Los Angeles Times - Living Green

The spin on tires and fuel economy

Sat, 3 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Unwittingly choosing the wrong tires can hurt gas mileage. Unfortunately, no rating standard exists.

William Lowry recently spent $500 to replace the tires on his Toyota Camry hybrid. The salesman said the Goodyear Regatta 2 tires were just as good as the Bridgestone Turanzas that came with the car. But it didn't take long for Lowry to notice that his fuel economy had fallen by five miles a gallon.

The 'Sootiest City' is... not Los Angeles

Thu, 1 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Region has been 'bested' by Pittsburgh But a new lung association report shows that the area still has much room for improvement.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa strolled to the microphone, his jacket slung over his shoulder, a broad smile on his face. "What a wonderful day," he said to the reporters and American Lung Assn. members gathered in Echo Park. "All these cameras, all these good people here to celebrate good news. Put a smile on your faces, everybody. . . .

Newport Beach boaters are urged to abandon copper-based paints

Thu, 1 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Orange County Coastkeepers launches an education campaign aimed at persuading owners to switch to products that don't harm marine life.

An Orange County environmental group plans to spend the next three years trying to wean Newport Beach boat owners from toxic copper-based paints that have proven highly effective in keeping barnacles off their hulls.

Democrats give the Capitol a touch of green

Thu, 1 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

They add motion-detector lights, biodegradable utensils and more nutritious food.

Many voters remember that Democrats, when they won control of Congress two years ago, promised change on issues such as Iraq, the war on terrorism and the minimum wage.

Solving global warming with giant vacuums

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The technology works, but it would require millions of carbon dioxide filters across the planet at a cost of trillions of dollars a year.

Here's a simple solution to global warming: vacuum carbon dioxide out of the air.

How safe are green cleaning products?

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Plant-based or natural ingredients don't always mean a cleaning product is safe. The market is largely unregulated.

JENNIFER MARTINÉ threw a party Thursday night, and her guests brought food, wine -- and empty spray bottles.

Electric car for the masses to be made in Southern California

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Norway's Think Global will begin selling its inexpensive, eco-friendly vehicles in the U.S. next year.

Norwegian automaker Think Global said Monday it planned to sell low-priced electric cars to the masses and will introduce its first models in the U.S. by the end of next year.

Treading lighter with low-carbon diets

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

To address the problem of greenhouse gases, conscientious consumers are turning their attention to the supermarket and dinner table. It's not just paper versus plastic anymore.

Not every student in line at the University of Redlands cafeteria was ready for self-sacrifice to save the planet.

Scuppie Tales: It's Not Just Smart To Be Green, It's Fashionable, Too

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

You may not realize it, but you probably have been noticing the growing ranks of an interesting and increasingly influential segment of our society.

Clean, Keep It Green

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Go green in the tub — without going into the red. EcoTools, a new line of budget-friendly, eco-conscious bath accessories, are easy on the environment and your pocketbook. The naturally chic brushes, sponges and mitts, made with renewable bamboo, recycled plastics and loofah sponges, look like high-end spa designs, but carry price tags of just $1.99 to $5.99.