May 23
“The sun disappeared and it was back to another rainy day in Seattle. Which made it a perfect day to enjoy some indoor activity such as the 4th annual Seattle Green Festival! This year the festival moved to a new venue, inside Qwest Field Event Center.
I’ve been volunteering and attending the festival since its first year. I’m so happy to be able to participate again this year. What a great event to be able to meet so many people who care about the environment.”
“Looking for something to do? Here are some of the events going on around the South Sound today.
Seattle Green Festival 11 a.m.-6 May 22, Qwest Field and Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. South, Seattle; Online – $10/day, $15/weekend; Door – $15/day, $25/weekend ; www.greenfestivals.org.”
Go play today: Green Festival, baseball, kids’ concerts, live jazz, WWE and more via Mary Anderson – The News Tribune
May 5
Dearborn, Mich., May 3, 2011 – Ford and the Green Festival have teamed up to find and fund the most innovative projects to improve the environment in five U.S. cities. The Community Green Grant program challenges organizations and individuals to propose impactful ideas that would improve the environment in their local communities prior to the start of a local Green Festival. Attendees at the Green Festival in each city will vote to select the project proposal that will receive the $5,000 Community Green Grant.
“Being an environmentally responsible company is a key part of the Ford corporate identity,” said John Viera, Ford director of Sustainability & Vehicle Environmental Matters. “By working with the Green Festival, we are able to extend this sustainable thinking beyond Ford and do something tangible and permanent to improve the local community following each event.”
Before each event opening, a panel from Green Festival and Ford will select a group of Community Green Grant finalists from among the proposals submitted. During the Green Festival, the finalists’ project proposals will be presented in the Ford Pavilion, with the winner of the Community Green Grant chosen by a vote of festival attendees.
“We’re so pleased to be partnering with Ford to bring the Community Green Grant program to all of the Green Festival cities,” said Greg Roberts, Green Festival producer. “I am confident we will receive some very creative project proposals from the many people and organizations who participate in the events.”
Attendees will vote on the grant finalists throughout the two-day event. The votes will be tallied on-site and the winning project proposal will be announced on the final afternoon of the Green Festival.
“The Green Festival is a great fit for Ford because it’s a way to connect with the most passionate and environmentally concerned consumers,” said Viera. “We can share our sustainability strategy and have a two-way dialogue about how we can work together to improve the environment.”
As a corporate innovator partner, Ford will have a presence at each of the Green Festivals that includes a display at the Ford Pavilion, test drives of hybrids and electrified vehicles, and a presentation by a Ford executive speaker who will discuss the company’s sustainability and green vehicle strategy.
Sustainable ideas
The first $5,000 Community Green Grant will be awarded during the Chicago Green Festival, May 14-15. Later in 2011, the Green Festival and Community Green Grant will travel to Seattle, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Entries for each festival must be received by the following dates:
Chicago, May 7
Seattle, May 14
New York, Sept. 24
Los Angeles, Oct. 22
San Francisco, Nov. 5
Ideas can be submitted to communitygreengrant@actionpartners.com or mailed to:
Attn: Community Green Grant
3020 Carbon Place, Suite 300
Boulder, CO 80301
Blueprint for Sustainability
Ford’s corporate sustainability strategy encompasses a wide range of efforts, such as the improved energy efficiency of its facilities around the world, the reduction of CO2 emissions of its vehicles, and accelerated development of more fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles. For additional information, see Ford’s Blueprint for Sustainability at http://www.ford.com/about-ford/company-information/corporate-sustainability.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visitwww.ford.com.
About Green Festival
At Green Festival®, a project of Green America and Global Exchange, we’re celebrating what’s working in our communities and around the world – for people, business and the environment. Think of Green Festival® as a walk through a sustainable community. It begins with finding solutions to help make our lives healthier-socially, economically and environmentally. Individuals, business and community leaders come together to discuss critical issues that impact us at home and abroad. Organizations and businesses showcase programs and products that restore the planet and all that inhabit it. Neighbor-to-neighbor connections are formed and skills are shared to empower people to create positive change in the world.www.greenfestivals.org
“The American auto giant was in dire straits just two years ago. Now it’s reporting some of its biggest profits in 13 years
The original Detroit powerhouse bounced back by refocusing on smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles, such as the Ford Fiesta, and eschewing the gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks that had fueled past profits.”
Ford’s unlikely comeback: By the numbers via The Week
The nation’s largest green consumer living event: Now in Seattle’s Qwest Event Center
Seattle Green Festival May 21-22 at Qwest Event Center
SEATTLE – The premier sustainability event in the nation celebrates 10 years, one million attendees at a new location, Qwest Event Center, May 21-22. This one-of-a-kind weekend experience offers opportunities for community members to meet their favorite authors, actors and community leaders; shop more than 300 eco-friendly exhibitors; participate in educational workshops; enjoy live music and local vegetarian cuisine; and sample organic chocolates, wine and beer.
Ten stages and pavilions host more than 125 inspirational and educational speakers, including Amy Goodman, Jeffrey Smith, John Perkins, Zoe Weil, Dr. David Korten, Dr. Sharif Abdullah and Rep. Dennis Kucinich.
The Green Marketplace showcases more than 300 green and socially-responsible businesses and organizations. Attendees browse everything from non-toxic home products to organic clothing to fair trade treats and décor. Green Festival gives back GF Bucks to individuals who purchase tickets online or at the door. GF Bucks are the local Green Festival currency and can be used the same-as-cash to shop in the Green Marketplace. Discount admission available online until May 20: http://tickets.greenfestivals.org/events/139716.
“Last fall, Green Festival stimulated the green economy by giving back $44,000 to local, regional and national sustainable businesses through the new ‘GF Bucks’ admissions policy,” says Global Exchange and Green Festival Founder, Dr. Kevin Danaher.
Volunteer or donate to various local nonprofits in exchange for complimentary Green Festival admission. Engage with Sierra Club Seattle, Washington State 350, Sound Circle Center, Sustainable Seattle, Solar Washington, International Bicycle Fund, Alleycat Acres, Washington Health Foundation, Community Alliance for Global Justice, Seattle International Film Festival, El Centro de la Raza, Sustainable Wallingford, Transition Seattle, Real Change, feet first, SCALLOPS, Sightline Institute, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, The Art Affect, Green America, Global Exchange and more to receive free Green Festival tickets. Also, Green America and Global Exchange members always receive free admission to Green Festival.
A joint project of Green America and Global Exchange, two leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental and social justice for more than 27 years, Green Festival inspires and promotes the connection between change and sustainable progress for people, communities and businesses. Green Festivals empowers people to live healthier lives—socially, economically and environmentally.
“Whether you go to shop, learn, try new organic foods or experience art and music, Green Festival has it all, with the goal to motivate every person to think, participate and make more planet-friendly, sustainable choices in their every day lives,” says Green America and Green Festival Founder, Denise Hamler.
Thank you to Corporate Innovators Bon Ami and Ford for their commitment to sustainability. Receive complimentary tickets when you visit your Seattle-area Ford Dealer. Test drive one of Ford’s new green hybrid and electric vehicles right at the Green Festival.
Thank you to Green Festival partners: Hyatt at Olive 8, Mother Earth News, Utne Reader, Herbal Companion, Natural Home, Entercom, AM1090 and KOMO.
Engage with Green Festivals online at www.GreenFestivals.org, www.Facebook.com/GreenFestival and www.Twitter.com/GreenFestival for the latest news about the Seattle Green Festival and additional Green Festivals in 2011. Children under 18 and all volunteers receive free admission. To volunteer, email: volunteer@greenfestivals.org.
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About Green America
Green America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1982, providing the economic strategies, organizing power and practicing tools for businesses and individuals to address today’s social and environmental problems. Its Green Business Network is the largest national network of businesses screened for their social and environmental responsibility. www.greenamericatoday.org
About Global Exchange
Global Exchange is a membership-based international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world. Since its founding in 1988, Global Exchange has successfully increased public awareness of root causes of injustice while building international partnerships and mobilizing for change. www.globalexchange.org
About Seven-Star, Inc.
Seven-Star, Inc. is the nation’s premier green full-service event company focusing exclusively on green events. Since 1999, Seven-Star has provided turn-key green event services for environmentally Responsible and socially Respectful (eR/sR) festivals, trade and consumer expositions, conferences and concerts. From the greening of the 2007 International Live Earth events, to the 2008 Democratic National Convention events, to producing the nation’s largest consumer Green Festivals, Seven-Star has defined itself as the company for eR/sR event production. Seven-Star is the first event company to have won the EPA’s Gold Waste Wise Award for Excellence in recognition for their proprietary system of event waste diversion, which has consistently achieved greater than 95%.www.sevenstarevents.com
“Green Car Journal’s annual Green Car Vision Award was presented to Ford at the Washington Auto Show. Honoring the Ford Focus Electric vehicle that will come to market late in 2011, the Green Car Vision Award celebrates an industry-leading, environmentally focused vehicle that is in its early stages of commercialization or in demonstration programs, but not yet on sale.”
Ford Focus Electric named 2011 Green Car Vision Award winner via ABC Green Right Now
The nation’s largest green consumer living event returns to the San Francisco Concourse
SAN FRANCISCO - March 7, 2011 The largest sustainability event in the world celebrates 10 years, one million attendees at the San Francisco Concourse Exhibition Center April 9 – 10. This one-of-a-kind weekend experience offers opportunities for community members to meet their favorite authors, actors and community leaders; shop more than 300 eco-friendly exhibitors; participate in educational workshops; enjoy live music and local vegetarian cuisine; and sample organic chocolates, wine and beer.
Ten stages and pavilions feature more than 125 inspirational and educational speakers, including Amy Goodman, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, John Perkins, Dr. Sharif Abdullah, Zoe Weil, Favianna Rodriguez and Mark Hertsgaard, to name a few.
The Green Festival marketplace showcases more than 300 green and socially-responsible businesses and organizations. Attendees browse organic eco-fashion, green pet supplies, fair trade décor, nontoxic children’s products and much more.
Green Festival gives back GF Bucks to individuals who purchase tickets online or at the door. GF Bucks are the local Green Festival currency, and can be used the same-as-cash to shop in the Green Marketplace.
“Last fall, Green Festival stimulated the green economy by giving back $44,000 to local, regional and national sustainable businesses through the new “GF Bucks” admissions policy,” says Global Exchange and Green Festival Founder, Dr. Kevin Danaher.
Green Festival enables individuals to volunteer or donate to various local nonprofits in exchange for complimentary Green Festival admission through the “Pay it Forward, Get it Back” campaign. Engage with Green America, Global Exchange, San Francisco Food Bank, SF Education Fund, Green For All, San Francisco Green Film Festival, East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse and Bay Localize to receive free Green Festival tickets. Also, Green America and Global Exchange members always receive free admission to Green Festival.
The San Francisco Food Bank and KPIX CBS 5 host a food drive at Green Festival, in which community members bring nonperishable cans to donate for free admission. According to the Food Bank, 197,000 people struggle each day to feed themselves and their families in San Francisco.
“The generous donation of food collected at Green Festival will aid the SF Food Bank in delivering nutritious and delicious meals for over 35,000 families throughout San Francisco and Marin,” says Events and Food Drives Manager, Jessica Brittsan. “Every donation helps in the fight to end hunger in our community.”
A joint project of Green America and Global Exchange, two leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental and social justice for more than 27 years, Green Festival inspires and promotes the connection between change and sustainable progress for people, communities and businesses. Green Festivals empowers people to live healthier lives—socially, economically and environmentally.
“Whether you go to shop, learn, try new organic foods or experience art and music, Green Festival has it all, with the goal to motivate every person to think, participate and make more planet-friendly, sustainable choices in their every day lives,” says Green America and Green Festival Founder, Denise Hamler.
Thank you to Corporate Innovators: Ford and Bon Ami. Receive complimentary tickets when you visit your San Francisco area Ford Dealer. Test drive one of Ford’s new green hybrid and electric vehicles right at the Green Festival.
Thank you to Green Festival partners: Clif Bar, KPIX CBS 5 and KCBS Alice Radio 97.3.
Engage with Green Festivals online at www.GreenFestivals.org, www.Facebook.com/GreenFestival and www.Twitter.com/GreenFestival for the latest news about San Francisco Green Festival and additional Green Festivals in 2011.
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About Green America
Green America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1982, providing the economic strategies, organizing power and practicing tools for businesses and individuals to address today’s social and environmental problems. Its Green Business Network is the largest national network of businesses screened for their social and environmental responsibility. www.greenamericatoday.org
About Global Exchange
Global Exchange is a membership-based international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world. Since its founding in 1988, Global Exchange has successfully increased public awareness of root causes of injustice while building international partnerships and mobilizing for change. www.globalexchange.org
About Seven-Star, Inc.
Seven-Star, Inc. is the nation’s premier green full-service event company focusing exclusively on green events. Since 1999, Seven-Star has provided turn-key green event services for environmentally Responsible and socially Respectful (eR/sR) festivals, trade and consumer expositions, conferences and concerts. From the greening of the 2007 International Live Earth events, to the 2008 Democratic National Convention events, to producing the nation’s largest consumer Green Festivals, Seven-Star has defined itself as the company for eR/sR event production. Seven-Star is the first event company to have won the EPA’s Gold Waste Wise Award for Excellence in recognition for their proprietary system of event waste diversion, which has consistently achieved greater than 92%.www.sevenstarevents.com
“Ford launched a new mobile app at CES earlier this year to help drivers remotely manage energy consumption in the automaker’s upcoming Ford Focus Electric vehicle. The software, called MyFord Mobile, allows users to remotely monitor the car’s battery level and to plan trips with recharging stations in mind.”
VIDEO: Ford’s New Mobile App for Electric Cars In Action! via Katie Fehrenbacher – Earth2Tech
“Green Car Journal’s annual Green Car Vision Award was presented to Ford today at the Washington Auto Show. Honoring the Ford Focus Electric vehicle that will come to market late in 2011, the Green Car Vision Award celebrates an industry-leading, environmentally focused vehicle that is in its early stages of commercialization or in demonstration programs, but not yet on sale.”
Ford Focus Electric named 2011 Green Car Vision Award winner via ABC Green Right Now