Experts offer tips on how to minimize one’s impact on the environment
Orange, CA, April 16, 2008 – Learning about ways to live an eco-friendly lifestyle was on the minds of attendees as the editors of Cottages & Bungalows magazine hosted the first in a series of events celebrating green living, “Walk This Way…Lightly,” Saturday, April 12, from 1–4 p.m., in Old Town Tustin, CA.
The free event, which was open to the community, was attended by editors of APG Media Lifestyle Group’s Cottages & Bungalows, Romantic Homes and Victorian Homes magazines as well as authorities in the field of preservation, restoration and design. Speakers included celebrated author Jane Powell (Bungalow Kitchens, Bungalow Bathrooms, Bungalow Details), long-time Orange County architect and historic home expert, Richard H. Dodd, AIA, Laura Meyers, historic preservation advocate and Julie Bawden Davis, author of Indoor Gardening the Organic Way.
The organic gardens of the newly expanded The McCharles House – A Center for Living (mccharleshouse.com) was the setting where guests also enjoyed light fare provided by Jay’s (jayscatering.com) and acoustic music by StuccoRainbow (stuccorainbow.com). Dancer Abella Carroll provided an inspiring hula, expressing reverence for nature and setting the tone for the day.
Topics of discussion included small-house living tips, green renovation and design ideas, preservation success stories and more.
“I was impressed that community members of all ages came out on an unseasonably hot spring day to learn about green living, organic gardening and historic preservation,” said Cottages & Bungalows editor Hillary Black. “The day was filled with practical information. For instance, one of the speakers, author Jane Powell, showed the crowd how tearing down an old home to build a new ‘green’ building is actually a wasteful use of resources. In fact, restoring an older home is considered large-scale recycling.”
Attendees had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets, with all proceeds going to benefit the California Native Plant Society (cnps.org). Raffle prizes included a $250 gift basket provided by Roger’s Gardens (rogersgardens.com), cookbooks, lithographs, CDs, books and magazine subscriptions.
Organic floral designs by French Buckets (frenchbuckets.com) decorated the historic venue, which is currently highlighted in the April issue of Cottages & Bungalows magazine. The feature, “Wildlife Welcome Here,” shares the story behind The McCharles House expansion and the creation of organic gardens to attract pollinators and provide for seasonal menus. Owner/entrepreneurs Vivian and Audrey Heredia—executive chef and resident artist, respectively—and interior designer Terry Garland spoke about the transformation of this renowned Orange County destination from tea room to conference center.
“We were so pleased to offer our venue for this important event,” Vivian Heredia said. “I’ve received numerous e-mails and phone calls from people who said they learned a great deal about conserving resources while spending the day in such a beautiful, natural setting.”
Black explained that the 123-year-old McCharles House Victorian cottage, located at 335 South C Street in Tustin, is itself a prime example of the progressive concept of home preservation.
“The Heredias’ meticulous care of the structures—the color palette plucked from nature expertly applied, their high standard of maintenance—and the ongoing beautification of the property create an inspiration piece for other vintage homeowners,” she said. “For example, vinyl windows made of toxic materials do not compare to long-lasting, non-toxic old-growth wood windows. With proper care, wood windows will last for many more decades and keep the home’s aesthetic integrity.
“The McCharles House also creates a destination piece that brings visitors to Old Town Tustin,” Black added. “Sadly, many cities have yet to embrace historic preservation’s economic benefits.”
APG Lifestyle Group’s next event, A Vintage Vavoom Tea, will be held on May 17, in Old Towne Orange. For more information, visit cottagesandbungalowsmag.com.
About Cottages & Bungalows magazine Cottages & Bungalows magazine is a valuable resource to homeowners who want to make thoughtful upgrades to their home with a focus on historic authenticity, respect for eco-conscious improvements and a do-it-yourself approach. Published bi-monthly and available on newsstands nationally and in Canada and by subscription, Cottages & Bungalows fuels readers’ creative fire and passion for historic homes. Enthusiasts and homeowners alike appreciate the historical perspective, rich photographs and the many product and DIY ideas that make Cottages & Bungalows a valuable tool in today’s economy and a perfect complement to sister magazines Romantic Homes and Victorian Homes. The April issue is on newsstands now.
Always current with the latest trends, APG Lifestyle Group editors are available for media interviews. Images are available upon request with the stipulation that you credit the photographer and Cottages & Bungalows.
The Action Pursuit Group The Action Pursuit Group (APG) is an operating company of Apprise Enthusiast Media LLC. APG, which is based in Orange County, California, operates publications including Drag Racer, Diesel World, Drive! and Street Trucks in the automotive segment; Bow & Arrow Hunting, Gun World and Knives Illustrated in the outdoor sports segment; Victorian Homes, Cottages & Bungalows and Romantic Homes, LOFTS and LODGES in the shelter segment; and Action Pursuit Games, Ultimate Grappling and Inside Kung-Fu in the action enthusiast segment. Apprise Enthusiast Media is a strategic platform of Apprise Media LLC (apprisemedia.com), a leading investor in niche media.
