eco enthusiast

Gone Gardening…

As some of you may have noticed, I’ve been on sort of a hiatus when it comes to updating eco enthusiast. I’ve been very busy gardening, and I’m about to start working on a community garden. I’ve been spending most of my free time outdoors, and less time in front of the computer. So, if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, here are some photos of my garden. Also, I’m always interested in having guest posts on my site. It’s been a while since I’ve had one. If you’d like to share something, then please let me know. Thanks for your patience. I will be posting less frequently while the weather is nice. Thanks for all your support! I’m still around!   

AAA Shred-A-Thon

Auto Club Shreds! Reduce your risk of identity theft with help from the Auto Club and ProtectMyID™. On Saturday, June 29 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., the Auto Club will host a free Shred-a-Thon event in the parking lot of Angel Stadium. Both Auto Club members and nonmembers are invited to bring up to five storage boxes filled with junk mail and personal papers that may contain names, birthdates, and account numbers for free on-site shredding.

Plastic bags, binders, folders, computer disks, laminated paper, or other nonpaper materials should be removed prior to bringing the material to the Shred-a-Thon. All shredded material will be recycled.

Need to dispose of electronics?

1-800-GOT-JUNK will also be present to collect e-waste (computers, laptops, TV’s, etc.). Destruction solutions will be provided on-site in the event you don’t know how to clear your computer hard drive (e.g.. your hard drive will be returned to you so you can destroy it yourself, or, you can request that the hard drive be destroyed in front of you).

Green Tip: You can also use the shredded office paper in a compost bin.

Click here for more information.

Santa Monica Festival 2013


Don’t miss the 22nd annual Santa Monica Festival! Experience an eclectic mix of live music and dance, DIY art workshops with recycled and repurposed materials, guilt-free shopping featuring earth-friendly artistic wares and local services offered by City, environmental and local non-profit organizations. The Festival is a celebration with a purpose, highlighting the dynamic connection between the City’s communities, businesses, art, culture and the environment while offering ideas and options for a greener, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

Santa_Monica_Festival_2013_Flyer1_Page_1

For more info: Santa Monica Festival

Green Mother’s Day Gifts


What are some ways to be Green on Mother’s Day? Start by giving handmade, local, organic, Fair Trade, and eco-friendly gifts. Choose organic local flowers. Most flowers are mainly grown in other countries that use harmful chemicals and pesticides. Who wants to bring that into their home?

Green Mother’s Day Gift Ideas:

• Make your gifts. Be creative and have fun. Your mom will feel special to receive a custom made gift.
• Make a terrarium for your mom.
• Shop at local craft fairs for unique handmade goods.
• Shop vintage, antique stores, and flea markets
• Instead of giving a material object, try giving her an experience such as a class, event tickets, a membership, make a donation, spa or massage.
• Cook a special meal for her at home.
• Use recycled cards or plantable seed paper cards. Although, the best form of holiday cards are always e-cards.

Have a Green Mother’s Day!

LA River Cleanup Day is Saturday 5/18

FOLAR-flyer-color-print_no-DAY

Click here for info: Friends of the LA River

Happy Arbor Day!

Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, it’s celebrated on the last Friday in April. So, go plant a tree! http://www.arborday.org/arborday/

Earth Day Events in Los Angeles 2013

Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation
for the Earth’s natural environment.


To find events in your area, go to:
http://www.earthday.org/2013/


Aquarium of the Pacific


Saturday & Sunday, April 13-14

100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802
www.aquariumofpacific.org

Learn what you can do to help our ocean planet at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s thirteenth annual Earth Day Celebration. Join the Aquarium for a weekend of family fun celebrating Earth Day while learning simple, everyday tips to protect our environment. Visit booths from various Earth-friendly organizations, and participate in hands-on learning demonstrations for people of all ages. Help save the environment. Bring your unwanted electronic items to Earth Day weekend at the Aquarium and receive $10 off adult admission. Just drop off the items at the eWaste booth in front of the Aquarium to receive your coupon. Coupon valid for April 13 and 14, 2013 only, limit one per person. May not be combined with any other offer. When: Saturday, Apr 13, 2013 from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Sunday, Apr 14, 2013 from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Cost of the event is free with paid admission to the aquarium.


LA Green Drinks 6th Annual EartH Night


April 18th, 2013 | 7-10pm

G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291


http://lagreendrinks.blogspot.com/2013/04/la-green-drinks-earth-night-2013.html

In celebration of Earth Day, join LA Green Drinks for its 6th Annual EartH Night. Connect with environmental-minded people over sips and bites as we host a festive night celebrating the environment and art. The event is presented in association with Arts:Earth Partnership. Suggested donation for the event is $10.


Eco-Station Children’s Earth Day


Sunday, April 21

10101 Jefferson Blvd.Culver City, CA 90232

http://www.childrensearthday.org

Encourage children to become “green” at this all day children’s festival. An Outdoor Extravaganza, FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES! FREE ADMISSION, loaded with ENVIRONMENTAL HEROES, exotic food, celebrity guests, eco-friendly games and crafts, green shopping, live entertainment, ​GIVEAWAYS, and much more! This year, check out our new TODDLER AREA, RECYCLE-THEMED MAZE, and DRUM CIRCLE! Meet over 200 rescued exotic animals! The event will be happening on Sunday April 21st from 10am-4pm.


Newport Bay Conservancy Center


Saturday, April 20

Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
2301 University Drive
Newport Beach , CA 92660

Free family event for Earth Day. Scavenger hunt for the kids, live music and gourmet food trucks. Saturday, April 20th from 11am-3pm.


Picnic for the Planet


On and around Earth Day 2013 (April 22)

The Nature Conservancy and partners are hosting Picnic for the Planet events all across the world! Picnic for Earth is a celebration of the planet we live on, the food it provides and the people we share it with. In short, the planet does a lot for us, and we should take it out for lunch.

On and around Earth Day 2013 (April 22), people all around the world will be stepping outside and heading to their favorite outdoor spot to enjoy good food in the company of great people.

http://www.nature.org/earthday/index.htm


TrashARTist Earth Day Expo


Saturday, April 20, 2012 12:00 am – 3:00 pm

Where: Muzeo, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

TrashARTist Challenge participants and the community come together for a FREE festival featuring conservation & recycling vendors, giveaways, craft booths, music, entertainment and more! This family-friendly event celebrates sustainability and recognizes winners and prize recipients from the TrashARTist Challenge.


http://www.muzeo.org/trashartist/


California Poppy Festival


April 20th & 21st, 2013. Rain or shine! 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Place: Lancaster City Park – 43011 N. 10th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534

Lancaster boasts one of California’s most abundant crops of the vibrant poppies that are California’s state flower. For several years, the City of Lancaster co-sponsored the Wildflower Information Center with the Lancaster Woman’s Club to cater the interests of thousands of visitors who flocked to the Antelope Valley for a glimpse of these brilliant, beautiful flowers. Held at the Lancaster Museum/Art Gallery, visitors could pick up free wildflower maps and learn about the best viewing locations before heading out to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Adults are $8, seniors and children 6-12 are $5. Parking is free. For more information visit www.poppyfestival.com.


Los Angeles County Museum of Art


Sunday, April 21, 2012 at 11am

Where: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Celebrate Earth Day with a day of programs and activities designed for all ages, including artist-led workshops, tours of the collection for families and adults, a nature-inspired poetry workshop for adults, sketching from nature, music jam with instruments made of recycled materials, and a guided walkthrough of the natural art on campus. You and your friends can organize your own community bike ride to LACMA! If you plan to travel to LACMA by bike on Earth Day, be sure to check out LADOT’s bike maps for a safe route. For more information visit www.lacma.org/event/earth-day.


Earth Day Celebration at Polliwog Park


Saturday, April 27, 2012 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Where: Polliwog Park, Corner of Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Celebrate Earth Day at Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 27, 2013 with great food, eco-friendly booths, kids’ activities, music & dancing, entertainment and much more. For more information visit www.greenervoice.org/earthday.htm.


Redondo Beach Earth Day Celebration


Saturday, April 20, 2013 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Where: The SEA Lab, 1021 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Presented by the City of Redondo Beach and the SEA Lab, the SEA Lab will host an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Participate in a beach cleanup, attend a composting workshop, learn how to create water efficient gardens and trade in your plastic bags for reusable tote bags. There will be also be a chalk art challenge! The event is free and free parking is available at the Redondo Beach Marina near Ruby’s Diner if you bring a copy of the event flyer. Visit www.redondo.org for more information and a copy of the event flyer.


Beach Cleanup – Earth Day


Saturday, April 20, 2013 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Where: Santa Monica Pier, On the north side of the pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Join Heal the Bay volunteers at Santa Monica Beach for the monthly Nothin’ But Sand beach cleanup on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Earth Day is a great opportunity to get involved and help to ensure that our beautiful coastline beaches have nothing but sand. Volunteers must be 13 years old OR be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own bucket or bag, reusable gloves and refillable water bottles. Volunteers must register in advance and have a signed waiver. For more information and to register visit www.healthebay.org.


Santa Monica Pier Aquarium Earth Weekend


Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22, 2012, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Where: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Celebrate Earth Day by cleaning the beach and collect a reward for your efforts: FREE admission to our Aquarium. The weekend-long festivities feature special presentations and activities for all ages and an offer of free admission to everyone who first cleans the beach. Participate in the Nothin’ But Sand Cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 20th at the Santa Monica Pier (north side) or get your supplies at a beach cleanup station in front of the Aquarium to clean the beach near the Pier between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. April 20th or 21st. Either way, the reward is FREE admission to the Aquarium. Heal the Bay will also be coordinating the BlueGreen Expo of Sustainable Innovation on the Santa Monica Pier Deck on Saturday.


Saturday’s schedule: http://www.healthebay.org/event/santa-monica-pier-aquarium-earth-weekend-day-1

Sunday’s schedule: http://www.healthebay.org/event/santa-monica-pier-aquarium-earth-weekend-day-2


Topanga Earth Day


April 20 & 21

Topanga Earth Day will be celebrating its 14th consecutive year with a two day festival located at the Topanga Community Fair Grounds at 1440 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard. General info has not been added to the site yet. Please check back: http://topangaearthday.org


World Fest


May 19, 2013

Woodley Park
6335 Woodley Ave
Van Nuys, CA 91406

http://www.worldfestevents.com

The WorldFest 2013 Earth Day Festival will be held at the beautiful outdoor setting of Woodley Park in Lake Balboa, CA. We welcome our attendees to a magnificent day filled with entertainment, education and enlightenment. The combination of great music, empowering speakers, environmental, humanitarian and animal welfare non-profits, kids’ activities and a delicious food court make for an earth-friendly experience that is sure to be inspiring and enjoyable for all. The event will take place on May 19th from 10:30am-7pm, at Woodley Park.

 

 

Spring has sprung!


Spring is here and it’s time to start gardening! I’ve been very motivated the past few weeks to plant herbs, make terrariums, and I finally have my own vegetable garden! I was volunteering with Enrich LA a couple months ago and one of the volunteers offered the use of their backyard. On Saturday, I pulled weeds and planted: 2 varieties of kale, butter lettuce, romaine lettuce. spring lettuce mix, carrots, scallions, and spinach. The area is shady, and gets at least 4-5 hours of full sun a day.


I knew a little bit of about gardening growing up, but I’ve really learned a lot from volunteering with Enrich LA. My mom is a gardener and she grew up on a farm. I was never interested in gardening growing up, because it always felt like a chore. As an adult, I’m trying to learn more about gardening and see how it goes. I hope all goes well, and I will definitely share the progress of my garden. I’m very excited to grow my own food!

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Before (weeds)

garden2

Before (weeds)

garden3

After

garden4

After

Earth Hour is 03/23/13 at 8:30pm


Earth Hour is about collective impact, beyond the hour. Earth Hour has now become much more than a symbolic action. It has evolved into a continuous movement driving real actions, big and small, that are changing the world we live in. Uniting people to protect the planet.



Earth Hour 2013: Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 8:30pm



Learn more at: http://earthhour.org/



Turn post-consumer jars into useful, non-toxic drinking containers.

I got these EcoJarz drink tops for my mason jars and I love them. My stainless steel straws fit in them perfectly, although my glass straws don’t fit. They are great for when you’re on the go and great for kids, too. Check them out!


Snippet from the EcoJarz site: “The EcoJarz drink top is a new product that turns any standard mouth canning jar into a to-go mug, allowing you to up-cycle your glass jar into a completely customizable cup. There are hundreds of possibilities, which means that you can use the same lid for a child’s drink cup, a travel mug that fits your cup holder, or an extra-large jar for serious hydration. This affordable lid, which costs less than most water bottles, fits any standard mouth jar – including canning, salsa, spaghetti sauce, and mayonnaise jars.”


http://www.ecojarz.com/

ecojarz