Los Angeles Meeting & Travel Professionals Guide 2008/2009 - (Page 15) IntroductIon Caltrans District 7 Headquarters ©Ambient; Metro Orange Line ©Travis Conklin; LEED-certified BP filling station at Olympic and Robertson ©Ambient Images; Farmers market ©Travis Conklin; Los Angeles Convention Center solar panels ©LA INC. economy and help ease your environmental conscience with their lower emissions. PuBlIc transIt LA’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) continues to be at the forefront of developing a transportation network capable of getting people out of their cars and into more sustainable modes of transportation, including light rail and subway lines throughout the city. Metro also has one of the largest fleets of clean-burning, natural gas buses in North America. Your clients can get just about anywhere using public transit, including quick subway trips to Hollywood and Universal Studios HollywoodSM in the San Fernando Valley on the Red Line. There’s also the Gold Line to Pasadena and the Blue Line to Long Beach. Taking one of these public transit options means fewer vehicle emissions and better air quality — as well as convenience and low cost. Fortunately, LA’s leaders were wise enough to do just that. With more than 214,000 acres of conservation area, LA is filled with aircleansing trees and plants, abundant wildlife and plentiful opportunities for recreation. With Angeles National Forest, more than 22 miles of beaches and countless parks, LA is a city that’s definitely at the forefront of green activity. The top nature reserves in LA include the 153,095-acre Santa Monica National Recreation Area, the 55,000-acre Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the 4,014-acre Griffith Park. LA is proactively moving to reduce the use of eco-harming residential air-conditioners with the One Million Trees LA program. 300,000 shade trees have already been planted throughout the city. Trees for a Green LA gives free shade trees to any resident who wants to plant them. More than 30 water-resistant species are available. The city also has a Native Tree Ordinance protecting all Oak, southern California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore and California Bay trees from harm. green events As the world’s entertainment capital, LA’s celebrity galas spread the word of eco-responsibility around the globe. The Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, the Emmys, the GRAMMYs, the MTV awards and even the Teen Choice Awards are all eco-savvy, using recycled materials, organic foods, solar-powered technology, Green Tag carbon-offsets and eco-chic gift bag goodies. green Hotels Do Not Disturb — the environment, that is. Hotels such as The Ambrose, Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Hilton LAX, The Westin LAX, and the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens in Downtown are certified by the California Green Lodging Program, which recognizes properties that practice environmentally conscious purchasing, recycling, composting, reduced energy and water use. green Belts and oPen sPace Setting aside land in its natural state hasn’t always been a big priority for cities. Check out our green-themed itinerary located on our website at www.discoverlosangeles.com 15 http://www.discoverlosangeles.com
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