Being Green

Useful Web Sites

The Story of Stuff: This is an amazing video that covers everything about your Stuff. In 20 minutes (with high speed internet) you'll learn where it comes from, what goes into the manufacture of it and what happens to it when your are finished with it. More importantly you might think differently about all that stuff that comes into your life. http://www.storyofstuff.com.

Places to get more local information and some local resources

www.ReduceWaste.org

This is sponsored by the Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission of Santa Clara County and provides specific information for Santa Clara County residents and some general information, such as: composting classes, junk mail reduction kit, household hazardous waste disposal, and curbside recycling.

www.ecoact.org

This is a terrific site primarily for residents of Santa Cruz County. It lists local resources for recycling, reducing environmental impact, environmental shopping, energy efficiency, etc. In addition there is information on many local programs for the more action minded.

www.FreeCycle.org

This is a great site if you want to find a good home for all that stuff you can't bear to donate. Everything is 100% free and local. However you must join a Yahoo group either for Los Gatos or Santa Cruz (or both) where all the items offered and wanted are listed.

sfbay.craigslist.org

Craig's List has been around for a long time and for many has replaced the newspaper classified section for buying and selling items locally. You can rent an apartment, sell your gas guzzler, buy a sofa, or find a job. Most importantly, you can rid yourself of your "stuff" and make some money in the process.