Green Options » Cassie Walker http://greenoptions.com/author/cassiewalker/ Post archive of Cassie Walker Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:00:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en http://greenoptions.com/author/cassiewalker/ http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/f59990d1c70c27e169a0821255f6a965?s=65&d=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D32 Green Options » Cassie Walker Earth Day 2009 – Events in Los Angeles http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/16/earth-day-2009-%e2%80%93-events-in-los-angeles/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/16/earth-day-2009-%e2%80%93-events-in-los-angeles/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:00:26 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/16/earth-day-2009-%e2%80%93-events-in-los-angeles/ There are always sooooooo many events going on during the week of Earth Day, which is technically on Wednesday, Aprill 22nd, it’s hard to know which to choose. But at least there’s a searchable database that contains what appears to be a complete listing – there are 49 events within 25 miles of my 90401 zip code.

A few look particularly interesting, like the Soyjoy-sponsored Battle of the Chefs: Eco-cuisine. Each chef is charged with creating three different soy-based dishes on site, with the winner scooping up a $15,000 prize package (wanna bet there’s a lot of soy products in it?) There’s even a celebrity judge (Julianna Moore) – it is LA after all – to taste the well-known chefs’ concoctions. The best news is that you can to, if you go to the event on the 22nd.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/16/earth-day-2009-%e2%80%93-events-in-los-angeles/feed/ Spending the Stimulus Money – What to Expect in LA, Part 2 http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/13/spending-the-stimulus-money-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-in-la-part-2/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/13/spending-the-stimulus-money-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-in-la-part-2/#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:45:52 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/13/spending-the-stimulus-money-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-in-la-part-2/ So, I attended the Green LA Coalition and Liberty Hill-sponsored event meant to let us all know how the billions headed for California will be spent. The verdict?

For small businesses, like mine, and nonprofits, it might be tough to get in on the action unless you’re prepared to work as a government contractor, which requires jumping through many hoops. But, if you are willing/able to do so, check out Grants.gov, a searchable listing of what’s available.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/13/spending-the-stimulus-money-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-in-la-part-2/feed/ Spending the Stimulus Money – What to Expect in LA http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/02/spending-the-stimulus-money-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-in-la/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/02/spending-the-stimulus-money-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-in-la/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:10:43 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/02/spending-the-stimulus-money-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-in-la/ There’s more than $50 billion coming your way, Californians!

That’s the amount that the California Budget Project expects the State and its residents to receive. The goal is the creation of 400,000 jobs, many of them “green jobs”. The funding comes none too soon, since California’s unemployment rate hit 10.5% in February.

But how will that money be spent in Los Angeles? The Green LA Coalition and the Liberty Hill Foundation seek to answer that question on Friday, April 3rd at “The Federal Stimulus: What it means for Los Angeles and the Environment”.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/04/02/spending-the-stimulus-money-%e2%80%93-what-to-expect-in-la/feed/ Cut Emissions in Half with Telecommuting, Web Conferencing http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/30/cut-emissions-in-half-with-telecommuting-web-conferencing/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/30/cut-emissions-in-half-with-telecommuting-web-conferencing/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:53:47 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/30/cut-emissions-in-half-with-telecommuting-web-conferencing/ Working at home sounds great, doesn’t it? With the average Los Angeles commute topping 30 minutes each way, think of what you could do with that extra time. And think of what the environment could do without all of those emissions.

A new report from the World Wildlife Fund indicates that non-manufacturing companies could cut their carbon footprint in half by allowing telework. With more and more companies looking to reduce their eco-impact, a shift towards telecommuting would be a big step forward.

But what about all of those meetings?

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/30/cut-emissions-in-half-with-telecommuting-web-conferencing/feed/ Stimulus Money Going to Green Jobs http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/26/stimulus-money-going-to-green-jobs/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/26/stimulus-money-going-to-green-jobs/#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:00:57 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/26/stimulus-money-going-to-green-jobs/ At least in California, that’s where some of it’s going - $10 million dollars to be exact. The money will be used to fund the Green Corps, a program that will provide training for underprivileged youth to learn jobs in green construction, energy, and technology. The funding will be matched by an additional $10 million from public-private partnerships.

Announced by Gov. Schwarzenegger last week, the program provides for 1,000 youth, ages 16-24, to be enrolled. They will learn 21st century skills in energy and technical fields, while continuing their education and giving back through community service. The Green Corps will be housed within CaliforniaVolunteers, which (thankfully) already has experience in administering similar job corps programs.

Though this program will provide opportunities for these kids that they might not get elsewhere, it’s really a drop in the bucket as far as the number of workers needed for green jobs. The NRDC recently reported that between 52,000 and 114,000 new workers will be needed by 2010 to fill jobs created by green investments. Let’s hope that’s true!

Photo credit: Office of the Governor

]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/26/stimulus-money-going-to-green-jobs/feed/ What If You Didn’t Have Clean Drinking Water? http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/20/what-if-you-didnt-have-clean-drinking-water/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/20/what-if-you-didnt-have-clean-drinking-water/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:48:46 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/20/what-if-you-didnt-have-clean-drinking-water/ You might just think of it as Sunday, but this particular Sunday, March 22nd, has a larger importance – it’s World Water Day, an international day of observance and action, drawing attention to the fact that over 1 billion people that share this planet do not have access to clean drinking water.

Born from the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, World Water Day has a different theme every year. This year’s focus is on transboundary waters: sharing water, sharing opportunities.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/20/what-if-you-didnt-have-clean-drinking-water/feed/ LA to Go Dark for Earth Hour http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/12/la-to-go-dark-for-earth-hour/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/12/la-to-go-dark-for-earth-hour/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:30:56 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/12/la-to-go-dark-for-earth-hour/ Across the globe, restaurants, businesses, residents and municipalities are marking Saturday, March 28th, 2009 on their calendars.

Why? At 8:30pm on that date, the lights go out.

It may sound like the beginning of a horror movie (or the rolling “brownouts” we suffered a few years ago here in LA) but this time it’s on purpose. This time, it’s a blackout with a message (read in deep, movie announcer voice).

Earth Hour, a worldwide effort to bring attention to the dangers of climate change, is inspiring people to vote for progress with their light switches and remotes by turning of all nonessential lights and appliances in their houses and businesses for an hour.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/03/12/la-to-go-dark-for-earth-hour/feed/ Clinton Climate Initiative to Light Up LA http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/26/clinton-climate-initiative-to-light-up-la/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/26/clinton-climate-initiative-to-light-up-la/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:00:52 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/26/clinton-climate-initiative-to-light-up-la/ Having recently seen sprinklers running along the side of the 405 – in the middle of the afternoon – made me wonder how Los Angeles was ever going to do it. How would we ever become a sustainable city, if we couldn’t even water our landscaping at night? I mean, aren’t we in a drought? We are? I thought so.

Well, maybe Bill can help. Last week, Bill Clinton himself announced that the Clinton Climate Initiative would be working with the City on a street lighting retrofit project. The five-year program will replace 14,000 street light fixtures with LEDs, improving the quality of the light, reducing energy use, and saving money.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/26/clinton-climate-initiative-to-light-up-la/feed/ Can a Fast-Food Restaurant be Green? http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/19/can-a-fast-food-restaurant-be-green/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/19/can-a-fast-food-restaurant-be-green/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:02:12 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/19/can-a-fast-food-restaurant-be-green/ Well, I suppose that depends. If we’re talking about the actual building, then yes, apparently it can, as announced recently by California-based Carl’s Jr. The company behind the ubiquitous burger chain, CKE Restaurants, Inc. opened its first eco-friendly Carl’s Jr. just a few miles from its Carpinteria headquarters.

What makes it green? Energy saving features include Energy Star-rated equipment, an energy management system, a reflective roof, and LED lights in the parking lot. Plus, rainwater reuse and smart irrigation systems will reduce its water consumption.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/19/can-a-fast-food-restaurant-be-green/feed/ Green Restaurants for Valentine’s Day in LA http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/12/green-restaurants-for-valentines-day-in-la/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/12/green-restaurants-for-valentines-day-in-la/#comments Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:01:56 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/12/green-restaurants-for-valentines-day-in-la/ Has Valentine’s Day always meant going out to eat? I suppose the tradition of the holiday (and those little candy hearts) is best left to another post, but since eating out seems to be de rigueur for couples these days, aim for making it as green as possible. A few joints in LA seem perfectly suited to the task.

Those that focus on organic, local food, like Akasha in Culver City, reduce the footprint of your special night out without reducing your enjoyment of the experience. Don’t think that local in LA means all avocados and fish tacos, either. Restaurants like Axe in Venice bring inspiration from around the world to their organic, seasonal dishes – Korean-style scallion pancakes anyone?

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/12/green-restaurants-for-valentines-day-in-la/feed/ Light Your Home, Sustainably http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/05/light-your-home-sustainably/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/05/light-your-home-sustainably/#comments Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:56:40 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/05/light-your-home-sustainably/ Are you a busy bee? Maybe you’re better described as fuzzy slippers or a blank canvas.

GE’s new website, What’s Your Lighting Style?, will help you to figure that out. After a fun (if a bit cheesy) eight-question “getting to know you” quiz, you’re given a lighting style for each room in your house. Based on each style, a “tip sheet” tells you how to create just the right atmosphere you want for the room, including furniture, colors, and – of course – lighting. Recommendations include each GE Energy Smart bulb that might be useful in your room, including dimmable bulbs and spotlights.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/02/05/light-your-home-sustainably/feed/ College District to Create 6,000 Green Jobs http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/29/college-district-to-create-6000-green-jobs/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/29/college-district-to-create-6000-green-jobs/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:00:32 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/29/college-district-to-create-6000-green-jobs/ If it’s true that green jobs will be plentiful in coming years, perhaps it will be due to forward-looking initiatives that persist despite the weak economy. A case in point: the $400 million in design, construction and technology contracts that the Los Angeles Community College District’s trustees recently approved, expected to create about 6,000 jobs.

That’s a lot of jobs for Southern California, a region suffering more than some from weakness in the housing market, in a state facing higher than average unemployment and a massive budget crisis.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/29/college-district-to-create-6000-green-jobs/feed/ Go Green Expo Comes to LA http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/22/go-green-expo-comes-to-la/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/22/go-green-expo-comes-to-la/#comments Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:50:45 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/22/go-green-expo-comes-to-la/ What started out as a single event in NYC last year, the Go Green Expo has bloomed into a 4-city extravaganza, kicking off at the LA Convention Center this weekend, January 23-25. In addition to over 200 booths of eco-friendly goods and services, the Expo features:

  • Interactive seminars and speeches
  • Film screenings
  • Eco-fashion show
  • Demonstrations & hands-on activities

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/22/go-green-expo-comes-to-la/feed/ How Does Your Garden Grow? Green Your Garden http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/15/how-does-your-garden-grow-green-your-garden/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/15/how-does-your-garden-grow-green-your-garden/#comments Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:18:37 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/15/how-does-your-garden-grow-green-your-garden/ Though gardens seem inherently green (literally, at least) that may not always be the case. From pesticides to over-watering, gardens can be a strain on the environment, as well as your back. But, when created with some consideration towards ecological harmony, gardens provide enjoyment, color and food, without disrupting nature’s delicate balance.

If you’d like to learn more about how to achieve a healthy, natural garden with a minimum of effort, there are plenty of resources right here in LA to assist you.

First up, the City of Santa Monica is offering a series of classes entitled “How to Green Your Garden.” Beginning on January 17th, each class will focus on a different topic, including:

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/15/how-does-your-garden-grow-green-your-garden/feed/ Living Green, in Chic and Sexy Style http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/08/living-green-in-chic-and-sexy-style/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/08/living-green-in-chic-and-sexy-style/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:39:17 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/08/living-green-in-chic-and-sexy-style/ If you’re a fan of all things green, but you’re not willing to go to the hippie dark side, then EcoStiletto may just be for you. From fashion and beauty to green living and kids, EcoStiletto serves it all up with humor and style. And freebies. The online mag is giving away a win a pair of eco-friendly shoes worth at least $500 every month of 2009. January’s vegan hemp boots are positively drool-worthy…but don’t take my word for it, register to win them yourself.

But EcoStiletto isn’t just about pretty things. The company also supports Dress for Success, a non-profit dedicated to promoting the economic advancement of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire and support. EcoStiletto has several fundraisers planned for the charity, beginning with a March 10th event in LA to be hosted by “Gossip Girl” Kelly Rutherford. Additional events in San Francisco, Chicago, New York, New Orleans and San Diego are also planned.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/08/living-green-in-chic-and-sexy-style/feed/ Ready to Go Solar in 2009? http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/02/ready-to-go-solar-in-2009/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/02/ready-to-go-solar-in-2009/#comments Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:26:24 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/02/ready-to-go-solar-in-2009/ If you’ve been thinking about installing a solar system, 2009 may be the year to take the leap, especially if you live in California.

After a long stalemate in Congress, a renewal of the 30% investment tax credit for solar installations finally passed as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. Applicable for both businesses and residential projects, the credit applies through 2016. In addition, a rebate from the California Solar Initiative covers another 20-25% of the cost.

Of course, solar isn’t for everyone. According to Solar Santa Monica, a city-run program that assists those looking to reduce energy use and reliance on fossil fuels, ideal candidates have:

  • An electricity bill of at least $100/month
  • 200 square feet of ground or roof space to house the installation
  • Southern exposure, including Southeast or Southwest
  • 6-8 hours of direct exposure daily

If this sounds like you, now may be the time to investigate the move to a sun-powered home.

]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/01/02/ready-to-go-solar-in-2009/feed/ California Refineries Lose Emissions Loophole http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/25/california-refineries-lose-emissions-loophole/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/25/california-refineries-lose-emissions-loophole/#comments Thu, 25 Dec 2008 10:00:36 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/25/california-refineries-lose-emissions-loophole/ Though many of us may be enjoying a yuletide fire this time of year, fires of a different sort made news last week.

The Sierra Club and other environmental groups secured a big victory last week when the U.S. Court of Appeals decided to regulate pollution spikes from refineries, called “flares”. The decision will affect 21 refineries located in California.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/25/california-refineries-lose-emissions-loophole/feed/ Heal the Bay Sponsors “Day Without a Bag” http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/18/heal-the-bay-sponsors-day-without-a-bag/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/18/heal-the-bay-sponsors-day-without-a-bag/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:09:26 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/18/heal-the-bay-sponsors-day-without-a-bag/ As if you need more reasons to ditch single-use plastic bags, today marks Heal the Bay’s second “Day Without a Bag” in Los Angeles County. The environmental organization is supporting the cause by handing out free reusable shopping bags at locations county-wide.

If you remember, in July the LA City Council announced an all-out ban on the ubiquitous plastic bags, which will take effect in 2010. In LA County, large grocers were threatened with a ban unless they reduced the number of the bags used by 30% by 2010 and by 65% by 2013. Of course, the companies that make plastic bags are fighting the measures, putting forth the argument that stores and consumers will use paper bags instead, which they claim are worse for the environment. I guess that they have missed this whole reusable bag movement, huh?

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/18/heal-the-bay-sponsors-day-without-a-bag/feed/ Eco Gift About More Than Just Shopping http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/11/eco-gift-about-more-than-just-shopping/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/11/eco-gift-about-more-than-just-shopping/#comments Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:37:46 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/11/eco-gift-about-more-than-just-shopping/ With Christmas quickly sneaking up on us, the time is now to get to that holiday shopping. This weekend, the Eco Gift Festival returns to Santa Monica for its second year, offering more than just endless booths of sustainable, eco-friendly finds (though those are great, too).

This year, organizers have added a multitude of speakers and musicians, making this event more than just a gift-buying frenzy. Their big “get”? Arianna Huffington, nationally-syndicated columnist, author, radio host, and founder of The Huffington Post, one of the most-read news and blog sites on the internet. Huffington takes the stage at 2pm on Saturday the 13th. Other speakers include fashion designer Linda Loudermilk and John Marshall Roberts, author of “Igniting Inspiration: A Persuasion Manual for Visionaries”.

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/11/eco-gift-about-more-than-just-shopping/feed/ California Completes Its Largest Solar Installation Yet http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/04/california-completes-its-largest-solar-installation-yet/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/04/california-completes-its-largest-solar-installation-yet/#comments Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:40:52 +0000 Cassie Walker http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/12/04/california-completes-its-largest-solar-installation-yet/ If you’ve ever flown into LAX on a clear day, you have seen the miles of industrial buildings that stretch out into the desert. Edison International has seen it too, and has taken advantage of one of those empty rooftops to install the largest solar panel installation in the state.

Mounted on the roof of a distribution center owned by Prologis in Fontana, 50 miles east of LA, the 600,000 square feet of panels will produce about 2 megawatts, enough electricity to power up to 1,300 homes. The thin-film panels were installed by First Solar. Even better, this is only the first of about 150 similar projects planned for factory and warehouse roofs in SoCal.

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