Your Daily Thread » Green Living LA

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Sara Roderick — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:11:04 +0000

Happy Belated Earth Day!

Worldfest 2010 Earth Day Festival may be a little late, but it is certainly worth the wait! Enjoy yoga, meditation and cooking demos in the Healthy Hut. Stop by the Oasis Beer & Wine Garden for some tasty refreshments, and adopt that dog, cat or even rabbit you’ve always wanted from one of the animal adoption groups in attendance. Why? It will be a world of fun!

Location: WorldFest is located at the Northern end of Woodley Park in Lake Balboa, CA. 6350 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406 (map) Parking is $5. Date/Time: 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cost: Adults, $7; Seniors, $5; 12 & Under, Free. Pets Welcome. Web: http://worldfestevents.com/index.php.

Follow The Grey Cement Headstones

That’s right ladies & gents, Saturday night’s screenings of your favorite classic movies are back. Grab a blanket, a bottle of sustainable wine, and some organic snacks to nosh on and enjoy a showing of one of our all-time faves, The Wizard of Oz. Why? Black attire not required.

Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard at Gower (map) Date/Time: Saturday, May 15. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. The movie begins at 8:30 p.m. Cost: $10 donation tickets available at gate. $5 parking available inside. No reservation necessary Web: http://www.cinespia.org/calendar/.

Start A Rawvelution

You like to eat, but you don’t like to cook – hmm, that is quite a predicament you have gotten yourself into. Thank goodness there’s Melba Thorn’s “Transitioning to Raw Vegan Foods” workshop. Learn to prepare nutritious and delicious raw foods – no cooking required. Why? On this week’s menu: Raw Elegant Desserts.

Location: L.A. Eco-Village, 117 Bimini Place, Los Angeles, CA 90004 Date/Time: Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $20 per session. Reservations are required. Please email or call crsp@igc.org or 213.738.1254 to RSVP Web: http://www.laecovillage.org/UseUpcoming%20events.html

Make Thursday Night Movie Night

A cocktail here, a film screening there and of course, spectacular ocean views. The Pacific Palisades Film Festival kicks off Thursday evening, with a backyard cocktail party and screening of the environmentally friendly film, Greenlit. Why? We’ll pass on the popcorn, but will take a Martini, please.

Location: 15060 Corona Del Mar, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Date/Time: Thursday, May 12, at 6:30 pm Cost: $100 Web: To watch the trailer for Greenlit, please go to: www.greenlit.org. To find out more information on the event, and to purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.friendsoffilm.com/home.html.

Molto Mario

You watch him religiously on Food Network, and you are dying to know how he gets his Pasta alla Norma (Baked Penne with Eggplant) just right. Well, now may be your chance to ask him. Mario Batali will be at his Certified Green Restaurant^® , Mozza2go, Sunday afternoon for a signing of his new cookbook, Molto Gusto. Why? We choose Iron Chef Batali.

Location: Mozza2go, 6610 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038 Date/Time: Sunday, May 16^th at 2:30 p.m. (come early to beat the crowds) Web: http://www.mozza2go.com/.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Try as you may, that garden of yours just doesn’t seem to want to grow. Enter, Earth Matters’ 2-hour lecture taking place on Thursday, May 20, to learn the Top 10 Design Essentials for Edible Landscapes and Top 10 Landscape Mistakes to Avoid. Why? It’s at the top of our list!

Date/Time: Top 10 Design Essentials lecture is set to take place on Thursday, May 20th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Click here to sign up for an individual lecture. Cost: $289 for all six courses. $50 per individual lecture. Web: http://www.earthmatters.biz/.

Related Articles

Our Favs At The Go Green Expo

Your Daily Thread Team — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:35:29 +0000

In case you didn’t get to attend this year’s Go Green Expo, we made a fun little video of some of our favorite companies we found there.

Sorry for the delay in publication btw…YDT will be getting a mini face lift soon and it has been consuming alot of our time.

Enjoy!

Directed and Edited by Vanessa Crocini.

Related Articles

Sustainable Taco Trucks

Tracy Hepler — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:01:12 +0000

New Year’s Green Guide: Want to Green Up Your New Year’s Eve Celebration? Check out our mini guide from 08 about celebrating a Greener New Year.

Taco trucks have been a staple of the Los Angeles food scene for years. Often these trucks would just cater for construction workers or film crews who didn’t have the option of leaving for lunch; however, as of late, a new form of taco truck service has emerged and has become a hit in the L.A. foodie scene. I guess it should be no surprise that the city of cars has embraced more mobile food—but what is a surprise is how many organic, healthy and environmentally-conscious establishments have joined in. While the jury is still out about whether these trucks are good for the environment (truck maintenance, gas, pollution, etc), it is certain they are delivering fast, convenient, sustainable food to eco-minded foodies across L.A.

Here is a list of some of the top sustainable “tacoesqe trucks” driving around L.A. every day:

Green Truck On The Go: We’ve written about Green Truck on ydt and continue to be fans of what they’re doing. Personally I love the Mother Trucker vegan burger washed down with a nice bottle of ginger berry kombucha. Green Truck also uses sustainable practices that include serving organic/local food, using compostable to go plates/cups/utensils and puttering along with veggie oil. Follow Green Truck at @green truck or find it on the events calender NYC readers, trucks just launced in your hood too.

Let’s Be Frank: I like the honesty behind Let’s Be Frank, a mobile hot dog truck that sells simply locally raised grass fed beef hot dogs and sausages. Its goal is simple: to change the world one hot dog at a time. Follow Let’s Be Frank on twitter @letsbefrank to find its latest location or visit the regular spots here.

Border Grill: L.A.’s Two Hot Tamales and founders of Sustainable eatery Border Grill and Ciudad have brought the best of their sustainable Mexican cuisine to a mobile truck that services L.A. Check out the schedule here or follow them on the twitter @bordergrill.

Cool Haus: I’m always intrigued when house is spelled in German (every year I turn my home into Hepler Haus for Oktoberfest).Cool Haus is what ice cream trucks use to be in yonder years—locally and organically sourced ingredients whenever possible in delicious handmade ice cream sandwiches. In our current heat wave can could anything be better than a Mintimalis? I think not. Follow Cool Haus @COOLHAUS to find their latest location.

Sprinkles Mobile: The cupcake that made L.A. famous has taken to the streets in the new Sprinkles Mobile. Sprinkles’ packaging and wrappers are made from recyclable materials and it donates leftovers to food banks each day. Follow sprinkles mobile on twitter @ http://twitter.com/sprinklesmobile. Watch out for free cupcake giveaways too!

Icycle: Locali’s Icycle (a bicycle ice cream push cart) probably has the lowest carbon footprint given that it’s human-powered. Each day the Icycle takes off to various L.A. destinations serving up delicious artisan ice cream from local vendors like Carmela, Locali’s house made snow cones and more. Follow @locali for the Icycle’s daily destination.

Did we forget to include your favorite sustainable mobile truck? Let’s us know in the comments.

Be Sure to Check out Our Second Round Up of Sustainable Taco Trucks too.

….

YDT VIDEO

Need a recipe for New Year’s Eve? Check out our latest video where we show you how to make a seasonal fruit salad that will make you a big hit at the part. Watch the video here.

Related Articles

Chivas Holiday Boutique

Jaclyn Mullen — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:22:45 +0000

Your Daily Thread Presents The Green Room At Unique

Get your green gift wrap on exclusively from the hands of our YDT staffers Tracy Hepler and Jaclyn Mullen who will add a little “TLE” (e for eco) on your holiday purchases from the 2^nd annual Unique LA. Event entry fee is $10.00 but a portion of the proceeds will go to the local non-profit 826LA! Plus you’ll get an exclusive limited edition tote bag, free drink ticket, unlimited re-entry to the show for both days and access to our great lineup of free workshops. “Shop from over 300 designers and artists, support local design and our economy, and have a blast!” And don’t worry if you’ve got little ones, children under 12 are FREE.

Location: California Market Center, 110 East 9^th Street, CA, Time: 11am-6:00 pm, Date: Saturday December 5^th and Sunday December 6^th, For more info check out http://www.uniquelosangeles.com/

Chivas Holiday Boutique: Shop local, meet the goats and enjoy the festivities!

If you join YDT’s Tracy and Jaclyn at Unique LA Saturday, then you can make it to Lauren’s family home/farm for their 4th annual Chivas Holiday Boutique on Sunday. Enjoy an intimate holiday shopping experience (with 7 local vendors) plus workshops on DIY skincare, goat cheese making, green living and pilates. Don’t forget to meet the goats behind Chivas’s goat milk soap and try the yummy goat cheese-inspired appetizers and deserts handmade especially for this event.

Location: RSVP at rsvp@chivasskincare.com for exact location. Time: 12 noon to 4:30 pm, Date: Sunday December 6th. View complete invitation or visit www.chivasskincare.com. Contact: Lauren@chivasskincare.com or (310) 266-6989.

Little Green Event At Top Loft

Little Green has an evening planned of fab eco fun on Thursday December 3^rd. Organized by Heather Knight (www.marilynmonrobot.com) and Mind Share Green Initiative (www.mindshare.la), the Little Green event gathers LA’s finest green guys and gals amongst each other to examine “themes in LA, gentle revolutions and reflections” regarding the green movement. It certainly doesn’t hurt that you can mix and mingle, sip martinis and nibble on light bites while listening to some great speakers talk green. Our very own Tracy Hepler will be speaking to the crowd on how to celebrate waste free holidays.

Location: Top Loft, 676 South 21^st Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90031, Time: 7pm-Midnight, For tickets and more information check out: http://littlegreen.eventbrite.com/

Gifts Giving Back

Yes the holidays are upon us and while we may be inclined to give to ourselves and personal inner circle, we can also give to the less fortunate especially under privileged kids. That’s precisely why Madison at Fred Segal will be holding a “Gifts Giving Back Event” to benefit Toys for Tots. Join Rachel Leigh Cook on Thursday December 3^rd and browse products from featured brands including Tarte Cosmetics, Linda Loudermilk, Green Bees, Love Heals and many more. There will be all the sprinklings of a perfect shopping soiree-food, music and beverages plus proceeds are benefiting a good cause. That’s enough to make anyone have a happy holiday.

Location: Madison at Fred Segal, 500 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401. To pre-register contact giftsgivingback@gmail.com

6^th Annual Artivist Film Festival In Hollywood

In case you missed the 6^th Annual Artivist Film Festival green carpet on December 1^st,there are still a ton of events and films that will be going on through December 5^th, which you can attend. From the Gala Awards on Saturday which will feature actress Olivia Wilde to “numerous films in the festival focusing on sustainability” through out the weekend to live entertainment, stilt walkers and a gourmet coffee bar, this festival is something your inner eco artist should be experience. A few suggestions from the YDT crew-attend the premiere of “Intelligent Life” a “stark and unfiltered examination of the unintended consequences of modern American lives on Thursday December 3^rd at 9:30 pm. If you’re booked on Thursday, don’t fret. There is a film Friday night too. “Belonging” will kick off at 7:30 pm. Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, the film boasts “dazzling shots of the Canadian Arctic and serves as a primer on how we got into this environmental mess.”
For more information including location information, film schedules and so on, visit http://www.artivists.org/

Next Weekend Preview: Save The Date for Sexy Serenity II

Sirens Magazine and Chill Out LA are inviting the sexy, stylish ladies of L.A. to Sexy Serenity: Haute for the Holidays, an exclusive evening of glamorous beauty services and glitzy holiday shopping. Guests will sip festive holiday cocktails and artisan teas, sample gourmet food and desserts, and indulge in professional manicure and spa services from the leading name in nails, OPI, at the company’s flagship spa, ROB|B Salon LEED Certified Nail Spa.

Enjoy product and entertainment demos while shopping for last-minute holiday gifts from The Pleasure Chest, Haute Betts jewelry, Natural High Lifestyle clothing, Nicobella Organics and The Brunette Gourmette. ROB|B’s friendly, talented nail technicians and estheticians will treat guests to decadent mini treatments such as express manicures, polish changes featuring the latest OPI colors and hand scrubs. All attendees will receive treats to take home and exclusive e-Gift Bags, offering freebies and discounts from vendors and participating businesses in the beauty, spa, accessories, fitness and fashion industries.

The event will take place on Friday December 11^th at the ROB|B Salon, 12246 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA. Tickets are only $25.00 in advance and $35.00 at the door. For more info, contact (818) 980-7622 or email sexyspaparties@gmail.com

Related Articles

Bloume Baby

Tracy Hepler — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:02:35 +0000

Babies enter the world pure and should remain so, but with the amount of chemicals found in the average baby product, it becomes hard for them to stay that way. This is why Annie Totten decided to create Bloume Baby, an online destination for modern, eco-friendly clothing, toys and all other products related to baby.

Annie previously worked for big corporate retailers like Gap and Disney but wanted to create a retail experience that would embody her love of children, fashion and our planet. Before having her first child, she birthed Bloume Baby in an effort to offer consumers an alternative to traditional products without sacrificing comfort, quality or style and still be healthy for the planet and baby.

On Bloume Baby you’ll find over 20 categories of items for baby, from organic skincare (Annie is a big fan of locally produced erbaviva), Plan Toys which are made from natural rubber trees with water based paints and Fair Trade labor and a variety of super cute baby fashions like Go Gently Baby which is also a company that is based in Los Angeles and uses organic cotton and safe dyes. Bloume Baby also offers gift registries and a section for Momma that can be your one stop shop for your baby shower needs.

Annie hand selects, heavily researches and samples each item before it is listed on Bloume Baby. She seeks out brands that have the right environmental intentions, are mindful about their footprint and who haven’t had an outlet to showcase their work.

Annie’s thoughts sum up why a company like Bloume Baby is so important these days. “Babies come to us completely pure, I believe it is our daily duty and our place to protect them. It is our responsibility to take care of each other and our planet.”

If you’re looking for some holiday gift ideas for a baby in your life, we like the Cashmere Sweater/Hat sets from Oscar and Bell ($88), Arabian Rocking Horse from Plan Toys ($60) and the Peace Pants made with organic terry cloth from Go Gentle Baby ($48).

And just in time for the holidays, Bloume Baby is offering YDT readers a discount. Simply enter YDTBB at checkout to receive 10% off your entire order.

Related Articles

Gobble Gobble Give Back

Tracy Hepler — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:01:34 +0000

Thanksgiving is about more than just the Turkey (or Tofurky for that matter). It can be a time to show gratitude and give thanks for all the good that you experience in your own life.

If you’re looking for ways to give thanks through giving back check out our list below, from meal volunteer opportunities to online giving, there are certainly ways for all to “gobble gobble give.”

For Locals in Los Angeles

Midnight Mission: A downtown based group that seeks to offer a bridge to self sufficiency from homeless. They will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal this Thursday, November 26^th. Email volunteer@midnightmission.org to sign up.

Gobble Gobble Give: Going eleven years strong this organization sets up shop at The Echo in Echo Park and prepares, packs and delivers meals to the homeless in need on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. A range of volunteers are needed, including people who are willing to prepare a turkey the night before. You can also donate items such as personal goods, food (home made or store bought) Get more information and sign up at www.gobblegobblegive.org

LA Food Bank: For every $1 in donations, the LA Food Bank is able to provide families in need with $5 worth of food. They are hosting thanksgiving volunteer opportunities throughout Los Angeles. Find one near you at www.lafightshunger.org. You can also make a donation if you’re unable to volunteer personally.

LA Works: This website is a one stop shop for volunteer opportunities throughout Los Angeles. Check out there completely listing of holiday volunteer opportunities here. If you’re looking for volunteers you can list your own event too.

West Side Thanksgiving: The Santa Monica Civic Center will be hosting a West Side Thanksgiving celebration helping the less fortunate on the West Side. You can volunteer to serve food, make a turkey, pie, donate personal goods, clothes or volunteer your time i.e. give haircuts, write thank yous etc. Volunteers are needed on Tuesday and Wednesday too. Get complete details and sign up at www.westsidethanksgiving.org

If you can get out and give back, you can easily make a different with a click of a key.

Social Vibe: The online social media tool that helps people partner with brands to support charities has partnered with the UN World Food Programme to donate meals to people in need. Simply download the Thanksgiving Feast app on Facebook and start inviting your friends to join you. The more people you get, the more points you get and the more meals you can help provide. As of last night over 22,000 meals have been earned. Get the Facebook app and start your own Thanksgiving Feast Here.

If you know of any great ways to give back this Thanksgiving, please share it in the comments.

Images via Gobble Gobble Give and Social Vibe.

Related Articles

Sustainable Sirens

Tracy Hepler — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:50:18 +0000

Sustainable Sirens: Let them Eat Trash

If Marie Antoinette was alive today she might say “Let them eat Trash” when it comes to dealing with the insane amount of waste that is created by the entertainment industry. Fortunately Reel Green Media has decide to take that waste out of the trash and turn it into creative costumes made only with discarded materials from production. This multimedia project is launching tonight with a champagne reception at Sunset Plaza Code C. You can meet the masterminds behind the project and check out a trunk show by Re Collection and Lola Bags.

Location: Code C at 8641 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA Date/Time: Thurs, November 19^th from 5 to 8 p.m. Web: www.theSustainableSirens.com

Green Scene Film Festival: Sustainable Drive in and more

Starting today you’ll have a chance to screen some of your favorite environmentally themed films of the year and classics too. Tonight the festival kicks off with a solar powered drive in screening of “Flipper”. The rest of the weekend is chalk full of films, events and a screening of the CRUDE documentary. You can get your tickets right now on brownpapertickets.com

Location: Electric Lodge 1416 Electric Avenue Venice, CA Date/Time: Thurs, Nov 19^th through Sun, Nov 22^nd. Web: www.electriclodge.org

Affordable Eco: Green Holiday Shopping & Networking

Get a head start on your holiday shopping and support green and environmentally conscious businesses. Afford Eco is hosting a holiday trunk show that will feature various local businesses and offer an opportunity for “communal networking” as well. The show is free and open to the public. Get your ticket here.

Location: 4136 Tivoli Ave Los Angeles, CA 90066 Date/Time: Sat, Nov 21^st from 12 to 4 p.m. Web and RSVP: http://affordeco.eventbrite.com/

No body walk in LA—until Saturday

Join the folks at the Franklin Avenue blog for their annual Great Los Angeles Walk and explore the city in a way that you probably never have before. The walk will take you down the streets of Adams and Washington and will end in Venice. It’s a great opportunity to check out new neighborhoods, see L.A. from the pedestrian point of view and meet new people too. This YDT writer plans on being there. Get complete details on what to wear, bring and more at www.greatlawalk.com/. The after party and celebration will be held at Venice Baja Cantina.

Location: Meet up on the side of the Shrine Auditorium, on Jefferson (across the street from USC Parking lot D). Date/Time: Sat, Nov 21 arrive between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Walk leaves promptly at 9:30 Web: http://www.greatlawalk.com Rsvp: franklin_Avenue@yahoo.com Share your twitter name with them too if you’d like to tweet on along the walk.

Meet Anna Cummins of the Algalita Project at the Marvista Green Committee

This past Monday we discussed the impact that plastic has on our ocean’s ecosystems. Well you can learn even more about it this Sunday at the Marvista Farmer’s Market where Anna Cummins of the Algalita Project will be featured at the Green Committee booth.

Location: Mar Vista Farmers Market – MVCC Green Committee Booth, Venice Blvd at Grand View, Mar Vista, 90066 Date/Time Sun, Nov 22 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Become the Ambassador Citizen Journalist for Hopenhagen

On December 7^th, world leaders will gather in Copenhagen to determine the fate of our planet and YOU can be there to cover it as as The Huffington Post Citizen Journalist . All you have to do is make a one-minute video sharing why you should be the citizen reporter to represent Hopenhagen and submit it no later than November 29^th. Get complete details to enter at the Huffington Post.

Related Articles

Al Gore Speaks

Tracy Hepler — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:34:18 +0000

Meet the Lead Man in Green: Al Gore Book Reading

Former Vice President and Noble Prize Winner Al Gore is on tour with his latest book “Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis”. He will be speaking, reading and signing his book tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. at Book Soup in West Hollywood. Admission is $40, but considering that it’s Al Gore (and you get a signed book)—this YDT Staffer thinks it’s worth it.

Location: Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA MAP. Date/Time: Thursday, November 12, 2009 – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission $40 Buy Tickets HERE. Web: http://www.booksoup.com

Green Beacon FUN-Raiser

The Green Beacon Foundation is hosting a FUN-Raiser to help raise funds for the Elysian Heights non-profit and give greenies on this side of LA a chance to mix and mingle. There will be prizes, eco-friendly raffle giveaways, organic adult drinks, edibles and ½ hour massages from ENVY in Glendale. You must RSVP to get in at www.greenbeacon.org

Location: Elysian Heights (complete address provided upon RSVP). Date/Time: Saturday, November 14, 2009 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. RSVP at www.greenbeacon.org Donation is $20.

Here and Now ARTRA Show at T Lofts

T Lofts (the west side’s premiere eco-friendly lofts) have opened their doors to showcase more than 70 artist exhibits in loft spaces turned into “gallery-like places to display works of art”. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. and will feature wine tasting and some of L.A.’s most popular food trucks (Nom Nom, Marked 5, Barbie Q, Cool Haus and more.)

Location: 11500 Tennessee Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90064. Date/Time: Saturday and Sunday November 14-15 from 12 to 5 p.m. Web: http://www.artrala.org/

Amenity Home Sample Sale: Sweet Green Dreams

Have you been itching to green up your Boudoir? This weekend is the time because organic and environmentally conscious Amenity Home is having its annual sample sale this weekend. You’ll get crazy discounts (think $50 sample organic duvets) on products and get an inside look at their LA studio. Saturday will include a “Studio Warming Party” and free champagne will be flowing.

Location: 453 S. Spring Street, Studio 918 Los Angeles, CA 90013 Date/Time: Friday, November 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, November 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Web: http://www.amenityhome.com/

Tired of Traditional Pumpkin Pie? How about A Honey Braised Pumpkin Tart

Looking for a unique version of pumpkin pie for this Turkey Day? We’ve found one that can satisfy your flare for change and enjoyment of seasonal eating. Check out Cake Monkey’s Honey Braised Pumpkin Tart: Picture heirloom pumpkin, toasted marshmallow and a home made graham cracker crust MMM. Order no later than Monday, November 23^rd.

Order at 877.640.CAKE (2253). Delivery is available

Sneak Peak for Next Week: The Impact of Tech on Green and Social Good

On Tuesday November 17th from 7 to 10 p.m. Girls in Tech will be hosting a panel at the Organic Paninfico to discuss how “we as consumers of technology” can use its power to help spread social good and green messages, movements and more. The panel will be moderated by Siel Ju of GreenLAGirl.com and will feature Sandra Sanchez (of orGlamic.com and recent co-host of Opportunity Green), Sarah Townsend (of Socialvibe.com) and me (the co-founder of Your Daily Thread, and blogger for the Huffington Post Green, CauseCast and other social greens and goods in the internet). Tickets are $10 and a portion will go to benefit Free Arts for Abused Kids.

Location: The Organic Panificio 4211 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 Date/Time: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. RSVP and Get Tickets at http://impacttechgoodgreen.eventbrite.com/

Related Articles

Pumpkin Inspired Beauty