Want to learn more about recycling, solar power, human-powered transportation (i.e. walking and cycling), living local, water conservation, sustainability and “being green”? Browse through these selected links for more information.
Neighborhood Initiatives
Ciclavia is a family festival that works with the LA city government to close streets to traffic, and open them to bikes, skateboards, skaters, whatever! The first CicLAvia was held on October 10, 2010, and was a grand success, with thousands of Angelenos taking to the streets without their cars. The next Ciclavia will be held in October 2011.
Sustainable Silverlake is a group of community members who promote sustainable practices for the entire community through education, outreach and incentives.
Compost and Composting The city offers classes in composting for residents, as well as sells composters and accessories at reduced cost at their events. Check out the LA County’s Smart Gardening website to learn about home composting. The city offers composting bin sales events where they will sell you a compost bin for cheap and teach you the basics of home composting! Did you know that you can get free compost at the city’s Griffith Park Compost Facility?
Free trees! Click here to visit the EnvironmentLA page, sponsored by the City of Los Angeles, to see if you qualify for a free tree(s) for your house or neighborhood.
Grow a victory garden! Click here to visit the University of California Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources website. Also on the website are brochures, a schedule of gardening events, and more. The UC Extension sponsors the Master Gardener program in Los Angeles.
Solar Power Solar energy is becoming a reality for more and more individuals and their homes. Stay tuned for more information about rebates and tax incentives from the government, as well as a list of trusted solar panel companies.
Water Conservation California is experiencing a drought, but it is not hard to save water. Read more about water issues and water conservation tips at bewaterwise.com.
What’s your “food-print?” Check out these carbon and nitrogen food calculators that can help you assess the impact your lunch has on the environment at large. The food system is responsible for up to 1/3 of carbon emissions that can contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming of our planet. Calculate your carbon food-print here. Nitrogen is used as fertilizer for growing food, however, much of it runs off into our lakes and oceans, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Do you know how much nitrogen is used to farm that apple you are eating? Calculate your nitrogen food-print here.