I heart green businesses, but there’s a reason I don’t go to these biz networking things.
green LA girl isn’t a business.
I mean, I run ads, but there’s no attempt here to make this endeavor financially solvent, let alone profitable. For me, thinking about money drains all the joy outta life. Which I realize makes me a horrible gal, in terms of the capitalist culture paradigm…
But I went to the Sustainable Business Networking at the UCLA faculty center last night, cuz the organizers were so kind to invite me. I’d also exchanged a few emails with Burton Hamner of Cleaner Production (the leftest guy in the pic, left), one of the organizers, and wanted to say hello.
Luckily, there was wine. And munchies. UCLA’s biz school’s got some money, esp. considering it’s a state school –
Anyway — The event was an “invitation to Los Angeles organizations and companies promoting green and sustainable business in LA.” It was to be an afternoon of “networking the networkers.”
Which it was! We all intro’d ourselves, and some peeps said they had businesses that needed venture capital, and others said they were looking to invest. So it was super helpful for them, I think.
In fact, I really enjoyed finding out what everyone was up to, but it was slightly awkward intro’ing myself to the crowd. I was like, I blog. They were like, oh.
Actually, everyone was friendly :) But, you know, seriously, green LA girl doesn’t really qualify as a biz. I’m not looking for “partners” — I really relish having complete control over the content on this site :P And I’m really really interested in e-activism, and wanna help more people get started with that. But e-activism does not a biz make, necessarily.
But I had fun chatting with Barent, a Green Drinks organizer, Melissa of LA green Living, Greg the green financial advisor, and Ferris of Sustainable Works (left). All in all, a fun and yummy event.
The event was put together by Burton and Charles Corbett, a prof who leads the biz and environment interest group at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Are you part of a green biz that wants to get involved? Then email Burton. He’s super knowlegeable about the history of the sustainable biz movement, and super nice — and he’ll let you know about future events.
Update, 7/30/06: For those who’re part of a green biz — There’s a Green Business Networking event that happens every month :)
Thanks for the nice feedback about the event, Siel! I made up a webpage with links to everyone doing sustainable business promotion in LA area that I can find.
http://cleanerproduction.com/Training/LAsustbizsites.htm
If anyone wants to add info or correct what’s there please email me at info at cleanerproduction.
Siel, I am just learning about blogs and this sure does illustrate how effective a communication tool it is. Congrats on your blog! — Burton
Comment by Burton Hamner — July 19, 2006 @ 10:17 am
I work with Whirlpool and after reading your post, I thought you might be interested in the Home Energy Blueprint, a nationwide search for ten energy inefficient homes to outfit with energy and water-saving appliances. With energy costs continuing to soar, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Edison Electrical Institute and GreenHomes America are joining Whirlpool to help change the way people consume energy and promote more efficient energy practices in the American home.
The premise of the contest is simple: The program is going to determine which products will make a more efficient home - from new appliances, to insulation to lighting. Those homes that are deemed to be in most need of help will receive ENERGY STAR appliances and other energy-saving products to start saving money. For more information on the contest, please visit http://www.whirlpool.com/energy
Comment by Melissa — July 19, 2006 @ 2:06 pm
Thanks for the info, Melissa :) I added the contest to my wistlist.
Thanks again Burton for organizing the event, and for working to put together a more comprehensive resourse for LA environmentalists :)
Comment by Siel — July 19, 2006 @ 9:55 pm
Last chance to enter the Home Energy Blueprint, a nationwide search for ten energy inefficient homes to outfit with energy and water-saving appliances. The premise of the contest is simple: The program is going to determine which products will make a more efficient home - from new appliances, to insulation to lighting. Those homes that are deemed to be in most need of help will receive ENERGY STAR appliances and other energy-saving products to start saving money. For more information on the contest, please visit http://www.whirlpool.com/energy
Comment by Melissa — July 27, 2006 @ 12:27 pm
Hi Siel, good blog…thanks for all the connections. I’m starting SoCal Nature Network to connect small and mid-size businesses with sustainable info and resources to green their operations. Would love to get into the flow of other sustainable folks in LA. My website is http://www.SoCalNature.org
Comment by Carolyn — September 20, 2006 @ 1:08 pm
Hey Carolyn — Thanks for the info :) I’ll check out the link –
Comment by Siel — September 21, 2006 @ 6:42 pm