A.D.O. Selected for Design Entrepreneurs NYC

Green Spaces member A.D.O has been selected to take part in the first ever design entrepreneur NYC initiative funded by Fashion Institute of Technology and New York City Economic Development Corp.

Congratulations, Anjelika!

Out of 165 applicants only 35 emerging designers were chosen who are committed to grow their business. Design Entrepreneurs NYC is an unparalleled intensive learning and networking opportunity supported by a knowledgeable and experienced faculty, exciting guest speakers, and a final review panel of influential fashion executives.

Event kickoff is this Thursday, May 24th at Andrew Marc showroom where we will meet the presidents of FIT, NYCEDC, GIII Apparel corp and other emerging designers.

For more information regarding Design Entrepreneur NYC, please visit  www.designentrepreneursnyc.com/about.html; For more information on A.D.O, please visit: www.adoclothing.com. 

Sponsored by Susty!

It was sponsor city for Susty Party this fall! We joined with tons of good causes to throw great parties with some extra eco-chic cred…

For our friends at Green Spaces, we helped them celebrate their 3 ½ year anniversary. Green Spaces gives social innovators, entrepreneurs, and freelancers a space to connect and grow. They’re doing great work! Happy 3 and 1/2 birthday, Green Spaces! 

Click here for the full story.

Why Co-Working Rocks!

by Isabella Woods

Most entrepreneurs can't wait to quit the day job and leave the cubicle behind forever. It's something they dream about when trapped in wage slavery and they have detailed fantasies about what it will be like to shake the dust of the office from their heels and never look back. Why, then, are so many of these people choosing co-working. Let's take a look at what co-working is, first. In a nutshell, it's about having a shared work environment while remaining independent. Many solopreneurs and independent contractors have discovered that going it alone just isn't as much fun as they thought it would be. It's not that they miss the office politics and the boss cracking the whip. Instead it's about missing some of the advantages of office life - and that's what they get back when they use co-working space.

An End to Solitude

Let's face it, some people just aren't cut out to work alone. They just don't function the same way when they are sitting at home in their PJs trying to get motivated to work. Some people get lonely and miss the company and co-working allows them to get that company without the disadvantages of being employed. Frankly, offices are social places and human beings are social animals. When we work alone, we may be going against what comes naturally. Getting into a co-working space with people with complementary interests can meet that need. We like to shoot the breeze with colleagues round the water cooler or the coffee machine, and that's what we get with a co-working space. This is a trend that's taking off all around the world.

Better Facilities

When you work on your own, you need a whole bunch of equipment to stay in touch with the world. The best co-working spaces give you access to WiFi, phone services, meeting rooms, fax machines (for those still using them), scanners, printers and other office equipment whenever you need it. All this at a fraction of the cost of cheap office insurance. You don't have to pay to rent the whole building, just for your space - and it's affordable. You can get a space that's yours on a semi-permanent basis or just use a space when you need it - first come, first served. Of course, you could work from your local coffee shop as many entrepreneurs do, but is that really the best place to work when people are shouting out their coffee orders in the background? That might work once in a while, but it's not a great solution for every day. And a coffee shop isn't a great place to hold a business meeting, that's for certain. If you want a workspace that says you're a professional, a co-working space is your best bet.

Starting the Day Right

There's nothing like having to get out of bed and go to the office to make you feel like you're running a real business. This gets you ready to be successful. You feel professional and you won't run the risk of sitting around all day playing on the Wii while you wait for the orders to come in. As you build relationships with your fellow co-workers you will get that other major advantage - accountability. When you swap stories about your business efforts, someone will come back and express an interest in how you're doing. You want to have something to tell them, don't you?

Another advantage of a coworking space over a home office is that it enables you to limit your work day and make a clear distinction between work time and home and family time. That can be important. Entrepreneurs are famous for focusing on the new idea or business to the exclusion of all else. Everyone has to come up for air sometime, and having a coworking space allows you to do just that.

Co-working has become so popular that companies are jumping on the bandwagon and experimenting with this as a new way of getting the job done. If you want to find out more about coworking in your area, the Coworking Wiki is an excellent starting point. It includes links to several coworking projects as well as a

Google Group.

Support Peaks Over Poverty & Member Eric Dalski

Please read this special note from Green Spaces member Eric Dalski of Highview Creations:

I hope that this email finds you well and that you have a festive and wonderful Holiday Season.

This January, I have decided to take my obsession for the mountains, nature, and outdoor activities to the next level.  I have always hiked and climbed wherever I could, checking off my long list of summits and peaks one at a time.  After years of exciting ascents and memorable experiences, I think I'm now finally ready to go for the climb of a lifetime, all while coupling it with a fundraiser for a truly remarkable organization.

On January 23rd, 2011, I will be climbing Cotopaxi, an active stratovolcanic glacier that rises to an elevation of 19,388 feet.  The summit is the closest point to the sun in the world.  I will be gathering funds by partnering up with Peaks Over Poverty, a not-for-profit organization that promotes healthy living, conservation of mountain resources, and sustainable living to poor and remote third-world mountain communities.  Their mission is simple, but it goes a long way.  If we don't help these impoverished areas through sustainable social, economic, and environmental progress, the world will never turn off the destructive path it is currently on.

I am asking you to help contribute any amount for a very good cause.  With funds I raise from this climb, Peaks Over Poverty will partner with Groundswell International to promote sustainable development.  Rather than give away material aid, Peaks Over Poverty and Groundwell International teach sustainable agricultural techniques and cultural practices to the native population.  As a result, mountain farmers will learn how to use their natural resources to grow enough food for their families, restore their environment, and earn a living, all through sustainable means.  As they say "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime."

I hope that you will consider donating to this cause.  To make a 100% tax-deductable donation and support my climb, please visit my personal webpage at http://eric.peaksoverpoverty.org, and click on the "Donate" button.  You can also contact me for a pledge form, which I can send to you.  In return for sponsoring me, I will print your name (or company name) on the flag I use to mark my summit of Cotopaxi, and send you a picture of me from the top!  I'll try and keep them as personal and creative as possible.  You can also stay updated on my adventure (the acclimation climbs, the people I meet, etc) at my webpage.  I'll be posting pictures, stories, and videos throughout my trip.  You can also check out more about the Peaks Over Poverty organization by checking out their website at http://www.peaksoverpoverty.org.

I am very excited for this journey I am about to take and am honored to be one of the first in a trend of responsible tourism.  More importantly, I am excited to do something of such importance that actually makes a real long-term difference.  I look forward to your help and support!

Thank you so much,

Eric

Coworking Survey

A friend of Green Spaces is consulting with a new tech startup. It helps people find temporary office space more easily.  He is doing market research and would appreciate your help.

Please take a few minutes and answer these ten questions:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RTYYZPH

A Seven Point Plan for Transitioning to Sustainable Business Models

Doing business sustainably is likely to mean more than just tweaking your current business models, and could mean radically rethinking the way that you operate. Marks & Spencer and PepsiCo have both been named as sector leaders in the 2010 Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and they joined us last night to share their experiences of transitioning to sustainable business models.

Last night, at Green Spaces, Forum for the Future hosted a panel discussion featuring Richard Gillies, Director of Plan A at Marks & Spencer, and Dan Bena, Director of Sustainable Development at PepsiCo. Sally Uren, Deputy Chief Executive of Forum for the Future, moderated this discussion and brought lessons of Forum for the Future's work with over 100 leading businesses.

Through collecting expert knowledge from the evening, Uren's plan showcases how to embed sustainability in your company.Based on the presentation and findings, Forum for the Future's own Sally Uren has now drawn up a seven-point plan for transitioning to sustainable business models. And as Gillies said during his talk, "it's possible to have a sustainable business model in an unsustainable world". Just follow these steps:

1. Experiment with new financing mechanisms.  These could include forward purchase agreements for your suppliers to allow them to experiment with new production methods, match funding arrangements with government bodies, and the really effective concept of a sustainable innovation or investment fund - a pot of money held centrally which effectively seed funds new ideas, or provides top-up funding to make something happen which is outside current operating budgets.

2. Aim to profit from sustainability.  Don't view the sustainability programme as a cost, view it as an investment which will yield financial benefits to the business.  A great example here is Marks and Spencer's Plan A.  In year 1 of the plan this was framed as a £200 million investment, in Year 2 the plan was cost-neutral, in Year 3 it generated £50 million net profit from a mixture of resource efficiencies and creation of new products.

3. Integrate sustainability thinking into the DNA of the business.  From incorporating sustainability performance into cash bonus schemes to embarking on full-blown change management programmes, both approaches will bring sustainability into the heart of the business, and not viewed as 'something else to do'.  Fundamentally, this integration means redefining your organisation's view of what internal success looks like.  Reward and recognise your staff for making sustainability work.

4. Recognise the need to change the value proposition.  In our current consumption driven society, value is often associated with volume.  But buying lots and lots of 'stuff', which maybe we don't need and we end up throwing away after one use, isn't the path towards sustainability.  Businesses need to harness the power of their brand and marketers to help consumers equate quality with attributes other than volume.  Quality should also be about where and how something was made (ethically), how it can be used (efficiently) and what happens when we've finished with it (recyclable).  Ultimately, sustainability needs to be an attractive value proposition for everyone.

5. Start to shift your product portfolio.  Either through choice editing (taking the sustainability villains of the shelves) or actively promoting the more sustainable choice (healthier, greener), start to ensure that the product portfolio begins to reflect your sustainability policy aspirations, not business as usual.

6. Be clear about what the journey towards a truly sustainable business model looks like.  Identify those transformational jumps that the business needs to make.  By having a clear road map towards sustainability, the likelihood of shuffling forwards with just small incremental tweaks reduces.

7. Innovate, innovate, innovate.  Everywhere.  From product design, to service delivery, to internal and external communication, to business strategy planning, innovation is key to deliver the holy grail of a sustainable business model - a way of doing business that creates, delivers and captures value in a truly sustainable way.

- Marissa Feinberg

Facing the Climate Crisis, Collaborating for Solutions Women’s Earth and Climate Caucus Meeting

Thursday, November 18th, 2010. 7pm

At Green Spaces (394 Broadway NY, NY 10013, 5th floor).

Join us for this exciting introductory meeting!

Osprey Orielle Lake is the Director of WECC.  She will be speaking, along with Maria Snyder of Eco Boys and Girls, Bridget Burns of Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO) and other Special Guests.

Free event

For more information in advance, contact  June Timberlake, jtimberlake@worldforum.org

Women’s Earth and Climate Caucus (WECC)
The Women's Earth and Climate Caucus is working as a collaborative organization to create an international campaign to reduce carbon emissions and to foster a post-carbon economy and energy future, while also addressing societal transformation. Men are also very much welcome to the Caucus. 

For more information about WECC and our on-the-ground initiatives please go to:http://www.worldforum.org/womans-caucus.htm 

Forum For the Future Presents: Transitioning to Sustainable Business Models

 

Wednesday November 3rd, 5:30-7pm (registration begins at 5pm) at Green Spaces.

Doing business sustainably is likely to mean more than just tweaking your current business models, and could mean radically rethinking the way that you operate.

Marks & Spencer and PepsiCo have both been named as sector leaders in the 2010 Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and will be joining us on 3 November to share their experiences of transitioning to sustainable business models.

Join us to hear from:

• Richard Gillies, Director of Plan A at M&S, who will share the M&S journey and the challenges going forward as he sees them;
• Dan Bena, Director of Sustainable Development at PepsiCo, will reflect on where PepsiCo’s new vision and commitments are taking them in terms of finding new business approaches combining health, nutrition, environment, and of course profit. 
• Sally Uren, Deputy Chief Executive of Forum for the Future, about the wider lessons we have learnt from our work with over 100 leading businesses, and understand what this could mean for embedding sustainability in your company.

RSVP by email: team-support@forumforthefuture.org

DATE CHANGE***:Green Spaces November SalonEco with a featured Green Leader: Lighting, Wildlife Conservation and Sustainability

Green Spaces is pleased to announce the launch of our monthly SalonEco series, bringing together social and environmental leaders for inspiring conversations!

November 11th***, 6:30 pm at Green Spaces NY - 394 Broadway btwn White and Walker 

Executive Director of the Zoological Lighting Institute, James Karl Fischer PhD, will discuss the role of artificial light with respect to light in sustainable design as a complement to strategies for carbon reduction to reduce global warming, resource depletion and ocean acidification. The evening's talk with provide an introduction to the subject of habitat degradation due to artificial lighting, and potential responses to its challenges. (*See below for further explanation). Drinks, discussion and networking to follow.

 Dr. Fischer is an historian and licensed architect, with an undergraduate degree in physics, currently serving as one of two Overseas Council Members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Board Member of the RIBA-USA. Dr. Fischer is a member of Green Spaces NY.

*Changes in natural lighting rhythms through the introduction of artificial illumination represents a significant threat to wildlife populations and by extension, the sustainability of ecosystems and agriculture. In varying degree, such altered luminous environments impact the biological development, foraging patters, reproduction, migration and communication systems of a wide range of animals, including insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals. 

Invitation to Build a Career Around Your Passions with She Creates Change 8/10 Event

Syndicated from Social Diva (about Green Spaces member She Creates Change)

If anyone has a calling, it’s you.  And you live accordingly.  But day in and day out, can you honestly say you’re living the best version of your life?  Or is there something more?

If you just stopped to think, chances are, there is.  It’s time to find that something more, Diva, once and for all – to Claim Your Calling.

Lucky for you, that’s what She Creates Change is all about: igniting a movement of women fully engaged in life, who make meaningful contributions to the world every day.  So when we say She Creates Change is hosting an event on August 10 from 6:00-9:00 pm… well, of course you plan to attend!  Just RSVP here.  

Your night begins over apps with other power professionista who want everything life has to offer them, but stay hungry – because SCC Founder Suparna Bhasin is set to fill you up with inspiration at 6:30 pm.  Together, you’ll face your fears and find your faith.  It’s time to claim your cause, and make some changes to create it… and celebrate it!  Located at 155 W. 19th St., 5th Floor.  $15 online, $20 at the door.

What wouldn’t you do for your dreams?

RiNo First Friday Pop-Up Market - Friday, August 6 from 7-10 PM

Join us for our RiNo First Friday Pop-Up Market on Friday, August 6th from 7-10 PM. Featuring a marketplace for Local Vendors and Artists for one night only each month.

Pours, Bites, and Music. Bring a dish to share with the party at the Community Potluck Table!

Zanitea http://www.etsy.com/shop/zanitea
Shimmer & Fizz http://www.shimmerandfizz.com/
Smith & Truslow http://www.smithandtruslow.com/
MouCo Cheese http://www.mouco.com/
Winter Garden Studios http://www.wintergardenstudios.com/
Digital Tea House http://digitalteahouse.com/
Your World Our Lens http://www.yourworldourlens.com/
Adrienne DeLoe http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=22796&id=627793761&l=c0e588b6a9
Paul Chenoweth http://paulcarts.com/
Colorado Easy Eats http://www.coloradoeasyeats.com/
Kady Designs http://www.kadydesign.com/
Joe Elliot http://www.flickr.photos.com/variegatedfritillary
Emily Stevens
Dale Van Deraa
and more TBA!

No ATM on-site or nearby. Free street parking and indoor bike parking.

For more information on how you can pop-up shop as a vendor or live musician, contact Erin at erin@greenspacescolorado.com or (303) 720-6850.

River North Art District First Friday Gallery Openings: http://www.rivernorthart.com/first-fridays/

What is Pop-Up Retail? http://trendwatching.com/trends/POPUP_RETAIL.htm

Go Live: Real Food Denver - Thursday, July 29 from 6-9 PM

GO LIVE: LIVE Comes to Denver to Support Food Justice w/ The Growhaus & Flobots.org

GO LIVE: LIVE is a multimedia experience designed to inspire all of yoursense toward the obliteration of hunger and poverty from the mind body and spirit. We do not believe in long panel discussions or preachy art that scares patrons into action. We understand that some exceptional and enlightened art always has and always will move people to d...o what is best for themselves, their families and community.

GO LIVE: LIVE brings together exceptional local artists to share their works alongside GO LIVE co-creators Jennifer Johns and Erwin E.A. Thomas. It is a night of multimedia performance cabaret not soon to be forgotten. The night thematically weaves video, music, theater and local food. The entire space is transformed into an oasis of possibilities as patrons are inspired to participate by writing their own thoughts about the current state of things in their community on paper covered walls or stand in the video booth and share how they are being the change. There are information tables on the local C.S.A.'s as well as other food access and sustainable living options. Last but certainly not least, food....REAL FOOD!

With the assistance of local farmers, merchants and chefs we orchestrate an in season culinary feast that is both vegan and omnivore friendly. Filling bellies and souls on amazing local and organic foods, sweet sangria or teas, intoxicating sounds and dynamic visuals, patrons naturally begin to discuss what they do and how they can assist their communities to end hunger and poverty.

In each city GO LIVE:REAL FOOD partners with a local organizations doing the good food justice work. The proceeds from the event benefit both GO LIVE and the local organizations equally.

The night ends with a joyful toast to the obliteration of poverty and a no pressure donations ask. Everyone leaves fully inspired by 10 pm, at the latest, with some vital community building information and ideas for new possibilities in their hearts and minds. A great time is had by all!

Go LIVE: Live!
Thursday, July 29th - 6p-9p
All-Ages
Admission: $5 - $10 Sliding Scale
BYOP! (Bring Your own Plate {and eat first!])

Hosted & Co-Produced by
Jennifer Johns &
Erwin E.A. Thomas
++
Denver Performing Artivists:
Ayinde Russell
SuziQ Smith
Love Royale feat. Heather Larabee
Ietef "DJ CaveM" Vita
& More!

Co-Produced by Ashara Ekundayo (BluBlak Media)

http://www.goliveonline.net/

+ the Afterjam

"I Am Ayiti (Haiti)" pt. 2
Solidarity Fundraiser for the Food Justice Delegation w/ the Lambi Fund of Haiti
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119335518108681&ref=ts

Denver Green Jobs Initiative provides FREE training and job placement assistance to help unemployed residents of the Five Points area launch promising careers in high- growth green industries

Green Ladder Funding Seminar at Green Spaces Colorado - Tuesday, June 29th @ 6 PM

Green Ladder Funding Seminar

Learn a revolutionary approach to raising money in challenging times without Angels, VCs, or Banks

Speaker:  Jason Gore

Partner, Green Ladder Funding

Tuesday, June 29th, 6:00 p.m. -- 8:00 p.m.

Green Spaces Colorado -- 1368 26th St. Denver CO 80205

26th St + Walnut, north of LoDo

Event is FREE with reservation.  Limited space is available -- call 303-449-0239 for more information or to reserve your spot.

Green Ladder Funding is a process for Green, Sustainable, and Triple-Bottom-Line companies to raise capital from like-minded investors who have an affinity for your company's mission.  

Most traditional funding sources care about 1 thing: the bottom line.  Banks, and most VC's, and Angels don't care about your purpose or the difference your company you will make.  Yet, many startups with a triple bottom line waste valuable time and energy pursuing these unlikely investment avenues.

There's a better way.  In this knowledge-packed event, you will learn how to raise money using a little-known set of state and federal mandates which allow companies to advertise and market offerings directly to the public. These new regulations are making a major difference in the way companies can raise money. 

Just as the Obama campaign illustrated that it was possible to raise millions from individuals rather than relying on large corporate donors, entrepreneurs are now raising large sums from many small investors in the $10-$30k range. The ability to advertise direct to the public has changed the fundraising landscape, making it possible for both startups and existing companies to reach affinity investors and raise money without relying solely on banks, angels, and venture capitalists.

In this 2-hour program with time for Q&A, you will learn practical rubber-meets-the-road tools to:

Reach a new, untapped pool of high-probability investors 

Structure your deal with 3 insider tricks-of-the-trade you won’t learn anywhere else—especially from attorneys.

Close investors in 5 working days by making an investment offer that investors can’t refuse.

If you have a green, sustainable, or triple-bottom line business, and need capital to implement or expand it, these two-hours may open a new avenue for you to successfully raise capital and grow your business.  

"Tuesday Tours"

On Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m., Green Spaces is now offering "Tuesday Tours". The program will offer new members the opportunity to get to know everyone in the space.

Yesterday, we completed our first tour with Eva Dilmanian of Buzzword PR and Tom Paolino of Mail in Your Pocket, a division of Earth Class Mail. Eva is a socially minded music publicist. Tom has a vision for a paperless mail world. Each of them was introduced to all members at Green Spaces... a great way to break the ice!

If you're a new Green Spaces member or EcoPreneur, pop by Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. No need to sign up. Just join us!

"Idea Bounce" Lunches at Green Spaces (New York)

Every other Wednesday at 1 pm, Green Spaces offers a complimentary lunch for members and friends. The group acts as a meet and greet, and sounding board to "Idea Bounce" off one another. 

The format is...
1. GATHER for dumplings (vegan or pork available)

2. INTRODUCTIONS each person shares their name, company, and a fun fact about themselves (1-minute each)

3. PRESENTATION (selected in advance) one person gives a 5-minute talk about his or her work 

4. IDEA BOUNCE the presenter opens an question or idea to the group, so we may act as a sounding board.

With our diversely skilled group, the presenter has a room brains to pick!

Email Marissa to RSVP, confirm an idea bounce date, and/or ask about presenting.** If you are interested in becoming a member, you can meet your potential peers.* 

We now blog about our lunches for Forbes.com's entrepreneur section. Therefore, we seek presenters that have interesting content. Be sure to bring ideas to bounce!

*Non-members are welcome to attend. If you would like to attend often, please apply to be a member.

** We ask presenters to sponsor the dumplings we order for the group (usually $50). In addition, we ask presenters explain clearly what feedback or solutions to issues they wish to gather from us.