PALISADES CARES ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK

This week’s column provides an update on some local environmental topics

A diverse group of Palisadians attended the first meeting of the Palisades Environmental Network on January 30, including representatives from the business community, schools, environmental businesses, service organizations (PRIDE, Palisades Beautiful, Newcomers, the Garden Club, AARP) and residents. The evening was an opportunity to learn about the participants as well as to brainstorm about what we can do to help ‘green’ Pacific Palisades. Several businesses explained how they can help homeowners protect the environment. The Reuse People (thereusepeople.org) salvages reusable building material and distributes it to low-income families. They partner with the Habitat for Humanity Home Improvement Store, and can provide their own demolition (or deconstruction) crew. Tax donations are given for the materials donated to The Reuse People. Sustainable Design Source, operated by Palisadian Sid Greenwald, (sustainabledesignsource.com) advises homeowners on sustainable building alternatives. Permacity Corporation (permacity.com) provides solar energy systems to homeowners and businesses. The cost of such systems can be reduced by rebates from the DWP. The following topics were discussed as potential action items for the group to address in helping green the Palisades: -Encourage the use of reusable bags by local shoppers; – Implement solar assistance at Palisades High; – Encourage recycling in the Palisades business district; – Put a stop to having decorative lights on at night; – Reinforce the gas leaf-blower ban; – Encourage a local ban on Styrofoam; – Eradicate the invasive ivy along local trails. ‘GREEN’ THE PALISADES MEETING Further discussion of action items, other concerns, and a plan for addressing them will take place at the group’s next meeting, to be held Thursday, March 1, at 7 p.m. in Mort’s Oak Room, 1035 Swarthmore. All interested community members are invited to come and network with others interested in greening the Palisades. Call (310)-459-1614 or visit www.palisadescares.org for further information.