One of the greatest positive impacts we can make on the planet is through how we build our buildings. Global Green USA is dedicated to just that by educating homeowners, developers, and government on how to build structures that are energy efficient, conserve water resources, and limit toxic building materials. Last Tuesday in San Francisco, the posh 4th Annual Gorgeous & Green gala raised over $250,000 for the organization. In more ways than one, that makes for some for serious green.

According to Matt Petersen, President & CEO of Global Green USA, “We’re putting the funds raised to work immediately in the Bay Area, including to help green affordable housing that dramatically reduces high energy bills for low-income families and create healthy green schools that improve test scores for students. The support also helps us continue our work on global warming statewide in California, while advancing our groundbreaking work to rebuild New Orleans green.”

In addition to funding various projects, the event also is meant to inspire the attendees to integrate green practices into their own lives. Co-Chair of the annual bash Nadine Weil states, ”Our goal at the gala is to raise funds for Global Green and to show people that being green can be gorgeous, fun and possible. The most exciting part for me is seeing people having a wonderful time being green…Another exciting element for me was the actual greening of the event…Through pre-conversations with vendors, reusable and biodegradable materials, and extensive recycling and composting, we achieved an over 75% diversion rate.”

Diverting 75% of waste from landfills is an impressive accomplishment for an event of this scale. Not only that, the Bently Reserve where G&G takes place each year is LEED-certified, the food and cocktails served are organic, the promotional materials are made from recycled materials, and most importantly to us, they have an eco fashion show that absolutely rocks. This year featured designs from some of In The Loop’s favorites like Stewart + Brown, Bahar Shahpar, EDUN, Lara Miller, Del Forte Denim, Loyale, Linda Loudermilk, Loomstate, and Charmone. It’s impressive to know that Global Green truly walks their talk, even while they party.