California-based TRU Vodka is revolutionizing the eco-business of alcoholic beverages with its green, organic vodkas.  TRU’s flavor-infused spirit is available in three varieties: Straight, Lemon (made from organic California lemons), and Vanilla (infused with organic Bourbon vanilla beans).  In the true spirit of sustainability, TRU also plants a tree for every bottle sold to help restore forests used for paper products.

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TRU sources all of its ingredients in the U.S. to reduce transportation pollution.  Each bottle is packaged in sustainable, recycled materials, such as labels made out of sustainable corn paper and soy inks, recyclable shrink tops and corks, and self-sealing boxes made with 35% post consumer recycled materials.

The TRU Vodka website also features cocktail recipes and an online store locator so you can purchase some in your city and indulge in a vodka martini knowing that you’re giving back to the environment in the process.  We’ll drink to that!

Geek it up at the Greek Festival!

So if you are like, TOTALLY into Greek culture you should def not miss the LA Greek Festival coming up this weekend.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Saint Sophia Cathedral on Normandie and Pico.  There you will find a mix of Greek food, music, dancing, drinks, and what Los Angeles event would be complete without its very own celebrities Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson (the former Greek by marriage, and the latter authentically Greek)!!  But seriously head out for some good, authentic food and enjoy the culture of a nation half way around the world.  For more info, visit www.Lagreekfest.com. 

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Show off your “street style” at the LACMA

Apparently thirty-five years ago the LACMA documented the stylings of Los Angelenos in an exhibit now titled “LA Flash”, and this weekend they are doing it again.  You are invited to enjoy art, music and some indie films this Saturday night al fresco at the LACMA.  So throw on your best threads, start pretending like you have an interest in 18^th Century Japanese art, and meet me there.  Event goes from 8 p.m. till 11 p.m.  Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd (and Fairfax) West Hollywood, 90036. Contact: (323) 857-6000.  For more info, visit www.lacma.org/events/lanza.aspx. 

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Awaken the folk singer in you with a Bob Dylan docu-double feature

This Thursday at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica you can catch two documentaries about the legendary folk singer Bob Dylan.  The first takes a look at his transformation from Village coffee house folk singer to full-fledged rock star, and the second is a movie cut together from outtakes of Don’t Look Back.  Each reveals a fresh perspective on the man who brought us so many now classic songs.  The screening starts at 7:30 p.m.  Location: 1328 Montana Blvd. (and 14^th st.) Santa Monica 90403.  Contact: (323) 466-FILM.  For more info, visit www.americancinematheque.com/. 

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Veg-Out by the W Pool

If you are looking for something a little lighter than a double-feature documentary series than look no further!  This Sunday at the W Hotel in Westwood they will be screening the 80’s classic Weekend At Bernie’s.  Not only can you relax and soak up the evening by the pool, but you can also enjoy a comedic romp while sipping on your pina colada.  Get there early to score a cabana and a sweet view of the screen.  Movie starts at around 8 p.m.  Location: 930 Hilgard Ave. Westwood, 90024 Phone: (310) 208-8765 Date: Sunday September 7^th @ 8.pm.

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Vrksasana in Coldwater Canyon Park

City Yoga owner Rebecca Benenati will be leading the afternoon class in the park this Sunday at 4 p.m..  The seventy-five minute class is in association with Tree People Los Angeles, and will be located at the S. Mark Taper amphitheatre in Coldwater Canyon Park.  Enjoy a challenging class with a good teacher in the great outdoors.  Contact: (818) 623-4877 or shows@treepeople.org.  For more info go to: www.treepeople.org/vfp.dll?OakTree~getPage~&PNPK=3.  Image: 090408_Weekendguide_yoga.jpg (www.cityyoga.com)

The Los Angeles School of Gymnastics offers an array of classes; the adult co-ed classes caught my eye! Operating since 1975, the school is led by past Olympic Coaches as well as other safety-certified instructors. The classes are $15 for a one hour class and consist of a warm-up, followed by instructors that teach the students at their own individual pace. There is an emphasis placed on balance, flexibility and overall strength. The atmosphere is fun and unlike a conventional gym class. It’s not a typical workout for adults, but the instructors promise that these enjoyable and rigorous classes will definitely get anybody in shape! There website has a full list of classes and schedules.

The School is located at 8450 Higuera Street (b/w Hayden & Jefferson), Culver City, 90232.  They also have a second location at the Jewish Community Center: 5870 Olympic Blvd. (b/w Fairfax & Hauser), Los Angeles, 90036.

True to her tagline, Witmer recycles, repurposes and rethinks.  And it shows.  As an artist with a background in vintage clothing, she alters what the store carries to fit the needs and wants of her customers. Eco-clothes have been swapped out more and more for second-hand threads that actually carry less of a net impact being from our own backyards instead of from somewhere across the seas.  She often adds her own flair as well, silk screening original images onto empty corners of fabric.

Walking into Regeneration is like entering a retro curiosity shop. Witmer adapted the 60s space that had been used as insurance offices or the like for the last forty years into a series of dimly-lit cozy showrooms, each corner holding something eclectic and sure to surprise. Meandering through the rooms and shuffling through clothing racks made of mulch-destined tree branches is similar to what Harry and Hermione must feel walking the corridors of Hogwarts-on a magical quest of sorts.

Customer favorites? Melissa shoes and the ever-handy and stylish Envirosax, and many a local stops in for the perfect, unusual gift, be it teapot or t-shirt. I saw a handmade wool necklace I can hardly wait to go back for in the fall.

Regeneration is located at 1649 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock, 90041. Phone: 323.344.0430.  Web: shopregeneration.com. Online shop: shopregeneration.com/shop.html.  Etsy shop:etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=43427.

San Francisco-based jeweler Brilliant Earth was established when newly engaged co-founder Beth Gerstein was struggling to find a conflict-free diamond engagement ring.  Gerstein and friend Eric Grossberg’s solution was to launch Brilliant Earth, an online jeweler dedicated to providing socially and ethically responsible diamonds.  All of Brilliant Earth’s gemstones are derived from environmentally-sustainable Canadian mines from which all stones are carefully tracked to ensure the supply is not corrupted with illicit diamonds.

What exactly are conflict diamonds? The terms “conflict diamond” and “blood diamond” refer to those used to fund wars, human rights abuses, child labor and terrorist organizations in regions such as Sierra Leone and Angola.  You can read more about the issues surrounding “conflict diamonds” at diamondfacts.org.

Because gold mining is highly destructive to the environment due to extensive blasting and use of cyanide toxins in the extraction process, Brilliant Earth uses metals derived from recycled jewelry or industrial products that are re-refined to guarantee their quality matches that of newly-minted gold and platinum.  In addition, it dedicates 5% of its profits to directly benefit local African communities harmed by the conventional diamond industry.

Brilliant Earth’s comprehensive site has a large variety of classic, traditional and modern wedding bands and engagement rings, as well as an online ring builder.  If you have your own unique and special ring in mind, the company also offers custom jewelry design consultation.  Other fine jewelry such as earrings, pendants, as well as loose diamonds are available as well - and all of it is socially and environmentally responsible.

Jack Johnson stops by UCLA this Sunday (8/31) evening for a show, and one that he has worked hard to make eco-friendly.  So get there ahead of time to get your “Green Passport” stamped and check out the different tents set up that will keep you informed on how to live in a more environmentally friendly way!  Jack Johnson will be matching every dollar contributed to non-profit organizations, like Health the Bay.  If you visit three different stands and get your “Passport” stamped you are automatically entered to win the chance to watch the show from the stage… eeeeek!  Plus, learn more about Jack’s All At Once project, a new social action network where you can discuss issues and events, explore non-profit groups, and take action to make positive change in your local and world community.   And click here to learn how you can be a “green fan.”  For more info, visit jackjohnsonmusic.com.  Tickets sold at Ticketmaster.com (act fast, they’re nearly sold out).

The F Yeah Fest, which is in its fifth year, is going strong once again this Friday (8/29) thru Sunday (8/31).  With a plethora of performances by bands and comedians like Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm), there is so much to do and see at our own little local music festival I could just cry.  Most of the festival is held at the Echoplex and on Sunday there is a five hour scavenger hunt that will take you all over Los Angeles and the winning team gets $500.  So come support this local festival and help it grow.   For more info, visit fyeahfest.net.

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Danny Masterson, the That 70’s Show guy and mind behind Jazz Nights at Guy’s, has brought back this unique evening of jazz and drinks.  Teddy’s at The Roosevelt is now the home of this Jazz night, which will make you feel like you are taking a step into a 1920s speakeasy, well at least that’s what it’s supposed to feel like.  Men aren’t allowed in without a tie and jacket and ladies must be in dresses–this strict dress code is enforced so no showing up in those hoochie jeans and a tank top, ya hurd!  The Roosevelt is located at 7000 Hollywood Blvd. West Hollywood, 90028.  Music starts at 11 p.m. every Thursday night.

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Vintage designer genius, Shareen Mitchell, has opened up a new store in Venice adding to her already bustling downtown warehouse.  If you have not visited her Downtown store, you must make it a priority to go.  Her pieces are all one of a kind and truly inspiring, not to mention well-priced!  The new shop in Venice is homey and delightful, and just like the downtown store - NO BOYS ALLOWED.  XOXO.  New location at 1641 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, 90291.  Hours:  Wed., Sat., Sun 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thurs. 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.  Web:  ShareenVintage.com.

Santa Monica residents are in luck: The Green Life eco-boutique is celebrating their grand opening this weekend.  The Green Life sprung from owner Scott O’Brien’s senior thesis at Loyola Marymount University.  Scott had begun moving towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle.  After months of researching and sampling, Scott realized that he could take his thesis out of the classroom and into the real world.

The Green Life promises, “eco-friendly living with the utmost style”.   With products like Amenity Organic bed linens, Pangea Organics skincare, and Mrs. Meyers cleaning products, you know that you aren’t sacrificing your comfort or the planet.  Plus new products arrive weekly, so there is always something new to discover.  Sounds like the Good Life in deed.

Why else should you consider composting? By throwing food scraps and paper waste (which can be up to 30% of a household’s waste stream) in a compost bin or pile instead of the trash or recycle bin, you can create the single greatest plant food on the planet with which to keep your or a friend’s garden growing. It’s reciprocal-you scratch the dirt’s back, it scratches yours.

Compost is what you get when your green waste (that’s tea bags, banana peels, carrot tops, eggshells and the like) and brown waste (wood chips and paper) decompose. In a few weeks or months, the result is super nutrient-rich stuff, full of the carbon, nitrogen and microscopic organisms that make for excellent flower and plant bedfellows.

I especially like vermicomposting (yes, that’s worms!) as it’s tremendously easy and can fit into an apartment dweller’s limited space on a patio or under the sink. (The Nature Mill composter is a another compact option that breezily fits into your home and routine.) Earthworms eat their body weight every day and are hermaphroditically abundant breeders. The result: they can eat up all your foodscraps (except for meat, dairy or oil) like nobody’s business.

By composting you become a zero-waste eater and get the best natural fertilizer know to humankind: worm tea (a mighty polite term). For free workshops that share how to get happy composting, check out two L.A. resources, one county, one city.

Smart Gardening, a program of the County of L.A.’s Department of Public Works, has free beginner and advanced workshops all around our fair County on composting and other green, water-saving gardening practices that will make you grin. L.A. City’s Bureau of Sanitation also holds free classes and bin sales on certain Fridays and Saturdays in Griffith Park and elsewhere. Check out that schedule here.

Here’s to playing the dirt.

She’s an eco-conscious “Anti 9-5”er who runs two boutique photography businesses and an urban refuge to mainstream life in her home—complete without television

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Her flagship business, Cookies and Water Photography mixes the vintage perspective of documentary-style photography with a genuine understanding of dogs and their nuances. She shoots our canine companions in their space, on their time, because she understands capturing their essence is only possible when they feel free to be playful and comfortable on familiar ground.
In her newest endeavor, Milk and Cookies Photography, she specializes in exhibiting every child’s spontaneous and gigantic personality by using natural light and organic setups found at home or parks, or the like. Helas’ childlike spirit guides her intuitive way of shooting kids, and her understanding of light and circumstance bring honesty to each photo.
After spending her whole life in the urban environments of San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles; and being sensitive to the current state of the world, she has made it her mission to take things back to basics. Everything is shot digitally, which eliminates film and its chemical processing.

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All supplies in her home-office are recycled (including her desk), and all business is conducted online eliminating carbon-footprint paper trails. She is currently transforming her home into a sustainable homestead by growing her own fruits, vegetables and herbs and replacing lawn with draught resistant succulents and alternative ground covers. Though she dreams about having chickens and goats some day, at the moment the only non-human in her house is her personal joy—a rescued, huggable hound named Kramer.
For more information, please contact Sabrina Helas at www.cookiesandwaterphotography.com or www.milkandcookiesphotography.com.

Though I am not a vegetarian, I have learned the value of consuming less meat and that delicious food can be prepared with out it. Still, a part of me is skeptical of vegetarian restaurants. My inner meat-eater has loud opinions at times.

She was grumbling a bit when I went to Bulan Thai in West Hollywood, but that quickly came to an end. The restaurant is small, but the ambience is relaxing and the aromas intoxicating. The menu offers traditional Thai dishes with meat alternatives such as tofu, veggie chicken, pepper steak and shrimp. The food is so delicious and filling that you don’t feel as if you are missing out in any way. Foods can be prepared to be vegan by request as well. All of the food is prepared in a healthy style, free of MSG and excessive oils. You certainly feel this as you leave the restaurant. Even though you have stuffed your face full, your stomach does not hurt and food comas do not follow. The service is quick too, you never have to wait too long to get your order.

If you are a veggie or vegan who is looking for a place to take your non-veggie friends, this is definitely the spot. I’ve taken serious meat-eaters and heard them rave. With most entrees costing less than $10, the prices can’t be beat. If the idea of choosing is too daunting for you, I can personally recommend the Panang Curry and Pad See Ew, both with veggie chicken.

As a kid, my father would always say “I tip my hat to greatness” whenever he experienced something that truly surpassed his expectations. When you create something that exceeds the ordinary, it most definitely deserves praise. This is true of Bulan Thai Vegetarian Kitchen.

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The original Bulan Thai is located at 7168 Melrose Ave, We Ho, 90046. Phone: (323) 857-1882. Fortunately for East Siders, they just opened up a second location at 4114 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake, 90029. Phone: (323) 913-1488. View menu here.

If you have already been to Bulan, share your experiences with us on our thread (Click “Thread with Us” below).