools, movie theaters, etc. that are within a one mile radius. Points are given based on how close the amenities are to the address.

Launched in 2007 by local civic software company, Front Seat, the website has been growing in popularity and specifically in the real estate field. The trend appears to be growing for people to choose to live in an area where they can use their car less. Local Seattle online real estate agency, Findwell has added a Walkscore option in their search engine, as well as the regional Windermere Real Estate that serves Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Washington and British Columbia.

I find it interesting and encouraging that people are considering walkability in their housing criteria. The exchanges for driving to walking can only help our environment, our waste lines and our culture. My score is currently a 97 and I love being close to Cafe Ladro, Madison Market, Take 2 and tons of other great businesses!

What is your score and why do you love your neighborhood?

Image credit: m4r00n3d/Creative Commons

Seattle EcoMetro Events Through Nov 20

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:29:00 GMT

The Stranger's 7th Annual Genius Awards
Each year, the Stranger recognizes artists and art organizations chosen by the papers editors. This year they are recognizing: Jeffry Mitchell (art), Zia Mohajerjasbi (film), Stacy Levine (literature), The Cody Rivers Show (theater), and Pacific Northwest Ballet (organization). This is the opportunity to celebrate these artists and art in general with music and drink.
Fri, Nov 13, 9pm
Moore Theater 1932 2nd Ave, Downtown Seattle

Green Kirkland - Arbor/Climate Action Day
Bring your shears, clippers, shovels and gloves to help clean up Cotton Hill Park. Energy and community spirit are strongly advised!
Sat, Nov 14, 9-12pm
Cotton Hill Park 110th Ave NE & NE 98th St, Kirkland

Goodwill Glitter Sale
Glitzy, glamorous and high quality items are collected year round for this two day shopping event. The sale, in its 26th year, provides much needed revenue to support Goodwill's free job training and education classes.
Sat-Sun, Nov 14-15, 9-6pm
1400 South Ln St, International District, Seattle

Fresh! at the Burke Museum
A unique opportunity to support Seattle Greendrinks in their dedication to the environmental and sustainable business community as well as visit the Burke Museum at night with the added perk of wine, chocolate and appetizers from Delicious Planet.
Wed, Nov 18, 7-9pm
Burke Museum, NE 45th St on UW Campus, University District, Seattle

Tribute to the Spirit - Little Big Band
The Burke Museum provides this opportunity to experience Native American story telling, music and dance. Over seven First Nations will be represented in this evening are coming together to commemorate the end of the 100th year anniversary of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. Cost is $20 and ticket are available here.
Fri, Nov 20, 7:30pm
Meany Hall on the UW campus, University District, Seattle

Image Credit: WAstateDNR/Creative Commons

Donuts and Hikes

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:22:00 GMT

-Erin Russell, Chinook Book Sales Coordinator

The fall leaves in the Cascades are one of my favorite things about this time of year. I made a point to plan a fall hike just to take in the reds, oranges and yellows that splatter the green mountains before falling for the winter. But, you are probably asking yourself, what do donuts have to do with this? Well what else are you going to fuel yourself with before a hike?!

Forrest, my partner in crime, and I made our way to Mighty-O Donuts in the lovingly-named neighborhood of Tangletown in Seattle. This was the first time either of us had been to the cafe, having only enjoyed their goods from the PCC pastry case. The variety was mesmerizing and I tried not to drool on the glass case. I chose the Don King, a chocolate donut with vanilla icing and coconut and let my gluttony show by also indulging in the seasonal Pumpkin Spice. Forrest went with the French Toast and the Cinnamon & Sugar. Coffee from Mighty-O was also a necessity and it was great to know that it was Fair Trade and organic.

Back in the car we enjoyed our breakfast on the drive up to the Northern Cascades to a trail called Iron Goat Loop. I picked this hike for three reasons: one, it was a good distance/elevation gain for a leisurely Sunday hike; two, the Washington Trail Association listed it as showcasing fall color; and three, it also had spooky, dilapidated train tunnels. All perfect reasons for a post-Halloween, fall outing.

The hike was a great loop with the lower path being fairly wide and accessible, and the upper path leading you over, around and sometimes through train tunnels and snowsheds dating from the late 1800's to the 1920's. The Iron Goat did not disappoint, with the fall color as well as views of Stevens Pass. The mountains were breathtaking, spotted with fall color and we could already see some snow forming on the peaks.

Our leisurely hike brought out my appetite that the nuts and apples that I had packed for snacks just couldn't satisfy. Thankfully, when we returned to the car, the Don King donut was waiting to be immediately devoured!

A Locally Grown Thanksgiving

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:04:00 GMT

--Erin Russell, Chinook Book Sales Coordinator

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it's all about the gathering of great people and amazing food. This year I have pledged with the Cascade Harvest Coalition's Eat Local for Thanksgiving campaign and need to take a look at my options for having an unforgettable meal!

Ballard Farmers Market: I love buying produce at the Ballard Farmers Market because it feels like an adventure to see who has what local produce and products. I plan on purchasing some local cheese at the Ballard Farmerís Market to use as an appetizer on Thanksgiving. Search ecometro.com to find the closest farmers market to you.

Full Circle Farm: This CSA can deliver every week or every other and allows you to customize your order a bit. Itís a great way to make sure you are eating local produce while also supporting your local farms.
Also check out New Roots Organic, The South 47 Farm, and the WSU Farm Finder.

PCC Natural Markets: Not only a great option to buy a lot of local produce and products to make a fabulous meal, but I can also order a completely prepared meal. Puts my mind at ease. In addition to their turkey and ham dinners, they offer a vegetarian and a completely vegan option. Other great markets with Chinook Book coupons include Marlene's Market, Madison Market, and Whole Foods.

Eat Local: With locations in Queen Anne and Burien, you can purchase your whole Thanksgiving meal or just pieces of it. Scared of making lumpy mashed potatoes? Buy them from Eat Local and you can be guaranteed high quality and local sourcing.

Thundering Hooves: Meat eaters, please take note of the locally-raised, hormone-free, 100% grass fed beef, lamb, poultry and pork that Thundering Hooves offers. Their turkeys are almost sold out, but the variety of their other meats makes me think a prime rib might be a good alternative this Thanksgiving.

Eating local brings together many important issues: access to safe, healthy food, the connection between the farmer and your table, and the impact on the environment from the way the food is produced and distributed are just a few. To learn more, please visit the Eat Local for Thanksgiving campaign site.

Urban Foraging: Harvesting Food From Your Neighborhood

Jennifer Morkunas, Celilo Group Media — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:43:00 GMT

Have you ever thought about what sort of food grows around your neighborhood? The bounty of edibles found right around the corner, from apples and nuts to rosemary and greens, is astounding. The urban landscape is filled with fresh, free food if you just know what to look for. Plants you might normally ignore, like dandelions or nettles, can be cooked into healthy, delicious meals.

Many people first experienced wild foods in their childhood—learning to mushroom hunt with their grandfather or picking apples from a neighbor’s tree. Looking for wild fruits, veggies, and nuts is a fun family activity that helps teach kids the value of local, fresh food. In addition to having kids help you forage for your own kitchen, you can volunteer to help harvest urban edibles for those in need (see resources below).

Urban foraging has something to offer everyone, from a locavore who wants to keep their food sources close home, to a baker who picks roadside berries for a pie, to a concerned community member who volunteers to gather extra food for those in need. Many cities have organized local movements centered on foraging and gleaning, but you need not be a local foods activist to explore your neighborhood’s wild food offerings. Get involved at whatever level you’re comfortable using the tips below.

Here are some tips to keep your foraging respectful and safe:

Ask permission before picking from others’ gardens. Many people are happy to share their abundance. Don’t forget to look in public areas such as parks or open lots.
Correctly identify the plant you’re harvesting. Correct identification can keep you from getting sick. Go foraging with people that know what they’re looking for, or check out one of the many helpful books on the subject, The Forager's Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants by Samuel Thayer. For an online guide, see http://plants.usda.gov/
Be aware of your foraging surroundings for food safety. Food found in an urban setting could have levels of toxicity, such as motor oil, car wash runoff or paint that might contaminate the sources you pick from.
Take only as much as you need. Consider how much can you carry and decide before you pick so that what you take won’t go bad. Just say no to over-harvesting.
Never disturb the plant roots. Pick from the top of the plant, where there is new growth and where most plants regenerate.
Familiarize yourself with the laws related to foraging in your area. These laws are usually set with the intention of preventing over-harvesting and protecting endangered plant species.

Here are a few great resources to help you in your urban foraging journey:

City Fruit: helps tree owners grow healthy fruit, harvest and use what they can, and share what they don’t need
Glean It: volunteer to harvest fruit to be shared with those in need
Community Fruit Tree Harvest: harvest and share fruit with those who can’t afford to buy it
Urban Edibles: a community database of wild food sources
Neighborhood Fruit and Veggie Trader: find and share fruits and veggies in your neighborhood
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver: focuses on eating locally and discusses foraging
Fat of the Land: Adventures of a 21st Century Forager by Langdon Cook

Seattle EcoMetro Events Through Nov 4

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:31:00 GMT

BAM-O-WEEN! - Free Family Day
The Bellevue Art Museum is offering free admission to the galleries as well as Halloween art activities, scavenger hunt and shadow puppets in the auditorium.
Sat, Oct 31, 1-4pm
Bellevue Art Museum, 510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue

Halloween at the Symphony
A Halloween-filled day at Benaroya Hall. The Seattle Symphony is putting on two, 35 minute performances for little ghosts and goblins. Later that evening, Alfred Hitchcock's film "Psycho" will be shown with the Seattle Symphony playing as a live soundtrack. Cost varies.
Sat, Oct 31, Kids: 10am & 11am, Pyscho: 8pm
200 University St, Downtown, Seattle

Dia de Muertos - Day of the Dead
The Taller Mexicano para la Cultura y las Artes presents Day of the Dead, a Latino holiday when friends and family gather to remember and celebrate loved ones that have passed on. There will be activities for children and adults such as music, dancing, sugar skulls and more.
Oct 31, 12-8pm and Nov 1, 12-6pm
Seattle Center House, Lower Queen Anne, Seattle

I Heart Rummage
Looking for something unique and one of a kind? You can probably find it at I Heart Rummage. This monthly fair showcases many urban and indie crafters from across the Northwest and is a great way to support your local artist.
Sun, Nov 1, 12-4pm
Chop Suey - 1325 E. Madison, Capitol Hill, Seattle

Silent Movie Monday: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916)
The Seattle Theater Group kicks off its silent movie series with the underwater classic with Captain Nemo and the Nautilus. All films are accompanied by Jim Riggs on the "Mighty Wurlitzer Organ."
Mon, Nov 2, 7pm
911 Pine St, Downtown, Seattle

Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival
Conservation Northwest presents the 8th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Films highlight human impacts on wildlife and areas as well as adventure and how people are creating change. There will be food, drink, door prizes and a raffle. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets.
Wed, Nov 4, 6-10pm
Broadway Performance Hall 1625 Broadway, Capitol Hill, Seattle

Image credit: yan.da/CreativeCommons

Interbay Whole Foods Opens to a Packed House

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:13:00 GMT

Six years after plans were laid to open a new Whole Foods on 15th St that would service Ballard, Magnolia and Downtown commuters and residents, Interbay Whole Foods opened its doors to the public for a pre-Grand Opening gala on October 12, 2009 that was attended by over 1000 people. Not yet open for business, the new store had its wares on display, fully-stocked shelves providing an ornamental backdrop to the main attraction: the food. Proving Whole Foods' signature ability to tempt at every turn, premium hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine were served throughout the aisles.

The congregating spot had to be the deli, which caters to the commuter, boasting a taqueria and Kombucha bar, proving you don't have to suffer indigestion by eating on the go. Other big draws include the window-framed lounge area, which has free Wi-fi and invites not so fast-moving customers to sit down, relax, and enjoy the store with a view. Reclaimed wood signs decorate the store, providing a very local, neighborhood feel.

Local is definitely the theme of the new store. Already the Interbay location has hosted two Local Harvest events, highlighting local producers and businesses, including our own Seattle celebrity Tom Douglas who stopped by to personally demo his "Rub with Love" grilling spice mix.

Interbay Whole Foods has continued the long tradition of giving back to customers and the community through special customer events, like the upcoming 5% Community Support Day on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. Five percent of the store's net sales will be donated to Operation Frontline. The best way to stay on top of special offers and events is to visit their website, check out their blog, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.

And, of course, one of the best ways to take advantage of all the new store has to offer is to use your Whole Foods coupons in the Chinook Book! You can find Interbay Whole Foods at 2001 15th Ave W, Seattle, WA, 98119.

Seattle EcoMetro Events Through October 25

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:34:00 GMT

Green Eats Week
This week was designate by Find the local cafes and eateries that are setting the trend for customer composting and recyclable/compostable service ware. Green Eats Week is organized by Seattle Public Utilities Food + Compostables and you can receive coupons from Cedar Grove Composting when you visit the merchants during this week. Favorites such as Caffe Vita, Cupcake Royale and Molly Moon's are just a few of the participants.
Through Oct 28, Various locations - Seattle

350 - International Day of Climate Action
October 24th is the International Day of Climate Action and that number of 350 is the parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide that scientists and climate experts feel is a safe upper limit for our atmosphere and are currently at 385.92 ppm. Lots of activities at the Seattle Center, click above to find details or events in your area and for more information about climate change.
Oct 24, 2-5pm
Seattle Center - Lower Queen Anne, Seattle

14th Annual Pumpkin Push 5K Run and Family Walk
Come out to run or walk Seward Park for the Annual Pumpkin Push that benefits healthcare for homeless in Seattle. A costume contest, free pumpkins and treats will be found at the end of the route, so tie up those shoes and help support something great!
Oct 24, 10am
Seward Park - 5902 Lake Washington Blvd South - Seattle

Halloween at the Woodland Park Zoo
Two great events at the Zoo! During the day there is the Pumpkin Bash when all the animals get to eat and stomp pumpkins. Then, after Zoo hours, there is the Pumpkin Prowl with trick or treating and other entertainment.
Oct 24-25, Variable hours
Woodland Park Zoo Phinney Ave & N 50th - Phinney Ridge, Seattle

Image credit: ellenm1/Creative Common

Seattle EcoMetro Events Through October 23

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:07:00 GMT

Whim W'Him Launch Party
The Pacific Northwest Ballet's principal dancer, Olivier Wevers, unveils his new dance troupe, Whim W'Him.
Fri, Oct 16, 8pm
Sole Repair Shop, 1001 E Pike St, Capitol Hill, Seattle

Duwamish Alive!
Seattle's "hometown river" needs your help. Come out and help with maintenance and clean-up at one of nine restoration sites to help improve habitat for fish and wildlife.
Sat, Oct 17
Please check Duwamish Alive! for locations and time

Need a Pumpkin?
Mid-October is time for pumpkin patches, hayrides and apple cider. The South 47 Farm has all of that as well as a corn maze and animals to meet.
Sat and Sun through Oct, 10am-5pm
15410 NE 124th St, Redmond

Seattle Green Events Oct 9-15

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:31:00 GMT

EcoLavish
Some of Seattle's most established and new to the scene eco-friendly designers will be showing at the EcoLavish fashion show. Back for it's second go around, EcoLavish introduces the eco-conscious and fashion conscious to the world of green design. Tickets are $25-$50 and can be found at the HalfPastLavish website.
Oct 9, 7-10pm, The Engine Room at Georgetown Studios, 5890 Airport Way S - Georgetown, Seattle

Ballard Corners Grand Opening
Organizers have invited Seattle Parks Superintendent Tim Gallagher, State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, and King County Councilmember Larry Phillips to speak. Veraci Pizza is bringing their oven and will be making free pizzas for everyone. Groundswell NW will also be there to celebrate their 20th year of creating parks and open space in Ballard.
Oct 10, 11am, 17th Ave NW & NW 63rd St - Ballard, Seattle

Seattle Mobile Chowdown
The best and finest of Seattle's street food vendors are gathering in one spot for only four hours. Some of the dozen of vendors are Skillet with their grass-fed beef and local Macrina Bakery rolls, as well as Parfait's organic ice cream. If you are a foodie, this is not to be missed!
Oct 10, 11-3pm, 1616 W Bertona - Interbay, Seattle

Eat Local Now!
Tickets are going fast for this event! Sustainable West Seattle, BALLE Seattle and West Seattle CoolMoms are organizing this fundraising dinner for Eat Local Now, an organization that promotes the importance of locally grow food in our communities.
Oct 11, 5-10pm, 4736 40th Ave SW - West Seattle

NEW Whole Foods Grand Opening
The newest addition to the family opens in Interbay.
Oct 13, 7am, 2001 15th Ave W - Interbay, Seattle

Seattle Green Events Oct 1-8

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:53:00 GMT

Harvest Celebration (Closing Day)
Celebrate the end of the farmer's market season in Queen Anne. Come for all the wonderful produce that this time of year ensures and stay for the live music and community activities that the market has to provide.
Oct 1, 3-7pm, Queen Anne Ave N & Crockett St - Queen Anne, Seattle

Romeo et Juliette The tragic love story is brought to stage and told through dance in an amazingly unique and beautiful way. Pacific Northwest Ballet constantly provides the Puget Sound with amazing performances and this is one not to miss.
Thru Oct 4th, McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St - Lower Queen Anne, Seattle

“Rewards of Fair Trade” at PCC Natural Markets
October is Fair Trade month and PCC is ready to share their bounty of amazing products with the public. Come by and sample fairly traded products that represent sustainable growing methods, fair working conditions and of the utmost quality. And remember, PCC's coffee line is entirely organic, Fair Trade certified, from your hot cup there to the beans you bring home!
Oct 3, 10-2pm, 9803 Edmonds Way - Edmonds
Oct 4, 11-3pm, 600 N 34th - Fremont, Seattle

I Heart Rummage
Looking for something unique and one of a kind? You can probably find it at I Heart Rummage. This monthly fair showcases many urban and indie crafters from across the Northwest and is a great way to support your local artist.
Oct 4, 12-4pm, Chop Suey - 1325 E. Madison - Capitol Hill, Seattle

Annual Ship Canal Clean-up
Help is needed to clean the waterway between the Fremont Bridge and the Ballard Locks. Many different types of water craft will be used to assist in the cleanup and a cook out for all the volunteers will wrap up the day! Sponsored by: Seattle Marine Business Coalition, US Army Corps of Engineers, Port of Seattle, Puget Sound Keepers Alliance, and Seattle Public Utilities. For more info and to pre-register as a volunteer contact Lise Kenworthy at lisekenworthy@comcast.net
Oct 3, 9-1pm, Fisherman's Terminal, 3919 18th Ave W - Interbay, Seattle

Pike Pub Agent Green Re-Visitation
In April, Seattle Green Drinks helped Pike Pub & Brewery raise money to update their lighting system and do away with high energy usage. As a thank you, Pike Pub will be giving tours of the retrofits as well as specials on drinks and food.
Oct 7, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, 1415 1st Ave - Pike Place, Seattle

Seattle Green Events Sept 18-24

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:56:00 GMT

Shrink Your Lawn, Grow Your Garden
Listen to Greg Rabourn of KUOW’s Greendays Gardening Panel and KCTV’s Yard Talk give pointers on adding color and attracting wildlife to your yard.
Cost is free!
Sept 19, 10 - 11am
Swanson's Nursery, 9701 15th Ave NW

Celebration of the NEW Miller Playfield
Miller Playfield is finally reopening with new turf in place of its old sandy fields. Bluebird Ice Cream and Teahouse will be supplying the Ice Cream Social from 6-8:30pm while Seattle University puts on soccer and lacrosse demos. From 8:30-10pm, pick up games have been promised!
Sept 20, 6-10pm
400 19th Ave E - Capitol Hill

Lake Forest Park Farmers Market and EV Fair
Green Car Company will have a Hymotion Plug-in Prius and electric bikes on display! There will also be a full line up of electric vehicles there, and Smart Solar Solution will be there with a solar panel setup. Free.
Sept 20, 11am - 4pm
Third Place Commons

Washington Solar Incentives a Bright Idea

Scott Thomsen — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:11:00 GMT

When Washington lawmakers approved a set of incentives in 2005 for producing electricity from the solar power, they hoped to encourage residents to install solar panels and recruit businesses to build them in the Evergreen State.

Four years later, we are seeing slow, but steady and growing progress.

Under the state's incentive program, anyone who installs a solar panel and a meter that records its production gets a double payoff. First, the electricity it produces lowers the amount you need to buy from your utility. Then, you also earn at least 12 cents for every kilowatt-hour of energy the panel generates.

It’s a generous incentive.

The minimum production incentive alone is nearly double what my employer, Seattle City Light, charges its residential customers. Combined with the savings from not needing to buy that electricity, the minimum payback is about 18 cents per kilowatt-hour.

But wait, it gets even better and THIS SPACE is here to tell you why.

To encourage businesses to build solar equipment in Washington, legislators made the incentives, which won’t expire until 2020, even bigger for people who buy equipment that’s made here.

Until recently, few locally built components were available. Now, solar panels and inverters are available from Arlington-based Silicon Energy, which is ramping up production of solar panels and inverters.

A person who installs a system with those components would qualify for a state incentive of 54 cents per kilowatt hour on top of the savings from what they don’t have to buy for their own use.

Depending on the output, installing solar panels made in Washington can not only wipe out your electricity bill, it can actually generate a positive cash flow.

A robust, Washington-made residential system that generates an average of 3,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year would cut the amount of energy purchased for the average Seattle home to 6,250 kilowatt-hours. At City Light’s lowest-in-the-nation rates, that home’s annual electricity cost would drop to $400. Then, the state would pay the homeowner $1,620 in incentive payments. The net operating profit: $1,220.

Seattle area residents are taking advantage of the incentives.

In 2006, there were 23 people in City Light’s service territory who qualified for about $6,400 in incentives. That’s grown to about 150 people with an estimated incentive payment of about $45,000 this year.

Their solar panels are producing about 300,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. That’s enough clean, renewable energy to power about 32 average Seattle homes for one year.

Solar works in Seattle, so the ONE THING you can do this week to potentially increase the production of renewable energy and put a few dollars into your bank account along the way is to investigate whether a solar panel might work for your home. City Light has some helpful information for anyone interested in solar energy.

Seattle Green Events Sept 12-18

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:59:00 GMT

Image: CreativeCommons/Rebar Art Collective

An Afternoon with Dr. Jane Goodall
Theo Chocolates and the Elliot Bay Book Company have partnered with the world-renowned conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall to present her new book written in conjunction with Thayne Maynard and Gail Hudson titled, "HOPE FOR THE ANIMALS AND THEIR WORLD: How Endangered Species Are Being Rescued From The Brink." The event includes a signed, hard cover copy of the new book followed by a lecture and Q & A. A contribution will also be made to the Jane Goodall Institute. Tickets are $50 and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006.
Sept 13, 12:30pm
Theo Chocolate, 340 Phinney Ave N, Fremont

PARK(ing) Day
Mini parks, backyards, patios and art installations take over city parking spots in the effort to raise awareness and the need for open spaces.
Sept 18
City-wide

A Better Fashion Cycle

EcoMetro Editors — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:28:00 GMT

Buy organic
Conventionally grown cotton is responsible for as much as 10% of pesticide use in the world and up to 25% of insecticide use annually, according to Grist. The chemicals can impact workers and leach into the groundwater. Because the United States produces more cotton than all countries except China, much of this is on our soil.

Next, ask about the processing method for cotton, wool, and other fabrics. Look for those that use natural dyes and avoid chlorine bleaching. Organic Consumers estimates that 1/3lb of chemicals are used in the production of a cotton T-shirt, so buying secondhand comes second to buying a product that avoids the conventional cycle.

Image: CreativeCommons/Cosmic Kitty

Buy and sell secondhand
Organic clothing can be (but is not always) more expensive than its counterpart. Buying your major cotton items like socks and basics in organic cottons still leaves a wardrobe to fill. Secondhand stores range from kids and babies to high end, giving you plenty of options to take in your own clothes and receive credit towards shopping, all without spending more (hopefully) or contributing to additional clothing production. Most stores buy with the immediate need in mind, so select items that are seasonally appropriate and turn them in clean and neatly ironed. Fixing small faults, like a button, can make the item more likely to be accepted.

Recycle or donate
As colder weather sets in and a shabby looking jacket appears from the closet, first look into donating to a store like Goodwill. If it’s too beat up or broken, call the company and ask about their recycling program. Many clothing companies, especially outdoor companies, have a system for recycling their high performance fabrics. At Patagonia, if something on the garment has failed such as a zipper, they’ll replace it with a new one for free.

Logos to look for: 1% For the Planet, Green America’s Business Seal of Approval

View our directory for:
Eco fashion
Used clothing

Seattle Green Events Sept 4-10

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:53:00 GMT

Washington Park Arboretum Walk
Take this amazing opportunity to learn from skilled Arboretum guides. The focus of the walk will be on seasonal interests in the Arboretum, native plants or Foster Island ecology. Walks will last from 60 to 90 minutes, no reservations needed and donations are gladly accepted.
Sept 6, 11-12:30 pm or 1-2:30 pm
Washington Park Arboretum, 2300 Arboretum Drive E, Madison Park - Seattle

Jetty Island - Closing Day
Join in the fun and win prizes during Jetty Island's massive Trash Bash! Smokey Bear will be on hand to check the cleaning progress, and a local scout troop color guard will lower the flags for the closing celebration.
Sept 7, 12 - 4 pm

Farm Tots
Visit a farm that grows crops to organic standards with your favorite preschooler or tot and take a wagon ride, do an art or nature activity and visit the U-pick field to harvest a seasonal crop. Each week will feature a new theme and no registration is required.
Through Oct 30th, Wed/Thur/Fri 10:30-11:30 am
South 47 Farm, 13651 Redmond-Woodinville Rd. NE - Redmond

Seattle Tilth's Harvest Fair
Celebrate the harvest at Seattle's local food fest and get a first glimpse of the 2010 edition Chinook Book at our booth! Enjoy activities for the whole family, tasty eats, live music, garden workshops, cooking and compost demos, urban livestock, local green businesses and an organic farmer's market. Hosted by Seattle Tilth. Free.
Sept 12, 10-5pm
Behind the Good Shepard Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Wallingford - Seattle

An Afternoon with Dr. Jane Goodall
Theo Chocolates and the Elliot Bay Book Company have partnered with the world-renowned conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall to present her new book written in conjunction with Thayne Maynard and Gail Hudson titled, "HOPE FOR THE ANIMALS AND THEIR WORLD: How Endangered Species Are Being Rescued From The Brink." The event includes a signed, hard cover copy of the new book followed by a lecture and Q & A. A contribution will also be made to the Jane Goodall Institute. Tickets are $50 and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006.
Sept 13, 12:30pm
Theo Chocolate, 340 Phinney Ave N, Fremont

Shrink Your Lawn, Grow Your Garden
Listen to Greg Rabourn of KUOW’s Greendays Gardening Panel and KCTV’s Yard Talk give pointers on adding color and attracting wildlife to your yard.
Cost is free!
Sept 19, 10 - 11am
Swanson's Nursery, 9701 15th Ave NW

Lake Forest Park Farmers Market and EV Fair
Green Car Company will have a Hymotion Plug-in Prius and electric bikes on display! There will also be a full line up of electric vehicles there, and Smart Solar Solution will be there with a solar panel setup. Free.
Sept 20, 11am - 4pm
Third Place Commons

EcoGuild NW Presents: 10 Projects X 10 Minutes each X 10 Slides each
This annual green building event features 10 fast paced presentation by leading regional green builders on sustainable building projects in and around Seattle. Tickets $20 in advance or $25 cash/ check only at the door.
Sept 25, 6:30 pm
Seattle Public Library - Microsoft Auditorium, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle

Sustainable Ballard Festival
Be sure to visit the Chinook Book booth at the 6th Annual Sustainable Ballard Festival! This year the event will feature live music, how-to workshops, fun & educational activities, local and sustainable businesses and much more! Visit their website for information on volunteering, sponsoring, and festival speakers and schedules as they develop. Free.
Sept 26-27, 12 - 5 pm
Ballard Commons Park (corner of NW 56th & 22nd NW)

The Friends of The Seattle Public Library Book Sale
Over 200,000 books and other items are offered for sale to the public and it only happens twice a year! All proceeds benefit the Seattle Public Library system, not to mention your bookshelf.
Sept 25, 6:30 - 9:30pm Member preview sale
Sept 26, 9 - 5pm
Sept 27, 11 - 4pm
Magnuson Park, Hangar in Building #30, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle

Local Harvest Dinner/Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, Leavenworth, WA
Celebrate the bounty of our valley.... Taste local wine from Okanogan Estate & Vineyards and cheese from Quillisascut Cheese Company as you tour our organic garden. Afterwards savor sumptuous cuisine prepared with local ingredients by Executive Chef Ken MacDonald and KOHO's Cooking Local Radio Chef Isaac Kaplan-Woolner in the newly remodeled Kingfisher Dining Lodge. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Leavenworth Community Farmer's Market. Adult $40, Kids 5-12 $24, Overnight package $155 per person, based on double occupancy. Complete menu available at www.sleepinglady.com.
Sept 27, 5 pm Garden tour, wine and cheese tasting & 6 pm dinner

Washington Receives its First Certified Organic Vegetarian Cafe!

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:33:00 GMT

We're big fans of the University District's Chaco Canyon Cafe. As one of our staff members said after a recent lunch visit: "This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you actually did something good for your body after you've finished your meal."

Congratulations, Chaco Canyon, on your recent certification!

Take advantage of a good deal by using your Chinook Book coupon: Receive 50% off a vegan sandwich, raw entree or any other item when you buy one at full-price of equal or greater value with both the 2009 and 2010 edition books!

Press release follows:

WASHINGTON RECEIVES ITS FIRST CERTIFIED ORGANIC VEGETARIAN CAFÉ

Seattle, Washington. August 31, 2009. Five years after its conception, Seattle’s Chaco Canyon Organic Café is now Washington State’s first fully certified organic vegetarian restaurant and one of only approximately 10 certified organic restaurants in the country.

While the café has always sourced about 95% organic ingredients, the Oregon Tilth certifying agency has now verified the café’s compliance with the USDA National Organic Program standards.

For an entire restaurant, the organic certification process is rare and far from easy. It requires adherence to strict guidelines for the handling and storage of every product the restaurant sells, ensuring each item is kept out of contact with a lengthy list of toxic, artificial, or otherwise harmful substances. This systematic change took the café six months to achieve.

Owner Chris Maykut opened Chaco Canyon in September of 2003 in Seattle’s University District with the vision of providing delicious, fresh, homemade organic food at an affordable price. He wanted to demonstrate the possibility of business existing beyond the bottom line; with people, the planet and profitability all in balance. Organic certification was not an initial feature of this business model, but ultimately fulfilled the mission with integrity and brought added value to customers.

“It seems as if half the restaurants in town claim to ‘use organic ingredients whenever possible,’” says Maykut. “But when you start to ask staff about what’s organic, you find out that those claims are often somewhat empty. Anyone can throw around words like ‘organic’ or ‘natural,’ so I wanted to let our customers know that we actually walk the walk all year round, not just when it’s cheap or convenient. Our certification is now proof of this!”
# # #

For more information on Chaco Canyon Organic Café, the organic certification process, or for an interview with Sarah Coyle, please contact her at 206.522.6966 or sarah@chacocanyoncafe.com.

Seattle Green Events Aug 20-26

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:41:00 GMT

This is one of the best times of the year to eat in the Northwest. Our farms are bursting with produce and it seems like we just can't eat enough fresh food. Take a ride through the mountains to sample some of the season's best at the beautiful Sleeping Lady Lodge (an eco-resort and an EcoMetro merchant!).

Local Harvest Dinner
Celebrate the bounty of our valley....Taste local wine and cheese from Napeequa Vintners and Alpine Lakes Cheese as you tour our organic garden. Afterwards savor sumptuous cuisine prepared with local ingredients by Executive Chef Ken MacDonald and Cooking Local Radio Chef Isaac Kaplan-Woolner in the newly remodeled Kingfisher Dining Lodge. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Leavenworth Community Farmer's Market. Adults $40, Kids 5-12 $24, VIP seating $60
Aug 23, 5pm garden tour, wine and cheese tasting, 6pm dinner
Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, Leavenworth, WA

Be sure to click on "More" to find even more green and local events happening this week!

aLIVe: a Low Impact Vehicle Exhibition
The Low Impact Vehicle project rethinks our transportation system by focusing on the human body. The bicycle is one example of a low-impact vehicle - check out this event to learn about more!
Aug 22
Seward Park, Seattle

100+MPG Challenge
Take a plug-in hybrid for a test drive - if you average 100mpg or more, you'll be entered into a drawing to win an electric bike! RSVPs are encouraged by emailing anthony@greencarco.com or calling 425-820-4549.
Aug 22,10am-4pm RSPV
Green Car Company

The RE Store Reuse Revival
Stop by and enjoy fun activities for all ages! Grab chopsticks and play the Junk Chime, try your hand at Waste Not Putt Putt and win a CFL lightbulb, take an interpretive tour of The RE Store, create art from would-be trash, participate in workshops and demonstrations - and more...not to mention ridiculous mark-downs of fine salvaged goods throughout the store.
Aug 22, 9am-6pm
RE Store

Toddler Tales & Trails
Come on an adventure of books, stories, and the outdoors for children ages 2-5. Each program begins with readings from favorite children's books and finishes up with a themed walk outside! Most walks are easy, and stroller friendly. This program fills up fast so pre-registration is recommended. Toddler Tales and Trails occur regularly on every 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 10 AM until 11 AM and on alternating Saturdays at 11 AM. Fees Toddler (0-4 yrs): Free, Youth (5-14): $2.00 Adult: (15-64): $4.00 Senior: (65 & Up): $3.00
Aug 26, 10am-11pm
Seward Park Environmental & Audubon Center

Green Your Move, Seattle!

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:20:00 GMT

What was your biggest stress during your last move? Were you able to find all the cardboard boxes that you needed in your neighbor's recycling bin? Or did you succumb to buying brand new moving boxes (made from virgin wood) at your local big box store?

Lose the eco-guilt...now you have another option! Welcome, FROGBOX, a company new to Seattle that aims to help locals move with the help of rent-able plastic boxes. See the press release below!

For Those Moving, Plastic is the New Cardboard

Seattle company FROGBOX is in the business of keeping cardboard boxes out of the moving process. The young service delivers plastic, ergonomic boxes to people's old houses and picks them up after at they've moved into their new place. A one-week rental for a one bedroom condo is about $130 - a price that many busy professionals that don't have time to dumpster dive for used boxes or buy new ones consider a cost savings.

FROGBOX has crunched the numbers on how many cardboard boxes Greater Seattleites use each month for moving, and the estimate is about 1 million. Every month - just in Seattle! The company is excited to see Seattleites start to abandon cardboard because it can only be used twice, while FROGBOXES can be reused about 400 times before they’re recycled.

“The amount of resources used by people using FROGBOXES for moving is drastically reduced, and after the 10th time, our boxes actually become a carbon offset,” says company Founder Doug Burgoyne. “Picture the acres of trees that one FROGBOX is saving.”

Along with bio-diesel trucks and a solar-powered website, FROGBOX gives 1% of their sales to frog habitat restoration. They recently gave to a local initiative that helps preserve the highly threated Oregon spotted frog, of which only a few hundred still exist in the Northwest. FROGBOX also recently sponsored a talk by Dr. Kerry Kriger of SAVE THE FROGS!

Dr. Kriger has become internationally known as the spokesperson that is educating the masses on the fact that one third of the world’s frog species are on the verge of extinction. Frogs play a huge role in the lives of human beings by feasting on hundreds of flies, mosquitoes and the dreaded 'no-see-ems' everyday.

FROGBOX will expand down the West Coast this year, helping to wean more Americans from their dependence on forest killing cardboard.

book online at frogbox.com

Seattle Green Events: Preserve your Harvest!

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:25:00 GMT

Chances are - if you have fruit trees or a garden - they are bursting with ripe bounty right about now. Don't let all that great food go to waste! Learn the art of canning and food preservation this weekend, just in time to make use of your produce. You'll have two classes to choose from this weekend at Goods for the Planet. Be sure to give yourself time to browse through the store, and don't forget your Chinook Book coupon to save $10 on any purchase over $50.

Trust that you'll be thanking EcoMetro as you enjoy vitamin-rich and delicious food throughout the winter.

Image Credit: TGV/Creative Commons

Intro to Home Canning
This workshop is for students with little or no experience with home canning as well as for experienced canners who need a brush up on the basics. Topics will include everything a novice needs to know about equipment, procedures and planning for Home Canning. This class is designed to give beginners the confidence they need to proceed with home canning using approved recipes. (Unless otherwise noted all classes are based on the USDA approved methods for home food preservation.) Cost is $10, payable day of class.
Aug 16, 11am-12pm
Goods for the Planet

Peaches, Pears & Plums. Preserving Washington's Tree Fruits
This workshop will familiarize students with the fruits currently fresh in the markets and help them plan on saving some of these for the winter. We will talk about what needs to be peeled, how to do it, how to can fruits, pie fillings, and fruit butter, how to dry fruits using a dehydrator and standard oven. Cost is $10, payable day of class.
Aug 16, 1pm-3pm
Goods for the Planet

Using Electricity to Save it with eBilling

Scott Thomsen — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:15:00 GMT

Every now and then you run across a situation where instinct tells you to zig when you really ought to zag.

For saving electricity and keeping a few more dollars in your bank account, THIS SPACE is about to bend your mind around the idea of using electricity to save it.

This week’s ONE THING you can do to conserve energy is to try online billing for your utility bills and any other payments you need to make. The switch will increase your time on the computer, which would seem to increase your energy consumption, but this is a situation where one step back can lead to two or three steps forward.

Here’s why.

When you receive your bill and pay it online, you eliminate the need for your utility (like my employer, Seattle City Light) to print the bill and mail it to your home. There’s a whole lot of savings going on there, including the electricity to process wood pulp into paper, run the printing presses, stuff the envelopes and sort that mail.

That’s not even considering the trees that make that paper, or the gasoline to run the vehicles to deliver the raw materials and finished product at the various stages of the production and delivery cycle or the return trip with your payment.

Shifting to electronic delivery of the bill eliminates the physical production and distribution cycle. Less energy use means less impact on the environment, particularly in the area of greenhouse gas emissions tied to climate change.

For the customer, there’s the added convenience of being able to receive and pay a bill without tearing bill stubs, licking envelopes or remembering to drop the payment in the mail box. The customer also gets the immediate savings of 44 cents by avoiding the use of a stamp.

Another part of the savings is indirect for the customer.

When your utility can cut its billing costs, those savings translate into lower rates.

More than 19,000 customers have signed up for electronic billing with City Light since the utility started offering the service in January.

I’ve been steadily adding online billing to my different accounts recently and find myself struggling a bit when I have to pay one with a traditional check in the mail. I’ve grown accustomed to the convenience and my miserly side comes out when I have to attach the stamp to a paper bill.

So give electronic billing a try. If you hate it, you can always go back to the tactile sensations of getting a dead-tree version in the mailbox. If you like it, your bank account and your environment will thank you.

Seattle Green Events: Aug 6-12

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:16:00 GMT

Does the end of Seafair leave you wondering how to spend the rest of the summer's weekends? Or perhaps you're finally willing to leave your house now that the risk of the Blue Angels roaring overhead has passed. Whatever the case, we've rounded up a variety of community events to keep your calendar filled.

Image Credit: jsgottwald/CreativeCommons

Green Building Tour: A "Case" Study in Sustainable Architecture
Learn the ins and outs of green home design as architect Tony Case takes you on a 90-minute tour of his latest project by his firm Case Design + Project Management. The home has a number of green features including a green roof that collects rainwater and reuses it for landscaping. Tour goers will learn about building on sloped areas, protecting storm water flow, and how to create a rain garden. $15 Register online
Aug 6, 4pm & 5:30pm
4114 - 34th Ave S, Columbia City

South Lake Union Block Party
Celebrate SLU, one of Seattle's most quickly changing neighborhoods. Enjoy a farmers market, eating contests, a grilling championship, kids' activities and an outdoor movie.
Aug 7, 12pm-11pm
Denny & Westlake, Seattle

Bicycle Sunday
Bicycle along Lake Washington Boulevard - closed to motorized traffic - south of Mount Baker Beach to Seward Park's entrance.
Aug 9, 10am-6pm
Lake Washington Blvd

Author Event: Nature's Second Chance: Restoring the Ecology of Stone Prairie Farm
Author Steven Apfelbaum - founder, president, and senior ecologist of Applied Ecological Services, a company internationally recognized for its work in ecological system restoration - will be in town to read from his new book, which is been described as "part memoir, part road map for a more sustainable future".
Aug 12, 7:30pm
Elliott Bay Book Co.

Head Back to School for Adult Classes in the Community

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:09:00 GMT

Community based classes are a great way to learn a new skill from another citizen at low cost. We've picked out the upcoming classes most relevant to eco-minded Seattlites.

Seattle Free School
A community based school where knowledge is the only currency. Teach a class or take one.
Vision Board Workshop (create a life vision) August 19
Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping on a Budget August 25
Building a Chicken Coop August 26

WSU King County Extension
Tools for Resourceful Living Series (free)
Household Hens: Raising Chickens in Your Backyard August 12th
Productive Vegetable Gardening in Small Spaces: Planning Raised Beds and Containers September 9th
Local Food Year-Round: Simple Methods for Preserving Fresh Fruits and Vegetables October 14th
Composting 101: Turning Waste into a Resource November 4th

ARTS
Sound Music Instruction
Spend half an hour once a week learning an instrument in your home.
*Coupon Receive a free month when you buy a second month

911 Seattle Media Arts Center
Final Cut Pro 6 1: Beginning
Learn to capture and edit video and audio to make your own films. August 8-9 $280
*Coupon Receive 30% off classes

Sonny Newman’s Dance Hall
Milonga Class and Tango Practica August 9, 23, 30
Argentine Tango Classes Wednesday nights, Sunday afternoons, Friday nights. 8 class series $64
Coupon: 1 free beginning or intermediate Argentine Tango group class with purchase of second

HOME & GARDEN
Ecohaus
*Coupon Receive 20% off American Clay Earth Plaster, save $20 on each 2.5 liter can of OSMO Polyx-Oil, save $5 on each gallon of American Pride Paint
American Clay Class
Remodel your space with natural earth plaster in a hands on workshop at the showroom.
September 5 $25

Seattle Tilth
Composting for Apartment Dwellers August 12 Free
Fall Salad Gardening August 15 $25 member $25 Non member
Herbal Tea Gardening August 19 Free

King Conservation District
Seeds, Roots & Shoots Native Plant Nursery August 7, 8, 21. Learn by volunteering for free.
*Coupon Free composted manure, free Rain Garden Handbook, free Puget Sound Hedgerow Poster

Diane’s Market Kitchen
Market Kitchen Summer From Farmer to Table Series $246.38 August 9-23
Class 1 - Shopping the Farmers Market
Class 2 - How to plan a meal "On the Fly"
Class 3 - The Perfect Portable Meal

Market Kitchen Style for Families $82.15 August 15
Bring kids age 9 an up to this class that includes a shopping visit to Pike Place Market with Chef Diane and a lesson in the kitchen.

OUTDOORS
Seattle Audubon Master Birder Program
Check in September for the 9th year of this program for birding skills and ecological awareness. September-November and February-May. Free, 100 hours of volunteer service to Audubon.
*Coupon Receive 20% off the book of your choice

Wilderness Awareness School
9-Month Wilderness Course September-June Tuition $10,350
Wildlife Tracking Intensive Identify prints to determine the species in the forest, learn to see subtle signs, and become involved in monitoring wildlife and research. $2750

Keeping Cool and Avoiding the Cost of Air Conditioning

Scott Thomsen — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Seattle’s summertime fun melted under record heat this week, forcing many who are unaccustomed to temperatures in the upper 90s, let alone an all-time-high 103 degrees, to seek relief.

The first thought is typically to seek air conditioning. My father and my mother in-law both called to see if I needed one after they saw national news reports about the Seattle heat wave.

While thankful for their concern, I politely declined. Part of that decision was recognizing that Seattle gets about two weeks of hot weather each year. I can survive two weeks of heat. The other part was understanding how to help keep the house cool without relying on air conditioning, so I could keep my electricity use and bills lower.

And thanks to THIS SPACE, I’m here to share those tips with you.

Portable room air conditioners – the little boxes that look like R2D2 from Star Wars – generally use between 900 and 1,400 watts. That means they cost about 8 cents an hour to run at the lowest-in-the-country rates offered by my employer, Seattle City Light. Use them for 12 hours a day for a month and that will add up to about $34 per month. Central air conditioning uses much more electricity. A unit that uses 3,500 watts will cost about $100 per month at 12 hours per day.

If you can keep the house cool enough to get by with a window fan, you can significantly reduce your costs. A window fan costs about $1.40 a month to run for the same amount of time.

How then, do you beat the heat without the A/C?

For starters, try to avoid building a box of hot air inside your house. Eat cool meals like sandwiches, salads and fruit instead of cooking with the stove. If you really want a hot meal, grill outside. And wait until evening to run the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher.

Next, use shading and ventilation.

Keep interior shades closed on the windows with direct sunlight. Exterior shades offer even more relief. I installed one on the west side of my house to cover the sliding glass door and have another for the picture window.

Open windows and doors to create cross ventilation then turn on a fan or two. You don’t want to spin hot air around inside your home. You want to move it outside and replace it with cooler air, even if cooler means 80 degrees.

Another idea is to take advantage of the insulation provided by the ground. If you’ve got a basement like I do, you learn fast that it’s typically the coolest room in the house during the summer. Spend more time there when it’s hot outside.

If you’ve got air conditioning, don’t sweat it. I understand the comfort of a climate controlled room and excessive temperatures can create health problems, including heat stress and heat exhaustion.

But even if you turn to air conditioning for some extra relief, these tips will help you conserve electricity because your A/C unit won’t have to work as hard to bring the temperature down.

So this week’s ONE THING you can do to conserve electricity and keep a little more money in your bank account is to try to keep cool without the air conditioning, or at least use the A/C a little less.

Seattle Green Events July 30-Aug 5

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:30:00 GMT

The theme of this week's events seems to be "hands-on". Learn how to "green up" your family and home life, peruse Seattle's largest indie craft show (buy handmade or get inspired to create something on your own) or encourage the kids to start working on some crafty portraits!

Green Expo and Sustainability Fair
Umojafest African Heritage Festival and Parade in partnership with national eco-justice organization, Green For All, present the first annual Green Expo and Sustainability Fair. Bring the whole family to learn about hands on ways to incorporate sustainable practices into your daily life and ensure eco-equity for all!
July 31-Aug 2
Judkin's Park

Image Credit: woodleywonderworks/Creative Commons

Urban Craft Uprising Summer Show 2009
More than 100 indie designers will be on hand selling clothing, jewelry, housewares, baby items and much, much more!
Aug 1-2, 11am-5pm
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall

Get Crafty Saturdays! Photo Portraits
Using a digital camera and printer, kids will start by taking a portrait of themselves, printing it out, then decorating it to create their own über portrait. Cut it, rearrange it or color it!
Aug 1, 1pm-3pm
Bellevue Arts Museum

Art Monday: Secret Worlds on the Streets

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:59:00 GMT

Artist Helen Nodding creates tiny, hidden worlds among the loose bricks and sidewalk splits that are usually taken as signs of decay in our cities. With a change in scale, the nooks and crannies becomes destinations. See a world tucked beneath a floor and a wall crack turned countryside on her website Stories from Space.

The Subtle Art of the Roll Up

Travis A. Wittwer — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:35:00 GMT

This morning, I took a train to Seattle to teach at a conference. It is one of the joys in life. I bike to the train station, work on a crossword as the scenery passes by, and then bike around Seattle which, by the way, seems to be made entirely out of hills.

Today, I entertained myself with a new distraction, the subtle art of the roll up. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a “roll up” is when a cyclist folds, or in some way “rolls” up, his or her pant leg to avoid it getting caught in the chain. Roll means fold. It’s so clear. A thoughtfully folded pant leg is a style I don’t often sport because my bakfiets has a chain guard. However, today I took a commuter bike on my trip to Seattle, and with 3 hours to kill on the train, I mastered some pretty awesome roll ups. Check them out. Let me know what you think.

TRADITIONAL: Nothing fancy. Textbook functionality for keeping the pant leg out of the chain assembly. The style most often used.

TRADITIONAL PLUS: A bit of a deviation in the sense that this roll up would get some looks as you rode by due to the excess exposure of your calf.

TALL CUFF: Looks good on the ladies. Gentlemen, don’t do it. Seriously. Don’t. You have been warned.

PIRATE RAWWWL UP: Keep your peg-leg-covering pants out of your buccaneering bike chain. Can I get a “Yar!”?

MARTHA STEWART: Anything you can do, Martha Stewart can do better and with more style. Accept it.

ORIGAMI: Not often seen due to the skill one must master before attempting this roll up. Great to look at.

THE STRIPPER: All skin, all the time.

SOCK-IT-TO-THEM: Technically not a “roll up” but serves the same purpose. A nice alternative to the all-too-often-seen roll up.

I-SHOULD-HAVE: An attempt to solve an already destroyed pair of pants by doing a roll up too late in the game. Fourth-quarter foul.

DOUBLE WHAMMY: Hey, the chain is only on one side, but why let that decide your fashion sense. What would happen if the chain suddenly shifted sides and grabbed on to the other pant leg? Better to be safe and do them both up.

MINIMALIST (or would that be a roll down?): Just enough fold to classify it as a roll in the world of competitive roll ups. However, this roll up would not survive more than a leisurely jaunt to the grocery store for a bottle of Shiraz.

BONUS: This is not one from the trip. However, it is something I created a few years ago out of a pant leg so that this "cover" would keep tight my pant leg, like a roll up does, and the cover would act as a shield from any grease or road grit.

There are so many options out there for the roll up. I decided on the “traditional” for my ride through Seattle. The conference went well and biking through the city was wonderful. And for the train ride back to Portland, I will keep myself entertained one leg at a time.

Thank you to Tana for the leg modeling.

Seattle Green Events July 23-29

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:31:00 GMT

Gear up for another hot weekend in the Puget Sound! Plan a dip in the lake or an afternoon running through the International Fountain at the Seattle Center and you likely won't be disappointed. However, if you're looking for a bit more structure, take a look at one of the three FREE classes that are scheduled for the week ahead, giving you inspiration to take on a home or yard project of your own!

What will you be doing this week?

Image Credit: mikelehen/Creative Commons

Healthy Home Workshop
Maintaining a green & healthy home is one of the best ways to protect your investment and your family. Second Use's presenter will cover day-to-day and long-term steps toward whole house maintenance and development that will enhance healthy indoor environments and support operational efficiency and savings for years to come. You will learn and explore methods on how to build an Operations & Maintenance manual for your own home or workspace. You must RSVP for this workshop - Space is limited. To RSVP or for further information, contact Carrie at 206-763-6929. FREE. While you are there, take advantage of your coupon from the Chinook Book!
July 23, 6-8pm
Second Use Building Materials, 7953 Second Ave S, Seattle

More Imagination, Less Money: Creative Reuse in the Yard
Seattle Times' EcoConsumer columnist Tom Watson shows you how to use salvaged materials in the garden, from bricks and boards to old tools, toys and broken statues. These items can be used to make raised beds, pathways, trellises, garden art and much more - you'll save money and have a one-of-a-kind garden! Tom has many distinctive props, from his own garden, the RE Store and elsewhere, to illustrate creative reuse in your yard. Free, RSVP to sarahk@re-store.org or 206.423.0675. Your Chinook Book coupon will help you save either 10% or $20 on your purchases!
July 25, 11am-12pm
RE Store, 1440 NW 52nd St, Seattle

Keeping Chickens in the City: A FREE Class!
Covering the basics of keeping chickens in the city. Includes information on starting with chicks. This class will be held at the Seattle Public Library's Greenwood Branch. This is a free community event organized by the Seattle FreeSchool. All are welcome!
July 29, 6:30-7:45pm
Seattle Public Library, Greenwood Branch, 8016 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle

Neighborhood Watch: Bluebird Homemade Ice Cream & Tea Room in Capitol Hill

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:08:00 GMT

Despite its population density, the Capitol Hill neighborhood has taken the prize for newest frozen dessert shops to residents ratio (see here and here) with the opening of Bluebird Homemade Ice Cream & Tea Room.

This establishment is going right for EcoMetro's heart, employing reused materials in the cafe design (check out the tables and mini stage, once a basketball court), as well as local, wholesome ingredients for the ice cream and other goodies. According to the owner, Josh: "The dairy comes from all-natural, hormone-free cows in Washington and Oregon. The stout is brewed at the Elysian, and the coffee is roasted at Stumptown. All of the fruit comes from the Northwest. The baked goods are from Seattle bakers that we think supply good-quality, local, natural products." That Elysian Stout he's talking about gets into the Stout Ice Cream, something a Northwesterner can surely love. Other recent flavors on the menu include Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Strawberry, Snickerdoodle and Peanut Butter. Mmmmm, mmmmmm!

Psssst! The newest lineup on the "Corridor of Gluttony" (a term coined by a fan of EcoMetro) is Cupcake Royale's newest location at 1111 E Pike Street.

Art Monday: The Artist in the Trees

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:27:00 GMT

Image: D'Arcy Norman/Creative Commons

Treehugger has a new review up about a book/DVD set wittily named Treedom. It tells the story of Takashi Kobayashi, who tires of his secondhand clothing shop and sets out for more, becoming a famous treehouse builder after reading another book, Treehouses. He also credits the World Treehouse Builder Association Conference as a major influence. Looking to create an escape for yourself? The conference takes place in October in Washington and Oregon, but you can start your reading now.

Seattle Green Events July 16-22

EcoMetro Seattle Team — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:35:00 GMT

When's the last time you explored Seattle's South Park neighborhood? If you have the chance on Saturday, check out the neighborhood's second Market on Wheels, and event that highlights good and food that are made and grown in the 'hood. Pick up produce, jewelry, arts, enchiladas, ice cream and more!

South Park Market on Wheels
The mission of South Park’s Market on Wheels is to provide fresh and healthy food options to South Park while promoting a local economy and strengthening community. Market on Wheels is committed to bridging language and cultural barriers in South Park by creating a truly multicultural and bilingual market.
July 18, 10am–3pm

Image Credit: Liz Grenier

3rd annual Strengthening Local Economies, Everywhere Dinner & Fair
Presented by Community Alliance for Global Justice. FAIR 3pm-6pm: FREE & open to the public. Multiple organizations will present their work to the public in addition to hands-on workshops and opportunities to learn about food and farming directly from farmers and food-workers. Also enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres and libations! DINNER 6pm-9pm: Volunteer chefs will prepare the dinner with contributions from Fair Trade partners as well as local food producers, as well as dishes prepared by Portage Bay Cafe and Kaspar's. Washington small farmers and food workers will be honored at each table, where guests will be served family style. DANCING 9pm-11pm! Buy tickets for dinner at brownpapertickets.com/event/67951.
July 18, 3pm-11pm
St. Demetrios Church, 2100 Boyer Avenue E

Lavender Farm Celebration
Featuring wagon rides, live music, farm animals, refreshments. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, U-pick and farm stand. All crops grown using organic methods. Don't forget your Chinook Book coupon!
July 18-19, 11am-3pm
The South 47 Farm, 15410 NE 124th St, Redmond

EcoMetro Active: Freezing Veggies and Berries

EcoMetro Editors — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:02:00 GMT

Imagine stocking up on your favorite vegetables and berries at the farmers market, then opening the freezer months later and having them available to you again.

Vegetables need to be blanched in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to stop the growth of the plant. After boiling, immediately dunk them in ice water then spread individual pieces on a cookie tray and freeze.

Berries should be washed, dried thoroughly, and frozen on a tray. Transfer the pieces to a freezer bag. Whenever you have a hankering for the taste of summer, pour out a few pieces and cook with them as you would fresh produce.

Did you try this? Have another tip? Comment below!