So, the fall semester is coming to a close, and we would like your opinion on activities for next semester. Please vote! We will definitely have something big the week of Earth Day so tune in for that! Otherwise…
South Central Farm Tour
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- Wei, Jason, Jenny
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- Tezo, Evan, Jenny, Wei
Thanks to those who came out to the South Central Farm tour! It was not easy to get up early and meet at 8 AM and then drive 2 hours to Bakersfield. That shows a lot of dedication!
We met with Tezo, who gave us the grand tour of the beautiful farm. They started with only a few acres and only working on the weekends… but now they have grown to have over 100 acres! South Central Farms distribute their vegetable boxes to drop-off sites like USC for consumers to pick up and a hefty portion of their crops go to local grocery stores and farmers market. Their main goal is to bring fresh and ORGANIC vegetables at affordable prices. They now grow a variety of produce: Bok Choy, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, mustard green, spinach, fava beans, carrots, kolhrabi, and much more!
For more information regarding the farm and joining their CSA, visit: http://www.southcentralfarmers.com/
Thanks to JASON for putting this event together!
For those who could not make it today, don’t worry! We’ll be scheduling more tours to other farms for the Spring semester!
Also, be on the look out! We’ll be screening The Garden sometime in January. The Garden is a 2008 documentary about South Central Farms… I hope you guys can come join us at the screening! More info to come later!
If you would like to become a part of our caucus or have any suggestions for us, please feel free to email uscswteach@gmail.com
South Central Farm Tours
When: SATURDAY November 13, 2010
Where: Meet at UPC Gabilan Court @ 8:30 AM to carpool
OR
7th Standard, Bakersfield, 93314
What are we doing? Tour a local farm that participates in community supported agriculture.
Learn how to join a CSA
Learn about the benefits of joining a CSA
Volunteer at the farm for an hour or two if you would like!
Contact: email @ uscswteach@gmail.com OR click to participate on our Facebook page!
Check back for more upcoming events as they come!
If you would like more information about TEACH, feel free to email us at uscswteach@gmail.com OR weilinhuang@gmail.com
Sustainable LA
When: Sunday, September 12
Time: 12pm – 6 pm
Where: LA Center Studios
1201 West 5th Street
Los Angeles 90017
What is it? FREE. Family-friendly. Environmentally-themed short films on local farming. Seminars. Entertainment. AND MORE
More Info: http://www.gotogreenla.com/?trumbaEmbed=view%3devent%26eventid%3d90225956
Beach Potluck
Date: Saturday, September 04
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: TBD – We’ll get back to you as soon as possible
More info:
Beginning of the school year get together for TEACH caucus. It will be a time to get to know each other, learn more about TEACH, and discussion on what people want to do this coming year!
If you want to bring some food, please post and tell us what you will bring. I will update the info as people post.
PLEASE bring your own silverware and plates/bowls to reduce waste.
Salad – Wei
Fruit – Wei
Also, please vote on these polls if you have not yet! We would love to hear your opinions.
Darker Side of Green
Thursday, July 8 @ 8:00 PM
Palihouse
8465 Holloway Drive
West Hollywood, CA
Cost: FREE
RSVP by July 8
More info here
Want to listen to intriguing debate between proponents of the green movement and skeptics against the green movement? In order to become more educated about issues regarding our environment and our world, we must listen to both sides. This will be an intriguing debate! Don’t miss out!
Helping Low-Income Individuals & Families with Utility Bills – the Green Angle
As social workers, we are all aware of the needs of the vulnerable populations, such the low-income population. Although we usually assist this population through case management or therapy, there are also green solutions that can assist in alleviating their cost of living. For most low-income families, they are barely able to afford enough money for housing, food, clothing, and other living expenses. One of the most costly bills tend to be the utility bills, especially electricity. Sure, some agencies can assist in paying the bills occasionally. But how can we prevent this in the first place?
One way is to start building green housing, including housing for low-income families and individuals.
Obviously, it may be impossible to rebuild current housing to be more energy efficient at this time. However, one can integrate green ideas into the construction of new housing. For example, there is the Build it Back Green program from Global Green USA, which helps to rebuild homes in more energy-efficient ways.
Click here To read a story about the rebuilding of low-income housing in New Orleans
Green Policies in November
As we are approaching the middle of summer, fall, and especially November, is quickly approaching.
“What’s in November?” you may ask.
The November 2010 ballot of course! Look out for Proposition 23, which will suspend/rollback The Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32).
What exactly is AB32? To make it simple, it is California’s clean energy and air pollution act. Signed in 2006, it requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020.
However, Texas oil companies are going full force with Prop 23 to suspend AB32.
To find out more – Click here
To see current updates regarding this on Global Green USA – Click here
Going Green at the Micro Level
So the first two topics have been more about system changes… How can you help by going green and reducing your oil usage? Remember, it’s not just driving cars that require oil, but also the products you use and clothes you wear may have been shipped using oil.
Hey everyone! I just added two links below our TEACH icon. These links are pretty self-explanatory; one is a calendar for TEACH events and the other is a calendar listing upcoming local events.
Upcoming July Events:
Venice Eco-Fest
El Segundo Environmental Expo
End of the Line Film Screening (with Q&A after)
**To get more information regarding these events, check out the Local Events calender link!**
First meeting for TEACH
Well, we have roughly 2 months before school starts! Right now, there is a tie between a beach potluck and a hike to start off the year. Please continue to vote on what you guys want as our first activity! (Poll will be provided again at the bottom of this post.) For the first meeting/get together, I was hoping we could do it earlier in the semester, when everyone is getting settled and not much is going on just yet school-wise. Perhaps the first Saturday of September? (Sept 4) Let us know what date works best for you guys! Comment here or email us at uscswteach@gmail.com
TEACH Positions
TEACH needs your help! We are still looking for a Secretary and Treasurer. There will not be an extraneous amount of time commitment. ANYONE is free to become a part of the board. Don’t be shy! If we can’t fill the 4 main positions, TEACH may not be able to continue. Sad facts… Anyway, please, if you have any questions regarding TEACH or would be interested, email us at uscswteach@gmail.com
THE POLL
Frugal Festival
When: Saturday, June 19 @ 10 AM – 3 PM
Where: NoHo Performing Arts Center
11020 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood 91601
Nothing better than reusing and recycling old clothes, household items, and other things!
More information: http://frugalfestival.wordpress.com/
Solar 101 – Information on Solar Installations for Your House
When: Sunday, July 11 @ 6-7:30 PM
Where: Pasadena, exact location TBA
Learn how to install solar panels to your house, the benefits of solar panels, and other things!
More information: http://www.meetup.com/Solar-101-Informational-Inspirational/calendar/13687030/
Sierra Green Toastmasters
When: Thursday, July 15 @ 7-8 PM
Where: Sierra Club HQ, 3435 Wilshire Blvd Suite 32, LA
Toastmasters in general is an organization that helps improve your public speaking skills.
This specific one is geared towards effective public speaking in regards to environmental issues and policy planning.
More information: http://www.gotogreenla.com/?trumbaEmbed=view%3devent%26eventid%3d86788495
PlanetFest 2010 – SoCal Vegan Earth Day
Sunday, June 27 @ 11Am – 7pm
Fountain Valley Mile Square Park
Enjoy a great day at the park eating delicious vegan food, listening to speakers talk about environmental issues and the vegan diet, and shop around for eco-friendly and vegan merchandise!
