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. 

Here's a great article from our friends over at EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) about chemical dangers, the burden of proof, and the US government's proposed actions on chemical oversight vs. Europe and other countries.  If we care about our families, ourselves and the planet, we'll clamor to make these important changes as quickly as possible.

Article here

Want to sustainably rid yourself of waste that accumulates in the home and office after gifts, parties, and the holiday season?  For our American audience:

Any UPS Store will accept clean boxes, bubble wrap, styrofoam peanuts, etc. Locations: go here

Most grocery stores (Safeway, Whole Foods, etc.) recycle thin-film plastic bags, including

I know Furni is all about the home, but I thought this tag was pretty relevant anyway.  It was a tag from an item of clothing (okay, underwear) that came from the UK (I didn't know it shipped from the UK or I wouldn't have bought it).  Nonetheless, I wonder if we'll see tags like this on our textiles stateside.  Another item of, ahem, clothing, had this on the tag:  "Save Energy, Wash at 30 Degrees."  Cool!

Today is Blog Action Day 2009, and this year’s topic, selected by popular vote, is climate change. 

If you haven’t heard by now, there is a lot of scientific evidence that the earth’s atmosphere is changing due to man-made side effects of the consumption of fossil fuels.  Along with the atmospheric changes come weather and elemental changes such as melting glaciers and loss of habitat, rising oceans, droughts and loss of potable drinking water, tsunamis and hurricanes.  There is a tipping point, beyond which we cannot stop the mounting effects that will destroy much of the life on this planet.  It’s probably the single biggest challenge of our generation, and may be the defining act of humankind, how we respond to this self-created crisis.  So what can we, as designers, do to positively affect climate change?

Live, work and design sustainably.  Take a serious look at your workplace, your home, and your designs.  Do they incorporate sustainable principles?  Are you taking every possible measure to reduce your consumption, reuse what you have already and recycle anything else in a responsible manner?  Are you considering environmental and chemical factors when selecting products and finishes?  Do you provide a transparent service to your clients and educate them?  Are you educating yourself with the latest information on products, services and eco-design techniques?  (Furnicology.com can help you here!)