The Valley Performing Arts Center, a $125 million state-of-the-art facility, may demand lower operating costs than other facilities of its size due to its green technology and building features. “We always planned for it to be eco-friendly,” said Robert Bucker, dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication and executive director for the VPAC.  “It is an important part of the university’s agenda. Ecologically it is very good.” Many of the materials used to build the facility… Read more

When most people think about eco-friendly apparel they think that it isn’t fashionable or they just don’t know how the clothes are actually made. A couple months ago I was in San Luis Obispo with my family in our annual mini summer vacation and came across a small store, Hemp Shak that has all that plus bags, accessories and more. I’d been wanting some walking shoes and I had been thinking of purchasing some eco-friendly ones, as well, to test… Read more

In the last five years, the market for eco-friendly products has never been better, making it one of the fastest growing sectors of the U.S. economy, according to Mintel International, a London-based independent award-winning research firm of world-leading market intelligence. However, it is important to understand the meaning of  eco-friendly. Incorporating environmental sustainability into our way of life is all about respect. Respect for the environment and the people that make and craft our products. In addition to reduce, reuse… Read more

Kermit the Frog said it best, “It’s not easy being green.” Especially if you’re a student on a tight budget. Let’s face it, being green costs green and for students this may be a determent. By now it’s probably ingrained in your head that you must recycle, reduce and reuse. And you’ve probably also heard of many other things that are out of your reach, like buying a low flow toilet or placing solar panels on your roof. That kind… Read more

I went to see the documentary film “No Impact Man” and loved it. The film follows Colin Beaven, a writer and blogger, who along with his family, embark on a project that rids themselves of anything that has a negative impact on the environment. “I”m trying to live a life in line with my values,” Beaven says. But for Beaven’s wife, Michelle, who describes herself as having an “intense relationship with retail” and being a “reality TV aficionado,” the project… Read more