Laura Avery, the supervisor of the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, began work for the city-run program 25 years ago. She spoke with Greenopia about her work and living green in Los Angeles.

Best part of your job?

The most satisfying part is working with California farmers who bring high-quality, fresh, and sustainable and organic produce directly from the farm into an appreciative program. Farmers are motivated to come and they’re local and dedicated. It’s become a big communal community family and we're motivated by the same principles. We're all motivated to do the right thing.

What are some of your favorite local green restaurants?

Wilshire is one my favorites. The chef comes to market every Wednesday and he's been certified green by the city. He likes to give back. I also love Axe a lot.

Where do you shop for organic groceries?

Other than the Farmers' Market? Wild Oats and Whole Foods for stuff I can’t get there.

What are some of your favorite local green businesses?

I like Cleaner By Nature for non-chemical dry cleaning.

Is there a particular environmental non-profit you support?

Tons. The Community Foods Security Coalition based in Venice; we’re members and promote their programs. Also the Community Alliance with Family Farmers and Chefs Collaborative. I’m on a committee for Project for Public Spaces, Occidental College’s Center for Food and Justice. And California Certified Organic Farmers (COFF). I’m president of the board of Southland Farmers’ Market Association.

What’s your favorite thing about living in the city?

I love the food awareness of the general population and the general appreciation of good, farm-fresh food.

What’s your favorite spot in the city?

I like Will Rogers State Park. The house tour is fabulous and it's great to see a polo game.

What’s your favorite vacation destination?

I like to go to France. I also like Yosemite and going east to visit family on Lake Champlain and in the Adirondacks.

What’s your favorite weekend outdoor activity?

Camping. I like to go up to the Stone Creek campground above Idyllwild.

What’s an eco-friendly gift you like to give?

Gift baskets from the Farmers’ Market.

Do you have a favorite environmental book or movie?

Our Daily Bread, a German documentary. It's got no dialogue—it's just scenes of mass-produced agriculture. It's amazing and blew my mind. I also liked the "Future of Food" from Jerry Garcia’s widow. For books, "Cornucopia II: A Source Book of Edible Plants" by Stephen Facciola.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?

I'm from Ohio and our place there has a 400-year-old maple tree. I would be that. A silver maple.

Describe your path to green: how and when you became eco-conscious.

When I was growing up, I was outdoorsy and I always appreciated nature. I've always been appreciative of nature undisturbed. Then the whole connection between nature and food and sustaining ourselves and sustaining the planet became a clear focus to me when I started working at the Farmers' Market.