Green Fridays in Belltown

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:28:00 +0000

The greening of Seattle just got a little easier – and cheaper – with the launch of Green Fridays.

The program was launched this summer by Belltown architects Velocipede, and they offer free green consultations for builders, designers, home owners, residents – anyone interested in living in a way consistent with good environmental stewardship Even if you are a renter, there may be adaptations that you can make to your living space that can make a difference.

What kind of questions can they field?

Here are a few examples of topics: fuel efficiency for heating, recycled countertops, low-flow toilets, air quality, rainwater tanks, and that’s just to get you started thinking.

Location: Velocipede Architects, corner of Western Avenue & Denny Way, Belltown.

Date & Time: Fridays, 4 – 6 pm, check the website or call for more information (206) 529-9356.

Cost: FREE consultation and answering of sustainable living questions.

While this consultation is designed to enhance Velocipede’s standing and PR, as well as hopefully steer a little business its way, the broad-based community nature of the service gives it a nod from me. This great FREE community service is one that you should take advantage of.

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Saving the World Planting One Tree at a Time

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:12:00 +0000

Trees are an important part of saving our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide emissions, filter air pollution, and reduce noise pollution. They provide a habitat for birds and wildlife. They provide shade in warm weather, and act as a buffer from winds in the bad weather. And they make our neighborhoods look nice, too!

If your neighborhood wants to save the planet, help the environment, and beautify the neighborhood all at the same time, just plant a few trees!

The City of Seattle Tree Fund is available to help make this as easy as possible.

Here’s how it works:

Get a minimum of five households together who will agree to plant the trees in the planting strip along your street, and care for them.
The city arborist (did you know that we had one?) will provide a list of tree varieties appropriate for your neighborhood, and you can then request 10-40 trees for planting. Neighbors must attend a training session that will give instructions about how the trees are to be planted, provide some basic care instructions, and answer any questions about how to nurture the trees to adulthood.
Trees are delivered in the fall, the prime planting time. Neighbors show up with tools and equipment, and the planting begins.

The trees are free, but in exchange the neighborhood must organize the planting, assume responsibility for watering and nurturing the trees, and maintain and prune them.

It’s a win/win!