go green

Since my move to Highland Park, I have made some small attempts at living a lower impact lifestyle. Here are some things I've done, and maybe you can too.

1. Drive less: I know it sounds crazy, but public transportation is possible in Los Angeles. I've been to the South Pasadena Farmer's Market, Old Town Pasadena, LAX, Central Library, Downtown Farmer's Market, Universal City Walk, Hollywood Bowl, Ahmanson Theater, Paseo Colorado using it to name a few. I mostly use the rail, but have also been on the bus. Use the Metro Trip Planner to figure out what to do. Get a monthly pass for $62.

2. Take yourself to the airport and back: Use the LAX Flyaway bus for $4 one way. Get to Union Station by bus or rail. From there the Flyaway takes you directly to the airport, and stops at every terminal. Buses leave every half hour. Recently I've noticed buses going to and from Westwood and Van Nuys as well. It is super-convenient! Save your friends and family a trip through traffic and beat those hideous gas prices.

3. De-junk mail: Save some trees. As of today I am free from junk mail! Say goodbye to credit card and insurance offers, Valpak, DMA, ShopWise, MoneyMailer and more. I did it quick and easy through the LAist blog (image by greenlagirl).

4. BYOB: Bring your own bag to the grocery store. You know you're getting sick of those plastic bags piling up in your kitchen and you will never use all of them to line your bathroom trash bin. I use the Trader Joe's bag but any canvas bag will do, and keep it in the car. Just say no to the plastic bag (image by envirowoman).