Get ready to OIL up

Came across the works of a Canadian Photographer and all I can say is WOW! Go to his website, check out his pics from the OIL category and click on "The end of oil"...
www.edwardburtynsky.com

GOOD: Flashdance (Dirty Version)

www.good.is

Monthly Green Read

Under the Dome by Steven King is quoted as being the best Environmental read of the decade. Hmmmm...

Splurge vs. Steal- 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid

Splurge- S400 Mercedes Hybrid

Top Five Eco Sites

Check out these sites to get the latest news on environmental issues:
-overfishing.org
-restorethegulf.gov
-greenpeace.org
-truefoodnow.org
-foodandwaterwatch.org

Check out RaKsa this Saturday

A lifestyle and wellness center called RakSa, is hosting an Open House this Saturday from 12:00 to 3:30pm at its location in Culver City. Take advantage of FREE services and mini treatments. Yes, I said FREE. Everything from facials, to astrology, to reflexology, to tarot card readings, to massages. The event is being held to support Undershare, an LA-based organization that collects unopened pairs of undies and sock. Just bring a pair of unopened socks or undies to help clothe women and children affected by domestic violence. Check out raksasala.com

Great GREEN deals in Los Angeles

My gal pal Susy Borlido of Sustainable Works told me about this great program in Los Angeles that offers promotions on some of your favorite GREEN products. Check it out at www.gathergreen.com

GatherGreen How it Works

Give back with Heal-the-Bay this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the Taste of Mexico this weekend in Downtown LA. A portion of the proceeds will go to Heal-the-Bay! For more information check out healthebay.org

Use Your Voice, Use Your Power by 901 Salon Girls

Coming this December

Guess whose coming to town this December, besides Santa Clause? A butcher shop called Lindy & Grundy that will sell local, pastured and organic meats. Located at 801 N. Farifax Avenue. For all you meat lovers out there, take a few bites for me!

More info at www.lindyandgrundy.com

How to RECYCLE your pillows

What do you do with your old pillows? I like to wait around for my gal pal Stacey to collect them every year or when it's time for me to buy new ones because she collaborates with a friend who donates pillows, blankets and sheets to animal shelters. Next time you decide to trash your pillows or sheets, give a local animal shelter a call and see if they can accept them.

Monthly Green Read

We are capable of "Greening" our parents at any age. This book can easily be ordered on Amazon.com! Get it:)

Green meets WORLD- Sanitago, Chile

While going through the Maipo Valley in Chile we came across all this trash build-up that was mostly plastic waste... such a disappointing view.

Green meets WORLD- Sanitago, Chile

If you are ever in Santiago, Chile check out the Green Bicycle tour group. They provide bike tours around the city, as well as along some of best vineyards Chile has to offer;)
http://www.labicicletaverde.com/

Monthly Green Read

Today is the day! Get your copy of Skinny Bitch-Ultimate Everyday Cookbook: Crazy Delicious Recipes that Are Good to the Earth and Great for Your Bod!

I'm ready to be the next "GREEN it girl"

"GREENwashing"

Have you heard of greenwashing?

Definition: Greenwashing (a portmanteau of "green" and "whitewash") is a term describing the deceptive use of green PR or green marketing in order to promote a misleading perception that a company's policies or products (such as goods or services) are environmentally friendly. The term green sheen has similarly been used to describe organizations that attempt to show that they are adopting practices beneficial to the environment. ~ wikipedia:)

What's in your make-up?

For all my make-up wearing ladies out there, check out ewg.org/skindeep to see what toxic chemicals are being placed on that gorgeous face of yours:)

When Organic isn't that important

According to the Daily Green: avocado's, corn, pineapples, cabbage, and watermelon are on the list of what you really don't need to by organic. Note to self...

REDUCE your water use

Just a few reminders on how you can reduce water...

-Cut off the water when you are brushing your teeth
-Take shorter showers
-Use a faucet aerator on each faucet (this saves energy and water but keeps the pressure high)

Thank you treeliving.com for the useful tips!

Eat your carrots... well kind of.

So, this might not be in the realm of saving the environment, but I sure as hell want to look good trying;)

Check out caratdiet.com!

FREE composting class in Manhattan Beach

Composting Workshop Basic Information

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Question and Answer session at the end)
Location: Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden in Polliwog Park (on Peck Avenue, just north of Manhattan Beach Boulevard)

Learn more at http://www.ci.manhattan-beach.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=327

EcoSmart vent free fireplaces

"EcoSmart Fireplaces are fuelled by bio ethanol, a renewable liquid fuel produced from agricultural by-products which burns clean - no smoke, no harmful emissions. bio ethanol is completely composed of plant products resulting in a neutral ecological balance. The combustion of bio ethanol produces Heat Steam and Carbon Dioxide."~ ecosmartfire.com

TEN inexpensive ways to create a Halloween costume

Here are 10 tips that I found on the Boston Globe:

1. Take a look in your own closet for inspiration.
2. Make reusable treat bags for the younger crowd in your family.
3. Instead of purchasing overpriced plastic and rubber masks, utilize makeup and face paint that you may already have around the house.
4.Organize a costume swap with a group of people.
5.Raid your recycling bin (and your neighbor’s, too!).
6.Go to a local thrift store with a huge selection of not-so-fashionable clothing and see if anything jumps out at you.
7.Giant pieces of cardboard can definitely be your friend for the holiday season.
8.Use a friend's "costume."
9.Consider buying an inexpensive, traditional costume from a discount store, but then do something funny and ironic with it.
10.Don't be afraid of tradition. CLassic white sheet for a GHOST costume.

Check out boston.com for more info!

Genetically Engineered Salmon

Would you eat genetically engineered salmon?

Read more at Eatocracy on CNN!

Fundraiser for Orphans in Zambia

If you havent given back this year, get on it! Fundraising Event for Orphans in Lusaka Zambia on Monday, October 4th: 6-10pm.

Suggested donation $40 and includes dinner.

Location: Napa Valley Grill
1100 Glendon Avenue, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Hope to see you there!
For more information check out www.zume.bofheaven.org

Earthlings the Documentary

"If we had to kill our own meat, we would all be vegetarians..."
~Earthnlings the Documentary

Watch it ASAP!

The Visionaire- Green Sustainable Living in NYC

This week I had the opportunity to stay at the Visionaire in NYC located in Battery Park City. This LEED Platinum certified condo is quite the experience. Green meets Luxury. "Practically every surface you touch and every system that supports or enhances your lifestyle has been designed to the highest standards of sustainability" ~ www.thevisionaire.com

Eco-Friendly Clothing tips

Eco-friendly Clothing Tips from overstock.com:

-Choose organic clothing. Organic clothing materials, including organic cotton, are grown without pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers.

-Look for bamboo and hemp pieces. These fibers require much less water and other resources to grow.

-Buy clothing with natural dyes. Chemical dyes release toxins into the air during production, and the clothes dyed with them can irritate sensitive skin.

-Wash your clothes only when necessary. When you put on an outfit and only wear it around the house for a few hours, it probably doesn't need to be washed yet. Before you throw anything in the hamper, think about whether or not you could get another wear out of it. If you can, hang it back up in your closet.

-Install energy-efficient appliances. Upgrade your washer and dryer to Energy Star models.

-Air-dry your clothes when you can. Use even less power by air-drying your clothes outside on a clothesline. When the sun is out, this gives your clothes a fresh scent. If your clothes stiffen while hanging on the line, mix one capful of clear fabric softener with one cup of clean water in a spray bottle and shake to combine. Then spray the mixture on the clothes and shake them out. This method is also best when washing delicate bamboo items or other green clothing pieces.

-Sell or donate gently worn clothing.

-Recycle worn-out clothing. Old T-shirts make excellent dust cloths, and old jeans can be cut up to make a quilt.

-Buy or make eco-friendly accessories.

New locations for Green Living Workshops

NEW THIS FALL GREEN LIVING WORKSHOPS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
JOIN US IN CULVER CITY, CALABASAS OR REDONDO BEACH
SAVE MONEY MAKING YOUR ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT MORE SUSTAINABLE

STARTING SEPT 19, 2010 SUNDAYS
WHERE: RakSa

STARTING SEPT 21, 2010 TUESDAYS
WHERE: Calabasas Swim and Tennis Club

STARTING OCT 5, 2010 TUESDAYS
WHERE: The Sea Lab.

This is a series of 6 workshops which meet once a week for 1½ hours. We focus on a different Environmental topic each week, looking at the problems but most importantly the SOLUTIONS. You will learn how to reduce your ecological footprint and save money on your utility bills.

These workshops have been successfully going on in Santa Monica for over 10 years - now it is coming to your neighborhood.

Please forward this to those who you think who may be interested
Hope to see you all there- Space is limited

Check out www.sustainableworks.org

Monthly Green Read

How cute? Check out Journey for the Planet by David Gershon :)

Sustainable Works Fundraiser

Looking to give back? Go to the the Sustainable Works Fundraiser next week and give back to an organization that focuses on Sustainable Living.
www.sustainableworks.org

Healthy (botox injected) eats in the OC

We all know that eating healthy is expensive and True Food Kitchen definitely proves it. Leave it up to Orange County to put their own glamorized spin on eating healthy. I'm sure at some point a "Real Housewive" was sitting near me.

With the amount of implants and plastic surgery in the restaurant it felt like a bit of an oxy-moron to be eating in a restaurant that promotes locally and regionally grown food that is great for the body and mind.

Overall, the portions are small, expensive and this place makes Whole Foods look cheap. My favorite part about the whole experience... the Dyson Airblade hand dryer in the bathroom.

Urban Outfitters eco-friendly bag or not...

Is paper a better option?

Satellite Living

I'm not really sure if this is the best advertisement for Direct TV. It's interesting enough if you have exposure to the many roofs that are saturated with satellites, but in the front of an apartment building just looks tacky. I'm also not sure why Direct TV can't just place one satellite per apartment building. I guess that would just make sense.

Monthly Green Read

Looking to get a little Green inspiration? Thumb through a few pages of "Girls Gone Green" and you will definitely find something that will make you want to recycle and better the planet you roam on.

Green Quote of the week

"Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them. "
~ Albert Einstein

Image: www.entmoney.com

GREEN your Brand with Farmacy Agency

Save the DATE and mark it GREEN!

www.sustainableworks.org

Green meets Girl meets AFRICA

Ok, so I'm not in Africa, but a hair recyling program on the rise is. Eric Agnero runs a non profit called greencast africa. www.greencastafrica.org and he is on a mission to start a hair recyling program.
The only problem is that I can't view the website to its entirely because it's in French. Here's goes another language I'll have to get from Rosetta Stone because my three-years of French lessons taught me very little:)

Anyways, check it out www.greencastafrica.org

Sign me up

Paso Robles is getting the message out...CONSERVE WATER!

Sustainable SHRIMP

I'm extremely allergic to shellfifh, but still found the concept of farming sustainable shrimp very interesting.

According to Marvesta, "Marvesta Gourmet Shrimp are naturally raised in Maryland and are delivered fresh, never frozen, to premium restaurants and consumers. Marvesta Shrimp are a healthy and environmentally safe alternative to shrimp imports.
Coming soon - organic shrimp."

www.marvesta.com

BP Oil Spill update by the Daily Green

Here are 7 ways to help with the Gulf oil spill provided by the Daily Green:
1)Report Injured Wildlife and Oiled Beaches:
To report oiled wildlife: 1-866-557-1401
To report oil spill related damage: 1-800-440-0858
To report oiled shoreline: 1-866-448-5816

2) Volunteer: Check out Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences.In general, organizations are urging people not to travel to volunteer.

3)Donate: National Audubon Society, is working to aid birds and habitat affected by the spill. Greater New Orleans Foundation, is assisting locally.

4)Buy Gulf Seafood
5)Write to Elected Leaders
6)Stop Using So much Oil
7)Boycott BP

Remember, these are ONLY suggestions:)
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/gulf-of-mexico-oil-spill

www.thedailygreen.com
Photo: U.S. Coast Guard

GREEN ART on the rise

The first time I was inspired by Architect and Design was in Barcelona, Spain. Gaudi became a new word in my vocabulary and his organic sense of sculpture made a huge impression on me. Today, Design has a new element and it's GREEN. With LEED carving the way to the future, ART is emerging on a new platform and Green Public Art is on the forefront.

Rebecca Ansert, founder of Green Public Art, is a public art consultant who specializes in Artist Solicitation, Artist Selection, and Public Art Project Management for both private and public agencies.

Green Public Art specializes in:
Public art project management
Artist solicitation
Artist selection
Green art
Knowledge of LEED building requirements

Check it out at www.greenpublicart.com

JunkMail Bracelets: Paper beads made from recycled magazines and junkmail

My Aunt Diane introduced me to this concept:) Jill Centeno is the creator and this is what she has to say:

"I first learned how to make these paper beads from my Mother-in-Law Genoveve Centeno because I loved how they looked. I was fascinated with all the colors and designs that could come from simply rolling strips of magazine paper onto a toothpick. With one small drop of glue at the end of the paper to seal it and two coats of varnish the paper beads took on a very colorful, interesting look and every single bead was different. I string the paper beads mixed with store bought beads onto an elastic string and tie it securely. That’s it! It’s a great way to have fun and recycle." Jill Centeno- jillzc@sbcglobal.net

Check out my goodies!

Have you ever wanted to try an Organic product, but were a little skeptical. Well thanks to The Eco Luxe Life you can sample away FOUR TIMES a year, by becoming a member for around $25. My favorite item in this package: Vaska lavender Herbatergent:)

www.vaskahome.com
www.theecoluxelife.com

RakSa is ZEN-sational

In case you didn't get the memo, if you live in L.A., your middle name is STRESS. To decompress and put some ZEN in your life check out RakSa. This 4,000-square-foot wellness and lifestyle center in Culver City can help you put everything back together. Your one-stop shop for inner-peace. In one location you can get Reiki, a tarot reading, Thai massage, waxing, facial and grab a bite to eat!

Go to Raksasala.com

What's EAT CLEANER?

Everyday I grab an apple-to-go and try to save it as my afternoon snack. Like they say,"An apple a day, keeps the doctor away." Well the truth of the matter is I always eat it in the car on my way to work. I always end up wiping my apple off on a napkin and hope that I've wiped away all the germs. Well Eat Cleaner created individual BIODEGRADABLE wipes that are designed to clean vegetables and fruits. I'm a fan, for sure!

www.eatcleaner.com

I'm a Heathy Bitch again!

Hair and Tear
Raid the Fruit Basket to Make Your Own Light-Hold Hairspray

Once upon the 80s, Kelly Kapowski was the coolest chick on the planet. Like, so totally cool. She had the hottest boyfriend in school, dance moves that could make Usher cry home to his mama, to-die-for neon scrunchies and the perfect coif. Which leads us to her Aqua Net obsession … definitely not her best work. Good thing clouding our lungs with fumes and toxic chemicals stayed in the decade.

Now that we are big girls and so highly sophisticated, hard and sticky is no longer the best feeling in the world – Organic and alcohol-free is the way to spray.

While there are a few good water-based, alcohol-free hair sprays on the shelves that are healthier for the environment – like Honeybee Gardens Wheat Therapy Hair Spray - the downside is they can still contain nasty additives like parabens and dimethicone. The alternative? Make your own and avoid a hairy situation.

Make-Your-Own Hairspray
If you’re looking for something truly natural with light hold, the Light Lemon and Orange Hairspray will do the trick. It’s easier to make than bread and butter and will last you for about a week. Pump it and tame that mane all day long, girl.

What You Will Need:

A spray bottle
2 lemons
2 oranges

Directions:

Cut the lemons and oranges into slices, and combine in a small pan. Add three cups of water. Boil on low heat for about 30 minutes, adding more water if necessary. Strain water and cool for 15 minutes. Place the liquid in the spray bottle and keep in the refrigerator.

Since there are no preservatives, spray will last for about a week. Keep some lemons and oranges on hand and you got yourself a refill.

If only Zach Morris could see you now.


See the article at Healthybitchdaily.com!

Green Living Workshops in JUNE

Register NOW to take a Green Living Workshop with Sustainable Works!

To register visit
www.SustainableWorks.eventbrite.com

A different kind of GREEN

Information fair for people interested in financial planning, credit counseling, social security benefits, assisted living, etc. The event is for all ages and representatives from various agencies will be there to help answer questions.
*Do you know how much you will get from
Social Security when you retire?
*Are you aware of housing programs?
*Do you know how much you have to save
to maintain your living standards?

TIME: 10AM-12PM
DATE: 05/22/2010
CSUN Campus
Manzanita Hall, 1st Floor
Access parking booth at Prairie St. between
Darby Ave. and University Drive
CONTACT: DAISY LEMUS
818-677-2041 OR
DLEMUS@CSUN.EDU
SPONSORED BY:
THE MIKE CURB COLLEGE OF ARTS, MEDIA & COMMUNICATION
THE OFFICE OF THE PROVOST
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES
FREE
FREE
RETIREMENT

Politically GREEN

Trend-set with Recycled Denim

Summer is approaching and jean shorts are a must-have! If you are planning to strut your stuff in anything denim related make sure its eco-friendly. Check out R.E.U.S.E. to see how you can "step into a smaller carbon footprint- one leg at a time."

www.reusejeans.com

Puma launches "Clever Little Bag"

My roomie Amber L. knows how much I complain about unessary packaging when purchasing an item. Well THANK YOU Puma for finally getting it right. They have created an eco-freindly shoebox that combines the bag/box in one. This is alone makes me want to go out and by a pair.

Image coutesy of Runway Magazine and puma.com

Things to do this EARTH DAY

I'm convinced that Earth day should be a National Holiday:) This EARTH DAY I decided to plant some flowers in a car and drive around the city. I'm kidding. Here are a few ways you can participate this Earth Day:
#1: Go to americanforest.org and plant a tree.
#2: Conserve energy and shut the lights off for a night. Light a few "SOY" candles, open a bottle of your favorite Organic Wine and enjoy the evening with a special someone;)
#3: Celebrate Earth day by purchasing some Organic skincare from Golden Path Alchemy. Recieve 25% off. Enter: MotherEarth at checkout. Minimum order: $15.00

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

A day without WATER

Thanks to Livy C., I had the opportunity to listen to Steve Solomon, author of Water: The Epic Struggle for Wealth, Power, and Civilization. Solomon talked about the importance of water and the sense of urgency that needs to be taken into consideration since its one of our most important resources. I mean think about... Could you go a day without water?

Specials thanks to the RAND corporation for hosting this event and the Zocalo Public Square.

http://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/thepublicsquare/2010/04/19/why-water-is-the-new-oil/

Eco-Friendly car wash

For whatever reason whenever I'm with gal pal Victoria P., I always learn another way to be eco-friendly. While making our way around the city we came across the El Segundo 5-miute car wash. I was a huge fan as soon as I read a sign that said that they recylcle the water used to wash your car. As much as we all love washing our cars at home, we are actually conserving water by going to a car wash that recycles its own water. If you want to take an extra step, try a waterless car wash substance to clean your car. For more information on waterless carwash products check out ecotouch.net!

ECO-Fashionista of the Month

Check out this Sustainble Fashionista! Being eco-friendly keeps getting hotter.
www.mulcair.com