Your Daily Thread

The ydt BEAT is our mini blog for news, events, outside articles, and coverage of information that doesn’t make it into our Monday through Friday articles. Often times news and events just happen, so this is the place for spontaneity in our lives. The latest posts will be updated on the ydt BEAT widget on our home page.

Please give us a heads up on local news and events you discover too!

“The Tennessee Coal Sludge Spill was not a natural disaster, this was a man-made diaster, directly tied to reliance on fossil fuels. The Disaster is 48 times larger than the Exxon Valdez oil spill.” Read more here.

Posted from 1 Sky 1/7/09

President Obama’s New Ride: A GM Hybrid Armored Limo

Time for a change is almost here. Our new president will be starting the year off right but shunning the conventional gas guzzling limo for a American made Hybrid…here’s to good green things to come. For more info on this read the Green Transportation Blog.

.Posted by Tracy, 1/7/09

On New Year’s Eve day, I found myself craving nature. I called a friend and headed over to Malibu to enjoy the last day of 2008 staring at the Pacific. While we were strolling on the Malibu Pier, a large Brown Pelican flew right next to us and just hung out. I’ve never seen a Pelican so close before, something about him seemed a little off. He was gracious though, and I was able to snap a few pictures before he took off. Later that week I hear that many of our local Pelicans are sick and suffering from something that is stumping the experts. To read more check out the Coast Watchers’ Blog here.

Posted by Tracy 1/6/08

Eco chic green boutique, The Green Life on Main Street in Santa Monica has now opened their online shop. This is great for people who want to buy green, but don’t live in the area (driving from Woodland Hills to by green products in Santa Monica kind of defeats the purpose.) You can see their complete online inventory here. Also, check out our initial review of their grand opening to see what The Green Life is all about.

Posted by Tracy, 1/6/09

Fulfilling My New Year’s Resolutions: Did I do the Right Thing?

Last week I embarked on my yearly New Year’s cleaning and organizing. This year was much different than years past because I’ve become more aware of the impact of my “stuff”. One of the project I undertook was to get rid of all my chemical laden cosmetics so that I am no longer putting parabens and other petro chemicals on my body. The problem I encountered is what to do once I got rid of them. You can’t put them down the sink because it gets into the water supply, and throwing them away in a landfill basically does the same. I contacted Julie Naylon of No Wire Hangers who is really knowlegable about this kind of stuff. She referred me to a place in Downtown called House of Ruth. It’s a shelter for battered and homeless women and children that will accept semi used beauty products (in addition to clothes, blankets, and other personal goods). I had a tough time deciding what to do, but ultimately I felt that the shelter probably isn’t purchasing chemical free products at this point and they are in need of donations. I don’t want to use these products anymore because of the harm they cause, but at the same time I felt that throwing them away would be worse for everyone than donating them to people in need. Still, I’m not 100% sure I did the right thing.

Posted by Tracy 1/6/09

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Another New Year’s resolution I have is to increase my knowledge in the green world. I’ve got a whole slew of books to borrow from my local library and other green friends. What’s atop my list are Cradle to Cradle, Simple Prosperity and Deep Economy. I’m currently reading through The Lazy Environmentlist and addition to checking out the daily blogs on our ydt blog roll.

Probably the best thing I will be doing to increase my knowledge is signing up for the Sustainable Works courses in Santa Monica. It’s a 6 week course on either Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 7 -8:30 p.m. at different locations in Santa Monica. Check back our video section soon for mini podcasts of Lauren and I learning that sustainability does in fact work.

If you’re interested, you should sign up now because classes start next week. The prices are very affordable as well, $25 for Santa Monica residents,$50 for everyone else and if you can’t afford it you can get your fees waived too. So far they are the most affordable courses that we’ve seen in all of L.A. You can sign up here..

Posted by Tracy, 1/6/09

Back in September, Green Living Contributor Danielle Davis featured retro chic eco boutique Regeneration on ydt. Well four months later we are sad to say they are shutting down. The bright side is that with a shut down comes really good discounts. The store will be open after Christmas but we aren’t sure how much longer. Their online shop will also remain open, even after the store front closes its doors. For more information check out their website www.shopregeneration.com or read more online at greenlagirl.com

Air Quality in 25 States is Endangering to Children and the Elderly:

The EPA just released a list of 25 states that are “Exceeding daily standards for fine particle pollution caused by emissions from vehicles, industry and wood stoves, among other sources.” What is probably of no surprise is that California made the list. 30 of our counties were given warnings! Read more about the findings on the Huff Post Green.

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In my personal opinion 2008 has been a pretty decent year towards the environment. By no means am I implying that the problem is solved or anywhere near that. Why I am saying though is that this is the first year where serious dialogue about the issues of global warming and climate change have been taking place in main stream media and with top level politicians (who despite how you feel about politics, are crucial to getting the wheel turning towards our change from oil dependency into a green economy.) I am hopeful for 2009 (perhaps a bit nieve too.) but honestly…I feel the momentum and I feel that good things are going to come. The arguments of whether or not Global Warming is a real thing are ridiculous at this point. People see what is happening and are realizing we as individuals have the power to make a impact. But before we go head first into 2009, lets honor the Eco Heros of 2008 for the good work they have done. You can see the candidates and vote for your choice on Grist.com. My vote, I do have a soft spot for Obama and his green energy economy.

New Eco Chic Visionary Boutique is celebrating the holidays in style this entire weekend. They’ll be hosting two trunk sales for ME Moore Jewelry on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. At 5 p.m. they’ll be opening up their courtyard for a holiday party. Come shop (you’ll save 10%) and nibble on organic cookies, appetizers, and beverages.

If you can’t make it Saturday, ME Moore Jewelry will also be there on Sunday, and you can take advantage of the Eco Holiday Makeovers and support a great cause. All hair cut on that day will be donated to non profit group, Matter of Trust. Eco Bliss Spa will also be there providing manicures and pedicures, and you can also get your makeup done by Jane Iredale make up professionals, and see the latest in Eco Fashion from Linda Loudermilk. Check out complete event details on our ydt calendar here.

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Each chrysalis is made entirely of shredded phonebooks and cotton machie (made from 100% reclaimed garments), painted with nonVOC paints and hand dipped in Safecoat clear seal for maximum archival quality.
Many cocoons feature butterflies bursting or unfurling out and range from $95-$125.

Additional eco ornaments are available at The Green Life in Santa Monica from $15-$250. (Photo by Kristy White)

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Give a Toy to a Child in Need and Receive a Holiday Drink from the Edison:

10,000 Kids will be showing up for the Midnight Mission Skid Row Holiday Party this year, and they need some help to collect gifts for these kids. You can drop off unwrapped gifts at the Edison Downtown and for your kindness the Edison will give you a free Holiday Drink. To learn more about Midnight Mission or for volunteer opportunities click here.

A Day Without A Bag: Presented by Heal the Bay

On December 18th, Heal the Bay asks us Angelenos to forgo using single use plastic bags. These plastic bags are so detrimental to our marine life and ecosystem. We should really be following suit of San Francisco. Show your support tomorrow and everyday after that…quit using plastic bags Please! Check out more about Heal the Bay and what they are doing tomorrow here. …

Perfect DIY Holiday Gifts: As news of holiday lay offs and dwindling finances dominate the news cycle these days, it’s hard to think about spending any money. Gift giving, doesn’t have to involve spending loads of money if you think out side of the box. Creativity goes along way, and if you need a source for inspiration, check out the Eco

friendly, DIY gift post from Spring.com here.

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The Most Eco-friendly Computers: If your like me who just had a computer failure this week, check out some of the newest “green” computers on the market here. My personal choice, the new Mac Books from Apple.

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We all know we live in a great city…that’s why it seems that everyone keeps moving here (I’m locally born and raised so I can say it). This weekend, Unique Los Angeles will be taking place at the California Market Center and you’ll have the opportunity to see the people that make Los Angeles unique.

Unique Los Angeles is all about individualism, independent design, and everything local that you can’t find at the Westfield shopping centers. They believe in sharing this spirit with the community and you can experience it first hand this weekend with over 200 local vendors, artists, and craftsmen. According to their site, “ Whether you’re a hipster, a soccer mom or a tween, at UNIQUE LOS ANGELES there truly is something for everyone”.

Clothing & Accessories • Stationery • Jewelry • Housewares • Artwork • Ceramics
Gourmet Edibles • Plush Toys • Books • Photography • Screenprints • Plus more!

Some of the event “Extras and Ammenities” include:

-Screen printing your own tees.

-Etsy DIY creates a space for you to print and design your own personalized gift cards for FREE!

-Tis the season for sweets, so you can taste delicious baked goodies from Cake Monkey at the Cali Cafe.

-LA Weekly Lounge, where you can enjoy some cold beers, read a magazine, listen to djs, and rest after you spent all day on your feet.

There will also be a section for “Special Collections” featuring items from Indie Lane, totally local, hand pick vendors showcasing everything from books to clothing–the essence of L.A.’s local business scene. There will also be Gallery Row, featuring local artists, painters, and photographers (you know you want to get rid of that IKEA painting everyone h as). Of course there will be a Green Room, but instead of being limited to celebrities, we can all go in and check out some of the latest eco-friendly clothes, bedding, products, and design. You can see the full list of the collections here.

This UNIQUE event is being put on by Sonja Rasula, a designer, writer and activist. Her passion about the community lead her to create Unique Los Angeles and also devote her time to YPM (a non profit that increases voter participation amongst young people) where she donates her skills and time as the Executive Director. You can read more about Sonja’s bio here.

So don’t be blah this holiday season, give worthwhile gifts that say something! Come to Unique Los Angeles and see whats happening in our local community. ydt will be there spreading our good word and doing interviews through out the weekend!

Unique Los Angeles: Date/Time: December 13th-14th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Location: California Market Center 110 E. 9th St. Downtown Los Angeles, CA Admission: $5, kids 10 & under free.

web: www.uniquelosangeles.com

Posted by: Tracy

Environmentalist out there like to imagine, what if Gore would have won? Would we all be driving hybrids by now… No point in dwelling on the past I guess. The good news is that President Elect Obama is mindful of the environment and I’m happy to see that he is consulting with Al Gore. Read more on their meeting taking place tomorrow on the Huff Post here.

Posted by Tracy

I just saw this on a Facebook ad. Through WWF (World Wildlife Fund) you can help out the Polar Bears, by adopting one and giving it as a gift to someone for the holidays. It seems cool for someone with kids too since you get a plush polar bear. The money goes to WWF in support of the Polar Bears who despite Sarah Palin’s assertions, do in fact belong on the endangered species list. Check it out here.

Posted by Tracy

know that it’s probably hypocritical, being that I co-founded a conscious living website, but I only just signed up with Green Dimes. Green Dimes is a free resource where you can go to be taken off of junk mail lists…you know the discount coupons, annoying credit card offers, etc. Plus when you sign up, they’ll plant a tree (we all need more of those)!

I’ve been meaning to do it for a while, but I just never got around to it. So sorry if I offend anyone, but I’m doing my part slowly but surely. FYI I’ve been doing online bills for a long while if that clears up my karma a little.

If you want to sign up it’s FREE and you’ll be doing good by the planet and your mail man!

More info at www.greendimes.com

Posted by Tracy

From time to time the shops on West 3rd (in the WeHo/Farmers’ Market/Grove Area) keep their doors open a little later and offer us some special deals (that usually include free wine & appetizers). In keeping with that tradition, they are doing it again this Thursday, December 4th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

You’ll find sales and your favorite holiday music to accompany you as your feet carry you from shop to shop until you drop. No need to worry about parking as FREE valet will be provided through out the street between Fairfax and La Cienega ( a treat that will hopefully be made permanent in 2009).

For the alternative shoppers out there, you’re in luck because there are three eco-fashion shops, an organic restaurant, a travel book shop and more.

*The shops will also be holding extended hours on 12/11 & 12/18 for last minute holiday shopping.

For more information go to the West 3rd Business Association website here.

“GOOD Magazine” Launches the Good Space:

Have you ever driven by the GOOD building on Melrose Ave. and wondered…hmm what is that place all about? Well over the next few weeks you’ll have a chance to find out. The people of GOOD Magazine are opening up their doors to us Angelenos starting this Friday December 5th through the 19th. Each day and night will be filled with different activities. Everything from sustainability discussions, tamale making classes, field trips, holiday parties, volunteering, book exchanges, potlucks, free Wi-Fi, snacks, film screenings, drinks and more community fun.

Creative Commons and Dublab will have an on going installation there during the day and you can find out the latests happenings on their blog here.

Most events are open to the public, and a few require an RSVP so check out their site to see the full range of events here.

ydt is all about supporting the community, so we definitely want to give GOOD some props for opening their doors and sharing all the GOOD that they do with the rest of us.

We’ll be heading over to some of the events ourselves so check us out on facebook to see which ones we will head to.

Taken from The Huffington Post

FRESNO, Calif. — Lowering air pollution in Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley would save more lives annually than ending all motor vehicle fatalities in the two regions, according to a new study.The study, which examined the costs of air pollution in two areas with the worst levels in the country, also said meeting federal ozone and fine particulate standards could save $28 billion annually in health care costs, school absences, missed work and lost income potential from premature deaths.

The price tag amounts to $1,600 annually per person in the San Joaquin Valley and $1,250 in the South Coast Air Basin. Researchers at California State University-Fullerton sought to assess the potential economic benefits that could be achieved by reducing air pollution to levels within federal standards.

“For decades there has been a tug of war over what to do about air pollution,” said Jane Hall, lead author of the study at Cal State Fullerton. “We are paying now for not having done enough.” Read the rest of the article on Huffington Post here.