San Francisco vs. Santa Monica…who’s Greener?

San Francisco vs. Santa Monica…who’s Greener?

January 14, 2010 in Green Design

In 2008 I moved to San Francisco in search of knowledge. I knew that Green Design was the wave of the future but in Santa Monica/Los Angeles there were few classes available or any  “Green” interior design or industry related class at UCLA X…actually there was only 1 and I took that one.  In SF, I was very impressed with the plethora of information, classes, programs that pushed the  sustainable Green movement. The city fed my hunger to learn and I took every course I could. The whole city…yes the whole city was celebrating their progression in the next wave of Sustainable Design.  September was deemed “Architecture Month” where citizens could participate in all these great classes, lectures, exhibits, films, etc. Everything is focused around green design.

I loved the San Franciscan lifestyle of taking public transportation, always carrying canvas bag, having to request for water at a restaurant, organic foods were all the rage.  Seems like your coolness was based on your reusable water bottle & the bike your ride. There was just something magical about The City. I knew for me it was because it made me feel like I was always on the forefront of whatever I thought was cool, whether it be technology or  the green revolution.  Everyone lived it, breathed it, spread the word, shared tips, etc. The greener you were the cooler you are.

I worked in the City of Santa Monica for 2 years and tried to take advantage of all the programs and initiatives the city offered.  I knew they were a progressive city, but it wasn’t until 2010 when I moved back to Santa Monica. All these new public Green initiatives became obvious and there was ways the average citizen could learn more. I believe you cannot just change the city, state, country or world, you have the change the habits of its citizens if a true change is to be made. It has to start with awareness. Knowing is have the battle.

I was elated knowing that this city is too very progressive, making strides and getting recognition for it.  Duong Designs is currently involved with the  Sustainable Works program, the Sustainable Landscape Design for Professional Series, the Green Academy and various other eco-awareness programs. Santa Monicans are starting be Eco-trendy also. Everything here is starting to turn up green and the planet is smiling for it.  So who’s Greener? Who cares? hopefully everyone! Earth is the winner. Lets all do our part.

Here’s a list of some things Green in Santa Monica in case you were interested in helping the planet:

http://sustainca.org/showcase/showcase2009

http://www.sustainableworks.org/

http://smgov.net/

http://sustatinablesm.com/

Spread the word and get to know your neighbors! http://citizengreen.ning.com/

To find out more about how Duong Designs could help you live a Greener life, please visit duongdesigns.com

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Christine Duong

Christine Duong is a Certified Interior Designer in the State of California and Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). She studied at the University of California at Los Angeles in Interior Architectural Design and has more than 7 years in the industry. She has worked for firms specializing in hospitality and high-end residential. Independently, she has completed residential and commercial projects in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, London & Mykonos.

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