Thursday, January 31, 2008

ANNOUNCEMENTS

--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

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

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...

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

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

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