Earth Day, April 18th:
It's Our Turn to Lead

Earth Day's 45th anniversary theme, 'It's Our Turn to Lead,' encourages us to lead by example - to showing a new direction to our local and world leaders that they might follow. This can be the year economic growth and sustainability join hands. The year in which world leaders finally pass a binding climate change treaty. The year in which citizens and organizations divest from fossil fuels and put their money into renewable energy solutions. It's our turn to lead.

Join the Green Coalition with our partners, Oak Grove School, Food for Thought Ojai, and the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy for our annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 18 at the beautiful Oak Grove School campus - 220 W. Lomita Ave, Ojai.

Local students will showcase sustainability projects; Plug-In America will offer Electric Vehicle test driving; organizations and entrepreneurs will promote environmental efforts and wares; kids activities galore. Great music will get us in the rhythm of things and good food will top off the fun. Hop on the FREE for the day Ojai Trolley to join the festivities.

Start the day with a Shoreline Clean-up at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area, 8-10:30 a.m., April 18 meet at Picnic Area #1. Contact Kate Dolkas if you need further information.

April 10 Salon Theme:

"Elements"

SALON SERIES II is Friday, April 10th, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Green Coalition Resource Center - 206 N. Signal St., Suite S, in downtown Ojai. In honor of Earth Day, April's Salon theme is 'ELEMENTS.'

Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Aether provide the foundation and sparks of life, moving around and through us. The 98 elements of the periodic table are in an infinite dance forming everything we touch in this world, and indeed, the universe. Everyday life in Southern California engenders an acute awareness of the classical elements: the ever-present threat of fire; either too little or too much water; our need for clean air; our quaking, sliding earth; the mysterious all-pervasive element aether.

In this salon we reawaken our awareness of the elements in our life by sharing our stories, favorite words, and images. The evening will be a casually structured conversation hosted by Robert Sorel and Noel Douglas. Please consider it is our intention for this Salon Series to be a place to get 'heart' nourishment and perspective for the many challenges we face, rather than focusing on citing problems and resolving issues. All are welcome.

The Salon begins promptly at 7 p.m. and seating is limited. We encourage early arrival with doors opening at 6:45. Though not required, a donation and beverage to share is appreciated.

Salon Series Sponsored by Nutiva.org

Saturday, April 25:

Graywater Do-It-Yourself
Installation Workshop

Last month, 27 of us gathered to tour 3 homes with graywater systems. Now, you can help install a 'laundry to landscape' system with Michael Doran (A&M Plumbing) and Renee Roth (Rainscape Designs). You'll learn the details of how to install a graywater system and what the best plants are to complement the system.

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$10 for OVGC Member or City Resident; $15 for Non-members

Sign-up Here 

Workshop is Limited to the First 12 Reservations

Complete details will be emailed to you upon receipt of your payment. The email will be sent from coordinator@ojaivalleygreencoalition.com - please check your spam folder, if you don't see the confirmation in a timely manner.

ALL participants will receive a $20 gift card (with $50 purchase of any water conservation product) from Aqua Flo Supply. That's a 40% discount!

Tier 1 Graywater System Guidelines
(no permit - washing machine only)

Tier 2 Graywater System Guidelines
(inexpensive permit - all eligible sources)

Solarize Ojai:
A Group-purchasing Program Running April 22 - July 22

Announcing the launch of "Solarize Ojai," a three-month long group purchasing program designed to make going solar easier and more affordable for Ojai Valley homeowners. Our partner, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) helps guide homeowners through the entire process as an unbiased expert resource - making it as easy as possible for everyone to go solar.

With CEC the Green Coalition evaluated and vetted the installer partners for the program and then secured from them a discounted price. Homeowners can have peace of mind knowing they are working with a reputable contractor and getting a great price. We hope even more homeowners will take advantage of our 3rd offering of this program since 2012. We've installed over 95 kilowatts of solar electricity generating capacity to date through this program.

Homeowners who are interested in learning more about the program or signing up to get a solar proposal can visit SolarizeOjai.org or call (805) 963-0583 x105 for more information.

CEC and OVGC will also host three introductory workshops where residents can learn about energy efficiency, conservation, and the solarize program. The first scheduled workshop is Thursday, April 30 at the Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E Ojai Avenue from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

to read more click here.