My friend Allison is one of those teachers they make movies about. She's always looking for ways to engage and intellectually challenge her students beyond the classroom. And I know she has made a profound difference in many of their young lives.
This Saturday, she's orchestrated an event that combines three of her passions: teaching, art, and the campaign to save the environment. As part of the Step It Up November 3 day of action to stop global warming, she's organized an exhibition of her students' artwork inspired by the Thoreau quote, "Let your life be a counter-friction to stop the machine."
I can't wait to see what these young minds come up with. If you're in the Los Angeles area, please stop by and show your support. Here are the details…
What: The Verdugo Hills Multi-Media High School and the School of Visual Arts along with Step It Up, Allison Conant and Alexandra D'Italia present Stop the Machine! Art Show.
When: Saturday, November 3, 2007, 3:00 PM
Where: NoHo Gallery LA. 5208 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601
Step It Up is a grassroots organizations founded to promote community action to raise awareness to stop global warning and get our representatives to cut carbon 80% by 2050. There are going to be thousands of local events across the country this Saturday. To find one in your area visit their website.
You can also think globally and act locally when it comes to your pet. Here are some ideas to reduce you and your dog's carbon footprints.
Recycled bone and ball from Planet Dog the Maine-based product design company devoted to socially responsible initiatives. Available at Branch, a super-cool sustainable living design site.
Big Shrimpy beds:
blanket:
and toy:
Seattle-based Big Shrimpy uses SmartFill, a 100% recycled pre-consumer poly fiber diverted directly from the waste stream to create long-lasting, durable pet products that reduce increased consumerism. Smart idea, since my dog's destroyed plush toys could fill a garbage barge. Their motto -- love your pet, love your planet --- says it all.
I think this is my favorite find, Hartz Clean Earth Biodegradable Training Pads. Darby is beyond using these, but I was pleasantly surprised to find one of the largest pet-product companies going green. Check out their entire Clean Earth line that includes shampoo, odor and dander removers. Great move Hartz. Thanks for being an eco-friendly leader in the pet biz!
P.S. Purchase a Step It Up T-shirt here.
(Photo at top: Allison Conant and our friend Kris Kamm at a Lawrence Asher gallery opening.
