Plan a quick camping trip to take advantage of the

last of the warm weather. Stay within 100 miles of
San Francisco (200 total miles) and you can use a car from City CarShare. They always include gas, insurance, and maintenance. Use your GreenZebra

to sign up for the SharePlus plan and they’ll give

you $30 in driving credits. 

We recommend heading to Big Basin, the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south

of San Francisco. The park’s 18,000 acres of old growth and recovering redwood forest provide an escape from daily city grind.  Pick up any camping

or hiking gear you may need at REI and receive 15% off any regularly priced item. Our San Francisco REI is not only a Bay Area certified Green Business, but is using solar power to generate 19% of their

own electricity.

Before you hit the road, head to nearby Rainbow Grocery for a great selection of trail mixes, nuts and fresh organic produce for a great trailside snack. Receive 10% off when you spend $100 or more. Don’t forget to get the necessary ingredients for s’mores, after checking the regulations to make sure fires are allowed.

Until recently, 1/3 of what San Franciscans sent to landfills was compostable organic matter. This should change since the Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance went into effect on 10/21/09.  The new law requires every home and business in the city to separate waste into three color-coded bins for trash black, recycling blue, and compost green. By composting and recycling, you’ll be able to reduce your trash service and save money on your garbage bill. If customers put materials in the wrong containers, their collector will let them know by tagging the container, sending a letter, calling, then visiting to make sure they understand what goes where. Repeat offenders will be fined.

                   

Building owners must set up the three-bin system for tenants, so this is
a great time to volunteer to help your landlord distribute kitchen compost pails, set up a system in common areas, and educate fellow tenants and the janitor about what belongs in each bin. Order a free green cart from your carrier – either Golden Gate Disposal & Recycling (415.626.4000)
or Sunset Scavenger (415.330.1300). These companies, along with San Francisco Environment (415.355.3700), provide free consultation, container labels, signage, and educational materials, and will also help
you plan a zero waste event. San Francisco’s goal is to improve from its current 72% waste diversion rate (already the highest in the nation) to 75% in 2010 on our way to Zero Waste by 2020.

This November 13th through 15th use your GreenZebra for 2 for1 tickets to San Francisco’s Green Fest. This joint project of Global Exchange and Green America, brings more than 150 renowned speakers and 400 green businesses together to celebrate sustainability.  Come get a head start
on your Christmas shopping, participate in how-to workshops, and help empower our community to create positive change in the world.  The festival is open Friday 12pm-7pm, Saturday 10am-7pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm. GreenZebra will be at the Global Exchange booth, so stop
by and say hi!

If Green Fest inspires you as much as we think it will, head to Mike’s Bikes to consider a shift in your mode of transportation. Receive 20% off any purchase (up to a $40 discount) when you use your GreenZebra pass. You’re sure to find something to fit your needs within their unrivaled selection of the industry’s best bikes and equipment.

Then head up Market Street to treat your friends to some gourmet coffee at Philz. They feature over 20 blends, so there’s something
for everyone. Use your GreenZebra to receive
a free coffee when you buy two. 

Get your coffee to go (in reusable mugs of course), and hop across the street for some dessert at Delessio. You must try the Rabanadas, a crusty baguette soaked in organic condensed milk then fried and tossed in cinnamon sugar. With 20% off your total purchase there’s no reason not to. 

How are you planning on greening Thanksgiving?

We’d love to hear your ideas on how to green the holiday from decorating to cooking. Send your ideas to contest@thegreenzebra.org for a chance to win a $60 gift certificate to Sports Basement. We’ll publish our favorites on our facebook page. 

10.27.09

1. Tips for an Energy Efficient Remodel, Menlo Park
   

2. Eco Tuesday, San Francisco
   

10.29.09

1. The Street Food Movement at the Commonwealth Club, San Francisco
   

10.30.09

1. Compost Give-away, Berkeley
   

2. Green Building Super Heroes Gala, San Francisco
   

3. 
   

10.31.09

1. The Really Really Free Market, San Francisco
   

Featured Participants:

As the cool weather starts to creep in, head to Golden Gate Park and enjoy the sunshine before the rains begin. Visit the Bison, take a walk by Stow Lake, or pass the football at Kezar Staduim. Don’t forget your Fresh Snack Pack, filled to the brim with sliced apples or pears. These durable, PVC-free bags are a great alternative to throwaway bags and perfect for packing a small lunch or snack. Receive a complimentary Snack Size pack with an online purchase of $20 or more.

As the sun starts to drop, head to the California Academy of Sciences.  The Academy features an aquarium, a planetarium, a rainforests and a natural history museum, all under a living roof. Use your GreenZebra pass for a complimentary multimedia headset tour ($7 value) —a great way to explore the Academy with more information at your fingertips.

Treat the kids to some home-style Mexican at The Little Chihuahua before heading home.  They use Niman Ranch meats, Petaluma poultry and seafood from Clean Fish, as well as organic, non-GMO corn tortillas and chips, and never use lard or transfats. Use your GreenZebra pass for 50% off an entrée with the purchase of another.