The EMA Young Hollywood Board Celebrates First Year of School Garden Program         IN THIS ISSUE: 20th Annual Environmental Media Awards » The EMA Young Hollywood Board Celebrates First Year of School Garden Program » EMA Aligns With Janet Roberts For Holiday Art Show » Tiato Market Garden Café » 10 cities. 10 challenges. an infinite number of ways to help the environment. » What's Inside Your Bed? » Grades Of Green Is Inspiring And Empowering Kids Nationwide To Protect The Environment! » ACE -- Firing Up High School Students About Climate Change » Community Garden to be built in Hollywood » Recycle Your Set with Habitat for Humanity's ReStore! »           On a beautiful spring day, EMA, along with our Young Hollywood Board, celebrated the successful first year of our school garden program with an organic luncheon at the amazing Learning Garden located at Venice High School. What is now an annual event, our first school gardens luncheon was enjoyed by students and teachers from each of our initially adopted 9 schools and EMA Young Hollywood Board Members Amy Smart (board chair), Emmanuelle Chriqui, Rosario Dawson, Ali Larter, Rachelle Lefevre, and Carter Oosterhouse. We were also honored to have Executive Board members Frances Fisher, Daryl Hannah, Rachel Kropa and Wendie Malick join us for the event. Working with partner sponsors Yes to Carrots and Kellogg Garden Products, EMA has supported organic gardens in Los Angeles with monetary grants, product donations and celebrity mentors to spotlight the need for organic gardens in urban schools. The Learning Garden is a model example of how school gardens can transform the lives of students and teachers and the environment of their community. At this special luncheon 80 guests enjoyed a delicious meal catered by our friends at the Border Grill Truck. Chef Mary Sue Milliken incorporated fresh organic vegetables and herbs from our partner schools. As our guests enjoyed their meal, EMA President Debbie Levin and EMA Young Hollywood Board chair Amy Smart emceed a short program that focused on the importance of healthy foods in our schools. The day closed with the announcement of the winning school for a $5,000 grant from Yes to Carrots to support an organic school garden. Over 400 schools entered the contest and the winner was … Highland Elementary School in Minnesota! As we move into fall 2010, the EMA Young Hollywood Board will be mentoring 16 gardens! We look forward to adding more gardens each year and helping to assist, motivate and encourage this important direction in education and nutrition for children of all ages. As always, a special thanks to our garden guru – Mud Baron, as well as The Learning Garden's Garden Master, David King, and Diane Pollock from Venice High School. Photos by Casey Figlewicz EMA Aligns With Janet Roberts For Holiday Art Show Come join us November 18, as EMA collaborates with "Force of Nature" abstract painter, Janet Roberts. Her work is deep and thought provoking, and takes the viewer into a world only she could manifest; brilliant, isolated and complex. Janet's work can be found in the private collections of Ralph Lauren, Clint Eastwood, Elvis Costello, Kelly LeBrock, Frances Fisher, Diana Krall, Marshall Faulk, Bono, Annie Lennox, and in the hallways of Google, Oracle, Apple and many health care facilities throughout the world. Janet will present a solo exhibition entitled "Community" containing a body of 15 new large works executed with sustainable materials on organic cotton canvas. Influenced by her mentors Hans Hoffman, Helen Frankenthaler, and Clyfford Still, Janet decided years ago to share her rewards with non-profits when the gallery industry lacked creative growth. Since then, she has helped raise over a million dollars for at-risk children and their families, cancer patients, under privileged college students, single mothers, urban public school art programs, AIDS research, "green" coalitions and wild horse sanctuaries. Her pioneering style demonstrates an emphasis on the role of emotion and the unconscious in the artist's and the viewer's encounter. Abandoning her prosperous career as an art historian in 1996 and specialist in 19th Century American Painting and Sculpture, Janet returned to her early roots as a painter. A four time cancer survivor, mother of four daughters, an environmental advocate, writer, an accomplished horsewoman, and philanthropist, EMA is proud to partner with Janet and this exciting solo show. To be held in innovative architect, Richard Meier's newest green building in Beverly Hills, New Pacific Realty Corporation's headquarters. Santa Monica's newest, eco-chic Market Garden Café concept by House of AN is now open in the MTV/Lionsgate Building and serves an eclectic menu created by Chef Helene An and her daughter Catherine of Crustacean Beverly Hills. The fresh fare is served Monday thru Friday for breakfast and lunch, an "Unofficial" Early Dinner Happy Hour is offered on Thursday and Friday. On Sunday, as a special treat, Tiato boasts a Live Music Brunch with the Chef's Special 3 Course Pre-Fixe Menu and complimentary Mimosa. Relax in the herb garden and sip signature herb-infused saki-cocktails or Tiato's White Summer Sangria. Bananas Foster French Toast for breakfast or Tiato's Grass-Fed Burger can be enjoyed "on the go" or in the café adorned with Wyoming snow fence paneled walls and raw concrete floors. A wide selection of unique organic beers and wines are served at the stunning bar with eco-fabric bar seats to boot. In-line with EMA's efforts to increase "Green Practices," Tiato Market Garden Café by House of AN of the famed Crustacean Beverly Hills donates 10% of all Sales to EMA during the month of August. Turmeric Poached Salmon CHIPOTLE AIOLI 4 Ea Chipotle Peppers in Adobo 2 C Mayonnaise CRISPY POTATO SLAW 1 Oz Potatoes, Julienned 2 Oz Napa Cabbage, Shredded 1 Ea Lime, Juiced CILANTRO DRESSING 2 Bu Cilantro 1 Ea Avocado, Pitted & Diced 2 Cloves Garlic, Sliced 3 Oz Rice Wine Vinegar 1 Ea Shallot, Sliced 1 T Granulated Sugar 2 C Blended Oil 1 C Water Salt and White Pepper to Taste FOR THE SALMON 1 Ea 6 Oz Loch Duart Sustainable Salmon Filet, Boneless Crispy Potato Slaw from above 2 Fl. Oz Chipotle Aioli from above 1 Oz Cilantro Dressing from above Method: Chipotle Aioli 1. Using a robot coupe, blend the chilies and mayonnaise together and reserve in a bowl. Crispy Potato Slaw 1. Fry the potato straws in oil that has been heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place fried strips on dry paper towels and allow to cool. In a mixing bowl, combine potato straws, shredded cabbage, and chipotle aioli. Reserve. Cilantro Dressing 1. In a blender, combine shallots, garlic, avocado, cilantro, vinegar, and sugar. Blend until finely pureed. 2. Emulsify using blended oil and thin with water to consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve. For the Salmon 1. Season the salmon with salt and pepper. On a grill, mark the salmon in a cross-hatch pattern on both sides being careful to make sure the grill is well oiled as to prevent sticking. Transfer the salmon to a sheet pan and bring up to medium (135 degrees Fahrenheit) in a 350 degree oven. 2. On a plate, arrange grilled on top of freshly mixed crispy potato slaw and garnish with dressing and a sprig of cilantro.   10 Cities. 10 Challenges. An infinite number of ways to help the environment. Ten Southern California cities are finalizing their plans for achieving Silver, Gold and Platinum levels in the California Green Communities (CGC) challenge that was launched by EMA in partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE) and Green Seal last November at Sony Studios. The challenge was conceived by Hal Conklin, EMA Corporate Board Co-Chair and Executive Director for Local Public Affairs at SCE, as a means to get local elected officials to step up the implementation of sustainable practices in their cities. These practices will deliver energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the livability of the cities in the future. The 10 cities — Claremont, Culver City, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Redlands, Riverside, San Gabriel, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, and Simi Valley — are each developing a unique set of actions they will take to achieve recognition in the California Green Communities program. Their Action Plans must address the following 10 sustainability areas: Energy efficiency and conservation Water and wastewater systems Green building Waste reduction and recycling Climate-friendly purchasing Renewable energy and low-carbon fuels Efficient transportation Land use and community design Urban forestry and carbon offsets Promoting community & individual action As a partner in CGC, EMA will be working to focus media and public attention on the cities' activities. More cities are expected to join the program beginning this fall. EMA Executive Board Members Ed Begley Jr., Frances Fisher, Daryl Hannah and Amy Smart have supported CGC, which was featured in May at an EMA Board Mixer hosted by Lyn and Norman Lear. In addition to SCE, EMA Corporate Board members Toyota, CalRecycle and Environmental Problem Solving Enterprises are participating as CGC partners. The cities will be recognized for their participation in the California Green Communities challenge at the 20th Annual EMA Awards on October 16th. What's Inside Your Bed? Could mattresses today be as potentially harmful to your health as cigarettes were during most of the 20th century? "Absolutely," says Walt Bader, author of Toxic Bedrooms. And like the early days of cigarette sales, mattresses don't come with a warning label mandated by any state or federal agency telling you what chemicals your mattress is out gassing, or more to-the-point what you are breathing and absorbing through your skin. Walt is not trying to be Chicken Little, but when he published the chemicals coming out of memory foam and other mattresses, people started taking notice. Nine carcinogens? Neurotoxins? Reproductive toxins? Respiratory irritants? Asthma triggers? Skin and nasal passage irritants? How do you know what's really under that beautiful quilted cover? Our bodies, often scantily clothed, crawl under clean sheets to be bathed in chemicals being absorbed by our skin that we know nothing about. How is that possible? Have we been so consumed by "comfort" that we have given no consideration to the "safety" of the surface we spend way over one-third of our lives on? Mattresses today are made with synthetic materials derived mostly from OIL, and sprayed with chemical flame-retardants, pesticides, anti-microbial and anti-fungicide concoctions that are completely unidentified anywhere on the label or in product literature. How can this be? Who is protecting you? The average consumer has no idea of the toxic implications that their mattress plays relative to themselves, their family or the environment. In 2003, Organic Mattresses, Inc. (OMI) set out to make authentically pure mattresses, pillows, and accessories from three raw materials: 100%-natural rubber latex (not a blend), 100% certified organic cotton, and 100% organic wool. These materials create long-lasting, luxurious and supremely comfortable sleep systems that are completely organic and biodegradable. Made and sourced in the USA, OMI is a full-circle environmental company dedicated to supporting America's organic and sustainable farmers. OMI's handmade, custom organic mattresses are manufactured in Northern California in the only Eco-Factory™ in North America built solely to manufacture organic products. OMI mattresses are also GREENGUARD-certified and qualify under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's LEED indoor air-quality program. Young parents are eager to find the healthiest products for their children. Babies, especially newborns, spend many hours sleeping. While their immune systems are still developing, toxic chemicals can be easily absorbed through their lungs and skin. OMI crib mattresses have no (zip, zero, nada) fire retardant chemicals. Pre-compressed wool works as a natural flame barrier. Available in 100%-natural Latex or Innerspring, each have 100% certified organic cotton and Eco-wool™. To complement the crib, wool moisture pads and organic cotton flannel pads are also a vital part of creating a non-toxic nursery. EMA fans receive 2 FREE organic wool and shredded latex pillows with every mattress purchase* VALUE - $318 (*Full – King size, excluding the Sierra, Twin size mattresses receive 1 pillow). Offer expires: November 30, 2010 Mention promo code: EMA910 or bring copy of EMA newsletter To find an OMI store near you, go to: www.organicpedicbyomi.com GRADES OF GREEN IS INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING KIDS NATIONWIDE TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT! Grades of Green, a cool environmental education program, was launched on Earth Day and is already getting attention from schools nationwide. It is a non-profit whose mission is to inspire and empower students and the broader school community to care for the environment. Best of all, it's free to schools! Grades of Green envisions a world where environmental protection is second-nature in children. The web-based program covers all aspects of environmental stewardship including trash, electricity, water, paper, chemical, and emissions reductions, as well as empowering kids to utilize what they have learned in their school communities about environmental sustainability to make a global impact. Grades of Green's flagship programs like Trash Free Tuesdays and Walk to School Wednesdays have a proven tract record to get children, parents, staff, district personnel, city administrators and policy makers to "rethink " the way they do things and become inspired to help our planet. The programs have brought together communities and saved schools money through their green efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. Go to the website www.gradesofgreen.org. You'll find five main initiatives with over forty tools and activities. Each of these contains specific step-by-step instructions for the tool or activity, including photos, video clips, helpful products and artwork to provide the school with immediate start-up capability. In addition, pertinent statistics are provided to educate and motivate volunteers to take action. Grades of Green received the prestigious EPA Environmental Award and was featured on the PBS TV Show Curiosity Quest Goes Green. EMA Board Member Kevin Reilly and EMA President Debbie Levin both sit on their Board of Directors. ACE -- Firing Up High School Students About Climate Change ACE - Alliance for Climate Education is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to educating America's high school students about the science behind climate change to inspire them to do something about it—while having fun along the way. ACE delivers free assemblies on climate change at high schools across the country, using dynamic multimedia and animation to present climate science in a way that sticks. In its first complete year in the field, ACE presented to more than 420,000 students at nearly 900 high schools nationwide. In the LA area, ACE has presented to nearly 60,000 students at 80 high schools. ACE's assembly has won rave reviews from teachers, students, administrators, partners—and even the Dalai Lama. Teachers, parents and students can book a free assembly for the 2010-2011 school year now at acespace.org. After each assembly, ACE helps students kick start climate projects at their schools through the Action Team program. This program helps students take on projects, which range from recycling clubs to solarizing their school district. Last year, ACE activated more than 14,000 students to join more than 400 Action Teams nationwide. ACE awards grants to schools that want to take on more ambitious projects, and also offers college scholarships to students who have already made a difference in their community. In the past year, ACE awarded more than $130,000 in grant and scholarship funding to high schools and students that have made a deep and lasting impact in their community. For students who don't have bandwidth to take on big climate projects, ACE is rolling out their national Do One Thing campaign, through which they urge individuals to pledge to "Do One Thing" to help the environment and cool the climate. DOTs can be simple tasks like recycling or carrying a reusable water bottle, as well as more elaborate celebrity DOTs. For example, an Olympic athlete pledged to donate his restaurant's vegetable oil to power the biodiesel buses at his hometown ski resort. Anyone can pledge their DOT by texting DOT to 30644 or visiting acespace.org/dot. Article by Matt Stewart, Head of Marketing, Alliance for Climate Education Community Garden to be built in Hollywood Just Hollywood is a new non-profit organization focused on the neighborhoods of Hollywood with a mission of empowering people to build healthy communities. The first initiative will be a program called Just Food, which will utilize a garden space with raised beds big enough to teach sixty high school students per growing season how to grow organic, nutritious food. Additionally, this program will teach the importance of growing locally and sustainably. Obviously, with our School Gardens Program, EMA couldn't have been more excited about this. At the end of each week a cooking class will be offered to the students to show them how to use the food being grown to cook healthy, delicious meals. Upon completion of the program, each student will receive their certificate of completion and an application for a grant to start their own garden. Those interested can apply to begin a garden space in their neighborhood and if approved will be awarded 'seed' money for the construction. Just Hollywood staff will continue to advise and facilitate these new gardens as they begin. Corrine Galván is a Los Angeles native with 20+ years of experience in making things grow, and as the program director, for Just Food her vision is for Hollywood to be a place where food is grown in the community by the community for the community. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching organic gardening. The first class is scheduled to begin in 2011. Over the next 5 years Just Food's goal is to educate 1,000 students and build 10 new gardens in Hollywood. Nathan French - Executive Director nathan@justhollywood.org / 740.504.6499 Recycle Your Set with Habitat for Humanity's ReStore! Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) opened its 2nd ReStore in Norwalk! The ReStore is a great option for TV and film productions looking to repurpose discarded sets and props as it receives new, used, discontinued, or surplus building materials, appliances & home furnishings. Companies, contractors, retailers and individuals are also encouraged to donate. Plus, the pick-up is free! HFH GLA's ReStores sell the items at drastically lower prices to the general public. Most items are donated and all proceeds support HFH GLA's commitment to building and renovating homes in partnership with low-income, hard-working families in Greater Los Angeles. Since 2004, the HFH GLA ReStore in Gardena has helped divert over five million pounds of reusable materials from local area landfills. Trucks are sent out daily to pick-up items all over Los Angeles. To determine whether ReStore provides pick-ups in your area, please contact the Donations Coordinator at: 866-SHOP-HFH to discuss your donation. For more information and directions to Greater Los Angeles ReStores, visit www.habitatla.org. Grand Opening on 8/7/10 from 9am to 6pm is at: 11029 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 – 562.863.4663 5979 W. 3rd Street Suite 204 Los Angeles, CA 90036 Phone: (323) 556-2790 Fax: (323) 556-2791 © The Environmental Media Association (EMA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.