Chris Prelitz, New Leaf America, Sustainability and Living Green

Orange County is a wonderful place to be when you're in need of an expert in a particular field of study. With our cultural, social and educational diversity, it seems as if everyone has an experience or perspective to share, adding to the dialogue that constantly enriches each of our lives.

Where our environment and "green living" are concerned, Orange County is blessed to have Chris and Becky Prelitz, two Laguna Beach locals and dedicated advocates for sustainability.

If you "Google" search Chris Prelitz, you'll instantly come across www.prelitz.com, a simple site on Chris Prelitz's background, calendar of upcoming events, etc. You'll learn that he formed New Leaf America in 2008 (Visit New Leaf America, at http://newleafamerica.com - it's a site definitely worth checking out) - and that he's done a lot of amazing projects and home transformations, both here in Orange County and across the nation.

On the Meetup page for Going GREEN in Orange County, word has it that Chris Prelitz is scheduled to present his new book, Green Made Easy at Oasis Child on Friday, April 10 at 7 PM . (Click here to visit Oasis Child online.) However, Chris Prelitz's site, www.prelitz.com, gives the date of April 3. We will try to confirm the correct date as soon as possible... but no matter what day he presents his book in Laguna, check it out online and in the bookstores ASAP!

Hi ho, Hi ho, It's Off to Work We Go...

For those of you who have been following our blog and website, we are happy to announce that improvements are currently being made on the main website (Click HERE to Visit NIOC's Website). Of particular interest:

A "Plant of the Week" page has been established - visit the site weekly to learn about a different plant found in Orange County.

A "Kid's Corner" has also been created ~ links, book & CD titles, and educational programs all focused on children's Nature activities will become increasingly available over the next few weeks.

Nature In Orange County is also on Facebook (Click HERE to visit NIOC's Facebook Page). Become a Fan ~ it is an easy way to spread the word about us to your friends and colleagues!

CREEC: California Regional Environmental Education Community

California Regional Environmental Education Community

CREEC's Mission Statement:

"The California Regional Environmental Education Community (CREEC) Network is an educational project whose mission is: To develop a communication network which provides educators with access to "high quality" environmental education resources to enhance the environmental literacy of California Students.

The CREEC Network is the best source for Environmental Education resources in California."

(Taken from website on 8 October 2008 - "CREEC Mission")

In Orange County: Orange County CREEC

Orange County: A Biodiversity Hotspot

Did you know that the natural world of Orange County is part of the California Floristic Province, one of the world's Biodiversity Hotspots?
I'll let you click on the link above and read all about it!

Protect our Water - Keep it Clean

The OC Watersheds Program - Something You'll Wanna Check Out!

Of Particular Interest, You'll Wanna See THIS PAGE: Introduction to the 24 Hr.Water Pollution Hotline

Also, Check out the California Coastal Commission HERE... You'll be glad to know of it.

Scorecard.org : See How OC rates in Pollution

A good (yet seemingly old) site on Polluters/Pollution in any county - just enter your zip code and see the results!

http://www.scorecard.org/index.tcl

Also, if you have extra time and want to delve into a more complicated website, The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable is at www.p2.org (that's an easy address, huh?)

1st Annual "No Plastic Left Behind" at Orange Coast College - Oct 11

The following was found at: http://www.earthresource.org/campaigns/CAPP%20Conference/CAPPconference08.html

Get Involved:
1st Annual "No Plastic Left Behind"
A Campaign Against the Plastic Plague Conference
A workshop for youth and activists from around the world to take action

Saturday, October 11, 2008
8:15 am Registration
9 am to 5 pm Conference
Location: Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Hosted by Earth Resource Foundation & Orange Coast College Recycling Center


Your host for this Activist and Youth conference is Earth Resource Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, whose mission is to empower businesses and the public with the tools needed to make environmentally sustainable choices and changes where people live, work and play. Our Co-host is Orange Coast College Recycling Center, a leader in community recycling. Proceeds from the conference will allow us to continue to grow the CAPP campaign and support all our volunteers and partners.

Limited number of student and work scholarships available - details on the registration page

Join us at 7:45 am for a 1/2 hour yoga and meditation session in the beautiful outdoor horticulture center

Campaign Against the Plastic Plague Resources