A Family Affair To Remember

All aboard! Decided to head out by means of public transpo. Universal City to downtown hell-a. Final Destination- Standard Rooftop.

Made new friends with a young pack of skater boyz. Don’t call Chris Hansen on our asses.

I don’t know why we found this so amusing. (cough, sigg sippy cup, cough)

Cali Angels and friends.

Thanks to Family Affair for partnering with Surfrider Foundation West LA/Malibu Chapter to support the Rise Above Plastics campaign. The campaign was dedicated to eliminating single-use plastic water bottles and all other single-use plastic such as utensils and bags.

Special thanks to Chris Caparro and of course to Marques Wyatt and all the other DJ’s for getting our booties bumping under the sun. L.O.V.E.

Posted by thuy

Energy Independence By Shepard Fairey

Loving this new piece by Shepard Fairey for Paper Magazine.

Obey

Posted by thuy

Pimp My Hollywood Sign

Mike Bonifer (co-founder of Game Changers) has started a grassroots movement to put solar panels around the iconic Hollywood sign and he needs our help.

Mike has already met with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s green team as well as with the Hollywood Sign Trustees on Earth Day. Solar Panel the Hollywood Sign is a community of environmentally aware citizens originally connected via Facebook who advocate turning the world’s most recognizable entertainment landmark into a source of solar energy, making it one of the world’s most powerful symbols of sustainability.

Go to Go Green Solar to see the other 3 renderings that were presented as panel possibilities.

Join, support and spread the word!

Source Ecorazzi

Posted by thuy

Family Affair #7

Have fun while serving a purpose with Family Affair today and tomorrow on the rooftop of the Standard downtown.

On May 2nd & 3rd 2009, Family Affair would like to invite you to join us for the 7th installment of our “Parties With A Purpose”. Family Affair is partnering with The Algalita Marine Research Foundation and Surfrider Foundation West LA/Malibu Chapter to support the Rise Above Plastics campaign. The campaign is dedicated to eliminating single-use plastic water bottles and all other single-use plastic such as utensils and bags. The Standard rooftop is where it all began so we’re excited to come back to celebrate another year of changing the world, one party at a time.

For more info:

http://www.familiy-affair.org
http://www.algalita.org
http://www.surfriderwlam.org
http://www.junkraft.blogspot.com

Posted by thuy

101 Days Later And I’m Still In Love

It seems like it was just yesterday when this man came into our lives, speaking of change and actually making moves to better the environment.

Obama makes the green section of my heart go pitty pat and for that, I thank him. I raise my glass yet again in honor of all the days to come with him in the White/Green House. Salud!

Posted by thuy

What Is Earth Day?

Earth Day is a Birthday!! Just like a birthday is a special day to celebrate a person, ED is a special day that celebrates the Earth. ED was born on April 22, 1970, in San Francisco, and is the annual U.S. celebration of the environment and a time for Americans to assess the work still needed to protect the natural gifts of our planet. Every year, America and over 100 different countries join together in the celebration of our Mother Earth. It’s the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide. On Earth Day, we remember to appreciate nature and learn ways to protect our environment. Find ways that you can help keep the planet clean and help protect our environment!

Watch the video above for a quick breakdown or visit Mashable for other inspirational Earth Day videos.

Thanks Ray!

Posted by thuy

Word To Yo’ Mother (Earth) 2009

Happy Earth Day to our family, friends and readers. April 22nd holds a special place in our heart. Jen and I started our blog in February 2008. GG&S was created as an outlet to share the small changes we were going through in our new found passion to go “green,” amongst our peers and loved ones.

In the beginning we wrote our posts sporadically, getting in 5-10 posts a month. After we attended our first Earth Day event, one year ago today, we were so inspired, we decided to post more regularly on a daily basis and we’ve grown so much since then.

We have never claimed to be 100% “green.” We do our small part and get really excited to learn that our friends are doing the same when they come across a post that motivates them. It’s all about baby steps. We like to consider ourselves as tree snugglers instead of tree huggers.

We give thanks to everyone for all their comments, support and positivity to the little blog that could. We’ll keep ‘em coming as long as you all keep reading or until our Macs die out on us or until carpal tunnel kicks in.

Keep it Green, Grown and Sexy.

Mad love.

Thuy & Jen

First Annual Green Dot Awards

The Green Dot Awards recognize businesses that have exceptionally high environmental standards and meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations.

Businesses with a Green Dot Award are given an ideal opportunity to market their organizations and products as environmentally responsible. As increasing numbers of consumers and stakeholders are requesting evidence of environmental good practises before selecting suppliers or services, the need for a eco-sustainability recognition system is now vital.

The First Annual Green Dot Awards
Wednesday, April 22, 2009. 7p – 9p
Held at the SmogShoppe
2651 South LaCienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034

Click thumbnail below to view the flyer in a larger format.

Thanks MiShawn

Posted by thuy

The 2nd Annual Wilshire Center Earth Day / Car Free Day

The 2nd Annual Wilshire Center Earth Day / Car Free Day this Wednesday, April 22, 2009 from 11AM-2PM at 3700 Wilshire Blvd.

• FREE Electronic Waste Recycling
  Bring your old TV, computer, monitors and other electronics to be recycled for FREE!
• We will host a farmers market featuring organic and locally grown produce.
• The Mayor’s Million Trees Initiative along with KYCC will be giving out over 200 fruit trees.
• There will be NO street closures. Wilshire Blvd and all adjacent streets will remain open.
  The entire event will take place at 3700 Wilshie Blvd. on the grass lawn between Oxford and Serrano.
• To learn more go to: http://www.wilshirecenter.com/earthday

Earth Day Event: Fuel The Movie At The Fine Arts Center

In celebration of Earth Day, Fuel will be playing at the Fine Art Center in Beverly Hills. A must see documentary!

Description: Josh Tickell will be at the Fine Arts Theater of Beverly Hills showing FUEL and signing books. Josh will be participating in an open discussion with Rebecca Harell, producer of FUEL, and 10 year old UN Jr. Goodwill Ambassador Nikkos Hansen.

Director Josh Tickell takes us along for his 11 year journey around the world to find solutions to America’s addiction to oil. A shrinking economy, a failing auto industry, rampant unemployment, an out-of-control national debt, and an insatiable demand for energy weigh heavily on all of us. Fuel shows us the way out of the mess we’re in by explaining how to replace every drop of oil we now use, while creating green jobs and keeping our money here at home. The film never dwells on the negative, but instead shows us the easy solutions already within our reach.

When: Wednesday, April 22nd (Earth Day.) Book signing 6 P.M. Movie 7:30 P.M.

Where: Fine Arts Center. 8556 Wilshire Ave. Beverly Hills, CA 90221

Admission: $8. Buy your tickets online here.

Thanks Jenny!

Posted by thuy

Coachella Ella Ella

Posts will be light until the beginning of next week. I’ve decided it’s going to be too difficult to drunk blog while basking under the sun at pool parties and going to see Public Enemy and The Cure. Party time! Excellent!

On a side note, please check out the Coachella website to read about the EnergyFACTory and TRASHed.

In an effort to cut back on plastic bottle waste, there will be 3 stations throughout the grounds offering the following:

• Free drinking fountains – 3 locations throughout the venue, please see map
• Bring your own container – it must be completely empty to enter the festival (from the main entrance or any camping areas). No glass, metal and no camel packs. You can fill up at the free drinking fountains or purchase cold filtered water for $1 per filling. 32oz maximum container allowed in.
• Purchase a $10 plastic 24oz water container and receive free cold filtered water all weekend.

Thanks Leilani!

Posted by thuy

All Aboard The O-train

Obama’s vision for high speed passenger train. This will reduce traffic congestion, dependency on oil and help the environment.

Source The Daily Green

Posted by thuy

Green Toys For Tots

Green Toys makes children’s toys out of recycled milk jugs. My first thought was, how could that be? Plastic is bad, especially for kids to stick in their mouths. But apparently it’s reprocessed into high-density polyethylene which is considered to be the safest and cleanest plastic available.

The products are manufactured right here in Cali, which is a plus for us. Less distance for production= less gas emissions.

Also, Green Toys uses less packaging. Big plus in my books. They use recycled corrugated boxes, no plastic, cellophane or zip ties and the box is 100% recyclable. Exactly how all packaging should be.

And of course the most important part- safety. The toys contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings, eliminating the fear of lead paint.

I know I’m too old for toys but something is making me want that sand play set!

Visit Green Toys.

Source eco scraps

Posted by thuy

Biodegradable Bimbo

Esto es bueno!

Grupo Bimbo, Mexico’s largest producer of baked goods, has replaced its plastic packaging with a new biodegradable plastic in all main supermarkets and retail outlets in Mexico City.

Symphony chief executive Michael Laurier said: “We are excited to be involved with creating some important environmental changes in Mexico and Latin America and playing a part in Bimbo’s efforts to continually improve their corporate and social responsibility standards.”

Founded in Mexico City in 1945, Grupo Bimbo produces more than 5,000 bakery products, from loaves and pastries to cookies, chocolates and sweet and salted snacks.

Source Greener Lourden

Posted by thuy

Best Swag Bag Ever

My sister brought this bag in on Monday and said they were on everyone’s doorsteps, all up and down our street. What a nice gift for those of us that did and even those that did not participate in (this is the last time you’ll hear me mention this, until next year) EARTH HOUR! CFL’s what what?

LADWP, you rock and thanks for the mini reusable bag which will now become my traveling lunch bag.

Notice Kobe posing up in the flick. He’s the best Boxer rescue dog in the whole wide world. How could you not love that underbite?

Speaking of Boxer’s.. big ups to Azul for rescuing Ricky off the streets last week and finding him a home. I found out yesterday that he’s moving on up…to a beach house and will be uniting with his new family tomorrow. Azul, you the bomb baby..and this instantly makes you my flavor of the week.

Posted by thuy

We’re Not These Type Of Treehuggers

These people have a huge ass case of the sads thanks to tree killers. I just want to throw a piping hot kettle of magic mushroom tea into their drum circle so they can turn those frowns into smiles and laugh their cares away.

Hug it out.

Posted by thuy

Dine By Candle Light For Earth Hour

Tomorrow night, millions of people will be flipping off their lights in their homes and businesses.

What can you do for that hour? Well there’s the LA LIVE earth event going on downtown, or you can organize something for your family or friends to do at home. Or you can grab your honey and dine by candlelight at one of these participating restaraunts that have pledged to turn it off on Saturday evening from 8:30-9:30 p.m.

• AKASHA
• Chaya Brasserie Beverly Hills
• Chaya Downtown
• Ciudad
• Lawry’s The Prime Rib – Beverly Hills (For our meat eating friends)
• Napa Valley Grille – Westwood
• Simon LA

Ode For Intelligent Optimists

Ode is an independent magazine about the people and ideas that are changing the world.

Sometimes it’s difficult to see beyond the war, poverty, exploitation and pollution that the mainstream media use to fill our view of the world. But there is more to life. There are other stories to report. Stories of countless initiatives being launched around the globe by people devoted to justice, respect and equality. Stories that bridge the gap between thinking and doing, between rage and hope, and the painful gap between the rich and poor – and thus build peace and sustainability.

That is the news that Ode promises to deliver. By reading Ode you connect to a network of positive change and inspiration. Ode points the way to knowing better, doing better and feeling better.

Ode publishes ‘the stories that are different from the ones we are brainwashed to believe’ (Arundhati Roy). Ode challenges us and invites us to change. We realise that change starts with information. We can only make a choice to change things for the better when we learn how it can be done. Similarly, we can only change our behaviour when we understand the harmful effects of what we do.

Ode teaches and inspires us, helps us see how every one of us can contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

Ode is printed on recycled paper or you can do your “green” civil duty and receive the digital version. Subscribe here and you’ll get the first issue free and then the one year subscription will be $19.95. They’ll also plant a tree for joining as well as send you a Thich Nhat Hanh meditation CD.

Ode Magazine

Posted by thuy

Yogamatic X Jill Malek Collabo

Yogamatic.com, the online destination for high quality, custom designed yoga mats, along with popular graphic and wallpaper designer Jill Malek, partnered up to produce an exclusive assortment of mats featuring the revered designs from Malek’s 2008 “ frequencies” collection. The special collaboration marks the first time Yogamatic has united with an independent designer.

Yogamatic.com offers top of the line yoga mats that are functional, eco-conscious and custom designed to fit every personality. The Yogamatic mat is a 72″ x 24″ (180cm x 60cm) and 1/4″ (5mm) deep mat with a slip-resistant, zig-zag tread on the underside that keeps the mat firmly on the floor. Each Yogamatic mat is completely made from biodegradable TPE, which can be easily disposed of without harming the environment.

Additionally, Yogamatic mats offer a closed cell structure which provides the highest quality cushioning possible, so customers can enjoy perfect comfort and support during yoga practice. The cell structure also means that our mats are almost 50% lighter than yoga mats made from PVC. Yogamatic mats are uniquely designed so they cannot absorb moisture or bacteria, a benefit that affords customers a mat that is not only healthier, but also lasts longer.

The Yogamatic / Jill Malek designer mats are now available for purchase and retail for $85.00 each. Tax and shipping costs are additional, and with each purchase a free shoulder bag is included. As well, a percentage of every sale made through Yogamatic.com will benefit Global Green’s progressive work on climate change and global accountability for the environment.

For more information, visit www.jillmalek.com, yogamatic.com and globalgreen.org

Posted by thuy

Kim Kardashian On The Cover Of Complex Green Issue?

Oh lawd, can somebody please hold my eyelids shut to keep my eyeballs from rolling out of my sockets?

It’s that time of year again. Earth day is coming up on April 20th so get ready for every magazine and their mom to do a green issue. It’s a good thing because it brings more light to our environmental problems. And yes she’s hot and has a banging body and of course desrves to be on the cover of this fine publication, but come on, at least pick someone that actually gives a shit about global warming.

My favorite KK quote:

“I’m know I’m saving the world, maybe I can save you too.”

Source Ecorazzi

Posted by thuy

Eco-Terrorist Gets 22 Year Sentence

Marie Mason, an environmental activist from Cincinnati, Ohio, is serving 22 years after admitting 13 counts of arson and property damage.

Homegirls beef? The fur industry, genetically modified crop research clinics and logging camps.

She’s lucky no one was hurt or killed during her firebug missions. Of course I agree she should pay for her crimes but 22 years? Kind of harsh if you ask me. I’ve seen child molesters get less time than that.

Go to Huffington Post to read the rest of the charges and her first interview from jail, where she’s going to be for a very long time.

Photograph: freemarie.org

Posted by thuy

Groundlings Supports Earth Hour

Performance venues around Los Angeles, including the world famous Groundlings Theater are supporting Earth Hour by powering down their exterior lighting, going acoustic for music performances and presenting fun, eerie dark performances at top improv theaters! Support Earth Hour while enjoying eco-conscious entertainment and make a reservation for a Dark Performance!

Posted by thuy

Breakin’ It Down: Sustainability

Sustainability is broadly defined as meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

(1) The term “sustainability”, when applied institutionally within a university, is essentially the development of a process or management system that helps to create a vibrant campus economy and high quality of life while respecting the need to sustain natural resources and protect the environment.

(2) Sustainable programs are those that result from an institution’s commitment to environmental, social and economic health, or the “triple bottom line”. Sustainability has both individual and institutional applicability, and is usually a balancing act.

To be sustainable, regardless of context, the earth’s resources must be used at a rate at which they can be replenished. There is now clear scientific evidence that humanity is living unsustainably, and that an effort is needed to keep human use of natural resources within sustainable limits.

Posted by thuy

FREE L.A. LIVE Earth Hr Event At The Nokia Center Hosted by Mayor Villaragosa

The grand finale for Earth Hour 2009 happens at L.A. LIVE hosted by Mayor Antonio Villaragosa, MC’d by Billboard chart topper and Emmy-Award-winning DJ, Tony Okungbowa from the Ellen Degeneres Show, featuring elected champions of the environment and staring special musical guests the Agape Choir, the spectacular Gina Rene, singing her song, Be The Change, the official song of Earth Hour LA. And a special surprise guest to be announced shortly!

Come together with your fellow Angelinos, Dine By Candlelight at L.A. LIVE restaurants and enjoy great entertainment, all while you watch Los Angeles icons all over the city go dark on the L.A. LIVE jumbo-trons at the Nokia Center. Watch the Capital Records building, the Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel, L.A. City Hall, the El Capitan Theater and The Getty Museum flip the switch!

The event is FREE and ALL are welcome!

Go to http://www.earthhourus.org/losangeles for more details and prove to the rest of the world that we really do have a community here by turning off the lights together for Earth Hour LA!

We look forward to joining all of our eco-minded friends — in the dark– for Earth Hour on the 28th!

We’ll be getting there by Metro. Holla if you want to roll together.

Posted by thuy

Catch Of The Day

Condoms. Hopefully not from your peen. All over the United States.

Plastic Surprise from Galveston Beach, Texas

Aerosol Cans from South Padre Island, Texas

Surfrider Foundation have teamed up with Saatchi & Saatchi LA to create “Catch of the Day”, a guerrilla ad campaign aimed at bringing attention to the rampant polluting of our oceans and beaches. Different types of unsavory garbage were collected from beaches across the country and then packaged to look like commonly sold seafood meat. The packages were then placed around specific local farmers’ markets – in an effort target seafood consumers. It’s a provocative approach that delivers an undeniably clear message.

Trash cans people! And the condoms? Straight up nastay!

Source Treehugger

Posted by thuy

Go Green: It Makes Your Dick Bigger

Nuff said.

Via Green LA Girl. Thanks for the laugh Siel!

Posted by thuy

Alanis Morissette: Earth Hour Is A Turn-Off

I hate it when people clip their nails in public! Nasty!

There’s another PSA from Janeane Garofalo. Watch it on Huffpo.

Earth Hour 2009. March 28th, 2009. 8:30 p.m., local time. Turn out. Take action.

To sign up, visit www.earthhourUS.org where you’ll learn more including ways you can spread the word about Earth Hour, plus creative things to do when the lights go out.

Posted by thuy

Opi + Sephora= Free Of The Big 3

Nail polish powerhouse OPI has teamed up with Sephora to create Sephora By OPI: Digital Diva Collection, an extensive line of 54 fashion-forwardshades for $9 each. In fashion-forward colors like buttercup yellow, magenta plum and bright orange-red with names to remember including IM Beauty, Meet for Drinks and Lost Without My GPS.

The new and exclusive line will have you covered with all your nail essentials: base coat, top coat, nail color drying drops, remover, and of course, the most on-trend colors in the industry. Opi does not test on animals. Plus, the long-lasting, chip-resistant polishes are free of toluene (a petroleum-based ingredient), formaldehyde (a cancer-causing chemical), and dibutyl phthalate or DBP (a chemical shown to cause birth defects). Sephora by OPI Nail Polish will be available at Sephora in early August (and on Sephora.com in late July).

Source M.I.S.S

Posted by thuy

Green Tip: Buy Organic

It’s common sense; organic food is good food. Good to eat, good for the environment, good for the small-scale farmers and farm workers who produce it. By the year 2000, the USDA estimates that half of all U.S. farm products will come from only 1% of the farms. The EPA says that agriculture is responsible for 70% of the pollution to the country’s rivers and streams caused by chemicals, erosion, and animal waste runoff. Organic farming may be one of the last ways to keep both ecosystems and rural communities healthy and alive.

Organic food doesn’t contain toxins like pesticides, heavy metals, dangerous industrial chemicals (for example, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives). And everything in it is natural: it’s real food, not “Frankenfood” created in a laboratory for profit regardless of the fact that genetically modified, synthetic foods have massive, well-known health hazards

Posted by thuy

What’s The 411?

Ecstasy (MDMA) threatens rare Cambodian Tree. How’s that for guilt trippin’ your next trip? Treehugger

Spit that Diet Coke out right now. BPA in soda cans. Eco Child’s Play

90% of parents opt out of school’s paper handouts. YES! Mother Nature Network

California leads in Energy Star Buildings. Environmental News

Posted by thuy

Ashley Judd Against Mountaintop Removal

Dragon E.C.O. Shades

The E.C.O. (Environmentally Conscious Optics)
The E.C.O. by Dragon is an initiative inspired by Rob Machado to actively investigate the method of making and manufacturing environmentally friendly sunglasses.

Includes FSC certified packaging and comes with 100% organic cotton bags, printed with water-based ink.

Source Broccoli CIty

Posted by thuy

Van Jones Pops His Green Collar For Obama

I was totally doing the YES dance after learning that one of the “boys we heart” has made it into Obama’s camp!

Author and activist Van Jones will be a special adviser for green jobs, enterprise and innovation in the Obama administration.

Nancy Sutley, chairwoman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said in a release Monday that Jones will start work next week to help direct the administration’s efforts to create jobs and help the environment. Sutley said Jones will work on “vulnerable communities.”

Jones founded Green for All, a national organization that promises environmentally friendly jobs to help lift people out of poverty. He wrote the New York Times best-seller “The Green Collar Economy.”

Where can I apply to become Van’s “Tool Time” girl?? That position has my name written all over it. I have references.

Source Huffington Post

Posted by thuy

Breakin’ It Down: Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly to support human activities. In other words, when you drive a car, heat your house or fly in an airplane, you create a certain amount of carbon dioxide. Your carbon footprint is the sum of all emissions of carbon dioxide, which were created by your activities.

I bet you’re curious to find out your footprint, so when you have a few minutes, follow this link.

Posted by thuy

Boys We Heart: Edward Norton

Playing the Hulk is not Norton’s only green claim to fame.

Norton was once named International Man of the Year by British GQ magazine, doing much before and since to prove the title’s accuracy, including signing a petition being sent to the U.N. for the universal decriminalization of homosexuality; creating and contributing to a Middle East Peacemakers Fund at Yale (his alma mater) in response to 9/11; holding benefit film screenings; hosting a National Geographic program, Strange Days on Planet Earth,about environmental issues; and being a continuing board member of Friends of the High Line, a group dedicated to saving an elevated green space in Manhattan.

While in the process of fitting his own home with solar panels, Norton came up with the idea of supporting others through his purchase. He convinced BP Solar to join up, offering free solar power systems to low-income families each time a celebrity buys a system for themselves.

To date, Solar Neighbors has helped numerous Los Angeles families, chosen by Enterprise. It has been supported by celebs such as Brad Pitt, Ed Begley Jr., Salma Hayek, Danny Devito and Rhea Pearlman and Alicia Silverstone.

And of course I’d hit it. On a bed of solar panels.

Posted by thuy

NYPD Blue Fuzz Goes “Green”

According to reports in the New York Post, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is trialling hybrid cars as patrol cars starting with 40 Nissan Altima vehicles that will hit the streets over the next two weeks.

If the pilot scheme proves to be a success, the department is expected to phase out their fleet of Ford Crown Victorias and Chevrolet Impalas in favour of the Altima which can achieve 35mpg in New York City traffic compared to the 16mpg achieved by the existing models.

The transition to green cars has been slowly progressing for some time. The police are already using hybrid saloon cars and SUVs for parking enforcement and now they are testing them to see if they are suitable for wider use on the beat.

As part of the pilot scheme, 18 hybrids will be used as marked patrol cars, 20 will be unmarked and two will be disguised as yellow cabs for anti-crime work.

The department ‘s park patrols and traffic and street demonstration control units presently use 329 Piaggio scooters and 104 smaller Yamaha scooters that run on gasoline.

The Vectrix is heavier than the Piaggio, but with a top speed of more than 60 miles an hour is nearly as fast. And the electric scooters can be recharged simply by plugging them into a standard outlet for as little as two hours.

via Edmunds and NY Post

posted by thuy

We Heart EnviroVogue Bags

The worldwide annual consumption of disposable plastic bags is somewhere between 500 billion and a trillion – that works out to be around a million bags a minute. The crude oil needed to make 18 plastic bags could drive a car for a mile.

One of the first changes we made when we started our “green” path was eliminating plastic bags from our shopping excursions for clothes, groceries, at Target and so on. We started buying cloth reusable bags but then realized that many of them wear out quickly and were not recycleable. Not to mention, the styles of many reusable bags are drab or straight up ugly.

These bags from EnviroVogue are dope and will save us from “green” guilt.

The material for the bags are made from durable, high-gloss, woven polypropylene, manufacutured from recycled plastics. A portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to the Massai Association or the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. This reflects the true spirit behind their tagline, “Look good while doing good.”

Another company doing the damn thang!

Visit Envirovogue now.

Source Green Daily

Posted by thuy

24 Goes Green

24 Going Green PSA – Kiefer Sutherland

Jack Bauer can take me back to CTU and torture me any ol’ time.

Posted by thuy

Pluck An Ingrown Hair Outta That Bush

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama urged agency heads Tuesday to ignore a Bush administration regulation limiting scientific reviews of projects that might harm endangered wildlife and plants.

During a visit to the Interior Department, Obama said the review process had been undermined by his predecessor.

“For more than three decades, the Endangered Species Act has successfully protected our nation’s most threatened wildlife. We should be looking for ways to improve it, not weaken it,” Obama said.

A presidential memorandum signed by Obama on Tuesday puts the Bush regulation on hold until the Interior and Commerce departments complete a review.

While on the campaign trail, Obama said he would fight to maintain the protections of the Endangered Species Act and work to undo what was then a proposal by the Bush administration.

Finalized in December over the objections of environmentalists, the Bush rule made optional what had previously been mandatory for 35 years _ the independent consultations federal scientists have performed on projects.

“We can grow our economy today,” Obama said, “and preserve the environment for ourselves and our children and our grandchildren.”

My crush for the big O is turning into an obsession.

Picture Washington Post

Source Huffington Post

Posted by thuy

Unnatural Art By Don Simon

Don Simon uses colored pencils and a surrealistic style to speak about the conflict between nature and industry.

Here is the artist’s statement about his latest series of drawings:

Throughout history, particularly since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, mankind has been less than kind to their cohabitants on the planet. We build, produce and consume with little or no regard to the impact it has on the environment. It is the nature of nature to adapt and evolve in order to survive, and we are forcing other species to deal with compromised, damaged or destroyed ecosystems.

This series of triptychs depicts scenes resulting from our tragic indifference. They are rendered in a beautiful and natural way, highlighting the idea that we find this acceptable. We are numb to the damage – and so, the unnatural becomes natural to us. This may be the saddest commentary of all.

See Don’s Nature 2.0 exhibition on March 26th. Visit Yarger-Strauss for details on times and location.

See more of Don’s work here.

Posted by thuy

A Message From Kiss

Source Green Daily

Posted by thuy

Ugly, Vicious Palin Vs. Beautiful, Peaceful Beluga Whales

Alaska’s Cook Inlet beluga whales are a unique group of white whales whose numbers have dramatically declined in the past two decades due to pressures ranging from pollution to increased ship traffic. Governor Palin opposes the listing of the Cook Inlet beluga whales, citing the listing as a threat to oil and gas development, despite their genetic uniqueness and the fact that their numbers have decreased from 1,300 in the 1980s to about 350 (wtf!?) today. She has indicated her intention to file suit to block the listing.

I would like to file a suit to block her ass from getting near any and all animals besides the ones she has hanging on the walls of her dragon lair. I wish all her prized taxidermy would come to life one night and wake her up from her sleep and scream “we quit this bitch!” She seriously needs a Twilight Zone awakening.

Source Defenders of Wildlife

Posted by thuy

12 Year Old Wins 10 G’s, Designs For Homeless By Using Trash

When 12-year-old Max Wallack of Natick heard of WGBH’s Design Squad “Trash to Treasure” design contest, he was ready to give his best shot. The kid stole the show with his “Home Dome” innovation, which is primarily a shelter for the homeless made from plastic, wire and packing peanuts. With his project, he has shown his care for the people in need of shelter and on the other hand, it deals with the problem of increasing landfills. The makeshift dwelling is in the form of a Mongolian yurt and features a built-in bed. For this innovative design, Max won $10,000, a Dell laptop powered by Intel and a trip to Boston to see his design meet realism.

Source The Design Blog

Posted by thuy

Clean Coal Clean Air Freshener

Just saw this commercial on TV. It was directed by the Coen brothers. FARGO! “Yah, you betcha”.

Go to ThisIsReality.org to learn more.

Posted by thuy

Terracycle

Fairfax District Electronic Waste Recycling

Once again, I love my hood!! There will be a free electronic waste disposal at Fairfax highschool on the corner of Melrose and Fairfax this Saturday. If you can’t make it this weekend, you have two weekends per month during the month of March and April to start gathering up any broken or outdated ipods, cameras, shredders, tv’s, vcr’s and whatever other things you have sitting around collecting dust.

The processing of e-waste in developing countries causes serious health and pollution problems due to lack of containment, as do unprotected landfilling (due to leaching) and incineration. Reuse and recycling are promoted as alternatives to disposal as trash.

And feel free to stop by my place after doing your good deed. I’ll reward you with some organic moonshine and yummy vegan cookies.

Posted by thuy

Aloha

Jen and I have been practicing our Shaka hand sign thanks to Obama. We’ll be putting it to good use with all the locals in Hawaii in a few hours, although we’ll probably be gearing the thumb towards our mouths as in “bartender can we get another?”

One of our bestest friends, “Sally That Girl” is getting married in Hana, Maui this weekend and we’ve been looking forward to her and Gregory’s special day for quite some time.

Mahalo to the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. for choosing the land of hot boys paradise as our backdrop. Congratulations and we love you! xx

P.S. this means we will not have our beloved black macbooks with us.. we’ll be basking in the sun and catching up on some much needed drinking and debauchery R&R. Be back soon braddah’s and sistah’s.

xx

thuy & jen

Shepard Fairey For Earth Hour

Once again Shepard is lending his hand for another good cause. This time it’s for Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is an annual international event created by WWF (The World Wide Fund for Nature/World Wildlife Fund), held on the last Saturday of March, that asks households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. It was pioneered by WWF Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald in 2007, and achieved worldwide participation in 2008.

Earth Hour will next take place on Saturday, March 28 2009 at 8:30pm, local time.

One hour, no lights, no electronics… let’s do it.

source Good

Check out the Earth Hour website for deets.

Posted by thuy

Vans Vaults Into Eco-Chic

In addition to doing away with toxic solvents for its upcoming Fall line, Vans will release a Vault Eco Pack this spring based on the use of environment-friendly materials.

This Sk8-Hi was constructed using Maharam Messenger fabric, a material that is made from 78 percent post-industrial recycled polyester, 15 percent polyester and 7 percent nylon.

There were also no heavy metals used in the dying process.

The Vans Vault are available at retailers now.
$110, www.vault.vans.com

Yo Tay Tay, Holler at ya girlssss!!

Source complex.com via ctothejl.com

Green Hotel California

“America’s greenest hotel” has officially arrived and has landed in downtown Yountville, CA. The Bardessono is a 62-room luxury hotel, featuring a 92-seat restaurant and spa.

Bardessono has many environmental and sustainable features, all designed to lessen its impact and beautify the property. A partial list includes:

• 940 solar panels on the buildings’ flat roofs, hidden from view by parapets, that produce 200 KW of power;

• Exterior Venetian blinds, automatically controlled to let the sun and heat in early in the day and out later in the day;

• Dual-pane glass, designed to take advantage of natural light;

• Fluorescent bulbs and light-emitting diodes. Everything electric in the rooms are on motion-detectors that shut them off when a guest leaves. When they return and put their key in the door, the lights, television go back on;

• Dual-flush toilets, low-flow fixtures and water filtration, which takes the place of bottled water;

• Drought-resistant landscaping and underground emitters for outdoor watering;

• Re-use and treatment of gray and black water for irrigation through Yountville’s water system; and

• Organically-sourced linens and cleaning supplies.

Source weekly calistogan

Posted by jen