Community

Where can I learn more about climate change?

• The Alliance for Climate Protection is a non-profit organization, founded by former Vice-President Al Gore, that aims to educate individuals on the “importance, urgency and feasibility” of working to resolve the climate crisis through collaborative efforts. The Alliance has paved the way for such campaigns as We, whose ultimate goal is to stop global warming.
• Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) is a national network of business people who believe that developing good environmental policy is essential to our nation's future economic success. Through their partnership with NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), E2 supports environmental issues financially as well as through volunteer and advocacy efforts.
• Rainforest Action Network draws attention to the role of financial institutions in the financing of activities that have climate impact.

How do I learn about building green?

• Build it Green has many workshops and presentations about building resource-efficient buildings in California. They also offer tours of Green Homes in the Bay Area.
• Green Building in Alameda County provides practical tips to help homeowners and businesses. They provide links to Home Remodeling Guidelines, New Home Construction Guidelines, and a GreenPoint Checklist that homeowners can go over with their architect or construction manager.
• The US Green Building Council has established the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification program. Find out how LEED applies for commercial buildings and homes at USGBC-LEED.

How do I learn more about Solar and Renewable Energy?

• Issued by the California Energy Commission, the Consumer Energy Center offers the latest information pertaining to energy resources for homes, businesses and transportation.
• The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website from the U.S. Department of Energy has the latest news and program developments for the renewable energy sector.
• FindSolar.com offers estimates on solar installations, addresses common solar inquiries, and helps link consumers with a Solar Pro in their area.
• Go Solar California provides information on solar installation and incentives for new homes, existing homes, non-residential buildings, and low-income/affordable housing in California. The website also covers the California Solar Initiative, which aims to create 3,000 megawatts of new, solar-produced electricity by 2017.
• SEIA The Solar Energy Industries Association offers general information on the different forms of solar energy, solar facts and myths, and important investment tax credit information and resources.

How do I find sustainably and locally grown foods?

• The Pacific Coast Farmer's Market Association is the Farmer's Market Association that operates and promotes certified farmer's markets throughout Northern California.
• Marin Organic is a coalition of organic farmers, ranchers, and agriculture advisors in Marin County. Their website features links to each farm's contact information. They also offer farm tours and some apprenticeships.
• CUESA is the nonprofit that operates the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, but also conducts many educational programs. Their website includes sustainable agriculture and food systems information.
• Locavores is a website devoted to eating locally in the Bay Area; it has links to the addresses of local foodsheds and farmer's markets.
• Wise Food Ways provides information about where to find Free-Range and Grass-Fed Beef and other Meat, Poultry, Fresh, Organic, Local Vegetables and Fruits, and Naturally-Leavened Whole Grain Breads in the Bay Area.

How do I conserve energy/ buy energy efficient appliances?

• The Alliance to Save Energy has a host of information about energy efficient insulation, lighting, and windows. It also has a database of over 60 energy efficiency funds worldwide to help research energy efficiency.
• CEC The California Energy Commission's website is packed full of information. See the column entitled "energy efficiency" for practical information about appliance standards, building standards, consumer tips, and efficiency rebates.
• Energy Star The Energy Star website has a "products" page with information on every kind of energy-star appliance imaginable from battery chargers to traffic signals. They also provide tips on home improvement with advice on how to fix everything from high energy bills to dry winter air or peeling paint.
• Flex Your Power has advice on incentives and rebates for energy efficient appliances. It has product guides and information on more energy efficient "envelope" building practices, and there is even a "water efficiency" page with information on how to save water and energy by installing low flow showerheads and toilets.
• PG&E's Rebate Page has information on how to get PG&E rebates for a wide variety of energy-saving projects around the house. Most of the rebates are available on energy efficient appliances, insulation, lighting, and pool pumps and motors.

Where can I learn more about the sustainability movement in business?

The green business movement is growing rapidly. There are numerous resources available for businesses interested in sustainability, but these sites are a good source to begin the search.

• Cleantech.com
• Co-op America.org
• Greenbiz.com
• Organic Trade Association
• San Francisco Department of the Environment
• Social Venture Network
• Sustainable Industries
• West Coast Green