1. Color conscience The use of eco-friendly products is no longer the novel concept it once was. But the way interior designer David Bromstad livens up ho-hum rooms with vivid and, yes, eco-friendly paint colors is, pardon the pun, a stroke of genius. Earth Day, April 22 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THOMPSON HOSPITALITY AND COMPASS GROUP

2. Eating local Chefs Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier understand that when fresh herbs and vegetables are combined with gourmet dishes, the results are delicious. At their restaurant, Summer Winter, those fresh ingredients come from an on-site greenhouse. Earth Day, April 22 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THOMPSON HOSPITALITY AND COMPASS GROUP

3. Off the grid More families are choosing to live without the conveniences of a power grid or water line, and they’re finding more time to engage nature while helping the environment. Earth Day, April 22 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THOMPSON HOSPITALITY AND COMPASS GROUP

4. Eco Art “Opened Loge-Pole-Pines” by Urs-P. Twellman is in the Okanogan Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Twellmann explains: “Here I experienced days with more bears than people around. Upon identifying two dry pines in front of a clear sky, I decided to divide them with the chainsaw, which is always with me when I’m traveling the world. Earth Day, April 22 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THOMPSON HOSPITALITY AND COMPASS GROUP

5. Sustainable Chef of the Year Chef Suzanne Goin was named the 2010 Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Chef of the Year, an accolade that recognizes chefs who promote sustainable food. Her style has been described as “Cal- Med-French bistro,” but, she says, “I hate to put a name on it. I take what is best at the market and make something sensual and special with it while respecting its innate beauty.” Earth Day, April 22 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THOMPSON HOSPITALITY AND COMPASS GROUP