The number of local markets grew 16 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to the USDA. Our state, California, has the most farmers markets in the U.S. in 2010.

Why Should I Shop at a Farmers Market?

• You can find fresher produce with more variety.
• You can meet the farmers, growers and creators of the products you choose to buy.
• The farmers receive more money when you buy from them directly.
• The local economy is supported.
• It reduces your carbon footprint.
• It’s a great opportunity to meet other people in the community.
• It supports sustainable community living–something we at The Crossing Anaheim value.

2 Farmers Markets in Anaheim, California

1. Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market
   - A certified California farmers market.
   - Open Thursdays noon to 7 p.m.
   - Located on Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street in Downtown Anaheim.
   - live music every week. See who’s performing this week.
   - craft fair, as well.
   - food trucks.
2. Euclid Farmers Market
   - open seven days a week 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
   - established in 2009
   - 525 S. Euclid Ave.
   - offer samples, according to a user on Yelp
   - items are averagely priced, according to Yelp
   - list hot items/deals on their website

1 Farmers Market near The Crossing Apartments

Henry’s Farmers Market is another option that is not actually in Anaheim, but is only 5 miles away from our new apartments. The closest one is in Fullerton. These stores can be seen throughout the entire state. They provide ocean-fresh seafood, natural beef, pork, lamb and poultry. Also, bulk bins, a full-service deli and natural and organic body products can be found.

Which one of these options have you been to?

Photo Credit:Ben

At The Crossing – Anaheim, we support green living and encourage our residents to lead environmentally conscious lives, so we’re glad to report that nearby L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa seems to be starting a major energy revolution.

Solar panels are one source of renewable energy.

Since 2007, he’s been trying to stop coal consumption in Los Angeles. Going further, he’s also converted the city’s street and traffic lights to LED lights, distributed compact fluorescent bulbs, and educated residents about solar panels.

The reason these renewable energy initiatives are so important is because important people across the nation are watching. If his goals are successful, this could fuel a nationwide reform!

Our own Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle has also been working towards some initiatives that would be of interest to us as a green living community.

• Pringle is the chair of The California High-Speed Rail Authority, which hired a new person in hopes of making the dream of a high-speed rail line from Anaheim to San Francisco become a reality.
• Our city partnered with iCel Systems, which use renewable energy and solar panels.

Do you know of any other green programs or projects underway in Anaheim?

Photo Credit: Chandra Marsono

Recycling is one thing we value as an apartment community.

By using recycled paper such as toilet paper or paper towels it saves up to 40 percent of energy when it’ s made from pre-existing materials.

If every household in the United States replaced just one roll of virgin fiber toilet paper (500 sheets) with 100 percent recycled ones, we could save 423,900 trees, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

At The Crossing Anaheim, our carpet is made of 100 percent post-recycled content (recycled plastic bottles).

Have you made changes to incorporate recycling into your everyday routine? Please tell us on Facebook, so we can all learn together and become one of the best environmentally friendly apartments.

Photo Credit: creativezazz

If every home replaced just one light bulb with a fluorescent bulb, there would be enough energy to power 3 million homes for a year!

Easy Tricks to Stay Green
A few things to be energy efficient, Eco friendly and easy on the bills!

Let there be light!
Use Fluorescent light bulbs to curb your electricity bill. Here at The Crossing, we already use dimmers and automatic lights in some of our rooms to help with this as well.

Unplug…
About 75% of your electricity bill comes from electronics that are turned off but still plugged in. So next time you charge your phone or blow dry your hair…remember to unplug.

(Dry) Clean Your Clothes!
Choose environmentally friendly dry cleaners. They don’t use harsh chemicals which in turn has lower emissions that can harm the environment. Try California Green Cleaners located near our community for all of your dry cleaning needs. California Green Cleaners 2046 E. Lincoln Ave. Anaheim, CA 92806 714-535-1775

Green linens…literally.
Try bamboo linens or sheets. Bamboo requires less water to grow than cotton does and the material feels nice and wicks away moisture as well. Locations selling these products include Brookstone, Overstock.com & Greenearthbamboo.com

Eat Local!
Go check out a local Farmer’s market for local organic foods. By buying local it reduces emissions of exhaust in the air that would normally come from shipping in produce and foods. Also it’s fresh from the grower when you buy local. Nearby at The Village shopping center they hold a Farmer’s Market every Thursday.

Recycle!
By using recycled paper such as toilet paper or paper towels it saves up to 40% of energy when it’ s made from pre-existing materials. You can find these products at stores like Trader Joe’s or Sprouts.

Written by: Krystal Lampignano

Crisp table dressings provide an elegant backdrop to any meal. Yet conventionally grown cotton pesticide applications include some of the most toxic organophosphate pesticides in use. Paper alternatives contribute to deforestation, and vinyl, made from polyvinyl chloride, releases carcinogenic dioxins during manufacturing and incineration.

Instead, look for Rawganique’s newly expanded line of organic French linen and organic hemp tablecloths ($54 and up; www.rawganique.com, 877-729-4367). Or try hand-woven, organic cotton tablecloths from Native Organic in rustic stripes or plaids (tablecloths, $40, napkins, $35/set of 4; www.nativeorganic.com, 800-766-7454).

By Joanna Howard

SARES-REGIS Group was honored to receive the award of “Green Construction Business of the Year” for The Crossing Apartments in Anaheim from the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce.

The recognition came as part of the chamber’s 2009 Anaheim Business Awards Program. SRG is the leading, privately owned developer of sustainable apartments in Southern California.

The Anaheim business chamber was impressed with SRG’s sustainable development and construction program for The Crossing apartment development, being built to pass United States Building Council standards for LEED certification.

The company achieved a 94% landfill diversion rate during demolition and a 75% recycling rate during construction. The apartments also have separate chutes for recyclables for resident use.

To find out more about our green building features, visit the Green Living section of our new website. The first phase of apartments have been released and available for immediate move-in.

Call us toll-free at 877-719-4818 to schedule a tour today.

Above is a recent aerial photo of The Crossing Apartments. We have almost completed the preleasing for the first building, comprised of eight townhomes. Our next phase of apartments will be released in mid-November, so hurry in to get on the reservation list.

The most notable item in the photo is the white roofing material. The building’s white roof membrane is highly reflective and reduces heat island effect by reducing heat gain and increasing exterior envelope performance. The cool roof material keeps the building cooler while lessening the HVAC load for the residences, resulting in lower energy use and reduced energy bills for residents.

The white roof is just one of the reasons why The Crossing is “green” by design and makes the building eligible for LEED Silver certification. Be sure to check back for more information on our LEED credits obtained and how Sares-Regis Group is committed to developing sustainable communities.