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1122 Soquel Ave - Santa Cruz - 831.423.7200
www.greenspacecompany.com
Open Monday - Friday 9-6 / Saturday & Sunday 10-5
 
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| IN THIS ISSUE |
| Coming up at greenspace |
| Community Events |
| Passiv Haus Tour |
| Santa Cruz Kitchens Tour |
| OMI Earth Day sale |
| Green Classifieds |
Eco Ramblings by Lydia Corser |
Here we are, back to Earth Month again! I have been both reflecting on the past couple of weeks, and looking forward to the next month of happenings.
I thoroughly enjoyed the screening of Y.E.R.T. (Your Environmental Road Trip) last week here at the store. It was fun to meet one of the film-makers, and exciting to see our very own Wallace J. Nichols, local researcher and environmentalist extraordinaire, featured in the film. We have copies on sale at greenspace, and we recommend it as a family film. It's funny and positive, while still being educational.
I had personal moments of validation as I watched the movie and saw the film makers trying to use their own containers to get food along the way (they carried all their own trash for the entire trip). It's so good to see documented the same struggles I have in reducing waste! There was creativity employed in their attempts to get non green-minded people to understand and cooperate with their mission. All along, they were light-hearted and gracious, even though some situations seemed frustrating.
The Home and Garden show last weekend was enjoyable, as always. I was sorry to see that the number of businesses there were fewer than in previous years, I'm certain due to the economic downturn. The show was expanded to include wine and food, however, which was a great idea. I gave a presentation about green kitchen design. The attendees were open and it's always great to meet people and introduce greenspace. We sold bamboo sporks, which got snapped up. We are donating the proceeds to a school.
I'd like to extend a personal invitation to First Friday next week, and all the wonderful events we are hosting and that are happening around our community in April. It's going to be a full, busy month of environmental focus, which always feels fantastic!
I can't close a column without poking fun at myself. I've become obsessed with bird-watching (dubbed bird nerd by my 13 year old), since I fell in love with those new binoculars purchased for the Antarctica trip. I've been to Antonelli's Pond so much lately that I'm starting to know which of our feathered friends hang out in certain areas. I've seen so many new (to me) birds and am learning more songs. I got so lost in it yesterday morning, that I would have arrived late to open the store! Luckily, Andrea was here, and laughed at me, but opened. I'm grateful because I saw my first ring-necked duck, and man was he handsome!
See you soon, green peeps.
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Quick Glance
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Wednesday
April 4th
5:30-8:00 p.m.
Castroville, IBEW
USGBC Monthly Meeting
Thursday
April 5th
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cafe Mare
Solar for low-income homeowners
Friday, April 6th
5:00-7:00 p.m.
greenspace
First Friday
Saturday, April 14th
10:00 a.m
Van Ness Ave, SC
SCGB Passive
House Tour
Saturday, April 14th
1:30-2:30 p.m
greenspace
Adventures in Sprouting
Saturday, April 21st
11:00-5:00 p.m
San Lorenzo Park
Earth Day Santa Cruz
Sunday, April 22nd
12:00-4:30 p.m.
Santa Cruz & Aptos
SC Literacy Program: Dream Kitchens Tour
Friday, April 27th
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
greenspace
EcoStucco Workshop
Friday, April 27th
6:30-9:00 p.m.
greenspace
Lightfoot Industries Supper Club
Sunday, April 29th
Santa Cruz
Slow Coast Green Fondo
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Link to our blog!
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We are excited and proud to announce that the greenspace blog is now live. Check in for the latest on green building & design, exclusive scoops on our newest products, and green happenings around Santa Cruz and beyond.
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Coming up at greenspace
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 April 6th 5:00-7:00 p.m.
First Friday Art Tour
Practical and Eco Art for the Home
Join us with an array of UBER TALENTED artists, including: a trunk show of Indian print bedding with two artists: Urban Hues and Raksha Bella, who are offering special prices; woodworkers Matthew Werner and Bob Brandes, Junk Art by Karen Close and Laura Laura, Kyhiera Miller Machado's paintings, Bruce Harmon photography, and Don Jarman from Juya Ceramics. We will be offering a 10% discount on all in stock items, and serving libations and munchies from 5-7.
April 14th 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Adventures in Sprouting
 Learn how to grow delicious, super-healthy sprouts of all sorts, right at home in your kitchen. Fun and easy, this interactive hour will include a review of technique, seed types and some basics to get you started on your very own adventures in sprouting! $5 fee includes a sprouting chart and spout tasting.
$5 Materials fee, Limited to 20 participants
Please RSVP to greenspace
April 27th 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ecostucco Demonstration
The mysteries, beauty and procedures for working with lime plaster are unveiled by the founder of the company, with special emphasis on how to plaster and seal shower surrounds. Everyone is welcome to this introductory workshop, from professionals, to curious homeowners. There will be time for all levels of questions.
FREE
Please RSVP to greenspace
Visit ecostucco.com for more info
April 27th 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Lightfoot Industries Supper Club
 Lightfoot Industries, a hybrid social enterprise that provides entrepreneurial training for teenagers. We use a for-profit restaurant, retail line, and innovative curriculum to model social, environmental and fiscal responsibility.
Lightfoot Supper Club events benefit Lightfoot Academy, and allowed them to acquire their own kitchen and teaching staff, and provide weekly work shifts for over 25 teens apprentices. Supper Club events feature a 5-course, hand-crafted & locally sourced menu paired with local wines, dessert and coffee. Non-alcoholic Lightfoot Sodas will also be included in the ticket price. In addition to dinner, the evening will include private discounted shopping, a short fundraising presentation, Lightfoot teen guest speaker.
Vegetarian & Gluten-free dinner requests can be accommodated, please alert Lightfoot at least 5 full days before the event.
Cost: $100 per Person
Menu and Tickets available here
For more info, please visit lightfootind.com
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Community Events
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USGBC Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, April 4th 5:30-8:00
10300 Merritt St., Castroville
Energy Modeling for Integrated Design & Planning
 Effective energy modeling is central to integrated design. We will discuss the difference between its conventional use (Title-24 energy compliance) and how it is used in an integrated process. We will demonstrate how to test different design scenarios using actual case studies. Modeling outcomes are used to assess LEED Optimized energy credits but, can also be used for Zero Net Energy strategies, Passive House strategies, and to help the design teams to target lowest-cost, highest-impact strategies.
We will touch upon different energy modeling software packages such as Micropas, Energy Pro, HEED, PHPP, and BeOPT. We will discuss how the models can and should be used as tools to support an integrated design process and demonstrate how to test different design scenarios.
More info & registration here
Santa Cruz Green Drinks
Thursday, April 5th 5:30-7:30
Cafe Mare, 740 Front St., Suite 100
David Garti of GRID Alternatives, gridalternatives.org, a non-profit that empowers low-income home owners with solar electric systems and energy efficiency services throughout California, will talk about his work with volunteers, students and job trainees, installing solar electric systems at no cost to qualifying clients. Grid Alternatives has installed over 1,500 systems throughout the state and continues to seek new growth in 2012. In his talk, David will provide an overview of the company and will describe the ways in which people can become involved, either as a volunteer or as an employee.
Green Drinks is an informal networking event where environmentally-minded people meet over drinks. Explore other green events in Santa Cruz through EcoCruz! www.ecocruz.org
 Earth Day Santa CruzSaturday, April 21st 11:00-5:00San Lorenzo Park
Earth Day Santa Cruz is an exciting community event offering educational information, activities for kids, live music and a focus on green businesses. This year's event features expanded, free kids activities including a rock climbing wall, tumbling gymnastics, a sing-a-long for families, an arts and crafts tent and a recycled fashion show. Workshops are scheduled throughout the day, along with live music, an organic wine garden, sustainable food court and much more.
The City of Santa Cruz, the County of Santa Cruz, Ecology Action, Save Our Shores, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz, local non-profits, and concerned citizens are working together to make Earth Day 2012 the premier environmental event for the greater Santa Cruz community.
The Slow Coast Green Fondo
56 Miles | Bonny Doon T T
Sunday, April 29th
Supporting Santa Cruz community non-profits through the promotion of green solutions, healthier lifestyles and a sustainable future.
Fundraise for local non-profits
Who do you ride for? The Slow Coast Green Fondo is a fundraising ride partnering with the Tour of California- SC County Stage, as well as, other local organizations and non-profits in the Santa Cruz Community including: Diabetic Youth Foundation, Food What?!, Save Our Shores, Ecology Action, & SCCCC. There is a $500 Fundraising commitment per cyclist.
The Ride
The 56 mile ride portion of the day will be a fully supported course through Santa Cruz County that will include an optional time trial up Bonny Doon Road. See a map of the route here. Ride starts at 8am and lasts until 1pm Ride Starts at Kelly's Bakery on the West Side.
Green Expo
The Slow Coast Green Fondo is themed around local green solutions for everyday living, from food choices to transportation & energy choices. The Green Expo will be an opportunity for the community to connect with green businesses and learn how to get involved with Green industries and grow the green economy.
Dinner
The day will conclude with a Multi-Course Slow Food Dinner (3:30-6:00pm) with local wine pairing, raffle, & auction. The dinner is hosted by Main Street Garden & Cafe.
Top Event Prizes will include:
A Seat in Lead Pace Car for the Tour of California - San Francisco-Santa Cruz Stage
VIP Passes to Tour of California - Santa Cruz Stage
A custom, Calfee Bamboosero Frame, and more....
Link for more information
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Santa Cruz Green Builders: Midori Haus Tour
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April 14th, 10:00AM - 135 Van Ness Ave. Santa Cruz, 95060
 See how an old California Craftsman can be turned into an showcase green home! As the first house in Santa Cruz County to be certified as a Passive House, the Midori House will be one of the most energy efficient houses in California. It is under construction now, so the tour will highlight the features and systems that you don't usually get to see in a finished home. What is a passive house? (from the Passive House Institute, US): A Passive House is a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical equipment, etc. Energy losses are minimized. Any remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading and window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply. The result is an impressive system that not only saves up to 90% of space heating costs, but also provides a uniquely terrific indoor air quality.  In this tour, you will get to see examples of air sealing the entire building envelope and individual components:
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) provides constant fresh air at incredible efficiency
Triple glazed, super sealed windows
Structured plumbing system
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Santa Cruz Kitchen Tour
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Sunday, April 22nd 12-4:30 p.m. 
The Literacy Program is holding its 4th annual kitchen tour. Here's your chance to explore five fabulous kitchens located in Santa Cruz and Aptos, and gain ideas for your own dream kitchen, or just enjoy looking. The kitchens feature state-of-the-art appliances, beautiful cabinetry, and stylish architecture. AD Construction, along with Beyond the Box, greenspace favorite business referrals, will have beautiful kitchens (such as the one pictured here) on the tour, featuring many products available at greenspace.
Tickets are $15, cash or check made out to Santa Cruz Literacy Program, available online and at greenspace.
More information available here
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OMI Earth Day Sale
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April 13th-23rd
Buy an OMI Mattress and receive up to $500 in credit towards any OMI accessories, including mattress pads, pillows, & toppers.
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green classified ads
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Reclaimed Doug Fir Flooring
~ 2 1/4" Wide, Straight Grain
Approximately 1000-1500 sf available
Interested parties please contact Jeremiah Harn at 831.462.0528
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At greenspace, we strive for to stay on the cutting edge of green, providing honest answers for your green lifestyle. Rely on us for flooring such as natural linoleum, cork, hardwood, palm and bamboo, carpet, non-toxic, no-VOC paint, stains, sealants, recycled content tile for your remodeling projects, beds, bedding, linens, towels, gift certificates, wedding and baby registries, eco-solutions, books, magazines, baby, pet, cleaning supplies, compostable picnic, water filtration, kitchen ware and more for eco living.
www.greenspacecompany.com
Open Monday - Friday 9-6 / Saturday & Sunday 10-5
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