Here are some events and workshops coming up to help readers learn about and stay involved with "green" living.
TODAY
La Cienega Valley Energy Fair, 1-4 p.m., El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Presentations on weatherization, passive and active solar systems, tax benefits and more. La Cienega and La Cieneguilla residents can register to win a free weatherization package for their home.
MAY 10-18
Sustainability Week, New Mexico Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. Green Building Lecture Series, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 10, The University of New Mexico Continuing Education, 1634 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque; landscaping, solar PV systems, ecomortgages.
MAY 13
Green Drinks; 6 p.m.; 301 Central NW, Albuquerque; informal gathering to discuss green building issues.
MAY 14 AND 16
Workshops; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; UNM Continuing Education, 1634 University Blvd., Albuquerque. Technical review of Leed rating systems for homes and existing buildings. For information, call Chris Kerlin at 505-227-0474.
MAY 17-18
Greenbuilt tour; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tour sustainable homes and businesses in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and other locations; information at
www.greenbuilttour.net.
MAY 12-18
Bike to Work Week; free bus transit for bicyclists; May 16, 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. On the Plaza: raffles, free food, free T-shirts, water bottles and "do-it-yourself" bicycle maintenance workshops. Discounted coffee and giveaways at Cloud Cliff Bakery, 1805 2nd St.
MAY 14-16
ICLEI Local Action Conference, Albuquerque Convention Center. Scientists, policymakers, local officials and others to talk about solutions to climate change at the local level; hosted by the city of Albuquerque;
www.icleiactionsummit.org or call 801-649-2371.
MAY-AUGUST
Permaculture Institute, Pojoaque Valley. Three five-day workshops with hands-on learning in sheet mulching, water harvesting, seed harvesting, food preservation, natural building and more;
www.permaculture.org.
JUNE 27-29
Taos Solar Music Festival; solar village, solar-powered music and lots of solar ideas;
www.solarmusicfest.com for program and tickets.
July 2-11
Natural building courses at the Lama Foundation in Questa. July 2-3, alis plastering with Carole Crews; July 5-7, lime plastering with Bob Campbell; July 5-11, carpentry for women with Shay Salomon. Sliding scale fees and registration, 575-586-1269 or e-mail steward@lamafoundation.org.
SEPT. 20-21
New Mexico Solar Energy Association Solar Fiesta, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Highland High School, Albuquerque. See a broad range of energy efficient building materials, solar equipment, renewable energy ideas and try out a few cool solar toys;
www.nmsea.org or call 1-888-88-NMSOL.
OCT. 18-19
International Green Ideas Show, Albuquerque Convention Center; 505-883-9657 or info@IGIShows.org.