Dan Glassman is the owner of The Glass Man Professional Window Washing, Inc., as well as a passionate member of 1% For the Planet (a non-profit organization that facilitates businesses in donating to environmental causes). When Dan heard about the City of Ventura's Green Business Certification program from other certified business associates, he knew he had to become a part of the program.

     "I'm an outdoor kind of person," said Glassman. "When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time hiking, in the mountains climbing rocks, and enjoying a day at the beach.  So for me, becoming green certified is just a natural progression of what I believe personally  - that we're all responsible for taking care of this planet and that we have to be proactive about it."

     While, ironically, Dan's last name 'Glassman,' suits his profession perfectly, it was his empathy and care for the environment that led him to found his company approximately nine and a half years ago.

     Environmentalism in the workplace provides a variety of benefits to the employer and employees, such as creating a healthy climate for working, reducing unnecessary waste, and fostering a sense of company pride in becoming a leader and role model for social change.

     "Being a green business sets an example for others to follow," said Trevor Quirk, Esq., partner in Quirk Law Firm with his wife, Aletheia S. Gooden, Esq, which specializes in assisting clients with personal injury law, accidents, wrongful death claims, contracts and business law. "We're very proud that we're the first city law firm to become green certified." READ MORE. 

Classes start in March and run through June.  Each class, held in different locations, is about an hour and half in duration.  For more information call 652-4501 and CLICK HERE. You can REGISTER for classes online at Eventbrite, Facebook or by calling (805) 652-4501.  

Ventura College Earth Day Celebration

Left to Right: Jennifer Peterson and Environmental Services Supervisor Joe Yahner  at the Earth Day Eco-Fest

 

Left to Right: Ventura Water's Debra Martinez and Eric Miller. City of Ventura Environmental Specialist Courtney Lindberg at the Ventura Beach Festival

Ventura Beach Festival

The Ventura Beach Festival, which celebrates all that's great about living in Ventura, was held on April 26 at San Buenaventura State Beach from 11:00am - 5:00pm.  Environmental Sustainability and Ventura Water had booths to educate attendees about green and sustainable practices.

April 29 & May 14

Solarize Ventura Workshops

The first Solarize Ventura workshop was held on Tuesday, April 29  from 6:30 to 8:00pm at Ventura City Hall. Over sixty local residents attended. A similar size audience attended the Wednesday, May 14 from 6:30-8:00pm at Sacred Heart Church at 10800 Henderson Road. The next workshop will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2014 from 6:30-8:00pm at Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road.

      Homeowners interested in going solar should contact Jefferson Litton at (805) 963-0583 or register at solarizeventura.org.  

 

   

 

May 4

Motion By the Ocean

Sponsored by Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation to raise funds to benefit the new Community Memorial Hospital, Motion By the Ocean's Walk/Run was held at San Buenaventura State Beach. Walks/runs (5 K, 10K and 1 mile) for kids and adults were held all morning and into the early afternoon.  There were also lots of activities, music and food.  Environmental Sustainability and Ventura Water had some great giveaways for residents! 

Left to Right: Environmental Specialist Jill Sarick and Lorri Peterson at the Garden Party

 

 

The Garden Party

Environmental Sustainability and Ventura Water informed guests about how to be eco-smart at the 21st Annual Garden Party to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura.  Guests also snacked on appetizers, sampled wines and listened to great music at the event which took place at historic Pierpont Inn from 2:00 to 5:00pm.

Water: Take 1 Third Annual Global Online Short Film Contest for Environmentally Conscious Filmmakers

Filmmakers with water-themed short films (5 minutes or less), are invited to submit their films online at WaterTake1.com.  The early submission deadline is Monday, Seeptember 15, 2014, 11:59pm PST.  The Final Submission deadline is Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 11:59pm PST.  To learn more about the contest, visit: WaterTake1.com.  Sign up for WaterTake 1's FREE Newsletter,"News Reel". 

A green thumbs up to Environmental Specialist Courtney Lindberg  

on being named "Employee of the Year"!  

The City of Ventura recognized Courtney with an "Employee of the Year"  award for her development of several successful programs to raise Ventura's environmental awareness including installation of the Big Bellies (solar-powered, self-compacting trash and recycling containers throughout the city), the Green Task Force, the Green Business Certification Program, as well as developing innovative recycling programs at local hospitals and veterinary clinics. READ MORE. 

Left to Right: Joe Yahner (Environmental Services Supervisor) Ray Olson (Environmental Sustainability Manager) , Courtney Lindberg (Environmental Specialist), Rick Raives (Public Works Director) and Jill Sarick (Environmental Specialist)