By Kaitlin Childs
I came to discover the wonderous Woolly Pocket while I was meandering through a design shop in the Mission District of San Francisco. I’m always looking for new and interesting ideas when it comes to design, and a living plant wall made from felt “pockets” definitely caught my attention. Not only did it look simple and easy to install, but it also brought life, color, and texture to the space. Plus the pockets are handmade from 100% recycled plastic bottles that have been industrially felted in the USA, made for both indoor and outdoor use, lightweight and easy to move. After doing some research, I uncovered that the man behind this ingenious idea had even more up his sleeve then just these curious pockets.
Woolly School Garden officially launched this past Earth Day as an extension of Wooly Pocket. Their initiative is to educate children about plants, nutrition and growing healthy food. Schools can either pay $1,000 (if they have the budget) OR sign up for donations to raise money to participate in the program. Upon delivery, schools will receive do-it-yourself hardware & instructions, premium soil for edible gardening, organic seeds, a planting chart, a gardening manual and nutrition curriculum.
Miguel Nelson is the inventor of the Woolly and owner of two of the most stylish, indoor/outdoor green event venues in Los Angeles. A creative businessman who’s thoughtful about the environment? Sign me up! Marvimon (formerly an 80-year-old abandoned automobile showroom) and the Smog Shoppe (once a 1980s smog-check center) boast a design that is the perfect blend of vintage elements, organic features and industrial edge. The spaces can be used for a multitude of activities, such as cocktail parties, art exhibitions, productions, formal sit down dinners, film screenings, and so much more.
Marvimon
Marvimon
Smog Shoppe
Smog Shoppe
While being interviewed by Ready Made Magazine, Miguel was asked what advice he’d give to someone who wants to do what he’s done. His answer? “Do something like I have not done. Leave what I’m doing to me. Follow your heart. Change your mind. Quit. A wise man once told me there’s no such thing as a wrong decision. Another wise man told me that you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince. And the Beatles sing that in the end, the love we take is equal to the love we make.” I think that just about sums it up.
Posted in Design, Sustainability, Venues
Choosing the right venue for your celebration can be one of the most difficult aspects of the event planning process. The look and feel of the space are both essential elements that must be considered, not to mention the location in respect to your varied guest list. Now that you’re also considering the environment while planning your event however, you have a new element to consider – how green is my venue? Luckily across southern California, dozens of event spaces are popping up that incorporate environmental initiatives into their business practices. Below are a few of our favorite eco chic Green Event venues.
SmogShoppe
Located in Culver City, the SmogShoppe is LA’s newest green event space. What was once a smog check center, has now been transformed into a 100% solar powered indoor/outdoor venue. The space is filled with chic vintage furnishings, vertical garden walls, succulent plants, and tons of recycled and sustainable features. The SmogShoppe can accommodate 200 person garden ceremonies and formal sit down dinners, 300 person cocktail parties, and 100 person film screenings. With soaring 15 foot ceilings, valet parking, and LEED Platinum certification in the works, we can’t wait to plan our next Green Event at the SmogShoppe!
Seven4One
Situated right in the heart of beautiful Laguna Beach, lies the hidden gem Seven4One Hotel. Surrounded by world renowned art galleries and eateries, and just steps away from the ocean waves, Seven4One is an ideal location to hold a small private or corporate celebration. Their commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the hotel as well. From organic and locally grown foods, to bamboo guests towels and a recycling center on the premises, Seven4One is definitely “transparently green.”
Hotel Solamar
A short drive south takes you to beautiful San Diego and the home of Hotel Solamar, a luxury boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. A member of the EPA’s Green Lodging Program, Hotel Solamar incorporates sustainable practices at every level of their operations. The venue even donate unused or partially used amenties to community programs and offer discounted parking to guests who drive hybrids. Combined with a vibrant energy and facilities to accommodate events up to 750 people, Hotel Solomar definitely embodies the standard for green venues.
Posted in Going Green, Green Event Planning, Green Weddings, Venues
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