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| Sustainable Santa Monica Newsletter | June 2011 |
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| Greetings! | Thank you for receiving this Newsletter-- Keeping you informed of everything Sustainable in Santa Monica, from community events, news, and resources, to business and educational opportunities!
The purpose of this Newsletter is to provide Santa Monica residents, businesses and organizations with the information and resources needed to help meet the goals of the Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan in eight target areas: Resource Conservation, Environmental and Public Health, Transportation, Economic Development, Open Space & Land Use, Housing, Community Education & Civic Participation, and Human Dignity.
You are sure to find inspiration this month as June offers some amazing ways to participate in our sustainable community!! Let us all resolve to be a greener, healthier and more engaged community in Santa Monica this and every day as you take advantage of the many programs, policies and opportunities the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and the Environment has to offer! |
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SANTA MONICA DEBUTS 'SMART' BEACH TRASH CANS | |
 Roll-out features new "Beachcast" mobile website allowing visitors to scan for eco-tips, latest beach info
Just in time for summer beachgoing season, the City of Santa Monica and regional nonprofit Heal the Bay have teamed up to create 500 new trash cans for Santa Monica State Beach that encourage environmental stewardship via a creative marriage of technology and visual design. The trash cans are wrapped in eye-catching artwork that reflects the playful nature of a day at the beach, while reminding the community about the need to keep trash in its proper place.
The colorful artwork includes a QR code linking smart phone users to the new Santa Monica Beachcast. Once on the mobile website, users have access to a variety of local content, including tips on how to keep the beach clean, a chance to sign up for beach cleanups with Heal the Bay, the latest weather and water quality conditions, community Twitter updates, and important information about the beach, Santa Monica Pier and emergency contacts.
The SM Beachcast also invites users to upload and share their favorite beach photos through the smart phone app, Instagram. Once users tag their images #SMBC, they become part of the SM Beachcast online visual gallery, viewable on the site. The goal of the interactive gallery is to highlight the beauty of the beach, and in turn, provide the community with a stronger sense of pride and connectivity to the beach and each other.
"Our beaches are wild open space, as famous as any national park, and protecting them is one of our highest priorities" said the city's Dean Kubani, director of the Office of Sustainability and the Environment. "This collaborative effort puts an exciting new twist on the vital public works infrastructure we provide every day to ensure that we 'keep it out of the sand.' We think we have the smartest beach trash can in America today."
The initiative between the City of Santa Monica and Heal the Bay, would not have been possible without DDB LA, a global advertising firm that donated their inspiration and talents to the effort. The wraps and Beachcast website were developed by the creative team at DDB LA - executive creative director Matt Reinhard, creative director Kevin McCarthy, writer Maureen Faris and art director David Boden. They teamed up with Axis Graphics and Los Angeles based illustrator Keith Scharwath to bring the project to life.
Santa Monica completed distribution of the new cans in anticipation of the Memorial Day weekend.
Visit www.sustainablesm.org for images and more details on Santa Monica Beachcast.
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West LA Green Drinks | |
 WHEN: Thursday, June 2nd
TIME: 7pm - 10pm
West LA Green Drinks will be hosted at Pizza Fusion in Santa Monica. These wonderful folks are committed to "saving the earth, one pizza at a time." Their menu includes a wealth of delicious vegan, vegetarian, gluten- and lactose-free items in addition to traditional offerings. From the creation of their food to its delivery, every aspect of their operations has been designed to support the preservation and improvement of the environment.
WHERE: Pizza Fusion
2901 Ocean Park Blvd, #123
Santa Monica, CA 90401 MAP
Happy Hour specials extended all night for Green Drinkers:
$4 Draft Beer
$5 House Wine
$6 Cheese Pizzas
Come eat, drink, and be green! |
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Santa Monica's Resource Recovery and Recycling Upcoming Events | |
***ALSO***
SUMMER REUSE WORKSHOP
Learn how to turn old items and packaging into useful things for your home and office! Do you scan the pages of Martha Stewart or the DYI section of Better Homes and Garden, but rarely (if ever) make anything you see there? This is where you'll learn how to kick your creativity into action. Adults and children will find this workshop fun and entertaining.
Sign up online for this June 25th event! |
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Green Living Workshops | |
Sign up for a Green Living Workshop to learn about environmental problems and sustainable solutions, which can have a positive impact on your life and the health of the planet!
What You'll Learn
The Green Living Workshop covers the following topics, one per week:
Water | Energy | Waste | Chemicals | Transportation | Shopping & Food
Workshop meets for six sessions at the same location and time.
Learn about the problems related to each of the above topics on a global, national and local scale, then with the help of the WorksBook take action on ten related solutions.
Santa Monica Workshop Exclusive
Receive Eco-Toolkits for Workshop Completion!
Participants now earn a special Eco-Toolkit filled with goodies when all workshop requirements are met. This is in addition to the items given to participants each week of the workshop series.
$25 Suggested donation for Santa Monica residents.
$50 Suggested donation for Non-Santa Monica residents.
Choose a series from the list below that best fits your schedule.
Monday, June 6, 2011, 7pm-8.30pm 6 Monday Meetings, Starting June 6, 2011, 7pm-8.30pm: 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, NO MTG 7/14, 7/18 WHERE: Santa Monica YWCA, Map Wednesday, June 8, 2011, 7pm-8.30pm 6 Wednesday Meetings, Starting June 8 2011, 7pm-8.30pm: 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13 WHERE: Santa Monica Public Library, Map Thursday, June 9, 2011, 7.30pm-9pm 6 Thursday Meetings, Starting 7June 9, 2011, 7.30pm-9pm: 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/30, 7/7, 7/14 WHERE: Patagonia, Map Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 7pm-8.30pm 6 Tuesday Meetings, Starting June 14, 2011, 7pm-8.30pm: 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19 WHERE: CODA, Map Click here to reserve your spot in a Green Living Workshop today!
Contact Gina Garcia with any questions
Sustainable Works supports the City of Santa Monica Sustainable City Plan
Sustainable Works is a project of Community Partners
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Slow Food Los Angeles- Documentaries | |
Premiere of the Aero Theater film series on food, farms and farmers, hosted by Lisa Lucas, chairperson of SlowFood LA.
Wednesday, June 8th
Program begins at 7:30 pm
Aero Theater MAP
Big River
Two farmers return to Iowa to get a sobering look at how their own farming practices may have contributed to unseen but significant effects in the surrounding communities . 30 min
The Greenhorns
A documentary about young farmers around the United States who have returned to family farms, or have begun their own farms with no farming background that shows how challenging it is to be a farmer. 50 min
Panel discussion moderated by Lisa Lucas to follow
Click here to watch the Trailers |
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Green Garden Academy | |
June's class: "No Sweat" Garden Maintenance Tips
WHAT: A green garden requires 60% less maintenance. Find out the secrets to reducing your garden chores and increasing your garden enjoyment. Learn how and when to prune your plants, how to select a mulch, how to handle pests, and when to add compost.
WHEN: Saturday June 11, 2011 at 10:30pm-1:30pm
WHERE: Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401, Map
WHAT ELSE: Click here to register
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| THE ROLE OF PARKS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS | |
WHEN: Monday,
JUNE 13, 2011
TIME: 7:00pm
WHERE: Santa Monica Public Library, MLK JR. AUDITORIUM
Noted landscape architect James Corner, of James Corner Field Operations, discusses contemporary landscapes and the importance of parks to the urban setting. Mr. Corner is currently working on the design for Santa Monica's two new Civic Center Parks. Presented by the Santa Monica Recreation & Parks Commission. |
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Santa Monica College
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WHAT: Sustainable Landscape Design: Plant, Soil, Water, Relationships
Find out about the vital interaction of plants, soil and water and how to tell when plants need water, how much and how often. Learn the principles behind an accurate watering schedule. Find out how to improve soil structure and increase water holding capabilities.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 4pm-7pm WHERE: Santa Monica College, Bundy Campus room 435, 3171 South Bundy Drive, Santa Monica, CA 90066, Map
WHAT ELSE: Free, but for professionals only. Click here for more information
WHAT: Sustainable Landscape Maintenance: Irrigation Systems
Taught in English and Spanish. Find out how to troubleshoot and perform an irrigation system tune-up. Learn to maintain irrigation that meets the local requirements including rotary sprayheads, drip irrigation, and subsurface irrigation. Also learn about proper backflow prevention device installation. Como solucionar y ejecutar una evaluación de sistema de irrigación. Mantenimiento de sistemas de irrigación: Ensenada en ingles y español. Como mantener un sistema de irrigación y conocer los requisitos locales incluyendo rociadores de rotor, irrigación de goteo, e irrigación bajo tierra. También aprenda como apropiadamente instalar un aparato preventivo de corriente retrasada ( Backflow prevention device)
WHEN: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at 4pm-7pm
WHERE: Santa Monica College, Bundy Campus room 435, 3171 South Bundy Drive, Santa Monica, CA 90066, Map
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Share a Bag Program |  
WHAT: Creating an exchange for durable reusable bags in the community. Secondhand shops and all residents are invited to join with the City in our efforts to get reusable bags in use in the community. It's fun to share! Pick-up your free, sturdy, reusable bag, sewn from reclaimed cloth for the City of Santa Monica by Green Vets LA. WHEN AND WHERE: Saturday, June 18th 2011, Juneteenth Celebration, Map Sunday, June 26th 2011, CoOpportunity Block Party, Map Rosie's Girls Santa Monica will provide both of these events with bag decoration workshops. Rosie's Girls is based on a national program designed to build self-esteem, leadership and physical confidence in middle school girls through an exploration of trades and non-traditional activities. Santa Monica Single Use Carryout Bag Ban Info |
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Los Angeles Green Business Certification Workshop | |
The Small Business Development Center at Santa Monica College invites business owners from all over Los Angeles to join our community's green business leaders for an evening of food and discussion.
Mix, mingle, and enjoy deliciously prepared foods from local green restaurants. Learn the basics of greening your business, discover the many benefits that come with it, and find out if you qualify for our free Green Business Certification.
What: Green Business Certification Launch Event
Where: Santa Monica College, Bundy Campus
3171 South Bundy Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90066 (map)
When: Thursday, June 23, 2011
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost: $10
RSVP: Register here
Qualifying businesses will receive free enrollment in our Green Business Certification Program and get completely cost-free and hands-on training at their place of business from our team of sustainability professionals.
All businesses completing the program will receive official certification and earn the right to display our seal of recognition on their website and decal at their place of business to let the world know of their commitment to green business practices.
Why become Green Business Certified by the
Small Business Development Center at Santa Monica College?
· Save money
· Improve employee wellness and productivity
· Enjoy a marketing edge over the competition
· Receive recognition as an environmental leader
· Conduct business according to your values
· Join the growing Green Business Community
· Conserve valuable resources and protect the environment |
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Business @ Sunset Mixer | |
WHAT: Santa Monica Chamber's monthly mixer! Hosted by a different Chamber member each month. With over 100 members at each event, it is a perfect way to network and make important business contacts. Enjoy food, drinks, and the unique touch added by each host. For SM Chambers and prospective members.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 5.30pm-7.30pm
WHERE: Bucca Di Beppo, 1442 2nd Street Santa Monica, CA 90401, Map
ADMISSION: $15 members (in advance), $20 members (at the door, $25 prospective members)
WHAT ELSE: To purchase tickets, click here. If you are NOT a member of the Chamber, you will need to create a login/password. If you ARE a member of the Chamber, and do not remember you username/password, email membership@smchamber.com
NOTE: Prospective members may attend 2 events before joining the Chamber.
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Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival To Benefit Heal the Bay
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Hands Across the Sand
|   WHAT: We will be meeting on the south side of the pier for the annual Hands Across the Sand event to join together against expanding offshore oil drilling. And saying yes to clean energy! We will join hands for 15 minutes at noon and then leave just our footprints behind in the sand! WHEN: Saturday, June 25, 2011, 11am-12.15pm WHERE: South Side of the Santa Monica Pier, MapWHAT ELSE: For more information, visit the web site or contact Susan Tamas at (626)-318-9891
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Beach Cleanups in June
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WHAT: Heal the Bay's monthly Nothin' But Sand cleanups are open to all. Volunteers must be 12 years old or accompanied by a parent. Bags and gloves will be provided. To help cut down on the number of bags we use for our cleanups, please bring a bucket or bag.
WHEN: Saturday June 18, 2011 at 9am-12pm
WHERE: Will Rogers State Beach, Map
WHAT ELSE: Register online, and please let us know If you are bringing a group of 10 or more.
Note: All cleanup volunteers must have a signed waiver form
WHAT: Surfrider Beach Cleanup at County Line. Beach Cleanups are the most immediate action you can take to make our coasts and ocean cleaner and healthier. They are a great way to publicly declare your concern for our local beaches to the various visitors and tourists that frequent them. By picking up trash before it enters the ocean, you prevent the cigarette butts and plastic, which often get mistaken for food, from being eaten by sea animals.
WHEN: Saturday June 4, 2011 9am-10am
WHERE: Breakwater, Venice, Map
WHAT ELSE: For more information, please contact bcu@surfriderwlam.org
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GORequest for IPhone | |
See a pothole that needs filling? Graffiti making a mess of your neighborhood? Tap right into your city and report the issue fast with GORequest for iPhone! Just open the app, select your issue, and take a picture - the app knows the location and who can fix it for you. No more time-consuming trips or phone calls - GORequest for iPhone handles your issues when you're on the go!
Click here for more information
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Oil never wears out, it just gets dirty | 
Have you ever wondered what happens to all the used motor oil that gets drained out of your engine?
Most of it gets burned off as a cheap source of fuel for shipping vessels transporting goods, including oil, across the oceans. By closing the recycling loop with re-refined oil fleet managers and do-it-yourself mechanics can help minimize this wasteful practice. The City of Santa Monica recently partnered with Evergreen Oil to collect waste motor for free from the following five locations; the Household Hazardous Waste Center, Community Recycling Center, Big Blue Bus, Fleet Maintenance, and Airport.
The City generates approximately 2,700 gallons of used motor oil per month from its fleet of approximately 900 vehicles and from do-it-yourself mechanics that participate in the used oil and filter recycling program. This is enough waste oil to produce 1890 gallons of re-refined motor oil, which can be used to operate the same vehicles it came from. That's equivalent to 34 drums of virgin oil every month that is no longer being extracted from the ground.
Evergreen Oil will then transport the waste oil to its refinery in Newark, CA to produce re-refined base oil. This base oil is certified by the American Petroleum Industry (API) and meets all the specifications of automobile manufacturers. The base oil is then sold to blenders who combine it with an additive package and distribute it through-out the market under their name brands. Most brands do not advertise or market that they are using re-refined oil. Chances are you have already been using re-refined base oil in your vehicle without even knowing it.
Oil never wears out, it just gets dirty! The City has been using re-refined oil in all of its vehicles for more than a decade so it only makes sense that it should re-refine its used motor oil. With this new partnership Santa Monica is helping to close the recycling loop, ensuring that used motor oil is recycled safely, minimizing air pollution, purchasing environmentally preferable products, and saving itself money.
For more information on how you can participate in this program,
or if you would like to convert your fleet to re-refined oil,
please contact James Conway with the Office of Sustainability and the Environment
at (310) 458-8711 or james.conway@smgov.net
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Big Cash Rebates Available for Sustainable Landscapes
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Landscape Rebates Still Available - up to $5,000
Funding has been extended for the Cash for Grass Rebate, Irrigation Product Rebate and Sustainable Landscape Grants.
Visit www.sustainablesm.org/rebate or call (310) 458-8972 to register. All Santa Monica property owners are eligible to apply. Restrictions apply, not all applicants will receive funding, funding is limited.
Rebates for clothes washers and other water-saving products - up to $300
Visit www.bewaterwise.com. Restrictions apply.
Leaf Blowers and Hosing Banned. To report violations of leaf blowers, hosing and sprinkler runoff, call the City of Santa Monica's Reporting line at (310) 458-4952; email environment@smgov.net or use your Iphone or Android App smgov.net/go. To find out more visit www.sustainablesm.org/landscape.
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Green Business Networking | |
WHAT: On the second Tuesday of every month, you're invited to the only pure networking event for owners and decision-makers of LA's green businesses. Delicious organic snacks, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 6pm-9:30pm
WHERE: TBD
COST: $15 at door, $10 pre-pay online
WHAT ELSE: For further event information, please contacts us at greenbusinessnetworking@gmail.com
AND: Did you know BGN events are also recycling collection points? Bring your old batteries, cell phones, clean, dry and empty plastic shopping bags, dry cleaning bags and newspaper wrappers, and we will properly dispose of them for you!
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Thank you for your commitment to a Sustainable Santa Monica!
Sincerely,
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Samantha Sommer
Sustainable Santa Monica
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