Going Green in Carmel |
GREEN CARMEL
- Green Events
- Green Destinations
- Green Living
- Alternative Energy
- Environmental Groups
- Farmers Markets
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Alternative Transportation
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Beyond the fine restaurants, high-end shopping and world-class golf, a new, more ecologically aware, Carmel is emerging. From the white-sand beaches of Carmel-By-The-Sea to the lush fields and vineyards of the Carmel Valley, a number of businesses, organizations and independent activists are working to make Carmel and its surrounding communities on the Monterey Peninsula a more sustainable place to live. Carmel and Monterey County are now known for award-winning organic wines, locally-caught seafood and green architecture, as well as the internationally recognized marine research facilities up and down the coast.
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Green EventsHome to California's most picturesque coastline and two of the state's most fertile valleys, Monterey County hosts a range of events designed to educate, entertain and inspire the eco-conscious. From monthly community cleanups at Carmel Beach to the Monterey Bay Aquarium's annual Cooking for Solutions event, there are multiple ways to get involved.
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Carmel TomatoFest8205 Valley Greens Dr. Carmel CA 93923
This fundraiser attracts local chefs, wineries, tomato growers and thousands of tomato lovers from across the nation. With more than 350 heirloom tomato varieties on display, hard-to-find seeds for sale, organic gardening advice, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, olive oil tasting, a "salsa showcase" and live music, this annual Carmel attraction is not to be missed.
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Cooking for SolutionsMonterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey CA 93940
Every May, eco-culinary enthusiasts from around the world gather for the Monterey Bay Aquarium's annual two-day Cooking for Solutions event. Celebrating the good life with a conscious flair, Cooking for Solutions works to educate the public by combining the best of fine dining and sustainable cuisine in a variety of cooking demonstrations, food-and-wine adventures and a gala culinary event.
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Monthly Carmel Beach CleanupFourth Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.
West end of Ocean Avenue, Carmel CA 93923 This monthly volunteer cleanup and gardening program is sponsored by the Carmel Residents Association and focuses on maintaining the gorgeous white sands of Carmel Beach and the beach walkway. Participants should bring their own gloves. Coffee and pastries donated by local businesses are provided.
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Green DestinationsCarmel and its environs offer residents and visitors an opportunity to eat, drink, learn and explore, all while doing something good for the planet. An increasing number of organic and sustainable wineries in Carmel Valley, the Santa Lucia Highlands and elsewhere mean wine tasting in Carmel can be a deliciously eco-friendly experience, while eco tours through the agricultural areas of the Salinas and Carmel Valleys introduce visitors to the diverse and dynamic source of much of California's great cuisine.
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AG Venture Tours & ConsultingP.O. Box 2634, Monterey CA 93942
This small, independent tour company specializes in agriculture education, wine tasting and sightseeing tours in Monterey County. The Carmel Valley Wine Tasting tour includes a demonstration of the winemaking process at one of the valley's acclaimed wineries and a stop at the now-famous Earthbound Farms organic produce stand. Horseback riding, kid-friendly and agricultural education tours are also available.
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Asilomar Conference Grounds800 Asilomar Blvd., Pacific Grove CA 93950
Just six miles from Carmel, this 107-acre retreat on state-protected land is adjacent to Asilomar State Beach, part of the Pacific Grove Fish Garden Refuge and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Asilomar Conference Grounds' formal environmental management system, GreenPath, is registered with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and focuses on reducing waste and water and energy consumption.
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Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co.319 Mid Valley Center, Carmel CA 93923
With several locations on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co. offers organic single-origin coffees and organic blends, including their signature Carmel Foglifter blend. The company is also certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers trade association.
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Cornucopia Community Market26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel CA 93923
Focused on organic produce and fresh, raw prepared foods, Cornucopia Community Market is Carmel's one-stop shop for health-conscious foodies. Customers can grab a freshly baked baguette and chunk of organic cheese, or stock up on nutritional supplements, natural beauty supplies and eco-friendly cleaning products.
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Esalen Institute55000 Highway One, Big Sur CA 93920
Located along the picturesque coastline of Big Sur, the Esalen Institute is recognized as a world leader in alternative and experiential education. The non-profit organization has operated since the 1960s and has hosted revolutionary thinkers such as Joseph Campbell, Allen Ginsberg and Joan Baez. Visitors to the Esalen Institute retreat center live and work in a communal setting, bathe in the on-site natural geothermal springs, soak in the natural surroundings and participate in variety of alternative education and personal growth programs. Website.
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Heller Estate Vineyard69 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley CA 93924
In the hills overlooking the Carmel Valley, this eco-friendly winery's vineyards produce certified organic grapes and employ water-conscious farming practices. Heller Estate Vineyard's award-winning wines can be enjoyed in the tasting room, or at the winery's outdoor sculpture garden and picnic area.
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Marinus at the Bernardus Lodge415 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley CA 93924
Located at the beautiful Bernardus Lodge, Marinus offers organic California cuisine and a choice of over 1,800 wines. This Carmel restaurant celebrates the diverse selection of California produce to create inventive meals with a distinct Western flavor. Marinus has been honored and recognized time and again by Wine Spectator, The Zagat Survey, Monterey County Weekly and others for its scrumptious selection of fine wines and delicious array of coastal cuisine. Marinus is the refined choice for a memorable dining experience in Carmel.
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Morgan Winery – Taste Morgan Tasting Room204 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel CA 93921
Situated in Monterey's famous Santa Lucia Highlands, Morgan Winery's Double L vineyard is the only organic vineyard in the appellation. The 65-acre property is planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah, taking advantage of the area's mineral-laden terrior. The cozy Taste Morgan Carmel tasting room is open daily and offers a relaxed atmosphere for sipping the best of what Morgan has to offer.
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Passionfish701 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove CA 93950
This cozy Pacific Grove restaurant, just minutes from Carmel, is nationally recognized for its focus on local produce and sustainable seafood. Restaurant owners, and Carmel Valley residents, Ted and Cindy Walter have been featured in Bon Appetit magazine for their commitment to sustainability and passion for seafood. The restaurant also features an award-winning wine list priced at retail cost.
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Wickets Bistro at the Bernardus Lodge415 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley CA 93924
Wickets Bistro at the Bernardus Lodge is the casual alternative to fine dining in Carmel. Set in a familiar and relaxed venue, Wickets provides its patrons with beautiful sights, scrumptious meals and the luxury of a full bar. This Carmel bistro takes advantage of the local produce to create a menu that is constantly being renovated and always delicious. Wickets is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has live jazz music on select evenings.
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Whole Foods - Monterey800 Del Monte Center, Monterey CA 93940
The Monterey location of this national high-end grocery store chain has a special focus on local, often organic, produce and dairy products, as well as locally caught sustainable seafood. The store also carries a selection of organic meat and poultry and features a complete health and wellness center, flower market and a bakery on site.
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Green LivingAs concern about the future of the environment grows on a global scale, an increasing number of Monterey County residents and businesses are trying to integrate an environmentally conscious philosophy into daily life. From green building and design companies in Carmel to eco-friendly cleaning services in Monterey and ecological consulting firms in Carmel Valley, Monterey County is quickly becoming a hot spot for the green living movement.
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Agrarius LLCPO Box 2168, Monterey CA 93942
Agrarius LLC offers visual and thermographic mapping of agricultural areas and buildings. Thermography helps maintain sustainable buildings by pinpointing energy and water inefficiencies to help owners make adjustments to better achieve green building and energy saving goals. Agrarius also offers infrared and visual imaging and analysis for agricultural areas, including water management and disease and pest assessment, to help farmers make efficient agricultural decisions.
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California American Water511 Forest Lodge Road, Suite 100, Pacific Grove CA 93950
Helping residents with water conservation practices, California American Water can schedule a time to visit homes and assess water use. Based on the assessment, they'll provide tips as to how to conserve resources and save money on water bills, whether it's to use a shower timer or install low flow faucets. This free service is committed to benefiting the entire Monterey Peninsula community.
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Carmel Building & DesignP.O. Box 2201, Carmel CA 93921
Focused on custom building and renovation from start to finish, Carmel Building and Design takes an all-encompassing approach to eco-friendly building. The company's philosophy is to think green from initial design, and carry the ideas through to site choice, environmental impact and selection of materials.
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Carmel Marina Recycling11260 Commercial Parkway, Castroville CA 95012
Carmel Marina Recycling is a company offering environmental and waste management services to Carmel area households and businesses. They'll recycle plastics, glass, cardboard and paper to reduce waste and make the most of each product. This Castroville recycling facility manages to support the green revolution by increasing the percentage of recycling to almost 75% rate of success in Monterey County. Schools and public groups can visit the facility to learn about the importance of recycling and waste management.
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Enviro International Architects and BuildersP.O. Box 1734, Pebble Beach CA 93953
Enviro International was founded in 1990 to implement and help raise awareness about green building techniques. On the forefront of green building design, principal architect Safwat Malek designed Carmel's first entirely solar house and focuses on a combination of non-toxic materials and sound building in all projects.
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The Greener CleanersP.O. Box 2022, Monterey CA 93942
Started by two Monterey County natives, The Greener Cleaners provides non-toxic and water and energy efficient housekeeping, janitorial and facilities maintenance services. Dedicated to environmental stewardship, this Monterey cleaning services company is constantly working on better, more eco-friendly, cleaning technologies. Website.
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The GreenTeam Environmental GroupThe GreenTeam Environmental Group's structural cleaning service provides the eco-friendly removal of molds, odors and pests from residential and commercial buildings. Through a process of indoor pasteurization that has little to no environmental impact, this Monterey County business sanitizes living and work spaces, ultimately improving indoor air quality, increasing property value and the overall health of the indoor environment.
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Hayward Corporation1140 Sunset Dr., Pacific Grove CA 93950
429 Front St., Salinas CA 93901
Formerly known as Hayward Lumber Company, this well-known Monterey-based building supply company has been in operation since 1919. Hayward Corporation offers green building materials marked by the company's own EnviroSmart brand. Hayward Corporation's goal is to ensure that all of the company's lumber suppliers adhere to sustainable forest practices and that Hayward only acquires lumber products that are managed in a sustainable way.
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Healthy House Technologies225 Crossroads Blvd. #366, Carmel CA 93923
Operated by Carmel's MacDougall Construction, Inc., Healthy House Technologies focuses on ventilation products and mold and water intrusion prevention. The company offers several high-efficiency products including the ecopower hybrid fan and SolaCool solar-powered fan.
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KR ConstructionP.O. Box 869, Pacific Grove CA 93950
KR Construction is an environmentally conscious construction company that specializes in areas like custom home builds, decking and landscaping. They use only FSC certified lumber and resource efficient building materials, and work hard to create environmentally friendly homes that are also cost-effective.
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Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Institute of ArchitectsP.O. Box 310, Monterey CA 93942
Dedicated to the advocacy of sustainable architecture, the Monterey Bay chapter of the AIA's Committee On The Environment (COTE) researches building products and materials, analyzes designs and works with other agencies to determine which methods, materials and building practices are best for the environment. Website.
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Monterey Regional Waste Management
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Monterey Sanitary Supply Inc.1 Justin Ct., Monterey CA 93940
Monterey Sanitary Supply's long list of available products and services includes environmentally friendly cleaning products, recycled paper products, energy efficient lights, recycling kits for fluorescent tubes and batteries, machine repair and consulting for sanitary and facility needs.
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North Star ConstructionP.O. Box 221454, Carmel CA 93922
North Star Construction builds and remodels custom homes and commercial buildings and specializes in sustainable design and construction. A member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), North Star attempts to incorporate material re-use, passive solar design and the newest sustainable building technology into its projects.
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Renovations9698 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel CA 93923
Carmel Valley's first certified green business, Renovations specializes in interior and exterior design, remodeling and green building. The contracting firm is also part of the U.S. Green Building Council and Build It Green.
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Rana Creek35351 East Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley CA 93924
Rana Creek offers an extensive list of eco-conscious building and planning services including land-use planning, sustainable design, ecological consultation and habitat restoration. The company's mission is to design and built habitats that are beneficial to both humans and the environment. Rana Creek also offers contract grow services and a wholesale nursery specializing in native plants.
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Alternative EnergySources for alternative energy in Carmel are growing in numbers. While there are many long-term benefits to using alternative energy sources, namely reduction of greenhouse gasses and reduced dependence on foreign oil, the most tangible and immediate benefits for homeowners and businesses include increased home value and lower living costs.
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Anderson Solar ControlsAnderson Solar Controls designs, installs and services solar energy systems, including photovoltaic (PV), grid tie and off-grid tie systems. The company also installs and services solar water heating systems for domestic and pool systems.
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Applied Solar EnergyP.O. Box 3747, Carmel CA 93921
Applied Solar Energy designs and installs solar photovoltaic and thermal systems for homes and businesses throughout Monterey County.
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Environmental Organizations and GroupsMonterey County's host of marine research organizations and environmental groups are also gaining world recognition for taking innovative strides in conservation, education and community activism. From the internationally recognized Monterey Bay Aquarium to the Big Sur Land Trust, there are a wide variety of ways in which to learn, participate and take action on the Monterey Peninsula.
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Carmel River Watershed ConservancyP.O. Box 223833, Carmel CA 93922
This group works with local, state and federal agencies for better management of the Carmel River Watershed and protection of its natural resources.
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Center for Ocean Solutions99 Pacific St., Suite. 155A, Monterey CA 93940
Combines the efforts of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Reasearch Institute and Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Lab to bring together international experts in marine science and policy to find innovative ways to protect and restore the world's oceans.
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The Elkhorn Slough FoundationP.O. Box 267, Moss Landing CA 95039
Elkhorn Slough harbors the largest tract of tidal salt marsh in California outside of San Francisco Bay and is the habitat for hundreds of species of plants, animals and birds. The ESF is a community-supported nonprofit organization that works to preserve and restore the slough and its watershed.
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HOPE – Helping Our Peninsula’s EnvironmentP.O. Box 1495, Carmel CA 93921
This group of community activists works to protect environmental resources and local participatory democracy.
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Landwatch Monterey County158 Central Ave., Suite #3, Salinas CA 93907
With members throughout Monterey County, LandWatch works to promote sound land use policies through grassroots community action.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium886 Cannery Row, Monterey CA 93940
Through exhibits, education and activism, the Monterey Bay Aquarium's mission is to inspire love for, and conservation of, the world's oceans. The aquarium's affiliated Seafood Watch Program and Center for the Future of the Oceans are further extensions of the organization's conservation efforts.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute7700 Sandholdt Rd., Moss Landing CA 95039
A world leader in ocean research and education, M.B.A.R.I. brings together scientists and engineers for the development of new research equipment, systems and methods for research of the deep ocean.
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Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary299 Foam St., Monterey CA 93940
This federally protected marine area stretches 276 miles from Marin County to Cambria and contains the nation's largest kelp forest, and one of North America's largest underwater canyons. Administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sanctuary was established in 1992 for the purpose of resource protection, research, education and public use.
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Monterey Coastkeeper475 Washington St., Suite A, Monterey CA 93940
Formed to tackle issues of water quality, The Monterey Coastkeeper focuses on areas that directly relate to preservation of our waterways and riparian areas. Through policy advocacy, legal tools and active community involvement, The Monterey Coastkeeper addresses issues such as chemical safety, agricultural runoff, urban runoff (or stormwater), and other pollutants, and acts as a steward to Marine Protected Areas.
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The Otter Project475 Washington St., Suite A, Monterey CA 93940
Dedicated to promoting the recovery of the California sea otter, The Otter Project is active in a variety of areas to stop harmful actions like offshore oil drilling, and they promote awareness by facilitating and communicating research with the public and policy makers. As an umbrella species and a “keystone species,” the survival of the southern sea otter is imperative for more than just itself – impact on other marine life and the structure of the ecosystem in which it lives would be drastic if these adorable aquatic friends were lost.
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Point Lobos AssociationRoute 1, Box 62, Carmel CA 93923
Where land meets sea, the rugged beauty of Point Lobos State Reserve has inspired artists, writers and naturalists with its spectacular views and countless natural wonders. The Point Lobos Association assists California State Parks in preserving Point Lobos and supports interpretive and educational programs at the reserve. The charitable non-profit association also provides a library for historical and field research and publishes a variety of materials on all things Point Lobos.
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StepUP2GreenP.O. Box 2746, Monterey CA 93942
A local effort started up by Monterey Bay region community members, StepUP2Green is taking the initiative to encourage people to think green when it comes to home remodeling projects. This incentive-based program offers a one-page checklist of water, energy and resource-saving steps that homeowners can use to then be recognized according to how many green actions are completed. Achieve a StepUP2Green award.
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Surfrider MontereyP.O. Box 52036, Pacific Grove CA 93950
The Monterey chapter of this national nonprofit organization focuses on the protection of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and surrounding coastal areas.
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Monterey Bay Certified Farmers MarketsMonterey County farmers markets are goldmines for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Most of the produce offered is organic, and the affordable prices and quality of offerings make every almost visit worthwhile. Also, with larger markets like the Old Monterey Certified Farmers Market, the offerings are expanded to include delicious fare and shopping opportunities. While enjoying everything from barbecue to Korean food to Greek food, visitors can peruse booths of jewelry, herbal products, art, fresh seafood, handmade clothing and more.
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Carmel Barnyard Farmers Market26400 Carmel Rancho Lane
May-September, Tuesdays 9am-1pm
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Monterey Farmers Market930 Fremont Street (at the Monterey Peninsula College)
Year-round, Thursdays 2:30-6pm
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Marina Certified Farmers Market — Everyone's Harvest215 Reservation Road
Year-round, Sundays 10am-2pm
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Old Monterey Certified Farmers MarketAlvarado and Pearl Streets, Monterey
Year-round, Tuesdays, 4-7pm (4-8pm April-October)
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Pacific Grove Certified Farmers' MarketLighthouse Ave. between Forest Ave. and 17th St., Pacific Grove CA 93950
Year-round, Mondays, 4-8pm (3-7pm in winter)
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Sustainable AgricultureFrom funky farm stands to the finest restaurants, much of the food found in and around Carmel is produced locally. As California's fourth largest crop producing county, Monterey County has a growing number of organic and sustainable farms, as well as educational programs and organizations promoting sustainable farming practices.
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Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA)P.O. Box 6264, Salinas CA 93912
ALBA's mission is to advance economic viability, social equity and ecological land management for small family farms. The organization provides educational and business opportunities for farm workers and aspiring farmers in Monterey County.
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Carmel Valley CooperativeCarmel Valley Cooperative is a group of local farms offering membership to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program delivering fresh, local produce and products to a variety of pickup sites in Carmel. Website.
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Community Alliance with Family Farmers406 Main St., Watsonville CA 95076
Through a wide variety of programs and policy work with government agencies, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers works to foster small, family-scale agriculture that cares for the land, sustains local economies and promotes social justice.
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Earthbound Farm - Carmel Valley Farmstand7250 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel CA 93923
What started as a backyard garden has grown into one of the largest organic farms in the country. Earthbound Farm's organic produce is now grown by approximately 150 farmers which all adhere to the same organic farming methods. The farm stand, which sells organic produce, as well as prepared foods from an adjacent kitchen, is located on Earthbound's 30-acre research and development farm.
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Ecological Farming Association406 Main St., Suite #313, Watsonville CA 95076
Dedicated to the development of ecologically-based food systems, the Monterey County-based Ecological Farming Association educates farmers and the agriculture industry about eco-friendly farming techniques.
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Serendipity Farms455 Canyon Del Rey Blvd. #303, Monterey CA 93940
This Monterey County organic farm with land on the old Odello Ranch in Carmel offers a variety of vegetables, berries and flowers at local farmers markets and to those who sign up for the farm's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership. Part of each Serendipity Farms CSA membership goes toward building an educational demonstration garden for children and the farm's additional goals include raising funds to create a historical interpretive farm center at Odello Ranch and collaborating with The Habitat at Carmel Middle School to offer expanded hands on education in sustainable farming.
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Alternative TransportationA network of transportation options in Monterey County makes it easy to ditch the car and choose a more sustainable mode of travel. A variety of organizations offer solutions for commuters such as online rideshare linkups, car- and van-pooling options, park-and-ride information and links to updated bus schedules, bike maps and pedestrian access routes.
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Bay Bikes585 Cannery Row #101, Monterey CA 93940
Bay Bikes offers bike rentals and tours on the Monterey Peninsula. With hourly to monthly rental rates, Bay Bikes' wide range of mountain bikes, cruisers, road bikes, children's bikes, bike trailers and jogging strollers are easily available to Monterey County visitors and residents. In addition, Bay Bikes offers a range of pre-packaged and custom bike tours on scenic trails and through communities such as Big Sur, Pacific Grove, Carmel and Monterey.
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Carmel Bicycle7150 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel CA 93923
In operation for over 12 years, Carmel Bicycle offers expert bike repair services and carries a range of bicycles including Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Titus and Trek Bikes.
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Commute AlternativesCommute Alternatives works to reduce traffic and carbon emissions in Monterey County by promoting the use of sustainable transportation modes such as carpooling, vanpooling, riding transit, walking, bicycling, and teleworking. Website.
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Commute Solutions1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz CA 95060
Part of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, Commute Solutions offers online ride matching for carpoolers, information about public transit, walking and bike maps. Website.
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Joselyn's Bicycles398 E. Franklin St., Monterey CA 93940
This full service Monterey Peninsula bike shop offers repair services including tune-ups, wheel building, accessory installation, custom builds, and complete overhauls. Joselyn's Bicycles also has a large inventory of new bicycles, racing clothing and bike accessories. In addition, this Monterey bike shop rents high end road and mountain bikes to residents and visitors who want to enjoy a day in Monterey on two wheels.
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Monterey Salinas TransitOne Ryan Ranch Rd., Monterey CA 93940
Monterey County's public transit system offers access to all area communities. Trip planning, schedules and maps are available on their website.
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Winning Wheels Bicycle Shop318 Grand Ave., Pacific Grove CA 93950
Specializing in road, Triathlon, mountain and cyclecross bikes, Winning Wheels is one of the Monterey Peninsula's most popular bike shops. Winning Wheels sells parts, offers bicycle repair and maintenance services and has an inventory of high-quality bicycles. This Pacific Grove bike shop also hosts weekly Saturday morning bike rides for the public.
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