Your Daily Thread

July 30, 2009 Written by Daniel Mabasa

Kinfolk and Smoke & Mirrors Life are hosting “Catch Me If You Can: A Mystery Bicycle Ride Benefiting the Pablove Foundation.”

“Bicycle Ride Details:

WHEN: Sunday August 2, 2009 4 PM – 8 PM

WHERE: Orange 20 Bicycles – 4351 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

WHAT: There will be a flat bed truck parked in front of the shop. This flat bed truck will be traveling from Silverlake to Downtown as you follow it on your bike. The Headhunters will be performing live on the back of the truck while you laugh and love your life.

The mystery ride will include games, prizes, raffle tickets, fun, and clues to the location of the after party.

The event will feature DJ Sets from NO MSG and The Mae Shi and Live Performances from The Headhunters, The Intricate Machines, Kissing Tigers, and Daedelus. There will be an open bar, free prizes, raffles for a brand new bike, gold sprints, and fun!”

The Pablove foundation aims to “fight childhood caner with love.” Find out more at Pablovr.org.

For more information check out smokeandmirroslife.com.

Image via Pablove.org

For updates please RSVP to: catchmeifyoucanrsvp@gmail.com and follow the event on twitter.

July 28, 2009 Written by Daniel Mabasa

Fewer Crops in California

Increasing temperatures are threatening the productivity of California farmers. A recent study at UC Davis shows that potential problems exist because temperature increases are reducing days of winter chill. Many crops like walnuts, peaches, plums, and cherries need a certain number of “chilling hours” to break out of dormancy and produce harvestable crops.

Read the full article from KQED.org

Image from Sasha Khokha

Battle of the Gas-Sippers

It is very exciting to see that more and more people are conscious of their vehicle’s gas mileage. Whether or not it’s for the environment or the wallet, there is a clear increase in the amount of hybrids on the road. But which hybrids are fairing the best? Last month the Toyota Prius (right) sold 12,998 units whereas the Honda Insight (left) only sold 2,079. Despite their similar looks, the Prius is outcompeting the Insight, and unfortunately for Honda, their actual sales are falling well below estimates. An article in the LA Times goes in depth about why the Prius is the green giant of the road.

Images from toyota.com and honda.com

July 21, 2009 Written by Daniel Mabasa

Launch of Cliché Magazine

Cliché Magazine is “a lifestyle publication, providing innovative ways to live life in sync with fashion, entertainment, and culture.”

In June of this year Cliché Magazine launched their first issue… but why didn’t I get my issue in the mail? Well, the beauty of Cliché is that it’s a publication devoted to sustainable practices, including avoiding print, which saves thousands of trees. Other than their paperless publications, Cliché’s online domain is hosted by a “green hosting” company. The magazine will continue to unveil their sustainable practices to readers.

Along with having their entire issue available to you anywhere in the world, you can have instant access to their issues with the Cliché Magazine app for your iPhone/iPod Touch. They’ve also got another app on the way called imGREEN. YDT readers keep your heads up for that one as we’ll be contributing content as well!

clichemag.com

July 20, 2009 Written by Daniel Mabasa

Mar Vista as the Pilot Site for LA City Rain Barrel Project

Here in LA, drought is an ever increasing issue. Because of this, the city of Mar Vista has been chosen as the pilot site for the LA City rain barrel project. The goal of the project is to capture rainfall in barrels to be used to water lawns or redirect rain gutters into gardens for 600 properties. Those who participate in this pilot program can receive a free rainbarrel, which usually cost between $130 and $250. If you are interested in particitpating in the pilot project please contact Codi Harris (info below) or sign up at the Wise Water Use Expo on July 21st.

Codi Harris
email: charris@sga-inc.net
phone: (562) 597-0205

Water Footprint Labels

Two food and health groups in the UK launched a co-authored report calling for the implementation of a “water footprint” label on food and beverage items. The label would essentially be used as an indicator of how sustainable the water stewardship practices are for a certain manufacturing company.

Read the full article from Environmental Leader.

image from environmental leader

July 10, 2009 Written by Daniel Mabasa

Congress Passes Bill Addressing Climate Change

On June 26, 2009 the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES or Waxman-Markey Bill) with a 219 to 212. The legislation addresses global climate change and is intended to mitigate and curb green house gas emissions, specifically with a cap-and-trade system that would set legal limits on these harmful heat-trappers. President Obama said that the bill’s passing was a “bold and necessary step.” Although the bill is far from flawless, it lays down the framework for a cleaner future. The President, along with many others, hopes that the bill is approved in the Senate and lands on his desk.

Image via Jeff Schwartz

Press release from Representative Henry A. Waxman’s website.

NYT Times Article

Green Weight Loss

The gym is probably the last place you should be exercising if you want to tone up the sustainable way. All those machines are draining electricity most likely produced from fossil fuels. So where should you exercise and what should you do? Laurel House of Planet Green gives us 8 ways to lose weight and still be friendly to the environment. Her #1 tip is to lose weight by having sex. “In fact, the average sex session burns 150 to 250 calories per half hour,” says House. Check out House’s full article on Planet Green.

Image via Denis Raev

July 9, 2009 Written by Daniel Mabasa

Palin’s Resignation and the Environment

Sara Palin recently announced that she would resign from her post as Governor of Alaska. This news surprised many and brought up some questions. Is she positioning herself for the next presidential election? Has she simply lost her political fervor? One question that we’re interested in is how Palin’s resignation will affect the environment. An article on Reuters suggests that it may impact the environment negatively… wait, what?! Palin is an unabashed supporter of hunting, which makes her a target of environmental protection groups. For example, The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund use Palin’s support of hunting as a platform to raise money. They have devoted an entire website to exposing Palin’s “anti-wildlife agenda.” If Palin no longer publicly advocates hunting, will people still donate to conservation groups? What do you think?

Image from Reuters.com

Reuters Article
Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund

The Carteret People: Victims of Climate Change

The Carteret people find their home on a small group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Because of climate change they are now being forced to relocate their entire population due to sea level rise. These people live humble and sustainable lives. They live with no electricity in huts with sand floors, and sustain themselves with seafood they catch and vegetables they grow. It is sad that we have reached the point where the wastefulness and indifference of many are affecting entire civilizations. Let’s keep promoting sustainability and strengthen the green movement!

Image from thedailygreen.com

Carteret article on thedailygreen.com

July 7, 2009 Written by Daniel Mabasa

It’s needless to say that water is one thing we simply cannot live without. So there’s no wonder why many people feel uneasy during a water crisis. But it’s time we face the facts: Southern California has been in a water shortage for three years, and as of June 1 water laws have been implemented. It’s now illegal to water lawns on days other than Monday or Thursday, and between 9a.m. and 4 p.m. Water utilities are also charging more for excess water use.  So do you part and help us save some blue gold (aka water.)

Challenge yourself to these easy YDT water saving tips…

1. Turn off the faucet:  You don’t need the water running when you brush your teeth, shave, and lather. Bam! You just saved a lot of water!

2. Get a low-flow shower head:  They’re cheap and super easy to install, just screw them on.

3. Wash full loads only:  Laundry and Dishwasher

4. Shorter Showers:   Wouldn’t you rather spend your time doing something else anyway, like reading the latest articles on YDT?

5. Flush Less:  Don’t use the toilet as a trashcan. Also, put the adage “if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down” into practice.

6. Water your lawn early or late:  It reduces evaporation, increasing the water available to the plants. Also, it’s the law; you can get heavily fined for watering at the wrong times.

7. Use a broom instead of a hose:  This saves a lot of water, and again, if you’re caught watering hard surfaces (sidewalks, driveways, parking areas), expect a fine.

8. Compete!  Well, the point is to spread the word, but if you’re up for a bit of friendly competition, challenge your family, friends, roommates, even enemies to a water saving contest. And there’s no better prize … the winner gets a healthy planet!

Need more inspiration?  Check out how we YDT-ers save blue gold in our own homes:

Pooja soaks pots and pans in the sink instead of scraping them clean with the tap running, brushes her teeth in the shower (saving a double whammy of water and time!) and turns off the faucet when sudsing up her hands with soap.

Tracy has a low flow showerhead (you can get one FREE from the LADWP), saving $50 to $75 on her yearly water bill.  She also uses waterless car wash spray, saving gallons by not dousing her wheels with a hose –as much as 100 of them. She’s loving Lucky Earth (sold at Whole Foods) and wants to try out Eco Touch (sold at The Green Life ) too.

Danielle uses a low flow showerhead and tap aerators but can’t wait to add one of these fourteen dollar faucet adaptors (sold at All Shades of Green) to her sink as well . Plus, she waters her herbs with what’s leftover in her SIGG when she walks in the door and yes, always lets the yellow mellow when guests aren’t around.

Water Laws
More Tips and Information

July 6, 2009 Written by Daniel Mabasa

Coal Free LA

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villairagosa recently announced LA’s initiative to eliminate the use of coal by the year 2020. Currently, nearly half of the energy that powers Los Angeles comes from coal burning power plants in Utah and Arizona. Villairagosa plans to incorporate more clean power sources, lessening LA’s carbon emissions and loosening our dependence on other states for energy. Show your support for the Mayor’s plans!

Check out the Sierra Club Press Release

Free Screenings of Food, Inc

Two free screenings of the movie Food, Inc are coming up within the next two weeks. The screenings are taking place on July 14 (7:30 pm) at the Laemmle Playhouse 7 Cinemas and on July 16 (7:30 pm) at the Laemmle Sunset 5. Check out YDT’s calendar to find out more about these and other events happening soon.

Food, Inc is a film that sheds light on American food production and shows why fast food is not sustainable. Watch the trailer to get a preview of what the movie is about.

Official Food Inc. Site

Image from www.foodincmovie.com blog