a green american fling : part 4 : SoCal

The end of our American Extravaganza took us to Southern California, where this beach-loving greenie felt immediately at home - here are some of the eco-highlights:

I'd been in the state an hour and I found green dry cleaners
(in case you don't know, many chemicals used in dry
cleaning are hazardous to your health).

I was so happy to see the BigBetty solar compactor in person!

Heinz getting on board with plant-based ketchup bottles.
As Inhabitat says - not a perfect solution, but a step in
the right direction.

After spending the afternoon at LA's Getty Museum I wasn't too surprised
to find this amazing space was LEED certified - the US equivalent of my
workplace's rating tool, the Green Building Council of Australia's Green Star.

Friendly reminder in Laguna to keep the ocean's beautiful.

Using pedal power to sight-see along LA's beaches
(not like there's any other way to get around Venice Beach!)

I bought an amazing pair of earrings from Beatrice Holiday, they are similar
style to this gorgeous cuff, made of a used bike tube - beautiful reuse celebrating
bike culture. (Sadly I lost one earring on their first outing . . .)

We discovered this amazing hand-ground chocolate in Venice by ChocoVivo.
100% natural, 100% delicious!

We found Ecotopiia in Encinitas on our way to San Diego.

These toys are made from recycled plastic and are recyclable!  Just some of
the great green finds inside Ecotopiia.  We bought Bambu Spoontulas for the
kitchen, made of certified organic bamboo, and the hubby got a Hippy Tree hat.

 Compared to the smog and traffic of LA, San Diego's clear skies and train
network were a happy sight for the two of us public transport lovers.

La Jolla's Ecological Reserve includes a 6,000 acre protected underwater park,
sure explains the variety of wildlife!

We stayed across from the ocean in La Jolla, and while the hubby was tackling
the waves I was able to get up close and personal with some of the locals.

Delicious local wine over candlelight at WhisknLadle.

I was thrilled to find this beautiful restaurant that served local, organic
produce and a sustainability policy - and it was delicious!
We'll certainly return.

Beautiful sunset from Torrey Pines National Park

And on that beautiful scene I'll wrap up my green american fling.

Or will I?

Okay, time to 'fess up - our SoCal sojourn was made with the intention to scope out the joint. 

After nearly 8 years living in beautiful Sydney we're feeling the 12,000 kilometers of distance between us and our loved ones in the US.  So, after much deliberation, a few tears, and a wonderful visit, the hubby and I will be flinging ourselves back to the States later this year (for awhile anyway - we have too many loved ones here in Australia, not to mention my love affair with the landscape of this beautiful country, to say goodbye forever).

Between Sydney and San Diego we'll embark on a farewell tour of Australia followed by travel and volunteering around the globe before landing SD (where no doubt we'll visit WhisknLadle and Ritual Tavern for organic eats and drinks to help us properly settle into our new home).

I'll be blogging along the way - bringing you the latest green flings from around the world and San Diego once I arrive.  I'm looking forward to meeting more greenies in my new home and keeping you all informed of the latest and greatest in green-living.  I'd love any suggestions you have for green flings in San Diego to help me find my feet once I arrive! 

Thank you Australia for inspiring me to be my most sustainable self to protect this beautiful world we inhabit. Now onto the next adventure!