--Tonight's Eco-Link meeting, which is posted on my EVENTS page, is canceled. Next meeting will take place on Thursday, February 28th.
The message below was forwarded to me by a friend. Thought some of you might be interested:
ZERO WASTE CONFERENCE IN LOS ANGELES SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd
You’re Invited! Please join us for the 2nd Zero Waste Citywide Conference!
FEBRUARY 2, 2008 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
AT THE LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER - ROOMS 515 A and B
We will be discussing the policy, program and facility options for the Zero Waste plan and exploring the possibilities for the future of Los Angeles . This conference will be a unique and hands-on experience! Come early to check out the Zero Waste Film Festival and a continental breakfast from 7:30-8:30 am and avoid the lines for parking!
Elected officials and City staff will be on hand to answer your questions and provide updates on what the City is already doing to reduce waste. Please join your fellow community members at this exciting event on February 2 nd and the Los Angeles Convention Center .
Interested? Please contact Glenda Silva or Rebecca Wood at (323) 349-0661 or via email at dso@victorgriego.com to RSVP.
Visit the city’s NEW and IMPROVED zero waste website at:
www.zerowaste.lacity.org
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
LOS CERRITOS WETLANDS LAND TRUST MEETING TONIGHT
The Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust meets the last Tuesday of every other month at the Belmont Shores Mobile Home Park club house on Loynes Drive (next to the Gaslamp). This month's meeting is tonight at 7 p.m. For more information, go to Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust website
Monday, January 28, 2008
FISHMONGERS: SELLERS OF HEALTH, OR PURVEYORS OF POISON?
Yesterday, while on my way home from visiting a friend in Rancho Palos Verdes, I decided to take my daughter to Ports O' Call in San Pedro. During my childhood this was a place my parents often took out-of-town visitors so they could see the bustle of the port. Back then (yes, I'm a Baby Boomer), the "village" was hopping and very exciting for young kids like my sister and me--and a thrill for the foreigners who always seemed to be coming through our doors.
Ports O' Call was also a great place to buy smoked fish, a favorite specialty my family always enjoyed. So yesterday I thought it would be nice to share that memory with my daughter.
Upon entering the San Pedro Fish Market, my eyes scanned the numerous choices of fish and shellfish. Crabs floated in murky water and glistening fillets lined the long case, which was topped with hot sauce bottles for those in need of an extra kick. Crab boil seasonings (think Cajun) sat in the backdrop as a Southern lure.
My purpose was to buy a few types of smoked fish, but I couldn't help notice all the other offerings. Tilapia, shrimp from Taiwan, farm-raised salmon with "added coloring," lobster, red snapper and many more. A sinking feeling came over me as I read all the sources of the seafood (meaning countries of origin).
I'm very aware that we are over-fishing our waters, and I know much of the fish we eat is tainted with metals and other chemicals. This makes it difficult for consumers who are trying to follow health guidelines that encourage eating more fish for the omega oils.
We're damned if we do, and we're damned if we don't.
Though I did buy my smoked fish, I realized that my seafood-eating days are going to be limited, and my choices will only include the species that are low in toxins. So much for a fond childhood memory.
To crack this conundrum, read more about the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to choosing your seafood.
Monterey Aquarium's Seafood Watch page
Vital Choice Wild Seafood & Organics
Environmental Defense Eco-Friendly Seafood Selector
Ports O' Call was also a great place to buy smoked fish, a favorite specialty my family always enjoyed. So yesterday I thought it would be nice to share that memory with my daughter.
Upon entering the San Pedro Fish Market, my eyes scanned the numerous choices of fish and shellfish. Crabs floated in murky water and glistening fillets lined the long case, which was topped with hot sauce bottles for those in need of an extra kick. Crab boil seasonings (think Cajun) sat in the backdrop as a Southern lure.
My purpose was to buy a few types of smoked fish, but I couldn't help notice all the other offerings. Tilapia, shrimp from Taiwan, farm-raised salmon with "added coloring," lobster, red snapper and many more. A sinking feeling came over me as I read all the sources of the seafood (meaning countries of origin).
I'm very aware that we are over-fishing our waters, and I know much of the fish we eat is tainted with metals and other chemicals. This makes it difficult for consumers who are trying to follow health guidelines that encourage eating more fish for the omega oils.
We're damned if we do, and we're damned if we don't.
Though I did buy my smoked fish, I realized that my seafood-eating days are going to be limited, and my choices will only include the species that are low in toxins. So much for a fond childhood memory.
To crack this conundrum, read more about the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to choosing your seafood.
Monterey Aquarium's Seafood Watch page
Vital Choice Wild Seafood & Organics
Environmental Defense Eco-Friendly Seafood Selector
Friday, January 25, 2008
NEWS AND VIEWS
News:
Read about Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal's push for biodiesel in an article published yesterday on LBPost.com:
Green By Way of Biodiesel?
Views (from sea level):
Last night, Green Drinks Long Beach had a sizable turnout at the Gaslamp on PCH. Many new faces and a nice mixture of ages and backgrounds. The Gaslamp proved to be a good venue for Green Drinks, with plenty of space, lots of seating, and options for food and libations.
Though most of us drove to our destination in cars, Russ Roca, "the eco-friendly bicycling photographer," rolled in on his bicycle. Bravo, Russ.
Next Green Drinks gathering: Thursday, February 28, 7-9:30 p.m.
Coming later this week:
Info on the L.A. Zero-Waste Conference
Stay tuned...
Read about Councilwoman Bonnie Lowenthal's push for biodiesel in an article published yesterday on LBPost.com:
Green By Way of Biodiesel?
Views (from sea level):
Last night, Green Drinks Long Beach had a sizable turnout at the Gaslamp on PCH. Many new faces and a nice mixture of ages and backgrounds. The Gaslamp proved to be a good venue for Green Drinks, with plenty of space, lots of seating, and options for food and libations.
Though most of us drove to our destination in cars, Russ Roca, "the eco-friendly bicycling photographer," rolled in on his bicycle. Bravo, Russ.
Next Green Drinks gathering: Thursday, February 28, 7-9:30 p.m.
Coming later this week:
Info on the L.A. Zero-Waste Conference
Stay tuned...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
REMINDER: GREEN DRINKS GATHERING TONIGHT
Green Drinks Long Beach, an eco-inspired gathering, will be held tonight, January 24th from 7 - 9:30pm at the Gaslamp restaurant.
The Gaslamp is located at 6251 E. PCH in Long Beach (at PCH and Loynes).
We look forward to seeing you there.
Hosted By:
Fundraising Green
Fundraising Green website
info@FundraisingGreen.com
The Gaslamp is located at 6251 E. PCH in Long Beach (at PCH and Loynes).
We look forward to seeing you there.
Hosted By:
Fundraising Green
Fundraising Green website
info@FundraisingGreen.com
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
WHOLE LIFE TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT CREATIVE REUSE
In this month's issue of Whole Life Times, writer Jessica Ridenour shares with readers ways to be creative with reuse, from turning household objects into art to buying yard-sale finds for furnishing a home. Read on...
Whole Life Times article,Think Outside the Big-box
Whole Life Times article,Think Outside the Big-box
Saturday, January 19, 2008
WATERCOLORS FROM A FRIEND
Rena Williams is a talented watercolorist from Auburn, Alabama. You will frequently see her work posted here because she captures beautiful nature themes in her paintings. Enjoy...
1) Rose rock, 5 x 6"
2) Rose quartz 4 x 6"
3) Moab rock 2.5 x 3"
Visit Rena Williams' Blog
Thursday, January 17, 2008
STAR GAZING NOTES
Michael Beckage, one of our local astronomers, has some notes to share:
Greetings and Happy 2008.
This week there are two wonderful opportunities to have fun with planets.
Mercury, the planet closest to the sun, is about as visible as it ever gets this week. It's orbit is only about 1/3 the diameter of Earth's and so it never appears very far from the sun from our vantage point. Mercury is simply lost in the glare of 'ol sol most of the time. This week, however, Mercury appears far enough East of the sun that you can find it easily IF you have a clear view of the Western horizon. To see Mercury go to a place where your Western (actually a little South of due West) horizon is unobstructed. At about 5:40 to 5:45 start looking for a bright, star-like object just above the horizon. Hopefully you will find Mercury and be one of the relatively few people on Earth to know that you are seeing Mercury, then amaze your friends when you point it out to them!
Mars is high and bright all month long. On Saturday evening, Mars and the nearly full moon will be exceptionally close together in what we call a conjunction. Moon-planet conjunctions are some of the coolest celestial occurrences because anyone can find the moon, and if you find the moon on Saturday night, you will find Mars too!
Here is a link to the Griffith Observatory Sky report for a little more information about planets: Griffith Observatory Sky Report
In about a month we have a special treat coming. There will be a total eclipse of the moon on the evening of February 20. Unlike the last one in August eclipse happens between the very respectable hours 6 and 9 PM. I will have more details on this great event in another update.--Michael Beckage
Discover the Stars website
Greetings and Happy 2008.
This week there are two wonderful opportunities to have fun with planets.
Mercury, the planet closest to the sun, is about as visible as it ever gets this week. It's orbit is only about 1/3 the diameter of Earth's and so it never appears very far from the sun from our vantage point. Mercury is simply lost in the glare of 'ol sol most of the time. This week, however, Mercury appears far enough East of the sun that you can find it easily IF you have a clear view of the Western horizon. To see Mercury go to a place where your Western (actually a little South of due West) horizon is unobstructed. At about 5:40 to 5:45 start looking for a bright, star-like object just above the horizon. Hopefully you will find Mercury and be one of the relatively few people on Earth to know that you are seeing Mercury, then amaze your friends when you point it out to them!
Mars is high and bright all month long. On Saturday evening, Mars and the nearly full moon will be exceptionally close together in what we call a conjunction. Moon-planet conjunctions are some of the coolest celestial occurrences because anyone can find the moon, and if you find the moon on Saturday night, you will find Mars too!
Here is a link to the Griffith Observatory Sky report for a little more information about planets: Griffith Observatory Sky Report
In about a month we have a special treat coming. There will be a total eclipse of the moon on the evening of February 20. Unlike the last one in August eclipse happens between the very respectable hours 6 and 9 PM. I will have more details on this great event in another update.--Michael Beckage
Discover the Stars website
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
COSTCO STEPS ON THE EMERALD PATH
Angi Carelli, with Pore Baby Organics, sent this message to me yesterday. Here it is:
Costco has a new program to recycle your old electronics -- computers, cameras, etc. --any age. They will send you a prepaid shipping label to send in your item, thus shipping is free. If it's of any value, they may send you a cash card to use at Costco. Also, they have a zero tolerance landfill policy meaning that none of the components of the recycled item will end up in a landfill -- all of it is utilized!
Learn more about Costco's recycling program
Angi M. Carelli, Long Beach
Independent Representative
Pore Baby Organics
World's 1st Certified Organic Skin Care Line
email: info@porebabyorganics.com
phone: 562.438.7686
Costco has a new program to recycle your old electronics -- computers, cameras, etc. --any age. They will send you a prepaid shipping label to send in your item, thus shipping is free. If it's of any value, they may send you a cash card to use at Costco. Also, they have a zero tolerance landfill policy meaning that none of the components of the recycled item will end up in a landfill -- all of it is utilized!
Learn more about Costco's recycling program
Angi M. Carelli, Long Beach
Independent Representative
Pore Baby Organics
World's 1st Certified Organic Skin Care Line
email: info@porebabyorganics.com
phone: 562.438.7686
Friday, January 11, 2008
SATURDAY EVENTS
A Few Reminders:Tomorrow Justin Rudd will be having a community event:
1) "Say Cheese" Photo Exhibit in front of WAMU bank from 12-5 p.m.
Learn more: Say Cheese web page
Photos from top to bottom taken by the following people:
Jeff Harris
Lonnie Dean
Florent Blanc
2) Christmas Tree Recycling Reminder:
Put out those trees by early tomorrow morning for pick-up by the City of Long Beach recycling trucks.
3) Community E-Waste Drive
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Parking lot on the NE corner of Long Beach Blvd. and Broadway. Located across the street from the Bank of America.
Description: Bring all your unused computers, TVs, cell phones, electronic devices, etc. to be disposed of properly.
Sponsor: Goodwill and 2nd District Council Office
Thursday, January 10, 2008
GREEN SPEED--PLEASE READ!!!
Hello folks,
Well, the Grunion Gazette has done it again! Today an article came out about the Long Beach Green Drinks monthly gathering, and this coverage has now officially brought Green Drinks out of the closet and into the public eye. Thanks to Jenny Caronna, of FundraisingGreen.com, L.B. has a way for people to meet each other in an informal venue--and with wine and food. Read the Grunion's article:
Gazette Green Drinks article
Visit the Fundraising Green website
The other BIG news is this:
LongBeachGreenGuide.com and OCGreenGuide.com have created an alliance and we are now affiliate sites. Founder Casey Cochran and I, through our websites, hope to help green (and "greening"--meaning in the process of becoming...) companies, businesses, organizations, groups and so on, by providing them with a way to be listed--and found--online.
Visit Casey's site:
OC Green Guide
Last, but not least, LBGG has an articles blog as of today. Check in regularly for new articles, interviews and eco-tips:
LongBeachGreenGuide Articles Blog
As I often say, "many ideas brewing..."
Well, the Grunion Gazette has done it again! Today an article came out about the Long Beach Green Drinks monthly gathering, and this coverage has now officially brought Green Drinks out of the closet and into the public eye. Thanks to Jenny Caronna, of FundraisingGreen.com, L.B. has a way for people to meet each other in an informal venue--and with wine and food. Read the Grunion's article:
Gazette Green Drinks article
Visit the Fundraising Green website
The other BIG news is this:
LongBeachGreenGuide.com and OCGreenGuide.com have created an alliance and we are now affiliate sites. Founder Casey Cochran and I, through our websites, hope to help green (and "greening"--meaning in the process of becoming...) companies, businesses, organizations, groups and so on, by providing them with a way to be listed--and found--online.
Visit Casey's site:
OC Green Guide
Last, but not least, LBGG has an articles blog as of today. Check in regularly for new articles, interviews and eco-tips:
LongBeachGreenGuide Articles Blog
As I often say, "many ideas brewing..."
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
NEWS AND UPDATES
Much is happening behind the scenes here at LongBeachGreenGuide.com and I have a few things to share:
***Aimee Wyatt's green housecleaning business, called I'm Cleanin' Green, now has a website and it's live. Let's support our two local businesses who are leading our community away from chemical-based housecleaning services to ones which are plant-based. What a boost for our city--and for our homes!
Cleanin' Green website
***Long Beach's very own "Eco-Friendly Bicycling Photographer," Russ Roca, is now listed on the LBGG site. Read more about Roca's pedaling ways in an article which appears in the January issue of Whole Life Times:
Life Can Be So Car-Free
***Rent-a-Green Box (listed on LBGG under "Moving Supplies"), has a short video on YouTube. Here's the link:
RentaGreenBox on YouTube
Earth Friendly Moving website
Learn about the RecoPack
***Community reminder: The City of Long Beach will be picking up Christmas trees on Sat. Jan. 12th. If you have one that is now tinder material, please put it out on the curb by early Sat. morning.
***Aimee Wyatt's green housecleaning business, called I'm Cleanin' Green, now has a website and it's live. Let's support our two local businesses who are leading our community away from chemical-based housecleaning services to ones which are plant-based. What a boost for our city--and for our homes!
Cleanin' Green website
***Long Beach's very own "Eco-Friendly Bicycling Photographer," Russ Roca, is now listed on the LBGG site. Read more about Roca's pedaling ways in an article which appears in the January issue of Whole Life Times:
Life Can Be So Car-Free
***Rent-a-Green Box (listed on LBGG under "Moving Supplies"), has a short video on YouTube. Here's the link:
RentaGreenBox on YouTube
Earth Friendly Moving website
Learn about the RecoPack
***Community reminder: The City of Long Beach will be picking up Christmas trees on Sat. Jan. 12th. If you have one that is now tinder material, please put it out on the curb by early Sat. morning.
Monday, January 7, 2008
New Listings on LongBeachGreenGuide.com
Thanks to an article in the Grunion Gazette last week, interest in the LBGG site has piqued. Over the past few days I've heard from some green business owners in our community and they are now listed in various categories on LongBeachGreenGuide.com.
Here they are, along with some other recent listings:
1) Native Plant/Xeriscaping Consultant, Mike Letteriello
See listings on these pages:
NATIVE PLANTS/CONSULTANTS
XERISCAPING/CONSULTANTS
2) The Green Recruiter
Elizabeth Kiely
EMPLOYMENT RECRUITERS/GREEN
The Green Recruiter website
3) Soylar Candles
Irene Guoz, President
Soylar Candles is taking orders starting today!
Soylar Candles
4) SalvageLIfe.com
Beth Giles, owner
Web-based business (Long Beach) promoting sustainable living through careful selection of vintage pieces that are relevant to current trends. SalvageLife.com's goal is to reduce the use of new resources by creating an easy and fun shopping environment that helps the earth and its people without sacrificing style.
SalvageLife.com
LBGG CLOTHING/VINTAGE
5) Aromaids, "Finally...cleaning meets well-being"
Aromaids, Inc.
Long Beach-based eco-friendly housecleaning business.
(888) 641-8865
Aromaids.com
LBGG HOUSECLEANING SERVICES
6) Going Green Carpet Clean, Inc.
Long Beach
(562)439-5309
Residential, commercial and marine non-toxic carpet cleaning services.
GOING GREEN CARPET CLEAN
LBGG CARPET CLEANING
Coming soon...
Alchemy Design + Architecture
Russ Roca, "The Eco-Friendly Bicycling Photographer"
Here they are, along with some other recent listings:
1) Native Plant/Xeriscaping Consultant, Mike Letteriello
See listings on these pages:
NATIVE PLANTS/CONSULTANTS
XERISCAPING/CONSULTANTS
2) The Green Recruiter
Elizabeth Kiely
EMPLOYMENT RECRUITERS/GREEN
The Green Recruiter website
3) Soylar Candles
Irene Guoz, President
Soylar Candles is taking orders starting today!
Soylar Candles
4) SalvageLIfe.com
Beth Giles, owner
Web-based business (Long Beach) promoting sustainable living through careful selection of vintage pieces that are relevant to current trends. SalvageLife.com's goal is to reduce the use of new resources by creating an easy and fun shopping environment that helps the earth and its people without sacrificing style.
SalvageLife.com
LBGG CLOTHING/VINTAGE
5) Aromaids, "Finally...cleaning meets well-being"
Aromaids, Inc.
Long Beach-based eco-friendly housecleaning business.
(888) 641-8865
Aromaids.com
LBGG HOUSECLEANING SERVICES
6) Going Green Carpet Clean, Inc.
Long Beach
(562)439-5309
Residential, commercial and marine non-toxic carpet cleaning services.
GOING GREEN CARPET CLEAN
LBGG CARPET CLEANING
Coming soon...
Alchemy Design + Architecture
Russ Roca, "The Eco-Friendly Bicycling Photographer"
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
SOLAR INSTALLED!
Big news...
After months of planning, my home now has a solar system thanks to AMECO, a local solar company based out of Signal Hill. AMECO installed a 3.75 kilowatt system on our roof, Dec. 27th and 28th--just in time to end 2007 with a green "bang!" What a thrill to see this project come to fruition and to be producing energy from the sun.
I learned a lot on this journey, including how to decipher my electric bill. Thanks to Todd Fanady at AMECO, I now understand the different tiers and why our bills were so high (pool pump, no insulation on our roof, electric heater, A/C etc.). In a future posting I will write a piece called "How to Read an Electric Bill." Many folks aren't aware of the high costs they incur when they're in the high tiers. Getting into the lower ones does take effort (finding the electric hogs), but it is possible.
Pictures of our installation coming soon...
Happy New Year!
Ameco Solar website
After months of planning, my home now has a solar system thanks to AMECO, a local solar company based out of Signal Hill. AMECO installed a 3.75 kilowatt system on our roof, Dec. 27th and 28th--just in time to end 2007 with a green "bang!" What a thrill to see this project come to fruition and to be producing energy from the sun.
I learned a lot on this journey, including how to decipher my electric bill. Thanks to Todd Fanady at AMECO, I now understand the different tiers and why our bills were so high (pool pump, no insulation on our roof, electric heater, A/C etc.). In a future posting I will write a piece called "How to Read an Electric Bill." Many folks aren't aware of the high costs they incur when they're in the high tiers. Getting into the lower ones does take effort (finding the electric hogs), but it is possible.
Pictures of our installation coming soon...
Happy New Year!
Ameco Solar website
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