> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Promenade goes green - URL: https://www.smdp.com/promenade-goes-green/ - Published: 2008-04-14T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T19:14:50.000Z - Author: Guest Author - Tags: Environment, Promenade, #archive-import *Locals come out to support environment* *By CHIARA CANZI Special to the Daily Press* THIRD STREET PROMENADE The scorching hot sun reflected off plastic water bottles resting in recycling bins. The color green overwhelmed the senses as a massive crowd made its way through exhibitions, henna tattoo stations and live music. The promenade transformed itself from a quiet, popular shopping mecca to a global stage for the fight to save the environment. Saturday marked the 38th anniversary of Earth Day and Santa Monica was chosen to host a free EcoFest. With more than 90 exhibits, this year’s festivities featured kid-friendly, environmentally conscious toys, green-prone investing and 100 percent organic clothing. “Earth Day helps people learn about environmental solutions already in the mar-ketplace and learn effective ways to take action,” said EathDayL.A. Director Jim Stewart. “This year we are urging everyone to conserve energy as much as possible.” According to the Fair Trade Federation, Americans consume 26 percent of the world’s energy. Sponsors of Earth Day included the City of Santa Monica, Clif Bar, KPFK 90.7 FM and Topanga Magazine. The Green Home section of the event included exhibits with helpful information on solar panels, eco-friendly plumbing, energy sufficient appliances and the California Department of Consumer Affairs. “Our main concern is to clean up the air,” said Phillip Beasom, program representative for the department’s Bureau of Automotive Repair. “We have a consumer assistance program to help low-income families get their car fixed and their smog checked in a earth-friendly way.” The state department has instituted programs that enable residents to be more proactive in getting all polluting cars off the streets. It can provide financial assistance to qualified consumers to make smog-check related repairs or to leave behind high polluting vehicles. “We have undercover investigations to inspect all smog check stations,” said Beasom.“We want them to follow strict ecological rules on how to treat cars that do not pass the test.” For most exhibitors, the chance to reach such a large number of people is priceless. Representatives from Clothing of the American Mind were busy explaining to customers the ideology behind the brand. An estimated 15,000 visitors swept through tent-by-tent in search for original and eco-friendly products. “Our T-shirts are made with 100 percent organic cotton,” said one of the representatives who asked to remain anonymous. “We raise funds for progressive causes and events like this are perfect fundraising tools.” The choice to go green is a personal one. Oftentimes, though, that choice can be helped along by elected officials who decide to act in the best interest of their constituents. Santa Monica Councilmember Kevin McKeown approached the Solar Stage podium and was cheered by the crowd. “The City Council is working for you,” he said extending his arms towards the audience. “We have just banned plastic bags in Santa Monica.” According to the council, more then 27 million bags a year in Santa Monica end up in the ocean; nine billion bags in all Los Angeles County face the same fate. “How hard is it to carry your own grocery bag?” asked McKeown. “When people will realize that it is fun to care for the environment, we will have won.” McKeown applauded the current trend of going green. “It’s hip to be green nowadays,” he said. “That certainly was not happening a few years ago.” One aspect of the EcoFest was clear to all onlookers: Eco-friendly products are pricey. “Yes, the items are more expensive, but people are willing to pay more to save the environment,” said Amy Neal, travel abroad coordinator for the Center for Cultural Interchange. Established in 1985, the CCI is a non-profit international educational program dedicated to the promotion of cultural exchange and fair trade. “We have bracelets made from recycled telephone wires, we have rubber purses made from recycled tires, and we have bags made from used rice bags from Cambodia,” said Neal. The price for a rubber purse can range from $55 to $150 depending on the size. Fair trade organizations bypass exploitative middlemen and work directly with producers around the world, cutting costs and spreading honest business ethics. “We have to save the planet day by day by making the right choices,” said McKeown. “Who’s here with their own bikes today? Here’s mine.” Santa Monica is becoming known as one of the greenest cities in the country. McKeown stressed the need for the city to continue that trend into the future. “The council has strict green building guidelines and the last one was passed last week,” he said. “For the first time, a homeowner cannot plant a luscious lawn, with plants and flowers because they suck up too much water, hundreds of gallons.” Another green initiative pushed by the City Council is solar power. “Our plan is to get the city off the grid by 2020,” said McKeown. It is only appropriate that the first fully solar powered Ferris wheel resides at Pacific Park, near the Santa Monica Pier. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 14, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/041408.pdf?ref=smdp.com)