Photo: Jan Firek
Photo: Jan Firek
Anna Cummins is a woman on a mission — to kick some serious plASStic. The Santa Monica native is the founder of bringyourown.org, a campaign to cure the disposable plastic addiction plaguing our planet. Thanks to a grant from Patagonia, BYO is turning old t-shirts into reusable produce bags and distributing them to those who pledge to use them at least 10 times. She also works with Algalita Marine Research Foundation, which recently sailed a raft made of plastic bottles to Hawaii to raise awareness of a swirling Texas-sized vortex of plastic trash lurking out in the Pacific. Anna provided land support for the vessel — aptly named JUNK. Check out their good work at algalita.org/message-in-a-bottle.html.
My neighborhood is rad because…
It’s within biking distance of the beach, the Farmers’ Market, family, and friends. I’m always happier getting somewhere on a bike. And I love that there are at least pockets of a walking culture, around Venice and Main Street, for spontaneous street encounters.
My favorite neighborhood haunt…
The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market. I love strolling about, sampling delicious fresh produce, chatting with farmers, feeling a sense of community, and seeing how happy everyone looks. Now if we could just get rid of those plastic bags...
Inspiration…
My parents, Paul and MaryAnn Cummins. My father has started numerous schools and programs for underserved youth all over Los Angeles, and my mother is a brilliant, fiery music teacher. If I can approach my life and work with half their passion, I’ll be in good shape.
When I’m away, I miss…
The explosive energy and diversity, especially within our growing sustainability movement. Despite LA’s rep as an inherently “unsustainable” city, there is a vast network here of inspiring change-makers, dreamers, and doers — Ecovillage, Bikerowave, Green Ambassadors, Green Drinks, C.I.C.L.E. The list goes on…
I get around…
On my Xtracycle. I can carry everything I need — groceries, laptop, work related gear, bags for spontaneous shopping, and even a trusting friend on the back. It’s my favorite material possession/toy.
One thing I’d change about LA…
Our car-dependent, gridlock-inducing transportation system. I’ve never seen a bike commuter with road rage, or two car commuters striking up a friendly conversation en route.