In the City of Los Angeles, the LA Dept. of Water and Power seems to run a lot of the enviro-programs. Further west, in Santa Monica, that task falls on the City of Santa Monica Environmental Programs Division.
Why I’m pointing this out: Santa Monica runs a lotta great enviro programs — programs that help Santa Monicans environmentally AND financially. Take, for ex, Santa Monica’s Clothes Washer Rebate, which gives residents a $100 rebate for purchasing and installing a washing machine that meets the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) guidelines.
There are also rebates for high-efficiency toilets. And if you really wanna get serious about conserving water, you can get a free home water assessment :)
We have our own Hazardous Waste Center, where you can take your e-waste and used motor oil. And if you see people dumping that toxic stuff into our storm water drains, you can call the Pollution Prevention Hotline at 310.458.8495.
Can’t get enough? You might try the 6-week sustainability course at Sustainable Works, a nonprofit that works closely with the city. The course’ll get you up to speed on all the eco steps to take to lighten your footprint.
Lastly — If you’re a homeowner, check out Solar Santa Monica, a program that’s aimed at helping residents and businesses save money by installing low-cost energy efficiency items along with non-polluting, reliable solar systems on their roofs. This cool program’s set to launch in January 2007. Participating residents will even be eligible for discounts. Interested? Email susan.munves@smgov.net to get on the enewsletter list.
Regarding the 6-week sustainable works program that is offered in Santa Monica, many teachers at Santa Monica College offer students extra credit for taking this class. I’m one of those teachers! Many others do so too. So both people in the community as well as students in the college can take the class. Also sustainable works in its office on Pearl St. across from SMC has two gardens: one a garden with native plants which uses little water and the other a garden with high-water plants. So it’s fascinating to look at the two gardens.
Comment by Julia — November 20, 2006 @ 4:00 pm
Really? Good to know about these SMC credits! :) I’m totally into the Garden/Garden project, which I think is what you’re referring to :)
Comment by Siel — November 20, 2006 @ 11:00 pm