I just stumbled on this great listing of eco events in the SF Bay Area from the ecology center.  Find the link here. 

There are some cool events coming up including:  The Art of Solar Cooking, Sat, July 31.   "Solar cookers are used as a humanitarian tool in many parts of the world, such as Kenya and India, to help alleviate the high costs and terrible health risks associated with wood-burning stoves.  Did you know that you, too, can benefit from the efficiency and high quality cooking provided by solar cookers?  This workshop will teach participants about the use, design, and practical applications of solar cookers and demonstrate several different professional designs and several made from recycled materials.  We will explore the connections between function and aesthetics of solar cookers in the garden, the health benefits of solar cooking, and as components of improved sustainability.  Space is limited, call/email to pre-register.  Please specify when registering if ASL interpretation is requested, (at least 10 working days in advance)."  This event is in Berkeley, check the calendar for specifics. 

I popped into the newly opened eco home improvement store called EcoHaus.  It is at 1090 Bryant Street.  Telephone: 415.692.0662. Monday - Friday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.  

There are green products galore including: marmoleum, FSC certified flooring, low flow toilets, kitchen cabinets, paints...  There was an FSC certified floor (where they displayed wood flooring) that blew my mind, it had lots of colors and grains.  The kitchen cabinets had all sorts of sophisticated hinges that would make access to top shelves much easier.  Many Paperstone samples with all the colors too!

Dwell on Design hits LA June 25-27 at the LA Convention Center - it's billed as the largest design event on the West Coast.  Some exhibitors include: Akeena Solar, Arrigoni Woods, Berkeley Mills, ecofabulous.com, Gus Modern, Ice Stone, NanaWall and Solar City.  Asia Now, Architizer Design Clinic and the Designer is IN are some of the featured exhibits and there will also be scheduled home tours.
 

There will be a "Sustainability Stage" on each day of the convention.  Discussions include:    How to Live a Sustainable Life, Growing an Urban Garden, Creative Communities and many others.  Find more info here.       

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and their Committee on the Environment (COTE) have chosen the 2010 Top Ten Green Projects.  

2010 Top Ten Award Winners

For information on the ten measures and supporting metrics used to evaluate the entries, see the Top Ten Metrics View.

I just came across this chic modern outdoor furniture from LA based Scout Regalia.  The outdoor table set is made from untreated FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood (wood from managed forests) and enameled aluminum, which puts a nice spin on the classic park table.  Time for a picnic!