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 More...

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. More...

Looking for a way to decorate your patio wall or a patch of ground? With a little coaching and watering, grow moss into shapes such as a poem, an eco statement, or animals.

Full instructions are on Instructables.

Image credit: Flickr/aaron13251 More...

Eco roofs, and their more visible cousins vertical gardens, are inspiring pieces of architecture which are usually difficult to view, since getting on top of a building is often prohibited or just a hassle. The California Academy of Sciences roof, pictured above, makes it a little easier to take in the benefits and beauty of rooftop greenery. Here is an entire photo gallery devoted to eco roofs of the world, and here is a Flickr pool.

Image Credit: Arex/CreativeCommons More...

Have you ever wondered what your neighborhood is doing to reduce its environmental impact? How about using a scavenger hunt to find out? We were surprised to find a home with solar panels that we'd never noticed right around the corner, but couldn't uncover a single rain barrel. Think you can photograph everything on this list? More...

On Art Mondays we bring you innovative, inspiring examples of artists working with and for the environment.

Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor creates cement figures from models--including students and a BBC presenter-- and then places them underwater as artificial reefs, where sea sponges and worms can collect on the hard surface and attract fish and other underwater residents searching for a stable home. Check out the images of the works changing over time, it's both eerie and beautiful how the sea overtakes the forms.
One more image after the jump. All images courtesy Jason deCaires Taylor. More...

Are you ready for more sun and more fun in the great outdoors? So are we. To launch into summer, we're sending our June newsletter soon with free printable coupons for outdoor recreation and reminders of all the great deals in our book.

If you aren't signed up yet, enter your email in the box at upper right. We only send newsletters monthly.

Here's a sampling to get you interested. This Tizzi bathing suit by Kelly B is 65% bamboo and 25% organic cotton (with 8% spandex), and USA made. Order online ($130) from Nimli.

Image via Nimli. More...

We're promoting outdoor recreation--running, hiking, biking, swimming, camping...hang gliding, you name it--for all of June. Submit your fun photos to show others in the community what you're up to. Winners will be chosen frequently throughout the month to receive a free book.

You can submit other photos of green living at any time.

Seattle Sustainable City on Flickr

Please note: To meet our criteria, the outdoor recreation must be non-motorized.

Image: Flickr/Creative Commons More...

Have you ever wanted to hit the trails but can’t rally anyone to go with you?  Although hiking in solitude is a great avenue for self-reflection, it can be dangerous for those less experienced.  Hiking with groups can be fun, educational, and a wonderful way to meet new people who share your love of the outdoors. 

A great resource for finding local groups is meetup.com.  With over 73 different, local hiking groups listed, you’re bound to find the right fit for your interests.   Another fantastic option is to check out The Moutaineers.  Formed in 1906, this Seattle-based outdoor recreation club has over 10,500 active members.

Hiking with a friend provides amusement and encouragement while also adding to your safety.   Why go it alone? 

Happy hiking!
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