Your Daily Thread

March 15, 2010 Written by Tracy Hepler

As the saying goes, “children are the future,” which is why we’re thrilled that Ally Maize is around.  After watching An Inconvenient Truth at the age of 15 she knew that something had to be done, she wanted to take action.  She decided to help spread the message of green living to kids and founded the non-profit organization, The Green Youth Movement (GYM).

In the long term, GYM hopes to get a practical and researched-based environmental course in elementary schools across the nation in order to help educate kids on what they can do the make the planet a greener place.  The immediate goal, however, is simply to help elementary school kids to become aware.

Living by the words of Mahatma Ghandi , “you must be the change you wish to see in the world,” so Ally spends her time visiting elementary schools educating kids on what’s going on with our planet and empowers them to make greener choices and passes the torch of responsibility to an even younger generation.

Kids who are inspired to go further can then  sign up to be GYM ambassadors and help their schools adopt eco-friendly practices like installing sustainable gardens, fundraising with eco-friendly waterless car washes and more.

Ally believes adopting a greener lifestyle is not all that difficult,  ”The whole global warming issue is very big, but if you break it up into basics, it’s not that overwhelming, and if you just change one thing about your lifestyle, the impact is immense.”

And in two years, she’s already rubbed elbows with Vice President Al Gore whom was awarded the Green Youth Movement Inspiration Award in 2009.

We’re glad that the next generation has kids like Ally who are striving to make meaningful change in a positive way.

If you want to learn more about the Green Youth Movement or get involved visit www.greenyouthmovement.org.

YDT GIVEAWAY: The Green Youth Movement is hosting The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show at Gower Studios this Saturday.  The event is a fundraiser for GYM and tickets go for $25.  YDT readers are in luck as we’re giving away 3 pairs of tickets to the show.

If you want to support GYM, you can purchase tickets here.

To enter, comment below on how you think we can help kids go green or how kids can help us.  Winner will be picked on Wednesday, March 17th and be notified via email.  Good luck!

The Green Initiative Fashion Show takes place on Saturday, March 20th at 1 p.m. at Sunset Gower Studios, 1438 N. Gower, Los Angeles, CA 90028

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Images via Greenyouthmovement.org

March 12, 2010 Written by Tracy Hepler

For some, St. Patty’s Day conjures up images of leprechauns, shamrocks and Irish cheer, but for me, I think about the beer.

 While purists might say the only drink acceptable on this holiday is a Guinness, I say to think outside the traditional box.  Guinness is good, but it hails all the way from Dublin…that’s a pretty long journey.  Fortunately, good local beer is here and many of these brewers use sustainable practices.

 Check out our picks for drinking locally and sustainably St. Patty’s Day and everyday:

 Drink Like a Local

Angel City:  Based in Torrance, this local brewery shares space with the Alpine Village (a hot spot for Oktoberfest).  I love the Dunkle, but it’s more of a fall style beer. 

 Skyscraper:  This brewery offers beer-tastings and tours in El Monte. 

 Eagle Rock:  This one also has a public tap room where you can drink on the premises (bring some food or buy from the local taco trucks parked outside).

 Craftsman Brewing:  The Owner Delivers the beer himself (well sometimes).  They also offer tours and tastings. 

Farther Away But With a Focus on Sustainability

 Stone Brewing Co:  The largest purchaser of local, small farm organic produce in San Diego County.  Definitely worth a day trip for a brewery tour and tasting at the all organic Bistro.

 North Coast Brewing:  Makes Belgian Style Ales in California with organic ingredients.  Their Old Rasputin is a yummy local alternative to traditional Guinness.

 Sierra Nevada:  This brewery’s roof is completely covered by solar panels and is a hotspot for kids at Chico State University.

New Belgium:  Uses wind power and bicycles to make some of the tastiest sustainable brews in North America.

Do you have a sustainable/local beer that didn’t make our list?  Share your favorites with us in the comments.

Images via istock, xmasberry’s flickr and foodwoolf’s flickr

March 11, 2010 Written by Tracy Hepler

Art + Bikes = ArtCycle

What happens when East Hollywood bicycle culture meets local art? You get ArtCycle, an event that showcases both these emerging street cultures into one enjoyable afternoon. Come for the yummy food, bicycle art tours, BYOT (bring your own tee) silk screening, sweet sounds from Dublab and more. Why? Cause Creativy and Cycling go hand in hand.

Location: Santa Monica Blvd & Madison, Hollywood CA, 90029  Date/Time:  Saturday, March 13th from 2 to 10 p.m.  Web: http://easthollywoodartcycle.com

No we’re not talking about things like dying your beer green, rather your celebration.  If you’re looking for a fun celebration, head over to Boulevard 3 in Hollywood this Friday Night.  Proceeds of the event will benefit Operation Green Leaves, an organization dedicated to rebuilding and reforesting Haiti.  You’ll get the full “green carpet” treatment at this event including eco-friendly spa treatments, models showing off the latest in eco-lingere from Urban Fox,  Why?  When you give goodness, you get goodness.

Location: Boulevard 3, 6523 West Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028  Date/Time: Friday, March 12th from 9:30 to 2 a.m.  Web/Reservations: www.boulevard3.com/reservations.html

We drink it, we shower in it, we grow our food with it, but as of late there is less and less of it. I’m talking about blue gold, water, the essence of life. This issue deserves serious attention and you can give it that and learn more at the Natural History Museum’s Sustainable Sunday event celebrating World Water Day. Why? We know you want to be an efficient water user and not a water waster.

Location: The Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007    Date/Time: Sunday, March 14th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Web: www.nhm.org/site/activities-programs/sustainable-sundays

Whether you’re an eco-beauty or eco-food junkie, you’ll be over the moon at the  Natural Products Expo West, happening this weekend in Anaheim. Yes it is a bit of a trek, but this is the ultimate display of green beauty and natural foods all under one roof. It’s more than just an expo, there are panel discussions, displays and event parties.  Why? It’s definitely worth the drive down, especially if you can carpool.

Location: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave Anaheim, CA 92802  Date/Time: March 11th-14th, times and events change daily, check the website for updated info     Web: www.expowest.com/ew10/public/enter.aspx

Though it’s in the 60s this week, we know that in L.A. warm weather is always around the corner.  That’s why Cisco Home (one of the original sustainable furniture companies in Los Angeles) has launched a sustainably designed outdoor furniture line and is showing it off tonight.  Why? eco-chic patio furniture, Veev cocktails and yummy appetizers will make you feel like summer days are not far away.

Location: 440 N. La Brea Ave.  Los Angeles, CA 90036  Date/Time: Thursday, March 11th from 7 to 9 p.m.  RSVP: A Must to Courtney at cmullin@hlgrp.com / 323.966.4600

Images via Artcycle

March 1, 2010 Written by Tracy Hepler

Part of any good training regimen is not only what you do with your body, but also what you put in it.  As part of my own sustainable training program I’ve been doing my best to eat foods that are not only effective in getting me the right balance of carbs, proteins and calories needed for long distance running, but also to be mindful of how what I eat impacts the environment.

To help me along this path I’ve been enjoying three eco-food/cookbooks worth passing along.

For the Foodie Who Likes to Cook at Home:  Big Green Cookbook

This book is chock-full of simple “planet-pleasing recipes for a luscious, low-carbon lifestyle.” It weighs in with over 200 different recipes (everything from cookies to pilaf) and also comes with a useful green kitchen checklist. Additionally, it offers tips on efficient cooking (think small appliances), green cookware and buying in season.  I especially enjoyed the section on how to “Love Your Leftovers.”   Written by registered dietician Jackie Newgent, each recipe offers you a complete break down of calories, total fat, carbs, cholesterol and all the other stuff you might want to know.

The book won’t necessarily be rocket science to advance eco-conscious eaters, but the recipes in Big Green Cookbook are tasty and give important access to the nutritional facts associated with each meal.  Click here to get The Big Green Cookbook Online.
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For the Eager to Learn Food Reader:  Go Green Get Lean

This one intrigued me right off the bat because the cover says “Lose up to 9 pounds in 2 weeks.”  I haven’t put that challenge to the test yet, but I’m planning on starting it soon and will report back my results in the ydt blog.  This book was written by another registered dietitian, but instead of being a traditional cookbook, it delves deeper into the issues of the carbon intensity of certain foods (American blueberries vs. Brazilian acai) and also how to get the right balance of cholesterol and omegas and how to make better food choices through “sustainable swaps” (Wild Salmon vs. Beef Loin).  Go Green Get Lean also includes portion control suggestions as well for those who perk up at a weight loss promise.  .

Overall this book was more of an informative read rather than a traditional cookbook (even though there are seasonal recipes included).  Click here to get Go Green Get Lean.

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For the Gal Who Wants a Plan to Follow: The Gorgeously Green Diet

Though it has been on the market for a while, this book is certainly worth a look. The tips suggested are overall diet/lifestyle ideas with recipes, weekly meal plans, yoga positions, supplement recommendations and even a small section on growing your own food.  If you’re the type of person who wants a specific plan laid out for you, then the four-week individualized eating plan is a great way to go.  The shopping lists are pretty useful too.  I really loved a section entitled “As Much as You Want” for healthy snacks that are packed with antioxidants and the “Pantry Purge”, a section listing ingredients ( e.g. Olestra, high-fructose corn syrup) that you need to remove from your kitchen right away.  Click here to get The Gorgeously Green Diet.
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YDT Giveaway:  We’re giving one autographed copy of the Big Green Cookbook away for ydt readers who shares their favorite healthy tip below!

February 19, 2010 Written by Tracy Hepler

If you weren’t able to attend the Girls in Tech Green and Social Good Panel this fall you can now watch the highlights online courtesy of video blogger, the Eco Vegan Gal Whitney Lauritsen.

Panelists Included

Sarah Townsend of Social Vibe, Sandra Sanchez of OrGLAMic and Tracy Hepler of Your Daily Thread.  The panel was moderated by Siel Ju of Green La Girl and hosted by Girls in Tech.  Enjoy!

February 19, 2010 Written by Tracy Hepler

I’m not much of a TV watcher, but if there is one show I can’t miss, it’s No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain.  I guess it’s part envy/part enjoyment of seeing him travel the world and eat the best of what each place has to offer.  One episode that had me particularly jealous was when he visited the Pacific Northwest and attended a secret roaming supper club.  I thought to myself, I’ve got to find one in LA.

That road led me to the Chicks with Knives, L.A.’s own top-secret supper club dedicated to serving S.O.L.E. food (Sustainable, Organic, Local and Ethical).

Each month the Chicks host a delicious four-course meal at different locations across Los Angeles.  The menu is always fresh and in season and of course you can always BYO beer, wine or whatever drink tickles your fancy.

I got to check out their most recent dinner party in January.  At a secret location with a small group of in the know foodies, I got to see what it was all about.

It didn’t take long to get hooked. We were greeted with a fresh cocktail made from  backyard citrus and munched on fresh quail eggs glazed with truffle oil while we excitedly waited for our dinner.

The Chicks created a yummy spread of Polish potato soup with sour cucumber, fresh beet tartare, locally raised bison and a pecan torte topped with sweet roasted tangerines.  By the end of the supper, I was as happy as a clam.

And now that you’re in the know, you too can get on the secret list for the next S.O.L.E. meal.  Be warned– meals sell out fast!

Learn more about the Chicks at www.chickswithknives.com or follow them on Twitter @chickswknives.

YDT Extra: The chicks were kind enough to share their Beet recipe with us, check it out here.

February 18, 2010 Written by Tracy Hepler

Don’t Just Be Neat:  Bneato!

Have you still not gotten around to your New Year’s organization?  Let Beth Zeigler from Bneato whip you into shape this weekend at her organizing boot camp.  Not only will Beth help you de-clutter your life, she’s a great resource for how to reduce, reuse and recycle your possessions.   Why? Cause if you haven’t used it for over two years, it’s got to go.

Location:  1226 N. Alvarado St.  Echo Park, CA 90026 (in the upstairs community room of the United Methodist Church). Date/Time: Saturday, February 20^th from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Web:  www.bneato.com RSVP: Email beth@bneato.com,  Cost $30

Disco Dance at BikeRo 3.0

West Side bike riders delight in celebrating the third birthday of the Bikerowave Co-op. Join in the celebration of getting Westsiders out of their cars, onto their bikes and into the streets.  From 1 to 7 p.m. you can come a fix your bike for free.  From 7 p.m. to midnight you can drink, eat from delicious taco trucks and disco dance.  Need I say more?  Why? They’ll be raffling off a vintage Italian folding bike that is bellisimo.

Location: Bikerowave, 12255 Venice Blvd.  Marvista CA 90066 Date/Time: Saturday, February 20^th from 1 p.m. till midnight Web:  www.bikerowave.org or on Facebook

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Don’t Eat Out, Eat In

Our friends at The Huffington Post Green section are kicking off a weeklong campaign on eating in.  For one whole week, stock up on fresh local food and see how much you can create, how satisfied you can be and how much money you can save.  There will be posts all week long on the site and you can share your experiences too. They’ve event got a great post about different apps to help you stay the course.  Why? Cause eating seasonally tastes good.  Check out this listing of local CSAs to help you get started (via greenlagirl).

For more information visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/the-week-of-eating-in and click here to sign up.

There’s Lead in My Lipstick You Say

If you’re reading YDT, your probably familiar with the dangerous chemicals found in many over the counter skincare products, make up etc.  This Sunday you can meet representatives from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.  Since 2004 this non-profit has been saving us from ourselves and discovering the dirty stuff that’s inside a lot of the products we use. Why? It’s estimated that an average woman will ingests 9lbs of lipstick over her lifetime, now image that lipstick with lead and you know that doesn’t taste very good.

Location: Mar Vista Farmers Market – MVCC Green Committee Booth
Grand View at Venice Blvd.  Mar Vista 90066 Date/Time:  Sunday, February 21^st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Web:  www.safecosmetics.org

YDT TV: Wraps Up the Street Food Fest

If you got there too late, or we’re scared off by the lines you can watch our video and check out which trucks were serving up our favorite local, delicious farmer’s market cuisine.

Fresh Mint Ice cream sandwiches anyone?

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February 17, 2010 Written by Tracy Hepler

There are times in life when you’re feeling kind of blue and need a little perk up or maybe an up do.  When this happens to you give yourself an easy pass and head right through to The Dry Bar in Brentwood – Yes that’s what you’ll do.

The Dry Bar is a brand new salon off San Vicente in Brentwood that specializes in blow out only (no cuts or colors).   Need a little revamp?  Try out the Floater, a relaxing and moisturizing scalp massage that takes your woes away.

Feeling beachy curls?  Try the Mai Tai.  Is city sophistication more your style?  Then the sleek Manhattan might be just for you.

The salon has a variety of inspired blow out options whether you’re going for straight hair, wavy hair or something in between.  And it doesn’t hurt that you can enjoy a cocktail right in the comfort of your salon chair.

We love that the salon only uses Love Peace Planet, a hair care line that is free of parabens, laurel and laureth sulfates and packs other eco-goodies.

At $35 a pop (even for long hair) these blowouts are an affordable treat.  Membership options with discounts are available too for the frequent blow out kind of gal.

The Dry Bar is located at 11677 San Vicente Blvd.  Los Angeles, CA 90049  310-422-6084  web:  www.thedrybar.com

YDT Giveaway: The Dry Bar is giving us 5 free blowouts to give to our lucky readers.  To enter to win sign up for our email or invite friends to join if you are already a subscriber.

We will pick the winner this Friday.  Good luck!

Images Via the Dry Bar