Going Green in Santa Cruz, California

The Santa Cruz chapter of the California Plant Society meets on the second Monday of odd-numbered months at 7:30pm at the UCSC Arboretum. The goals of the group are to increase the appreciation of California's native plants though field trips, projects and programs for the protection of the environment for future generations of Californians.

Island Conservation seeks to prevent extinctions and protect ecological and evolutionary processes on islands.

The Valley Women's Club is dedicated to community action, awareness and leadership in environmental, educational, social and political concerns which affect the health and welfare of the San Lorenzo Valley. Major activities include public education through quarterly newsletter, workshops in survival skills, statements at board of supervisor's meetings, support of the San Lorenzo Valley Watershed Management Plan, informing people of erosion control methods, sponsorship of educational programs, improvement of parks through donation of equipment and funding of supplies, management of three recycling centers and donations to fire department, play groups and any community projects voted upon.

People Power promotes the use of bicycles, utility tricycles, bike-trailers, skateboards, walking, and other non-motorized transit. This organization is committed to helping government, citizens, and businesses overcome their dependence on the automobile and to demonstrate that better alternatives to the car exist, while improving conditions for bicyclists in Santa Cruz County.

The Campaign for Sensible Transportation's goal is to promote an effective transportation system that makes it easier to get around and decreases the stress and frustration of driving, without causing increased air and noise pollution and without degrading the aesthetic quality of our surroundings.

The Energy Programs division of Ecology Action offers free energy efficiency assistance and subsidies for businesses throughout Northern California.

Eco Goods is an environmental general store featuring organic cotton, bamboo and hemp clothing, vegan shoes and bags, bedding, towels and bodycare. This eco-friendly store in santa cruz also offers recycled and rainforest jewelry and gifts.

SunRidge Farms/Falcon Trading Company retails award-winning USDA certified organic and natural trail mixes, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, gourmet candies/confectioneries, cereals, and granolas available in bulk, packaged, and tubs.

Benedictine Healing Products organically grows more than half of the herbs used in their 100 medicinal herb tinctures and oils for people and their pets.

Laptop Lunches packs nutritious, sustainable meals for work, school and travel. The bento-style containers, stainless steel water bottles and lunch jars eliminate waste, while the meals remain delicious and fresh.

Ecological landscaping. Permaculture design. Installation and maintenance of environmentally friendly landscapes. Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping uses bicycle power with their Tread Lightly service.

Low prices on a huge selection of natural products, including hemp and organic cotton clothing, purses, wallets, body care products and gifts.

Herbal Products and Development offers foundational nutrients and original formulation for optimal health: food enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, green foods, liquid vitamins, minerals, macrominerals, and joint support.

Blue Lotus features outdoor fleece blankets made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. These comfortable blankets are great for picnics, camping, kids, and the beach.

A full-service salon and spa in Santa Cruz. With their uniquely eco-friendly “Hair for Oil Spills” program, Fusion is part of a greater organization that collects hair clippings from salons to weave into mats for soaking up oil spills. Additionally, almost all of the products at this Santa Cruz salon and spa are organic.

Sustainably produced, non-toxic materials and sophisticated design come together at this store specializing in custom-crafted furniture, high-end ergonomic mattresses and luxurious bedding. Chemically sensitive and socially conscious shoppers, rejoice!