You've seen them on billboards, tv commercials, newspaper and internet ads: businesses claiming virtue by appearing to lighten their environmental impact. "Going green" may be the new trend but how can you discern genuine sustainable action from PR pranks? How can you tell which companies are walking the talk and which are just trying to open our wallets?

Join Ali Geering-Kline of the Center for Environmental Health and Jennifer Kaplan, author of "Greening Your Small Business", as they help us fine tune our greenwashing radars, guiding us on how to identify companies guilty of cultivating a green image simply to expand their markets or power. They'll tell us what red flags to look for, why we should care, and what we can do to call greenwashers out.

Ali Geering-Kline is responsible for engaging the public in CEH campaigns and conducting outreach to supporters and community members through online platforms about environmental health issues.  She also writes for and coordinates CEH's online action center, Generation Green. Jennifer Kaplan, the author of "Greening Your Small Business",  brings almost two decades of corporate marketing experience, working with a wide range of companies. She is a Senior Adviser to the Center for Small Business and the Environment (CSBE) and a regular contributor to several blogs including Ecopreneurist.com and EatDrinkBetter.com.

About the Regenerating Solutions Salon series
The Bay Area environmental scene is rich with opportunities to volunteer, take action, and get politically engaged. What's missing? A time and space for talking with others about questions, issues, and challenges that come up when engaging in environmental advocacy and personal action. The Ecology Center's Regenerating Solutions Salon addresses this through presentations and facilitated discussions touching on a variety of topics. Salons are free and open to anyone interested!

Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave (between Dwight and Parker St), Berkeley. Accessible by the 49. 72R, 72M, and 72 buses.
Cost: Free
This event is wheelchair accessible.

Also...

Tuesdays, August 16th, 23rd and 30th,7-9pm at the Ecology Center

Free Climate Action Workshop series

Minimize greenhouse gas emissions and maximize your sense of community at the Ecology Center's Climate Action Workshop series starting this Tuesday, August 16th..

At these workshops you will:

• Receive information and ideas for taking action to reduce your ecological footprint, facilitate community building, and drive political action on climate change

• Create a measurable action plan (the scope is entirely up to you!)

• Benefit from the support, wisdom, and experience of fellow participants, and resources from the Ecology Center

By participating in all three sessions, you'll be given free membership to the Ecology Center for a year if you have not previously been a member.
RSVP requested. Write to:  debra@ecologycenter.org

Dates: Tuesdays, August 16, 23 and 30 from 7-9pm (attendance at all three sessions is requested) Time: 7pm-9pm

Location: Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way, Berkeley
RSVP: Email debra@ecologycenter.org or call 510-548-2220 x240
Info: www.ecologycenter.org