Going Green

Over the past few months, I have been part of a team creating a short film about opportunities in Green building industry. Spearheaded by the State of Washington Department of Ecology Green Building Program this film has also received funding from WIRED which is locally administered by Pacific Mountain Workforce Consortium, whose charge is Green workforce development in 5 counties in Southwest Washington. Several companies have thrown funding in the pot, too, making it a public-private partnership. The primary goal of the film is to encourage high school and trade school students who are considering going into the construction trades to acquire additional Green training and certifications. Legislators are another audience for the film.

We interviewed a number of different folks as well as collecting b-roll of solar arrays and training centers over the past couple of days. In addition to working with an awesome production team and the dynamic Rachael Jamieson at the Department of Ecology, I was really impressed with the enthusiasm the project was met with by everyone we interviewed, be they students, construction workers, bureaucrats, union reps, or CEOs of Green building and consulting firms. Exciting to capture a snapshot of an industry poised for a period of rapid growth and evolution here in Washington and hopefully, around the world.

Speaking of topics Green, my friend Teddy referred me today to a really fascinating blog today written by his friend, Alexis Madrigal regarding his research for his forthcoming book, Inventing Green: The Lost History of American Clean Tech Check it out!

Holiday shopping in snowbound Ravenna

Just took a beautiful walk through my neighborhood here in Seattle. Despite the city being immobilized by snow, the residents of fair Ravenna are out on the streets, playing in the snow, shopping, etc. I hit the Herbalist for a cooperative boardgame called Wildcraft for the boys, Tree of Life for candles for the Menorah, a dreidl, and some chocolate coins, then I visited the Calabrese-owned Italian deli next door. It was closed but several men seated inside gestured to come in. So, I ask the owner if he makes cannoli shells, but he doesn’t. He offered to find me some, though. He turns to this Australian dude sitting at the table and asks him to find them. The Aussie offers to make me cannoli filling for them, too but I tell him I make my own. All three guys ask me what I put in it at the same time.
“Ricotta, blanc mange, chopped chocolate, nuts, spices, and candied tangerine peel.” I respond.
“Candied tangerine peel! I’ll trade you shells for the candied tangerine peel!” the Australian exclaimed. “Just call Pino, the owner and ask for the crazy Australian.”

Awesome. Neighborhood serendipity.

I moved on to the independent bookstore-café down the street. It was humming with activity. I overheard a staffperson on the phone saying that the parking lot had been empty all day but the store was busy with pedestrian traffic from the neighborhood. Heartwarming! I am blissed out on neighborhood love and nearly finished with holiday shopping.