Stores find a cool path to sustainability with GreenChill program
November 6th, 2009
From Green Right Now Reports
Star Market at Chestnut Hill in Newton, Mass., recently became the first grocery store in the nation to receive US Environmental Protection Agency’s GreenChill Partnership platinum store award. The advanced refrigeration technology in the new store, which is part of the Shaw’s line of supermarkets, significantly reduces its impact on climate change and the stratospheric ozone layer by cutting the use of refrigerants by 85 percent compared with the typical supermarket.
Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, called the store’s efforts “wicked cool.”
Related Topics: · Environmental Protection Agency, Gina McCarthy, GreenChill Partnership, Hill Phoenix, Sprouts Farmers Market, Star Market at Chestnut Hill, Whole Foods
‘No Drugs Down the Drain’ week in LA fights pharmaceutical pollution
November 6th, 2009
From Green Right Now Reports
California American Water has designated the week of Nov. 9 as “No Drugs Down the Drain” Week in its Los Angeles service area as part of a national campaign to reduce pharmaceutical pollution in water supplies. Items such as aspirin, prescription drugs and other medications should never be thrown down the drain or toilet, where they can seep into the ground and find their way back into the public water supply.
Los Angeles County residents will be encouraged to contact the County of Los Angeles’ Department of Public Works at 888-253-2652 or visit www.888cleanla.com to find out where they can drop off expired or unwanted pharmaceuticals and other household items free of charge.
California American Water also will sponsor the “No Drugs Down the Drain” outreach campaign in San Diego and Ventura.
Related Topics: · Los Angeles County, No Drugs Down the Drain, Pharmaceutical pollution
Nissan’s all-electric LEAF will make US debut next month in Los Angeles
October 22nd, 2009

The Nissan LEAF (Photo: Nissan)
From Green Right Now Reports
Nissan North America said it will debut the LEAF zero-emission, all-electric car in Los Angeles on Nov. 13. After Los Angeles, the five-passenger, five-door, gasoline-free car will go on a nationwide tour in the coming months.
The Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Tour will stop in 22 cities, in 11 states, the District of Columbia, and Vancouver, Canada, offering the opportunity for interested drivers, media, civic partners, businesses and university students to learn more about the Nissan LEAF and the benefits of zero-emission driving.
Related Topics: · All-electric car, Nissan LEAF, Nissan North America
Get ready for an International Day of Climate Action
October 22nd, 2009
By Ashley Phillips
Green Right Now
This Saturday is International Day of Climate Action — a chance for everyone to take a stand on behalf of the planet and possibly participate in one of 4,300 actions that are planned in 171 countries.
350.org began the International Day of Climate Action campaign not only to wake up politicians, but wake up the world. The group wants everyone to know about and understand the number 350, which signifies the level many scientists have identified as the safe utmost limit for CO2 in the atmosphere, in parts per million.
Here are a few unique events around the US:
Related Topics: · #350ppm, 350 parts per million, 350.org, demonstrate for carbon reductions, International Day of Climate Action, join events for International Day of Climate Action, reduce your carbon imprint, stop carbon pollution
USDA conservation program gets strong California response
October 21st, 2009
From Green Right Now Reports
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in California said it has received a strong response to the new Conservation Stewardship Program. Applications were received from 412 California landowners, representing 534,101 acres of farm and ranchland and 85,527 acres of forestland for the program that compensates producers for high levels of stewardship and encourages them to undertake additional conservation practices and management.
The 2008 Farm Bill program was made available for the first time beginning in September, 2009.
Related Topics: · USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Waterless car wash in Brentwood
October 16th, 2009
From Green Right Now Reports
It was inevitable that eventually someone would bring together all those new waterless car wash products with all those kids holding car wash fundraisers.
One such partnership takes off tomorrow in LA, where teen members of the nonprofit Green Youth Movement will hold a car wash at the Barrington Dog Park in Brentwood.
The group, lead by GYM founder Ally Maize, hopes to make a statement about water conservation, and several of her classmates from the Archer School for Girls, will be raising funds for their senior class activities.
Related Topics: · Brentwood, Green Youth Movement, waterless car wash
Green jobs may help CA out of recession
September 18th, 2009
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA (KGO) — Green technology is sparking hope that could help pull California out of a recession. On Friday, the governor visited a synthetic biology company in South San Francisco. But will the so-called “green jobs” really drive the economy? >> Read the full story
Related Topics: · Green jobs, Harrison Dillon, KGO, Lyanne Melendez, Solazyme, South San Francisco
Upcoming Los Angeles green events
September 14th, 2009
Eco-LA is “Taking It All Off For… ART/3”
The Eco-LogicalART Gallery, 4829 W. Blvd, LA, CA, 90019 (just east of La Brea)
Oct. 10- Nov. 8, 2009. Curtain drop at 7 p.m.; Opening 6-10 p.m.
Peter Schulberg and the nonprofit Eco-LogicalART Gallery announced that “Taking It All Off For ART/3” will premiere Oct. 10th, 2009 at 7 p.m. The exhibit features a “live” curtain drop to reveal a 14-foot by 48-foot art piece painted on a recycled billboard and installed directly over the Eco-LA Gallery. Now called “Second Saturday at Eco-LA” once installed, the art over the gallery will be seen 35,000 times daily and over 1 million times by months end.
Related Topics: · aquarium, festivals, Green Events, Los Angeles
LA Sheriff’s Department goes green
September 14th, 2009
LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is going green. Deputies are getting a fleet of zero-emission, electric-powered Mini Coopers this week. >> Read the full story
Related Topics: · Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Mini Cooper
Schwarzenegger to veto renewable energy bills
September 12th, 2009
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office said Saturday that he would veto legislation requiring a third of California’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, choosing instead to mandate the change through an executive order. >> Read the full story
Related Topics: · Arnold Schwarzenegger, California, Independent Energy Producers, Jan Smutny-Jones, Renewable energy bills
Group asks for help cleaning LA’s 5 dirtiest waterways
September 10th, 2009
From Green Right Now Reports
Heal the Bay today released its inaugural list of Los Angeles County’s five most debris-impacted waterways and sent out an urgent call for volunteers to help restore the sites as part of Coastal Cleanup Day, Saturday, Sept. 19.
The “Code Red” locations in need of special attention are Dominguez Channel, L.A. River at Elysian Park and Taylor Yard, and Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park. These urban sites drain runoff from huge swaths of Los Angeles County and are overwhelmed by such litter as plastic bags and fast-food packaging.
Related Topics: · Coastal Cleanup Day, Dominguez Channel, Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park, L.A. River at Elysian Park, Taylor Yard
Leno will include ‘Green Car Challenge’ in new show
September 9th, 2009
From Green Right Now Reports
When Jay Leno launches his new prime-time show next week, he’ll include a “Green Car Challenge.”
“We have celebrities in green cars race and we see who the fastest green celebrity is,” Leno said in a statement. “And if some crash and burn, YES!”
Ford said its all-new battery electric Ford Focus will be the exclusive vehicle for “Green Car Challenge.” The battery electric vehicle, specially made for the show, foreshadows elements of the electric Focus that Ford will begin selling in North America in 2011.
Related Topics: · Ford Focus, Green Car Challenge, Jay Leno, Lisa Drake


