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Be Hot, Eat Cool
The growing awareness of the impacts that food has on our
environment, communities and personal health is prompting many
businesses,
organizations, and now government to place sustainable food as a
priority. |
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In fact research is showing that food and the food system
has an ecological footprint comparable to transportation or energy
sectors of our economy – all
major sources of climate destabilizing emissions. In recognition of this
reality, the City of Santa Monica’s City Council prioritized sustainable
food
in the Sustainable City Plan and Santa Monica became the first city in
the
country to sign the Cool
Foods Pledge , which outlines the following:
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- Eating Organic
- Reducing meat and dairy consumption
- Avoiding processed foods
- Buying locally grown foods
- Saying no to packaging
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Santa Monica Single-Use Carryout Bag Ordinance
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As the Lead Agency overseeing the environmental review for the Santa
Monica Single-use Carryout Bag Ordinance, the City of Santa Monica has
initiated the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report to determine
the nature and extent of the project’s potential impact on the
surrounding environment.
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Pursuant to Sections 15086 and 15087, Title
14, California Code of Regulations, this Notice is given to advise
interested parties that the City has completed a Draft Environmental
Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed Single-use Carryout Bag Ordinance
described above and that the DEIR is available for public review.
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Styrofoam
Banned from Takeout in Santa Monica!
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With over 600 food related
establishments to choose from, Santa Monica is a great place to dine.
However, plastic food service containers have become a major pollutant
in our coastal waters, and across the nation.
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Now, Santa Monica stands
with other leading cities in banning Styrofoam, plastics marked #6, and
other non-recyclable to-go containers. By providing sustainable to-go
containers we protect the Santa Monica Bay and eat well.
See any Styrofoam in use? Report
it here.
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City of Santa Monica Receives Sustainability Showcase Award and Grand Prize
Santa Monica was chosen as 2009 Showcase Award winner for medium sized local governments, and at the award ceremony in February, the City was honored with the 2009 Grand Prize for excellence in sustainability achievements.
Visit the California Sustainability Alliance website for more info, event photos and video.
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The first Big Blue Hybrid Bus has arrived!
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Fueled by electric-gas hybrid engines, these are some of the quietest buses on the road. A Federal Economic Stimulus Grant funded the purchase of 16 of these beauties--the first six should be on the road this summer. Local businesses in San Diego and Riverside County won contracts to manufacture the new buses.
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Give Us Your Book
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| The Santa Monica Public Library announces a call for entries for its fourth annual Green Prize for Sustainable Literature Awards - anyone can submit a book for consideration.
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Greenest Vehicles of 2010
The Best of 2010 lists the greenest models in each vehicle class. Included are the year's top-rated subcompact, compact, midsize, and large cars, as well as minivans, vans, pickups, and sport utility vehicles. In addition, the Meanest Vehicles for the Environment in 2010 lists the 12 cars and trucks with this year's worst Green Scores.
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The Household Hazardous Waste Center Has New Hours of Operation for 2010
Wednesday -Friday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. |
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Become a Better Listener....and Stop Cooking Your Brains and Neck?
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It seems that cell/smart phone users have forgotten about the radiation issues surrounding these products. Was it that the information was difficult or impossible for the public to access? Well, things have begun to change, and the good news is that there are lots of ways to reduce your exposure. One way is to purchase a phone that emits the smallest amount of radiation possible - the other is just to listen more - yes, our phones do not emit radiation while listening. Are you a good listener? There are lessons to be learned here, no doubt.
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A Website for Sore Eyes
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Take a gander at some gorgeous gardens, point and click on the plants you like and - voila! - you tap into a wealth of information on that particular plant species. Click again and you automatically compile a printable list of plants that can easily be handed-off to a landscaper or an attendant at your favorite nursery. |
| This tool will go a long way in helping you overcome some of the most significant hurdles in getting your sustainable landscape project started. |
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Join the Renewable Energy Revolution!
Residents and businesses save money by installing low-cost energy efficiency items along with non-polluting, reliable solar systems on their roofs. The goal is to provide all our city’s power needs by 2020! |
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Your Ecological Footprint Likely Just Got Bigger! - Sorry
Redefining Progress recently introduced a new internet tool to calculate an individuals impact on the environment. Everyone has a footprint, even a city has a footprint. The City of Santa Monica released a study analyzing the change in the City’s ecological footprint which tracks its use of the Earth’s resources in terms of water and land area. Results showed its use shrank by 167 sq. miles, or 5.7%, from 2,914 sq. miles in 1990......All About Santa Monica's Ecological Footprint
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Landscape project compares Traditional vs. Santa Monica-Friendly gardens and the results are downright inspiring! Get the full story...
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Skin Deep: Evaluate the Safety of Health & Beauty Products On-line
"The government cannot mandate safety studies of cosmetics, and only 11 percent of the 10,500 ingredients FDA has documented in products have been assessed for safety by the cosmetic industry's review panel. Explore your products with Skin Deep's in-depth rating guides, and find safer choices for you and your family."
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Events
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