Green Grown and Sexy

Our favorite one-stop shop for all things fashionable, Barneys CO-OP, has been serving up environmentally conscious threads for awhile now.  They carry “green” lines such as Loomstate, Rogan, Stella McCartney, Evidence of Evolution etc.

Now they’ve taken things one step further.  If you bring in a pair of your previously owned jeans, Barneys CO-OP will recycle them and give you 20% off your next pair.  Get in there soon because the offer is only valid from August 11th through the 25th.

Also, if you received a copy of the Barneys Co-op catolog in the mail, check out our girl Emily’s new denim line Current/Elliott featured on the cover.  Congrats!!

Posted by jen

Not for the sake of going green, of course.  Another magazine bites the dust.  Beginning in February of 2009, Playgirl mag will no longer be offered at the newsstands.  Instead, you’ll have to get an online subscription.  

Sorry, I can’t even comment on that cover without busting out in laughter.

Via: Dlisted

Posted by thuy

As a pop-culture junkie and an obsessed and avid blog reader, I spend much of my time in front of the computer looking for green inspiration.  A group of ladies who are doing it big is the crew over at Ladies Lotto.  This coalition of rad gurlz are all about empowering and supporting their fellow ladies to achieve success in their personal and professional lives.  

With Ladies Lotto chapters based out of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle and even Canada, these women are taking over and killin’ the game!!

Check out their blog, which we scour daily for some great green tips and earth friendly advice. Bad ass bitches with a conscience… it doesn’t get any better than that!

For more about Ladies Lotto and how they’re holdin’ it down, check this great profile of the collective at URB magazine.

Posted by jen

The City Council voted to ban plastic bags from stores, beginning July 1, 2010. Shoppers will be given the choice of bringing in their own or pay a 25-cent fee for paper or biodegradable bags. It is estimated that LA consumers use 2.3 billion bags every year. Only an estimated 5% of plastic bags are recycled statewide, according to the city’s Bureau of Sanitation.

The ban was proposed by Councilman Ed Reyes, who called plastic bags “the graffiti of the L.A. River,” which passes through his district. The Los Angeles council also voted to end official city purchases of polystyrene containers (styrofoam) for takeaway food, beginning next year.

Might as well start with getting your practice on now.  It took us months to get into the habit of bringing the bags out of our trunks and into the stores with us.  Once you’ve done your shopping and get to the cashier, the last thing you want to do, whether it be out of laziness or being in a rush, is leave your cart and walk back out to get them.  After a while, it will become second nature, going against the phrase, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

Source: LA Times

Posted by thuy

I’m definitely taking this charitable display of philanthropy on Naomi Campbell’s part, with a grain of salt. For all of her arrests, blackberry throwing drama, housekeeper abuse, not to mention a love of fur, I’m not sure if I should be giving her props or putting her on blast.  Nonetheless, everybody deserves the opportunity to turn over a new leaf.

Naomi is pictured above planting to help raise awareness of environmental issues in Nigeria.  A tree will be planted for every new baby born in the region’s hospitals in an effort to draw attention to the importance of environmental activism.

Flick: wenn

via icydk

Posted by jen

This Sunday night at 10 p.m., Battleground Earth will premiere on Planet Green.  Tommy Lee and Ludacris will rival in a 30 day competition. The concept finds Bridges and Lee traveling across the country while participating in different challenges that are intended to highlight green issues. Whoever wins the contest will be the headliner at an eco-concert performed at Griffith Park to benefit its renewal after it was devastated by wildfires.  The loser, will be the opening act.  

Source: Treehugger & Movieweb

Posted by thuy

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to place a one year moratorium on fast food restaurants in South Los Angeles.  If approved by the full council and signed by the mayor, the law would prevent fast-food chains from opening new restaurants in a 32-square-mile area.  The hope is that within that year, the city will attract establishments that will offer healthier choices, sit down dining, organic food, etc.

Thirty percent of adults in South Los Angeles area are obese, compared to 19.1 percent for the metropolitan area and 14.1 percent for the affluent Westside, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.  “Cheap, unhealthy food and lack of access to healthy food is a recipe for obesity,” Brownell said. “Diets improve when healthy food establishments enter these neighborhoods.”  A report by the Community Health Councils found 73 percent of South Los Angeles restaurants were fast food, compared to 42 percent in West Los Angeles.

Raymond Roker also touched on the subject in his entry for the Huffington Post.  Check out his take on “Black in America on CNN: Are We There Yet?”   

Source: LA Times

Posted by thuy

We love these one of a kind bikinis made from recycled materials & you will too.   

Posted by thuy

My friend Raymond is selling his bike for a fraction of its original cost. Follow this Craiglist post if interested.

Brand new looking Orbea Onyx, bought in 2006 for $2700 (I have the original invoice). Only lightly ridden 100 miles. Great deal if you want a high quality sub-20lb modern bike. Tons of carbon, including FSA bars, plus Bontorage heavy duty tires. No scratches, crashes or dings. Perfect condition. Priced to sell and ride away.  Ditch the car. Go two-wheeling.

Posted by thuy

There’s been a lot of controversey over this video that was taped by a tourist, showing an NYPD officer knocking a cyclist off his bike during a Critical Mass ride in NYC.  Some say that the cop singled out and shoved the cyclist off his bike for no apparent reason while others argue that there was a civil complaint against a rider matching his description for violating traffic laws and weaving in and out of cars and that he was endangering drivers by his actions.  The video only shows so much.  What do you think?

I think I’m craving donut holes and an ice coffee from DD after watching this mess.

Via: Gothamist

Posted by thuy

The weather has hit the triple digits (we can thank global warming for that), and nothing says summertime like a cold refreshing mojito.  Check out an eco-friendly version below:

- 2 shots of VeeV Acai liqueur

- Splash of club soda

- 2 fresh lime wedges

- Sprig of mint

Place lime and mint into a cocktail shaker and muddle.  Add VeeV Acai and ice and shake well.  Pour into a rocks glass, top with soda and garnish with mint.  

Drink with a clear conscience: VeeV is the first carbon neutral spirit company.

Via Nylon

Posted by jen

How did oil get so expensive?  Take four minutes to edumacate yourself and watch this video made from one of my favorite reads, GOOD magazine.

Thanks Gary.

Posted by thuy

Via the arab parrot

Green is definitely becoming more common place and we are constantly coming across clothing lines that are turning a new leaf and offering clothes made of organic fabrics and companies that have eco-conscious business practices.  But along with all that moral excellence, usually comes a high price tag.  It’s been a challenge to find dope, edgy, inexpensive green lines, up until I was turned onto 1plus1. 

Click here to view the space that showcases stylish, eco-friendly, affordable clothing and products and get your credit card ready, it’s about time to start adding some goodness into your closet.

Posted by thuy

Happy Birthday to our girl Sarah Shewey from Pink Cloud Events.  Her soiree was held at the new home to the Hit+Run crew, in the concrete jungle of downtown el-lay.   The ink was flowing steady throughout the night, as was the 4 Copas Tequila.  Props to H+R, who will be soon offering vegetable ink as an alternative for their screen-printing process. Mad love to SS, enjoy your continued weekend celebrations. 

Posted by thuy

It had been a minute since I’ve been to Buddha’s Belly, but after my most recent visit, I’ll be going back on the regular.  They serve asian-fusion (Thai, Chinese, Korean, Japanese & Vietnamese) dishes and although its not 100 % authentic, the dishes are flavorful, fresh & won’t weigh you down, the prices are decent, the service is good/fast and it has a zen atmosphere cute enough for a date or on a night out with friends. 

A few of my recommendations would be the spicy crispy calamari salad, green curry, pad thai & the veggie tempura.  Another small suggestion: the soju mojitos- to die for & impossible to just have one. You can also order take out guilt-free since they pack your food in Ecotainer’s which are made from fully renewable resources as well as being compostable and recyclable.  

Posted by thuy

I’m definitely going to have to get a copy of the Veg News music edition featuring songstress Erykah Badu, or try to find a transcript of the article online.  Unfortunately the only snippets that have been released on the internet are Ms. Badu defending her decision to have a third child by her third baby daddy. I’m not even going there…

On another note, she’s a vegetarian. Yay!!

Via Bossip

Posted by jen

I’m a complete sucker for a cute guy with dimples who has swagger for days. Now if he’s rockin’ a beanie, especially an organic one, I’m putty in his hands (Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but you get the picture). Cop your organic cotton beanie at the Honeyee Store but get there quick because there was only 150 of this limited edition Kangol x Fragment Design hat made.

via highsnobiety

Posted by jen

After having their website crash awhile back from so many hits after a mention on the infamous celebrity blog, Perez Hilton, the DCMA boys are at it again.  This time they’ve created a dope tee reppin’ our main homeboy Barack Obama.  

DCMA is the brainchild of Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte.  What originally started as a t-shirt line has expanded into hats, belts, jewelry etc.  You can cop their graffiti inspired gear online or hit up their new store at 645 N. Martel Ave, Los Angeles, 90036

Note: Check out our boy Reez at The Gluttony (he also holds it down for DCMA, Agenda and now this.. damn, homeboy is killin’ it!)

Posted by jen

Rompers (aka jumpers, playsuits, onesies etc) are the new crack (yea, I said). These things are a serious addiction. They are the perfect super cute summertime badass outfit. What’s got me fiending even more, is the organic version from sustainable clothing line, Eairth ( a combination of the words Earth and Air, symbolizing “green and organic yet abstract”).

The designer, Melissa Dizon, sources her organic cottons and trims from the Philippines. The dyes are harvested from fallen wood, bark, roots and flowers and she has set up a fair trade system with indigenous tribes in which she pays them generously for their harvest. This in turn contributes to the sustainability of their communities.  

In L.A Eairth can be purchased at Kin and Fred Segal

Via shop diary and racked la

Posted by jen

Ok, after posting that depressing video earlier in the week about animal abuse in circuses, I had to balance it out with this one of Feist singing along with the cute fuzzy animals and monsters of Sesame St.  Cuddles.

For Shima

Source: Perez Hilton

Posted by thuy

How rad is the Bonet/Kravitz family? Here is Lisa Bonet of Cosby Show fame, along with her daughter Zoe Kravitz (yep, Lenny is her pops) and her youngest daughter Lola, entering the farmers market in Santa Monica.  We gotta give them props for buying local!!

Click the thumbnail to see a backside view of her hottie Hawaiian model/actor boyfriend Jason Momoa putting all of their goods into reusable bags and baskets.

Via crunk and disorderly

Posted by jen

So this past weekend I hopped a ride with a couple of the homies to check out the Maloof Money Cup Skateboarding Contest in Costa Mesa. We were there to enjoy a day of fun filled festivities but specifically to check out our boy Mike Carroll (Girl Skateboards) tearing up the course. Lucky for us, the contest was on the same property as the Orange County Fair so we wandered around the grounds while the boys were warming up and practicing their tricks.

The Maloof Brothers, of Palms Hotel and Sacramento Kings fame, created a street inspired course that was erected specifically for the 3 day tournament and was torn down the day after the contest ended. Not exactly the most eco-friendly setup but apparently the concrete is going to be recycled and reused to build another skate park.   

Thanks to Mike C. for the VIP passes, Diana T. for driving her Prius all the way out to no man’s land, the Woos for being great beer drinking buddies and finally to Sam S. for introducing me to the finer points of deep fried Oreos, Twinkies and Snickers bars.

Flicks via concretedisciples.com

Posted by jen

Composting is the transformation of organic material (plant matter) through decomposition into a soil-like material called compost. Invertebrates (insects and earthworms), and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) help in transforming the material into compost. Composting is a natural form of recycling, which continually occurs in nature. Yard trimmings and kitchen scraps use up valuable space in landfills-space that is running out fast! These materials make up 20 to 30 percent of all household wastes.

There is a precise method to composting but you basically need a bin, dried plant parts, leaves, fresh lawn clippings, weeds, food scraps, air, water and…worms. Yea, worms and lots of them.

Being green is easy but every time I hear about composting, I think, I can’t do that because I don’t have a house with a yard. But the fact is, there are plenty of composting bins available on the market, geared towards apartment dwellers. I’m all for it, but the thought of a bin of worms in the same proximity of my personal living space creeps me out. But for the sake of the environment, and for my future and yours, it’s something that I will definitely be looking into soon.

The image provided above is from Daryl Hannah’s site. I love that its made out of bamboo and its the sleekest one I’ve seen so far.  It’s sold out but I’m sure because of its popularity, they’ll stock them again.

Source: How To Compost

Image: Ecorazzi

Posted by thuy

My friend, who is a mami to a newborn is moving soon and she needs to find a home for her two charming cats that she cannot bring with her. Taking them to a shelter is not an option, so if you know anyone that may be interested, please pass this along.

I can *personally* vouch for these *amazing* felines. Mia is friendly with fluffy pants and will come right to you and see what’s good. Jules is laid back and welcomes your affection but might not leave the couch to get it, no offense, he’s chill like that. They are brother and sister and are 4 years old. They are not rambunctious, smelly, or annoying cats! Won’t you kick it with these kitties in your humble home? They are animal and kid friendly, as well as litter trained.  Please contact me through our “contact us” section and I will give you the contact info.

The firestorm of reactions to Jessica Simpson’s “Real Girls Eat Meat” t-shirt is more confusing than a cheesy soap opera storyline.  

In a nutshell Jessica was spotted rockin’ the tee with her football player boyfriend, Tony Romo. PETA flipped out and released the “Top 5 Reasons Only Stupid Girls Brag About Eating Meat“, then Pamela Anderson talked smack about Jessica on an Australian radio show and called her a slew of nasty names (rhymes with witch and store), while the rest of us are still trying to figure out whether the t-shirt was a jab at Tony’s vegetarian ex-girlfriend, Carrie Underwood, or referred to Jessica’s choice in sexual activity.

All that being said, I’m rollin’ with Team Lachey.

Flick via Just Jared

Posted by jen

The Ringling Bros. Circus performs tomorrow thru Sunday at the Staples Center.  I remember going to one of their shows when I was young, and yea, at the time, it was fascinating to watch tigers jump through hoops and see the elephants walk in a circle with their trunks intertwined with the next elephants tail.  If I only knew as a kid what I know now.

The fact is, animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. To force them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks, and other painful tools of the trade.

In this video, elephant trainer Tim Frisco instructs would-be trainers how to dominate elephants and make them perform circus tricks. “Sink that hook into ’em. When you hear that screaming, then you know you got their attention.” An elephant trumpets in agony as Frisco’s bullhook, with its sharp metal hook and spiked end, tears through her sensitive skin. Frisco, a Carson & Barnes elephant trainer, learned the trade from his father, a former trainer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

I wonder how Mr. Frisco would feel if he got a bullhook sunk into his no-no hole…would that get his attention?  I will never take my (future) kids to a circus, watch this video and hopefully you won’t either.

Source: Circuses.com

Posted by thuy

Be sure to check out the “Girls of Summer Issue” of URB magazine where the ladies of Green Grown and Sexy get showered with mad love. We are blessed to be included in such a dope issue with a dual cover featuring fly girls, Kid Sister and Janelle Monae. We love that URB is reppin’ for the environment and recognizing that green is definitely sexy. Peep the article at URB.COM and be sure to cop your issue on newsstands now… it is serious fiyah!!

Posted by thuy and jen

This t-shirt by Alphanumeric is making a statement about the crazy state of rising gas prices. I think it’s a pretty accurate portrayal. Spread the word and cop a shirt @ Robust Flavor or even better, boycott gas prices and walk, take the bus or invest in an eco-friendly hybrid whip!!

via highsnobiety

Posted by jen

Check out these retro Camp Beverly Hills tees, which are sure to spark a mid-80’s flashback. After gaining popularity over 2 decades ago, the line has made a comeback.  Tees are available for purchase at Urban Outfitters, however if you want to look super cute and help a good cause at the same time, purchase your CBH tee at Owl’s Lab.  A $5 donation will be given to the Lower East Side Girls Club.

via Nitrolicious

Posted by jen

The Maguire/Meyer clan is officially official. Check out their adorable daughter Ruby rockin’ the baby Sigg bottle. What do y’all know bout that?? 

Flick via WENN

Posted by jen

We’ve been out of commission for the past few days, we’ll be back up soon. In the meantime, we leave you with this clip from the classic Ali G show, with the topic being: Environment. Respect!!!

Thanks Shahram! xx

Posted by thuy

The best way to shop is to buy quality, timeless pieces that you can keep in your closet for years as opposed to trendy, disposable clothing that you will eventually sell, donate or even worse toss into the trash. Skin & Threads offers styles that can be worn as separates or layered and are made of organic, soft natural fabrics.

I’m loving the long cardigans, perfect for L.A. chilly nights, as well as the cute dresses that can be easily converted from a daytime to evening look, simply by changing out the shoes. The colors range from bright bolds to neutrals and can be found at Fred Segal & Bloomingdale’s.

Posted by thuy

Raw, vegan and certified organic…These probably aren’t words that bring to mind visions of mom’s home cooking, but believe or not somehow Leaf Cuisine manages to trick you into thinking your eating your childhood favorites.  

Thuy and I have ventured out to this low key spot on a number of occassions and have yet to be disappointed. Portions are generous, not to mention delicious (and nothing is heat processed above 110 degrees F). I played it safe and ordered the Raw Slaw and the Garden Delight Salad, however as I looked around it seemed as though everyone else had ordered the Pad Thai made with squash and kelp noodles.  I also highly recommend the desserts, ranging from carrot cake to Oraweo pudding (get it.. Oreo but it’s raw, hence “Oraweo”). 

Leaf Cuisine offers catering as well as classes that teach you the principles, techniques and preparation of a raw diet. With locations in both Culver City and Sherman Oaks, you can get your fill of this dope cuisine whether you rep for the Valley or the Westsiiiide!!

Posted by jen

With gas nearing 5 bones a gallon and all this talk of it possibly doubling that in the next few years, I’m starting to rethink my longing for a fuel/electric hybrid.  I’ve never been much of a sports car type of gal, but the Tesla Roadster is definitely seducing me with its lithium-ion battery pack as well as its sleek & sexy design.  It goes 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds and Tesla claims it will get 220 miles of driving per charge.  I’m not sure when this car is officially coming out, but we did happen to pass a Tesla showroom off of Santa Monica Blvd., recently so hopefully in the near future. Check out the video below for a sneak peek at the zero carbon emitting, soon to be on every mans wish list, dream car.

Posted by thuy

So I now officially know from first hand experience that Tobey McGuire and his gal Jennifer Meyer are legit greenies. Thuy and I have lurked on Jennifer and her adorable daughter Ruby, looking over organic fruit and veggies at our local farmers market on Melrose Place on more than one occasion.  She had her reusable bags on hand of course, like any new mother who cares about the future of her child would.

She was also recently spotted (see pic above) at my local Whole Foods on the corner of Fairfax and Santa Monica toting her trusty reusable bag. This is the Whole Foods where there inevitably seems to be a cute guy in every aisle. I guess they might even throw a glance in my direction if I wasn’t always coming straight from a workout in sweaty clothes, no makeup, and desperately trying to hide behind oversize sunglasses.

Well enough about the sad state of my personal life.  Buy local and organic and don’t forget to stock these great goodies in your fashionable earth friendly tote… Everybody’s doing it!

Posted by Jen 

flick: just jared

Ever been done dirty by the man you spent x amount of years with, thinking he was “the one,” only to have him tell you, he’s not, or even worse, a cheating ass busta that slipped up one day and left his blackberry out while showering? Well, before you grab the matches and lighter fluid to pull a Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, grab your camera instead, along with everything he’s ever given to you and put that ish up for sale on this site, Ex-Boyfriend Jewelry.

It’s kind of like ebay but with each posting the scorned ex writes a description of her unfortunate circumstance and some of them are pretty damn hilarious.  You can sell or trade rings, watches, bags and other random things, there’s even a category named ‘gifts that should have been jewelry.’  It’s the perfect recycling method for that promise ring or Gucci purse, that will surely remind you of him every time you see it.  Just make sure it’s not a Canal Street bootleg that he got for you on that supposed business trip he took on that weekend you couldn’t get a hold of him.

Posted by thuy

My obsession with magazines started at a young age.  Who remembers Tiger Beat, Bop, or Teen?  As I got older, I upgraded to the fashion mags.  I loved opening a new one, feeling the crisp pages, excited to see all the beautiful women in exotic locations, decked out in clothing and accessories that I could only dream of one day owning.  I’m sure all that fantasizing is what eventually led me to my path in the fashion biz but it also made me an excessive consumer, purchasing and collecting a very large selection of glossies, every single month for 15+ years.

I never really gave a thought to all the paper being used, but now that I imagine the thousands of publications that have passed through my hands- I shudder.  Sorry Treepeople, I now see the light and although I can’t promise I’ll never buy a magazine again, I have definitely scaled back significantly and the ones I get from here on out, will always get recycled.  Thanks to that handy thing we have these days called the internet, I can do my research online and have peace of mind that I’m not wiping out a small patch of forest somewhere.

Posted by thuy

Aloha to our favorite Green Grown And Sexy gal.  Last night a large party of people bid farewell to a dear friend to many, Karen Ranoa.  She is following her heart and moving to the Bay.  Dave, you’re one lucky guy.  I fell in love with her the first time I met her and I’m sure it’s the same for anyone else that has had the good fortune of crossing paths with this hapa beauty.  She has compassion for animals, loves planet earth, owns a Prius, volunteers, and has the most infectious smile and personality you’ll ever come by.  As quoted from her myspace page, “ALOHA, I’m a 5′13″ Hapa-Hula-Girl-House-Head-Hippie-Leo-Dragon-Vegetarian-Green-Tree-Hugger-Wahine, I aint no gas guzzlin’ whore, & everyday is the best day of my life!” Shout out to her parents for slapping skin and creating her & her sister Julie, many moons ago.

I’ll always have Karen to thank for sparking my interest in using reusable bags when shopping, as well as turning me onto Earthlings, a movie that changed my life for the better.  She is my she-ro and will be sorely missed.  She always says she’s Green Grown and Sexy’s number one fan but in actuality, it’s the other way around. You have been a big inspiration to me Karen and for that I thank you. P.S. the rest of your gift bag will be arriving in the mail soon.

Farewell to Laurie, Soosan, Andria, Nicole, Tito & Kelly as well.  Damn, LA just lost a handful of beautiful angels. Good luck to you all.  xx

Posted by thuy

Green Tip: Use Reusable bags. I’ll say it again because it just can’t be said enough.  One of the simplest things you can do on your journey to becoming green is to ditch plastic (and paper bags) and hop on the reusable bag bandwagon. There are so many cute, stylish options out there that there’s really no excuse for anyone to still be carrying armloads of non-biodegradable plastic bags.  These bags wreak havoc on the environment as they pile up in landfills and seep into marine life.  

Check out these super hip re-usable bag from Baggu.  They have a dope interactive website that allows you to color customize your bags with everything from bold colors to stripes.  Guys, don’t be afraid to rock them either.  Girls heart guys who care about the environment!

Posted by jen

Whatever happened to the good old days when a glass of water was, well…a glass of water.  You’d turn on the tap, place some random cup under it and and filler’ up.  I’m starting to think this whole bottled water obsession is a conspiracy theory.  I never used to think twice about drinking tap water until fancy pants companies like Fiji, Evian and Voss started selling me their liquid crack.  I hate to admit it, but I became an addict.  I couldn’t get enough of the stuff.  Well, I’m here to tell ya it’s time to kick the habit.

This is an image from Brita’s new campaign to discourage the use of plastic water bottles. According to their site, Americans send approximately 38 BILLION water bottles a year to landfills, where they take thousands of years to biodegrade. The images in the campaign are reflective of the 1.5 million barrels of oil needed to make those bottles.  

Brita’s philosophy is that by switching to their refillable water pitchers, we can drastically reduce the amount of plastic bottles being used. They encourage people to take a pledge on their website called Filter For Good in an effort to reduce the use of plastic bottles.  

This is a step in the right direction, however, naysayers point out that Brita is owned by Clorox (a company who has made some serious environmental missteps in the past) and that the filters used in the Brita pitchers as well as the pitchers themselves are not recyclable. Check out this website for the other side of the argument Take Back The Filter.  Do your research. 

Posted by Jen

Not only does British/Sri Lankan singer M.I.A have the sickest fashion sense and one-of-a kind musical style, she also has a big heart!  She recently performed at an MTV Awards after-party and announced that she would donate half of her $100,000 fee to charity. Her plan is to use the money to build schools in Liberia, where $52,000 will fund a school for a 1000 students. 

In a recent development M.I.A just announced at the Bonnaroo musical festival that her performance there was to be her last gig ever.  Let’s hope that this is just a nasty rumor because we definitely need musicians in the game who care about giving back.  

Flick via wireimage

Posted by jen

It seems like everywhere you look there’s some kid with baggy pants (or I guess they’re wearing them kinda tight these days) whizzing past you on a skateboard. That coupled with stories of woe from my girlfriends and their experiences with said sk8er boi’s (sorry, i couldn’t resist the Avril Lavigne reference), has left me with the feeling that skaters are taking over the world.  Ok, so that might be a wee bit of an exaggerration, but they are definitely taking over a day and making it their own…. June 21st is officially Go Skateboarding Day (GSD).  

Not only is skateboarding a great form of alternative transportation (no nasty carbon emissions here), but GSD marks a day where skateboarding also contributes to a good cause.  Started in 2004, Go Skateboarding Day (GSD) was conceived as an excuse for skateboarders to skip their obligations and just get out there and grind.  

This holiday has gained momentum and popularity with each passing year, with over 32 countries participating and upwards of 2.5 million media impressions in past years. Check the GSD website and see how you can create your own event for that day and donate proceeds from the event to a charitable cause.

Posted by jen

If you live here in LA or anywhere on planet earth for that matter, you have definitely seen the street art plastered around your city over the years of Andre the Giant, or the guerrilla marketing campaigns for the anti-war/anti-Bush movement or most recently, the Barack Obama/Hope campaigns. Shepard Fairey has long been known for his socially conscious illustrations as well as being a DJ, the co-founder of Swindle magazine, a husband and the proud father of two beautiful daughters.

I was so excited when I turned on Planet Green and saw the feature on Shepard and Amanda getting an eco-makeover for their daughters bedroom. Amanda picked up a new bed and mattress made of sustainable, pesticide free, organic materials from The Little Seed and they also painted the walls of the room with a 100% non-toxic, VOC free paint. Congratulations to Shepard and Amanda for their newest addition and for making the conscious effort in starting their family on the right path.

Posted by thuy

Is what the audience shouts when the wrestlers kick their leg up and stomp on the ground.  Last weekend, my friend Julia invited me to the Grand Sumo Tournament at the sports arena.  It was their first time in LA in 27 years and her company, Sakura was one of the sponsors.  We arrived a bit early to set up gift bags.  I was happy when I saw that they were using cute red, reusable, cloth bags.  I couldn’t believe it when I came across the bags from another sponsor- plastic?  JANKY!!  Not to mention when I walked around to check out the vendors, I noticed another company making gift bags out of plastic bags as well.  Asians love them some petroleum based, non-biodegradable bags.  I’m gonna have to have a talk with my peoples soon. 

Anyway, the fights were amazing to watch and it was cool seeing all the gentle giants chilling in the hallways, some in robes and others in the traditional mawashi.  Sumo’s are like royalty in Japan and it was funny to see all the fans back at the hotel going ape-shit over getting pics with them. Thanks to Julia and to Sakura for having me as a guest at this historic event.

Posted by thuy

Green Tip: Conserve Water.  It’s a misconception that there is an endless supply of water available for our reckless consumption.  On the contrary, in many countries there is a huge shortage, not to mention a drought in Los Angeles as we speak.  

Here are some simple things you can do to preserve water-Turn the tap off while you brush your teeth. . Wait until you have a full load before you do laundry or run the dishwasher.  Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold drinks.  Take shorter showers (aka navy showers) or squeeze in a little ’sexytime’ and shower with your boo.  The list goes on but it’s pretty self-explanatory. Waste not, want not!!

Posted by jen

Last night I headed out to Little Tokyo for a L.A Market Week Wrap Party @ the Unitard Gallery, to meet up with friends, enjoy some music, & take in some art & fashion. Earlier in the day, I came up with the bright idea of taking the bus to the event, knowing that I would be meeting up with friends that I could catch a ride back into Hollywood with.  I went online to Metro.net to plan my trip out. You type in your start point and your final destination and it tells you what stop to go to to catch the bus/train and where you’ll end up as well as the average travel time & how much you save in gas.  Seemed simple enough.  

I walked a block away to the stop on Melrose and Fairfax.  It was 8:30 p.m. and after waiting 13 mintues, I couldn’t help but think, if I had been driving, I’d be there by now. A few moments after, the Metro arrived so there was no time to puss out.  36 minutes later, I arrived at my stop at Temple and First St.  I got off and thats when the panic kicked in.

I didn’t know where the hell I was and don’t know my way around downtown that well.  The streets were dead except for a few transients so I made a couple of frantic phone calls to get directions.  I began to walk but at that point I wanted to get there fast and started to keep my eye out for a cab.  That was a bust, and I ended up walking the rest of the way.  In NY, 10 blocks is a breeze & fun, but in downtown LA, in the dead of night, not so much.  When I finally made it there, I gave a few hugs and made a beeline for the bar, a tall drink was in order.  I’m glad I tried it, but next time I head out to the concrete jungle, I’ll carpool with friends or drive in my own, trustworthy, carbon emitting vehicle and yes, I’m cringing with green guilt while typing this.

Posted by thuy

Leonardo Dicaprio is definitely a boy we heart, not just for his rugged good looks, but also for his totally cool advocacy of an eco-conscious lifestyle.  Now he’s taking it one step further by purchasing a condo at the Riverhouse, which is being touted as one of the greenest residential buildings in America. 

Green perks at his new crib include twice filtered air and water, sustainable non-toxic materials, solar energy, non-pollutant paints, sealants and adhesives, not to mention the building exceeds LEED standards.

Before you start getting visions of a hippie treehouse, let me be the first to tell you that this place is seriously fly!! It is located in the posh Manhattan neighborhood of Battery Park and overlooks the Hudson River.  The residences and amenities are designed by David Rockwell of Nobu and W Hotel fame and services include valet parking, a fitness center, yoga studio, media center etc.  

Most recently Tyra Banks purchased a bamboo-floored condo in the building, and rumor has it that Ugly Betty star, America Ferrera, has also shown interest in purchasing there.  This place is dope…I’m officially green with envy!!

Posted by jen

I drool over these bags every time I go into Whole Foods. Local designer, Kim White uses dead stock fabric intended for car interiors of the 70’s and 80’s.  Each bag comes stamped with the year and make of the car it came from. Cloth made back then was so durable that you can be sure this will be in your collection for a lifetime.  I was never big on classic muscle cars but I would rock that Camaro bag like no tomorrow.  Click here to view the collection.

Posted by thuy

Check out this eco-friendly protective cover for the iphone made from eco-friendly wood.  It’s definitely a viable alternative to the traditional plastic cases which as we know by now, take more than a lifetime to biodegrade.  Not only will this company hook up your iphone, but they’ve got your itouch and ipod ‘covered’ as well.  Check out miniot.com for more details.  

Posted by jen