|
|
| Sustainable Santa Monica Newsletter | October 2011 |
|
|
|
|
| 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 October 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! |
|
Sustainable Santa Monica 2011 Student Poster Contest
| |
The 4th Annual Student Poster Contest drew entries from nearly 650 Students that live or attend school in the City of Santa Monica. This year's Poster Contest Theme was Sustainable Food hosted by the City of Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and the Environment, Big Blue Bus, Santa Monica's Farmers Markets, and Sustainable Works.
Keep your eyes peeled because the 4 Grand Prize, 8 Runner Up and 2 Honorable Mention winning posters will be rolling around town on 4 Big Blue Buses from Monday, September 19th through Sunday, October 16th!!
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Sustainable Works 4th Annual Fundraiser-
Early Bird Discount Ending Today at 6pm!
| 
|
|
Free Rain Barrels!
| 
|
|
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. SANTA MONICA- Wednesday October 5, 2011, 7pm-8.30pm 6 Wednesday Meetings: 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, and 11/9
WHERE: SM Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401, Map
SANTA MONICA- Thursday October 13, 2011, 7-8:30pm
6 Thursday Meetings: 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17
WHERE: YWCA Santa Monica / Westside, 2019 14th Street Santa Monica, CA 90405, 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
|
|
Hidden In Our Food: GMOs and Your Right To Know
| 
|
|
Santa Monica Green Business Certification Program
| |
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, the Chamber of Commerce, the 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 October: Real Food Daily and Sheraton Delfina
 Real Food Daily (RFD) is the premiere organic vegan restaurant in Southern California. Founded by Ann Gentry, a pioneer in the vegan and green food movement, RFD first opened in Santa Monica in 1993. The restaurant's interior integrates green building materials such as a large repurposed dining table made from a fallen tree in Gilroy, CA. Eating a plant-based diet goes further than any other single effort to lower one's carbon footprint and help preserve the environment. Besides serving an exclusive vegan menu, RFD is committed to using organic produce and ingredients. About 90% of the food prepared is certified organic and 40% is sourced locally. Marketing materials such as menus, business cards, and in store promotional materials are printed using soy-based ink on paper that contains 100% post-consumer recycled waste. Paper used office-wide, including bathroom tissue, is made from 100% post-consumer recycled content. Energy efficient hand air blowers in restrooms replace paper towels. Energy Star equipment can be found in offices and kitchen. The restaurant relies on the natural outdoor light during the day to save energy. All lights are on dimmers and inefficient lights not on a dimmer, have been replaced with LEDs. Windows are tinted with film to reduce solar heat gain. RFD participates in the Santa Monica's Food Waste Composting program - diverting all of their pre-consumer food scraps from kitchen prepping. Their commitment to sustainability extends to their cleaning products in both dining rooms and kitchen. As a socially responsible business, RFD regularly donates meal gift certificates and participates in many local charity fundraisers. Most local staff bikes, walks or rides the bus to work. Click here and here for more information
Real Food Daily, 514-516 Santa Monica Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90401, Map
 Boasting elegantly designed interiors by Kelly Wearstler and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Sheraton Delfina unites luxury and sustainability. The Sheraton rewards guests who actively conserve resources during their stay via the Second Nature Program. Visitors driving hybrid cars enjoy a $10 discount off valet charges. In line with Santa Monica Transportation Management Ordinances, bicycle rentals are available and $35 credit applies to a guest stay when transported by hybrid vehicle or mass transit. Water stations located in Sheraton 24-hour fitness centers are refilled by filtration systems onsite. Equipment like refrigerators are air cooled (instead of water cooled) reducing both water and energy use. The advanced PH conductivity controller installed in the cooling tower also recycles water. This luxury hotel is the first on the west coast to pioneer the FDA approved electrolyzed water cleaning system eliminating toxins and plastic waste. The multi-purpose cleaning solution, made from electrolyzed tap water and salt, is refilled into dispensers by custodial staff facility-wide. The Sheraton's comprehensive recycling programs range from co-mingled collection for mixed paper, cans, plastic, and glass to pre-consumer food waste composting via the City's Restaurant Food Waste program. Sustainable procurement includes recycled content janitorial products such as Ecologo certified Royal's Paper Earthfirst tissue paper containing 80% post-consumer content. The Sheraton commits to serving cage-free eggs and when feasible, Executive Chef Tony Sasaki shops for organic produce at local Farmers Markets. The Sheraton commits to reducing its ecological footprint by their next re-certification period in 2014! Click here and here for more information
Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica, 530 Pico Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405, MAP
For more information on the Green Business Certification Program and a full list of certified businesses visit www.smgbc.org
|
|
Santa Monica College
|
 
Environmental and Urban Issues Speaker Series
WHEN: Tuesday nights at 6:30pm. They usually last about an hour, then go to questions and answers.
WHERE: All presentations will be in HSS 263 on the Main Campus on Tuesday nights and will start at 6:30pm, Map
October 4: Improving Life in Our Pico Neighborhood
Learn how the Pico Neighborhood Association is working to improve the quality of our living and working environments. How have they become a model of grassroots community participation that can change lives and landscapes for the better?
October 11: Air Pollution and Energy
Global Green President Matt Petersen joins us for an informative discussion about our energy choices and how they affect our air quality. How can we improve our health and economy in the long term by making wise choices that lead to cleaner air?
November 1: Solving our Transportation Crisis
Denny Zane shows how Move LA is lifting us up toward a more sustainable transportation future. How can we use our tax dollars more efficiently to offer a wider range of transportation choices that will make our communities better places to live?
November 22: Climate Change Facts and Our Future
We again welcome Matt Petersen from Global Green to share the latest research on and consequences of climate change. What is really happening to global climates, what causes these changes, and what can we do about it?
|
|
Green Garden Academy
|
 October's Class: Plant Palette-Native Plants WHAT: Learn to choose climate-appropriate plants from our California native plant palette that offer a variety of colors, textures and fragrance. A must for the native garden enthusiast!
WHEN: Saturday October 15 2011, 10:30am-1:30pm WHERE: Multipurpose Room at the Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Map WHAT ELSE: Click here to register |
|
Family Gardening Program
| 
WHAT: The Library is hosting a family gardening program with Master Gardener Emi Carvell. Space is limited. Register by phone at 310.458.8681 or at the front desk. Ages 5-10 and their parents.
WHEN: Saturday, October 15 at 10am-12pm
WHERE: Santa Monica Library, Fairview Branch, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., Map  |
|
SLOLA
| |
WHAT: This year's National Heirloom Expo was the biggest and best yet - called the "World's Fair" of the heirloom seed/produce industry. SLOLA Database Committee Chair Linda Preuss shares her experience and Horticulturist Kat Eriksson will teach you how to save rhubarb seeds! It's a member of the same family (poylgonaceae) as sorrel and buckwheat, perennial plants for stable harvests and multiple uses. Each meeting is followed by seed distribution to members.
WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 2:30pm- 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.
|
|
Green Rebates
|  Sustainable Landscape Grant - up to $5,000 - currently accepting applications for 50 more projects.
Rain Harvest Rebate - up to $2,000 - currently accepting applications for downspout redirects, rain barrels, and cisterns.
Parkway Cash for Grass Rebate - up to $2,000 per parkway
Front Yard Cash for Grass Rebate - up to $2,000
Greywater Rebate - up to $250 for qualified parts
Drip Irrigation Rebate - up to $1,000 for qualified parts |
|
Energy Upgrade California
| 
|
|
Free Greywater Workshop
|  WHAT: Greywater Workshop - If you've ever considered installing an easy to use greywater system, this is the event to attend. You'll design and install a greywater system that uses your washing machine's wastewater to water plants and trees in your yard. This workshop is for Santa Monica homeowners only (no condos or apartments). Here's what you get: Free workshop with lunch included, free parts for your system (valued at $100), and hands-on guidance from greywater experts. In class, you will design your very own system and the next day you install it! Staff will be on-hand to help you troubleshoot. Space is limited to 30 participants and seats are filling up. So sign-up now!! This is the only workshop we'll be hosting. Visit the website to register. WHEN: Saturday and Sunday October 8-9, 2011 |
| The Household Hazardous Waste Home Collection Pilot Program Launched |
WHAT: The City of Santa Monica launched the HouseholdHazardousWaste Home CollectionPilot
Program, a pick-up service where the "Haz Mat" technician comes
to you. The goal is to expand levels of service for residents while reducing costs. The service will be provided on a free and unlimited basis to homeowners and renters alike.
The new service is provided in a few easy steps:
- Reserve collection service: call 1 (800) 449-7587, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; or email hotline@curbsideinc.com
- Receive collection kit in the mail (includes detailed instructions with collection day reminder);
- Prepare collection kit at your doorstep or at a predetermined location on collection day;
- Leave prepared materials and we'll do the rest.
WHERE: At your house!
WHAT ELSE: Beginning September 17, 2011, the Household Hazardous Waste Center will be available for drop-off service on SATURDAYS ONLY (9 AM - 2 PM). If the pilot is successful, the center will close January 1, 2012.For additional information please visit sustainablesm.org/hhw or call (310) 458-2213. This service is provided by the Office of Sustainability and the Environment and WM Curbside Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Waste Management.
|
|
Green California Schools Summit and
Green California Community Colleges Summit
|
WHAT: The Green California Schools Summit and the Green California Community Colleges Summit will be held concurrently at the Pasadena Convention Center. In addition to launching some of the nation's largest green building and renewable energy projects, California's community colleges are central to efforts to train workers for the state's growing green economy. Engagement begins even earlier, and includes efforts to increase environmental literacy - including the implementation of the state's new Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI) curriculum for grades K-12. Each conference will have its own complete education program with seminars and panels that address the many aspects of high performance schools and campuses. The education program for the Green California Community Colleges Summit will include a double-session on funding and implementing renewable energy projects as well as sessions by U.S. Green Building Council and a special session on the Los Angeles Community College District's multi-billion dollar building project. Other sessions will address the emergence of the green economy and workforce and engaging students in green campus projects. At a reception on October 17, Leadership Awards will be presented to schools in recognition of achievements in green building, energy, curriculum and other categories. The two Summits will share an Expo featuring more than 100 companies offering green products and services.
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18
WHERE: Pasadena Convention Center, Map
WHAT ELSE: For more information and to register, go to www.green-technology.org or call Cindy Dangberg at 626-577-5700. Don't forget to type in SANTAMONICA for a 20 % discount when you register
|
|
Green Festival
| |
WHAT: Green Festival, the nation's largest, most trusted green living event is coming to Los Angeles. Meet and hear renowned authors and visionaries. Participate in DIY workshops. Enjoy films, fun kid's activities, organic vegan & vegetarian cuisine, local beer & wine, music & art and a diverse marketplace of green businesses & organizations. For more information, check out our website at www.greenfestivals.org, email us at media@greenfestivals.org or call 828-333-9403.WHEN: Saturday and Sunday October 29-30, 2011 WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center, Map
|
|
Santa Monica Public Library Presents:
An Afternoon with The Fabulous Beekman Boys
| |
WHAT: Santa Monica Public Library presents An Afternoon with The Fabulous Beekman Boys. Beloved for their Planet Green television series chronicling their adventures on their upstate New York farm, Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, better known as The Fabulous Beekman Boys, now aim for everyone's kitchen tables with their new book, The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Cookbook. Brent and Josh will visit the Santa Monica Public Library to discuss the book, as well as life on the farm, with Evan Kleiman, restaurateur and host of radio's Good Eats. A book sale and signing will follow the onstage discussion. This author event is presented free to the public, but tickets are required. Free tickets will be released one hour prior to the program on the day of event. One ticket per guest. Ticket seekers must be present to receive a ticket. No reservations available.
WHEN: Sunday, October 9 2011, at 2PM
WHERE: Main Library's Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., MapWHAT ELSE: The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair accessible. For special disabled services, call Library Administration at (310) 458-8606 at least one week prior to event. Main Library is served by Big Blue Bus routes 1, 7 and 10. For more information on this and other public programs, visit www.smpl.org or contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600.
|
|
Albert Carnesale- "America's Climate Choices"
| 
|
|
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. For SM Chambers and prospective members. Co-hosted by the Chamber's young professionals committee (Professionals Emerging as Business Leaders) and in promotional partnership with the Santa Monica Daily Press, this event is a perfect way to network and make important business contacts.
All attendees will receive 2 drink tickets plus tray-passed appetizers.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at 5:30pm-7:30pm
WHERE: The Rooftop at Michael's Restaurant, 1147 3rd St. Santa Monica, Map
ADMISSION: $15 for members in advance, $20 for members and $25 for prospective members at the door.
WHAT ELSE: To purchase tickets in advance, 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.
|
|
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 growing 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.
|
|
Plug In America
|
WHAT: Plug In America, Electric Auto Association and Sierra Club are celebrating National Plug In Day around the country. In Santa Monica, California we are planning an EV parade. We invite highway-capable plug-in vehicles in the area to join us as we roll from the Santa Monica Civic Center down Main Street at 10am. We're staging in the parking lot from 8am through 9:30am. A press conference will begin at 9:30am. Parade will start promptly at 10:00am and proceed down Main St. Mingle with EV drivers and show off your car while showing the world plug-ins are here!
WHEN: Sunday, October 16, 2011 8am-11am
WHERE: Santa Monica Civic Center Main Street and Pico Blvd Santa Monica, CA, Map
WHAT ELSE: Please email Alexandra to join the Santa Monica parade. To find out more about National Plug In Day or to find a Plug In Day event near you, click here
|
|
Green Light District
| 
|
|
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, October 11 2011 at 6pm-9:30pm
WHERE: TBD
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!
|
|
Beach Cleanups in October
| |
WHAT: Heal the Bay's monthly Nothin' But Sand cleanups are open to all. Volunteers must be 12 or older 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 October 15, 2011 at 10am-2pm
WHERE: Venice Beach 3100 Ocean Front Walk At the end of Washington Blvd Venice, CA 90292, Map
WHAT ELSE: Please let us know If you are bringing a group of 10 or more.
Note: All cleanup volunteers must bring 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 October 8, 2011 3pm-5pm
WHERE: Surfrider Beach, just north of Malibu Pier, Map
WHAT ELSE: For more information, please contact bcu@surfriderwlam.org
|
|
SAVE THE DATE: Rain Harvesting Classes in November
|  This November, 3 classes on rainwater harvesting techniques will be given in Santa Monica for all those interested in learning the nuts and bolts of rainwater harvesting, beginners to advanced. Three levels: 100, 200 and 300. Go to the ARCSA website for more information or contact Neal Shapiro, neal.shapiro@smgov.net |
|
|
|
Thank you for your commitment to a Sustainable Santa Monica!
Sincerely,
|
|
Samantha Sommer
Sustainable Santa Monica
|
|
|
|
|
|
