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| Sustainable Santa Monica Newsletter | August 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 August 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 Public Library Helps You 'Bring Your Bag' | |
This offer is limited to one bag per person, and is valid while supplies last.
The Single-use Carryout Bag Ban, which begins September 1, is a reflection of the community's desire to reduce litter and marine debris, reduce waste ending up in landfills and incinerators, and create local green jobs. The Single-use Carryout Bag Ordinance prohibits all retail establishments in Santa Monica from providing "single-use plastic carryout bags" to customers at the point of sale, and prohibits the free distribution of paper carryout bags by grocery stores, convenience stores, mini-marts, liquor stores and pharmacies in the City. By bringing your own bag, you help realize a more sustainable Santa Monica.
Learn more at the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and the Environment site, sustainablesm.org/bag, or email BringYourBag@smgov.net. For more information about Santa Monica Public Library, visit smpl.org or contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600. |
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Green Living Workshops
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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.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 7pm-8.30pm
6 Wednesday Meetings, Starting August 17 2011, 7pm-8.30pm: 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7, 9/14, and 9/21
WHERE: Santa Monica Public Library, 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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Santa Monica Green Business Certification Program
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 The Green Business Certification Program is a voluntary program that encourages businesses to implement proactive actions that are good for their bottom line and the environment. The Santa Monica Green Business Certification Program is a collaboration between the City of Santa Monica, Sustainable Works, Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Santa Monica College, Small Business Development Center, to recognize businesses that meet the City of the Santa Monica's resource efficiency standards in the areas of Waste Reduction, Energy and Water Efficiency, Pollution Prevention, Sustainable Procurement, and Transportation Management. For details of the required and optional measures businesses must achieve, visit www.smgbc.org/gettingstarted.
Featured Green Businesses for the Month of August
The Ambrose
1255 20th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 MAP
(310) 315-1555
www.ambrosehotel.com
By blending upscale tranquility with affordable luxury and low impact hotel practices, The Ambrose offers guests a touch of truly holistic hospitality. In addition to being the first pilot City Santa Monica Green Certified Hotel in 2006, an ENERGY STAR certified facility that has met strict energy performance standards, member of the Green Hotels Association, and the first hotel in the USA to receive a United States Green Building Council's LEED for Existing Buildings Silver Certification, The Ambrose is definitely committed to protecting the environment and preserving precious natural resources.
The Ambrose diverts over 70% of their waste from ending up in landfill via reduce, reusing practices and co-mingled recycling, along with offsite composting of their food waste. They have been cleaning guest rooms with environmentally-friendly cleaners before green became the new black. Sustainable purchasing incorporates 100% post-consumer content printing paper, business cards, and complimentary earth-friendly amenities such as a gourmet continental breakfast, including fresh fruit, organic yogurt and Starbucks fair trade organic coffee. Drip irrigation is installed for landscaping, and mulch is applied to lock in moisture and as a natural pest deterrent. A SAVE THE PLANET board lists environmental tips, local ordinances and resources to keep staff updated on sustainability issues. The Ambrose regularly donates to non-profit organizations and promotes the good work they are doing throughout the community in their monthly e-newsletter.
Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.santamonica.com
1920 Main Street. Suite B. Santa Monica, CA, 90405 MAP
310.319.6263
Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. Santa Monica CVB has been a Green Business Certification Program founding partner since 2007. Santa Monica CVB promotes Santa Monica's sustainable lifestyle, green-certified businesses, farmers markets and more in their marketing and services to tourists, residents, and local businesses.
The Santa Monica CVB administrative office and Walk-in Visitor Center features ample sunlight through skylights and windows - so energy used for lighting is minimal. The staff kitchen is stocked with reusable kitchenware. Any meetings taking place in their conference room comes with water and refreshments in reusable glassware or mugs. Use Water Wisely and Turn off prompt signs are posted office-wide. They worked with their cleaning contractors to switch to less toxic cleaning alternatives. Natural oil reed diffusers replaced synthetic aerosol sprays in restrooms. Staff performs local errands by foot or by bike using employee bicycles safely stored onsite.
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"Share A Bag" Shopping Bag Exchange Program Launched In Anticipation of September Plastic Bag Ban | 
WHAT: The Share A Bag program, an exchange for gently used reusable shopping bags, was recently launched in anticipation of the Single-use Carryout Bag Ban taking effect in September 2011. The pending ban creates incentives for shoppers to carry their own bags and Share A Bag is seen as one of the ways to meet the anticipated demand for reusable shopping bags in the community. The idea is simple enough. If you have extra reusable bags, leave them at one of the Share A Bag program locations. If you need a bag, you can pick one up free of charge at any of the same locations. City officials are working to see that reusable bags are widely available from many sources, free or otherwise. Participants include Santa Monica's four Farmers Markets, Buy Local Santa Monica Resale Merchants (secondhand stores, vintage stores, resale boutiques, thrift shops, charity shops and consignment shops), Downtown Santa Monica Ambassador's Desk, the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, and the City Hall Help Desk. WHERE: Farmers Markets-
1.Wednesday's Downtown Farmers Market: Arizona Ave. & 3rd St. Promenade 2.Saturday's Virginia Avenue Park Farmers Market: Pico Blvd. at Cloverfield Ave. 3.Saturday's Downtown Farmers Market: Arizona Ave. & 3rd St. Promenade 4.Sunday's Main Street Farmers Market: Main St. & Ocean Park Blvd. in Heritage Park
Resale Merchants-
1.Arcana Books of the Arts (1229 Third Street Promenade)
2.Assistance League of Santa Monica Thrift Shop (1453 15th St) 3.Baby Daze Boutique (1706 Ocean Park Ave) 4.Cherry Picked, a Just Cause Foundation (2807 Pico Blvd) 5.Crossroads Trading Co (1449 4th St) 6.Courtney's Vintage & Antiques Furnishings (1437 Lincoln Blvd) 7.Great Labels (1126 Wilshire Blvd) 8.Once 'N Again (3012 Santa Monica Blvd) 9.St Joseph's Thrift Store (1828 Lincoln Blvd) 10.St Matthew's Episcopal Church Thrift Shop (2812 Main Street)
Other "Share A Bag" Exchange Locations- 1.Downtown Santa Monica Ambassador's Desk (Parking Structure 4) 2.Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce (1234 6th Street #100) 3.City Hall Help Desk (1685 Main Street)
Pick-up your durable, reusable bag, produced by Green Vets LA, at Fred Segal's ZeroMinusPlus fundraiser for 5 Gyre on Thursday August 25, 2011, click here for more information 
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September's Single-Use Bag Ban at a Glance | 
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Energy Upgrade California Launches:
Up to $4,500 Back for Los Angeles County Homeowners | 
Did you know that almost half of your home heating and air conditioning could be lost through your walls, ceiling and floors? The website is a one-stop-shop, with energy efficiency information and resources for homeowners. You can take a house "tour" to see the types of improvements you can make and the types of rebates and incentives available. You select an Energy Upgrade participating contractor, who can help determine the extent of energy loss in your home through lack of insulation, leaky windows, doors or air ducts, inefficient heating and air conditioning units and old lighting fixtures-and what you can do to fix them. They will also help you apply for all incentives and rebates you're eligible for.
Energy Upgrade California now offers homeowners up to $4,500 in rebates and incentives for home energy improvements, made by participating contractors. Increasing your home's energy efficiency can improve your home's comfort, reduce your energy costs, reduce your impact on the environment, and also create local green jobs.
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USGBC-LA Branch Westside
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 Sustainable Gardening Workshop
When: August 18, 2011 from 6-8pm
Location: 1744 Pearl Street, Santa Monica 90405
Cost: $10 Members/ $20 Non-Members
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Event Co-hosts: Santa Monica College, Center for Environmental & Urban Studies, Sustainable Works & USGBC-West LA Chapter
Come learn about sustainable approaches to gardening in Southern California specifically with edible and native plant palettes. We'll touch on the gardening basics, including sun exposure, soil, and irrigation. We'll look at several photographic examples of local edible and native gardens and address methods for conserving water with smart irrigation practices and astute plant selection and placement. We'll talk about using edible plants in the home garden, from herbs to vegetables, berries and fruit trees, and offer creative ways to utilize garden produce in the kitchen.
Presenters:
Nancy Cipes is the creator of Organic Edible Gardens, specializing in sustainable landscape design and water wise gardening practices for over a decade. She encourages her clients to grow organic, eat locally and preserve the seasons' bounty. Nancy is a Los Angeles County Master Gardener and runs an award winning Horticultural Therapy Program for survivors of domestic violence. She speaks internationally on the topics of organic gardening and horticultural therapy.
Margaret Oakley is a sustainable landscape designer, encouraging clients in Southern California to grow native and edible plants organically and to use water-conserving irrigation systems. In addition to private gardens, Margaret has designed a public parkway project in the San Fernando Valley and is a consultant to the California State Parks Foundation. Before starting her own landscape design business, Margaret worked for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a leading national environmental non-profit.
International Mixer: Destination Canada! 
When: August 25, 2011 from 5:30-8pm
Location: 1556 20th Street, Santa Monica
Registration is free
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Join USGBC-LA for a fun evening of networking and socializing hosted by our friends to the North (Canada) at the Teknion furniture showroom (also Canadian).
Discussion on the "The Toronto Green Building Landscape;" best practice projects in Toronto that every LEED practitioner should know about & "How to Get the Most out of GreenBuild in Canada;" the top five things you can do to maximize the trip to the Toronto-based 2011 conference will be presented by:
David Fransen, Head of Mission, Consulate General of Canada, Los Angeles
Thomas Mueller, President & CEO, Canada Green Building Council
Jeanine Jerkovic, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate - Phoenix
**Connect with the Westside Branch of the United States Green Building Council in Los Angeles to network and foster the collaborative exchange of ideas related to green building in the local area. Check out our Facebook page here.
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Garden Sharing - A Winning Partnership | 
 With the popularity of community gardens continually on the rise in Santa Monica, the waiting list continues to grow and outpace available plots. With no new community garden site planned in the City in the near future, staff has been looking for other opportunities to get gardeners growi ng and one such opportunity is the Garden Sharing Registry. The concept is simple: gardeners looking for room to grow opt-in to the registry; property owners in need of help to make the most of their available land choose a gardener from the list. Together they establish the terms of their partnership from length of time, frequency of gardening, plants to grow, and cost sharing. As an innovative way to meet community demand, this program is a win-win for the City because it encourages social interaction between the community members, addresses recreational needs, and meets sustainability goals.
To date, nine partnerships have been formed. Interested gardeners and property owners can contact the Community Recreation Division at (310) 458-8573, or go online for more information.
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Green Garden Academy | |
August's Class: Lawn Be Gone Tour
 WHAT: Building on Part I, we will take a tour of local gardens with successful conversions to lawn alternatives. Get to know the homeowners and their garden designers. WHEN: Saturday, August 20, 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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Recycling & Resource Management | 
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Santa Monica College | |
WHAT: Introduction to Sustainable Landscape Maintenance II
Taught in English and Spanish. Take the City of Santa Monica's sustainable landscaping maintenance principles and put them into action! Retrofit a landscape, including the irrigation system. Reprogram an irrigation controller and learn tips for future projects. Mandatory for Sustainable Landscape Maintenance professionals Program eligibility.
Introduciendo Mantenimiento de Jardines Sostenibles II: Ensenada eningles y espanol. Applique los principios de la Ciudad de Santa Monica para mantener un jardin sostenible. Cambie su paisaje, inclujendo su systema de irrigacion. Cambie su systema de riego y aprenda ideas para futuros proyectos. Obligatorio para el Desarrollo Sostenible del Paisaje de elegibilidad Profesionales Programa de Mantenimiento.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 23, 2011, 4pm-7pm
WHERE: Santa Monica College, Bundy Campus room 123, 3171 South Bundy Drive, Santa Monica, CA 90066, Map
WHAT ELSE: Free, but for professionals only. Click here for more information
WHAT: Introduction to Sustainable Landscape Design II
Take your designs to the next level! Learn from the experiences of local successful sustainable landscape professionals. Explore various elements of a sustainable landscape and how they relate to local and state landscape laws and plan submittal requirements. Find out about local rebate programs for landscaping. Mandatory for Sustainable Landscape Design Professionals Program eligibility.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at 4pm-7pm
WHERE: Santa Monica College, Bundy Campus room 123, 3171 South Bundy Drive, Santa Monica, CA 90066, Map
WHAT: Introduction to Sustainable Landscape Installation II
Put your knowedge to the test! In this class we will review landscape installations you performed in the field. We will discuss and evaluate all the components of the installation, including irrigation, plant material, and permeable hardscapes. We'll also examine the irrigation schedule and offer tips for future projects. Mandatory for Sustainable Landscape Installation Professionals Program eligibility.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 16, 2011, 4pm-7pm
WHERE: Santa Monica College, Bundy Campus room 123, 3171 South Bundy Drive, Santa Monica, CA 90066, Map
WHAT ELSE: Free, but for professionals only. Click here for more information
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SLOLA: Seed Library of Los Angeles | |
WHAT: We're deep into summer and your garden is bursting at the seams. This is a great time to be thinking about how the seeds from this year's harvest can feed next year's garden. Was that the best tomato you ever grew? Get a lesson in tomato seed saving at the next meeting of SLOLA. We'll be distributing seeds to members. SLOLA is dedicated to preserving an open-pollinated, non-GMO supply of seeds, regionalized to the Los Angeles basin, and educating the public on how to save those seeds.
WHEN: Saturday, August 20, 2011, at 2:30pm (Library opens for seed checkouts again on 8/27 10am-4pm)
WHERE: The Learning Garden, on Walgrove, just south of Venice Blvd, on the grounds of Venice High School, Map. Park outside, enter the first gate immediately SOUTH of Venice on Walgrove.
WHAT ELSE: A $10 lifetime membership lets you borrow seeds FREE, grow them out, enjoy the bounty, then return a like quantity of seeds at season's end. Join here and email us with any questions.
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Women In Green Forum | 
WHAT: The Women In Green Forum (WIGF) will bring together renowned female professionals from the sustainability field to highlight women's impact on the environmental arena, promote sustainable products and emerging green companies, and provide opportunities for women to learn about careers in sustainability. The event will attract an international audience focused on environmental issues, including academic researchers, business experts, energy analysts, and technology developers. The WIGF also appeals to regulatory agencies involved in developing the policies and legislation which will further the development and propagation of green technologies on our roads, in our homes and at our schools.
WHEN: Tuesday August 30, and Wednesday August 31, 2011 WHERE: Sheraton Delfina, Santa Monica, Map
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The Santa Monica Farmers Market: Celebrating 30 years
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WHAT: Join farmers, customers, and friends in a discussion of how the Santa Monica Farmers Market has evolved over the past 30 years and what it will look like in 2041.
WHEN: Thursday August 11, 2011
WHERE: Santa Monica Main Library, Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium, Map
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Green Business Networking
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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, August 9, 2011 at 6pm-9:30pm
WHERE: Working Village, Suite 100, 212 Marine street Santa Monica, CA, Map
COST: $15 at door, $10 pre-pay online no later than 3pm on the day of the event.
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!
ALSO: Parking - street parking in the front of venue and on adjacent blocks, and several reasonably priced lots are nearby.
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Business @ Sunset Mixer
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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. For SM Chambers and prospective members.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, at 5.30pm-7.30pm
WHERE: TBD
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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Buy Local Santa Monica- Margarita Dinner at Border Grill
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WHAT: Celebrate the fresh and vibrant flavors of summer with an exclusive 5-course dinner, featuring all of our favorite organic, local, and seasonal ingredients. With a menu created by Border Grill Santa Monica Executive Chef Alex Moreno, the dinner will also showcase specialty cocktails handcrafted with GreenBar Collective's artisan, organic spirits.
WHEN: Thursday August 4, 2011 at 7:00pm WHERE: Border Grill Santa Monica, 1445 4th Street Santa Monica, Map
WHAT ELSE: $55 per person - General Admission, $45 per person - Border Grill VIP Club Members (Ask a Manager: Sign up for the Border Grill VIP Club and get discounts, recipes, and more!) Make your reservations today, call 310.451.1655
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Save the Date: Good Food Festival & Conference | 
Join us for the inaugural Good Food Festival & Conference this September! The Santa Monica Farmers Market celebrates its 30th Anniversary in conjunction with the very first Southern California Good Food Festival & Conference. This unprecedented multi-day event will focus on regional and national issues integral to building a local and sustainable food system while supporting the needs of California family farmers. Click here for more info 
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FREE Compost Giveaway | |
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Whole Kids Foundation
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Beach Cleanups in August
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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 August 20, 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 August 6, 2011 10am-12pm
WHERE: Paradise Cove, Map
WHAT ELSE: For more information, please contact bcu@surfriderwlam.org
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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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