Two of the easiest ways to incorporate green habits into your life is by second-hand shopping and by spending time outside in nature. In anticipation of Earth Day later this month, below is a list of my April monthly favorites that support and highlight sustainable shopping and activities in Los Angeles!
Thrift shops to visit
The UCLA Thrift Store
Second-hand shopping is a great way to buy sustainably and not add to over-buying. Most cities, including Los Angeles have great thrift stores and second-hand clothing selections! Below are some of the best - and closest - thrift stores near UCLA!
The UCLA Thrift Store is home to high-end clothing, accessories, and home decorations. Conveniently located about 7 minutes from campus, this shop sells everything from Coach to Kate Spade. Even better, when you shop at UCLA Thrift Store your purchases help support the programs of UCLA Health. To date, UCLA Thrift Store has donated over $10 Million dollars to the hospital and its patients, making it not only a sustainable store but also a philanthropic shopping experience.
Address: 11271 Massachusetts Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025
The Stray Cat Thrift and Estate
In the mood for some more eco-friendly and charitable shopping ventures? The Stray Cat Thrift and Estate is a quick 9 minutes from UCLA! All net proceeds go towards the missions of the Stray Cat Alliance, which advocates for the protection of cats. Since 2000, the Stray Cat Alliance has been an advocate for cats across California. Through helping to build cat hospitals, supporting the passage of declaw bans, and by building cat sanctuaries, the Alliance has helped increase the support of cats and advocate for the end of kill shelters. And, what could be a more fun way to give back to an inspiring animal advocacy group than by shopping?! Check out the Stray Cat Thrift and Estate’s Instagram page, where special offers and new items are promoted!
Address: 2384 Westwood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90064
Melrose Trading Post
Melrose Trading Post is an open-air market offering a selection of vendors specializing in second-hand vintage clothing and more! With 11 vintage clothing and accessories vendors, MTP is sure to have exactly what you are looking for. In the mood for inexpensive and eclectic second-hand clothing? I recommend Babes on Legs. Need some jeans? Go to Pink Flamingo Vintage to find the vintage denim your closet needs. Beyond second-hand clothing, take a stroll around MTP for plants and other recycled home decor options to make your home greener.
Address: 7850 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles. CA 90046
Want to recycle your light-used clothes? All of these stores accept donations!
Not in Los Angeles? Check out OfferUp, Poshmark, and Depop for all your thrifting needs wherever you are!
Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles
The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
As Spring kicks into full gear, take advantage of all the sunshine by spending more time outdoors! Below is a list of places to hang outside either on campus or in Los Angeles:
The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden holds a great mix of exquisite art installations and regional plant life. Centrally located between the Charles E. Young Research Library and the Luskin School of Public Affairs, the Sculpture Garden is the perfect location on campus to study on campus or take a break from schoolwork! Mark your calendars - The Gardens, as well as the rest of the exhibits featured through the Hammer Museum, are scheduled to reopen on April 17th!
Address: 245 Charles E Young Dr E, Los Angeles, CA 90095
The UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
The UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is a 7.5 acre garden and outdoor learning environment located right next door to our ADPi sorority house. While the Gardens are usually open to the public, at the moment only staff and students who are on campus are permitted to visit on weekdays through the La Kretz Garden Pavilion gates. Not on campus? The Botanical Garden’s website has all kinds of information on ecology at UCLA, including a list of the 400 types of plant life on campus! Wanna get involved with the Botanical Gardens ASAP? Sign up for the free "Interesting Urban Insects" zoom event. The webinar will be held this Saturday (4/17) at 10 AM PST and is a great opportunity for people to learn from UCLA scientists on insect identification and the upcoming 2021 City Nature Challenge, being held from April 30th - May 3rd.
Address: 707 Tiverton Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90095
The Japanese Garden
Willing to take a trip off campus? The Japanese Garden is the spot to visit! Located in the San Fernando Valley (about 15 minutes away from Westwood), The Japanese Garden is a calming outdoor environment filled with waterfalls, walking trails, a water garden and a tea garden! Ranked the 10th best Japanese Garden in the entire continent, this location is the spot to destress! To make an outdoorsy day out of your Japanese Garden experience, you can also visit nearby Lake Balboa, Woodley Park, or Los Encinos State Park on your adventure! The Japanese Garden plans to reopen in the near future by reservation only, so be on the lookout for appointment availability! Pro-tip: Email Suiho-eninfo@lacity.org to get notified when the Garden reservations become available!
Address: 6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406
For more information on the reopening plans of the UCLA Outdoor Recreation facilities, visit https://recreation.ucla.edu/returntorec
For more information on where to swim, surf, and spend time around water near the UCLA campus, visit https://luskinconferencecenter.ucla.edu/best-beaches-to-swim-surf-shop-stroll-near-ucla/
To register for the “Interesting Urban Insects” event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interesting-urban-insects-tickets-145941255223
Looking for more ways to live sustainably? Check out these websites for fun tricks and tips on living an eco-friendly lifestyle:
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