sustainable style foundation*

Sub Pop Records, perhaps best known for its representation of progressive, up-and-coming musical artists, has hopped on the progressive bandwagon itself. Earlier today, the label announced that it has become the first Green-e certified record label company in the United States by purchasing enough Green-e certified Green Tags, also known as renewable energy credits, from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to equal 100 percent of the company's energy use. Earlier this year, Sub Pop Records’ recording artist Kelley Stoltz released Below the Branches as the first album to be powered by renewable energy and incorporate the Green-e label on its packaging (we've mentioned this before).

"I was made aware of the program by one of my co-workers. I was, quite frankly, shocked by how easy it is to support renewable energy. Green Tags are a simple way for anyone to choose wind energy, which, in turn, lowers dependence on burning fossil fuels for energy," said Jonathan Poneman, president of Sub Pop Records.

We love to hear this kind of news. Sub Pop has been around here in Seattle for a long time (18 years) and has had a really influential presence, finding bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden and Mudhoney back in the day; more recently, they've given rise to The Postal Service, The Shins and Iron and Wine; we sure hope this kind of thing spreads around to such awesome bands.

SSF is enamored with Kelley Stoltz. The Sub Pop Records recording artist recently teamed up with Bonneville Environmental Foundation and the Center for Resource Solutions'Green-e program to produce a music industry first: Stoltz's newest album, Below the Branches, is the first album to incorporate the Green-e label on its product packaging, signifying that the album was recorded using 100-percent renewable energy. "I've never been one to write a political song, but I can let people who buy my album know that I care a lot about the environment and possibly influence them to think about what they can do by labeling my album with the Green-e logo," said Stoltz.

We like this idea so much that we've tracked him down for an interview while he's kicking around Seattle; Stoltz is playing with The Raconteurs at The Moore Theatre here in Seattle in about three hours, and plays another show on Monday at the Sunset Tavern in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood.

After taking last month off for the 4th of July, SSF-Seattle is excited to be bringing back Cocktails for a Cause next Wednesday, August 2. Our monthly event that showcases the work of a local nonprofit here in town will highlighting the excellent work of the Breast Cancer Fund. Since 2004, they've been bringing their prevention-focused message to our state, raising awareness about the links between environmental toxins and breast cancer and inspiring action to eliminate nasty persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs) from Washington. We're happy for the opportunity to work together, and are looking forward to a groovy evening of cocktails, music and fun.

Held at varying venues around town, August's event will be at The Palm Room, Seattle's hippest garden-design studio, at 5336 Ballard Ave NW (in Ballard). Want to come? Sign up on our mailing list to be sure not to miss any more invitations, and bring your friends! [Breast Cancer Fund] and [Cocktails for a Cause]