The Official Why:

There’s nothing official, just totally biased because I’m one of the organizers. See below.

The EcoPop Why:

This is THE place to be if you wan to meet up with green minded folks at SXSW. Take a break from geeking out over Google earth and geek out over the real earth.  Co-hosted by TriplePundit and EcoPop.tv means there’s a focus on green media but the happy hour is open to non-profits, social entrepreneurs, issues bloggers, clean techies, environmental filmmakers and as we like to lovingly say, “anyone who gives a damn.”

The exciting news is that Cree LED signed up to sponsor the event so there’s free beer while supplies last and If you’re thinking we paired up with Cree just for the sponsorship dough, think again. With the help of their social media guru, Ginny Skalski, Cree is using the power of social media to educate people about the benefits of energy effecient LED lighting (LEDs last much longer than CFLs and also don’t contain mercury) and we love that! If you’re a loyal EcoPop viewer you might have noticed that right on the homepage, I state “EcoPop is not ‘how to’ TV. It is not preachy, compost this, recycle that, change your freaking light bulb (although you should) TV.” I’d like to elaborate–I’m all for changing light bulbs–but as a content creator, I’m less interested in the how and more interested in the why. Cree provides the why.

They also provide the light. The Cree Lighting the LED Revolution site is an interactive LED makeover playground. Who doesn’t have a totally depressing and horrible lighting situation somewhere in their home or office? I do and it’s called the living room. On their site, people can upload photos of the their dim dining rooms and enter a chance to win Cree recessed lighting. I can’t explain it, either it’s the voyeur in me or the fact that I take comfort in knowing I’m not alone in my lighting woes but I really enjoy clicking through their “cries for help” photos. I’m hoping they include “after” photos at some point for a complete “before and after” experience. One makeover at a time, Cree is proving that the LED lighting Revolution has begun.

Last but certainly not least, we’re giving out eco goodies provided by our amazing gift bag sponsors:  TheEcoLuxeLife, Hail Merry, Josie Maran Cosmetics, Honest Tea, FilterForGood & Brita, Joyful Bath Co., and Herbalogic.

RSVP here and I’ll see you there!!

Global Green USA Pre-Oscar Party

March 3, 2010

Los Angeles, CA

The Official Why:

Founded in 1994 by activist and philanthropist Diane Meyer Simon, Global Green is the American Arm of Green Cross International (GCI), which was created by President Mikhail S. Gorbachev to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future by reconnecting humanity with the environment. Global Green is working to address some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. In the United States our work is primarily focused on stemming global climate change by creating green buildings and cities. The Global Green Pre-Oscar Party benefits Global Green’s national initiatives to fight climate change by creating healthy, green homes, school and communities.

The EcoPop Why:

Their party tagline might be “Greener Cities for a Cooler Planet” but this party is hot, hot, hot! Celebrities galore including James Cameron who is getting all kinds of eco buzz over his hit film Avatar.  James Cameron himself has been calling Avatar a catalyst for environmental action saying he now wants to “use the spotlight that’s been put on him by Avatar’s success to bring attention to environmental causes.”

Music by Camp Freddy & friends, Benji & Joel Madden of Good Charlotte and Mia Maestro will make sure you can’t hear a dang thing anyone is actually saying about global warming but that’s ok cuz this party is about rocking, not talking.  Best news yet–I’ll be there with some of my fellow Project Green Search girls working the green scene in eco couture! Party organizers promise:  eco friendly décor, celebrity arrivals in eco friendly automobiles, bicycles and carpool, organic hors d’oeuvres, no disposable glasses or dishes and eco product gift bags.

For libations, Global Green USA has chosen 360 Organic Vodka as their vodka sponsor. Calling themselves the “world’s first eco-friendly flavored vodka series” they offer up crazy flavors like cola and double chocolate. Too bad they didn’t call themselves 350 vodka and hook up with 350.org’s 350 Day of Action because I certainly could’ve used a drink after marching in the rain for hours but I digress. Organic cuisine provided by Honey at the Avalon and wine by  Newton Vineyard, a sustainable winery in St. Helena, CA.  Pretty cool after all!

Historic Green “Spring Greening”

March 9-19, 2010

New Orleans, LA

The Official Why:

Historic Green serves to transform and revitalize communities through education and charitable activities that integrate sustainable design and heritage conservation practices.  During the previous “Spring Greening” events in March 2008 & 2009, Historic Green and businesses  contributed more than $250,000 worth of volunteer labor to 12 various projects. Now in its third year, the Historic Green event “Spring Greening“ continues to focus on sustainability and preservation techniques to combine the concepts of green design construction and historic restoration.

As one of the most devastated parts of New Orleans ravaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Holy Cross in the Lower 9th Ward is being rebuilt and restored sustainably, with the help of young professionals and student volunteers in the construction industry. More than 85 percent of this area’s homes are listed on the National Historic Registry. Holy Cross has aims to be carbon neutral by the year 2020 and climate neutral by 2030. Nowhere else in the world, perhaps, is this more possible than the Lower Ninth Ward.

The EcoPop Why:

Sure you could spend Spring Break in Daytona Beach or Cancun but the only green you’ll see  there is the money spent on cheap flip flops and bad margaritas, plus you probably won’t remember it anyway!  Open to college students, young professionals, skilled professionals, retirees, community members and anyone who can work a shovel or a paintbrush, Historic Green’s Spring Greening event is an opportunity to do some green good.  The projects this year include:

-Construct a new LEED Platinum facility to house the new offices of the Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development (CSED)
-Partner with Lower Ninth homeowners to green their properties: weatherization, radiant barriers, widespread installation of compact fluorescent lamps
-Continue renovations of the Lower 9th Ward Village
-Design and install demonstration rain gardens throughout the Lower Ninth Ward
-Restore a tupelo cypress ecosystem at Bayou Bienvenue and ”green up” public spaces around the Bayou

Cree LED Revolution Green Media Happy Hour

March 15, 2010 (#ecomonday on Twitter!)

SXSW

Austin, TX

The Official Why:

There’s nothing official, just totally biased because I’m one of the organizers. See below.

The EcoPop Why:

This is THE place to be if you wan to meet up with green minded folks at SXSW. Take a break from geeking out over Google earth and geek out over the real earth.  Co-hosted by TriplePundit and EcoPop.tv means there’s a focus on green media but the happy hour is open to non-profits, social entrepreneurs, issues bloggers, clean techies, environmental filmmakers and as we like to lovingly say, “anyone who gives a damn.”

The exciting news is that Cree LED signed up to sponsor the event so there’s free beer while supplies last and If you’re thinking we paired up with Cree just for the sponsorship dough, think again. With the help of their social media guru, Ginny Skalski, Cree is using the power of social media to educate people about the benefits of energy effecient LED lighting and we love that! If you’re a loyal EcoPop viewer you might have noticed that right on the homepage, I state “EcoPop is not ‘how to’ TV. It is not preachy, compost this, recycle that, change your freaking light bulb (although you should) TV.” I’d like to elaborate–I’m all for changing light bulbs–but as a content creator, I’m less interested in the how and more interested in the why. Cree provides the why.

They also provide the light. The Cree Lighting the LED Revolution site is an interactive LED makeover playground. Who doesn’t have a totally depressing and horrible lighting situation somewhere in their home or office? I do and it’s called the living room. On their site, people can upload photos of the their dim dining rooms and enter a chance to win Cree recessed lighting. I can’t explain it, either it’s the voyeur in me or the fact that I take comfort in knowing I’m not alone in my lighting woes but I really enjoy clicking through their “cries for help” photos. I’m hoping they include “after” photos at some point for a complete “before and after” experience. One makeover at a time, Cree is proving that the LED lighting Revolution has begun.

Last but certainly not least, we’re giving out eco goodies provided by our amazing gift bag sponsors:  TheEcoLuxeLife, Hail Merry, Josie Maran Cosmetics, Honest Tea, FilterForGood & Brita, Joyful Bath Co., and Herbalogic.

RSVP here and I’ll see you there!!

Environmental Film Festival

March 16-28, 2010

Washington, DC

The Official Why:

As we enter a new decade of the 21st century, the Environmental Film Festival comes of age, marking 18 eventful years in Washington, D.C. with our biggest and most ambitious Festival yet. This year the Festival is proud to present 155 diverse and thought-provoking films, including 66 Washington, D.C., United States and World premieres, that celebrate the wonder of the natural world and illuminate the growing challenges to life on earth.

The 2010 Festival explores the vital connections between food and the environment. What we eat is essential to our health and well being; how food is produced and transported to our tables affects the condition of our planet. Additional films address the environmental implications of such diverse subjects as the current natural gas drilling boom, mountaintop removal and the mysterious disappearance of frogs, while others point to the success of businesses that are adopting green practices and stimulating the growth of clean, renewable energy.

The EcoPop Why:

An entire festival dedicated to environmental films? I’m in heaven! And it’s in my backyard! The only thing I’m bummed about is that I’ll be out of town and miss the festival launch party, March 10th which advertises open bar, hors d’oeuvres, music, raffles and special guest speaker Nora Pouillon, founder of Restaurant Nora, the nation’s first certified organic restaurant….did you catch that people? The nation’s first certified organic restaurant was in DC–not California, not New York. DC. Thank you.

Anyway, a few films on my must see list: 

Nora! (of course) profiles Washington restaurateur, Nora Pouillon, founder of my FAVORITE restaurant.

HomeGrown spotlights an urban family farm in Pasadena, California.

Who Killed Crassostrea Virginica? investigates the decline of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.

GasLand, an award-winner from the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, will screen on the Festival’s opening night with filmmaker Josh Fox in attendance.

Green, a stylized exploration of the effects of deforestation on an orangutan and winner of Grand Teton award at Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival.

Oh and here’s the super mega amazing part:  most screenings are free!

Earth Hour

March 27, 8:30pm

Global

The Official Why:

On Earth Hour hundreds of millions of people, organizations, corporations and governments around the world will come together to make a bold statement about their concern for climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. In the U.S. where we are already feeling the impacts of climate change, Earth Hour sends a clear message that Americans care about this issue and want to turn the lights out on dirty air, dangerous dependency on foreign oil and costly climate change impacts, and make the switch to cleaner air, a strong economic future and a more secure nation.

The EcoPop Why:

This is so easy people. You don’t even leave your house.  All you do is turn off your lights for an hour. Even you with energy efficient LED lights, turn ‘em off!  Does turning off your lights for an hour make an actual impact on global warming? Heck no. But that’s not the point. Earth Hour is about sending a powerful visual message to world leaders that you are “voting for action with your light switch.”  Symbolic events can be very effective at galvanizing public opinion and fostering social change. WWF started Earth Hour because climate change is one of the greatest threats facing wildlife and nature….remember polar bears?  Set your clock, gather your candles, pour your organic wine and enjoy an hour of mood lighting for the earth.

February 21, 2010     College Park, MD

The Official Why:

Weddings have a huge environmental and financial impact – and the larger the event, the more punch they pack. Considering there are more than 2 million weddings in the U.S. each year, the power of a wedding to change the world is significant. A green wedding is simply a wedding for which the couple has made choices that limit the negative impact to the planet. It can be a little or a lot, because every aspect of your Big Day can be greener – from the invites to the flowers to the make-up – even your napkin choices can help save the planet! The Mid Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase is on a mission to make weddings and other special events both magical and eco-friendly. We have a passion for saving the planet. One step at a time.

The EcoPop Why:

It’s clear that these people are the real deal. There are lots of events and trade shows out there cashing in on green but run by people who don’t know the difference between biodynamic and biodegradable. These folks do.  Besides being an insanely convenient way for brides to discover local green wedding resources, the event itself is super green:  no paper tickets, posters or programs, energy offset by Carbon Fund and all organic/local food.

One thing is for sure, you will be hydrated: local favorite, Honest Tea is providing cold samples of  Honest Ade and Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company is making sure everyone stays caffeinated. But, if you find wedding planning overwhelming in general, you might need something stronger. Eco-Bar and Square One organic vodka are mixing the cocktails which you can enjoy while watching the Aveda Institute Eco Fashion Show. Hello, slam dunk anyone? You know how much I loved being a hemp bride at The Green Festival,  but there’s alot more out there when in comes to eco wedding dresses which you’ll see up close on the runway.  All dresses in the show are made of eco friendly fabrics, recycled or vintage. All jewelry in the show is made of fair trade or recycled stones and recycled metals and materials.

I’m also super excited to check out the exhibitors and say hello to my friends from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation who are offering their stunning Bayfront LEED certified headquarters as a special event location–who knew?! Definitely a must attend event for the modern green bride who appreciates style and substance.

San Francisco Ocean Film Festival

February 3-7, 2010

San Francisco, CA

The Official Why:

The San Francisco Ocean Film Festival, North America’s premier cinemaquatic© event explores the beauty, mystery and excitement of the seven seas.  With a reputation as the largest and most diverse festival of its kind, the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival features more than 50 documentaries, animations, narratives and other traditional and experimental genre on topics including sharks and marine wildlife, surfing, kayaking and ocean adventures, environmental issues, island culture and more. Every year, SFOFF produces an acclaimed festival of ocean-themed films from all over the world that are largely unavailable to the general public. Themes range from marine science and industry to sports and adventure. The films are intended not only to entertain the audience but, more importantly, to educate and encourage active participation in ocean conservation.

The EcoPop Why:

For the first time, the Festival is being presented by Aquarium of the Bay, The Bay Institute and the National Marine Sanctuaries – three organizations with strong environmental and conservation-focused messages. Before I lived on the Chesapeake Bay, I lived on the SF Bay and before that Santa Monica Bay (what can I say, I like Bays) so I know first hand how fragile and important these ecosystems are.  By partnering with these organizations, the SFOFF is drawing attention to the local restoration of the SF Bay but the festival also has global appeal.  Screening this year is The Cove, a documentary about  dolphin activist Ric O’Barry and his team as they launch  a covert operation to uncover the illegal practice in Japan of capturing thousands of wild dolphins for theme parks and slaughtering the imperfect ones for food. I love how the festival also programs films about how people enjoy the ocean. From surfing to sailing, there are several films that celebrate our love for water to remind us how connected we are to the big blue.

State of Green Business Forum

February 4, 2010

San Francisco, CA

The Official Why:

The one-day information-packed event coincides with the release of GreenBiz.com’s “State of Green Business 2010,” the acclaimed annual status report on corporate environmental trends and progress. Green Business is the economic story that has all eyes on it. From innovative new technologies that improve operational efficiencies, to marketing practices that are thriving in an age of radical transparency, the green business landscape is rapidly evolving. And in spite of tough economic times, forward-looking companies are leveraging green and sustainable practices to gain a competitive advantage, and are preparing for better times ahead.

The EcoPop Why:

In between screenings at the SF Ocean Film Festival, pop over to the PG&E Auditorium for a panel on “Green Marketing in the Age of Radical Transparency.”  Greenwashing is alive and well but it’s more and more challenging for companies to get away with it.  It’s difficult not to roll your eyes when you hear about Walmart going green but their ambitious plan to rate the sustainability of all consumer goods and reward the manufacturers of those goods with contracts and better shelf placement has the potential to have massive global impact on sustainable business practices. With speakers representing varying agendas, it’s bound to be an exciting conversation.

The Green Shows

February 14-17, 2010

New York, NY

The Official Why:

The GreenShows is the only premiere fashion event exclusively committed to eco- friendly, ethically sound, fair-trade fashion during New York Fashion Week. This 4- day event will feature a selection of eco-conscious fashion designers who have been given the opportunity, support and resources to show their collection under one roof. The GreenShows will follow a rigorous path, from top to bottom, to make sure the production is 100% environmentally friendly and energy efficient. From the runway to the lighting, the design team will use recycled, recyclable, and compostable material to create a beautiful and resource conscious layout as a backdrop to the collections. The GreenShows is the venue of choice to showcase the Fall/Winter 2010 collections from 10 eco-minded and global designers: Samantha Pleet, Gary Harvey, House Of Organic/Ekovaruhuset, Willian, deux fm, Joann Berman, Popomomo, Thieves by Sonja den Elzen, Vaute Couture, and C. Marchuska.

The EcoPop Why:

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with some love for sustainable fashion.  Deux fm’s motto, “love, think, eco, chic” says it all.   The 4 day event is presented by lifestyle partners: 311 E11: Village Green–a premier boutique collection of condominium residences targeted to be the first LEED-Gold certified building in the East Village; and Weleda, pioneers of organic and Biodynamic® skincare. Eco-conscious makeup and hair provided by DEX New York and John Masters Organics. I’ve shot with John Masters and he is  such a sweetheart.   If you haven’t visited his Soho salon, you must and while you indulge in a shiatsu scalp & hair treatment you might just get a doggy kiss from his sweet golden retriever Maya.  Of course it wouldn’t be a rocking green event without some green vodka to warm up the crowd.  Cold River Vodka is a handcrafted, estate grown potato vodka from Maine that is Gluten Free and has been rated “The Best American Vodka”. They are the only “Ground to Glass” distillery in North America and their Green Thumb Farms in Fryeburg, ME is committed to green-friendly practices and sustainable agriculture.  Lastly, if you don’t have any eco couture to wear to the shows, at least cover up your un-organic, pesticide-soaked frock with Vaute Couture’s electric blue vegan coat. It is downright darlin’ and all net profits of the sale go to Farm Sanctuary.

Greener Gadget Conference

February 25, 2010

New York, NY

The Official Why:

he Greener Gadgets Conference tackles all of the issues surrounding energy efficiency and sustainable design, from innovative advances in packaging and product manufacturing to end-of-life recycling solutions. It also highlights ways in which electronics make a major impact by utilizing renewable energy in developing nations. The conference closes out with the incredibly popular Greener Gadgets Design Competition, highlighting a new class of sustainable product concepts, from those that create their own energy to those that minimize the need for any electricity at all.

The EcoPop Why:

Solar-powered back-packs? That’s for the local science fair.  This is where you get to see super innovative crazy mind-blowing green technology concepts that will tickle your inner geek even if you don’t think you have one.  The winner of the 2009 Design Competition was Tweet-A-Watt, a power meter that tweets your energy usage so your followers can see if you really walk the green talk after all.  DIY kits to build your own Tweet-A-Watt are now available for purchase.  You can vote on the 50 finalists for this year’s competition online and see the announcement of the winner at the conference.

Play Green Festival

February 26, 2010

Berkeley, CA

The Official Why:

The Bay Area’s premier eco-experiential event, where you’ll experience and learn how to play, live and work a greener lifestyle will be held at the Pauley Ball Room on the UC Berkeley campus. Join thousands of UC Berkeley students, campus and community supporters as they touch, taste, feel, experience and learn about the latest products, fashions, technology, services, sounds, cuisine and career opportunities from the very best local and national eco-friendly companies. Hosted by Cal Recreational Sports, admission to the ultimate eco-experiential festival is free.

The Ecopop Why:

Look, Berkeley knows green. The University of California, Berkeley, is one of only 15 colleges in the country to have earned the top score for environmentally friendly policies by The Princeton Review.  For the event itself, they haven’t published the schedule yet or the list of exhibitors but knowing Berkeley it’s unlikely to disappoint.

Maui Whale Festival

February 6-March 6

Maui, Hawaii

The Official Why:

Maui Whale Festival is an “umbrella” name for a series of fun-filled whale-themed events hosted on Maui by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation during the month of February. Most events are free or of low cost and open to the public. They draw together visitors and Maui residents of all ages, and offer opportunities to enjoy live music and local culture while learning about whales and the environment.

The EcoPop Why:

It’s not like you really need a reason to go to Maui in the bitter cold month of February but supporting the Pacific Whale Foundations is certainly a good one.  Their mission is to promote appreciation, understanding and protection of whales, dolphins, coral reefs and the planet’s oceans. Every year humpback whales leave their feeding grounds off Alaska and migrate to warmer climates for the winter with the majority picking Maui’s warm clear water  as their ocean playground. I like the way they think.  Due to illegal whaling, net entanglement and pollution, they are listed on the endangered species list. The festival hopes to spread awareness about the humpback’s plight and also celebrate its beauty.  They’ve scheduled all kinds of events including a 2 day symposium, “Watching Whales, Saving Whales,” a whale count and their signature event on February 20th, “Whale Day.” The event itself is committed to being a green event and appropriately only serving sustainable seafood approved by Seafood Watch.

Choose Clean Water Conference: A Campaign for the Chesapeake and all of its Waters

January 10-12, 2010

Washington, DC

The Official Why:

2010 will be a critical year for Bay restoration.  The conference will reflect upon President Obama’s historic Executive Order on Chesapeake Bay restoration, the approaching deadline for federal Bay clean-up and the pending re-authorization of the Chesapeake Bay Program in Congress. Through ten workshops and multiple plenary sessions, we will focus on the most pressing issues facing the Chesapeake Bay Restoration effort, including: the role of agriculture in restoring clean water to the Bay, the need for more stringent stormwater policies in Bay states, the connection between land use and water quality, implementing the Obama Executive Order, and what to expect on the Bay-wide Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The conference will also highlight the Coalition’s 2010 policy priorities.

The Ecopop Why:

The Chesapeake Bay is a big ass deal whether you live anywhere near it but especially if you live near it and more than 16.6 million people do. First of all, the Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. It is an incredibly complex ecosystem that includes important habitats and food webs like those yummy crabs and oysters we love so much but it is in a bad, bad, very bad state of health.  The oyster population has declined dramatically since the late 1970s due to a combination of over-harvesting, disease, pollution and natural predators. Today, the oyster population stands at about 2 percent of historic levels. The Bay supports 3,600 species of plant and animal life including my favorite bird the osprey and if I don’t hear the beautiful osprey call when I’m sailing in Annapolis I’ll be pissed.

According to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s 2008 State of the Bay Report the Bay’s health rates a 28 out of 100 (a “pristine” Bay circa. 1600). At its worst in the early 1980s, the Bay would have scored a 23. A “saved Bay” would score a 70.  I’m blonde but I can subtract so that means we’ve got 42 points to go which is less then the 63 points Michael Jordan scored in a playoff game against the Boston Celtics in 1986. So let’s harness our inner Jordan and think of 2010 as our  “most points in one game” year for the Chesapeake!

The New Green Economy Conference: Aligning Science, Education, Markets

January 20-22, 2010

Washington, DC

The Official Why:

Marking a decade of history, The National Council for Science and The Environment’s signature national conference will engage leading thinkers and doers from a diversity of disciplines, sectors, and perspectives in a structured conversation about the meaning of the green economy and how investment in green education, research and jobs can help solve both the economic and environmental crises. The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) is a national non-partisan organization with a mission to improve the scientific basis for environmental decision making.

The Ecopop Why:

I admit workshops titled “Draft National Standard for Evaluation Green Technologies, Climate Mitigation Strategies, Products and Services Using LCA-Based Environmental Performance Assessment” scare me but they probably aren’t expecting alot of TV producers to show up at that one.  It seems like a really comprehensive conference covering many sectors so there might just be something for everyone. They did land eco superstars Van Jones and Paul Hawken to speak so you know at least you’ll be inspired.

Clean-Tech Investor Summit: Fostering Innovation & Investment Opportunities in Clean Technologies

January 20-21, 2010

Palm Springs, CA

The Official Why:

Held each winter in Palm Springs, CA, the event brings together leading investors, Fortune 500 executives, entrepreneurs, and service providers for two days of high-level presentations, conversations, and networking. Attendance is capped at 500 registrants to guarantee the optimum networking experience. The event has become widely recognized as the premier event for active investors and other stakeholders to network with major corporations and emerging clean-tech companies.

The Ecopop Why:

Palm Springs in winter, hello.  DC and most of the country are just c-c-cold! Record temps and record snow everywhere  so hanging out with rich guys in Palm Springs sounds pretty good.  Ok, investors-love em, or hate em-they fund things that we need like clean tech. What is clean tech? Clean technology includes the renewable energy (wind power, solar power, biomass, hydropower, biofuels), information technology, green transportation, electric motors, green chemistry, lighting, and many other appliances that are now more energy efficient. It is a means to create electricity and fuels with a smaller environmental footprint. And it is the need to make green buildings both more energy efficient and environmentally benign.  Overall, I’m sure there are way too many power point presentations for my taste but could be interesting to learn about all the cutting edge technology and which companies have cutting edge financing.

Sundance Film Festival 2010: This is the renewed rebellion. This is Sundance, reminded.

January 21-31, 2010

Park City, Utah

The Official Why:

The Sundance Film Festival is the premier showcase for U.S. and international independent film, held each January in and around Park City, Utah. Presenting approximately 120 dramatic and documentary feature-length films in seven distinct categories and between 60 and 80 short films each year, the Sundance Film Festival has introduced American audiences to some of the most ground-breaking films of the past two decades.

The Ecopop Why:

Simply put, Sundance is the convergence of cool for 10 days. It’s where art and activism meet in eco-friendly snow boots. Yes, there is some Hollywood fakery and VIP parties you can’t get into, but the ideas presented at Sundance through film, art and music and yes, even corporate sponsorship reach the world through the media and have a big impact.  At it’s core, Sundance is a little film festival started by a man immensely dedicated to environmental issues. Robert Redford has been fighting on behalf of the wilderness since the early 70s. He is a founding member of the Natural Resources Defense Council and works tirelessly on issues of conservation, renewable energy and clean air and water. He founded Sundance Preserve and the Redford Center to further these causes.  He has used the powerful medium of film to spread awareness and has made sure his festival is as green as it can be by programming films with environmental messages and partnering with sponsors who are incorporating earth friendly practices into their business model.

At the festival this year is the world premiere of GASLAND (directed by Josh Fox):  A cross-country odyssey uncovers toxic streams, dying livestock, flammable sinks and weakening health among rural citizens on the front lines of the natural gas drilling craze.

Timberland serves as the Official Footwear and Outerwear Sponsor of the festival and provides jackets and earth-friendly boots to the 300 filmmakers as well as the Festival’s programming team. Festival goers will get a sneak peek at Timberland’s new Earthkeepers line of boots made with recycled materials and when they aren’t in a film screening they can go online and join the Earthkeepers movement.

Sundance has also partnered with FilterForGood a joint project by Brita (headquartered in Oakland–my old hood!) and Nalgene to help reduce bottled water waste by providing FilterForGood bottles and filtered water to attendees. Basically Nalgene supplies the reusable water bottles and Brita supplies the water for a perfect match made in reusable water bottle heaven. They also urge folks to sign a pledge to reduce their amount of plastic bottle waste. Considering there are about 50,000 attendees at Sundance Film Festival that’s an impressive feat.

Go Green Expo: The nation’s premier eco-friendly event

January 22-24, 2010

Los Angeles, CA

The Official Why:

To learn how green alternatives can positively change the way you impact the environment. Each of our small changes make a big impact.

The Ecopop Why:

LA babycakes. Yes, I have a weakness for sunny places–never mind you’ll be in the LA Convention Center the whole time.  Basically the point of going to the green expo is the chance to check out lots of cool green things at once and hear speakers (yes, Mariel Hemingway and Ed Begley, Jr will be there).  If I was going, I’d hit the Conscious Clothing booth to see up close their crazy gorgeous hemp bridal gowns. A stop at the Golden Path Alchemy booth would  be a must too because their Abundance Pumpkin Peel is insane and founder Ashley Beckman is incredibly knowledgeable and super sweet. Last but not least, I’m dying to check out the Let It Bee jewelry line.  Sales of these super cute necklaces and bracelets help support research for Colony Collapse Disorder which causes the disappearance of bee colonies, threatening the pollination of our agriculture and food supply chain. How brilliant is that? Overall, a good event for a good price.