Eco-Monday: A Green Wedding

As a local to the Annapolis area, I had visited the Phillip Merrill Environmental Center many times on field trips and for several research projects. However, it was not until recently that I discovered they also hosted gorgeous water front weddings and boasted the title of "one of the world's most energy-efficient buildings." 

Opening in 2001, this building hosts the headquarters for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF). This foundation is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay as well as educating people of all ages about their role in Bay conservation. The unique location of this building, situated right between Black Walnut Creek and the Bay, really emphasized the need for an eco-friendly establishment. First, the CBF created several unique structures on the premises that have aided in waterlife restoration. Man made wetlands allow storm water to pass through a natural treatment center before running off into the Bay. They have also planted many native plants, such as underwater grasses and trees in order to restore habitats for animals that may have been misplaced by housing developments.  

As far as the building goes, almost all of the materials used are recycled and renewable. Cork is the largest used material throughout the building as it makes up the wall panels and flooring. Bamboo was used for all the stairs as well as the main lobby flooring. Huge cisterns placed on the roof capture rain water and redistribute it throughout the building for everyday water needs. The toilets don't use water and instead boast a composting system that eliminates the amount of sewage being processed which in turn cuts down on nutrient pollution. 

Now, the icing on the cake, they do weddings! With their dedication to saving the Bay, the venue is surrounded by "acres of unspoiled beauty." Seeing as the venue is placed right on the beachfront, the amount of natural lighting and breathtaking bay views are unbeatable. For your guests, the venue is just minutes from historic downtown Annapolis, and yet has a great secluded feel that makes your wedding intimate and unique. With a list of great preferred vendors, such as Main Ingredient for catering, Ego Media for photography, and The Gateway Florist for flowers, your event will have everything it needs to be successful! 

Eco-Monday: Combining Social Media and Energy Efficiency

During the Sweetlife Festival last year we were given the pleasure of working with OPower. 

This Arlington based company is dedicated to improving the relationships individuals have with their appliances and ultimately aims to decrease the amount of energy and money spent on bills. Recently, I came across a press release that featured OPower's newest development which will combine the use of Facebook and has gained the support of the Natural Resources Defense Council. 

This new app, due to launch at the beginning of next year, is designed so that consumers can keep track of their own power consumption. The inclusion of Facebook allows consumers to compare their energy use online with their friends as well as compete virtually with others to maintain the lowest energy costs. The Natural Resources Defense Council feels confident that by using social-media, people will be less likely to keep their energy use information private and thereby they would become more aware of exactly how they are using their energy. 


The users of this app will be able to compare their energy usage with users from around the nation as well as share tips and ideas about how to cut energy costs and be more eco-friendly. The idea stems from OPower's love for grassroots movements whereby the consumers have the power to influence and change the world around them. Quoted from an article on Earth Easy, "When we feel powerless as individuals to effect any significant change in the face of global threats such as climate change, it's understandable that we ignore or find ways to dismiss the threat. With this new energy-saving application, users can see how their efforts count."

Eventful Wednesday: CityDance Ensemble goes Green

Recently we were given the inside scoop on CityDance Ensemble's newest development, which we are excited to say has a green twist! In partnership with the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County as well as the Music Center at the Strathmore, CityDance Ensemble will be transforming a current dance studio into a state-of-the-art dance theater named BlackBox Theater. This theater is not only unique because it is the first environmentally friendly theater in the DC area, but also because CityDance has formed a partnership with Christopher K. Morgan and Artists to create their first Resident Dance Company.  

1. The entire electrical needs of the BlackBox Theater will be powered by solar energy. In using these solar panels, any surplus electricity that may be generated is instantly returned to the power grid and therefore reduces the overall carbon footprint. 

2. The lighting of the entire theater will utilize LED and High-intensity Discharge (HID) lamps. These HID lamps are unique in that they make more "visible light per unit of electric power cosumed".  

3. The production team has partnered with MechoSystems to bring in a unique shading system that makes a bold commitment to protecting the environment. This system will increase overall energy efficiency by filtering sunlight to decrease the gain of solar heat in the space. By lowering the heat brought into the space, BlackBox Theater can cut their cooling costs and eliminate a decrease the overall carbon footprint.  

Eco-Monday: Sweetlife Festival 2011

Here at Green with Envy Events, we are all about making our events sustainable and making sure we are aware of the impact our choices make. With this in mind, I wanted to mention the Sweetlife Festival, and event we are working on at Merriweather Post Pavilion on April 30, 2011.

The Sweetlife Festival is an annual celebration of flavorful music, wholesome food, and thoughtful living. A festival with soul, the day will not only feature top national talent, The Strokes, but will incorporate dining and entertainment options that embody sweetgreen and additional festival partners ethos towards healthy, sustainable living.

The Sweetlife Festival is presented by sweetgreen, a Washington D.C. based restaurant group that leads the national charge in sourcing delicious local and organic ingredients, with an underlying commitment to the environment and community.
The festival will raise money for Jamie Oliver’s Food Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving America’s health by changing the way we eat and DC Farm to School, which sets out to improve child health, reconnects students with where their food comes from, and connects local farmers with schools in an effort to get more healthy, local foods into school cafeterias.


The festival will also have a minimal carbon footprint and feature delicious local and organic foods. This is a celebration with a purpose and we are expecting over 10,000+ attendees throughout the day.

It's important we all support events and organizations that make an effort to minimize the carbon footprint. We hope to see you all there. Visit http://www.sweetlifefestival.com/ for more info. and to preregister for access to pre-sale tickets. Live it with us!

Happy Monday, Laura

Eco-Mondays ~ Show some LOVE @ Earth-List.com & GoGreenPress.net

Happy Eco-Monday everyone, and Happy Valentines Day!  Today we'd like to show some Eco-love to our favorite online green resource - Earth-list.com.  Earth-list.com was founded in 2008 by our good friend Mike D'Ascanio, and it has quickly become the world's premier informational resource for all things GREEN!  They are on a mission to unite the Green Movement by providing the most centralized resource on the practices of sustainability and going green. Their goal is to make Going Green easy for the average person by providing the most comprehensive list of late breaking Eco news, media, products, services, and information.  And that's exactly what they've done. Anything and Everything you could possibly need to live green can be found at Earth-List.com.      

And as if running one website wasn't enough, they've recently launched the newest member of the Earth-List family - GoGreenPress.net.  GoGreen Press  is the perfect media solution to help your Green business get publicity. They specialize in breaking the news on Green businesses, offering specialized press writing and distribution services that will get your Green business highly effective and targeted publicity.  And we can personally testify to the quality of their services...GoGreen Press just did a press release for Green with Envy Events about our upcoming event, Where the Wild Things Are, a Food & Wine Celebration benefiting the Chula Vista Nature Center.  Check it out here.

And you may have seen these guys out and about in the community.  Our favorite Eco-Celebrities - Green Man and Blue Man.  Leveraging their universal appeal for good, Green Man and Blue Man are being put to work as the headlining mascots for Earth-List.com to raise awareness of sustainability, recycling, environmental responsibility, and everything related to Going Green.  Green Man has become so popular, that Earth-list has recently launched the Green Man Shop where you can shop for hundreds of your favorite Eco-Products.  I encourage everyone to stop in and check out their amazing selection - think of it as your very own Eco-Amazon.com. 

For all of you out there who are just beginning your journey of going green or who are already living it - Earth-List.com is one of the best resources on the web to guide you to Green enlightenment.  Green with Envy Events is proud to work with the Earth-List family!  We thank you for all your hard work and for helping us stay green!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Eco-Mondays ~ go au naturale at Babies By The Sea

On our very first Eco-Monday, I'm very excited to share with you the most adorable (and Eco-friendly) baby store that I just discovered.  Babies by the Sea boutique is located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea in San Diego. With so many friends and family members having babies these days, I've been doing my fair share of baby shopping. But up until now, it's been rather ordinary. When you walk into Babies by the Sea, it feels as if you're walking into an earthly fairytale. Every organic detail has been meticulously perfected to offer the most enjoyable shopping experience for babies, toddlers and their parents.  

The concept of the Babies by the Sea Boutique was conceived by San Diego Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr. Robert Biter who has been a proponent of natural women's and babies’ health care for years, and  Laura Ann Fairchild, an entrepreneur, retail fashion consultant, and the creator of the successful L.A. Fairchild Boutique and L.A. Fairchild Denim Bar concepts. They realized that with Dr. Biter's medical expertise and passion for health, and with Laura Fairchild's cutting-edge eye for retail fashion, buying ability, business knowledge, and familiarity with corporate start-up operations, a partnership between the two of them was a match made in baby boutique heaven! In addition, Laura's sister and business partner, Julie Fairchild, enthusiastically decided to join the team to handle marketing, events, and human resources for the store.  And I must say, this collaboration is perfect!

Their Mission Statement says it all: Our mission is to empower healthy beginnings and support sustainable families by offering cutting-edge natural-living resources and products, in-depth educational opportunities, and fashion-forward organic and boutique apparel; and to create a nurturing, open-minded, non-judgmental, accepting of difference, multi-cultural social network to meet the evolving physical, developmental, intellectual, and emotional needs of all mothers, babies, and toddlers.

 

And check out how they designed the boutique: The store build-out was thoughtfully designed based upon a sustainable and environmentally-friendly "green" premise. Materials and themes incorporated into the build-out include the use of bamboo for shelving, recycled pallets for display tables, burlap coffee sacks for wall covering, reclaimed and salvaged urban wood for display tables and beams, recycled glass for the counter tops, no VOC paint, energy-efficient lighting, and other non-toxic materials wherever possible. The store incorporates the use of earth-friendly office supplies, bags/packaging, water for customers, and other daily use items. The boutique also encourages customers to re-use bags and to participate in environmentally friendly family events, in order to raise awareness with respect to sustainable living in the community.

I know what you're thinking...amazing!  This is definitely my kind of store!

Along with their amazing selection of organic and designer baby goods, Babies by the Sea also offers classes for soon-to-be and new moms.  I'm not pregnant yet, but when I am...I would love to live close to this store. If you're looking for a gift for a young one in your life, or if you're expecting your own bundle of love...and of course those of you with little darlings already - you MUST check out Babies by the Sea. To experience it for yourself, visit the boutique at 2007 San Elijo Avenue, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007 or visit their website to learn more. 

Deals for Deeds: A new way to give back

With all the recent news Groupon and LivingSocial has been making, I thought it'd be nice to give a shout-out to a new type of Deal-of-the-Day Site; one where you not only get the disocunt, but you also do a good deed.

At Deals for Deeds, a Washington, DC based disount site, things are done differently. Way differently. Unlike the traditional disount sites, Deals for Deeds partners with local businesses to connect them with new customers while also helping out local non-profits to reinvest in the community. With each and every discount deal you purchase, you also make a difference. Here's how it works:

1. YOU SAVE: Visit their site, browse through their daily offer, and get great disounts on local restaurants, spas, sporitng & entertainment events.

2. GIVE BACK TOGETHER: Deal for Deeds works with local businesses to feature exclusive offers on a product or a service and agree ahead of time that a portion of the deal will go to the featured non-profit (This week, Miriam's Kitchen, which provides meals for the homeless). So when you buy a deal, a percentage of YOUR MONEY goes directly to a charitable organization.

3. WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE: From the funds raised on their site, Deal with Deeds helps non-profits achieve a certain goal. Whether it's 500 meals for the homeless or a new swing set for the neighborhood park, you can see exactly what you helped make possible.

I commend Josh Hoffman and Harrison Miller for adding a creative twist to the discount business. Not only are they choosing local businesses to showcase on their site, but they also look to partner with businesses who incorporate an element of environmental responsibility and awareness. Everyone loves to get a good deal, but now you can enjoy that discounted massage knowing you did your good deed for the day.

Happy week! xoxo, Laura.

Say what you really mean with Hard Cards

Happy Friday everyone! Sorry for the shortage of postings lately, I've just returned from almost a month of back to back trips. One of which was for a very special wedding in the Boston area for our dear friends Shannon & Chris. Pics will be up soon! But until then...let's have some fun!

With the holidays coming up and so many baby/bridal/wedding events in the near future, I have cards on the mind! But not your normal, run-of-the-mill cards. I want cards with personality. I want cards that make you laugh out loud! Hello Hard Cards! Their slogan "Times are hard and so are we" basically sums it up.

Founders Randi Rulayne Picarelli and Stacey Leigh Rifkin started Hard Cards because they couldn’t lie to their friends any longer. They were tired of pretending that they were happy about your babies, thrilled you’re turning another year older, or that they actually care about your problems. They saw the need for greeting cards that make people laugh at the truth. Their cards are snarky, funny, and irreverent while also being beautifully designed. Based out of Los Angeles, Hard Cards is committed to creating a line of products with minimal environmental impact. Every Hard Card and envelope is printed with soy ink and made from 100% Post Consumer Waste Paper. That means no new trees are cut down, and no bleach, acid, or chlorine is used. They are also concerned with employing local designers and printers, and supporting local businesses. That means you can feel good because they're 100% Made in the USA. And for that, Green with Envy Events is a big fan!!! Here are some of our faves:

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And guess what! Hard Cards are sold in hundreds of stores all over the U.S. To find your nearest retailer, visit their website and make sure to become a fan on Facebook! Hard Cards ~ Thank you for making cards that are honest, hilarious, and nice to our planet!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Carlee

Giveaway: Who doesn't like Free Stuff?

I wanted to quickly give a nod to a company that has been extremely generous and giving these last few months. When I was planning NESTination: Morocco, an event for NEST, (a small, non-profit organization that provides interest-free, microcfinance loans to women in developing countries), I ran into a lot of hurdles working with a very limited budget. One of those hurdles was the high cost of printing. And while we did try to limit our paper usage, printing signage and flyers/posters for distrbution were a necessity, so we looked for ways to cut this cost.

In came UPrinting. Through their UCommunity Program, UPrinting helped us out by sponsoring printed materials for our fundraising and promotional needs. They covered about 75% of our printing costs, with their service AND product being top notch!

And yes, folks, they keep on giving. They are sponsoring a Postcard GiveAway on our blog, for the following:

• 100 4x6 postcards on 14 pt. cardstock gloss with 4 color/2 sided print!!

  *Limited to US Residents only, 18 years and above*

So, if you have a business, want some postcards for Save the Dates, or need some Holiday "Post"cards, enter our Giveway by posting a comment on this blog by Monday, November 1, 2010. We'll select a winner (at random) that day and post it on our next blog entry.

Happy Monday and Happy Commenting!!! xoxo, Laura

Deborah Lindquist ~ The "Green Queen" of the Fashion World

For the fashion forward and style savvy, it's not always easy being green. In years past, when you heard the words Eco-friendly Clothing, most likely you imagined something you'd buy at a head shop. Well, thanks to the couture-inspired creations of Deborah Lindquist, it's a different world today. As one of LA's most sought after environmentally-conscious designers, Deborah creates exquisite apparel out of a mix of "reincarnated" and new Earth-Friendly fabrics. Launched in 2004, Deborah's Eco-conscious clothing line combines her love for the environment with high fashion couture. And not only does Deborah offer a gorgeous line of ready-to-wear designs, she recently started designing beautiful wedding gowns for the Eco-conscious bride. And you know we are tickled Green to share them with you!

Deborah's "Green" Wedding collection is bursting with couture inspired gowns, chic column skirts, bustier tops and cashmere shrugs & sweaters. For the bride-to-be looking to make an unforgettable impression while still showing her commitment to the environment, these stunning designs are made with pre-loved and sustainable fabrics and materials.

And if you're looking to make an Eco-statement in your everyday, Deborah offers a full line of unique, trend-setting designs, synonymous with style, fashion and sex appeal. Her current collection "Rocker girl meets the Gypsy" features pre-loved materials that have become staples in her collection such as: vintage cashmere, wool, leather, beaded wool and vintage buttons. She has also introduced new Eco-fabrics for her latest collection such as hemp blends, organic wool, peace silk, micromodal blends, organic cotton and alpaca. Check out these looks...who knew Eco-fashion could be so stylish?

Recognized as one of the finest fashion designers in the world, Deborah has dressed such mega stars as Sharon Stone, Jessica Alba, Christina Aguilera, Rhianna and many more. Want to dress like a star? Check out her website and view her latest collection. Deborah Lindquist IS where Eco Meets Couture!

Amazing Recycled Leather Handbags by 14X Bags

Finding the perfect bag isn't easy...and sometimes it takes months of searching. Luckily, I know where to look so it didn't take me long. Today I am so excited to tell you about an amazing company I found while looking for my new black handbag. Not only are these bags absolutely gorgeous, they are made with recycled materials. A hand-made, Eco-Friendly handbag...kind of a no-brainer if you ask me!

Introducing 14X Bags ~ Hand made with lots of love by Kimberly Anderson of Idaho & Alaska. Her beautiful bags are made with plush recycled leathers, lined with vintage scarfs, and embellished with recycled antique brass hardware. Every single bag is completely unique and one-of-a-kind. And she adds a personal touch with her charming hand-stitched details located in various locations.

One of the best parts of ordering a bag from 14X Bags is Kim's willingness to customize the bag to your perfect specifications. If you see something you like, but want to change the length or style, she will work with you. But with all of the stunning bags she has for sale, you might not need to. Here are some of my favorite bags from her collection...LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!

I just received my new bag ~ The Wild Thing Hobo (pictured below) and it is perfect! The bag is so well made; you can tell Kim spends a lot of time making these masterpieces. She uses an industrial sewing machine and weather resistant thread to make her seams secure, so you know your bag will last a long time.

If you're in the market for a new bag, you MUST visit the 14X Bags shop on Etsy. With prices ranging from $150-$250, these bags are a steal! Image the pride you'll feel wearing a one-of-a-kind, hand made handbag that is made entirely out of recycled materials! Happy shopping!

Carlee

Tend Living ~ Creating stunning environments full of wonder

I learned of Tend Living a while back, but finally had a chance to witness it's brilliance first-hand this past week....so of course, I must share!

As most of you know, giving a wedding present can be a very personal thing, especially for close friends. I wanted to make sure I picked out something that was unique, while at the same time reflective of their style. Well...I nailed it with an Eco-Orb from Tend. These stunning pieces of art are the perfect addition to any space. Digging a little deeper, I found a thriving, female owned business that offers an array of Eco-Amazing-ness! Prepare to fall in ♥ with Tend Living!

Tend is the love child of a fervent affair between gardening and modern design. Originating as part of an art project exploring sustainable design and eco-interactive living, Tend has grown into a thriving production offering living sculpture, plantscaping, pocket gardens, living walls & green roofs, staging & set styling and wait for it.......green weddings & events!!!!

Owner Britton Neubacher recently started offering Tend designs for weddings & events...and we couldn't be more excited about it! We love Tend for being committed to crafting dedicated relationships with nature through high-style sustainability. Delivering modern botanical design through artistic use of organic beauty, Tend creations will transform your special day into a stunning environment full of wonder. Check out these gorgeous bridal bouquets! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

Rather then using huge, over-the-top floral centerpieces...Tend utilizes their signature Eco-Orb creations to offer a beautiful and fascinating showpiece to adorn your tables. These tablescapes are absolutely STUNNING!!!

Along with the Eco-Orbs, Tend has a variety of different options. They offer glass gardens, mod terrariums & vessels, living walls...all things modern and green.

By providing exciting format for the fascinating, beautiful, and sometimes down-right bizarre art of nature, Tend creations encourage a reverent connection with our planet beginning right at home...or at your next event! To learn more about Tend, visit their website, email tendliving@gmail.com or call 619.867.6007.

Green with Envy Events is very excited to add Tend to our preferred vendor list, and look forward to working on lots of beautiful events together! If you're interested in having a green wedding or special event, Green with Envy Events can help turn your Eco-Dreams into reality! Call us today!

Have a great week everyone!

Happy 4th of July!

♦Carlee♦