>> Come out for Santa Monica Farmer’s Market Panel, Gardening on the Farm and in the City. The panel features a master gardener, chef and urban homesteader who will discuss how their gardens grow this Thu., Feb. 9 in the MLK Auditorium of the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. Cost: free.

>> Come engage in a discussion on community land trusts and intentional housing communities. Learn about how housing can be made affordable and environmentally sustainable through community ownership of the land they live on. This is the first of this year’s Friends Peace Dialogue series by the American Friends Service Committee. Come out this Thu., Feb. 9 at 7 pm to 634 S. Spring St., 3rd Floor, Los Angeles. Cost: free.

>> Recycle old fabrics, deconstruct old clothes, turn something old into something new! Learn how to make scarves bags and other items from old t-shirts at a Valentine’s Day DIY Workshop, this Thu., Feb. 9 from 3:45-4:45 pm at the Santa Monica Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. Cost: free.

>> CicLAvia is hosting a Valentine’s party! Bring your Valentine – or meet a new Valentine there! There will be live music and djs, speed dating (open to all orientations and genders!), auction, swag and more! Come party this Fri., Feb. 10 from 7-10 pm at Atwater Crossing, 3245 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles. Cost: free, but bring money for eats and treats.

>> Do you have a strong interested in becoming trained in home food preservation (such as canning, pressure canning, freezing, drying, pickling and fermenting)? Want to share this knowledge with the public? The University of California Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce the spring 2012 class of the LA County Master Food Preserver program. The application deadline is this Fri., Feb. 10 at 5 pm. Cost: free to apply online, $120 for the complete program (scholarships available).

>> This week’s Green Garden Academy topic is Lawn Be Gone (part I). Learn tips for safe lawn removal, choosing plants to replace lawn and plants for parkways this Sat., Feb. 11 from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm in the Multipurpose Room of the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. Cost: free.

>> Join Culver City’s mayor and the Culver City Bicycle Coalition each Monday morning to explore Culver City and beyond, by bike! Meet this Mon., Feb. 13 at 8 am at Sid Kronenthal Park by the covered tables, near the community room, 3459 McManus Ave., Culver City. Cost: free.

>> Join Heal the Bay and Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District at a gathering to recognize work done thus far to build sustainability into local schools by parents and others and that will focus on considering how to ensure institutionalized sustainability in local schools. Takes place on Mon., Feb. 13 from 7-9 pm at Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, 1600 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica. Cost: free.

>> On the second Tuesday of every month, you’re invited to the only pure networking event for owners and decision-makers of LA’s green businesses, hosted by the Green Business Network (GBN). Delicious organic snacks, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. GBN events are recycling points, so bring any old batteries, phones, or newspapers you need recycled. Join the fun next Tue., Feb. 14 from 6-9 pm at DIRTT (Doing It Right This Time) 9014 Lindblade St. Culver City. Cost: $10 when you prepay online, $15 at the door (space permitting).

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Can a city claim green rights?  That was the hot topic of discussion at the latest LA Bioneers meeting, which brought local eco-concerned citizens together on a late Tuesday night. Why? The Santa Monica City Council just voted late last month to incorporate a “Sustainability Bill of Rights” into the city’s Sustainable City Plan.

The Bill of Rights, among other things, gives individuals more green rights — including the right to sue in the name of nature, the right to clean potable water, energy, soil, air, and the right to sustainable food.  Applaudable goals, but are they feasible?  We’ll have to wait until early fall to find out how they plan to pull it off. Fall is when the city anticipates announcing provisions and policy changes to the current Sustainable City Plan.  Financial impacts have yet to be defined.  It’s likely that implementing such goals will come at a cost.

According to Shannon Biggs of Global Exchange, an activist of green policy reform at the local level and a speaker at Tuesday’s Bioneers meeting, 140 communities in the United States have passed similar ordinances and are successfully banning actions such as “fracking”, water withdrawal, factory farming, and uranium mining. Biggs believes change must come from the grassroots level.  She delivered a call for united action when she said: “we’re often so divided in our work – I’m a food activist, I’m a forest activist…” She encourages us to find the “Rosa Parks” in each of us and stand up for our civil rights. 

For more information on similar movements, Global Exchange’s People to People Blog is a good place to start.

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>> Sustainable Works’ 2012 Los Angeles Green Living Workshops are back this year! Get solutions to some of today’s greatest environmental challenges and save money in the process. The first workshop is this Wed., Jan. 25 from 7 – 8:30 pm at G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice. Cost: free for residents of Santa Monica and Los Angeles Districts 5 & 11. Register online.

>> Steve Glenn, founder and CEO of LivingHomes, gives the talk “High Design; Low Impact. Building LivingHomes” on modern, prefabricated homes that combine world-class architecture with an unparalleled commitment to healthy and sustainable construction this Wed., Jan 25 from 7-8 pm at CODA Experience Center, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., #133, Los Angeles. Cost free, though RSVP required: concierge@codaautomotive.com.

>> Find the freshest and most healthy ingredients, enjoy personally crafted foods from home cooks and local kitchens, and discover healing foods both old and new at Eat Well Market. They will feature hand-made and hand-grown foods from backyards and kitchens around LA. Join the fun Sat., Jan 29 from 12-3 pm at Camp Mariposa, 615 E. Mariposa St., Altadena. Cost: free.

>> Get a closer look at the precious resource right beneath our feet and learn about the science of soil with our experts at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles’ Sustainable Sundays this Sun., Jan. 29 from 9 am – 3:30 pm at 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. Cost: free with museum admission. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5-8 for children.

>> Los Angeles Bioneers is hosting Shannon Biggs who will talk about her work on passing a “Sustainability Bill of Rights” ordinance in Santa Monica, which would strip personhood rights from corporations and give rights to ecosystems instead. Takes place next Tue., Jan 31 at 7 pm at G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. Cost: free with RSVP to srnichols@mac.com.

>> Come learn about the money available to SoCal homeowners who make energy-saving improvements. There is currently up to $8000 available per household, with some of the rebates will expiring in March. $200 in rebates will be given away. Come for a presentation about the program with contractors available to answer questions next Tue., Jan. 31 from 6:30 – 8 pm. Cost: free.

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>> The City of Los Angeles wants yet more studies on the effects of bag bans before taking any action — nevermind that many, many studies have already been done and many L.A. County cities AND L.A. County have already banned the plastic bag.

>> According to LAist, “Several City Council members have pledged to get the measure passed before March 31, 2012 – before the state Legislature’s spring break.” Let’s hope that really happens.

>> Heal the Bay, the local nonprofit spearheading the bag ban effort, sounds optimistic. Mark Gold, head honcho at Heal the Bay, seems to believe that the city’s call for more studies “sends a loud message to Sacramento to move forward with a statewide ban.” That statewide effort failed back in August 2011. Think it’ll happen in 2012?

>> Last but not least — Santa Monica banned the plastic bag in September, and I’ve noticed many people are either bringing their own bags or doing without at stores since that time. What’s your experience been so far?

Earlier: Styrofoam and the City: The fate of plastic bags and polystyrene in LA

Photo by Kate Ter Harr

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>>  The Green Living Workshop 101 is a condensed version of the 6 week Green Living Workshop which covers the following topics: water, energy, waste, chemicals, transportation, and shopping & food. Sustainability tools will be raffled off to help participants carry out the solutions discussed during the workshop. Workshop takes place this Sat., Dec. 3 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. Cost: free, though please register through Eventbrite.

>>  Your banana peels, sandwich crusts, lawn clippings, and coffee grounds are precious resources that can be cycled back into the garden. Come participate in a composting lesson at the Natural History Museum by getting your hands in the mix! Workshop takes place on Sat., Dec. 3 from 1-4 pm at the Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. Cost: admission to the museum is $12 for adults, $5-8 for children.

>>  Come out to see the documentary “Tipping Point – The End of Oil”, which addresses the largest industrial project in human history – the Alberta Tar Sands.  Speakers and the q&a will address what we can do to help heal the destructive impact of this project and options for an alternative energy economy.  Takes places on Sat., Dec. 6 from 7-10:30 pm at All Saints Church, 132 North Euclid Ave., Pasadena.  Cost: $15 suggested donation.  RSVP to info@burbankgreenalliance.org.

Image retrieved from wilderutopia.com

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>> Santa Monica Bike Center opens this Friday! Pedal over to Colorado Ave. and 2nd St. to check out the full service spot with bike valet, bike rentals and repairs, and even showers and lockers for members.

>> The Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station got a Bike Stop. According to Metro’s The Source, “the new unattended facility features 40 bike parking stalls, a bike repair stand and small classroom area.”

>> Metrolink’s added bike cars! These are “passenger railcars outfitted with space for at least 18 bicycles.”

>> L.A.’s got a new bike sharing program — as part of Occupy LA. Local biketivist Roadblock, who set up the program, says “If Occupy LA is to achieve some of the most important goals of the movement, people are going to have to learn to reduce their oil dependency – the very addiction that keeps our country involved in endless foreign wars.”

>> Two new studies link bikes and money. One study published in Environmental Health Perspectives says bicycling in cities can save billions, while another study by an urban planning student shows better bike infrastructure can mean increased sales for local businesses.

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>> The Santa Monica Museum of Art is hosting the Pacific Standard Time West Bike Tour, which will take participants to four Pacific Standard Time exhibitions in Santa Monica — with a brief stop at the brand new public Bike Center in Santa Monica, where riders can get refreshments and bike tune-ups. The ride happens Sat., Oct. 22, from 1 – 4:30 pm, starting at SMMoA, located in Bergamot Station G-1, 2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica.

>> “The Revenge of the Electric Car,” a documentary film “on the charisma and sheer audacity it takes to invent both the technology and the business models needed to jumpstart the electric car in the world market,” will premier in Santa Monica! Chris Paine, the writer and director of “Who Killed the Electric Car?” will be there to answer questions after the show on Sun., Oct. 23 at 5:30 pm at NuArt Theater, 11272 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. Cost: $10.50 per ticket.

>> Catch a special screening of “Vanishing of the Bees,” an eco-docu about the sudden die-off of honeybees narrated by Ellen Page. Part of Food Day LA, the event will kick off with refreshments on Mon., Oct. 24 at 5:45 pm, followed by the screening at The Ricardo Montalban Theater, 1615 Vine St., Los Angeles. Cost: $25. Tickets available at tix.com, keyword: montalban.

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>> Celebrate an early green Halloween at Trasher’s Ball tonight. This Halloween-themed Green Drinks event includes eco-cocktails, a green fashion show, a DJ, and lots more. You can even take an old T-shirt or tank for Surfrider to transform into a reusable screenprinted Trick-or-Treat bag. The fun happens Thu., Oct. 13 from 7 pm to 10 pm at Fais-Do-Do, 5253 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles. Cost: $10 in advance, $20 at the door.

>> Get a free rain barrel simply by reserving it before the end of the day today and picking it up this Saturday — if you’re a Santa Monica resident. You actually have to pay for it first — but then can get a full rebate from the city.

>> Hate GMOs? “Hidden In Your Food: GMOs and Your Right to Know” is the topic of conversation at an eco-foodie event put together by Co-opportunity and the Non-GMO project. Best part: Free appetizers and treats, courtesy of Real Food Daily. That happens Thu., Oct. 13 from 6:30 to 9 pm tonight at Santa Monica Main Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. Cost: Free.

>> Mix art and cycling at the ArtNight Ride. Organized by C.I.C.L.E., this ride will take you on a “bike tour of Pasadena’s vast collection of art galleries and museums which are open free to the public.” The 6-mile ride will have lots of breaks so participants can tour the exhibits. Meet Fri., Oct. 14 at 6 pm at Memorial Park Pasadena, on the corner of Raymond Ave. and Holly Street. Cost: Free.

>> Love EVs? Celebrate the first ever National Plug In Day in Santa Monica, where “some 200 Electric Vehicle drivers will silently stream down Main Street, two-by-two, for the country’s largest-ever plug-in parade to champion the environmental and other benefits of EVs, even as Congress is going after EV incentives.” Expected eco-celebs include actorvist Ed Begley, Jr., director of “Revenge of the Electric Car” Chris Paine and Rep. Janice Hahn — who’ll be riding her Nissan Leaf in the parade. It all begins Sun., Oct. 16 at 9:30 am with a press conference at Santa Monica City Hall, followed by the parade starting from Main Street and Pico Boulevard. Earlier: An Electric inaugural parade calls for 1 million plug-ins by 2012.

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>> Good Food Festival kicks off with free events at the Wenesday Santa Monica Farmers Market on Sep. 14! At 10 am, Lucques’ Susan Goin will give opening remarks — followed by cooking demos from local farmer-chef pairs. The festival continues Sep. 15 – 18!

>> Catch the next screening in the Good Food Festival Film Series — “THE HARVEST/LA COSECHA” — a documentary about child and migrant labor in the U.S. food system. The screening will be followed by a discussion about labor issues. Events begin Wed., Sep. 14 at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica. Cost: $7 to $11 per ticket.

>> Enjoy drinks with fellow environmentalists at the next Green Drinks, happening Thu., Sep. 15 from 7 pm to 10 pm at Mohawk Bend, 2141 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles.

>> Give your no longer wanted items a new home at the Santa Monica Citywide Yard Sale. Register before Sep. 16 to sell stuff. Pre-loved shopping happens Sat., Sep. 24 from 8 am to 3 pm all over Santa Monica.

>> Parking Day LA returns — to turn parking spaces into pop-up parks all over Los Angeles. Sign up or plan to host or join a park near you on Fri., Sep. 16.

>> Take in an exhibit of photographs from The Daily Ocean blog — written by my friend Sara Bayles, who’s racking up 365 days of cleaning up Santa Monica beach. The reception happens Sep. 17 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at 1612 Ocean Park Blvd. Cost: Free. Earlier: An interview with Sara Bayles — How to keep cool eco-activist style: Spiff up the beach.

>> Prepare for a morning on the beach on Coastal Cleanup Day, when Californians clean up their sandy shores en masse. Select a site near you and sign up for the big day, happening Sep. 17 from 9 am to noon.

>> Get on your bike for the Made in LA bike ride, organized by local bike-friendly nonprofit C.I.C.L.E. You’ll get to visit institutions that make local products — including Homeboy Industries, El Pato Factory, and the Angel City Brewery. Meet up for the 8-mile leisure tour on Sat., Sep. 17 at 1 pm at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St. Cost: Free.

>> Mix art and bikes at the East Hollywood ArtCycle, when galleries and other creative venues will open their doors, artists and performers display their work at a street fair along Santa Monica Blvd., and many cyclists take advantage of food, live entertainment, and the free bike vale. All that happens Sat., Sep. 17 from 2 pm to 10 pm on Santa Mnica Blvd. from Vermont to Virgil. Cost: Free.

>> Eat local and be merry at the CSA Kick Off Party at G2 Gallery, which is celebrating its new status as a drop off spot for the local CSA program. Go enjoy a live raw food demo, sample local foods, and more. The party happens Sun., Sep. 18 from 2 pm to 4 pm at G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. Cost: $5, or free if you sign up for a CSA membership.

Image via Good Food Festivals

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>> On Wednesday, a dilapidated Santa Monica house got transformed into eco-art with an ocean-friendly message celebrating Heal the Bay and other ocean-friendly nonprofits, just in time for Coastal Cleanup Day coming up later this month. The giant street art-inspired piece, made by artists whose work has been featured at MOCA, got bright happy coverage in both LA Weekly’s Style Council and the Santa Monica Mirror.

>> By Friday, the eco-art piece got visits from Santa Monica police and code enforcement. According to LA Weekly’s Informer, “neighbors, apparently not happy with the artwork, called, an area neighborhood resource officer paid the place a visit, and city code enforcement got involved.” Officials apparently want the piece taken down by Monday, though it’s unclear yet what the owners will decide to do.

>> For less controversial ocean-friendly art in Santa Monica, take in an exhibit of photographs from The Daily Ocean blog — written by my friend Sara Bayles, who’s racking up 365 days of cleaning up Santa Monica beach. The reception happens Sep. 17 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at 1612 Ocean Park Blvd. Cost: Free. Earlier: An interview with Sara Bayles — How to keep cool eco-activist style: Spiff up the beach.

>> Earlier that day, prepare for a morning on the beach because it’ll be Coastal Cleanup Day, when Californians clean up their sandy shores en masse. Select a site near you and sign up for the big day, happening Sep. 17 from 9 am to noon.

Image via Heal the Bay

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