While there are a lot of holiday shopping events happening right now, they don’t have to dominate your entire weekend. Check out some of the speakers and activities that you can do in your down time.

Good Is Sustainability: Conversation about Sustainability Tonight

Good Magazine is teaming up with FLP Energy for a special town hall meeting tonight to talk about the future of clean energy. Come give your opinion and ask questions. Local and national experts will be there, plus you’ll get free Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream afterwards!
Location: 6824 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles 90038 Date/Time: Thursday, Dec 11, 7-10p.m. Web: http://awesome.goodmagazine.com/december/

Unique Los Angeles: Extras and Amenities

If you’re heading over to see the 200 local vendors, artists, and craftsmen this weekend at Unique Los Angeles, be sure to take advantage of the “Extras and Amenities” that are being offered to you.
-Relax: Ease your toes and kick back some cold beers at the LA Weekly Lounge.
-Show off your creativity: Design your own personalized gift cards at the ETSY station.
-Satisfy your sweet tooth: Sample the delicious baked goods from Cake Monkey.
-Screen Printing: Design your own tee that could make a unique gift for someone else.
So you see, there is so much more to do than just shop!

Location: California Market Center 110 E. 9th St. Downtown Los Angeles
Date/Time: Dec 13-14th, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Web: www.uniquelosangeles.com
Admission: $5 (With 50% going to local artists organization, Create Now).

Eco Gift Festival: Speaker Series

The festival has gone a long way to get some powerhouse speakers for the event this weekend. While all of the speakers are fabulous and worth your attention, I happen to have a few personal favorites.
-Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post is speaking on Saturday at 2 p.m. She was recently named to Time Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people.
- Tom Szaky of Terra Cycle is speaking Sunday at 11 a.m. He is the co-founder and CEO of Terra Cycle (the world’s first company of creating products from packaged waste). They are the leader in upcycling and are on their way to eliminating the idea of waste in the business world.
-Blake Mycoskie is speaking on Saturday at 3 p.m. He is the founder of Tom’s Shoes (Buy one, give a pair to a child in need). He and his business model have been a leader in conscious capitalism and so far they have given over 85,000 pairs of shoes to children in need all over the world.

*Honestly, all of the speakers are role models and examples for progress. If you are able to see any of them, it is definitely worth your consideration. .. Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. Santa Monica 90401 Dates: December 12-14 Web: http://www.ecogift.com/speakers

Eco Gift After Party: Networking with Green Los Angeles

After the festival on Saturday, come mingle with the different green business communities in L.A. Whether you’ve been curious to check out Green Drinks, Eco Tuesdays, or just meet other green minded Angelenos, take advantage of this party and get your green networking going on.
Space is limited. You can RSVP here (enter the code greencollar in lower case).

Location: Wokcano, 1413 Fifth St. Santa Monica CA Date/Time: Saturday, December 13, 8-10p.m.

Tags: Arianna Huffington, FLP Energy, Good Magazine, Green Business Networking, Huffington Post, Terra Cycle, The Eco Gift Festival, TOMS shoes, Unique Los Angeles, Wokcano