Let’s make 2008 the year where we change something about our lifestyle. 

Something that has a positive impact on the planet. Something that may be a small gesture, but with long lasting results. Something that can affect not just our quality of life, but that of the people around us and of future generations. As you are considering your New Year’s resolutions, consider making 2008 the year of living locally.

All over the media we hear about people who are challenging themselves to participate in their local community in some way. Talking heads spout about the benefits for everyone, from farmers to your waistline, of eating locally grown food. Business owners talk about the community benefits of supporting locally owned businesses. And of course, there are many side benefits to changing your lifestyle and concentrating it in your local community.

We have decided to tackle the “local” issue full bore. We are going to offer a series of workshops about living locally. Every other month, starting in January, we will host someone from the community who will talk about their area of expertise when it comes to living locally.

Thurday, June 19th at 7 p.m. 

The Northwest Green Home Primer by Kathleen O'Brien and Kathleen Smith

Everyone can make green home decisions on a budget with this inspiring, information-packed guide. Whether you are building, remodeling, buying, or just curious, here are real-world strategies for getting the greenest results from your budget, with hundreds of ideas for a home that is built to last, comfortable and healthy, money- and time-saving in the long term, and kind to the planet. What shade of green is right for you, your resources, schedule, and setting, and how can you achieve it? What questions should you ask? What approaches and resources are best for the Northwest? From your home's exterior to its operating systems within, from siting to interior design, this is the basic training that has given many the confidence to proceed.

Award-winning sustainable design and building consultant and teacher Kathleen O'Brien and architectural designer and sustainability consultant Kathleen Smith offer their "top picks" for each phase. Their perspective is both down-to-earth and cutting edge. They've also each faced their own green home challenges in a single family house and a duplex, and other case studies show affordable energy-efficient green homes both old and new. Brimming with ideas, clear and logical, with tips, checklists, and resources for green home planning, construction, remodeling, and maintenance, extensively illustrated with photos and diagrams, this is the essential green home manual for novice and professional alike.

Other events we are working on:

Biodiesel/hybrid cars

Shopping locally

How to make your home more energy efficient

Local wines and seasonal food

Bicycle workshops

Check back regularly for more events and news!