This weekend, the Green Festival Expo for sustainable living is coming to Los Angeles – and we’re going to be there!

The Green Festival Expo is America’s largest and longest-running sustainability and green living event, uniting brands, businesses, filmmakers, thinkers, and consumers in one vibrant, dynamic marketplace. It’s the must-attend event for anyone who’s interested in green living — and we know that means you.

“The Green Festival Expo continues to gain momentum in Los Angeles as new and exciting speakers and celebrities will join an array of brands, partners, and speakers to feature the latest in sustainability across the country,” said Dr. Corinna Basler, president of Green Festivals, Inc. “We are excited to expand the plant-based offerings at this year’s show and provide even more food options that are healthy for our attendees and that help to combat climate change.”

This is the sixth year that the festival will be coming to the Los Angeles Convention Center. The festival will take place from September 16 to 18, with thousands of products and services to explore and a host of different events and panels to attend, including sustainable fashion shows, hands-on demos, and educational activities.

The Expo will be opened on Friday from 12 to 6pm, on Saturday from 10 to 6pm, and on Sunday from 10 to 5pm. Tickets are available online, and free entry is granted to kids 16 and under and anyone who bikes to the event – just bring your helmet to the box office.

Events will include a discussion by actor and activist Ed Begley Jr. on energy efficiency in 2016, musician Moby addressing the effect of animal agriculture on the environment, free classes on Bokwa fitness and African dancing at the Valetta SuRae Fitness Pavilion, vegan cooking demos with Spork Foods, and screenings of several environmental documentary films such as “Cowspiracy,” “Love Thy Nature,” and “Speciesism.”

Our very own Laura Klein will be speaking on the Living a Stunning and Sustainable Lifestyle panel on Saturday from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. The panel, which will be moderated by Rachel Winokur, the award-winning interior designer and sustainable lifestyle expert behind Rachel Winokur Interiors and a board member of Fair Trade LA, will feature three movers and shakers in the world of sustainability.

Rachelle Carson-Begley is an actor, environmentalist, producer, and author. She was featured on “Our Green House with the Begleys: Learning As We Go” on BiteSize TV with her husband Ed Begley, Jr. as the couple built their very own green, fully solar home.

Kamea Chayne, is an author, blogger, and eco-lifestyle advocate. Named a “millennial pioneer of sustainable living” by Half-Stack Mag, Kamea is the Editor of Konscious World, the Marketing Manager of Ethical Writers Co. and the bestselling author of “Thrive.”

And of course, Laura Klein is the co-founder of Organic Authority LLC and the publisher and editor-in-chief of OrganicAuthority.com and EcoSalon.com.

The Green Festival will allow attendees to explore everything they need to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. We hope to see you there! Get your tickets here.

Related on EcoSalon
4 Must-Have Fall Fashion Trends with a Sustainable Twist
5 Essential (and Totally Sustainable) Work Bags
Kindred Black: A Sustainable Approach to the Luxury Lifestyle

Image care of Green Festival

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Dry brushing has been known to exfoliate dry skin and promote skin renewal, but can it actually reduce cellulite?

While short-shorts, mini skirt, and bathing suit season may have come and gone, but just knowing you have cellulite is punishment enough. Besides, between the sheets season is year round.

We fight the cellulite battle with expensive creams and even liposuction, but could dry brushing be an inexpensive, safe method of cellulite reduction that’s actually effective? Does dry brushing really work? Yes, and here’s why:

Cellulite is the uneven appearance of dimples on the skin’s surface. Though it’s associated with fat, skinny people can, and often do, have cellulite. The result of a combination of skin structure, fat tissue, and muscles, cellulite impacts more women than men, especially around the thighs and butt. Women have thinner skin than men, which is part of the reason why it’s more common and more obvious in women.

Dry brushing promotes the swell of the skin tissue which can, at least temporarily, reduce the appearance of cellulite. But that’s not the only benefit: Dry brushing also promotes tighter skin, cell renewal and blood flow, and helps the tissues of the lymphatic system release toxins, so it’s not all about looks.

Dry brushing exposes healthier skin by getting rid of that dry layer of skin on the surface. It’s an easy, healthful, and inexpensive method of detoxification that’s not invasive. If you have any cuts or wounds, don’t dry brush that area. If your skin is sensitive and reddens on touch, use a wash cloth instead of a dry brush.

Spend extra time in areas that need work. If you’re looking to reduce cellulite, focus on the thighs and butt. More dry brushing tips below.

Dry Brushing Tips

• Dry brush skin 1 to 2 times per day.
• Move the brush toward the heart.
• Make long sweeps, back and forth, circular motions.
• Don’t brush too hard.
• Make sure the bristles on your dry brush are hard, but not too hard, natural and not synthetic.
• Buy your dry brush at a local health foods store.

Related on EcoSalon:
20 Ways to Boost Circulation
7 Myths About Cellulite
The Thigh Gap: An Unfortunate Body Image Trend

Image: anneh632

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Looking to relocate? Start here.

Each year, the healthiest and happiest cities in America are named by public agencies, private consultancies, magazines, blogs and now even Foursquare. These lists consider key indicators like fitness, diet and emotional well-being, as well as more concrete factors like number of farmer’s markets and ratio of sunny days. In honor of National Nutrition Month, here’s a rundown of the best of the best.

San Francisco, California (Top Image)

Early adventurers seeking the Fountain of Youth should have stuck flowers in their hair and headed for San Francisco, which was recently named the best city for staying young by the RealAge 2012 Youngest and Oldest Cities report. Certainly San Francisco’s top billing on Prevention Magazine‘s list of America’s best walking cities helps. Add a strong emphasis on local and organic food and a low incidence of smoking, and you have the best anti-aging recipe in the country.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu residents are among the country’s slimmest people, according to Self magazine. One contributor is diet; Honolulu reports the highest number of Foursquare check-ins to healthy eating establishments, like farmers markets, fish markets, salad shops and juice bars, as a percentage of total check-ins to restaurants and shops. It’s a winning combination for mental health too: Honolulu leads the nation in Emotional Health according to last year’s Gallup Well-Being Index.

Raleigh, North Carolina

A focus on preventative medicine earned Raleigh the title of Healthiest City for Women in Men’s and Women’s Health‘s annual survey, which ranks metropolitan cities in 30 areas ranging from fitness to diet to disease. Life expectancy is high, especially since the vast majority of women stay on top of regular health examinations like mammograms and pap smears.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The American Fitness Index from the American College of Sports Medicine ranked Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington the best metropolitan area for healthy, fit and active lifestyles. The Twin Cities boast high numbers of public recreation areas, which likely contributes to their low levels of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Low poverty and unemployment levels are just the cherry on top.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster residents certainly have something to smile about. The city scored highest in 2011 on the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, which examines life evaluation, emotional health, work environment, physical health, healthy behaviors and access to basic necessities. Lancaster also boasts one of the highest per-capita rates of green roof space in the country.

Phoenix, Arizona

Blue skies are the norm in Phoenix, which made Self magazine’s list of the Healthiest Cities for Women because of its high sunny day ratio. Retirees flock there for the pleasant weather and easy lifestyle.

San Jose, California

Residents of San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara reported the highest well-being among metropolitan areas with a million or more inhabitants, according to the Gallup Well-Being Index. San Jose also leads America in Foursquare check-ins for physical fitness.

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington topped this year’s list of the Healthiest Cities for Men from Men’s and Women’s Health, and it was ranked the healthiest city in America by the Centers for Disease Control in 2008. Burlington also has the most farmer’s markets in the country according to Self magazine’s listing, which confirms our theory that healthy eating can solve all manners of maladies.

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder’s wide array of outdoor pursuits make it the best U.S. city for weight loss, according to Prevention magazine. Not only are its residents active hikers, bikers, and yogis, but the city also offers loads of fresh, local cuisine. The endorphins seem to be having an impact; Boulder made the top of the Gallup Well-Being Index in 2009.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Residents of Ann Arbor reported the best overall life evaluation in 2011, according to the Gallup Well-Being Index. This may be thanks to an emphasis on education and innovation. In the past year, Ann Arbor has been ranked among America’s Geekiest Cities by Forbes, Most Educated Cities by U.S. News and World Report, and Most Well-Read Cities by Amazon.com. The city certainly proves that enlightenment is a key to health and happiness.

Images: Beto Ruiz Alonso, Gsgeorge, Bob Jagendorf, Church Street Marketplace, messycupcakes, Ludovic Hirlimann, North Carolina National Guard, Victoria Garcia, Tim Wilson, the_tahoe_guy

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St. Patricks’ Day this week turned cities green literally – from landmarks to libations. But how green have major metro areas around the U.S. been throughout the year? The American Cities Business Journal group has released a new study on the matter.

Their inaugural Green Cities Index examined 43 U.S. cities, and ranked them based on 20 criteria encompassing residents’ environmental behavior, cities’ use or abuse of land and water, and presence of a variety of environment related projects and industries. The Green Cities Index 2010 survey results have been hot in the blogosphere ever since, with bloggers and residents bragging or bummed about their scores.

Portland topped the Green Cities Index 2010, with San Francisco in a close second place, Honolulu at third followed by Austin and Boston. The new study’s rankings fell in line with related studies by the Natural Resources Defense Council, and by Popular Science. But not exactly.

Surprising Strengths

Green Cities Index 2010 gave areas lacking environmental credibility overall some surprising points. Houston, one of the most traffic-choked cities in the U.S., held the top spot for Energy Star rated facilities, saving it from a much lower score.

Meanwhile, Albany ranked in the top ten on this list, though traditional manufacturing plants have caused severe pollution there for years. The city’s high score was influenced by Albany’s top score for “green jobs.”

At least the presence of more green jobs per capita in the area indicates the promise of a sea change.

It ain’t easy being green…

How important are green aspects of a city to the quality of life there? We think entirely important. That’s why we’re surprised that Green Cities Index 2010 chart topper Portland did not rank so highly in a separate happiness survey, the Gallup Healthways Well-Being Index which was released last month. The happiness study examined 162 cities, and Portland came in at 59. (That compares indirectly to 16th place on a 43-city list like Green Cities.)

Greensboro, North Carolina which came in dead last on the Green Cities Index, with the worst ranking for sprawl and its result, carbon emissions per capita, ranked 97th on the well-being index, which would put it at about 25th on a list of 43.

While there’s no apples-to-apples comparison between the studies, it’s worth asking: why aren’t the greenest cities always the happiest? Where does your city rank, and how happy are you?

Basic reading:

“A few hundred miles up the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Pittsburgh sits as a shining example of sustainability. After decades of working to clean its smoky skies and polluted waterways, the Steel City also has become a model for green building and sustainable design…” – A news feature discussing the reasons why Cincinnati Business Journal decided to launch its Green Cities Index

“Nine of the 10 cities that fare best on ‘life evaluation,’ assessments of life now and expectations in five years, boast a major university, a big military installation or a state Capitol – institutions that presumably provide some insulation from recession.” – A news feature breaking down a Gallup study of how happy people are in American cities, via USA Today

“If you want to be good to the environment, stay away from it…” From a 2009 study on Suburban vs. City living by Edward L. Glaeser

“No Northwest city is yet close to the destination of sustainability: carbon neutrality; widely shared prosperity; stable populations in strong communities; educational and economic opportunity for all; hyper-efficient use of natural resources; zero-pollution industries; and low-stuff, high-satisfaction lives.” – a different assessment of green cities from the Vancouver, B.C. news site, The Tyee

Further Resources:

News from OregonLive.com about the lack of trees in an otherwise green city, Portland: “Green Portland Isn’t Green Enough”

An Environmental Protection Agency air quality report

For contrast, a news report on air quality in Islamabad

A Greenbang.com story about London’s aim to imitate Copenhagen, Europe’s greenest city

A blog post calling for public transit support in Nashville, and referencing its low ranking on Green Cities Index 2010

Image Credit: Keith Skelton

This is the latest installment of EcoMeme, a column featuring eco news, tech and trends by EcoSalon writer and columnist Lora Kolodny.

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You haven’t replaced that water-sucking front lawn with organic vegetables to share with neighbors, begun hang drying your laundry out by the Infinity pool or sewing your own reusable tampons in your craft room. BFD! You don’t have to be a card carrying member of the Earth Liberation Front to be going green.

We all go there differently. Some, by living the little tree house on the Prairie life; others put themselves on the front lines to brave the political battle of solving climate change; and then there are those I classify as Gruppies, middle class yuppies grappling with the so-called American dream while making strident efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle –  driving hybrids, resisting the tempting sales at Nordstrom, unplugging the 17″ titanium laptop at night.

Many of us are judged cruelly by cynics challenging the eco-friendliness of anyone electing to own a nice home, spawn offspring and use gas-fueled cars as transport.

Are they right? I do aspire to be more of the “real green deal” like a colleague of mine who does fabricate her own reusable menstrual pads and measures a delightfully small carbon footprint. I dream of fleeing urban life where the flow of Feng shui is often disrupted by selfish drivers in heavy traffic, fierce competition in the workplace and private schools, and the exorbitant costs of housing, food and pilates classes.

Do you drive a Prius and have solar panels on your remodel in the gated community? Or perhaps you take the bus to work to save on carbon while you answer emails on your iPhone? If the answer to any of these questions – or the following 10 – is yes, you may be a gruppie. Take this test to find out.

1. You have made the friendly switch to 100% organic cotton and bamboo clothing and bedding, and clean them in hot water and Tide in you new, Energy Star LG rated front loader. Yes (5 points) No (1 point).

2. You own reusable shopping bags can’t remember to take them out of your hybrid SUV when you go to Whole Foods to buy your imported organic produce. Yes (5 points) No (1 Point).

3. You take public transportation to work and home each day and also when you fly in big jets all over the world for business and pleasure each year. Yes (5 points) No (1 point).

4. You would like to resist buying plastic-sealed products at Trader Joe’s where you shop to save money, but it is nearly impossible because almost everything is overwrapped at TJ’s and it’s a hassle to shop at more than one store. Yes (5 points) No (1 point).

5. You love checking out farmers’ markets and the idea of buying fresh and local, but only go occasionally when they feature live music or when friends are visiting form out of town and it’s a cool thing to do. Yes (5 points) No (1 point).

6. You make a habit of recycling all glass, cans, paper and plastics but don’t compost because it’s sort of icky having those smelly food scraps and egg shells under the sink, and the garbage disposable gets rid of it so quickly. Yes (5 points) No (1 point).

7. You cut down on shower time, turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, and refuse to buy individual plastic water bottles, except for Vitamin Water, because at least it is better than soda and so far, doesn’t come in big delivery bottles. Yes (5 points) No (1 point).

8. You have invested in nontoxic household cleaning products to reduce exposure, but are still getting mani-pedis, because, well, it just looks better to be groomed, especially at formal events. Yes (5 points) No (1 point).

9. When shopping, you are discerning about buying free range, grassfed meats, but you accept whatever meat is on the menu at the restaurants you frequent because the food is good even though the owners have not yet switched to safe meat you can trust. Yes (5 points) No (1 point).

10. After watching reruns of Curb Your Enthusiasm at night, you routinely unplug electronics to save on phantom energy, including the computers in the bonus room, toaster and microwave, recessed lighting, heated cat bed, vibrating dog lounger, home theater and music systems, cordless phone adapters, cell phone chargers, digital camera chargers, espresso machine. You yell at your spouse and kids to turn their stuff off, too, but they ignore you.

Bonus Question: You espouse the philosophy that we all need to respect and preserve our planet for future generations and yet, you will never pass this way again and are entitled to fully partake in the “good life” which means all that you can afford (and then some) for your family. Yes (5 points) No (1 point).

How You Rate as a Gruppie

5 points: You don’t really qualify, yet, you earthy-crunchy you. Initiate a Capri Sun Pouch Brigade Program at your kids’ school and we will talk.

15 points: Congrats, you are well on your way to keeping up with the Gores!

50 points: Love to meet you and hook up for a bite! There’s a great new small plates bistro in the Mission and I’m getting a carpool together. Oh, we’re also sharing a sitter. Is that green? My therapist says it is.

More Quizzes: Are You an Eco Snob?

Images: TheeErin, Rabble, Airshow, Prontohome, Scienceline, Greenbag

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Anyone who subscribes the KISS (Keep it Simple, Stupid) philosophy will appreciate the results of this new study recently completed by Thomas Dietz and his colleagues at Michigan State University.

In a first of its kind study, the researchers examined the potential emissions reduction (PER) of 17 well-known energy saving actions that individuals already do or could do without any major lifestyle disruption and minimal to little damage to the wallet.

What they found was that if these 17 simple household actions were universally adopted by Americans, US carbon emissions could be reduced as much as 7% over the next 10 years. The actions include:

– Home weatherization

– HVAC equipment

– Changing HVAC air filters

– Tuning up AC

– Installing low-flow showerheads

– Using an efficient water heater

– Using energy saving appliances

– Buying low rolling-resistance tires

– Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle

– Sticking to routine auto maintenance

– Lowering the laundry temperature

– Lowering the water heater temperature

– Reducing standby electricity use

– Trying minor thermostat setbacks

– Line drying clothes

– Employing conservative driving behavior

– Carpooling and trip-chaining

They’re easy changes all. So, the next time someone asks you what the average person can really do to combat global warming, you can say that according to Dietz and colleagues, plenty.

Image: Andy_5322

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It’s a question we may hear asked more and more. Judges in England recently had to decide whether green beliefs have the same rights and protections as religious or philosophical beliefs.

The case in question is between an environmentalist, Tim Nicholson, who claims he was unfairly dismissed because of his “philosophical belief about climate change and the environment,” and his former employer, Grainger plc, who maintains that the dismissal was based “Solely by the operational needs of the company during a period of extraordinary market turbulence.”

Nicholson, who says his green beliefs affects the way he lives his whole life, wants to seek compensation from Grainger for unfair dismissal. In order to do so, he needed the court to rule on whether he could use the Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations, 2003 – special legislation which protects people’s rights to hold religious and philosophical beliefs at work – to bring his case to the employment tribunal.

In March of this year, at a pre-hearing review, an employment judge held the view that it did.

Grainger appealed against this, arguing that Nicholson’s views were not the same as religious or philosophical beliefs.

At the appeal, Mr Justice Burton confirmed the early view saying, “If a person can establish that he holds a philosophical belief which is based on science as opposed, for example, to religion, then there is no reason to disqualify it from protection.”

It’s a landmark decision which will, for the first time, provide to employees who believe that they are being discriminated against for having strong environmental views the right to bring compensation claims against their employers.

What do you think?

Image: smlp.co.uk

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You know what it’s like to live green. You eat organic food, carry a reusable bag to the grocery store and haven’t touched a plastic bottle to your lips since before Obama had a White House address. But living green in a brown world is tough.

For example, maybe you can’t find a favorite organic wine at the farmer’s market, so you visit a huge supermarket chain. Can you still find the greenest wine, and if so, who has the most organic, dry-farm and sustainable grapes? Has your head exploded yet?

Not to worry. Greenopia, the web’s largest directory of green/organic/sustainable brands, is just a click away. Greenopia publishes extensive national green business, product and brand directories, as well as offering up a green web community, news articles, blogs and tips to help everyone eat, shop and live green. (Full disclosure:  I also write for Greenopia. I expect to actually turn green any day now.)

Greenopia was founded in 2005 by Gay Browne, a lifelong asthmatic who began her green journey searching for ways to improve the living environment of both her and her kids. As Gay tells it, “I want to help people lead healthier lives in an increasingly toxic world.”

And she has. Greenopia has developed guides for Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City, with plans underway for a 20-city rollout that includes Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Portland and more.

How does it work? First, pick your city. You’ll find general ratings on things like cars, gifts, jewelry, as well as brand ratings on items like coffee, beer and wine. The brand ratings even expand to look at the greenest colleges, airlines, oil companies, fast food restaurants and more.

Products and businesses are assessed to determine their overall greenness using a “four-leaf” rating system. Four leaves means said product or brand meets the most stringent criteria. A one-leaf rating says not so green and meets a minimum qualifying standard.

So if want a piece of pizza, Greenopia will find you a green pizzeria, a greener pizzeria, and the greenest pizzeria of all.

And finally, you can access Greenopia 24/7. The company recently debuted the Greenopia iPhone application. It provides a handheld guide to over 1,000 stores and businesses in the Los Angeles area – the rest of the country will be added soon.

Get instant reviews, information and links. Your carbon footprint will thank you!

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I’ve been walking my suburban San Francisco neighborhood for 13 years now, first as a newly married in jogging apparel, then as a new mom pushing a carriage, then one pushing a double umbrella stroller, and now, as an old mom yanking on a pug dog’s leash as I hike the steep hills. I’ve observed a happy change evolving in the landscape, from estates with thirsty sprawling lawns graced with European cottage-style gardens to inventive green designs using rocks or wild grasses as ground cover and gorgeous compositions of the heartiest plants around: succulents.

Who doesn’t love an exotic plant that stores its own water? Guess that’s why more homeowners faced with fat mortgages and recession woes are curbing the sprinklers and opting for low water-use plants.

We often associate cacti with succulents, and while all cacti are succulents, not all succulents are categorized as cacti. Both are native to regions such as the Southwest of Africa and can thrive in many environments and weather conditions. As eCountry Lifestyle points out, succulents are among the easiest plants to grow – and even make excellent potted indoor house plants, when positioned near a sunny window.

Succulents actually prefer small pots, even in the garden, which allows you to control the moisture level since over-watering can cause the roots to rot. A cutting can be planted directly in soil and it will develop roots and flourish.

Naturally stunning rock configured landscapes, such as those by Dane Easter of Mystical Landscapes (below), exhibit newly planted succulents in both shady and sunny settings. These hearty desert dwellers are accustomed to dry conditions and do best with varied soil mixtures, including coarse sand.

The aloe vera plant, sold at sites like Cacti.com, is one of the most familiar succulents since its properties often employed in natural skin remedies. Others include the jade plant, century plant (Agave), snake plant and flowering kalanchoe. They can add variety since they come in so many different colors and textures. They key is learning how to plant them in multiples to produce a balanced design.

For some helpful hints to get started with your own garden, check out Garden Time Online which will lead you down the path of selecting the right plants and placing them in your garden.

Images: breworks, Melir,

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BlackBerries, legal pads and architectural blueprints don’t sound like the usual items one would find Nuns gathered around. But then, the Episcopal sisters of the Community of the Holy Spirit in New York City have never been ones to follow the trend. They are, instead trend makers, especially with their newest mission – the building of a green convent. And I”Ëœm not talking green paint here.

These nuns are totally focused on ensuring that the environmental impact of this convent will be as minimal as possible. Having hired Chelsea based BKSK Architects to oversee the project, they are now ironing out the details, all the way down to whether or not to install composting toilets.

The new eco-convent will be built from recycled bricks and feature skylights, rooftop gardens (where organic fruit and vegetables will be grown), solar-power water heaters and energy efficient heating, rainwater collection, and natural construction materials.

Why so green? The Sisters believe that the earth is God’s creation and should be protected at all times. In other words, green living is more than choice, it’s a calling.

Learn more about the Sisters of the Community of the Holy Spirit and their decade-long journey to merge ecological concerns into their daily ministry with this beautifully written New York Times article. It’s a story worth reading.

Image: katiebate

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