January 2010 Newsletter

Building an Honest Economy

At the Green Chamber Annual Celebration in November, we committed ourselves to building an honest economy for all people and our planet.

We believe the fundamentals of an honest economy include integrity, transparency, community, sustainability and humility. And we’re seeking these characteristics on all levels and from all stakeholders – individual, business and government.

We’re looking forward to continuing to offer our members opportunities to develop their businesses and participate in growing a green and honest economy.

Happy 2010! May it be full of abundance, prosperity and meaningful & fun work.

New Sponsor: Sustainable Industries
We are proud to announce that Sustainable Industries is now a Green Chamber of Commerce Sponsor!

Sustainable Industries is an independent, award-winning media company serving business leaders on the West Coast with its monthly magazine, quarterly business guides, webinars, events, and more. Sustainable Industries connects the dots between key sectors such as Clean Energy, Green Building, Technology and Food, Finance, Law and Education.  Sustainable Industries serves a very focused audience that includes business executives, entrepreneurs, MBA students and thought leaders with truly independent analysis, indispensable tools, and a refreshingly authentic voice.

All Green Chamber members receive a 50% discount on print or digital subscriptions. Contact us for the discount code.

We’re looking forward to an exciting year with such an exceptional, thought-provoking media source.

If you missed out on the Sustainable Industries TrendWatch 2010 Webinar last week, you can check it out here. It’s definitely worth listening too…great insight.

Welcome New Members!
Alexandra Sheets Saikley Architecture
Andean Naturals
Berkeley Hills Realty
Blue Iguana Software
Dimensional Dynamics
Direct Dental Plans
Earthlust
Korala Consulting
Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning
Lucien & Co.
Progressive Asset Management-FWG
StopWaste.org
Thinkshift
Todd Jersey Architecture
Way To Be Designs
ZippGo

Take Action
Consumer Financial Protection Agency
The CFPA will protect small to mid-size businesses as well as millions of consumers from abusive financial services and products. It guarantees a strong and fair financial regulatory system with real accountability.

More information: here
Sign letter of support.

Continued Implementation of AB 32
Opponents of the state’s climate plan have started a campaign to repeal AB 32 through an initiative that may end up on the November 2010 ballot.

Join the California Business Alliance for a Green Economy – a group dedicated to supporting California’s efforts to promote clean energy, fossil fuel independence, and climate security.

Green Chamber Events
Wednesday, January 20th: Post Holiday Party
A celebration of good community, good work and good spirits!

Hosted by:
Green Chamber of Commerce
Sustainable Business Alliance
East Bay Green Drinks

When: 5:30 – 8:00PM, Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Where: Luka’s Tap Room, 2221 Broadway (3 blocks north of the 19th Street Bart station), Oakland
Cost: No door charge. Cash bar.

Many thanks to our event sponsor StopWaste.Org
Complimentary appetizers from 5:30-6pm provided by StopWaste.Org!

Tuesday, February 2nd: Sustainability Metrics for All Stakeholders: Business, Community, and Customer

This engaging and interactive workshop will be led by Ed Quevedo and Sarah Isabel Parriott from Paladin Law Group® LLP.

We’ll be enjoying fresh food from Amanda’s and organic beer & wine.
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Special thanks to the Institute for Environmental Entrepreneurship for sponsoring the event space at the beautiful David Brower Center.

When: Tuesday, February 2nd, 5:30-8:30PM
Where: The David Brower Center, Tamalpais Room
Cost: $10 for Green Chamber members, $15 for non-members; $5 more at the door
Pre-register: here

Other Events
Friday, January 15th: San Francisco Green Business Tour

Eco Excursions will launch on Friday, January 15th with its first San Francisco Green Business Tour.  The tour will visit some of the city’s interesting and innovative green, sustainable businesses.  Meet with their owners to hear their stories about “going green” and learn about the benefits and challenges of their unique sustainable practices.

Lunch and beverages included.

When: 10am- 4pm
Cost: $25
More info and registration: here

Friday, January 22nd: Applications due for Acterra 2010 Business Environmental Awards

Has your company demonstrated environmental leadership by implementing innovative/comprehensive sustainable business practices? If so, you may be eligible to receive special recognition for your achievements.

Eligibility: Any private or public business entity, division or facility located in Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Santa Cruz County is eligible to apply.  Non-profit organizations are eligible if environmental work is not their central mission.

Categories:
Acterra Award for Sustainability
Pollution Prevention/Resource Conservation
Commute and Transportation
Environmental Enterprise
Environmental & Sustainability Education
Sustainable Built Environment

Download application here.

Thursday, January 28th: Free Transport Packaging Solutions Workshop

The StopWaste Partnership and Reusable Packaging Association invite San Francisco Bay Area businesses to think outside the (disposable) box, at a 3-hour educational workshop about reusable transport packaging. Making smart decisions about transport packaging materials-such as pallets and crates-can save costs, reduce product damage and lower a company’s environmental footprint.

When: 10AM-1PM
Where: StopWaste.Org office, 1537 Webster Street, Oakland
Cost: free. Lunch included
For more information: contact Reusables@StopWaste.Org or 1-877-STOPWASTE (786-7927)
RSVP (required): here